Wednesday November 8 2017

Anambra 2017: Candidates ‘Test my HIV/AIDS drug’ intensify campaigns P From BONIFACE OKORO, Umuahia

From CHUKS COLLINS, Awka

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s the campaigns for the November 18, anambra governorship continue, candidates and their supporters have continued to make claims and counter claims, all designed to position themselves and their candidates for favourable elector-

al outing on the voting day.

On the APGA side, supporters of the governor and or party chieftains continue to lash out at his opponents. APGA chieftain, Chief Charles Egwuoba-Ezekwesili has urged the electorate to vote for the incumbent governor, Chief Willie Obiano to enable consolidate his achievements in the next

The

VOX POPULI SACRUM

four years.

Egwuoba-Ezekwesili, in a three-page release to journalists in Awka, noted that “Gov Obiano has been severally and serially adjudged the best performing governor in the country by independent local, international and

Cont’d on page 2

rof Maduike Ezeibe of the Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike (MOUAU) in Abia State, who, in February this year, announced he had discovered a drug, the Medicinal synthetic Aluminum-Magnesium Silicate (MSAMS) for curing HIV/AIDS, has again called on the federal government to conduct a

clinical trial of the drug with 37, 000 patients drawn from the 36 states and Abuja to enable him conclude his research and push the drug into the market.

The clinical trial, according to Ezeibe, would cost over N700 million as the drug for treating each patient for 10 months would cost N71 per day.

The announcement of the scientific breakthrough by Ezeibe

racle

Cont’d on page 47

www.oraclenews.ng

WEDNESDAY November 8, 2017

ISSN: 2545-5869

Today

VOL.2 No. 46. N200

Why Niger Bridge may not be built

From Tony AILEMEN (Abuja) and Jonathan AWANYAI (Asaba)

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ORE confusion is enveloping the efforts to build the 2nd Niger Bridge, a project that has been in the works for almost 50 years.

The Oracle Today’s investigation into the setbacks the project has suffered over time, which began last week with our lead story ‘Confusion over 2nd Niger Bridge, has drawn more confirmation that, like in the past 25 years when the bridge has been used for various campaigns, the recent promises on the bridge are no different.

Vice President Yemi Osinbajo has made two different statements about the Bridge in two months.

“President Buhari went to China to negotiate with them about the Second Niger Bridge and East-West road,” Osinbajo, said at St. Gabriel Catholic Church, Ifitedunu, Anambra State, on 29 September 2017, during the funeral mass for Mrs. Rosaline Ezinma Akabueze, mother of Ben Akabueze, Director-General of the Budget Office.

He concluded that President Muhammadu Buhari loved the Igbo, as the planned construction of the Bridge proved.

Present at that ceremony were also Minister of Labour, Chris Ngige, Minister for Budget and National Planning, Udoma Udo Udoma and the Minister of Industry and Investment, Okey Enelama.

Remarkably, as a Senator in 2014, when President Goodluck Jonathan flagged off the construction of the

Page 42

•No money •New contractors •Legal issues •Many designs

•One of the designs of the proposed 2nd Niger Bridge

construction of the bridge, Ngige called the project a fraud.

“The first is that the bridge is being built on a Public Private Partnership (PPP) deal, with overseas financiers. For that reason, the cost of the bridge suffered double in-

flation, both from the Nigerian end and the financiers who alleged cost of fund,” Ngige said as the All Progressives Congress (APC), Anambra State chapter was being launched in July 2014.

“The bridge, which should have

cost N70 billion is now to cost N114 billion, that was why I told the South East Senate Caucus that I was not going to be part of it. As a governor in this State, I resisted that arrangement from Mr. Obasanjo.

“In the budget, we have similar

bridges and same length built for free by the federal government.

Why should that built for the South East be toll-gated? That bridge will have two toll-gates, one in the Asa-

Cont’d on page 2

Ikpeazu tackles erosion menace

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The Oracle Today Wednesday November 8, 2017

NEWS

•Chidoka

•Ezeemo

Cont’d from page 1 multinational agencies and organizations.”

“Security is now guaranteed in all parts of the state. No more bank robberies or rampant kidnap/banditry,” he added.

“This has made the state internationally acknowledged by

•Nwoye

•Obiano

•Obaze

Candidates intensify campaigns the United Nations as the safest among the 36 states in the country.

“More and more local and foreign investors have been trooping

into Anambra since the Obiano security magic began,” he said.

For his part, UPP candidate Chief Osita Chidoka addressed the press during the week while

used to treat Nigerians, Ezeibe is, for the second time, racing to the Senate to seek the lawmakers’ intervention.

In a letter he sent to the Senate President, Mr Bukola Saraki, the university called on the Red Chamber to prevail on the executive arm to conduct a clinical trial of MSAMS, which he refers to as the ‘Nigerian medicine’.

Ezeibe, in the letter obtained

by The Oracle Today in Umuahia, wants the federal government to treat 37, 000 HIV/AIDS patients with his MSAMS within a 10-month period.

“What is being proposed is trial-treatment of HIV/AIDS patients with the MSAMS (Antivirt®) and

immune stimulants. One thousand patients from each of the 36 states and the FCT would be treated for 10 months, with the MSAMS and with Vitabiotic`s immunace extra protection.

“Estimated cost of treating a patient with the new medicine in a day would be only N71. 00.

So, the research would make treatment of HIV/AIDS affordable to individual patients. Current national expenditure on drug-importation would thus be reduced,” the letter read in part.

releasing his party’s manifesto for the election.

He asked the electorate to vote for him as the face of new politics in ‘New Anambra’.

Test my HIV/AIDS drug – Ezeibe Continued from Pg 1 and his research team in MOUAU sparked off controversy as the Federal Ministry of Health accused him of flouting established procedures for disclosing scientific breakthroughs and has tried to downplay the feat by the MOUAU egghead.

However, in his relentless push to get the government to test the efficacy of MSAMS, Ezeibe petitioned the Senate last April, requesting the Senators to prevail on the Federal Ministry of Health to investigate his claims.

Ministry officials, in May this year, interviewed Ezeibe on his discovery but are yet to release any official report of their findings.

But, determined to ensure that the medicine is certified and

To be serialised in The Oracle Today soon

Read about the great Rangers story from next edition

Ezeibe suggested that seven federal health institutions, including the University of Abuja Teaching Hospital, (for North central

states and the FCT); Military Hospital Maiduguri (for North East); Aminu Kano University Teaching Hospital, Kano (for North West), Michael Okpara University of Agriculture Medical Center, Umudike (for South East); University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital (for South-South) and Nigerian Institute for Medical Research Lagos, (for South West) should be used as centres for the clinical trial.

The centres, he said, would recruit 1000 patients from each of the states and the FCT, adding that HIV patients would be counselled and those who volunteer

Cont’d on page 47

However, APC has described Anambra under Obiano as “a failed State”.

According to the running mate to the party candidate Tony Nwoye, Dr. Dozie Ikedife Jr., “except the three fragile flyovers built in Awka, which many well-meaning Anambra people have been calling on him to dismantle before they cause national calamity,” there is nothing else to show for Obiano’s governorship.

On the other hand, “We have a young man as our candidate and the youths of Anambra State have embraced our campaign across the State. They (the youths) and other eligible voters in Anambra State will determine who will be

Continued on Pg 7

Niger Bridge Cont’d from page 1 ba end and one in the Onitsha end.

Before you pass through it and come back, you would have spent N1, 000; that is injustice. We will continue to fight to ensure that the bridge is not toll-gated.”

Ngige had confirmed that there was a contract in place to do the Bridge. What was the reference the Vice President made to China?

Where were the Chinese to come into the project?

While in Onitsha, the commercial city on the Niger, to flag-off APC candidate, Tony Nwoye’s governorship campaign on the 2oth of last month, the Vice President had, again, said about the 2nd Niger Bridge: “The Federal Government had paid contractors $2b to commence work on the bridge”. However, four hours later, a statement from his office said the actual amount that the Sovereign Wealth Fund had released for the project was N2 billion.

It was uncertain who the payments were made to and what work they had done. The main contractor Julius Berger would not speak officially on the matter. Other sources said it had not received any payment.

“Work stopped here on 15 June 2015,” a source told The Oracle Today, at the Ogbaru end of the proposed bridge. “Government (Buhari’s) told us to stop work, so we did. We have not heard anything from them.”

Among the many surprises about the bridge is the change from a PPA to a government-funded project, an issue that the House Representatives wanted Minister for Works, Power and Housing, Babatunde Fashola to explain.

“The Ministry of Finance has not yet released any cash for the Second Niger Bridge; so no money was returned,” Fashola reacted to a welter of accusations by the House of Representatives that held him responsible for doing no work on the

Cont’d on page 47

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The Oracle Today Wednesday November 8, 2017

NEWS ACROSS THE NATION Police target hotels for drugs,child prostitution

By XAVIER NDAH

T

HE Lagos State Police Command has mapped out strategies towards clamping down on hoteliers peddling drugs and habouring underage persons in their hotels and brothels. The State’s Commissioner of Police, Edgal Imohimi made this known at a stakeholders meeting with hotel owners, managers and others in hospitality business across the state.

Imohimi frowned at the act where drugs are being sold at the open floor of hotels and clubs to the underage and how young girls are being exposed to prostitution with reckless abandon. “There is a great coloration between drugs and crime. The rate at which youths are taking into drugs is worrisome and our young ones are beginning to take it as a norm. Our hotels are not

in line with the acceptable standard practice”.

“They don’t only lodge minors but they sell alcohol and drugs to them.

Some of these problems are known to the managements of the hotels.

Let us put our heads together to put a stop to this. Criminals are hibernating in hotels. Hotels are now a meeting point for planning before execution of crime. You must improve on security by investing on gadgets to monitor the operations in your establishments”.

“The last intelligence report I received was that armed young men move around beaches, hotels, lounges. This is not good for the security of this state. “Night clubs do not have CCTV cameras some of you use your toilets to sell drugs to the knowledge of your management, that is criminal. We have reached a point where we have to

discuss minimal security standards that will be better for Lagosians. If it is done, we will have the best hospitality business in Nigeria, Night life will be institutionalized and it will become a standard and there will be a better security for ourselves and business for you.

“That is why I called you to know one another, the establishment we belong we set up a committee to look into these problems and come up with a blueprint that must be followed. “Protection or security at hotels goes beyond having heavy chested men. Are you aware that they connive with criminals? Are they profiled for the job?” he queried.

The stakeholders who filled the conference room at the police headquarters to the brim were all excited and were in agreement with the police plan of action, some of them even volunteered giving

out vital information to the police.

They commended the police for the noble idea and own up to the fact that drug peddling and usage in hotels has reached an alarming rate, in fact one of them described it as a national disaster while pleading for urgent steps by the police to tame the tide. He further noted that the hoteliers are under constant threat because when such cases are reported to the police, they get them arrested and in some days they return with serious threats to kill “so we are helpless’.

Imohimi in his response said “We have seen now that drug peddlers are becoming emboldened, they threatened the management that shows that they are becoming more emboldened if not checked they will be controlling our organisations and that will be a national catastrophe.

“Finding solutions to crime in Lagos we must do it together, partnership brings results and without it there is no result and that is why I invited you here”, he explained.

In line with the meeting a ten man committee headed by one Lanre Carew a hotel owner was inaugurated to look into the issues raised and to issue a blueprint to be submitted to the Commissioner within two weeks. Terms and reference include, how to strengthen security in hotel establishments, how to ensure that drugs peddling and usage are eliminated in hotels, how to ensure hoodlums do not have access to hotels and the environments which they operate and above all to ensure that alcoholic beverages and illicit drugs are not being sold to underage and to ensure that habouring our youths in hotels are prohibited.

NMA clamps down on quacks, illegal clinics N

igerian Medical Association (NMA), Ekiti State chapter, said it has signed a pact with the state government for introduction of accreditation of health facilities to fish out operators of illegal medical centres. The NMA Chairman in Ekiti, Dr Sunday Omoya, made this known at a news conference to round-off the 2017 Physicians’ Week and Ordinary General Meeting of the medical body.

He said the medical body regretted the activities of some unregistered medical practitioners in the state.

He added that such activities had been affecting medical practice and denting the image of members, saying “this must stop in the overall interest of health security of residents of the state.”

He commended the Gov. Ayo Fayose-led state government for implementing Consolidated Medical Salary Scale (CONMESS) for all categories of doctors in the state, noting however that the policy had not been beneficial, owing to the six months salary owed doctors.

Omoya said a total of 300 people were offered free medical treatment by doctors at Ipole Iloro in Ekiti West Local Government Area during the 2017 Physicians’ Week.

He added that NMA held medical education for rural dwellers on dieting, hypertension, HIV/AIDS and other ailments ravaging the people at the grassroots.

He urged government to pay members’ salaries and fund health institutions, particularly the Ekiti State University Teaching Hospital(EKSUTH), to improve healthcare delivery in the state.

He noted that “we have set up a committee to look into the issue of quackery. We reached an agreement with state government on accreditation and reregistration of all health facilities in Ekiti. “We are looking into the genuineness of health facilities

to know if they go beyond the scope for which they are registered. “If a facility is registered as a maternity or clinic or hospital, it can’t go beyond that scope but in Ekiti, some maternity homes are performing surgeries and this is wrong and dangerous.

“Defaulting facilities will be shut and the owners prosecuted accordingly.”

He commended the state government for being among the five states that met 70 per cent benchmark in immunisation coverage.

On the issue of non-payment of salaries, Omoya said: “We are pleading that even if all the arrears won’t be paid, government should bring us as per with our colleagues in civil service. “As we speak now, we are owing government six months salary, while civil servants are owed five months and this is demoralising doctors in •Senate President Bukola Saraki in a tete-a-tete with the Chairman of Dangote Group, Alhaji Aliko Dangote after health institutions.” the Senate President’s meeting with the Board of Directors and Executives of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s Africa Business Center at the National Assembly complex in Abuja.

Anambra election: Ezeemo promises to cut cost of governance

P

rogressive People’s Alliance (PPA) governorship candidate in the Nov. 18 election in Anambra , Mr Godwin Ezeemo, has promised to reduce the cost of governance, if elected. Ezeemo made the promise while inaugurating PPA campaigns for the election in Onitsha on Sunday where he also signed ‘’the Social Contract-manifesto’’ with the people of Anambra.

Ezeemo said he signed the contract publicly to demonstrate his sincerity and determination to deliver well and result oriented leadership. He said he would achieve the cost-cutting policy by eliminating luxuries, frivolous spending and ensure gainful deployment of resources accruing to the state.

The governorship candidate said the thrust of his government would be on security, health, ag-

riculture, power, education and environment. “I shall focus on security, health, agriculture, power and education from my first day in office.

“I shall reduce the cost of governance drastically by eliminating luxuries and frivolous spending within my first three months in office, I shall run a prudent and transparent government that will audit and publish Anambra government account annually.

“I have not come to make money or steal public fund. I am comfortable but I can no longer stand by and watch our people dying in the desert and the sea because they are looking for greener pasture.”

“It is time we regenerate ourselves and guarantee the future of our society.”

“I ask for your votes because that is what I need to work for

you, my manifesto is a social contract between me and the society. ‘’I am signing it here and give it to you so that you can use to assess my government after you vote for me,” he said.

Ezeemo said his choice of 36 year-old Stanley Nkwoka as his deputy was informed by his desire to mainstream the youth in management of state’s affairs. He noted that the youth who were the hope for the future had been neglected by the society.

In his speech, Chief Peter Ameh, National Chairman of PPA, who presented the party’s flag to the candidate, said PPA had given Anambra people the best candidate for the governorship position.

Ameh said Ezeemo was a man with a great passion for the youth and prosperity of the people, given his businesses and investments in An-

ambra which he noted had provided excellent employment for the people. “I have seen his passion for youths and the masses, he is a man with vision, come Nov 18, we are going to occupy government house” he said.

Also speaking, Chief Edwin Okonkwo, Deputy National Chairman of the party (South), said the unity of the party and the qualities of its candidate were the advantages that would give it victory in the election.

“I am telling you that the victory of PPA in the next election means freedom and prosperity.

“In other political parties, there are one form of crisis or the other. ‘’But in PPA, we do not have any of that, we have given you a candidate who has the capacity to turn around the fortunes of Anambra,” he said.

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The Oracle Today Wednesday November 8, 2017

NEWS ACROSS THE NATION

Ondo youths commend Buhari, Akeredolu on Amnesty

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Ortom to hand over schools From VICTOR NZE

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ENUE State Governor, Samuel Ortom, has stated that the handover of privately-owned schools shut down in August, this year, would be completed by January 2019.

This is also as the National Assembly has announced that it is now set to commence public hearing on the proposed Authors’ Fund bill.

It would be recalled that the Benue State government closed down a total of 1,977 primary schools, 433 secondary schools and 14 tertiary institutions across the state, a move it said was intended the sanitize the educational sector just as it further claimed that the affected institutions ‘failed to meet requirements in the areas of good environment, playground and suitable classrooms.’

Declaring open the just-concluded 36th Annual International Con-

vention of the Association of the Nigerian Authors (ANA) at the Auditorium of the College of Health Sciences, University of Makurdi, the state capital, last Friday, Governor Ortom said the closure of the schools was informed by the need to raise the bar in educational standards.

Represented by his Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Prof. Dennis Ityavyar, the governor, however, assured that

by January 2019, all the affected would have been returned to their owners, even as he pointed out that proliferation of sub-standard schools in the state was responsible for the poor performance of students in external and internal examinations.

On the decision of his administration to host the authors’ gathering, Ortom said: “We accepted the host the convention in spite of grave financial challenges because of our conviction that ideas rule

society and solutions to our problems lie with the propagation of ideas which is the preoccupation of writers. We also believe that the event would add value to the development of the state as indigenes would interact with literary icons who would mentor, encourage and ginger them.”

In his remarks, Member, House of Representatives, Hon, Jerry Alagbaoso, disclosed that the 8th National Assembly will soon commence public hearing on the proposed Authors’ Fund, also called the Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA) Fund.

Alagbaoso who sponsored the bill during the 7th Assembly, said the document has now been represented at the current session, added that the importance of reading and writing in the Nigerian society cannot be overemphasized.

“I will continue to reiterate the importance of reading and writing

in the life of the nation. This has informed my continued advocacy for the passage of the ANA Fund,” said Alagbaoso.

Earlier, National President of the ANA, Mallam Denja Abdullahi, remarked that the 38th national convention was remarkable in the sense that it celebrates those he described as ‘fallen heroes of the pen.’

According to Denja, the writers’ confraternity in the country had lost ‘great men and women who had strived to elevate the consciousness of the masses through their body of works.’

“Today, we wish to celebrate the likes the late Gen. Mamman Jiya Vatsa, Major Emmanuel Arinze Ifeajuna, Dele Giwa, Ken Saro-Wiwa, Chinua Achebe, Chukwuemeka Ike, Christopher Ifekandu Okigbo, Florence Nwanzuruahu Nkiru Nwapa, Daniel Fagunwa, and others, who have paid the supreme price in their advocacy to salvage the Nigerian masses,” said Denja.

group, Ondo State Niger Delta Youths, has commended President Muhammadu Buhari for approving the inclusion of youths in Ondo State in the Federal Government’s Amnesty programme.

The association made the commendation in a statement issued by its Chairman, Agbejoye Adetoye, and Secretary, Akinjeji Adetola, in Lagos. It described President Buhari as “a listening leader.’’

The Ondo State Government, had on Oct. 23, announced that the Federal Government would on Nov 9 incorporate ex-militants in the riverine area of the state who are willing to surrender their arms for the Amnesty programme. The youths also commended Gov. Rotimi Akeredolu for his commitment to the development of the riverine community of the state and its people.

“We want to appreciate President Muhammadu Buhari for listening to the cries of youths in Ondo State and we also commend Gov. Rotimi Akeredolu for demonstrating a strong commitment to developing resources in the Niger Delta region of the state. “It should be recalled that during the visit of the Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, to Igbokoda at the Niger Delta stakeholders’ town hall meeting, the youths in the region made two demands. “The demands are Amnesty programme for the youths that are not captured in the first phase and harnessing the available resources in the coastline of Ondo State through the establishment of seaport.

“Today, the Amnesty programme is a reality and our people can now sleep with their two eyes closed and investors are at safe haven to partner with Ondo State Government. “We equally want to appeal to our governor to hasten action on the seaport to boost the state economy,’’ the youths said.

•Last Saturday at Princess Alexandria Hall, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Enugu State, Diamond Club Nigeria, a club of professionals from Enugu-Ezike in Igbo-Eze North Local Council of Enugu State living in Lagos, clocked 20. Here the founding President of the club, Dr. Greg Onu (3rd from right) with the incumbent, Engr. Frank Odo (4th from right) is assisted in cutting the cake by Hon. Uwakwe Ezeja, PDP Igbo-Eze North Chairmanship candidate for the November 4 council election in Enugu State (R); Member representing Udenu/Igbo Eze North Federal Constituency in the 8th House of Reps., Hon. Dennis Agbo (2nd right); Barr. Charles Ugwu (Onowu Igugu), an Abuja-based property lawyer and developer (middle); Professor Osita Ogbu, Professor of Economics at UNN and former Economics Adviser to former President Olusegun Obasanjo (4th from left); Nze Dennis Eze, Chairman of Ohanaeze Ndigbo in Igbo-Eze North representing President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Chief Nnia Nwodo (3rd from left); Hon. Chijioke Ugwu, former Chairman of Igbo-Eze North (2nd left) and Major Eze (left).

he automotive policy is biting harder on the economy and must be urgently reviewed, the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) has said. The DirectorGeneral of LCCI, Mr Muda Yusuf, who made the observation in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), said that the review was necessary for facilitated economic growth.

Yusuf said that the policy, which raised tariff on imported cars from 20 per cent to 70 per cent, had put the cost of vehicles beyond the reach of many individuals and corporate bodies. “There is the need to act quickly to reverse the unsavory situation,” he said.

The automotive policy was introduced in 2013 as a strategy to reduce importation of vehicles and boost

the capacity of domestic vehicle assembly plants. “The automobile sector was hit by the double shock of currency depreciation and a hike in tariff from 20 per cent to 70 per cent (in the case of new cars). “Whereas, there is very little that can be done about the currency depreciation, a great deal can be done about the policy, which is a creation of government,” Yusuf said.

Yusuf said that years into the implementation of the policy, much progress had yet to been made. “The affordable vehicles promised at the inception of the policy are yet to be seen. The economy has suffered incalculable consequences and shocks as the cost of vehicles reached levels that are unprecedented in the history of the country. “Virtually all aspects of our economic and social

Automotive policy biting harder on economy – LCCI T lives have been adversely affected by the situation because over 90 per cent of the country’s freight and human movement are done by road, which implies heavy dependence on cars, commercial buses and trucks.

“Manufacturers and other real sector investors suffer from sharp increases in haulage cost because of the high cost of trucks; school buses have become unaffordable by many institutions. “Many hospitals cannot afford new ambulances; many corporate organisations have drastically cut down on their fleet. Car ownership is now completely beyond the majority of the middle class,’’ he told NAN. He said that the consequences of the policy on the economy and welfare of citizens were immeasurable.

According to him, the cost of vehicles

rose by between 100 per cent and 400 per cent due to the policy. A new car of 1.8-litre engine capacity now costs as high as N18 million; two-litre engine capacity costs N20 million and a 3-litre new Japanese car costs as high as N30 million.

“A 30-seater bus costs about N45 million and an 18-seater bus costs N29 million. “Not many investors and citizens have the capacity to absorb these outrageous prices. “Even big corporate organisations are now buying used vehicles. This scenario is most inappropriate for an economy that is heavily dependent on road transportation,” he said.

Yusuf added that the policy had caused loss of maritime business and increased smuggling due to high import duty and levy with a huge duty differential compared with those of

neighbouring countries. He said that the policy also caused huge loss of Customs revenue due to reduction in vehicle importation.

The director-general also said that the policy resulted in increased cost of transportation which affected all sectors of the economy. “Import duty on commercial vehicles and used cars should be reviewed downwards to 20 per cent. “Complete Knocked Down (CKD) and Semi Knocked Down (SKD) should all attract zero duty,” the LCCI boss advised.

According to Yusuf, the government should grant further tax concession and waiver to assembly plants and retain incentives for machineries and tyre industries as contained in the policy. Yusuf said that similar incentives should be extended for local production of vehicle spare parts.

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The Oracle Today Wednesday November 8, 2017

NEWS JOBITECH trains quality electrical engineers

By Theo Rays, Onitsha

Obaze promises harmonised and efficient tax system

A

Catholic institution, John Bosco Institute of Technology (JOBITECH), Obosi, Anambra last week graduated engineers from the institute after successful duration of studies.

The elaborate graduation ceremony which coincided with the 25th anniversary celebration of the Institute was attended by parents of the students, clergy men and invited guests with the Auxiliary Bishop of Catholic Arch Diocese of Onitsha His Lordship Most Rev. Denis Chidi Isizoh presiding over the Mass celebration.

In his homily, Bishop Isizoh charged the out-going students to put God first, focus on what they were trained to do and work hard to be able to excel in their profession, assuring them that putting God in the centre of everything they do would forever guide them to make the progress they desire in life.

The Bishop, who shared out rosaries to the graduating students admonished: “As you leave here today, I charge you to go with three things: God, focus and hard work. With these three things, you will succeed in your endeavour. Don’t forget this place; have it at the back of your mind that you were made from here so always remember this school.”

The Bishop lamented the poor state of the road network around the school as all roads leading to the school are terribly bad and appealed to the State government to come to the aid of the school and its environs.

“The roads are terribly bad, and that is a big source of worry; I don’t know what to say other than to lend my voice and cry to the government of the day. Again, I am also uncomfortable with the high tension electric wire cited on top of buildings here; why should people buy land and build house under high tension, that is very dangerous and I don’t like it,” Bishop Isizoh said.

Enugu tackles Child Abuse From CHUKS EZE, Enugu

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NUGU State Government has trained focal persons who would serve as social workers to further firm up its war against all acts of child abuse in the state.

The exercise, which is expected to take war against child abuse to a new level in the State, was undertaken by the State Ministry of Gender Affairs and Social Development, which has already engaged the prospective candidates.

Speaking at a training workshop organised for welfare officers in charge of prevention of child abuse and neglect in the state, organised by the ministry, National President of African Network for the Prevention and Protection Against Child Abuse and Neglect (ANPPCAN), Professor Peter Ebigbo commended the State government for the initiative, urging the new personnel to be dedicated to duty, and always bear in mind that they are into vital humanitarian services.

He also described the recent signing into law of the Child Rights Act, by Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, as a profound evidence of the governor’s interest and concern in the welfare of the vulnerable in the society.

According to the Professor of clinical psychology, who delivered a keynote address at the event, “history was made in Enugu State when the Child Rights law was passed,” adding that Governor Ugwuanyi deserves accolades for such impressive and comprehensive child protection mechanism in the state.

He also commended the Ugwuanyi administration’s sensitivity to the general upkeep of the society and appointment of credible stakeholders into the Fostering and Adoption Committee to rid the state of baby factory syndrome.

On his part, Chairman of the Fostering and Adoption Committee in the state, Archbishop Emmanuel Chukwuma, also commended Governor Ugwuanyi for what he described as his, “positive approach to the issue of child rights and welfare in the state”.

• Dr. Ofunne Obaze addressing the women in Awka during the PDP women’s campaign of Anambra 2017

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r. Ofunne Obaze, wife of the candidate of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in the Anambra 2017 governorship elections, has revealed the plan of the candidate to run an efficient tax system.

Speaking in Awka on Monday during the tour of PDP Women, Dr. Obaze said her husband, Mr. Oselo-

ka H. Obaze, has plans to harmonise the current tax system. She decried the effects of multiple taxation reintroduced by the current administration. According to her, the PDP candidate, if elected, will expand the state’s tax base, reduce tax burden and introduce solitary monthly payments. She said the move is aimed at relieving the plight of mar-

ket women who are struggling to make ends meet and also take care of the family.

She also said the PDP candidate and his running mate will genuinely make Awka a befitting capital city. She recounted the struggles of various governments to live up to the usual campaign promise of transforming the Awka capital city,

From CHUKS COLLINS, Awka

(CDS).

The Anambra State coordinator of SON, Mrs Nwaoma Olujie presented letters of commendation to 88 Corps members in Awka who are among the outgoing members for the 2016/2017 Service Year.

She also lauded the NYSC members for creating Quality Control Clubs in schools in the State, add-

ing that it would make the attitude of the masses to products/services quality more proactive.

As they prepared to go into the larger society, Mrs Olujie urged them to take the knowledge of their involvement in Quality Control CDS groups to wherever they go to enhance the quality consciousness level of Nigerians “We are proud of what you did during your service year as Quality Control ambassadors here in Anambra.

“Standard makes the difference and SON is the custodian, we shall continue to protect Nigerians from bad products and with what the NYSC QC CDS group is doing, we shall succeed.

“We congratulate those of you who are going into the larger society and urge to take what you learnt with you, we also pray that favour will locate all of you as you pass out from service,” she said.

Miss Onyinye Alisiobi, one of the commended Corps Members said she benefited from the experience and pledged to continue to educate people on quality matters.

Alisiobi who studied Micro Biology at Federal Polytechnic Nekede said she now knows what to look out for in a product before buying and where to lay a complaint.

The President of the QC CDS group in Awka, Mr Paul Ekong decried the high percentage of adulterated products in the market.

He said substandard products result to loss of money and life in extreme cases and urged policy enforcers to intensify campaigns against adulteration.

SON commends NYSC quality control campaign

The Standard Organisation of Nigeria (SON) has commended outgoing National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members in Anambra State for their contribution to the awareness about products standards and Quality Control through their Community Development Scheme

Obiano, others eulogise Bishop Nwachukwu

By PEACE AKPAN

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NAMBRA State literally stood still for Bishop Paul C. Nwachukwu, founder/presiding Bishop of Grace of God Missions International, as he celebrated his 70th birthday cum 50 years of ministry and 53 years as a born-gain Christian.

Among dignitaries and their representatives who gave goodwill messages at the event in Onitsha that also served as platform to unveil Bishop Nwachukwu’s autobiography titled, If Not God, were Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, Governor Willie Obiano, Senator Stella Oduah, The Redeemed Evangelical Mission’s Dr. Mike Okonkwo, president of Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria, politicians, clergy and others from all walks of life.

Governor Obiano, while joining NdiAnambra to celebrate Bishop Nwachukwu, described his attainment of 70 years as symbolic, particularly for the achievements recorded in the Lord’s ministry.

“Indeed, the heavens and history will forever be kind to you for your courage and immense contributions among the pioneers of growth and expansion of pentecostal church in Nigeria and beyond,” he said.

Bishop Abraham Chigbundu of

Voice of Freedom Ministries Int’l noted the celebrant’s “unblemished records of service to God and humanity,” and described him as a man worthy of emulation by all and sundry.

Apostle Anselm Madubuko of Revival Assembly celebrated the celebrant’s “productive spiritual leadership for the entire body of Christ,” even as Bishop-designate Ejike Monwuba saluted his humility despite the height now achieved.

Speaking with The Oracle Today on behalf of GGM ministers, Bishop-designate Bright Alaribe declared: “He is a great man in all ramifications. Associating with him brings promotion and blessings. We are proud of him.”

Also, Pst Paul Nwachukwu Jnr, a bishop-designate on behalf of the family, while describing their father as an extraordinary man of God, prayed for him to live long, finish strong, and partake of the fruit of his labours.”

On his part, while thanking family, friends and well-wishers for their love and prayers, the minister narrated that the journey to his present destination has not been an easy one but for God’s grace.

He, however, challenged the gathering to always strive to do better than their teachers or mentors.

saying it failed because of lack of proper planning and government commitment. She said that plans and results of studies on how to transform the capital city is already available.

Dr. Obaze reminded the crowd that her husband had, as SSG to former Governor Peter Obi, attracted foreign partners to Okpoko who did a study on the city for urban renewal but the plan failed to materialize owing to their lack of confidence in the current administration.

She assured that with Mr. Obaze in the saddle, that Anambra will leverage on the the synergy that exits between him and development partners to transform Awka into a modern city.

The US-trained paediatrician reiterated the commitment of the PDP to offer free, quality and compulsory education from kindergarten to JS3, as well as raise the budget for education from what it currently is to 26 percent as recommended by UNICEF. She further stated that one of the quick starts of their government will be the reintroduction of five thousand Naira social welfare package for the aged and the introduction of Charity Care which will attend to the free healthcare of indigent citizens and affordable healthcare for all citizens.

Dr. Obaze was in the company of Mrs. Margaret Obi, wife of the former governor and women stakeholders in Awka South Local Government Area.

Osinbajo craves Nigeria without corruption From CHRIS EZE, Yenagoa

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ICE President Yemi Osinbajo has called for a “new tribe of men and women” in Nigeria who will lead the nation to its desired destiny.

The Vice President who made the call at the commissioning of the new ultra modern Ecumenical Center built by the Bayelsa State government at Igbogene, in Yenagoa, on Tuesday, noted that tribalism and corruption are twin evils robbing the nation of its potentials for growth.

Represented at the occasion by the Chaplain of Aso Rock Chapel, Pastor Seyi Malomo, the Vice President slammed the elite for perpetuating corruption and tribalism in the nation’s affairs.

He said the elite always find a common ground whenever it comes to corruption regardless of their different faith backgrounds.

“The emergence of a new Nigeria devoid of ethnicity, tribalism, corruption and other myriads of problems confronting the nation can only be achieved when the people embrace and have fear of God in their dealings.

“Righteousness exalts a nation as sin is a reproach to any nation. Majority of the problems Nigeria is faced with is as a result of neglect and hardness of heart, because once one has the fear God the tendency to do evil will be diminished,” Osinbajo observed.

General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, Pastor Enoch A Adeboye had while dedicating the 15,000-seater ecumenical center commended Governor Dickson for a well thought out idea to build a house for God. Adeboye who made many prophetic declarations noted that it is the owner of a house that adds value to the house, stressing that with the dedication of the center, God’s presence has been fully enthroned in it.

“What makes a house important is not the builder, nor the furniture, but the owner. It is the owner of the house that determines the influence or the importance of the house,” he maintained.

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The Oracle Today Wednesday November 8, 2017

News From JONATHAN AWANYAI, Asaba

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he National Association of Delta State Students (NADESSTU), has called on the Delta governor Ifeanyi Okowa to probe the State Bursary and Scholarship Board’s expenditure due to the suspension of the 2015/2016 bursary payment.

In an open letter addressed to the governor and made available to The Oracle Today, the National President of NADESSTU, Comrade Agolo Samson said the board claimed that it is due to paucity of funds that the payment was put on hold.

The letter read in part: “Ordinarily Your Excellency, I would have loved to make the issues herein private until I meet with you officially. However, upon many unsuccessful attempts to see you, following the pressing and urgent need to quell tension, I have decided to write you openly and bring to your notice some issues rocking the students’

Delta students want State Scholarship Board probed community in the state.

“Following earlier payments made to beneficiaries of the bursary scheme, we are not oblivious of the fact that funds have been made available for this exercise, but what we do not understand is why payments would cease at a time when fresh registration ought to have been concluded.

“In the history of bursary payments in Delta state, what we are witnessing today is the most complicated, obscure and cunning process ever. In recent times, we have recorded the

lowest registration of students, yet we experience the most delayed payment procedure.

“Sequel to series of calls put across from different quarters to the National secretariat of NADESSTU about the perceived misappropriation of public funds and mismanagement of finance released for payment purposes huge enough to pay students, we are disappointed to hear that the Bursary and Scholarship Board has stopped payment due to lack of funds.

“We do not want to believe that the amount expended

on the process of verification should be higher than the funds set aside for payment purposes as this seems to be the situation.

We are convinced that a good percentage of the bursary funds was spent on frivolities and not for the actual bursary payments.

“It is on this note that we call on the Governor of Delta State, Sen. Ifeanyi Okowa, to, as a matter of necessity and urgency, set up a probe panel to investigate and clinically audit the entire accounts of the Delta State Bursary and Scholarship Board.”

Delta AG tasks DSIEC on council polls

From JONATHAN AWANYAI,Asaba

and members newly constituted DelTta heofStatethechairman Independent Electoral

Delta communities unhappy over delay of Maritime University From JONATHAN AWANYAI, Asaba

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hairmen of Gbaramatu communities have urged the federal government to fulfil its promise to fast-track the takeoff of the Nigerian Maritime University Okerenkoko, Gbararmatu kingdom, Warri South west Local Government Area of Delta State.

The Gbaramatu communities’ chairmen insist that Okerenkoko community is the original landowner of the Nigerian Maritime University.

Chairman of Kokodiagbene community in the Gbararmatu Kingdom, Comrade Sheriff Mulade, who spoke on behalf of the chairmen said the take-off of the Maritime University has been delayed for too long and implored the federal government to do the needful without further delay.

He expressed disappointment at the way and manner the federal government is handling the take-off of the Nigerian Maritime University, Okerenkoko in spite of assurances by the government and the N2billion takeoff grant released.

Comrade Mulade emphasized that the people of the Niger Delta Region are losing trust and confidence in the federal government for not showing enough commitment to the promises it made to the people on the smooth take-off of the University.

He stressed that Okerenkoko Community is the original owner of the land on which the Nigerian Maritime University is located, appealing to government to expedite action on the take-off of the university.

•Mr. Peter Mrakpor

•Student of NOUN Awka Study Centre, Abagana Campus during the Digital Week of the Computer Science students of the school.

Prophet Fufeyin doles out N30m to wife on birthday From EMMANUEL OGOIGBE, Warri

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ounder and General Overseer, Christ Mercyland Deliverance Ministry (CMDM), Effurun, Delta State Prophet Jeremiah Omoto-Fufeyin has admonished Nigerians to be transparent in all their dealings, insisting that God will never forsake anybody that serves Him diligently.

Besides, the clergy explained that longevity can only be achieved through total commitment to the service of God Almighty, the creator of heaven and earth.

Fufeyin who made the remark in the sermon he delivered to mark his wife, Anthonia’s birthday last Sunday, added that Nigeria is a country blessed with abundant human and natural resources.

•Urges people to have faith in God In the sermon taken from Mark Chapter Ten and Two respectively and titled: “My case is very urgent”, the clergy further enjoined Nigerians not to lose hope, adding that the future is very bright.

He revealed that since the past four years the church moved to it’s permanent sight, a lot of persons have been delivered through his preachings while business activities have been transformed tremendously.

“I want to say that a lot of women had given birth to children even as numerous persons from all walks of life have also received their healing and deliverance from various ailment and spiritual attacks,” said the General Overseer.

While urging Nigerians to turn to God and worship him in truth and in spirit, Prophet Fufeyin noted that nothing is impossible with God Almighty.

Earlier, a foremost Nollywood actor, Kanayo O. Kanayo who anchored the programme of event, lauded the fighting spirit of the prophet and his people in winning more souls for Christ.

The actor, accompanied by other Nollywood actors and actresses held the congregation spell-bound with their live performance and sonorous song.

High light of the memorable event was the presentation of a whopping N30m by the prophet to his wife as birthday gift and other numerous gestures.

Commission (DSIEC) have been charged to conduct the forth coming local government election in the State in a fair, free, credible and transparent manner that will further entrench democracy in the State in particular and the country as a whole.

The State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Peter Mrakpor gave the charge when he received the Chairman of the State Electoral Commission, Chief Michael Ogbodu who led other Members of the Commission on a courtesy visit to his office recently in Asaba.

Mr. Peter Mrakpor who expressed confidence that with the calibre of persons appointed into the newly constituted DSIEC, a level playing ground would be provided for all parties to participate in the forth-coming local government election.

He debunked insinuations in some quarters that the local government election already fixed for January 6 next year by the electoral body would be manipulated in favour of the ruling party in the State.

The Attorney-General while congratulating the Chairman and DSIEC Commissioners for their appointment, reminded them of the complex political nature of the state and explained that the level of political awareness of an average Deltan is at its peak, which he said will exert pressure on the electoral umpire to conduct an election that would be adjudged as free, fair, credible and transparent with less tribunal cases.

Speaking earlier, Chairman of the State Independent Electoral Commission, Chief Michael Ogbodu said the visit was to solicit for the technical support from the office of the Attorney-General as the Chief Law Officer of the State and a think tank as far as the laws of the state are concerned.

The DSIEC boss, while informing the Attorney-General of the date for the conduct of local government election in the state, also stated that the Commission has already rolled out the guidelines for the elections. The Chairman further said that the Ministry of Justice was strategic to its operations in ensuring that they operate within the ambit of the law.

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The Oracle Today Wednesday November 8, 2017

NEWS

Ayade presents more vehicles to security agents From ANIEKAN ANIEKAN, Calabar

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HE Cross River State governor, Professor Ben Ayade has presented 50 additional vehicles to security agencies in the State in order to boost the security situation of the state ahead of this year’s Calabar carnival.

This is coming after the governor made a similar presentation of 150 pickup vans to different security operatives early this year as well as the deployment of 50 fully-equipped operational vehicles to the State’s own non-arm bearing Homeland Security for surveillance services.

Professor Ayade disclosed that the State would not rest on its oars in ensuring adequate protection of lives and property of its citizenry at all times.

He said apart from the patrol boats, which the State would deploy soon, all land boarders would be fully fortified and made safe for investors and tourists.

Responding on behalf of the other service commanders, the Commanding Officer Nigerian Navy, Victory Command, Commodore S.D Jubril, who thanked the governor for always supporting them in discharging their constitutional duties, promised to do their best in ensuring that all project sites are protected, secured and work completed without any security issues.

LG autonomy: Stakeholders commend National Assembly From NATH OMAME, Port Harcourt

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ATIONAL Union of Local Government Employees, NULGE, Rivers State chapter, has commended the National Assembly for approving local government autonomy in the on-going process to review the 1999 constitution.

President of NULGE in the state, Franklin Ajuwon called on the Rivers State Assembly and other state Assemblies to vote in favour of autonomy for local government councils in their Houses of Assemblies.

“The mood of the nation is in favour of autonomy for local councils.

The lawmakers in the state legislature owe themselves and their

constituents the duty to vote in support of autonomy for their local governments. They should concur and align with the position of the National Assembly,” he said.

Ajuwon stressed: “Autonomy for local governments will boost development of the rural areas. All state governments in Nigeria see the revenue that comes to the local governments as monies belonging to the states, rather than to the local governments that are in dire need of the funds to develop rural communities.”

“Lawmakers are there to do what their constituents want. So, we are appealing to the lawmakers in the state to vote overwhelmingly for

autonomy for local governments just as their brothers and sisters have done at the National Assembly,” he added.

Ajuwon lamented: “Even the salaries of local governments are prepared by the ministry of local government under the state government. Even the overheads of the chairmen of the local councils are given to them by the state governments. The states are hijacking funds belonging to the local governments because state governments consider such fund as belonging to the states.”

A legal practitioner, Vincent Chukwu said the National Assembly should be commended for voting in

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From NATH OMAME, Port Harcourt

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Larfarge launches truck-driving school From ANIEKAN ANIEKAN, Calabar

NAFDAC, traders against fake products OUTH South zonal office of the National Agency for Food Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), is to partner with the executives of markets in Rivers State to rid markets in the state of fake and adulterated products.

NAFDAC zonal director, Chinelo Ajie gave this assurance after a meeting with representatives of Rivers State traders and market women associations, following complaints by some traders that there is a proliferation of fake products in the state, especially in rural markets.

She said the collaboration with the traders will expose those involved in the distribution and circulation of fake products in the state.

“I can assure them that there will be no hiding place for them anymore. This collaboration will not tolerate the circulation of adulterated products,” he said.

“We hope that this initiative will be a warning to those who have been distributing fake product s in the state to desist from doing so because it will no longer be business as usual. We have assured the traders that information given to us will be handled with utmost care. We will protect the identities of those who give us useful information that will enable us effectively check this negative practice.”

President of Rivers State women and traders association, Eddy Bright stressed that his association is willing to cooperate with NAFDAC to stop the proliferation of adulterated products in Rivers State.

“We now have an understanding with NAFDAC to apprehend business people who are circulating fake and adulterated products in our markets in Rivers State. They are very active with their nefarious activities in rural markets,” he lamented.

favour of autonomy for local governments.

He called on State Houses of Assembly to pass the bill in favour of autonomy for local governments without delay.

He stated: “The constitution must be properly and holistically amended. We need to look at all laws that are currently impinging on the autonomy of local governments in the country and be appropriately repealed. The law regulates all organs in the society; therefore, laws relating to the autonomy of local government must be clearly defined.”

• Mr & Mrs Collins Ughalaa during dedication of their son at the St Andrews Anglican Church Mgabla Agwa, in Oguta

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he Imo State Correspondent for The Oracle Today, Mr. Collins Ughalaa, and wife, Mrs. Chinwendu Ughalaa, on Sunday, October 29, dedicated their new born baby, Master Eminence Ikedi Ughalaa at the St Andrews Anglican Church Mgabla Agwa, in Oguta Local Government.

The child dedication service which was attended by family members, friends and colleagues began by 9am with the baptism of the new born.

Former Governor Ikedi Ohakim, Chief Dr. George Nkorji, Publisher of Nigeria Moment newspaper and Imo State Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives grand Alliance (APGA), and Mrs. Chinwendu Nwaobasi were the sponsors of the baptism as required by the Church.

Delivering his sermon during the church service, Rev Okechukwu Uzuegbu who spoke on “the unity in Christ Jesus” called on Christians to imbibe the spirit of unity, noting that the absence of unity breeds crisis.

He observed that though the human body was made of various parts, they must work in unity to achieve meaningful result. He added that the Apostle Paul used the parts of the human to illustrate how Christians who come from diverse background should function.

According to the Priest, “the Apostle used the human body to illustrate that unity is necessary because in the absence of unity there will be anarchy. Paul used the physical things to illustrate the spiritual.

He said that church is the wife to the Christ and highlighted the unity that should exist between the husband

Ughalaa dedicates son and wife and the church and Christ Jesus”.

Rev Uzuegbu also noted that the level of chaos in the society and the church today as a result of disunity, even as he said that the church and the society must recognize Christ Jesus to be united.

He noted that there was nothing wrong in anybody becoming great, even as he noted that those who set out to build the Tower of Babel were united but were opposed by God because they not recognize him.

He called on the people to make Christ Jesus the focal point of their unity because, according to him, “Jesus told his disciples that without him they could do nothing.”

The Rev also called for unity in the country and family, noting that “Today, the absence of unity in the families and the country has led to many problems. If the family is not united the country and the church cannot be united”.

He added that “There are people who are here but they are not in good terms with their brothers.

Where there is unity God sends his blessings”, even as he said that “majority of Nigerians agree that Nigeria should stay united because division would bring more hardship to the people”.

There was refreshment at the end of the church service at the residence of the Ughalaas in Owerri.

In attendance were the His Excellency Chief Dr. Ikedi Ohakim, former Governor of Imo State represented

by Mr. Uche Osuagwu, Managing Director and Editor-In Chief of The Oracle Today, Mr. Ikeddy Isiguzo, who led his team, including the Editor, Mr. Felix Abugu.

Others were Chief Sir Johnbosco Uhie, Mr. and Mrs. Martin Njoku, Chief Dr. George Nkwoji, Barr GTO Mgborokwu, the Transition Committee Chairman of Oguta LGA, Engr Emma Nzenwa, former governorship of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) in Imo State in 2015, The Kanon and Mrs. Clair Iwunze, both from My Radio 101.1FM and Alex Ogbonna of Hot 99.5FM, and others too numerous to mention.

Cont’d from page 2

pleted the eight-year tenure of the North Senatorial Zone, thereby making it possible for power balance and fairness to rotate back to the South zone smoothly without any rancour.”

According to the party chieftain, “No one wants this beautiful indicative truncated if Obiano is removed.

With the sustenance of the policy, Anambra communities would develop faster...”

Chief Egwuoba-Ezekwesili, there-

AFARGE Africa Plc., a leading sub-Saharan Africa building materials company has inaugurated a truck driving school in Calabar.

The driving school, which is located within the office complex of the company in Calabar is worth over N130 million and is aimed at training hundreds of truck drivers in Nigeria.

In a statement in Calabar by the Director of Logistics, Lafarge Africa Plc Bruno Hounkpati, “the primary aim of our driving institute is to model driver’s behavior from the outset while equipping them with adequate training in truck driving.”

“The school will ensure that skilled drivers are equipped with safe driving skills that contribute to safer roads in Nigeria and will promote professionalism among truck drivers and also create jobs with our third party transport companies,” the statement added.

He disclosed that the school became imperative because in 2016, 8, 876 commercial vehicles were involved in road accidents in Nigeria, pointing out that the company has decided, as part of its social responsibility, to use the training school as a means to reduce the incidence of road accidents in Nigeria.

Osaze Aghatise, the head of the school, in his remarks, disclosed that one major way to reduce roadrelated incidents and achieve safety is to raise the standard of driver training and ensure that drivers think about safety first and always while on the road.

The school is in partnership with Transport Services (a fleet management company) as well as the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC).

Selected trainees are expected to go through rigorous screening, thorough in-classroom training, state of the art simulator and onthe-road coaching and assessment.

The first batch of 200 drivers will be part of a three-year strategic training plan for 600 drivers.

Anambra 2017: Candidates intensify campaigns

their next governor. No one likes to be in perpetual suffering. We are coming to transform Anambra State and this will affect all sectors. We are coming to clear the mess,” Ikedife Jr. posited.

“Others who had closed shops and run away before his arrival are now back and in business.

“His re-election would have com-

fore, urged Dr Tony Nwoye of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and Mr Oseloka Obaze of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to shelve their aspiration till next four years in the interest of sound political judgement.

With the flag-off of his campaign, PPA governorship candidate, Mr. Godwin Ezeemo has instensified his governorship campaign for the November 18 election.

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The Oracle Today Wednesday November 8, 2017

News Enugu LG poll: APC candidate, 5 others defect to PDP

By OZOR KAMSIYO, Nsukka than four days to the Enugu LtionsESS State Local Government elecin the 17 local government ar-

eas, All Progressive Congress, APC, councillorship candidate for Owerre Umuoyo ward and five others in Nsukka Local Government area have decamped to the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in solidarity for the good governance of Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi.

The APC councillorship candidate Eze Godwin Onyekachi while announcing his defection with five others at the PDP secretariat in Nsukka said that having followed the laudable projects of the state governor in Nsukka Zone alone, it was better to queue behind PDP for the developmental projects to turn the university town to a mega city than standing in opposition which detracts good governance, adding that he was not lobbied by any person nor group of persons for the defection.

Eze said that he has been campaigning, printed posters and billboards for the Nov 4 local government elections in the state but decided to join PDP in other not split the votes of the PDP chairmanship candidate Chief Patrick Omeje who hails from the same ward with him, pointing out that all his supporters at the ward have equally followed him to the new found party for fair and transparent elections in the area.

Eze shortly in interview with journalists said that his choice for PDP was for the credibility of the state governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi and Hon. Patrick Omeje as candidate for the Nov 4 local government election in Nsukka Local Government Area, explaining that Omeje as the PDP candidate for Nsukka Local Government had empowered youths and women in the area before the dream for the chairmanship position in Nsukka.

He said that about 5000 of his supporters in APC has denounced the party, disregarded APC materials including his posters for Nov 4 polls, stressing that he did not defect to PDP on monetary inducement nor lack of support in the ward as he was the most popular candidate in APC, the records are there for clarifications.

He said that he has kept all that he spent in the course of his campaign in APC at the back of his mind to follow the channels of PDP to make Nsukka great in the near future, pointing out that he was satisfied with what Governor Ugwanyi was doing in infrastructural development in the State and as such need not to be detracted by oppositions at different political parties.

“The only way to show solidarity was to join hands with the PDP chairmanship candidate to make Nsukka great again. All my supporters in APC have queued behind the PDP candidates to turn around the locality in tandem with the state government agenda,” he said.

Speaking at the brief but solemn ceremony, the chairmanship candidate for PDP Hon. Patrick Omeje thanked the former councillorship candidate of APC in Owerre Umuoyo ward for joining PDP for brotherhood love and interest of party on co existence. He assured that the party would protect all decampees of APC and give them all their rights in PDP.

Ikenga Unical, Nzuko Ndi Abia Calabar honour Sen. Nwaogu From ANIEKAN ANIEKAN, Calabar TWO socio cultural organisations in Calabar the Ikenga, University of Calabar chapter and the Nzuko Ndi Abia have rolled out the drums to felicitate with Senator Nkechi Justina Nwaogu on her recent appointment as the 10th Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the governing Council of the University of Calabar.

The occasion, which attracted the principal officers of the University, as well Ndigbo in the state marked the official welcome ceremony for the Pro-Chancellor.

Prominent Ndigbo who graced

the occasion included Dr. Daniel Chukwudozie, Chief Emmanuel Ezenwanyi, Chief Fidelis Onyebueke, President of Ikenga, Unical, Dr. Rufus Okoro, President, Nzuko Ndi Abia Calabar Prince Raymond Atuloman, among others.

Speaking during the reception, the President of Nzuko Ndi Abia, Calabar Prince Raymond Atulomah stated that the organization decided to receive and honour with an award because of her numerous contributions to the development of the state and the nation.

He contended that Senator Nkechi Nwaogu possesses rare

qualities, which they believe will be adequately channelled to the development of the university.

Also speaking, the President of Ikenga, university of Calabar, Dr. Rufus Okoro stated that as members of the university teaching staff, they will rally round her and ensure that her tenure will improve on the glorious achievements of previous pro-chancellors and their councils.

“We believe that together with well- focused vice - chancellor and his management team, council policies will be worker friendly and will project the university positively on the local and international scene”,

•Chief Osita Chidoka addressing the press at Awka.

he said.

Professor Zana Akpagu the Vice Chancellor of the institution while welcoming the her to the institution stated that the institution is blessed to have Senator Nkechi as its 10th Pro-Chancellor contending that the President made no mistake in appointing her pro-chancellor.

He disclosed that within the little time she has been with the institution the university is now a member of TETFUNDs Evaluation committee courtesy of Senator Nwaogu as efforts and solicited the cooperation of the Igbo community both individually and collectively to take the institution to greater heights.

Responding, Senator Nwaogu expressed satisfaction with the level of comradeship and friendly disposition. She stated that she is proud to in Calabar and promised to contribute her best to ensure that Unical moves to greater heights.

“I believe in equity, fairness and justice. I believe the best way to get on well in life with people is to have consideration for the other person.

I am fair to everyone and will play by the rule of law.

“I am a Nigerian woman in the other room as they say, but I am awake all the time. I do not like to be taken for granted but I am also a team player”.

She promised that her administration will be fair to all Nigerians irrespective of their regions or localities and thanked the management of the institution as well as the Ikenga Unical Chapter and Nzuko Ndi Abia for their hospitality.

High points of the occasion was the award of a traditional title on her by Chief Emmanuel Ezenwanyi the Eze Ndigbo of Calabar with the assistance of Chief Fidelis Onyebueke, the general counsel. This is the third time in the history of the 47 year old institution that a woman has been deemed fit to occupy the position of a Pro-Chancellor and Chair person of the governing council.

Detained murder suspect alleges extortion

By IBE NWACHUKWU

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RS. Rosaline Ndinaemenu, a 65-year old woman currently languishing in police custody at the Homicide section of Anambra state Criminal Investigations Department, CID, Awka, over alleged murder of a family of five, has petitioned the state Commissioner of police demanding that he should intervene in a case of excessive detention, dehumanization and shady investigation against herself.

However, Anambra state Police Public Relations Officer, PPRO, ASP Nkeiruka Nwode told newsmen on phone yesterday that she was not yet aware of the development, adding that the petition would be investigated as soon as the command gets it.

In the petition written on her behalf, by her legal counsel, Maurice Efobi, dated October 19, this year, Mrs. Ndinaemenu who claimed to have been detained in the police cell since her arrest on August 13, for allegedly causing the death of Albert Ndinaemenu, her brotherin-law, his wife and three children, through poison, is complaining bit-

terly that she is currently passing through bouts of extortion from the Investigating Police Officer, IPO, one Inspector Mike, yet no meaningful investigation has been carried out by the homicide section.

According to her in the petition copied to the Inspector-General of Police, IGP; Chairman of Police Service Commission, PSC and Chairman of Committee for the Defence of Human Rights, CDHR, “The deceased family members died in a mysterious circumstance on August 10, this year and it was because I share the same house with the deceased and therefore living this close that the police, on mere suspicion, felt I was a prime suspect in the offence”.

She accused a native doctor who is a brother-in-law to the deceased woman of championing the case at the police and was also instrumental to her arrest, adding that the same native doctor had been a thorn in the flesh of Ndinaemenu family for a very long time before the incident.

Mrs. Ndinaemenu lamented that the IPO had bluntly refused to in-

vestigate the aspect of the late woman picking palm fruits from a palm tree that was just treated with an anti-pest chemicals, adding that those who spotted the woman picking the fruits had warned her not to each the palm fruits or cook with it because the tree was recently treated with anti-pest but she ignored the warning and went ahead to use the palm fruits to cook rice which she and her family members ate and died.

She further complained that even after making this information available to the police at Okija police station and the state CID, Awka, no discreet investigation had been carried out by the IPO, rather, all the police wanted was for her to keep vomiting money to them to prove her innocence and at the same time, tried to force her to pay money for the autopsy of the deceased five persons so as to prove her innocence, whether she has the money or not.

The petitioner insisted that two months of detention is in serious breach of her fundamental right and yet, her coming to court is still not in sight, contrary to our consti-

tution, adding that she cannot be detained indefinitely or convicted at the police court.

She therefore requested the CP, IGP and PSC to immediately release her on bail or charge her to court in the spirit of the laws of this country, as her continued detention would compel her lawyer, Efobi to in accordance with the provision of the law, proceed to an appropriate channel to seek redress for herself, including asking for compensation adequate, since she is innocent of the allegation being levelled against her person.

“The police must not poke around for evidence which does not exist and I must not continue to languish in police cell indefinitely, while waiting for the police to crawl to the expected end where to find evidence, particularly as I am suffering from a lot of terminal diseases, including high blood pressure and it is evident in the bag of drugs I carry along in the detention”.

“I must emphasise that my family would not want to add a sixth corpse to the already five corpses to bury. The sorrow if enough”, she lamented.

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The Oracle Today Wednesday November 8, 2017

NEWS

Abia Governor hails NDDC’S new spirit of collaboration From NATH OMAME, Port Harcourt

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overnor of Abia State, Dr Okezie Ikpeazu, has commended the Board and Management of the Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, for imbibing a new spirit of collaboration in the development of the Niger Delta region.

Governor Ikpeazu spoke when members of the Board and Management of NDDC paid him a courtesy visit at the Government House in Umuahia on Monday.

The visiting NDDC team included the Chairman of the Governing Board, Senator Victor Ndoma-Egba, SAN, the Managing Director, Mr. Nsima Ekere, the Executive Director Finance and Administration, Mr Mene Derek, the Executive Director Projects, Engr. Samuel Adjogbe, and other directors of the Commission.

Governor Ikpeazu declared: “We are excited by the new spirit in the NDDC. There seems to be a reinvigoration and a new spirit. People now see NDDC in a better light.

“The previous experience where NDDC projects are looked at with suspicion appears to be over.

“We are happy with the work the present

•Agency pledges to look beyond crude oil board and management of the NDDC is doing. The expectations of Nigerians are very high, knowing fully well the pedigree of the Chairman and the Management team”.

The governor said he was excited by the vision of the new board.

“I assure you of the full cooperation of the people of Abia State. We will tell the story that this NDDC Board and Management are running a new agency of development,” he said.

Governor Ikpeazu said interactions with the stakeholders in the Niger Delta should be more regular, as it would make for better collaboration in the execution of projects.

“When we collaborate, we will get better results,” he said.

Chairman of the NDDC Governing Board, Senator Ndoma-Egba assured the governor that the Commission is working with a new attitude of cooperation and collaboration.

Senator Ndoma-Egba stated that one of the first decisions taken by the board was to make a case for the re-activation of all dor-

mant organs of the Commission.

One such important organ, he said, is the Advisory Committee made up of all the governors of the NDDC member States and two other members appointed by Mr. President.

Senator Ndoma-Egba noted that it was necessary to revive the Advisory Committee because the NDDC must work with the government of the member states to ensure that they took ownership of its projects and programmes, as well as check the duplication of projects.

Chairman of the NDDC emphasised that the commission was going around to meet with governors in pursuit of a new spirit of partnership that would move the region forward, noting that this could only be achieved through cooperation with the state governors.

Ndoma-Egba stated: “we believe that our projects must be monitored, not only by us but, by outsiders. We want to earn the confidence of our stakeholders. That is why we are auditing our systems to ensure that we are transparent.”

Police officer arrested for rape in Anambra From CHUKS COLLINS, Awka

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he Anambra State Police Command has arrested a Police officer, Cpl. Bara’u Garba, for allegedly abducting and defiling a 14-year-old girl (names withheld) whom he turned to his sex slave.

According to the State Commissioner of Police, Mr Garba Umar who disclosed this during a press conference in his office on Monday, the ugly incident took place last week.

The suspect, he noted, was attached to mobile Squadron 7 in Sokoto but deployed to Anambra on special duty.

He allegedly abducted the little girl near her parents’ residence at the Hausa Quarters, Asaba and forcibly kept her in his custody for two days at Okpoko area, a suburb of the commercial city of Onitsha.

The Commissioner said: “The erring police officer was arrested, defaulted and detained accordingly and is facing police internal disciplinary procedures.

“The suspect confessed to have seen the girl wandering about in Asaba because she had lost her money and lured and kept her under his custody, but denied having carnal knowledge of her.

“However, investigation will reveal so because she is undergoing medical examinations,” the Police boss said, adding that he will be arraigned as soon as the criminal investigation is concluded.”

“The command is yet to obtain the medical report from the hospital. But the ongoing investigation would detect whether the victim was truly defiled or not,” the Commissioner added.

His arrest, according to the police boss, followed an allegation brought against the officer at a police station, and regretted that the action does not reflect the core values and ethics of the Nigeria Police service. He however assured that justice would not only be done but seen to have been done.

Egwuoba gives reasons why Obiano should win, by APGA Chieftain From CHUKS COLLINS, Awka

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s the political temperature of Anambra State continues to rise, and the countdown to the scheduled November 18, 2017 Governorship election draws near, a chieftain of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), Chief Charles Egwuoba-Ezekwesili has urged the electorate to vote for the incumbent governor, Chief Willie Obiano to enable consolidate his achievements in the next four years.

Egwuoba-Ezekwesili, in a three-page release to journalists in Awka, noted that “Gov Obiano has been severally and serially adjudged the best performing governor in the country by independent local, international and multinational agencies and organizations.”

“Security is now guaranteed in all parts of the state. No more bank robberies or rampant kidnap/banditry,” he added.

“This has made the state internationally acknowledged by the United Nations as the safest among the 36 states in the country.

“More and more local and foreign investors have been trooping into Anambra since the Obiano security magic began.

“Others who had closed shops and run away before his arrival are now back and in business.

“His re-election would have completed the eight-year tenure of the North Senatorial Zone, thereby making it possible for power balance and fairness to rotate back to the South zone smoothly without any rancour.”

According to the party chieftain, “No one wants this beautiful indicative truncated if Obiano is removed. With the sustenance of the policy, Anambra communities would develop faster....”

Man butchers rival with machete over girlfriend

By OLIVER UDEOGU

A •From right: APGA chieftain Hon Edward Ibuzo, Ichie Ifeanyi Ezidiegwu, Ononenyi Kwentoh,

Chief Ogboo Iweanoge and a dignitary during the yam cutting ceremony at Hon Ibuzo’s Okolo Street residence Onitsha.

Photo: Oliver Udeogu

Prominent Imo Indigenes receive meritorious service awards in Anambra

By MEJEE MEJEE Some prominent members of Imo State community in Anambra have received various awards for their meritorious contributions to community development.

The awards, which were given by Amaigbo Town Union Imo State, Anambra State Chapter, under the leadership of Dr. Oliver Nnawuike, came as one of the highlights of the 2017 general convention of the union.

The convention also featured appraisal of one-year in office of the present leadership of Amaigbo Town Union in Anambra state.

Addressing members of the union, chairman of the Amaigbo Town Union, Anambra State, Dr. Oliver Nnamihe stated that those who were honored by the union deserved the awards in respect of their contribution to the development of Imo State and Amaigbo Community in the Nwangele L.G.A of the State.

He urged them not to relent in their efforts toward the development of the Amaigbo Community and Anambra State where they reside

and do their business, reminding them not to shirk their responsibilities in paying tax to the government.

On the coming Nov. 18th governorship election in Anambra State, Dr. Nnawuihe who is a PDP leader in one of the wards in Okpoko, advised the people of Anambra State to exercise their civic responsibility by voting for a candidate they believe would deliver democracy dividends to the people of the state.

Among those who received the award for community and state development services are Nze Chigozie Nnadi , Chief John Abanihi, Chief Cyprian Achu, Chief Livinus Ejiofor and Chief Paschal Anochirim.

Present at the award-giving ceremony were all the executives of the Amaigbo town union, including Mr. Boniface Ekechukwu, vice chairman, Mr. Iheanyi Ahanonu, Secretary, Mr. Samuel Uzoma, Deputy Secretary and Mr. Friday Ikeme, P.R.O. Others include are Jonathan Chinagorom, Mr Nathan Uzoma, Mr. Alphonsus Chukwuma, Michael Olekibe, Felix Onwuanube and Mr. Chidi Ughala.

middle-aged man from Ohaozara in Ebonyi State named Uzoma has butchered a rival simply identified as Nonso with machete over a girl friend.

The ugly incident happened after a heated argument between both men who are Keke riders at Awada in Onitsha Anambra State.

It was gathered that the girl, Chinasa had told Uzoma her erstwhile boyfriend that she was no longer interested in their affair after eloping with the victim, Nonso.

It was further gathered that heartbroken Uzoma pleaded with Chinasa to have him back as lover but his pleas fell on deaf ear.

Thereafter, Uzoma resorted to threatening her, telling her that if she didn’t accept him back that no other person would have her either, as he was prepared to kill to make good his vow It was further gathered that Uzoma started monitoring Chinasa until he saw her with Nonso and then threatened to deal with her for jilting him.

It was further gathered that Uzoma later ambushed Nonso and inflicted machete cuts on his body before he was rescued by people and was taken to hospital.

Eyewitness account had it that Uzoma is an alleged womanizer, which made Chinasa jilt him.

Chinasa could also not understand why he went so far as to injure Nonso whom he would have killed with the machete if not for some good Samaritans who were around.

Chinasa’s Aunt told The Oracle Today that she had told her niece to concentrate on her studies rather than frolicking with men, which would not do her any good.

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The Oracle Today Wednesday November 8, 2017

INTERNATIONAL NEWS China hopes U.S. will rejoin Paris climate agreement

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hina hopes the United States will rejoin the Paris climate agreement and contribute to the global agenda on fighting climate change, a senior envoy has said on Tuesday.

China’s Special Representative on Climate Change, Xie Zhenhua, told a news conference that China was willing to step up cooperation with the U.S. in climate change negotiations after the U.S. said it would stay in the talks although it had withdrawn from the accord.

“China has made it clear that it is willing to enhance cooperation with the United States in the areas of clean energy utilisation, energy and resource conservation, carbon capture and storage, as well as other research and development,’’ Zhenhuas aid.

A report says the Paris Agreement reached by almost every country in the world in 2015, aims to tackle climate change by cutting greenhouse gas emissions.

The agreement also involves setting a global target of keeping the average temperature rise no higher than 2 degrees Celsius above preindustrial levels.

U.S. President Donald Trump said in June that he decided to pull the United States out of this landmark global pact.

Italy’s northwest regions engulfed in wildfires

I

taly’s northwest areas remained on high alert for fire danger when wildfires devastated the Piedmont region at the border with France since Oct. 10, spreading to the nearby Lombardy region, the Italian Fire Department said on Monday .

“Up to mid-Monday, fire-fighters were at work in 11 areas between the provinces of Turin and Cuneo in Piedmont, and in at least four areas in Lombardy,’’ the department stated.

Interior Minister Marco Minniti chaired an emergency meeting with local authorities in Turin, capital of piedmont region, and was to call an-

other meeting in Lombardy’s city of Varese.

In the Susa Valley, where Turin metropolitan area lies, the situation appeared very critical on Sunday, and about 700 residents scattered in several hamlets were evacuated, including a care home for the elderly.

“Overall, some 502 fire-fighters have been deployed across 22 areas in Piedmont in the last 48 hours.

No fewer than eight of them suffered from smoke intoxication so far, but no other casualties were reported,’’ local authorities said.

Piedmont submitted a state of

emergency request to the central government on Oct. 27.

According to the regional government, when a state of maximum alert due to fire danger was declared on Oct. 10, some 130 wildfires spread across the region, devastating no less than 2,000 hectares of land.

Overall, some 2,000 fire-fighters and civil protection officers, plus 2,200 volunteers, and 500 emergency vehicles were deployed.

The situation appeared to be worsening in Lombardy, due to wildfires combined with a prolonged lack of rain.

UNICEF says 1,800 unaccompanied refugee children in Greece need proper shelter

T

Macron signs antiterrorism law as state of emergency lapses

F

rench President Emmanuel Macron has signed a controversial security law that the government says is needed to combat terrorism once “a state of emergency’’ expires on Wednesday.

The law signed on Monday would enshrine some modified emergency powers into ordinary law.

France has been under a state of emergency extended several times, since terrorist attacks claimed by the Islamic State extremist group killed 130 people in Paris on Nov. 13, 2015.

The new law has been criticised

by France’s rights ombudsman as well as rights groups but the government says it is necessary to allow the state of emergency to lapse.

Speaking after Macron signed the law into effect, government spokesman Christophe Castaner noted that the state of emergency had been in place for almost two years.

“The threat is still there.

“The new law allows authorities to restrict the movements of persons suspected of terrorist links and to search properties.

“It also empowers them to close places of worship where extremist ideas are propagated,’’ he said.

The Senate amended the initial government draft to ensure that those powers would expire automatically at the end of 2020.

Rights ombudsman Jacques Toubon said the proposed powers would allow the freedom of individuals to be restricted on the basis of suspicions or attitudes rather than as punishment for offences.

Over 230 people have been killed since early 2015 in France in a succession of attacks by Islamist extremists.

The civil protection councillor told local media ahead of the scheduled meeting with Minniti, the interior minister that the regional government would plan to file a request for the state of emergency as well.

Fires were affecting areas across five different municipalities, including Varese and Como near the border with Switzerland.

A report said four helicopters, two Canadair water-dropping planes dispatched from the central government, and a third one from Croatia were being deployed for aerial firefighting in Lombardy.

• Girls attend a class at their school, damaged by a recent Saudi-led coalition air strike, in the Red Sea port city of Hodeidah, Yemen Photo: Al-jazeera.

Kenyans await Odinga response to Kenyatta poll victory

K

enyans waited on Tuesday for the response of opposition leader Raila Odinga to President Uhuru Kenyatta’s victory in the Oct. 26 election.

Odinga, a veteran politician who has now lost his fourth election, is expected to give his first reaction to Kenyatta’s Monday night victory in a speech to loyalists from his Luo tribe some time after 8 a.m.

“We are just waiting for Baba to speak,” said Desmond Litava, an Odinga supporter in Kawangware, a restive slum in the capital, Nairobi, using a term of respect for the leader.

In the worse case, Odinga could call for his supporters to take to the streets, unleashing chaos in cities such as Nairobi and Kisumu to the detriment of the already struggling economy.

After a disputed election in 2007, around 1,200 people were killed in clashes between rival ethnic gangs that also led to a prolonged slump in the region’s biggest and most important economy.

On the other hand, Odinga could limit his appeal to the courts, as he did in 2013, and yield to diplomatic pressure to engage in post-election ‘national dialogue’ with his arch political rival.

The announcement of Kenyatta’s victory, by a margin of 98 per cent due to an Odinga boycott on the grounds the election was not free or fair, provoked anger in pro-Odinga slums, whose residents burnt tire barricades and threw rocks at police.

Anti-riot officers responded with

volleys of tear gas, in scenes that have been common in Nairobi’s slums and Odinga strongholds in western Kenya since the first attempt at an election on Aug. 8.

That vote was annulled by the Su-

preme Court on the basis of procedural irregularities in the vote-tallying.

Odinga argued that the re-run was also flawed because of a failure to replace key officials of the election commission.

UN to hold sustainable development forum in Bahrain

U

N on Monday said over 1,000 business leaders, government officials and academics will converge at a UN forum Tuesday in Bahrain to strengthen global partnerships for the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

The three-day Forum, to be held by the UN Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO), in partnership with the government of Bahrain, will offer a unique opportunity to promote entrepreneurship and innovation to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

The Forum also includes a number of key events on the Maritime-Continental Silk Road; investing for global impact; women in industry; private sector engagement for implementing SDGs; promoting inclusive investment in Africa; and forging partnerships between entrepreneurs.

“As our world gets more interconnected, no one country or region can meet development challenges on its own,’’ President of the UN General Assembly, Miroslav Lajcak, who will be attending the World Entrepreneurs Investment Forum, said.

It would also focus the role of female entrepreneurs, partnerships for development, and the implications for achieving the 2030 Agenda, in particular SDG 9 on industry, innovation and infrastructure.

wo-thirds of almost 3,000 unaccompanied refugee and migrant children in Greece are not receiving proper shelter and care, the UN Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has warned in a news release on Monday.

There are now some 1,800 unaccompanied children waiting for a place in shelter, living in open sites, reception centres, or who are otherwise stranded on the islands or in de facto detention centres.

Laurent Chapuis, Country Coordinator for UNICEF’s refugee and migrant response in Greece, said some of these children are even living on the streets, and the approaching winter is adding to the risk.

“Children stranded without families should have proper shelter, care and protection, and there are solutions that could make this a reality for them.

“Children are particularly vulnerable at night without proper safeguards in place.

“Delays of up to five months in transferring children from the islands to the mainland are compounding their emotional and mental strain,’’ Chapuis said.

According to him, UNICEF is also calling for urgent policy and legal reforms to strengthen community-based care after years of economic hardship in Greece.

“For those children who have family elsewhere in Europe, UNICEF is urging other European countries to step up family reunification,’’ he added.

The news releases noted that the Greek authorities and their partners have made tremendous efforts in responding to the needs of children and families.

“The recent surge in the refugee and migrant arrivals has led to further overcrowding and deteriorating living conditions in island camps, with some reception facilities hosting twice as many as they were designed for,’’ it added.

In September, there were over 5,700 arrivals in Greece compared to an estimated 3,080 arrivals a year earlier.

The Oracle Today Wednesday November 8, 2017

POLITICS

SARS has never kidnapped Why Security operatives or robbed anyone aborted PANDEF meeting – Fakorede in Port Harcourt Pg 12

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Pg 14

‘Ijaw will resist any attempt to humiliate President Jonathan’ Activist and social commentator, Hon. Kennedy Orubebe, a founding member of Federated Niger Delta Izon Communities (FNDIC), is bitter over the state of the nation. The activist and social commentator, who is also a member of Pan Niger Delta Elders Forum(PANDEF) in this interview with EMMANUEL OGOIGBE in Warri, urged President Muhammadu Buhari to commission the Maritime University at Okerenkoko, warning, however, that any attempt to arrest ex President Goodluck Jonathan will be fiercely resisted. Excerpts How would you react to the war of words between Aso Rock and former President Jonathan’s family?

When you say war of words, it depends on what you mean. I know that Dr. Jonathan made a statement recently saying that Buhari’s government is fond of telling lies.

Apart from that, Jonathan had not in any way been criticizing Buhari’s government.

I vehemently say that if they make the mistake of arresting Jonathan, it will not augur well for the present government. We know that past presidents and Heads of State in the country had committed a lot of atrocities against this country and nobody raised an eyebrow. I repeat, if Buhari’s government makes any attempt to arrest President Jonathan, it will not be taken kindly, particularly by the Ijaws.

On the other hand, Dr. Jonathan should also keep to the golden rule of silence. He should quietly call on President Buhari and discuss issues with him because I have never seen former President castigating the incumbent president. Even Chief Olusegun Obansajo who is very out-spoken keeps to that rule. He does visit President Buhari and irons out issues with him, so, Jonathan too should emulate that kind of idea because he was there and should maintain that golden rule of silence as a former president.

But, what if they go ahead and arrest Jonathan?

I know for sure that Buhari’s government will not arrest Jonathan. So, let’s leave it at that. But, in case it happens, the entire Niger Delta will boil and Buhari will not be comfortable wherever he is. In fact, government should not think of that at all, although Jonathan ignored his people when he was in power and developed the North.

Be that as it may, let government remember that he (Jonathan) came from somewhere because he remains our son no matter what. If government wants to make any arrest, they should start from the past president and Head of State that did something unconstitutionally against this country.

I remember that Chief Obansajo’s name was mentioned in the Halliburton scandal; so, they should not think of arresting Dr. Jonathan because it will back fire seriously against them.

The Igbo want Biafra but the government is saying no and even went on to proscribe IPOB. What is your reaction to this?

The struggle by the Igbo is as a result of long neglect. Let me use the word alienation. Besides, they have been told to their face that they are not Nigerians, going by the quit notice Arewa Youths gave Ndigbo in the North. When you tell an entire tribe that you will have nothing to do with them because they did not vote for you, that is alienation; when you refuse to give them representative appointements becaue you say they did not vote for you, that is alienation.

When Buhari came in and shared posi-

•Former President, Jonathan tions to other ethnic groups but gave the slot meant for the Igbo to the North, it means alienation. Look at the recent appointment in NNPC; the Igbo were not given any slot. In fact, he is indirectly telling them that they are not Nigerians. And when the Igbo youths came to say that they want their own Republic he labelled them terrorists.

He (Buhari) has been unfair to the Igbo, especially in the sharing of the national cake. I see no reason why they should not be allowed to go their way because they have been oppressed for too long.

The federal government has promised that the Maritime University in Okerenkoko will take off in October this year. But, it seems it may not be feasible. What is your reaction?

Well, the Ijaw as a nation is still very hopeful that the University will commence this session, but now we don’t know what is delaying it. The sincerity of the federal government is not in doubt if what they promised is anything to go by. I remember vividly that the commissioning of the University is among the 16-point agenda given to the Federal Government by the Pan Niger Delta Elders’ Forum (PANDEF), which has been accepted by government. But, there is a bit

•Hon. Orubebe of doubt why that promise has not been fulfilled because this is October and nothing seems to be happening; in fact, it gives a lot of concern. You know that Ijaw people are peace-loving people, so, we are waiting patiently.

I remember when the Niger Delta Avengers took up arms, the inauguration of the university was one of the basic things they requested. Initially, the Minister of Transport, Hon. Rotimi Amaechi was against the Maritime University but elders and leaders in Ijaw land kicked against it and came up with the 16-point agenda. However, we are just patiently waiting to see how the issue can materialize. We are very hopeful.

What do you have to say about issues concerning Jonathan’s wife Patience’s case with the EFCC that is still lingering?

Well, those issues are still in court. She won some of the cases and even the National Assembly has ruled that her accounts should be de-frozen. The simple truth is that, if an offence has been committed by her, let the accusers come out to prove their case and not to be going after her. For instance, all the media attacks on her by the EFCC is not good. All the cases they have preferred against some Nigerians were thrown out and they will go and smear the

person on the pages of newspapers with a lot of falsehood. In fact, this unwarranted display of media or newspaper trial, should be condemned and I advise EFCC to face their job squarely. Imagine, they have been losing virtually all the cases they have so far taken to court. Their actions are based on media propaganda; they should face issues constitutionally and legally.

In retrospect, government through the military arrested some high court judges alleged to be corrupt, was that action justified?

In fact, that action was totally condemnable. We are in a civilized society, so, the issue of arrest at that level should be done in a civilized manner. That aspect of arresting serving judges at that unholy hour was too crude. By the end of the day, most of the cases were won by the judges. That action was very bad even though the constitution says a suspect can be arrested at any time but that unholy hour was like a resort to jungle justice. It made the international community ridicule us.

Sir, how do you react to the deployment of Operation Crocodile Smile 2 to Niger

Cont’d on page 15

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The Oracle Today Wednesday November 8, 2017

BOLD & BLUNT

SARS has never kidnapped

HOW would describe your experience as a police officer serving in Rivers State?

Well, it has been a worthwhile experience in patriotism. I consider it an experience in service to my fatherland, an experience in brotherhood and a worthy experience in helping those who are vulnerable in the society. There is no greater joy than to be there for the needy, for people who need help and for people who are in distress. The action of the Police is to make a difference in the life of a family, society and nation at large. It is has been a rewarding experience for me. I have been privileged to serve in Nigeria and outside Nigeria, in Africa and outside Africa. Policing is about one thing, globally: saving lives, protecting people and creating order for the general good. And that is something to be thankful for.

Chief Superintendent of Police, CSP Akin Fakorede, is the Commander of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad, SARS, in the Rivers State Police Command. Fakorede who has served the Nigeria Police for 26 years, spoke with NATH OMAME, Jr. on many issues relating to the operations of the anti-robbery squad.Excerpts:

Considering the negative perception of the public about SARS, what really is the duty and responsibility of SARS in the Nigeria Police?

The SARS unit is created to respond to extreme violent crimes in the society. The unit is tasked with combating armed robbers and criminals using extreme violence to have their way. That is breaking the law in a very violent manner. SARS is a specialised team designed to give muscle to the rest of our colleagues carrying out regular policing activities in the society. Policing is actually not supposed to be a violent action because you are dealing with your citizens.

The Police are supposed to be a friendly security arm of government. Our people are not supposed to be the enemy of the Police.

Even the vilest of us is still not regarded as an enemy because he or she is still one of us, a citizen of our state and country, so you are expected to be civil and professional in dealing with them. The criminal is still a citizen of our country, so, you are expected to treat them properly as fellow citizens.

But in dealing with some of these criminals, they become enemies of the state.

How do such criminals become enemies of the state?

A criminal who kills a citizen of the state is an enemy of the state. Those who are involved in kidnapping and killing their victims are enemies of the state. In such a situation, we are expected to respond in a very tough manner, too. And it is in these situations that SARS comes in to give the required support and bring the situation under control.

There are complaints that your operatives are arresting people because they keep beards or have tattoos on their body. Is that also part of the operational methodology of SARS? Our society is dynamic. Some of the things we do now were not part of us 10 years ago.

Things change; people change and society changes, too. Every society tries to deal with threats that emanate from time to time.

In Rivers State, one of the challenges that we have been trying to deal with are the activities of secret cult members. In fact, the Rivers State House of Assembly has actually passed a law stating that the mere membership of some secret cult is a crime against the state. Secret cult is really a worrisome issue for us. It threatens the very fabric of our society. It is so sad that you have children in primary schools being initiated into cult groups in Rivers State. And we cannot allow that.

How do you identify members of these cult groups?

In the past, you hear about adults who belonged to certain secret cult groups, but even that these adults were not violent people. They went about their activities, peacefully. They were just associations of people with like minds. We hear of Freemasons; they are not violent people. You hear

•CSP Akin Fakorede about them and there is nothing more to it. But things have changed. Now, a group of people will invade a community and kill innocent people in the name of cultism. So, it is a legal and moral obligation on our part as law enforcement agencies to bring this insanity to an end.

Now, in the course of dealing with these groups we found out that they have certain identification marks either in the apparels they were, or have some drawings or tattoos on their bodies; some insignia of some sort. Sometimes it may be a bow and arrow; sometimes cross swords; or even a bird, or some kind of features tattooed on their bodies. It is our duty as law enforcement agencies to identify these people and rein them in for questioning.

What of those who just want to keep beards or have tattoos on their bodies?

Some people with beards or tattoos who are not cult members have been arrested by men from your unit and such people have had to bail themselves from your custody with plenty of money. Is that fair?

One of the provisions of our laws is that the Police have a duty to suspect and to act on reasonable suspicion. A Police man can call you up for questioning if he or she has reasonable grounds to suspect you.

Can growing a beard or having a tattoo amount to reasonable suspicion?

Of course, yes! Having a tattoo may amount to reasonable suspicion depending on what the person is being invited for.

Having a tattoo could mean the person in

question may belong to a cult group. Having a beard can be overlooked, but having some particular tattoos could mean membership of certain cult groups, so, we can invite such persons for closer investigation, and they are released once we are convinced that they do not belong to any cult group.

There is no law that says one should not keep bears or have tattoos on their bodies, but we have found in our environment that one of the ways of identifying cultists are the insignias on their bodies. In any event, if you are invited and we discover that you do not belong to any cult group, we let you go unconditionally. But, we are going to invite you and ask you some questions.

The methodology of SARS in the state has

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The Oracle Today Wednesday November 8, 2017

BOLD & BLUNT

or robbed anyone – Fakorede

always come under harsh criticisms by members of the public. Are you not aware that some of your men demand bribe from innocent people?

We cannot deny that these things happen.

One of the things the Force has done is to identify corruption as an issue that the Force needs to tackle head-on. The Inspector-General of Police has created several platforms to tackle the issue of corruption in the Force. The Police have multiple platforms for members of the public to make their complaints. We have already accepted that corruption is an issue that we need to deal with in the Police Force. The federal government has also created several platforms to handle the issue of corruption, and such platforms include the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC; the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission, ICPC; the Police and other law enforcement agencies.

In dealing with corruption the first place to start from is our homes. We must learn to fight corruption in our homes. Let us deal with ourselves, first. Nigerians agree that corruption is one of the challenges we have as a nation. But the question is what are you doing about it?

How often do you re-train your officers to keep them abreast of global best practices in policing?

Training and re-training is a continuous process in the Police. And it is not restricted to officers. The police organises regular training across board for all Police personnel. Training is a continuous thing. We recognise training as a key aspect of improving our performance. No matter how good you are at what you do, you need periodic training to catch up with the latest technology.

But, no matter how much you try, in a Police Force of almost 500, 000 personnel, you are bound to have some persons who will default and there is nothing you can do about that because it is an organisation made up of human beings and not angels.

How do you track down hardened criminals that may not have been arrested but are on your wanted list?

Well…one of the reasons we pick up suspected persons for investigation and interrogation is that we have a database of criminals. In some cases, suspects are picked up for profiling to determine if such a person is on our wanted list. Anyone that is called in by the Police and has no criminal history and adjudged not be connected with a crime under investigation is duly released and allowed to go unconditionally.

Do the Police pay compensation for the rights of those who have been unjustly detained by the Police?

We have even paid compensations running into millions of Naira when the court in its wisdom and judgment felt that the Police had committed an infraction on some one’s human rights. I was the head of our legal department at that time. The court had to even garnishee our account, stating how much to be taken from our account to pay judgment debt. What some people want is simply an apology. And the role of apology is even in one of our procedural laws, which demand that a public officer of high ranking should tender an apology if the right of a citizen is violated. And we are humble enough to do that. Sometimes, we even go to the homes of the victim and we apologise for the wrong we have done.

We are not perfect. And in having to deal with multiple situations mistake happens in the form of wrong judgment, sometimes misinformation.

Why do policemen on checkpoint duty take to flight when armed robbers or criminals are operating and shooting sporadically,

Training and retraining is a continuous process in the Police. And it is not restricted to officers. The police organises regular training across board for all Police personnel.

”

killing people?

If policemen take to flight when criminals are operating, it can be attributed to one of two reasons: the policemen do not have adequate information as to the strength, capacity, and the preparedness of the armed robbers or criminals so it makes sense to call for re-enforcement and you do that all the time. The policemen will come back more prepared with additional re-enforcement.

We have not enlisted people in the police to go and commit suicide. If there is a problem, there must be several solutions. And one of the solutions the world over is to call for backup. If you go to the scene of crime and the firepower is much, the best thing to do is to call for backup. The backup will be provided and the problem will be dealt with.

Does SARS intervene in family matters: husband and wife?

No, we don’t get involved in family matters. Any SARS operatives found engaging in settling family disputes will be dealt with appropriately. Civil matters are not within our core responsibilities.

Why doesn’t SARS respond during the commission of violent crimes?

That is the way it is all over the world.

And why is this so? This is how the mind of the criminal works: the first thing a criminal does when about to commit a crime is to look to the left and right to make sure that there is no law enforcement officer around.

The Police can only get to the scene after the crime has been committed. The best we can do is to endeavour to respond in good time because the response time is also key because the purpose of combating crime is defeated if your response is not quick enough.

Governor of Rivers State, Nyesom Wike, alleged recently that SARS (operating with exhibit vehicles) is behind most of the armed robberies and kidnapping incidents taking place in the state. What is your reaction to his allegation as the officer incharge of SARS in the state?

SARS has never kidnapped or robbed any one to the best of my knowledge. If there is any such incident, the victim is encouraged to come forward with verifiable evidence for investigation by the authorities. SARS does not use exhibit vehicles but under cover vehicles for special under cover patrol which is a policing standard practice all over the world.

The governor further alleged that SARS operatives under your command were intercepted by the Inspector-General of Police, IGP X –Squad, and that your men had taken one Ifeanyi, allegedly abducted by your men to a Fidelity Bank ATM to withdraw N500, 000 as ransom. He also said “one SARS operative was killed during the shootout with the IGP’s Special Squad while Inspector Nyeche, who led the IGP’s team, was injured.” Did your men at any time engage

the IGP’s X-Squad in a shoot-out that led to the death of one of your operative?

The allegation of interception and taking suspect to the bank is false. No suspect was taken to any bank. Any one making such allegations should please produce evidence of cash withdrawal from the bank. This narrative is an afterthought designed to fit into the pictures being painted. Suspects were arrested at a criminal hideout at Orazi, where a proper search was conducted and a search warrant executed by the suspects and the operatives. How can a suspect who endorsed a search warrant turn round to allege he was kidnapped? Does it make sense?

He further alleged that SARS Commander, Akin Fakorede, was planted in the state to sabotage the security architecture of Rivers State and create an atmosphere of fear. As the commander of SARS in the state, how do the allegations affect you?

The allegations are completely false. Very many false allegations have been made against other high profile personalities.

The governor also showed the photograph of a SARS operative killed during the shootout with the IGP X-Squad. What is the name of the operative that was killed? And If so where and how?

The operative by name Inspector Fyneboy Nnam was killed in the line of duty at a crime scene. And the circumstances surrounding his death are being investigated properly and independently by the appropriate police department.

How would you refer to the rate of crime in Rivers State since you resumed as the commander of SARS? The rate of crime in Rivers State is not different from that of any other state. It is a challenge and we are dealing with it. We need to encourage our citizens that the task of preventing and combating crime is the responsibility of all of us: it is a partnership.

It is not a task that should be left solely for the security agencies. All citizens should be involved in the process of curbing crime and criminality. The fact remains that the people are the greatest asset of the Police. We talk about community policing because it is not possible for the Police to be everywhere at the same time. Good enough, the advent of modern technology has made crime prevention a lot easier than it was in the past.

Recently, the Police launched an application known as the Hawkeye, which makes it easier for members of the public to transmit relevant information to the Police without disclosing their identities. Hawkeye will enable us get more feeds from our citizens from even the remotest creeks and crannies.

Criminals by their very nature try to hide what they do. The beauty of Hawkeye is that our citizens can see what the Police cannot see. The Police will be able to tackle crime more effectively with the cooperation of our citizens. Even those of us in the security agencies also need our families to be protected. So, security involves all citizens in the country. Crime control is far more effective when there is a partnership with the public. Remember that the Policeman out on the street is somebody’s father, husband and brother.

Is SARS supposed to be involved in stop and search?

It is our duty to strive to prevent the occurrence of robbery, kidnapping, rape and other violent crimes in the society. Since you cannot always prevent crime, the next line of action is detection. So, stop and search enables you to prevent crime from happening. The security agencies have prevented a lot of crimes from taking place through the stop and search routine. The Police have discovered and confiscated weapons through stop and search on the roads. Every bullet

recovered is one life saved.

Why do SARS operatives drive against traffic?

One of the duties of policing is to respond effectively to distress calls. If you don’t respond on time, then, the purpose of your intervention is defeated. Police teams may have to drive against traffic to ensure they get to the spot where the crime is taking place on time to prevent t damage. The purpose of the intervention would have been defeated if the Police gets to the scene after the damage has been done. And that is the practice the world over. The effectiveness of a Police organization is determined by how quickly you are able to respond to distress calls. It is unlikely that any Police officer will want to drive against traffic in his personnel car.

Can a member of the public report to the police high command any policeman seen driving against traffic?

Of course, yes! You can report him because he has violated the law. Law enforcement agents are not above the law. We have no immunity. We are all subjected to the laws of the country.

Does SARS torture suspects to glean confessional statements from them?

No. Some of these complaints about torture are mostly exaggerated. Torture is not allowed in standard Police practice. Torture is prohibited in the Police. What we do is to interrogate suspects.

Why don’t SARS operatives have nametags on their uniforms?

We need to protect the identity of our operatives from criminals who are extremely dangerous. SARS operatives are human beings like you, too. And they have families, too.

Kidnapping of all the passengers in a bus and the driver is becoming rather frequent along the Elele-Isiokpo and the OgbakiriEmohua axis of Rivers State. What do you think is responsible for this trend?

We have increased surveillance and stop and search at checkpoints along the road.

Our investigations have revealed that there is implicit connivance between some of the drivers and the kidnappers in some cases.

Passengers should not allow drivers to stop at lonely spot should any of the passengers in the bus say he is pressed and want to urinate. The other passengers should insist that the driver stops at an open place where human activity is fairly noticeable. And we have also spoken the leaders of transport unions to inform their members to stop only at designated car parks.

Have your investigations revealed any connivance between policemen at checkpoints and kidnappers who abduct passengers along these flashpoints?

We have not received any report to that effect and we have no reason to suspect any collusion between policemen on checkpoints and kidnappers. However, we are willing to listen to complaints from members of the public. We believe there is no such thing. Any policeman doing that is living on borrowed time.

What exactly would you say is the appropriate uniform for SARS operatives?

SARS dress code is black top upon black trousers. Our colours are black because of the dangerous and difficult terrain that we operate in. SARS operatives are mostly on the field--in bushes, forests and, and at times, in the creeks.

Can SARS operatives be used for debt collection?

No.

14

The Oracle Today Wednesday November 8, 2017

POLITICS

Why Security operatives aborted PANDEF meeting in Port Harcourt Last week, a scheduled meeting of the Pan Niger Delta Elders Forum (PANDEF) was aborted security operatives who cordoned off the Hotel Presidential, Port Harcourt venue of the meeting. From Port Harcourt, NATH OMAME Jr. reports.

T

HE cacophony of voices that trailed the publicised General Assembly of leaders of the Pan Niger Delta Elders Forum (PANDEF), scheduled to hold at Hotel Presidential on Thursday, October 26, played out on the morning of the event. At 5.am, security operatives drawn from the Police and the Department of State Security (DSS), cordoned off the venue of the meeting. Police operational vehicles were parked in front of the two main gates leading into and out of the Hotel Presidential.

Made up elders, leaders and some traditional rulers in the Niger Delta, PANDEF has been operating under the leadership of interim leaders led by First Republic Minister of Information, Chief Edwin Kiagbodo Clark. The botched meeting, it was learnt, was called to, among other matters, review the constitution and elect officers to lead the group. Clark has been the interim chairman of the association.

The security operatives prevented hundreds of those who had come for the meeting from entering the venue. Members of the group who came in groups by chartered buses were seen standing beside the buses they came in for the event. Human rights and civil society advocates, including traditional rulers were also not allowed into the Hotel Presidential premises. Visitors who had come to see guests lodging in the hotel were directed by the security operatives to go through the back gate.

Former Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Obong Victor Attah, co-chairman of PANDEF was absent at the meeting and no reason was given for this. There were murmurings before the expanded meeting slated to be held in Port Harcourt, that there were divisions in the group, bothering on style of leadership. Some militants’ in the Niger Delta have also accused the group of working solely for the interest of the group rather than for the general good of the region.

Chief Clark said most of those invited for the meeting, were lodged in Hotel Presidential and that the meeting went on, nonetheless, even with the presence of security men around the venue.

“We were able to hold the meeting because most of our members were booked into Hotel Presidential. Those of us in the hotel were about a 100. So, we squeezed ourselves in our rooms and along the corridors to hold our meeting. We are still wondering why the government did what it did,” Clark said.

He stressed: “The action of the security operatives is very disturbing. It is unacceptable to us. It sets a bad precedent. It is a fragrant affront on our constitutional right to assemble peacefully as a people.

It is worrisome because meetings by other leaders in other geo-political regions have not been aborted by security agencies in this manner.”

Leader of PANDEF in Rivers State, Chief Anabs Sara-Igbe accused the federal government of being insensitive and unappreciative of the efforts of the leaders, pointing out that the action could stir up problems in the region.

For her part, Ms. Ankio Briggs, an environmental rights activist and member of PANDEF suggested that the group should admit more people into their fold.

She explained that many ethnic groups in the region are not happy about the activities of the group because they feel that the association as currently constituted does not adequately represent their collective interest in its deliberations with the federal government.

Secretary-General of PANDEF, Ledum Mitee, who said there was no justification for the action of security operatives in cordoning off the venue of the meeting, maintained that the group called the meeting to discuss issues affecting the growth and development of the region. He added that the leaders of PANDEF had intervened last year to stop oil and gas as well as other critical national assets from being attacked by aggrieved Niger Delta militants.

“The action of security agents sends a very conflicting message because on October 1, the president was commending leaders of Niger Delta for their constructive role in ensuring peace in the region.

And now less than a month after, there is a clampdown on the leaders of the Niger Delta. I don’t think it is the best approach,” Mitee said, adding: “In fact, it is more in the national interest for PANDEF to meet and discus than to stop PANDEF from meeting. When people talk of national interest, you are talking about interest of the citizens of this country. So, national interest cannot just be one thing that you can call as such when you want to clamp down on citizens. Members of PANDEF are nationals of this country.”

Mitee, however, resigned as the secretary-general of PANDEF on the eve of the meeting.

“I have resigned as secretary-general of PANDEF. I resigned on principle. I just felt I should leave. I was at the meeting and saw that the place has been barricaded. I don’t know much about what happened after I left. I told them I had to leave as secretarygeneral of the body. I felt I could no longer continue. I felt I could no longer function and I left. I am a person who does things on principle. We hold the hopes and aspirations of many people unborn. So, we have to be very careful,” Mitee said.

Prof. Lucky Akaruese, a prominent member of PANDEF who condemned the action of security operatives said he left when he was not allowed into the venue of the meeting by armed security operatives that had sealed off the venue, asking members to leave as the meeting would no longer hold as scheduled.

President Youth Wing of PANDEF, Famous Daunemigha also insisted that the meeting of the body held despite efforts by security operatives to abort it.

“We just ended the meeting. They tried to frustrate us, but we later went in and had a meeting. We don’t know who wants to frustrate us. It is just that the security apparatus said some militants were threatening. I have told the military personnel that as far as I am concerned, those who made the statement threatening PANDEF are laptop militants,” Daunemigha said.

“The RNDA is a laptop group and we don’t know them, we don’t recognise any of the members. We had our meeting and we had resolutions. We are a strong plat-

•Chief Edwin Kiagbodo Clark

We were able to hold the meeting because most of our members were booked into Hotel Presidential. Those of us in the hotel were about a 100. So, we squeezed ourselves in our rooms and along the corridors to hold our meeting.

”

form and if some people are trying to misbehave, we will not join issues with them.”

National Leader of the Pan Niger Delta Peoples’ Congress, His Royal Majesty, Pere Charles Ayemi Botu, Paramount ruler, Siembiri Kingdom, claimed that people of the Niger Delta had rejected PANDEF led by Chief E.K Clark.

He fumed: “Chief Clark is using the platform to launder his image after the collapse of the last administration where he was foster father to former President Goodluck Jonathan. The same militants that conferred legitimacy on PANDEF withdrew it and warned that the meeting should not hold else they would resume hostilities in the region.

“The youths have asked PANDEF leadership to step aside yet they are grandstanding. The leader of the group, Chief E.K. Clark wants to use the body to launder his image after the Jonathan era. He should quietly go to Kiagbodo, his country home, to rest in retirement and offer advice. The boys had threatened to resume hostilities in the region if the meeting held because they don’t have confidence in the E.K Clarkled PANDEF leading the region.

“The Reformed Niger Delta Avengers (RNDA) and other agitators made it clear that they have lost confidence in the E.K Clark-led PANDEF. It is shocking that PANDEF still went round soliciting for support from states. I am the leader of the newly formed Pan Niger Delta Peoples’ Congress (PNDC), with support from all genuine Niger Deltans. We are going to ensure that the region grows into another Dubai.”

Police Public Relations Officer, Rivers State Police Command, DSP Nnamdi Omoni, stated that security agencies received security reports that some groups that were against the leadership of the group had planned to cause mayhem at the venue of the meeting and the security agencies acted in the interest of the public to prevent a breakdown of law and order.

“We acted on intelligence that some people were planning to foment trouble at the venue of the meeting which would have put the lives of innocent people in the state at risk. So, the security acted in good faith. We embarked on a massive deployment of our men to the venue of the meeting and we did what we did to maintain public peace,” Omoni said.

15

The Oracle Today Wednesday November 8, 2017

POLITICS

Willie Obiano’s rough ride to re-election

By DESMOND EKWUEME

T

he history of governors seeking re-election in our clime has always been a tale of smooth ride back to power as they use the famous “power of incumbency” to muscle their way to second term. Just in a few cases or occasions have we witnessed upsets.

Oyo State waited until the coming of Abiola Ajimobi or do we say the demise of political maverick, the Late Alhaji Chief Lamidi Adedibu to change her course of history as far as governorship election in the state is concerned. The tradition has always been that no governor does a second term, not even the late Chief Bola Ige, the Cicero of Agodi, could.

Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso suffered a shocking defeat in Kano when his former Commissioner, Ibrahim Shekarau defeated him.

Ndi Imo voted Ikedi Ohakim out when he sought r-election, and stood solidly behind Owelle Rochas Okorocha. In Edo, Adams Oshiomhole ousted Oserhiemen Osunbor even as the latter had spent about a year in office before the Appeal Court stopped his administration and in Ekiti, Ayo Fayose swept aside Kayode Fayemi who also sent Segun Oni packing. These, among others, are a few records of new comers dislodging second term seekers.

Aside these, sitting governors have always enjoyed a stroll to second term. They hardly break any sweat to “repeat class”-apologies Babatunde Raji Fashola. But the recent developments leading to the November 18 gubernatorial election in Anambra State are clear indications that it may not be that easy for incumbent governor, Willie Obiano despite the fact that majority of Ndi Anambra opine that he did well in his first term to deserve a second.

The open support by Obi of Onitsha, Igwe Nnanyelugo Alfred Nnaemeka Achebe as suggested by the body language of the Royal Father when one of the candidates, Osita Chidoka, a former Aviation Minister paid

him a visit in his palace, has kept tongues wagging over the chances of Obiano winning the November poll.

Again, the latest story that the governor has been continuously chased out of campaign grounds in Orumba by youths who claim that the governor does not deserve their votes since he did nothing for them in the last four years, is worrisome to his team.

Though, the governor’s media team says the irate youths were rented by his political opponents, close observers suggest that IPOB members were responsible for this action. In all, it points to the fact that Obiano may not be riding smoothly in his re-election agenda.

There is also the claim that Obiano’s major opponents may be plotting a major “coup” by aligning to convince their followers across the state to queue behind a particular candidate just to unseat Obiano. Added to this is the cold war between Obiano and his predecessor, Peter Obi who is on ground working “against” Obiano and seems bent on ensuring he does not get re-elected. The dirty story of N7. 5bn allegedly requested

by Obi as settlement for installing Obiano about four years ago, which has gone messier as both sides try to outwit the other via claims, accusations and counterclaims, is not helping Obiano since he seems distracted and is paying too much attention to Obi’s war rather than dealing with the real election issues. His team is worried that His Excellency has allowed the mind game to eat deep into his campaign and re-election bid as he continues to expend too much energy on the needless war, thus affecting the real battle.

An analyst sums it this way: “Obiano has allowed his drama with Peter Obi to make him look like the young antelope who dances herself lame before the real dance starts. He has spent so much energy and time fighting a needless war with Obi (who actually came at this point to distract him in a strong political strategy) when the major battle is ahead.”

•Obiano The campaigns in the last one week have been fierce as Obiano’s three major opponents Oseloka Obaze of PDP, Tony Nwoye of APC and Osita Chidoka of UPP have continued to speak almost with one voice rubbishing the perceived achievements of the governor. The pattern of the trio’s campaigns, according to experts, suggests that their secret talk is yielding fruit.

“The three major opponents of His Excellency are in secret talks. There could be a last minute team up to come up with a common candidate. Though all three would still contest, their members will be told to vote for one of the three. If this works out, the governor may not find it easy come November 18”, says a top government official.

What does that mean? It means that, for Governor Obiano, the time to dwell on real issues and focus less on Peter Obi is now.

He has to make his campaign more credible than it is at the moment. His Excellency must know that this re-election isn’t exactly an easy street for him.

Highlights or assumptions about the on-going re-election campaigns of the Obiano camp.

•Governor losing ground in campaigns •Distracted by cold war with Peter Obi •Paying too much attention on N7.5bn claim •It’s becoming a-four horse race • Alignment to oust Obiano in the offing •Nwoye, Obaze, Chidoka in secret talks

‘Ijaw will resist any attempt to humiliate President Jonathan’ ment is always doing things in a wrong way, having known that Nigerians no longer trust him.

Honestly, there is no need for Operation Delta? Don’t you think it is another ploy to attack innocent riverine dwellers, especially Crocodile Smile in the Niger Delta. the Ijaws?

When Operation Crocodile 1 was launched, Nigeria at 57: are we progressing or retrowe all saw what happened. The soldiers tak- gressing?

To me, Nigeria is moving round a vicious en to the creeks were practicing amphibious operation and some of them got drowned circle. At 57, Nigeria is still not progressing. I in the process but our youths were able to remember vividly what Mr. President said in his broadcast October 1st when he blamed save some of them from drowning.

However, the intention was to mop up the various sectional leaders for the woes arms, stop kidnapping and piracy. But, most besetting the country, especially the agitaof the issues should be handled by the Nige- tions from different quarters.

He advised that issues concerning restrucria Police, not the military. When military or soldiers are taken to the riverine area, it ag- turing and resource control that government had already laid down all the necessary gravates tension. structures to take care of them and went furA typical example was what happened at ther to say other things. What he said during the home of Nnamdi Kanu as tension en- his swearing wasthat he is for everybody but veloped the community that was peaceful. not for nobody. But the things happening At the moment everywhere is peaceful, but now corroborate that statement he made why should government deploy the military during his inauguration. Let’s take for example the agitation by IPOB goes to show that to cause tension?

Another worrisome issue is that the de- the south –east people have been neglected ployment of soldiers to primary and second- for too long in terms of provision of infraary schools to immunize them when people structure, federal appointment and to worsare skeptical about the genuineness of the en it all, he exerted his bitterness against the present government is insensitive, to say Igbos who he said did not vote for him. By the least. I don’t know why Buhari’s govern- that comment, he said that the Igbos should

Cont’d from page 11

not expect anything from him because they did not vote for him but having won the election, he then becomes the father of the nation; there should be no sectionalism, but Buhari is known to be sectional in terms of appointment because prominent Nigerians have now known that his appointments go to his cousins, nephews and relations. With all these inequalities being carried out by Mr. President, I beg to state that he is for some persons, especially the Hausas and Fulanis.

Take another aspect of it when he said that during his period in the Nigerian army, there were no violent youths like what he is seeing today. I can say without fear or favour that Igbo in the south-east are feeling bad that they have been regarded as non-Nigerians. To worsen it all, the quit notice given by Arewa to the Igbo in the North was not addressed by President Buhari in his Independence broadcast; he never saw anything wrong in that quit notice order; he never condemned them because they are his kinsmen. The next thing was to proscribe IPOB for no just cause. A lot of Nigerians and international community have cried out that IPOB or the agitators are not terrorists.

Again, saying that the unity of Nigeria is not negotiable is totally wrong; I want to say that the unity of Nigeria is negotiable.

For example, the present 1999 Constitu-

tion, which we are operating was given to us by the military and the military introduced what is known as Unitarianism and Unitarianism means taking power from everybody.

I wish to also recall that parts of the demands from Arewa youth are the proscription of IPOB and that the quest for Biafra Republic be taken to the National Assembly and I dare say that these demands by Arewa youths were contained in Buhari’s nationwide independence speech and the President is saying that the unity of Nigeria is not negotiable. These and many others make me believe that Nigeria is swimming in a vicious circle. If revenue is being shared among the 36 states of the Federation, the money being allocated to the North is far higher than the one going to the South, yet Mr. President is saying the unity of Nigeria is not negotiable.

That is what brought about the mounting calls for restructuring. I am afraid, the entire country is caged; there is no freedom in Nigeria.

What is the way forward?

The way forward is that everybody should go at his own pace. We need freedom because the youths should be given freedom to operate and without that, there will be violence.

16

The Oracle Today Wednesday November 8, 2017

INTERVIEW

What is the current level of equipment profile by the terminal operators?

The turnaround time reception of vessels and cargo has improved. We can see that in terms of the amount of cargo, we have been able to gain from our competitors. Actually, if not for the recession and banning of some commodities, Nigeria would have been ahead in tonnage. It is actually because you could see efficiency entrenched. We call on the government to actually supplement the efforts of the private sector in making sure these go along, but we still need competition. That is why the ports were concessioned. Competition is the key. We need the intra-port competition, also competition between ports, our competitors in neighbouring countries.

Talking about Executive Order, are some of these efforts by the Council part of the implementation of the Executive Order by the government?

Yes, we are central to executing the Executive Order. And we shall soon start a stakeholders’ engagement so that we are in tune.

I tell you it needs a lot of hands to tie it.

How has the Council been able to handle the issue of tariff imposed on shippers by shipping companies?

The issue of tariff is very important. We need to have a modern tariff system and we are working towards that, at least with the shipping companies. Now, tariff must be scientifically decided. We have to look at many factors. NSC has competence, well trained staff on tariff structure of the ports and we are looking at that. We are getting cooperation from the shipping companies who are actually desirous of establishing machinery for future tariff setting. We are looking at competitive tariffs. It can’t be all the same. But, we have the minimum and a maximum within which to give them leverage. So, this will emphasize the competition. We need to see that the shipper has option. The shipper has the choice to take his goods where he has economic advantage. So, it is a question of efficiency. It is an economic decision by the shipper to say, let my goods come to terminal A rather than Terminal B because I get the goods faster, I pay less, I have efficiency, I have many other advantages.

Bello: We shall introduce palliative measures to ease trade at ports With the statutory obligation to promote trade facilitation in the ports, the Executive Secretary/CEO, Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC), Barr Hassan Bello speaks on the efforts of the Council to achieve efficient port system. He talks on a variety of issues in the industry, particularly the gridlock in Apapa, and the palliative measures being planned to smoothen services. Special Correspondent, FRANCIS UGWOKE reports.

•Bello

The shipper has the choice to take his goods where he has economic advantage. So, it is a question of efficiency.

It is an economic decision by the shipper to say, let my goods come to terminal A rather than Terminal B because I get the goods faster, I pay less, I have efficiency, I have many other advantages.

How far has the Council gone in terms of getting refund from the shipping companies, which, were, on Appeal Court judgment, ordered to refund illegal charges they had collected over the years on shipping lines agency charges (SLAC)?

It is a court case in which the shipping companies have appealed to the Supreme Court.

The case is now in the Supreme Court and that is the situation for now. But, we are engaging stakeholders, the Ministry of Transportation is aware of this and also the Attorney General of the Federation. We in NSC are more interested in establishing machinery for objective tariff structure rather than some punitive issues actually. It is important that our tariffs are considerably competitive with tariffs in other neighbouring ports especially those ports we are competing with. All NSC is saying is not averse to raising tariffs or lowering them for that matter, but there are procedures. And these procedures are entrenched in the Nigerian laws, so we urge everybody to obey the law.

In effect, have the shipping companies stopped collecting those charges the Appeal Court ruled against?

Not effectively because it is a complicated

“

YOUR council is involved in promoting trade facilitation at the ports, how far has this been achieved?

So much has been achieved and more will continue to follow.

Shippers’ Council is providing a lot of support for all, and I know very soon, we will at least have the palliatives on the ground. NSC as a think-tank has provided permanent solution or will provide and suggest permanent solution, chief of which is the rail connections to the ports. Every port should be connected to the modern mode of transport.

We are also talking about the whole traffic management in Apapa and other ports to be established where we have the stage, the call system electronically controlled, so that we don’t have unwanted trucks….

It is a macro-economic thing; we have no business importing petroleum products.

Yes, we should concentrate on our refineries; the pipeline is a means of transportation. This should be enhanced. If we have the pipelines, the 2,000 to 3,000 petroleum trucks coming to Apapa will just disappear.

We should enhance the means of transportation, so if a port is connected with pipelines, a port is connected with rail, road, inland waterways, then you will not have traffic situation as we have and that will go to the efficiency of transport infrastructure. Not only the presence of infrastructure, they have to be modern, sustainable and they have to have connections with the economy. And that is why we are talking about linkages.

No infrastructure should stay alone. What we are trying to do in Shippers’ Council is to establish the Truck Transit Park (TTP), which will also have connections with the ports, and we could have a holding bay attached to that. Happy to announce that the Ogun State government has agreed and is going to allocate land to NSC for that purpose.

case in the sense that there is no stoppage of these things.

Can you talk about the progress made on the Inland Dry Ports (IDP) projects?

We have the activities of the IDPs rising.

One in Isiala Ngwa, they have just signed an agreement to commence construction, which should be done immediately and they have 18 months to do that. If they construct a port and we examine it together with international organizations, they will be accorded a Port of Origin and Destination status, which means you can consign your goods to the port from anywhere in the world. And it will be a port just like Apapa or Tin Can Island. For the Jos IDP also, a lot of progress has been made and the only thing we are having problem with is the rail line or its rehabilitation. In Funtua, a lot of activities are taking place towards construction. So, we are seeing some progress but we want that progress to even be more and in next few weeks, we shall take a holistic approach; we shall hold a meeting with the concessionaires. Don’t forget theses IDPs have already been concessioned and some state governments, Plateau State government, Kaduna State

government and Abia State governments have supported these projects and we have to be very thankful to them. We also have one in Benin City. We are looking at it and very soon, we will take the issue to ICRC because it is a Greenfield investment, so that we know the procedure and processes.

What about the launch of the Kaduna IDP? The Kaduna State government is constructing another road to the terminal. The state government is really a partner in that project.

So, until the road construction is completed, the launch will not take place?

We will do that, but goods are coming to Kaduna by rail now. Kaduna is our showcase and many people have visited. We are working with the Nigerian Railway Corporation to see the amount of goods they are bringing.

Could you also talk about the latest development on the Truck Transit Park projects?

That is another important transport infrastructure that will add a lot of value to the economy. As I have said, Ogun State government has given us land. We have two lands in Enugu and in Kogi. And we are now doing the exchange of titles to the NSC. But we have also advertised for Expression of Interest to people who want to run the TTPs. We are also talking with the ICRC as usual. And on the 9th of November, we are having a breakfast meeting with lending institutions and investors so that we will have a solid roadmap on how to go about this investment.

The Oracle Today

17

Wednesday November 8, 2017

BU$IN£SS •Energy •Finance

By SOPURUCHI ONWUKA

N

IGERIA’S mid to long term economic outlook may have been dimmed by the new borrowing plan under persistent implementation by the President Muhammadu Buhari led federal government.

With innumerable direct and indirect foreign loans, rising domestic debts, cash call debts and variegated funding arrangements that rule the operations of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), even the global funding agencies are raising concerns that Nigeria is overshooting her runway.

With domestic debt status of over N12.3 trillion, foreign debts profile of $15.05 billion and a borrowing plan for over $30 billion as at the end of June 2017, worries over post-2019 debt overhang have sparked a chorus of disapproval from both local and international stakeholders with the World Bank and International Monetary Fund (IMF) striking strident alarms for the government.

Besides, the country’s worsening balance of payment, uncongenial domestic environment for global investible funds, falling oil revenue, rising recurrent expenditure pattern and worsening cases of brazen corruption collectively amplify the gloomy outlook of a long term debt burdened economy for Nigeria.

Thus, the rising spate of public outcry over the moves by the federal government to take a series of local and foreign loans give expression to the fears among stakeholders that the present administration might be pushing the country back into the abyss of bankruptcy.

The president is currently seeking legislative approval to shop a $5.5 billion in a tranche of a $29.9 billion borrowing plan that would see the nation’s external debt shooting up by over $40 billion by 2019 when the current administration is scheduled to conclude first tenure in office.

President Buhari wrote the National Assembly seeking approval for issuance of $2.5 billion in International Capital Market through Eurobonds or a combination of Eurobonds and Diaspora bonds for the financing of the Federal Government of Nigeria’s 2017 Appropriation Act and capital expenditure projects in the Act. He also asked the legislature

•Stock

Buying (NGN)

POUNDS STERLING 402.6052 EURO 358.3555 SWISS FRANC 306.7747 YEN 2.6794 CFA 0.5283 WAUA 428.6507 YUAN/RENMINBI 45.8993 RIYAL 81.2602 SOUTH AFRICAN RAND 21.4272 DANISH KRONA 48.1384 SDR 429.4232 WAUA 428.5828

•Aviation

•e-Platform

Nigeria slides into debt abyss Nigeria Trade

Balance of Trade Exports Imports

Current Account Current Account to GDP Terms of Trade Foreign Direct Investment Capital Flows Gold Reserves Crude Oil Production Terrorism Index External Debt

Last

150316.90 243556.25 994272.95 1119604.78 843956.05 876048.53 1414.21 2911.17 -1.80 -3.10 101.69 104.87 853.87 1269.22 4341.73 -1277.50 21.37 21.37 1742.00 1562.00 9.31 9.21 15050.00 13807.59

for approval for issuance of “Eurobond in the ICM and/or loans syndication by the banks in the sum of $3.0 billion for refinancing of maturing domestic debts obligations of the Federal Government of Nigeria.”

Director General of the Debt Management Office (DMO), Mrs Patience Oniha, declared to the Senate that it would take between five to 30 years to service the new loans; but Finance Minister, Mrs Kemi Adeosun, insists that there is little qualms with the borrowing programme explaining that government aims to spend its way out of recession and on to the path of growth She added that Nigeria’s debt-toGDP ratio is one of the lowest at 19 per cent when compared to most advanced countries that have over 100 per cent.

“I am not saying we need to move to 100 per cent, but I am saying we need to tolerate a little more debt in the short-term,” she clarified.

Besides the loans captured in the fiscal borrowing plans, international finance analysts also point at some other indirect loans

Central Selling (NGN) (NGN) 403.2658 358.9435 307.278 2.6838 0.5383 429.354 45.9751 81.3935 21.4623 48.2174 430.1278 429.2862

403.9263 359.5314 307.7814 2.6881 0.5483 430.0573 46.0508 81.5268 21.4975 48.2964 430.8323 429.9896

Previous

Highest

Lowest

2177553.08 2648881.76 1554732.90 10383.67 32.80 160.25 3084.90 20302.97 21.37 2475.00 9.31 15050.00

-592200.72 NGN Million [+] 322.93 NGN Millions [+] 167.88 NGN Millions [+] -5695.27 USD Million [+] -18.70 percent [+] 49.48 Index Points [+] 501.83 USD Million [+] -15439.95 USD Million [+] 21.37 Tonnes [+] 675.00 BBL/D/1K [+] 3.86 [+] 3627.50 USD Million [+]

that feature against the country in terms of multilateral intervention projects executed by international funds.

For example, World Bank in its programme prospectus declares that it has financial commitments in Nigeria up to the tune of $4.33 billion between June 2015 and June 2017. Experts say that the project finance commitments by World Bank are actually loans that attract single digit interests.

The projects include $611 million Better Education Service Delivery for All; $350 million Nigeria - Kaduna State Economic Transformation Program-for-Results; $150 million Nigeria Mineral Sector Support for Economic Diversification Project (MinDiver); $200 million AgroProcessing, Productivity Enhancement and Livelihood Improvement Support Project; $200 million MultiSectoral Crisis Recovery Project for North Eastern Nigeria; and $320, 000 NEITI Reporting Compliance.

Other World Bank funded projects in Nigeria include the $500 million National Social Safety Nets Project; $100 million Nigeria: AF - State Education Program Investment Project; $75 million Commu-

•Tourism

Energy

•NNPC hands and feet in debts •Experts point at hidden debts

CBN EXCHANGE RATES OCTOBER 27, 2017 Currency

•Insurance

First E&P deploys BGP in offshore exploration P21

e-Platform

Unit

Aborted ICT varsity:

Will Shittu leverage broadband?

nity and Social Development AF-2; $100 million Nigeria Youth Employment and Social Support AF; and $125 million Additional Financing Nigeria State Health Investment Project.

The rest are $50 million Second Additional Financing to Third National Fadama Development Project; $125 million Additional Financing NG-Polio Eradication Support Project; and $200 million Third Lagos State Development Policy Operation.

Another example of covert loans includes government’s abdication of cash call funding commitments to the main cash cow, the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC).

Consequently, the corporation which is the expected to generate enhanced revenue for debt servicing appears to be also sinking into various operations debts as it enters into several credit funding arrangements that ultimately translate to loans.

Group Managing Director, Dr. Maikanti Baru, declared in a statement that the corporation’s estimated cumulative debt to its

P22

Aviation Aviation key to combating terrorism – ICAO P27

Cont’d on Page 20

Stock Market Highlights As At OCTOBER 27, 2017

Summary

ASI DEALS VOLUME VALUE CAP S/N FBNH FCMB DIAMONDBNK FIDELITYBK WEMABANK

36,462.26 3,968.00 250,893,672.00 3,008,132,030.82 12,619,481,251,643.94

Coy (By Volume) Volume 76,397,773 20,387,528 14,850,619 13,622,980 11,829,399

Value 473,887,657.90 21,833,946.06 15,448,401.03 22,582,140.53 5,914,699.50

5 Top Gainers Symbols NESTLE GUARANTY BOCGAS UAC-PROP MANSARD

Last Close 1200 41.7 3.96 2.58 1.93

Current Change 1230 30 42 0.3 4.15 0.19 2.7 0.12 2.02 0.09

5 Top Losers Symbols

Last Close

Current Change

TOTAL NB INTBREW FO UNILEVER

245 155 51.78 40.3 44

232.75 152 49.2 38.29 42.78

-12.25 -3 -2.58 -2.01 -1.22

The Oracle Today

18

Wednesday November 8, 2017

BUSINESS

Nigeria’s economic growth to rise by 3.4% in 2018 – IMF

By SAMSON AKINTARO

T

HE International Monetary Fund (IMF) has said it expected Nigeria and other Sub-Saharan Africa economic growth to accelerate to 3.4 per cent in 2018. Besides, growth in sub-Saharan Africa is expected to pick up to 2.6 percent in 2017 from 1.4 percent in 2016, according to the Fund’s latest Regional Economic Outlook for Sub-Saharan Africa report.

The IMF in the report noted that a recovery in oil production and a good harvest in Nigeria, as well as the easing of tensions in the Niger Delta accounts for more than half of the additional growth, adding that the policy environment has also started to improve. “Fiscal deficits are stabilizing and current account deficits are narrowing, partly reflecting a slight rebound in commodity prices. The global environment has also been supportive, with strengthening growth momentum in the largest economies, commodity prices off their troughs, and improved access for sub-Saharan African economies to international capital markets” it said.

IMF noted that one third of the economies, mostly in eastern and western Africa, continue to grow at a brisk pace of 5 percent or more. “But per capita incomes are expected to decline in 12 countries, home to 40 percent

of the region’s population or 400 million people,” said Abebe Aemro Selassie, Director of the IMF’s African Department.

“Public debt has been rising in the region. This is the case in those economies adjusting to the substantial commodity price shock and in many fast-growing economies. With debt now above 50 percent of GDP in half of the economies in the region, debt servicing costs have risen.

Growing exposure to the sovereign and the accumulation of domestic arrears have magnified pressures in the financial sector.

Moreover, while current account deficits have narrowed, international reserves are lower than desirable in many countries”.

Looking ahead, Mr. Selassie stressed that “the quest for recovery rests on strong and urgent policy action to address vulnerabilities and tackle constraints to growth”. “Many countries face a period of fiscal consolidation.

While this is already reflected in most sub-Saharan African countries’ medium-term strategies, experience shows that planned fiscal adjustments tend to be postponed; implementation needs to begin without delay if debt levels are not to increase sharply”.

IMF also noted that fiscal reforms can be designed to limit the adverse effect on growth and the most vulnerable. “Expe-

•From left: Diane Cote, Chief Risk Officer, London Stock Exchange Group (LSEG); Nikhil Rathi, Chief Executive Officer, London Stock Exchange (LSE) Plc; Oscar N. Onyema, OON, Chief Executive Officer, The Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE); Patience Oniha, Director General, Debt Management Office (DMO); His Excellency, Godwin Obaseki, Executive Governor, Edo State, Nigeria; Rt. Hon Priti Patel, Secretary of State for International Development, UK Government; Greg Davies, Group CFO Eco Bank and Ike Chioke, Group Managing Director, Afrinvest, during the 4th edition of the LSE/NSE Capital Market Conference, co-hosted by London Stock Exchange and The Nigerian Stock Exchange in London recently.

rience with past fiscal consolidations in the region shows that this is best achieved through revenue mobilization as well as better prioritization of public spending.

Policies to promote diversification can help support growth.

While there is no single path for reforms, countries such as Botswana, Rwanda, and Uganda, that have successfully diversified their economies have built on their existing strengths and tackled specific constraints. Diversifica-

NSE in subtle management change

By JEROME USHAKANG

T

here are strong indications that the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) is gradually embarking on change in management structure in preparation for its longplanned demutualization exercise.

Findings by The Oracle indicates that a change in the management structure of the NSE is imminent as this may involve the introduction

of new department s while some existing units might be merged to improve efficiency . Although, the Exchange has embarked on some reforms in the past, but the focus was principally on technology and capital market operations.

Recent developments at the NSE, might have revealed the subtle approach to the gradual dismantling of the old structure. Last month, the Nigerian Stock Exchange an-

nounced the election of Mr. Abimbola Ogunbanjo as the new President of National Council of the Exchange. Ogunbanjo joined the National Council of The Exchange in 2011 and has been the First Vice President since 2014.

He is the Chairperson of the Demutualization Advisory Committee of the NSE. At the moment, he serves as the Managing Partner of the renowned leading corporate law firm

Jumia plans ‘biggest’ Black Friday sales

By SAMSON AKINTARO

E

-commerce gaiant, Jumia Nigeria has announced the dates and partners for what it described as its biggest sales event of the year, Jumia Black Friday 2017.

This year’s event is billed as the Jumia Black Friday Festival and will run for 31 days from November 13th to December 13th 2017 on the ecommerce website.

According to the company in a statement, It would be the largest shopping event in Nigeria with up to 1 million amazing deals and discounts on offer at up to 80 per cent off. To bring customers the best deals, the e-commerce giant has partnered with Intel, Pampers, Infinix, Philips, Fero, HP, MTN, AirFrance-KLM and about 1,000 top brands.

“The 2017 Jumia Black Friday will feature a first-of-its-kind event for shoppers as Jumia partners with

music entertainment TV station, TRACE Naija to create the Trace Jumia MAD (Music and Deals) Fest.

It’s a live event that will offer the explosive combination of Nigerian music and Black Friday frenzy for customers and attendees alike. The Trace Jumia MAD Fest will place on the 18th of November 2017 at the King’s College grounds in Victoria Island, Lagos. While registration is required, attendance is free” it said.

Performers at the TraceJumia MAD Fest include Falz, Simi, 9ice, Mayorkun, Niniola, Lil Kesh, Sound Sultan, Skales, Pencil, DJ Xlusive, Wande Coal DJ Consequence, Nedu and a host of comedians, and musical acts will be thrilling the customers to incredible app flash sales and lots of giveaways.

Included in this year’s Jumia Black Friday shopping activities is an online wheel of fortune which churns out exclusive shopping vouchers.

Also on the line-up are hourly flash sales and app-only deals with super

low prices. Customers will have the opportunity to also enjoy discounts from Jumia Food and Jumia Travel.

“As part of the 31 days of Jumia Black Friday, customers will have the chance to enter a lottery to win one of the five FREE AirFranceKLM return tickets to London, 20 discounted AirFrance-KLM tickets at 35% off, and a brand new Ford Figo courtesy of Coscharis Nigeria Limited. Shoppers on www.Jumia. com.ng will also enjoy 10 per cent discount off when payment is made with an FCMB bank account via JumiaPay” it said.

While commenting on Jumia Black Friday 2017, Chief Executive Officer, Juliet Anammah stated, “We know customers are always on the lookout for the best deals.

I can assure you that the Jumia Black Friday Festival 2017 will not just meet those expectations, but also provide shoppers with seamless customer experience and protections.”

of Chris Ogunbanjo & Co (Solicitors).

In addition,Mr. Abubakar Balarabe Mahmoud (SAN), current President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) and one of the founding partners of the law firm of Dikko & Mahmoud was elected into the Council. He was elected as First Vice President while Mrs Catherine Echeozo, former Deputy Managing Director of Guaranty Trust Bank Plc (GTBank), was elected as Second Vice President.

Although, this is yet to be confirmed, market hear-say has it that there are many more announcements to be made at the Exchange before the year 2017 draws to a close. Recently, the Exchange appointed an Executive Director, as substantive Managing Director of the Central Securities Clearing System (CSCS). Waziri will take over from Mr. Bola Adeeko who is currently acting Chief Executive Officer of CSCS. However, the appointment is subject to confirmation by the Security and Exchange Commission.This is why his appointment is yet to be officially announced by the Exchange and the CSCS.Since the appointment, attention has turned to who his replacement would be.

Impeccable sources close to the Exchange hinted that,a replacement would likely be sourced for Jalo-Waziri. Also, it has been revealed that the replacement may happen under an enterprise renewal project to make NSE more globally competitive.

tion strategies were supported by policies to enhance macroeconomic stability, improve education outcomes, bolster governance and transparency in regulation, and deepen financial markets” it said.

Skye Bank takes over Evans Medical

By JEROME USHAKANG

E

vans Medical Plc has announced that it has been served an Ex-Parte Order by the Federal High Court to give Skye Bank the rights to takeover the assets of the company which was used as collateral against loans granted to the company. Evans Medical, according to the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE), was to be placed on de-listing watch-list subject to filing Quarterly Compliance Report.

However, in a statement signed

by Mrs. Adesua Akintemi, Cautious services limited/Company Secretary, stated that Federal High Court on July 4, 2017 notified Evans Medicals that its Bankers Skye Bank Plc and First Bank of Nigeria Limited have granted the right to take over the company’s assets used as collateral granted for facilities to the company by its bankers due to loan default. According to the statement, a Receiver Manager has also been appointed and has taken over the assets of the company.

Mrs. Akintemi disclosed that the Board of Directors of Evans Medicals began discussion with the two bankers with a view to arriving at an amicable resolution of the matter, adding that the discussion are progressing favourably and that a mutually beneficial workable arrangement will be arrived at between the banks and our board as soon as possible in order to safeguard the company’s properties and assets.

The Oracle Today

19

Wednesday November 8, 2017

BUSINESS

UBA’s profit up 23% in 9 months

By JEROME USHAKANG

U

NITED Bank for Africa Plc,(UBA) has announced N60.9 billion as Profit After Tax (PAT) representing an increase of 23 percent for the third quarter ended September 30, 2017. The bank recorded N49.5 billion in comparable period of 2016. The unaudited third quarter financial results showed a remarkable performance as the group also achieved a Profit Before Tax (PBT) of N78.3 billion, growth representing 33.2 percent as against N58.8 billion recorded in the similar period of 2016.

A review of the results showed that UBA’s gross earnings rose by 26 percent to close at N333.9 billion, as against N265.5 billion in the third quarter of the previous year.

The Group’s operating income stood at N236.9 billion, in contrast to N183.3 billion recorded in the corresponding period of 2016, an increase of 29.3 percent, while the Group closed the third quarter with Total Assets of N3.77 trillion, a growth of 7.6percent, in the same vein grew net loans to N1.6 trillion, representing a 6.0 percent growth in its loan book.

Also, the Group’s Shareholders’ Fund grew by 13.3 percent to peak at N507.6 billion, whilst it delivered 18 per cent annual return on average equity (RoAE).

In a statement on the results, the Group Managing Director/ CEO, Mr. Kennedy Uzoka, said, “These extremely positive third quarter results are an attestation

of our ability to sustainably grow earnings and market share, notwithstanding the challenging operating environment. They are a tribute to our enhanced customer engagement and focus on continuous improvement in service quality.”

According to him, the bank’s nine-month top-line grew by 26.3 percent, to N334 billion, driven particularly by the strong performance of its recurring core revenue lines. Uzoka disclosed that UBA’s investment in digital channels is being rewarded, as its market share of digital banking continues to grow and it has also seen strong momentum in the trade and remittance businesses, where it doubled the monthly run-rate in fee income, a testament to an increasingly optimistic business and currency environment.

He stated that the slow, but steady, recovery in economic activities in Nigeria is presenting new opportunities for growth, particularly as improving foreign currency liquidity and the multiplier effect of rising public sector spending are stimulating economic activities.

“We continue to benefit from the strategic diversification of our business, with non-Nigerian business now contributing more than a third of revenues this quarter.

These positive developments reinforce our constructive outlook on earnings and balance sheet growth for the last quarter of the year. To this end, we will progressively deliver superior return to our shareholders, as we extract new growth opportunities in our

•Dr Maikanti Baru, Group MD NNPC (middle) flanked by other officials at the flag-off of NNPC Group’s First E & P OMLs 83/85 partnership for marine seismic acquisition vessel in Lagos. unique Pan-African franchise,” Uzoka added.

Also speaking on UBA’s financial performance and position, the Group Chief Finance Office (CFO), Ugo Nwaghodoh said that the Group recorded strong growth across its diversified business segments and geographies. He said, “Our Africa operations again grew

strongly in the period, contributing a third of top-line and approximately 40 percent of earnings.”

He stated that as the bank consistently gain market share in digital banking, remittance and trade flows, it is sustainably growing the non-funded income line, which currently represents 28 percent of its earnings. He explained that

Dangote Cement starts Congo operations F

By JEROME USHAKANG

oremost African cement manufacturer, Dangote Cement Plc is set to continue expansion of its network of operations across Africa with the coming on stream of the 1.5 mta integrated cement plant in Mfila, Republic of Congo.

In his overview of Dangote Cement Africa operations, Chief Executive Officer, Dangote Cement, Onne van der Weijde, said,“Our Pan-African operations are performing strongly with excellent sales growth in Cameroon, Ethiopia and Senegal. We are consolidating our success across Africa and have just commissioned our 1.5Mta factory in Congo, the tenth country in which we have established operations.” “In our key operations in Nigeria we have significantly improved our fuel mix and this has helped increase margins across the Group. It is especially good for Nigeria because most of the coal we are using is mined in our own country”. Weijde said.

Analysis of some of the results revealed that the company recorded strong volumes in Senegal, Ethiopia and Cameroon. According to the unaudited results for the nine months ended September 30, 2017, the plant which began operations last month has almost doubled the size of the cement sector in the country. The Congo plant brings to 10 the number of Dangote Cement plants across Africa.

In the nine months under re-

view, the 1.5 mta clinker grinding facility in Douala, Cameroon sold approximately 938 kt of cement, indicating an increase of 16.4 percent on the 806 kt sold during the same period in 2016. The company attributes the increase in sales to a number of factors ranging from strong brand recognition, increased point of sales branding, improvements in sales and marketing strategies to higher visibility through trade shows.

Dangote Cement Ethiopia increased sales by 16.8 percent to nearly 1.7 mta in the first nine months of 2017 representing capacity utilization of approximately 88 percent. The cement plant in Pout, Senegal sold 1.0 mta of cement in the period under review, up by 21.7 percent on the comparable period of 2016. This represents almost 89 percent capacity utilization at the factory.

The Board of the cement com-

pany also announced changes in the leadership of the company with Mr. Onne Van der Weijde, stepping down as the company’s CEO at the end of 2017 having completed three years in this position, in order to return to his home country, The Netherlands.

He will be appointed as a NonExecutive Director of Dangote Cement PLC, with effect from January 1, 2018.

The Board expressed apprecia-

whilst high domestic inflation, notably in Nigeria and Ghana, raised external cost pressures, alongside the lag impact of Naira devaluation, the bank remains focused on cost efficiency initiatives; adding, “I remain positive about our earnings outlook, as we complement our revenue drive with cost and operational efficiency gains. tion to Mr. Onne for his contribution during his period as CEO in the last three years, in which he managed an important growth phase in the company’s development. Engr. Joseph Makoju, Honorary Adviser to the Chairman and former MD of WAPCO/ Lafarge, will be acting MD/CEO of Dangote Cement Plc. Dangote Cement Plc has maintained its strong hold in the Nigeria domestic cement market accounting for 65 percent of the Nigerian market volume, while other African plants’ volumes went up by 7.5 percent to 7.0 mta.

Visa to empower enterprises with $20m

By SAMSON AKINTARO

V

isa Inc. has marked the launch of the newly-incorporated Visa Foundation with its first financial commitment of up to $20 million to Women’s World Banking. The foundation was established as part of Visa’s larger social impact strategy that will prioritize the growth of micro and small enterprises around the world, enabling individuals, businesses, and economies to thrive.

According to Visa at the heart of the Visa Foundation is the belief that micro and small enterprises are the backbone of the global economy. “As a brand and a business, Visa has always stood for making a positive and transformational impact on the world,” said Al Kelly, chief executive officer for Visa and Visa Foundation board member. “The Visa Foundation has been established to build on a long history of corporate giving

and will accelerate the delivery of our social impact goals. Our intention is to establish a legacy of meaningful contributions by helping millions of microenterprises thrive.”

The Visa Foundation’s first multiyear initiative will be a five-year, up to $20 million grant to Women’s World Banking aimed at supporting millions of women-led small and micro enterprises. Despite their contribution to both the formal and informal economy worldwide, women-owned micro and small businesses are unserved or underserved financially. According to the World Bank there is a staggering $300 billion annual credit deficit for formal sector womenowned small and medium sized businesses. Financial products such as savings, credit and insurance can help low-income women to build their assets, grow their businesses, and ensure economic resilience in challenging times.

With the Visa Foundation’s support, Women’s World Banking will develop sustainable solutions for women entrepreneurs to build their enterprises and establish financial safety nets while also advancing leadership skills and financial capabilities. Over the next five years, the program will: Develop, test and scale innovative and sustainable products, that may include bundled financial services, business continuity insurance and technology-based solutions that drive positive financial behaviors; Expand Women’s World Banking’s global network of partner financial service providers to effectively serve 50 million more financially underserved individuals; and Measure the impact that having access to improved financial services has on women enterprise owners The Visa Foundation grant is designed to support Women’s World Banking’s efforts around

the world, with an initial focus in India, Mexico, Egypt and Nigeria, as key markets to drive growth among low-income, womenowned small enterprises. “Women and women-owned businesses continue to be disproportionately excluded from accessing formal financial services, impacting hundreds of millions of individuals with a significant effect on families and communities.” said Stephen Kehoe, Visa’s senior vice president for global financial inclusion, speaking at Women’s World Banking Making Finance Work for Women Global Summit in Dar es Salaam in Tanzania “By supporting measures to include women, there is a strong multiplier effect in terms of increased financial health for all. For this reason, the Visa Foundation chose to focus its first grant on womenowned enterprises and has selected Women’s World Banking as our first grant recipient.”

The Oracle Today

20

Wednesday November 8, 2017

ENERGY

Nigeria slides into debt abyss Cont’d from Page 17 Consequently, the corporation which is the expected to generate enhanced revenue for debt servicing appears to be also sinking into various operations debts as it enters into several credit funding arrangements that ultimately translate to loans.

Group Managing Director, Dr. Maikanti Baru, declared in a statement that the corporation’s estimated cumulative debt to its various operating Joint Venture partners in the petroleum industry stands at princely $6.6 billion, countering claims from some companies that the debt exceeded $7.0 billion.

While the debt hangs over the corporation, it has also entered cash call exit agreements with all major partners to enable them shop commercial funds to drive operations.

Under the cash call exit agreement, operating companies are empowered to take loans to fill cash call gaps for the government and recover the money plus interests from crude oil proceeds as first line charge.

Minister of State for Petroleum, Dr. Ibe Kachikwu, explained: “We are letting the operators capture their cost, deduct that, prior to getting to the next income position, back into the Federation Account.”

According to him, the companies would go to the financial markets to raise money when they need to do so outside government’s controls or budgetary challenges, explaining that the first point of call was for the IOCs to be able to deduct their costs.

“Cash call exit agreement is actually an authority to take loan on behalf of government, manage the loan, recover it at revenue source and pay what remains to the government,” a managing director of an oil firm explained.

Under the arrangement, NNPC has since penned borrowing agreements, otherwise called alternative funding deals, with a number of oil companies to enable them press forward with work programmes in operated oil and gas assets with loan funding.

Dr. Baru listed the alternative financing arrangements to include the $1.2 billion multi-year drilling for 36 offshore and onshore oil wells under the NNPC/Chevron Nigeria Limited; and the $800 million NNPC/First E&P JV and Schlumberger tripartite alternative funding agreement for the development of the Anyalu and Madu fields in the Niger Delta.

Others include the $1.0 billion NNPC/SPDC JV Project Santolina funding and the $780 million NNPC/Chevron Project Falcon on Sonam.

Besides the NNPC’s outstanding JV debts, cash call exit agreement and the subsequent alternative funding deals, the corporation also has other operations loan agreements in the forms of Modified Carry Agreements (MCAs) and Service Contracts (SCs) in which private funding is deployed on behalf of the government and recovered

from operations proceeds.

The various funding options adopted by NNPC in recent times ultimately translate to debts that shrink government’s revenue take from the operations of the industry, thus weakening the capacity of NNPC as government’s main revenue earner to meet the nation’s sovereign debt servicing.

The indirect loans hidden in transaction agreements and intervention projects are many and variegated while the latest $5.5 billion external loan push is only part of the $29.9 billion total borrowing plan for 2017 and 2018.

The Minister of Budget and National Planning, Udoma Udoma, had said a $15 billion (N4.72 trillion) fiscal stimulus plan earlier announced for the troubled economy would be funded majorly through a number of sources, including sale of some national assets and advance payment by joint venture operators for license renewals.

Other sources included infrastructure concessions, use of recovered funds as well as long term, low interest loans to bridge funding gap.

Mrs. Kemi Adeosun stated later that following mass opposition to asset disposal government would borrow cheapest available monies to fund key ongoing projects.

With the huge “structural financing gap (SFG),” she said, the country needed to tap capital from all available sources, including short, term and long-term borrowing with tenors of 15 years and above, to survive.

Also with the drastic drop in oil revenues, she said, the country faced additional challenge in financing gap in public revenues estimated at about $20 billion per annum.

“This means Nigeria’s total investment deficit is not $25 billion per annum, but $45 billion per annum,” Mrs. Adeosun said.

Already in the books is N12.03 trillion federal domestic debt.

Concerns over the current borrowings draw from the country harrowing experience with external debts.

The federal government had borrowed $2.0 billion in the 1980s to shore up the country’s capital and recurrent expenditure deficits; and 26 years after, that amount ballooned to $36 billion debt trap.

In 2005, the economic team of former President Olusegun Obasanjo worked to save Nigeria from the debt burden with $12 billion outright repayment and $18 billion debt forgiveness by the Paris Club of Western creditors.

But, hopes that the next generation of Nigerians would inherit a clean balance sheet from the federal government are being dashed with the prevailing borrowing spree by President Mohammadu Buhari.

However, The Oracle Today reports, the current administration of the government is resorting to massive loans following acute revenue deficits associated with steep fall in export prices of crude oil; and concerns over debt trap arises from gloomy price outlook for crude oil in view of the new race

• President Muhammadu Buhari in the automotive industry for imminent switch to electric vehicles.

World Bank puts Nigeria’s external debts by June 2017 at $15.5 billion. The new loan if approved would shoot the nation’s debt liability to over $21 billion.

Financial experts who spoke to The Oracle Today are disturbed that if the full borrowing proposal submitted to the National Assembly by the president is progressively approved in small tranches, the federal government would have raised Nigeria’s external loan commitments by a whopping 380 percent from $10.72 billion in December 2015 to $40.68 billion before 2019.

According to the president’s full borrowing plan, the $29.96 billion would be borrowed from multilateral development institutions including the World Bank, African Development Bank (AfDB), Islamic Development Bank (IDB), Japan International Co-operation Agency (JICA) and China EximBank.

The Finance Minister, Mrs Kemi Adeosun, who broke down the loan and expenditure pattern, explained that the federal government’s Budget Support would gulp $4.5 billion of the loan; education and health are to consume $3.5 billion, agriculture takes$2.1 while $200 million is for economic management and statistics.

In the same vein, $18.3 billion of the $29.96 billion would be deployed for realization of the Mambilla Hydro Electric power project whose burden would be shared between the federal government with a liability of $14.6 billion and the states with joint liability $3.7 billion.

Other projects to benefit from the loan are: the $4.8 billion modernisation project for coastal railway that would run from Calabar through Port Harcourt to Onne Quays; the $3.5 billion second phase of the Abuja mass rail transit service, the $1.6 billion double track Lagos-Ibadan railway and

the $1.3 billion double track KanoKaduna railway.

Experts are worried that the breakdown for the loan management have no lines on how the loans would be repaid since the deployment are primarily in areas that do not yield return on investments.

They also question the capacity of the domestic economy to carry the liabilities of servicing the loan with mono-product export and acute deficits in the balance of payment.

“Nigeria’s debt-to-Gross Domestic Product ratio is one of the lowest actually. It is about 19 per cent.

Most advanced countries have over 100 per cent. I am not saying we want to move to 100 per cent.

But I’m saying we need to tolerate a little bit more debt in the short term to deliver roads, rail, and power,” Mrs Kemi Adeosun explains.

But World Bank Senior Economist, Gloria Joseph-Raji, flaws Mrs. Adeosun’s argument, saying that that Nigeria’s dwindling revenues have raised concerns on the sustainability of the country’s borrowings.

She pointed out that Nigeria’s debt-to-revenue ratio had increased by 25 percent within a period of one year, a signal she described as very grievous despite the country’s positive debt-to-GDP ratio.

“It is the debt to revenue ratio that is of concern and that rate is a sustainable issue. That is of concern to us and that is also of concern to the government.”

“The government is aware that the debt is looking more unsustainable from the point of debt service to revenue ratio. The estimate we had for last year at the federal level was about 60 percent. That is coming from about 35 percent in 2015.

“That reflects the substantially lower revenues that Nigeria recorded last year. Even among the state governments; we know that

a lot of state governments are servicing a lot of debts from their federation account allocation. So, there is really going to be a sustainability issue emerging,” the World Bank economist stated.

Apart from World Bank, the borrowing plan has been criticised by some Nigerians.

Lead Director of Centre for Social Justice (CENSOJ), Eze Onyekpere, had described government decision to take more loan as fiscal irresponsibility.

“We are paying about $61 billion in external debt already. If we add another $29.96 billion to be borrowed, we will be talking about $90.96 billion. What kind of projects are they going to use the loan on?”

“Unless they are projects that can re-generate themselves for government to repay the loans, otherwise, we see it as high fiscal irresponsibility and recklessness,” Mr Onyekpere said.

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) also expressed indignation at the borrowing plan, saying the entire programme was putting the nation’s economic future in great peril.

Spokesman, Dayo Adeyeye, said the Buhari-led administration was working to plunge Nigeria into further debt through needless and mindless borrowing.

“Like other well meaning Nigerians, we consider this new bid for a foreign loan of $5.5 billion being sought by the administration of President Buhari as an attempt to push the nation down into the black hole of debt that will affect negatively, the future of this nation,” PDP stated.

PDP said data shows that since President Buhari was sworn-in, the nation’s debt has risen by 61.96 per cent in only two years.

“For emphasis, we are dismayed at the rate by which the APC is plunging the Nation into debt through local and foreign borrowing without concomitant developmental projects in any sphere of the nation’s economy to justify the huge borrowing.

The party decried the debt figures released by the DMO which stated that the administration of the APC government in the last two years of being in office, has borrowed N7.51 trillion. The party pointed out that despite the huge loans, all round infrastructural decay has now reached alarming proportions, the state of power supply has become worse, and there is no increase in wages to match the skyrocketing inflation.

“We are constrained to ask the government of President Muhammadu Buhari to explain to Nigerians what his government has done with the several huge sums borrowed in the last two years in the name of financing infrastructural development in the country.

“As major stakeholders in the Nigerian project, we are worried that if the National Assembly does not stop this latest demand for foreign loan, the money when released, will go the way of other loans obtained in the last two years without any tangible result to show for it,” it said.

The Oracle Today

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Wednesday November 8, 2017

ENERGY First E&P deploys BGP in offshore exploration

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NDIGENOUS First E&P Limited which operates a joint venture with Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) has launched offshore seismic programme that would see the partners drive data acquisition on Oil Mining Lease (OML) 83 and 85.

The seismic programme would see Marine Vessel (MV) Prospector in a 74-day schedule to acquire 3D marine seismic data using streamer cables, covering a total of 901sq. km.

The partners expect the seismic programme to provide pointers for exploratory drilling.

The marine seismic data acquisition would be executed by a Joint Venture (JV) between NNPC’s Integrated Data Services Ltd (IDSL) and Bureau of Geophysical Prospecting (BGP), a subsidiary of Chinese National Petroleum Corporation (CNPC).

Managing Director of IDSL, Engr. Diepiriye Tariah said the

marine vessel (BGP Prospector) is well-suited for broadband seismic data acquisition with the capacity to tow ten or more streamers of 6 kilometer length, and is fitted with adequate safety equipment and hearing sensors.

Managing Director of First E&P, Dr. Ademola AdeyemiBero said the aim of the project was not only to grow the nation’s reserves, but also to develop the capacity of Nigerians.

He stressed that his company would work hand-in-hand with all the partners to enable them complete the project ahead of schedule.

Chairman of Petroleum Technology Association of Nigeria (PETAN), Mr. Bank-Anthony Okoroafor reiterated that the project would boost in-country capacity.

“The project is also expected to align with the Federal Government’s effort to drive down the cost of marine seismic acquisition in the country,” Okoroafor added.

34 firms bid for pipeline security services

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total of 34 firms threw in bids for pipeline security services as federal government revived security contracts for protection of national petroleum industry facilities in the Niger Delta.

The 34 firms are part of 54 companies that were invited for the jobs through selective tendering, according to spokesman of NNPC, Mr. Ndui Ughamadu..

Whereas the process was selective tendering, Mr Ughamadu insisted in a statement that “the public opening of bid was part of the corporation’s commitment to transparency as a focused, accountable, competitive and transparent organisation conducting its business with integrity.”

He said the call for bids was part of efforts to consolidate on the successes recorded in the steady supply and distribution of petroleum products across the country.

He said NNPC has mapped out strategies to boost security around its depots and pump stations to ensure they remain functional.

Managing Director of the Nigerian Pipeline and Storage Company (NPSC), Mr. Luke Anele, stated that the process was to provide security services at the company’s depots and pump stations across the country.

NPSC’s Executive Director in charge of Pipelines, Mr. Danladi Ahmed, stated that the NPSC was desirous of engaging reputable and competent security firms to safeguard its critical assets to ensure unimpeded operations and efficient service delivery.

“This particular exercise avails

us the opportunity to identify competitive offers from companies that are competent and ready to secure our assets such as depots and pump stations at competitive rates. The NPSC assets are wide spread nationwide, which means security is important, if you have anything of value, you must provide security to safeguard it,” Mr. Anele stated.

NPSC is a midstream subsidiary of the NNPC in charge of depots and pipelines.

The MD stated that the bid opening was conducted openly in the full glare of representatives of the bidding companies to demonstrate the NNPC’s commitment to transparency and due process in all its activities.

He assured the bidders of a level playing ground that would guarantee the emergence of the best companies among them.

Mr. Dozie Tassie who represented Pentagon Securities Ltd, described the bidding process as credible and satisfactory, adding that everybody was given the opportunity to compete fairly.

• Seismic ship

FG recovers $85 m from OPL 245 deal

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igeria recovered $85 million in funds from an oil license deal that had been deposited in the UK. The money was frozen at the request of prosecutors as a result of an Italian investigation.

“Nigeria had recently recovered the sum of $85 million from the controversial Malabu Restrained Funds from United Kingdom,” said Abubakar Malam from the office of the attorney general, in a statement.

There is no suggestion of wrongdoing by British authorities.

The funds were part of an investigation into the sale in 2011 of OPL 245 that involved Italian, Nigerian and Dutch authorities and two of the world’s largest international oil companies ENI and Shell.

OPL 245was initially awarded to Malabu Oil and Gas before Royal Dutch Shell and ENI were awarded the rights in 2011.

Shell has said it was aware that some of the payments it made to Nigeria for rights to the oilfield would go to Malabu,

GNPC, TechnoOil in talks for LPG deal

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delegation from Ghana’s National Petroleum Authority and management of Techno Oil Limited are in deal to forge collaboration on LPG and cylinder marketing in Ghana.

Leading the delegation was Sheila Abiemo, who told reporters that the Ghanaian government was sourcing ideas from some countries, including Nigeria, to help it to formulate policies on LPG gas and cylinder distributions to end users.

Abiemo is the Head of Research and Technical Affairs in the NPA, the regulatory body in Ghana’s emerging downstream sector.

“We are developing a national policy on LPG in Ghana

Partners complete Opuama-7 Sidetrack

Eland Oil & Gas’ JV subsidiary, Elcrest Exploration and Production Nigeria, has successfully completed drilling the sidetrack at Opuama-7.

The sidetrack encountered both D1000 and D2000 sands as expected with a total of 77 ft of good quality net pay.

Over 60ft of the D2000 sands have been successfully perforated and the well is currently being completed and hooked up so production can commence imminently, with gross production flow rates expected to be in line with previous guidance of 5,900 bpd.

The D1000 sands will be perforated at a future date to maintain the production rate. The company will make a further announcement once an initial stabilized production rate from the Opuama-7 well is achieved.

The company said that in light of the success of the Opuama-3 recompletion in 2016 and the positive results of the Opuama-7 sidetrack, it is bringing forward its plans for infill drilling on the Opuama Field, taking advantage of having the rig in Opuama and to accelerate production growth through the

a company associated with former Nigerian oil minister and convicted money launderer Dan Etete.

existing production infrastructure.

Elcrest and its partner NPDC have elected to retain the OES Teamwork drilling rig to drill an Opuama infill well immediately.

While Opuama-7 is being hookedup for immediate injection into the Opuama facilities, and OML 40 export line, the rig will mobilize to the Opuama-8 drill site.

Drilling will target the D4000 and D5000 reservoirs to a depth of approximately 8,000ft. Opuama-8 to is expected to produce at an initial gross rate of between 5,000 and 7,000 bpd.

and we’re seeking a Nigerian perspective because we’re impressed with the strides made by some Nigerian companies in the LPG market.

Our desire is to raise the volume of LPG consumption by up to 50% in Ghana by 2030 because LPG is the way to go in domestic energy needs,” Abiemo said,

Addax extends FPSO Sendje Berge lease for Okwori Field

Sendje Berge Ltd., a subsidiary of BW Offshore, has agreed terms of a contract extension for the FPSO Sendje Berge with Addax Petroleum Exploration.

The contract extension keeps the FPSO offshore Nigeria on the Okwori field.

The contract extensions have been submitted to relevant Nigerian Authorities for their review and approval.

The contract extension will be for a four-year fixed term with two additional one-year extension options, commencing November 6.

The revised and agreed commercial terms include a new day rate partially linked to oil production volumes and oil price.

The termination notice announced on May 5 has been withdrawn and the arbitration has been settled as part of the agreed terms.

The Oracle Today

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Wednesday November 8, 2017

e-Platform Aborted ICT university project: Will Shittu leverage broadband?

WITH the rejection of the memo requesting the establishment of an ICT University by the Federal Executive Council, the Minister of Communications, Barrister Adebayo Shittu must shift focus to a more vibrant project that will give his tenure a lasting legacy after he must have left, writes SAMSON AKINTARO

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he appointment of Barrister Adebayo Shittu as the communications minister, no doubt, unsettled the tech aficionados in the Nigerian ICT industry, who felt that having a legal practitioner as the supervisor of the technology industry was like putting a round peg in a square hole. But they soon kept their cool, knowing that political patronage influences government appointments and so they adopt the wait and see approach.

Of course, during his maiden meeting with technology reporters early 2016, Shittu made no attempt to hide the fact that he was a rookie in the industry. Indeed, he admitted that he was shocked to be named as the communications minister because he had expected a portfolio in the judicial system or elsewhere, given his background.

But he promised to ‘learn fast’ and be up to date with the industry.

Shittu also used the occasion to unveil his agenda for the industry, and top among them was the establishment of an ICT university.

And since then, the establishment of ICT university across the country became the pet project of the Minister. Indeed, the honourable Minister became so passionate about the project that it became a sing-song at every forum where he had to speak or make presentations, even to the point that tech reporters began to preempt the Minister wherever he had to speak.

But Shittu’s passion about the ICT university project was not enough to convince stakeholders in the industry that that was the right thing to do. Several stakeholders condemned the project, describing it as misplacement of priority by the Minister. Some were of the view that the country has enough universities that require ICT upgrading rather than diverting the government’s attention in the name of ICT

University initiative’ and urged the government to rethink the essence of the University; save Nigeria millions of naira that could be wasted in the process of establishing the university.

Nevertheless, the Minister forged ahead with the project to the point where an implementation committee was inaugurated to bring the project to life. While inaugurating the committee Shittu said the ICT University, which would be privatesector driven would attract support from both within and outside the government. He cited some international and local ICT firms including Facebook, Apple, Samsung, Cisco, Ericsson, MTN, Globacom, Huawei, D-Links, Lenovo, Samsung, Apple, Siemens-Nortel, Intel, Motorola, Ericsson, Dell, He, ZTE and IBM and others to have endorsed the university, and also declared interest to support the project.

“These industry giants have expressed their unequivocal support for this project with pledges in the provision of faculty, library content, syllabus, logistics, including funds towards the realisation of the ICT university of Nigeria,” the minister noted.

At a recent Indo-African ICT conference in Lagos, the Minister had invited a team of Indian investors that attended the event to come and adopt some of the campuses of the ICT university that was about to be established. He disclosed that a number of multinationals were already adopting campuses in a beautifully worded presentation that gave the project to the international visitors as a done deal.

Alas! The final door to make this project a reality was shut early October as the Federal Executive Council (FEC) rejected the memo seeking to establish the ICT University. While details of why the project was rejected was sketchy, the

•Shittu, Minister of Communications.

Minister in a recent chat with newsmen, said although the President, Muhammadu Buhari was “full of commendations on the initiative”, the position of the government was hinged on the enormous fiscal demands it would place on government at a time such as now, when existing higher institutions are experiencing paucity of fund.

According to Shittu, the Federal Executive Council believed that the proposed partnership funding by the private sector and other international donors should be more evident before any government commitment can be asserted. “For me, maybe the Federal Government did not see what I saw but since we are in a democracy, I cannot force my ideas on the majority because it is a game of minority have their say but majority have their way,” he declared.

Shittu said he is not relenting on the ICT University initiative, as there are plans to continue to explore the good will within the ICT sector in order to rally more pri-

vate sector to buy into the vision.

He emphasized that since there is no need for fresh built out of campuses from the scratch, “but run on existing currently used by the Digital Bridge Institute, I believe we can revisit the initiative.”

And with that, it could be said that ICT university chapter is closed, at least, for now. That, no doubt, was the biggest legacy Shittu intended to leave behind at the end of his tenure as Minister of Communications. But perhaps it’s time the Minister started looking at another project that would be a bigger legacy than the ICT university project, and that is facilitating broadband delivery.

Spearheaded by the immediate past minister of technology, Omobola Johnson, Nigeria in 2013 set a broadband target of 30 per cent penetration by 2018. Part of strategies to achieve the target was to remove the bottlenecks to broadband roll out such as the issue of Right of Way, multiple regulation/taxation among others. The

immediate past Minister took some drastic steps in this regard and was able to secure some concessions in Lagos State over the issue of Right of Way. That move could not be said to have been sustained by the current Minister as telecom operators continue to lament over the same problem across states. Indeed, the President of Association Telecommunications Companies of Nigeria ATCON, Mr Olushola Teniola had recently expressed worry over the issue of Right of Way and wondered if the current administration was doing anything in that regard to drive broadband delivery.

Less than two years to end of the four-year tenure, save to say that there is nu much time, but with the little time remaining, the honourable Minister of Communication can still leave a lasting legacy by focusing on removal of bottlenecks to broadband delivery in Nigeria; by introducing policies that will encourage more investments into the ICT industry and ensuring protection of those investments.

Google to enhance tourism, create jobs with digital maps

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oogle Nigeria has said it is committed to providing digital maps to ease movement, encourage tourism and create jobs in the country.

Mrs Titi Akinsonmi, Public Policy Lead at Google gave the assurance during a meeting with business owners, developers and other users of Google map in Abuja recently.

The meeting was to enable end users share their experiences using the digital map to visualise their business data, make smarter and faster deci-

sions. Akinsonmi said that there were components that made the establishment of digital map easier.

According to her, the map requires geospatial services, local guide and street view for effective search. “Digital map helps you make better decisions and some traffic information for you to take a better route.

“Geospatial services help you to plan your transit as someone who is not driving a car.

“The street view enables you as a tourist to know the areas

that are not safe and you can work with street view imagery to ensure you are seeing where you are going. “We are doing a lot more on that and the local guide helps provide information for people who do not know where they are,” she said.

According to Akinsonmi, the organisation has developed Google map for about 10,000km areas in Lagos. She added that the organisation was working within the law to provide maps for other cities in the country.

“There are legalities and we have to get permission to be able to capture other cities in the country. “We are working with the Surveyor-General of the Federation and the relevant ministries as well as other partners and security agencies to be able to drive other cities.

“Our hope and our goal is that we can actually do this for the entire Nigeria, that will be as we go along, but we are very much committed to this,” Akinsonmi said.

The Oracle Today

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Wednesday November 8, 2017

e-Platform

NCC raises alarm over SIM card fraud

Stories by SAMSON AKINTARO

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he Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has warned telecom consumers to be wary of fraudsters while using their Subscriber Identification Module (SIM) cards. The Commission reveals that fraudsters are now swaping innocent subscribers SIMs to defraud their accounts, thereby calling for serious privacy by all users of internet banking.

Speaking through its Deputy Director, Technical Standard, Bako Wakil, at the e-fraud workshop held in Kano, the Commission there is the need to address challenges on use of internet infrastructure, SIM swap to reduce e-fraud. According to Wakil, e-frauds are committed through ICT infrastructure: mobile phones, tablets, laptops etc. but the interventions by NCC and those in collaborations with CBN, commercial banks and VAS providers has minimised it.

Wakil called for e-platform users to be informed of simple and safety steps to take to secure their transactions against fraudsters, adding that e-fraud is much more than electronic money theft as it includes 419 calls, intrusion into peoples emails and ICT requirements. “Fraudsters SIM swap victims SIMs to perpetrate crime. Therefore SIM owners are advised to register their SIMs and take measures” he said.

He noted that network operators and commercial banks need

to collaborate to provide solutions for encryption; to secure point to point transmission. Engr.

Wakil advised users and buyers of SIMs to buy SIMs from registered retail stores of network operators to curb e-fraud, adding that sales of pre-registered SIM cards is illegal but people still patronize hawkers/vendors of pre-registered SIM cards.

“In Europe and the U.S all citizens use postpaid cards, only visitors use prepaid cards registered with their international passports.

Nigeria offers a peculiar case on SIM use, however with time the regulation/ process will be perfected to address the challenges” he said.

While noting that that e-fraud is an international phenomenon which the world must rise to fight, he advised banks customers to know the customer line of banks to call even during weekends as fraudsters tend to defraud on weekends.

Meanwhile, in a similar development, the Legal Attache, United States Consulate, Mr Rolland Avedician, has identified mobile banking as the new target of cyber criminals. Avedician made this known during a programme to commemorate October as National Cybersecurity Awareness Month organised by the Public Affairs Section of the United States Consulate General in Lagos.

“The World Wide Web (WWW) has allowed criminals to operate across borders and this is within the age gap of 19 to 29, a statistic from FBI and Interpol on West Africa. “The criminals in West Africa are operating in an organised and well sophisticated way due to the fact that they take classes and discuss what the law enforcement agencies are doing to checkmate them.

“They are now looking for the most vulnerable targets and mobile banking is now the target of cyber criminals. The criminals in West Africa are becoming more knowledgeable with their mobile device to perpetuate the crime,” he said.

Cloud software buoys Microsoft’s Q1 revenue

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icrosoft has reported a strong set of results for its fiscal first quarter to September.

Revenue increased 12 percent year-on-year to USD 24.5 billion, operating profit rose 15 percent to USD 7.7 billion, and net profit was up 16 percent to USD 6.6 billion.

The company’s CEO, Satya Nadella, attributed the growth to the commercial cloud business, where the company passed USD 20 billion in revenues on an annualised basis, a target first set two years ago. Quarterly commercial cloud revenues reached USD 5.0 billion, up from USD 3.2 billion a year ago, and the business generated a gross margin of 57 percent, versus 49 percent a year earlier.

Azure was again the top performer, with revenue growth of 90 percent, while Office 365 commercial revenue also rose 42 percent from year ago, and Dynamics 365 revenues was up 69 percent. Microsoft said LinkedIn contributed USD 1.1 billion in revenue, while still making an operating loss of USD 294 million. The growth in the cloud helped offset flat revenues from the main Personal Computing division, which Microsoft attributed mainly to its withdrawal from the mobile phone market.

Windows OEM revenue rose 4 percent, better than the overall PC market, the company said, while Surface revenue was up 12 percent, Search revenues grew 15 percent, and gaming revenue increased 1 percent.

Cyberthreats: Kaspersky Lab launches Global Transparency Initiative

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aspersky Lab has launched its Global Transparency Initiative as part of its ongoing commitment to protecting customers from cyberthreats, regardless of their origin or purpose.

With this Initiative, Kaspersky Lab, said it would engage the broader information security community and other stakeholders in validating and verifying the trustworthiness of its products, internal processes, and business operations, as well as introducing additional accountability mechanisms by which the company can further demonstrate that it addresses any security issues promptly and thoroughly.

As part of the Initiative, the company said it intends to provide the source code of its software – including software updates and threat-detection rules updates – for independent review and assessment. “As society today depends ever more on information and communications technologies (ICT), cyberthreats continue to proliferate and evolve. Because of the frenetic pace of both ICT deployment and the expansion of the threat landscape, Kaspersky Lab believes that increased

cooperation to protect cyberspace is more crucial than ever.” “ Trust is essential in cybersecurity, and therefore trust should be the foundation of any collaboration among those seeking to secure individuals, organisations and enterprises from cyberthreats. However, Kaspersky Lab also recognises that trust is not a given; it must be repeatedly earned through an ongoing commitment to transparency and accountability” it said in a statement.

The company added that the Global Transparency Initiative is a reaffirmation of the company’s commitment to earning and maintaining the trust of the company’s customers and partners every day.

“The company has never taken this trust for granted, but it wants to strive for continuous improvement in every way it can” it said.

Speaking of the need for this new initiative, Eugene Kaspersky, Chairman and CEO of Kaspersky Lab, said: “Internet balkanisation benefits no one except cybercriminals. Reduced cooperation among countries helps the bad guys in their operations, and public-private partnerships don’t work like they should. The internet was created

to unite people and share knowledge. Cybersecurity has no borders, but attempts to introduce national boundaries in cyberspace is counterproductive and must be stopped. We need to reestablish trust in relationships between companies, governments and citizens. That’s why we’re launch-

ing this Global Transparency Initiative: we want to show how we’re completely open and transparent.

We’ve nothing to hide. And I believe that with these actions we’ll be able to overcome mistrust and support our commitment to protecting people in any country on our planet.”

Twitter inches towards first profit in 4 years

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he social network, Twitter, has predicted it could turn its first ever profit in Q4, a feat it has been unable to achieve following an IPO in 2013.

Twitter made the forecast as it reported Q3 revenue of $590 million, down 4 per cent year-on-year, which it said was due to shutting down its TellApart advertising product. Net loss for the quarter narrowed to $21 million, from $103 million in Q3 2016. “For Q4, we expect adjusted EBITDA to be between $220 million and $240 million. We also expect that at the high end of our adjusted EBITDA range, we will likely be GAAP profitable,” the company said in an earnings statement.

“This quarter we made progress

in three key areas of our business: we grew our audience and engagement, made progress on a return to revenue growth, and achieved record profitability,” Jack Dorsey, Twitter’s CEO, commented.

Meanwhile CFO Ned Segal said: “Our momentum was driven by improved execution from our sales team, strength in video and direct response ad formats, as well as in our data business”. Twitter’s margin was helped by a 16 per cent cut in expenses a year earlier, which covered sales and marketing as well as research and development.

The company, which struggled to boost its user base, tried to improve its service through livestreaming deals including broadcasts of concerts and sporting

events, as well as testing the ability to send tweets 280 characters long compared to the traditional 140.

Twitter said it had miscalculated the size of its user base since 2014 and overstated the numbers to the tune of between 1 million and 2 million users per quarter for “certain third-party applications” which should not have been included in its overall monthly active user figures.

Average MAUs were 330 million for Q3, an increase of 4 per cent year-over-year. It also said daily active users were up by 14 per cent, but Twitter did not give figures for this. “Growth in both audience and engagement was driven by a combination of organic growth,

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The Oracle Today Wednesday November 8, 2017

ISSN: 2545-5869

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EDITORIAL

Waking up South East economy

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NTEGRATION of the economies of the South East States has been in the works for years.

The preliminary work of the South East Nigeria Economic Development Commission (SENEC), that emanated from a stakeholders meeting the African Institute for Applied Economics, (AIAE), now African Heritage Institution (AfriHeritage), held on 26 September 2006 in Enugu, has been the foremost effort to have the five South East States work on joint economic ventures.

CONCERNS about the state of economic activities and facilities in the zone were captured in their gloom: “Forum observed that the poor state of industrial development in the South East zone reflects the underlying lack of coordinated economic, institutional and infrastructural development. It recommended that though industrial clusters pose major policy challenges across the zone, they cannot be treated in isolation of the overall economic context of the South East zone.”

NOT much has happened since the meetings, except more meetings. Changes in leadership of the States led to further loss of interest in the work that SENEC did, which by 2007, was at the stage of initiating legislation across the States to effect the expected integration.

SENEC had set high objectives for itself, listing, among them, “promotion of economic competitiveness and sustainable development of the South East geopolitical zone within the national and global economies.” These were expected to achieve: • Creation of world-class investment facilities • Development of large physical infrastructural schemes • Implementation of programmes for sustainable

institutions • Creation of centres for human capacity development • Development of coordinated framework for the formulation, implementation of public policies and plans THE work SENEC did also extended to the following – • Determine shared zonal development policy goals, strategies • Articulate, advance zonal interests within national framework • Facilitate intergovernmental cooperation, policy coordination/synergy and joint programming • Advocate, facilitate, implement strategic zonal investments • Co-ordinate infrastructural development within the zone WITH these unconcluded plans, the approval that the governors have given for the South East Economic Summit to hold in Enugu in partnership with the UK’s Department for International Development (DFID), from 11-13 November 2017 is comes as a very positive development. There are enough frameworks for the event.

MANY consider the Enugu meeting of 28 October 2017 that reached the decision to commence work on the South East economy the most important the governors have held in recent time. Indecisions that have trailed the works of SENEC since 2006 have resulted in loss of various opportunities. The involvement of other partners should be critical in the bid to rebuild the economy of the South East and create linkages for it with other economies.

AMONG the decisions that the governors approved was the visit of Brenthurst Foundation of South Africa to the South East from 6-11 November 2017 on an economic mission. It is an impressive decision, going by the pedigree of the Brenthurst Foundation.

“THE Brenthurst Foundation is at the frontier of new ideas and innovative actions for strengthening Africa’s economic performance.

Working at the invitation of African governments since 2004, our team is constantly engaged with a diverse range of experts, policy specialists and senior government officials with activities focused across three main areas,” the group said of itself. What is important would be what it would do for the South East.

ESTABLISHED by the Oppenheimer family in October 2004 Brenthurst has since its inception “regularly brought together the world’s leading thinkers and practitioners - from finance ministers and military chiefs to renowned scholars and UN officials - to consider ways to enhance the continent’s economic growth and development.”

IT promises to bring thought leadership – “Drawing on our global network of analysts we undertake research and develop new thinking to address Africa’s challenges and support economic transformation;” and policy advice, “identify and share international best practice with governments, addressing not just what to do but how to do it,” in addressing its engagements.

Making Africa Work, a newly released book from the Foundation, details why Africa is not working, but also what can be done to make it work. The South East economy is expected to

benefit from the expertise of the Foundation.

WE are enthralled by these developments for they are indications that the governors have elected to be held accountable. The exposure of their policies to organisations that would expect transparency and timelines for project execution, would be helpful in the journey to reviving the economy of the South East.

YET, most of the work has to be done by the people of the South East. They have to be at the fore of the drive for the re-establishment of the once thriving economy of the South East. They would also be the ones to point their businesses partners to the benefit of investing in the South East.

A LOT of work has to be done in these areas. SENEC in its reports that have been revised with the economic and political realities of the South East, emphasises the importance of integration to leverage the economies of scale.

THERE should be no illusions about the enormity of work that is required to revive an economy that has been neglected for decades. There should also be no expectations of a quick fix for the situation.

What we expect is that the courses that should be followed are clearly set, and the governors have the determination to provide the confidence that investors would require.

IT is the dreary part of the work that we are encouraging people to embrace with exemplary enthusiasm.

Away from the photo opportunities and media opportunities, a lot of commitment would be useful in getting a working South East economy.

DOUBTS and fears about the security of investments, dealing with governments, political differences among the governors, would be minimised with more private sector driving of the issues, with governments willing to create the necessary policies to facilitate investment decisions across the South East States.

AS we applaud this move, we ask that all stakeholders in the revival of the South East should join hands in making it a reality. The South East Economic Summit would only be a formal beginning of the challenging facets of moulding the South East into an economy that uses its variegated resources for the common good of the peoples of the South East and the nation.

Our Vision TO BE among the top five newspapers in Nigeria and, in due course, the Numero Uno; to be a newspaper of records that effectively caters to the information needs of all segments and sections of the Nigerian society as well as all social classes and cultures. Essentially, we want to be a responsible corporate citizen, a commercially viable, properly organised media business, which meets its obligations to society, government and the workforce.

Mission WE INTEND to contribute to the development of an inclusive Nigerian society, with a view to getting rid of the dark sides of our national life (slothfulness, greed, corruption, nepotism, totalitarianism, etc); to continually engender and sustain national debates that would ultimately lead to the enthronement of healthy national values--hard-work, justice, equity and fairplay, transparency, good governance, resulting, in themselves, the egalitarian Nigerian society of our dream. We will give voice to the voiceless and at all times, strive to be balanced, objective, honest, truthful and fair to all sides; so that through The Oracle Today, our people, the Nigerian people can see a bright light at the end of what has been a very dark tunnel. And we shall do all this in absolute trust in God who blesses good intentions.

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The Oracle Today Wednesday November 8, 2017

OPINION Time for Buhari to show he’s totally in charge

By Ehichioya Ezomon

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ong before the Abdulrasheed Maina saga broke, Nigerians had asked repeatedly: “Who’s really in charge of the Presidency?

Is it President Muhammadu Buhari that the people voted into office or an alleged ‘cabal’ that even his wife, Aisha, has referred to several times?”

And due to untoward happenings, which critics alleged the President “ignored, poohpoohed, or dismissed offhand,” Nigerians were quick to conclude that he had lost the mantra of no-nonsense, uprightness and impartiality generally ascribed to him from his days as a military Head of State.

The question of Buhari’s impeccability, and being actually in charge of his government was reinforced this past week following the surreptitious return of the fugitive former Chairman of the Presidential Task Force on Pension Reforms, who’s on the wanted persons’ lists of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission and the International Police (Interpol).

An adjunct query is: Is there a “government” (a fifth column) within the Government of President Buhari, out to undermine its agenda, particularly the fight against corruption that the President promised Nigerians, to earn their votes?

For allowing ants-infested wood in the house, the Maina fiasco has become not only the greatest embarrassment to the Buhari administration, but it has also spotlighted previ-

ous alleged official misconducts that were literally swept under the carpet, or handled with kid gloves.

They include those involving: 1. Former Chairman of the EFCC, Mr. Ibrahim Lamorde, now Commissioner of Police superintending the Special Fraud Unit of the Police Force in Lagos (N2 trillion corruption charge). 2.

Suspended Secretary to the Federal Government, Mr. Babacir Lawal, and the DirectorGeneral of the National Intelligence Agency (NIA), Chief Ayo Oke (million/billion naira frauds). 3. Acting Chairman of the EFCC, Mr. Ibrahim Magu (financial frauds). 4. Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Tukur Buratai (ownership of properties in Dubai).

5. Inspector General of Police, Mr. Ibrahim Idris (financial frauds and sexual assaults in Police Force). 6. Ahmed Gambo Saleh, former Supreme Court Registrar, now Secretary of the National Judicial Council (NJC), and Secretary of the Corruption and Financial Crime Cases Trial Monitoring Committee (N2 billion fraud). 7. Group Managing Director of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, Dr. Maikanti Baru (lopsided promotion/ deployment of directors, and award/failure to follow due process in a $25 billion oil deal).

In all these and similar cases, critics alleged that, “President Buhari looked the other way, pretending that nothing was amiss,” thus, unnecessarily earning for himself the label of “using the anti-corruption war to shield his friends, and hunt his enemies, especially members of the opposition Peoples Demo-

cratic Party.”

And see who reportedly aided the return of Maina: The Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Mr. Abubakar Malami (SAN) and the Minister of Interior, Abdulrahman Dambazau, a retired Lieutenant General - both the very embodiment of law and order, who should have arrested and handed Maina over to the EFCC, but alas, apparently acted as clogs to blunt Buhari’s commitment to win the anti-corruption war.

The “Mainagate” has gravely disconcerted the usually reticent ruling All Progressives Congress, that it has urged President Buhari to do the needful. Surely, Maina’s ghost shouldn’t have resurrected had the President publicly done the “needful” in the cases involving Messrs Lamorde, Lawal, Oke, Magu, Buratai, Idris, Saleh and Baru: Sanction them if they are found culpable, or officially clear them if innocent of the allegations against them.

It’s not too late to make amends, and President Buhari has started by ordering the immediate sack of Mr. Maina, and pledging to get to the bottom of the entire matter. But I dare say there’s no more “bottom of the matter.” The heads of the Ministries of Justice and Interior, in cahoots with elements in the Federal Civil Service Commission, reportedly carried out the “Maina coup.” So, no need for the President to go on a fishing expedition!

However, in trying to cleanse the Augean stable, it’s advisable the President uses one stone to kill two or more birds. First, the

much-anticipated cabinet reshuffle should be carried out pronto. The non-performers must be dropped; those placed in the wrong ministries redeployed; and new blood brought into the government.

Two, the Office of Attorney General and Minister of Justice should be separated, as the Maina stunt and other blunders have shown that politicians cannot be trusted to represent the interests of the country and those of the government at the same time.

One must subsume the other, which the recent occurrences have clearly unmasked.

President Buhari should realise - he has, indeed, admitted it - that the electorate are hotting owing to the harsh economic environment. And yet, they are ready to give him the benefit of the doubt if they see improvements in other sectors of the polity, especially in the crusade against corruption. Flushing out the bad eggs in the government is the irreducible minimum that could assuage their feelings towards him.

Most importantly, President Buhari should give his teeming party supporters and admirers, and the APC that gave him the platform to come into government, a reason to continue to believe in him and his promise to return Nigeria to a society free from want, insecurity, corruption, nepotism, injustice, hate and division.

• Ezomon, a journalist and media consultant, lives in Lagos.

2019: Does the cap not fit Atiku Abubakar?

By SAM EKPE

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n the next few months the campaign for the 2019 Presidential election will commence. Already there are moves by many politicians to forge alliances with various groups across the country, all aimed at ensuring that they find a place of reckoning in 2019, as every good politician seeks to be relevant at all times.

A recurrent decimal in the political history and development of Nigeria since the Third Republic is Alhaji Atiku Abubakar Turaki Adamawa. You will only ignore him at your peril.

In fact, he had become involved in politics in the early 1980s when he worked closely behind the scenes on the governorship campaign of Alhaji Bamanga Tukur who was then the General Manager of the Nigerian Ports Authority.

He canvassed for votes on behalf of Tukur and also donated to the campaign. Towards the end of his career in the Nigerian Customs Service he met Alhaji Shehu Musa Yar’Adua, who had been second in command in the Olusegun Obasanjo Administration (1976-1979). He had been so involved in the political activities of the Yar’Adua Group that in 1989 he was elected National Vice Chairman of the Peoples Front of Nigeria (PFN), which participated in the transition programme initiated by the then Military President Ibrahim Babangida.

The influential politician won a seat to represent his constituency at the 1989 Constituent Assembly. When the Peoples Front was denied registration, as were all the other groups then, they found a place within the Social Democratic Party (SDP) and became a dominant group in the party. He won the SDP primaries for the new Adamawa State Governorship Election but was disqualified from contesting the election.

When his friend and political mentor Shehu Musa Yar’Adua was disqualified in 1992 for the SDP Presidential Primary, Yar’Adua pushed him forward as their standard bearer. In the Convention Primary Atiku came third behind M.K.O Abiola and Babagana Kingibe and a run off was to be held between the first two candidates. Atiku stepped down for Abiola and directed his supporters to vote for M.K.O, on the understanding that he would be picked to be M.K.O’s running mate. Eventually this hope was dashed.

In 1998, he won the governorship election of Adamawa State under the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), but before he could be sworn in, he was picked by the then Presidential Candidate of the party Olusegun

Obasanjo to be his running mate. He was sworn in as Vice President of Nigeria on 29th May 1999 and served for two terms, until 2007 with President Obasanjo.

In the build up to the PDP Primaries for the 2003 Presidential Elections he was so influential within the party that, with the support of the PDP Governors he could have easily defeated the President but agreed to support the President at the last minute after Baba was alleged to have kowtowed to him. President Obasanjo never forgave him for this humiliation and has since then done everything to frustrate any move of the Turaki Adamawa to become the President of Nigeria.

It has become public knowledge that the main disagreement between the two top citizens was President Obasanjo’s moves to perpetuate himself in office.

Since then, the Turaki has been contesting for the Presidency of Nigeria under different political platforms - 2007 Action Congress (AC), lost to late President Yar’Adua, 2011 PDP Primaries lost to President Jonathan, 2015 All Peoples Congress APC, lost at the Primaries to President Muhammadu Buhari. It is therefore clear to any discerning observer or analyst that Alhaji Atiku Abubakar has the same ambition, aspiration and interest in leading the nation as Muhammadu Buhari who tried on four attempts – 2003, 2007, 2011 and 2015 and was only successful in 2015. The question now arises: Will Atiku Abubakar succeed in his 5th attempt after failures in 1993, 2007, 2011 and 2015?

There is no doubt that he is a tried and tested heavy weight in the Nigerian political firmament, having seen and experienced it all since 1983.

He is a middle of the road politician and not fanatical about any issue. A bridge builder with many supporters and admirers in all the geopolitical zones of the country, he has solid structures on the ground that ensure mobilization of people and votes at the shortest notice.

Unlike many political leaders of Northern extraction, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar is a vocal advocate of education as a vehicle for personal and societal development. He demonstrated this in his establishment of American University of Nigeria (AUN), the first American-style university to be established in sub-Saharan Africa.

In the present debate on the political future of Nigeria, the Turaki has stood up to be counted.

When it is an anathema for any politician from the far Northern Region of Nigeria to support ‘restructuring’, a recipe for devolving power

from the centre to the constituent states, Atiku Abubakar has been vocal in his support for true federalism and has been delivering speeches all over the country stressing the need to restructure the country.

In one of his more recent analyses of the Nigerian situation he criticized, his “Northern people” for being responsible for their backwardness, noting that despite the fact that Ndigbo, for instance, lost virtually everything during the civil war of 1967-1970, they have since re-established themselves in commerce and industry in Nigeria while the people of the North have remained backward. He is of the view that our current arrangement is a unitary federalism, which was a creation of prolonged military rule and that every part of the country should take charge of its resources while the federal government should handle defence, foreign affairs and immigration, among others on the Exclusive List. He believes that political decentralization will help deepen and strengthen our democracy as it will encourage more accountability. He also considers that true federalism will encourage states to compete to attract investments and skilled workers rather than just wait for monthly revenue allocation from Abuja.

Muhammadu Buhari won the Presidency after many attempts. He came with a huge bag of positives - an incorruptible leader, frugal in private and, expectedly, in public expenditure, his government will fight corruption in the country to a standstill, will so improve the Nigerian economy that the naira will exchange 1:1 to the dollar and many other goodies. The country is going into the third year of the military general’s leadership and what do we see? Even the fight against corruption, the most advertised legacy, many believed, the Buhari Administration would bequeath to Nigeria has many questions unanswered. Reports on the suspended Secretary to the Government of the Federation Babarchi Lawal (he has just been sacked, 6 months after he was indicted for financial malfeasance), a huge sum of money ($43m) alleged to belong to the suspended Director General of Nigerian Intelligence Agency (NIA) and a number of acts of corruption and indiscretion against the President’s Chief of Staff Abba Kyari are still gathering dust on the shelves several months after their submission.

With his tremendous goodwill and general acceptance in the North Central, South South and South East geopolitical zones, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar has the best opportunity to make a

breakthrough in 2019 and realize his life-long ambition of becoming President of Nigeria. Is the time not ripe for the Turaki Adamawa to steer the ship of the Nigerian state which has since shown signs of wrecking Since it is now clear that all that glitters is not gold and that the hood does not make the monk, should Nigerians not look elsewhere for their salvation? With the solid background of Alhaji Atiku Abubakar in government and his actions, views and consensus building style of politics, shouldn’t the Nigerian Electorate give him a chance in 2019?

Maybe he and the Nigerian electorate will get it right this time and a leader from Northern Nigeria with progressive credentials, sound knowledge of the Nigerian people and politics, with vision for the unity of the country, will emerge.

•Sam Ekpe, a political analyst wrote in from Abuja

THE GROUP Managing Director/Editor-in-Chief Ikeddy Isiguzo Editor Felix Oguejiofor Abugu Deputy Editor/Head, Lagos Bureau Sopuruchi Onwuka Abuja Bureau Chief Tony Ailemen Head, Graphics & Designs Nnamdi Alex Chukwu Advert Manager Andrew Udeh Circulation Manager Felix Oti

The Oracle Today

26

Wednesday November 8, 2017

Travel & Hospitality

Nigeria to benefit from 7.4b global traffic in 2030 Stories by VICTOR NZE

F

OLLOWING the 7.4billion global rise in air traffic passengers predicted by the International Air Transport Association (IATA) come 2030, Nigeria has positioned itself and is set to tap from this growth and take the lead in the continent’s aviation sub sector.

Director-General of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Capt. Muhtar Usman made this known at a seminar organised by the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO), yesterday at the NCAA’s annex office at the Murtala Muhammed Airport (MMA), Lagos,expressed the country’s readiness to meet the projected boost in air passenger traffic by 2030.

Speaking on the theme ‘High Level Workshop on Global Air Navigation Plan,’ Usman said that Nigeria was well positioned to contribute to the expected surge in global air travel by 2030.

According to Usman, Nigeria before the 2030 period as predicted by the world airline body would

have increased its infrastructure and its regulations, stressing that with this plan, the country would not be left behind.

He said: “In the spirit of ‘NO Country Left Behind’ as being professed by our own President of ICAO, Dr. Olmuyiwa Aliu, this workshop has been put in place to ensure that we key in and Nigeria is not left behind. So, in terms of regulation and infrastructure, we want to make sure that we are not left behind.

“I’m sure you are aware of the forthcoming World Aviation Forum, the third one in the series that is coming up in Abuja and the first to be held outside the ICAO headquarters between November 20 and 22 this year, we want to take advantage of that. We have a plan and we need to implement the plan. So, part of it is the infrastructure and the theme of the conference is ‘Financing Aviation Infrastructure.’

Also speaking at the occasion, Mr. Stephen Cremer, Director of Air Navigation Bureau, ICAO, said that through the seminar, ICAO would get to know the prospects

and the challenges of Nigeria towards the global 2030 global air traffic projection.

He said that Nigeria as a leader in the continent needed to take the economic development in Africa, stressing that safety and regulations tools in place required improvement, but observed that the country had improved on the accident and incident records in the past years.

He added: “We want to share our views in a way that it is meaningful to you. There is no any country in the world that can say it has all the navigational equipment. We have challenges everywhere, which are not unique, but the way we approach them is what matters.”

Also, Mr. Prosper Zo’o Minto’o, the Deputy Regional Director, ICAO said that Nigeria is considered as a leader on the continent in terms of its economic and aviation potential.

He declared that the global aviation industry was at a stage it needed to modernise the system and Nigeria had been a pioneer in the introduction of satellite technol-

ogy in the region since early 1990s.

He, however, said that the navigational aids of the 1990s required upgrade and should be in tandem with the global technologies.

Minto’o explained that air navigation was all-inclusive as it involves airlines, accident investigation, airport management, regulation and weather forecast.

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) and ICAO had projected that the global air travel would double by 2030 and called on all countries around the world to prepare for the increase.

Global air passenger travel in 2016 was 3.7 billion, according to IATA. The traffic rose 6.3 per cent when compared to 2015.

This strong performance was well ahead of the 10 years average annual growth rate of 5.5 per cent.

Capacity rose 6.2 per cent compared to 2015, pushing the load factor up 0.1 percentage points to a record full-year average high of 80.5 per cent.

With the projection of IATA, global air travel is expected to grow to 7.4 billion passenger traffic by 2030.

Med-View meets travel agents on new destinations

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n a bid to cement its relationship with its trade partners, Nigeria’s flag carrier airline, Medview Airlines Plc met with travel agents in Lagos to unveil its destinations.

The carrier has concluded arrangement to commence Abidjan, Conakry, Dakar route on Friday October 27, 2017.

It was also an opportunity for the airline to get feedback on the airline’s operations to London, Jeddah and other routes and how to make the airline like any other improve on its services.

The travel agents expressed satisfaction with the airline’s operation, saying that there is still room for improvement.

Managing director of the airline, Alhaji Muneer Bankole thanked the trade partners whom he said have been great partners in development of Medview.

He however stated that all the successes achieved by the airline had come with some impediments strategically laid down by authorities overseas to kill competition by the flag carrier.

“We encountered challenges of regional operations. In Ghana, they said they were not going to give us traffic right. They claimed that we already had four airlines and none from Ghana until the matter was resolved.”

“They did the same thing to us when we filed to operate to Dubai which by the Grace of God will happen on December 7, 2017. God bless our Minister of State for Aviation, Hadi Sirika who insisted that they must allow us to fly into Dubal Terminal One and not to Sharjah.”

Executive director, business development and commercial, Alhaji Ishiaq Na’Allah said his airline deemed it fit to meet with their

•From left: President, National Association of Nigerian Travel Agencies, Bernard Bankole; MD/CEO, Med-View Airline, Alhaji Muneer Bankole; General Sales Agent in Freetown, Med-View Airline, Mr Anthony Popoola, and Chief Operating Officer, Mr Michael Ajigbotosho, at the Med-View Airline Trade Partners forum held in Lagos last Tuesday. trade partners, describing them as great partners in progress.

His words, “The major reason why we are here today is for us to rub minds together because we are opening new routes. As we all know, we operate regional flights to West African countries especially to the cities of Accra, Monrovia and Freetown. If you look at all these cities, they are English speaking which is Anglophone.

Since we are in West Africa, we talk about ECOWAS; we have the

French speaking countries as well.

So, there is the need for us to connect every one.

“By Friday, October 27, we are launching a new service to Abidjan, Conakry and Dakar. The purpose of our gathering today is to interact with our trade partners that are travel agencies to partner with us.

We are here to introduce this market to them and give them the opportunity to serve to passengers”.

“I am going to say they have been very wonderful partners to

us. Travel agents are the first link to the customers because they help customers to plan their trips, their itinerary and serve as consultants to them. They prefer to go to the travel agencies than coming to the airlines”, he added.

He described the operating environment in Nigeria as very tough, but expressed the joy that they were able to overcome.

He attributed achievement of the airline in a short space of time to managerial competence.

UNESCO, CBAAC to mark 40th anniversary of FESTAC

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nited Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) in partnership with the Lagos-based Centre for Black and African Arts and Civilization (CBAAC) would mark the 40th anniversary of FESTAC 77 to push for the preservation of images captured across the globe for posterity.

This is contained in a statement by Mr Olushola Macaulay, UNESCO’s National Information and Programme Officer in Abuja, to mark the World Day for Audio Visual Heritage.

He said that the event would come up in Lagos from November 6 to 11. FESTAC 77, also known as the Second World Black and African Festival of Arts and Culture, was held in Lagos from Jan. 15 to Feb. 12, 1977. It was a celebration of African culture, music, fine art, literature, drama, dance, and religion.

FESTAC 77 placed audio visuals in the spotlight, and UNESCO, at its 21st General Conference on Oct. 27, 1980, agreed to safeguard and preserve the images and consequently initiated the World Day for Audio Visual Heritage.

According to Olushola, people still capture moving images across the world, but lack the ability to preserve them.

“Everyday, all over the world, people capture moving images to record all facets of life, from science to culture or to education.

“Some of the images depicting different events and situations of life are lost due to inappropriate preservation. “The World Day for Audio visual Heritage, therefore, provides a platform for preserving and promoting our heritage.

“Not only does it provide a platform for highlighting audio visual preservation, it also provides an avenue for building dialogue around it. “As conserved material, audio visual archives form a cornerstone for the memory of the world and preserve recordings for future generations. “UNESCO in collaboration with CBAAC celebrates the 40th Anniversary of the Second World African Festival of Arts and Culture (FESTAC 77), holding in Lagos from Nov. 6 to Nov.11,” he said.

“FESTAC 77, places in the spotlight, the role of audio visual preservation in ensuring that the memory of FESTAC 77 is kept for future generations to see,” he said.

He added that the celebration would feature panel discussion with the theme “The Histori-cultural Importance of Audio Visual Preservation and the presentation of the Archive Digitisation Project.’’

Meanwhile, the United Nation’s body has blamed inadequate legal framework and lack of funds for none implementation of 2003 Convention for Safeguarding of Intangible Cultural Heritage in Nigeria.

Culture Advisor, UNESCO Regional Office in Abuja, Ms Adele Nibona, who made this known in a statement Thursday, stressed that the numerous cultural heritages have not received proper attention to actualise its potential.

The Oracle Today

27

Wednesday November 8, 2017

AVIATION

Aviation key to combating terrorism – ICAO Stories by VICTOR NZE

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he International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO), has stated that the aviation had a key role to play in combating terrorism and cross-border crime.

ICAO’s Secretary-General, Dr Fang Liu, made the assertion, Thursday, at the ICAO’s 13th Traveller Identification Programme (TRIP) Strategy Symposium in Montreal, Canada, made available on its website.

“The ICAO TRIP strategy reinforces the global line of defence against international terrorist movements, cross-border crime, and the many other threats to the safety and security of civil society and international aviation.

“The main part of our work in this area is conducted under Annex 9 to the Chicago Convention on Facilitation.

“Facilitation activities are strongly supportive of the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and the ICAO TRIP Strategy also significantly contributes to UN Security Council Resolutions 2178 and 2309.”

According to her, this latest edition of the TRIP Symposium is seen as an important step in maintaining the global momentum on anti-terrorism priorities recently achieved through the UN Security Council (UNSC).

“Specifically, the Counter Terrorism Committee recognised the importance of national authorities

I

•From left: Kingsley Inyang Dana Air Abuja Sales Executive, Oluremi Jibodu Dana Air Abuja Sales Manager, and the Managing Director of Nigerian Customer Service Awards Limited Dr Aliyu Ilias during the presentation of the 4th Best Customer Service Airline to Dana Air in Abuja. sharing Advanced Passenger Information (API).

“And while many states have not yet introduced related API programmes, I would like to remind them all that API sharing became mandatory under ICAO Annex 9 as of Oct. 23 this year,’’ Liu noted.

She said states’ implementation of the TRIP strategy required coordinated action between many government and industry entities,

adding that the implementation capacities, however, varied from government to government.

Liu said that ICAO and states were addressing this gap by fostering cooperation among both States and industry, intensifying coordination at regional, local levels, by mobilising donor contributions.

“Although more than 80 per cent of the e-Passports in global circula-

AWOL International, an official has said.

Director of Public Building in Osun State Ministry of Works, Mr Niyi Ogundiran, gave the figure at a

meeting with members of the state Assembly in Osogbo on Thursday.

Ogundiran said that the concession arrangement would last for 30 years before permanent transfer

was a very serious infrastructure decay, we saw potholes on the runway and this is very unsafe for aircrafts to land. We are surprised that international flights are operating at that airport where there is no running water and the toilets are in bad shapes,’’ he said.

Adamu disclosed that some international airlines like the Emirate Airlines had wanted to begin operations in Enugu but couldn’t because after inspection of the facilities, they found there was no water or operational light on the runway.

According to him, it was impossible for aircrafts to land at night in Enugu airport.

The senator also revealed that despite the payment of over 40 per cent of the contract sum for the new terminal that was being funded by a Chinese Bank (Exim bank), the terminal had remained in a state of decay He said that so far, record had shown that over N9 billion had been spent on the said terminal.

He added that as part of their

constitutional responsibility on oversight function, the committee had embarked on the tour to ascertain the project so far executed with the appropriated funds.

The lawmaker assured that the committee would not hesitate to appropriately bring any organisation found guilty of funds diversion to book.

In the same vein, Mr Nkiruka Onyejeocha, (PDP), representing Isuikwato/Umunneochi (Abia State), said that delayed job performance on the ongoing International Wing of the Port Harcourt Airport was equally worrisome.

She said that going by the contract schedule, the job would have been delivered in March 2016.

On the local wing of the Port Harcourt Airport, she said though the airport was safe for light operations, it was below the standard of an international airport.

“It is unfortunate that at this time when other nations are moving forward, Nigeria is rather destroying her national assets.

tion are issued by States already participating in the Public Key Directory, many are still not taking advantage of it to authenticate the chip-based data,” she said.

The 2017 TRIP Symposium was centred around the theme: “Making Air Travel more Secure and Efficient”.

The event was attended by close 600 officials from 82 States and 14 international organisations.

Proposed MKO Abiola Int’l Airport to cost N69b

T

he proposed M. K. O Abiola International Airport in IdoOsun, Osun, will cost N69 billion under a concession arrangement with an indigenous company,

Lawmakers declare Akanu Ibiam Airport unsafe

T

he Joint Committee of the National Assembly on Aviation on Thursday expressed worry over the deplorable facilities of some airports in the country and declared the Akanu Ibiam Airport unsafe.

Sen. Muhammad Adamu (APC), who represents Kebbi Central at the senate, expressed displeasure during a tour of facility of the Port Harcourt International Airport.

Adamu said that the Senate had between 2015 and 2017 appropriated funds for completion of the remodeling of airports across the country.

In a report on the state of the Enugu Airport, Adamu said the situation was worrisome and needed urgent remedial measures to protect the airport users.

Describing the airport as unsafe for airline operations, the lawmaker urged FAAN to summon the contractors to fill the existing potholes on the runway for safety of passengers.

“What we saw in Enugu airport

Dana Air opens new outlet in V/Island

of ownership to the state government.

He said that the contract was first awarded on October 14, 2012, at the cost of N 4.5 billion, noting that the project was to be completed within eight months by the government and not under concession arrangement.

Ogundiran said that the contract was later reviewed to gulp N11 billion to be able to accommodate more features.

He said the state government had spent N3.6 billion on the project before the concession arrangement, adding that the N3.6 billion would be deducted from the N69 billion contract sum.

On his part, Permanent Secretary in the ministry, Mr Nurudeen Adeagbo, said that the concession arrangement would be to the advantage of the state, even as he expressed the hope that the company would deliver a perfect job.

Remarking, Deputy Speaker of the Assembly, Mr Adegboye Akintunde, urged all those in charge of the project to ensure its success, adding that Osun people were watching with keen interest to know the outcome of the arrangement.

Chairman of the House Committee on Commerce, Co-operatives and Industries, Mr Tunde, said that the airport project was a huge investment and must be handled carefully, just as he added that, if well executed, the project would facilitate economic development of the state.

ndigenous carrier, Dana Air has been named the Best Customer Service Airline for the fourth year running at the Nigerian Customer Experience Management Conference and Awards held recently at Reiz Continental Hotel, Abuja.

This is also as the company announced the opening of a new office inside the Silverbird Galleria Victoria Island Lagos.

The award was presented to the airline at the 5th edition of the conference themed: ‘The Move from Customer Service to Customer Experience.’’

Managing Director of Customer Service Awards Limited Dr. Aliyu O.Ilias, said, Dana Air clinched the award as a result of its commitment to the principles of customer experience management and that the airline’s nomination and selection was done through Customers’ feedback, online polls, Independent survey and Mystery shopping services.’’

Responding to the award, the Media and Communications Manager of Dana Air, Kingsley Ezenwa said, winning the airline with the Best Customer Service Award for the fourth time consecutively since 2014, is a confirmation that our investment in creativity, technology, and customercentric initiatives is paying off.

We appreciate the organizers of the award and the flying public for appreciating the efforts that we are making to give the best of everything we offer.’’

‘Only recently and based on popular demands from our teeming guests, we opened a new office at Silverbird Galleria Victoria Island Lagos, to create that presence for our guests around the Island and its axis.

We also recently created a Special Service Unit to cater to the urgent needs of our guests at the airports in Lagos, Abuja, and Uyo. We still have our Self checkin kiosk at MMA2, the first of its kind at the terminal, our partnership withzowasel.com to offer our guests great discounts at partner outlets is getting positive reviews, the pay with Dana Miles concept and more.

Just to mention a few of the initiatives we have put in place to enhance customer experience and we dedicate this award to our staffs for their professionalism.’’

The Oracle Today

28

Wednesday November 8, 2017

INSURANCE & PENSION Stories by VICTOR NZE

T

he Auditor-General of Kogi, Alhaji Yakubu Okala, has alleged that over N4 billion belonging to pensioners in the state was diverted into private pockets in the state between 2010 and 2015.

Okala, who is also the Chairman of Technical Committee on Kogi State Pension Reform, made the revelation at stakeholders meeting on importance of the new Contributory Pension Scheme in Lokoja, Thursday.

He said the money was diverted by few individuals saddled with the responsibility of handling the state’s pension funds.

The auditor-general said many of the perpetrators of the scam were on the run, but assured that they would soon be apprehended.

Okala said embezzlement was responsible for the plight of pensioners in the state.

He added that “pensioners at the local government level are worst hit by the fraudulent act.

“However, investigation on councils’ pension is ongoing and we must see to the end. Government has tried its best in releasing money for payment of pension in the state, but the handlers failed woefully.”

The technical committee chairman revealed that a pension reform bill had been sent to the state House of Assembly and passed into law but the scheme could not commence.

This, he attributed to the lack of

Auditor-General alleges diversion of N4b pension fund

• Minister of State I for Power, Works and Housing, Mustapha Baba Shehuri flanked by officials of the Ministry of Power, Works and Housing (Power Sector) and the African Development Bank (AfDB), who were in his office as Development Partners in the areas of technical and financial assistance to help his Ministry fully implement the Power Sector Recovery Plan (PSRP) initiatives. political will by previous administrations, saying the present administration was committed to implementing the scheme.

He urged civil servants both at state and local government levels to key into the new Contributory Pension Scheme of the government to

better their lives after retirement.

The Chairperson of Kogi State Pension Bureau, Hajiya Sa’adatu Atimah, described the scheme

as safe and laudable, adding that the state government would contribute 10 per cent and workers would contribute eight per cent.

government will do everything within its powers to get to the root of the matter.

“The issues surrounding the non-payment of pension and gratuities in the state had been hinged on criminal padding and inflation of pensions and gratuities. This criminal inflation and doctoring of figures as noticed in the payroll of pensioners, led to setting up a special committee in charge of harmonising entitlements accruable to pensioners in the state.

“The committee headed by the Deputy Governor has been working assiduously to ensure

that no pensioner is shortchanged or omitted,” he said.

Umahi expressed surprise that some retired civil servants still alleged extortion by officials of the audit unit, even when the accruable payments were not within the jurisdiction of the auditor-general.

“It is possible that those who alleged extortion were the bad eggs who inflated or altered their entitlements in connivance with some staff of the audit department,” he said.

The governor said that such people had refused to appear before the deputy governor

led-harmonisation committee to prevent the determination of their proper entitlements.

“The people involved in this issue should appear before the office of the deputy governor saddled with the speedy payment of pensions instead of looking for shortcuts to defraud the state government. Consequently, all retired civil servants who have not completed their physical capturing should immediately do so as those that have completed theirs have been duly paid,” he said.

The governor said that he had directed the Head of Service,

the auditor-general and the Fiscal Responsibility Commission of the state to expeditiously investigate the alleged pension scam.

“Anybody found culpable will be made to face the wrath of the law as this administration will not tolerate such deliberate sabotage of government policies and programmes,” he added.

He directed the pensioners allegedly exploited to report to the office of the Chief Press Secretary, Government House, Abakaliki, and officially lodge their complaints,” he said.

Umahi probes Ebonyi pension scheme

G

overnor David Umahi of Ebonyi has ordered probe into allegations of malpractices in the payment of pensions of retired civil servants in the state.

Some staff of the audit unit of the office of the Auditor- General of the state have been accused of extorting money from pensioners to facilitate their pension payments.

Umahi, in a release signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Emmanuel Uzor, expressed dismay over the alleged extortions.

According to him, the state

LASPEC wants NAICOM, PenCom to eliminate insurance hindrances

T

he Lagos State Pension Commission (LASPEC) has urged the National Insurance Commission (NAICOM) and National Pension Commission (PenCom) to eliminate practices militating against the growth of the industry.

Director-General of LASPEC, Mrs Folashade Onanuga made the call at the ongoing Insurance and Pension Conference organised by National Association of Insurance and Pension Correspondents (NAIPCO) in Lagos on Thursday She said that eliminating the challenges would bring san-

ity to the industry and attract more Nigerians into the insurance net.

The D-G said the theme of the conference: Legislation of Pensions and Insurance, Intrigues, Interest, Governance and the People’ would enable experts suggest solutions to enhance the sectors’ contributions to economic growth.

According to her, annuity providers need to know how to do legitimate business while marketing a product and not behaving like fraudsters.

“Some insurance agents now stand by the roadside as

if they are waiting for a prey, unfortunately, there are too many frauds in the system.

The competition between life insurers and Pension Fund Administrators (PFAs) needed to be healthier otherwise the ultimate consumers will lose confidence in them.

“Such competition contravenes the transparency the 2004 Pension Reform Act (PRA) advocated for as human thinking will suggest that the fighting is to gain market share.

“This means the product is more to the benefit of the operator more than consumers,’’

she said.

The LASPEC boss expressed dismay that some life insurance companies invited retirees to programme using the name LASPEC. “Sometimes, agents will pose as relatives of retirees to programmes to exit discussion between retirees and PFAs,’’ she said.

The Commissioner for Insurance (CFI), Alhaji Mohammed Kari, said that the commission had widened its regulatory and supervisory roles on insurance entities.

Kari, represented by Mr Pius

Popoola, the Head of Authorisation and Policy, said the roles were aimed at building the confidence of policy holders.

The commissioner said the roles would also eradicate abominable ethics and promote the safety and soundness of the insurance industry.

He said that the commission would work closely with the industry and other stakeholders, especially co-regulators in the financial services sector.

“This would promote a healthy insurance industry within the existing legislation,’’ he said.

The Oracle Today

29

Wednesday November 8, 2017

INSURANCE & PENSION

‘Insurance contributes less than 1% to Nigeria’s GDP’

T

HE contribution of insurance to Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) is less than one per cent, a business lawyer, Mr Dominic Ochaba, said on Thursday in Lagos.

Ichaba, who spoke at the First Annual Seminar of the Nigerian Bar Association Session on Business Law (NBA-SBL) on Insurance and Pension Committee, called for adequate insurance penetration in the country.

The theme of the session is “Insurance Penetration, the role of Law and Regulation’’.

“The Nigerian insurance industry is far from achieving its potential as there are many areas of legal work which are not yet open to Nigerian lawyers. For instance, while the rate of insurance penetration and contribution to the GDP is 12 per cent in South Africa, it is less than one per cent in Nigeria.

“This simply means that there is still plenty of room for the growth of insurance in Nigeria,’’ Ichaba, who is also the Chairman of the Insurance and Pension Committee of NBA-SBL said.

The lawyer noted that Nigerian lawyers had not done much in the insurance industry, adding that it could be improved on so as to help impact consumers of insurance.

According to Ichaba, insurance affords people and businesses the confidence to set up structures for producing goods and services that grow the economy, with the knowledge that adverse incidents could be made good through insurance covers.

He urged insurance regulators and stakeholders to ensure that they championed the drive and contribute to insurance penetration by bringing their knowledge and expertise on insurance to the table.

“Uncertainties are the undesirable part of our world as they expose us, our loved ones and businesses to risks.

“Insurance penetration is low in Nigeria because most people fail to take insurance to cover these risks.

“The Insurance regulators and operators should champion the drive for insurance penetration in Nigeria; lawyers should also be interested in contributing to the insurance industry for the overwhelming benefit of the populace,’’ he said.

Ichaba noted that insurance was paramount in every discipline as it enabled businesses to rebound quickly after suffering a loss.

Also, the Executive Director of Leadway Assurance Company Ltd., Mrs Adetola Adegbayi, urged lawyers to be committed

•From left: David Ifezulike, Chairman, Nestle Nigeria Plc; Oscar N. Onyema, OON, Chief Executive Officer, The Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE); Mauricio Alarcon, Managing Director/CEO, Nestle Nigeria Plc and Ade Bajomo, Executive Director, Market Operations and Technology, NSE during a Closing Gong Ceremony at the Exchange recently.

to the insurance sector and help to redress wrongs where the need arises She said that a resort could be made to ambulance chasing (practice of lawyers’ chasing briefs or law suits) in a bid to enhance the insurance industry.

She said: “Personally, I find nothing wrong with ambulance

chasing or pursuing briefs; in fact, I will encourage it in insurance businesses today.

“We need lawyers in the county who in the event of an accident, will follow up insurance companies to ensure that they duly indemnify the victims as soon as possible.

“The more these insurance

companies are made to live up to expectations, the more vibrant the insurance industry will become.

She said that it also the duty of lawyers to ensure that they wind up companies that had no use existing as insurance cover and urged the public to take insurance to cover their risks.

Reps investigate Third Party Vehicle insurance scheme

T

he House of Representatives has mandated its Committee on Insurance and Actuarial Matters to investigate the operations of the Third Party Motor Vehicle Insurance Scheme.

The investigation is aimed

at determining whether the insured are deriving benefits from the scheme and the constraints in its operations.

This was sequel to a unanimous adoption of a motion by Rep. Francis Uduyok (Akwa

Ibom-PDP) at the plenary on Thursday presided over by the Speaker, Mr Yakubu Dogara.

Moving the motion earlier, Uduyok said “Section 68 (1) of the Insurance Act of 2003 provides that no person shall use or

cause any other person to use a motor vehicle on a road unless a liability which he may thereby incur in respect of damage to the property of a third party is insured with an Insurer registered under this Act.’’ He said a third party insur-

Lagos to enforce construction insurance from 2018

L

agos State Government has said it is now set to enforce compulsory construction insurance next year to safeguard against building collapse in the state.

Director-General, Lagos State Safety Commission, Mr Hakeem Dickson, disclosed this during a panel discussion at the 2017 Conference of the Nigerian Institute of Building on Thursday in Lagos.

According to him, construction insurance will be made compulsory in Lagos as from 2018 for those constructing new houses.

“Another element we would add from next year is a compulsory insurance; the construction insurance is to be enforced from 2018,” Dickson said.

He said that the commission engaged in proactive activities to ensure safety in construction sites by ensuring that materials were properly piled and separated in a safe manner to prevent injuries and accidents.

Also speaking at the conference, Mr Sodehinde Nurudeen, General Manager, Lagos State Building Control Agency (LASBCA), lamented the haphazard development in the state.

Nurudeen said that 80 per cent of buildings in Lagos were illegal developments without the requisite approvals and permits, adding that most buildings were constructed before the regulatory authorities could reach them.

“80 per cent of buildings in Lagos are illegal. No single government agency can bring sanity in the building error in Lagos,’’ he said, even as he called on all pro-

fessionals in the building industry to collaborate to tackle the problem headlong.

Nurudeen also called on Lagos residents to acquire the requisite permits and approvals before constructing houses to safeguard their investments and prevent building collapse.

Prof. Martins Dada, Department of Building, University of Lagos, called for the collaboration of all

agencies of government to make the process of acquiring approvals and permits less cumbersome.

Dada said that there was need for harmony among the agencies so that they do not work at cross purposes.

“What I propose is that we can come together.

“My submission is that we need to have a joint action board,’’ he said.

mine.Speaking to shareholders at its 48th Annual General Meeting in Kano, the Chairman, Royal Exchange Plc, Kenny Ezenwani Odogwu, told shareholders that the future of the company is bright, stating that management has done very well in growing the business and bring stability in her operations.

“As always, Royal Exchange stays abreast with many of the initiatives it has put in place to grow its market share, and attain market leadership position.” According to him, the Group is currently streamlining major components of her business, service delivery,

processes and operations to deliver superior returns in the short term to shareholders.

“This, we believe will reposition our great company as not only a major industry player, but as potential game changer,” Odogwu assured.In the financial year ended December 2016, the Group recorded a 16 per cent growth in gross written premium from N10.79billion in 2015 to N12.52billion in 2016, while total assets of the group witnessed a growth of 19.4 per cent, from N26.5billion in 2015 to N31.67billion as at December 31, 2016.

Royal Exchange sets to underwrite agric

N

igeria’s financial services group, Royal Exchange, is set to begin underwriting of agric-business to boost consumer value and better returns on investment. This move followed an approval by the National Insurance Commission (NAICOM).

The company with interest in general insurance, life insurance, asset management, healthcare as well as micro finance banking, is taking advantage of synergies, as a financial conglomerate in its new drive for growth. This is going to be supported with a new inroad into agric insurance, the country’s new expanding gold-

ance policy of 5000 was usually purchased under the Act by the insured for protection against another party’s claims that is known as the third party.

The legislator said that motorists were systematically being denied information on the essence of the 5000 insurance premium paid at the point of registering a vehicle or renewal of the vehicle particulars.

Uduyok said that most owners of such vehicles, which were covered by insurance and ought to have been compensated, did not receive any compensation.

He said the policy holder usually ended up bearing the costs of the repairs because majority of vehicle owners were ignorant of what was involved.

The lawmaker said as a result of the ignorance, some insurance companies were raking in fortunes without paying compensation to the insured.

The House urged the Federal Ministry of Information and Culture to initiate enlightenment campaigns on the rights of the insured under the Third Party Motor Vehicle Insurance Scheme.

The green chamber also urged the Federal Road Safety Commission and the National Insurance Agency (NIA) to commence mass enlightenment.

The committee was asked report back its findings within 12 weeks for further legislative action.

30

The Oracle Today Wednesday November 8, 2017

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The Oracle Today Wednesday November 8, 2017

Crime

Prophet nabbed for murder Stories by XAVIER NDAH

A

self-styled white garment prophet, Oluwadarasi Rotimi, in charge of Jehovah Jireh Cherubim and Seraphim Church, Close 3, Onipetesi-Ijoko, has been arrested by the police in Ogun State for alleged complicity in the murder, of a young lady.

Arrested alongside Darasimi was the hatchet man of the ritual syndicate, Ibikunle Sunday, who perfected the plan of killing and dissection of the victim, whose name was given as Sarah Olowookere.

The third suspect, identified simply as Ogo-Eri, who lured the victim to the ‘slaughter zone’ has however, bolted.

Parading the suspects before news men at the State Headquarters of the police at Eleweran in Abeokuta, the state capital, Commissioner of Police (CP), Ahmed Iliyasu, scowled at the rate some youths source for money through dubious means.

According to the police chief, the fleeing member of the gang, after the three partners-in-crime had resolved to ritualism, lured his girlfriend, the late Sarah to a farm at Ijaiye-Alafia area of Fadunsin in Ijoko, where Ibikunle hit her on the head with a log.

Our reporter gathered that, after ascertaining that their victim had passed on, Ibikunle allegedly took up the job of dissecting the body, slashing off the head, breast, palms, private part and the heart.

They were said to have shared the severed parts amongst themselves, with the head allotted to Ibikunle.

While the heinous crime remained a secret to just the three gang members, along the line, Ibikunle, who was employed to take care of the farmland, fell out with his employer over a fraud-related issue, resulting

O

•The suspects (inset) the church.

in his arrest by the Police.

In his calculations on how to escape punishment over the fraud issue, Ibikunle framed his employer up before the detectives, alleging him of murder of Sarah, a development that aroused police curiosity and investigation into the new and more criminal act.

The two suspects, Ibikunle and his master, were consequently led to the farmland, and the shallow graves, one with the head and the other containing the body, were uncovered.

Meanwhile, a discrete investigation conducted by crack homicide detectives revealed that the actual perpetrators were Ibikunle’s gang, a development, Ibikunle owned up to.

He narrated how the three of them had been wallowing in poverty and thereafter came to conclusion of resorting to ritualism.

“I was the one that hit her with a log on the head and also dissected the body. Her head was allotted to me, while Darasimi and

Ogo-Eri went away with other severed parts. I was told to source for N20,000 to complete my own ritual, of which I managed to raise N10, 000. Since I was not able to make up the required money and the head was decomposing, I had to bury it in a shallow grave”. He stated

Couple, daughter arrested with firearm A

family of three have been arrested by operatives of the Lagos State Task Force for allegedly being in possession of a dane-gun.

The suspects, Saka Lawal, 45, Tawa Lawal, 40 and Kausarat Lawal, 24, have however been transferred to the state’s Special Anti Robbery Squad,SARS, Ikeja, Lagos on the order of the state’s Commissioner of Police, CP Edgal Imohinmi.

Speaking on the arrests, Chairman of the Task Force, SP Olayinka Egbeyemi, said the gun was recovered during the demolition of shanties and illegal structures under Powerline at Bode Thomas in Surulere area of Lagos State.

According to Egbeyemi, who spoke through the Agency’s Public Relations Officer (PRO), Adebayo Taofiq, the gun was hidden under the roof of the suspects’ abode where it was discovered during the demolition exercise.

Meanwhile, well over 2,500 illegal structures were demolished at Ijaye-Ojokoro and Bode Thomas in Surulere, on the order of the state government.

Wraps of substances suspected to be indian hemp and other outlawed drugs such as ‘Tramadol-200 Super’, Tramadol Capsules RG11’ and ‘Analgin Injection 500mg’ were recovered from a dreaded and notorious cult group called “Adura Boys’ who have been terrorising Powerline Street and other suburbs of Ijaiye in Ojokoro.

Police alert on ‘corporate pickpockets’

•The Lawals.

According to the helmsman of the Task Force,”In compliance with the directives of Governor Akinwunmi Ambode for the Task Force to demolish structures under high tension cables, which was in tandem with the ongoing “Eradication of Criminal Hideouts” exercise already embarked upon by the Police, the Agency, over the weekend embarked on demolition of criminal hideouts and illegal structures in Ijaiye, Ojokoro and Bode Thomas area of Surulere, where a ‘dane-gun’ and wraps of illicit drugs were recovered”.

Egbeyemi disclose that, before the agency embarked on the demolition exercise, all owners and occupiers of the affected over 2,500 demol-

ished illegal structures and containers were served with ‘Removal Order’ notice by the government.

He expressed worries that the radiation from the high tension cables posed serious danger to human health, and that no responsible and responsive government would put lives of her citizens at risks. He further described the structures as an eye-sore.

According to Egbeyemi, the structures served as a haven for criminal hideouts, where miscreants, including under-aged boys and girls, converged to smoke Indian hemp and perpetrated all manners of criminal activities, including prostitution.

The Task Force Chairman hinted that particular dreaded and notori-

ous cult groups in the area, known as ‘Adura Boys’, were noted for dispossessing innocent citizens of their valuables, including cash, phones, wallets and jewelries He charged landlords, community development associations (CDAs), traditional rulers and other relevant stakeholders to be security conscious in their quest to make money through land sales, saying “allocating lands to a criminal is inviting his group to your environment.

“And for those of you who are in the habit of selling spaces under high tension cables for people to erect all sorts of structures, you had better put a stop to it, as anyone caught will be prosecuted”, Egbeyemi warned.

peratives of the Rapid Response Squad (RRS) of the Police Lagos state has arrested two men suspected to be corporate pick pockets in Lagos.

The men one Seun Jimoh, 18, was arrested at Oshodi while another Joseph Adeoye was also arrested at Ikeja area. Jimoh, a trainee auto – engineer,sais he had abandoned mechanic work for pickpocketing in Oshodi on the ground that it was more profitable.

Jimoh, decked in brown jacket and trouser, and a hand bag like a corporate executive, as at the time of his arrest had already stolen four mobile phones from unsuspecting commuters in an early morning rush in Oshodi.

The suspect was caught while removing N18, 000:00 from the pocket of a commuter while commuters were struggling to get a seat in a vehicle before he was caught.

Unknown to Jimoh, two of his victims were on the lookout for him after suspecting him for being in possession of their missing phones.

While standing at Oshodi Under Bridge, they spotted him removing N18,000 from the pocket of another victim, Gbenga Odeniyi.

At this point, his earlier victims, Onuh Austine and Onesimus Paul raised the alarm, which made Jimoh to promptly drop the money and take to his heels but RRS operatives close to the scene chased and caught him.

The operatives after listening to all the accusations requested the victims’ phone numbers which were dialed and they were found in Jimoh’s handbag. Jimoh upon interrogation confirmed to have stolen the two phones during a bus stampede. “on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, I am always in Oshodi pickpocketing. I steal an average of eight phones on Mondays and maybe like nine phones on Fridays.”

I don’t really get more than five phones on Wednesdays.

In another development, another suspect has also been arrested for same trade.

Joseph Adeoye, 22, dressed in black suit was arrested in Ikeja at the commissioning of a shopping mall. He had stolen the mobile phone of a shopper from her handbag when he was spotted and arrested at the event.

He confessed to RRS interrogators to have stolen several mobile phones and wallets in the same manner. According to him, ‘I live in Ibafo, from where I come to Lagos visiting choice gatherings to pickpocket’.

Commenting on the arrests Lagos Police Public Relations Officer Famos Cole who confirmed their arrests said , several pickpockets operating in the city have been arrested as members of the public fell easily to their antics due to the way they dress.

He said the duo of Adeoye and Jimoh, dress like business executives which made them to steal easily from unsuspecting members of the public as they move from one bus stop to another by way of making a livelihood.

32

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The Oracle Today Wednesday November 8, 2017

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ODD NEWS

Dinosaur footprints four times bigger than a lion are found in Africa

S

cientists have discovered evidence that a huge dinosaur - an ancestor of the T-rex roamed in Africa 200 million years ago.

Footprints left by a “megatheropod” have been photographed by professors in South Africa after their discovery in the kingdom of Lesotho.

Megatheropods are an earlier species that turned into the Tyrannosaurus rex.

Scientists believe the photographs show a link to the T-rex, which lived between 85 million and 65 million years ago .

British team member Dr Fabien Knoll, from the University of Manchester, called the discovery “very exciting” and explained that it sheds new light on what it could mean for other species.

She said: “It really would have been top of the food chain.”

Each of the three footprints

measured 57cm (22.4ins) long and 50cm (19.7ins) wide.

Megatheropods are a larger version of theropods, which were meat-eating two-legged dinosaurs.

It was described as a “significant find” by co-author Dr Lara Sciscio, from the University of Cape Town.

“Globally, these large tracks are very rare. There is only one other known site similar in age and sized tracks, which is in Poland.”

The study has been published in the Public Library of Science One journal (PLOS).

eading gynecologist urges women to ditch ‘abusive’ partners who complain about their natural odor She’s had a strong opinion on the recent trends for women cleaning their vaginas with cucumbers and Vicks’ Vaporub.

Now Dr Jen Gunter, who is also a prominent critic of Gwyneth Paltrow’s controversial Goop website, has hit out at men who complain about the natural smell of their partner’s genitals which she describes as a ‘form of abuse’.

Writing in her latest blog newsletter, the Canadian gynecologist revealed she once dumped a boyfriend for complaining about the smell of her genitals.

Dr Gunter has urged women not to feel ashamed and feel they have to resort to buying harmful products that create artificial odours.

She says they upset the vagina’s natural pH balance and leave you at a greater risk of infections like gonorrhoea and even HIV. She wrote: ‘I once dated a guy who insinuated my vagina did not smell right. He was an a** in other ways too..

For example, he though my hair would be better if it were straight. Sadly I took the bait, it wasn’t.

‘He thought I would look better if I dressed a certain way. Again I took the bait. I just felt worse.

‘When it came around to telling me how my vagina could be better it finally clicked that this is a form of control that men often use.

‘Fortunately I am an appropriately confident vagina expert and I had a light bulb moment and dumped his sorry a**.

Dr Gunter went on to urge women to not fall into the same trap.

She said: ‘I realize this may border on TMI [too much information], but honestly if it happened to me I bet it has happened to other women.

‘The continued proliferation of the what will they insert next, the products on drug store shelves, and the interest in these posts tells me that I’m probably right.

‘If you think you have a medical condition, see a doctor. If your partner insinuates that an artificial smell is preferable to the smell of a normal vagina they are the one who has an issue.

‘Telling women how they can be better is a classic way of tapping into body image issues and honestly in my personal opinion it is a form of abuse.’

‘Self-cleaning oven’ Dr Gunter has previously stressed that women should be aware that douches are unnecessary – and even dangerous – as our intimate areas are designed to clean themselves.

She once tweeted: ‘A vagina takes care of itself. Like a self cleaning oven..’

In her recent post she explained: ‘For what I am sure is the 100th time the vagina needs no cleaning and the vulva needs very little.

‘I know the array of useless feminine washes and wipes at the drugstore and the drivel spouted by Gwyneth Paltrow via Goop imply otherwise, but I’m the actual expert.

Why is the PH of your vagina important?

Scientists have discovered an STI and HIV-fighting bacteria naturally present in some women’s vaginas.

L. crispatus bacteria in their vaginas is one of five types of bacteria present in female genitals.

But unlike in the gut – where we strive to have a mix of bacteria – many researchers believe the vagina is healthiest if just one (L. crispatus) is dominant.

Lactobacillus bacteria pump out lactic acid, which keeps the vaginal environment at a low, acidic pH that kills or discourages other bacteria, yeast and viruses from thriving.

There are even hints that certain Lactobacillus species reinforce the mucus in the vagina that acts as a natural barrier to invaders.

She recently warned about the dangers of carrying out a ‘vagina facial’ using a cucumber.

Then also said that using anything that upsets the pH balance – including douches, cleanses, steams, and vinegar pH balancing products – has ‘real potential for harming good bacteria or disrupting the mucosal surface’.

‘By damaging lactobacilli and the mucosa, attempts at vaginal cleaning increase a woman’s risk of contracting gonorrhoea or HIV if she is exposed,’ she said.

‘Paradoxically, it will also cause odour.’

Experts at the renowned Mayo Clinic echo Dr Gunter’s warning and say on its website that ‘it’s normal for your vagina to have a slight odor’.

It says that vaginal odor may vary throughout the menstrual cycle and may be especially noticeable right after having sex. Normal sweating also can cause a vaginal smell.

However, it states that ‘a strong vaginal odor – for instance, a “fishy” smell – might be abnormal and could indicate a problem.’

When should I see a doctor over your vaginal odour?

It is completely normal for your vagina to have a slight odor.

Abnormal vaginal odor that happens because of infection or another problem is usually associated with other vaginal signs and symptoms such as itching, burning, irritation or discharge.

Common causes of abnormal vaginal odor include: • Bacterial vaginosis – this is an overgrowth of normally occurring vaginal bacteria and the most common vaginal infection that causes a vaginal odor.

• Poor hygiene • A retained or forgotten tampon left in place for several days • Trichomoniasis – a sexually transmitted infection – also can lead to vaginal odor Chlamydia and gonorrhea infections usually don’t cause vaginal odors. Neither do yeast infections.

Less commonly, abnormal vaginal odor may result from: • Rectovaginal fistula (an abnormal opening between the rectum and vagina that allows feces to leak into the vagina) • Cervical cancer • Vaginal cancer If you’re concerned about an abnormal or persistent vaginal odor, see your doctor for a vaginal exam – especially if you have other signs and symptoms such as itching, burning, irritation or discharge.

In the meantime, to minimize vaginal odour: 1.

Wash your external genital area: During regular baths or showers, use a very small amount of mild, unscented soap and lots of water.

2.

Avoid douching: All healthy vaginas contain bacteria and yeast. The normal acidity of your vagina keeps bacteria and yeast in check. But douching can actually upset this delicate balance.

Source: Mayo Clinic

34

The Oracle Today Wednesday November 8, 2017

True Confession

M

y name is Yinka and I am 45 years old. My husband Henry and I have been married for 15 years. We have one son, Femi. He’s not Henry’s biological son and for many years, Henry didn’t know the truth. I had never shared my secret with anyone and I’d hoped I would never have to.

Femi was diagnosed with acute leukaemia shortly after he turned 10. He was immediately admitted to hospital and remained critically ill for many months.

The doctors told us that his best chance of survival was to have a bone marrow transplant in London or India as soon as possible.

We needed a compatible donor. As Femi’s parents, we were to have our blood tested the following day.

If neither of our blood types was compatible, then Femi’s relatives would be contacted and his name put on the donor list.

At this stage, I realised it was inevitable that Henry would discover he wasn’t Femi’s biological father.

I had to tell him the truth that very evening. It was better he heard it from me than from the doctors the next day.

That night after dinner, I explained to Henry that he was not really Femi’s biological father and that I’d had a brief affair with one of my work colleagues, Johnson, during our marriage. I later discovered that I was pregnant, Henry was stiff with shock. Without a word, he stood up in a daze and walked out into the cold, rainy night.

I waited up for him all night on the sofa in the living room, but he didn’t return. I was beside myself with worry and afraid of what he might do to himself. To my relief, Henry finally returned the next afternoon.

My relief quickly turned sour when he coldly announced that he had only returned for Femi’s sake because he needed him. When Femi was well again, he would file for divorce and leave me. From that time on, Henry my husband refused to have anything to do with me outside of Femi’s hospital room and he slept on his own in Femi’s bedroom.

My blood type was not compatible so I contacted Femi’s biological father, Johnson. We had long ago lost contact but I was able to get his phone number from a former colleague.

Johnson was astonished to learn I had become pregnant and given birth to his child as a result of our affair. He was sorry to hear about Femi’s illness, but he steadfastly refused to help because he didn’t want to risk his wife finding out about our affair or about the child.

After many weeks of trying, we were not able to find a compatible donor for Femi. We were reduced to simply waiting in the hope that one might eventually turn up.

It was as though all my sins were finally catching up with me; I was being severely punished for my infidelity and stood to lose all that I loved. I had already lost my husband and now I could lose my son!

Femi became so ill the doctors said that conventional medical treatment could do no more for him.

All we could do was remain positive and do everything in our power to help support him in his fight against the cancer.

Throughout this terrible, terrible time, Henry was simply wonderful to Femi. He was loving and funny; an endless source of comfort, hope and strength.

Femi my son never suspected that behind Henry’s cheerful facade, he was hiding so much hurt and anger.

Over a year later and against all odds, Femi won his fight against cancer and returned home. For a short, precious time, we were once again a family. My joy at having my son safely home was tinged with sadness; now that Femi had fully recovered, Henry was free to leave me.

Soon after Femi’s return, Henry asked me to have dinner with him at a local restaurant. I was terrified.

This was it, Henry was going to tell me that either tonight or the following morning he was leaving.

I was determined to be as calm and as strong as Henry had been for Femi for all those months. If Henry wanted to leave, I would let him go with grace. He had already given me so much by helping to bring Femi my son back home.

That evening at the restaurant, a smiling waiter brought food and a beautiful parcel to our table.

Henry told me to open the parcel and when I did, I found a gold necklace inside.

Henry now told me that he had forgiven me and

‘I had a son from extra-marital affair’

“Johnson was astonished to learn I had become pregnant and given birth to his child as a result of our affair. He was sorry to hear about Femi’s illness, but he steadfastly refused to help because he didn’t want to risk his wife finding out about our affair or about the child.” had bought the necklace for me as a gift.

Henry gently took my hand in his. And with tears in his eyes, he asked me to please forgive him for his childishness and foolish, stubborn pride. He said that it was no longer important to him whether he was

Femi’s biological father or not.

Femi’s long illness and recovery had made him realize what really mattered, that we were a very special family and that we all belonged together..

35

The Oracle Today Wednesday November 8, 2017

Relationships and Love Advice

‘He is too jealous’

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Dear Love Doctor, My name is Rita. My fiancé is too jealous. He runs to read my text messages whenever I receive any. He insists I put my call on speaker phone in order for him to hear my discussion with my caller. He reads through my e-mail messages whenever I am not with him. He even accuses me of infidelity

whenever he sees any male numbers on my phone. Our traditional marriage is coming up very soon, but I don’t think I can continue with him because I’m afraid he may become physically violent as a result of his extreme jealousy. And I don’t want to die as a result of marriage to such an extreme-

ly jealous man. I want him to change from this senseless and childish jealous attitude of his. What do I do?

Thanks, Rita.

Love Doctor’s Advice:

I

because he simply doesn’t trust you.

Possessiveness stems from extreme feelings of insecurity and fear of losing a loved one. But you have to nip it in the bud before it starts affecting you. Dealing with a possessive lover requires a lot of patience and sensibility. You have to handle them with kid gloves since they act irrationally, impulsively and their state of mind is unhinged.

Trust is the basis of a relationship.

Possessiveness creeps in because you don’t have conviction in your love. So, instill faith in your partner.

Tell him to trust you because you won’t cheat on him. Make sure he doesn’t clip your wings or take you for granted. If he checks your messages like that, it means he has already started taking you for granted, because he does not respect your privacy. Don’t be answerable always to him and at his beck and call. Space is needed. You must respect each other’s individuality.

Monica Ono, 35, beautiful, single mother of one, needs a handsome man of 38-41 years for marriage. 08036844539.

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Dear Rita,

f ‘he runs to read your messages whenever you receive any’, it means you have a problem on your hands. Extreme jealousy or possessiveness in any relationship is a time bomb waiting to explode. First, you must postpone your marriage to him until you settle these issues. Love is based on maturity and trust. Extreme jealousy and possessiveness are signs of immaturity and insecurity in a relationship, and I wouldn’t advise you to get married to someone who is not psychologically or emotionally mature enough to learn to trust you, respect your privacy or give you some sspace.

A happy marriage is based on mutual trust and the maturity of both parties. Since possessiveness is a sign of immaturity and insecurity/distrust in a relationship; it means your man is not yet mature enough (and also doesn’t trust you enough) for marriage. At this stage, your man is not psychologically ready to marry you

Faith, 35, works and lives in Port Harcourt, needs a decent guy of 36-40 years. 09037846643.

Lack of communication in the relationship also creates distance. Do you give him reason not to trust you by not communicating or carrying him along in the things you do? This paves the way for misunderstandings and jealousy. So, communicate with each other and spend quality time together. Meet each other frequently. This would eliminate most or all the misunderstandings.

Possessiveness leads to unhealthy obsession, which could lead to violence. Many jealous men who beat up their wives started the way your man started. And such marriages usually break up. If you rush into marriage with a possessive man, you might never enjoy a happy marriage.

Therefore, extreme jealousy and insecurity in your relationship should be tackled with promptness and care. However, it may require a lot of patience, understanding, love and faith on your part to make your man change.

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36

The Oracle Today Wednesday November 8, 2017

It happened to me:

‘I made my husband appear violent to end our marriage’

W

hen I first met Timothy, I knew I had found the man I was looking for. He clearly felt the same — we were engaged within three months, married within six, and I was pregnant by the end of our first year together.

To the outside world, although it happened quite quickly, everything looked perfect — we had everything other people wanted. But by the end of our first year of marriage, I got sick of people commenting on how great I had it. Because this really wasn’t the case at all.

Timothy was lovely — kind, considerate, thoughtful. I always got breakfast in bed, coffee brought to me without asking and sweet, thoughtful presents for no reason.

I also got phone calls at all hours and extreme jealousy about the relationship I was building with our three-month-old baby — the constant attention really began to wear on my nerves. I couldn’t go anywhere without him insisting he tag along. It wasn’t done in an aggressive, possessive way (I was allowed to do whatever I wanted), but he simply had to be there with me every minute that he wasn’t at work.

I began to long for my carefree single days. Being a mother was one thing (my three-month-old baby was less clingy than my husband!) but I couldn’t stand being a wife any longer.

Everybody loved Timothy, and I didn’t want to be the one who was looked upon as the “ungrateful one who walked out on the perfect marriage.” So I decided I had to make Timothy look less perfect.

I wasn’t quite sure how to do it, and the idea really came to me at the last minute — not something I planned. Or something I’m proud of.

One night I fell on the curb taking the bins out in the dark, and an ugly black bruise on my arm was the result. The following day, my friends wanted to know how I’d hurt myself, and the answer was out of my mouth before I could stop it.

“Oh, you know,” I said, pretending to be evasive. “I walked into a door.”

As soon as I’d lied, it all seemed so simple, and soon I was doing it all the time. A naturally clumsy person, I often had bruises, and I always made sure my friends saw them, before putting on my evasive act.

After a few months, two of my best friends sat me down and demanded to know what was going on. I wouldn’t tell them but my silence, and the months of evasion, had done enough.

My best friend rang my husband

“One night I fell on the curb taking the bins out in the dark, and an ugly black bruise on my arm was the result. The following day, my friends wanted to know how I’d hurt myself, and the answer was out of my mouth before I could stop it. “Oh, you know,” I said, pretending to be evasive. “I walked into a door.” and accused him outright of physical violence. Of course, he denied it, and angrily wanted me to explain what I had been telling my friends. I simply told him they were jumping to conclusions that I couldn’t talk them out of. But Timothy was really angry. He kept pestering me to lay down the truth and clear his name — but every time he saw my friends they were rude and hostile, and he was soon over it. We separated and

my friends never suspected that my husband wouldn’t hurt a fly.

I have since remarried and had more children. My new husband is lovely — and distant when I need him to be.. Personal space is a healthy part of our relationship.

I heard that my best friend ran into Timothy and his new wife a few months ago — she told his wife to be careful of Timothy’s temper. I felt awful when I heard that: Timothy

had never done anything besides want to be with me. And he has no idea that I actually led my friends to believe he was physically violent so I could get out of the marriage.

• Do you have a story or comment about this confession? Call 07031028714.

37

The Oracle Today Wednesday November 8, 2017

Love & Living

W

HEN I started nursing the idea of going natural after long years of wearing long relaxed hair, I didn’t anticipate the level of concern it would generate from family and friends.

Even from others that neither fell in the category of families or friends.

“Cut you long hair? Why?” they kept asking in various versions. Yes, my hair! It’s mine after all”, I would retort inwardly. I needed to assure myself that the hairs on my head were the subjects of this mini national debate.

I don’t recall anyone being supportive of the idea but the more they discouraged me, the more I wanted to do it. I would not miss the opportunity to let them know that I could make decisions about myself. Further shocks awaited me.

Have you asked of permission from your husband? That question that was made for me, as I found out, took the matter to another level. I actually thought it was my call.

“But it’s still my hair,” I said with all the emphases I could muster. I thought that I could decide on matters that affect my hair, at least. Or could I be missing something? Irene wasn’t finished yet.

“You must inform him before shaving if you want peace. She didn’t want to say more. She was speaking from experience as I later found.

Irene stopped shaving her pubic hair af-

Dear Emperor I believe you are gearing up to pay my own bride price, because I am waiting.

Yours in waiting Empress.

HIS 22-word harmless letter can cause a World War III on social media.

T I know that many dread writing it, brief

as it is. Its harmfulness has nothing to do with the brevity of the letter.

I kept the letter brief because it is so important that I stick to the point. The issue that I have at hand should not be lost in too many words, hence my choice.

Trust me the e-wars are usually very deadly and brutal, and you wouldn’t wish to be caught in the crossfire. I know you are wondering what would lead to the war I so speak of: simple, the payment of bride price.

I may even have started the war by referring to what has become a social and economic enterprise as “simple”. Some would say that the reference indicated the unimportance I attached to bride price. Rather, my minimalisation of the efforts that paying a bride price takes.

Over the years, I think in Africa, the payment of bride price came to stay and it has been so practiced till modern culture and civilization came riding gallantly on a horse back, raising humans who question everything, wanting to know the why of so many happenings as against the previous generations that accepted everything hook line, and sinker.

In this generation there are two parties that have issues with the bride price paying matter at hand.

Part A – The men: These groups of men have been demanding to know why they must be forced to “PAY” any form of money when they intend to marry a woman, asking if they are paying for their love for someone.

They further lament how expensive the “levy” imposed on them is, and how this is the major reason why many of them have been dating or courting the ladies for so long without marrying them officially as they would wish to, since according to them, they were working hard to make enough money to pay for their wives.

And this often leads to relationship issues because by the time the man is ready, the lady would have grown impatient and forfeited her love for another ”love”. The worsening economy is not aware of these concerns. Some men

No approval, no shaving

Ify ARONU ifyaronu@gmail.com

ter marriage because “her husband preferred plenty of vegetables in his soup” as she put it. At first, she didn’t fully understand how much her man loved it bushy until the fateful day when she decided to have a thorough shave.

“You should have seen his face that night, he was so pissed. I even started to contemplate going to a barber’s place to get some random hair for replacement,”

she joked.

I thought it was extreme but many others have corroborated that there must be approval before any form of cutting or shaving anywhere. Even when the lady finds it uncomfortable keeping hair, the quest to please her man should over ride hers, I learnt.

On their part, ladies usually care about the beard and how he wears it, even

M

e& ore

Maureen Alikor maureenalikor@gmail.com

Of bride price paying have saved for years only for inflations to wipe away their labour for love.

While these may look like faultfinding issues to negate the importance that societies place on bride price, they really are points about where some

relationships arrive at the wrong destination. Why must they pay bride price?

The men are still asking.

Part B – The women: The women on the other hand are very angry that the

the man’s hair atimes counts. What isn’t immediately clear is whether the ladies take it up seriously when the man’s hair doesn’t fit her spec. For me, I wouldn’t make it a big deal, that’s why I found out hard to understand why I should need approval before trimming my hair and starting my natural hair journey.

Another view to this matter is that asking for approval from your partner for the smallest things from the beginning makes it a norm.

Some people actually regard that as a mark of respect hence to maintain the peace, you just have to ask. The strive for peace appears to be an aspiration of the women. When the men want something, they would want to get it, no matter who it affects the women. Where do these leave the women? Are the women ever considered in the decisions men make?

When would women be so important in the lives of their men that they would count in their decisions?

Understanding your partner’s expectation even with regards to sensitive things like hair works best. It may not be as simple as you think after all; you may need an approval before shaving your own hair, seriously.

•Please email recommendations, commendations, and condemnations to ifyaruonu@gmail.com

men whom they love and want to marry are asked to “pay for their head in marriage”.

They, in their own words have asked if the bride price is a purchasing permit, because it looks like the men are actually buying them off their fathers. They cannot ask openly, or they would be accused of defective moral rectitude.

What does bride price have in common with morals? There would be no answers, if you were expecting any.

These women also say that when these men end up “buying them” and putting them in their houses as goods, most of them end up as control freaks and also become very abusive; after all, “I bought you”.

Some of the women have aired their views publicly and they have also proffered solutions, one of which is eloping with their heartthrobs to avoid paying the money.

They would be taking their love, literarily, to another level.

•Please send you comments to maureenalikor@gmail.com

•A man who was about to take a bride got more than he bargained for when he was given the marriage bride price and the list.

38

The Oracle Today Wednesday November 8, 2017

The Law and You

With Barr. Ken Akpom 08162016410

Constitutionality of punishment in law I

P

unishment is destined by the creator from inception of creation of the world. In the case of Adam and Eve, God imposed punishment on them for the sins. God even said that the wages of sin is death and the soul that sinneth should die. However, the argument will be can man be as omnipotent and enable to determine one who truly sins as to impose death on them.

At times, some innocent persons may be sentence to death unjustifiably but according to the established ways of determining the wrongs of a person by the law of the land. You need not blame the judges because it is what the other arms of the judiciary fed them with as done by those people and which violates the principles and laws of the land that they base their judgments. However, it is my desire that the judges should critically probe into the charges before condemning an accused and the other arms of the law enforcement agents should be honest and not selfish in taking a suspect to court for an allegation they know to be wrongly reported and which has an ultimate end of death. Remember, after here there is judgment

by God.

WHAT IS PUNISHMENT? As it is with all law terms, there is no definition that is generally accepted in law, so there are usually various definitions for a single term and none might be termed as wrong. This is also applicable to the term punishment.

Black Law Dictionary defines it as any fine, penalty or confinement inflicted upon a person by the authority of the law and the judgment and sentence of a court for some crime or offence committed by him or for his omission of a duty enjoined by law.

Capital punishment has been defined as execution as a punishment for a person convicted of committing a crime, or a legal infliction of death as a penalty for violating criminal law.

There are other definitions but I would like to limit this work to the ones given above to avoid ambiguity.

Capital punishment is a well-known, controversial and universal concept. Among all the issues that criminal punishment raises, none has been the subject of greater public controversy as death penalty.

Death penalty is a constitutionally permissible form of punishment in Nigeria.

CONCEPTUAL CLARIFICATIONS The phrase ‘Death Penalty’ is otherwise known as ‘Capital Punishment’. Juristic opinion on the meaning of capital punishment is many and varies. The term ‘capital’ derived from the Latin CAPUT, used by the Romans to refer variously to the head, the life or the civil rights of an individual. Capital punishment, thus, implies the idea of chief, principal or extreme penalty. Again, capital punishment is the execution of a criminal pursuant to a sentence of death imposed by competent court. Simply put, “death penalty is the legal possibility of execution”. The oxford Reference Concise Dictionary of Law defines capital punishment as “death imposed a punishment for crime”. It has also been defined as execution as a punishment for a person convicted of committing a crime, or a legal infliction of death as a penalty for violating criminal law. It refers to the execution of a criminal under sentence imposed by competent public authority. In other words, it is the legal infliction of death penalty by the state on a convicted criminal, for an injurious crime, after due process of law.

Capital punishment has also been described as the prescribed treatment meted to an offender who has been adjudged guilty of a capital offence. It is the supreme sacrifice paid by an offender who has been adjudged guilty of a capital offence by a court of competent jurisdiction. Simply put, death penalty is a sentence of death, mostly for the commission of serious offences.

It is a non-institutional disposition method of treatment an offender, and it is principally premised on the enological theories of deterrence, elimination and retribution. Lastly, capital punishment is the most extreme form of punishment.

HISTORICAL DEVELOPMENT OF DEATH PENALTY IN NIGERIA Capital punishment is a well-known controversial and universal concept punishment or death penalty is as old as society itself. Death penalty has been used in almost every part of the globe as a form of punishment for certain well defined crimes. The death penalty has been used from earliest times, and by different societies the world over, as a means of punishing various types of proscribed conduct, capital punishment “for heinous crimes has existed all through the history of mankind long before the creation of court system. As civilization progressed, different societies incorporated capital punishment into their legal codes”. Nigeria customary law traditionally recognized the death penalty as an appropriate way of eliminating

“

Capital punishment is a well-known, controversial and universal concept. Among all the issues that criminal punishment raises, none has been the subject of greater public controversy as death penalty. Death penalty is a constitutionally permissible form of punishment in Nigeria.

”

offenders who were dangerous to the community. With the advent of British rule, the consequent abolition of customary criminal and penal codes, capital crimes were reduced to include murder, treachery, treason and participating in a trial resulting in death. The military government in power from 1966 to 1979 added a number of crimes punishable by death. These additions include armed robbery, setting fire to public building, ships or aircraft, dealing in Indian hemp and sabotaging the production and distribution of petroleum products, importing and exporting mineral oil without authority, dealing with cocaine and counterfeiting bank notes or coins. Today Nigeria Federal law prescribes the death penalty only for treason, homicide and armed robbery. Particularly under Nigeria criminal law various offences are punishable by death across the Federation including murder, treason and treachery, conspiracy to commit treason, directing and controlling or presiding at an unlawful trial by ordeal which results in death.

Most recently, kidnapping has been added as a capital crime in Abia, Imo and Akwa Ibom States. The introduction of Sharia-based criminal law in some states in Northern Nigeria has also widened the

number of capital offences to include adultery, sodomy, lesbianism and rape.

MODES OF EXECUTING CAPITAL PUNISHMENT IN NIGERIA Execution of the death penalty in Nigeria is usually in two ways; hanging and shooting or firing squad. These modes will now be considered seriatim.

HANGING This is the prescribed mode of execution in Nigeria by Section 37(2) and 375 of Criminal Procedure Act, and Section 273 of the Criminal Procedure Code. The procedure for execution by hanging is as follows, prior to any execution, inmate may be weighed the day before the execution, and a rehearsal is done using a sandbag of the same weight as the prisoner. This is to determine the length of ‘drop’ necessary to ensure a quick death. If the roper is too long, the inmate may be decapitated, and if it’s too short, the strangulation can take as long as 45 minutes. The rope which should be ¾ inch to ¼ inch in diameter must be boiled and stretched to eliminate spring or coiling.

The knot is lubricated with wax and soap to ensure a smooth sliding action. Immediately before the execution, the prisoners’ hands and legs are secured, he is blindfolded, and the noose is place around the neck with a knot behind the left ear. The execution takes place when a tap door is opened and the prisoner falls through. The prisoners’ weight causes a rapid fracture dislocation of the neck; however, instant death hardly occurs.

SHOOTING OR FIRING SQUAD This method was very much in use in Nigeria, especially during military rule. On the 22nd of July, 1995, an execution was carried out on 43 convicted armed robbers at the Kirikiri Maximum Security Prison, Lagos before a hushed crowd of about 1000 people. It was the largest number of execution in one day in Nigeria for decades. The prisoners were tied to stakes at the Kirikiri shooting range before a twelve (12) man firing squad of soldiers marched in from behind the prison walls and opened fire on them. The soldiers dressed in camouflage, had black shoe polish on their faces. They used semi-automatic weapons in executing the convicts. The execution started at 9:30am and ended at 11:00am. Three (3) doctors certified the death; an Irish Roman Catholic Priest and a Moslem Imam witnessed it. This method is mainly used for the execution of armed robbers. By this method of execution, the inmate typically bound to a stake with leather straps across his waist and head in front of an oval shaped canvas wall, a black hood may be pulled over the inmates head, and the firing squad about twenty (20) feet away aims at the heart and continues shooting until death is ascertained. At least one doctor is usually present to examine the convict and be sure of his death. A pastor or imam is usually permitted to pray with the convicts before their execution.

• Do you have questions or seek legal clarification on issues concerning your marriage, probate, property, etc? Call or send a text message to Barr. Ken: 08162016410, 08075763840. Email: kenakpom@yahoo.com

39

The Oracle Today Wednesday November 8, 2017

Entertainment With Douglas Omoyooma

Managing Dede Mabiaku was like chasing a storm -- Steve Babaeko

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oss of X3M Ideas, multiple award-winning Steve Babaeko has carved a niche for himself in the Nigerian advertising space and is also conquering the entertainment space, thanks to his record label, X3M Music, the entertainment arm of his business empire. In this chat with DOUGLAS OMOYOOMA in his Awuse Estate, Opebi, Lagos, office, Babaeko who is celebrating five years of his platform X3M Ideas, a leading advertising agency in Nigeria, talks music, challenges of running a record label in Nigeria and managing Fela’s foremost acolyte and ‘felasophist,’ Dede Mabiaku. Excerpts: Let us talk about music. Was there any time you wanted to be a musician?

Yes, I wanted to be a musician when I was like 14 going to 15. I started hanging out with a group of boys in Kabba, Kogi state and we called ourselves The Music Army. However, one day my mum called me and said ‘I want to ask you a question, just sit down and think. Is there anyone you know in my family that is into music? I said no. and she said, are you done? I said yes. She said again, ‘look at your father’s side as well and just tell me any one you know doing music? I said yes. And she said ‘name one musician among them. I said none. So she said ‘this music thing you are chasing up and down has to stop.’ Quite frankly, eventually I had to stop pursuing it. But really I think she did me a great service.

I can’t sing even up till now and my voise is still terrible (laughter). But honestly, that was when the music bug bit me so when I came to Lagos and Dede Mabiaku needed a new manager and asked me to manage him, I took to it naturally even though I had never managed anybody before. After managing Dede for two years I left. I think I took the job because I was working with Dede and it was so close to my love for music. That was around 1998 and it made me see that there was a gap in the Nigerian music industry that I could plug into and that was what led to setting up my own record label, X3M Music.

Today, X3M Music is big and it boasts artistes like Simi and Praiz. Tell us about X3M Music?

Ade Bantu was the first artiste I signed. And he recorded one album and then I went on to sign a management deal with Nneka which ran for a while and then I signed Etcetera for three years and two albums. We had a great time. I think one of the most memorable times was with Etcetera because his music is so organic and he is a very creative guy.

It was just us arguing about the music and it was not like we agreed all the time. I thought he was incredibly talented when I signed him and I just wanted to see him succeed but at some after the second album we parted ways. And then I signed the rapper, Overdoes and he dropped on album as well. At some point I decided to take stuck what worked for us and what did not work for us and by the time I signed Praiz, the RnB thing was in vogue and we knew we were like swimming against the tide but we love doing that anyway. But eventually we singed Simi and by that time we had so much experience so it wasn’t as difficult working with Simi like it was initially; It has been fun.

Have you made money from music?

No. but that has not stopped me from investing.

I look at a Simi or a Praiz and I ask myself, what if I didn’t invest, what would happen to them? Well, somebody else would probably have signed them but for this generation, these people are incredibly talented not to make something out of lives. So it is a difficult process and even if you make a little change you are still going to invest it back into the

music; the cycle never ends. I tell people, investing in mus8i9c is like investing in on a cocoa farm. First you have to find the seed, plant it in the nursery before transplanting it on the farm and then you have to wait for the three to grow and start to flower before the cocoa starts to flower and you have to wait for the cocoa to ripe before you harvest so it is a long process. I am amused there are so many funny record labels all over the place today. I see people who made money from God knows what and then they say ‘oh I see Don Jazzy riding a Porsche so there must be money in music. So you are like let us put our money there and if they are not making the money back in six months, they are already thinking of folding up. Some of us have been here for years and we have not made money but we keep going because we are making a difference.

You managed Dede Mabiaku for a couple of years in the late 1990s.

What was it like managing him?

It was a nightmare. Very creative, talented and hardworking and very professional guy but managing Dede was like trying to chase a storm (laughter). So it was a wild time and I was managing him while I still had my day job as a copy writer which even made it more difficult but honesty, almost everything I know about entertainment today I probably learnt from him.

People are saying that Dede Mabiaku should have released an album. Why did he release an album?

Honestly, I won’t b able to tell you.

That was part of my project and I did all I could. We even bought our own equipment and I wanted him to release an album but I did not succeed.

Was that the reason why you parted ways with him?

No, not really. I think that at the time I had just changed jobs.

At my former job I had a lot of elbow room but I moved to Prima Garnet and the work there was a lot crazier so I knew I couldn’t combine the two so I had to let go Dede Mabiaku.

• Steve Babaeko

40

The Oracle Today Wednesday November 8, 2017

Entertainment

Stars storm Trinity House for Nse Ipke Etim reveals beauty secret COSON in the Church • As Song Awards hold tomorrow

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he show was stunning. The organizational and technical quality of the event was first class as the much talked about COSON Week began with a grand roll-out at Trinity House, Victoria Island, Lagos, this Sunday with the spectacular “COSON in the Church”.

Put simply, it was a show to remember. To mention all the stars present at COSON in the Church is an exercise in futility.

Of course, Nigeria’s Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, a well knownmuslimled a high-powered Federal Government delegation to the never to be forgotten event, exemplifying the all bridge building nature of the show.

Earlier at Trinity House for COSON in the Church was the Hon. Minister of Transport, Rt. Hon. ChibuikeRotimiAmaechi; Lagos State Governor, Mr. AkinwunmiAmbode, also sent a high powered delegation to COSON in the Church.

Before the ministration began at the Trinity House auditorium, cameras of all sorts exploded and explodedon the sumptuous red carpet laid in front of Trinity House with exquisite decoration and two cocktail points serving a choice of drinks and soft music playing in the background.

Name the media organization in Nigeria that did not send reporters to cover COSON in the Church and the organization may never have been heard of.

From the soaring national anthem led by young Nigerian singer, Floren-

• Lai Mohammed

• Akinwumi Ambode

tina to the last beat of the memorable performance by Dolzi, the King of melody, it was an unforgettable evening at Trinity House. Among the many top gospel artistes who thrilled the ecstatic audience at COSON in the Church were star singers, Essence, Dieko, Kenny Saint Best, Yoyo, etc. The thirteen- year old Favour Sax who blows the saxophone like no one else nearly brought the roof down. The Xplicit Dancers were awesome. The iconic President of the Gospel Musicians Association of Nigeria (GOMAN), Evangelist Funmi-

Aragbaye was hot on stage.Popular gospel singer, Nathaniel Bassey was also in Church.

It was truly groovy when Nigeria’s original musical wizkid, Dizzy K Falola who is now a respected pastor in the UK, flooded memories back with his rendition of a gospel version of his monster hit song of the 80s, ‘Baby Kilode”. The congregation just went wild.

Lepacious Bose, the very enigmatic hostess with a style all by herself practically had the packed audience eating off her hands.

Anita Anosike stated: “Natures Gentle Touch is very passionate about empowering women and helping them to build their confidence. We see the Omoye project as a vehicle through which we can give a voice to the woman who is suffering any form of domestic abuse; enlighten her on the need to speak up and seek help, thereby helping her to regain her confidence” “This movie is about bringing attention and more awareness to the issue of domestic violence. Our goal is to educate people, enlighten them and cause a change in the society and we’re

very positive that this movie will achieve that,” Uche Chukwu, the director of the movie said.

Starring Kiki Omeili, Tina Mba, Stan Nze, Rotimi Salami, and other talented actors, ‘Omoye’ tells a compelling story of a hardworking and relentless young lady who unknowingly gets into a toxic relationship with a man that never takes responsibility for anything. With abuse and violence increasing, she becomes emotionally and mentally drained but still won’t give up on her marriage.

Omoye hits cinemas O moye, a movie on domestic violence, which premiered on Sunday, Oct 22, 2017 at the Genesis Deluxe Cinema, Palms Shopping Mall, Lekki, Lagos has hit cinemas across the country on October 27.

Powered by Natures Gentle Touch, the premier was lit with stars from across the entertainment industry who dazzled on the red carpet. Notable among them are Ufoma McDermott, Kiki Omeili, Stan Nze and Jide Awobona amongst others.

Speaking on the Company’s sponsorship of the movie, Brand Manager, Natures Gentle Touch,

• says new movie taught her how to deal with pain

A

ctress, Nse Ikpe Etim has revealed the secret to her glowing skin. In a recent post on social media, the actress said: “When life gives you lemons, squeeze lemon juice into hot water and drink it rather than that your hot beverage of the morning. It is a healthier option to caffeinated drinks. It helps digestion, it is a natural flush and gives a boost to your immune system and and your skin will be happier with all that vitamin C which is a boost to collagen production.”

The actress who stars in a yet to be released movie entitled A Place Called Memory added: “ A Hotel called memory is special to me. I helped me deal with pain and showed me the strength in silence.” • Nse Ikpe Etim

Chidimma Ekile makes Nollywood debut

H

ave you been wondering where Project Fame winner and vocal powerhouse, Chidimma Ekile is? You need not worry anymore. The singer is poised to make a dazzling return to the industry in banker turned filmmaker and actor, Kunle Afolayan’s lattest movie effort entitled On The Bridge.

Said a source who spoke to oracle Today: “He has just finished work on a new flick entitled On The Bridge, which is a Lasun Ray Produruon in conjunction with with Golden Effects which hits cinemas December 8. The movie stars Chidimma Ekile.

Fans would be surprised to see her in an entirely new light as she stars alongside poplar actors.”

“This is the final wrap up on the set of the bridge with Chidimma Ekile, Demola Adedoyin among a host of others. Movie buffs should watch out for the premiere on December 8,” Afolayan said in a statement on octal media.

Afolayan dumped a promising career in banking and embraced movie making in 2009 after he shot his de-

but Nollywood movie effort, Figurine, featuring actress turned movie aker, Omoni Oboli.

• Chidimma Ekile

Annie Idibia’s Oritsefemi set to walk down the aisle with Nabila Fash large heart

S

inger, Oritsefemi is poised to walk down the aisle with his wife, Nabila Fash, whom he married in a secret ceremony at his private residence in Lekki, last December, on Saturday, November 25 and he has promised that it will be a classy wedding.

Speaking, the self styled musical taliban said: “I still love all my baby mamas and they know that they are always welcome at my house. They understand and are okay with the fact that I did not marry any of them.

Even though the kids are with me, they have always been free to come around , spend time with them and • Oritsefemi and Nabila Fash even take them out. I am tying the will be nothing short of classy.” baby mamas recently threw a lavish knot with my wife on November 25 Meanwhile, Oritsefemi who al- birthday party for Nabila. in a white wedding ceremony that ready has kids from three different

A

s part of plans to mark her birthday, Annie idibia has wrapped up plans to empower 1000 women and youths, courtesy of a free skills acquisition programme which will run for two weeks in Lagos and Akwa Ibom States.

“This gesture is inspired by the many blessings I have received from God. He has been extremely merciful and beneficent and as I mark this birthday, the need to reach out and empower the youths and women cannot be over-emphasised,” the actress revealed.

Born in the month of November, the actress stated that she decided not to ask for any gift from God this

year but would like to give back and contribute to the society at large.

“I am grateful to God for his many blessings in my life and this time I have decided not ask God for anything but rather, I would like to give back and contribute to the society at large.

“On this note, I would like to invite 1000 women and youths to two weeks empowerment training in Event Decor and Planning, Ankara Craft, Cake Making & Modelling, Photography Starter Class and an extensive Makeup Masters Class in Lagos and Akwa-Ibom States.”

The event will run from Wdenesday, November 1 to Sunday, November7.

41

The Oracle Today Wednesday November 8, 2017

CHANGE OF NAME

PUBLIC NOTICE

PUBLIC NOTICE

BABA OYO HERBS INT’L

This is to inform the general public that the landed properties situated at A and B are family properties belonging to late George C. Romaine’s sons.

ONLY MAN PROBLEM

We specialize on: * Weak organ * Low sperm count * Waist pains * Enlargement of organ * Staphylococcus * Infection * Rheumatism * Diabetes

HOME OF NEEDY * Riches without side effect * Goodluck in life * Quick sells in business * Do as I say * Promise and fail

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Any person or group of persons trespassing in these mentioned properties is doing so at his own risk. I therefore warn once again any one buying or attempting to buy any of these properties to stay clear.

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42

The Oracle Today Wednesday November 8, 2017

NEWS

Anambra is a failed State under Obiano – APC

By IBE NWACHUKWU

A

ll Progressives Congress (APC) in Anambra State has articulated some of the major reasons Governor Willie Obiano must be voted out for Dr Tony Nwoye to come in and rebrand Anambra State.

Running mate to Dr Nwoye in the governorship race, Dozie Ikedife Jr. articulated the reasons, yesterday, in Nnewi to include Governor Obiano’s inability to maintain road network built by Senator Chris Nwabueze Ngige when he was the governor of the State and Obiano’s failure to give

attention to infrastructural development of the State “except the three fragile flyovers built in Awka, which many well-meaning Anambra people have been calling on him to dismantle before they cause national calamity.”

Ikedife Jr said instead of Governor Obiano to channel resources into development of human capital, is busy employing scores of special assistants and personal aides on whom he spends over N2 billions monthly as salaries.

He said that those scores of appointees never add any value to Obiano’s administration as most of them do not

have the governor’s contacts, adding that the amount of money spent on them would have been channelled towards infrastructural development in the State.

Ikedife Jr. who is an Americantrained accountant described as reckless spending the employment of those large numbers of aides with no contributions to the development of the State.

He said the APC government in Anambra would rather empower the youths through skills acquisition and establishment of cottage industries that would absorb thousands of un-

employed youths irrespective of their party affiliation or sectional background.

He said the approach is superb based on the fact that once the youths acquired the necessary skills and are eventually empowered to be gainfully employed, that would sustain them for life, stressing that that could be equated to teaching someone how to fish rather than giving him or her fish.

Noting that aides are an important governance factor, He said aides and personal assistants would not be employed under the APC administration but that great-

er attention would be paid to empowerment of a greater number of youths substantially who would even get to the level of employing others.

“We have a young man as our candidate and the youths of Anambra State have embraced our campaign across the State. They (the youths) and other eligible voters in Anambra State will determine who will be their next governor. No one likes to be in perpetual suffering. We are coming to transform Anambra State and this will affect all sectors. We are coming to clear the mess,” Ikedife Jr. posited.

Anambra Poll: Egwuoba gives reasons why Obiano should win s the political temperature of Anambra State continues to rise, and the countdown to the scheduled November 18, 2017 Governorship election draws near, a chieftain of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), Chief Charles Egwuoba-Ezekwesili has urged the electorate to vote for the incumbent governor, Chief Willie Obiano to enable consolidate his achievements in the next four years.

Egwuoba-Ezekwesili, in a three-page release to journalists in Awka, noted that “Gov Obiano has been severally and serially adjudged the best performing governor in the country by independent local, international and multinational agencies and organizations.”

“Security is now guaranteed in all parts of the state. No more bank robberies or rampant kidnap/banditry,” he added.

“This has made the state internationally acknowledged by the United Nations as the safest among the 36 states in the

country.

“More and more local and foreign investors have been trooping into Anambra since the Obiano security magic began.

“Others who had closed shops and run away before his arrival are now back and in business.

“His re-election would have completed the eight-year tenure of the North Senatorial Zone, thereby making it possible for power balance and fairness to rotate back to the South zone smoothly without any rancour.”

According to the party chieftain, “No one wants this beautiful indicative truncated if Obiano is removed. With the sustenance of the policy, Anambra communities would develop faster....”

Chief Egwuoba-Ezekwesili, therefore, urged Dr Tony Nwoye of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and Mr Oseloka Obaze of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) to shelve their aspiration till next four years in the interest of sound political judgement.

By IBE NWACHUKWU

• The NDDC Managing Director, Mr Nsima Ekere, cuts the tape to commission the Ubaha-Umuogba Orindu link Road in Umuahia North Local Government Area of Abia State. He is flanked on the left by the traditional ruler of Ekeoba community, Eze Nwoko Nna and Eze Philip Ajomiwe on the right. First left is the NDDC Executive Director Projects, Engr. within the first tenure. He has for the first Samuel Adjogbe.

From CHUKS COLLINS, Awka

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Anambra 2017: Onitsha traders unite for Obiano

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raders in the various markets at the Onitsha Bridge Head yesterday disclosed that they had resolved to vote massively for Governor Willie Obiano to consolidate on the on-going projects put in place in the state.

President-General of the markets, Mr Sunday Obinze who dropped the hint while addressing over 15,000 traders during a political rally, noted that Obiano has provided an enabling environment in the last four years for trade and commerce to thrive.

Obinze further noted that Obiano had equally put adequate security measures in place to guarantee safety of lives and properties of traders, investors and visitors to the state alike.

Said he: “We don’t need any change.

We have absolute confidence that Obiano will in the next four years touch on all other grey areas he was unable to touch

of its kind since the creation of Anambra State, involved traders in the scheme of things.”

Speaking one after the other, Mr Anthony Chiloli, Chairman of UBA Plank and Joint Association (UPJA); Ejike Ignatius, Chairman of God’s Favour Building Materials Dealers Association; Chief Beed Nwankwo, Chairman of Amalgamated Timber Dealers Association (ATDA); Mr. Uche Eze, Chairman of Association of Medical and Pharmaceutical Products Dealers (AMPPDO) and Hon. Victor Ejeagwu, Patron/Trustee, Onitsha Bridge-head Markets Traders Association (OBMTA), recalled that before Obiano came into power, there was no single market in the state that did not record one disaster or the other.

They therefore advised candidates of other political parties contesting the election not to waste their money and time on the traders because they have unanimously resolved to vote for Obiano.

CHANGE OF NAME This is to certify that NWANKWO ISAAC OBINNA and NMEGBUANAEZE ISAAC OBINNA refers to one and same person. And that my name was wrongly written in my voter’s card as NMEGBUANAEZE ISAAC OBINN instead of NMEGBUANAEZE ISAAC OBINNA. I wish to be known and addressed as NMEGBUANAEZE ISAAC OBINNA. All former documents remain valid Banks and general public take note

I formerly known as OKOLO PHILOMINA CHIKA now wish to be known as OKOLO FAVOR CHIKA. All former documents remain valid Banks and general public take note

I formerly known as MISS OTITO GLORY ONYEAGWU now wish to be known as MRS OTITO GLORY DENNIS KELUBIA. All Former documents remain valid.

Banks and General public take note

I formerly known as NZEWI CHUKWUMNONSO NNAMDI now wish to be known as UCHEATU CHUKWUMNONSO NNAMDI. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

This is to certify that ANOKE NELLY ADAEZE and ANOKE NELLY CHIMEZIRIM is one and the same person now wish to be known as ANOKE NELLY CHIMEZIRIM. All former documents remain valid. Banks and General public take note.

This is to certify that ANEKWE IKECHUKWU URIEL and ANEKWE IKECHUKWU EMMANUELURIEL refers to one and same person now wish to be known as ANEKWE IKECHUKWU EMMUEL. All former documents remain valid Banks and general public take note

Ikpeazu assures on tackling erosion menace in Isuikwuato From BONIFACE OKORO, Umuahia

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bia State governor, Dr Okezie Ikpeazu has assured the people of Uturu clan in Isuikwuato Local Government Area that his administration is striving to tackle erosion menace in the council and provide the people with social amenities.

Ikpeazu, while receiving the Uturu Council of Traditional Rulers at the Executive Chambers of Government House, Umuahia, revealed that plans are in top gear to arrest the erosion menace in Uturu and other parts of Isuikwuato, adding that Isuikwuato ring roads would also be fixed.

He equally assured that a committee would be set up for Isuikwuato Water Board to ensure that issues surrounding Uturu Water Scheme are properly handled.

The governor also enjoined the people of Isuikwuato to carefully engage their Umunneochi brethren on the issue of power shift in their Federal Constituency.

He told his guests that he has no problem with the Uturu people as he has a relationship with the people.

Earlier, the leader of the delegation, Eze Silas Chukwu and Eze Cletus Ogbonnaya, commended the governor for appointing their sons and daughters, including Lady Loveth Ufoegbu, Hon. Osita Igbe, the immediate past Commissioner for Housing and for assisting the Uturu clan produce the chairman of the local government council during the last council election in the state, an opportunity that

had eluded them for decades.

They said they came to show their unalloyed support for the current zoning of governorship seat in the State, stressing that Abia South should complete its second term.

The monarchs disclosed that the people of Uturu have adopted Ikpeazu as their sole candidate for 2019 governorship elections, saying that he deserves the second tenure.

They requested the governor to fix their ring roads, revisit their water scheme and assist in ensuring a power shift that would enable Isuikwuato to produce the next House of Representatives member for the Federal Constituency, a position Umunneochi local government has occupied for close to 12 years now.

NAFDAC, traders unite against fake products in Rivers From NATH OMAME, Port Harcourt

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outh South zonal office of the National Agency for Food Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), is to partner with the executives of markets in Rivers State to rid markets in the state of fake and adulterated products.

NAFDAC zonal director, Chinelo Ajie gave this assurance after a meeting with representatives of Rivers State traders and market women associations, following complaints by some traders that there is a proliferation of fake products in the state, especially in rural markets.

She said the collaboration with the traders will expose those involved in the distribution and circulation of fake products in the state.

“I can assure them that there will be no hiding place for them anymore.

This collaboration will not tolerate the circulation of adulterated products,” he said.

“We hope that this initiative will be a warning to those who have been distributing fake product s in the state to desist from doing so because it will no longer be business as usual.

We have assured the traders that information given to us will be handled with utmost care. We will protect the identities of those who give us useful information that will enable us effectively check this negative practice.”

President of Rivers State women and traders association, Eddy Bright stressed that his association is willing to cooperate with NAFDAC to stop the proliferation of adulterated products in Rivers State.

“We now have an understanding with NAFDAC to apprehend business people who are circulating fake and adulterated products in our markets in Rivers State. They are very active with their nefarious activities in rural markets,” he lamented.

The Oracle Today

43

Wednesday November 8, 2017

SPORTS

•Gianni Infantino

Argentina friendly excites Ighalo, Onazi Stories by MADUABUCHI KALU

S My son was not favoured – Iwobi’s father

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he father of Arsenal and Eagles’ striker, Alex Iwobi, Chuka has denied that his son Alex was favoured and fast tracked into the Super Eagles due to the influence of his uncle and national team hero, Austin Jay Jay Okocha.

Chuka Iwobi is of the view that his son got into the Super Eagles on his own merited and not because of his uncle and football idol, the emperor himself, Jay Jay Okocha.

It is recalled that Iwobi was capped by England in the Under-15, Under-16, Under-17 and Under-18 levels before he was invited to train with national Under-23 team in 2015. After proving himself in training with the Under-23 national side, the Arsenal striker was promoted to the Super Eagles and he had his national team debut against the Democratic Republic of Congo.

In the words of his father: “For Alex at his age playing alongside people like John Obi Mikel, Elderson Echiejile, Ogenyi Onazi is unbelievable.

“I looked at it and I said what a joy, what a privilege playing with these guys who are well known throughout the continent and for

Alex to be a part of that structure and being there on merit is awesome.”

It is recalled that Iwobi ensured that Eagles berth in Russia in 2018 after coming in as substitute in the World Cup Qualifier against the Chipolopolo of Zambia as his strike gave Eagles the much needed goal that sealed Nigeria’s World Cup dream leaving the hard fighting Zambian distraught at the end of the crucial game.

Iwobi it was, who equally ensured that Nigeria start her World Cup campaign on a good note as he scored one of the two goals that earned Eagles the maximum points in Ndola last year as that Ndola victory set the tune for a smooth 2018 World Cup Qualifying campaign.

The Super Eagles qualified for the 2018 FIFA World Cup with a game having garnered 13 points even with a game to spare, thereby making next month’s World Cup Qualifying game against the Desert Foxes of Algeria inconsequential because whatever the outcome will be will not in any way threaten Eagles’ 2018 FIFA World Cup participation having already qualified.

uper Eagles and Changchun Yatai F.C of China striker, Jude Odion Ighalo, has expressed excitement over the arranged Grade A friendly match against two time World Champions, Argentina.

He explained that his excitement stems from the fact that match against one of the world best will help prepare the Eagles for next year’s FIFA World Cup which will hold in Vladimir Putin’s country of Russia.

According to the former Watford deadly striker, the game will serve as a test for them even as he said the team look forward to learning from the against Lionel Messi’s captained side.

“The match against Argentina is a good test for us. Hopefully we will use the game to see how ready we are for the World Cup,” Ighalo said.

“We hope to give a good account of ourselves and also learn from this game.”

Meanwhile, the Vice Captain of the Super Eagles, Ogenyi Onazi, has expressed happiness over the top quality friendly match against the Argentina as a part of the team’s preparations for the Mundial next year.

“I really want to thank the NFF for this first-class friendly they have organised; this is to show that we are really getting set for the World Cup as playing this kind of friendly will keep us in shape and make us understand the kind of opponents we might be meeting at the World Cup. “Argentina are one of the powerhouses of world football because they possess arguably the best

players on the planet currently.

Though they struggled to qualify for the World Cup, they will always be a top side any day, any time,” Onazi emphasized.

Speaking further, Onazi advised his teammates to approaching the game with all seriousness and commitment, regardless of the fact that it is a friendly game.

“Well, we will take all our games serious and it does not matter if it is a friendly or not; we need to approach the game as if we have already started the World Cup because the earlier we begin to know our likely big opponents, the better we will be on the field of play,” Onazi advised.

The Super Eagles will Super Eagles will battle the Albiceleste of Argentina at the Krasnodar Arena in Russia; four days after the team’s final Group B World Cup qualifier

CHAN Eagles yet to receive WAFU Nations Cup reward

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ore than five weeks after the end of this year’s West Africa Football Union (WAFU) Nations Cup competition which took place in Ghana, the country’s representatives to the sub-regional football tournament, the home-based Super Eagles otherwise known as Eagles Team B are yet to receive their entitlements, The Oracle Today Sports can authoritatively report.

It is recalled that the home-based Eagles handled by the chief coach of the of the national team, Salisu Yusuf and captain

by FC IfeanyiUba and Super Eagles’ goalkeeper, Ikechukwu Ezenwa placed second after they were humbled by Ghana 4-1 in the final.

It is recalled that the team pocked the sum of $50,000 which is about N15.3million at the official exchange rate of N306 per a dollar for placing second at the end of the championship.

The home based Eagles it is recalled were not given anything by the country’s football governing body during the championship but promised the players that they are to share whatever money that accrues from the tournament.

It is therefore, surprising to note that more than five weeks after the end of the tournament, the players are yet to

Akpeyi lauds Rohr’s professionalism

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get any financial reward for representing the country even as the monetary reward for the team’s 2nd placement was handed over to the football authorities immediately after the tournament.

According to one of the player who does not want his name mentioned for fear of reprisal treatment by the football authorities: “It is unfortunate that more than five weeks after the end of this year’s WAFU Nations Cup in Ghana where we placed second despite all odds, nobody has called to ask us to come and collect the money due to us,” the players

started.

“We are distraught that after we were not given anything in terms of match bonuses and allowances during the tournament with a promise that whatever money that we were able to make at the competition will be shared by us, we are yet to see anything.

“The surprising thing about it is that the $50,000 prize money for the 2nd placed team was given immediately at the end of the tournament. Therefore, we are at a lost at why they are yet to give us our money,” the player lamented.

against Algeria in Blida.

It is recalled that this is not the first time Eagles will be playing the La Albiceleste of Argentina; their first encounter was in 1994 World Cup, where the two time world champions defeated triumph over the three time African champions by 2-1.

Eagles will face the Lionel Messi captained La Albiceleste of Argentina on the 14th of October in Russia as one of the team’s preparations for the 2018 FIFA World Cup. Both teams last played at the 2014 World Cup in Brazil, which Argentina won 3-2.

The two time world champions, Argentina, who barely qualified for next year’s World Cup as they only qualified during the last game of their qualifiers. They are likely to be one of the top eight seeds when the World Cup draw is conducted on December 1 in Moscow.

uper Eagles and Chipa United of South Africa goalkeeper, Daniel Akpeyi has heaped praises on the national team gaffer, Gernot Rohr for his professionalism in the discharge of his duties even as he compares the Franco-German football tactician to late Eagles’ legend and coach, Stephen Okechukwu Keshi.

He described the Rohr as somebody who knows what he wants and goes for it. He explained that Rohr is one man who will never allow himself to be intimidated like the late Keshi.

“I can attribute Eagles seamless World Cup Qualifying campaign to the manager, Gernot Rohr because he is one man who knows what he wants and goes for it.

“He is too professional in the discharge of his responsibilities. It does not matter what anybody says about him, but from my own perceptive of him, from what I have seen of him so far, he is one man that you cannot intimidate. He is one man who knows what he is doing.

“He is one man who looks forward to seeing that he achieves his desire and not your desire. So you see, he’s just reminds me of the late Stephen Keshi you know that kind of thing,” Akpeyi explained.

It is recalled that since the Anambra State-born shot-stopper was in-between the sticks for the country’s 2019 Africa Cup of Nations Qualifying game against visiting Bafana Bafana of South Africa which Eagles lost by 2-0 in Uyo, he is yet to be in-between the sticks.

The Oracle Today

44

Wednesday November 8, 2017

SPORTS

NFF indifferent to Enyeama’s T return –Mohammed

Odinaka may get call-up

Stories by MADUABUCHI KALU

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s reactions continue to trail the decision by Super Eagles’ handler, Gernot Rohr to open the door for former skipper and first choice goalkeeper, Vincent Enyeama to return to the fold, the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) have declared that they are neither in support nor against the decision.

It is recalled that the Akwa Ibom State-born shot stopper left the Super Eagles in controversial circumstance during the reins of former national team captain and coach, Sunday Ogochukwu Oliseh in 2015.

Several attempts and appeals by individuals to lure him back to the team proved abortive as the former Enyimba goalkeeper rebuffed all efforts to get him back to the team.

For some Nigerians, Rohr’s decision to throw Eagles’ door open to Enyeama could be counter-productive especially at the

Russia 2018 World Cup as they believe that his return could ruin the unity the team have been enjoying so far that has seen them to seamless World Cup campaign.

However, while reacting to the possible return of Enyeama to the Eagles, the General Secretary of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Dr. Sanusi Mohammad

said the football house would not in any way interfere in Gernot Rohr’s choice of players and goalkeepers for the national team.

Meanwhile, the chief coach of the team as far as the goalkeeping training is concerned, Alloy Agu has confirmed that Enyeama will return to the national team and he is hoping that Enyeama will come and fight for a jersey like every other goalkeeper in the team.

The former Super Eagles goalkeeper explained that the national team handlers have reached out to the 35 year-old who announced his retirement from the team in 2015 to come and compete with other goalkeepers.

The decision to give Enyeama and other eligible player equal and unhindered opportunity to prove their prowess according Agu is essential as the Super Eagles’ Technical Adviser is determined to get the best 23 players on the plane for the Mundial in Russia next year.

Rohr eyes semi-final stage in Russia

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uper Eagles’ Technical Adviser, German Gernot Rohr, has expressed the desire to lead the national team to better their previous World Cup record which has been the second round stage of the Mundial at USA1994 World Cup and in Brazil in 2014.

Nigeria have not gone beyond the second round in their previous five editions but this Gernot Rohr desires to change despite disclosing that he does not have a world class goalkeeper in Ikechukwu Ezenwa, Daniel Akpeyi and Dele Alanpaso.

The best the Nigerian team have ever done is to play at the second round stage in USA and Brazil during the reigns of Clemence Westerhof and late Stephen Okechukwu Keshi.

Rohr told half French publication L’Équipe that most Nigerians including some members of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) expect the Super Eagles to be in the last four of the World Cup. “They are already out of the group stage to go to the round of 16 especially in 2014, when they faced the French team and lost 2-0.

“We will try to do as well. So, indeed we are looking forward to

the 2018 World Cup in Russia especially in the goalpost,” the Franco-German tactician said.

It is recalled that out of the previous five editions of the World Cup that Eagles participated in, it was only on two editions in 1994 which was the first time the country qualified for the World Cup that we made it to the second round.

Eagles were led to the 1994 World Cup Christened “US 94” by the man that many Nigerian still believe is the country’s greatest coach, Clemence Westerhof. In 1998, it was Bora Milutinović that led Eagles to the World otherwise called “France 98”. In that particular World Cup due to crisis Eagles suffered a shock defeat as they were roundly defeated by Denmark 4-1 in their last group match which ended their participation.

In 2002 Korea/Japan World Cup, it was Coach Adegboyega Onigbinde that led Eagles to that Mundial Nigeria yet again did not go beyond the second round. While in 2010 in South Africa the most populous black nation on earth did not go beyond group stage as they crashed out. The Nigerian national team were led to the Mundial on African soil by German Lars Lagerback.

In 2014, it was late Stephen Keshi that led the team to 2014 World Cup in Russia. Eagles made it to the second round from their group alongside Argentina.

So, Nigerians will be delighted if by next year, Eagles will able to surpass their previous record of second round stage. If they will

be able to make it to the semifinals as Rohr has expressed they will be making history as the first African country to have reached the semifinal stage of the World Cup. The best record any African country have ever had was the quarterfinal stage first by Senegal.

Why we want to play Eagles – Argentine coach

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he head coach of Argentina’s La Albiceleste, Jorge Sampaoli, has revealed the reason the two time world champions, Argentina chose to play Nigeria over other options at their disposal.

According to Sampaolo, the choice of Super Eagles is because the three time African champions will give them a stern test in next month’s friendly game which will take place in Russia. The game will serve as preparations for both teams ahead of the World Cup in

Russia after both teams won their respective matches to berth for the quadrennial football fiesta.

The Argentines will play their first warm up match against 2018 FIFA World Cup hosts, Russia before taking on the Super Eagles of Nigeria four days later. The Argentine coach who has called up all his big names players has revealed why he is expecting tough game against Nigeria.

“They are a very physical side and also technical in their style of play which is totally different from

the teams we played during the World Cup Qualifiers,” he said.

Meanwhile, his Nigerian opponent, Gernot Rohr also plans to use his best players for the friendly against the La Albiceleste of Argentina on the 14t of next month.

The Argentines have already released the names of the players to prosecute the November 14th friendly game against Nigeria and they include Lionel Messi, Angel De Maria, Sergio Aguero, Paulo Debola, Moraocade among others.

here are strong indications that former Under-17 goalkeeper and currently the first choice goalkeeper of La Liga side, Deportivo de La Coruña, Francis Odinaka Uzoho may be called up for the Eagles’ last World Cup Qualifying match against the Desert Foxes of Algeria following his fantastic form for the La Liga side in the games he has kept for the side following the absence of the team’s first choice goalkeeper due to lack of fitness.

This is more so as FC Ifeanyiubah and home-based Eagles’ captain, Ikechukwu Ezenwa, is on holiday following the end of 2016/17 Nigeria professional Football League season as he is likely not going to make the list for the game in Blidar.

It is recalled that despite the Algeria’s World Cup Qualifying game being inconsequential, Rohr insists the game will not be toyed with as he hopes to ensure that Eagles garner as many points as possible going into the Mundial next year.

Other goalkeeper likely to be called up for the game include, Chipa United shot stopper, Daniel Akpeyi, Dele Alanpaso.

Odinaka is expected to be handed a call up to the national team to prove himself since it is obvious that Nigeria is having serious goalkeeping problems as was attest to by Gernot Rohr when he recently declared that he does not a world class goalkeeper.

Who knows, Uzoho may be the goalkeeper Eagles are searching for; though Enyeama may consider returning to the team due to the World Cup lure but it will be better if the position is competed for by a number of Nigerian goalkeepers so that the best hands will emerge to give the team confidence going to the Mundial.

Moreover, Rohr and the NFF are not saying anything about the health condition of Carl Ikeme. Nobody knows what his conditions are at the moment.

Nigerians are of the view that even if the team have a good replacement for him, there is still need for them to know what his health conditions are at the moment.

The Oracle Today

45

Wednesday November 8, 2017

SPORTS

Youth champions buoy England’s W/Cup profile Stories by MADUABUCHI KALU

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arely five months after winning the FIFA Under 20 World Cup in Suwon, South Korea , England on Sunday made another history by winning the 2017 FIFA Under-17 World Youth Championship in grand style .

Sunday’s victory in India would be the fist time the England have won the tournament in history.

The young Lions as they are called surprised bookmakers who had earlier given it to Spain who are European champions in that age category.

The Young Lions did not start the game on a very bright note as their Spanish counterparts scored two quick goals before they rallied round to prove that they deserve to be the worthy champions that they are, as they defeated Spain 5-2 at the end of hostilities to emerge champions for the first time.

It is important to recall here that it was just last June that their Under-20 counterparts won the 2017 FIFA World Cup in Suwon, South Korea.

It is also worthy of note that the England Under-20 FIFA World Cup victory was made possible with the help of some players of Nigerian decent including Tammy Abraham, Ola Aino, Ademola Lookman, Dominic Solanke, Dominic Solanke, Josh Onomah and Fikayo Tomori.

There must be something good the English Football Association is doing that made their youth teams

to win the two FIFA underage competitions in June and on Sunday, October 29, in India.

The English lads showed their determination to win this year’s World Cup tournament when they equally came from behind to beat Brazil to set the stage for titanic final with Spain.

Even with this victory recorded by the young Lions, there is still Nigerian imprint in the victory as one of the players that were in-

strumental to the English success in India is of Nigeria decent.

The player of Nigerian decent who helped England achieve success at the just ended FIFA Under-17 World Cup in India is no other person than Timothy Eyoma who is equally eligible to play for Nigeria. He is a defender and plays for Tottenham.

Meanwhile, it was all football in India as they best of the world youth converge in sub-continen-

tal nations for the beautiful game.

The stands were always filled to the brim in all the stadia where the matches of the FIFA Under-17 World cup were played thereby showing that India is not only about Cricket. The Under-17 FIFA World Cup has really proved that the sport is gain ascendancy in the country.

Fans flocked to the six host stadia throughout the competition, which was followed by more than a

million people. A total of 52 matches were contested, with the final – in which England overturned a two-goal deficit before eventually overwhelming Spain – providing a fitting climax.

In the process, the Young Lions etched their names into history by winning the title for the first time, following in the footsteps of their older compatriots, who achieved the very same feat at the FIFA U-20 World Cup Korea Republic 2017.

Nigeria wins Africa Zone II Swimming Championships

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igeria on Sunday retained her No1 sport in the Africa Zone 2 Junior Swimming Championship as she beat Ghana and Senegal to 2nd and 3rd positions respectively, as the host garnered a total of 87 medals in the three day swimming championship for some countries in West Africa and Central Africa countries.

It is recalled that Nigeria won the median edition of the championship which she equally hosted in 2012 in Akure, the Ondo state capital.

A total of 11 countries participated in the three day junior swimming championship aimed at discovering young swimmers in the zone that will take over from aging swimmers. The countries that participated in the championship which kicked off on Friday, Oct 27 and ended on Sunday, October 29 include hosts, Nigeria, Ghana, Senegal, Togo, Central Africa Republic, Equatorial Guinea, Guinea, Gambia, Niger, Sierra Lone and Benin Republic. Many records were broken and new ones set in different events.

Meanwhile, Nigeria’s medal haul is as follows: 26g, 35s and 26b bring the total to 87medals.

The second placed team, Ghana

won 12g, 9s and 6b thereby their total medals haul to 27 while Senegal that placed 3rd garnered a total of 17 medals made up of 8g, 3s and 6b. Benin Republic was placed 4th with 2g, 1s and 7b medals. Other teams could not win any medal.

There were individual awards apart from the medals that individual won in different events.

In the categories that the championship was classified into are Group A, made up of ages 13/14 and Group B is made up of ages 15/16 both boys and girls.

In ages 13/14, the best swimmer for boys was Jackson Kow of Ghana who won 4g and 3s medals. In the ages 15/16, the best swimmer for boys was Ndiane Amoudu of Senegal, who won 8g, 1s and 1b medals to bring his total medal haul to 10.

The best for girls in the ages 13/14, it was Maayaa Ayawere of Ghana that won with 4g and 1s while the best swimmer for ages 15/16 was Okpochini Anita of Nigeria who won 4g medal.

The outstanding team male (combined) went to Nigeria having won 10g, 17s and 15b medals while the outstanding team female (combined) was won by Nigeria with a total of 13g, 17 and 9b.

I want re-match against Joshua –Takam

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arlos Takam is demanding a rematch with British of Nigerian decent world heavy champion, Anthony Joshua after he suffered 10 round controversial defeat.

Takam is at a lost why the referee stopped the fight at round 10 when he was not knocked out by the IBF and WBA world heavy champion, Anthony Joshua nor did he show any sign of weakness during the fight to warrant the referee stopping the fight.

According to Takam, despite losing the fight in controversial circumstance to Joshua, he is proud of the British fans even as he declared his respect for his opponent, Joshua.

“I respect Anthony, he is a

great pugilist, I respect him. That the referee stopped the fight I don’t know why. I respect the fans, anyone, the UK fans; they are great fans. I am proud to be here, I respect them. “ I am here to make them happy. I want a rematch because I really do not know why the referee stopped the match,” Takam declared.

Reacting to Takam’s outburst after the match, Anthony Joshua said he has no power to either stop the match or to decide when the rematch will be. According to him, the referee knew better and as a result has nothing to do concerning Takam’s complaint saying stopping the fight was not his job but that of the official..

“I have no interest in what’s goes on with the officials, that’s not my job. My job is to worry about my opponent.

“I was poaching, I was trying to break him down, down and round and unfortunately, the referee stopped the fight.

“But if we want to take Takam, of course he would want to throw a punch, that one I understand. And that’s where I want to get to 10 rounds, 11 round and 12 round but stopping the match is referee’s decision,” he declared.

“On the issue of a rematch is my decision to make. There are people whose responsibility it is to take that decision and when they do we will certainly abide by it.”

46

The Oracle Today Wednesday November 8, 2017

News

2019: Ebonyi governor’s wife calls for peace, unity in PDP From CHINEDU NWAFOR, Abakaliki

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ife of Ebonyi State governor, Mrs. Rachel Umahi has called for peace and unity among chieftains of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the state in order not to give chance to the opposition political parties.

Mrs. Umahi made the call on Monday in Onueke Township Stadium during the inauguration of Rachel Umahi Women for Akubaraoha 2019, Ezza South Local Government Area chapter.

Admonishing stakeholders of the council area against division and bickering, Mrs. Umahi harped on the imperative of peace and unity among them, so that together they can work to achieve their common goal of sup-

porting the present government in the state led by Engr. David Umahi for continuity and greater progress.

According to the governor’s wife, there is practically nothing the Ezza South people cannot achieve if they would embrace peace, unity and love for one another.

She advised those in authority to exhibit humility while the people should also respect constituted authority for peaceful coexistence.

She commended the Executive Chairman of Ezza South LGA, Hon. Sunday Ogodo for the mammoth crowd he gathered to receive her and her entourage in solidarity and love and thanked the people of Ezza South for supporting the present government.

“I am so happy with what is hap-

pening here but what I want to beg you is to live in peace, because with peace there is nothing you cannot achieve,” she said.

Earlier, the Council boss, Ogodo, eulogized the governor’s wife for her good disposition towards the people of Ebonyi State through her pet projects.

He added that over 400 widows from the council area have benefitted from Mrs Umahi’s Widows Empowerment Scheme of not less than #100,000.00 each, as well as empowerment of youths and women with #250,000 each to start business of their choice.

His words: “Your good disposition towards the good people of Ebonyi state through your pet-projects ‘Family Succour and Upliftment Pro-

gramme’ has revived resuscitated and resurrected many lives which ordinarily would have been tagged bad cases. Many women who are VVF patients have been repaired, many indigent women who are abandoned in the hospitals due to lack of fund to pay their bill have been set free courtesy of her Excellency’s kind gestures,” Ogodo said.

In their separate speeches, the Member, representing Ezza South/ Ikwo Federal Constituency, Hon. Lazarus Ogbee, Commissioner for Works and Transport, Engr. Fidelis Nweze and the Commissioner for Water Resources, Mrs. Euphemia Nwali, commended the governor and his wife for keeping to their campaign promises and assured them of victory come 2019.

Umahi renames Abakaliki Township Stadium after Ebonyi oldest man

By CHINEDU NWAFOR, Abakaliki

G

overnor David Umahi has renamed the Abakaliki Township Stadium after the oldest man in the state and father of Senator Sylvanus Ngiji Ngele, Pa Ngele Oruta who died at the age of 112.

Umahi while speaking at Umuezeokoha community, Ezza North Local Government Area of the state during the funeral ceremony of the late Pa Joseph Odoh, father of the Secretary to the State Government SSG, Prof Bernard Odoh, said his decision to rename the stadium after Ngele stemmed because of Ngele’s numerous contributions towards the unity of the state.

He commended the entire people of both Ezza and Izzi clans, which are the major political blocs within the Abakaliki zone for their support for his administration and promised to build the Abakaliki Ring Road which connects eight out of the 13 local government areas of the state.

He, however, eulogized Pa Joseph Odoh for advancing civilization in the entire community and described him as a man who contributed his quota to the development of his immediate environment and the state in general.

He also promised to construct new classroom blocks in the Community Primary School, Onunweke-Isiofia, which will be named after the late father of the State Chief Scribe.

“Each time I make a move, what I try to do is to watch the roads and see how we can build them to add value to the lives of our people. On getting to this community, I didn’t know that this road was one of the roads we had earlier commenced work on and earth works had been completed up to six kilometres out of the 12 kilometers. I will ask you people to give us this day, this year is almost gone but we must start construction in January, 2018,” the governor said.

“We are also going to build the Okaleru Road and the bridge, which connects you people to Ebiaji, the headquarters of Ezza North council area which shall be named after Pa Joseph Odoh. I have directed the UBEB to commence construction of classroom

block in this primary school which shall also be named after the late sage and father of the best and most hard working SSG.” Former governor of Anambra State, Mr. Peter Obi also eulogized the deceased and described him as a man who weath-

ered all storms to train his children and give them best of education, which produced one of the youngest professors in the country.

Among the dignitaries that attended the funeral ceremony which began with a funeral mass officiated by the Catholic Bishop

of Abakaliki Diocese, Most Rev Dr. Micahel Okoro included the wife of the governor, Mrs. Rachael Umahi, wife of the deputy governor, Mrs. Nnenna Igwe and members of the State Executive Council as well as former Minister of Power, Prof Barth Nnaji.

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Anambra Poll: Catholic Bishop urges people to vote wisely

By THEO RAYS Ahead of the November 18, governorship election in Anambra State, the Auxiliary Bishop of the Catholic Archdiocese of Onitsha, Most Rev Denis Chidi Isizoh has called on eligible voters to endeavour to come out at the polling units to cast their votes for the candidate of their choice because it is their right to do so.

Speaking to The Oracle Today shortly after he celebrated a Mass to mark the 25th anniversary celebration/ 13th graduation ceremony of John Bosco Institute of Technology (JOBITECH), at Ibollo Layout Obosi in Anambra State, Bishop Isizoh told eligible voters that the issue of election rigging is not enough to scare people away from coming out to choose who would be their governor.

The Catholic Bishop dismissed the rumour of planned rigging of the Anambra poll making the rounds in some political rounds, saying that mere rumour is not enough to make anybody develop cold blood or non-interest in the election, thereby not coming out on Election Day. His words: “Eligible voters who have voters’ cards should endeavour to go to the polling booths to cast their votes and not mind the rumour of rigging,” he emphasised.

On the quality of candidate he expects the electorate to vote into power come November 18, the Auxiliary Bishop said the people are familiar with all the candidates and should make their choices according to their conscience and convictions.

He said: “Let the people vote according to their conscience and conviction; I will vote according to my conscience. And let me say something here, anybody who is interested in leading Anambra State should prepare well for the task because Ndi Anambra are not interested in excuses; people are not ready to tolerate a poor performer.”

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Man butchers rival with machete over girlfriend

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cuts on his body before he was rescued by people and was taken to hospital.

Eyewitness account had it that Uzoma is an alleged womanizer, which made Chinasa jilt him.

Chinasa could also not understand why he went so far as to injure Nonso whom he would have killed with the machete if not for some good Samaritans who were around.

Chinasa’s Aunt told The Oracle Today that she had told her niece to concentrate on her studies rather than frolicking with men, which would not do her any good.

47

The Oracle Today Wednesday November 8, 2017

News Continued from Pg 2 2nd Niger Bridge.

“On March 10, President Goodluck Jonathan performed a ground-breaking ceremony of the Second River Niger Bridge at the Krisoral ground, Atani, Ogbaru Council Area of Anambra State. Julius Berger is carrying out the early works on the project and has been named preferred bidder of the EPC contract on the project’s main phase,” said a post on its website.

Berger started work on the site, laying beams. Its abandoned equipment are still there. It also established a work yard by the foot of the old Niger Bridge, near the Inland Waters office and the Onitsha Sea Port. Its location gives it easy access to the project site to the Harbour Industrial Layout.

However, there is no work to do.

Berger may be parading a letter awarding it the contract, but the government seems to have another plan. The N2b that the Vice President said was paid to contractors was for “preliminary works”. What preliminary works on a project that the execution had commenced?

Berger celebrated its hold on the contract during its annual general meeting in 2014 in Abuja. “Work on the long-awaited second Niger bridge has commenced,” Wolfgang Goetsch, its Managing Director told shareholders at its 43rd annual general meeting. According to Goetsch, the Federal Government had given Julius Berger a letter of intent, which would enable it to do preliminary work such as, soil testing and engineering design. The bridge is to be built under the private public partnership arrangement.

Goetsch continued: “A consortium that included a company from South Africa participated in the bidding for the project. In January 2013, our group became the preferred bidder.

We are excited because it will be the first of its kind in Nigeria.”

Retired AVM Nurudeen Imam, announced Berger’s successfully entry into the PPP market and its selection as preferred bidder for the second River Niger Bridge project.

These are the most recent confusions. A source familiar with the project stated that nobody “is talking about which of the designs would be implemented, or the company that won the design.”

He painted a clearer picture of the confusion stretching it to Obasanjo, whom Ngige mentioned earlier.

Why Niger Bridge may not be built

•Work stopped on the 2nd Niger Bridge on 15 June 2015 “President Obasanjo used the bridge as a publicity stunt from his campaigns in 1999 to the most brazen move he made two days before leaving office. On 27 May 2007, he claimed to have flagged off the construction of the project,” the source recalled. “No contract was signed.

There wasn’t even a design for the bridge.”

“The Senate which gave some breakdowns of road projects across the country to show how the South East was marginalized wondered why of all the mega projects initiated during Chief Obasanjo’s tenure, it was only the second Niger Bridge that was confined to PPP whereas others were solely financed by the federal government,” Senator Uche Chukwumereije, said in 2014.

“If strategic national importance is the criterion for direct federal funding, second Niger Bridge merits as much attention as these other mega projects. It is a major link to the whole length of eastern half of Nigeria, from Onitsha through Benue to North East, yet the two host States which can barely source enough funds for their internal development were nearly sentenced to the burden of PPP contributions.”

Obasanjo said that the project was to be funded in this manner, 60-20-20. The Federal Government would provide 60 per cent of the funds, while Anambra and Delta States would cough out 20 per cent each.

Senator Mohammed Sanusi Daggash as Minister for Works in 2010 visited the bridge and tried to mobilise funds through the Debt Manage-

ment Office (DMO), for its construction, The Oracle Today learnt.

The government approved a contract of N325 million to Messrs Roughton International Limited, a transaction advisory services firm, to design, build, and finance and operate the proposed second Niger Bridge. Daggash’s brief tenure ended that move.

In 2012, Setraco Construction Company carried out maintenance work on the bridge. There were fears that it could collapse, after reports that some of the bolts and nuts had fallen off.

Former Anambra State Governor, Mr. Peter Obi had told the Senate Committee on Works that the supposed commencement of work on the Second Niger Bridge by the former President Obasanjo was a fraud.

Obi spoke to a five-man Senate Committee on Works led by its chairman, Senator Julius Ucha.

According to Obi, there was no budget and no work was done after the flag-off.

Authoritative sources, who spoke with The Oracle Today described the project thus: “The Second Niger Bridge project comprised Phases 1, 2a and 2b and includes a southern bypass of both Asaba and Onitsha cities with an approximate total length of 44km. The phase 1 of the project, which is the bridge and adjacent roads, is approximately 11.9 kilometres and will be constructed and operated under a Design, Build, and Finance, Operate and Transfer (DBFOT) basis under a Public Private Partnership (PPP) scheme.

fects of the treatment on viral loads and on CD4-lymphocytes counts. When viral load of a patient becomes undetectable, he/ she would be tested for HIV antibodies and antigens every month while the treatment continues, till he/she tests negative by the confirmatory tests,” he added.

“If the trial confirms that it can lead to permanent cure of HIV/ AIDS, the disease would be more effectively controlled in the country and may even be completely eradicated,” he submitted.

The Professor of Clinical Virology said “the ‘Nigerian Medicine’ also has potentials as anticancer medicine and that chicks and dogs treated with it and rats and mice experimentally dosed with it showed no adverse drug-reaction, thus confirming it is a safe medicine.”

He described MSAMS as a highly active ARV, a broad spectrum antiviral medicine, a potential

anticancer medicine and a pharmaceutical raw material (for improving efficacy of antimicrobials and reducing costs of their formulations), adding that synthesizing the medicine with solid minerals (Aluminum silicate and Magnesium silicate) which are abundant in the country would diversify the economy and earn foreign exchange for the country.

Enumerating further benefits of the clinical trial, Ezeibe said HIV/AIDS would be more effectively controlled and may even be eradicated.

He stated that it would add value to the solid minerals (Aluminum silicate and magnesium silicate used to synthesize the MSAMS); create jobs for youths and investment opportunities for businessmen and women in the industry while the MSAMS would also be exported to improve the Nigerian economy.”

‘Test my HIV/AIDS drug’ Continued from Pg 2 for the clinical trial would be made to sign informed consent forms.

Explaining how the clinical trial would be conducted, Ezeibe said: “The volunteers would be placed on oral medication with Antivirt®A for one month, at dose rates of 50 mg of the MSAMS/kg body weight and 7.5 mg of MSAMS-stabilized Ampicillin trihydrate/kg body weight, daily. Thereafter, they would be treated with Antivirt® B at dose of 50 mg/kg. Each of the patients would also be placed on immunace extra protection® daily), throughout period of the treatment.”

He further explained that blood samples from each patient would be tested for viral loads (HIV) and for CD4-lymphocytes counts, before the treatment.

“The tests would be repeated every month, to monitor ef-

•Abadoned equipment at the project site in Ogbaru “The bridge will comprise a 3.31 kilometre-long road section on the Delta side, including a 500 metre-long toll plaza; a 1.59 kilometres tolled concrete box-girder bridge with two superstructures; and a 7.0 kilometre-long road section on the Anambra side. It is expected that the bridge would be constructed and delivered in 48 months. When completed, the bridge and approach roads will have six lanes with three in each direction. Phase 2a is connected to the Asaba-Benin Expressway while Phase 2b is connected to the Onitsha-Enugu Expressway. Phases 2a and 2b together constitute the feeding approach roads.”

These, they said, are the components of the contract that Berger was executing at N108b.

“The Second Niger Bridge, along with adjacent roads, would be 11.9km in length and have six (6) lanes with three (3) in each direction. It was expected that the bridge would be constructed and delivered in 48 months,” they added.

Other descriptions of the project exist. “The project, which is divided into three phases, will bypass Onitsha and Asaba to connect the Owerri-Onitsha Expressway at Nkwelle-Ezunaka, and then cross Atani to the Asaba-Benin Expressway at Okpanam with a total length of 44 kilometres. With this length, the Second Niger Bridge will surpass the world’s longest bridge in China (42.4km), to become the world’s longest bridge,” another source told The Oracle Today.

What happens to the financing arrangement that was made when the contract was awarded to Berger?

Out of the N108 billion project cost, the Federal Government had already made a commitment to contribute N30 billion, which represented 28 per cent. The JBI-NMIC consortium would raise the remaining funds for the construction, operation and maintenance of the bridge and adjacent roads of Phase 1 under a 25-year concession.

The Federal Government contributed N18.31billion out of its commitment of N30billion, comprising N8.464billion from SURE-P budget in August 2014 for early works II and a further $50million (about N9.8billion) from its Eurobond loan for the execution of early works III. The Sovereign Wealth Fund contributed N10.4 billion of the fund allocated by the Federal Government

and which has so far been disbursed, leaving a balance of about N7.94 billion of government contribution with the sponsors.

Complications that the funding plans could raise may stall the work forever, said one of the sources.

“If government insists on funding the bridge, or decides to review the PPP processes that the ICRA had approved, not only would these be illegal, but the process would mean that there would be no new bridge across the River Niger in the next five years, if ever,” an expert who did not want his name in print said. “ A cancellation of a PPP that has gone through the scrutiny of the ICRA has dangerous implications for confidence of investors in government. Has the government considered the signals it is sending to investors?”

“The biggest assault on the project was the government’s decision to stop the contract. The collapse of the exchange rate has more than doubled the cost of the project. Where would the government find the money?

“Where would government that complains of scare resources find the funds for the 2nd Niger Bridge?

How much would be approved annually to get close the former contract cost, not to talk of the reviewed one?”

Mr. Ezenwa Onyewuchi, representing Owerri Federal Constituency of Imo State, had complained in 2013 that “the promises of constructing a second Niger Bridge by the past and present administrations have been a mirage.”

President Ibrahim Babangida challenged Nigerian engineers in 1992 to build a second bridge across the River Niger. Nigerian Society Engineers designed the bridge using its management consultancy firm NSE PREMS. The project collapsed with the proposed addition of an East-West rail to it.

Officials of government have maintained sealed lips after the Vice President’s presentation in Onitsha. “Government would make a definite statement on the 2nd Niger Bridge,” one official assured The Oracle Today.

Would the 2nd Niger Bridge be built with these complications?

The answer may be delayed, just like the construction of the bridge.

WEDNESDAY November 8, 2017

The

www.oraclenews.ng

T

RITE as the headline may appear, it has to be so stated.

Put differently, it indicates the tardiness of governance today. Nigerians live in doubts, fear and fractions, all occasioned by the permanent combustions about how we should manage the country, or how it should not be managed.

At no time had the abdication of the responsibility of leadership assumed the proportions that we have under President Muhammadu Buhari.

Elected President on the wings of the various allegations against President Goodluck Jonathan, he was meant to be everything that Nigerians never had in leadership.

He has lived up to that bill, except that many were expecting a different Buhari from the one that many warned would not change. President Buhari would only have disappointed those who thought he would live by the irreproachable standards that he set for leadership.

Everything was meant to work by the clock once Buhari won. He won.

Things, where they worked, were by the motion of the slowest clocks we have seen. Excuses became the policy of government. Where the excuse makers run out, they invented new ones.

The heavy investments in Buhari, in money and emotions, had to be justified, not by the works he did, but by comparing him to Jonathan. If he could not appoint Ministers in six months, it was because Jonathan left few appointable people.

A remaining surprise is that nobody has remembered to accuse Jonathan of being responsible for the President’s illness that kept him in a London hospital for months. From the wonder-working President, Nigerians have been made to be content with knowing that the President is still President.

It would seem that the sheer mention of his name would heal the country of its many afflictions, many of them freshly delivered by President Buhari. His castigation of Nigerians as corrupt, his indeterminate stance on the economy, the non-appointment of envoys to our missions, the withdrawal of Nigeria’s membership of many international organisations, are some issues that have pushed the country to the fringes of relevance.

Some of us warned of the consequences of having Buhari anywhere near the Presidency, but the louder voices, now stilled in wondrous contemplation of Buhari’s perfected bungling of the easiest opportunities to mend the country, said it was Buhari or nobody.

Nigeria with an unavailable Buhari was better than Nigeria with anyone else. Nigeria has been reserved for Buhari at a time like this. Shockingly, the President has consumed the deceit in such copious quantities that his deification has been completed.

48

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Buhari is President

He has done nothing to dispel the myth that he is not human. He is promoted as the only incorruptible Nigerian, living or dead. The problem is that some corrupt people surround him. Where he manipulates the law, ignores the law or lives by his entitlement as the current owner of Nigeria, it is not corruption.

The administration started with a rash of appointed officials who resumed without clearance from the Senate as our laws demand. There was nothing to it, after all Buhari was President. We had not seen anything yet. The President’s determination to choose what laws to obey was obvious.

One of the most important appointments that his administration made was that of Ibrahim Magu to head the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). Magu has made a round of the Senate thrice to be confirmed. Each time the Senate turned him down.

Matters took a certain impervious turn when the Department of State Services (DSS), which reports to the President, just like Magu, handed the Senate documents that rated Magu “not confirmable”. How could that have slipped through the firm hold the President has on things?

An unconfirmed Magu heads the President’s anti-corruption campaign. No efforts have been made to correct the illegality involved. The same DSS that “nailed” Magu is supposed to work with him in fighting corruption? Of course, the National

Assembly has acquiesced. It is approving budgets for an illegal EFCC head to manage. It is not corruption.

If Buhari met Nigeria in ruins, he consummated the ruination by doing nothing about the promises that he made that Nigeria was so far gone, that he was the only one who could pull it from the brink. But for the resistance of Nigerians to whatever Buhari stands for, the country would have been irreversibly damaged.

Fewer things dent the image of the President – whose huge pool of worshippers still adores – than his indecisiveness in dealing with matters that would make Nigeria work better. He wastes opportunities to unite Nigeria. He has been divisive, decidedly.

Back from a three-month medical vacation abroad, on 18 August, he devoted a national broadcast that people thought would be an outpouring of his gratitude to the nation, and promises of better governance, to deprecating the South East. He issued threats that he could not wait to execute.

There were no pretences about what he wanted. On October 1, he raised the ante – more abuses, more threats, and then the military exercise in civilian spaces in the South East. He has spread it to other parts of the country. Soldiers, now arrest artisans at work, for allegedly drinking and smoking.

Where is the Buhari that promised a better Nigeria? Why the grave silence across the country, unless when peo-

ple are blaming others for making it impossible for the President to run the country as he pleases? What did the multitude of “Buhari or nobody” promoters expect? What are they getting?

Col. Hameed Ali, a close ally of President Buhari has admitted that the President’s failure was caused by the 50 per cent members of the All Progressives Congress (APC), that crossed from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). As usual, the President was not to blame.

However, Col. Ali’s statement that the 2019 elections would be more challenging to win (for Buhari) is off the mark. The President has everything it takes to complete his tenure of eight years. What else should we ask for in a President?

When you are dealing with a saintly President, it takes holy eyes to see his achievements. How many Nigerians are holy? My leader and mentor in Buhari affairs is Alhaji Laiwola Mohammed, who said of the President: “He has spent more than N1 trillion on capital projects. The projects are so huge that you cannot see them.”

I can only add that anyone with sight challenges should deal with them. President Buhari, an honest man, never promised Nigerians reading glasses.

Did you know?

THAT over N6 billion spent in buying vehicles for the National Assembly was wasted? The vehicles are not working – well.

THAT nothing would be done about the complaints by the original whistle blower, Abdulmumuni Jubrin, who as Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Appropriation, two years ago, accused the House leadership of padding the budget with N40 billion that the leadership shared?

THAT the Buhari Support Group, an aggregation of more than 200 organisations that worked for him in the 2015 election, is saying that President has no choice but to contest in 2019?

THAT there are no alternatives to the methods President Buhari deploys in his anti-corruption fights?

THAT part of the diversification of the economy that the Buhari administration promised is the wasteful search for oil in the Chad Basin, and more recently in Nasarawa State?

THAT the All Progressives Congress (APC), promised in its manifesto, to set up Regional Economic Development Commission (REDC), for each of the six geo-political zones with an initial investment of N50 billion each?

At least now you know…

•Please send you comments, condemnations, commendations, recommendations to ikeddyisiguzo@hotmail.com

The Oracle Today is published by The Oracle Newspapers Limited. Head Office: 116 Awka Road, Onitsha. Lagos Office: 25 Remi Fani-Kayode Street, GRA Ikeja. Abuja Office: 1st Floor, Plateau House, Central Business District, Abuja, FCT. ISSN: 2545-5869 Email: oracletoday2016@yahoo.com, Twitter: @oraclenews.ng Facebook: oraclenews.ng@facebook.com Website: www.oraclenews.ng Advert hot lines: 09078310060, 09061836916. Editor: FELIX OGUEJIOFOR ABUGU.