Wednesday October 10, 2018 Edition

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INCE the Saturday July 14, 2018 Ekiti State governorship election and its Osun State counterpart, which took place the previous Saturday - September 22, to be precise - the Permanent Voter’s Card (PVC) has come under scurrilous attacks from Nigerians.

Not a few would appear to have lost faith in its value as a potent weapon for making valid electoral choice, following the obviously flawed elections in Ekiti and Osun

The fault is not in the PVC… The Oracle Today Comment

States.

PEOPLE who hold such view argue that if the elections in Ekiti and Osun States could be won and

The

VOX POPULI SACRUM

lost the way they were, in spite of the PVC, of what use, then, is the plastic card so loudly touted by the authorities as the only pass-

racle

WEDNESDAY October 10, 2018

Clouds over independence anniversary

•Fighter Jet’s pilot’s death dampens mood •Herdsmen kill as fresh Jos crisis feared •Boko Haram attacks not abating •Ekiti, Osun elections trigger 2019 misgivings •President asked to rekindle hope From BONIFACE OKORO, Umuahia; NATH OMAME Jr, Port Harcourt and COLLINS UGHALAA, Owerri

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igeria appears to be under the pressing weight of ominous dark clouds gathering overhead as the nation celebrates its 58th Independence Anniversary amidst a horde of political and even existential problems that are seemingly gnawing

at its very foundation.

This trend of sad occurrences has become so persistent that the country would appear to be passing through an accursed phase, making many wonder if there is ever going to be any redemption for the traumatised polity.

The latest of such sad occurrences came a few days ago with the crash, in Jikoko village in the Katampe area of Abuja, the FCT, of

Cont’d on page 5

port to valid electoral choice-making? Such words as ‘useless’, ‘fraudulent’ and other unprintable terms have been used by many a

Nigerian to describe the PVC and or the intense campaign by the authorities to get voting-age citizens to register and collect and securely keep their PVCs. Indeed, one notable social affairs commentator, in a fit of righteous

• Flooding in Ogbaru, Anambra State

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www.oraclenews.ng

ISSN: 2545-5869

Today

VOL.3 No.40 N200

•Squardron Leader Babaari pilot who •Armed herdsmen died in the NAF aircraft crash in Abuja

•Boko Haram

• Osun election fallout

Ayade, Umahi, Ikpeazu, Ugwuanyi, Wike, others win From BONIFACE OKORO, Umuahia; NATH OMAME Jr, Port Harcourt, Chinedu Nwafor, Abakaliki, Aniekan Aniekan, Calabar, Chuks Eze, Enugu

•APC shifts primary in Abia •Holds parallel primaries in Rivers • Voting smooth in Enugu after initial hiccup

xpectedly, the PDP governorship primaries, which held on Sunday, September 30, in many state capitals across the country ended with practically no upsets, especially in PDP States.

Abia State governor, Dr Okezie Ikpeazu, Sunday evening

emerged the governorship flag bearer of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the state for the 2019 general elections, with a promise to create 50 000 jobs in five years.

However, the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the State failed

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to hold its governorship primary election scheduled for Sunday but shifted it to Monday.

In Enugu, the exercise in the APC camp also witnessed initial hiccup following a tussle over party leadership but the situation was later brought under control

and voting began on a smooth note.

The exercise was still going on as the time of this report at past 10pm, with Senator Ayogu Eze expected to emerge as the party’s governorship flag-bearer.

In Rivers, factions loyal to for-

mer Governor Chibuike Amaechi and Senator Magnus Abe held parallel primaries.

Abe emerged winner in his own group while the result of the voting in Amaechi’s camp was still be-

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20 killed in fresh Plateau attack

The Oracle Today Wednesday October 10, 2018

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The Oracle Today Wednesday October 10, 2018

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We believe that when Nigeria prospers, Total also prospers.

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The Oracle Today Wednesday October 10, 2018

Celebrate our

NIGERIANESS

58

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The Oracle Today Wednesday October 10, 2018

NEWS

Clouds over independence anniversary Continued from Pg 1

two Nigerian Air Force aircraft taking part in rehearsals for the 58th Independence Day celebrations.

Squadron Leader, Mohammed Babari, one of the two pilots involved in the crash later died in the hospital and has since been buried in accordance with Islamic rites.

“It is with a heavy heart that I regretfully announce that one of the pilots who successfully ejected from one of the F-7Ni aircraft that crashed earlier today has passed on. May his soul RIP,” spokesperson of the Air Force, Ibikunle Daramola said in a statement on Friday—September 28, to be precise—announcing the passing on of the 32-year old pilot who had, along with his colleague in the second aircraft, successfully ejected from the ill-fated fighter jet.

The crash of the two jet fighters climaxed what was obviously a bad week for the country, starting with a heavily compromised governorship election in Osun State, which local and international observers themselves described as “grossly flawed”.

The election produced a controversial winner in the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate, who had earlier been beaten by his PDP counterpart going by the result the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) itself declared but which the electoral umpire was later to invalidate on the grounds that the election, ac-

cording to the Chief Electoral Officer, Professor Afuwape, the VC of Federal University of Technology, was “inconclusive”.

About the same time, the ubiquitous Fulani herdsmen struck for the umpteenth time in Plateau State killing nine members of one family, a pregnant woman and six others in a renewed violent attack in Jos, the Plateau State capital.

The event took place between Thursday night and Friday morning last week.

According to reports, the victims were killed at Gravity Junction along Rukuba Road in Jos North Local Government Area (Jos metropolis), triggering fears that the ethnic/sectarian crisis that rocked the tin city, once a haven of beauty, peace and tranquility, between 2001 and 2004 may be rearing its ugly head again.

On September 20, barely a fort-

night ago, nine people were killed and nine others injured when Boko Haram terrorists raided two villages in the North East, agency reports quoted civilian militia as saying.

The terrorists in pickup trucks attacked Kalari Abdiye and nearby Amarwa, some 20 kilometres from Maiduguri, the Borno State capital on Wednesday, September 19, evening.

“The gunmen, who were obviously Boko Haram fighters, killed nine people and injured nine more in the attacks,” Ibrahim Liman, from the Civilian Joint Taskforce told AFP. “They attacked the villages around 8:30 pm when it was raining and people were indoors.”

Frightened residents rushed out of their homes but when they did so they were shot “indiscriminately”, said another CJTF leader, Baba-

kura Kolo.

“The two villages were completely burnt by the attackers,” he added, giving a similar toll.

Both villages are in Konduga, a district of Borno state that has suffered repeated attacks in a nineyear insurgency, which has left more than 27,000 dead.

Natural disaster added to the death toll as floods overran many littoral towns and villages across the country.

From Kogi to Anambra, Delta to Bayelsa, Jigawa to Kaduna, Kano to Lagos, among others, floods have raged communities across the country almost to the calamitous 2012 levels, causing deaths and destruction all in their wake.

All these were happening as political party faithful, especially members of the ruling APC and opposition PDP gathered in State capitals across the country to elect

20 killed in fresh Plateau attack

•Army may invade community in search missing general

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bout 20 people were reported to have been killed on Sunday night in a fresh herdsmen’s attack against a Plateau community.

A security source said the attack was a reprisal for the killing of “two lowly” Fulani herdsmen

by suspected “Plateau men”.

Meanwhile, the army may invade another Plateau community in search of the body of a retired general who was recently killed in the State.

A source said the army, using tracking equipment, had located

the man’s car and clothes inside a well, where the villagers dumped it.

According the source, the army has demanded that the community produce the general’s corpse or face the consequences of their crime.

Ayade, Umahi, Ikpeazu, Ugwuanyi, Wike...

Continued from Pg 1 ing counted as at the time of this report.

In the case of Abia, the opposition APC failed to hold their scheduled governorship primary due to internal wrangling.

It was gathered that members of the committee deployed to conduct the primary did not show up, even as meeting of party stalwarts, which attempted to reduce the number of governorship aspirants reportedly ended in a fiasco.

It would be recalled that a similar meeting called last Saturday yielded no positive result as disagreements over the authentic membership register to be used for the primary tore the party apart as the meeting ended abruptly Ikpeazu polled 1,991 votes to emerge the PDP governorship candidate in the Abia PDP primary election held at the Umuahia Township Stadium, Sunday evening.

The governor was the sole candidate for primary election during which 2,207 delegates were accredited and 23 void votes were recorded.

In his acceptance speech, Ikpeazu thanked the party faithful for trusting him and promised that he would not disappoint them.

In Enugu, Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi was elected through delegates’ affirmation via voting. He was also the sole aspirant for his seat in the PDP. In his acceptance speech, Ugwuanyi promised to continue promote equity, justice and fare-mindedness in serving the

•Ayade

•Umahi

•Ikeazu

•Ugwuanyi

•Wike

•Udom

people of Enugu State.

Gov. Emmanuel gets PDP affirmation as 2019 governorship candidate In Akwa Ibom State, Governor

Udom Emmanuel was also affirmed as the 2019 governorship candidate of the PDP. The PDP panel Chairman, Gov. Ayodele Fayose of Ekiti who con-

ducted the primaries at the Uyo Township stadium announced Emmanuel as the chosen candidate of the party.

Cont’d on page 44

their governorship candidates for next year’s general election.

These primary elections themselves were foreshadowed by misgivings about the 2019 general election, following the comprised governorship election in Osun State where the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the security agencies and the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) were accused of undermining the integrity of the electoral process by their actions and inactions taken in favour of the APC candidate, Mr. Adegboyega Oyetola.

The Osun election was declared inconclusive following the apparent refusal of INEC, obviously working in cahoots with the ruling party, to declare the victorious PDP candidate, Senator Ademola Adeleke winner of the election even after he had won and secured the required 25 per cent of the total votes cast in 2/3 of the local government areas in the place.

INEC said the number of votes with which Adeleke won the election was less than the total number of votes cast, even as the number of votes cancelled was deliberately scaled up just to shut Senator Adeleke out of contention.

In the end, the rerun election on Thursday, September 27 was organised in such a way that Adeleke’s supporters just couldn’t vote. And Oyetola ‘won’!

While the advent of a new political dispensation, as the ongoing primary elections signpost, is expected to elicit hopes and joys, as new leaders with new agenda and new directions for the polity would emerge, Nigerians are worried that the “charade” in Osun and, before then, Ekiti, may well be the shape of election to come and this may not augur well for the polity.

The result is that many people are beginning to lose faith in the power of the voter’s card and the ballot box to usher in a desired change at any one point in time.

Reacting to the outcome of the Osun election, one social affair commentator quipped: “Where are all those that are querying me for not ever bothering to get a PVC? You that got one, how market? ...The truth is that we are not yet ripe for democracy in Nigeria.

When we are, I will go and get a PVC?” “…Let Buhari continue till whenever he is tired or decides to leave office. Another option is to collapse all the parties into APC so that everybody will be in one party. No more elections, just primaries and godfathers’ appointment and endorsements,” another agonised.

In the light of the foregoing, many are aghast that at 58, Nigeria still has to contend with the leadership recruitment challenges that confronted it at independence, eventually leading to the demise of the First Republic.

“I thought by now, Nigeria should be progressing. But somehow, our growth is stunted, once more,” lamented Uwaoma Uche, an Associate Professor of Mass Communication said in a chat with The Oracle Today in Umuahia.

“Some of the gains we had made on our political advancements are being truncated by levels of insincerity, with some levels of high-handedness and levels of

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The Oracle Today Wednesday October 10, 2018

NEWS ACROSS THE NATION

Minimum wage: Labour suspends warning strike

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RGANISED labour in the country comprising the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Trade Union Congress (TUC) and the United Labour Congress (ULC), has suspended its warning strike on a new minimum wage embarked upon on September 26.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the organised labour had embarked on the strike after a 14-day ultimatum to the Federal Government for failing to come out with its own figure on the new minimum wage.

The three labour unions had demanded N65, 500 as new minimum wage for workers, while the private employers and some state governors were proposing N25,000.

President of the NLC Ayuba Wabba said at a world news conference in Abuja, Sunday that the strike was suspended after government agreed to reconvene the tripartite committee’s meeting on the new minimum wage.

Wabba said the meeting, scheduled to reconvene on Oct. 4, would enable the committee to conclude work on the minimum wage after the Federal Government must have given a figure on what it could afford for workers.

“Indeed on Thursday morning,

the strike action commenced and was observed across the country.

We similarly commend the members of the press for their vigorous and comprehensive reportage of the strike; we thank all Nigerians for their support.

“We have received a firm and formal invitation to a reconvened meeting of the tripartite committee scheduled for October 4 and October 5, 2018. We demand that this shall be the final session of the committee and that a final report will be submitted to Mr President immediately.

“In order to avail the committee the necessary conducive environment to hold this crucial meeting and conclude its work, organised labour has after obtaining the mandate of their necessary organs, decided to suspend the strike with effect from today, Sunday Sept. 30, 2018,” Wabba said.

He urged all unions and state councils to maintain a high level of mobilisation and readiness until the struggle for a reasonable minimum •Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) President Ayuba Wabba (middle) addressing a world press conference at its headquarters in Abuja, on suspension of the warning strike on new national minimum wage. wage was achieved.

Labour had earlier said that 21 states so far resolved to abide by whatever the tripartite committee agreed as the new minimum wage for Nigerian workers.

Malnutrition affects 279,542 children in Kaduna

Farmers/herders clash: Abaagana IDPs lament lack of basic amenities

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HE Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) at the Abaagana Camp, Makurdi, have continued to express worry over lack of basic social amenities in the camps and exclusion from the society.

Some of the IDPs expressed their concerns during the assessment tour of the IDPs camp by ActionAid Nigeria in Makurdi, on Saturday.

Some of the victims while narrating their ordeals said they were displaced as a result of the feud between farmers and herders in January 2018 that affected many communities and residents.

Large part of the affected residents settled at the Abaagana camp.

According to them, many of the IDPs have no means of livelihood and this has become a serious problem to the state and the society in general.

Speaking with NAN, Mrs Monica Tarkusu, a 40-year-old mother of triplets, said life at the camp has been so difficult because of the lack of basic amenities to take care of her triplets.

Tarkusu said she is currently having a complication with regards to her womb because of improper care during delivery.

According to her, I am afraid to tell people what is going on with me because of shame of what people will say or think.

“My womb came out during delivery and the person, who attended to me just use her hand to take it inside. Currently, I am feeling some pains but don’t know where to go to because I cannot access a healthcare facility here at the camp. My husband, who is aware of my predicament, cannot do anything as he is held down with stroke,’’ she explained.

Tarkusu, however, appealed to well-meaning Nigerians and the government to come to her aid and provide her triplets with a good life.

Mrs Agatha Okaah, who also delivered of a baby girl about fivedays ago at the camp, appealed to

the government to come to her aid by giving her newly born baby the medical attention needed.

Okaah, who said she got pregnant before coming to the camp, could not continue with her antenatal sessions as a result of nonavailability of healthcare facility in the camp.

“I don’t have medical treatment after birth and I have not also received any immunisation for my baby,” she said.

Meanwhile, the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) Official at the camp, Mr James Iorkyaa, said the government had played its role in assisting some the victims despite their challenges.

Iorkyaa said the government had made available an emergency school at the camp and also provided volunteers to teach the pupils.

“Government has tried so much to establish a clinic, so many government organisations and nongovernment organisations also come to give them healthcare.

Government presence is visible at the camp as there had been an emergency school.

“We have boreholes around the camp and doctors without border provide two tanks of water on daily basis. We have volunteer teachers as the government has recently sent over 30 N-power teachers, who are graduates to make sure the pupils have quality education.

But as regard her current predicament, the government is looking at it and will soon address the issue.’’

He, however, said that the victims at the camp were given the role to exercise their civil responsibility as they had been registered for the 2019 general elections.

He said that many of them had collected their Permanent Voters Cards (PVCs) and would be allowed to vote in the next elections.

Similarly, Mr Godwin Agia, Benue State Programme Coordinator of ActionAaid explained that the visit was made to identify with the poor and as well meets their needs.

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NITED Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and the Kaduna State Government say no fewer than 279,542 children under five years are suffering from Severe Acute Malnutrition (SAM) in Kaduna State.

UNICEF’s Chief of Nutrition, Mr Simeon Nanama, said that SAM children are 12 times more likely to die than healthy children if not treated.

“We are already mobilising resources and providing technical support in the treatment of the affected children and we will continue to do more to ensure that every affected child gets access to treatment,” Nanama said.

UNICEF and Children Investment Foundation Fund (CIFF) had recently pledged to support the government to treat the affected children.

An official of the Civil SocietyScaling Up Nutrition in Nigeria (CSSUNN), Mr Oguntade Dare, said during a media engagement in Kaduna on Saturday, that it would cost N52,000 to treat a child amounting to N14.536 billion.

The engagement was organised by SC-SUNN to update journalists working around malnutrition in Kaduna State on the Partnership for Improving Nigeria Nutrition System (PINNS).

CS-SUNN Executive Secretary, Mrs Beatrice Aluaka, commended the Kaduna State Government for releasing more than N980 million for nutrition interventions in 2017 with focus on curative.

Aluaka also said that data from the CS-SUNN scorecard in 2016 shows that Kaduna State achieved 63 per cent in the implementation of the National Strategic Action for Nutrition (NSPAN).

“However, available statistics indicates a rising trend in the state’s malnutrition burden, a major contributor to infant and maternal mortality and morbidity in the state.

“The Multiple Cluster Survey, 2017 indicates that 40 per cent of children under five years are suffering from chronic malnutrition and 34 per cent are underweight.

“The survey also shows that 11 per cent of the children are suffering from acute malnutrition,” she added.

She described the situation as critical, adding that acceptable percentage of chronic malnutrition (stunting) was less than 20 per cent, acute malnutrition (wasting) less than five per cent and underweight 10 per cent.

She lauded the state’s Emergency Nutrition Action Plan (KADENAP), chaired by the wife of the state governor, Hajiya Ummi El-Rufa’I for taking concrete actions toward reversing the disturbing indices.

Aluaka nonetheless called on the state government to finalise the state’s National Multi-sectoral Plan of Action for Nutrition and improve implementation of existing nutrition plans.

“We also urge the government to increase funding allocation for nutrition and ensure timely releases of funds, as well as efficient utilisation of nutrition resources.

“The government needs to also focus on preventive interventions such as promoting optimal infant and young child feeding, staple food fortification and maternal nutrition programmes.

“We equally appealed to the state government to extend maternity leave to six months and establish crèches in work places to promote practice of exclusive and optimal breastfeeding among working class mothers.

“We also called for massive awareness campaign to educate mothers

on appropriate infant and young child feeding practices and dietary diversification, particularly among rural women,” she said.

The executive secretary also urged the media to step up reportage of nutrition issues to attract policy makers and concerned stakeholders to take the right steps towards curbing malnutrition.

The state’s Nutrition Officer, Hajiya Hauwa Usman, told NAN that community management of acute malnutrition was being implemented in 27 sites across the state, adding that more sites are being establish.

“Nonetheless, 279,542 affected children are large number that need access to treatment,” Usman said.

Earlier, CS-SUNN Communication Officer, Mrs Lilian Ajah-Mong, explained that the PINN project was designed to strengthen Nigerian nutrition system to be more result-driven, effective, serviceable, efficient and transparent.

“The focus is on delivering of government mandates and ensuring accountability of commitments made towards allocations, release and transparent usage of implementation funds,” she said.

Nigeria@58: Health sector still needs improvement -- NMA

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AGOS Chapter of the Nigerian Medical Association, says brain drain, improper policies and investments, inadequate facilities and health insurance are yet to be addressed in the health sector as the nation marks its 58th independence.

The chapter’s president, Dr Saliu Oseni, made the remark in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Sunday in Lagos in commemoration of the country’s 58th Independence.

According to him, the sector has not recorded much improvement in spite of efforts made by government and other agencies to improve it.

“The reality is that the sector has not been improving; the National Health Insurance that is presumed to have covered about five per cent is far behind the expected result.

“Out-of-Pocket payment is still a challenge and as long as the country does not improve on health insurance, it will be near impossible to achieve Universal health Coverage,” said Oseni.

He explained that brain drain was not helping matters as the country did not have enough health workers to serve the population.

According to him, in an average general hospital, doctors see not less than 50 patients at any clinic period and the situation is worse outside Lagos State.

“The ratio of doctors to patients in the country is still put at 1 to 6,000 patients and the World Health Organisation suggested one doctor to ten patients. We have a lot of specialists coming up now, but most of them do not have the facilities to practice what they specialised in,” he said.

The chairman said the sector could improve if the government addressed the issues and collaborated with stakeholders in the sector.

According to him, a proper public and private partnership will go a long way to improve the health sector.

Oseni said: “Government needs to support private practitioners so that they can play that role of primary and secondary providers that they are supposed to play.

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The Oracle Today Wednesday October 10, 2018

NEWS

Anambra Govt grapples with needs of flood victims

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tate Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) in Anambra says the government is grappling with the food and non-food needs of more than 12, 000 flood victims in the internally displaced camps in the state.

Executive Secretary of SEMA, Anambra, Chief Paul Odenigbo, disclosed this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Sunday in Awka.

According to Odenigbo, presently, the state government is taking care of the needs of over 12, 000 persons.

He said, without doubt, the number would rise by next week due to additional distress calls received by the agency at the weekend.

“If you visit the centres for the people displaced by flood disaster, you will understand that Anambra State is facing difficult times.

“From our records, we have more than 8, 000 persons in the centres located in Ogbaru, Aguleri, Umuleri, Umuoba, Onitsha, Ihitte Ogwari , Igakwu, Omor and Umueje.

“Outside this figure in camps, over 4, 000 persons equally displaced by flood that chose to stay with friends and relatives come into camps for their meals once it is time to eat,’’ he said.

Odenigbo said the agency had distributed mattresses, blankets, buckets and toiletries to the displaced persons, but noted that the situation was becoming more challenging.

He hinted that the number of persons in camps might increase by next week following distress calls the agency received that the flood disaster had extended to some communities in Ihiala and Awka North areas.

“We received calls from Ihiala Local Government and Awka North Local Government Areas yesterday that the flood disaster had extended to some communities in these places and we have activated shelter centres there too.

“The flood mitigating officials would fully move into these two council areas by next week to make sure that the victims get all needed attention,’’ he said.

Odenigbo said education centres had been opened in the camps by the state ministry of education to teach school children displaced by flood.

He explained that the study centres were established to keep the children busy pending when they would return to their communities for normal academic activities.

Buhari still my friend – Umahi

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bonyi State Governor, David Umahi has said that he is not ashamed to call President Muhammadu Buhari his friend despite belonging to the opposition People’s Democratic Party (PDP).

Umahi made the assertion on Friday night in Abakaliki during the quarterly media chat/ dinner as part of celebrations to mark the nation’s 58th anniversary and 22nd year of the state’s creation, noting that their relationship was beyond politics.

The governor remarked that the State Government would name the one and half kilometres glass tunnel it is constructing after Buhari as it would be one of the best in the world.

“I want to state that aside my wife, Buhari remains my only boss

and should be respected by Nigerians because of his status as the president.

“Buhari as the president is the symbol of the country just as the governors are mini-presidents in their respective states. The fact is that as a human being, he might not be doing everything correctly, but the citizens owe him prayers and understanding to lead the country aright.

“I have said repeatedly that I don’t have to insult him to show that I am a PDP member and it is not my duty as a governor to insult the president. This does not mean that I do not identify with the ideals of the PDP, but it must be stated that those who say they are supporting Buhari in Ebonyi are only deceiving the people,” he said.

The governor noted that the opposition in the state was only interested in his job and not genuinely supporting the president, vowing not to allow them to take the position from him.

“The northern senatorial zone of the state produced a governor who served for eight years; the central zone did the same and the southern zone where I hail from should be allowed to complete its eight-year tenure.

“This is the tripod on which the state’s equity rests and even though a sitting governor wanted to truncate it, God brought a David in my person to ensure it was maintained and it will be maintained till the end,” he said.

Umahi urged Nigerians to realise that power comes from God and to

check the brazen quest for political offices which has brought several problems to the country.

“Politicking has recklessly taken the centre stage in the nation’s affairs and if such is not checked for the next four years, it would be difficult for the country to handle its consequences.

“The common man in the country just needs food on his table as politics has become a means of profiteering even from those who have nothing to offer to the people,” he said.

The governor, who took time to enumerate his administration’s strides in the areas of infrastructure, agriculture, education, heath, human empowerment, among others, noted that his decision to modernise the state capital was irreversible.

Enugu APC governorship aspirant appeals disqualification

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• Wife of Akwa Ibom State Governor, Mrs. Martha Udom Emmanuel leading women for the September edition of Monthly Prayer Submit at Government. House Banquet Hall Grounds, Uyo, weekend

2019: Ifere, Ebonyi APC chieftain declares for House of Representatives

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hieftain of All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ebonyi, Chief Michael Ifere, has declared his intention to run for the House of Representatives seat for Ezza North/Ishielu Federal constituency in 2019 general elections.

Ifere, an industrialist and Information Communication Technology (ICT) expert, made the declaration at a news briefing with journalists in Abakaliki on Sunday.

He said his decision to vie for the

position stemmed from his desire to support the transformation and change agenda of the President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration as well as contribute to the development of constituency.

He reiterated his determination to work towards the eradication of poverty from his constituency and assured that he would strive to ensure sustainable youths and women empowerment if elected.

He said that he would sponsor

Flood kills late Osadebe’s son in Ogbaru

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kechukwu Osadebe, 18-yearold son of late highlife maestro, Chief Stephen Osadebe, has lost his life in a flood disaster in Ogbaru Local Government Area of Anambra.

The younger Osadebe died last Thursday in the Osadebe’s Atani country home in Ogbaru Local Government Area of the state when he was swept away by the flood at about 7:30pm.

The death of Osadebe brings to four the number of lives so far lost to flood disaster in Anambra in the last one week.

Mother of the deceased, Mrs Amaechi Osadebe, said in Atani on Friday that Okechulwu was returning home with two other persons when the flash flood overwhelmed them.

She explained that it was due to high current and turbulence of the

water that made it difficult for the other two young boys to pull him out of the water.

Transition Chairman of Ogbaru, Mr Arinzechukwu Awogu, who visited the family, described the death as a tragedy to the whole Ogbaru community.

Awogu said he came to commiserate with the family as it was very painful to loss a child at such tender age, regretting that the floods had brought unimaginable loss to the entire Local Government.

He, however, called on the people of the area to take extra precautions to avoid further loss of life.

“As we wait for the water to recede, my advice is that everybody, especially the underage, should be very careful when they go closer to the areas already submerged,’’ he said.

bills that would provide an enabling environment that allow the people to continuously generate a source of income.

He assured his constituents of quality representation and maintained that he would provide a town hall platform to enable the people participate in the lawmaking process.

“I will ensure that I exercise my mandate of lawmaking in a way that the lives of members of my constituents and other Nigerians are positively touched.

“I promise not to disappoint my people or fail in diligently discharging my legislative duties if voted into office”, Ifere said.

The listed his achievements as private individual to include: “Sinking of 22 bore-holes across the electoral wards in Ezza North, distributed fertilizer products to indigent farmers at subsidised rate, paid hospital bills to indigent widows at Mile 4 Hospital Abakaliki,’’ among others.

He said that his Foundation, Initiative for Positive Leadership Ambassadors (IPLA), has assisted many youths to discover their potentials by providing empowerment opportunities to them.

“Good governance and quality representation is what we need to take our people out from poverty and under development, and this I will strive to achieve if given the mandate”, he added.

governorship aspirant under the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Enugu State, Mr Ejike Ugwu, has appealed against his disqualification by the Governorship Screening Committee of the party.

In a letter addressed to the national leadership of the party and made available to newsmen in Enugu, Ugwu said that the reversal of his disqualification would ensure justice and fair play to all.

He said that the move would also be in line with the philosophy of the party, which is anchored on equity and fairness.

The governorship aspirant said that he was the only aspirant out of the six from the state that was disqualified by the committee, adding that no reason was given for that.

The letter read in part: “I joined our great party in 2014 and was the flag bearer of the party in Igbo Etiti/Uzo Uwani Federal Constituency having fulfilled all the requirements, including financial obligations.

“I have never been indicted by any panel of inquiry or found guilty by any court of competent jurisdiction. I have no pending criminal case in any court in Nigeria and outside and there is no ongoing investigation against me before any of the graft commissions or security agencies,” he said.

Ugwu said that he had genuine certificates, adding that it was absurd how such decision was taken against him.

He said that he had spent his time and resources working for a strong and virile APC in the state and has carried the ‘cross’ of the party in Enugu.

“I am in dismay as to the reason for my non-clearance having satisfied all statutory requirements of our party constitution, Electoral Act and the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” he said.

He requested the APC national chairman to reverse the injustice.

The APC governorship primaries held Sunday, September 30 nationwide.

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The Oracle Today Wednesday October 10, 2018

NEWS Umahi: Why I’m at war with Ebonyi APC leaders

By CHINEDU NWAFOR, Abakaliki

G

overnor David Umahi of Ebonyi state has said his administration is keeping the leaders of the All Progressives Congress in the state in close checks because they are pretenders who are only interested in unseating him but are hiding under the pretense of working for President Muhammad Buhari.

Governor Umahi disclosed this at the weekend during a media chat organised to mark the 58th Independence anniversary of Nigeria and 22years of the creation of Ebonyi state.

According to the governor, he said his respect for President Buhari is not out of fear but because it is in his culture and upbringing to do so.

He said political Parties were free to attack the President but as a Governor who is seen as mini-president by international communities, it would not be proper for him to be castigating the President.

“I don’t believe that as a Governor in opposition I should castigate the President. I have said this several times. The question is, is Mr President getting everything right? The answer is No. It is only God we can do everything right. So, it is not my duty to castigate him. It is not my duty to rubbish him. He is the only boss I have; though, my first boss is my wife before the President who is our overall boss. I will not castigate Mr. President. I will not.

“There is nothing at the federal level that is not in the state. The state is a federating unit and the power of the state is also enormous. The States have their own bosses. So, there is nothing the state government cannot do in any state. So, it is not out of fear that I don’t attack Mr President,” Umahi said.

He however, stated that his respect for the president did not mean he would allow people (referring to Ebonyi APC leaders) who were only interested in taking his job to do so, adding that those angling to take his job were people who had opportunities in the past to lessen the burden of the people but did nothing, adding their false pretense that they love President Buhari was fake.

“We have pretenders who don’t mean well for our state. We have pretenders who have had opportunities of lessening the burden of our people but they did nothing. They are not supporting Mr. President. And because they are not supporting Mr. President and what they want is my job, I won’t allow them to take my job.

“Because, they don’t mean well for our people. Those who have the opportunities as leaders in the state as Governors should tell us their legacies. When they go to Abuja, they deceive our leaders that they are on ground, but let them do one rally to show they are on ground. Let them parade the leaders in the state that are backing them.

“So, they are looking for my job to still set the state backward. They are not supporting Mr President. If they are supporting Mr President I will know. But I will not fold my hands and allow them to take my job. When you see them, tell them that they are jokers. They are dealing with a divine calling. I came on divine mandate. So, before they will get to me, let them go through God first”.

On the growing disunity in the country, Governor Umahi linked the cause to the inability of those in the leadership positions to do things aright, insisting that until leaders began with fear of God, the problem would persist.

“We are very concerned about the division in the country along ethnic, political and religious lines. But it is very simple what we should do, we, leaders. My bible tells me that he that must rule over people must rule with fear of God. If we believe as leaders that it is God that brings up a leader, that it is God that crowneth a man, then, we should lead with fear of God. “Some of these things are manmade. The common man is not interested. The only thing that the common man wants is his three square meals a day. My advice is that let us begin to see ourselves as one people”, he said.

He explained this administration has accommodated both Christians and Muslims, and it was necessary for such to be replicated across the states of the federation; adding that equitable sharing of country’s resources and positions would also be an antidote to the growing disunity in the country. He also warned that the disunity might be transmitted to the unborn children if not nipped in the bud.

“This state, we send Christians on pilgrimage and we send Muslims on hajj. Muslims are in our administration and Christians are in our administration. Let us begin to see ourselves as one. And I don’t believe that Christianity is superior to that of Islam and I don’t think that Muslims should believe that Islam is superior to Christianity.

“It is only God that can judge that.

So, if we believe we are serving one Supreme Being which we all call God, then, that should be left for God. Again, if we begin to be equitable in sharing our resources and positions in the country, we begin to address this.

Because, if we go through this for few more years, it will be difficult for our children not to toe the same line.

Governor Umahi also reiterated the determination of his administration to lift the people of the state out of poverty and execute developmental programmes that would make Ebonyi catch up and even surpass other states of the federation.

“We are in hurry to catch up with other states and to surpass them because the vision is to make Ebonyi state one of the third best economy in the country and to make our capital city the best in the country. We just laid the foundation of what is going to be our achievements”.

He also noted that his administration has fulfilled 95 per cent of his campaign premises, though, added that the achievements so far recorded by his administration have brought about more challenges but assured that he would lead the state to the promise land before the end of his 8years tenure.

• Gov. Umahi

•The recently-appointed four new commissioners and one special adviser including; Mr Uno Etim Uno (Urueofong Oruko); Barr Prince Ukpong Akpabio, (Essien Udim); Mr. Udo Ekpenyong - (Ukanafun); Otuekong Raphael Bassey - (Nsit Atai); and Pastor Sunny Ibuot - (Ikot Ekpene) taking their Oaths of Office administered by the Akwa Ibom State Governor, Mr. Udom Emmanuel, at the Government House, Uyo, Friday

APC postpones Imo, Lagos governorship primary elections to Oct.1

A

ll Progressives Congress (APC) has postponed its governorship primary elections for Imo and Lagos states to Monday, October 1.

The party’s National Chairman, Mr Adams Oshiomhole, announced this, Saturday in Abuja, while inaugurating the party’s Governorship Primary Election Committee and the Presidential National Convention Committee.

Oshiomhole, who attributed logistics for postponing the primary election in the two states, said it would hold on Sunday (tomorrow) in other states of the federation as earlier scheduled.

“We have decided to postpone the governorship primary election in Imo and Lagos states to Monday Oct.1, even though it is public holiday.

“There is nothing in the law that says we cannot conduct our party affairs on the day of public holidays.

“We are sure that we will be able to rectify logistic challenges between now and the end of tomorrow, “ Oshiomhole said.

He added that the party`s secretariat would get to the committees through its chairmen to hand over documents and all materials including ballot papers and result sheets they would use for the primary election.

He further added that no fewer than 177 governorship aspirants were currently jostling to get the party’s tickets to contest governorship election in 29 states.

He thanked the committee members for honouring the party’s invitation at short notice and for accepting to serve it and the nation generally.

The APC national chairman stressed that members of the committee had a duty to ensure that the core values of the party was adhered to, adding that they should remain neutral while carrying out their assignments.

He added that the party’s leadership was doing everything possible to ensure proper security in states of the federation where the governorship primaries would be held.

Oshiomhole said the presidential national convention committee must reflect the ray of the future with gender balance.

“We want to organise a convention that is different. We want a convention that goes beyond electioneering, “ he said.

He added that the national convention should discuss the Nigeria agenda, issues of governance, development and economic issues as well as social choices.

“Let us disagree and agree within that convention in addition to confirming the presidential candidate and maybe amend any section of the Constitution that we might want to.

Governor Abiola Ajimobi of Oyo state, who is the chairman of the 21-member presidential national convention committee, thanked the party`s leadership for the opportunity

to serve.

“I thank you for giving us the opportunity to participate in laying the foundation for our 2019 electoral victory, because if you see the quality of the foundation, you will know how the building will be. The foundation you have laid today is so solid that I have no doubt that we will succeed in 2019 election,“ he said.

He stressed that the committee would not let the party down and assured that it would do its best to ensure that the party`s victory in 2019, was secured.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that while Kashim Shettima would serve as the committee Vice Chairman, Hadiza Bala Usman would serve as its Secretary.

Other members of the committee are Babatunde Fashola, Audu Ogbeh, Nasiru El-Rufai, Rochas Okorocha, Sen. Godswill Akpabio, Kayode Fayemi, Abubakar Bagudu and Mohammed Abubakar.

Godwin Obaseki, Simon Lalong, Sen. Emma Anosike, Hajiya Hauwa Sule, Timipre Sylva, Mr Sharon Ikeazor, Dr Ramatu Tijani, Abike DabiriErewa, Stella Okotete and Paulen Tallen are all members of the committee.

The presidential national convention had been fixed for Oct. 6 to ratify President Muhammadu Buhari as the party’s presidential candidate for the 2019 election.

APGA primaries: BoT opposes imposition of candidates, rigging

By Theo Rays, Onitsha

A

head of the primaries of the All Progressives Alliance (APGA) for flagbearers in the 2019 General Elections, scheduled to hold nationwide, next week, Tuesday, a Member of the Board of Trustees (BoT) of the party, Chief Rommy Ezeonwuka (Ogilisi Igbo) has stated that the exercise should be conducted on a level playing ground.

Ezeonwuka who made a strong case against rigging or outright imposition of candidates at the forthcoming primary elections of the party, said it should also be in line with what the national leader of the party and Governor of Anambra State, Chief Willie Obiano who is also the Board of Trustee Chairman of the party, has said.

Speaking to journalists in his office in Oba, Ezeonwuka said he is impressed that Governor Obiano has taken a stance against rigging and imposition of candidates by assuring that the primaries will be free and

fair and also threatening that he will unleash Ogilisi powers against those who will by any means rig or impose candidate on others in the party.

The Ogilisi Igbo explained that loyalty and contributions to the party as well as capability to win election at the polling booths and to deliver dividends of democracy to the electorate like Governor Obiano should form the criteria to win the ticket of APGA by aspirants, noting that the party ‘will not give room for opportunist politicians to come and reap where they did not sow and run away like Owelle Rochas Okorocha did to the party in Imo State in 2011.’

He said that all aspirants who purchased the nomination form of APGA to seek the ticket of the party for elective position in 2019 should be allowed to face a free and fair contest, adding that a situation where those who purchased the nomination form should be unfairly treated on account of preferred aspirants should not be tolerated

“You cannot throw the nomination forms of the party open for the people to buy and stand for primary elections and end up jeopardizing their chances of having a free and fair contest on a level playing ground by imposing a candidate on them,” he said.

Harping further on the importance of a free and primary elections, he observed with optimism that 2019 general elections season is an opportunity to move APGA around the nation by getting the party to win elections in virtually all the states across the federation, pointing out that the party has to field its best eleven derived from credible primary elections to be able to give other political parties a good fight in 2019.

He urged the delegates to put the interest of the party ahead of personal interests and ‘avoid giving opportunists any chance by casting their votes on those who have made noticeable contributions to the party and good enough to win elections at the polls.’

POLITICS The Oracle Today Wednesday October 10, 2018

•Umahi

I

t is on record that since the return of democracy to Nigeria in 1999, the people of the South East geopolitical zone have consistently voted for the People’s Democratic Party (PDP). Consequently, PDP, now the main opposition party in the country, is looking at the South East geopolitical zone as one of its strongholds going into the 2019 general elections. Parading three sitting governors, 12 Senators and a good number of members of the Federal House of Representatives plus ex-governors like former governor Peter Obi of Anambra State, Achike Undewa of Imo State and Chimaroke Nnamani of Enugu State along with members of the State Houses of Assembly, there is hope of a good outing for PDP in the South East in next year’s general election.

Though the opposition party has lost notable figures to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) such as ex-governors like Jim Nwobodo of Enugu State, Orji Uzor Kalu of Abia State, Martin Elechi of Ebonyi State, Sullivan Chime of Enugu State and former Senate President Ken Nnamani among others, there is still hope of good outing for PDP in the South East. The hope nevertheless stems from the poor performance of the APC in the South East zone and the expectations that PDP will offer the Vice President slot to the zone.

Analysts say PDP has better and more positive offer to the South East than APC as, according to them, the ruling party is approaching the South East with mere propaganda of Second Niger Bridge project and 2023 Presidency with no concrete evidence to back them up. A current affairs analyst, Dr Ejike Nwangwu in his opinion argued that APC has no positive agenda for Ndigbo, noting that their target is to drag Ndigbo into believing what is not obtainable in the political space.

Dr Nwangwu added: “To me, the PDP is more positive towards Ndigbo than APC. The issue of PDP Vice President slot is more positive and achievable (than the Presidency in 2023 being touted by the APC). We can take it up with the PDP that we have made tangible contributions to the party and thus we deserve the Vice President slot in 2019.

The issue of Second Niger Bridge and 2023 Presidency from APC are revolving around propaganda and we don’t have enough forces to drag issues with the party because they will always tell us that we didn’t vote for President Buhari.

“We all agree that we didn’t vote for President Buhari, but what about the South West that voted for him, what have they achieved by voting for Buhari in 2015? They are complaining of marginalisation and poor performance also and their leaders are in the forefront for the clamour to restructure the country, so what reason could propel us as Ndigbo to vote for APC in 2019? To me, there is no reason, so the people of the Southeast

•Peter Obi

‘We are putting in place Primaries: Oshiomhole, structures for sustainable Amaechi battle for clean-up of Ogoni’ control of South South

Pg 14

Pg 10

•Ugwuanyi

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•Ekeremadu

2019: What hope for Ndigbo in PDP

•PDP VP slot for Southeast not negotiable – Anigbata •PDP more positive towards Ndigbo than APC In this report, THEO RAYS explains why PDP is good for Ndigbo and why the party must give the South East its due. should just go the PDP way in 2019.”

The Vice President slot from PDP is okay

by Nwangwu and Ndigbo have to go for it. The report making the rounds that the South East is facing a fight for the Vice President slot from the South South zone should not be allowed to stand because the South South have had the opportunity to produce President Goodluck Jonathan under the platform of the party. Thus, it is the turn of the South East to take the highest office of the party in the southern part of the country.

According to a chieftain of the PDP in Anambra State, Chief Victor Anigbata, the Vice President slot to the South East is not negotiable because the South South cannot continue to hold the highest office in the PDP for the southerners.

Anigbata who is a former governorship candidate in Anambra State said that allocating Vice President slot to South South amounts to marginalisation of Ndigbo on the side of the PDP because the South East has massively supported the party since its inception in 1999, noting that the South South having produced President Goodluck Jonathan should give chance for another zone to occupy the highest office of the party available for the southern geopolitical zones.

It is largely expected that the Vice President slot and poor performance of the APC in the South East coupled with the fact that the ruling party is apparently indicating no sign of change towards the people of Igbo land, will all combine to aid PDP to success in the South East.

A cleric and social commentator, Rev Jerry Nawachukwu is of the opinion that Ndigbo should forget about APC and pitch their tent with the opposition as according to him, the ruling party has no plans for the South East.

Rev Nawchukwu said that Ndigbo have to summon the courage of building a political front with the opposition rather than following the ruling party that is not performing well, adding that the plight of Ndigbo in Nigeria today is self-inflicted consequent upon the tendency among the people, particularly the leaders or the political class, to follow the ruling party instead of coming together as a people, speaking with one voice and mapping out workable strategies toward realising the Igbo agenda.

The cleric went further to contend that Ndigbo have to embrace opposition in 2019, which, he said, is far better to transit with PDP from ruling party to opposition or even build up with All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) than identifying with the ruling party noting that in most cases, toeing the opposition path brings the best out of the people in question because the opposition provides the opportunity to correct the errors in the system.

In addition to the Vice President slot and failings of the ruling party, there are other factors that are favourably disposed toward PDP in the South East. Such factors include the sitting governors and the structure of the party in the five States in the zone. Apart from Anambra State where the consistent failure to reclaim the governorship seat of the State has apparently depleted the PDP, the party is strong enough to win elections into all positions in other States in the South East.

In Abia State, Governor Okezie Ikpeazu, the three sitting Senators namely former Governor Theodore Orji, Enyinnaya Abaribe and Mao Ohuabunwa and other PDP stakeholders have a daunting task to retain the State for the opposition party and also deliver the party at the polls during the presi-

dential election. As Rev Nwachukwu said, Ikpeazu who is not doing badly in God’s Own State and Co should muster the gut to go the opposition way at the national level because there are signs of a better deal whereby Ndigbo will see themselves in a better position to take their fair share of the national cake.

In the candid opinion of Rev Nwachukwu, Ebony and Enugu States have a similar task with Ikpeazu. Governor Dave Umahi and Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi have to be courageous to buy into the opposition adventure at the national level. Good enough that Umahi and Ugwuanyi are seen as good performers, they have to be adventurous enough to reject APC and stick their neck with the PDP in the interest of Ndigbo at the centre. Also in Enugu, the Deputy Senate President Ike Ekweremadu along with Senator Gil Nnaji and Chuka Utazi, along with members of the Federal House of Representatives are expected to add enormous force to the cause of PDP in the Coal City State In Anambra, members of the PDP led by former Governor Peter Obi have a lot of work to do. First, they have the ruling party, APGA to content with for various elective positions for State and National Assembly.

Second, they have to deal with the interest of APGA in the presidential election. There are indications that APGA is going to field a presidential candidate with retired Major General George Gbor from Benue State being linked with the Presidential ticket of the party. Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar is also linked with the Presidential ticket of the party.

To PDP in Anambra State, the 2019 election is an opportunity to re-launch attack against

Cont’d on page 13

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The Oracle Today Wednesday October 10, 2018

Bold ‘N’ Blunt

‘We are putting in place structures for sustainable clean-up of Ogoni’ Dr. Peter Medee, a senior lecturer in Economics, University of Port Harcourt is President of Kagote, an Ogoni apex socio-cultural organisation, comprising Ogoni intellectuals and elites. He is a member of the Board of Trustees of Ogoni Clean-up recommended by the United Nations Environmental Programme (UNEP), one of the three structures set up to coordinate the clean-up. He spoke to NATH OMAME, Jr. on why the governing council and the board of trustees chose a foreign bank to receive monies meant for the clean-up; waivers granted by the federal government in the procurement of materials and the resumption of oil exploration, among others.

The environmental clean-up of Ogoni appears to have stalled considerably. What is actually happening?

We have made significant progress in setting up structures for the clean-up. We have achieved milestones that are worth celebrating. What we are doing in Ogoni is a project that has not been replicated anywhere in the world. It is a new model and we do not know of anywhere that it can be borrowed from. So, we are putting in place structures that are strong enough to sustain the cleanup programme that will last for 30 years. And the structures we are putting on ground are in line with the recommendations of the study of the United Nations Environmental Programme (UNEP). If anyone’s aim is just to clean-up impacted sites, then, they will not get it right. The cleaning up of impacted sites is just one in a set of recommendations in the UNEP Report.

The recommendations in the UNEP Report include emergency measures such as healthcare, provision of water, among others. There is also the setting up of the Ogoni Environmental Restoration Authority, which was also recommended in the UNEP Report.

But the Federal Government felt it would not be wise to create Ogoni Environmental Agency for Ogoniland since other oil producing areas of the Niger Delta where oil spills and environmental degradation have taken place would also be cleaned-up. And that would mean creating environmental authorities for each of the areas where remediation exercises are to take place. The federal government felt such an arrangement will be untidy and instead came up with the idea of setting up a federal agency in the name of the Hydrocarbon Pollution Remediation Project (HYPREP) that would coordinate environmental clean-up programmes in the Niger Delta region on behalf of the federal government.

So, HYPREP is a national programme. Now, a mandatory $1 billion dollars have already been set aside for the Ogoni clean-up as recommended by UNEP. If you say HYPREP is a national programme how are we sure you will not take part of the $1 billion set aside for the clean-up of Ogoni to clean other polluted areas in the Niger Delta? It was on that ground that we came up with the idea of an Ogoni Trust Fund where the $1 billion will be deposited to give an assurance that the money meant for the clean-up of Ogoni is safe. Our first assignment after the Ogoni Governing Board, the Ogoni Trust Fund and Ogoni Project Coordination was created was to incorporate the Ogoni Trust Fund. We applied to the federal government, which gave us the approval after which the Ogoni Trust Fund was incorporated. We needed the trust fund to be backed by law. And we also have trustees for the trust fund.

We needed trust fund that would be outside the control of government. Therefore, the change of government at the centre would not affect the clean-up of Ogoniland.

No matter the party that controls the centre, the clean-up would continue. It is also possible that this clean-up that will take 30 years may witness different administrations and presidents, so, we took steps to ensure that the clean-up will continue irrespective of the party that is in control of the centre. By incorporating the Ogoni Trust Fund, we have removed the clean-up programme from

budgetary procedures and constraints. We don’t have to go to the National Assembly to seek clearance to fund the clean-up. The Ogoni Trust Fund is now endogenous of government’s control because it is authorised by law to receive all monies from anywhere in the world that is connected with the environmental clean-up of Ogoniland. We that are members of the board of trustees are mandated by law to receive all the funds and deploy all the funds accruing to the trust fund in the interest of the Ogoni people.

My fears over the clean-up were allayed when the Federal Executive Council (FEC) approved that we can incorporate the trust fund. The next milestone was to get a creditable bank that would receive the fund. I have a Ph.D in monetary economics so I don’t need anyone to tell me that the monies for the clean-up of Ogoni may not be guaranteed by Nigerian banks. All the banks in Nigeria are strong to the extent of N25 billion capitalisation. They all issued to the tune of N25 billion. But the monies for the clean-up will come in $200 million dollars by tranche: that is every year for five years. If you take the exchange rate differentials, it means you are expecting N75 billion every year for five years. How do you put N75 billion every for five years in a Nigerian bank? We felt that putting the monies in a Nigerian bank was a very risky thing to do. So, we went for an international bank that has the capacity to receive the funds.

The second reason that made us to go for an international bank with reputation is that the $1 billion will not be enough for the clean-up. The Gulf of Mexico cost about $25 billion to clean and now we are talking of the whole of Ogoniland. What this means is that we need to go and solicit funds all over the world into the trust fund, so we need a bank with international creditability. We had to go for a bank that people will feel confident to deposit their monies. We have opened an account with Standard-Chartered Bank in the name of the Ogoni Trust Fund and I am one of the signatories. We have received monies from Shell, Total, Agip, and other international oil companies operating in Nigeria.

How much do you have in the account?

I won’t be able to tell you that, but we have received monies and they are safely in the Standard-Chartered account.

You appear to have so much confidence in the federal government’s promise to ensure take-off of the exercise. Why? Yes, I do. The president has given us waivers from the Public Procurement Act and the Single Treasury Account, TSA. What this means is that emergency materials needed for the clean-up will not be subjected to the Public Procurement Act. The law says any private agency that uses up to 30 per cent of government funds for its business must go through the Public Procurement Act. The Nigeria National Petroleum Company (NNPC) has 55 per cent in its joint venture arrangement with the oil multinationals, so, we are bound to comply with the Public Procurement Act. But President Mohammadu Buhari has graciously granted us a waiver so that the clean-up can move fast. By granting us a waiver from the TSA, monies accruing to the Ogoni trust fund will now go directly to its account in Standard-Chartered Bank. The accomplishments of these milestones assured

• Dr. Ikedi Ohakim me that the government was indeed serious about the take-off of the Ogoni clean-up. If the government was not interested, it could hide under the Public Procurement Act and the TSA to unduly delay the take-off of the clean-up of Ogoni.

What is wrong with the TSA? That will cause unnecessary delays because the monies will go directly to the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and it will require us to go through some cumbersome processes to get monies from the CBN. It took time to achieve all these, which appear to have seemingly delayed the take-off, but it was better to get it right before taking off.

On what budget is the clean-up operating?

The governing council has sent its budget to the Board of Trustees, but we have asked them to make it a quarterly budget for effective release of funds. We want to release monies to them on every quarter. The governing board has also released a list of over 180 pre-qualified companies that will be involved in the first phase of the clean-up. So, we are working. Everything about the Ogoni clean-up is moving smoothly. The federal

government is committed. All agencies created for this purpose are all working in synergy towards the realization of the exercise.

Questions were raised in January at the Ogoni Day in Bori regarding the $10 million initially released by the federal government to kick-start the clean-up. There were insinuations then that the money is missing?

We met after the Ogoni Day celebration to inquire into what happened to the money.

There are two Ogonis on the governing council and the board of trustees; I can assure you that the money is not missing. We held a meeting with the chairman of the governing council and the chairman of the board of trustees and they were able to produce a statement of account where the money was deposited showing how much has been withdrawn to pay the bills for the launch of the clean-up as well as other programmes associated with the exercise. In fact, the money was divided into two five million in dollars and five million dollars in Naira equivalent.

From the statement of account, the one in

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The Oracle Today Wednesday October 10, 2018

Bold ‘N’ Blunt naira states that N1 billion is in the account.

The one in Dollars states that $5 million is intact. I saw it. The statement of account is there. If anyone says money is missing and he or she does not approach those of us who are actively involved in the process to find out, then, whatever that person is saying is sheer rumour and nothing more. When the issue of ‘missing’ $10 million came up, Senator Magnus Abe called a meeting of Ogoni leaders to discuss the matter. We then sent a delegation to the ministry of environment to find out for ourselves. The money was sent to the ministry of environment, which then opened an account in the name of HYPREP and deposited the money in that account. At that time, the project coordinator of HPREP had no office to operate from in Port Harcourt, so, the ministry of environment was the agency of government that was monitoring the money and making disbursements.

We went to the minister of environment, who showed us a statement of account approved by the Federal Executive Council (FEC). I can tell you that no one kobo is missing. I don’t know where they are getting their information from. The money is being judiciously managed. I can tell you that the process the coordinator of HYPEP goes through to get money from that account to enable him carry out some of his programmes is very cumbersome. The minister of environment is very passionate about the Ogoni clean-up. The ministry released monies to HYPREP to run the medical programme.

The ministry also released monies to enable HPREP to secure an office in Port Harcourt. If any Ogoni person is saying money is missing, where did HYPREP get the money to rent an office in Port Harcourt?

Why is there so much distrust among some Ogonis on the how funds so far released by the federal government are being expended?

There are a lot of political undertones to it all. Some persons want to score some political points by being excessively critical of every process regarding the environmental clean-up of Ogoniland. Some of them are sponsored to denigrate efforts geared towards the clean-up exercise. The Ogonis secured a commitment from Buhari when he came to Rivers State during his electioneering campaign in 2015, that he will implement the environmental clean-up of Ogoni if we voted for him. It is only in Ogoni that his party, the All Progressives Congress (APC) won in the Rivers State House of Assembly; it is only in Ogoni that his party won in the House of Representatives; it is only in Ogoni that his party won a Senate position. While his party lost in other parts of the Niger Delta, his party won in Ogoni and that tells how sensitive Ogonis are to this clean-up exercise.

There are some people who don’t believe the clean-up will take off because the government under which they served could not implement the UNEP recommendations.

To them everything that is associated with the clean-up is a sham. Some of them were shocked when the governing board released the list of pre-qualified contractors that had applied to participate in the exercise. When we told them the clean-up is real and that they should get prepared to bid for participation in the exercise, they simply scoffed at our advice, now that they have lost out they want to jump in through the window, but that is not possible.

Why was the “Stakeholders Engagement with Ogoni People” arranged by the ministry of petroleum resources to hold at the palace of the His Royal Majesty, Gbenemene of Tai kIngdom, King Ginuwa, on Monday, July 9, cancelled?

To say it was cancelled may not be entirely correct. There was a technical flaw on how that meeting came about: the structure for the logistics was not properly harmonised, so the meeting had to be deferred to get the logistics right. How did that meeting come about? There are a lot of people in Ogoni writing series of petitions claiming the Movement for the Survival of the Ogoni People (MOSOP) is not working; claiming that Kagote is not working; oh the coordinator of HYPREP should resign because he is not working; oh $10 million is missing and

so many other unfounded allegations. They have also written petitions calling on the Minister of State for Petroleum and Environment to resign. They have flooded the presidency y with petitions.

So, when these petitions were becoming excessive, the President of MOSOP, Legborsi Pyagbara, wrote to the President and the Minister of Petroleum to ignore the people that were writing all these petitions because the oil companies that are sponsoring them are out to create problems in Ogoni. When these letters were getting too much, the federal government decided to invite some of these people for a meeting in Abuja to appeal to them to calm down so that the government, stakeholders and the oil multinationals can focus on the environmental clean-up of Ogoni.

Kagote, which is made up of leaders, intellectuals and elites of Ogoniland was not invited for that meeting because we are not a commercial organisation that thrives in writing petitions or unduly asking for government officials to be sacked all so that we can be invited and settled. Some of these groups in Ogoni are just out to write petitions with the sole aim of being settled and that is what the President of MOSOP wants to stop. But Kagote, a body of leaders founded since1948, cannot do that. But the President of MOSOP felt otherwise and told the Minister f State for Petroleum that Kagote should have been invited for the meeting. Some of those groups from Ogoni were invited by

the minister because of the petitions they were writing to appeal to them to sheathe their swords so that all parties can concentrate on the clean-up process.

The President of MOSOP came back from the meeting in Abuja and told me that most Ogoni stakeholders were not represented at the meeting. He was not happy that Kagote was excluded from the meeting.

He informed me that he impressed it upon the minister to move the venue to Rivers State so that the interaction could involve more stakeholders from Ogoni. He said he advised the ministry to reach out to some Ogoni groups to constitute a joint committee to draw up the logistics for the meeting to be held in Rivers State. So, that was why the minister came to Rivers State, but it appeared the ministry of petroleum put the meeting together without getting a team as earlier agreed in Abuja to plan the logistics.

So, the timeline didn’t gel with some other groups, not that anything was wrong with the meeting.

We also heard that some persons were not comfortable with the meeting holding at the palace of King Ginuwa in Tai? We were told by officials of the ministry that when they had stakeholders meeting in Bornu relating to oil matters, the meeting was held at the palace of the Shehu of Bornu. In Sokoto, they held the meeting at the palace of the Sultan of Sokoto and in Benin, the meeting was held at the palace of the

The Ogonis secured a commitment from Buhari when he came to Rivers State during his electioneering campaign in 2015, that he will implement the environmental clean-up of Ogoni if we voted for him. It is only in Ogoni that his party, the All Progressives Congress (APC) won in the Rivers State House of Assembly;

“

Oba of Benin. So, they see nothing wrong in holding a similar stakeholders meeting at the palace of the traditional ruler in Tai Kingdom in Ogobniland. Officials of the ministry of petroleum resources explained that it was not in their tradition to bring out traditional rulers from their palaces to attend meetings in a hotel for that kind of discussion. The people who said they cannot attend the meeting in King Ginuwa’s palace may have their reasons but I cannot speak for them.

The meeting was put off to enable the ministry set up a team as earlier agreed in Abuja that would plan the logistics, venue of meeting, among others. The meeting was not put off because of any crisis or problem.

The meeting was put off so that the logistics can be properly fine-tuned. The ministry, the Supreme Council of Ogoni traditional rulers, MOSOP and Kagote are on top of the situation. The meeting will hold when all structures are put in place.

And when will that be?

I can’t speak for the ministry What about the contentious issue of the resumption of oil exploration in Ogoni?

One thing in life is that you should do the right thing at the right time. If you do the right thing at the wrong time, then, you are not doing it well. I spoke to a gathering of Ogoni people some time last year and told them that some years after the environmental clean-up of Ogonilad would have come on stream, the federal government will tell us that it wants to resume oil exploration in Ogoniland. The federal government is not prospecting for oil in Ogoni not because of our strength, but because of the sympathy that the international committee has for us.

If the clean-up gets to a point and we still refuse to allow oil activities to resume in Ogoni, the sympathy we have now may flow from us towards the government.

Therefore, we need to start interacting on how to set up a template for the resumption of oil exploration in Ogoni. We should start talking; we should start engaging ourselves as well as those who are interested in prospecting for oil in Ogoni. At the meeting in Bori, on January 2, we set up an expanded stakeholders committee that will draw up a template that we can present to anybody that is coming for oil exploration. We cannot stop the federal government from coming into Ogoni to resume oil exploration if it wants to. So, we should be prepared when the government eventually makes that demand. We need oil exploration because it will impact positively on the economy of Ogoni. The question is when will oil exploration commence in Ogoniland? Some are saying it should be after the clean-up. Mind you the clean-up will take 30 years, so, should we wait for 30 years before oil exploration will resume in Ogoniland?

My position is that if government is sincere with the clean-up we can also begin to talk about the resumption of oil exploration while the clean-up is continuing. Talking may take us four, five, six years, but while we are talking, the clean-up is going on. If we say we should not talk now, what happens when the government comes and imposes its will on us because we failed to talk and draw up our template, which we can then present to the government? For me, I believe the government is serious in its effort to clean-up Ogoni. And now that the clean-up has started, please, let’s keep talking so that we can have a tenable template to present when the government comes and tells us it wants to resume oil exploration in Ogoniland.

People are already talking and there is a cacophony of voices coming from Ogoni on the resumption of oil exploration?

Let us keep talking. Our youths have been talking and we cannot crucify them. Even in the midst of some disagreements, there is unity of purpose among Ogonis. We want the best for our people. You cannot expect people to keep quiet considering the amount of wealth in our land. It’s like having a beautiful bride in your family. Suitors will come; uncles and aunties’ will make recommendations but the father has the final say.

In this case, the government has the final say, so we need to engage the government in what we are doing.

The Oracle Today Wednesday October 10, 2018

Special Report

12

Inside networks of sex slaves, drug trade, Colombian Cartels, Al Qaeda in Africa

W

hen Moussa, a people smuggler from Niger, worked with jihadists from the so-called “Islamic State in the Greater Sahara” (ISGS), his task was to get inside Mali, pick up prospective migrants from the location the militants gave to him, and take them across the border to an encampment in Niger—the border village of Tongo Tongo.

You may have heard of it. Tongo Tongo was mentioned in many recent news stories because it was the same village where four American Green Berets were killed in an ambush last October. But, long before that incident, Tongo Tongo was known locally as a place where jihadists trafficked migrants bound for Libya and, the migrants hoped, for Europe.

Some were children who had served the jihadists for a long time. Others were people who each paid militants about 200,000 CFA ($320) to facilitate their crossing into Niger.

Often these people carried wrapped parcels containing hard drugs, which they handed over to militants on their arrival in Tongo Tongo.

“It was mostly cocaine,” said Moussa, who was born and raised in Tongo Tongo.

“There was hardly a time I didn’t return [to the village] with a migrant carrying drugs.”

The migrants were mere beasts of burden, and not even what law enforcement officers call “mules” smuggling drugs through airports. The migrants themselves were being smuggled, the women among them often becoming de facto sex slaves. They just carried the dope for the jihadists’ convenience.

But rarely has there been a more perfect example of the way terrorists and criminals blend together into one hybrid network.

Alain Bauer, one of the leading criminologists in France, has argued for years that recognizing this hybrid threat is key to crushing it, but most governments get lost in the categories they create, with some investigators deployed to chase terrorists, others running after drug smugglers, and still others looking into the question of human trafficking.

As Bauer likes to put it, “Intelligence is about how you stored information. If your storage system is not the right fit, the vital information gets lost, and the system actually works to suppress what doesn’t fit rather than creating a place for it.”

What’s striking about the network that weaves its way through Tongo Tongo, moreover, is the reach of the narcotics operations behind it. This hybrid brings together Colombia’s cartels and al Qaeda’s acolytes.

The drugs didn’t originate in Mali or anywhere else that ISIS militants operate in West Africa. They were brought from across the Atlantic into the tiny African nation of Guinea-Bissau by gangs operating from Latin America.

And this is not new.

Decades of political instability have contributed to high-level drug smuggling and lawlessness in Guinea-Bissau. An elected president has never stayed in office (PDF) until the end of his tenure. Three were overthrown and one was assassinated by soldiers. Three of the last five armed forces chiefs of staff were murdered and one was forced by a rival military officer to go on exile.

“When there is a problem in Guinea-Bissau, drug smuggling increases,” said Moussa, who now drives commercially between Nigeria and Niger.

A decade ago, the United Nations said Guinea-Bissau was becoming a narco-state, as its high-level corruption and a near-total absence of the rule of law allowed drug gangs to use the country as a base for smuggling huge amounts of South American cocaine to Europe.

Another U.N. report indicated that at least 50 tons of cocaine from the Andean countries were transiting Guinea-Bissau and other

It’s impossible to separate the traffic in humans, the traffic in drugs, and the ambitions of Al Qaeda and ISIS. They are all part of the same picture, writes PHILIP OBAJI Jr.

•DAKAR- Two high-profile strikes in West Africa since November by al Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM) could further strengthen the Islamist militant group ...

West African countries every year, heading north, where they were worth almost $2 billion on the streets of European cities.

In 2012, citing another investigation by the United Nations, Canada’s Globe and Mail newspaper said that about 50 Colombian “drug lords” were based in Guinea-Bissau, where they controlled the cocaine trade, transporting as much as 2,200 pounds of the substance into the country every night by air and more by sea.

Such numbers may be very highly exaggerated. The same article reported that “across the region, an estimated 50 tons of cocaine is transported through West Africa every year, mostly from Colombia and Venezuela.” That falls far short of the 365 metric tons implied by the amounts supposed to arrive nightly in Guinea-Bissau.

But whatever the precise number, the cocaine transhipment was, and remains, huge.

A number of the drug lords in GuineaBissau are known to have collaborated with armed groups in Latin America, including the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia, or FARC, a group that, until its disarmament and reformation as a legal political party last year, was Colombia’s largest rebel group and designated a terrorist organization by the United States.

In November 2016, the Colombian government and FARC rebels signed a modified peace agreement that ended more than 50 years of conflict in the country. But not all members of FARC were in agreement, and another rebel group, the National Liberation Army (ELN), and some right-wing Colombian paramilitary groups have an interest in keeping the flourishing trade alive, not only with the United States, but with Europe, through Africa.

According to Moussa, the smuggler from Niger, agents from the “Islamic State in the Greater Sahara” operating in Guinea-Bissau often negotiated with South American drug cartels including, FARC front-men, in the capital, Bissau, exploring ways for the jihadist group to transport cocaine to Europe, the

•The drug trade in New York and Miami was controlled by Colombian Cartels mode of payment for transportation, and get to keep a little portion of the drugs. what quantity of the substance the group “The bigger the cocaine shipment, the can keep for itself. bigger the portion the militants keep. It is Moussa says that a given group of ISGS big business for them,” said Moussa, who militants would typically take cocaine from quit smuggling migrants for ISGS jihadists in Bissau to Senegal, then had it over to a dif- Niger after they accused him of stealing coferent group to take to Mali, then have mi- caine. grants carry it into Niger.

The ISGS was not a widely known group, Cash payment from the Latin American at least by its name, until the attacks on cartels to ISGS for transportation of cocaine American and Nigérien soldiers last Octois only made in full once the substance reach- ber. The group founder, Adnan al-Sahrawi, es its final destination in Europe. A part, was a commander in al Qaeda in the Islamic though, is paid to cover logistics for move- Maghreb (AQIM), and was later among the ment through the sub-Saharan Africa and jihadists that founded the Movement for across the Mediterranean. The jihadists also Oneness and Jihad in West Africa (MUJWA),

13

The Oracle Today Wednesday October 10, 2018

Special Report

•There are seemingly few things that would cause a simultaneous mix of horror, rage and revulsion as the idea of child-sex trafficking; it is rampant. formed in 2011 as an offshoot of AQIM. In August 2013, MUJWA merged with Mokhtar Belmokhtar’s al-Mulathameen group to form al-Mourabitoun, and Sahrawi became its overall head not long after. He later declared the group’s allegiance to ISIS, but fell out with Belmokhtar who maintained that al-Mourabitoun was allied to al Qaeda.

Sahrawi then left to form ISGS. (French criminologist Alain Bauer cited Belmokhtar as a classic case in point of hybrid terror-criminality in 2013: “Belmokhtar is 99 percent criminal and 1 percent jihadi,” said Bauer, noting that one of his activities, cigarette smuggling, had earned him the sobriquet “Mr. Marlboro.”)

Sahrawi, who now says he is loyal to ISIS, has been a drug kingpin since his time with Al Qaeda. The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) revealed in its 2017 World Drug Report (PDF) that “individual commanders” of MUJWA, which Sahrawi helped found, “seem at present to be directly involved in drug trafficking.”

“He has been dealing with FARC since he was with al-Qaeda,” Moussa said of Sahrawi.

“His followers boast about his record in drug trafficking.”

In December 2009, three Al Qaeda asso-

ciates, Oumar Issa, Harouna Toure, and Idriss Abelrahman, were arrested in Ghana by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and flown to New York to face charges of conspiracy to commit acts of narco terrorism and conspiracy to provide material support to a foreign terrorist organization.

The DEA said the men “conspired to assist purported representatives of the FARC in transporting hundreds of kilograms of cocaine from West Africa through North Africa and ultimately into Spain.” The agency found that “in a series of telephone calls and meetings with two confidential sources working with the DEA who claimed to represent the FARC, the defendants stated that they had a transportation route from West Africa through North Africa, and that Al Qaeda could provide protection for the cocaine along that route.”

In 2011, the DEA arrested five people in Liberia (PDF) and charged them with narcoterrorism. They had agreed to store multiton shipments of heroin in Benin and then transport a portion of the drugs to Ghana for transfer via commercial airplane to the United States for distribution. The drugs were believed to be owned by the Taliban, which, like other Afghan groups, is heavily involved

in the cultivation of opium and marketing of its derivatives.

Two years later, the Spanish news organization, Cadena Ser, reported that the DEA, in March 2013, arrested two Colombians—one of whom was a member of FARC—along with three members of AQIM in Algeria on drug trafficking charges. The Colombians were alleged to have delivered in the previous year a shipment of cocaine in exchange for cash, and arms acquired in Libya following the fall of Muammar Gaddafi. FARC collaborators negotiated with AQIM through a local jihadist group taking orders from the North African terror organization, according to the report.

“MUJWA was the main Al Qaeda affiliate that worked closely with drug cartels in Mali and Algeria, and you couldn’t mention the terror group without talking about Sahrawi,” Christian Anozie, editor of Event Diary International, a West African news publication, told The Daily Beast. “ISGS is mostly made up of fighters who worked under Sahrawi at MUJWA, and that is why most West African governments still refer to ISGS as MUJWA.” Most of the big drug deals involving terrorist organizations are struck in Guinea-Bissau.

The main destination of the drugs that leave the tropical country is often Western Europe, but some transactions have involved shipping cocaine to the United States.

In 2013, Antonio Injai, head of Guinea-Bissau’s armed forces, was indicted by a federal grand jury in New York on cocaine and weapons-trafficking charges. The military chief told informants for the DEA, who had posed as rebels with FARC, that he was willing to store tons of cocaine and ship it to the United States. Injai also agreed to buy weapons for FARC. Two weeks before Injai’s indictment, his close ally and former chief of the GuineaBissau Navy, José Américo Bubo Na Tchuto, was indicted on similar drug charges after being arrested by DEA operatives in a sting operation off the coast of West Africa.

“Cocaine smuggling slowed down in Guinea-Bissau after Na Tchuto’s arrest, as traffickers were scared the Americans would target more drug dealers,” Anozie said. “But the drug trade picked up again, and has been helped by the political crisis that keeps rocking [Guinea-Bissau].”

The UNODC said last year (PDF) that international drug traffickers have for many years “counted on the support of influential segments within the political and military apparatus” in Guinea-Bissau to trade narcotics.

These traffickers have targeted a small number of senior officials in the government, police, customs and judiciary “with bribes in exchange for either passive or active support facilitating illegal activities.”

The same report notes that Boko Haram reportedly has “helped drug traffickers to smuggle heroin and cocaine across West Africa.”

A report on narcotics smuggling in Guinea-Bissau published in the Guardian back in 2008 noted that the West African coast can be reached across the shortest transatlantic crossing from South America either by plane from Colombia (with a refuelling stop in Brazil), or by ship from Brazil or Venezuela.

The Guardian revealed that, at least in 2008, the boats departing South America traveled only by night and remain motionless by day, covered in blue tarpaulins to avoid detection from the air.

The drug barons and the jihadists are always finding ways to thwart their enemies, and in West Africa they have discovered the best way to do that is to work together.

•Culled from The Daily Beast •Philip Obaji Jr. is a journalist, human rights educator, and the founder of Up Against Trafficking campaign, which educates displaced persons in Nigeria about the dangers of human trafficking, and assists survivors of human trafficking in Internally displaced persons camps on their journey towards wholeness.

POLITICS

2019: What hope for Ndigbo in PDP Cont’d from page 9 APGA and put the party into a stronger position towards subsequent elections in the State. Ex-Governor Obi and former Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria Professor Charles Soludo who are being linked with the Vice President slot of the PDP have to work hard to ensure that the party makes a meaningful impact in the Light of the Nation State next year.

Political watchers have continued to link Obi and Soludo as possible choices to different PDP Presidential aspirants. While Soludo is said to be in the good book of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Obi is, according to some watchers, the choice of the Governor of Sokoto State Aminu Tambuwal and former Governor of Jigawa State Sule Lamido. Former national Secretary of the PDP Senator Ben Obi is also on the card to pair

former Governor of Kaduna State Ahmed Makarfi as running mate if Makarfi emerges the PDP candidate.

Obi, Soludo and Senator Obi have to lead the PDP war in Anambra State. They have to mobilise support for the candidates of the party for State and National Assembly elections in the State. It is not good politics to see leaders of the party in Anambra trading tackles for higher office whereas the party is struggling to field candidates for elective positions at the State level.

Few months to the 2019 polls, the presence of the PDP in Anambra is nowhere compared with the presence of APGA in the State. Analysts say the PDP is unlikely to field candidates in some State and Federal Constituencies. As at the time of filing this report, there are no signs that the PDP will contest the seat of Anambra Central Senatorial District for the incoming 9th Senate.

Senator Stella Odua representing Anambra North Senatorial District is out to retain her seat under the platform of PDP after failed attempt to defect to APGA. Senator Odua will fight against former governorship aspirant of the party Dr Alex Obiogbolu for the PDP ticket in Anambra North. A member of the Board of Trustees of the Party and erstwhile godfather of Anambra politics, Chief Chris Uba alias Eselu Uga and popular businessman and grassroots politician Dr Obinna Uzor are also seeking the mandate of the good people of Anambra South Senatorial District to represent them in the Red Chamber of the National Assembly on the platform of PDP. Unconfirmed report indicates that nobody is being linked with the PDP for the Anambra Central race to National Assembly.

Similar to the case of Anambra Central, the PDP is also unlikely to field candidates

in some Federal Constituencies for Federal House of Representatives in the Light of the Nation State. Four of the incumbent PDP members of the Federal House of Representatives from Anambra namely Linda Ikpeazu representing Onitsha North/South, Chukwuka Onyema representing Ogbaru, Chris Azubogu representing Nnewi North/ South/Ekwusigo and Obinna Chidoka representing Idemil North/South are seeking reelection on the platform of the party.

The National Assembly members seeking reelection is a huge boost to the party and their success is good for the party. Similarly, the success of the PDP in the South East is good for the people of the zone. It is, therefore, left for the leaders of the party in the zone to do a good job in championing effective political cause for the party by mobilising the people to buy into the party as the best option for Ndigbo.

14

The Oracle Today Wednesday October 10, 2018

POLITICS

Primaries: Oshiomhole, Amaechi battle for control of South South

T

he political skirmishes between the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Comrade Adams Oshiomhole and the Minister of Transportation, Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi, started even before the former became the chairman of the party.

Amaechi who wants to be seen and referred to as the leader of the APC in the South South geo-political zone was against the emergence of Oshiomhole as the national chairman of the party.

The battle between both Oshiomhole and Amaechi shot up in the twilight of the controversial tenure of former National Chairman, John Odigie-Oyegun, who like Oshiomhole, was a former governor of Edo State.

On the other hand, Senator Magnus Abe who represents Rivers South East in the Senate was publicly in support of Oshiomhole’s candidature. Even when President Mohammadu Buhari asked Oyegun not to vie for the office of the national chairman, Amaechi and some sitting APC governors egged Oyegun on, urging him to still attempt to retain his position. While most of the sitting governors and National Assembly members were more comfortable that Oyegun will guarantee them a second term, Amaechi who is known to enjoy a chummy romance with Oyegun, was confident Oyegun would lubricate the party machinery to enable him corner the ward, local government and state delegates needed to foist a candidate of his choice on the party for the 2019 governorship election.

But Oyegun had to abandon his quest to contest for the chairmanship position when it dawned on him that President Buhari had resolved to work with Oshiomhole towards the 2019 general elections.

Even at that, some of the sitting governors and members of the National Assembly as well as Amaechi who were sympathetic to Oyegun’s ambition had benefitted from the ward, local government and state congresses superintended by Oyegun, barely few weeks before the expiration of his four year tenure as national chairman of the APC. With that advantage, Amaechi who could not comfortably see himself as the leader of the APC in the South South, with Oshiomhole as national chairman of the party, was content with his hand-picked delegates in Rivers State, primed to perfunctorily endorse whomsoever he presents as the governorship candidate of the party for the 2019 gubernatorial election.

As it turned out, the Rivers State ward, local government and state congresses were conducted in an insalubrious atmosphere.

The congress committee sent to Rivers State by the national headquarters of the APC did not address stakeholders of the party as required by the constitution of the APC. About 1,442 prospective delegates who paid monies into the designated back account of the party were not given intent and nomination forms by the party. At about 2. pm on Saturday, May 5, when the ward congress was supposed to have commenced, an announcement began airing on FM radio stations asking all intending delegates who had paid for intent and nomination forms to go to the venue of the said ward congress and present their bank tellers to enable them participate in the ward congress.

The leader of the APC in Rivers State, Amaechi, had told reporters at the Intel’s Camp, located at the East-West Bypass, that the ward, local government and state congresses were to be conducted by option A4.

Most of those who had paid for the intent and nomination forms, who were getting increasingly exasperated about the non-availability of the forms had besieged the thenAPC state secretariat along Forces Avenue, Old GRA, Port Harcourt.

As tempers flared up without any state official of the party to listen to their complaints, violence ensued and some parts of the edifice were damaged. Armed security personnel were later deployed to the secretariat. Gunshots were fired and some per-

From Port Harcourt, NATH OMAME Jnr writes on the raging controversy over APC primaries and other elections or lack thereof in Rivers state.

•Oshiomhole

•Ameachie

sons sustained injuries as they scampered to flee the staccato gunshots.

Senator Abe’s faction of the party, which felt short-changed later addressed a news conference, condemning the process, claiming that no ward congress took place. It later asked members of the party who are supportive of Abe’s governorship ambition to boycott the contentious congresses.

Surprisingly, as if they were expecting Amaechi to hijack the process, the pro-Abe group had gone to court on the eve of the congress, Friday, May 4, to file a motion, praying the court to stop the congresses from holding.

The Amaechi faction claimed it was not served; and that the pro-Abe group failed to secure an injunction restraining the party from conducting the congresses. However, a Rivers State High Court later nullified the ward, local government and state congresses held on May 5, 6 and 7, respectively. To circumvent the decision of the court, the proAmaechi group, again, held fresh ward, local government and state congresses on May 19, 20 and 21. While Amaechi and his group bask in the glory of the outcome of the May 19, 20 and 21 congresses, the pro-Abe group is relying on the court judgment that nullified the previous congresses held on May 5, 6 and 7, pending the determination of the substantive suit in September 24.

The argument of the pro-Abe group is that the APC should not by law have continued with the congresses when a matter disputing the conduct of the exercise was still subsisting in court. As far as the pro-Abe group is concerned, the state executive led by Chief Davis Ibiamu-Ikanya is still in- charge of the affairs of the Rivers State APC. But Amaechi and the state executive led

by Ojukaiye Flag-Amachree, which emerged from the May 21 state congress remains the authentic state executive of the APC in Rivers State. To pursue his governorship ambition, members of the pro-Abe group set up a parallel APC state secretariat along the major, busy Aba Road. The Flag-Amachree led state executive had relocated from Forces Avenue in Old GRA, to Aba Road, some months earlier. Flag-Amachree threatened that he would pull down any parallel office flying the APC flag. A day after he made the statement, thugs who arrived in five Toyota Hilux buses, stormed the secretariat and damaged

office equipment and dispossessed workers of their personal effects. A week after the incident, the pro-Abe group reopened the office with the heavy presence of security men, including the Army, Federal Special Anti-Robbery Squad, F-SARS, and Mobile Police Force.

At the event, Senator Abe maintained that he would run for governor.

But the hopes of Senator Abe’s supporters were punctured when Amaechi before traveling with President Buhari to China, endorsed businessman, Tonye Cole as the candidate to be put forward by the APC for the 2019 governorship election in Rivers State.

Expectedly, Amaechi’s endorsement of Cole provoked angry reactions from members of the pro-Abe group. Former Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Worgu Boms said Amaechi couldn’t foist a governorship candidate upon members of the APC in Rivers State.

A few days later, Flag-Amachree secured a perpetual injunction from a high court, restraining the national chairman of the APC from dissolving the Rivers State APC led by him, claiming it is the legally recognized state executive of the party in the state. On Friday, September 7, Flag-Amachree declared that the Rivers State APC governorship candidate will be chosen through indirect primary, a move that will completely shut Senator Abe from the governorship process since his group is in court challenging the conduct of the ward, local government and state congresses that produced the delegates.

Senator Abe responded, on Saturday, September 8 through his spokesman, Saroh-parry Benson, stating why APC cannot have indirect primaries in Rivers State. He maintained that indirect primaries breed corruption through financial inducement of delegates.

He said: “Rivers State is one of those states where we cannot have indirect primaries. The entire structure of the party in the state is embroiled in legal controversy with about four or five court cases. So, if you want to do indirect primaries, which particular list of delegates are you going to use and which particular congress?

“They say where you stand on an issue depends on where you sit. What you call indirect primaries is a situation where known party members meet in a place to elect candidates.These known party members are invariably part of a structure that is already

organized. So, when people have control of such structure, the entire exercise is predetermined because they already know whom they are going to elect.

“You have to understand that life is dynamic and part of what we promised Nigerians is that we were going to bring change to the country and make it better. Part of the challenge people have with indirect primaries is that, as I said, the outcome is predetermined.”

The recourse to an Abuja high court to secure an injunction to restrain the national chairman of the APC from dissolving the Rivers State executive of the party loyal to Amaechi is to prevent Oshiomhole from dissolving the state executive, thereby, outsmarting Amaechi who is determined to thwart Abe’s quest to emerge as the governorship candidate of the APC. To give vent to Senator Abe’s proclivity for direct primary, the faction of the Rivers State APC in support of his governorship ambition, on Monday, September 10, also adopted direct primary as the electoral process through which all candidates for elective offices in the 2019 general elections will be selected.

The State Chairman of the pro-Abe group in the Rivers State APC, Prince Peter Odike, stated in a communique issued at the end of its State Executive Committee (SEC) meeting held at the party secretariat, along Aba Road, Port Harcourt, on Monday, September 10, that “the Rivers APC has chosen direct primary in selecting candidates vying for elective offices in 2019,’ stressing that the “decision is in consonance with the party’s position and the desire to make the elections in 2019 and beyond reflective of will and aspirations of the people.”

Amaechi is anchoring his clout as the leader of APC in Rivers State to project businessman Cole as his anointed governorship candidate by pronouncing his endorsement before his preferred mode of indirect primary, having cornered the delegates through the rescheduled primary of May 19, 20 and 21.

However, there is a formidable hurdle before Amaechi and the Ojukaiye FlagAmachree’s led state executive. A Rivers State High Court is expected to deliver judgment on a subsisting suit, on September 24.

Justice Chiwendu Nworgu, had on May 30, nullified all congresses that were held in the state by the APC. The court, which restrained the party from using the outcome of the contentious ward congress of May 5, to conduct the local government congress slated for May 12, also directed the party to maintain the status quo before May 11.

It is on the strength of this judicial declaration by the Rivers State High Court that the pro-Abe’s group is claiming that it remains the authentic APC leadership in the state because apart from Chris Finebone, who served as the publicity secretary in the last executive, and was retained in the new exco, all other members of the previous exco are with Senator Abe. Chief Davis Ibiamu-Ikanya, chairman of the previous executive is said to be receiving medical treatment for his eyes in a London hospital. In his absence, the then-Deputy State Chairman, Prince Peter Odike is standing in as acting chairman in the pro-Abe group of the Rivers State APC. As it is, the cumulus cloud of raging imbroglio in which the Rivers State APC is entrapped will become clearer when the Rivers State High Court delivers judgment on the subsisting matter on September 24.

After the judgment, it will be left to the attorneys of both warring factions which of the court rulings flying around will supersede the order since the High Court of Rivers State and the federal high Court, in Abuja, are courts of concurrent jurisdictions.

15

The Oracle Today Wednesday October 10, 2018

NEWS

FG lacks willingness to restructure Nigeria -- Wike R ivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike has declared that the present All Progressives Congress (APC)-led Federal Government lacks the willingness to restructure the country.

Addressing delegates of Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) Worldwide at the Government House Port Harcourt on Saturday, Governor Wike said that Vice President Yemi Osinbajo made it clear that the APC Federal Government does not believe in restructuring.

He said: “I believe completely in restructuring. If this country must move forward, then it must be restructured.

“Let nobody deceive you, Nigeria is dying. This APC Federal Government does not believe in restructuring. But the Niger Delta says very clearly, we want restructuring. What we are talking about transcends party politics.

We are talking about the overall development of the country and in particular, the Niger Delta”.

He said anybody who understands the fundamentals of the retrogression taking place in today’s Nigeria, will vehemently support restructuring.

“For us as a people, we cannot be deceived any longer. Nigeria is such a complex country. Just a few weeks ago, a Bayelsa man was the DG DSS, but he was removed.”

Governor Wike said when President Jonathan was in office, the external forces used Niger Delta indigenes to pull him down on the altar of flimsy excuses. He said since Buhari intensified failure in governance , no northerner has been used to malign him.

He called for unity amongst all groups in the Niger Delta, noting that the development of the area should

form the premise of every single action.

“If you believe in what you are doing, then nobody can use you. For me, as long as God gives me strength and wisdom, I will continue fighting for the restructuring of this country. As a people we must work together”, he said.

He stated that when it mattered most, he supported an Ijaw son who was the President of Nigeria to the end.

Commenting on his struggle for the PDP National Convention to hold in Port Harcourt, Governor Wike said it was purely for the economic wellbeing of Rivers people and not for any political advantage.

On the recently burnt Fruit and Vegetable Market in Port Harcourt, he wondered why the Minister of Trans-

portation would play play politics with the affected traders by claiming he would reconstruct the market, when he could not reconstruct the Burnt Mile One Market as governor.

Also speaking, Senator Dino Melaye said that the only way that restructuring can be implemented in Nigeria is by voting out the failed APC Federal Government.

He praised Governor Wike for his outstanding projects delivery in Rivers State, saying that Rivers State has made tremendous progress under the leadership of Governor Wike.

Melaye described Governor Wike as a defender of the defenceless and a courageous governor committed to the development of the country.

Human Rights Activist, Madam Ankio Briggs declared that the country has no option but to immediately re-

Abia chieftain drums support for Atiku

Ignore APC’s senate president to Igbo propaganda -- Umeh

By Theo Rays, Onitsha

A

chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Abia State, Chief Amaechi Ukoro, has told the party hierarchy and members to support the former Vice-President, Atiku Abubakar to emerge as the flagbearer, adding that the Turaki Adamawa ’is the only aspirant in the party who can floor the incumbent, President Muhammad Buhari, the flag bearer of the All Progressives Congress (APC).’

“Atiku is the best Presidential aspirant to defeat APC candidate. Atiku is a grassroots politician. He has the capacity to wrest power from President Buhari,” he said.

Ukoro who is a chieftain of the party from Uturu, Isuikwuato Local Government Area of Abia State spoke to newsmen in Onitsha, saying that Atiku as a detribalised Nigeria has support base across all the length and breadth of the country.

“He is a complete democrat, who believes in the rule of Law, fairness, separation of powers. He believes in one united Nigeria,” Ukoro said.

He expressed confidence that more politicians from the APC will join PDP immediately Atiku secures the mandate of his party men and women to fly its flag, saying that what has been delaying more defections from APC was because they were not sure if PDP would pick Atiku as its presidential candidate.

“With Atiku PDP will bounce back to eradicate the poverty and suffering we are experiencing now. With Atiku as the President there will be freedom of speech. The fundamental human rights of Nigerians as guaranteed by the constitution will be restored. Atiku will not only return PDP to power but take Nigeria to the promise land,” Ukoro assured.

He warned the leadership of PDP, the Governors, other elected politicians in the party as well as the retired generals who have now returned to the party to do away with selfish interests and support Atiku to emerge as the party’s flag-bearer if they actually want Buhari changed.

structure. She noted that restructuring simply means resource ownership and control.

Briggs warned that the electoral fraud being perpetrated across the country will not work in Rivers State, as the leadership of the state cannot be determined by Abuja.

President of Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) Worldwide, Mr Preeotubo Oweilaemi called on the Federal Government to as a matter of urgency embark on restructuring the country.

He commended Governor Wike for the delivery of projects in Ijaw speaking areas of the state.

Member Representing Port Harcourt State Constituency Two, Mr Tonye Adoki lauded Governor Wike for his brotherly disposition towards the Ijaws and numerous projects executed where they reside.

By Theo Rays, Onitsha

S

• Akwa Ibom State Governor, Mr. Udom Emmanuel commissioning the lkot udota /Etebi Street and Heritage Polytechnic Road, in Eket Local Government Area, Wednesday

I’ll invest heavily in security if elected – Gana tells S’East leaders

P

residential aspirant under the Social Democratic Party (SDP), Prof. Jerry Gana, has promised to invest heavily in security to stem current spate of insecurity in the country if elected.

Gana, a former Minister of Information, said this at news briefing on Sunday after meeting leaders of South-East delegates of the SDP in Enugu.

He said that his government would ensure that various layers of policing would be put in place at the state and even at the local levels.

Gana promised to decentralise policing like what is currently found in developed countries.

“First and foremost, we have to restore confidence of the people in living together; there must be freedom for anyone to be anywhere, live anywhere in the country before we invest heavily on security infrastructure.

“Thirdly, we will bring about economic development and diversification which will create enormous jobs so that we will reduce idleness, crimes and all sorts of evils that lead

to insecurity in the land,’’ he said.

Gana said that if elected, his party would also invest in education, social security, health, skills as “development begins with the people.”

“We will implement Fiscal Expansion Act for wealth to be expanded in the country and our people will be rich and have reasons to stay back in their own country. We must have first class infrastructure such as solid highways, railways, pipelines. Nigeria economy is suffering from infrastructure deficiency.

“Then in power, every zone and state should have adequate energy to generate jobs and wealth. The country is seriously blessed with natural resources that are needed for power generation. We have abundant sun, water, wind and even nuclear power raw material.

On the power situation, we have to invest and get foreign investors on power generation, transmission and distribution as well,’’ he said.

Gana, who was also a former Minister of Corporation and Integration in Africa, said there was the need to transform agricultural production

system to feed the over 180 million people in the country.

“We also use agriculture to create jobs, security and wealth among our people. Ensure that locals benefit and harness the natural resources endowment in their localities and states in order to expand jobs and wealth,’’ he said.

The presidential aspirant also promised that he would bring new knowledge and understanding to governance based on reality and experience.

“The framework of the federation has to be re-structured in order to unlock human abilities of our people to explore and create wealth for themselves. We shall restructure and reconcile Nigerians to see themselves as one and be their brothers’ keepers,’’ he said.

He called on the Federal Government to truly make the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) independent and self-controlled.

SDP had fixed its Delegates National Convention in Abuja on October 6.

enator Victor Umeh representing Anambra Central Senatorial District at the National Assembly has told the zone to give a deaf ear to the propaganda being peddled in some All Progressives Congress (APC) quarters that the party has zoned the Senate President slot to the southeast describing it as fake news.

According to him, a report published in This Day newspaper indicated that APC has offered Iyiola Omisore the Senate President slot as a reward for supporting the party to win the governorship election in Osun.

Speaking when he visited the Rojenny Games Oba, Senator Umeh a former National Chairman of the All Progressive Grand Alliance (APGA) said: “APC has zoned the Senate President slot to the southwest, so anybody telling you about Igbo Senate President under APC is trying to deceive you and I want you to take note of that.”

He declared his intention to retain the seat of Anambra Central in the Senate on account of 2019 general elections saying that he is ready to continue to champion the cause of Ndigbo and Ndi Anambra Central creditably well in the Senate.

He informed the audience that he is seeking reelection under APGA unopposed as no other person in the party purchased the nomination form to contest the Anambra Central seat in the Senate He said he visited Rojenny to console the proprietor of the village Chief Rommy Ezeonwuka over the huge damage inflicted on the village by flood few weeks ago promising that as a Member of Senate Committee on Environment, he will present the case to the Senate Committee.

In response, Chief Chief Ezeonwuka thanked the Senator for making out time to visit Rojenny assuring him of support for his second missionary journey to the Senate. Members of Ogilisi Igbo Foundation and notable members of Oba Council of Chiefs among others witnessed the visit.

16

The Oracle Today Wednesday October 10, 2018

NEWS 2019: Nnachi seeks to correct Ogbuoji’s ‘wrong doings’ in Ebonyi South zone

By CHINEDU NWAFOR, Abakaliki

S

enatorial aspirant for Ebonyi South district on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Chief Michael Ama Nnachi, said he offered himself to contest the position in order ‘to correct many wrong doings of the current Senator representing the zone, Sonni Ogbuoji.’

Chief Nnachi disclosed this in a press statement signed by him in which he listed Senator Ogbuoji’s wrong doings to include; ingratitude to the people of the zone for the opportunity given to him to do two tenures in the Senate, an opportunity he said was never given to his predecessors including a former Senate President, Anyim Pius Anyim.’

He also alleged that Sonni Ogbuorji defected from the PDP to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) to upset the senate leadership and become Deputy President of the Senate, even as he urged the Senate leadership to declare the seat of Ebonyi South zone vacant following the defection of Ogbuoji.

He noted that Ogbuorji, a two term senator rose to his current political position through the PDP and wondered why he left the PDP when, according to him, there was no crisis in the party “I offered myself as a correction for the many wrongs of Ogbuoji which include but are not limited to his ingratitude to the people of the zone for the opportunity given to him to do two straight tenures in a zone that nobody had so done, including a former Senate President.

“He has no private member Bill for nearly eight years, no substantive motion, no seconding of any motion on the floor of the House and no contribution to important national debates.

The only time he was able to address the Senate was when he attempted to cross carpet; he could not even do that successfully or neatly. At that time, the attempt was stillborn.

“Senator Ogbuoji is extremely selfcentred and greedy. I have a strong suspicion that he cross-carpeted finally, so as to upset the Senate leadership and become the Deputy Senate President. Without mincing words, my emergence shall retire Ogbuoji politically and put an end to his dubious scheming, political manoeuverings and unjustified use of our people to achieve his selfish political ends.

Enough is enough to such kind of politics”, he said.

Chief Nnachi promised to give proper representation to the people of Ebonyi south zone when he emerges as a Senator come 2019.

“My mandate as I emerge the Senator to represent Ebonyi South zone at the National Assembly after the 2019 general election by the grace of God, would not only be to give proper representation to the people of the zone but to also ensure that what belongs to each local government area that comprises the zone in terms of democracy dividends gets to them equitably without any form of bias and or prejudice. I promise my constituents’ that our administration will be all-inclusive, all-encompassing and human oriented to the benefit of the zone and the State at large. I will not disappoint them as am determined to rewrite the history of the zone in terms of representation and provision of democracy dividends.

“I want to lend my voice to the masses of Ebonyi South zone who are still clamouring for his seat to be declared vacant since there is no division in the PDP. You cannot hate a party and cling unto the party’s mandate,” he concluded.

Flood: Okowa tours IDP camps, orders opening of schools for victims

D

elta State Governor, Ifeanyi Okowa, weekend, continued with his regular visit to holding camps where those displaced by flood are housed.

The Governor who was unhappy with the welfare situation at the Kwale camp, dissolved the Committee set up to run the Holding Camp for victims of flood at Kwale, warning that the welfare of the displaced persons should not be compromised.

Governor Okowa who visited the Holding Camps at Ashaka and

Kwale in Ndokwa East and Ndokwa West local government areas of Delta State listened to the complaints by the flood victims at Kwale and said: “Your welfare is of utmost importance to us while you are in Camp, your feeding cannot be compromised and I have ordered the Chairman of the main Committee that is managing the flood situation to dissolve the Committee and set up a new Committee that will have the Chairman of Ndokwa East local government area, Hon. Juan Guvnor to take over the running of the

affairs of the Camp.”

“Hon. Guvnor will set up a Committee that will comprise people from among you (victims of the flood) to run the affairs, I am confident that you have people among you who can effectively run the Camp,” Governor Okowa said.

At the Camp at Ashaka, the Governor expressed joy that the place was neat, well organised and the children engaged in academic and social activities.

“We thank God that you have agreed to leave your communi-

• Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike performing the official opening of West Africa’s largest shopping mall, the Next Cash and Carry Shopping Complex, in Oginigba, Port Harcourt, Thursday

Wike commissions W/Africa’s biggest shopping mall in P/Harcourt

R

ivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike has called on communities across the state to cooperate with willing investors to create employment opportunities for the people.

Performing the official opening of Next Cash and Carry, Port Harcourt’s Flagship Shopping Complex on Thursday, Governor Wike commended the Oginigba community

for supporting the construction of West Africa’s Largest Shopping Centre.

He said: “I urge host communities to support and cooperate with investors to create jobs for our youths. When you protect investments, you encourage them to expand.

“For the management of Next Cash and Carry, I advise you to carry

We’ve tackled multiple taxations to grow economy – Wike

R

ivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike has stated that his administration has tackled multiple taxations to encourage economic growth.

Speaking during a courtesy visit by the management of Airtel Network Limited at the Government House Port Harcourt, last Wednesday, Wike urged corporate organisations to partner with the Rivers State Government for the empowerment of the people.

He said: “We have worked hard to reduce multiple taxations. If you run into any problems with any local government area, get in touch and we will resolve them. If investors go away, our people will not be employed. So, we will provide an enabling environment that is conducive for investors to thrive”.

The governor called on Airtel Network Limited to work with the State Government for the successful hosting of National Festival of Arts and Culture.

Governor Wike charged corporate

organisations to always employ Rivers indigenes in top positions and also avoid cutting corners in their operations, adding that the investment climate of the state has improved because of the efforts of his administration to create opportunities for the people.

Earlier, Managing Director of Airtel Network Limited, Mr Segun Ogunsanya said that the company operates 500 towers and has employed 2000 agents operating kiosks in different parts of the state.

He said that the team is in the state to officially launch its 4G Network, which he claimed is the largest and most efficient in the country.

Ogunsanya commended the Rivers State Governor for his outstanding projects delivery which have developed the business climate in the state.

Highpoint of the visit was the official presentation of the 4G SIM to the Rivers State Governor by the Managing Director of Airtel Network Limited.

the host community along. Whatever you know they are entitled to, in terms of employment, ensure they get them”.

He directed the Ministry of Works to compel the contractor handling the road to the mall, to commence work immediately.

“As I leave here, I will summon the Works Ministry to immediately commence the process of ensuring that the contractor starts the construction of this road “, he said.

He expressed happiness that the private investor that sited West Africa’s Largest Shopping Centre in Port Harcourt, ignored the negative propaganda against the city.

“I am one of the happiest persons that this major facility is here.

You have supported Rivers State by this singular action. I want to say because you brought this major investment to Rivers State despite the negative propaganda, God will bless you”, Governor Wike said.

Chairman of Next Cash and Carry Super Mall, Mr Ndibe Obi thanked the Rivers State Governor for awarding the contract for the construction of the road leading to the mall.

He said the governor has developed a business friendly environment that has encouraged investments.

Obi said that the mall has offered direct employment to 300 persons, while 700 direct jobs will be created at the height of operations.

After the official opening, the Rivers State Governor made purchases at the facility.

ties, we share in your pains but, our greatest concern is for us to save life; it is good that the children are well engaged and I thank the Council Chairman for his efforts,” he stated.

Commissioner, Bureau for Special Duties, Barr. Ernest Ogwezzy took Governor Okowa round the facilities at the Camps.

While more than 300 persons have been recorded at Ashaka, more than 800 persons were at the Holding Camp at Kwale.

Okowa also visited the Holding Camp at Emede, Isoko South local government area of Delta State.

“We are happy that you (flood victims) are safe, we had a sad incident when the flood took over a community and a man who was blind lost his life as he was unable to swim to safety; so far, it was the only death we have recorded as a result of the flood and by the grace of God, such will not occur again.

“Though, the Camp may not be as comfortable as your homes, be relaxed as government is doing everything possible to ensure your comfort; after the flood, we will do our best for you to be properly resettled,” he said.

Meanwhile, the Governor Okowa has said efforts are in top gear for the Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education to organise academic activities for school children who have temporal shelter at the different Holding Camps as a result of flood which has submerged riverine communities in the state.

Governor Okowa made the disclosure, Thursday, during an interactive sessions with children during an unscheduled visit to Holding Camps set up for persons displaced by flood which has submerged several riverine communities in the state. The governor accompanied by aides, visited the Holding Camps at Oneh and Ogbe-Afor Primary Schools, Asaba.

According to the governor, “I have listened to you (children) and your major concern is how to be engaged acedemically in the camp which is very good, the Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education is already working on that; it is very important that the children are positively engaged in an organised manner.”

“I have gone round the camp and noticed that people among you are cooking your food, it is a good development because, you must live as one united family, show love to one another; as a government, your welfare is our greatest concern, apart from providing necessary amenities, we have mobile clinics that are well equipped to cater for your needs,” the governor said.

He continued, “our major concern is to save life, we know that you have lost a lot to the flood, don’t despair, we will do our best for you to be comfortable while in the camp and also see that you are properly settled after the flood, be prayerful and believe that you are not abandoned by God.” Governor Okowa who cuddled some of the children at the Camp informed them that the trying times brought about by the flood will soon be over.

Commissioner for Special Duties, Barr. Ernest Ogwezzy took Governor Okowa round the facilities at the Camp and the governor gave words of encouragement to the people at the different departments he visited.

17

BU$IN£SS The Oracle Today Wednesday October 10, 2018

•Energy •Finance

•Stock

•Insurance

•Aviation

•e-Platform

Recapitalization: insurance firms caught in Oct.1 deadline •Mergers, acquisitions loom

By VICTOR NZE

A

•NAICOM Boss, Muhammed-Kari cellation of license, but operators will be subjected to solvency control levels and no mandatory injection of fresh capital by insurers,” he pointed out.

Explaining further on the newlyannounced levels of capital requirement for operators, Mr Rasaaq Salami, spokesman for NAICOM, said the regime takes effect from January 1, 2019, even though it has since been backdated.

“Limited deals or don’t want to take all the risks in their class of business do not need to raise capital. Life insurers wanting to take on annuity and group life are required to boost their capital to N6 billion from N2 billion, while non-life operators underwriting all risks including aviation and engineering should shore up their capital to N9 billion from N3 billion,” Salami said.

According to NAICOM, last year the ensured companies are not signing up more business than they

CBN EXCHANGE RATES SEPTEMBER 28, 2018 Currency

Buying(NGN)

Central (NGN) Selling(NGN)

US DOLLAR 305.35 POUNDS STERLING 398.1459 EURO 353.5953 SWISS FRANC 312.4424 YEN 2.6932 CFA 0.5252 WAUA 426.928 YUAN/RENMINBI 44.3601 RIYAL 81.4202 S/A RAND 21.4839

305.85 398.7978 354.1743 312.9541 2.6976 0.5352 427.6271 44.4332 81.5535 21.519

306.35 399.4498 354.7533 313.4657 2.702 0.5452 428.3262 44.5063 81.6868 21.5542

can handle, so that the industry reduces its risk exposure and boosts liquidity and profitability.

Under the new industry risk based recapitalization, companies that want to do both life and nonlife business, including oil and gas deals, should increase capital to N15 billion from N5 billion, Salami said.

However, last month after backdating the deadline from January 1, 2019 to October 1, 2018, NAICOM dismissed reports that it might soft-pedal on the date by allowing insurers some room, insisting that October 1 remains deadline for insurance companies to switch to Tier-Based Minimum Solvency Capital (TBMSC) based regime, despite calls for extension by operating firms.

The commission also debunked reports of a court order filed by some insurers restraining it from implementing the October 1 dead-

S the deadline set by the National Insurance Commission (NAICOM) for operating firms in the country to shore up their capital base finally arrives, insurers may have already expressed unpreparedness for the new regime.

With reports of uncertainty pervading the industry, majority of insurers have continued to express disapproval not with the recapitalization directive but instead with the late decision of the regulator, NAICOM to backdate the order from its January 1, 2019 date to October 1, this year.

It would be recalled that NAOCOM had in July, this year, increased the minimum capital requirement for insurers by threefold, in a bid to expand their capacity to handle risk in the country.

Subsequently, transitional guideline on the directive which was issued on August 3, was followed by the introduction of a 3 -tier based recapitalisation for the insurance industry.

According to NAICOM, the recapitalisation became desirable as inflation and interest rates have increased in the last 10 years, while insurers were still operations with the same capitalization of 2007. ”Interest rate has gone from single to double digit, interest rate has increased over time and with many macroeconomic and institutional factors on the upward trends, while the industry still maintain the same capitalisation in the last 10 years. So, it is desirable for operators to now choose which tier they want to operate in. Some companies are finding it difficult to fulfill their obligations to their policyholders and shareholders because they are carrying risks above their limits,” stressed Commissioner for Insurance, Mohammed Kari, at a press briefing in August, in Lagos.

Stating further that this initiative will enhance soundness and profitability of insurers through optimal capitalization, he added that, the introduction of proportionate capital that supports the nature, scale and complexity of the business conducted by insurers. ”In this instance, there is no can-

line.

While the apprehension continues, operators further face the threat of mergers and acquisitions.

According to financial experts, the forceful implementation of the TBMSC and recapitalization directive by NAICOM would be unwilling mergers of operating insurance firms in the country or their acquisition by bigger firms overseas, which itself is dependent on the positive assessment of the Nigerian market by these firms.

The experts’ assessment of the valuation of the insurance firms, when taken into consideration, further dampens hopes of any foreign acquisitions, as they conclude that over two-thirds of operating firms are valued below the minimum capital requirement as spelt out

by NAICOM to operate in even the first tier of the TBMSC scheme.

According to them, only 15 percent of insurers meet the N15 billion requirement while 15 percent meets the N5 billion for the second-tier composite operator of the 27 insurance companies quoted on the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE).

Chief Operating Officer, GTI Capital, Mr Kehinde Hassan, said market valuation remains one of the criteria for valuation of a company for any purpose of new share issuance or mergers and acquisitions.

According to him, corporate finance experts use market value, net asset value or book value, peer group analysis and scenario analysis to reasonably ascertain possible valuation for a company. The financial ratios tend to revolve around a range and any value significantly outside the range is usually treated as an outlier and removed in the calculation of the pricing average.

Hassan said low market valuation might have strong influence on the overall valuation of a company as strategic investors may only at best offer slight premium on market value of a company. In a hard-pressed situation, large investors may demand for market-based value or offer price around the pricing range.

On his part, Managing Director, Sofunix Investment and Communications Limited, Mr Sola Oni, said

•Tourism

Energy

Labour crises transcend oil and gas sector P20 e-Platform

Nigeria needs 80, 000 BTS to grow capacity for service delivery – NCC P22

Travel

S’Africa excludes Nigeria from new visa waiver policy P26

Insurance

N22bn entitlements: Nigeria Airways pensioners set for fresh verification

P28 Equity & Capital Market

STI shore up share capital to N10bn

P30 Money Market

Nigeria’s foreign reserves down $3.48bn

P31

Cont’d on Page 19

Stock Market Highlights As At 24th SEPTEMBER, 2018

Summary

ASI DEALS VOLUME VALUE EQUITY CAP BOND CAP ETF CAP S/N

32,436.86 2,873.00 186,575,787.00 N3,292,482,246.70 N11,841,958,385,500.33 N10,376,642,857,506.80 N5,970,919,445.47

Coy (By Volume)

GUARANTY TRANSCORP UBA FIDELITYBK DIAMONDBNK

66,986,702 15,725,900 10,421,442 9,636,649 6,638,627

Value(N) N2,349,095,298.80 N19,028,152.15 N84,905,565.30 N15,794,934.46 N7,826,839.04

5 Top Gainers

Symbols Last Close UNILEVER N43 GUARANTY N34.7 ZENITHBANK N20.8 PZ N13.35 BERGER N6.9

Current Change %Change N45 2 4.65% N35.25 0.55 1.59% N21 0.2 0.96% N13.5 0.15 1.12% N7 0.1 1.45%

Five Tope Losers OKOMUOIL NB FO CAP UACN

N77 N93 N21.5 N28.35 N11.8

N70.1 N90 N20.05 N27.2 N10.75

-6.9 -3 -1.45 -1.15 -1.05

-8.96% -3.23% -6.74% -4.06% -8.90%

18

The Oracle Today Wednesday October 10, 2018

BUSINESS

Fidelity Bank: Okonkwo assures improved ROI in 2018 Story by VICTOR NZE

F

IDELITY Bank Plc’s Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Nnamdi Okonkwo has assured the investors and analysts’ community that the top Nigerian lender will deliver better returns on investment (ROI) in the 2018 financial year.

Speaking in Lagos, Friday during the Half Year Investors and Analyst Conference Call, Okonkwo said the bank will maintain the disciplined approach to the execution of the medium term strategic initiatives that have sustained the bank’s strong performance in recent years. “From what we have seen so far and going by our half year results, we are staying with our guidance for the full year,” said Okonkwo.

The engagement with investors and analysts follows on the heels of the recently released H1 2018 results which saw the Bank record doubledigit growth in key revenue lines and achieving significant traction in its chosen business segments.

Gross profits rose by 27.3 to close at N13bn whilst Profit After Tax (PAT) grew by 31 percent to close at N11.8 billion from N9.03 billion recorded in 2017, a performance that Okonkwo attributed to the “disciplined approach in managing the balance sheet growth of the bank, it’s strategic cost containment initiatives; focused attention to chosen business segments and determined execution of its retail and digital banking strategy” The bank’s much awaited HI 2018 results have been positively received by the market. Renaissance Capital said “on a sequential basis, PBT was up

an impressive 61 percent QoQ, largely driven by much stronger income during the quarter. We like the decent 8 percent QoQ (+3 percent YtD) growth in the bank’s loan book, which was largely driven by the manufacturing, general commerce and transport segments. We find this performance impressive in light of the tepid growth in the sector.”

“The bank’s Return On Equity (RoE) of 12.2 percent is the highest it has been since 2008, driven by a combination of higher Return On Asset (RoA) and leverage – leverage of 7.6x in 1H18 compares with 6.9x in FY17, while RoA of 1.6 percent, compares with 1.4 percent, within the same periods. Contributing to this RoE uplift is, of course, the IFRS 9 impact of a lower equity base,” Rencap further stated.

Also, analysts at InvestmentOne pointed out that “the Bank’s efforts at driving its digital banking strategy is paying off, having posted a 30.1 percent year-on-year boost in non-interest income to N14.3 billion in H1 2018” According to them, the growth was driven mainly by a 60.9 percent yearon-year increase in net fees and commission.

“The bank’s digital banking strategy has shown that about 40 percent of its customers have now enrolled on its digital platforms in H1 2018, up 10 percent year-on-year, 80 percent of its total transactions are now done on these platforms. On operations and contact channels, the Bank at the end of Q2 2018 has 4,513 Point of Sale (PoS) terminals, 2 million ATM Cards and 778 Automated Teller Machines (ATMs) and 1.6 million mobile customers” noted the analyst report.

•(From left): Managing Director of Airtel Network Limited, Mr Segun Ogunsanya, presenting the 4G SIM to the Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike during a courtesy visit by the management of Airtel Network Limited to the Government House Port Harcourt, Wednesday.

Trust remains crucial in e-payment – Diamond Bank CEO

M

ANAGING Director of Diamond Bank, Mr Uzoma Dozie, says trust remains an important factor for acceptability of any electronic banking solution.

Dozie told newsmen on Saturday in Lagos that whenever trust was breached, the consequences

Nigeria’s foreign reserves down $3.48b

By KAYODE OGUNWAKLE

N

IGERIA’S foreign reserves continued its daily decline, closing at $44.38 billion on Thursday, September 27, 2018, according to latest data on the central bank’s website at the end of Friday.

The steady decline has remained a source of concern to many analysts, at a time when the price of oil continues on the upswing, even as Brent Crude rose 1.1 percent to $82.28 per barrel at the weekend.

This is coming amid concerns that U.S sanctions on Iranian crude oil exports will result in much tighter physical market conditions once they take effect in November.

While the continued drop represented a decline of $1.457 billion or 3.18 percent Month-to-Date from $45.838 billion on August 31, the nation’s reserves pool has lost all of $3.485 billion, or 7.28 percent from the May 10 peak of $47.865 billion.

On a quarter-to-date basis, foreign reserves fell down $3.407 billion 7.13 percent; just as year-to-date, it remains $5.614 billion or 14.48 percent up from $38.765 billion on December 29, 2017.

Similarly, year-on-year (September 28, 2017), growth remains robust, soaring by $11.951 billion, or 36.85 percent.

Recall that at the end of its twoday meeting last week, Septem-

ber 25, 2018, members of the CBN Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) warned of a possible slip by Nigeria’s economy into recession, unless the steady drop in economic growth for the second consecutive drop is checked.

The seemingly alarmist suggestion may not be unconnected with past warnings about the Federal Government’s continued refusal to “build fiscal buffers against possible oil price shocks in the future,” given “the rise in the monthly distribution of revenues at the FAAC (a meeting of the Federation Account Allocation Committee) portends the danger of the absence of reserve buffers to absorb shocks in the future.”

berth at the moment as the Customs Processing Centre is also under lock and key due to the strike.

Ewnelu said that the situation would end up compounding the already precarious state of the two Lagos ports.

He appealed to the Federal Government and the NLC to save the shipping public more hassles by resolving the crisis on time.

In a related development, residents of Ado Ekiti, Sunday, abandoned church and besieged the various bank galleries in Ado Ekiti, the Ekiti state capital to make withdrawal as the ongoing labour strike enters the fourth day.

News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that there were unusual long queues of customers in virtually all the banks Automated Teller Machines (ATMs).

Most of the banks ATM’s in the city had been emptied by 10am on Sunday, and security men attached to these banks politely turned back customers.

The situation was compounded with few others with some cash inside of their machines giving messages such as “temporarily unable to dispense cash”.

Out of the about 15 bank branches operating in the city, only four were discharging cash when NAN visited.

One of the customers, Mr Kolawole Jinadu said he was shocked to see such an unusual crowd, despite the fact that neither the state nor the Local councils had paid the September salaries.

Another customer, Mrs Olanike Owoade told NAN that attention was shifted to the ATM’s because of the failure of some of the banks to attend to customers since the strike began last Thursday.

Owoade said she had to join the long queue despite health challenges because there were rumours that the banks might fully join the strike on Tuesday.

She said this may not be unconnected with the threats by the

could be severe.

According to him, customers will not trust a system they don’t understand, even as he decried the slow pace in ensuring that everybody in the country had a unique identity number, adding that this had been hindering the growth of financial inclusion in the country.

According to Dozie, Diamond Bank is a digital company and not just a bank.

“We understand that we cannot provide all the services and so, we are always willing to partner with people who can provide those services,” he said.

Dozie said the bank, through its

Credit to corporate sector up in Q3 2018 – CBN

C

ENTRAL Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has disclosed that the availability of credit to the corporate sector increased in third quarter of 2018 and expected to increase in fourth quarter.

CBN said this in its 2018 Third Quarter Credit Conditions Survey Report released by its Statistics

Strike: Cargo congestion looms as seaports remain shut

C

HAIRMAN, Apapa Chapter of National Council of Managing Directors of Licensed Customs Agents (NCMDLCA), Mr. Emeka Ewnelu, has expressed concern over the continued closure of Nigeria seaports due to the ongoing strike.

Ewnelu, also a freight forwarder, said, Sunday, that cargo congestion would worsen at Apapa and the Tin Can ports.

Ewnelu, who spoke in Lagos, said that massive cargo pile-up might be imminent as vessels continued to berth at Nigerian ports in spite of the strike.

“The Lagos ports, accounting for over 85 per cent of container traffic as well as wet and dry bulk cargo, have remain locked.

“The Berthing Committe that holds daily meetings on Monday to Friday to allocate berth space to vessels arriving at the nation’s waters has failed to meet too,’’ the chairman said.

According to him, vessels cannot

Beta Savings Account product, had taken banking to rural communities.

He said that this had brought in those previously excluded into the financial system.

The bank executive said that the bank’s BETA Savings account was safe and convenient and this had encouraged customers to save towards their goal consistently on a daily basis.

“It is mainly targeted at market entrepreneurs/traders, especially women who save regularly, leveraging on the services of “Alaajo” and “Esusu” programmes,” he added.

labour movement in the state to start picketing them as from Tuesday.

“I am here to withdraw the little balance I have in my two accounts before the money in the ATM’s get exhausted. I had spent all I have on my two children who resumed to school for the new academic session which began on Monday.

“But I am now in dilemma as the children have again been turned back home as a result of the strike which came barely three days after the children resumed for the new academic session from the long holiday,” she said.

Some parents also lamented the early truncation of the new academic session, as a result of the strike which came barely three days after schools in the state resumed from nine weeks holiday.

Other parents urged government at all levels to address the workers’ agitation quickly so as to save their children’s future from being negatively affected.

Departed and posted on its Website.

The bank said that this was driven by changing sector-specific risks, favourable economic conditions, improved liquidity conditions, market share objectives and changing appetite for risk.

CBN reported that the prevailing commercial property prices negatively influenced credit availability in the commercial real estate sector in the current quarter.

“The prevailing commercial property prices to positively influence secured lending to Public Non-Financial Corporations (PNFCs) in the current quarter.

Availability of credit increased for all business sizes in third quarter 2018. Lenders expect the same trend in the next quarter,” the bank said.

It added that spreads between bank rates and MPR on approved new loan applications for all business sizes narrowed in third quarter 2018, but were expected to widen for all business sizes in fourth quarter of 2018.

“The proportion of loan applications approved for all business sizes increased in the current quarter, and are expected to further increase in fourth quarter 2018. Lenders required stronger loan covenants from all firm sized businesses in the current and next quarter, ” he said.

19

The Oracle Today Wednesday October 10, 2018

BUSINESS

Halliburton launches novel wireline logging sensor

M

ULTINATIONAL oilfield service provider, Halliburton, has launched the Xaminer Magnetic Resonance (XMR) service to enhance understanding of reservoir properties.

The company stated that the XMR would be the only high pressure rated (35,000 psi) downhole sensor that provides comprehensive nuclear magnetic resonance measurements to improve reservoir insight.

Vice President of Wireline and Perforating, Trey Clark, said, “We designed the XMR service to help operators acquire more accurate well data to better evaluate production potential and increase the return on their investment. It can be deployed in mature fields, deepwater and unconventional reservoirs to provide superior formation resolution and help reduce

field risks.”

“Operators evaluating carbonate reservoirs for bypassed oil often observe unrecoverable reserves.

An operator in west Texas used the XMR service to evaluate and confirm the presence of unrecoverable oil and avoided lost rig time trying to produce it. The data also validated reservoir zones that only produce saline water preventing costly production testing of these non-productive.”

According to a statement from the American company, the XMR service is the most advanced sensor that delivers more detailed formation data including 2D and 3D fluid characterization, carbonate pore-size classification, unconventional analysis and permeability.

The service, it says, can acquire approximately eight times more data with less than half the power

of traditional sensors. It also can be deployed in nearly every open hole logging environment. XMR helps reduce an operator’s capital expenditures by eliminating the need for multiple sensors.

According to the statement, XMR

acquires reservoir information in a single pass to increase reliability and improve data quality.

“One of the significant advantages of the sensor is its ability to log up and down a well. Operators can

retrieve multiple logging passes in one trip which is critical in poor hole conditions. The data fits seamlessly into advanced integrated analysis platforms such as ShaleXpert, TurbiditeXpert, CarbondateXpert and TightGasXpert services.

SAA upbeat on breaking even in 2021

S

OUTH African Airways (SAA) has declared confidence with its turnaround strategy which, according to the airline, showed positive performance in the first quarter of the year, just as it insisted that it will file for bankruptcy in the face challenging and lingering operational environment.

This is also as the airline maintained that it will eventually break even in 2021, adding that until then ‘our costs will remain higher than our revenue until we reach the breakeven point.’

An online statement issued by its Group Corporate Affairs desk, Friday, further assured that it currently has access to financial facilities to support its working capital requirements.

“Our turnaround strategy is on track with quarter one results

showing that the company is ahead of the plan in its trading performance.

“We have always maintained that it will take us until 2021 to break even. This means that our costs will remain higher than our revenue until we reach the breakeven point. We continue to implement initiatives to drive costs down and improve revenue as part of the turnaround strategy. The quarter one results, reflect the Board and management’s commitment to turn the airline around despite the challenges.

“The company currently has access to financial facilities to support its working capital requirements.

The Board and the shareholder are working around the clock to find a lasting financial solution to the company’s capital requirements.”

•(From right): Director General, Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority, (NCAA), Capt. Usman Murthar, General Manager, Public Affairs, Mr. Sam Adurogboye and Director of Finance & Account, Hajia Bilikisu Sani during the D/G’s Parley with Information Managers in Aviation with Aviation Journalists at NCAA Annex, Murtala Mohammed International Airport, Ikeja, Lagos.

Schlumberger introduces HyperBlade drill bit

A

UNIT of Schlumberger, Smith Bits, has announced introduction of hyperbolic diamond element bit, the HyperBlade, which according to the company reduces drilling costs by improving the rate of penetration (ROP).

According to a statement by the company, the HyperBlade improves penetration rate while maintaining steering response and directional tracking in soft and plastic rock formations.

“The HyperBlade bit expands our three-dimensional cutting

Uncertainty trails Oct.1 deadline, as insurers plead for extension •Cont’d from Pg 17

low valuation is a possible trigger for aggressive mergers and acquisitions as low-capitalised companies may find it difficult to raise required capital in the event of massive capital raising exercise by many companies.

“If a company is struggling to meet shareholders’ expectation, such a company is a target for acquisition. Strategic investors usually look for low valuations and synergies and for a company under pressure of minimum capital requirement, the market valuation may play a big role in the negotiation,” Oni said.

He noted that one of the immediate expectations from the implementation of the new tier-based capital by the National Insurance Commission (NAICOM) is mergers and acquisitions, which may lead to historic consolidation of the insurance sector.

Citing the example of the Nigerian banking industry, Mr Oni said consolidation, though somewhat a bitter pill may be the much-needed tonic to boost investors and customers’ confidence in the sector, adding that capitalisation is a major requirement for global competitiveness.

“Investors’ confidence in the insurance sector is low, so there is the need for a turnaround of the sector. Consolidation may lead to

such turnaround. However, the current low valuations also present good opportunities for discerning investors who can see into the future, who know that Nigeria as a growing country cannot exist without a viable insurance sector, to take positions ahead of the repositioning of the sector,” Oni said.

Most of the insurance companies are trading below their 50 kobo nominal value. Investment experts agreed that boards of insurance companies may find it difficult a decision to offer shares below nominal value.

In the face of this emerging scenario, industry investors have called on the National Insurance Commission (NAICOM) for extension.

They posited that NAICOM should be seen to be supportive of the growth of the Industry as a regulator, saying the commission’s recent actions were not indicative of an interest to see the Industry grow.

President of Greenish Shareholders’ Association, Pastor Williams Adebayo, said the commission’s TBMSC is good except that it was evolved at the wrong time. ”The regulator pushed out right polices for insurance industry; however, I plead with the commission to extend the deadline till after 2019 election. After the elections, the companies would have ascertained the economy’s direction

and would be comfortable to raise funds if they deem it fit.”

President, Constance Shareholders Association of Nigeria (CSAN), Alhaji Shehu Mikahil, urged NAICOM to review the deadline to enable the management of the companies to brainstorm on the perfect Tier-Based they fit in.

He stressed that the unfavourable economy had prevented many insurance companies from paying dividends to investors in the last five years.

“So the investors may not be buoyant enough; in view of this, we pleaded with the commission to extend the deadline.” he said.

On his part, Deacon Tom Ogboi, a retired director in Unic Insurance, said the commission should be seen to be supportive of the growth of the industry that it regulated “The commission’s recent actions are not indicative of an interest to see the Industry grow while this may be their intention. The timing for the new TBMSC is not right and that it is adversarial of majority of the industry.

“For Shareholders, their investments have lost value by N15 billion in the past four weeks as reported in the press. The Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) recently said that the economy is still very fragile and that the fundamentals are not there.

“Members of the Manufactures Association of Nigeria (MAN), who are the major customers of the industry, said manufacturers are still in recession and have lost a lot of value. It is advisable to say that timing and due process are necessary for these initiatives to make the desired impact.”

Similarly, the Association of Registered Insurance Agents of Nigeria (ARIAN), in a statement, called on NAICOM to extend the deadline and include stakeholders’ input in the new initiative.

President of ARIAN, Ademola Ifagbayi, who spoke on the sidelines of a press briefing organised by the association, in Lagos, said such extension would create more time for underwriters to explore the best option to recapitalise.

“ARIAN is in total support of NAICOM on the new tier based insurance recapitalisation exercise.

However, we will like to appeal to NAICOM to consider the position of Nigerian Insurers Association (NIA), to make the process easy and convenient for all stakeholders,” he said.

Ifagbayi, who is also a General Manager at Mutual Benefits Assurance Plc, said insurance agents are partners in progress and will always support any development aimed at deepening insurance penetration, acceptability, profitability and contributions to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of the country.

elements bit portfolio and addresses operational challenges by reducing drilling time and eliminating unnecessary bit trips,” said Kristi Vilay, president, Bits & Drilling Tools, Schlumberger.

“With the introduction of this new technology, operators can improve ROP and achieve further gains in drilling efficiency,” he added.

The new technology incorporates the distinctive geometry of Hyper hyperbolic diamond cutting elements that cut 20% deeper into rock compared with conventional polycrystalline diamond compact (PDC) cutters.

A thicker, precision-molded diamond table makes the Hyper element tougher and more durable for drilling soft and plastic rock formations, while armored cutting edges withstand high-impact transitions.

Additionally, bit balling is mitigated by the chip-breaking profile at the center of the element, which improves cuttings removal during drilling. With the combination of these features, the HyperBlade bit maintains steerability and directional tracking, and increases average ROP by more than 20% compared with conventional PDC cutters.

The HyperBlade bit has undergone extensive field testing in North America, specifically in the Denver-Julesburg and Appalachian Basins. In the Marcellus Formation in northern Pennsylvania, the HyperBlade bit drilled an 8 ½-in section with a measured depth of 6,891 ft in 16.6 drilling hours.

The operator achieved an onbottom ROP of 415 ft/h, resulting in a 62% improvement compared with offset runs using conventional PDC bits.

20

The Oracle Today Wednesday October 10, 2018

ENERGY

By SOPURUCHI ONWUKA

M

YRIAD of industrial crises that beset oil service companies at the beginning of the year has spread across the full national workforce, shuttering public service institutions, stalling transactions, crippling businesses and inflicting economic losses across the full spectrum of the national economy.

Although government and labour unions agree to meet on Thursday to agree on national minimum wage, some of the demands in the petroleum industry are more fundamental. Workers’ unions in the oil and gas industry make demands that range from freedom to unionise, contract uniformity and abolishment of casual staffing. There are also cases of stiff resistance to labour rationalization.

Anger in the petroleum industry sparked off early March when the two sister unions in the sector, the white collar Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) and blue jacket National Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG), jointly launched a string of attacks on fledgling indigenous oil service firms over staff benefits.

It would be recalled that leaders of PENGASSAN have since last year embarked on relentless picketing of oil service companies in Port Harcourt, causing some of them to shut down, relocate from the country or suspend operations. Most of the oil companies under attack have lost several contracts, missed delivery times or defaulted in commitments to financial services providers as labour induced downtimes lingered.

Both President of PENGASSAN, Comrade Francis Johnson, and General Secretary, Comrade Lumumba Okugbawa, have consistently declined media calls on the crisis; but issued a statement in which, among other things, they deplored “antiunion posture by indigenous companies and marginal field operators, and therefore resolved to resist any management that infringes on the workers’ Rights to Freedom of Association and Lawful Assembly.”

The statement also has it that “The PENGASSAN condemned the excessive use of force by security agencies against our armless members during picketing and other legitimate industrial actions, calling on the Army and the Police to call men and officers to order and refrain from harassing innocent and armless workers, especially PENGASSAN members.”

The attacks which received coordinated response from the Petroleum Technology Association of Nigeria (PETAN) rapidly spread to other some international oil service companies and much later to multinational exploration and production companies.

The March picketing on indigenous oil service companies had threatened over 100,000 local jobs as most of the companies were totally shut down while others considered massive staff change out to evolve a new labour culture in their operations.

Enquiries by The Oracle Today showed that several thousand jobs were on the line as the confrontation between workers unions and service firms entered attrition stage after PENGASSAN raided several oil service firms in Port Harcourt.

One of the companies picketed by PENGASSAN, Ciscon Nigeria Limited, has since suspended its Nigerian business operations and stepped up activities in the United States of America where, according to the company’s Managing Director, Mr. Shawley Coker, workers are more

Labour crises transcend oil and gas sector

diligent and less disruptive.

Later in July, same unions shut down the corporate office of ExxonMobil affiliates in Nigeria over disputes about staff disengagement, but inferences were high that the issues went beyond just disengagement benefits to drum at more fundamental issues of job security.

Whereas the corporate spokesman of ExxonMobil, Mr. Oge Udeagha, stressed that the company was grateful to and ready to discharge its full responsibility to employees that served out their contracts; Chairman of ExxonMobil Branch of PENGASSAN, Mr Rasak Obe, pointed at the Nigerian Content law and its application to security of job for indigenous employees of the company.

And just as ExxonMobil resumed activities at its Lagos corporate domain, anger went up in Chevron Nigeria Limited where PENGASSAN has declared fight against the management over termination of M-15 and H-15 contracts, which the union said would entail sacking of hundreds of workers.

A statement signed by General Secretaries of both PENGASSAN and NUPENG, Messrs Lumumba Okugbawa and Adamu Song respectively, the unions accused Chevron of “anti-labour practices that are injurious to Nigerian workers,” and urged the company to roil over the contacts of the existing workers.

The Oracle Today gathered that service contracts between Chevron and third party workforce providers will run out of tenure by the end of the month, sparking fears among affected workers that they might not make it in the next selection process if the existing tenure is not extended.

Chevron said the process for new contracts have already been activated with the full support of the National Petroleum Investment Management /service (NAPIMS) of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) and in accordance with the open tender process.

General Manager, Policy, Government and Public Affairs, Esimaje Brikinn, stated that expiring contracts would be replaced with new services contracts.

Meanwhile, the agitation in the petroleum industry might have escalated to full scale national protest for new minimum wage by all workers in the country. All pointers show that there is acute liquidity crisis in the economy, translating to weakening purchasing power in the

•From left: GMD NNPC, Dr. Maikanti Baru; Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Dr. Ibe Kachikwu; Minister of Labour and Productivity, Senator Chris Ngige; and SSA to the President on National Assembly liaison, Senator Ita Enag; during an engagement with the legislators on labour crisis.

middle class, widespread hunger, budget deficits and massive government borrowing.

Actually, the labour protests in the petroleum industry are major indicators of the state of affairs in the industry where operators are smarting from oil price shock which is also responsible for Nigeria’s economic recession of 2016 from which the country is still struggling to extricate.

Following the acute plunge in oil prices in 2016, government and oil producing companies had embraced cost efficiency which targeted the rate of oil service companies. Consequently, oil service contracts with mainly indigenous companies were renegotiated downwards to reduce production cost.

Besides, inability of government to meet its cash call obligation to joint venture partners triggered debt overhang in the full production chain as operators also owed oil service companies and subsequently weakened their capacity to meet workers demand for enhanced benefits.

Chairman of PETAN, Mr. Bak-Antony Okoroafor, who spoke on the downturn in the fortunes of the indigenous companies, pointed at the debt relay in the industry.

“It is difficult times for the oil firms, not just the service firms but also oil firms that are facing the headwinds in the oil market. Some of them are finding it difficult to pay

“

Meanwhile, the agitation in the petroleum industry might have escalated to full scale national protest for new minimum wage by all workers in the country. All pointers show that there is acute liquidity crisis in the economy, translating to weakening purchasing power in the middle class, widespread hunger, budget deficits and massive government borrowing

for jobs delivered by service firms.

So, they owe us. We don’t go to war with them because we know what the industry is passing through.

“Most of the contracting firms are owed. So, they are justifiably in debt, and the banks are chasing them. And you go and shut them down because you want to unionize. That is insensitivity! Now, if these fledgling firms go down completely where will your members work? The biggest losers would be the workers PENGASSAN pretends to be fighting for,” Mr. Okoroafor pointed out.

In talking to members of his group, Mr. Okoroafor advised them to create internal communications channels that would enable workers at all levels understand the business dynamics and state of affairs in the industry at all times.

Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Dr. IbeKachikwu, who had earlier decried the regular labour crisis in the industry as very disruptive to government’s economic growth polices also pointed out that the current crisis works against one of the key Nigerian Content policy targets to generate employment for hundreds of thousand students pumped out from universities yearly.

He faulted picketing as a key obstacle to government’s policy on ease of doing business driven by Vice President Yomi Osinbajo.

Foreign investors that attended the launch of the Ease of Doing Business programme had pointed at frequent labour crises as key concern in taking investment decision for Nigeria.

Dr. Kachikwu added that the service sector of the petroleum industry forms part of the key segments that underpin government’s Economic Recovery and Growth Programme (ERGP).

He admitted that low activity cycle affected the financial capacity of most service companies in the country, adding that labour leaders should situate the prevailing crisis in the industry in the context of the current economic condition of the country and close ranks with investors to move the sector up from the doldrums.

The minister said government was working to attract over $100 billion worth of investments to keep the industry vibrant in the short to medium term.

In his anniversary goodwill message to petroleum industry workers on Monday, The Group Managing Director of NNPC, Dr. Maikanti Baru, urged oil workers to sustain industrial harmonyin the sector.

The corporation’s spokesman, Mr. Ndu Ughamadu, quoted Dr. Baru as saying that the oil and gas sector plays major role in government’s efforts to drive the economy towards sustainable development.

He reminded oil workers of their duty to ensure that the nation does not slip back to economic recession.

He urged the two sister unions in the industry to handle critical issues with maturity, and asked them to approach the corporation in resolving labour issues in the industry.

Outside the petroleum industry, General Secretary of the Nigerian Labor Congress (NLC), Comrade Peter Ozo-Eson, , told agency sources that workers would resume strike if Thursday’s meeting with government’s representatives failed to address their demand for N50,000 minimum wage.

It would be recalled that warning strike grounded socio-economic activities across the nation last week when NLC declared strike to demand for the new minimum wage.

The warning strike forced government to engage the union in the Presidential Villa, Abuja, to initiate dialogue on the matter.

The demands for job security, better working conditions and higher wage for key index of the nation’s economic direction which, according to many analysts, is headed back to another recession if potent strategies are not urgently deployed to arrest the development.

Visiting British Prime Minister, Mrs. Theresa May, had decried pervasive hunger in the country: World Bank and International Monetary Fund (IMF) also cautioned Nigeria against the ongoing massive borrowing spree and piling debts as guarantees of long term economic gloom: several analysts’ predictions, including the recent HSBC report on the Nigerian economy pointed at the worsening economic conditions of the country and consequent impact on citizens.

Whereas government continues to attack the reports, the key figures and indices used in all the reports are sourced from government’s data.

And the rising spate of industrial disputes appears to be direct outcome of harsh impacts of rapid economic contraction.

21

The Oracle Today Wednesday October 10, 2018

ENERGY

FG negotiating terms for $10b gas project loans Stories by SOPURUCHI ONWUKA

G

OVERNMENT has declared progress in about $10 billion 0r N3.6 trillion funding arrangements for domestic and export gas projects in the country, saying terms for the credit facilities under bilateral economic cooperation and money market lending would soon be concluded.

Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) which disclosed the development in a statement said the funding arrangements wrapped in two different models would drive internal gas pipeline grid infrastructure and expansion liquefaction capacity for export.

Group Managing Director, Dr. Maikanti Baru, whose presentation was delivered at a conference in Barcelona, Spain, stated that both internal gas grid development and liquefaction projects are critical to government’s economic recovery and growth agenda, adding that separate funding arrangements for both projects have been advanced by stakeholders.

The Oracle Today reports that NNPC holds overriding 49 percent stake in Shell operated Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas (NLNG) Company Limited which is shopping some $7.0 billion or N2.52 trillion to build its seventh processing plant.

The corporation is also working with both foreign and local partners in development of the 614 kilometer Ajaokuta-Kaduna-Kano (AKK) pipeline as part of expansion project for the nation’s internal gas grid infrastructure currently scheduled for commissioning in 2020.

NNPC stated that the financing for the 40-inch diameter AKK gas pipeline described as the single biggest gas conduit project in the history of Nigeria is expected to cost about $2.8 billion or N1.008 trillion.

The corporation said 85 percent of the of the project funds totalling some N856.8 billion is expected to be provided by the financiers comprising Industrial and Commercial Bank of China (ICBC), Bank of China, and Infrastructure Bank of China.

Remaining 15 percent of the funding translating to N151.2 billion is to be provided by the contractors which include Oilserv/Oando consortium and Brentex/China Petroleum Pipeline (CPP) Bureau consortium.

China’s Export Credit Agency (ECA), Sinosure, is also to provide insurance cover for the AKK project.

Dr. Baru disclosed that funding arrangements with Chinese agencies and firms for the project were part of the Nigerian delegation led

by President Muhammadu Buhari to Beijing, China.

Dr. Baru, said the corporation was working with the Chinese credit agencies on the terms of funding and the best payback structure for the project.

The AKK pipeline would enable gas supply from the East to key commercial centre in the northern Nigeria with target to enhance investments in power generation and industrial production.

“Once you have the whole nation covered with a gas grid, industries will naturally spring up along the way and litter the entire country. That is our target in the long run,” Dr. Baru noted.

On the seventh train of the NLNG, shareholders including NNPC, Shell, Total and Eni would shop about $7.0 billion with which to expand capacity by additional 8.0 million tons per annum (mtpa) of liquefied natural gas.

The shareholders had early august in London awarded front end engineering design (FEED) contracts to two world class engineering consortia to provide project clarity. They also marked the exit of initial $5.45 billion loan taken to finance development of the first trains of the company.

The FEED contracts were awarded to two consortia of six companies. The first of them, the B7 JV Consortium, comprises KBR of the United States, Technip of France and Japanese Gas Company (JGC) of Japan. The second, named SCD JV Consortium comprises Saipem of Italy, Schroeder of Germany and Daewoo of South Korea.

Oilserv in JV with GE Petrol

L

EADING Nigerian integrated energy group, Oilserv Limited, has entered into a joint venture (JV) agreement with Equatorial Guinea’s state-run oil and gas firm GEPetrol.

The joint venture agreement which resulted in the formation of Oilserv Equatorial Guinea would assist the Nigerian company expand its footprint in the industry..

Chairman /Group CEO of Oilserv Group, Engr. Emeka Okwuosa said, “As the clear leader in the industry today in Nigeria, we are always looking at innovative approaches to expand our business. This JV offers Oilserv Limited a strategic foothold in one of the world’s fastest-growing economy and the third largest oil producing country in sub-Saharan Africa.”

“The joint venture partnership will benefit immensely from our experience and capabilities in navigating local terrains, customs, others and would create more value for the government and people of Equatorial Guinea,” DirectorGeneral/CEO of GEPetrol, Antonio

Oburu Ondo said at the signing of the agreement.

“I am delighted to welcome yet another global brand to GEPetrol, especially a respected and recognized name in the Nigerian Oil and Gas industry. This new partnership is a testament of the government continuous efforts in encouraging private sector participation with greater economic liberalization policies and the creation of favorable investment climate and enabling framework,” Ondo added.

The contract sums were not disclosed but the FEED contract forms the initial race for the bigger package Engineering, Procurement and Construction (EPC) contract.

The FEED contracts, subsequent EPIC contract and successful project financing are crucial for the company’s planed Final Investment Decision (FID) on Train-7 later in the year.

Overall project objective is to grow capacity from current 22 mtpa to 30 mtpa at commissioning.

Managing Director of NLNG, Mr. Tony Attah, stated in London that the company has over the decades raised funds for its projects, from a combination of Shareholders loans, internally generated revenue and third party loans.

He specified that the company

would borrow about $7.0 billion or N2.52 trillion to cover construction of Train-7 and investment in the upstream gas sector to ensure the sustainability of feedgas supply to existing Trains 1, 2,3 ,4, 5 and 6; as well as feedgas for the new Train-7.

Mr. Attah declared that NLNG has monetised over 5.96 Trillion cubic feet (Tcf) of Associated Gas (AG) which would have otherwise been flared to help build a better Nigeria.

Established in 1989 to harness Nigeria’s vast natural gas resources and produce liquefied natural gas (LNG) and natural gas liquids (NGLs) for export, the NLNG is owned by the NNPC with 49 percent equity, Shell with 25.6 operating interest, Total with 15 percent

non operating stake and Eni with 10.4 financial interest.

NLNG currently has six trains in operation, while the FID on its Train 7 is expected to be taken in December 2018, to increase the company’s production capacity from 22 mtpa to 30 mtpa.

Dr. Baru, who said the corporation had been looking forward to the FID on Train 7 in the last ten years, stated that government would support the various shareholders towards the NLNG-7 project.

He also stated that Nigeria is looking at other ways of commercializing its enormous gas resources through production of fertilizer, petrochemical and other gas-based products.

•GMD NNPC, Dr Maikanti Baru in a handshake with the Assistant President/Board member of the China National Petroleum Corporation (CNPC), Mr. Wang Shihong during a meeting between the management of the two corporations in Beijing, China.

Vocational Training Programme not employment process – Chevron

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HEVRON Nigeria Limited has declared that it would continue to offer employment to credible applicants when vacancies are declared, stressing that its vocational training programme is not designed to employ beneficiaries.

The company’s General Manager in charge of Policy, Government and Public Affairs, Mr. Esimeje Birikin, said whereas the beneficiaries of the vocational training programme could take internship opportunities in Chevron locations, the programme is never intended to be an employment process into the company.

He also said Chevron would not discriminate against any qualified candidate when opportunities for employment become available.

Chevron Nigeria Limited (CNL) operates oil and gas exploration and production joint venture with the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC). It also operates other production agreements with the corporation in the deepwater locations offshore Niger Delta.

Mr. Birikin stated that Chevron is an equal opportunities employer and does not undertake employment decisions on the basis of race, gender, religion, color, age, ethnicity, disability etc.

Employment into the company is dependent on organizational requirements and business needs.

“CNL’s sponsorship of the Vocational Training Programme (VTP) was a corporate social responsibility initiative intended to help build

the skills and capacity of the VTP trainees from the local communities in various areas of oil and gas operations. Trainees spend a portion of their time in this programme attached to a CNL facility.

“The technical skills that the VTP trainees are equipped with, are transferrable and therefore the trainees are capable of contributing to the oil and gas industry and various other sectors of the Nigerian economy.

“Several of the VTP trainees have been able to get employment within the oil and gas industry. The VTP was never and is still not intended to serve as a pathway to employment in CNL for the VTP trainees. CNL never made any commitment in this regard to the VTP trainees.”

the Republic of South Sudan.

Oranto signed its EPSA with the Ministry of Petroleum in March 2017, committing to the development of the 24,415-square kilometer acreage. Following a competitive tender process, geophysical specialist BGP was selected to perform an airborne gravity and magnetic survey of the contract area, Block B3.

Oranto completed data acquisition on Block B3 in the second quarter of 2017 and is currently in the data interpretation stage. The block

is believed to be highly prospective, with productive parts of the Muglad Basin to the northwest and estimated reserves in place of more than 3 billion barrels of oil.

Founder and Executive Chairman of Oranto Petroleum, Prince Arthur Eze, stated that “The construction of these two schools is a reflection of Oranto’s engagement to invest in social infrastructure in all areas where we operate in Africa.”

According to him, the construction of the schools was additional boost

to resource value for South Sudan people. He added that Oranto made the gesture against the backdrop of the various peace initiatives being embarked upon by the government of South Sudan.

“Oil has to benefit all citizens and education is key to development.

We are only going to see true peace and development in Africa when we leave no child behind and continue to invest in our human resources. I am thankful that I have been blessed and I have a chance to bless others,” stated.

Oranto spends $.8m in South Sudan school infrastructure

O

RANTO Petroleum says it has awarded contract for the construction of two primary schools in Yirol and Rumbek, two communities located in central South Sudan and northwest of Juba, the country’s capital.

Estimated at over $800,000, the project will be executed by local construction company Dynamic Supplies and Construction Limited, in line with Oranto’s policy to significantly engage local human and material resources in all its activities in

22

The Oracle Today Wednesday October 10, 2018

e-Platform

Nigeria needs 80, 000 BTS to grow capacity for service delivery – NCC Stories by VICTOR NZE

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ANAGER, Technical Standards and Network Integrity, Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Dr Lawal Bello,) said the country required more investment in infrastructure to be able to provide optimum services to the growing telecoms subscribers in the country.

Bello who stated this, Friday in Lokoja, the Kogi State capital, said that Nigeria required about 80,000 Base Transceiver Stations (BTS) to enhance its capacity for quality service delivery.

He said the country currently had about 50,000 BTS, and that the rate at which telecoms infrastructure were being vandalised across the country had greatly affected the quality of service in the telecoms sector.

On deployment of fibre cable for broadband access, he said the country currently had about 38,000 kilometers of fibre cable but required 120,000 kilometers for good broadband access.

Bello, therefore, said the protection of telecoms equipment and infrastructure should not be seen as the responsibility of NCC and security agencies but the responsibility of all patriotic citizens.

He said it was against this backdrop that the NCC recently organised a sensitisation workshop

on the Protection of Telecom Infrastructure in Lokoja to interface with stakeholders.

Telecoms: Nigeria needs more investment in infrastructure for optimum services – NCC Lokoja, Sept. 28, 2018 (NAN) Dr Lawal Bello, Manager, Technical Standards and Network Integrity, Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) said the country required more investment in infrastructure to be able to provide optimum services to the growing telecoms subscribers in the country.

Bello told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Friday in Lokoja that Nigeria required about 80,000 Base Transceiver Stations (BTS) to enhance its capacity for quality service delivery.

He said the country currently had about 50,000 BTS, and that the rate at which telecoms infrastructure were being vandalised across the country had greatly affected the quality of service in the telecoms sector.

On deployment of fibre cable for broadband access, he said the country currently had about 38,000 kilometers of fibre cable but required 120,000 kilometers for good broadband access.

Bello, therefore, said the protection of telecoms equipment and infrastructure should not be seen as the responsibility of NCC and security agencies but the responsibility of all patriotic citi-

NCC to penalise vendors of non-approved communication equipment

A

NY corporate entity found selling or installing communications equipment without obtaining the Nigeria Communications Commission (NCC) type approval test certificate would be liable to a fine of N100,000 or one-year imprisonment, an official warned.

Head, Wireless Network, Nigeria Communications Commission (NCC) Mr Chukwuma Nwaiwu gave the warning in Lagos, Tuesday during the inauguration of the 1st Type Approval Industry Working Group Meeting.

Nwaiwu explained that the type approval also known as equipment authorisation was an approval given to both radio and non-radio devices, which would be interfaced with the Nigerian communications network.

He said that type approval was a necessity which would ensure safety of the public from dangerous equipment and facilitate quality service.

“Type approval would also protect public telecommunication networks and ensure compatibility, interoperability of the equipment connected to the national networks, ‘’ Nwaiwu said.

He noted that the categories of equipment required for type approval were spectrum dependent equipment, non-radio dependent devices, short range devices, terminal devices and Internet of Things (IoTs).

Also speaking, Mr Bako Wakil, Head, Technical Standards and Network Integrity Department, NCC, said that selling of non-type approval or counterfeit mobile devices posed a major threat to the growth of the economy.

He said that counterfeit equipment had trademark logo of the original brand and its form factor “but they don’t have the intrinsic quality of the original device’’.

Wakil said that counterfeiting would lead to inadequate taxation and threat on the green environment.

“Counterfeiting will expose consumers to health and safety risks, lack of warranties and violation of consumers’ rights. It will cause reduced incentive on innovation, drop in the level of Foreign Direct Investment and growth of the economy.

“Counterfeiting will also have economic impact on the rights of holders, prices, brand value, reputation, costs and scope of operations. It will lead to unfair competition as consumers will buy counterfeit goods, perceiving such goods as inexpensive.

zens.

He said it was against this backdrop that the NCC recently organised a sensitisation workshop on the Protection of Telecom Infrastructure in Lokoja to interface with stakeholders.

Also speaking, Mrs Helen Obi, Head of Zonal Operations, NCC, dismissed concerns of likely negative health implications of Electric and Magnetic Fields (EMF) radiation emanating from telecoms masts.

She said telecoms iron masts

do not emit harmful radiation and urged communities to help protect the infrastructure in their domains to enhance delivery of quality service.

Obi said the recent workshop in Lokoja was to enlighten the public to know that they collectively owned public infrastructure and the need to protect them.

She added that it would also help the stakeholders to reach an understanding towards putting into proper perspective the concerns often expressed by the

•Alternative Director, UP (Unified Payment)/Executive Director, Fidelity Bank, Nneka Onyeali-Ikpe (left); Alternative Chairman, UP (Unified Payment)/Executive Director, Access Bank Plc, Victor Etuokwu; Managing Director/ Chief Executive Officer, UP, Agada Apochi; and Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, FCMB, Adam Nuru, at the launch of the American Express Card (AMEX) in Nigeria by UP held in Lagos, Friday.

Airtel flags-off 4G LTE in P/Harcourt

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ANAGEMENT of Airtel Nigeria has assured Nigerians of its commitment to create more entrepreneurs and “connect more people with their dreams’’ in the country.

Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director of Airtel Nigeria, Mr Segun Ogunsanya, gave the assurance at the flag-off Airtel’s 4G LTE in Port Harcourt on Thursday.

According to him, Airtel which rolled out the product in February 2018 is also determined to maintain its position as “the largest and the fastest of the 4G network in Nigeria’’.

Ogunsanya, who also described his organisation as the most modern communication network in

Nigeria, said he was proud that the network “works all the time’’.

He also noted that the deployment of 4G in Port Harcourt was a testimony of the telecommunication company’s commitment to partner and empower the good people of Rivers.

“4G comes with tons of benefits: it will accelerate economic and commercial activities; it will boost personal and professional productivity; it will help in creating more entrepreneurs.

“It will offer the youth a big leverage to express their creativity and talent; it will improve the overall quality of life and connect more people to their dreams.

“With 4G, Airtel will also power

Zenith Bank flags-off constructions of N500m ICT centre

Z

ENITH Bank Plc has commenced the construction of a N500 million Information Communication Technology Centre (ICT) in Minna as part of its Corporate Social Responsibility in the Niger.

State Governor, Abubakar Bello, who laid the foundation for the centre on Thursday, said that the facility would aid people access information with ease.

He said that the ICT centre would complement government efforts and build the capacity of the people of the state particularly the youths in the area of technology.

“It is an important project that will impact positively in the lives

public about telecoms infrastructure and services.

“It is instructive to note that the advent of GSM has re-engineered our economy and social wellbeing, but these facilities have been target of vandalism, theft and hostility from some host communities.

“It is, therefore, imperative for the public to regard telecom facilities as ‘collectively own infrastructure’ essential for the provision of efficient and acceptable quality service,” Obi said.

of our people particularly now that everything has gone digital and the world has become a global village,” he said.

Bello commended the bank for the project and assured of government continuous support to its operations in the state.

He urged other corporate organisations to emulate the bank by supporting the state government in building a modern society.

In his address, Alhaji Mohammad Adamu, the state Commissioner of Science and Technology, noted that the centre would create ICT related jobs for the youths and enhance rapid economic growth and development

of the state.

He assured the bank that the centre, when completed and handed over to the ministry, would be adequately utilised and maintained.

Earlier, Mr Anthony Oyewale, Zonal Head of the bank in the North Central zone, said that the centre was part of the corporate social responsibility of the bank to its host community.

He said that the center would enhance knowledge of the people, especially the youths, in the use of modern technology.

“This project will promote and encourage people in our host community and the state to invest in technology,” he said

people, businesses and aid governance through Technology,” he said.

The event was attended by King Dandeson Douglas Jaja, Treaty King Amanyanabo and Natural Ruler of Opobo Kingdom and King Leslie Eke, Eze Gbakagbaka of Evo Kingdom among others.

Ogunsanya had earlier during a visit to the Governor of Rivers State, Nyesom Wike, said Airtel had rolled out its 4G technology in major cities across Nigeria to make the organisation the largest 4G network.

“We bring our 4G Network to you and the people of Rivers State! I make bold to say we have the best and largest 4G Network in Nigeria.

“It is a sign of our regard for and commitment to the government and people of Rivers State that we have chosen this state and indeed this city, as one of the early and biggest beneficiaries of this innovative system of mobile telecommunications.

“We are not resting on our laurels as we are still connecting more cities and towns in Nigeria to our 4G network,’’ he said.

Wike also commended Airtel for its 4G roll out and assured that his administration would continue to provide a conducive environment for investors and corporate organizations.

“We want to partner with you (Airtel) and give you all the necessary support.

“Rivers State abhors multiple taxation and we will do everything to protect investors, corporate organisations and businessmen and women,’’ he said.

23

The Oracle Today Wednesday October 10, 2018

e-Platform

United Payments facilitates use of American Express in Nigeria

U

NIFIED Payments (UP), Nigeria’s premier payments and financial technology company, Friday, announced it is now offering American Express (Amex) Card acceptance to merchants in Nigeria.

This followed the official launch of the launch of Amex in Lagos, at a gathering that attracted operators from the banks, fintech companies, e-service providers, aviation, travels, hospitality, entertainment industries and a host of others.

In demonstration of its crossenterprise alliances and capabilities, UP becomes the first establishment in Nigeria to enable merchants to accept Amex Cards as means of payment for goods and services at merchants’ locations in the country.

Under the terms, UP will accept Amex Cards across its networks, and will be directly responsible for recruiting new merchants to accept the cards, and managing existing relationships.

Speaking on the development, the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, UP, Agada Apochi, said the move is in line with the fintech’s contribution to the ease of doing business in Nigeria, by enabling merchants to grow their businesses by accepting the use of American Express.

Apochi revealed that the agree-

ment with Amex didn’t come cheap, as UP had been in talks with the American card company for nine years, to overcome challenges pushing back the partnership, which included getting Nigeria off the Amex blacklist.

By this breakthrough, he added, Nigeria is now included on the list of acceptance countries on the Amex official website, thereby, adding to Up’s list of many firsts in its 20-year history.

He explained that UP, originally incorporated as SmartCard Nigeria Plc, and later known as ValuCard Nigeria Plc, has come a long away in financial services facilitation, and “prides itself in its mission statement of professionalism, respect, innovation, dependability, and execution.”

Also commenting, Vice President, Bank Partnerships in Africa, Amex, Catherine Malec, said: “We are pleased to launch our first Nigerian acquiring partnership with UP, and look forward to working with UP to help merchants grow their businesses. Nigeria is an important destination for our card members, and this is the latest step in extending the AXP footprint across Africa.”

Meanwhile, the Executive Director, Business Development, Nigeria Inter-Bank Settlement System Plc (NIBSS), Oyeniyi Ajao, decried the low level of payment terminals

Nokia launches ‘dumb phone’ with no internet or touchscreen

P

HONE maker, Nokia is making a comeback in the form of an unexpected ‘dumb phone’ – no touchscreen, no video recorder, no selfie camera or internet access.

The iconic Finnish cell phone brand was acquired by HMD, the new “Home of Nokia Phones”, and looks to rely on nostalgia to win market share.

On Tuesday, HMD announced the release of the Nokia 150 and Nokia 150 Dual SIM, which are expected to feature at a price of around $26 (R355), with a familiar Symbian interface reminiscent of the Nokia devices of the 00’s.

“The new phones – the first Nokia feature phones to be released by HMD – combine beautiful craftsmanship with hallmark Nokia durability,” HMD said in a statement.

“Featuring hard-wearing polycarbonate shells and scratchresistant color, the Nokia 150 phones are built to last,” they went further to say.

The cheap device features a 2.4

inch screen with a built in FM radio, MP3 player and games.

The display has a resolution of 240 x 320 pixels, and what has been hard to say features in a smartphone for decades – “65K colors”.

Fortunately, the device does have one 3 megapixel camera with LED flash and Bluetooth, in an age where smartphones feature 2 or 3 cameras with dual tone flash and Near Field Communication for sharing.

The device features a 1020mAh battery. While only the third of the size of a standard smartphone battery - with lower specifications on the device - battery endurance is boasted at 744 hours on standby.

At a time where bigger smartphones with larger displays are the trend, devices like the 150 make a perfect secondary device if you don’t need to send emails or browse the internet.

Essentially, the 150 is good for making and receiving calls – sending and receiving texts and a camera in case of emergencies.

Facebook rolls out new Messenger UI

B

ACK in May, Facebook announced that it was going to simplify the interface on its Messenger app to fewer tabs so you can simply stay connected. This redesign included a new streamlined interface, a proper dark mode, and remove some of the shortcuts and features that people don’t use.

Earlier today, Android Police reported of a reader who sent in screenshots of the update installed on their mobile. According to this reader, the update came as a server-side change since their Messenger app had not been updated via the Play Store prior to noticing the change.

There are three tabs at the bot-

tom: conversations, contacts, and an explore tab. This is where other unessential features have moved to including businesses and games shortcuts. Otherwise, the chat window has a cleaner interface with simpler shortcut icons all around.

Although there aren’t any darkmode screenshots available from the source, we’re excited to see what it would look like once the update does begin rolling out on a wider scale.

If you get or have already gotten the Messenger update, let us know in the comments and tell us where you’re writing from! Also be sure to tell us on which device you’re seeing the update.

in the country, saying that 2,000 terminals to service a population of almost 200 million is extremely poor.

While commending the board and management of UP for effectiveness and efficiency in the card system as well as facilitating the use of Amex in Nigeria, Ajao charged the fintech to do more, as “there is still a lot of work to do to grow money and expand financial inclusion.”

Noting that there are about

one million points of sale (POS) transactions daily, he charged the e-service provider to up its game and bring other card companies into the country, and commended them for the historic breakthrough with Amex.

Bank executives present, were quick to offer their full support for the distribution of the Amex Card, with the Executive Director, Commercial & Consumer Banking, Fidelity Bank, Mrs Nneka OnyealiIkpe, saying that Amex is a new

dawn for card transactions in Nigeria. Attesting to the efficiency of UP, the Managing Director, First City Monument Bank (FCMB), Adam Nuru, noted that the Nigerian financial ecosystem is full of innovations, while Chuks Nweke, Head of Operations and Information, United Bank for Africa (UBA), revealed that in efforts to be the first to roll out the Amex card, UBA has already directed its team to start working on the project.

The newly-launched Wear OS 2.1 by Google

Security breach affected about 50m accounts – Facebook

F

ACEBOOK said it discovered a security breach earlier this week that affected almost 50 million accounts. The company said it’s investigating the breach, which allowed hackers to take over a person’s account.

The social-media network said in a statement on Friday that it has fixed the vulnerability and told law enforcement authorities about the breach. Shares declined about 3% on the news.

There was a loophole in Facebook’s code for a feature called “View As” that let people see what their account looks like to someone else. The vulnerability allowed people to steal access tokens - digital keys that keep people logged into Facebook so they don’t need to reenter passwords. Once logged in, the attackers could take control.

“This attack exploited the complex interaction of multiple issues in our code. It stemmed from a change we made to our video uploading feature in July 2017, which impacted ‘View As’,” Facebook said. “The attackers not only needed to find this vulnerability and use it to get an access token, they then had to pivot from that account to others to steal more tokens.”

Data is being collected about you constantly. All this personal data is being used to send you advertisements and banners, one would say.

But that is just the start.

User data leaks, security breaches and the spread of misinformation have forced Facebook to confront hostile congressional hearings and uproar from users.

This week’s breach adds to concern that Facebook is collecting too much personal information and not looking after it properly.

Data is the lifeblood of its advertising business, so any limits on its activities that stem from these missteps could crimp the company’s earning power.

While access codes were taken from 50 million accounts in the recent breach, Facebook said it doesn’t know whether any personal information was gathered or

misused from those accounts.

Everyone whose profile used the “View As” tool in the last year will have to log in to Facebook again, and any apps that used Facebook to log in. From there, they’ll be able to see a statement from Facebook explaining what happened. The company estimated that about 90 million people will have to log in again.

MTN Nigeria: Standard Bank gets CBN reprieve

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ENTRAL Bank of Nigeria (CBN) may have now surrendered more ground in its tussle with MTN by giving a reprieve to one of the banks accused of illegally moving $8.1bn out of the country.

Standard Bank said last Tuesday that the Central Bank of Nigeria would not take more than $2.63bn from the accounts of its local unit because of its role in repatriating dividends on behalf of the continent’s largest wireless carrier.

The news comes less than a week after the regulator said that MTN and the four lenders named in the dispute provided extra information that may lead to an “equitable resolution.”

Nigerian authorities are softening their tone after coming under criticism from analysts such as Signal Risk’s Ronak Gopaldas that the impasse with MTN and lenders including Citigroup, Standard Chartered and Lagos-based Diamond Bank threatened to spook investors.

The regulator had initially demanded Johannesburg-based MTN and the banks refund the money, causing confusion because the dividends were transferred by the mobile operator’s local unit.

The central bank will examine new submissions and, if justified, review an earlier decision to impose a penalty on Standard Bank, the Johannesburg-based lender said in a statement. Standard Bank’s Stanbic IBTC, Standard Chartered, Citigroup and Diamond Bank were fined about $16m between them for repatriating the dividends.

Standard Bank, which has said it acted properly in its role as transfer agent, will continue to engage with the Nigerian central bank, the continent’s largest lender said.

CBN had already taken the fines from the accounts of some of the lenders, including Stanbic IBTC and Diamond Bank.

“The Central Bank of Nigeria’s decision to review new submissions is a positive,” said Olamipo Ogunsanya, a banking analyst at Renaissance Capital. “If Stanbic can prove it followed all due procedures, it will no longer be subject to the fine.”

Representatives in Lagos for MTN and Citigroup declined to comment, while a spokesperson for Diamond Bank said she was unable to immediately provide a response.

24

The Oracle Today Wednesday October 1o, 2018

ISSN: 2545-5869

EDITORIAL

www.oraclenews.ng

VOX POPULI SACRUM

The fault is not in the PVC…

Cont’d front page 1

indignation, simply sneered at his friends who had been putting pressure on him to acquire the almighty PVC. “Where are all those that are querying me for not ever bothering to get a PVC?” he sniggered. “You that got one, how market? ...The truth is that we are not yet ripe for democracy in Nigeria. When we are, I will go and get a PVC?” Another commentator declared his total loss of faith in elections, stating that with Ekiti and Osun as case studies, there is no need for presidential election next year. “…Let Buhari continue till whenever he is tired or decides to leave office.

Another option is to collapse all the parties into APC so that everybody will be in one party. No more elections, just primaries and godfathers’ appointment and endorsements,” he agonised.

Such pessimism!

OTHER examples abound - of how angry Nigerians really are at what is generally regarded as “flawed” governorship elections in Ekiti and Osun States where INEC and the security agencies were reported to have actively colluded to manipulate the ballot in favour of candidates of the All Progressives Congress (APC), the ruling party at the centre.

BUT what actually happened in these two places to make Nigerians express such misgivings about our electoral process, as the foregoing examples and more indicate? Consider the following.

In the July 14, governorship election in Ekiti State, for instance, there were reports of open votebuying by agents of the opposition APC. Indeed, footage of alleged agents of the party presum-

ably paying voters as much as N10, 000 per PVC went viral on social media. In other instances, result sheets were allegedly mutilated and new results brazenly entered for APC. In one brazen act of disrespect to the office and person of a state governor, Governor Ayodele Fayose was tear-gassed and manhandled by the police who consequently broke his neck. His fault was insisting he would attend a PDP rally organised on the Wednesday before the Saturday July 14 governorship election and for which he had earlier obtained police permit . But the police was later, and rather inexplicably, to deny him that privilege. When Fayose walked to the officers as they approached the venue of the rally, to explain that the rally would hold as planned since he had earlier secured their nod for the event, he was pushed and shoved, along with his entourage, while the police shot sporadically into the air, detonating, in the process, teargas canisters that temporarily blinded the governor and several others with him. It was amidst this melee that he reportedly fell and broke his neck.

ALL these pre-and election-day manoeuvres happened in an apparent bid by the APC-led federal government to make good President Muhammadu Buhari’s boast to his former Solid Minerals Minister, Dr. Kayode Fayemi that he, President, would “definitely” attend Fayemi’s governorship inauguration this October.

Osun State presents a far more pathetic scenario.

In what has been described as “one brazen act of reptilian mischief,” the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) had declared the Saturday, September 22, governorship election in the State inconclusive after posting a winning figure for the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate, Senator Ademola Adeleke. According to the result, Adeleke won the required number of votes in two thirds of the local government areas in the State.

But, disavowing the commission’s own precedents when similar situations arose but winners were declared, the Chief Returning Officer (CRO), Professor Adeola Afuwape insisted that Adeleke could not be declared winner because the number of votes cancelled was more than the number with which he beat Mr. Adebboyega Oyetola, the APC candidate.

THOUGH the decision to cancel those votes was controversial, of paramount concern to keen watchers of the Osun debacle is that the number of votes INEC said it had cancelled was far in excess of the actual votes that ought to have been cancelled. For, in the four pooling booths where INEC cancelled votes, the number of accredited voters stood at a mere 308 as against the 3,498 (actually 2,686) that the electoral umpire purportedly cancelled. If votes were to be cancelled, shouldn’t they have been those of accredited voters instead of all the potential votes of all the registered voters in the area? Does one cancel votes that were not cast?

IF the CRO had sincerely done what he was supposed to do, he would have announced Senator Adeleke winner, even if his victory came with only 45 votes. This is because, having fulfilled all the requirements of the Electoral Act

necessary for a candidate to be declared winner of an election, nothing in the same Act or the Nigerian Constitution says the PDP candidate could not have beaten his APC opponent except with a margin of votes counted in thousands.

WE have painstakingly reviewed the recent Ekiti and Osun States governorship election sagas to show that in all the obvious failings of the electoral authorities, the PVC was not a liability to the electoral process but actually the very witness against the malfeasance of the umpires. What the agents of APC allegedly paid for in Ekiti was the PVC. What they cancelled in Osun or the votes they deducted from Senator Adeleke’s tally seemingly without justification were products of the PVC. Or how would the world have known that Adeleke won if the PVC was not used?

OF course, the immorality of vote selling cannot be denied. But even that is a personal moral burden for the voter who sells; it does not in any way detract from the noble essence of the PVC as the most potent weapon in the hands of the voter to determine who governs him.

THE important thing, therefore, is that in both Ekiti and Osun, votes were actually cast, using the PVC. The PVC would have been useless only if INEC wrote results irrespective of the votes cast. But all it did was try to manipulate the process so that votes cast and tallied would be in favour of a particular candidate.

It means that either way, the PVC reigns.

WE call on all registered voters in Nigeria yet to collect their PVCs to do so without any further delay. In Ekiti and Osun, the abusers of the electoral process relied on the overwhelming presence of security agents to intimidate voters. Next year, it will take some doing for them to muster such number again to police and intimidate voters in every polling unit in about 36 States of the federation where the various elections will take place on the same day.

SO, please, go get your PVC because it, certainly, will count.

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.

25

The Oracle Today Wednesday October 10, 2018

OPINION 2019: Wike’s grouse with EFCC G

By NATH OMAME, Jr.

overnor Nyesom Wike of Rivers State has not hidden his displeasure with, perhaps even disdain for, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

During the controversial screening of the Acting Chairman of the commission, Ibrahim Magu by the Senate, which on two occasions rejected his nomination for the headship of the anti-graft agencies, Wike censured the presidency for insisting that Magu must remain as head of the agency nonetheless.

He wondered why the All Progressives Congress (APC)-led federal government would insist on foisting a person on Nigerians after the Department of State Security (DSS), which is empowered to provide security report on the credibility or otherwise of the nominee had on two occasions inveighed against his eligibility to occupy the office.

Although Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo (SAN) has stated that the law setting up the agency and the Nigerian Constitution allow the President to appoint anyone he deems fit as the acting head of a government agency without seeking the approval of the Senate, Wike contends that the presidency insists on having Magu as EFCC Chair simply because the President has found Magu a willing tool in his hand to be used to harass and intimidate members of the opposition, especially those of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), who hold elective political offices or had held elective positions in the past.

Wike’s position coheres with that of most members of the PDP, and Nigerians in general, who are very critical of the pattern President Mohammadu Buhari appears to have adopted in his anti-corruption crusade. This pattern, which subsists in the agency knocking the opposition really hard is believed to be a premeditated design by the President to use Magu whose credibility the DSS report has questioned, to do the hatchet job of witch-hunting the opposition PDP and others in the interest of the federal government.

So, when news filtered into the political space that the EFCC had frozen the accounts of Akwa Ibom and Benue States in August, Wike promptly called for the sack of Magu, alleging that given his obviously frosty relationship with the leadership of the anti-graft agency, he was

certain that the EFCC would attempt something funny in Rivers too.

“The Chairman of that agency overthrew the governments of Benue and Akwa Ibom States.

Remember that this country is a Federation consisting of federating Units. As a federal system, we have three tiers of Government. These tiers of government share the funds that accrue to the Federation monthly,” Wike contended.

“It disheartens some of us to see the inconsistency of this government. This particular agency thrives on impunity. It disobeys court orders at will and on reckless anti-democratic actions. This impunity must stop.”

“I am calling for the sack of the Acting Chairman of the EFCC, Mr Ibrahim Magu for overthrowing a tier government. The mere fact that the two accounts have been re-opened does not mean that a crime was not committed,” Nwike stressed.

“When you freeze the account of the state government, you have overthrown that government. Without funds, a state cannot function. This means the shutdown of government business at the Executive, Legislative and Judicial arms of government in the affected states.”

For the governor and many others, the impunity of the EFCC just can no longer be overlooked because its capacity to destroy democracy. And not even the condemnation of EFCCs illegalities by the Chairman of the Nigerian Governors Forum, Abdulaziz Yari is enough to change the perception about the EFCC as a bully constantly deployed by the federal government to harass and intimidate opponents of the Buhari Administration.

Wike’s question seems to resonate with a lot of people: if the former Director General of DSS Lawal Daura could be sacked for “overthrowing” just one arm of Federal Government, why shouldn’t Magu whose impunity “cries to high heaven?”

Does Governor Wike’s allegation have any substance? Is Magu actually the Administration’s battle-axe against the PDP? Consider this. Were Benue State governor, Samuel Ortom still in the APC, would his State government’s accounts have been frozen? Certainly not. But, just a few days after he called it quits with the APC, the EFCC suddenly discov-

ered it had good reasons to freeze the State’s accounts, an action that is in itself a monumental illegality Consider also the freezing of Akwa Ibom State government’s accounts. This was sequel to the defection of the former Senate Minority Leader, Senator Godswill Apkabio to the APC. Had Akpabio, now a “staunch” APC stakeholder, not defected to the ruling party and started pointing accusing fingers at his predecessor, the EFCC would not have bothered with Akwa Ibom State.

It is a rehearsed pattern of action, it would appear. A fazed Wike is aghast that the anti-graft agency has been inviting officials of the Rivers State government to explain how the state government spends its monies. Even though the State government has turned down such invitations, it does demonstrate a certain penchant for witch-hunting the opposition on the part of the federal government agency. For example, barely two weeks after the accounts of Akwa Ibom and Benue States were frozen and unfrozen, the EFCC invited the Group Managing Director (GMD) of Zenith Bank, Peter Amangbo, to explain why the bank did not report to regulatory agencies and the anti-graft agency what it termed “suspicious withdrawal of N117 billion from Rivers State government’s account.

Amangbo was held by the EFCC to explain why his bank failed to document the withdrawals, allegedly done over a three-year period.

Following Amangbo’s invitation, Wike has insisted that although he and his team “are not afraid of their probe”, the EFCC, in reality has no power to probe his financial activities, stressing that no government official will appear before the EFCC. It is all part of the misuse to which the EFCC may have been put, actually. As a federal agency, does it really any business with State funds?

Isn’t that the responsibility of the State House of Assembly? Just curiosity.

In 2006, the Rivers State government under former Governor Peter Odili had gone to court, where he obtained an order of perpetual injunction restraining federal government agencies from probing the finances of the state government. The order also restrained the federal agencies from arresting or inviting any Rivers

State government official for purposes of probing the finances of the State government.

So, even if it is alright for EFCC to poke-nose into the financial transactions of a state government, in the case of Rivers State, there is a court order, which says EFCC cannot make such move against the finances of Port Harcourt. But, if it must do so, then it is incumbent on the antigraft agency to set aside the subsisting court order, first. The law must be followed.

For its part, the EFCC has reportedly secured a warrant from the court empowering the agency to arrest four officials of the Rivers State government the anti-graft agency claims participated in the withdrawal of the said N117bn “across the counter” over a period of three years.

The agency accuses Governor Wike of relying on the 2007 court order by the Rivers State government as “a desperate attempt to cling to any straw.”

“None of the officials has immunity from arrest, investigation and prosecution,” the agency said. “The EFCC is also now empowered by the law to watch-list these state officials, which will make it possible to pick them up in any part of the country and abroad. So, we are now on the trail of the affected officials. But, if they remain underground, we may declare them wanted.”

While the EFCC is foraging into Rivers State’s accounts, Governor Wike has repeatedly maintained that the agency is “engaged in a witchhunt that is politically motivated.” That the governor hinted earlier that “Rivers State was the target of the EFCC” when the accounts of Akwa Ibom and Benue States were frozen, casts more doubts on the credibility of the current probe of the state’s account by the anti-graft agency.

There is, again, this question: if the “suspicious withdrawal of the said N117 billion started three years ago, why did the EFCC wait till an electioneering year and barely six months to the 2019 general elections before interrogating the official of the bank that allegedly kept mum when the ‘suspicious’ withdrawal began?”

That is the question, which beggars answers from the authorities as to why Magu’s EFCC cuts this unsparing image of a battle axe in the hands of the nation’s ruling party against the opposition.

PDP’s cry over Osun supplementary poll

By EICHIOYA EZOMON

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ny time the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) wins an election, it’s victory for democracy, but when it loses, democracy is in danger. It’s a case of when the shoe is on the other foot, it hurts! This sums up its cry of a “stolen mandate” in Osun State in the past week.

The party deployed such labelling as “open robbery,” “electoral banditry,” “death of democracy in Nigeria,” and “a black day for Nigeria,” to describe its loss of the re-run election on Thursday, September 27, and eventually the entire poll started on Saturday, September 22.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) declared the first poll inconclusive because the margin of winning (353 votes) between Senator Ademola Adeleke of the PDP and Alhaji Adegboyega Oyetola of the All Progressives Congress (APC), was less than the number of registered voters (3,498) in seven polling units elections were cancelled. Hence, INEC fixed last Thursday for a supplementary election in the polling units.

In the main and supplementary elections, Adeleke scored 254,698 and 325 votes, respectively, bringing his tally to 255,023 votes. Similarly, Oyetola garnered 254,345 and 1,160 votes, in that order, totalling 255,505 votes.

With the final results showing a difference of 482 votes in favour of the APC, the Returning Officer for the election, Prof. Joseph Afuwape, declared and returned Mr. Oyetola as the winner of the election. From there, hell was let loose, with the PDP crying foul.

The party, issuing simultaneous statements from its national secretariat in Abuja, and the South-West zonal and Osun State offices, alleged that the election was marred by irregularities perpetrated by the APC, in cahoots with the INEC and security operatives.

The PDP charged that hundreds of its members and agents were brutalised, and prevented by “APC thugs” and security operatives from accessing the voting units, and that those that were allowed in were forced to vote for the APC (and yet, PDP secured 325 votes). It also alleged that many of its leaders were arrested and detained.

Based on the results of the first balloting, the party called on the INEC to declare Senator Adeleke as the Governor-elect, or the entire election be cancelled, and the Returning Officer for the election, Prof. Afuwape, arrested for declaring and returning the “wrong candidate” as duly elected.

Interestingly, the PDP deliberately refused to acknowledge that among those reportedly picked up or prevented from accessing the polling units were “16 suspects for illegally possessing customised INEC tags, fez caps and jackets and PDP membership cards,” according to a Police spokesperson, Folashade Odoro.

What was the mission of these impersonating “Election Observers,” who used the “official items” to gain access to restricted areas meant for accredited personnel of the INEC? Definitely, it’s to influence the outcome of the election in favour of the PDP! No person or group should condone any malpractice in elections, and certainly, the PDP shouldn’t be begrudged for calling for the heads of those it alleged robbed it of victory in the Osun election. But in attempting to reclaim its purported “stolen mandate,” it should refrain from issuing threats to bring the whole house down, as the party had committed the worst electoral heists in Nigeria’s history.

When the PDP was in power, and at the apogee of former President Olusegun Obasanjo’s hegemony, elections in the country became a “do-or-die affair.” They regularly called up their “Garrison Commanders” (election manipula-

tors) to rally the troops to “capture” the opposition strongholds.

And the “troops” never failed to deliver. You either give way for them to rig and manipulate the electoral process or you get crushed. Conscientious Nigerians only called on God to deliver the country from the vice grip of the former ruling party. And The Almighty heard and answered the people’s prayers in 2015.

So, what has changed since then? It’s the gradual decimation of the “rigging machine” of the PDP through the application of e-voting, with the use of the Smart Card Reader (SCR) and the Permanent Voter Card (PVC).

These are innovations that put paid to the manipulation of the electoral process, and thus the creeping into the political lexicon of Nigeria of the phrase, “inconclusive election.” This mostly arises when the margin of winning by the leading candidate is less than the number of voters in areas where votes are cancelled or election suspended.

Prior to the adoption of the SCR, manual verification gave room for over-voting, in which the votes cast far outweighed the number of the registered voters. And cancelled votes, on account of “irregularities” at polling units, were discarded in the computation of results, without reckoning with the “disenfranchised voters” at such polling units.

The PDP had a field day in those bygone years, adding to its kitty thousands, and even millions of votes that would otherwise be voided using the SCR to accredit voters.

In the new order, every voter has an opportunity to cast a ballot. Voters, who registered at polling units where votes are cancelled or election suspended, are allowed another chance to exercise their franchise in a supplementary/ re-run poll, with the outcome added to the main election to declare a winner.

That’s what happened in Osun last week (and

in some previous elections across the county), when Adeleke (PDP) couldn’t outrightly defeat Oyetola (APC) on September 22, having only a margin of 353 votes, which were less than the 3,498 registered voters in the seven polling units that voting was not concluded.

As entreated by President Muhammadu Buhari and the APC, and as vowed by Senator Adeleke, the PDP should tread the path of legality by seeking redress in the courts, as the party always directed “aggrieved” opposition parties to do during its heyday.

•Ezomon, journalist and media consultant, writes from Lagos

THE GROUP Managing Director/Editor-in-Chief Ikeddy Isiguzo Editor Felix Oguejiofor Abugu Deputy Editor/Head, Lagos Bureau Sopuruchi Onwuka Head, Graphics & Designs Nnamdi Alex Chukwu Circulation Manager Felix Oti

The Oracle Today Wednesday October 10, 2018

Travel & Hospitality

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S’Africa excludes Nigeria from new visa waiver policy Stories by VICTOR NZE

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OUTH Africa has unveiled a new visa waiver agreement with selected countries, allowing travellers from there to enter the country without a visa in a bid to boost tourism to the country. The arrangement, however, excludes Nigeria, the country which for years was led with the highest arrivals to the country from Africa.

Nigeria has close two million nationals resident in South Africa.

This announcement was made

by Minister of Home Affairs, Malusi Gigaba on Tuesday in Pretoria.

Citizens from countries which will now no longer require a visa to travel to South Africa include; Algeria, Egypt, Morocco, Ghana, United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Iran, Lebanon, the State of Palestine, Belarus, Georgia and Cuba.

These countries join the United Kingdom, United States, Germany, France, the Netherlands, Australia, Brazil and Canada whose citizens already have visa waiver agreements.

“We have implemented a visa waiver for all citizens of the Russian Federation and Angola, on 1 April 2017 and 1 December 2017, respectively, to travel to SA without having to apply for a visa,” Gigaba said.

Furthermore, Gigaba said that the development of the e-Visa is at an advanced stage and will be piloted in New Zealand by April 2019. This will significantly enhance efficiency in the issuing of visas to tourists and business people visiting our country,” Gigaba said.

For the past 12 months, South Africa welcomed 10.29 million foreign tourists (visitors who stayed overnight) in 2017. This is up only 2.4 per cent over 2016.

Director, advisory services at Grant Thornton, Lee-Anne Bac, says: “This increase is unfortunately underwhelming and significantly below the global average of 7 per cent.”

The number of overseas tourists (2.7 million) is up 7.2 per cent in 2017, this good growth was driven by excellent performance in the

first half of the year.

In the fourth quarter of 2017, Stats SA reveals that the number of overseas tourists increased by only 3.7 per cent - and this figure was driven down by a dismal increase of less than 1 per cent in December 2017.

“We attribute the dramatic decline at the end of the year to the impact of the water crisis in Cape Town, coupled with South Africa’s strengthening currency,” contin-

ues Bac. According to Stats SA, the number of African arrivals (7.6 million) is a mere 0.8 per cent up in 2017 – driven by a significant decline in Q1 of 8 per cent.

For the remaining three quarters of 2017, African arrivals increased by 5 per cent (Q2), 3.7 per cent (Q3) and 3.6 per cent (Q4) respectively.

Key source countries with low

growth/declines in tourism numbers in 2017 include: United Kingdom, a significant source market for the country: 0 per cent (no growth over 2016). As the UK is, no growth from this market has a big impact on total arrival figures; New Zealand: down 24 per cent in 2017; Nigeria, previously the leading market in West Africa: down 22%; and China: down 17 per cent (eroding half the growth from this market in 2016).

Sheraton Hotel Abuja, RadissonBlu celebrate Nigeria @ 58 with discounts

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HERATON Abuja Hotel has invited its patrons to celebrate Nigeria’s 58th Independence with iconic experiences at the hospitality establishment’s Pool Bar & Restaurant as it serves African delicacies for as low as N1,000.

This is also the RadissonBlu Anchorage Hotel Lagos is offering a 25 per cent discount on room stays for guests on the Independence weekend.

“1st of October 2018 will usher Nigeria into a new dynamic age.

We will commemorate this at our Pool Bar and Restaurant where we will offer diners a 10 per cent discount for the opportunity to taste a variety of traditional local favorites right from our African Pot. “Our African Pot Menu, is priced from as low as N1,000 and features an array of enticing African delicacies from around the regions such as Asun (Peppered and Spiced Native Goat Meat originating from Western Nigeria) Zobo (Natural Hibiscus flower drink) Nkwobi (a specialty local goat meat meal from Eastern Nigeria) Masa (Pan fried rice cakes from Northern Nigerian ) Abacha (a delicious African salad from the East) Kunu (a naturally extracted milk from groundnuts, rice, tigernuts or millet from Northern Nigeria).

“In the spirit of bringing people together and getting families and friends to relax and enjoy the independence day break; our customers will be sure to experience an enhanced range of entertaining African music at the Pool Bar and Restaurant.

“To further mark this occasion, the hotel invites guests to share our Independence Day National cake at the Hotel lobby.”

“In line with unity, peace and progress; our Pastry Chef- Maroof and his dedicated team will cut the National day cake for the pleasure of our in-house guests and patrons as we welcome all those coming in through our doors,” reeled out the General Manager, Nouman Irshad.

Meanwhile, RadissonBlu Anchorage Hotel Lagos is also offering guests 25 per cent discount on rooms and suites for the entire weekend stay from September 27 to October 1, 2018, in celebration of Nigeria’s 58th Independence anniversary.

According to General Manager, RadissonBlu Anchorage Hotel Lagos, Kevin Kamau, explained that the 25 per cent discount offer to guests is to show the hospitality giant’s commitment to Nigeria and Nigerians.

“We at RadissonBlu have a culture of impeccable customer service and ensuring our guests are happy at all times. On this occasion of Nigeria’s 58th Independence, we celebrate with our guests by providing this huge discount to further reaffirm that RadissonBlu cares and it is home away from home,” Kamau stated.

An exquisite property in a prime location on the waterfront along Ozumba Mbadiwe Avenue, Victoria Island, RadissonBlu Anchorage Hotel Lagos provides the perfect celebration ambiance for families, singles and corporate to join and enjoy the celebration of Nigeria’s national day with delicious cuisines and lots of fun guaranteed.

•Managing Director, Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Engr. Saleh Dunoma (l) during the Presentation of Commendation Letter and Plaque to Miss Mary Ishai of Lakewood company, a cleaning contractor at the Abuja airport who found a bag containing different cash sums, passports, ATM cards as well as bag claim tags, and returned same to the owner, Wednesday .

Dubai, NCAC, others win big at Akwaaba 2018

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UBAI Tourism has emerged the winner of the overall Best stand award at the just concluded 14th edition of Akwaaba African Travel Market held at Eko Hotel, Lagos.

South Africa Tourism (SAT) emerged the winner of Best African Stand Award while the National Council for Arts and Culture (NCAC), emerged the winner of the best Nigerian Stand award.

Other winners include; Travelstart Nigeria which won Best Travel Trade Stand award and Air Namibia which won Best Airline Stand award.

Akwaaba Travel Market 2018 edition showcased unique and colourful stands as various destinations and organisations stepped up their marketing and promotions drives to gain advantage of the huge market that turned up

for this year’s exhibitions.

The event which had participants from 17 African countries and over 80 travel organisations in attendance saw Dubai Tourism winning the overall stand award, representing a back-to-back-toback feat for three consecutive years in a row.

Dubai became the darling of visitors at the yearly travel and tourism expo using an ultra-fine appeal in wooing visitors alongside fantastic packages, souvenirs and refreshments among others. Added to its style of attracting visitors to its stand, the company also had music icon, Olubankole Wellington popularly known as Banky W, the famous vlogger and OAP, Toke Makinwa, and other celebrities at its stand.

Also, South Africa Tourism (SAT) emerged the winner of Best Afri-

can Stand Award. SAT stand was a beehive of activities with participants thronging to the stand to have a selfie or photo shoot with the two people dressed in beautiful South African attires that depicts the country’s cultural heritage.

Guests were thrilled with the innovation adopted by SAT during the event as it kept attracting participants with various tourism sites of the country, with different pictures of places in South Africa being changed each day as its stand’s backdrop.

Nigeria Council for Art and Culture (NCAC) emerged the winner of the Best Nigerian Stand award.

The council wowed guests at the event with its different cultural artifacts on display, coupled with branded souvenirs and indigenous products produced by the council.

cent in all other regions.

The 2019 Industry Forecast provides travel and procurement managers with projected prices in preparation for supplier negotiations and budgeting. The forecast, published in prior years

by Advito, the consulting arm of BCD Travel, includes supply, demand, and pricing trends for air, hotel, meetings, and ground transportation for all major regions of the world.Globally, average ticket prices for regional and intercontinental travel in

both business and economy class are expected to rise by 1% in 2019.

Regionally, average ticket prices will vary between -2 and +3 per cent, with the largest decreases seen in economy fares in Latin America and the largest increases in business class fares in the Southwest Pacific region. In Latin America, increased competition will be responsible for downward pricing pressure while in the Southwest Pacific, flat capacity and increasing demand will lift regional air fares.

Hotel rates are expected to in-

crease by 1-3 per cent worldwide, with little variation by region.

Much wider ranges can be seen on a country level, such as in India, where a 6 per cent to 8 per cent rate increase is forecast. Inversely, lower rates are most likely in African markets, particularly in Ethiopia and Morocco. In the U.S., hotel occupancy is generally higher year-over-year, especially in the major cities, thanks to the continued strength of the United States economy. Travelers may experience severe availability issues in some locations.

Global hotel rates, air fares set to rise by 2% – Forecast

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LOBAL hotel rates will increase around the world by 1-3 per cent in 2019 and air fares by 1-2 per cent in most markets, according to leading business travel management company BCD Travel’s newly released 2019 Industry Forecast.

The increase in hotel rates is largely due to demand growth slightly outpacing supply in most markets. Air fares are expected to remain flat in Africa, decrease 2 per cent in Latin America and increase by 1 per cent or 2 per

27

The Oracle Today Wednesday October 10, 2018

AVIATION H1: Nigerian Airports delay 19,423 flights, lose 17,893 luggages •NCAA moves to streamline aviation charges Stories by VICTOR NZE

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IGERIAN Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has said that a total of 16,880 scheduled domestic flights were delayed between January to June, this year, even as it also added that another 2,443 international flights were delayed same period under review.

Similarly, the agency revealed that the country’s aviation industry recorded a total of 17,893 delayed or missing baggage on the international route.

Director General of NCAA, Capt, Usman Muhtar said this while speaking at the 2nd NCAA Interactive Forum With Aviation Agencies and Airlines Public Relations and Information Managers, Wednesday, at the agency’s headquarters Annex at the Murtala Muhammed Airport (MMA), Lagos He gave the number of scheduled domestic flights cancelled as 253, international flights canceled stood at 95 while 25 delayed/missing baggage was recorded on the domestic route.

“Eight domestic airlines recorded a total of 16,880 delayed flights with 253 cancellations. Also, 33 airlines on the international routes recorded 2,443 delayed flights and cancelled 95 flights.’’

The NCAA also said that it issued two Air Transport Licenses (ATLs) and that four ATL were renewed in the same period.

On aircraft registration, the NCAA boss said that 20 aircraft were registered for commercial air transport, 10 for general aviation operations, 10 aircraft de-registered, 12 aircraft re-registered,30 certificates of airworthiness were issued and 85 certificates of airworthiness were renewed.

The NCAA DG added that between January and June 2018,the regulatory body renewed 64 Air Traffic Controllers (ATCs) licences, issued 34 flight dispatchers licenses and conducted 1, 537 exams for various categories of professionals.

“Airlines must render their monthly financial obligations in line with the provision of aviation regulations. Air-

lines must submit financial health returns. Also, violation to safety regulations is viewed seriously by NCAA.’’ Muhtar said NCAA had begun the process of streamlining aviation charges, however, adding that the charges were quite moderate when compared to other countries.

“There are some existing charges in other countries that are not applicable in Nigeria and this is not to overburden airlines,’’ Usman said.

He said the goal of NCAA was to continue to collaborate with other agencies and stakeholders in order to create a robust aviation industry that could contribute more to Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

Meanwhile, indigenous carrier, Air Peace, has urged the police, other security agencies and the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) to prevent further disruption of its flight operations and attack of its staff by members of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and its affiliates.

A statement issued by Air Peace Corporate Communications Manager, Mr. Chris Iwarah accused protesting members of NLC and its affiliates of targeting the carrier’s operations at the General Aviation Terminal (GAT) of the Murtala Muhammed Airport (MMA), Lagos for disruption.

Staff of the airline, the statement said, were attacked by the protesters for refusing to join in the industrial action and insisting on performing their lawful duties.

Air Peace said it feared that there would be a complete breakdown of law and order if NLC and its affiliates persisted in their unlawful disruption of its flight operations.

“On Tuesday, September 28, 2018, we received distress calls from our of staff that members of the Nigeria Labour Congress and its affiliates had invaded our hub at the General Aviation Terminal of the Murtala Muhammed Airport in Lagos, disrupting our operations and preventing members of the flying public from accessing the facility to board their flights.”

“When our staff refused to join the protest, the protesters left. Shortly after, they returned with a crowd of about 500 protesters to forcefully

take over our counters at the airport, attacking our staff and chasing members of the flying public out of the terminal. Other airlines were left to operate. It is rather curious that Labour would target the operations of Air Peace for disruption.

“As a law-abiding organisation, we call on the Nigeria Police, the Federal Airport Authority of Nigeria and other security agencies to immediately call the NLC and its affiliates to order to prevent a complete breakdown of law and order. The unlawful action of the agitators brought our operations

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and thrice daily from Dubai with ultramodern aircraft, connecting travelers from the Middle East to over 60 destinations in Africa and over 115 worldwide.

In line with our long term growth plan, Vision 2025, we will continue to invest in expanding our ultramodern fleet and global destinations ultimately creating even better connectivity options for travellers around the world in

Air Peace to commence Dubai, Sharjah flights in November

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HAIRMAN of Air Peace, Mr Allen Onyema, has disclosed that the airline will begin flight operations to Dubai and Sharjah in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) before the end of November.

Onyema who made the announcement at an interactive session with newsmen, Friday in

general and the Middle East in particular,” said GebreMariam.

The Arabian Travel Awards recognises and encourages the talent in the travel, tourism and hospitality sectors under different categories such as Airlines, Cruise Companies, Hotels, Travel Technology Providers, Travel Insurance Facilitators, B2B Travel Portals, Travel Agents, Tour Operators and Holiday companies, among others.

Lagos, commended the Federal Government for taking the bold decision to suspend the new national carrier project which was a welcomed development to airline operators.

“It was a bold move by the government and the president did not care about political correctness. The decision is therefore a challenge to Air Peace and other Nigerian airlines to rise up to the occasion to fill the void created by the absence of a national carrier,” he said.

According to him, the airline which recently ordered for 10 brand new B737 Max aircraft from Boeing to take its aircraft fleet to 37, is ready to make Nigeria proud on the international routes.

“We are going to start flights to Dubai and Sharjah before the end of November. We have already acquired four B777 aircraft for that purpose. We are also working on getting permits

Arik Air to give away 250 free tickets on Oct 1

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RIK Air has stated that it would give away 250 free tickets on October 1, 2018 to celebrate Nigeria’s 58th Independence anniversary.

The airline said that customers flying Arik Air on Monday, October 1 have the opportunity of winning complimentary tickets on board as five one-way economy class tickets will be raffled on

their flights. The NLC must be made to understand the limits to its right to protest. That right does not extend to endangering the operations of organisations that are doing their best to contribute to Nigeria’s economy and make life easy for the people. We are currently talking with our lawyers with a view to getting the NLC and its affiliates to account for their unlawful action,” the airline said.

Organized labour has directed its members to embark on a warning strike following its deadlocked talks with the Federal Government over the minimum wage issue.

•Basil Agboarumi, MD/CEO, SAHCOL, receiving the NUATE Philanthropic Award, on behalf of Dr. Taiwo Afolabi, Chairman SAHCOL, from Captain Ibrahim Mshelia, Chief Executive, Westlink Airlines.

Ethiopian voted ‘Best African Airline’ at 2018 Arabian Travel Awards

THIOPIAN Airlines has been crowned “Best African Airline” at the Arabian Travel Awards 2018, which held September 20, in Dubai, the United Arab Emirates.

The winners of the award were determined based on the votes of travelers.

Speaking on the award, Mr. Group CEO of Ethiopian Airlines, Mr. Tewolde GebreMariam said the award represents a testament of the airlines’ commitment towards ‘meeting the high expectations of customers from the Middle East.’

“We are honored to have been voted the ‘Best African Airline’ at the Arabian Travel Awards 2018, a testimony that our product and services are meeting the high expectations of customers from the Middle East.

Ethiopian currently flies to 12 destinations in the Middle East

to a complete halt, caused us huge loss of revenue and made members of the flying public to through untold hardship.

“While we have nothing against the NLC and its affiliates, we wish to state clearly that it is absolutely condemnable for the protesters to single out our operations for attack and disruption. The NLC and its mob of protesters have no right whatsoever to stop our staff from performing their lawful duties, neither have they any authority to prevent members of the flying public from boarding

each and every flight of the day.

Arik Air said that in the course of the day’s flights, the crew will conduct a raffle using the seat numbers to draw five winners on each flight for the free one-way economy class domestic tickets.

Speaking on the Independence offer, Arik Air’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Capt. Roy Ilegbodu said, “Arik Air is a wholly Nigerian

airline and the independence anniversary of the country is an auspicious occasion to appreciate our customers for their loyalty.

“We wish all Nigerians a Happy Independence Anniversary,” he said Arik Air is one of the oldest commercial airlines operating in Nigeria. The airline will be celebrating its 12th anniversary on October 30, 2018.

to begin operations to Houston, London, Mumbai, GuangzhouChina and Johannesburg,” he said.

Onyema thanked the Federal Government for granting the approval for the airline to begin operations on the six international destinations but noted that the government needed to protect Nigerian airlines from international aero politics.

He said for instance, no Nigeria airline was currently flying to Europe, America, Middle East and Asia, while those operating even within Africa were also being frustrated by some governments.

“Air Peace has lost over N1 billion in six months of flying the West Coast of Africa due to excessive aviation charges by the countries we are flying into.

What we are making here is being used to sustain our operations on these routes because we know we have to develop and maintain consistency on them to keep going.

“However, the airlines from these countries come into Nigeria even on multiple routes and they pay very little to our own government. So, there must be reciprocity of charges.

“It is not just enough for government to give approval for Nigerian carriers to operate abroad but the government should facilitate the fast tracking of their permits and also ensure that they are not frustrated by international aero politics.”

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The Oracle Today Wednesday October 10, 2018

INSURANCE & PENSION

N22bn entitlements: Nigeria Airways pensioners set for fresh verification Stories by VICTOR NZE

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X-WORKERS of the defunct Nigeria Airways Limited (NAL) are getting set for a fresh verification following the Federal Government’s approval of N22.6 billion for the payment of their entitlements.

Chairman, Nigeria Airways Elders Forum, Mr Godwin Jibodu, confirmed the development on Wednesday at a meeting of the pensioners of the former national carrier at the Murtala Muhammed Airport, Lagos.

The airline, which started flight operations in August 1958, was liquidated by former President Olusegun Obasanjo’s government in May 2003 with the workers yet to be fully paid their entitlements.

Minister of Finance, Mrs Zainab Ahmed, had on September 24 announced that President Muhammadu Buhari had approved the release of the funds for the partpayment of the ex-workers being owed N45 billion.

Jibodu said that the approval of the payment was greeted with joy

by the ex-workers who expressed their gratitude to the president and the minister at the meeting.

“The purpose of the meeting is to brief the workers about what the minister said and that the verification will begin very soon. Everybody should prepare his or her documents for the verification,” he said.

According to him, no date has been given for the commencement of the verification, but the committee, which will arrange the exercise, will start work on Sept.

27.

“The committee is made up of people from the Ministry of Finance, Ministry of Transportation, Office of the Accountant-General and ex-workers of Nigeria Airways.

“So, we have told our members to prepare all their documents.

Letter of appointment, letter of retirement and their identity card,” Jibodu said.

He expressed optimism that the verification would be hitch-free and concluded within the shortest possible time so that the pensioners could receive their entitlements after waiting for over 14 years.

IOC signs Allianz as sponsor

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NTERNATIONAL Olympic Committee (IOC) says it has now signed insurance company Allianz as a worldwide sponsor from 2021 through to the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.

The value of the deal, which includes becoming a partner of the Paralympics, was not given.

The IOC has 13 worldwide sponsors for a four-year commercial cycle leading to the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.

Top-tier sponsors were worth $1 billion to the IOC for the cycle tied to the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Olympics.

Reacting to the deal, the IOC President Thomas Bach said: “This new partnership demonstrates the global appeal and strength of the Olympic Movement, and we are delighted to be working together in the long term with Allianz to support sport around the world. Allianz has built a global business founded on trust. With this partnership, together we are building a foundation based on mutual trust.”

On his part, Allianz CEO Oliver Bäte said: “I am thrilled that we are joining a global community of athletes

and people enthusiastic about sport and team work – in addition to our existing strong partnership with the International Paralympic Committee (IPC). Through the IOC’s digital and social channels, we can connect with more people than ever before and offer them our expertise in insurance. We believe the world is a better place when people have the courage to leave differences behind and stand together to achieve better outcomes for themselves and for the societies they live in.”

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SEC extends Mutual Benefits’ rights issue

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UTUAL benefits assurance plc has received approval for an extension of the offer period of its rights issue by the Security Exchange Commission (SEC).

The company, in a statement, said the acceptance list for the rights issue, which opened on August 6, was earlier planned to close on September 14, but had been extended to September 28, 2018.

The extension, according to the statement, would afford share-

holders, who had not been able to exercise their rights, the opportunity to do so.

The Chairman of the company, Dr. Akin Ogunbiyi, said that Mutual Benefits Assurance “is optimistic that the exercise will be fully subscribed, given the massive support and expression of interest received from our shareholders.”

It stated that the proceeds from the rights issue would enable Mutual Benefits to carry out its re-

(AGM) of the company in Lagos, Thursday, further disclosed that the company’s Gross Premium Written for the year under review was N7.9 billion which was almost the same figure with the previous year.

The company chairman explained further that the net claims ratio for the year stood at 117 per cent as against 73 per cent for the previous year, adding that the largest contributors to the claims figures were the Oil & Gas and Motor Insurance revenue accounts, which recorded net claims ratios of 536 per cent and 104 per cent respectively, mainly due to adverse development on certain claims and reserve strengthening in general.

While noting that strict cost management regime introduced by the Board of Directors and Management during the year yielded some success as management expenses reduced by 5 per cent for the Company despite inflationary pressures.

“Consequently, and regrettably, notwithstanding our best efforts, our Company ended the year with a loss before tax of N2.8 billion.”

On claims payment, he said N6.3 billion claims to policyholders, representing N2.9 billion higher than N3.4 billion claims paid in its 2016 financial year.

Claim recovery, according to

him, was N1.4 billion as against N1.2 billion in 2016, noting that sharp increase in Claim expenses led to Underwriting loss of N2 billion compared to underwriting profit of N696 million of 2016.

Moving forward he assured that necessary actions have been taken to realign the company’s risk portfolio away from the unprofitable accounts that led to heavy losses.

“Where repricing has not been possible, we exited or reduced our exposure significantly.”

Notwithstanding the significant regulatory bottlenecks, he said the insurer will continue to intensify its efforts to increase the proportion of its revenue sourced from retail segments which have traditionally been more profitable.

“The construction of our Head Office building is progressing satisfactorily and is due for completion before the end of 2018. While this has been a non-earning asset on our books for some time now, it is expected to start yielding income when the lettable spaces become available for rent upon completion.”

Also remarking, Group Managing Director, Ganiyu Musa, at the event also informed shareholders on some of the efforts made by the company to comply with the Tier-Based Minimum Solvency

capitalisation and growth plan, provide additional working capital and finance the transformation of its IT infrastructure project, to support planned enlarged operations.

“The shares are being offered to existing shareholders by way of rights issue of 4,000,000,000 ordinary shares at 50 kobo per share on the basis of one new ordinary share for every two ordinary shares held by shareholders, whose names appeared in the register of members as of the close of business on October 31, 2017.”

Cornerstone Insurance tightens risk acceptance parameters

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HAIRMAN of Cornerstone Insurance Plc, Segun Adebanji, has stated that the company’s decision to tighten its risk acceptance parameters follows competitive pressures which have driven premium rates to uneconomic levels while certain regulatory bottlenecks have hampered the implementation of the Company’s expansion plans in the retail and mass market segments.

Adebanji who said this during the 2017 Annual General Meeting

PAL takes ‘NextU’ to Nigerian varsities ENSIONS Alliance Limited (PAL) has launched a youthfocused campaign tagged “NextU”, across five universities in Nigeria, as part of efforts to create value for Nigerians.

‘NextU’ is a Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative focused on providing knowledge and guidance under the “Creating The Future” for young people on career, investment and life choices.

Olusola Amusan, Tomi Balogun, Seyi Law, Shola Akinlade, Otto Orondaam, and Kunle Idowu (Frank Donga) were among the more than 10 facilitators, who spoke to more than 11,000 students of the University of Lagos, University of Benin, University of Port Harcourt, Obafemi Awolowo University and Ahmadu Bello University.

•(From left): Non-Executive Director, Mr Ekwunife Okoli; Executive Director (Technical/Operations), Mr Tokunbo Bello; Company Secretary, Director, Mr Dominic Ichaba; Chairman of the company, Mr Segun Adebanji; GMD/CEO, Mr Ganiyu Musa, and Non-Executive Director, Mr Anthony Egbuna, during the 2017 Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the company in Lagos.

The speakers and panelists, who spoke on various issues like financial Literacy, investment, employability, career growth, entrepreneurship and art/creativity; gave the students’ tips on how to be successful in their career, business, management of funds and invest wisely with small funds.

The students were thrilled by performances from the award winning musician- Orezi, who has consistently proven himself through sheer determination and handwork, a quality that brings the ‘NextU’ idea to life.

Managing Director, PAL Pensions, Morohunke Bammeke said: “The vision of PAL Pensions is to be the best PFA by creating value,” adding that making money is not enough, preserving and investing wisely is what makes one wealthy.

Capital (TBMSC) policy of the National Insurance Commission (NAICOM).

According to him the board had indicated the tier the company will operate in the TBMSC regime.

He told the shareholders that parts of the resolutions adopted by the board, is to approach them for fund to enable the firm meet the minimum solvency capital required for the tier adopted.

Following its impressive performance, Shareholders of Cornerstone Insurance Plc on Thursday applauded the board of directors of the company for its outstanding performances for the audited financial year ended 31st December, 2017.

Speaking on behalf of shareholders at the 2017 Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the company in Lagos, the former President of Noble Shareholders Association, Timothy Adesiyan, applauded the firm for sustaining a steady growth over the years and urged the firm to effectively manage claims burden arising from oil and gas business.

He also lauded NAICOM’s regulatory measures, especially the No Premium No Cover which had enhanced profitability of the sector.

The shareholders called on Nigerians to patronise insurance, stressing that insurance remains one of the best tools to engender economic growth and development.

29

The Oracle Today Wednesday October 10, 2018

INSURANCE & PENSION

Implement life insurance policy for members – NARD urges FG Stories by VICTOR NZE

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ATIONAL Association of Resident Doctors (NARD), has appealed to government at all levels to implement the life insurance policy for all doctors.

The association made the appeal in a communiqué issued at the end of its Annual General Meeting and Scientific Conference in Ibadan on Friday.

NARD President Dr Olusegun Olaopa who signed the communiqué, said that life insurance for all doctors had become inevitable, especially in the face of incessant epidemic outbreaks in the country.

NARD said, “Life insurance for all doctors has now become inevitable. The Federal Government should hence implement this policy for all doctors and other health care providers.

The association said that the need for such life insurance policy was also due to the poor remuneration vis-à-vis hazard allowance of its members across the country.

According to the association, the policy also becomes imperative because medical doctors and other health workers were usually the most vulnerable during epidemics and routine patient care.

“Despite several recommendations for life insurance for doctors, nothing is currently being done to address this matter.

“NARD reiterates commitment to the full implementation of September 2017 Memorandum of Terms of Settlement (MOTOS) with the Federal Government (FG).

“It will continue to enjoin the Federal Government to reciprocate the goodwill shown by NARD and expeditiously complete its part,’’ Olaopa said.

The association also appealed government to provide Universal Health Coverage (UHC) for all Nigerians, irrespective of economic status.

It says that the introduction of UHC would improve health care delivery.

“We appeal to the Federal and State Governments to ensure UHC for all Nigerians to improve access to health care and health indices.

“Universal Health Coverage, through the National Health Insurance Scheme, is still far below expectation and that puts high burden on Nigerians in accessing health care.”

It also advised heads of health institutions working against the interest of their members, residency training and funding to desist from such act.

According NARD, it is inimical to the present harmony in the health sector.

“We also wish to advise appropriate capture of residency training funding in the 2019 Appropria-

C&I Leasing acquires two new vessels

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WO new vessels have been purchased by C&I Leasing Plc to be immediately deployed for a long-term contract with Nigerian Liquefied Natural Gas Company (NLNG).

The two new acquisitions are called the 2018 ‘ASD 2913 Tugboats’ named ‘MV Chidiebube’ and ‘MV Folashade’ with Sifax Marine Limited under the Sifax C&I Marine Limited joint venture arrangement.

A statement issued by C&I Leasing explained that the purchase of the two vessels is part of its commitment to expanding its marine business and service delivery.

In July 2018, the business service conglomerate concluded the buyout of a 27.5 percent minority stake in C&I Petrotech Marine Ltd, its marine business subsidiary, and in the process took over complete ownership of six vessels presently deployed in a long-term contract with Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria (SPDC).

C&I Leasing has been in operation for over two decades and has since evolved from being a finance leasing company licensed by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) in 1991 to becoming a diversified, leasing and business service conglomerate providing support services to various indigenous and multinational organizations in West Africa along three lines: Fleet Management, Personnel Outsourcing and Marine Services with operational offices in Lagos, Benin, Port-Harcourt, Calabar, Enugu and Abuja.

Commenting on the new purchased vessels, Managing Director of the C&I Leasing, Mr Andrew Otike-Odibi, stated that, “C&I Leasing Plc is committed to becoming the most preferred Marine partner for the IOCs in Nigeria.

“We will continue to follow through on all that needs to be done to meet their needs. These new vessels have been built to specification for the assignment ahead and we are confident that they will deliver even beyond expectation.

“With every new contract and acquisition, we are careful to take learning from the past and improve continuously to serve our clients better. We are sure that they will be very pleased with MV Chidiebube and MV Folashade.”

tion Bill. The Federal Government should take more diligent steps toward extinguishing the bottle necks in the IPPIS platform and pension deduction/remittance.

“That our outstanding salary shortfalls and salary (skipping) arrears through the Presidential Initiative on Continuous Audit (PICA) be made available to our members

without further delay.”

The association condemned the non-payment of diaries of its members in State University Teaching Hospitals (SUTHs).

“The association notes the necessitous state some state Governments have put our members in the State University Teaching Hospitals (SUTH) in terms of remu-

•(From left): Company Secretary, Toyin Akano, Chairman, Oluseun Ajayi and Managing Director/CEO, Olaotan Soyinka at the company’s Annual General Meeting (AGM) in Lagos.

Wapic Insurance celebrates rapid transformation

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ANAGING Director of Wapic Insurance Plc, Mrs Yinka Adekoya, has expressed delight over the huge transformation the company has gone through in the past months.

Adekoya is particularly happy with the N10.6 billion claims paid by the management of the insurer to its customers in last five years; between 2013 and 2017.

According to her, the company’s management, through articulation of a strategic direction for the owners, has maintained a history of accomplishments in the financial services sector including banking.

“As a result of this effort, claims pay-out has risen progressively to N10.6 billion. Resolution of some outstanding and disputed claims became possible with a record sum of N2.13 billion paid as claims in 2013,” she said.

Adekoya noted that for many years, insurance industry in Africa has bad history of claims settlement but that her company’s arrival changed the story.

“The issues at Wapic Insurance upon our arrival were reflective of the general problems facing the insurance sector in Nigeria but motivated by our transformation objectives, we carried out a diagnosis of the situation and discovered that there is a huge barrier sprouts between insurance companies and policy holders soon after insurance policies are purchased,” she said.

She said the situation might not be created knowingly but is the reality of what non-human- centred organisational processes has created and the misunderstanding that ensued from inadequate engagement with insurance customers.

“Regrettably, policy holders experience anguish when the need to

The framework, launched in June last year, applies to a wide range of sectors, including financial sector organizations, banks, insurance companies, asset managers and asset owners.

In its first status report, the TCFD surveyed the disclosures of 1,700 companies and found that most were revealing information which was aligned with at least one of the task force’s recommendations.

“Today’s announcement shows that climate disclosure is becoming mainstream. Over 500 companies are now supporters of the TCFD, including the world’s largest banks, asset managers and pension funds, responsible for assets of nearly $100 trillion,” Mark Carney, chair of the Financial Stability Board, said in a statement.

This compares to the support of 100 firms when the framework was launched last year.

While many companies described climate-related risks and opportunities, few disclosed the financial impact of climate change on the company, the task force said.

Sponsored by: Insurance Journal.

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Disclosures vary across industries, the survey found.

For example, more non-financial companies reported their climaterelated metrics and targets than financial companies did. But, financial firms were more likely to disclose how they had embedded climate risk into their overall risk management.

Fewer firms disclose financial impact of climate-related risks – Report

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LIMATE-RELATED disclosure is becoming mainstream as more firms support and align their financial reporting to recommendations by a global task force though few disclose the financial impact on the company, a survey shows.

The Task Force on Climate-Related Financial Disclosures (TCFD) was set up by the G20’s Financial Stability Board at the end of 2015 to develop a voluntary framework for companies to disclose the financial impact of climate-related risks and opportunities.

This was partly in response to concerns in the financial community that assets are being mispriced because the full extent of climate risk is not being factored in, threatening market stability.

neration, sponsorship for training and state of health care facilities.

“We intend to use all tools of advocacy to all relevant stake holders in order to sort out the lingering issues in SUTHs. Doctors in SUTHs should be remunerated as their counterparts in Federal teaching hospitals and institutions.”

extract benefits of their contracts with insurance companies arises.

However, there seems to be a reawakening in the industry that has put customer satisfaction and service experience at the heart of the revolution,” she said.

According to her, as the signpost for service excellence in the insurance industry, Wapic’s quest for restoration of industry reputation has yielded significant benefits after a year of a rigorous process review and extensive claims audit.

She said the exercise, undertaken to provide succour to insurance clients and set the practice on a world-class standard manifested in the progressive growth in the company’s paid claims, from N1.63 billion in 2015, N2.86 billion in 2016 to N3.06 billion in 2017.

“This commendable growth is a valid testament to the company’s commitment to value creation and exemplary customer experience role,” she said.

She said with its recent digital revolution culminating in acquisition of a new core operating system and iPortal’, the interface between the company and its customers will become more effectual with latent phenomenal influence on claims settlement process.

“This is predicated on the envisaged similarities between the impact of this strategic corporate undertaking and the effects online real-time systems had on the banking sector,” Mrs Adekoya stated.

She said the insurance application, which is configured to ensure that interactions with Wapic Insurance is most enjoyable and reinforces the company’s status as the most resourceful underwriter in the industry, is suggestively the beginning of digital revolution in the Nigerian insurance sector.

30

The Oracle Today Wednesday October 10, 2018

EQUITY & Capital Market

STI shore up share capital to N10bn Stories By JEROME USHAKANG

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HAREHOLDERS of Sovereign Insurance Plc (STI) have approved the increase of the authorized share capital of the company from N7.5billion to N10billion at the 23rd Annual General Meeting (AGM) held on Thursday in Lagos.

The investors in a resolution mandating the increase in the share capital of STI, stated that to achieve the N10billion, a total of five billion Ordinary shares of 50kobo each ranking in equal value with existing Ordinary shares of the company should be created.

They also empowered the directors to raise additional equity capital for the company up to the maximum limit of the authorized share capital whether by way of special placement or public offer,with or without preferential allotment or Rights Issue or a combination of any of them.

The shareholders in addition resolved that in the event of oversubscription of the offer or issue to capitalize the excess money and allot additional shares to the extent that can be accommodated by the company’s unissued share capi-

tal subject to the approval of the regulatory Authorities and the proceeds should be used for the same purpose as the offer or issue.

And also agreed that the company’s Memorandum and Articles of Association be amended to reflect the increase in its authorized capital.

Earlier in his statement the AGM, the Chairman of the company Mr. oluseun O.Ajayi said, ”The insurance sector ,like every other sector of the economy in the year 2017, struggled to overcome the challenges posed by lingering effects of the economic recession experienced in the previous year which left businesses in a stagnated position and eroded the purchasing power of the populace, thereby slowing down their urge for insurance.

According to him, the effect of the recession which manifested in job cuts in various sectors and lull in economic activities in both the formal and informal sectors of the economy was evident in non-renewal of most insurance contracts in both life and general businesses due to reduction in disposable income.

However, Ajayi said the regula-

tor and industry operators made remarkable efforts to achieve deeper penetration of insurance nationwide. It emphasized that focus on the creation of awareness should be targeted, adding that when Nigerians are aware of the benefits from insurance, they will be willing to purchase policies and commended the National Insurance Commission (NAICOM) continuous effort to deepen insurance penetration in Nigerian.

The Chairman said that in preparing the organization for the challenges of the future, and in response to ever-evolving dynamics of the market place, the company embarked on five-year strategic journey.

He stated that part of the objectives amongst others will be to position the company as one of the top five companies by the year 2022 in terms of revenue and profitability, by making it the preferred underwriting film with regard to non-life and special risk underwriting.

Therefore, STI has resolved to adequately operate in tier one category as it planned to increase its capital base both organically and inorganically before the commencement of Tier Based Minimum Solvency Capital (TBMSC) regime.

Despite the various challenges, the company was able to record N8.5billion Gross Premium for the

financial year ended December 31,2017 as against N6.3billion in 2016, an increase of 33 percent.Net claims expenses was N1.3billion,a 9.5 percent improvement over N1.44billion achieved in 2016.

Profit before tax rose to N202million representing 351percent increase when compared with N44million in garnered in 2016.

Similarly, Profit after tax recorded a growth of 569 percent to close the year at N157million in contrast to N23million recorded in year 2016. Investment income increased by 41.6percent to close year 2017 at N406million from N286million in 2016,while Total Assets also rose from N9.5billion to N10.8billion an increase of 13.7 percent.

Corporate briefs Resort Savings and Loans Resort Savings and Loans have released an update concerning a planned capital injection by the private equity firm, Milost Global.

According to the bank, a technical suspension placed on its shares had prevented a market value on the company’s shares from being determined. Milost intends injecting $1 million as soon as possible.

The company has since released some of its long overdue results.

Board changes at Guinness Guinness Nigeria Plc has appointed Mrs. Yemisi Ayeni as a Non-Executive Board member.

Ayeni is the current chairman of NASCON Allied Industries Plc and had worked in Shell for over 20 years, before her retirement in 2015. She replaced Professor Joe Irukwu retired from the board.

Honeywell opens new factory Honeywell Flour Mills last week held its Annual General Meeting.

The Chairman of the company, Oba Otudeko, disclosed that the company would open its new factory in October Annual General Meetings Held Premier Paints Plc and Aluminium Extrusion Plc held their Annual General Meetings on the 20th and 21st of September respectively.

The companies are yet to issue an update on resolutions agreed.

EKO Corp Plc Eko Corp Plc has recently announced the appointment of Uzochukwu Eneli to its Board. He replaces Senator Mike Ajegbo, who had represented the estate of the late Dr Alex Eneli (a co-founder of the hospital).

Dividends payment United Bank for Africa Plc (UBA ) and Access Bank Plc have both paid 2018 interim dividends on the

20th and 21st of September, 2018.

UBA paid an interim dividend of 20 kobo per share, while Access paid an interim dividend of 25kobo per share.

Also, Union Homes Real Estate Investment Trust ( REIT) has paid a dividend of 75 kobo per share on September 21 2018.

Appointment at RT Briscoe Plc RT Briscoe has announced the appointment of Olorunfemi Eguaikhide and Jubril Adetokunbo Shittu as Chief Operating Officer and Acting Chief Financial Officer respectively.

LASACO Assurance EGM LASACO Assurance Plc has notified the Nigerian Stock Exchange of an Extraordinary General Meeting (EGM) billed to take place on the 10th of October, 2018. Agenda is to obtain shareholders’ approval to raise capital.

Appointment at Berger Paints Berger Paints Plc has appointed Ayotunde Ayoko as Company Secretary/Legal Adviser.

Prior to his appointment, Ayoko had served as company secretary to several subsidiaries under FBN Holdings.

The company will also be holding a Facts Behind the Figures session this Monday at the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE).

First Alluminium First Aluminum Plc, Veritas Kapital Assurance Plc, and Fidson Healthcare Plc will be held their Annual General Meetings on the 25th of September 2018.

Lafarge Africa Plc EGM Lafarge Africa Plc held its Extraordinary General Meeting on the same day. Agenda is to obtain shareholders’ approval for a rights issue.

•Wife of the Taraba State Governor, Barr. Anna Darius Ishaku (l) receiving the Meritorious Award of Excellence by the Tekan-Ecwa Women wing of Taraba State presented by the State Chairman of Tekan-ECWA Bloc, Rev. Phillip Micah Doppah at a ceremony which held at the ceremony the Hope Afresh Foundation Taraba.

Dangote, Elumelu, Onyiuke clench CAMCAN Award in Lagos

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HE Chairman of Dangote Group, Alhaji Aliko Dangote GCON, on Saturday received Capital Market Correspondents Association of Nigeria (CAMCAN) Award for contributing immensely to the development of the Nigerian Capital market.

Dangote received six different categories of Awards from his listed companies on the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE). The four companies are: Dangote Cement, Dangote Sugar Refinery, NASCON Allied and Dangote Flour Mills.

Another prominent recipient, Mr. Tony O. Elumelu OFR, is also being recognize for his contribution to the development of the Nigerian capital market, as his Heirs Holdings Group owns significant stake in United Bank for Africa Plc (UBA) and Transnational Corporation of Nigeria (Transcorp) of which he is chairman; as well as Transcorp Hotels, United Capital and African Prudential.

Former Director-General of the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) and former President of African Stock Exchanges Association(ASEA),Prof.

Ndi-Okereke Onyiuke also received the CAMCAN Award for developing the NSE to a world class standard as well as the Nigerian capital market.

In her acceptance speech, Onyiuke commended CAMCAN for the award and for remembering her

good works and laudable achievements in the past, stressing that it is rare in Nigeria. She said,”It is like we don’t have sense of history. We don’t usually honour those who have made great contribution to nation building especially when one retires”.

The former Director-General who used to describe Financial Journalists as her partners in progress said CAMCAN has done well especially in their developmental reportage of the market and by so doing helped to enlighten the investing public as well as attracting them to the market.

She called on all representatives from various companies who received CAMCAN Award on behalf of their companies to present the Award to Group Managing Directors personally and also tell them that she said, they should appreciate CAMCAN for the good job they have been doing.

Companies listed on the Nigerian Stock Exchange were not excluded.

Dangote Cement Plc was rewarded with an Award as the overall most profitable company for 2017 financial year, while MRS Plc, clenched double Awards as best Dividends yield and best in Price Earning ratio while Nestle Nigeria plc got the overall best award on Return on Investment.

Overall Best price Book value goes to Diamond Bank plc. Zenith Bank

Plc got the most profitable company award while Guaranty Trust Bank Plc got most efficient bank award.

United Bank for Africa Plc (UBA) received the most diversified bank while Wema Bank Plc got award for the best Bank with the lowest NonPerforming loans (NPL).

In the Insurance sector,Mansard Insurance plc was awarded the most profitable while Nem Insurance got double portion as most efficient and best on Return On Investment awards. Best in Dividend yield award goes to Custodian and Allied Insurance Plc while best in Price Earning ratio was won by AIICo Insurance Plc. Seplat Petroleum Development company Plc topped the Oil and Gas sector as it was given award for the profitable company and also got most efficient award while total Plc got best award on return on investment.MRS Plc got best awards for Price Earning Ratio and Dividend yield.

The most profitable award in the industrial sector went to Dangote Cement Plc just as Cap Plc got best award on Return on Investment while Cement Company of Northern Nigeria Plc got an award as best in Dividend yield in the sector.

The Nigerian Stock Exchange got an institutional award for its numerous innovations and upgrading to world class standard while FMDQ got an award for its creativity resilience and performance.

31

The Oracle Today Wednesday October 10, 2018

MONEY Market

CBN revokes 182 Mortgage Banking, others

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ARELY days after revoking the operating licence of Skye Bank Plc on Friday evening, the management of Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), on Wednesday hammered a total of 182 mortgage banks, finance houses and microfinance banks across the country.

According to the list published on the apex bank’s website, the regulatory action was taken because the banks had closed shop, were insolvent, terminally distressed, or in voluntary liquidation.

Licences of primary mortgage banks like Lagos-based Accord Savings & Loans Limited and Amex Savings & Loans had their licences revoked after their failed

recapitalization exercises.

While a total of 154 MFBs were affected by the revocation, six PMIs and 22 finance houses fell under the regulatory hammer.

A further breakdown of the list shows that three PMIs closed shop (including Anambra State Government owned Ahocol Savings & Loans Limited; two failed recapitalization (both Lagos based); while Bayelsa State Government owned Trans Atlantic Savings & Loans Limited, became insolvent.

Of the 22 finance companies, 19 are based in Lagos, including Cornerstone Leasing & Investment Ltd; as well as one in each of Cross River, Abuja and Rivers State.

Concerning the status of the companies, eight sought voluntary liquidation; 13 failed to recapitalise; and one (Equator Capital Asset Management Ltd) became insolvent.

A total of 62 MFBs closed shop; 74 became insolvent; 12 were terminally distressed; and six, en-

gaged in voluntary liquidation.

Lagos also recorded the highest number of MFBs whose licences were revoked by the CBN; followed by Abuja with 12; while Delta recorded eight; Anambra, six, and Ogun, five; among others.

According to CBN guidelines, minimum capitalization for unit

MFBs (one shop) is N20 million; while N100 million is for state-wide operations; and N2 billion for national license.

To operate as PMIs in Nigeria presented requires N1 billion minimum capital base, up from N200 million previously; and finance houses, N100 million.

•NAMB flays revocation of microfinance banks’ licenses by CBN

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ATIONAL Association of Microfinance Banks (NAMB) has expressed dissatisfaction with the publication of the names of microfinance banks whose license were revoked by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).

President of NAMB, Mr Roggers Nwoke, expressed the dissatisfaction, Sunday in Lagos, said such publication could lead to a run on banks and besides the association and apex body had reached a consensus to control the publicity.

Nwoke said that some of the banks that got their names published were still active.

CBN, last Wednesday, gave a notification to revoke operating license of 182 other financial institutions in the country.

According to the list released by the regulator, 154 of the affected institutions are microfinance banks, six are primary mortgage banks, while the remaining 22 are finance companies.

According to CBN, 62 of the microfinance banks have already closed shop, 74 became insolvent, 16 are terminally distressed, while six were voluntarily liquidated.

The NAMB boss said that association was not happy with the development, adding that some microfinance banks that had closed shop for two years could not claim to be in operation.

“However, the paramount issue here is that most banks the CBN claimed to be insolvent have in-

jected capital and back to business fully.” he said.

He said the association would immediately embark on dialogue with the CBN to effect necessary corrections.

“Some of the microfinance banks that got their license revoked include: Allover Microfinance Bank, Citigate Microfinance Bank, Broadview Microfinance Bank, Century Microfinance Bank and Chat Microfinance Bank, among others.

•Mr. Taji Ogbe, Executive Secretary, Nigerian Gas Association; Mrs. Favour Femi-Oyewole, Head, Information Security, The Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE); Mr. Bola Adeeko, Head, Shared Services Division, NSE; Engr. Dada Thomas, President, Nigerian Gas Association; Mrs. Audrey Joe-Ezigbo, First Vice President, Nigerian Gas Association and Mrs. Ibimina Abiodun, Secretary General, Nigerian Gas Association during a Closing Gong Ceremony at the Exchange.

Trust remains crucial in e-payment, says Diamond Bank CEO

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HE Managing Director of Diamond Bank Plc, Mr. Uzoma Dozie, has described trust as an important factor for the acceptability of any electronic banking solution.

He spoke during a panel session at the 2018 Annual National Conference of the Finance Correspondents Association of Nigeria (FICAN), with the theme: “Banks, Fintechs and Nigeria’s Financial Inclusion Journey,” held in Lagos, recently.

According to him, when trust is breached, the consequences could be severe. Dozie, was represented at the event by his Special Assistant, Mr. Kehinde Erinle.

“Customers will not trust a system they don’t understand. For instance, in Nigeria, the Nigeria Interbank Settlement System (NIBSS) recently launched the Mcash,

a USSD product that can be used on any platform. “So, what is required now is education and it is very important because for someone to trust a system, he must understand the system. And the government has a very important role to play in that.”

He also identified the slow pace in ensuring everybody in the country has a unique identity number as one of the factors hindering the growth of financial inclusion in the country. “One of the problems we have in Nigeria is the issue of a unique identity number. How can I give out loans to someone I cannot identify?” he said.

According to Dozie, Diamond Bank is presently a digital company and not just a bank. “So, we understand that we cannot provide all the services and so we are always willing to partner with peo-

AfDB approves $50m facility to support Nigeria’s rural populations

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HE African Development Bank has approved a $50 million line of credit to Nigeria’s Sterling Bank Plc to support micro, small and medium sized enterprises (MSMEs) in strategic sectors, including agriculture, renewable energy and social sectors such as health and education.

The facility, approved by the Bank’s Board, seeks to improve the quality of life for Nigeria’s rural population by supporting sectors that directly affect the livelihood of its population. The facility aims to increase access to social infrastructure such as healthcare centers, education centers and clean energy plants and spur economic activities in agriculture-related functions.

It aligns with Nigeria’s Economic Recovery and Growth Plan 20172020 (ERPG), which aims to promote macroeconomic stability and improved economic performance.

It enhances a transition to Inclu-

sive & Green Growth (TYS) and is equally aligned with the Bank’s Climate Change Action Plan 2016-2020, which encourages climate smart investments and best agriculture practices by smallholder farmers, while empowering socially and economically rural populations.

The seven-year credit facility will improve its long-term liquidity position and meet its clients’ demands for medium-term capital. Co-operatives and women-led SME’s will be the largest beneficiaries, which will also support Sterling’s strong rural coverage and boost its specialization in the “HEART” sectors (Health, Education, Agriculture, Renewable energy, and Transportation).

“This line of credit for Sterling Bank is linked to the Affirmative Finance Action for Women in Africa (AFAWA) project of the Bank, this is a positive development,” said Catherine Cudre-Mauroux, the Bank’s Executive Director for Germany, Lux-

emburg, Portugal and Switzerland.

Established in 2015, AFAWA is the Bank’s program for providing available, accessible and affordable financial services to women in business through selected financial institutions The African Development Bank’s Country Strategy Paper (2013-2017) for Nigeria aims to support the delivery of critical infrastructure development projects, and increasing access to quality, reliable, and affordable financial services to support the transition to green growth.

Sterling Bank Plc has received the Nigeria Agriculture Awards “Bank of the Year for Agriculture” award four years in a row (2014 – 2017), in recognition of its support to actors in the Nigerian agricultural value chain. Listed on the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE), the bank had 2,253 employees (40.3 percent women), 189 brick-and-mortar branches, 776 ATMs and 9,000 agents across Nigeria, as of December 2017.

ple who can provide those services,” he said.

According to him, the bank, through its Beta Savings Account product has taken banking to rural communities and has brought in those previously excluded into the financial system. He described the bank’s BETA Savings account as a safe and convenient savings account which encourages customers to save towards their goal consistently on a daily basis. “It is mainly targeted at market entrepreneurs/traders especially women who save regularly, leveraging on the services of “Alaajo” and

“Esusu” programs.

“The account provides maximum convenience, security, affordability and flexibility (deposit any amount, withdraw cash whenever you need it) to customers via the use of mobile phone and access to multiple channels (Branch, ATM, BETA Friends – Sales and Service Agents),” he added.

Speaking on the theme of the conference, he pointed out that banks are in business, just like fintechs, noting that: “the customer is king.” “Banks need fintechs, just as the fintechs need the banks,” he added.

Access Bank boss meets Microsoft CEO, re-emphasizes commit-

H

ERBERT Wigwe, the Group Managing Director of Access Bank has re-emphasized the Bank’s commitment to improving banking practices in Nigeria and Africa by leveraging massively on technology.

He stated this during his strategic meeting with Satya Nadella, the Chief executive Officer of Microsoft in Seattle, United states of American on Thursday September 27, 2018.

Access Bank as a leading financial institution in Nigeria has recently announced its five-year strategic plan focusing on enhancing Africa’s position in the global community and this high- level meeting with Satya Nadella is definitely a step in the right direction to achieving this goal.

“Africa is currently experiencing a massive growth in wider access to and adoption of technology, especially in improving businesses processes and lifestyle as well as optimum use of resources. However, we still realise that there are still untapped and immense opportunities, to provide essential and well-secured channels for transactions using technology to raise the standard of banking services in Africa, even while understanding the socio-economic dynamics of the countries,” said Herbert Wigwe.

Satya Nadella, CEO of Microsoft stated, “I want Microsoft to enable

organisations like Access Bank to innovate digitally and grow their business exponentially.”

He noted that only two entities are capable of being the Alibaba of Nigeria – A massive retail operation or a large financial institution. “We need partners like you who have deep ambition for exceptional customer service.”

“We will be delighted to form a deeper relationship with Access Bank to drive innovation, and by extension exceptional customer experience in the African financial services space.”

Access Bank through this partnership with Microsoft has already begun its five-year mission to enhance the perception of Africa by drawing the attention of the global community to the indigenous products of Africans - their rich history, people, culture, art, and lifestyle - while providing channels where businesses can fully participate in commercial activities globally.

The Bank has consistently positioned itself to lead the innovation conversation among financial institutions by leveraging on technology to provide fast, secure, and reliable banking experience for customers within Nigeria and the African Continent.

32

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The Oracle Today Wednesday October 10, 2018

NEWS Extra Ebonyi Govt. commits to health, welfare of elderly, widows

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bonyi State Government has pledged commitment to advance the medical well-being and welfare of septuagenarians, Octogenarians, nonagenarians, widows and others in the state.

Governor David Umahi, who made the pledge on Saturday in Abakaliki at an Elderly and Widows party to mark the 2018 Independence Day of Nigeria @58 and the state @ 22, said it was to further enhance the life of these persons and address their health challenges.

He directed the Chairmen and Coordinators of the 13 Local Government Areas (LGA) in the state to visit widows and elderly persons in their domain to ascertain their health challenges and monitor their diets.

According to Umahi, the first assignment of any administration should be the welfare and security of the people.

“This programme is one of the five covenant of the administration to take care of the widows and we are happy for achieving it.

“We have nurses who will monitor their medical well-being and the stakeholders to check the food and water they take.

“I will appreciate so much if the chairmen and coordinators take this assignment seriously because it will cost us nothing but people doing their work,” Umahi said.

Umahi while commending them for their support in prayer, encouraged them to be courageous.

He said that the welfare programme would be sustained and celebrated every three months.

He also said that the medical programme for this group of persons would be included in the state’s 2019 budget.

“The elderly and widows need our attention and I want testimonies in the next celebration by December,” Umahi said.

Meanwhile, the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Religious Matters and Social Welfare, Rev. Fr. Abraham Nwali, said that the elderly ones were symbols of justice and equity.

Nwali, who is also Chairman, Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), urged them to continue in their support for the present administration, while they obtain their Permanent Voter Card (PVC) to exercise their franchise.

“Old age is a gift. I enjoin you to manage it positively. The celebration has been `the first of it kind,” Nwali said.

Contributing, Mr Vincent Nwode, an elderly, while commending the state government for its kind gesture, pledged to support the present administration.

He said there was the need for the party to play by the rules to ensure a credible, free and fair general elections come 2019.

4, 300 widows in the state had been beneficiaries of N100, 000 each from the government.

Recover stolen funds to fund minimum wage -- SERAP tells Presidency

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ocio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has urged President Muhammadu Buhari to intensify the crackdown on stolen funds to fund the new minimum wage proposed by the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC).

Mr Timothy Adewale, the Deputy Director of SERAP, said this on Sunday in Lagos.

“The minimum wage of N18, 000 for Nigerian workers stands in sharp contrast with outrageous and sometimes illegal salaries and allowances of high-ranking public officials who continue to enjoy lavish lifestyles with impunity.

“Vulnerable Nigerian workers are left in a precarious situation, unable to ensure a decent stand-

ard of living for themselves and their families, with access to water, health, and education seriously undermined,” Adewale said in a statement.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the NLC had on Sept. 27 directed workers to go on a nationwide warning strike.

The NLC gave the directive following the failure of the government to review the N65, 000 minimum wage proposed by organised labour.

Adewale urged President Buhari to provide bold leadership to improve conditions for the ‘working poor’ and ordinary Nigerians by publicly supporting a just remuneration to enable them to live a decent life.

The organisation said the Federal Government could make this a reality by pushing to recover assets and other illicit wealth stolen by public officials and institutions since the return of democracy in 1999.

He said: “The government can begin to take tangible steps like proposing legislation to cut security votes of around N241 billion yearly.

“The Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC) should take legal action to seek refund of N13.5 million monthly ‘running cost’ for each senator and N10 million for each member of the House of Representatives.

“The RMAFC has already declared the allowances illegal and contrary to the law on salaries and allowances of public office holders,

namely ‘Certain Political, Public and Judicial Office Holders (Salaries and Allowances, etc.) (Amendments) Act, 2008.”

The organisation also urged President Buhari to stop former governors from receiving double pay and life pensions as serving senators and ministers.

SERAP said the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice should seek refund of over N40 billion public funds received by ex-governors now serving in appointive or elective positions, leveraging the 1999 Nigerian Constitution (as amended).

SERAP urged the government to swiftly end the strike by reaching an agreement with organised labour and push for the harmonisation of the proposed minimum wage across the states of the federation.

Group backs Ekumankama’s senatorial ambition in Ebonyi

By CHINEDU NWAFOR, Abakaliki

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• Delta State Governor, Ifeanyi Okowa (second from left) being received by the Deputy Speaker Rt Hon Osanebi Friday Ossai, Council Chairman, Hon Joan Ameachi Governor, Commissioner for Special Duties Hon Ernest Ogwezzy, DESOPADEC Commissioner, Hon Nnamdi Ezechi and others when he visited flood victims at Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) Camps set up by the State Government at Ashaka, in Ndokwa West council area of the state

St John Paul II inaugurates 2018 Harvest CWC

By MADUABUCHI KALU

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aint John Paul II Catholic Church, an outstation of St. Mary’s Catholic Church Isolo, yesterday (Sunday) inaugurated the 2018 Harvest Central Working Committee (CWC). The Inauguration of this year’s Central Working Committee was performed by the St Mary’s Catholic Church Isolo Parish Priest, Rev. Fr. Ethelbert Arua after Mass.

According to Father Arua, this year’s inauguration of the Central Working Committee is unique in the sense that the Parish wanted to do things different from what has been or seems to be the norm. He explained that before now, a man has always been the Chairman of the previous CWC but in this particular year, the Parish has decided to make a woman the chairperson of the CWC. He further explained that why this year’s harvest is different from the previous ones is because it is going to be none pledged harvest in the sense that whatever anyone wants to give during this year’s harvest must be in cash or a pledge that is redeemable within two weeks.

Inaugurating the CWC after dissolving the 2017 CWC, the St Mary’s

Catholic Parish Priest, Reverend Father Ethelbert Arua, charged the CWC to see their call to work in the vineyard of God as service to God and the church and as a result should be diligent, committed and hard working for the success of the harvest.

Father Ethelbert prayed God to give the members of the Central Working Committee the wisdom, understanding, strength and the desire to be able to discharge their duties to His glory.

In her acceptance speech, the Chairperson of this year’s St. John Paul II harvest CWC, on behalf of her members, thanked God, the clergy and parishioners for founding her team worthy to serve in this year’s CWC. She used the opportunity to solicit for their prayers and supports saying they cannot achieve the expected success without the support and prayers of members of the outstation. She assured members of St. John Paul II Catholic Church that the CWC will do their best to deliver on the mandate given them.

Meanwhile, it is worthy to note that the sole aim of this year’s harvest is to raise money to enable the outstation move to her perma-

nent site which has already been acquired. The outstation has been staying on a parishioner’s property for more than three years now.

The harvest is targeting to raise money to enable St. John Paul II move over to their permanent site

by November or December. It is the money to put up temporal structure that this year’s harvest is targeting.

Some of the members of the 2018 harvest CWC of St John Paul II Catholic Church include: Mrs. Stella Ikpe (Chairperson) Sir. Col. Michael Akanji, Dr. Obiora Madu, John Itua, Emmanuel Ikupulati, Jacob Dashi, Maduabuchi Kalu amongst others.

There sub-committees of this year’s CWC will be constituted as from this Sunday as sub-committee chairmen have been directed to look for people among parishioners that can make the work of the sub-committees easier for recommendation for the CWC for appointment.

It is important to note that the 2018 St. John Paul II Harvest CWC started work immediately after their inauguration with their first meeting after Mass; and by Sunday, they will reel out the programmes for the harvest which is expected to last for six weeks.

group under the aegis of the Dr Dennis Ude Ekumankama Support Group (DUE), for Senate 2019, has urged the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) faithful and delegates to throw their weight behind the senatorial ambition of Dr. Dennis Ekumankama, who is seeking to represent Ebonyi South senatorial zone come 2019.

The group who made the call at the end of its meeting in Abakaliki said Ekumankama remained the right man to represent the zone.

Coordinator of the group, Sir George Ukpai, said support for Dr Ekumankama’s senatorial ambition was predicated on his sterling leadership records and achievements.

He noted that Dr Ekumankama’s leadership prowess manifested during the period he served as the Acting Registrar General and Chief Executive Officer of the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC), Abuja, as he repositioned the commission to the admiration of all.

He said the Senatorial Hopeful also demonstrated similar leadership qualities when he served as Commissioner for Finance; and later, Commerce and Industry under Governor Umahi.

“We appeal to the Party delegates to rally round him, because, he has the maturity and quintessential qualities capable of building and attracting trust, uprightness, unassuming and humble followership globally”.

“He has earned respect as a teacher, a legal luminary, scholar, public speaker and is well exposed locally and internationally. He is the man fit and competent for the job”, he said.

Contributing, Secretary of DUE, Mr Sunday also explained that Ekumankama is God fearing, calm, levelheaded, a grassroots politician and humanitarian who is committed to the development of the state.

According to him, he is capable of inspiring, motivating and galvanizeing the good people of Ebonyi South Senatorial District to achieve self-reliance and economic Independence if elected to represent the zone.

34

The Oracle Today Wednesday October 10, 2018

NEWS Extra Pomp as school principal is crowned traditional ruler in Enugu

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t was pomp and pageantry at Adagwanato Community in Igbo-Eze North Local Government Area of Enugu State, following the selection of a retired secondary school principal, Chief Thomas Nwali, as the first traditional ruler-elect of the community by the General Gssembly of the community.

The colourful ceremony took place last on Sunday, last week..

Igwe-elect Nwali was crowned as the Igwebuike 1 of Adogwanato by the eldest man and Spiritual Leader of the autonomous community, Onyishi Michael Ugwuanyi Agashi assisted by the elders-in-council in accordance with the tradition and laws of the land.

Amid celebrations by the youths, women and the elderly, Nwali who promised to rule the community with the fear of God, said that he had lived with the people all his life and was therefore, not do anything that would disturb the peace and unity of Umuadogwa, Inere and Umushene Villages which make up the community.

Earlier before the coronation of Nwali and his wife, Lolo Cordelia Nwali, [Chinyere Ugo], Onyishi Agashi had prayed for the new traditional ruler, saying that he was chosen because of development initiatives in the community. “My prayer is that God and our ancestors will protect and preserve your life and make your reign peaceful in Adogwanato.

We are all brothers and sisters and have been living in peace. Let there be tranquility throughout your reign.

You are a man of peace.

“You should extend your hands of fellowship tp those who contested the Igweship with you. It is God that gives power. If it is because of money, this crown would not have been bestowed on you today, because some of those who with you are richer. It is your good work for us. Keep it up. Your wife should also support you and protect the throne from anything that is bad,” he said, as the people danced to the rhythm of the traditional Okanga drummers.

Ayade gets PDP governorship ticket in C’River

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overnor Ben Ayade of Cross River on Sunday emerged the governorship candidate of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for the 2019 elections through affirmation by delegates at the party’s primary election.

Ayade was announced as the candidate by the PDP panel Chairman, Mr Olorogun Tebite, who conducted the primaries.

Tebite said that Ayade was the only aspirant of the party in the state and explained that the delegates had to vote in order to complete due process in line with the electoral law.

He commended the delegates for their orderly behaviour during the primaries.

Responding after his election, Ayade thanked delegates from across the 18 local government areas and said that his endorsement was an evidence of his good works in the state.

“If given the second term mandate I would do more in the areas of industrialization and job creation.

“I urge you all to vote PDP in 2019 election at all levels to ensure continuity in governance,” he said.

Niger Delta Group urges NLC to crackdown on states owing salaries

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iger Delta Empowerment Group (NDEG) has urged the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) to declare strike action in all the states where workers were owed salaries.

Executive Director of the group, Mr Jude Tabai, made the remark in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Sunday in Lagos.

Tabai argued that most of the governors owing salaries may be ending their tenure in 2019, hence the need to get them to pay all accrued salaries, pensions and allowances owed workers before they vacate office.

“Nigerians, CSOs NGOs and labour must come out to first protest against the governor’s impunities. I think this will guarantee safe land-

ing in the case of salaries increment.

“I feel the pain of the masses over this strike and call on state labour leaders to call for strikes in their various states. This way pressure will be put on governors to pay arrears of salaries and pensions before embarking on nationwide strike.

Tabai said the NLC should have prioritised the picketing of states owing salaries over the ongoing strike.

“Fighting for the minimum wage is not wrong but the timing is not correct. All it will achieve is to accrue more monies in the pockets of governors who may likely not implement it.

“As a true Nigerian, I believe that if we get it right in the states, most Nigerians will heave a sigh of relief.

“The federal government has good intentions of coming up with a good package for workers.

“But some states are making it an issue and are kicking against any salary increment due to fears they might not be able to meet up a new minimum wage payment for now.

“Our major challenge is to address the issues of the monies all the 36 states received as Paris fund refund despite getting their normal statutory allocations,” said Tabai.

He accused some state governors of converting the Paris fund refund to personal use rather than using it to pay salaries and carry out governance in their various states.

“Some of the governors diverted the Paris funds. The question is why labour leaders kept mute in the face of non-payment of salaries in

their various states which has been on for some years now.

“Where were the labour leaders when arrears of salaries accumulated over months to the detriment of the masses?

“What measures did labour leaders take when the president was crying about the selfish attitude of governors over diversion of monies belonging to states for payment of salaries? These are questions for the NLC,” Tabai said.

He said ongoing strike would only put more monies into the hands of governors without the suffering masses benefiting from the increment.

“We wish to state clearly that governors’ impunity must be tackled by labour leaders of their various states,” he added.

Tabai urged the NLC and its associated unions to mobilise to tackle the governors.

Ebonyi PDP affirms governorship ticket for Umahi

By CHINEDU NWAFOR, Abakaliki

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• Stakeholders in Delta State politics including state Governor, Ifeanyi Okowa (second right) and former governor, Chief James Ibori (third from left) in attendance at Sunday’s Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) gubernatorial primary election which took place at the Cenotaph, Asaba, the state capital

Abia Govt. to launch fund for free basic healthcare services

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xecutive Secretary, Abia State Primary Healthcare Development Agency, Dr Chinagozi Adindu, says the state government has concluded plans to launch Basic Healthcare Provision Fund to revitalise the primary healthcare sector.

Adindu, who disclosed this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Thursday in Umuahia, said that the fund was expected to be launched early next month.

He said the fund, which would be launched by the Minister of Health, Prof. Isaac Adewole, was part of Federal Government’s measures to improve healthcare services in the country.

According to him, the fund will enable people to have access to free medical services at primary health care facilities.

The executive secretary said that the project would be assist-

ed by the World Bank, the Bill and Melinda Gates and other donors agencies.

He added that Abia was among the six pilot states selected for the project, explaining that “in the 2018 budget, Federal Government, in line with Act number 11 of the National Health Act, complied and accepted to be paying one per cent of the consolidated revenue into the fund.

“Abia has met all the conditions. We have paid our counterpart fund of N100 million.

“It is a programme that will help us to access fund directly from Federal Government.

“The money goes straight to the health facility, not to the state or the local government, so that there will be no interference.”

He said that the agency had already set up ward development and ward management committees to make sure that various

communities bought into the project.

As part of the measures, the executive secretary disclosed that the agency had decided to rehabilitate and upgrade at least one health centre from each each of the 292 wards before the end of the year.

He further explained that those that would enroll in the state health insurance scheme would access the services freely from any of the accredited 292 primary healthcare centres.

“You don’t need to pay any money, the health insurance will pay. Just register and have your health insurance identity card and go to a nearby centre out of the accredited ones. It is for everybody,” he maintained.

He commended Governor Okezie Ikpeazu for his efforts towards the development of primary healthcare sector in the state.

overnor David Umahi has won the Ebonyi State Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), ticket to contest the governorship election in 2019.

Umahi emerged the sole aspirant for the office of the governor in the party’s governorship primary election that took place on Sunday at Pa Ngele Oruta Township stadium.

He emerged unopposed in the absence of any other contestants.

Declaring Governor Umahi winner and the candidate of PDP for Ebonyi governorship election, the Chairman of the panel, Senator Joy Emordi said Governor Umahi polled a total of 1988 votes.

She said despite the fact that Umahi was a sole aspirant for the position, a situation that would have been decided by voice votes, the decision to go into normal election was based on the party internal democracy to enable the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC to monitor the proceedings.

Senator Emordi described the exercise as very orderly, peaceful and organized and commended Governor Umahi for his developmental strides and expressed satisfaction with the outcome of the Congress.

Speaking shortly after he was declared the winner of the PDP primary election, Governor Umahi said he was humbled by the show of solidarity and commitment of the members of PDP and Ebonyi people in general which he said had enabled him to achieve monumental development in the state within three years in office.

Governor Umahi said the party flag given to him to run on its platform for the next four years as governor was a call to serve and do more work, adding that his first tenure had been memorable and witnessed unprecedented development while his second term will a period to do more work and consolidate on already achieved development.

He thanked the leadership of the party at levels for providing a level playing field for all aspirants to contest in all the positions.

35

The Oracle Today Wednesday October 10, 2018

NEWS APC postpones Abia governorship primaries

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ll Progressives Congress (APC) in Abia has postponed its governorship primaries earlier scheduled for September30 till October1.

APC Chairman in the state, Mr Donatus Nwamkpa, said the postponement was due to the inability of the National Election Committee members of the party to arrive the state.

He said the state chapter of the party was still awaiting the arrival of the officials who were in possession of election materials.

According to him, the primaries will now be conducted on October 1 when the officials would have arrived in the state.

Meanwhile, Nwamkpa dismissed the allegation that the party had arranged to impose a preferred candidate, adding that all aspirants had equal stake as there was no “anointed candidate’’ as widely speculated.

The chairman assured the aspirants and members of the party that the committee would conduct free and fair exercise.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), reports that seven aspirants are jostling for the party’s governorship ticket in the state.

The aspirants include Mr Chris Akomas, former Deputy Governor, Mr Martin Azubuike, former Abia Speaker and Chief Uche Ogah, a former governorship aspirant.

Other aspirants are Messrs Okey Emuche, Friday Nwosu, Paul Ikonne and Ikechi Emenike.

Sokoto PDP primary: Dan-iya emerges governorship candidate

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ormer Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs in Sokoto State, Alhaji Manir Dan-iya has emerged winner of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) governorship primary election in the state.

Returning Officer, Amb Bashir Yuguda declared Dan-iya, a sole candidate, winner of the election on Sunday in Sokoto after he scored 2,175 votes.

Yuguda said the election was hitch free adding that 2,490 delegates were screened, out of which Dan-iya emerged winner with 2,175 lawful votes.

The election was witnessed by the former and the serving Sokoto State Governors and PDP presidential candidates, Alhaji Attahiru Bafarawa and Aminu Tambuwal respectively.

Others are Sen. Ibrahim Danbaba, Amb. Abdallah Wali and four house of representatives members.

The election was also observed by security operatives in the state.

Bayelsa closes schools, distributes relief materials to victims of flood

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ayelsa Government, Sunday directed immediate closure of schools to avoid loss of lives in the flood currently ravaging the state.

Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Mr Daniel IworisoMarkson, said in a statement that the decision to close the schools was reached at the State Executive Council meeting on Friday.

Iworiso-Markson said the meeting, chaired by Gov. Seriake Dickson,

also set up a committee to facilitate prompt and effective response to the flood emergency in the state.

“The State Executive Council has directed immediate closure of all schools to avoid loss of lives. the government is taking measures to secure lives and property; the good people of Bayelsa should not panic,” he said.

He said the council had also directed the Ministry of Health to set up an Emergency Health Response

Unit to mitigate the effect of the disaster on the people.

The commissioner said the unit would monitor and prevent outbreak of diseases such as cholera during the period covered by the flood.

He said NEMA’s coordinator in the state had briefed the council on the situation, adding the agency had commenced distribution of the materials to affected communities on Saturday.

The commissioner advised residents of the state not to panic as government had taken measures to secure lives and property in the state.

He said many communities in the local government areas, especially in Ekeremor, Sagbama, Ogbia and Southern Ijaw local government areas were affected.

The state governor on Wednesday approved of N50 million for the procurement of relief materials for the victims.

Also the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) had in a news conference said more than 150,000 people have been displaced by the flood following rising water levels.

Coordinator at NEMA’s Rivers/ Bayelsa territory, Mr Yakubu Suleiman, told newsmen in Yenagoa, that the agency arrived at the figure after evaluation of the disaster across eight local government areas.

Independence: Worshipers offer prayers for national unity

• (From left): Delta State Governor, Ifeanyi Okowa with Ebonyi State Governor, Dave Umahi, during the former’s inaugration as the Chairman of the special National Convention Planning Committee of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) by the Deputy National Chairman of the pary, Elder Yomi Akinwunmi, on behalf of the National Chairman, Prince Uche Secondus, at the national secretariat of the party in Abuja, last Monday

Anambra Flood: Death toll rises to 4 in Ogbaru, more people displaced

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r Arinze Awogu, Chairman, of Ogbaru Local Government Area, on Friday, said death toll in the flood ravaging Obolo village in Ogwuanicha, Anambra, had risen to four.

Awogu told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that the latest was Chief Ojike Ajanwu, a father of nine children, drowned in the flood that submerged houses and displaced residents.

He said that Ajanwu drowned while attempting to evacuate his harvested cassava from his farm on Thursday.

The chairman said that the wife of the deceased, who is nursing a one month old baby, and her eight children were at the Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) centre in Ogwuaniocha.

“The deceased left behind a young wife, Chinasa, who hails from Ossomala and nine children, the oldest of the children is 13 years old.

“Our hearts go out to the family, and we assure them of government’s support and sincere condolences, we shall inform the governor about the incident.

“We are still counting the number of deaths but as at it stood at four,” he said.

Awogu said there was no sign that the flood was receding as all the 16 communities in the council area have been submerged and more people displaced from their homes.

He said most notable sons and daughters of Ogbaru have been sacked by the flooding and called for

more support to enable them overcome the challenge.

“I must tell you that all the prominent persons we have in Ogbaru local government including elected and political office holders are now IDPs. “Among them are: Prof. Ben Nwabueze, Rep. Chukwuka Onyema, representing Ogbaru in the Federal House, Sen. Stella Oduah, Mr Somto Udeze in the Anambra House of Assembly.

“Mrs Chinwe Nwebili, former Speaker of Anambra House of Assembly, Chief Dubem Obaze, Mr Oseoka Obaze for Anambra SSG, Mr Afam Ogene, former Federal House member, myself, and many others are all IDPs. “It’s a real emergency, none of the 16 communities in Ogbaru is left out, the upland is congested, the IDPs camps are overstretched so we are now moving them to Ihiala and Onitsha.

“I do not know the basis for the impression that this flood is receding, for us down here in Ogbaru, we are still at the middle of this emergency, and flood level is still rising,” he said.

The council boss thanked the Anambra government for the assistance they have received and called on the National Emergency Management Agency to show more presence.

“This situation is a national disaster, we want to see more national intervention; it is far beyond what the state can handle.

“We thank Anambra government for all the assistance we have been getting the through the state Emergency Management Agency, we have not seen NEMA on ground here.

“What I do not know is if what the SEMA is bringing include what NEMA has given them, but at the moment we are only seeing SEMA,” he said.

Speaking on their interventions, NEMA said they were aware of the challenges and were responding accordingly.

Mr Walsom Ibarakumo, Coordinator of Enugu office of NEMA told NAN that they have handed over quantity of relief materials to Anambra SEMA for onward distribution to affected persons.

Ibarakumo said NEMA could not handover directly because of inadequate number of staff to go round the IDPs camps across the state, adding that it had to rely on the synergy with SEMA. He said the items so far handed over to Anambra SEMA were food and non-food items including 600 bags of rice, 300 bags of Garri, 600 bags of cement, 200 cartons of Milo, 300 bags of beans, 1,000 cartons of detergent and 300 cartons of tin tomato.

Other were 2,000 pieces of treated mosquito nets, 1,000 pieces of toilet soap, 1,500 pieces of printed wax, 150 kegs of vegetable oil, 150 bags of salts, 150 bags of sugar and 150 kegs of red oil

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ome Christian faithful on Sunday in Lagos offered prayers for the unity of Nigeria ahead of the commemoration of the country’s 58th Independence on Monday.

Worshipers at St. Peter and Paul’s Catholic Church, Tedi Mojo, Lagos State, also rendered the national anthem and songs in various Nigerian languages as expression of unity and love for the country.

According to the officiating priest, Rev. Pascal Ahanoun, “we are showing love to our dear country at 58 with songs depicting our diversity.

“With songs and praises, the Israelis surmounted the wall of Jericho and we not unaware of the social problems of the land, hence we go to God in praises,” he said.

Also at the Word Ministry, Ojo Barracks, scenario was different as some worshipers acted drama to depict those things that tend to weaken the unity of the country.

Mr Austin Babas, the Director of the drama group of the ministry, said that the act was put together to supplicate on behalf of the citizens to enable them overcome the challenges they were experiencing through the grace of God. “We want to symbolically tell God most of the things that have been our undoing as a people and ask for His intervention,” Babas said.

Pastor Chris Nmezi, the Convener of the Nigeria Anniversary session of the church, said that the intercessory session was to call on God to help the nation to surmount its problems, especially to avert election crises.

“At 58, some of the nagging social problems ought to be history by now and not a recurring decimal at every four years,” he said.

He called on the political leaders to eschew bitterness in their relationship with others during the forthcoming elections.

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The Oracle Today Wednesday October 10, 2018

NEWS

2 die in flash flood in Enugu, 2 others rescued – Police

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olice Command in Enugu State has confirmed that two young males died in a flash flood that ravaged an agrarian village, Ezema Olo community of Ezeagu Local Government Area on Wednesday.

The Police Public Relations Officer for the command, SP Ebere Amaraizu, made the confirmation in a statement on Friday in Enugu, adding that two other young males were rescued from the flood.

Amaraizu said that incident happened about 7 p.m. on the fateful day.

“It was gathered that the incident which occurred at Imeama in Ezema Olo community on the said date in the evening was said to have had four young men involved.

“They were later identified as Inyama Uchenna, Friday Okemiri, Ikenna Mbam and Chika Mbam, all within the age bracket of 20 and 21 respectively.

“It was alleged that they were working for someone in her farm before being allegedly carried away by a flash flood after the downpour to nearby Owon River of Ezeagu.

“It was gathered that Uchenna Inyama and Friday Okemiri were rescued just as the corpses of Chika Mbam and Ikenna Mbam were later recovered and released to their relations,“ he said.

According to the police image maker, the relations of the two deceased come from Agubata Agbaja community in Izzi Local Government Area of Ebonyi.

Amaraizu said that the command had commenced investigation into the matter.

2019 guber primaries: Ishaku, Okowa win PDP tickets; as APC postpones Ogun poll

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overnor Darius Ishaku of Taraba, Sunday, emerged as the state’s candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for the forthcoming governorship election in February, 2019.

Chairman of the Taraba PDP governorship primary Election Committee and former governor of Kogi State, Alhaji Idris Wada, declared Ishaku winner at the end of voting by delegates to the election.

Wada explained that 2,000 delegates were accredited for the primaries while 1,928 votes were cast for Ishaku, who was the sole aspirant of the party.

Wada commended the delegates for the peaceful conduct during the election.

“I want to commend you all the

delegates to this election for your peaceful and orderly conduct,” he said.

Reacting to the victory, Ishaku thanked the PDP family in the state for the confidence repose in him.

He pledged to redouble his efforts at developing the state if reelected at the general elections.

“It is not easy to be a sole aspirant for governorship in a party like PDP, but because of the confidence you have in me, it has happened,” he said.

Taraba PDP chairman, Mr Victor Bala, noted that with the successful conduct of the primaries, the party was poised to continue to govern the state beyond 2019.

Meanwhile, the Delta State Governor, Ifeanyi Okowa has also

received the endorsement of the state to seek re-election at the 2019 governorship having secured the sole ticket of the party.

The primary which held, Sunday, at the Cenotaph, in Asaba, the state capital, saw Okowa polling 3,252 votes to secure the ticket being the unopposed candidate at the exercise.

Meanwhile, the All Progressives Congress in Ogun State has announced the postponement of the earlier scheduled governorship primary which the party held across the country, Sunday.

A statement signed by State Chairman of the APC, Chief Derin Adebiyi, did not explain reasons for the postponement but instead said ‘announcement will be made upon

Pay attention to workers’ demand -- Bayelsa traders urge FG

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raders in Yenagoa, the Bayelsa capital, have urged the three tiers of government to listen to workers’ demand over the new Minimum Wage for the betterment of the nation’s economy.

A cross section of the traders, who spoke with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Friday, said that workers’ demand was genuine, considering the cost of living including house rent and commodities.

Mrs Grace Chiedozie, who manages a provision shop at Swali Market, said that most of her customers were salary earners, saying that increasing the minimum wage was necessary for the interest of the masses.

“The workers demand is genuine and you know, when the workers smile, we too will smile as well; the government should listen to them because life is no longer the same as it was in 2011,” she said.

On the ongoing nationwide strike, a NAN Correspondent, who moved round the capital city reported that some public and private institutions were under lock.

Mr Vincent Ogun, a Retired teacher and trader, urged the government to improve the welfare of workers.

“The government should pay attention to their (workers) demand,” Ogun said.

Chairman of the Trade Union Congress (TUC) in the state, Mr Tari Dounana, that the strike monitoring team have been working round the clock to ensure compliance.

“What we need from government is just an improvement on workers’ package, that is all,” the Chairman said

• Members of the Gombe State Governor and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Presidential Aspirant, Dr Ibrahim Dankwambo’s Campaign Organization during a consultative visit to the Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike, at the Government House Port Harcourt, Wednesday

Security operatives sack Anglican worshippers over alleged dispute with Catholics

By Theo Rays, Onitsha

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ension soaked the teeming population of Anglican faithful in Onitsha following the forceful ejection of members of St Simon Bishop Crowther Memorial Church, Onitsha from their worship Center at the Crowther Memorial Primary School yesterday.

A combined team of security agents comprising the police, Operation Clean and Healthy Anambra and vigilante operatives cordoned off the premises of the school which also serves presently as a holding camp for some displaced persons from Anambra West affected by the current flooding in parts of the state.

Priest in charge of the Church , Rev Leo Onwuzurigbo who addressed reporters after holding Church service with members along the road said the Chairman of Onitsha North Local Government Area, Mr Patrick Agha-Mba led the security agents who blocked them from entering the premises and

also sacked other members of the Church who had earlier gained entrance to the place.

Rev. Onwuzuruigbo alleged that the council chairman also used thugs to demolish a temporal Church structure they were building inside the premises noting that they have been holding Church service in the same premises since the year 2006.

He accused the government of acting the script of the Catholic Church whose Basilica is located close to the premises by ejecting them and condemned what he described as the “manipulation of the governor by a religious denomination” even as he vowed that members of the Anglican Church will continue to worship God no matter the provocation and persecution.

President of a group in the Anglican Church, Gideon on the Niger, Chuba Oranusi, a lawyer who condemned government action on the Church expressed shock over the incident describing it as an infringement on their fundamental right to

freedom of worship.

However, when contacted, Chief of Staff to Governor Obiano, Mr Primus Odili who owned up to the drafting the local government Chairman of Onitsha North and security agents to the scene said government was only trying to bring peace and maintain order in the area.

Odili exonerated the Catholic Church of any culpability in the matter noting that government is not aware of any dispute between Anglican and Catholic Churches in the area. He disclosed that the school and land in question belongs wholly to the government while the Anglican church who were formally granted permission to hold Church services in the school abused the privilege given to them when they started building a Church structure in the premises without government approval hence the reason government had to wall off the premises and take full ownership of its property.

receipt of firm clarification from the National Headquarters of the All Progressives Congress(APC).’

“APC Governorship Primaries Postponed: this is to notify all party faithfuls and Stakeholders that the Governorship primaries originally scheduled for today has been Postponed,” the statement read.

Ogun now joins the list of other states which APC primaries have also been postponed. Lagos and Imo states have earlier shifted theirs for unexplained reasons.

Meanwhile, two factions of the Ogun State Chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) held parallel governorship primaries in Abeokuta on Sunday to elect governorship flag bearers for the party ahead of the 2019 polls.

The group recognised by the National body of the PDP held its primaries at the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library (OOPL) where Hon. Ladi Adebutu emerged as the candidate.

Adebutu, who is representing the Remo/North Federal Constituency at the House of Representatives was the sole aspirant of the group.

He emerged after all the 2,369 delegates from the three Senatorial District of the state voted overwhelmingly for him.

The exercise was supervised by a 5-man Electoral Committee from the National Headquarters headed

by Rtd.Capt. Mike Hart.

In his opening remarks, Hart described the PDP as “a rebranded party in Ogun’’ adding further the party had learnt from its past mistakes.

He encouraged all PDP members to brace up for the task ahead of ensuring the party won the governorship seat.

On his part, Adebutu expressed satisfaction on the transparent manner the exercise was conducted, adding that he was elated with his selection as the party flag bearer.

Similarly, Mr Adeleke Shittu had emerged as the Governorship Candidate of the party in a parallel exercise organised by Sen. Buruji Kasamu.

Kasamu is currently under expulsion by the National body of PDP following issues surrounding misconduct and anti-party activities.

Chairman of the Executive Committee of the Kasamu-led faction, Mr Bayo Dayo, said the exercise conducted by the group was the authentic.

“The law is on our side until the judgment we had in 2016 is set aside. We have a judgment that compels the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to accept only candidates that emerge from primaries conducted by our group.

“The other faction had tried twice to set the judgment aside but the Court of Appeal had dismissed their appeal. We do know that the National body does not recongise our group but I am sure that eventually, the rule of law will prevail because Nigeria’s constitution supersedes the party’s constitution,” he said.

Shittu, however, said the exercise that led to his emergence was a major step in the party’s preparation for the 2019 polls.

He said PDP was determined to take over Ogun, adding that he would help the party to actualise that set goal.

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The Oracle Today Wednesday October 10, 2018

NEWS

Lagos: Reps members endorse Sanwo-Olu, as Tinubu accuses Ambode of ‘deviation’

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agos State All Progressives Congress (APC) House of Representatives members last Sunday endorsed Mr Babajide SanwoOlu as its candidate in the party’s governorship primary in the state, further deepening the problems for incumbent, Akinwunmi Ambode.

It would be recalled that the lawmakers at the state’s House of Assembly has earlier endorsed the candidacy of Sanwo-Olu ahead of the incumbent, who is said to have clashed with his political godfather, Alhaji Ahmed Tinubu.

News Agency of Nigeria reports that 16 members of the House of Representatives from Lagos, led

by Mr Femi Gbajabiamila, were in attendance at a briefing called to endorse the aspirant.

Speaking on behalf of the lawmakers, Gbajabiamila urged party members to vote for Sanwo-Olu in the primary election.

“Sanwo-olu has rich pedigree, intimidating credentials. We have sat down and decided on Sanwo-Olu. ‘We have given him our support for tomorrow because he has the best potential to take Lagos to higher levels. Members of the house look at things dispassionately, deliberate and take decisions.

We endorsed Ambode in the past when he was the sole aspirant and was performing well. But politics is dynamic.

“Today, we believe in Sanwo-Olu and we encourage our members to vote for him,” Gbajabiamila said.

He, however, urged party mem-

bers to remain united, no matter the outcome of the primary.

In his response, Sanwo-Olu urged APC members in Lagos to come out and vote.

“A vote for me will be a vote to taking Lagos to a higher level. We will bring back the glory to Lagos,” he said.

On allegations of arrest in America levelled against him by Gov. Akinwumi Ambode at a briefing earlier in Lagos, Sanwo-Olu said he would not respond to that.

“The party will handle that. I am focused on my campaign and not joining issues with anyone,” he said.

Sanwo-Olu, Ambode’s challenger in the primary, had earlier received endorsement of the party’s Governor’s Advisory Council in the state.

He had also been endorsed by 36 of the 40 members of the state House of Assembly.

A third aspirant, Dr Femi Hamzat, a former commissioner in the state had also stepped down to support Sanwo-Olu. Meanwhile, All Progressives Congress (APC) National Leader, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Sunday, justified his support for Babajide Sanwo-Olu as the governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress instead of the incumbent Akinwunmi Ambode.

He said he is not supporting Ambode because he ignored the blueprint for progress in Lagos State, thus contravening the spirit of progressive governance.

It was Tinubu’s first statement

PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION 2019 NOT TOO YOUNG TO RUN

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he National Democratic Liberty party (NDLP) candidate for the 2019 presidential election Chief Barrister Robinson Akpua (Ozomma) has on 20th September picked his presidential nomination form.

The presidential hopeful recently defeated two other candidates from the party to fly the party flag in the forthcoming Presidential election.

The party national chairman Alhaji Zabura handed the flag over to him on Saturday 29th september in the presence of INEC officials, states chairmen of the party from the 36 states and other party faithfuls

• Former Senate President and a Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Presidential aspirant, Senator David Mark (r) with the Cross River Sate Governor, Prof. Ben Ayade, when thje lawmaker visited the Government House in Calabar, Thursday, as part of his nationwide consultation to party delegates ahead of the October 5/6 Presidential Primaries over the controversy stirred by the APC chiefs and entrenched interest groups in ditching Ambode for the second term. And it came on the eve of the governorship primary slated for Monday.

Tinubu totally ignored the concerns raised earlier at a world press conference by Ambode about the party’s anointed candidate: SanwoOlu being jailed in America for fake US dollars and his spending time at a Lagos rehab centre for mental problems.

Tinubu, in his statement harped on the development master plan his administration bequeathed to the state and lamented how the Ambode administration has jettisoned it for what he called ” adhoc schemes of a materially inferior quality”.

He said that such narrowness of perspective has not brought the people closer to their appointed destination.

According to him, it has taken the people farther from that destiny. ”My goal is and shall always be a better Lagos. To this objective, I have dedicated the greater part of my public life. Roughly 20 years ago, a corps of dedicated and patriotic Lagosians, put aside personal interests and rivalries, to put their minds and best ideas together for the good of the state. ”Out of this collaborative effort, was born a master plan for economic development that would improve the daily lives of our people. ”When I was elected governor in 1999, my administration faithfully implemented that plan. The government of my immediate successor, Tunde Fashola, also honoured this enlightened plan. ”Where state government remained true to that blueprint, positive things happened. During my

THE ORACLE BUSINESS ARENA I Formerly known as GEORGE OBAELUE CHIBOGU OKONGWU now wish to be known as OBAELUE OKONGWU. All former documents remain valid. Banks and General public take note I formerly known as ALI IFEANYICHUKWU EMMANUEL now wish to be known as AGBEDO ONYEBUCHUKWU EMMANUEL. All former documents remain valid. Banks and General public take note.

tenure and Governor Fashola’s, Lagos state recorded improvements in all aspects of our collective existence. I make no pretence that the master plan is perfect. It can always be fine-tuned. ”However, whenever a government departed from this plan without compelling reason, the state and its people have borne the painful consequence of the improper departure. For reasons unknown to me and most Lagosians, we have experienced such deviations from enlightened governance recently. ”However, as a leader of the party and as a former governor of our beloved and excellent Lagos, I would be remiss if I did not make a few observations regarding the primary,” he said.

Tinubu said that the trend of deviation called for concern as the party primary approaches to avoid irreparable harm that could be committed against the people and their future. ”For the record, let it be known that I shall vote in this primary because I see it as one of extreme importance to our state and our party.

Just as I shall vote, I equally urge all party members to do so. We must vote in a manner that returns Lagos to its better path, the one that promises a just chance for all to enjoy the fruits of our prosperity.

We must always pursue our goal of a Lagos energised by creative dynamism, tolerance of others, and guided by a leadership capable of extending a collegial hand to all stakeholders, far and wide, ” he said.

Tinubu urged the party delegates in the state to vote for the candidate who understands the importance of the blueprint for development. ”I am encouraged by the emer-

gence of a candidate in this primary who has served the state in senior positions in my administration, the Fashola administration and even in the current one. While possessing a wealth of experience and exposure, he is a young man endowed with superlative vision and commitment. ”Most importantly, he understands the importance of the blueprint for development. He esteems it as a reliable and well-conceived vehicle for the future development of the state. ”He also knows the value of reaching out and working with others in order to maximise development and provide people the best leadership possible. With people like him at the helm, the state will write the proper history for itself. ”When the final word is given let it be said that we want all Lagosians to look to the future with the hope and optimism that our best days remain before us and not behind us. ”We walk into this primary strong and confidently believing in the right course we are to take.

We shall emerge from this primary even stronger and more confident that we have taken that course by returning Lagos and our party to their finest path, ” Tinubu said.

Party leaders are supporting another APC governorship aspirant, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu, a former commissioner in the state and the Managing Director, Lagos State Development and Property Corporation against the incumbent governor, Ambode.

Analysts view the development as a trying political season for Ambode, who has since announced his readiness for the party’s direct primary on October 1 to slug it out with his opponent.

CHANGE OF NAME We are formerly known as UMEZULIKE NONYE FLORENCE, UMUZULIKE KOSI FAVOUR, UMEZULIKE OBINAUJU VICTORIA now wish to be known and addressed as ASOCHUKWU NONYE FLORENCE, ASOCHUKWU KOSI FAVOUR, ASOCHUKWU OBINAUJU VICTORIA. All former documents remain valid. Banks and General public take note.

I formerly known as EBERE RACHEAL ONYEBUCHI now wish to be known as EBERE RACHEAL ILOEGBU. All former documents remain valid. Banks and General public take note.

I formerly known as OKORO UCHE now wish to be known as OKOLO UCHENNA SOLOMON. All former documents remain valid. Banks and General public take note.

I formerly known as MADUKA CHIKA now wish to be known as MADUKA CHIKA JOSEPH. All former documents remain valid. Banks and General public take note.

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The Oracle Today Wednesday October 10, 2018

NEWS Poor crop yields: Monarch calls for establishment of oil palm plantation in Umuahia

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traditional ruler in Abia State has called on the state government to establish a nuclear oil palm plantation at Okahiugah Alike Ancient Kingdom of Ohuhu clan in Umuahia North local government area.

His Royal Majesty, Eze Innocent Nwaigwe, the Traditional Ruler of Okahiugah Alike Ancient Kingdom, made the call in an interview with The Oracle Today during the 2018 New Yam Festival of the community.

He said the community has vast land that could host a palm estate following the poor crop yield farmers in the community were experiencing, adding that application of fertilizer has not helped matters.

Responding to a question on how government could assist in improving farming in his autonomous community, Eze Nwaigwe said that his people could not go for agricultural loans because they lacked the space for mechanized farming, neither could they use fertilizer because it only ends in miserable harvest.

“I instructed all my council members to cultivate farms this year so that we will celebrate our New Yam Festival with yams from our farms but all our efforts were rewarded with miserable yield, even after application of fertilizer,” the Royal Father said.

“Since (Abia State) government is embarking on oil palm revolution, they should come to our side and establish a nuclear Palm Estate.

When government harvests palm fruits from the estate, they pay us our royalty and go with their own.

This will be more beneficial to the community,” he added.

He described New Yam Festival as an age-long ceremony that has bonded the people in unity, irrespective of religion or political affiliations.

“New Yam festival brings the people together. It is a tradition that was handed down to us by our forefathers and it is the only tradition that has survived the influence of Christianity and politically-motivated divisions,” he noted.

In his address during the occasion held at Community Primary School field, Umule, Eze Nwaigwe charged his people to live in peace and eschew violence.

“Today, as the Traditional Ruler of Okahiugah Alike Ancient Kingdom, I humbly tell you to live in peace. All actions that can lead to misunderstanding and strife should be totally avoided. The spirit of oneness must be established and followed by all,” he said.

He commended Governor Okezie Ikpeazu and his Deputy, Sir Ude Oko Chukwu, for their performance, as well as one of the illustrious sons of his community, Chief Onyema Ugochukwu.

The event was spiced with awards to some notable personalities, including the chairman of Umuahia North Local Government Area, Chief Chidiebere Nwachukwu who bagged the chieftaincy title of Nwa Di Oha Nma; the contractor handling the NDDC-sponsored Umule-Obiohuo-Uhuochie-IkpotoAkoli road, Engr. Kalu Nto (Ogbuhere Uzo) and Chief Mrs Abigail Parker Akah (Ada Eji Aga Mba).

2019: Abia PDP affirms Ikpeazu as candidate From BONIFACE OKORO, Umuahia

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bia State governor, Dr Okezie Ikpeazu, Sunday evening, emerged the governorship flag bearer of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the state for the 2019 general elections.

Ikpeazu polled 1,991 votes to emerge the PDP governorship candidate in the Abia PDP primary election held at the Umuahia Township Stadium, Sunday evening.

The governor was the sole candidate for primary election during which 2,207 delegates were ac-

credited and 23 void votes were recorded.

Returning Officer for the election, Chief Raymond Dokpesi, said “Ikpeazu won overwhelmingly” and was therefore returned as the candidate that will fly the party’s governorship flag come 2019.

In his acceptance speech, Ikpeazu thanked the party faithful for trusting him and promised that he would not disappoint them.

The governor used the opportunity to briefly fly his scorecard, saying that his ambition was to make Abia Number One State in infrastructur-

al development.

“After about three years down the line, we have come back to do exactly what we did in 2014. And I want to thank God Almighty that the privilege and opportunity which you gave us to serve was not, indeed, in vain.

“Rather we have 120 roads, 70 out of them completed; we have three bridges, including the first ever flyover in Abia State. We have returned 611, 000 children to school; Abia is the only state that is feeding Primary 1 - 6 pupils. “Beyond that, Abia is the first State that

is pioneering telemedicine in Nigeria; we are the unquestionable Sall and Medium Enterprise capital of Nigeria and finally, we are the hub of export processing in the entire South East,” he reeled out.

He promised that his administration would “continue to power the development of Abia State from our five pillars which include agriculture, SME Development, Education, Health and Oil and Gas,” adding that he was confident that God would not abandon him.

“And I am confident that God that has brought us so far will continue to abide with us so that we provide the needed required dividends to return Abia as the Number One state in Nigeria, not by alphabetical order but, indeed, by performance and infrastructure,” he said.

“Therefore, I do not take the opportunity you have given me to renew my mandate to run election, flying the flag of our great party for granted.

I am very, very grateful to our party people. These delegates here that defied the rain and sunshine to do this, I say may God bless you,” Ikpeazu added.

17, 000 households in Abia to benefit from CCT

• Returning Officer of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship primary in Akwa Ibom State, and Ekiti State Governor, Mr Ayo Fayose (l) declaring Governor Udom Emmanuel elected during Sunday’s governorship primaries which held at the Uyo Township Stadium, with Udom polling 3817 votes out of 3830 while 10 votes voided

Peters, Aiteo founder wins Forbes Oil & Gas Leader of the Year Award

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nternational business leader and founder of Aiteo Group, Benedict Peters, was awarded Africa’s Oil and Gas Leader of the Year at the Forbes Best of Africa Gala which held at Forbes Headquarters, New York City on September 27, 2018.

The award is an acknowledgement of Peters’ significant contribution to oil and gas development in Africa by visionary leadership, distinguished service and transformational realignment of a sector dominated by International Oil Companies. The Forbes Award also recognised Mr. Peters’ commitment to bettering the lives of people and societies across Africa by philanthropic engagement.

On presenting the award Mike Perlis, CEO and Vice-Chairman of Forbes Media said, “recipients are singled out for their work in bringing prosperity to all 55 countries of the African continent”.

According to the Editor, Emerging Markets for Forbes, Paul H. Trustfull, “Peters’ ascendancy in Africa’s Oil and Gas sector has been exemplary as well as revolutionary. His company, Aiteo, has thrived for about two decades – going from a downstream start-up to becoming a leading integrated energy conglomerate with strategic investments in hydrocarbon (or commodities) exploration and production.”

Peters reinvented himself in times of great personal challenge. He resurrected his identity and reputation while battling injustice. He proves that inspirational leadership in a difficult industry is possible,” Trustfull added.

Dedicating the coveted award to all Aiteo employees worldwide, Benedict Peters said “The acknowledgement by Forbes as Oil and Gas Leader of 2018 is inspiring. It means a lot to me and the entire Aiteo

Group. I am delighted that the International community recognises our contribution towards Africa’s selfsufficiency in energy and our aspiration to become a reference point for indigenous capacity in oil and gas.

This award motivates us to broaden our vision for the continent, despite all odds, and accelerate her economic transformation. We believe that Africa has what it takes to lead the world and we will continue to push the frontiers of development through our investments in people and technology. The success of our Oil and Gas Upstream subsidiary proves that the future we envision in Africa rests to a large extent in the hands of Africans.”

Mr Peters ventured into the oil and gas sector as an entrepreneur in 1999 and initially traded mainly in the downstream sector.

Aiteo is currently the highest producing indigenous oil E&P company in Nigeria.

In 2015, Benedict Peters consolidated Aiteo’s asset portfolio with a $3 billion acquisition of sub-Saharan Africa’s largest onshore block (OML 29). Subsequently, Aiteo optimised the asset’s yield from 17,000 barrels of oil per day (bopd) to almost 70,000 bopd within the year of the asset’s acquisition. The largest indigenous energy provider currently peaks production at around 100,000 bopd, doubling its initial asset value to $6 billion within three years. The company plans to invest another $4.3 billion acquiring additional offshore assets with a projected total output of 250,000 bopd in the short to medium term.

Beyond oil, the Aiteo Group has investments in mining, agriculture, infrastructure development, electricity generation and distribution, with a fast-growing retail distribu-

tion network. It is focused on serving the needs of communities across the continent by leveraging a unique combination of a strategic asset base, technology, innovation, and some of the best technical and business minds across the industries it operates in. The group has been expanding rapidly, to extend its operations to different countries across Africa and beyond with emerging international presence in the DRC, Ghana, Guinea, Liberia, Zambia, Zimbabwe as well as offices in Geneva and Paris.

Peters is passionate about youth empowerment and has donated generously to support football on the African continent. Through Aiteo, he sponsors the Nigerian Football Federation, CAF Awards, Aiteo Cup (the Federation’s foremost tournament in Nigeria) and a football team in his company’s host community. He has also assisted thousands of internally displaced persons in northern Nigeria while supporting clean water sanitation initiatives in Africa, in partnership with Face Africa, improving the lives of over 25,000 people in rural Liberia. Peters addresses social and environmental issues in the agricultural sector through the Joseph Agro Foundation, set up in July 2014 to tackle chronic unemployment and water shortage.

In recognition of his groundbreaking contribution to development, Peters was one of four recipients of the Marquee Award for Global Business Excellence at the Africa-US Leadership Awards in 2014. In the same year, he received the “Leadership CEO of the Year” award. In 2015, Peters was conferred with the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Legacy Awards in the “Economic Empowerment” category.

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bout 17, 000 households are to benefit from the Conditional Cash Transfer (CCT) Scheme, a component of the social investment programme of the federal government.

A Representative of the National Cash Transfer office in Abuja, Emmanuel Ebang, disclosed this in Umuahia, Abia State capital, during the formal flag off of the CCT, also known as Household uplifting programme in Abia State.

The event took place at the Michael Okpara Auditorium where Governor Okezie Ikpeazu told the audience that CCT was aimed at reducing poverty in the state as his government was equally paying attention to the down-trodden and vulnerable groups in the state.

Ebang explained that CCT was being domesticated in Abia because the state government has met all the stipulated conditions to guarantee beneficiaries from the state access to the scheme.

According to him, the scheme was supported and funded by the World Bank and the federal government, using the $322 “Abacha Loot,” adding that Abia was the only state in the South East to implement all the four components of the CCT. He said the National Cash Transfer, Abuja, was “working with the Abia State Coordinating Operation Unit saddled with the responsibility of identifying people in various communities, using the communitybased targeting process and targeted at 17,000 households.”

Flagging off the scheme, Ikpeazu described CCT as a ladder through which the beneficiaries would climb the stage of success if diligently applied, despite how small it may be.

The governor described CCT facilitators as conveyors of license to the poor and appealed to traditional rulers to always ensure that widows in their communities were not left with nothing at the death of their husbands, as he urged Ndigbo, especially the wealthy, to return to the old tradition of helping the needy.

Commissioner for Cooperatives, Rural Development and Poverty Reduction, Young Onyike, explained that CCT targets the extremely poor, vulnerable and aged citizens.

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The Oracle Today Wednesday October 10, 2018

Entertainment Wole Ojo, Sola Sobowala set to dazzle as Witness Box premieres

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wo Nollywood veterans, Wole Ojo and Sola Sobowale will hit the cinemas soon in a new flick entitled Witness Box which premiered at the 2018 edition of NBA Conference held at the International Conference Center, Abuja, recently.

Other acts on the bill include Chiwetalu Agu, Keira Hewatch, Femi Branch, Otunba Tunji Sotimirin, Soni and Betty Irabor among a host of others.

A family oriented movie, Wale Ojo plays the role of Ben Arinze, a man saddled with a young wife, two daughters and a bank career. Meanwhile, over 2000 guests were in attendance as Denrele anchored the Red Carpet

Mabel Oboh’s heart of gold

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• Ibu

Hope for 40, 000 Ambazonian refugees as Dr. Belinda Babila Foundation partners Mr Ibu

Help is finally on the way for English speaking refugee from Southern Cameroon who fled to Ikom, Bayelsa State as Dr. Belinda Babila Foundation is poised to reach out to over 40, 000 refugees as she partners leading Nollywood comic, Mr. Ibu who is also the Nigerian ambassador of the NGO. Speaking to TS Weekend at Golden East Gate Hotel in Lagos, recently, Dallas based Dr. Babila, founder of the NGO raised the alarm over the plight of Ambazonians: “It is a ire situation, over 40, 000 refugees

have fled Southern Cameroon to Ikom, Aiwa Ibom State because of the ethic cleansing going on under the government of Paul Biya. This is a disaster relief effort, a much needed intervention. Schools have been closed down for years, pregnant women are shot and raped. The vision of my NGO is to bring relief and succour to these displaced people.”

Calling on the UN and EU to intervene Babilla lamented: “They’ve been indifferent but they have a role to play. They must send relief materials and investigate the kill-

ings going on in Ambazonia. The international community has turned its back on us.”

Ambazonia, also known as Amba Land is a self-declared state consisting of the Anglophone portions of Cameroon which previously comprised Southern Cameroons formerly the United Nations Trust Territory of Southern Cameroons under United Kingdom administration. In 1961 it voted to become independent from the United Kingdom by federating with the French-speaking Republic of Cameroon.

Damilola Adegbite will marry again but here are the qualities she wants in her man

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he actress told Punch that she would be giving marriage another shot but this time, the man needs to have some qualities.

“Of course, why not? I never say never. This time, I will be looking out for a man; he has to be a man (in the real sense of the word). I don’t try to foresee things as I prefer to live in the moment,” she said.

Speaking on her crashed marriage to Ghanaian actor, Chris Attoh, the actress confessed to have learnt a

lot.

She hinted that she might have to write a book about her experiences in marriage because the experiences are quite a lot.

“I learnt a lot from my past experience (in marriage) and I may have to write a book about it. There are quite a lot of things and I wouldn’t want to single out one. If I single it out, it may seem like the most important one when it’s not so; they are all very important,” she said.

Though her marriage to a fellow entertainer didn’t work, the ‘Flower Girl’ actress believes marriage between two entertainers could work successfully.

On September 25, 2017, Attoh spoke about the relationship between him and his ex-wife and actress, Dami Adegbite.

Chris Attoh and Damilola Adegbite got hitched on February 14, 2015, in Accra, Ghana, and share a son, Brian Attoh.

ollowing the successful rehabilitation of reggae artiste, Yellow Banton, reprieve is here for Ajegunle artistes going through tough times as Mabel Oboh, broadcaster and founder, Mabel Oboh Centre for Save Our Star (MOSCSOS), has unveiled a week-long skills acquisition programme for entertainers which kicked-off Wednesday, September 17.

According to Oboh, the entertainers will be trained in the areas of soap making, bead making, cinematography, phone repairs, hair making, make-over and confectionery.

Speaking, Oboh said: “The glamour in showbiz in Nigeria is only a facade just like the movies.

The silent suffering is much while the financial gap between the successful and unsuccessful entertainers is huge; in fact, this was what gave birth to MOCSOS. Our vision is to put an end to the untimely deaths and public begging ailing entertainers embark on when the fall sick; this is very undignifyng and we want tp put a halt to it.”

The programme will climax on Sunday with a closing ceremony expected to attract the creme de la creme of the entertainment industry.

Ghana to host AFRIMA 2018

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hana has accepted to host the 5th All Africa Music Awards (AFRIMA) which runs from November 21 to November 24 in Accra, Ghana. It will be hosted in partnership with the African Union Commission (AUC) and the International Committee of AFRIMA. Leading the Ghanaian government delegation to the media announcement was the Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture, Catherine Afeku accompanied by the Deputy Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture, Dr. Ziblim Iddi Barri; Ag. Chief Director, Ministry of Tourism, Arts & Culture and Mr. Vitus-Otto Langmagne; Director, Creative Arts Council, Ghana.

Speaking at the event where she received the Hosting Right Certificate and the 23.9 carat gold-plated AFRIMA Trophy on behalf of the government and people of Ghana in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, the Minister expressed her delight at the opportunity: “We want the people of this beautiful country to see this as a call to duty; a call to every creative artiste in Ghana, from the North to the south, to the east and the west. We, the good people of Ghana, would have to show the rest of Africa and the world that we are up to this task and well prepared to deliver a world-class music event in Africa.”

Anita Ukah emerges new MBNG Queen

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iss Imo, Anita Ukah, has been crowned Most Beautiful Girl in Nigeria 2018. Consequently, Miss Ukah will be representing Nigeria at the Miss World 2018 scheduled to hold in Sanya, China on December 8.

Meanwhile, Miss Lagos, Aramide Oluwatobi Lopez, emerged the first runner up while Miss Edo, Danielle Jatto, emerged the second runner up.

Other contestants that got to the top five are Miss Sokoto, Valentina Ogbonaya, who came fourth, Miss Ogun, Tolulope Mary Ayanfalu and Miss Kwara, Damilola Adeshina who came fifth.

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The Oracle Today Wednesday October 10, 2018

News

150,000 persons displaced by flood in Bayelsa – NEMA

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O fewer than 150,000 persons have been displaced by flood in Bayelsa, the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), has disclosed.

Co-ordinator, Emergency Operation Centre E, Rivers/Bayelsa Territory of NEMA, Mr Yakubu Suleiman, who disclosed this in Yenagoa, Sunday, said that several homes, farmlands, schools and churches were submerged in the affected communities across eight Local Government Areas (LGAs) of the state.

He said the agency was taking inventory of the affected persons to ensure that they were free from diseases.

Suleiman said that the displaced persons have been evacuated to the Internal Displaced Persons (IDPs) camp in Biseni, while some tents have been mounted at the Egbebiri Community, all in Sagbama council.

“We have carried out assessment on the affected communities, and we discover that no fewer than 150, 000 persons have been displaced and the number keeps growing because the water is rising daily.

“Several communities have been submerged; markets, schools, hospitals and churches are already under the water.

“We have cleared some portions of lands for the IDPs at Biseni and we have mounted some tents at Egbebiri Community, all in Sagbama local government area. We have over 110 tents to be mounted in different locations; the emergency monitoring team is working round the clock to ensure that every affected home is assisted.

“The medical teams are on ground from the Federal and State Ministries of Health, to be assisted by members of the Red Cross Society, to avoid spread of diseases as a result of polluted water.

“On portable water for the affected persons, we have brought water treated plants to be installed in the camp, so, that the

people will have access to portable water,” he said.

Mostly affected communities are in Adagbabiri, Anibeze, Biseni, and Trofani in Sagbama council.

Meanwhile, residents of Ovom Community in Bayelsa have appealed for assistance from government and other stakeholders following the flooding, which submerged more than 70 houses, schools and Churches in the area.

Some of the residents and victims, who were seen making concerted effort to relocate from the affected area, made the appeal, Saturday.

They stated that flooding in Ovom Community in Yenagoa Local Government Area, had become a worrisome development requiring urgent intervention from government and other relevant stakeholders.

Mrs Ebi Robinson, a victim, told News Agency of Nigeria that the water level became a threat when it started flowing into their homes.

“You can see things by yourself because right now, I am leaving with my family to some other place. Most of our property have been damaged and we don’t have food, but I thank God that no lives have been lost.

“My Children are no longer going to school; we are begging the government to come and help us,” she said.

A teacher from Adonia Foundation International Academy, who spoke on ground of anonymity, said the school had to be closed to prevent loss of lives.

“In fact all the schools and Churches here are already overflooded. There is nothing we can do other than to close down; we need help from the government in terms of roads and proper drainage,” the teacher said.

An official of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), who also preferred to remain anonymous, told NAN that Internally Displaced Persons’ (IDPs) camps had been built in parts of

Police intervene as crisis rocks APC governorship primary election in Enugu

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HE governorship primary election of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Enugu State has been rocked with crisis following disagreement by the two factions laying claim to the leadership in the state.

The disagreement led to the destruction of the public address system on Sunday, while the rear gate leading to the mini-stadium of University of Nigeria, Enugu Campus and venue of the event was destroyed by protesters.

The protesters who wanted to force themselves into the venue were dispersed with teargass and gunshots.

One the factions led by Mr Ben Nwoye, who is recognised by the national leadership of the party, while the other factor is supported by the Minister of Foriegn Affairs, Mr Geoffery Onyeama is led

by Chief Okey Ogbodo.

The centre of the crisis is the authentic list of delegates for the exercise.

Commissioner of Police in Enugu State, Mr Mohammed Dan-

mallam, while addressing the leaders of the factions, appealed to them to conduct themselves in a civil manner.

Danmallam said that the police command had deployed enough manpower to ensure a hitch-free exercise.

the state.

“We have camp at Biseni, Trofani in Sagbama Local Government Area and we have also erected tents for IDPs in Egbebiri community, among others. The Emergency Operation Centre (EOC) team has been on alert to ensure that every community is covered.

“For Yenagoa axis, yes, we fully

know that the flood has affected some parts, but Yenagoa still has a lot of upland areas where people can relocate to,” the official said.

NAN reports that areas mostly affected by the flood are the Aritarine/Obelle link Road (SandRoad), Etete Lane by Gwegwe street linking Obelle and environs.

•Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike addressing affected traders at the recently-burnt Fruit and Vegetable Market in Port Harcourt, Friday morning.

2019: Igbo community in Delta endorses Okowa From JONATHAN AWANYAI, Asaba

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HE Ohanaeze Ndigbo in Delta State has endorsed Governor, Ifeanyi Okowa for a second term with Governor Okowa describing the Igbo as industrious, contributing immensely to the growth of the society.

Ohaneze Ndigbo, the pan-Igbo socio-cultural organisation adopted Governor Okowa as their governorship candidate during the 17th edition of Igbo Cultural Day Celebration organised by the Ohaneze Ndigbo in Delta Central and South Senatorial Districts at the Warri Township Stadium, Warri.

According to the governor, “I

give thanks to Almighty God that you are gathered here to celebrate 2018 cultural day in peace and unity; I am very much aware of the importance of Ndigbo to Delta State and the country as a whole, if you are talking about commerce, industry, you must talk about the Igbo.”

“If there is any community that has no Ndigbo, that community is not growing, you are industrious and contribute to the economic development of a place,” he said, adding, “we are happy that we have united leadership of Ndigbo in Delta Central and South Senatorial Districts and it is good that we are celebrating peace, never again shall we be divided.”

While observing that Ndigbo

Wike directs immediate redesign, reconstruction of burnt fruit market

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IVERS State Governor, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike on Friday morning met with traders at the burnt Fruit and Vegetable Market where he directed the Special Adviser on Special Projects to immediately re-design the market and commence reconstruction processes.

The governor on Thursday night conducted an on-the-spot assessment of the market after the fire incident was reported to him.

“Let me assure you that I have directed Special Adviser on Special Projects so that we can rebuild the market immediately “, he said.

Some of the schools and Churches affected include Adonia Foundation International Academy, Stepping Stone Academy, and the Christ Apostolic Church.

NAN recalls that the Bayelsa Government had on Wednesday directed the release of N50 million for the purchase of relief materials for victims of flood disaster.

He reassured the traders that his administration will offer them assistance to get their lives back on track.

Governor Wike directed the Mayor of Port Harcourt City Local Government Area and the councillor of the area where the market is located to work with the traders to draw up a comprehensive list of shop owners and affected traders for the government’s intervention.

He said: “Those of you who sell here, I have told the Mayor and the councillor representing here to get your names , so that we can

reach out to you”.

He reiterated his appeal to the affected traders to cooperate with the Rivers State Government for the necessary action .

“What I saw here yesterday and this morning is so painful. Please endure and cooperate with us.

Your problem is our problem.

What affects you, affects the Government.

“This is your source of livelihood and we will find a way to assist you rebuild your lives”, he said.

He added that the State Government will investigate the cause of the inferno.

in Delta State have contributed to the development of the state, Governor Okowa urged the youths among them to emulate their parents and be good citizens of the State.

President of the Ohaneze Ndigbo in Delta Central and South Senatorial Districts, Hon. Ezeh Michael thanked Governor Okowa for the prevailing peace in the state which had made their businesses to thrive, assuring that Ndigbos in the state would vote massively for him in 2019.

“Be assured Ndigbo would put all our votes together for you (Governor Okowa) to reciprocate your kind gesture to us,” he said and in a thunderous voice, the more than 2, 000 Igbos who attended the event restated their commitment to the re-election of Governor Okowa in 2019.

Hon. Michael maintained that Governor Okowa’s administration has performed and the people would be very happy to reelect him, adding, “we gathered here as one indivisible family to celebrate the 2018 Igbo Cultural Day and in remembrance of our fallen heroes, the reflection of a true Igbo identity should be seen; every average Igbo man is seen and known to be hard-working, to derail amounts to self-destruction,” There were different cultural displays at the ceremony with most of the people singing solidarity songs in honour of Governor Okowa.

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The Oracle Today Wednesday October 10, 2018

News

By VICTOR NZE

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IGERIA will overcome its security and political challenges, Senior Pastor of the City of Refuge Ministries International, Bishop Oscar Ossai has declared.

In his message at the church’s headquarters in Lagos, the cleric opined that whatever problems Nigerians currently face was temporary.

Bishop Ossai further regretted that ‘it was not God’s plan for citizens to be agitated, suffer, be killed or be poor, adding that they must believe that God who raised Jesus from the dead can also lift them from poverty, pain and misery to a new height of victory.’

The cleric urged political leaders to exercise their powers with the fear of God, saying: “It is an abomination for leaders to do evil, because righteousness establishes a throne; therefore, political leaders

Nigeria ‘ll overcome challenges – Bishop Ossai must pursue righteousness.”

Bishop Ossai, however, called for patience and perseverance, saying the season was an opportunity to renew faith in God’s promises.

“God’s intention is to bring freedom to mankind and set him free from the shackles of slavery, fear and intimidation,” he said.

Bishop Ossai explained that Christians’ victory was tied to Christ’s proclamations. Reading from Luke 4:18, he quoted Jesus as saying: “The spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to set the oppressed free,” he added.

6 confirmed dead in Edo floods

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HAIRMAN of Esan South East Local Government Area of Edo, Mr Victor Emuankhagbon, Saturday, confirmed that six deaths were recorded in the flooded communities in the area.

Emuankhagbon disclosed this when he received a delegation of National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and officials of the Federal Ministry of Health at Ubiaja.

He said from the casualties, one of the bodies was yet to be recovered from the flooded area.

He said no fewer than 42 communities, 8,000 houses and 35,150 were affected by the flood.

The council boss, who also bemoaned the time of response by the concerned agencies, called for a change of attitude in the manner specific responsibilities were handled by those mandated to implement them.

He also called for effective measures against natural disaster such as flooding.

According to the chairman, “the time has come for those saddled with responsibilities that affect Nigerians to focus more on long term plans rather than short term solutions.

“We are reacting to the crisis in

the same old ways by adopting quick fix, temporary approach, thereafter, we all go home and relax until it happens again.

“We do this over and over again. The truth is that the time has come for us to start planning ahead because if we fail to plan, we are planning to fail.”

•Delta State Governor, Ifeanyi Okowa, interacting with some internally displaced persons (IDPs) from the recent floodings when he visited their Holding Camps at Ashaka and Kwale in Ndokwa East and Ndokwa West local government areas of the state, weekend.

262 journalists jailed in 2017 T HE Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) says no fewer than 262 journalists were jailed in 2017 for “doing their work”.

The group said at an event on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly on Friday that journalists were regularly threatened, attacked and killed, and also being imprisoned in record numbers around the world.

CPJ is a United States-based non-governmental organisation promoting press freedom and advocating for the rights of journalists worldwide.

It warned that these practices undermined not only the fundamental human rights of the reporters themselves, but also the public’s right to receive and impart information.

According to CPJ, at the end of

2017, 262 journalists jailed included over 70 in Turkey, 40 in China, and 20 in Egypt, while about 52 per cent of those jailed, were behind bars because of their reporting on human rights violations.

A May 2018 report by the UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) mandated with safeguarding the freedom of the press and the safety of journalists – decried the rise in the arbitrary imprisonment.

UNESCO stated that “arbitrary imprisonment of journalists, which fosters self-censorship and impinges on the public’s right to access information, has reportedly continued to rise.

“Many governments have maintained that particular journalists have been imprisoned for reasons unrelated to their jour-

Tejuoso said out of the 40 members of the House, 36 were present at the meeting and endorsed the decision, adding that the statement was duly signed all the lawmakers.

Tejuosho said that the lawmakers were in agreement with the leadership of the party and the Governor’s Advisory Council which earlier endorsed Sanwo-olu for the governorship ticket.

Ambode’s second term ambition has been facing opposition within his party following speculations that he had fallen out of favour with his political godfather, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu.

Tinubu is said allegedly supporting Sanwo-Olu, a former commissioner in the state, who has already declared his intention to contest the governorship on election on the platform of APC. Analysts view the development as a trying political season for Ambode, who has since announced

his readiness for the party’s direct primary on Sept. 30 to slug it out with his opponents.

Another APC governorship aspirant in the state, Mr Femi Hamzat, a former commissioner for works, has reportedly stepped down his ambition to support Sanwo-olu.

Local government chairmen and former council sole administrators in the state are among groups rooting for Sanwo-olu to succeed Ambode in 2019.

nalistic work”.

CPJ’s Executive Director, Joel Simon, declared that “governments around the world routinely use emergency laws to censor media outlets and publications.

“Increasingly they also bring ‘fake news’ charges against journalists who contradict official statements. They try journalists in military courts, they hold them in pre-trial detention indefinitely.

“These are all actions that contradict international human rights law, and the standards set by the UN”.

Article 19 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, guarantees the “freedom to hold opinions without interference and to seek, receive and impart information and ideas through any media and regardless of frontiers”.

The universality of this was reinforced in the 1966 International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.

In 2013, the UN General Assembly declared November as the International Day to End Impunity for Crimes against Journalists, which is increasingly observed across the world.

The event at UN headquarters on Friday highlighted in particular five cases of journalists currently imprisoned, including Alaa Abdelfattah from Egypt, Azimjon Askarov from Kyrgyzstan.

They were both arrested while covering alleged human rights

HE governorship primary election of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Enugu State has been rocked with crisis following disagreement by the two factions laying claim to the leadership in the state.

The disagreement led to the destruction of the public address system on Sunday, while the rear gate leading to the mini-stadium of

University of Nigeria, Enugu Campus and venue of the event was destroyed by protesters.

The protesters who wanted to force themselves into the venue were dispersed with teargass and gunshots.

One the factions led by Mr Ben Nwoye, who is recognised by the national leadership of the party, while the other factor is supported

Lagos 2019: Lawmakers adopt Sanwo-olu for governor

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EMBERS of Lagos State House of Assembly have adopted Mr Babajide Sanwo-olu to be chosen as the candidate of All Progressives Congress (APC) in the party’s governorship primary election, which now hold Monday.

Incumbent Governor Akinwunmi Ambode, who is seeking a second term in office, has been at loggerheads with party stakeholders in the state.

Chairman, House Committee on Information, Strategy, Publicity and Security, Mrs Adefunmilayo Tejuosho, said in a statement that the lawmakers had resolved to support the governorship ambition of Sanwo-olu.

Tejuosho said that the decision was taken at a parliamentary meeting at Lateef Jakande Auditorium of the House of Assembly Complex on Saturday under the chairmanship of the Speaker, Mr Mudashiru Obasa.

abuses by security forces, and Shahidul Alam from Bangladesh, imprisoned while covering students protests.

Others are the high profile case of two Reuters journalists in Myanmar, Kyaw Soe Oo (also known as Moe Aung) and Wa Lone (also known as Thet Oo Maung).

They were sentenced to seven years in jail on charges of violating the country’s Official Secrets Act while covering the story of a massacre of Rohingya men by the Myanmar military in September 2017.

“Their conviction and draconian seven-year sentence are a travesty of justice and it is up to the government to set them free,” their legal counsel, worldrenowned human rights lawyer, Amal Clooney, told the meeting at UN Headquarters.

Early September, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Michelle Bachelet, said the two journalists’ coverage of the massacre – for which the military subsequently admitted responsibility – “was clearly in the public interest as it may otherwise never have come to light”.

She called for their convictions “to be quashed and for them to be released, along with all other journalists currently in detention for their legitimate exercise of the right to freedom of expression”.

The UN warns that the “imprisonment of journalists for their legitimate work not only fosters a culture of self-censorship but also impinges on the broader rights of society to obtain information”.

Police intervene as crisis rocks APC governorship primary election in Enugu T

by the Minister of Foriegn Affairs, Mr Geoffery Onyeama is led by Chief Okey Ogbodo.

The centre of the crisis is the authentic list of delegates for the exercise.

Commissioner of Police in Enugu State, Mr Mohammed Danmallam, while addressing the leaders of the factions, appealed to them to conduct themselves in a civil manner.

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The Oracle Today Wednesday October 10, 2018

NEWS Excitement as Gov. Ugwuanyi hosts Osinbajo on entrepreneurship programme Tuesday

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overnor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State will on Tuesday (tomorrow) play host to Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, who will be visiting Enugu for the 19th edition of the National Micro, Small and Medium Enterprise (MSME) Clinic, billed to hold at the Michael Okpara Square, Enugu.

The National MSME Clinic is a brain-child of the Vice President’s Office in partnership with the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Commerce, and other federal ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs) responsible for business facilitation. It is aimed at providing solutions to various challenges affecting the growth and development of MSMEs, which account for 99 percent of businesses in the country, in order to accelerate their ease of doing businesses with the Federal Government’s regulatory agencies.

In a statement by the Special Adviser to the Enugu State Governor on SME and Investment Promotion, Mr. Anayo Agu, the state is ready and anxiously waiting to receive the Vice President for the “all-important event”, which he said was germane to the efforts of the state government in promoting entrepreneurship, self-reliance, human capital empowerment and investment development, among others.

Mr. Agu disclosed that the Enugu edition of the programme also “offers Enugu State Government the opportunity to underscore the progress recorded in entrepreneurship and MSME development through the Enugu SME Center; the state’s Ease of Doing Business Council; the state’s Traders Empowerment Programme; state’s partnership programmes with the federal government on social investments.

These programmes, according to him, include, the Government Enterprise Empowerment Programme (GEEP) known as Market Moni, the school feeding programme, N-Power and the Conditional Cash Transfer (CCT) aimed at lifting targeted families out of extreme poverty.

The Special Adviser disclosed that “Enugu State is one of very few states in Nigeria where residents have equal access to all the state’s MSME programmes including funding, regardless of state of origin, religion, ethnicity or political interests”.

He explained that the state government’s collaboration with the federal government and other stakeholders was borne out of the noble vision to assist them have a better understanding of local business needs as well as appreciate some peculiar challenges facing MSMEs in their respective business ecosystems, stressing that “Gov. Ugwuanyi is committed to the partnership and successful hosting of the event in Enugu”. #amokelouis

Abia labour demands better deal for workers

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he organised labour in Abia State has declared that the recently-called off warning strike by civil servants was aimed at attracting enhanced welfare package for workers, lift the economy and boost the fight against corruption.

Chairman of Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) Comrade Uchenna Obigwe, and the Trade Union Congress counterpart, Comrade Sunny Onwuma, made the declaration in Umuahia in an interview with The Oracle Today.

The duo noted that a review of the current minimum wage of N18, 000 was overdue, and reiterated their stand that until the minimum wage was reviewed, there would be no general elections in the country.

They lamented that poor remuneration has exposed workers to untold hardship.

“The issue of minimum wage is one nobody should joke with because it affects the not only the civil servants or the private sector workers but the traders and the masses.

“If workers are paid well, commercial activities will boom and the implication is that corruption would be reduced to the barest minimum level and Abia State and Nigeria will be a better place to live,” Obigwe said.

The Abia labour leader called on all Abians, the security agencies and Abia government to see labour as partners in progress.

“We have not come to cause any

fracas, we have only come to demand that which is due to us since 2015. Labour still maintains that no minimum wage, no election,” he added.

On his part, Comrade Onwuma noted that minimum wage was supposed to be reviewed upwards every five years, but lamented that this legal provision has only been observed in the breach as pointed ut that the last review was done more than eight years ago.

“Cost of electricity tariff and every other thing have gone up. I mean the cost of living is soaring high on daily basis while the salaries of workers remain stagnant.

“This is exactly why we are on strike, praying that the man at the

helm of affairs in Abuja will listen to us. Civil servants have suffered, we need something that can take us home,” he said.

According to Onwuma, many workers were suffering on account of poor remunerations. “We cannot even afford to pay the school fees of most of our children. So this is unusual that somebody is working but is not being rewarded commensurately.

“So on that note, we are praying that the indefinite warning strike will send the message to the federal government that we are not joking again, that they should come to terms with those they are negotiating with, so that they will come up with something meaningful, something that will take us home because it will affect others.

“If a civil servant gets his salary, he will distribute it and it will even help to boost the economy. That is exactly what we are trying to fight and we will continue to fight until we get to the root cause. I pray and believe God that we are going to succeed,” Onwuma concluded.

Both labour leaders agreed that the strike recorded 100 per cent compliance in Abia.

17, 000 households in Abia to benefit from CCT

A • (From right): Speaker, Cross River State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. John Gaul Lebo, representing state Governor, Prof. Ben Ayade with Commissioner for Information & Orientation, Pastor (Mrs.) RoseMary Archibong during the Interdenominational Service to mark Nigeria’s 58th Independence Anniversary at Intercessors Bible Mission, Off Calabar Calabar Roundabout, Calabar, Sunday

Rivers 2019: Amaechi, Abe, hold parallel primaries • Abe wins in direct primary • Cole emerges winner in indirect primary • Lulu-Briggs withdraws, calls for postponement, cites gross anomalies From NATH OMAME, Port Harcourt

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wo factions in the Rivers State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC), on Saturday, September 30, held two parallel governorship primary.

While the pro-Amaechi group held its indirect governorship primary at the open field at IIgboukwu Street, in the D-Line area of Port Harcourt.

The pro-Abe group had its governorship primary in the 319 wards in the 23 local government areas of the state.

Four governorship aspirants were on the ballot in the direct primary conducted by the pro-Abe faction: Magnus Abe; Dawari George; Dumo Lulu-Briggs and Tonye Dele Cole.

The Chief Returning Officer (CEO), Dr. Chigbo Sam Eligwe, who announced the result of the direct primary held by the pro-Abe’s group declared Senator Magnus Abe the winner of the contest.

He said Abe scored 144, 928 votes while Chief Dumo Lulu-Briggs, who came second polled 3, 444 votes.

Dawari George scored 1, 606 votes while Tonye Dele Cole garnered 882 votes.

In the direct governorship primary conducted by the pro-Abe’s group, all registered members of the APC who turned out for the exercise were accredited with the membership cards. All those accredited then queued behind the aspirant of their choice and were counted by the polling officers.

The pro-Amaechi faction which held the indirect primary used the list of delegates that emerged from the

ward, local and state congresses held on May 19, 29 and 21, respectively.

A Rivers State High Court had on Wednesday, May 30, nullified the ward, local and state congresses held on May 19, 20 and 21, respectively.

Justice Chiwendu Nwogu stated in his ruling that the process that led to the emergence of Ojukaye FlagAmachree as Rivers Chairman of APC was fraudulent.

The presiding judge pointed out that the congresses had to be declared null and void, in view of the alleged contempt of court and armtwisting of the judiciary by some leaders of APC, with the matter adjourned till June 26.

Some supporters of Senator Magnus Abe (Rivers Southeast), also a governorship aspirant on APC platform, from the 23 local government areas of Rivers state, who filed the suit, alleged that they were disenfranchised during the congresses by allies of the Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, a former Rivers governor.

Meanwhile, Chief Dumo LuluBriggs, a governorship aspirant, has called for the “postponement of the Rivers State APC governorship primary in order to correct the gross anomalies that have marred the process.”

He told Journalists at a news conference, in Port Harcourt, on Sunday, that “the current process has been skewed in favour of Arch. Tonye Cole, the preferred aspirant of the leader of the party in Rivers State, Rt. Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi.”

It would be recalled that Chief Lulu-Briggs had expressed his sup-

port for direct primary but decided to go along with the decision of the National Working Committee of the APC which approved Indirect Primary for Rivers State.

He observed: “Unfortunately, events leading to governorship primary in Rivers State have witnessed the following anomalies that have robbed it of the minimum acceptable standard that can guarantee its credibility.”

Chief Lulu-Briggs stated: “That the Rivers State Executive Committee has openly supported and canvassed support for Arch. Tonye Cole, the preferred aspirant of Rt. Hon. Chibuike Amaechi.”

“That State Delegates to the primary were not elected by party members in proper ward congresses but merely handpicked by the Rivers State Executive Committee.”

“That in spite of the flawed process in which the so-called State Delegates were selected, the list of delegates and the guideline for the primary have not been made public.

Our request to the State Executive Committee yesterday, Saturday, 29th of September, 2018, less than twenty four hours to the primary date for the list of delegates and guidelines yielded no fruit rather we were referred to the National Executive Committee of our great party.”

“That we have intercepted text messages sent by officials of the State Exco to these handpicked delegates to assemble at secret locations for accreditation and transportation to an undisclosed venue for the primary.”

bout 17, 000 households are to benefit from the Conditional Cash Transfer (CCT) Scheme, a component of the social investment programme of the federal government.

A Representative of the National Cash Transfer office in Abuja, Emmanuel Ebang, disclosed this in Umuahia, Abia State capital, during the formal flag off of the CCT, also known as Household uplifting programme in Abia State.

The event took place at the Michael Okpara Auditorium where Governor Okezie Ikpeazu told the audience that CCT was aimed at reducing poverty in the state as his government was equally paying attention to the down-trodden and vulnerable groups in the state.

Ebang explained that CCT was being domesticated in Abia because the state government has met all the stipulated conditions to guarantee beneficiaries from the state access to the scheme.

According to him, the scheme was supported and funded by the World Bank and the federal government, using the $322 “Abacha Loot,” adding that Abia was the only state in the South East to implement all the four components of the CCT. He said the National Cash Transfer, Abuja, was “working with the Abia State Coordinating Operation Unit saddled with the responsibility of identifying people in various communities, using the communitybased targeting process and targeted at 17,000 households.”

Flagging off the scheme, Ikpeazu described CCT as a ladder through which the beneficiaries would climb the stage of success if diligently applied, despite how small it may be.

The governor described CCT facilitators as conveyors of license to the poor and appealed to traditional rulers to always ensure that widows in their communities were not left with nothing at the death of their husbands, as he urged Ndigbo, especially the wealthy, to return to the old tradition of helping the needy.

Commissioner for Cooperatives, Rural Development and Poverty Reduction, Young Onyike, explained that CCT targets the extremely poor, vulnerable and aged citizens.

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The Oracle Today Wednesday October 10, 2018

NEWS Nigeria’s democracy becoming more materialistic – Bishop Chukwuma

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RCHBISHOP of the Enugu Anglican Ecclesiastical Province, Most Rev. Emmanuel Chukwuma has expressed dismay that Nigeria’s democracy is becoming more of materialism.

Speaking on Nigeria at 58, the cleric told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Enugu on Sunday that the nation’s democracy would have gone down the drain if not by the grace of God. “Our democracy is becoming more of materialism which is a total deviation from what was obtainable before. This materialism has brought about corruption, self-centeredness, inequality, diversion of justice and sentiments into all areas of governance in Nigeria.

“Nigeria’s democracy is going down the drain and it would have been worse than it is now if not for the grace of God,’’ he said.

Chukwuma said although Nigeria had fared well in some areas, however, it was unfortunate that she could still be celebrating lack of good roads, unemployment, unstable government, epileptic power supply.

According to him, Nigeria, at 58, seems to be more divided, experiencing bad governance and lacks visionary leaders.

Chukwuma said the way forward was to ensure that equity and justice was deeply rooted adding that Nigerians should learn to be sacrificial, selfless and sincere.

He said the work of development was the work of all Nigerians who could only set the country on the right part by eschewing

bitterness, sentiments and tribalism.

“Leaders should serve with sincerity and love and also share resources without discrimination,’’ the cleric said.

In his reaction, the Director General of Enugu Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture, (ECCIMA) Mr Emeka Okereke, said that Nigeria was still struggling at 58.

“What is there to celebrate at 58, Nigeria is still struggling?

Nigeria’s environment at 58 is still not favourable for industrialization which is supposed to be the main stay of our economy,’’ Okereke said.

The Director General noted that the lack of power supply had made so many businesses to wound up and some others to relocate.

He said the period had been a very challenging one and there seemed to be no end in sight soon.

“Do we, then, continue to celebrate backwardness and celebrate nothing in particular?’’ he asked.

The industrialist said the solution to Nigeria’s problem is leadership noting that countries that were doing well today achieved it because of their focuses and foresighted leaders. You cannot compare the times of Azikiwe, Obafemi and Ahmadu Bello with what we are witnessing now because while some are foresighted, others are clueless and pursue personal interest.”

Meanwhile, a medical practitioner, Dr Jessica Onuoha, said

Women Affairs minister resigns, leaves APC over ‘unfair treatment ’

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INISTER of Women Affairs and Social Development, Hajia Aisha Alhassan, has resigned her appointment and also withdrawn her membership of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

In separate letters to the Presidency and her Sarkin-Dawaki ward of the APC in Jalingo, Taraba State, Alhassan attributed her action to “the unfair treatment and grave injustice” meted to her by the party.

Both letters were dated September 29, 2018, with the resignation letter delivered to the Presidency, while the one notifying the party of her withdrawal of membership was personally delivered to the chairman of her ward, on Saturday.

The APC membership withdrawal letter titled: “Notification of withdrawal as APC member”, Alhassan recalled that she purchased the nomination form to seek the party’s ticket to contest the Taraba governorship seat.

“I completed and submitted the form and later presented myself for screening, but to my utter dismay, I was declared unqualified. No reason was given as to why I was disqualified. I feel I was unfairly treated by the National Working Committee of the APC.

“I feel that grave injustice was done to me. Because of that, I have withdrawn my membership of the party and hereby return the membership card issued to me,” she stated.

The minister, in her letter to the presidency, thanked President Muhammadu Buhari for offering her the opportunity to serve Nigeria.

The minister, who contested Taraba governorship election in 2015, was on Wednesday disqualified from re-contesting the Taraba governorship election on the APC ticket in 2019 by the party’s Governorship Screening Committee.

APC national chairman, Mr Adams Oshiomhole, while giving reasons on Friday in Abuja why the minister was not cleared to contest the party’s ticket at its governorship primary, said she had not been a loyal member.

Oshiomhole said the party could not tolerate those who played anti-party activities within its ranks, adding that the minister judging from her actions, had not been completely loyal to the party.

He said after reviewing utterances from the minister and following her obvious relationship with one of the PDP presidential

the present government should not be blamed for the country’s present situation but that everyone should play his/her expected roles in the scheme of things.

Onuoha believed the current government can fix the country if Nigerians could be patient with them and repose some level of trust in them.

The doctor said most Nigerians knew that things were gradually falling in place, but they just shy away from the truth.

The Executive Director of an NGO, Association for a Better Society (ASBESO), Mr Chibuike Igwe, said Nigeria was still a crawling society at 58 because it had failed to practice true federalism.

According to him, the system of government we practice now is one that has made governance juicy, enticing and a quick way to legally enrich oneself.

Igwe noted that if true federalism and decentralisation was made to take place, it would deter

unserious and irresponsible leaders from venturing into politics.

He said when this was done; everyone would put on his or her thinking caps and see how to develop their locality to match that of others because it will encourage healthy competition and even development of each region.

Igwe opined that entrenching true federalism not only in books but in practice and action was the way out of Nigeria’s problem and set it on the right course.

•Vice President Yemi Osinbajo (second left) in attendance at the book launch by the Chief Executive Officer of Prima Garnet Group, Mr. Akinwunmi Lolu, titled; Skin- to- Skin.

Money-based politics responsible for unprecedented corruption – Sultan

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ULTAN of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar III, said on Saturday that money-based politics was a major factor responsible for unprecedented corruption and bad governance in the country.

The monarch, who is also the President-General, Nigeria Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), made the assertion at the 23rd Ummah Convention, organised by the Ummah Movement, in Abuja.

The theme of the convention was, “The Muslim Voice on Good Governance in Nigeria.“ He regretted that the nation’s political culture had deteriorated and become increasingly mercantile, where money becomes everything, saying “we cannot allow full reins to money politics and expect corruption to go away.

“This is partly responsible for bad governance that has characterised our polity, subverting our development, perpetrating poverty and eliciting the unending social conflicts.

This money based politics will continue to fuel the unprecedented corruption we see in our society; as a result of these our pristine values as people have been supplanted and our future thrown into jeopardy.

“All leaders, political, spiritual and traditional need to come together to salvage our polity from dangers that the current political culture poses.

“The consequences of ignoring these standards are already showing and we must not wait until the bub-

bles busts,“ Abubakar said. persuade them to refrain from doing He admonished leaders at all levels those things that will lead to decato take issues of leadership seriously, dence in social values. saying “ we cannot ignore centuries old wisdom which places high premium on leadership and places criteria for shouldering responsibilities.“ He said that in Islam, leadership was fundamental and it was bestowed at EOPLES Democratic Party every level as a trust from Allah and (PDP) candidate in the Osun for which Allah would hold those engovernorship election, Sen. trusted to account.

Ademola Adeleke has rejected the The monarch, therefore, advised result of the poll.

Muslims to be at the forefront in adAdeleke, in a statement in Osvocating and leading with examples ogbo by his campaign organisain promoting ideals of good govern- tion’s spokesperson, Mr Olawale ance.

Sultan noted that in Islam govern- Rasheed, said he would seek legal ance was people-centred, designed redress.

It would be recalled that Alhaji to meet the welfare and security of citizens, adding that the measure of Gboyega Oyetola, the All Progresgood governance was the quality of sives Congress (APC) candidate defeated Adeleke with 482 votes in life of the governed.

Earlier, Mrs Amina Omoti, former the rerun poll, last Thursday.

Oyetola scored a total of 255,505 National Amirah, Federation of Muslim Women’s Association in Nigeria to defeat Adeleke who scored (FOMWAN), said good governance 255,023.

Adeleke, however, alleged that was very important aspect of human voters were deliberately refused acexistence.

Omoti added that good govern- cess to polling points at gun points ance was the citizens right and de- while those allowed to voting cenmand from the leaders as well as a tres were forced to vote for APC. He said PDP party agents were arreligion duty, adding that provision of social amenities and welfare by the rested, beaten up and shut out of government was a critical aspect of polling centres while the roads were blocked to stop voters and observgovernance.

“For the Muslims, it is an integral ers. “Applying all standards, today’s part of his or her religion to call every- supplementary poll is a non-event one and in this case those in position as all norms of the electoral process of authority to do the right thing and are violated,” he said

Adeleke rejects result of Osun rerun election

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The Oracle Today Wednesday October 10, 2018

NEWS

Clouds over independence anniversary Cont’d from page€ 5 corruption in the land, corruption not only within the government circle but also outside the government circles,” he added.

Professor Uche declared: “It has come to a situation where persons who talk against corruption are themselves the harbingers of corruption. That is why the common man is at a loss. The common man who should have been independent is now under a kind of strangulation.

“In the economic circle, in the education circle, in the agricultural circle, every level of our society, I can tell you that a true assessment will show you that Nigerians, the common man, are

not really happy, they are quite sad and somehow, may not really be so happy to celebrate.

“You can see that the educational sector has collapsed. Soon you will hear about strikes. All these things shouldn’t be for a nation that should be progressing.

“If you look at the indices of our currency and exchange, it is at an abysmal level; salaries of our workers are terrible. We should have learnt much more than what we have now. But it seems that the more we are being taught, the worse we are becoming. We are even getting to the level of terrible side of it.

“So, I must be frank and that is the view of majority of Nigerians, they are not happy. The independence that we had, more or less

has become a bondage to us.

“That is why you see some agitations here and there. If we were independent, there won’t be so much of these agitations for people to be on their own and truly, if we look deep into the agitation issues, you find out that there are truths underneath these demands.”

The Associate Professor says that 2019 offers Nigerians another opportunity to make amends and get the Nigerian state back to its feet and get her going by the choices people will make during the general elections.

“But be that as it may, I believe that there is still hope in the horizon, I believe that there are people who still believe in this system and people who would reform

this system and the only opportunity is to use the 2019 general election to be able to realize the hope of giving the people true independence,” he advised.

SOTOYE Briggs, a Port Harcourt, Rivers State-based lawyer advised Nigerians to engage in sober reflection rather than roll out the drums to celebrate the nation’s 58 independent anniversary, saying the mood of the nation is in mourning.

“The death of an air force officer while rehearsing for the Independent celebration is a sad development. In another breathe, Leah Sharibu is still being held by the Boko Haram terrorists.”

IBIYE PRINCEWILL, a civil rights advocate counselled the federal government to use the opportunity of the 58th independent anni-

versary to unite Nigerians across political divides.

“The outcome of the Osun State governorship election has shaken the faith of Nigerians in the 2019 general elections. If for anything, President Mohammadu Buhari should use his independent anniversary broadcast to appeal to Nigerians not to lose hope in the country,” he said.

SIMILARLY, a politician and educational consultant, Dr. Modesty Ezenwa, averred that there is nothing to celebrate as Nigeria clocks 58 years on October 1st.

“We have nothing to celebrate because we are not yet independent. Independence has to be of the mind also, the economy and all that. But what we have in the country today is that we are still dependent on the Hausa/Fulani mafia, which has held the country down. We are still dependent on some foreign countries, and I don’t call this independence,” he said.

Lagos APC primary: My opponent not fit to rule, says Ambode

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From left: Deputy Senate President Ike Ekweremadu, Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State and others at the governorship primary election held at Okpara Square, Enugu on Sunday. Photo: Louis Amoke, Government House.

Ayade, Umahi, Ikpeazu, Ugwuanyi, Wike...

Cont’d from page 5 Fayose who said Emmanuel polled a total of 3,807 votes out 3,817 cast, said 10 votes were voided, adding that Emmanuel was the only aspirant of the party in the state.

Fayose said the delegates had to vote in order to complete due process in line with the electoral law, and commended the delegates for their peaceful conduct during the primaries.

In his acceptance speech, Gov. Emmanuel thanked delegates from across the 31 local government areas and said that his endorsement has shown that he was accepted by the people of Akwa Ibom.

And from Abakaliki, The Oracle Today correspondent reports that Governor Dave Umahi was also elected as the party’s consensus flag bearer for the 2019 governorship election.

Umahi was the sole aspirant

for the office of the governor in the party’s governorship primary election that took place on Sunday at Pa Ngele Oruta Township stadium.

Declaring Governor Umahi winner and the candidate of PDP for Ebonyi governorship election, the Chairman of the panel, Senator Joy Emordi said Governor Umahi polled a total of 1988 votes.

She said despite the fact that Umahi was a sole aspirant for the position, a situation that would have been decided by voice votes, the decision to go into normal election was based on the party internal democracy to enable the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) monitor the proceedings.

Speaking shortly after he was declared the winner of the PDP primary election, Governor Umahi said he was humbled by the show of solidarity and commitment of the members of PDP and Ebonyi people in general, which he said

had enabled him to achieve monumental development in the state within three years in office.

He thanked the leadership of the party at all levels for providing a level playing field for all aspirants to contest in all the positions.

Party PDP also nominated Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike to fly its flag for the 2019 governorship election.

In a peaceful 2018 PDP State Congress at the Sharks Stadium in Port Harcourt on Sunday, party delegates unanimously voted for Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike who was the only candidate on the ballot.

Chief Returning Officer for the Rivers State PDP Governorship Primary, Mr Chuma Chinye announced that the governor polled 3345 Delegate Votes from the 23 Local Government Areas of the state.

Rivers State PDP Chairman, Bro Felix Obuah stated that the nomination of Governor Wike

followed due process and a sign of the support of Rivers people for him.

Accepting the nomination of the Rivers PDP, Governor Wike declared that the party is ready to run the 2019 Governorship Election and emerge victorious in the process.

He declared: “We are prepared for the election in 2019.

Let nobody make a mistake that what happened in Osun and Ekiti States will happen in Rivers State.

“We are ready to follow them to any level that they want.”

In a similar development, Professor Ben Ayade of Cross River was elected the candidate of the party for the 2019 governorship election.

Three contestants who challenged Ayade were later disqualified by the election screening panel of the party, paving way for Ayade to emerge as the sole contestant.

overnor of Lagos State, Akinwunmi Ambode has alleged that his opponent in the 2019 governorship race on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Babajide Sanwo-Olu is not fit to rule the state.

Addressing a press conference at Government House, Alausa, Ikeja, on Sunday, Ambode alleged that Sanwo-Olu was once arrested for spending fake dollars at a nightclub in the US. Throughout his speech, Ambode made no mention of any name even as there were speculations about whom he was talking about.

“We have never responded to the campaign of calumny on social media. We have one family in APC. The aspirant being put up to compete against us is not a fit and proper person to take this job,” Ambode added.

“I have done everything in the last three and half years to serve people selflessly and to serve the poor. This particular aspirant is someone who has been arrested for spending fake dollars in a nightclub in America, and he was detained for months.

“He doesn’t have the competence to do what he is being propelled to do. This is somebody that has gone for rehabilitation before. The records are there at the Gbagada General Hospital. We don’t want to go to far. Our leadership should have a rethink.

“I plead with our leaders to have a rethink, It is not about me, it is about the opportunity that APC has,” the embattled governor of Lagos State, who is fighting to be allowed to re-contest for the governorship of Lagos State, alleged.

Ambode has fallen out of favour with the Lagos political godfather, Ahmed Bola Tinubu who is fronting Sanwo-Olu to replace Ambode’ come 2019.

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The Oracle Today Wednesday October 10, 2018

SPORTS

Nigeria @ 58: We‘ve done well but … Prince Oduah

•Says, “governments at all levels should do more for sports”

Ighalo on fire, net goal No. 18 in Changchun Yatai’s loss

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Sports Minister, Solomon Darlung Stories by MADUABUCHI KALU

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S the country celebrates her 58 Independence anniversary today (Monday) veteran sports administrator, Prince Oguejiofor Isidoreh Oduah, has declared that the country has recorded some developments in sports.

According to him despite the fact that the country is not yet there in terms of sports development that does not mean that the country has not recorded any significant development in terms of sports.

The former member of the Nigeria Football Association (NFA) and the only none indigene of Lagos State Football Association (LSFA) disclosed that despite the developments so far recorded in both talent and infrastructural developments, the country is yet to reach their potential in sports but the various levels of governments are not doing enough for the development of this critical sector of the nation’s sector.

According to him most governments are paying lip service to sports development in the country as they have abandoned the sector to its fate saying it shouldn’t be so because those that engage in sports are the vibrant youth population.

It said it amount to hypocrisy when politicians mount the podium during campaign to declare that they will empower the youth only to relegate sports to the background in their activities knowing fully well that old people do not participate actively in sports but youth do.

“I would like to start by saying that Nigeria at 58, we have recorded tremendous achievements in sports since gaining independence from Great Britain in 1960,” Oduah began.

“In terms of infrastructure and talent discovery and development, we have recorded some development but that is not to say that we have reached our potentials as a country. We are still far away from where we are supposed to be as a country.

“Nigeria is a great country with vast human and material resources that if

• Elderstatesman, Prince Oguejiofor Oduah well managed, will be the envy of the rest of the world. We are very far away from where we are supposed to be as a great country sports wise.

“It is most regrettable that when politicians mount the podium during electioneering, they will reel out how they want to better the lots of the youths of this country but when they are elected, they totally forget sports which is the only area that millions of youths can be engaged.

“I think sports wise Nigeria as a country has tried. Of course Rome was not but a day. We have made improvement.

“Having said that, I am of the opinion that our youths are not doing enough because for over 20 years when Chioma Ajunwa set world record in long jump at the 1996 Atlanta Olympics, no Nigerian has been able to equal that record let alone smashing it. It doesn’t show progress.

“In other countries, such a thing doesn’t happen often. The record ought to have been broken before now but it is still intact which means we are not making progress in that regard,” Prince Oduah said.

Speaking further, the elder statesman disclosed that he is particularly pained that in his own state of Anambra, sports is literally dead despite counseling Obiano to the sector a pride of place it deserves when he returned for 2nd term as he did absolutely nothing for sports in his first tenure.

“You see I have personal pained as sports in my state of Anambra is absolutely dead despite counseling Governor Willie Obiano to give this critical sector the pride of place it deserves as he returned at the helm of affairs after the expirations of his first tenure.

“Sports and security were the reasons I canvassed for his return during the electioneering. I canvassed for support for him during the electioneering but his return that sector is either dead or is in coma because not his happening there despite all that I told him via the media he should do for the youth through sports. It is most unfortunate,” Prince Oduah declared.

Speaking further, the Prince of Ochuche that despite the improvement

the country has recorded in sports it is not enough and as a result called on the governments at all levels to invest on the youth of the country through sports.

“There is no doubt that there is improvement in our sports but that is not enough. We should invest on our youth through sports to get what we want.

“Sports is very critical in the life of any country because everybody cannot be lawyers, medical doctors, engineers, architect, priests, businessmen etc.

“When we invest in our youths through sports, we will certainly get the best out of them in their chosen careers.

“Sports is neglected in this country.

The Super Eagles participated in the last FIFA World Cup in Russia it is true that they didn’t go far, but they made their mark. If they are given all the necessary supports and adequate preparations I believed that they would have done better.

“More importantly, I want to state that sports development should not be left in the hands of governments alone, but the government has a very critical role to play.

“The governments at all level must provide the enabling environment for sports to thrive in the country and the private sector on their part should partner the governments to ensure that sports provide jobs for the teeming youths. Any country that neglects their youth is doomed,” Oduah declared.

“It is not enough to say that government is working for the development of the youth when sports is neglected.

When no attention is given to sports development.

“It is true that some sports infrastructures have been provided since our independence because at Independence, we only had the Liberty stadium, the king George Stadium that is the Onikan stadium as the reasonable stadia in the country, but today we have a lot of stadia including the world class stadium Nest of Champions in Uyo, the Akwa Ibom State capital to show for the strides that have been made in sports infrastructure in the country.

“It behooves on us as a country to maximize the opportunity that sports provides to empower our youths in order to reduce the unemployment rates •Odion Ighalo in this country,” Prince Oduah said.

Rohr carpets Kaduna Stadium

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UPER Eagles’ Technical Adviser, Gernot Rohr has nullified Super Eagles’ venue for their 2019 crucial Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against the Mediterranean Knights of Libya, the Ahmadu Bello Stadium in Kaduna saying the stadium did not meet the standard for such a match.

According to him, the pitch of the Kaduna Stadium is not good enough and does not want anything that will impede on his players’ game when they file out against their opponent next week Friday and as a result has demanded that the match be taken to the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo which has serviced as their home ground before now.

With Rohr’s position on the Kaduna Stadium, the leadership of the Nigeria Football Federation led by

HERE is no doubt that Nigerian international striker, Odion Jude Ighalo is on fire for his Chinese club, Changchun Yatai as he netted goal No 18 of the season for his club even as the goal was not enough to save them from defeat as they succumbed to 5-2 defeat in the hands of their opponents, Jiangsu Suning.

The Nigeria international continued his goalscoring form in China as Chen Jingang’s men suffered a second consecutive loss.

In his 24th appearance this season, the 29-year-old registered his 18th goal of the season from the penalty spot in the 68th minute.

Chen Jingang’s men started the game on an uninspiring note with Jie Sun turning the ball into his own net in the 13th minute.

Alex Teixeira got the second for the visitors in the 27th minute.

Pengfei Xie then added the third before Ighalo converted from the penalty spot for the home team.

In the 75th minute, the Changchun Stadium outfit, were reduced to 10 men after Rui Yu got his second booking.

Eder then scored twice for Cosmin Olaroiu’s side within 10 minutes before Yufeng Xiao got the second for Yatai.

The defeat leaves them in the eighth spot in the league standings with 29 points from 24 games.

Ighalo, scorer of 18 goals in 24 league outings this season, will be hoping to continue the impressive form when Changchun Yatai clash with John Obi Mikel’s Tianjin Teda on October 6.

newly reelected President Amaju Melvin Pinnick will have no alternative than to move the match to the magnificent Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo, the Akwa Ibom State capital.

It is recalled that before the Franco-German football tactician made the pronouncement, he had embarked on the inspection of the stadium and based on his on the spot assessment of the facility, he passed the judgment that the turf was not good enough for such an important game.

Before the decision was made Rohr had embarked on two different inspections and was convinced that there is need to move the match to a good pitch and that good pitch is no other place than the Nest of Champions in Uyo, built

by former governor of the state, Senator Godswill Akpabio.

Uyo has been the Super Eagles home in recent years although their last match in Nigeria was played at the Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium in Port Harcourt.

It is still a puzzle that Uyo, which has been the home of the nation’s flagship team, was not considered before taking it to Kaduna.

The Oracle Today Sports investigation showed that the pitch at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium is back in good condition after it suffered a tear-up in the wake of a political rally.

We also gathered that the NFF have reached a verbal agreement with the Akwa Ibom State Government for the use of the stadium and have equally written a letter to the Confederation of African Football (CAF) to inform them of the change in plan.

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The Oracle Today Wednesday October 10, 2018

SPORTS Lagos SWAN Week kicks off with hospital visitation, draws

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FIBA WWC: How US end D’Tigress’ fairytale in Spain Stories by MADUABUCHI KALU

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IGERIA’S Women Basketball national team, D’Tigress suffered 71-40 lost to United State of America at the ongoing FIBA Women’s World Cup in Spain.

The history making Nigerian national Basketball team had before the encounter with the defending champions the United States of America, made the country proud by being the first African basketball team to have won a match at the Federation of International Basketball Association (FIBA) World Cup when they defeated highly rated Turkey in their second

group game to pocket three points.

The D’Tigress started the encounter in massive way and won the first quarter 17-9 but lost the remaining quarters 18-6, 19-12 and 25-5.

It was the second time the reigning African Champions lost to the United States at the FIBA Women’s World Cup. The first was a 79-46 loss at the 2006 edition hosted by Brazil.

Ezinne Kalu was D’Tigress most efficient performer in the encounter scoring eight points, four rebound, five steals and six assists.

The Otis Hughley coached ladies had lost their first group game to Australia while rallying to defeat Turkey, who

had earlier beaten them in international friendly match before the championship holding in Tenerife Spain.

As if that his making victory over European Basketball superpower was not enough the gallant Nigerian basketball team revenged Super Eagles defeat at the World Cup in Russia where they suffered 2-1 defeat to two time world champions, the La Albiceleste of Argentina when they defeated their national women basketball team to make to the round of 16.

It is recalled that before the encounter before the Argentine clash in their last group game, one of the D’Tigress players had expressed the desire to avenge Super Eagles’ lost to the Ar-

Mourinho to Pogba: No player bigger than Man Utd

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ANCHESTER United manager, Jose Mourinho has insisted that “no player is bigger than the club” while addressing a reported bust-up with Paul Pogba.

The 55-year-old was speaking ahead of United’s trip to the London Stadium on Saturday to face West Ham United in the Premier League after a turbulent week for the club.

Mourinho revealed his stance on the issue on Friday’s prematch press conference, as he told reporters: “No player is bigger than the club and if I’m happy with his work, he plays. If I’m not happy, he doesn’t play.

“Manchester United is bigger than anyone and I have to defend that.”

The United boss then went on to clarify exactly why he dropped Pogba as the team’s backup captain, stating that the decision was made purely for tactical reasons.

“I explain in a very detailed way to the people that have to know in detail, which is the squad and especially Paul, so Paul and the other players in the squad know in detail the reason why myself

and my coaching staff, we decided to do that,” Mourinho added.

“I always analyse a player as a player. When a player is captain, I analyse the player by the player and captain perspective, and after weeks of analysing and changing opinions with my coaching staff, we made the decision Paul is just a player and not a captain.

“Decision made. I informed the player and the players. When I

was asked after the match on Tuesday, I confirmed my decision and now I’m confirming it again.

It’s the end of the story.”

The enigmatic tactician continued by pre-empting the next bout of questions from his audience, shedding more light on his relationship with the France international by saying: “I can anticipate more questions by saying the relationship of player and manager is good.”

•Mourinho and Pogba ... at loggerheads

gentines at the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia and it came to pass.

At the quarterfinals, the gallant Nigerian national basketball women team, D’Tigress stunned the world when they also defeated another European basketball powerhouse, Greece to storm to the quarterfinals of 2018 FIBA Women World Cup to set the stage for epic clash with the world No1 basketball playing nation, the United States of America.

It is true that many had wished that D’Tigress beat the United States of America women basketball team that have a Nigeria in their team by the name Nneka Ogwumike who plays for Los Angeles as a forward.

Even with the United States women team beating the Nigerian women basketball team, the women had already surpassed the expectations of realistic Nigerian basketball fans by defeating three teams at the 2018 FIBA World Cup in Tenerife, Spain.

This is an unprecedented achievement in every standard. No African basketball team have ever achieved this and this is going to put Nigeria on the basketball spotlight henceforth.

This is an opportunity therefore, for Nigerian companies to partner other sports outside of football which no doubt is the country’s opium.

The exploits of D’Tigress at the FIFA World has open placed the spot on the limelight that is likely going to see influx of a lot of youngsters going into the game which is good for the country. With the exploits of D’Tigress at the 2018 FIBA World Cup, their ranking is seriously going to improve and they have placed themselves as one of the teams to beat globally in the sport.

There is need for more commitment by the administrators of the game in the country by ensuring that all the wrangling and leadership tussles bedeviling the sport is resolved in order to move the sport forward.

D’Tigerss have shown that Nigeria as a country have the talents to be one of the best in the world in every field of human endeavour and the earlier other sports are given the support to thrive the better for the country. All that we need to do is to discover the talents that are bound in all nooks and crannies of the country and nurture them to stardom.

HE Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), Lagos Chapter resumes its annual week festivities on Friday, September 27, with a visitation to the Randle General Hospital Surulere at 10am.

As part of the opening ceremony, the draws for the SWAN Football tournament took place at the SWAN Secretariat at the National Stadium, Surulere.

15 media houses and sports media organisations in Lagos will battle it out with defending champions, Complete Sports for the 2018 diadem.

The 8-day event is put together to celebrate sports media practitioners working in Lagos will have a Photography training, organised by the young Photo-journalist, Justina Aniefiok in collaboration with the Association today (Monday). The training will feature award winning facilitators like Ayodele Ojo, Segun Ogunfeyintimi, Femi Kuti and Afolabi Oni amongst others.

A free medical screening will tomorrow (Tuesday) and an honorary reception for Nigeria Football Federation Vice President Elect, Barrister Seyi Akinwunmi will take place on Thursday at the Secretariat in Surulere.

The SWAN Week will close on Friday, October 5, 2018 with a SWAN Veterans versus Family United By Sports (FUBS) novelty football match which will feature the likes of ex Super Eagles Stars, Mutiu Adepoju, Ifeanyi Udeze, veteran Journalists Mitchell Obi, ex-Lagos SWAN chairman Fred Edoreh, after which the Football finals will take place to officially close the event.

AFCON 2019: Kaoje charges Eagles to raise bar

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ORMER Sports Minister of Youth and Sports, Engineer Bala Kaoje has charged the Super Eagles to step up their plate as they prepare for their crucial encounter against the Libya in the Africa Nations Cup Qualifier that will hold in Uyo on the 12th of October.

According to former Hon. Minister the Gernot Rohr tutored Eagles should ensure that they pocket the maximum points at home, and at least gets a point in the return fixture to make the fans happy.

“This is a crucial stage in the qualification for AFCON. The Super Eagles must ensure they raise the bar in their remaining four matches in the group,” the former Minister of Youth and Sports said.

“It’s a phase that the team must ensure they scale through starting with the double header against Libya.”

“Four points over the two legs will be fair for the Super Eagles.

Three points in Uyo and at least a draw in the away fixture. The team will be able to go into the game with South Africa under less pressure.”

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The Oracle Today Wednesday October 10, 2018

SPORTS

Enyimba to confront Raja Wednesday in Aba Stories by MADUABUCHI KALU

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NYIMBA International Football Club of Aba will Wednesday file out at the Enyimba International Stadium Aba to confront Morocco’s Raja Casablanca in the first semifinals of this year’s Confederation of African Football Confederation Cup. The two time continual champions who are the only Nigerian club still flying the country’s flag on the continent are poised to secure a victory over their Moroccan counterparts in the commercial City of Aba to make the return leg a little bit easier for them as Raja are one of the continental giants when it comes to club football.

To get to this stage of the competition, Enyimba eliminated Rayon Sports of Rwanda in the quarterfinals as the people’s Elephant drew goalless with Rayon in Rwanda only to humiliate them 5-1 in Aba to qualify for the semifinals and were drawn to trade tackles with Raja Casablanca.

The outcome of this encounter will go a long way in determining the chances of the Aba millionaires in the return leg of the semifinals.

It is the expectations of their supporters and fans that they will make Nigeria proud on Wednesday. And for them to achieve that they should realize that there will be no room for complacency as the North Africans can shock them if they allow any complacency in Wednesday’s game.

Enyimba no doubt, have done well so far but they are not yet there and committing themselves to this oner-

ous task of beating Raja is not one that should be taken with kid glove.

Raja are a strong side. The fact that they are still in the competition till now shows that they have all it takes to go all the way. Enyimba should forget about the past and focus on this game and ensure that they record sound victory against Raja who will be all over them in the return leg in Casablanca.

So, the onus lies on management of the club led by renowned football administrator of note, Chief Felix Anyansi Agwu to ensure that the team are provided with all the basic requirements to perform on Wednesday.

Anyansi, of course is not new when it comes to how to motivate his charges. He has done it before and he is still doing it. Nigerians believe that with the supportive role of the Abia State Government led by Dr Okezie Ikpeazu, Enyimba will be able to deliver the goods.

The people’s Elephant should do everything within their powers to go all the way to ensure that this trophy is won. This is the only trophy that is missing in Enyimba’s silverwares having won the CAF Champions League back to back in 2003/4.

Winning this Confederation Cup will certainly be the icing on the cake as it will catapult them to enviable heights in club football both within and outside the country.

On this note, The Oracle Today Sports is therefore, wishing the people’s elephant good luck and success as they trade tackles with visiting Raja Casablanca on Wednesday.

We have 65% private sector funding –Pinnick

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RESIDENT of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Melvin Amaju Pinnick, has disclosed that his plans for a better second term at the helm of the nation’s soccer body are already on course, with a lot to be achieved from 65% private sector funding of the round leather game.

Pinnick Pinnick enthused that he will make the best of his unprecedented second tenure, following his re-election at the recent NFF elective congress in Katsina, and stressed that financing of the game will not be a problem.

An improved contract with sports kit, jerseys and equipment manufacturer, Nike is on the cards, especially after the global success of the Super Eagles’ 2018 World Cup attire.

Pinnick further disclosed that the NFF recently engaged two of Nigeria’s renowned billionaires, Aliko Dangote and Femi Otedola with invitations to the FIFA Best Awards in London for potential investments in the game.

With all that in place, Pinnick believes the NFF are on course to become completely self-funding by the end of his second term in office.

Pinnick said his focus in the coming years would be to achieve full self-sufficiency for the NFF, and added: “Thanks to our many sponsors and partners, we have achieved 65-per cent private sector funding status.

“Football has a tremendous capacity to be self-sustaining and even contribute significantly to the national GDP. Our target is a hundred per cent,” the Delta State born NFF’s boss declared.

Ronaldo denies rape allegation

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RISTIANO Ronaldo has vehemently denied the rape allegation leveled against him after a complaint was filed him, accusing him of rape. His legal team has since responded and threatened legal action against the party in question.

Kathryn Mayorga spoke publicly for the first time about the alleged incident to Der Spiegel, with the report noting that she has accused the Portuguese international of rape and of paying her $375,000 as an out-of-court settlement.

She claims that the incident took place in a Las Vegas hotel room in 2009 and that Cristiano Ronaldo at one point fell to his knees and said: “99 per cent a good guy” who was let down by the “one per cent”.

Unsurprisingly, it hasn’t taken long for Ronaldo’s legal team to issue a response, and as noted by The Telegraph, they have released a statement on the matter and dismissed the allegations as being completely false.

Further, they’ve described them as ‘blatantly illegal’ and have promised to take action themselves against the woman in question for “moral damages in an amount corresponding to the gravity of the infringement, which is probably one of the most serious violations of personal rights in recent years.”

It remains to be seen what the next step is in this situation, with legal proceedings from both sides seemingly not being ruled out now.

Hazard: I don’t care about goals

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•Enyimba FC of Aba Chairman, Felix Anyansi.

CAF still doubts Cameroon’s readiness to host 2019 AFCON

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HE Confederation of African Football (CAF) Executive Committee is skeptical about Cameroon’s readiness to host the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations and have set a November date for a final decision to be taken on the matter.

Cameroon were awarded the rights to host the continent’s biggest football showpiece event during the CAF leadership of Issa Hayatou – the former CAF Presi-

•CAF President, Ahmad Ahmad

dent – but there are doubts the Central African country can pull it off after all.

After a two-day meeting in Egypt, the CAF Executive Committee published a progress report on several of the Confederation’s competitions coming up between 2018 and 2021; including next year’s AFCON. On the 32nd edition of the Africa Cup of Nation in Cameroon, stated that “A visual report revealed a significant delay as far as the delivery of infrastructures is concerned.”

Concerns were also raised about the security situation in parts of the Country.

Thus, the Committee agreed that: (i). The final decision will be taken in late November after the last inspection visit which will involve audit firm Roland Berger. (ii). Beforehand, a joint CAF and FIFA Committee will travel to Cameroon in October to study security issues.

The Africa Cup of Nations with its new-24 team format will be held from 15 June to 13 July 2019.

World Ranking: FIFA rates Nigeria best in Africa

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IGERIA maintains top spot as the highest ranked African team in the World as published in the latest FIFA Women’s World ranking.

The Super Falcons are ranked 38th in the World; 9 places above the next ranked African team – Ghana.

Meanwhile, with no movements in or out of the top five in Africa – just accumulation and deduction of points – it means that Africa’s top five remain as its been in the past two publications.

The top five maintain their position with Ghana (47), Cameroon (49), South Africa (50) and Equatorial Guinea (54) appearing in that order.

Globally, the USA, Germany, England, France and Canada make up the top five in that order.

The ranking was released on Fri-

day by the world governing body and the next FIFA Women’s World Ranking will be published on 7 December 2018.

•The Super Falcons of Nigeria.

HELSEA’S Eden Hazard wants his reputation as one of the world’s great players to be based on titles rather than goal records as he embraced being put on the same pedestal as Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi.

Hazard scored what could be the goal of the season against Liverpool at Anfield in midweek, further demonstrating his peak form since the World Cup. His manager, Maurizio Sarri, thinks Hazard can score 40 this season, but Hazard does not want his contribution measured by his strike rate.

“I don’t have (goal) targets to be fair – my only target is to win something every year. I want to win trophies,” he said.

“It is not important how many goals I score. You know me, I don’t care about that. I just want to enjoy my football and win games.

“At the moment I am scoring goals, that is why everyone is talking for me to be in the top three (players).

“It is a pleasure to be there. I just want to keep going. I am the same player as two years ago, three years ago. I’m now in a period that I score a lot of goals, and hopefully I keep on scoring. It won’t be simple. Definitely not in the Premier League. I’m feeling good since the FA Cup final. Something you see.

I play in strong teams, here with Chelsea and with Belgium who were very good at the World Cup, and that helps me to perform better too.”

Team mate Ross Barkley says Hazard is currently the world’s best and puts the team’s needs above personal accolades.

“Compared to them (Ronaldo and Messi), they are probably a lot more selfish than Eden is,” said Barkley.

“He is not a selfish player. He is happy getting two assists and the team winning. What he has done against Liverpool, honestly he’s doing it every day in training.

“He is establishing himself in the top three players in the world. At the moment, he’s probably the best player in the world.”

The Belgian is the star for @ ChelseaFC once again as he cuts through the @LFC defence to put his team ahead!

Hazard acknowledged the influence of Sarri’s style on his game.

Chelsea are playing a possessionbased game now, but the 27 yearold was careful not to sound disrespectful to the former managers who brought the title to Stamford Bridge.

WEDNESDAY October 10, 2018

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A time to reflect

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ndependence anniversaries offer important opportunities to reflect on the course of national events. As Nigeria’s 58th independence anniversary being marked today, coincides with the 60th anniversary of Nigeria’s export of its first oil cargo, we offer this article as our contribution to the national reflection on a major public policy issue: Herdsmen-Farmers Conflict.

We refer to the oil export mainly to underline an important fact; that cattle rearing, from which Nigeria ought to be deriving much domestic and foreign exchange revenue by adopting global best practices, has degenerated into a source of national tension, antagonism, visceral violence and bloodletting. This is a policy failure of an epic scale.

Yet it would be wrong to attribute this failure to the current administration. Some 389 incidents of herders-farmers conflict were reported between 1997 and 2017, most occurring in the North Central geopolitical zone. According to the Food and Agricultural Organisation, Nigeria had 20.6 million herds of cattle in 2016 placing 14th among the world cattle breeding nations.

Paradoxically, Nigeria’s annual import of dairy products cost $1.3 billion; while she is barely benefitting from the global leather

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market valued at $75 billion annually.

Coming to grips with the problem of violence associated with cattle movement and grazing, compels us to examine the various rationalisations that have been adduced. By drawing on the various pronouncements of the government leaders, spokespersons of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) and the perspectives of various public commentators and policy analysts; an aggregate of seven explanations have emerged.

Climate Change: As desert encroachment has intensified in Northern Nigeria due to climate change, herdsmen have engaged in habitual seasonal migratory patterns, moving from the semi-arid northern part of the country, during the dry season, to the middle belt and southern part of country to graze their cattle. Climate-induced scarcity of water and viable grazing fields, inevitably translates to an existential concern. That Herders and Farmers perceive the battle for grazing pasture and farmlands a matter of livelihood and survival is real.

Boko Haram infiltration of herdsmen: The notion that the attacks attributed to herdsmen may be traceable to Boko Haram is widely presumed. Acceptably, in highly polarised environments, terrorists seek cover

GUEST COLUMNIST

Ejeviome Eloho Otobo and Oseloka H. Obaze under any guise. Whilst it remains plausible that the successes of the Multinational Joint Task Force, (MJTF), might have compelled Boko Haram insurgents to seek cover for movement and intelligence gathering by embedding themselves within the ranks of herdsmen, the evidence of operational collusion has not been confirmed.

Sinister work of foreign marauders: More by default than by design, the intensification of herdsmen/farmers conflict coincides with the spillover from the Libyan and Sahel crises, with the attending proliferation of small arm and light weapons (SALW).

Foreign fighters that drifted from Libya have brought with them assault weapons, which they barter for cash, or present as tools that guarantee them job opportunities as herdsmen. Yet, it cannot be discounted that some cattle owners, concerned about rustlers, have also equipped herdsmen with

assault weapons.

Diversionary tactics of corrupt politics: Corrupt practices manifest in different forms. Often, the nexus between ownership of cattle herds and public policy concerning cattle rearing is ignored. Though hardly admitted publicly, real owners of cattle herds include policymakers and influencers.

Naturally in their enlightened self-interest they loathe any adverse impact on their cattle investment, including restricting movement of herdsmen. In fact, the international best practices in cattle rearing and production do not include tedious movement of cattle or open-grazing.

Promulgation of anti-grazing Bill: Some stakeholders have argued that the promulgation of anti-grazing laws is not helpful to the resolution of the herdsmenfarmers conflict, insisting the promulgation of such laws are the cause rather than the consequences of the herdsmen-farmers conflict. What this explanation fails to explain is why herdsmen-farmers attacks have occurred in states that have not promulgated anti-grazing laws, for example, Delta, Edo, Enugu, Kaduna, Nasarawa and Ondo.

Surreptitious effort to Islamise Nigeria: This claim has been made by some analysts.

However, the President has strongly disavowed that such a plan exists, insisting in his address to the meeting of Catholic Bishops in Sokoto on 9th September that such rumours are spread by persons with injurious schemes on the nation.

Naked attempt at land grab: Land remains a scare resource. A particularly disturbing feature of the herdsmen-farmers conflict is the forceful seizure or occupation of land by herdsmen in various parts of the country. This not only discourages private investment but also damages the protection of property rights, which is a key feature of market economy and democracy. This has prompted the Nobel Laureate in Literature, Wole Soyinka, in his open letter of June, 2018 titled “On Demand: A language of noncapitulation, non-appeasement,” to urge the President to send a strong warning that his administration would not tolerate forceful land seizure anywhere in Nigeria A careful review of these seven major explanations shows that there are some serious issues to tackle. Obvious existing gaps in policymaking and responses persist.

Also evidence abound of important policy measures that the federal government can take to stem the tide of violence, restore property rights, ensure safety, and drive the dairy and leather industries and cattle economy in general to realise their potentials.

But those potentials will not be realised unless and until policymakers are able to transcend the traditional binary parameters used to define national challenges and issues.

•Otobo is a Non-Resident Senior Expert at the Global Governance Institute, Brussels •Obaze is a public policy expert and MD/ CEO Selonnes Consult, Awka

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.