Wednesday September 12, 2018 Edition

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RESIDENT Muhammadu Buhari speaks about Nigeria with an unhelpful magisterial finality that makes the country seem a piece of estate dedicated to pleasing his tendencies to rule by fiat. When he ruled that “unity of Nigeria is settled and not negotiable”, the All Progressives Congress (APC) that made an electoral promise to restructure Nigeria conformed.

IT did not matter that APC set up a committee on restructuring. The

Restructuring finally dead The Oracle Today Comment

resources the committee invested in producing a report that former National Chairman Chief John Ogie-Oyegun received and prom-

The

ised its implementation meant nothing. Restructuring is dead.

UNFORTUNATELY, behind the President are followers acquiesc-

ing to whatever he says, no questions, no advice, no introspection, no contemplation. They have made the President a law unto

himself, and certainly the judge of all cases, including his. Those who know these would not be shocked that the President places “national security”, and “national interests” above the Rule of Law. THEY have spent months mouthing the “non-negotiable, indivisible Nigeria” of the President. Their positions are mere regurgitations of lines that have become trite, for they add nothing to what we

racle

Cont’d on page 24

www.oraclenews.ng

Today N200

2019: Outrage over cost of nomination forms VOX POPULI SACRUM

From COLLINS UGHALAA, Owerri, and CHUKS EZE, Enugu

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s political parties prepare for primary elections to elect candidates to fly their flags in next year’s general election, contro-

WEDNESDAY September 12, 2018

ISSN: 2545-5869 VOL.3 No.36

•President N55m •Governor N22.5m •Senate N8.5m •Reps N3.85m versy has erupted over the high cost of nomination forms on sale at the moment with many arguing that such development speaks ill of a dispensation that

is anchored on moderation and anti-graft crusade.

Nigerians were stunned recently when the various political parties released the costs of ob-

taining their Nomination and Expression of Interest forms, with the ruling APC topping the chart with its whopping N55m as cost of the form for the nomination of the President.

Indeed, politicians have knocked parties for what they described as “the high cost” of

purchasing and returning the Nomination and Expression of Interest forms by aspirants for the various positions for the 2019 general election in the country, describing the development as inimical to good governance and

By Sopuruchi Onwuka, with agency reports

65 countries in Europe, Asia and through infrastructure projects and trade.

Although no tabulation of beneficiaries was available when President Xi Jinping restated China’s commitment to the assistance during the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation on Monday, a flurry of financing deals closed by the Nigerian delegation showed that part of the arrangement included strategic partnerships that might create more market space for the industrialized country in Africa.

From the meeting, Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) secured some 85 percent of the $2.8 billion required to finance the Ajaokuta-Kaduna-Kano (AKK) pipeline project conceived to transport natural gas from the Niger Delta to northern parts of the country in a deliberate strategy to create corridors of industrial growth in the region.

Also, sources from the Ministry of Communications declared that over $300 million Chunese funds

Cont’d on page 2

Africa shares China’s $60b

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•Osinbajo

•Atiku

Atiku, Osinbajo clash over herdsmen killings From JEROME USHAKANG and KAYODE OGUWALE, Lagos wo contending political actors T in the upcoming 2019 presidential election, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar and Professor Yemi Osinbajo weekend clashed over their dif-

Page 9

fering positions on the future socio-political stricture of the country.

Whereas former Vice President and current presidential aspirant on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Alhaji Atiku Abubaker slammed the incum-

bent administration of the federal government for its anti-restructuring posture, the incumbent Vice President, Professor Osinbajo, fired back at Atiku saying economic viability of existing states

Cont’d on page 2

n a generous kindness too realistic that economic pundits are scared, the government of China which hosted African Heads of State to multilateral economic cooperation confab in Beijing announced princely $60 billion in loans, aids and grants to assist African countries muster growth momentum.

President Xi Jinping had announced that the financial assistance coming in aids and loans for Africa are not stringed to hidden debt traps as dreaded by international analysts.

According to President Xi, the funding commitment anounced Monday would be the second tranche of $60 billion after the first $60 billion he declared in South Africa three years ago might have been defrayed.

The program, according to secondary reports, is part of Xi’s broader $120 billion Belt and Road Initiative conceived to link

Cont’d on page 4

Abia @ 27: Our future will be greater – Ikpeazu

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The Oracle Today Wednesday September 12, 2018

NEWS Continued from Pg 1 likely to breed corruption.

Those running for the office of the president on the PDP platform are required to pay N12m (N2m for Expression of Interest form and N10m for Nomination form) while those for the governorship election are required to pay N6m (N1m as Expression of Interest form and N5m for the Nomination form).

For those running for Senate, they are required to pay N3.5m while those running for House of Reps are required to pay N1.5m and House of Assembly aspirants

... cost of nomination forms to pay N600,000.

For the female aspirants, the PDP said they do not have to pay anything.

“All female aspirants are exempted from purchase of nomination forms for all offices”, said the PDP in a statement recently.

Also, in a statement by the National Organizing Secretary of the All Progressives Grand Alli-

ance (APGA), Akunwanta Mike Kwentoh, the National Working Committee (NWC) of the party on the 28th of last month approved N25m for the Expression of Interest and Nomination forms for those running for president; N10m for the Expression of Interest and Nomination forms for those running for governor; N5m for the Expression of Interest and

•Comrade Uwakwe Ezeja (2nd right ) and wife Cecilia (right) with Labour leaders from across the South East at the conferment of the ICON of Labour on Ezeja, Chairman of Igbo-Eze North LGA of Enugu State by the State Council of NLC at Ogrute, headquarters of Igbo-Eze North

Atiku, Osinbajo clash over herdsmen killings Cont’d from Pg 1 does not recommend geographical restructuring that involves creation of additional states.

Alhaji Atiku had in his address at the Lagos Secretariat if the PDP in Ikeja where he was hosted by party delegates and supporters to a grand reception restated his determination to drive restructuring of the country if elected president. He also vowed to end the prevailing bloody attacks on the north central and southern parts of the country by Fulani herdsmen.

Alhaji Abubakar whose relationship with Prof. Osinbajo went frigid following his defection from the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) to PDP declared in Lagos that restructuring the country along the lines of true federalism is the only enduring resolution to a myriad of political crises and outcries against marginalization, bloodletting and division among ethnic nationalities in the country.

Alhaji Abubakar had in his speech condemned Vice President Yemi Osinbajo’s earlier assertion that “the problem with our country is not a matter of restructuring.”

Alhaji Abubakar who unfolded his five-point Agenda to party leaders and delegates in a closed door meeting said he would restructure Nigeria to reflect true federalism, stop ethnic cleansing

that is manifesting in killings by herdsmen in the country, build consensus and unite Nigerians, provide security, revitalize the economy and create jobs.

The PDP stalwart called on the party’s delegates and other members of the PDP to cooperate with him to bring in real change to Nigerians.

The Oracle Today gathered that the PDP Secretariat on Adekunle Fajuyi Ikeja venue of the meeting was filled to capacity as card carrying members, party leaders and delegates across Lagos state gathered to support the PDP 2019 presidential flag bearer.

Others present at the event were various support groups seeking mass adoption of Alhaji Abubakar as the president of Nigeria come 2019.

About 20 of these groups registered their presence with their various colourful banners. Some of the groups are: Atiku Vanguard, Friend of Wazirin Adamawa (FOWA) Nigerians Trust Atiku (NTA), Atiku Youth Organization of Nigeria (AYON), We Know Atiku Group, among others.

Shortly after the meeting, a party delegate told The Oracle Today that Abubakar is passionate about a cohesive, integrated, transformed and economically viable Nigeria that creates opportunities for all the citizens, adding that the former Vice President would close the wide inequality gap and uplift millions of Nigerians out of acute

poverty.

However, Alhaji Abubakar’s statements did not go down well with Vice President Osinbajo of APC who responded with a statement insisting that the former Vice President’s interpretation of restructuring was too shallow and simple, arguing that geographical restructuring would not solve Nigeria’s problems.

Prof. Osinbajo said Abubakar interpreted him out of context, saying the former Vice President should have analyzed the full text of his comments before his public rebuttal of his views.

“But I understand; we are in that season where everything is seen as fair game! He quoted me as saying that “the problem with our country is not a matter of restructuring… and we must not allow ourselves to be drawn into the argument that our problems stem from some geographic re-structuring”.

Osinbajo said “the 2014 National Conference actually recommended the creation of 18 more States.

And I argued that, with several States struggling or unable to pay salaries, any further tinkering with our geographical structure would not benefit us.”

He stressed further that, Nigerians should rather ask why the States are underperforming, revenue and development wise. Osinbajo insisted that, good governance involves transparency and prudence in public finance.

Nomination forms for those running for Senate; N2.5m for those running for House of Representatives and N800,000 for those running for state assembly.

For female aspirants, APGA provides that “Female aspirants shall pay only 50% of the fees stipulated above for both the Expression of Interest and Nomination Forms”.

For its part, the All Progressives Congress (APC) stipulates that those running for state assembly will pay N1m while those running for House of Representatives will pay N3.8m.

Those running for Senate will pay N8.5m while those running for governor will pay N22.5 and those for president will pay N55m.

These high costs of nomination forms have outraged Nigerians so much that President Muhammadu Buhari was reported to have balked at the decision of his ruling APC to put the cost of the cost of the expression of intent and nomination forms at the “outrageous” cost of N55m cost for the nomination form for the office of the President.

The President, most likely APC’s sole presidential aspirant, said he does not have such amount of money to purchase his nomination form.

Although there are indications that many supporters of the president have volunteered to purchase the form on his behalf, questions have been raised as to the sincerity of the Administration’s anti-graft war when the ruling party, which should show the way in making nomination forms available to encourage more people to show interest in elections is the very one seemingly promoting “an outrageous race for the costliest nomination forms in this dispensation,” as one political analyst in Enugu put it.

Speaking on the development in Owerri, a senatorial aspirant in Imo State from Orlu Zone on the platform of the United Progressive Party (UPP), Comrade Precious Nwadike, said the APC, PDP and others are institutionalizing corruption.

He described the cost of obtaining the Expression of Interest and Nomination forms in those parties as outrageous, unpatriotic and targeted at frustrating young people with decent background from effectively participating in politics.

He contended that the parties through their actions are encouraging corruption as those who eventually spent this much in purchasing mere party nomination forms will first recoup their money before being answerable to the electorate.

According to the senatorial aspirant, the major political parties have shown “their indisposition to youth’s participation in politics and should not be taken seriously by discerning Nigerians”, adding that “they want to deepen and engender corruption in Nigeria by the hike of party nomination form fees. They have conspired again to shut credible people out of politics, which is the only possible reason to impose exorbitant fees”.

He maintained that no business man who knows the worth of a N1m to his business would ac-

cept to part with N10m for a governorship nomination form alone For Ekene Uzodinma, Convener of The New Enugu Project and 2019 UPP Governorship aspirant in Enugu State, Nigerians must rise against the ever soaring cost of running election in the country, which, he argued, has taken a very dangerous dimension likely to have enormous adverse effects on its polity.

Among such adverse affects, he said, is disenfranchisement of the right candidates. Aspirants that possess the right capacity, will power, pedigree and can perform but lack possession of enormous financial muscle are edged out by the moneybags, he further argued, noting that “these are business politicians who do not see politics as a platform for service but rather as an avenue for personal aggrandizement.”

“The truth is that most of the politicians who have the heart to pay whatever amount, such as APC’s figures, for instance, would likely not perform in office,” he added. He has to recoup his money first and make some ‘profit’ first. It is practically impossible for a politician to be people-oriented in office after he had spent through the nose to fund his election.

“For instance, the outrageous figures that the All Progressives Congress (APC) has brandished as costs of their nomination forms for various elective positions, simply suggest that the process has already been deliberately designed to scare away certain categories of aspirants. But the United Progressive Party (UPP), frowns at such development.”

According to Uzodinma, in the UPP, nomination form for all positions is free for all female aspirants as well as all aspirants that are 30 years of age and down.

“And for the rest, the cost of nomination form for House of Assembly is N50,00; that of House of Representatives is N200,000; for the Senate N600,000m while the governorship N3m, in that order.

To purchase the form is one thing but to return it is a different kettle of fish altogether.

This inevitable action for aspirants who wish to actually prosecute the election may involve a round of even bigger expenses.

A typical party nomination form has spaces for 30 persons to endorse the candidate. As the candidate goes round to secure such endorsement, he pays off the persons endorsing him, climaxing with the local government party chairman who will always ask for so much to perform his duty.

The House of Representatives and Senate have provisions for about 25 persons each to endorse the candidate. This merrygo-round endorsement process involves a lot of money to be spent by the candidates.

“Sometimes I wonder if we are not responsible for the seeming irresponsibility of our representatives. People spend just too much to prosecute elections. What do you expect them to do when they eventually win? It is simple: they try to recoup their “losses” first before looking the way of voters.

It is just a dysfunctional system all through,” said a senatorial aspirant in Abia State.

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The Oracle Today Wednesday September 12, 2018

News

Abia @27 honours Prince Igwe

• Deputy Governor, Abia State, Sir Ude Oko Chukwu presenting an Award of Oke Orji Abia to Prince Chris Odinaka Igwe, Founder, Chairman and CEO of Chrisnak Group of Companies, Managing Director and CEO of Mainland Oil & Gas Co Ltd, during the 2018 Abia Day Merit/Honours Award at International Conference Centre, Umuahia.

• From left: Hon. Billy Achara, former Chairman, Umunneochi LGA of Abia State, Barr. Okey Igwe, Chairman, Umunneochi LGA, Prince Chris Odinaka Igwe and Chief Mathais Ukaigwe, CEO, Blessed Omemma Oil & Gas Ltd, during the conferment of Oke Orji Abia on Prince Chris Odinaka Igwe by Abia State Government at International Conference Centre, Umuahia.

• Prince Chris Odinaka Igwe, acknowledging cheers from his people after receiving the award from Abia State Government in Umuahia.

Bayelsa Govt. takes safe child delivery campaign to churches

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AYELSA Government has decided to take its Safe Motherhood Initiative, a campaign aimed at reducing the high rate of mother and infant death during childbirth in the state, to churches.

Deputy Governor, Rear Admiral Gboribiogaha John-Jonah (rtd.) said this on Tuesday in Yenagoa at a meeting with Christian leaders in the state, added that the aim of the project was to ensure that no woman or infant died during delivery.

INEC starts online recruitment From CHUKS COLLINS, Awka

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HE recruitment forms for the 2019 general elections by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has been published.

According to a statement from the Commission, “the form is widely on air free of charge to all Nigeria citizens who are interested in being an INEC ad-hoc staff in 2019”, general elections.

Among the stipulations, the applicant must be a Nigerian citizen, with at least a minimum of Secondary School Certificate, which includes; WAEC, NECO or NABTEB. The Commission however, warned that on no account should any applicant make any form of payment to anyone as it is absolutely free of charge.

“I don’t know of any group of persons that can reach every community in Bayelsa state than the Christian community, because every community has a church. Over time, people have been in the habit of politicising genuine government policies for reasons they have not been able to explain. Because this project is dear to us and we don’t want anybody to politicise it, we decided to take it to churches,” he said.

According to him, the state government has built cottage hospitals in all the 105 wards and referral hospitals in all the constituencies across the state to ensure the success of the initiative.

Also speaking, the state Commissioner for Information, Mr. Iworiso Markson, said that number of maternal and infant mortality in the rural communities was frightening.

He said that government expected churches to preach the safe motherhood initiative like the gospel.

“We have already built health centers across the state. Therefore, if all the church can do now is to encourage our pregnant women to register with hospitals close to them, we have done the greatest good.

“The initiative is designed in such a way that every pregnant woman that registers for the programme

will receive N3000 monthly allowance. Her hospital bills during and after delivery will be fully paid by the state government,” he said.

Also, a consultant obstetrician with the Federal Medical Center, Dr. Andrew Igbefa, admonished church leaders to desist from encouraging women suffering from complications during and after delivery to go only to church for prayers.

Igbefa said, instead, such women should be referred to the nearest hospitals.

He identified the common causes of maternal death to include bleeding during pregnancy, labour and delivery, hypertension, obstructed

labour, sepsis and unsafe abortion.

According to the consultant the number of deaths arising from such conditions which could be prevented if the pregnant woman is given the right education is very high.

“Some pastors go about telling pregnant women that have delivered through CS in the past that prayers can make them deliver naturally as if delivery through CS is a curse. This is one of the greatest causes of maternal death in Bayelsa state.

Special Adviser to the Governor on Religious Affairs, Samuel JohnPeters, commended the state government for involving the church in the campaign.

By THEO RAYS

popularly called, during its monthly general meeting said: “We have our reasons for this endorsement. First is that Ide parades the qualities honed over time through practical experience and exposure, which Nigerians will like to see in the National Assembly. Nigerians know where he is coming from, what he has done and what he is capable of doing and that is good for our constituency.”

“Second, Ide comes from.a family that has contributed a lot to the development and progress of our people. His father, the late Igwe James Mamah bequeathed us with undisputable goodwill and left massive legacies as a pathfinder, job provider, inspirer, mentor and benefactor. For over 40 years now, our people in

Igbo-Eze North/Udenu have reaped from the bounties of Ifesinachi’s enterprises. Ide himself is not just an inheritor of wealth but a wealth creator who is credited with starting the first courier business, the famous IFEX Courier as an adjunct of Luxury Bus business. So, it is time to pay them back; let’s use this position to pay them back.

Flanked by Mathias Ogili, Vice Chairman, William Omeh Secretary and Priscilla Ugwuanyi, treasurer, among others, Eze, a renowned businessman in Onitsha called on the leadership and stakeholders of the PDP in the Constituency to consider giving Ide the ticket of the party for the House of Representatives polls for the above listed reasons.

He also called on relevant stakeholders like the traditional rulers and Church leaders to prevail on the leadership and stakeholders of PDP to hand over the ticket to Ide. When asked to comment on the the position of ICF on the issue of zoning between Ozzi and Umunano, the two political blocs in Igbo-Eze North, Eze said it is the turn of Ozzi to occupy the House of Representatives seat because the current member from Umunano has taken Umunano’s turn of one term of four years.

He added:: “Since 1999, no Ozzi or Umunano has taken the seat for two terms consecutively, so why should anybody drag it with Ozzi now after Umunano has taken it for four years?”

2019: Group backs Mamah, Ifesinachi boss for Federal House

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head of the 2019/general election group known as Igbo-Eze North Citizens Forum (ICF) Onitsha branch has thrown its weight behind the Chairman of Ifesinachi Group of Companies, Prince Emeka Mamah, who is vying for the Udenu/Igbo-Eze North federal constituency seat of Enugu State in the House of Representatives, saying Prince Mamah who is an aspirant on the platform of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has what it takes to make a better outing at the National Assembly for the good of his constituency and Nigeria generally.

Chairman of the group, Mr Mattthew Eze who declared the group’s total support for Ide as Prince Mamah is

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The Oracle Today Wednesday September 12, 2018

Barrister Okey Igwe declares for State Assembly CHAIRMAN of Umunneochi Local Government Area Barrister Okey Igwe was at the Abia State Secretariat of the Peoples Democratic Party Party, PDP, to collected the Expression of Interest and Nomination Forms to contest the Abia State House of Assembly seat in the 2019 election. Barrister Igwe was accompanied by party faithful from his constinuency for the event in Umuahia.

Continued from Pg1 would be injected into the Nigerian telecommunications industry to boost growth.

The full inventory of loan and aid stock accompanying the Nigerian delegation from the trip remains unclear until the trade envoys arrive home.

President Xi Jinping had announced that the $60 billion in aid and loans for Africa came with no expectation of anything in return as he pushed back criticism that beneficiaries of the loans were walking into debt traps.

“China’s investment in Africa does not come with any political conditions attached and will neither interfere in internal politics nor make demands that people feel are difficult to fulfill,” Xi he

Africa shares China’s $60b

assured, adding however that the money would be focused on infrastructure to help speed African countries’ development.

He made it clear that funds from the Chinese government and institutions would not be sprayed on “vanity projects.”

According to pieces of details pieced together by The Oracle Today, the $60 billion comprises $15 billion in grants, interest-free loans and concessional loans; $20 billion in credit lines, a $10 billion special fund for development financing, and a $5 billion special fund for imports from Africa.

Private Chinese companies are also to be encouraged to invest at

least $10 billion in Africa over the next three years.

The package outlined by Xi also includes medical aid, environmental protection, agricultural training and assistance, and government scholarships and vocational training for more than 100,000 young Africans.

With African heads of state rushing home with Chinese cheques, fears have however, sustained over the massive wave of China’s generosity to Africa, and analysts are trying to link the loans to projects that guarantee contracts for Chinese companies and jobs for Chinese expatriates.

Early childhood education can checkmate societal decadence From Ini Billie, Uyo ROFESSOR Selina Ekpo has said Ptrolled societal decadence can be conwith early childhood education which she described as the the proper foundation for child up-bringing.

Speaking on Tuesday in Uyo during the 64th inaugural lecture of the University of Uyo on the topic: “Re-engineering Human Existence Through Foundation Building”, the professor of Early Childhood Education said early

childhood education programs have flourished as more parents have embraced the idea that early childhood education is a race that is finished early and better if started early.

She noted that early childhood education is a crucial stage in the process of improving the educational system to achieve it’s main aim of transforming the individual child from “brute to being”.

Ekpo explained that teacher education programme in the world is devoted to child study

such that in educational enterprises, the child is both the raw material as well as the product, adding that whatever has an effect on the quality of the child’s upbringing should be of importance to the teacher.

She further said that the child’s environment is one of the key factors in child study due to its natural proximity to the child, adding that the physical, psychological and sociological environments of the child impact on the total making of the individual child.

According to a report last year from the consultancy McKinsey China has gone from being a relatively small investor in Africa to becoming the continent’s largest economic partner over the past 20 years with bilateral trade growing at about 20 percent annually.

Foreign direct investment has also grown even faster over the past decade, at about 40 percent a year.

But critics say that with many of its infrastructure projects, China is luring needy countries into “debt traps.” They point at Sri Lanka which last year had no choice but to grant China a 99-year lease for a Belt and Road Initiative port after it failed to attract enough business to make its loan payments.

Last month, Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad canceled more than $20 billion worth of planned Chinese infrastructure projects, saying he was concerned about paying for them.

“We do not want a situation where there is a new version of colonialism happening because poor countries are unable to compete with rich countries,” he said during a visit to Beijing.

Analysts have raised concerns about African countries, many of which are subject to the whims

of commodity markets, not being able to repay Chinese loans.

The three countries most vulnerable because of large debts owed to China are Djibouti, Congo and Zambia, say academics at the China Africa Research Initiative at Johns Hopkins University. Zambia, which has a gross domestic product of $19.5 billion, according to the World Bank, had taken about $6.4 billion in loans from China, the researchers wrote in a briefing paper last month.

But Rwandan President Paul Kagame, who chairs the African Union, said that rather than viewing the investment as a “debt trap,” other countries should be asking why they’re not giving Africa as much assistance as China.

“We have benefited a lot from China’s support in our social and economic programs, and that has continued to strengthen the partnership between China and Rwanda,” Kagame told the People’s Daily. South African President Cyril Ramaphosa also rebuffed suggestions that China is taking advantage of the continent. The leaders “refute the view that a new colonialism is taking hold in Africa, as our detractors would have us believe,” he told the forum.

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The Oracle Today Wednesday September 12, 2018

NEWS ACROSS THE NATION

Lagos records 3,089 cases of sexual, domestic violence in 8 months

By VICTOR NZE

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AGOS State Domestic and Sexual Violence Response Team (DSVRT) has disclosed that no fewer than 3,089 cases of sexual and domestic violence were reported in the state in the past eight months.

State Commissioner for Justice and Attorney-General, Mr Adeniji Kazeem, made the disclosure on Monday in Lagos at a news conference commemorating “The Domestic and Sexual Violence Awareness Month,” which held this year under the theme of; “Securing the Home against Violence: Everyone’s Responsibility.”

Kazeem said that the figure was over 200 per cent increase compared to last 2017 figure of 1,044.

The commissioner, represented by the Permanent Secretary, Lagos State Ministry for Justice, Mrs Funmilola Odunlami, also said that seven people were convicted during the period under review.

“From January to August 2018, DSVRT received 3,089 reported cases. This indicates that the number of reports has doubled since 2017 when DVSRT handled a total of 1044 cases for the entire year.

“From January till August, 2018, the Team handled 1,037 cases in the

office: 939 Domestic Violence cases, 245 Child Abuse, 40 defilement cases 22 rape cases, 13 cases of attempt to commit Rape and Sexual Assault by penetration.

“Also, 10 sexual assault by penetration and 48 other cases were also recorded. We have started to see an average of 150 new cases monthly,’’ Kazeem said.

He said that there had also been reported cases through the 6820 USSD platform, which was commissioned in 2017, to facilitate the swift reporting of incidents of Domestic Violence, Sexual Violence and Child Abuse.

“From Jan. 1, 2018 till date, DSVRT has received 2,052 reports via the 6,820 short-code.

“A total of 718 actual cases were reported. Hence, DSVRT has responded to 357 reports of domestic violence, 195 reports of Sexual Abuse and 166 reports of child abuse, all reported via the 6,820 platform.

“What is most exciting about the platform is that it breaks the initial barrier of people not wanting to make a formal report at an office or police station.

“We are now able to interact directly with survivors and concerned witnesses and take vital steps in dealing with a case,” he said.

African Health Ministers endorse five-year-plan to improve access to medicines

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HE roadmap also highlights more responsible use of medicines, especially of antimicrobials, and better monitoring of access to medicines DAKAR, Senegal, August 30, 2018/ -Ministers of Health from the World Health Organisation (WHO) African Region have endorsed proposals aimed at addressing the shortage of, and access to, medicines and vaccines.

The Roadmap for access 20192023 - Comprehensive support for access to medicines and vaccines, sets out critical policies, actions and key deliverables to support countries improve access to health products over the next five years.

Access to medicines is at the core of universal health coverage (UHC), one of WHO’s main priorities, and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Despite progress in access to treatment and prevention for some diseases in recent years, many countries are still struggling to provide full access to the health products their populations need. In addition, the rise in non-communicable diseases (such as cancer and diabetes), under-resourced health systems and the high cost of new medical products are undermining governments’ commitments to reduce out-of-pocket (OOP) expenditure on medicines and other health services.

“The high cost of medicines means that people cannot afford the medicines they need to stay alive and healthy, We will only achieve universal health coverage if we can ensure affordable

access to quality medical products for our populations,” said Dr Matshidiso Moeti, WHO Regional Director for Africa, adding: “This will require an integrated and sustained effort based on stronger pharmaceutical policies, better quality oversight of medical products and greater community participation so that we can ensure we are meeting the needs of people. The roadmap provides us with a strong basis to start this work.”

Delegates at the meeting agreed to strengthen collaboration on health products procurement to reduce prices, on collaborative approaches to assessing medical products so as to cut costs, and on promoting medical research and development that responds to the public health needs of low- and middleincome countries. The roadmap also highlights more responsible use of medicines, especially of antimicrobials, and better monitoring of access to medicines.

Kazeem said that the team had also given a stronger focus on children who had witnessed intimate partner violence in 2018.

According to him, a total of 1,187 children have been exposed to domestic violence within the home.

“Some of these children have been taken through counselling programmes to ensure they are able to psychologically deal with the events they have witnessed

without it having a permanent and negative impact on them,” he said.

The attorney-general said that the trends from the data revealed a steady increase in men coming forward to report cases of domestic violence.

“As at August 2018, a total of 103 men came forward to report. This implies about 10 per cent of cases handled this year so far were reported by men. We have also witnessed

•Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment Okechukwu Enelamah (r) with Head of VolkswagenSA, Thomas Schaefer, after the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Volkswagen of South Africa when Nigerian officials met with a German Business Delegation that accompanied the German Chancellor, Angela Merkel on her maiden visit to Nigeria, Friday.

INEC explores SMS option to reach owners of 10m uncollected PVCs

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NDEPENDENT National Electoral Commission (INEC) says it is partnering with the Nigerian Communication Commission (NCC) to send messages to owners of the uncollected Permanent Voter Cards (PVC).

A National Commissioner of INEC, Mr Soyebi Adedeji, made this known on Monday in Abuja at the Nigeria Civil Society Situation Room Dialogue Session on Osun Election.

Adedeji said that the measure became imperative in order to remind Nigerians of their civic duty so as to ensure a successful electoral process.

He said that the number of uncollected PVCs with the commission was of great concern, adding that this number could determine who wins or loses elections.

“The Continuous Voter Registration has come to an end and INEC

has other things to concentrate on since election is a matter of a chain of events.

“Before the end of the CVR the commission as at last week had 10 million uncollected PVCs in its possession, now with the end of the CRV there are additional 14 million registrant cards to be processed within 165 days.

“People need to come and collect their PVCs; it is not just about registering, collection is the most important thing. When people register, the collection is always less than 50 per cent.

“We need to find a way to see what we can do about collection so we have decided to partner with NCC to alert Nigerians on the status of their cards,’’ the commissioner said.

Adedeji said that 46 political parties out of the 91 registered had no-

was on that basis that the party’s executive positions had to be reviewed so as to accommodate the people that just defected to it. ”As they joined us we need to give them some positions thereby giving them a sense of belonging. We have constituted an Integration Committee which will work 24/7 to ensure proper harmonisation right from the council ward upwards,” he said.

Also, Ortom promised that all the political leaders of the party in the state would continue to work together and it would be sustained.

The governor said that in politics there was neither permanent enemy nor friend but what was permanent

was interest. ”Our coming together was for the interest of the state and that was what brought them together,” he said.

He commended the party’s leadership for agreeing to review the party’s structure in order to accommodate the people that defected with him to PDP. He said that other governorship aspirants of the party should not be worried because even as a leader of the party now he could not compromise the rules and constitution of the party. ”There will be a level playing field for all the aspirants,” he said.

Ortom takes over Benue PDP; as court rules in favour of 22 lawmakers

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HE structures of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Benue have been handed over to state Governor, Samuel Ortom.

Former President of the Senate David Mark while handing over the structures at the party’s stakeholders meeting in Makurdi, Monday, said that the stakeholders’ meeting was the first of the harmonised PDP since Ortom came back to the party, adding that with the calibre of the people that had come back to PDP’s fold, it could win any election in the country.

He said that both the old and new members of the party had equal rights in the party, stressing that it

an increase in reporting of cases via telephone and walk ins from other states, mostly from Ogun, Oyo and have referred such cases to the relevant agencies in the states.’’

He said that the Lagos Public Interest Law Partnership (LPILP) provided free legal assistance to 52 of the survivors of the Domestic Violence, ranging from judicial separation, divorce, custody of children, mediation and settlement.

tified the commission about their primaries and when their activities would pick up.

He urged CSOs to partner with INEC to monitor the activities of political parties to ensure that parties played the game according to the rules.

He said there was need for the parties to follow and respect their rules since they made it to ensure internal democracy and respect for their constitutions, stressing that it was the basis of democracy.

The commissioner said that the call for parties to respect the law they made in their parties was necessary in order to forestall too many legal cases after elections.

Adedeji said that between the last election and September 2018, INEC had appeared in court 1000 times due to lack of internal democracy in parties.

He said that INEC has trained ad hoc staff and had made relevant preparations for the Osun election, adding that the secrecy of balloting was also being looked at.

Convener, Nigeria Civil Society Situation Room, a coalition of civil society organisations, Mr Clement Nwankwo, assured INEC of its support in ensuring free, fair and credible elections.

Nwankwo said that the legislation on electoral offences should be passed if executive was serious about good governance and called for the passage of other bills relating to elections to strengthen the process.

6

The Oracle Today Wednesday September 12, 2018

NEWS ACROSS THE NATION

DSS: Removing Seiyefa ‘may be last straw’ – South, M/Belt leaders warn Buhari

By VICTOR NZE

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EADERS from across the North Central and South South geopolitical zones of the country have reacted t plot by the President to effect the removal of the recently-appointed Acting Director General of the Department of State Security, Mr Matthew Seiyefa.

Seiyefa was appointed last month by then Acting President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo as replacement for Mr Lawal Daura, following the former boss’ alleged role in the blockade of the National Assembly complex y operatives attached to the security agency.

In a statement signed and made available to the media, Tuesday, by umbrella body of the organisation, the Southern and Middle Belt Leaders Forum, the group said ‘clandestine plot’ by a cabal in the Presidency to remove Seiyefa has not gone unnoticed, further warning that ‘it may turn out the proverbial last straw.’

“We ordinarily would have ignored this report but for the clannishness, sectional proclivity and exclusive handling of the security architecture of the country by President Muhammadu Buhari in the last three years.

“He had defied all protestations from all well-meaning Nigerians in making appointments into all key and sensitive security positions in sectional and kith and kin affairs in a very insensitive and you-can-do-

your-worst manner that until the recent sack of Daura, 16 out of 17 service chiefs were from his corner of the country.

“It is equally not lost on us that since the President returned from his holidays in London, he has not made a comment on the invasion of the National Assembly by the DSS in his absence which led to the Acting President rightly removing the former DG, Lawal Daura, confirming speculation that he is not happy with the removal.

“The plot to remove the Acting D-G is said to be hinged on the professional reorganisation of the service by him which the cabal is now interpreting as removing APC elements in DSS for PDP apologists, a clear indication of the divisions this administration has caused in every facet of our life as a nation.

Facts at our disposal, however, show that what the Acting D-G has done is a good example of how to run a diverse polity which this administration has ignored in the last three years.

“It was said that under Daura, every need to organise the service along federal character and fill existing vacancies were ignored as he concentrated on nepotism in running DSS and keeping a coterie of those who have retired or have passed retirement in service and many of them having nothing to contribute.

The service rule says such people can only be taken on contract if

they have special skills.

The group in the statement signed by Yinka Odumakin, SouthWest; Senator Bassey Henshaw, South-South, Prof Chigozie Ogbu, South-East; Dr Isuwa Dogo, Middle Belt, further expressed worry over the growing politicization in the military and other security agencies of government.

“The Acting D-G reportedly noticed that there were three other Directors from the South-South apart from himself and decided to relieve two of them so that a Director could be brought in from the South-West that had nobody on the management and another person from the North-West.

“There were about 40 senior officers who were due for retirement or pre-retirement leave whom he

had found competent replacement for in a fair manner and according to the service rules. The Chief of Staff to the President, Mallam Abba Kyari, is said to have given instructions that the D-G should ask all the newly promoted to go back to their previous positions, a directive that ought to have come from the National Security Adviser if there was the need for any. Now the plot is to remove Seiyefa himself.

“All these confirm the politicisation of a purely security outfit and the denigration of all institutions by an administration that has shown scant regard for the due process.

We call on President Buhari to immediately call his Chief of Staff to order so that he can withdraw the obnoxious directive and allow the agency to run professionally.

“We also warn of the consequences of further alienating sections of the country by the administration, particularly the Niger Delta where the Acting D-G is from and the South-West whose only representation on the Management of DSS has now been reversed.

“The rest of the country has lived with the insensitivity of Mr President in handling the security architecture in the last three years with equanimity. “It may be necessary not to overstretch it by removing the Acting DG and stopping the professional reorganisation in the DSS because it is not in tandem with the ethnic domination script of Mr President. It may turn out the proverbial last straw,” the leaders stressed in the statement.

Gunshot victims do not need clearance for treatments – Police

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HE Bauchi State Police Command has informed that accident or gun-shot victims do not require Police clearance before receiving medical treatment.

The announcement follows increasing complaints against the decision by hospitals demanding police clearance before attending to victims of gunshots across the country, a development that has led to attendant loss of lives.

A statement signed by Mr. Kamal Datti Abubakar, the Police Public Relations Officer on behalf of the Bauchi State Commissioner of Police, Monday, however, said the victims should endeavor to ‘report immediately to the Police as clearly stated under Section 4 of Robbery and Firearms (Special Provisions) Act 1984.’

“The Bauchi State Police Command wishes to inform the general public that, accident or gun-shot victims do not require Police clearance before receiving medical treatment.

“However, when such incidence happens the matter should be report-

ed immediately to the Police as clearly stated under Section 4 of Robbery and Firearms (Special Provisions) Act 1984, which states thus:- 4. Offences relating to sheltering and treating an armed robber (1) It shall be an offence punishable under this Act for any person to knowingly house, shelter, or give quarters to any person who has committed an offence under section 1 (2) of this Act. (2) It shall be the duty of any person, hospital or clinic that admits, treats or administers any drug to any person suspected of having bullet wounds to immediately report the matter to the police. (3) Any- (a) Person who; or (b) hospital or clinic which, fails to report as stipulated in subsection (2) of this section shall be guilty of an offence under this Act. (4) A person convicted of an offence under subsections (1) and (3) of this section shall be Iiable- (a) In the case of an individual, to imprisonment for a term not exceeding five years; and (b) In the case of a hospital or clinic, to a fine of ten thousand naira and in addition the hospital or clinic shall be closed down.

•President Muhammadu Buhari, addressing members of the Nigerian community in China, at the Nigerian Embassy in Beijing along with state governors, in the Nigerian Delegation to the just-concluded Forum on ChinaAfrica Cooperation (FOCAC) Summit, China, Sunday.

China’s Xi offers another $60bn to Africa, says no to vanity projects

By KAYODE OGUNWALE HINESE President Xi Jinping has offered another $60 billion in financing for Africa said Chinese companies will be encouraged to invest no less than $10 billion over the next three years, but he also warned against vanity projects.

Speaking at the opening of a major summit with African leaders, Xi promised development that people on the continent could see and touch, but that would also be green and sustainable.

China has denied engaging in “debt trap” diplomacy, and Xi’s offer of more money comes after a pledge of another $60 billion at the previous summit in South Africa three years

ago.

Xi, addressing leaders at Beijing’s Great Hall of the People, said the new $60 billion will include $15 billion of aid, interest-free loans and concessional loans, a credit line of $20 billion, a $10 billion special fund for ChinaAfrica development, and a $5 billion special fund for imports from Africa.

Chinese companies will be encouraged to invest no less than $10 billion in the continent in the next three years, he said.

“China-Africa cooperation must give Chinese and African people tangible benefits and successes that can be seen, that can be felt,” Xi said.

Chinese officials have vowed to be more cautious to ensure projects are sustainable. China defends continued

tal rights of the applicants pending the hearing and determination of the motion on notice,” Alakija said.

She, however, asked that the file be returned to the registry and the case file forwarded to Justice Owolabi Dabiri for hearing of the interlocutory injunction.

Earlier, the applicants’ counsel, Asikpo informed the court that all the respondents have been served with the notice of Application for the Enforcement of Fundamental Rights and the Motion on Notice for an Interlocutory Injunction.

He said that the first respondent, Oyelokun, who was evading service, had been served by substituted serv-

ice pursuant to the order of the court made on Aug. 28.

He, however, told the court that there was an imminent threat by the police to violate the fundamental rights of the applicants.

He said the applicants were first arrested in November 2017 and in August this year, adding that it took a lot of efforts before the applicants were released.

He, however, urged the court to restrain the respondents from inviting, interrogating, harassing, arresting, detaining or in any manner infringing the fundamental rights of the applicants pending the hearing and determination of the Interlocutory Injunction.

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Court restrains IGP, others from arresting 1004 apartments’ landlords

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N Igbosere High Court sitting in Lagos has ordered the police not to carry out any act that would infringe on the fundamental rights of some landlords of 1004 apartments in Victoria Island.

The vacation judge, Justice Idowu Alakija, made the exparte order, Tuesday, after listening to an application for an interim injunction sought by five executive officers of 1004 Home Owners and Residents Association (HORA), Victoria Island, Lagos.

The applicants — Abiola Oguniyi, Edet Essien, Joy Okara, Peace Itaribo and Olanrewaju Olaniyi — had through their counsel, Mr Promise Asikpo and Joel Nyot – sought to re-

strain the police from further harassing and detaining them unlawfully.

Joined with the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) were three other respondents, Akinlosi Oyelokun, Insp.

Yusuf Danladi and Police Service Commission.

Justice Alakija, after listening to the applicant, granted all the orders.

“Upon hearing the applicants in this case, I am convinced that all the respondents have been served with the originating processes and the motion for Interlocutory injunction.

“It is hereby ordered that the parties maintain status quo and the respondent are not to carry out any act that shall infringe on the fundamen-

lending to Africa on the grounds that the continent still needs debt-funded infrastructure development.

Speaking earlier at a business forum, Xi said China had to be careful about where money was spent.

“China’s cooperation with Africa is clearly targeted at the major bottlenecks to development. Resources for our cooperation are not to be spent on any vanity projects but in places where they count the most,” he said.

Beijing has also fended off criticism it is only interested in resource extraction to feed its own booming economy, that the projects it funds have poor environmental safeguards, and that too many of the workers for them are flown in from China rather than using African labour.

Xi told business leaders Chinese firms in Africa had to be aware of their social responsibilities and make sure their investments served the community and improved their wellbeing.

“I hope that our entrepreneurs will act to fulfil social responsibilities and respect local culture and tradition,” he said.

“I also hope you will do more in staff training and bettering lives for the local people and will put more emphasis on the environment and resources,” Xi said.

Chinese officials say this year’s summit will strengthen Africa’s role in Xi’s Belt and Road initiative to link China by sea and land with Southeast and Central Asia, the Middle East, Europe and Africa through an infrastructure network modelled on the old Silk Road.

7

The Oracle Today Wednesday September 12 2018

NEWS

I joined APGA for Igbo unity - Ohakim

Police recover 165 arms, arrest By COLLINS UGHALAA 1,874 persons in ormer Governor Ikedi Ohakim who for the 2019 governorEnugu under 6 Fshipis running election for one term only on the platform of the All Progressives months Grand Alliance (APGA) has said that

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nugu Police Command says it has recovered 165 assorted arms and 160 assorted ammunition from armed robbers in the state within the first half of 2018.

State’s Commissioner of Police, Mr Mohammed Danmallam, who made the disclosure in Enugu, Tuesday said that within the first six months of the year, the command also recovered 231 cartridges and arrested 1,874 persons for various offences in the state.

According to him, the recovered arms include: 10 AK47 rifles; 33 pump action guns; 56 locally-made pistols (single barrel) and 36 locally-made pistols (double single). ‘‘We also recovered 12 locallymade cut to size short guns; three locally-made revolver short guns; 11 Berretta pistols and 17 single barrel long guns under the period under review,’’ he said.

The commissioner also stressed that 1,008 cases were reported to the command in the period under review. ‘‘Among 1,874 persons arrested, 1,680 persons were charged to court and 356 of them had so far been convicted by the court. We have 718 of them still undergoing trial in different courts across the state,’’ he said.

Danmallam also revealed that the command recovered N1.5 million cash within the period under review.

He attributed the success of the command to dedication of officers and men of the Nigeria Police Force serving in the state. ‘‘The command had also enjoyed a robust relationship with sister security agencies and the good people of the state, especially Gov. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi that keep on supporting the police in all its efforts to fight crime and criminality,’’ he said.

The commissioner, however, recalled that by the time he took over in February, 2017, the rate of heinous and violent crimes in the state was high.

He said the security situation has improved to the extent that ‘‘the state is so crime-free and peaceful that people attend social functions, even late at night.’’

He also listed the challenges facing the command to include shortage of manpower and logistics, inadequate communication gadgets, vehicles, motorcycles, offices among others.

Danmallam said that police personnel needed adequate enumeration to get motivated to fight crime the more and sustain the peace in the state.

The command currently has five Area Commands as well as 37 Divisions under it.

he joined the party so that the Igbo people could be united and speak in unison, adding that he joined the party for the survival of the Igbo Nation.

Ohakim disclosed this to press men on Saturday at the Odenigbo Lecture at the Assunpta Cathedral, Owerri, saying that though others might want to divide the Igbo people and rig them out in the general elections, Igbo people are wiser now and “know where the rain started to beat them”.

He said that he came home to join APGA in order that the Igbo people might replicate what Zik, Jim Nwobodo and Sam Mbakwe did when they came up with the Nigeria Peoples Party (NPP) which won elections in the entire Eastern Region, Plateau, and went ahead to form alliance at the center and produced the Deputy Senate President and Speaker of the House of Representatives.

He said: “I joined APGA so that Igbo people can come together and do what Zik, Jim Nwobodo and Sam Mbakwe did when they floated their own party called NPP and they were able to win elections in the whole of the Eastern Region.

“It was because of that that we were able to go as a team to the federal government and was able to get power. We were able to get the Speaker of the House of Representatives in the person of Edwin Umezuoke. NPP won election in Plateau and we were able to get Wash Pam to become the Deputy Senate President.

It was because of NPP that a Commissioner in Imo State was made a Minister in the person of Prof Madubuike”.

Ohakim noted that during his tenure as the Governor of Imo State for four years he was instrumental to the setting up of the Southeast Council of Traditional Rulers which gave the Igbo people the opportunity to speak at the center with other top traditional rulers in the country, adding that his administration also ensured that the Ohaneze Ndigbo did not suffer.

According to him: “It was APGA

as an institution that was used to remove a government that was performing in Imo State and God has told me that it is APGA that will be used to correct that mistake”.

Ohakim also noted that since coming into existence as a political party APGA has rotated its governorship ticket between Orlu Zone and Owerri with nobody from Okigwe Zone given the ticket at any point in time. He said that in 2003 APGA gave their governorship ticket to Engr. Ezekiel Izuogu from Orlu Zone; in 2007 APGA gave their governorship ticket to Chief Martin Agbaso from Owerri Zone; in 2011 APGA gave their governorship ticket to Rochas Okorocha from Orlu Zone and in 2015 APGA gave their governorship ticket to Capt Emmanuel Ihenacho from Owerri Zone, stressing that APGA has never given their governorship ticket to someone from Okigwe Zone, even as he noted that there are three zones in the state.

He called on the leadership and members of APGA to see the need to carry Okigwe Zone along by ensuring that the 2019 governorship ticket is given to Okigwe Zone to complete

their tenure and afterwards hand over to Owerri Zone in 2023 under APGA. Ohakim who had gone to court to swear to an affidavit of 35 items of what he would do when reelected further noted that though others who are running for the governorship of the state are qualified, there is no state to govern as Imo State is indebted to the tune of N350 billion.

“This is not a normal period in Imo State. There is no state to govern.

This is like the period during the Second War when Britain had to look for Churchill to prosecute the war for them. What we are coming to do in Imo is a Marshall Plan. You need a general to carry out the Marshall Plan for Imo. “I am coming for as specialist, an experienced mechanic, because Imo State has knocked engine. Everything is broken down and no infrastructure is working in the state. Imo is in an Intensive Care Unit (ICU) and you don’t need anyone doing housemanship but a Medical Consultant with standing years of experience.

“I am coming to fight poverty headlong. I am coming to make money circulate again and bring back the institutions of government. I am coming to make the economy work again”, Ohakim assured.

Restructuring will enhance economic, development – Ex-Abia Dep. Speaker

F • Abia State Commissioner for Science & Technology, Chief Fabian Nwankwo, representing state Governor, Okezie Ikpeazu flanked by participants at the closing ceremony of the Abia State TeenHack programme which held at the ICT Centre, Abia State Polytechnic, Aba.

Nwankwo empowers supporters across party lines, seeks re-election

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s the race for the 2019 general elections gathers momentum, members of the Anambra state chapter of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) have continued to declare publicly their interest to run for the existing 44 National and State Assemblies seats in the state.

The seats include three (3) senatorial seats, eleven (11)Federal House of Representatives seats and the thirty(30) state constituency seats, that cover the twenty-one (21)councils and One hundred and seventy-seven (177)communities in the state.

Last weekend, the member representing Njikoka/Dunukofia/Anaocha Federal Constituency, Chief Dozie Nwankwo(Onye Ndozi) led by his teeming supporters stormed the council secretariat of the party (APGA) at Abagana -the headquarters of the Njikoka council area where he unveiled his intention to seek reelection, to the admiration and standing ovation of the people.

He also, alongside his supporters was led by the council executives to the state secretariat of the party in Awka where the cheering news was given a seal of authority by the party with words of commendation from the Chief Norbert Obi-led state executive.

As if buoyed by that, Hon Nwankwo followed up the move with an unprecedented multi-million Naira empowerment programme that benefitted more than One thousand five hundred (1500) constituents that cut across party lines.

He presented vehicles to all the chairmen, women leaders and youth leaders of the three council areas under the federal constituency, including Njikoka, Dunukofia and Anaocha.

Whereas all the Ward chairmen, secretaries and youth leaders were also rewarded.

Other categories of members, party functionaries and even nonmembers of his APGA were equally rewarded for their unflinching support, mobilization and prayers.

Nwankwo in his brief remark noted that the annual presentation through the instrumentality of Ferdinand Dozie Nwankwo Foundation was in fulfillment of his personal vow to God almighty to give back to society and to carry everyone along in his life and success.

He clarified that none of the items came from any direct or indirect government funding but was in continuation of his more than 15 years of charity works that pre-dated his entry into politics, and includes annual free

Medicare, scholarship program, poverty alleviation scheme, widowhood support, youth/women empowerment, etc.

Among the items distributed to the lucky supporters were vehicles, generating sets, sewing machines, grinding machines, bags of rice and cash gifts.

He appealed for magnanimity among beneficiaries, appealing that those who did not get now would benefit in due course.

Senator Victor Umeh (Anambra Central) who witnessed the presentation commended Nwankwo’s sustained large heart, describing him as an embodiment of what a representative should be.

He urged them to continue to support him, the party and their good works to ensure the state remains a shining example for all others nationwide.

One of the beneficiaries, Mrs Ngozi Obiekwe from Agulu and the APGA Woman Leader for Anaocha LGA, described Dozie Nwankwo as a representative worthy of emulation by others as he has remained consistent in touching the lives of his supporters.

He has a regular annual programmes through which he puts smiles in the lives of citizens across the state.

ormer Deputy Speaker, Abia House of Assembly, Mr Emeka Stanley, has said that restructuring of Nigeria’s political and economic structures will enhance unity and development of the country.

Stanley who stated this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), Monday in Abuja, said the agitation for restructuring among the various social and political groups in Nigeria arose out of citizens’ perceived low level of political and economic development.

The former deputy speaker, who is currently aspiring to become a Senator representing Abia South Senatorial District on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), canvassed for equity and justice.

According to him, a system where there is no real legislation, justice and equity, people are bound to be complaining, this is why Nigerians are calling for restructuring.

“Restructuring does not mean disintegrating the country, it is giving better recognition to regional existence, equity in appointments and distribution of resources. I believe in restructuring and other reforms that can make Nigeria to become a strong country with good future for its people in terms of employment, industrialisation and economic development.

“On insecurity, restructuring will give room for state policing so that each state can police its territory without resorting to the federal police. Restructuring will go a long way to reduce the burden of the Federal Government in the areas of works and transportation, education, and health among others.’’

Stanley said he had been involved in act of law making for Abia and had all the experience to do a better job at the federal level.

“So, I have the required experience to become a senator at the upper chamber of the National Assembly.

“I have already indicated my interest by taking the form,’’ the aspirant said.

8

The Oracle Today Wednesday September 12 2018

NEWS 500 luxury bus workers threatened by planned relocation of Onitsha park

By IBE NWACHUKWU

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he Association of Luxury Bus Owners of Nigeria (ALBON), Tuesday, expressed the fear that no fewer than 500 of its workers would lose their job following the ongoing relocation to a new bus terminal in Onitsha, Anambra state.

The luxury owners especially those who oprate at the Izu Chukwu park appealed to Governor Willie Obiano and Commissioner for Transport, Mr. Uchenna Okofor to allow them to remain at the Upper Iweka since the park did not extent to the expressway or block the road.

National Task force Chairman of ALBON, Chief Joseph Ejiofor and the Chairman of Anambra state zone ALBON, Mr. Uchenna Maduakor while briefing newsmen said that if they relocate to the new park at Okpoko which they said is far from their area of operation, their business would be crippled and many people would lose their jobs thereby creating problem for the youths who feed from their park.

“We have been here at Izu Chukwu park since 2008 loading our luxury buses but they said we should relocate to a new park at Okpoko which is very far from us.

We have over 500 workers feeding from this park. Our park is a private park which we are paying our rent annually, most of us just paid for the year and some boys came and announced that we should relocate even when our park is not along the expressway, neither does it block

the road”.

“We don’t cause gridlock. We have even been helping to control traffic. Government should allow us to remain where we are, we are not on the road. We are inside Izu Chukwu park approved by the government and we pay revenue to the government. We are still wondering why they said we should relocate to the new park while others are still where they load and queried: why singling us out? We appeal to the governor to come to our aid. We know him as hardworking governor who meant well for the state but he should listen to the cry of the people who feed from this park.

“We appeal to the state government to allow us to remain in our park or alternatively they should give us another place closer to our customers. That new place is not even government park, it is being managed by an individual. Government did not inform us before embarking on that project because it is not government park then why try to force us to go to the park when we have our own park where we load comfortably?

“We have about seven luxury companies loading in this park who feed from this place. Anambra state government is the only state in southeast zone that accommodates and support business to thrive and we commend Governor Obiano for that and we appeal to him to consider the number of workers that will lose their businesses to the new order and have a rethink and look into the matter,” the group stated.

IPOB explains sit-at-home order

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he Indigenous Peoples of Biafra (IPOB) has explained reasons behind its call for mass action of sit-at-home strike slated for September 14, in Nigeria, especially in Igboland.

In an eleven-paragraph media statement made available to newsmen in Awka Tuesday afternoon, the pro-Biafra group bitterly criticized Ohaneze Ndigbo, Igbo leaders and especially the South east Governors for their deafening silence on their outcry since the disappearance of Dr Nnamdi Kanu and his parents as part of the 2017 Operation Python Dance 2(OPD 2).

They also bemoaned the failure of these Igbo leaders to speak out in condemnation of the Federal Government and the Army for the abduction, arrest, detention and disappearance without trace till date of some of their members.

More so since some mass graves and decomposed corpses they alleged to be those of their arrested and detained members were springing up in bushes in parts of Abia State.

Again, the way these same leaders looked away over the recent mass arrest and detention of elderly women who were protesting to show their disgust over the plans for OPD 3.

In the statement which was signed by IPOB Media and Publicity Secretary, Emma Madu, the group noted that “At a time when more bodies of innocent victims of Operation Python Dance 2, killed last year by the Nigerian Army are being discovered in mass graves in various locations in Abia State; at a time when we are still burying those Operation Python Dance 2 killed and dumped in mass graves across Biafraland in September

2017, here we are today with Nigeria military once again poised to invade the South East, to slaughter the weak and innocent in their annual Fulani genocidal ritual in the name of yet another Operation Python Dance 3.

“No sane society or a people worth their salt will tolerate such brazen conquest and humiliation.

“IPOB noted that what was in times past considered a reprehensible abomination in Igboland has now become the norm -more deaths and destruction of South East and South South by the Nigerian Army, has become so commonplace that our senses have become numb to these atrocious acts. The discovery of a mass graves in Igboland is no longer considered an abomination. How times have changed the values of a once great people and race.

“Anybody still in doubt as to the physical and psychological damage the traitors called Igbo socio-cultural and political leaders in Ohaneze Ndigbo and South East Governors Forum have done and are still causing to the masses, should look no further than their silence in the face of the threat of Operation Python Dance 3. Why are they quiet over such overwhelming threat to the lives and properties of those they claim to be leading, given that Operation Python Dance means death for hundreds of unarmed non-Muslim men and women in the South East, people of all ages, gender, educational and social class.

“The answer is very simple; Nnia Nwodo’s Ohaneze Ndigbo and Igbo governors are the people responsible for bringing Operation Python Dance into Igboland. That is why they have lost their voices,” the statement read.

• Mrs Joe Okei-Odumakin, Human Rights activist and recipient of Outstanding Woman Advocate Award (m), flanked by Kemi Fadipe of Globacom and other recipients at the event. NAN-PHOTO.

Court adjourns hearing on N56m suit against poultry feeds producer

By IBE NWACHUKWU

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ustice Ijem Onwuamaegbu of Onitsha High Court No. I has adjourned further hearing till Wednesday, September 26, this year in a N56,174,106 civil suit instituted against a Cross River statebased poultry feeds producer, Eastern Premier Feed Mills Limited (Top Feeds), by an Onitsha-based poultry farmer and poultry feeds distributor, Chidozie Obeleagu.

In her ruling shortly after hearing from Fidelis Obi Onyebueke, counsel to the defendant, Top Feeds and Kenneth Ogbue who held brief for Ike Odionu Esq., counsel to the plaintiff, Obeleagu, Justice Onwuamaegbu ordered the defendant to pay N10,000 cost to the plaintiff for filing their processes late in court.

She also frowned that the defendants were yet to pay the first N10,000 cost to the plaintiff as ordered by the court during the second hearing date of the matter, adding that if she had known that the first cost had not yet been paid, she would not have heard the matter for the second time.

Both the first N10,000 cost and the second one were prompted by oral applications made before the court by the plaintiff counsel asking the court to award the costs in his favour against the defendants for negligence and failing to file their briefs on time, adding that the cost would make them to sit up.

However, during the first hearing

date, the defence counsel, Onyebueke had raised an objection to the oral application for costs on the ground that he had already filed a motion on notice for the dismissal of the suit for lack of jurisdiction, adding that what he is praying the court to do was to grant him an extension of time, to enable him file his statement of defence and tidy up all the loose ends.

Also on the second hearing date, Onyebueke informed the court that he had already filed his statement of defence and would be ready to go on with the case, even as he would have preferred a short adjournment to enable him get fully prepared to defend his case.

In the suit, the plaintiff is asking the court to order the defendants to pay him a total sum of N56,174,106 for breach of contract and the cost of bags of poisonous feeds which the defendants produced and supplied to him in 2014 and which allegedly killed all his poultry birds in his poultry farm and also killed poultry birds in his customers’ poultry farms.

In his statement of claim, the plaintiff, trading under the names and styles of Obeleagu Holdings and Obeleagu Agro Allied Enterprises, also prayed the court for a declaration that the defendants have breached his contract with him by supplying him a poisonous feeds that killed all his birds in the poultry farm.

The plaintiff stated that the amount covered the cost of all the birds which the feeds killed after eat-

ing and general/exemplary damages for breach of contract/warranty.

He contended that out of this amount, N50 million is for general/ exemplary damages for breach of contract/warranty, while the rest are for litigation and total monetary loss of the birds in his poultry farm, including 1,600 broilers of six weeks old with a market price of N1,500 each and 678 broilers of 11 weeks old with a market price of N2,000 each.

The plaintiff stated that when the birds started dying, he quickly sent samples of the poultry feeds for laboratory analysis to Animal Care Technical Services Division (Poultry Disease Diagnosis and Acquaculture Lab), Asaba, Delta state which after the analysis, confirmed the products as being unpalatable for poultry use and consumption by broilers.

He mentioned some of his customers which he supplied the feeds with the same disastrous results as George from Umueri who lost 172 broilers of seven weeks old, Mrs. Ebele Ojukwu lost 124 broilers, Mrs. Ebele from Ogidi lost 109 broilers, Callista Igboka lost 327 broilers, Virginia Igwe lost 131 broilers, Mrs. Okwudinka lost 59, Mrs. Onyeje lost 129, Caroline O. lost 56, Mrs. Mmadukolu lost 132, and Mrs. Rose Ezeh lost 37.

He lamented that ever since then, they have been constantly on his neck to compensate them for the losses and at the same time stopped buying feeds and other poultry products from him.

free education programme in the state, which has also been a subject of controversy, has yielded remarkable results.

He added that aside the school enrolment in the state snowballing from 381,000 in 2011 to more than One million in 2017, the state has continued to lead in JAMB applications for the seventh time.

He said that the state has also continued to do well in West African Examination Council (WAEC) exams, emphasising on the 2018 Senior School Certificate Exam (SSCE), which the state came fifth out of the thirty-six states in the country.

He also noted that his administration has more than 1,000 verifiable projects to its credit, while challeng-

ing his critics to disprove him.

“We have also been claiming and indeed, truthfully, that what Governor Okorocha’s administration has achieved in less than eight years, have gone beyond all that those who had governed the state before him had achieved, when you put them together. Nobody has also challenged us or tried to fault our claims.

“We have equally gone the extramile to say that anybody who feels that he has a contrary claim to ours should indicate.

“And the best way to deal with such claim and counter-claim is for those concerned to itemise their claims, publish them for public consumption, while we also publish ours, for comparative analysis”, he said.

Why my son-in-law must succeed me – Okorocha

By COLLINS UGHALAA

I

n the heat of the controversy trailing Okorocha’s choice of his son in-law to succeed him in 2019, Governor Rochas Okorocha has revealed why he is throwing his weight behind his Chief of Staff, Uche Nwosu, who is also his son in-law to succeed him.

Governor Okorocha disclosed this through a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Sam Onwuemeodo, saying that in a bid to avoid being missed by people of the state on some of his landmark achievements, especially his free and qualitative education programme, he has chosen Nwosu to consolidate on the projects.

The Governor maintained that the

POLITICS

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The Oracle Today Wednesday September 12, 2018

Enugu: Why you can’t Honour Uwakwe change a winning team, Ezeja, ‘comrade with

by Prof Idoko Eze nine lives’ Pg 12

Abia @ 27

Our future will be greater – Ikpeazu In Abia State, every August is a month of revelry. It is a month Abians roll out the drums, spread the red carpet, clink glasses to celebrate the fruit of their 11-year struggle for a state of their own. The military government of General Ibrahim Babangida created Abia State alongside eight others on August 27, 1991. It was carved out from the Old Imo State. Annually, the people gather to reflect on the journey so far, evaluate their successes and failures, examine the strictures and structures, their fortunes and future in comparison with the goals of the founding fathers and chart the way forward. Monday, August 27, 2018 was not different.

Elated Abians from the 17 local government areas of the state gathered at the International Conference Centre to celebrate the 27th anniversary of the creation of God’s Own State, with Governor Okezie Ikpeazu assuring that the future will be brighter. BONIFACE OKORO, reports: Members of the Abia State Advisory Council, most of who are also Founding Fathers of Abia, are charged with the responsibility of organizing the epoch-making annual celebration.

The event usually climaxes with recognition of illustrious sons of the state, even non-indigenes, who have not only excelled or distinguished themselves in their chosen fields but have also demonstrated patriotism and philanthropy by channeling their God-given resources to bettering the lot of their people, be it at the state level or in their respective communities, thereby making invaluable contributions to the development and growth of the state in several facets. It is a way of telling such categories of Abians that they are cherished for touching lives and to encourage others to emulate them.

Every government of the day sees the celebration of the anniversary of the creation of Abia as a prime opportunity for stock-taking; much as it avails the Advisory Council ample opportunity to canvass for the legitimization of the Abia Charter of Equity, the moral compass that girded and guided the struggle for the creation of the state.

Chairman of Abia Advisory Council, Eze Ogo Dr. Anagha Ezikpe (OFR), a renowned Surgeon, revealed this year that but for the Charter of Equity, Abia would not have been realized.

The Charter, which served as the creed of Abia Founding Fathers, emphasizes rotation political power, particularly the governorship position, among the three senatorial districts of the state.

In the build up to the celebration, Ezikpe, at a newsbriefing, noted that during the 11-year struggle for the creation of Abia, the movement championing the cause was almost drifting at a point.

“It is this charter of Equity that made the creation of Abia possible because we had reached a stage where the three components were falling apart. …The only thing gave confidence and brought us back together is that Charter of Equity,” the elder statesman said.

“In Abia State, God has made the application possible. The first governor of Abia State came out from Abia North, the second, Abia Central and the third, Abia South,” he added.

The Advisory Council Chairman also noted that but for the application of the Charter; Abia would not be experiencing the relative peace existing in her polity today.

According to him, if any section of Abia was left out of the power equation, such a development would have

stirred trouble in the polity.

“We have everything to Thank God. The reason we are still having it (Charter) in our statement, is that one day, we will agree to accept this as a method of having peace in our governance because if it keeps rotating like that, there will be no trouble because I know that if we didn’t do that in Abia State, we would have had a lot of troubles,” he said.

He assured that the Council would not relent in pushing for the Charter to become law in the state to guarantee the sustenance of the power rotation principle, peace and sustainable development of the state.

“We will press for it to become law.

And this will take a long time but if we keep to this rotation, it will be such that in the next election, you know where the person (governor) is going to come from.

“There is no one section of Abia that has the best brain. Best brains are spread all over. So, in section A, you get the best brain there to govern; next time, in section B, you get the best brain there to govern and then the third, so that it goes round.

We don’t have to fight about it,” he added.

Recall that Ikpeazu faced a tough legal challenge from Dr Uche Ogah over who was the right candidate of PDP in the 2015 governorship election. Had Ogah had the upper hand in the legal fiesta, Abians would have kissed bye to the Charter because its implication would have been the return of power to Abia North, denying Abia South of occupying the governorship seat. But Ezikpe expressed delight that petitions were resolved in favour of the Governor. The development is seen as having entrenched the Charter.

“The Council is thankful that there is now calm and peace in the state. This has enabled the governor to pursue geometrically, the purposeful and novel infraCont’d on page 13

Pg 11

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The Oracle Today Wednesday September 12, 2018

INTERVIEW

Enugu: Why you can’t change a winning team, by Prof Idoko Eze From your observation of the American political system, having lived there for over 35 years, would you say that Nigeria’s political atmosphere is as it ought to be?

I have observed the process here with amazement. Over there, you would find two or three political parties, fighting for an elective office vehemently, but playing by the rules. And at the end, they come back together, shake hands and form the government to serve the people. To them the ultimate goal service – to serve the people. That is their attitude and that is the attitude I am bringing to bear, to serve as example. Even before the current plan, I had always continued to ask that our leaders should carry everybody along because the community, state or country does not belong to any particular group but to all citizens. So, it can be done here as it is done overseas. We need to change the culture of politicking, especially in terms of reconciliation, unity and coming together to serve. Politics should not be a do-or-die affair but about selfless service. Once people begin to see it as service, all the bickering would stop and people would cease to see political power as avenue to become the almighty.

•Says no basis to rate Buhari •‘Digital monarch’ plans massive skill training, job creation for citizens For US-trained IT expert, Prof Linus Idoko Eze, President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration has performed so abysmally that there is no basis to rate the regime. The don who had worked in the New York Department for Education for 25 years as Curriculum Developer and Information Technology (IT) instructor, in this interview with CHUKS EZE, however gave kudos to the governor of Enugu State, Rt. Hon. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, and his Council Chairman, Comr. Uwakwe Ezeja. According to the Igwe-elect of Ada-Ogwa Nato, authonomous community, Umuida, in IgboEze North local Government Area, Enugu State, the governor has performed creditably in office, shown that he is a good manager of both man and resources, and added that he deserves to be appreciated with re-election. On the plan to install him as traditional ruler, he said that it is a call to service, pointing out that he would be a digital monarch, with employment generation and wealth creation for his people as his major thrusts.

Is the scenario that you just painted possible in this generation?

It is possible, and it will only take education and practice for it to come to bear. That was why I said earlier that I intend to lead by example, believing that maybe in my own little way, politicians, at least those in our area, would see that they can achieve more by working together and playing by the rules.

You hope to achieve that as traditional ruler?

Yes, that is my plan, God willing.

What are your expectations and advice over the fast-approaching 2019 general election?

My expectations are very positive because God loves Nigeria so much. On that note, I believe that God will intervene to ensure that all fears and negative permutations would abate throughout the process. So, I advise all that would be directly and indirectly involved in the 2019 election process – government, the electoral umpire, parties, candidates and Nigerian citizens – to play by the rules.

When we play by the rules, all would be well.

How would you describe the administration of Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi?

I have praised and thanked the current administration in Enugu State in several fora and I still commend Rt. Hon. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi for being God-fearing and empathetic, and for using his good offices to bring about peace in the state. I see so many roads that he has constructed and those he has rehabilitated. I also see so smiles on several faces because they have been given jobs by the Ugwuanyi administration. From the feelings that people are expressing about the government, you could see happiness, trust and hope returning to the state. There

•Prof Idoko Eze (left), Prince Emeka Mamah (IDE), CEO Ifesinachi Industries and Chief Emmanuel Alachi (ADOGO), PDP Kingpin in Igbo-Eze North at a function.

is little or no bickering because people are happy with the government, which was opposite of what used to obtain I the state some years back. I remember that under a certain past administration, at the time my father was the Onyishi (village head), he, like many citizens of Enugu State, detested any mention of the State Governor’s name at the time.

So, I believe that with continued dedication and people’s goodwill, Governor Ugwuanyi would do much more, despite the fact that his party does not have the benefit of the ruling party at the centre.

The governor has done excellent service, by my rating, and with that feat, he deserves re-election in 2019. I learnt that there are only few states that are not owing their workers and Enugu is one of them. That is a difficult feat to attain under the present dispensation, especially,

considering the position of Enugu in the country’s revenue sharing formula.

Ugwuanyi has proven to be grounded in managing people and working with people, because, as a leader, you need to have that human relationship in order to get things moving. That is why you find that stakeholders and elected officers at all levels in the state, are emulating the governor’s style, at their respective domains. You could see all of them radiating humility, respect and hard work across board. For instance, in our local government area, the Executive Chairman, Hon. Uwakwe Ezeja, has been exceptional. I admire the Comrade Chairman so much for his candidness. You could call him anytime and you could go and talk to him. In my previous experience, you would go to see a leader and you would spend several hours before

you would be attended to, that is if they would ever attend to you. But that is no longer the case with the current dispensation.

As a core member Gburu Gburu Support Group (GGSG), USA, during the 2015 general election process; where would you say the group is not happy with the governor, if you were to speak for the group?

For us, it is so far so good. You know that we were very active at the time, and enthusiastically sponsoring rallies and other support activities back home.

I chaired the Education Committee because we structured the group into subsections; and we created a blueprint for educational reform in Enugu State, which we packaged and sent to the governor during his inauguration. So, we

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The Oracle Today Wednesday September 12, 2018

INTERVIEW children Igbo language and culture. We engage in a lot of Igbo socio-cultural exercises and they appear just as if we are in an Igbo setting.

I am also a member of the Peoples Club of Nigeria International and we also have many traditional rulers in the Peoples Club membership who usually conduct the breaking of colanut rituals and other royal duties for us. I have been the General Secretary of the New York City branch of the club since 2005, and I always came home every year for our Annual General Meeting (AGM). The meeting usually held in Onitsha, but the last one was held at Concord Hotel, Owerri, in Imo State. So, you can see that I know so much about our tradition. I was always in touch with home and believe that it was based on my contributions and service to our people that they chose to elect me as their leader. And I am ready to bring in my local and foreign contacts to create means of livelihood for my people and as well give our youths the push to thrive. For me, being traditional ruler is a call for more service because you are now father to all.

•Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi

have followed the governor’s works and records and we are very proud of him, so far.

Has the support group reached out to the governor to interface with him since he assumed office, or did you just fold up after achieving victory; also are there signs that the government utilized the blueprint?

We had hoped to meet with the governor. Well, the thing is that the governor is performing well. I have seen some changes in the educational sector that were not there before. There has been improvement in infrastructure and teachers are now going to work, which was not the case before he assumed office. I once came home and was driving past our local school and saw students teaching themselves; each child would get up and give the class arithmetic problem to solve. I pulled over, got into the class and asked about their teacher and they said the teacher did not come. I felt like crying. That was before Ugwuanyi came on board, but that development has changed now. However, more can be done and I am sure that the governor and his acolytes are in the right direction as regards that.

Which area would you want the governor to focus on as he gears up for reelection bid?

I have this special concern about unemployment because, I come from a system where number one campaign issue is employment. Employment of the youths and care for the future generation are very important because we, the old set have to be replaced, and a nation should have her leaders replaced by the younger generation, who would take the mantle as the working force ages.

However, I would also say that our system has to be changed a bit, by including vocational schools where experts would be engaged to give the youths

America thrives because they believe in small business, and that is why their economy is excellent. But the government also helps in making credit available to small businesses and always encourages them.

Therefore, infrastructure has to be built to encourage our people to be entrepreneurs; and all hands must be on deck to achieve that. Overseas, education is applied; anything you do, you have to apply it.

“

skills to enable them to create jobs for themselves. There should also be more efforts to support the small business because America is great because of small business. Greater percentage of the American populace is in the middle class. They do not have top and bottom class, rather, it is top, middle and very poor. That is why the country is great because majority of the people have something to do, without necessarily being employed by the government. But government makes it easy for citizens to acquire the finances to create and fund their own businesses.

What is your rating of the Buhari administration?

There is nothing to rate, as far as I am concerned. This is a man who you never hear say anything. A President should be inspirational, should be a motivator.

He should, at least, grant interviews and speak sincerely, from his heart. He should be able to present his plans and allow people to weigh the plans and make inputs or constructive criticism. He should also be able to make adjustments whenever and wherever necessary, and carry everybody along. I do not see that with our President. I am not sure that he is aware of what to do. So, if I must

do the rating, then it would be a minus.

This is a government that muscles all opposition elements and is vehemently opposed to criticism. Although it is very common in Africa for two opposing parties not to get along, but it has to stop here because Nigeria has so many educated people. That is why it is necessary for government to make effective utilization of citizens that are trained overseas, who know their onions.

On a lighter note, you know the Igbo say that kolanut does not understand English language; would you not struggle with the traditional kolanut blessing ritual, considering your long sojourn overseas?

(Laughter). Ah, no, not at all. That is not a big deal because we do the same thing in America, just it is done back home here. Moreover, it may inerest you to know that my father was the onyishi and I started witnessing the traditional method of breaking and praying over the kolanut from my childhood. We do several cultural and social activities there in Igbo just the way they are done here. We have Igbo communities there; and for those of us that are Catholics, we say the Holy Mass in Igbo, conduct our meetings in Igbo and also teach our

What, specifically, do you plan to bring to the table, after your installation, because by training, you should be a monarch with digital swag?

(General laughter). I do not know about swag, but yes, I definitely be a digital leader because that is my core area of specialization. By the way, I have a computer company called Easy Budget Computers, in New York, since 1998. I hope to open a branch down here to empower our people. I have been doing more of computer importation, for some time, but now that I am back home, I am already working on opening a vocational school, where our people would learn trade and skills. Our first target would be Enugu-Ezike, my constituency. We would then extend to old Igbo-Eze, Enugu North Senatorial Zone and then Enugu State, in that order. It would be a gradual process and I am already building a big warehouse somewhere around town for that purpose. I also intend to set up another skill-acquisition centre for my people, in Umuida, which would carter for the rest of Ezike indigenes. All that I am telling you have nothing to do with my election as but part of what we have been doing as part of our little contribution to the development of our people.

You know, the idea of placing emphasis on university degree all the time, in this country, without skill, is a misnomer.

That is what is giving us the unemployment headache. That is why we have so many youths either walking around without job, or parading big certificates without being unemployable. But if they have skill, they can start their own businesses. America thrives because they believe in small business, and that is why their economy is excellent. But the government also helps in making credit available to small businesses and always encourages them. Therefore, infrastructure has to be built to encourage our people to be entrepreneurs; and all hands must be on deck to achieve that.

Overseas, education is applied; anything you do, you have to apply it. If for instance, you dabble into something else other than your core area of training, you go and obtain anther degree for that. It may not be that easy in Nigeria due to poor economy and other challenges, but the point is that with gradual process, all that can be achieved. So, I am grateful to my people for taking interest in me, and my job is to ensure that I do not disappoint them.

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The Oracle Today Wednesday September 12, 2018

POLITICS

S

takeholders and members of the organised labour recently converged at Ogrute, the council headquarters of Igbo-Eze North Local Government Area, in Enugu Ezike, to celebrate a ‘Comrade with nine lives,’ Uwakwe Ezeja, the Executive Chairman of the council area.

Prior to the commencement of the event, the workers had embarked on a solidarity/endorsement rally, marching with various placards through major streets, in support of the Council Chairman and the Governor of Enugu State, Rt. Hon. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi whom they described as the most labour-friendly governor in the country.

According to the organisers, the outing was to appreciate and celebrate the former rugged unionist, for his sacrifices and lofty achievements for workers during his active unionism years.

Ezeja had, before his present position as council chairman, risen to the apex local government administration as well as the zenith of unionism.

While he retired in local government service as Deputy Director, he rose to lead Nigerian workers as both Enugu Chairman of Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) as well as President of the Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE).

Although the colourful event was initiated by the Enugu State Council of the (NLC), led by its Chairman, Comr. Virginus Nwobodo, it attracted various dignitaries from various circles, several affiliate labour unions and representatives from across the country, as well as dozens of political support groups. Some of the affiliate unions of NLC, in attendance, included the Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE), Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT); Nigeria Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW); National Association of Nigerian Nurses and Midwifery (NANM), and the National Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), among several others.

Comrade Ezeja, it was gathered, found himself between the devil and the blue sea, on several occasions, under successive military and civilian regimes. But he aligned with workers through thick and thin, pushing for their improved welfare through and through, but not devoid of dire consequences.

However, the occasion was also a generous platform where the appreciative workers consoled the former labour leader for all the scars and deadly experiences that he had endured while fighting on their behalf, as their leader. They conferred a special merit award – Icon of Labour – on the veteran unionist, leaving him and his wife overwhelmed with apparent goose bumps. That climaxed the event!

The inscription on the award plaque read, in part: “A Merit Service Award to Comrade Uwakwe Ezeja (JP), The Executive Chairman of Igbo-Eze North Local L.G.A of Enugu State, an Icon of Labour, by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Enugu State Chapter”.

Presenting the plaque on behalf of the organizers, representative of the Abia State NLC Chairman and coordinator of Forum of State Chairmen of NLC in the South East, Comr. Uchenna Obigwe, stated that the honour was in appreciation of Ezeja’s contributions to the development and strengthening of unionism in Enugu State, the South East and Nigeria as a whole. He eulogized the awardee and urged younger unionists to emulate Comr Ezeja’s astounding dedication, selflessness and rare commitment in the struggle.

It was gathered that while fighting for workers’ rights and better welfare, as NLC Chairman, and President of NULGE, Comr. Ezeja had allegedly, put his life on the line several times, particularly under successive stern military dictatorships and under the first regime upon the advent of the present democratic experience in

Honour Uwakwe Ezeja, ‘comrade with nine lives’

•Organised labour celebrates veteran unionist •Revered ex-unionist dedicates award to Gov. Ugwuanyi From Enugu, CHUKS EZE writes that honour was given to whom honour is due recently when organized labour in Enugu State, in a colourful ceremony held recently at Ogrute, headquarters of Igbo-Eze North LGA of Enugu State, honoured one of their own, Comrade Uwakwe Ezeja, one-time Chairman of NLC, Enugu State chapter and now Chairman of Igbo-Eze North, with a Merit Service Award as ICON OF LABOUR, for his service to the labour movement.

•Comr. Uchenna Obigwe (L) presenting the award to Comr. Ezeja (C) while his wife and other labour leaders watch in admiration

•Comr Ezeja (Centre) addressing the gathering 2019. The claim was corroborated by the comrade as well as several other speakers at the event. But according to the former labour leader, God delivered him although those periods to the extent that there was a popular rumour at the time, even in government circles, that he was invisible and invincible. That was because of his alleged, ‘mysteriously’ survival of several attempts by agents of successive governments to exterminate him for continually suffocating successive administrations by his unyielding labour activism. Comr Ezeja had weathered all the storms and ended up outliving all the regimes that had ellegedly, haunted, a development that he said was act of God. “I was NLC Chairman at a very difficult period in our history – period of military dictatorship up to the early years of the present democratic experience – during which I faced a lot of challenges and tribulations. But I thank God for preserving my life and using me to stand trade union movement in Enugu State on a strong foundation,” he told the mammoth

gathering in his address.

The former dogged unionist, recalled several occasions when he had close shaves with death during his hey days. His stories left many of his august guests in utter bewilderment, with several of the gathering describing him as a comrade with nine lives. Ezeja narrated several occasions that he had disguised himself while trying to evade his alleged assailants, pointing out that he even had to run to the convent to hide, when the heat became so horrible on him.

And reacting to his award, the Comrade LG Chairman expressed immense gratitude to the organized labour for the gesture, stressing that it meant the world to him.

“By this honour, the working people of Nigeria have accorded me last homage. Nothing could be more rewarding and valuable than for a mere mortal like me to be celebrated by the entire nation, in this manner.

“The award has further reinforced my philosophy about life that money is not everything but that good name

is better than riches. And so, in my next life, I would still prefer people’s goodwill to money. That is the main lesson to draw from today’s event,” he concluded.” he noted.

He however, dedicated the award to the governor of Enugu State, Rt. Hon Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, explaining the governor had changed the political landscape of Enugu State through his seamless selfless service to the people. According to Ezeja, while workers across several other states in the country were being owed several months’ salary arrears, the governor has been consistent in paying salary on or before the 25th of every month, since he assumed office. He further stressed that he chose to dedicate the award to the governor because Ugwuanyi had given him the platform to serve as Caretaker Committee Chairman of his local government, adding that Ugwuanyi was as well, instrumental to the comrade’s assumption of his present office as the Executive Chairman of the council area.

He urged the present labour leaders at all levels, to always make workers’ welfare top of their cardinal objectives, while carrying them along and ensuring that they are trusted by workers at all times.

Meanwhile, apart from the Comr Ezeja’s near-death experiences as labour leader, his wife, Cecilia, never fare better at the time. She endured copious bitter tales, as wells at the time. While speaking about his wife, Comrade Ezeja, has told his quests that his wife also underwent several traumatic experiences and mental torture to the extent that she later developed High blood pressure complications, owing to incessant harassments, threats to life and repeated invasion of their residence by suspected government thugs and assailants.

On her part, while speaking to our correspondent on the sidelines, Mrs Ezeja expressed enormous gratitude over the honour bestowed on her husband by the NLC. According to her, “I am so overjoyed and grateful to God for this day. My immeasurable gratitude goes to the NLC and all those that initiated this great gesture. May God bless them and their families,” she implored.

Asked whether the honour was enough to appease her for all that she had gone through during her husband’s active days as labour leader, she affirmed, adding that she had a firm belief that all the successes that they had got in life were part of what she called, divine compensation for the pains, heartaches and humiliations they had endured during her husband’s active unionism.

She also narrated one of her most excruciating experience during her husband’s struggle era.

“Sometime in 1992, my husband was marked for assassination and they were searching for him everywhere,” she began. According to her, one day, the (suspected) thugs “suddenly stormed our residence and I knelt down begging them to have pity on me and spare my husband’s life because our kids were still very tender. I was heavily pregnant that period but they ignored my condition and pushed me down violently. It was so horrible but God prevailed and preserved our lives,” she narrated.

Some leaders of the organized labour at the event include, National Deputy Chairman of NULGE, South East, Comr. Patrick Igwe; Enugu State NULGE Chairman, Comr. Kenneth Ugwueze; Ebonyi State NLC Chairman, Comr. IK Nwafor; National Auditor of NULGE and Enugu State Auditor of NLC, Comr. Lambert Onuigbo; Immediate-past NUT Chairman in Enugu State, Comr. Ozor Paul Nnaji; Enugu State Chairman of NAWOJ, Comr. Ifeoma Amuta; Chairman, NANM, Comr. Ezekiel Omeh; Enugu State Chairman NLC Women Committee, Comr. UgwuIfy; and National Chairman of National Union of Road Transport Workers, represented by Comr. Ugwuanyi Nich; among others.

Other dignitaries outside labour were Vice Chairman of Igbo-Eze North LGA, Hon. Luke Uroko; PDP Chairman in the Council Area, Hon. Alex Urama; Rt. Hon Tony Ogidi of the Enugu State House of Assembly; veteran politician, Chief Emmanuel Alachi; SSA to Governor Ugwuanyi, Onyekachi Eya; dogged businessmen and politicians, Clifford Nnaemeka Obe and Prince Emeka Mamah; Chairman of Enugu State Rural Electrification Board, Chief David Atigwe; and illustrious educationist and IT expert, Prof. Paulinus IdokoEze, the Igwe-elect of AdaOgwa Nato , Umuida authonomous Community, among several others.

The Oracle Today Wednesday September 12, 2018

POLITICS Our future will be greater – Ikpeazu Cont’d from page 9 structural development noticeable in the all three senatorial districts today. This also accord with the principles enunciated by the founding fathers of the state – be your brother’s keeper - enshrined in the Charter of Equity of Abia,” he said.

Adducing another reason as to why the Charter was yet to be domiciled, Deputy Chairman of the Council, Sir Chikezie Wachukwu, blamed it on the cumbersomeness of law making in a democracy.

“You and I know the problem in the legislation of a new law. There must be a lot of consultation and a lot of grassroots education. During military regimes, it is easy to make a decree or edict.

“But now, how do you reconcile conflicting interests in law making. So, it is a question of you, members of the Press, helping us to enlighten not only the legislature but all of us on the necessity of having the Charter of Equity to have the force of law,” he said.

But a former Speaker of the Abia State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Agwu U. Agwu, disagreed.

Giving an insight into why it has been difficult to confer on the all-important document, the status of a legally-binding document, Agwu said that it was due, principally, to constitutional discrepancies and structural review of the state Agwu, during an interview with The Oracle Today, admitted that the House, under his leadership, received a draft proposal to make the Abia Charter of Equity a law.

He thus explained why the legislators couldn’t do that: “Such a draft bill or proposal would have been dead on arrival because the constitution is very clear: any bill, any law or act or bye-law contrary to the provisions of the constitution, to that extent, is null and void.

“So, zoning is not enshrined in the constitution; zoning is not enshrined in the constitution of any of the political parties.

Abia Charter of Equity should be a working document; it should not be something that we can legislate on. We can pass a resolution, saying look, for fairness and equity, let us stick to Abia Charter of Equity.

“But Abia Charter of Equity is causing a lot of trouble in this state now. That charter was raised when part of Ebonyi State was still in Abia. Because that component left for Ebonyi, that is why we still have that problem today because people will tell you that Abia was formed from Afikpo, Bende, Isuikwuato and Aba. Afikpo was removed.

“So, if Abians want to have another Charter of Equity, they should come together and look at it, because today, you have people clamouring and giving it different definitions. You see somebody from Isiala Ngwa North will tell you that we have two divisions in Abia: Bende and Aba Divisions. So, which one are we looking at: is it the old Abia Charter of Equity or the new one that has divided this state into two or is it the one that divides the state into three senatorial zones? These are the issues that made us not to give that proposal, not even a bill, a second thought.”

This calls for another roundtable where Abians should be able to agree on the fate and status of the Abia Charter of Equity to make its continued application relevant to the political advancement of the state.

The import of the celebration was not lost on Governor Okezie Ikpeazu, who, in his goodwill message to the people, maintained that Abia was growing steadily “in leaps and bound” while new blocks were being added with each passing day towards the “building of the Abia of our dreams.”

He expressed gladness that the fathers and elders of Abia State were now more united as exemplified in their involvement in various programmes and activities of his administration unlike what was obtainable in the past where a section of the elders chose to stay away from activities in the state.

“I count it a feat worthy of acknowledgment for we can never discountenance the wisdom of the elders in building a great Abia State,” the governor said and prayed that this new lease of unity, oneness and togetherness would endure and even improved upon so that collectively, everyone could contribute his or her quota to the growth of the state.

Ikpeazu said he was happy because his administration has raised the bar of governance in the State.

“Virtually every sector of the state’s socio political and economic sphere has taken quantum leaps from where we met them at the inception of our administration.

“From Infrastructural revolution to Agricultural improvement, Small and Medium Scale Enterprise promotion to Educational advancement, sports development to improvement in Healthcare indices, human capital development to creation of new economic opportunities for our people, we give God the glory for the grace he has given us to impact every sector of Abia State,” he remarked.

Delving into specifics, Ikpeazu said: “Our administration does not believe in palliatives and half-measures. We believe in doing it properly or not doing it at all. It is for this reason that all the 68 roads we have so far competed in Abia State, along with 108 ongoing ones, from the inception of our administration, have come with drainages on both sides.

“It is our firm commitment that no road built during our tenure will collapse and require rebuilding and I am proud to note that all the roads which were hitherto failing every year prior to our coming into office have withstood 3 years of various elements and they are still standing strong.”

He also used the opportunity to speak on plans to liquidate the salary arrears owed civil servants and retired workers in the state, assuring that “machinery” has been set in place “to tackle observed gaps in regular salary payment in some of our parastatals, teachers and pensioners.” He noted that arrears owed primary school teachers in the state have been cleared and expressed hope that the remaining affected workers in the parastatals would equally be up to date soon while “pensioners will see further improvements in the payment of their outstanding.”

In the economic sector, Ikpeazu listed his achievements to include the signing of a Multi-Billion Dollar Memorandum of Understanding for the investment of the Ruyi Group, a global conglomerate, in the Enyimba Economic City and adjoining existing businesses in China last June.

“This investment will see to the establishment of a world-class garment factory as well as commercial roll out of independent power systems to support rapid industrialization of the Abia South Senatorial zone of the state,” he informed Abians, adding that funding partners were set to commit millions of Dollars into the establishment of a Cassava Processing plant with a pilot at Umuahia, adopting the Argentine Agricultural Processing technology.

“These investments are in tandem with our strategic development plan which

saw us designate Abia South Senatorial Zone as our Industrial Belt, Abia North Senatorial Zone as our Agricultural Belt and Abia Central Senatorial Zone as our Agro-Processing and Administrative Belt,” he explained.

In sports, Ikpeazu has remodeled and upgraded the Enyimba International Stadium to FIFA standard. The Abia darling team, Enyimba International Football Club, has already recorded her first win in the stadium in their CAF Confederation Cup campaign.

For Sir Linus Ogbuokiri (Ph.D), Permanent Secretary (Political), and Secretary of the Advisory Council, Abia has recorded landmarks in all facets of human endeavor, be it education, commerce and culture, explaining that such feats have helped to create job opportunities for her citizens.

The highlight of the Abia at 27 celebration was the recognition of 36 prominent sons and daughters of Abia State for their outstanding contributions to the state and humanity. One of the eminent personalities so honoured is Prince Chris Odinaka Igwe, a resourceful industrialist with extra ordinary entrepreneurial skills.

In the past 26 years, 140 Abians have been so hon-

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oured. As Abia marches into its 28th years of creation, what next?

A frontline traditional ruler in the state, Eze Prof. Sunday Nwankwo, said the task of developing and taking Abia to the Promised Land now rests with the youths of the state.

“The elders have done their part. It is now left for the younger ones to play their part in developing Abia. The celebration of Abia Day is a challenge to the younger generation to use their talents and initiatives to fasten the development of the state,” the monarch said.

And as promised by the governor, every Abian is looking forward to the future with great expectation and hope that “our tomorrow will be better than our today.”

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The Oracle Today Wednesday September 12, 2018

SPECIAL FEATURE

Going to celebrate the monk M

onk Bede-Gabriel Chika Mary Anabidom (OCSO) owns a story that spins the head. It is wellnigh impossible seeing a first son abandoning all his inheritance to devote his life entirely to the service of God through solitude, silence and prayer.

When I got the invitation that St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, Isuofia, in the Diocese of Awka, Anambra State would on Sunday, September 2, undertake the triple celebration of a priestly ordination, a silver jubilee anniversary of a priest, and the final religious profession of Monk Anabidom I knew instantly I had to put all other works aside to do due honour to the celebration. One had to go to celebrate the monk.

I have been friends with the quiet lad known as Gabriel Anabidom since our secondary school days. He hails from my mother’s hometown of Isuofia in Aguata local government of Anambra State. Born on March

13, 1960 at Utonkon in Benue State as the first of the seven children of the late Mr. Basil and Mrs. Juliana Anabidom of Ozala village, Isuofia, young Gabriel was educated at St. Patrick’s Primary School in his hometown and St. Peter’s Secondary School in the nearby Achina town.

After earning his school certificate, Gabriel became an apprentice trader attached to the Aba-based businessman, Sir Emmanuel Okoli, now deceased, from 1979 to 1984. He needed to raise enough funds to help train his younger ones in a family facing some financial difficulties.

Upon establishing his own business after the apprenticeship he then relocated to Lagos in 1986. He was quite successful as the CEO/MD of Glack Accord Resources Ltd. In no time it became obvious that material acquisition would not give Gabriel the spiritual satisfaction that he yearned. He earnestly wanted the cowl of the monk!

According to Saint Augustine, “Our hearts are restless until they rest in God.” It was difficult for the family to accept the reality when Gabriel made his entry into the Cistercian Monastery at Awhum in Enugu State. His father took it

In no time it became obvious that material acquisition would not give Gabriel the spiritual satisfaction that he yearned. He earnestly wanted the cowl of the monk! According to Saint Augustine, “Our hearts are restless until they rest in God.”

”

By Uzor Maxim Uzoatu

all with philosophical calmness as he too appeared monkish in demeanor.

In 2002 Gabriel left the monastery and proceeded to Saint Paul’s International Institute of Evangelization, Emene in Enugu State.

The quest for higher education took Gabriel to Madonna University, Okija, Anambra State where he earned a Bachelors’ degree in Philosophy in 2006.

His study for a Masters degree in Nigeria was cut short after seven months when he left for the University of Nottingham in England to study for a Master of Arts in International Relations. He regularly wrote to me from England on his studies, and we exchanged useful ideas on global sports.

With the University of Nottingham degree in his kitty, he moved on to the Vatican City from 2009 to 2012 to earn a Bachelors’ degree at the Pontifical Beda College, Rome. He gained a lot from his association with students from the well over 15 countries in the college such that he took the name Bede, to wit, after Saint Bede the Venerable, the Patron Saint of the college.

Now bearing the name BedeGabriel, he returned to the Cistercian Monastery, Awhum in 2012 to continue the monastic

life in the hallowed tradition of Blessed Cyprian Michael Iwene Tansi. His Solemn Profession took place on December 9, 2017 at the Cistercian Abbey of Awhum Cistercian Monastery.

The Sunday, September 2 celebration started with the holy mass at the jet-like St. Patrick’s with the large congregation singing “Isuofia nwere goodluck” (The town has good luck).

The troika of celebrants got hosted together after the mass in the church compound with HRH Igwe (Col.) C.A.O. Muoghalu, Isu II of Isuofia, in dignified attendance.

Then I followed an assemblage of children bearing a bier of Virgin Mary as they sang all the way to the Anabidom compound with Monk Bede-Gabriel leading the charge. In the compound of a storey building and a bungalow, a canopy had been set up for the monks who surrounded the celebrant.

The family donated a Toyota Camry salon to the monk who went into the car to blast at the horn to the cheers of the gathered throng.

Monk Bede-Gabriel was surprised but very happy to see me. He embraced me warmly and gave me four devotional books.

When I eventually left in the evening I felt like I was floating on air in holiness!

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The Oracle Today Wednesday September 12 2018

NEWS Abia Broadcasting Corporation workers protest over unpaid salary Workers of Abia Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) have shut down the station to protest against the state government’s failure to pay their outstanding April 2015 salary.

The strike, which commenced on Monday night, was at the instance of the Joint Action Committee (JAC) of the three unions in the organisation.

The unions consist of Nigeria Union of Journalists, Radio, Television and Theatre Arts Workers Union and Union of Secretarial, Reportorial, Data Processors and Allied Workers Union.

The workers are also protesting against alleged deductions of different percentages from their salaries without their consent.

State government began to remove between 30 per cent and 40 per cent of the salaries, depending on each worker’s grade level in September 2015.

Although the leadership of the JAC could not be reached to speak on the action, a member told NAN on the condition of anonymity that the committee met on Monday and resolved to proceed on an indefinite strike.

“When the government committee on salary brought the payroll to the station, the unions rejected the continued deductions on our salaries.

“We produced another payroll with workers full salaries and took it to the committee but it was rejected so JAC met and resolved to embark on strike last night.”

The union leader added that workers promoted to new grade levels stopped enjoying the new grade salaries since 2015.

“Those who were promoted to new grade levels since 2015 are still paid their old salaries.

Some residents of Umuahia, who tuned in to the radio station for the usual 6.30 a.m. news on Tuesday said that they were surprised to find out that it was off air.

Mr Onwughara Ihejirika said that he was deeply disbursed when he woke up to listen to BCA news but discovered that the station was off air.

“It was disappointing,” Ihejorika said, adding that he tuned in to another station where the strike was reported.

Also, Messrs Chris Ugwu, Caroline Ife and Anthonia Igwe, all civil servants, also described the development as surprising and unfortunate.

When contacted, the Commissioner for Information, Chief John Okiyi, said that the issue had been resolved and workers resumed duty by about 10 a.m.

Okiyi said, “This morning, workers at the station protested the non-payment of their April 2015 salaries as well as other allowances.”

He said that the workers also “demanded an increase in their money to run the station”.

Okiyi said the issue was resolved at a meeting between their leaders, himself and the Commissioner for Finance, Mr Obinna Oriaku.

2019: Abia PDP adopts Ikpeazu as sole candidate

From BONIFACE OKORO, Umuahia last year that the governor, or any other contestant, in the 2019 genbia State governor, Dr Okezie eral elections would not be given Ikpeazu, may have scaled the an automatic tickets. first hurdle in his bid to return Speaking with journalists in his for a second term in office as the office on Thursday, November 2, State chapter of the Peoples Demo- 2017, Onuigbo, said all public ofcratic Party (PDP) has adopted him fices in the state were open and as its sole candidate for the 2019 that there would be level playing governorship election. ground for all aspirants.

The adoption which was an“All offices for 2019 elections are nounced by the state party Chair- open and contestable in line with man, Sir Johnson Onuigbo, after Abia Charter of Equity and PDP zona state-wide PDP Caucus meeting ing formula. In line with the above, held in Banquet Hall, Government there shall be a level playing ground House, Umuahia, is at variance with for all aspirants irrespective of the the position of the State Working position,” Onuigbo had told newsCommittee which was categorical men.

A

However, the party changed its stand last week after the PDP State Caucus met and adopted Ikpeazu as its sole candidate of Abia PDP for the 2019 governorship election.

Onuigbo disclosed that the caucus was the highest decision making body of the party in the state, adding that the body met to discuss issues bordering on the progress of the party.

Presenting a communiqué on behalf of the Caucus, the State Secretary of Abia PDP, Chief Ibe Nwadioha, said the caucus passed a vote of confidence on the Governor for keeping the flag of the PDP flying and urged all members of the party to support him for a second term in

office.

The communiqué equally commended the party leadership in the State for upholding the ideals of the party and the support it has given to the Governor which has assisted him in implementing the party’s manifesto.

According to the communiqué, the PDP would ensure that the forthcoming primary elections in Abia would be free and fair as all aspirants would be given a level playing ground.

Meanwhile, Abia State PDP has fixed September 12, 2018 for its mega rally.

The State party Chairman, Chief Johnson Onuigbo, who made this known in his office, hinted that PDP National Chairman, Chief Uche Secondus, and other members of the National Working Committee were expected to attend the event.

He said the essence of the rally was to showcase the party’s strength and announce to the entire globe that Abia State remains a PDP state.

Medical expert advises Nigerians on hand washing to prevent ‘Apollo’

• (From right): Solid Minerals professional, Mrs. Tammy Tyrae; Senjor Special Assistant on New Media to Kebbi State Governor, Aisha Augie-Kuta; an African-American Arts & History expert, Ms. Maleeka Harris; team leader and President of the Business International Development Organisation, Nigerian-American Mrs Joyce Adewumi; Kebbi State Governor, Abubakar Atiku Bagudu; traditional rights expert, Chief Dr. Atanda; and Senior Special Assistant on Tourism to the Kebbi Governor, Alh. Nura Kangiwa, when a delegation from the United States visited the Kebbi Government House as part of 5-day tour of the Argungu Emirate

Uwazuruike challenges Ohanaeze Ndigbo on Igbo Presidency

By IBE NWACHUKWU

L

eader of Biafra Independence Movement and the Movement for Actualization of Sovereign State of Biafra (BIM-MASSOB), Chief Ralph Uwazuruike, last weekend said the recent meeting between President Muhammadu Buhari and a chieftain of All Progressives Congress (APC), Asiwaju Ahmed Bola Tinubu was part of the reason for Biafra agitation for Independence.

Uwazuruike berated some Igbo

politicians and Ohanaeze Ndigbo who claim that it is the turn of Ndigbo to produce the president after the tenure of Buhari, even as he urged ‘such day dreamers to stop deceiving themselves because Igbo man will never be trusted to be allowed to become the president of Nigeria even after 2023.’

In a statement signed by the Biafra Director of Information, Mazi Chris Anierobi Mocha, Uwazuruike cautioned BIM-MASSOB members to avoid careless behaviors capable of causing their untimely deaths

Enugu Assembly resumes plenary after one month recess

E

nugu State House of Assembly on Tuesday resumed sitting after one month recess.

The assembly embarked on recess on August2.

The Speaker of the house, Mr Edward Ubosi, who welcomed all the house members, thanked them for their support and cooperation.

“I thank each and every one of you for your support, cooperation and prayers in the last three years and three months.

“I also urge you to continue in your efforts for the development of Enugu State,’’ he said.

Ubosi called for God’s guidance ahead of 2019 election campaigns adding that some members of the house would be involved as they may want to be re-elected.

According to him, it is necessary to ask for God’s guidance because

He is the one who gives position.

The speaker urged residents of the state to pray fervently for peaceful elections in the state.

The Speaker adjourned sitting till September 6.

Leader of the house, Mr Ikechukwu Ezeugwu, representing Udenu Constituency, who moved the motion of adjournment, thanked the Speaker, for his style of leadership.

Ezeugwu also urged all the members to continue to give the speaker every support for the development of the state.

Deputy House Leader, Mrs Mary Ugwu, representing Enugu South Constituency, who seconded the motion of adjournment called on all her colleagues for maximum cooperation to promote unity in the state.

warning that whatever God has designed or destined to happen, no man can curse or stop the plan.

He further disclosed that Biafra is emerging as a New Nation very soon because God has signed it and no man can stop its actualization.

Meanwhile, the Biafran Leader has ordered his Western representative in Nigeria, Mayor Ben Onuegbu to reproduce “on the Road to New Biafra” First, special lecture to Eighteenth Editions.

The “On the Road to New Biafra” its first edition published on February, 2002 by Chief Ralph Uwazuruike were lecture series through which all the BIM-MASSOB members got to know some of the basic principles of a genuine Biafran freedom fighter. The lecture is restricted to BIM MASSOB Members only.

Uwazuruike said the editions are very critical to members who joined the struggle after year 2005 and said each copy would be sold at the rate of N00.00 only.

Responding, Mayor Ben Onuegbu described the Biafran Leader as a true prophet of God and expressed happiness that there was no prophecies in the “On the Road to New Biafra Books” about Nigeria that never came to pass.

In the second edition printed on June 22, 2002 Uwazuruike was quoted to have said among other things that there was plan to Islamize Nigeria and that Igbos have remained in Nigeria since 1914, and nothing to show for it except quiet grumbling about their stay in Nigeria.

M

edical Director, Fatimah Clinic Kaduna, Dr Maryam Abubakar has advised Nigerians to imbibe the habit of frequent hand washing to avoid viral and bacterial infection of the eye.

Abubakar gave the advice in an interview with journalists on Tuesday in Kaduna.

She noted that the number of patients with acute hemorrhagic conjunctivitis, also known as Apollo, is on the increase hence the need for people to imbibe safety habits to avoid contact.

According to her, children with eye infection need to take days off from school and for members of the public to seek medical help whenever their eyes become swollen, pink and itchy.

Abubakar also cautioned against sharing towels or personal hygiene kits with others, and for those infected to avoid rubbing the affected eyes.

She advised those affected to rest for two weeks, so as to minimize crowd exposure and spreading the infection.

Also, Hajiya Ramatu Tijjani of the Foundation for Protection of Women and Children in Nigeria, said health education at home, school and community level was vital in curtailing spread of avoidable diseases.

She therefore advised teachers, community organisations and health workers to help raise awareness at the grassroots on health issues and ways to promote healthy living.

16

The Oracle Today Wednesday September 12, 2018

News

Catholic Church collapse: Delta Govt to offset medical bills of victims From JONATHAN AWANYAI, Asaba

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ELTA State Governor, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa has said the State Government will undertake the medical treatment of the victims of last Sunday’s collapse of St. Paul Catholic Church building, Ugolo, Adagbrasa in Okpe local government area of the state.

An updated statement by his Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Mr Charles Aniagwu, said Governor Okowa has directed that adequate medical attention must be given to the survivors of the unfortunate building collapse.

According to the prelimnary report by the Commissioner for Works, Chief James Augoye, one person died from the incident, eleven were rushed to the hospital out of which seven have been treated and discharged while the remaining four were still undergoing treatment and were in stable conditions.

Aniagwu quoted Commissioner for Works, Chief James Augoye as saying “the church is a 100 year old building and in an attempt to rebuild and expand the church, the old building collapsed as a re-

sult of the weight of worshippers who leaned against the heavily soaked walls while the early morning mass was on.

“While we pledge to pay the cost of treatment for the injured, people must ensure they seek necessary approvals before construction of buildings particularly public structures to avoid incidences such as this” the statement added.

Meanwhile, according to the preliminary report on the collapse of church by the Commissioner for Works, Chief James Augoye, one person died from the incident, eleven were rushed to the hospital out of which seven have been treated and discharged while the remaining four were still undergoing treatment and were in stable conditions.

Chief Press Secretary to Governor Ifeanyi Okowa, Charles Aniagwu, quoted Commissioner for •(From right): Visitor, Ignatius Ajuru University of Education and Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike, presenting Works, Chief James Augoye as say- a plaque to former President, Goodluck Jonathan, when the university conferred on the latter with the award of: ing “the church is a 100 years old “Icon of Democracy ,” during its 35th and 36th combined convocation ceremony, last Saturday. church building and in an attempt to rebuild and expand the church, the old church building collapsed as a result of heavily soaked waters ocassioned by the weight of worshippers who leaned against would be easy for the NGO to exert people who harassed and batter the walls while the early morning From ANIEKAN ANIEKAM, Calabar pressure on the national assembly women face prosecution”. mass was on.

Dr. Ugbe that the organization ORMER Dean Faculty of Law, to legislate on policies that would which comprises of over 100 NGOs make perpetrators of the offence University of Calabar, Dr. Ohiama Ugbe has charged media pay dearly for all assault for a better with an aim to have a society where all citizens have access to basic nepractitioners in the country to pri- society.

“As media practitioners, journal- cessities of life, gender equity, jusoritize the reportage of all genderbased violence which inflict pain on ists have the potential to influence tice and equal participation in govthe social and cultural norms that ernance decided to embark on the Sundays. We were supposed to go women instead of allowing such drive violence against women add- training of media practitioners so with him that Saturday, but we did crimes to be swept under the car- ing that they have a task to use as to sharpen their skill in exposing not go with him,” the source said. pet.

Speaking during a workshop their platforms to expose all crimes all gender-based violence so Confirming the development, organized by Coalition of Eastern and violence that tend to lower the that those who perpetrate the the Delta state Commissioner of Non-Governmental Organizations reputation of women in the estima- act can be fish out and made to Police, Mr Muhammad Mustafa, (CENGOS) for journalists, she said tion of right-thinking individuals. face prosecution. said his command had begun a if these issues were brought to the She maintained that media peo“If crimes against women were search for the kidnapped priest. front burner by the press, it could brought to the fore by media prac- ple are like town criers, are the “Yes, we are already searching facilitate in making appropriate titioners through their reportage, ones to give information to the for the kidnappers. He was kid- legislation that could curb the men- the report can spark up debates public to enable people know what napped two days ago”, adding ace. among members of the public, is happening with regards to the that all would be done to ensure “If issues related to women bat- national and state assemblies in a harassment of our women in the the priest’s speedy and safe res- tering and harassment was re- manner that government may end society instead of reporting other cue. ported each time there occurs, it up framing laws that would make contemporary issues.

Gender-based violence: Don solicits media cooperation

Tension grips Delta community as gunmen abduct Catholic priest

From JONATHAN AWANYAI, Asaba

T

HE Oviri-Okpe community in Okpe council of Delta State is now tense following the abduction of the parish priest of Emmanuel Catholic Church, Rev Father Christopher Ogaga.

News of the kidnap of Father Ogaga broke few hours after the tragedy of the collapse of another Catholic parish within same Okpe council area, which claimed a live and left about 15 persons critically injured.

Kidnappers of the clergy have, however, made a demand of N15 million for his release.

The Oracle Today gathered that Ogaga, who is priest of two other parishes of the church; St Luke’s Catholic Church, Oviri Okpe and St Jude’s Catholic Church Aghalopke, is also the principal of St. Peters Clavers College, Aghalokpe.

According to a source from one of his parishes, the Rev Father was kidnapped on Saturday night while traveling to Warri where he was to help the parish priest of Mother of Redeemer Catholic Church, Airport junction, Effurun for the three masses on Sunday morning.

The source said Ogaga was driving alone along the Arava-OviriOrere-Okpe Road, the normal route to Warri, when he was kidnapped, although no one could identify the exact part of the road where he was taken from.

“He left the house and he was heading to Warri through AravaOviri-Orere-Okpe Road. That is the route he used to take to Warri. We are suspecting that he might have been kidnapped along this route.

“He was driving alone when the incident happened because he usually travels to Warri alone on

F

Rivers varsity crowns Jonathan ‘Icon of democracy

I

N recognition of his contributions to the growth and survival of democracy, the Ignatius Ajuru University of Education has conferred on former President Goodluck Jonathan with the award of ‘Icon of Democracy.’

Performing the investiture of former President Jonathan as Nigeria’s icon of democracy during the 35th and 36th combined convocation ceremony of the university, last weekend, , Pro-Chancellor of Governing Council of the Ignatius Ajuru University of Education, King A.M Ikuru said the epochal award is the first of its kind in the history of the institution.

Listing the reasons for the award, Ignatius Ajuru University of Education Orator, Prof Boma Obi said Jonathan’s advocacy for true democracy knows no bounds.

She noted that the institution was particularly inspired by the Former President Goodluck Jonathan’s commitment to peaceful electioneering process, especially his declaration that his political ambition is not worth the life of any Nigerian.

The University Orator declared that unlike other political gladiators, Jonathan set a new benchmark by peacefully handing over power to an opposition political

party.

Vice Chancellor of the University, Professor Ozo-Mekuri Ndimele commended the Rivers State Governor for his investments in developing the institution.

“In February 2018, Governor Wike graciously approved and released a grant of N200million to us. The greater part of what you commissioned this morning is the result of that grant”, the Vice Chancellor said.

Responding, Former President Goodluck Jonathan expressed gratitude to the institution for the honour done to him.

“I want to specially thank the Senate of the University for considering my family worthy of double honours, to wit: the conferment of the honour of Icon of Democracy on me and the naming of the new Automated University Library after my wife, Dame Patience Jonathan.

“I always attach so much importance to any recognition coming from home because I strongly believe that no prize commands higher value than the one given by the beneficiary’s direct constituency.”

He said the visit is like a homecoming for him, as a former lecturer in the Rivers State College of

Education, which was upgraded to a full-fledged university.

“Let me also say that I had good job satisfaction here, compared to all the other places I have worked. I know that the only major challenge academic staff face is with the reward system, considering the fact that as a nation, we are yet to get to the point where we pay our teachers the wages they deserve.

“However, for all the hindrances teachers face, they derive a fulfilling experience and satisfaction from the special relationship they cultivate with their students. This is because bringing up the young ones is very rewarding in a very distinct manner. The bond, friendship and sense of loyalty is eternal. Even today, the way my former students regard and relate with me is different from the way my fellow politicians relate with me, even those I mentored”, Jonathan said.

Visitor to the University and Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike announced the release of N500million to the management of the institution for expansion of key facilities.

“For us therefore providing quality education for our people is an absolute necessity as nothing can be more important.

“That was why we have and will continue to prioritize the provision of quality education for our children and adults alike to acquire the knowledge and skills that they need to succeed and contribute to our collective progress.”

The governor said that at the tertiary level his administration will continue to expand both access and quality with the progressive injection of more resources for the provision of relevant learning resources and infrastructure.

Governor Wike said: “Here in this University, we recently released the sum of N200, 000,000.00 (two hundred million naira), as capital grant for fiscal year 2017 and we are happy with what qualitative deployment of this money by the Vice Chancellor to meet the infrastructure needs of this university.

“We are also pleased with the progressive increase in enrolment being experienced by the University in recent times, which shows a growing confidence in the quality and relevance of the programmes of the University.

Also, the Pastor David Ibiyeomie of Salvation Ministries was conferred with the award of Education Crusader by the Ignatius Ajuru University of Education.

17

The Oracle Today Wednesday September 12, 2018

BU$IN£SS •Energy •Finance

•Stock

•Insurance

•Aviation

•e-Platform

Bigger crises drown MTN’s listing plans

By KAYODE OGUNWALE

T

HERE is strong indication that MTN Nigeria plan to list on the floor of the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) may be affected by bigger problems associated with revenue repatriation rascality plus other issues.

The company which investors eagerly await at the NSE for its hyped initial public offer (IPO) is currently battling whopping $8.1 billion regulatory penalty slammed on it by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) over fund repatriation infringements The developments come with fresh revelation that MTN Nigeria may have been selling dummies to the public over its planned IPO since it has so far failed to take any practical steps in seeking regulatory approval for listing on the bourse.

Checks at the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) indicated that MTN has not shown any serious interest in listing on the Nigeria bourse.

The telecommunication giant had last year unfolded plans to list its shares on the Nigerian Stock Exchange through Initial Public Offering (IPO) this year.

However, the telecom firm has been uncertain about the exact time the listing would take place due to time to the market, according to some stockbrokers who spoke with Oracle Today.

MTN Group’s President/Chief Executive Officer, Rob Shuter, said late last year that the IPO would happen before the end of 2018 after signing all necessary documents and fulfilling all requirements for electronic listing.

The Nigerian capital market apex regulator, SEC had in August during the second quarter Capital Market Committee (CMC) briefing in Lagos said, MTN Nigeria is yet to formally submit any application in respect of its planned Initial Public Offer (IPO).

According to acting Director General of the SEC, Mrs. Marry Uduk, “neither MTN Nigeria Limited, nor any of its advisers or representatives has filed any application with the SEC regarding the said IPO.” “Given that there is no application from MTN before the commission, there could not have

Chairman MTN Nigeria, Chief Pascal Dozie. been a request by MTN or any of its representatives or advisers requiring any form of regulatory review,” she said.

The commission said as a private company limited by shares it would not only welcome filings from MTN Nigeria aimed at deepening and broadening the capital market, but would also be ready to provide the necessary regulatory support.

“If MTN finally files a formal and complete application with the commission, it would be treated with the usual diligence and urgency that is applicable to all such filings,” she said.

A stockbroker who spoke on condition of anonymity said N200 billion raised by MTN from 12 Nigeria commercial banks confirmed it that the firm is not ready to list its share in Nigeria.

According to him, “it is cheaper to raise funds in the stock market than to get bank loans, if MTN re-

CBN EXCHANGE RATES SEPTEMBER 4, 2018 Currency

Buying(NGN)

Central (NGN) Selling(NGN)

Currency Buying(NGN) Central(NGN) Selling(NGN) US DOLLAR 305.15 305.65 306.15 POUNDS STERLING 392.7891 393.4327 394.0763 EURO 354.3402 354.9208 355.5014 SWISS FRANC 314.3932 314.9083 315.4234 YEN 2.7459 2.7504 2.7549 CFA 0.5226 0.5326 0.5426 WAUA 426.7262 427.4254 428.1246 YUAN/RENMINBI 44.7097 44.7834 44.8571 RIYAL 81.3603 81.4936 81.6269

ally mean to list on the exchange it would have commence the listing process and get cheaper fund”.

He said any serious company would prefer to go for capital market fund instead of money market because of its long term nature.

This incident coupled with current sanction on the company by CBN proved it that MTN listing may not come sooner, he said.

However, the latest sanction from CBN makes some financial analysts come to conclusion that, listing of MTN on the Nigerian bourse would be hindered due to the fact that the listing is not voluntarily from the MTN. Last week, CBN alleged that MTN used improperly issued certificates to transfer funds out of Nigeria after the telecoms giant converted shareholder loans in its Nigerian unit to preferential shares in 2007 which MTN denied.

The monetary authority said MTN’s banks had failed to verify

that the telecoms group had met all the foreign exchange regulations.

Africa’s biggest telecoms company had previously said it aimed to list this year in its largest market as it seeks to expand mobile services to boost margins and access new revenue streams.

But three people familiar with the matter said the scale of the central bank’s demand affects the market conditions, casting into doubt the likelihood that the process would be completed by the end of the year, if at all.

Besides, the report said the MTN planned to use the revenue to be realized from the IPO to pay up its debt, and redeem preferential shares issued to existing investors who bought the shares more than a decade ago.

A market leader in the Nigerian telecommunications industry, MTN controls 40.7 per cent of the total market share with about 65.2 million subscribers.

In 2015, MTN was fined $1.0 billion by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) for failing to obey regulatory directive to disconnect all unregistered subscribers on its network before a general deadline.

The fine contributed to MTN’s increasing debt burden, from about $4.2billion in 2016 to $4.6billion the following year.

Recently, MTN Nigeria activated plans of fortifying its network and services with the signing of a seven-year Medium term loan facility worth N200 billion, with a consortium of twelve Nigerian banks.

The facility is structured with a two-year moratorium and a repayment plan of five years and is denominated in Naira. The banks that provided the loan are: Citibank Nigeria, Diamond Bank, Ecobank, Fidelity Bank Plc, First Bank Plc. Others include: FCMB, FSDH Merchant Bank, Rand Merchant Bank, Standard Chartered Bank, Stanbic IBTC, UBA and Union Bank.

The loan will ultimately help MTN to provide optimum services and products for its over 55 million customers. It is also expected to enable MTN to fund its capital expenditure, working capital and other evolving business opportunities. The agreement was formally signed at the law office of Aluko & Oyebode in Ikoyi, Lagos.

•Tourism

Energy

PIGB impasse: Over $100b investments at stake

P20 e-Platform

NIPOST, NIMC partner to provide verifiable DAS to Nigerians

P22

Travel

Display your certificates – NCAA directs travel agencies P26

Insurance

Operators uneasy as NAICOM backdates deadline for recapitalisation P28 Equity & Capital Market

BGL case fixed for ruling today

P30 Money Market

CIBN urges customers to demand service charter from banks

P31

Stock Market Highlights As At 4th SEPTEMBER, 2018

Summary

ASI DEALS VOLUME VALUE EQUITY CAP BOND CAP ETF CAP

S/N

34,936.27 1,063.00 125,289,593.00 N1,255,633,267.70 N12,754,436,118,290.90 N10,204,707,151,108.60 N0.00

Coy (By Volume) Volume

UBA ACCESS GUARANTY AIICO UNIVINSURE

Value(N)

5 Top Gainers

Symbols Last Close STANBIC N48 FBNH N8.85 UBA N7.9 NPFMCRFBK N1.58 AIICO N0.9

Five Tope Losers

45,881,841 N367,101,125.25 NEM 31,821,715 N297,565,649.65 ACCESS 9,576,174 N349,570,136.60 HONYFLOUR 5,972,395 N5,912,671.05 UNIVINSURE 4,500,000 N1,620,000.00

N3.45 N9.4 N1.6 N0.4

Current Change %Change N48.5 0.5 1.04% N9.1 0.25 2.82% N8.05 0.15 1.90% N1.71 0.13 8.23% N0.99 0.09 10.00%

N3.31 -0.14 N9.35 -0.05 N1.55 -0.05 N0.36 -0.04

-4.06% -0.53% -3.13% -10.00%

18

The Oracle Today Wednesday September 12, 2018

BUSINESS

CBN to disburse N220b to Enterprises Development Fund

C

ENTRAL Bank of Nigeria (CBN) said it had set aside N220 billion to be disbursed as loans to cooperative organisations under Micro Small and Medium Enterprises Development Fund (MSMEDF).

Director, Corporate Communications Department of the CBN, Mr. Isaac Okorafor, announced the plan while addressing newsmen in Gombe on Monday during the bank’s programme on Promoting Financial Stability and Economic Development.

He said the loan was set specifically aside to encourage artisans, including people into vulcanising works, hair dressing and barbing among others, especially those who employed others to work with.

“If you empower this group of people, the economy will move faster because they will also employ others,” he said.

He added that they were discouraged to apply for the loan because they would not be able to access such in commercial banks, where they needed to have a collateral.

“This is the reason why we made the provision for this loan for them to access through their cooperative organisations. All they need to do is to open an account with a bank, operate it for some time and apply.

“The loan is without collateral and the interest is only nine per cent.” he said.

Okorafor also called on the youth to embrace farming activities and make money out it.

“In CBN, we do not give grant to people, but we show you the way to follow and make money,” he said In his presentation, Mr Oludaramola Atanda, Assistant Director, Consumers Protection Department at the apex bank, added that customers should know their right to be served better by their banks.

•A delegation of Board members from the postal and Electronic Communication Regulatory Authority of Burkina Atanda implored them to al- Faso led by Sie Oumarou paid a courtesy visit to Vice Chairman of Nigeria Communication Commission (NCC), ways report any case of strange Prof. Umar Garba Danbatta at the Commission’s Head Office Abuja. transactions concerning their account.

He, however, urged them to desist from giving their ATM pin and BNInsurance, has restated to the best they have enjoyed else- the conference for their support.

BVN numbers to others, because her commitment to outstand- where even if the industries were He reiterated his firm’s committhey could be defrauded.

FBNInsurance commits to Customer Amazement ing Customer Service through the firm’s sponsorship of the 2018 Customer Amazement Revolution Masterclass with renowned Customer Service expert, Shep Hykens and accomplished economist, Prof Benjamin Akande.

Speaking at the conference, Lead Facilitator, Shep Hyken, emphasised the need for every business to realise that today’s customer no longer compare apples to apples, but they compare the quality of service received from the business

different.

He went ahead to propose the Out-Convenience model for winning back the customer’s trust at all times. In his presentation, Prof Akande charged business leaders to commit to building a vibrant generation of youth leaders who will affect the Nigerian economic space going forward.

Val Ojumah, MD/CEO, FBNInsurance, who was also a discussant at the conference, commended the organisers and other sponsors of

ment to better customer service as a pre-requisite to continuous customer satisfaction via multiple touchpoints.

The Masterclass, which was put together by The Workplace Centre, had various professionals from the financial services, health sector amongst others in attendance.

Recall that recently, FBNInsurance hosted a successful Customer Forum in Aba as one of the avenues to engage with the business.

N line with its tradition of deepening the savings culture by rewarding and encouraging its loyal customers, UBA has launched a new savings promo, UBA Wise Savers Promo.

The promo which is scheduled to run till September 30, 2019, will give 80 people a whopping N1.5 million each across all participating regions.

The objective is intended to assist in growing the Bank’s savings de-

posit. Participation is open to both existing and new customers.

To qualify for the Wise Savers Promo, new and existing customers of the bank are advised to make a N10,000 monthly deposit into their UBA savings account for 3 consecutive months before each draw date, or make a one-time deposit of at least N30,000 saved for 90 days before each draw date.

Subsequently, 20 lucky customers will each win N1.5 million in the promo every quarter. Draws will take place every quarter until 80

customers win the N120 million up for grabs.

Speaking during the official launch of the Wise Savers Promo, Head Retail Liabilities, Tomiwa Sotiloye, explained that the Promo is consistent with the bank’s novel initiatives in prioritising customers, adding that “we believe it is time we reward our customers who have been very loyal over the years.

Without them, we could not have made the giant strides attained all these years and in recent times.

smartphone among Nigerians cut across all ages, the reason for this trend has been attributed to several factors: this includes luxury, taste, ease of usage, price; for the tech-savvy, speed, storage space, camera capability, speaker, processor type, among others.

This week on Product review we take a look at the Nigerian Phone market and how different brands are playing out for market share and profitability. The race for the latest smartphone by Nigerians.

A visit to the popular, ever busy and bustling Computer Village in Ikeja shows that many Nigerians are lovers of smartphones.

As the Online media visited an outlet of the popular slots within Computer Village. There were several brands on display, with more customers at the stand display for Tecno smartphones.

In its survey, it wanted to

know among the several brands which brand is the king of mobile phones, why and factors surrounding customer’s preference.

The team was exposed to players in the market ranging from Tecno, Infinix, Gionee, Nokia, Itel, ZTE, Innjoo, HTC, Wiko, Motorola, Solo on the conservative strata; and iPhone and Samsung on the luxury end.

All of these have a mark in the Nigeria phone arena, however, individual brand preference is influenced majorly by the consumers ‘pocket size’.

Further investigation confirmed that Tecno, Infinix, and Itel are subsidiaries of a Chinese holding company, Transsion Holdings was founded by George Zhu Zhaojiang, a Chinese businessman, and his business partners in July 2006.

This was initially suggestive of the fact that they are all serviced by

the same service centre, Carlcare.

A battle of prices and Taste A chat with a lady who simply identified as Happiness described the sales of Infinix, Tecno, Itel as “pure water”. This suggests the three have the largest market share in the space. The price of these smartphones ranges from as little as N25,000 to as exorbitant as N450,000.

On enquiry about iPhone and Samsung smartphones, dealers couldn’t objectively pin a reason for customer’s preference over their conservative counterpart.

However, it can be said majorly, that a customer will walk out with either a Samsung or iPhone based on his/her purchasing power. The least product on Samsung rack goes for N37,500 which is the Samsung Grand Prime Pro, on the other hand, the Samsung Galaxy Note 9 pegs at N318,900.

Entrepreneur seeks effective implementation of ICT policies to boost local content Chief Executive Officer of e.Stream Networks, a licensed broadband provider, Mr Muyiwa Ogungboye, has called for effective implementation of Information and Communications Technology (ICT) policies to boost local content.

Ogungboye made the call on Thursday at the Nigeria Information Technology Reporters Association (NITRA) quarterly forum in Lagos.

He spoke on the theme “Local Content Development in Nigeria’s ICT Sector: Stimulant for National Economic Recovery”.

According to him, there should be a strategic plan that will yield productive activities to drive the policies for a conducive ICT ecosystem.

“There should be speedy implementation of the plan, creation of evaluation and enforcement unit that will see to adoption of local content in the country.

“There should be encouragement of knowledge and skills that are needed to adopt local content,” Ogungboye said.

He called for establishment of ICT parks which would be saddled with manufacturing of ICT tools.

Ogungboye urged the three tiers of government to give priority attention to the development of ICT through adequate allocations in their respective annual budgets.

He advocated a review of the nation’s education curriculum in a way that students would be encouraged to study science subjects at early stage.

FG offers 2 savings bonds at 11.36%, 12.36% for September

F

EDERAL Government has offered for subscription twoyear savings bond at 11.36 per cent and three-year savings bond at 12.36 per cent, the Debt Management Office (DMO) has said.

According to the offer circular obtained from the DMO website on Tuesday, the two-year bond will be due in September 2020 while the three-year bond will be due in September 2021.

It, however, did not state how much was offered, but added that the maximum subscription was N50 million at N1,000 per unit, subject to minimum subscription of N5,000 and in multiples of N1,000.

The website said that the bond was fully backed by the full faith and credit of the Federal Government, with quarterly coupon payments to bondholders.

The savings bond issuance is expected to help finance the nation’s budget deficit.

F

It is to also part of the Federal Government’s programme targeted at the lower income earners to encourage savings and also earn more income (interest), compared to their savings accounts with banks.

The circular also said that the offer would close on Friday.

UBA offers customers N120m in new promo I Stories by VICTOR NZE

Tecno tops mobile phone market in Nigeria

A

RECENT research conducted by an Online shows several brands on display, with more customers at the stand display for Tecno smartphones.

Information obtained from a store shows an average of 48 persons walks out with a Tecno product in hand per day. The reason hinges on affordability, followed by optimal functionality (camera quality, battery span, and operating system.

It was revealed that despite the economic contraction in recent times, the taste of an average Nigerian for smartphones has been on the increase.

This trend has made several mobile phone manufacturers, especially from China target the Nigerian mobile phone market. This is evident in the influx of different brand in the Nigerian market space nowadays.

The race to acquire the latest

19

The Oracle Today Wednesday September 12, 2018

BUSINESS

Manufacturing is key to economic growth, development – Dangote

Stories By KAYODE OGUNWALE

E

XECUTIVE Director of the Dangote Group, Hajiya Halima AlikoDangote has urged millennials in Nigeria and across Africa to diversify from service-oriented enterprises to manufacturing and agriculture in a bid to fast-track the development of the continent and better life for its nationals.

Halima Dangote said that the economic realities around the world have shown that the way to go is agriculture and that the youths must take the lead more when most African countries are still grappling with low economic growth.

Addressing the 58th Conference of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) in Abuja over the weekend, Hajiya Halima Dangote said African countries have groped in the dark for too long and it is high time the millennials stand up to be counted as the future of the continent.

In her paper titled “Roles of Millennials in Transition and Institution Building”, the Dangote Group Director explained that the youths have the potentials to turn around the fortune of the African continent. She stated that “Millennials are young ones born between 1980 and the mid-2000s, who account for 27 percent of the global population (about 2 billion people) and Sub-Saharan Africa alone is home to 13 percent of the entire millennial population, ranking second to Asia.

According to her, “available statistics have also revealed that by 2025, 75 percent of the global workforce will be millennials, large enough to influence consumer spending patterns; change consumer business models and impact the global economy. Most members of this generation are at the beginning of their careers and so will be an important engine for economic growth in the decades to come.”

Amid intermittent applause from the lawyers, Hajiya Halima Dangote stated that the theme of the conference which is “Transition, Transformation, and Sustainable Institutions” could not have come at a better time than now and therefore lauded the Association for coming up with a subject that Nigeria and Africa needed to discuss.

She congratulated the outgoing President of the NBA, Mr. A. B. Mahmoud OON, the incoming President,

Mr. Paul Usoro SAN, and “all my learned friends here for successfully continuing with the vision handed down by the fathers and founders of the Association.”

The Executive Director also urged millennials and other relevant stakeholders to exercise restraint in the face common desperation for wealth by their contemporaries adding that, “Success in entrepreneurship takes time, dedication and hard work.

There is a need to disabuse our mind from the concept of overnight success. Industrialisation requires patience and perseverance.”

She also spoke extensively on the successes recorded by the Dangote Group, founded by her father Aliko Dangote, in creating numerous jobs and establishing value-adding industries and contemporary businesses through importation, manufacturing and backward integration to generate and highlight local content for overall development.

While noting that the achievement by the group did not come easy, Hajiya Halima Dangote said “the Millennials should see these opportunities and diversify from service-oriented enterprises to manufacturing enterprises. Manufacturing has the capacity to create numerous jobs, develop an economy, sustain jobs and open other linkages.”

She noted that millennials are leaders in transition and are evolving. To her, “With smartphones and connections, the Millennials can exert much influence and swing the outcome of a situation. This confers on them great role and responsibility in shaping the outcome of policies and politics in a nation”.

“Economic sentiments have turned sharply since 2015. The general consensus across sub-Saharan Africa’s two largest economies is that lack of employment opportunities poses a very big problem amongst other key societal issues identified through the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

“Despite these concerns, there is considerable optimism about the future, and millennials are increasingly getting more active in influencing and energising public opinion through social networks and creating mass movements. They are also actively leveraging digital fluencies to improve public sector accountability; address global societal problems and drive civil society engagement. “, she

stated.

According to her, “Dangote Industries Limited is one of Nigeria’s foremost conglomerates with interests in cement, sugar, salt, flour, pasta, noodles, poly products, real estate, agriculture, logistics, telecommunications, steel, oil and gas, and beverages among others. The Group has over 15,000 direct employees.

It provides indirect employment to tens of thousands of others who are engaged in activities relating to our businesses. Dangote Cement now has presence in 18 African countries (Nigeria, Ghana, Ethiopia, Tanzania, Cote d’Ivoire, Senegal, Cameroon, Liberia, South Africa, Kenya, Zambia, Sierra Leone, Congo, Zimbabwe, South Sudan, Chad, Mali and Niger).”

Speaking at a breakout session of the Conference, the Chief Executive of DAX Consult, Adaku Ufere Awoonor said millennials are the most educated and assertive age group that are currently creating wealth globally pointing out that young people around the world are now influencing outcomes of political activities, while others have risen to position of power and are making meaningful contributions to their societies.

“Millennials are entrepreneurs. If they can’t find job, they create one.

They are doers and comfortable using digital media for promoting their causes,” she added.

Another Panelist speaker, Nasir Yammama, who is the CEO of Vordent AgriTech said millennials are extremely innovative, even in the face of limited resources, and challenges posed by social and political environments. He said his company is involved in creating technology that will support the agricultural sector. “We are also working on a craft, we called it “witchcraft” to help solve problems and create jobs, using technology,” he added.

In the same vein, the Managing Director of Mojec Holdings, Chantelle Oluwabumi Abdul said in spite being a young person, her company controls about 80 percent of metering in the power sector in West Africa.

She said young people should look into creating ideas and as well execute the ideas promptly.

“I believe in the Nigerian dream. I believe in africa. Young people now look at creating real wealth in billions and not millions again,” she added.

The sheer size of this demography which is already about half the size of world population and the democratisation of information using technology is a warning sign to future politicians and the future of politics.

“The Nigerian and African Millennials in this context although largely preoccupied with start-ups, business activities and professional success are also intensely politically and socially active through the social media”, Hajiya Halima Dangote added.

“They are thereby gradually influencing the course and content of politics and the flavour of social and political life, and social activism through the broad reach, power and immediacy of the social media. They will eventually have to enter the political arena as potential political and business leaders formed in the digital age.

“To do this, Nigerian and African Millennials must deliberately ground their transformation efforts for national and continental advancement in a deep understanding, respectful and non-abusive appreciation of their cultural heritage”, she added.

Hajiya Halima Dangote also stressed the growing need for strong institutions to manage these developments and transitions, as Africa develops. To her, the continent must transit from having strong persons to strong institutions, strong institutions with effective executive capacity needed for sustainable development.

nut production, commercialization and utilization in the State.

Represented by the Special Adviser on the Environment, Mr. Babatunde Hunpe, Governor Ambode said his administration places high premium on sustainable food production which is the impetus driving the various activities in the agricultural sector with a renewed commitment to support initiatives geared towards revamping and developing the coconut industry to global standard and recognition.

“Coconut tree has been identified as the most useful single tree in the world in terms of versatility, product utilisation and longevity.

Therefore, taking coconut to another level with this type of programme is long overdue.

“A major step taken towards achieving this goal is the establishment of the Lagos State Coconut Development Authority

(LASCODA) to uphold the State’s comparative advantage in coconut production,” he said.

He said that the Model Coconut Processing Centre in Mowo Badagry has been fully rehabilitated and available for training of prospective coconut processors, as well as provide services to existing processors at affordable cost.

“To expand the scope of coconut processing operations and further collaborate with the private sector, the state government has distributed coconut processing equipment to coconut processors in twelve local governments and local council development areas in the State as part of its empowerment programmes in the coconut value chain,” he said.

Other efforts by the State Government to create an enabling environment for coconut production, commercialization and utilization, according to the Governor

include, the rehabilitation of the coconut belt, massive production of improved coconut seedlings; capacity building/empowerment of coconut value chain actors; production of coconut derivatives on demonstration basis; encouragement of proliferation of coconut cottage industries for value addition and technological advancement in the coconut value chain.

Earlier, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Arts and Culture, Mrs. Aramide Giwanson said that the objective of celebration was to draw global attention and beam searchlight on Badagry division of the State thereby showcasing its rich cultural and traditional values to attract both domestic and international tourists to the division and the State.

Giwanson said the focus of the State Government was to create the needed environment that is private sector driven hence, the

beginning of the collaborative and partnership effort between the Lagos State Government and the private sector, African Coconut Heritage Initiatives towards the promotion and celebration of the coconut festival this year which is a noble cultural asset in Lagos State.

In addition, the Special Adviser said the Festival was part of the promotion of the enormous Tourism potentials of Lagos State to the world, which according to her had started to yield monumental dividends, adding that the hosting of the event would further boost and sustain it.

Highlights of the event include exhibitions, parades, command performances by various cultural groups and cooking competition, while awards were presented to winners as well as presentation of Tourism Governor of Nigeria to Governor Ambode by the organizers.

•Charles Bowman, Lord Mayor of the City of London; Oscar N. Onyema, OON, Chief Executive Officer, The Nigerian Stock Exchange(NSE); David Schwimmer, Chief Executive Officer, London Stock Exchange Group (LSEG) and Abimbola Ogunbanjo, President, National Council, NSE, during a business networking event hosted by the British High Commission in Lagos.

Lagos Govt moves to rev up coconut value chain

By VICTOR NZE

L

AGOS State Government said, Monday, it has begun talks with 10 major bakeries to ensure mass production of coconut bread, “Eko Bread” as a means to provide more market avenue for coconut utilisation.

State Government, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode disclosed this at the 7th Coconut Heritage Festival tagged; ‘AGUNKEFEST’, an event held in collaboration with the African Coconut Heritage Initiatives to commemorate the 2018 World Coconut Day at the Suntan Beach Front, Badagry.

Alluding to the fact that Nigeria is ranked 18 in the world as a coconut producing country with Lagos State contributing 70 per cent of the total production, the Governor said his administration would continue to create the enabling environment for investments in coco-

20

The Oracle Today Wednesday September 12, 2018

ENERGY

PIGB impasse: Over $100b investments at stake

•Offshore production platform

By SOPURUCHI ONWUKA

I

NVESTMENT apathy in the Nigerian petroleum industry might stall envisaged spark of some $100 billion deepwater projects on which plans are being built by industry pundits to sustain optimization of local capacity for field development activities.

Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Dr. Ibe Kachikwu, had declared at an industry event in Abuja that government was expecting commercial investments in excess of $100 billion in the oil and gas sector in the short to medium term. He had pointed at key deepwater field development plans as major sources of huge private capital investments in the industry as government tries to combat activity lull and low investment cycle in a uncertain price environment.

He pointed at the planned development projects not just as sources of increased activity, capacity development, job creation and productivity; he also explained that Nigeria needed additional oil production capacity to bargain for increased output quota from current 1.8 million barrels per day at the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC).

However, realization of the expected investments, industry activity uptick, production capacity boost and enhanced domestic economic values may take a longer outlook following botched legislation on the first leg of the legal frameworks for the long awaited reforms that would enthrone new governance structure for commercial ventures in the sector.

Industry experts who spoke on President Muhammadu Buhari’s decline of assent to the Petroleum Industry Governance Bill (PIGB) lament that the legislative glitch which is coming at unstable political period when election campaign fireworks are already shaking investor confidence in Nigeria might lead to fresh beginning if the ruling All Progressive Congress failed to return to power by 2019.

The Oracle today that that the original Petroleum Industry Bill

(PIB) which was authored by the administration of former President Olusegun Obasanjo in 2005 and introduced as executive bill to the National Assembly by the administration of former President Goodluck Jonathan in 2008 has suffered stalled legislation for 10 years now.

Also, planned field development projects by commercial investors operating various agreements with the Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) and new exploration acreage awards by government regulators in the industry have also suffered long delays as players await fiscal and regulatory changes proposed in the PIB to set new rules and standards that would govern commercial operations in the industry.

Currently at stake are over 10 deepwater field development plans with average project budget of $10 billion each whose sponsors have been unable to reach final investment decisions (FIDs) due to unclear fiscal climate.

Some of the field development programmes include the Eni operated $12 billion Zabazaba/Etan deepwater development project the FID of which has lingered along with the PIB despite work plan approvals by partners, financiers and regulators.

Another is the $10 billion Bonga Southwest/Aparo field development project the FID and work plan of which have been dropped

by Shell multiple times since 2014.

Other major multinational investors including Chevron, ExxonMobil, Eni’s Agip and even some indigenous firms gathered under

the aegis of Oil Producers Trade Section (OPTS) of the Organized Private Sector (OPS) have allowed project plans to drop off the table since 2014 when expected change in government foreshadowed gloom for passage of the PIB. The companies had all planed second leg developments for existing deepwater facilities as both producing countries and companies relied on greater output volumes to generate enhanced market returns in the face of moderate crude oil prices.

While Shell was working on new developments at Bonga, ExxonMobil and Chevron also planned similar recovery projects at producing Erha and Agbami deepwater fields respectively.

Besides, industry players and service providers were also mobilizing resources for possible development of other deepwater fields including Nwa/Doro, Bolia, Ngolo, Chota, Owowo, Etisong, Njaba, Bosi, Uge, and many other deepwater oil and gas discoveries.

Total remains the only multinational member of the OPTS that has faithfully driven multiple offshore development projects since the break out of fiscal disputes between the commercial players and government regulators over policy and fiscal reforms proposed in the PIB. The disputed had led to series of vehement arguments between investors and government of the implications of the proposed changes on sanctity of existing contracts that informed huge investments in risky exploration ventures and still

govern revenue sharing from production operations.

The fiscal and commercial component of the PIB had led the National Assembly to split the nebulous bill into four separate bills to enable smooth passage of less contentious segments. This informed the selection of the PIGB for early treatment given that its focuses on administrative and institutional restructuring of government agencies in the industry.

The PIGB proposes new institutions that will be established and defines their roles in the emerging industry policy and fiscal climate. It is hoped that the PIGB would set the stage for subsequent changes associated with passage of the other three bills.

Whereas the PIGB was passed by both chambers of the National Assembly in March, the Petroleum Industry Administration Bill (PIAB), the Petroleum Host Communities Bill (PHCB), and the Petroleum Industry Fiscal Bill (PIFB) were expected to rapidly follow. However, President Buhari’s disagreement with the National Assembly over allocation of powers to various agencies created in the bill appears to have unlinked the timing belt.

Presidential liaison officer to the National Assembly, Senator Enang Ita, listed the grouse of the president to include powers enabling the proposed Petroleum Regulatory Commission to retain 10 percent of generated revenue. The president wants the commission to take far much less and remit the rest to the national treasury.

Instead, the president seeks more powers for the Petroleum Equalization Fund (PEF) which the inNo action is expected on the bill till dustry players want to be completely reconstitution of the National Assembly dismantled to pave by the second half of 2019 following the way for complete strained relationship and high level politi- deregulation of domestic fuels cal intrigues that currently hamper smooth the market. communication between leadership of the President of the Lagos Petroleum National Assembly and the Presidency Club, Dr. Godswill Ihetu, had declared at a forum in La-

‘

,

gos that the retention of the PEF in PIGB sends negative signals to downstream and midstream investors that the prevailing poor returns on investment might linger as dominance of NNPC in the domestic fuel market would be institutionalized though the subsidy programme.

The president also pointed at syntactic concerns that could spur ambiguity in practical application, saying that conflicts in interpreting some of the drafts might present problems if the bill were assented in its present letters.

The president’s note to the National Assembly over his dissent on the contents of the bill also contains ambiguity over ‘other issues therein contained.’ Already, various sources insist that the president who currently doubles as Minister for Petroleum Resources is not happy that the powers of the minister have been whittled down by the PIGB. More damaging to the purpose of the bill is the seeming insensitivity to the cost of delay on the national economy, commercial business plans and fate of small asset operators that await resolution of the reform issues to pursue asset growth through expected licensing rounds.

The Oracle Today reports that most of the indigenous oil companies operating brownfield assets onshore Niger Delta had awaited open and competitive licensing round opportunities since 2005 before succumbing to pressure to buy off costly assets from Shell, Total, Eni and Chevron. Some of them are also seeking licenses in other emerging plays in Africa.

And just as the industry is about to heave a sigh of relief, the current glitch in pushing the PIGB through legislation appears to have dashed hopes of resolving the lingering legislative impasse on bill.

Evidently, no action is expected on the bill till reconstitution of the National Assembly by the second half of 2019 following the strained relationship and high level political intrigues that currently hamper smooth communication between leadership of the National Assembly and the presidency.

21

The Oracle Today Wednesday September 12, 2018

ENERGY

Total begins subsea hook up on Egina FPSO Stories by SOPURUCHI ONWUKA

N

IGERIA’S deepwater oilfield development champion, Total, has commenced site activities on the floating production, storage and offtake (FPSO) vessel, Egina, in a final phase towards first oil in the last quarter of the year.

The Oracle Today confirmed from company officials Tuesday that the FPSO Egina which is the most critical facility in the $16 billion deepwater field development project arrived the Egina field in Oil Mining Lease (OML) acreage 130 without incident and positioned for hook up to subsea production facilities.

The FPSO Egina had departed the SHI-MCI yard at the deepwater LADOL complex in Lagos, on its way to the Egina oil field where it is to spend planned full production tenure as designed.

Before leaving Lagos, the newbuild FPSO was towed from the SHI shipyard in Geoje, South Korea and arrived in Nigeria in late January for final integration of topsides modules built in Lagos.

The Egina field operated by Total is about 130 kilometers offshore Nigeria in water depths of more than 1,500 meters. Production is expected to start later this year.

The newbuild FPSO Egina is the largest of such production facility ever to be deployed in the Nigerian offshore oil and gas industry

operations terrain. The vessel measures 330 meters or 1,083 feet in length, 61 meters or 200 feet in width, and 34 meters or 112 feet tall. Egina would be the largest FPSO in the Total Group with record storage capacity of 2.3 million barrels of oil and topsides weighing 60,000 tons.

The production vessel also incorporates accommodation for 240 personnel on board. It also hosts standard export facility for stabilized crude oil through export pumps and metering skid passing through two oil offtake lines.

Now positioned for final works, the FPSO will be connected to 44 subsea wells using submarine umblicals, flowlines and risers to deliver significant 200,000 barrels of oil per day when commissioned.

The Egina umblicals, flowlines and risers (UFR) system comprises eight 1.5 kilometer hybrid risers which are to be top tensioned by custom designed huge buoyancy tanks of 6.0 to 7.5 meter diameter with flat bulk head compartments up to 50 meter long.

The Egina field UFR system consists of 78.6 kilometers of umblicals, 20 kilomters of gas export lines, 28 kilometers of production flow lines and 24 kilometers of water injection flowlines.

The offloading terminal bouy is moored 2.0 kilometers from the FPSO and to the seabed 1445 me-

ters of water depth. The bouy has a fluid transfer system powered with electricity from onboard generators supported with solar

power, wind mill and batteries.

The subsea production system (SPS) of Egina comprises six production manifolds connected to

two insulated production loops and three water injection lines.

There is also fibre optic subsea control system and vertical Christmas trees.

Total states in the Egina project profile that deepwater developments are part of its main growth avenues in Nigeria where the group operates the Akpo and Egina field in OML 130.

“Total deploys an assertive policy to build in-country. Amongst other things, the company is helping Nigerian contractors to build deep offshore expertise.

For the Egina deep offshore project, Nigerian Content is expected to reach 75 percent for the field development, the highest for the group in Nigeria.”

By JEROME USHAKANG

curity in the North American country; neither does it plan to conduct an initial offering there.

In the same vein, the statement made it clear that the offered notes are not for sale to the Nigerian public either. A part of the statement to the NSE reads thus: “This announcement is not an offering circular or an invitation to the public to acquire or dispose of any securities of the Company pursuant to the Nigerian Investments and Securities Act, No. 29 of 2007 (the ISA) and the Rules and Regulations of the Nigerian SEC, 2013, as amended (Nigerian SEC Rules).

“In light of the foregoing, there-

fore, the offer is basically not meant for everyone. Instead, only people and institutions that fall into the following categories are qualified to partake: Persons who are located outside the United States of America; persons in member states of the European Economic Area; persons in the United Kingdom who are qualified investors; qualified institution buyers, and such others.”

It would be recalled that Seplat had earlier in March issued 9.25 percent senior notes which were previously listed on the Euro MTF market of the Luxembourg Stock Exchange. They are due in 2023.

ing to bring the project under a single financing arrangement.

The AKK gas pipeline would enable connectivity between the East, West and North that is currently non-existent. It would also enable gas supply and utilization to key commercial centres in the North.

The gas infrastructure is conceived to spur investments in industrial production along the pipeline corridors. The key goal is to enable more investments in gas fired thermal power generation as

part of the moves to enhance electricity supply to homes and enterprises in the economy. Enhanced electricity supply plus reliable and efficient fuel are envisaged by government to drive its national industrial growth agenda.

Financing for the $2.8 billion 40inch x 614km AKK gas pipeline is expected to form the key drive factor in realizing partial implementation of the Nigerian Gas Masterplan which would form the basis for industrialization.

at $78.14 a barrel while U.S. crude was 10 cents higher at $69.90.

The two benchmarks have risen strongly over the last two weeks with Brent gaining more than 10 percent on expectations that global supply will tighten later this year when US sanctions on Iran ie expected start sinking in. U.S. sanctions are already curbing exports from Iran.

An analyst at London brokerage PVM Oil Associates, Stephen Brennock, is quoted in a Reuters’ report as saying that: “Exports from OPEC’s third-biggest producer are falling faster than expected and worse is to come ahead of a looming second wave of U.S. sanctions.”

“Fears of an impending supply crunch are gaining traction,” he added Also, the head of trading for Asia-Pacific at brokerage OANDA, Stephen Innes, said Brent was “supported by the notion that U.S. sanctions on Iranian crude oil

exports will eventually lead to constricted markets”.

Analyst at Emirates NBD bank in Dubai, Edward Bell, agreed: “Iranian production is already showing signs of decline, falling by 150,000 bpd last month ... (as) importers of Iranian barrels will already be moving away from taking shipments.”

But global oil markets are still fairly well supplied.

Production by the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries rose 220,000 barrels per day (bpd) in August to a 2018 high of 32.79 million bpd, a Reuters survey showed.

Output was boosted by a recovery in Libyan production and as Iraq’s southern exports hit a record high.

U.S. drillers added oil rigs for the first time in three weeks, increasing the rig count by 2 to 862. The high rig count has helped lift U.S. crude production by more than 30 percent since mid-2016 to 11 million bpd.

•FPSO Egina

Seplat lists $350m senior notes on global securities

T

HE management of Seplat Petroleum Development Company Plc (SPDC) has listed $350 million senior notes for trading on the International Securities Market of the London Stock Exchange (LSE).

The company announced in a statement sent to the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) that the offered securities are not for sale in the United States of America.

This is because the securities are not registered under the US Securities Act of 1933. As a matter of fact, the company said it does not intend to register any part of the se-

AKK project partners working out unified financing deal

•NNPC plans ground breaking ceremony for October

M

EMBERS of the three consortia of companies involved in the $2.8 billion Ajaokuta-Kaduna-Kano (AKK) pipeline project have agreed to work out a unified financing agreement that would be supported by Chinese credit agencies.

Under the deal which is key part of the major business discussions between the Chinese and local partners, 85% of the project funds would flow from Industrial and Commercial Bank of China (ICBC), Bank of China, and Infrastructure Bank of China. China’s Export Credit Agency (ECA), Sinosure, is to provide project insurance.

The remaining 15% funding gap is to be closed by indigenous companies and their foreign partners involved in the project. The two consortiums participating from Nigerian are the Oilserve/Oando consortium, and Brentex/China Petroleum Pipeline (CPP) Bureau consortium.

Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) which drives the pipeline project under the publicprivate partnership model stated Monday that China National Petroleum Corporation (CNPC) which holds significant business interests in the Nigerian upstream petroleum industry is providing staunch support to the financing agreements.

Group Managing Director, Dr. Maikanti Baru, stated that he has secured unflinching commitment of CNPC towards the AKK pipeline project funding arrangements.

The corporation’s spokesman, Mr. Ndu Ughamadu, stated that officials of NNPC and CNPC respectively met in Beijing during the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) Summit to work out details of the deals with other private partners.

Speaking on behalf of over six CNPC subsidiaries at the meeting, the Assistant President and Board Member of the CNPC, Mr. Wang Shihong, said the AKK Project financing would be the beginning of several collaborations among the partners.

“We are in full support of Nigeria’s quest to deliver the AKK project. We are working relentlessly towards securing funding for the project based on regulations and policies of Chinese financial institutions,” Shihong stated.

Shihong, said the CNPC would fully support its partner in the AKK Project, the CPP Bureau, to ensure project success.

In his speech, Dr. Baru pointed the potentials of the project in strengthening Nigeria-China relations, adding that NNPC was looking beyond the project’s financing deals towards official groundbreaking ceremony in October.

“We want to maximize the construction work before the end of the year. We are hoping for the quick resolution of the financing agreements so that we will kickstart the project in October, when the dry season begins,” Baru added.

Also speaking, Executive Vice

Chairman of Brentex, one of the contractors handling Lot 3 of the project, Mr. Sani Abubakar, said since signing the Engineering, Procurement and Construction (EPC) contract, tremendous progress had been made towards securing financing for the project.

Also speaking, the Chairman of Oilserve, one of the contractors handling Lot 1 of the project, Dr. Emeka Okwuosa, said his consortium has initiated agreements with Brentex/CPP consortium on financ-

U.S. trade onslaught spikes oil prices, threatens demand

T

RADE dispute between world’s biggest economy, the United States of America (US) and key industrialised countries has started sending pointers to demand and price direction in the international market with prices gaining short term strength from sanctions on Iran while long term demand from China and Europe is under threat of slow down.

Whereas the US sanctions on Iran has curbed supplies from the Persian country and spiked price jumps, trade wars between the American economic giant and other industrialized economies send signals of production downtime that might also lead to demand cuts.

Oil prices rose on Monday, supported by concerns that falling Iranian output will tighten markets once U.S. sanctions bite from November, but gains were limited by higher supply from OPEC and the United States.

Brent crude oil was up 50 cents

22

The Oracle Today Wednesday September 12, 2018

e-Platform

NIPOST, NIMC partner to provide verifiable DAS to Nigerians

Stories By KAYODE OGUNWALE

N

IGERIAN Postal Service (NIPOST) is set to launch a Digital Addressing System (DAS) in partnership with the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC), according to Adebisi Adegbuyi, postmaster general/CEO NIPOST. Adegbuyi made this know when he paid a courtesy visit to Engr.

Aliyu Aziz, NIMC DG/CEO, recently adding that the new innovative products will avail digital verifiable addresses to all Nigerians and legal residents, and help organizations ascertain the authenticity of the addresses provided by residents.

According to him, NIPOST had engaged other authorities and Federal government agencies and NIMC cannot be excluded in this partnership.

“The National Identification Number (NIN) issued by NIMC, is going to be vital to this innovation, as it will be tied to the DAS that will be issued by the NIPOST,” he said.

He further stated that, having succeeded in dividing Nigeria into

300 billion 300 by 300m grid with geo-coding, it is possible to have two addresses, hence, the DAS will rely heavily on technology to avoid duplicity.

He added that by the time this innovation is launched, the digital addressing system will be available to all Nigerians across the globe.

Aziz, while responding, emphasized that the NIN is now mandatory for all Nigerians on all identity related transactions, thus this innovative partnership between the two agencies will make digitization the main balance.

Adding to this, he noted that NIPOST has received an overwhelming support from her partners for the address verification and digital addressing system. Therefore, NIMC will partner with NIPOST to discourse the identity and physical address verification opportunity as it will further help to achieve the mandate of the Commission.

He held that henceforth NIMC will adopt the NIPOSTS’ Digital Addressing System (DAS) for all existing NIN and subsequently, for anyone to get NIN, they need to come with the NIPOST Digital Addressing System (DAS) which will

•Olumide Ojo, Director, Information Technology & Mobile (IM); Mr. Jingak Chung, Managing Director; Mr. Awomodu Olugbenga, Marketing Manager, all of Samsung Electronics West Africa and Bankole Wellington, Samsung Ambassador/Host during the launch of Samsung Galaxy Note9 into the Nigerian market at Samsung Experience Store, Ikeja City Mall, Lagos.

be used to have clean address of all citizens.”

A five- man committee was set up at the end of the meeting to ensure that all loose ends are tied for

Community networks key to connecting Africa, says Internet Society

A

S internet access continues to grow in Africa, with over 450 million people connected to the Internet, more than 60 percent of the population still remains offline. Community Networks are a key way to address this connectivity gap, says the Internet Society, a global non-profit dedicated to ensuring the open development, evolution and use of the Internet.

Community Networks are communications infrastructure built, managed and used by local communities. They provide a sustainable solution to address the connectivity gaps that exist in underserved urban, remote, and rural areas around the world. In Africa, where these gaps are more prevalent, a recent survey was able to identify 37 community networks initiatives in 12 African countries, of which 25 are considered active.

The Internet Society in partnership with the Association for Progressive Communications (APC) and Zenzeleni Networks are holding five day third Africa Community Networks Summit in the Eastern Cape, South Africa from 3-7 September, 2018.

The Summit aims to promote the creation and growth of Community Networks, increase collaboration between community network operators in the region, and to provide an opportunity for them to engage with other stakeholders including content producers, regulators and policymakers.

Particpants from 13 countries in Africa (Kenya, Uganda,

South Africa, DRC, Zimbabwe, Zambia, Malawi, Namibia, Cameroon, Tanzania, Sudan, Egypt and Ethiopia) will be attending the summit in addition to attendees representing Community Networks in Spain, Germany, Argentina, India and the United States.

The conference sessions will cover topics ranging from how Community Networks can close the connectivity gap in Africa to strategies to support local access. Discussions will also include how local networks can be used to improve delivery of basic services and inspire creation of locally relevant content and services, as well as how to create policies and regulations that enable Community Networks in Africa.

Access to spectrum is critical for Community Networks. Policy makers and regulators can play a key role in ensuring innovative approaches to making spectrum available by working with Community Networks. An Internet Society report (https:// www.internetsociety.org/policybriefs/spectrum) examines the various ways that Community Networks can gain access to spectrum, including the use of unlicensed spectrum, sharing licensed spectrum, and innovative licensing.

“Enabling communities to actually connect themselves is a new way of thinking,” explains Michuki Mwangi, Senior Development Manager for Africa at the Internet Society. “Policy makers and regulators should recognize that connectivity can be instigated from a village or a town and that they can help

communities to connect themselves by providing an enabling environment with innovative licensing and access to spectrum.”

The Africa Community Networks Summit will conclude with a visit to communities served by Zenzeleni Networks, South Africa’s first telecommunications organization that is owned and run by a rural cooperative. Zenzeleni Networks installs and maintains its own telecommunications infrastructure to deliver affordable voice and data services. All revenues stay in the community and the residents together decide what is done with the proceeds.

The cost to deploy Community Networks can be low. Often, the technology required to build and maintain the network is as simple as a (inexpensive, locally available) wireless router. The networks can range from WiFi-only to mesh networks and mobile networks that provide voice and SMS services. While they usually serve communities under 3,000 people, some serve more than 50,000 users.

“These networks not only provide affordable access in areas where operators don’t find it commercially viable to provide similar services, but, by being built and operated by people from within the community, they bring many other benefits to the areas where they operate. They are key to enabling the unconnected connect themselves in Africa,” explains Carlos-Rey Moreno, Community Access Project Coordinator for APC.

the achievement of the project.

The two agencies had before now signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to collaborate on the enrolment of Nigerians

into the National Identity database (NIDB) by setting up NIMC enrolment Centres in all post offices and postal agencies across the country.

UBA’s Leo launched on WhatsApp

P

AN-AFRICAN Financial Institution, United Bank for Africa (UBA) has announced the commencement of its chat bank ‘Leo’ on the WhatsApp platform.

With Leo on WhatsApp, customers who are users and lovers of the app can now can perform basic banking services including checking their balances on the go, transferring funds, paying bills, among other services.

The Group Managing Director/ Chief Executive Officer, UBA, Mr. Kennedy Uzoka, who expressed excitement about the development remarked that the bank is continuously working in line with customers’ demand to ensure that banking services are made convenient and without stress.

He said, “This only goes to show that our resolve in continuing to deploy innovative solutions that place customers first, using cutting edge technology for their collective satisfaction and excellent banking experience is important to us. This recognition will further spur us to do more in meeting the needs of our customers with unrivalled services.”

“Our recent launch of Leo in 13 other African countries is evidence that UBA has on its agenda, the objective of digital creativity especially in service for our trusted customer base across the African continent.”

Also speaking on the new service, the Group Head of UBA’s Online Banking, Mr Austine Abolusoro, stated “United Bank for Africa is a technology-driven institution with vast knowledge in the business that we do and Leo, being a tested dependable and intelligent personality, will replicate on WhatsApp, the success it has experienced on the Facebook Messenger platform.

It is a solution that is from the

customer’s standpoint, easy to use by anyone regardless of your demography.” “Leo is ready and waiting to help with any form of banking services,” continued Abolusoro.

WhatsApp has been in existence for over 9 years, reaching more than 1.5 billion people in over 180 countries. The premium private chat platform has assured that there will be no spam messages as the development is to enable businesses serve their customers with useful and helpful information.

LEO is already present in over 14 African subsidiaries, including Nigeria, available in three languages, and has now been rolled out to customers on WhatsApp. To use this service on WhatsApp, customers must add the LEO Whatsapp number: +234 903 000 2455 to their phone contacts, then search for UBA ChatBanking on WhatsApp to start enjoying the added convenience and ease of transacting with Leo on WhatsApp.

•Kennedy Uzoka, GMD, UBA

23

The Oracle Today Wednesday September 12, 2018

e-Platform

Huawei announces world’s first 7nm chipset A

S per tradition, Huawei just announced its high-performance flagship SoC at this year’s IFA in Berlin - the HiSilicon Kirin 980 that’s expected to power up the upcoming Mate 20-series.

The key selling point of is that it’s world’s first 7nm-based chip (manufactured by TSMC) promising plenty of power and efficiency gains over its predecessor and over the 10nm chipsets by the competition.

The Kirin 980 uses an 8-core CPU design with 2x high-performance Cortex-A76 cores and 2x “powerefficient” Cortex-A76 cores. We assume those two power-efficient Cortex-A76 cores are clocked lower than the high-performance ones and make use of ARM’s DynamIQ architecture since they form a single cluster. The other set consists of 4x low-power Cortex-A55 cores.

Moreover, Huawei has developed a “Flex-Scheduling” technology to assign the right cores to the right

tasks and achieve better efficiency.

Clock speeds are not disclosed, but Huawei says they are higher than the previous generation.

As far as graphics acceleration is concerned, the SoC uses a Mali-G76 GPU which was announced back in May 2018 offering tremendous performance and efficiency gains compared to its predecessor MaliG72 in the Kirin 970. According to the press release, the GPU outperforms the previous generation by 46% and saves 178% more power.

It can also take advantage of the new clock-boosting technology that recognizes when a demanding game is running and provides optimal gaming performance.

All of the above ensures 37% better performance than its Kirin 970 predecessor found in the P20 and P20 Pro. Still, some of you may wonder how it performs against Qualcomm’s top-shelf SoC, the Snapdragon 845? Well, Huawei points

out that the Kirin 980 outperforms the 10nm chips by 20% and it’s 40% more efficient at the same time without mentioning the Snapdragon 845 name in particular.

But the 7nm manufacturing process isn’t its only claim to fame. The chipset is also the first to support 2133MHz LPDDR4X memory and incorporates a dedicated dual NPU chip. Huawei calls the latter “Dual-Brain Power” and can help recognize up to 4,500 images per minute, which is around 120% faster than last year’s single NPU chip on

the Kirin 970 SoC. Other notable features include 6.9 billion transistors crammed inside a 1cm² die (1.6 times more than its predecessor), 1.4Gbps Cat 21 LTE modem and blazing fast WiFi speeds of up to 1,732Mbps peak download/upload speeds.

The Huawei P20 Pro surprised us all with great camera performance mainly thanks to the efficient ISP inside. This year’s ISP is further improved and represents the fourth generation of Huawei’s proprietary ISP. It delivers a 46% increase in

data throughput and better multicamera support overall. Other nifty features like new HDR color reproduction technology, Multipass noise reduction that removes artifacts without tampering with the image details and better motion tracking.

We still need to run the usual benchmark and battery tests on a working device to see how the Kirin 980 performs in the real world.

Unfortunately, that won’t happen until Huawei releases its Mate 20 and 20 Pro handsets in October.

... Sells more smartphones than Apple in Q2 2018

T

WO bodies, the IDC and Gartner have reported that Huawei surpassed Apple to become the second largest smartphone maker by shipments.

Gartner in a statement, Monday, backed its claims by measuring the sales.

Huawei saw its smartphone sales grow by 38.6 per cent in Q2 this year. The main driving force behind the growth was the Honor sub-brand, which is available in 70 markets.

Apple’s sales barely changed compared to last year – the difference is less than 1 per cent.

Interest in the iPhone X faded quicker than in Apple’s earlier top models. The iPhone 8

duo was seen as an incremental upgrade, which slowed the growth even further.

Meanwhile Samsung’s smartphone sales dropped 12.6 per cent, but the company is still in the leading position by quite a margin. Demand for Galaxy flagships fell, which hurt Samsung’s profitability. The Galaxy Note9 is expected to revitalize the growth.

Xiaomi leapfrogged Oppo as its sales grew by 55 per cent.

Gartner attributes this to Xiaomi combined online and retail strategy. As for operating systems, there’s not much to say.

The market share of iOS mirrors Apple’s sales, everything else is Android.

Apple to unveil three 2018 iPhones

A

PPLE will unveil its new iPhone lineup on September 12 at the Steve Jobs Theater in Cupertino, one year to the date from its last iPhone event.

The star of the show will be the new iPhone and more specifically the new iPhones. There will be three iPhone models - an updated 5.8-inch iPhone, a new cheaper 6.1-inch LCD iPhone and a 6.5-inch flagship within the dimensions of the current iPhone 8 Plus.

The event could show new iPad Pro’s. Rumor has it both the iPad Pro 10.5 and Pro 12.9 will get thinner bezels, Face ID and more streamlines bodies.

Finally the fourth generation Apple Watch will likely be the One More Thing at the event. It’s expected to be bigger and could make the move to a solid state, vi-

bration-backed button. And if we let our imagination play around a bit we could take the circle at the center of Apple’s media invite to mean the next Apple Watch will make the move to a circular design.

It is also less likely but not impossible that Apple will refresh the Macbook Air with a long overdue Retina display.

• Kirin 980

Google Assistant now bilingual

G

OOGLE’S Assistant has become the first service of its kind to gain bilingual abilities. At the moment, you can talk to it in any combination of English, German, French, Spanish, Italian, and Japanese, while more languages are going to be supported for this new feature “in the coming months”.

The company’s demos show full sentences spoken in each language, to which the Assistant responds appropriately. So it seems like you can’t mix and match languages within the same request you make to it,

but this is still quite the technical accomplishment, part of Google’s multi-year effort to make conversations with the Assistant more natural.

For those of you who constantly use two languages, there’s no need to go into the Assistant’s settings and switch between them. The feature works on smart speakers and phones.

In other Google Assistant news, the Google Home Max speaker is available today in Germany, the UK, and France. The Assistant is also built into new

voice-activated speakers, like the Bang & Olufsen Beosound 1 and Beosound 2, Blaupunkt PVA 100, Harman Kardon HK Citation series, Kygo Speaker B9-800, Polaroid Sam and Buddy, and Marshall Acton II and Stanmore II. Furthermore, you can find it in the upcoming JBL Link View and LG XBOOM AI ThinQ WK9 smart displays, following Lenovo’s device which is already out. Finally, new Assistant-enabled headphones are on the way: JBL Everest GA, LG Tone Platinum, and Earin M-2.

unveiled alongside the Pixel 3 and Pixel 3 XL smartphones at Google’s upcoming event in early October.

However, the search giant says it wants to focus on its partners in the wearable space, and on improving Wear OS. It offers input to companies making watches using its platform,

the latest of which was regarding the fact that people want NFC and a heart rate monitor to be in their wearable. And that’s why newly announced devices like the Skagen Falster 2 (pictured below) incorporate those technologies, even though previous generations didn’t.

The company doesn’t yet want to develop its own hardware because there isn’t one perfect watch for every person. This point is very much highlighted by the diversity in the Wear OS ecosystem, with some wearables aimed at fitness enthusiasts, others at outdoorsy folks, whereas others are all about design.

While Google hasn’t yet come up with a smartwatch that would be a must-have for everyone, if the company were ever to start such a project, it would focus heav-

ily on the Google Assistant, “to integrate AI and machine learning into the device, which is Google’s forte”, Barr said.

The recently unveiled Wear OS redesign will be followed early next year by a new update that will be all about improving battery life. To achieve this Google will use strategies similar to those it’s already employed in Android.

The Doze mode will power things down when you’re interacting with the watch less. Machine learning will be used to optimize when the device runs different processes, in order to minimize power usage.

The new release in 2019 won’t be called Wear OS 3.0, because Google wants to move away from version numbers apparently. They “led us into a trap where we can only update once a year. Wear OS experience is evolving, and this is the start of that evolution.

No Pixel Watch coming in 2018

I

N spite of past rumors claiming the contrary, Google will not be launching a Pixel Watch this year.

The company has confirmed this through Miles Barr, its director of engineering for Wear OS, speaking to Tom’s Guide in an interview today.

The Pixel Watch was said to be

HMD obtains PureView trademark

H

MD Global is the current owner of the Nokia smartphone brand and as such knows how to pull fans’ strings with plenty of nostalgia-induced products. First, it was the Nokia 3310 (2017), followed by the Nokia 8 Sirocco and the banana-shaped Nokia 8110 4G. According to a listing on the European Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO), HMD Global now owns

the rights to use PureView, meaning we might see the beloved Nokia 808 PureView reborn or a phone with the same tech like the Lumia 1020 with a 41 MP camera.

Is the PureView family getting another member?

This is not the first Nokia-related moniker that HMD patents at EUIPO. There is also the Xpress-On and the Asha entries, but we are yet to

see any sound-centric smartphone or a feature phone with the respective brandings.

If the company plans to launch a PureView smartphone, it might come in a circular setup, as some early schematics suggested back in the beginning of 2018. According to some Chinese sources, it might have up to five lenses in a rotary setup, developed by ZEISS.

24

The Oracle Today Wednesday September 12, 2018

ISSN: 2545-5869

EDITORIAL

VOX POPULI SACRUM

www.oraclenews.ng

Restructuring finally dead Cont’d front page 1

that Nigeria was not working.

BLAMES, shared across the polity, names mentioned to emphasise their roles in the enknow, except the stridence with which they inthralling mess, and the constant injection of sist that Nigerians cannot discuss how they the agitations of the Indigenous Peoples of live with each other.

Biafra (IPOB) as the best reason for asserting NOT done with reducing the debates to “no that the time for restructuring is not now, issues”, they have successfully wielded have failed to addresse the larger question of “restructuring” and “secession” into one how to rule a country with an over-burdened meaning. Their intention is clear: those centre, which decides issues, some of which asking for restructuring are asking for the States, or even Local Governments, should break up of the country. They are against handle. “national security”, and “national interNO progress has been made on restructuring ests”. When they are apprehended, they since the breakdown on talks about mending would be dealt with outside the Rule of a collapsing country in Aburi, Ghana, 51 years Law. ago, cascaded into the Civil War. RestructurTHEY have succeeded in distracting Nigerians ing after Aburi fell has seen centralisation of into accepting restructuring would break decisions to decapitate the abilities of parts up Nigeria. If anything, restructuring can of the country to develop, independent of be the best guarantee of the future of the the centre. country. What a wonderful country we IN 51 years, all parts of the country have dependhave! ed on the centre for decisions on parts the THE President has decreed that there would be centre barely knows. Provisions in the Constino restructuring by any means, other than tution about the unity of Nigeria being a matthe National Assembly. The same National ter beyond negotiation left Nigerians shackAssembly has on several occasions affirmed led in a union that made no provisions on how that “Nigeria would not break up under its its peoples would live for their benefit. watch”, a song that the 36 State Houses UNITY is the ultimate aim of the union. Once of Assembly adopted when their Speakers hemmed in, falling parts refused any indicamet in Owerri in 2017. It was a continuation tions of their decay. The “prosperous entiof meetings that have held in Uyo, Yola, as if ties” gloat over their ingenuity. Others use a nationwide tour was required to conclude the Constitution to threaten any suggestions that things could be done better. Nigeria’s progress is then measured in multifarious standards of duplicity tied to unity.

WE think of unity differently. If we are to consider unity a national value, it must have benefits that can improve the lives of our people. How does the unity of Nigeria benefit Nigerians, except the tiny few, whose have legislated a different Nigeria for themselves at the expense of the people? Are resources wasted in running an unwieldy Federation - which through the Constitution ensures States replicate - unavoidable?

ARE there resources to run Nigerians humongous bureaucratic wastes, when oil revenue stops?

When would we think of Nigeria beyond the immediate gains of occupying office? When would the blackmails about restructuring stop?

CONCENTRATION of powers at the centre has created a cessation of thinking in the States. Competitions for economic and social developments that the various regions had because they harnessed their resources, invested them for their good, and paid taxes to the centre, from which they also benefitted, have been wiped out. In their place are guile, greed, and outright disruptions of Nigeria.

RESTRUCTURING is not an option or alternative to whatever Nigerian leadership is doing now.

It is imperative – and the most developed countries still opt to do things better. The befuddlements that have been heaped on it are unnecessary interruptions to injecting life to an ailing patient called Nigeria.

HOW restructuring will work is what Nigerians should be discussing now. The patient, Nigeria, is in the intensive care unit, and treatments for what ails it, must be dressed with emergency attitudes that reflect the seriousness.

THE “non-negotiable Nigeria” is a military imposition that stripped us of our freedoms, our rights to be open with our fears and doubts about the country, and offering these concerns on national platforms that would have attended to them. Nigeria is run as pretence, it is no longer sustainable.

WHEN Nigeria restructures, Nigerians would have freedoms to think, to talk, to engage in alliances and associations that would create wealth across various platforms of our existence, engender trust, generate relationships that celebrate competences of our various parts, and rejuvenate a competiveness that would see individuals, organisations and governments engaging each other in worthy pursuits away from the constricting structures of Abuja deciding everything.

ELECTIONS, in which we invest abundantly, are not the solutions to the ailments that the centralisation of authority in Abuja has imposed on Nigeria. Without restructuring, Nigeria is guaranteed a slow painful death. Yet it is avoidable, if politicians place their interests behind the interests of Nigerians.

Our Vision TO BE among the top five newspapers in Nigeria and, in due course, the Numero Uno; to be a newspaper of records that effectively caters to the information needs of all segments and sections of the Nigerian society as well as all social classes and cultures. Essentially, we want to be a responsible corporate citizen, a commercially viable, properly organised media business, which meets its obligations to society, government and the workforce.

Mission WE INTEND to contribute to the development of an inclusive Nigerian society, with a view to getting rid of the dark sides of our national life (slothfulness, greed, corruption, nepotism, totalitarianism, etc); to continually engender and sustain national debates that would ultimately lead to the enthronement of healthy national values-hard-work, justice, equity and fairplay, transparency, good governance, resulting, in themselves, the egalitarian Nigerian society of our dream. We will give voice to the voiceless and at all times, strive to be balanced, objective, honest, truthful and fair to all sides; so that through The Oracle Today, our people, the Nigerian people can see a bright light at the end of what has been a very dark tunnel. And we shall do all this in absolute trust in God who blesses good intentions.

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The Oracle Today Wednesday September 12, 2018

OPINION

CVR/PVCs: INEC messed up ‘bigly’

By EHICHIOYA EZOMON

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y stopping, at the weekend, the continuous voter registration (CVR), which qualifies a registrant for a Temporary Voter Card (TVC), and a Permanent Voter Card (PVC), the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has wittingly disenfranchised particularly millions of young people of voting age, from performing their civic duty at the next elections. This is despite queuing, under inclement weather, for hours, days and weeks.

Although it was the culmination of a twoweek extension of the previous deadline of August 17, the adjournment shows that those not registered, but were willing, may outnumber the barely 10 million additional registrants that INEC brags about.

One needed to be at the far-flung INEC offices in the local government headquarters, to witness what Nigerians were subjected to by the commission, which reportedly extended the closing of registration period from 60 to 180 days before a general election.

If those for new registration were denied, millions of other Nigerians, who had registered and wanted to collect their PVCs, transfer voting points, or had illegible names or blurred images on the PVCs, did not fare better.

Typically, Nigerians would “wait for the last minute” to carry out assignments, duties or obligations. But in the matter of the CVR and collection of PVCs, they were determined, and desperate, but INEC disappointed them “bigly” (big league). Of little help were the extra “mobile” registration

By Ejeviome Eloho Otobo and Oseloka H. Obaze

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PEAKING at the 58th Annual NBA Conference in Abuja recently, President Muhammadu Buhari proclaimed that “the rule of law must be subject to the supremacy of the nation’s security and national interest”. Grasping the significance of this statement requires recalling a bit of history. When in 1949 George Orwell wrote Nineteen Eighty-Four, his seminal dystopian book, he could have hardly imagined that script being played out fully anywhere. But in a classic case of life imitating art, Nineteen Eighty-Four transpired in Nigeria in 1984, albeit under a military leader, whose regime lasted till 1985.

Thirty years later, during his fourth attempt at the running for the presidency, candidate Buhari made a declaration of conversion in his famous address at Chatham House in London on 26 February 2015. He said, “I cannot change the past. But I can change the present and the future. So before you is a former military ruler and a converted democrat, who is ready to operate under democratic norms and is subjecting himself to the rigors of democratic elections for the fourth time.”

Ever since the Buhari administration was inaugurated after the 2015 presidential elections, Nigerians have gauged the performance of the current administration not only in terms of three public policy priorities – fighting corruption, tackling security and reviving the economy -- that Buhari campaigned on, but also watched his every move on rule of law.

Global norms relating to rule of law are quite unambiguous. In any true democracy, certain creeds and tenets stand inviolable. Of the lot, the separation of pow-

points because, as the officials moved to a new location, thousands of yet-to-be-registered voters migrated with them.

Sometimes, INEC officials wouldn’t show up at the designated CVR stands, or they report late and close early. These hiccups were multiplied in the “two-week grace” offered to new registrants and others having issues with their PVCs. Below is a firsthand account of the lead up to the termination of the CVR, and collection of PCVs. I was embedded, for four days, at the INEC office in the Alimosho Local Government Area, Lagos State.

In three of the four days, from Tuesday, August 28 to Thursday, August 30, I arrived at the office between 6 a.m. and 7 a.m. And on each occasion, I was late to collect a “number” to entitle me to be attended to.

I always met, and left hundreds of eligible voters in and outside the INEC premises.

When I complained to one of the INEC officials about my inability to obtain a “number” to queue, he advised I should be at the second gate of the council headquarters between 2 a.m. and 4 a.m. That I did on Friday, August 31, and I was number 368 on the list, which was over 1,000 as at 7 a.m.

While waiting for the INEC officials to commence work, the heavens gave way, and the huge crowd scampered for any shelter in the generator/transport shed, makeshift cyber cafés, uncompleted buildings and broken-down vehicles.

When the rain subsided, one of the officials moved to a higher ground to address the surging and cankerous crowd. According to him, those who came for other matters, such as collection of PVCs, transfer of

voting points, rectification of problematic PVCs, and replacement of lost PVCs, should go away, and report back as from Monday, this week.

Facing the hundreds for the last CVR for 2018, the INEC official threw bombshells.

Reading from several lists compiled between 7 p.m. the previous day, and over the night, the official said: “From 600 and above, go home,” and he squeezed a list. “From 500 to 600, go away,” and he squeezed another list. “From 190 to 300, go face your daily chores,” and he squashed a list. “From 300 to 500, good bye,” and he crumpled a list. “If you are from one to 190, you wait.”

There’s a babel of protestations: From people who slept overnight; those who arrived at midnight and others that hurried in at the break of light to obtain “numbers” for the PVC services.

Following repeated, “please, go back, move back so that we can begin,” and yet, those that “should go away till next week or next year” remained adamant, the official handed the lists to a colleague, to call out the numbers.

More minutes wasted, and the official cleared his throat and said: “Number one, come here,” and a woman stepped out and moved towards the INEC gate. With continued pleas for space, the official called numbers two to 10, to step forward.

Then a mild drama. A burly guy wanted a woman behind him to leave the line, as he claimed she wasn’t among numbers one to 10. When the woman maintained her stand, the young man, addressed as “Biggy”, pushed her forehead for saying, “I will lock

you up.”

After heated exchanges, normalcy was restored and “Biggy” addressed the woman as, “she’s my sister,” and some in the crowd said the woman was “hiding her smiles at you (‘Biggy’). Still, when numbers 11 to 20 were called, the woman moved up as number 13, but not for long, as one of her finger nails was not marked with red ink, unlike other applicants from one to 190.

From here, I called it a day, carrying the burden of thousands of “disqualified” prospective voters at the Alimosho INEC office, and millions of Nigerians, some of who alleged sharp practices by the officials, to facilitate express data capturing. The officials denied the accusations.

But I dare say that on Tuesday, August 28, a “facilitator” at the council headquarters, told me he could direct me to “somebody, who will collect ‘something’ to help you get registered.” That “something,” freely discussed by the registrants, graduated from “N200 to N2.500” by Friday.

When I told the “facilitator” I wasn’t ready to bribe to register for PVC, he said: “Okay, you can go to the court, to swear to affidavit that you misplaced your PVC. Please, go (away). I want to attend to my customers,” as he called to his partner to take a woman an instant photograph, and went to another woman, saying, “Let me collect money for my job o jare.” And he gave me a cynical grin!

• Mr. Ezomon, Journalist and Media Consultant, writes from Lagos, Nigeria.

Rule of Law in Nigeria ers and respect of ordered liberties top the list. As experts have observed, these narratives are “foundational and settled concepts” of any worthwhile democracy.

Section 1(1) of the 1999 Constitution clearly states inter alia, that “all people and institutions are subject to and accountable to the law.” No exceptions. Security and national interest ought not to precede legalities that derive from the Constitution.

It is a false choice to pit national security or national interest against the rule of law. Citizens in a democracy are entitled to both.

At a time when the nation should be embarking on modernisation of its economy and strengthening the foundations of its democracy, we are witnessing a severe reverse, especially in regard to the latter.

The signs have come in increments but the direction seems clear enough. Nigerians can still recall the invasion of the residences of some serving judicial officers by security agents; the invasion of a High Court premises in Rivers State in May 2018; the non-compliance by government agents with court orders of habeas corpus and indeed, the growing contempt of court orders by the Attorney General of the Federation and other appointive and elected officials. Former NSA Sambo Dasuki and Islamic Cleric El Zakzaky have been in detention for over three years and well beyond what the Constitution permits.

Not long ago, there was illegal siege laid over the National Assembly Complex by armed and hooded security agents on 7th August 2018 - an action that was quickly reversed - and the freezing of Ekiti State,

Benue State and Akwa Ibom State bank accounts. All these have and are happening in a democratic Nigeria.

Yet, hat separates a well-functioning democracy from non-democracies or illiberal democracies is the rule of law. In its broadest and best construction, the rule of law means that all persons are equal before the law, constitutional norms are supreme and must be strictly adhered to, and when there is doubt about the application of the law; the courts are the only arm of government that is empowered to interpret and clarify the situation.

Nigeria is not alone in manifesting certain governance limitations in a democratic dispensation. Its current governance leaning mimics discomforting trends elsewhere, “the discomforting truth is that some amount of ethnic nationalism is not just tolerated, but accepted as completely legitimate.” This erodes the very foundation of Nigeria’s nationhood, more so its quest for true federalism. This reality continues to fuel calls for restructuring.

Issues such as these cannot be quelled or overcome by ignoring the rule of law or subjugating it to the whims of elected and appointed officials.

Nigeria, having survived thus far as a political entity, even overcoming a civil war, represents a triumph of faith over resilience and experience. Faith in Nigeria cannot depend on good will or benevolence of leaders. Hope and faith in a nation are cultivated and nurtured and not forced.

That requires fair, even and consistent application of rule of law. This critically depends on ensuring that institutions that are designed to act as guardians of rule of

law function as intended. This is the premise for the observation that great nations rely not on the will of great men or women but on the reliability and effectiveness of national institutions.

Otobo is a non-resident Senior Expert at the Global Governance Institute, Brussels Obaze is a public policy expert and MD/ CEO Selonnes Consult, Ltd. Awka

THE GROUP Managing Director/Editor-in-Chief Ikeddy Isiguzo Editor Felix Oguejiofor Abugu Deputy Editor/Head, Lagos Bureau Sopuruchi Onwuka Abuja Bureau Chief Tony Ailemen Head, Graphics & Designs Nnamdi Alex Chukwu Business Manager Esther Balogun Circulation Manager Felix Oti

The Oracle Today Wednesday September 12, 2018

Travel & Hospitality

26

Display your certificates – NCAA directs travel agencies Stories by VICTOR NZE

N

IGERIAN Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has advised all intending travellers to stop patronising unregistered travel agencies.

This is also as the NCAA has now directed all duly registered travel agencies to display their certificates of registration or licences in all their outlets.

A statement signed by the General Manager Public Relations of NCAA, Sam Adurogboye stated that this is due to the recent increase in reports of fraudulent ticketing practices by unregistered travel agencies.

“The Nigeria Civil Aviation Regulations (Nig.CARs) 2015, Part 18.9.1 (111), prohibits the undertaking of the business of travel agency by any person in Nigeria, without a Certificate of Registration or Licence issued by the Authority, upon fulfilment of certain requirements, including, that an applicant submits evidence of membership of National Association of Nigeria

Travel Agents (NANTA).

“In addition, Section 30 (4) of the Civil Aviation Act 2006, empowers the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority to regulate, supervise and monitor the activities of travel agents in Nigeria, Adurogboye said.

He further explained further that “consequent upon these reports of sharp practices by unregistered travel agencies, the Authority has therefore directed all duly registered travel agencies to display their certificates of registration or licences in all their outlets.

“There are 150 travel agencies on the register of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA). However, there are guidelines for registration with the Authority. The applicant must fulfil both the International Air Transport Association (IATA) and NCAA requirements to be registered,” Adurogboye added.

NCAA has reiterated that prospective passengers should do business only with travel agencies registered with the Regulatory Authority.

•From right: Babatunde Ajibola representing the permanent Secretary of the ministry of culture, Otunba Segun Runsewe, Director General NCAC and President of World Craft Council, African Region, Dame Dr Mrs Ipalibo Harry Banigo, deputy governor, River State and Mrs Tonye Briggs Oniyide, commissioner for culture and tourism River State in a group photo graph during the National Technical meeting of NAFEST 2018 slated to hold in River State in October.

Rivers Govt pledges to make 2018 NAFEST world class

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HE Rivers State Government has pledged to make this year’s National Festival of Arts and Culture (NAFEST) a worldclass event.

While declaring open the National Technical Committee meeting for the event, State Governor, Nyesom Wike, who was represented by the Deputy Governor, Mrs. Ipalibo Harry Banigo, promised to ‘do everything humanly possible to make this year’s event an unforgettable experience in terms of packaging to meet international standards.’

Stop avoiding immigration clearance at airports – NIS warns inbound passengers

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igeria Immigration Service (NIS) has decried alleged evasion of normal immigration clearance procedures by some inbound international passengers.

Acting Public Relations Officer of the agency, Mr Amos Okpu, said this in a statement on behalf of the Comptroller General of Immigration, Mr Muhammad Babandede, in Abuja, Friday.

Okpu who stated that the breaches occurred mostly at the country’s international airports, cautioned that avoiding immigration clearance is against airport/border security and decency.

He said the act was also a “flagrant violation of the provisions of Section 15 (1-3) of the Immigration Act, 2015”. “The section, among other things, requires all passengers arriving or departing the country to “report” to an immigration officer for examination.

In view of the above, all passengers including citizens of Nigeria departing or arriving by land, sea or air are required to comply with the following: “Pass through a recognised point of entry/exit and subject themselves to immigration officers for clearance. Travel with valid passport or ECOWAS Travel Certificate if they are citizens of ECOWAS (Economic Community of West African States). “Except for ECOWAS citizens, be in possession of a valid visa for entering Nigeria or visa for the country of destination,” the statement read.

Hosting a delegation from the National Council for Arts and Culture, Mrs. Ipalibo stated that an event as important as NAFAST goes beyond celebration. “Culture is a veritable tool upon which the strength of any given community can be sold to the international community and, as such we are going to make this year’s NAFEST a festival with a positive difference,” said Wike.

The deputy governor further welcomed all the visitors and charged them to feel free and enjoy the goodies provided by the state government.

According to Banigo, one of the best places for night life, natural cuisine and peaceful atmosphere any time of the year is Rivers state.

“Rivers state has a very secure and safe atmosphere for all to work and relax without intimidation or harassment of any kind as against the negative impression the state has been subjected to by some fifth columnists”.

Banigo thanked the National Council for Arts and Culture (NCAC)

for choosing the state above all other states that bided for the hosting, promising that Rivers state government will not to take the gesture for granted.

On his part, Director-General of NCAC, Otunba Segun Runsewe, thanked Governor Wike and the good people of Rivers state for accepting to host this year’s NAFEST slated to hold from October 21 to 27.

Runswew reiterated in his speech that one of the best ways for peaceful co-existence and unity in any given society is through their culture. “There cannot be a better time and way to celebrate ourselves in a positive light than this type of event.” Runsewe noted that as the custodian of culture in Nigeria, choosing Rivers state for such an important national event can only be seen as apt and timely, just as he assured guests in advance that this year’s festival is going to witness free eye test sessions, Waste-to-Wealth creation and free skills acquisition work-

aha Kopanong Hotel & Conference Centre completes $111,000 turnaround The Johannesburg, South Africabased, aha Hotels & Lodges has announced the completion of aha Kopanong Hotel & Conference Centres extensive $111,000 conference venues refurbishment.

This unique “Place of Meeting” boasts of 19 exclusively designed conference venues.

Recognised as one of the leading conference and event venues in Gauteng, aha Kopanong Hotel & Conference Centre offers the ultimate in conference venue experience. Located only 12.5 km from OR Tambo International Airport, Kopanong Hotel is situated on a tranquil Country Estate, isolated and far removed from the hustle and bustle of the city life, yet conveniently situated only 30 km from the Johannesburg and Pretoria City centres.

The upgrade included a complete internal and external overhaul of the hotel’s conference

centres. Modernised designs incorporated through new wall décor, lighting, carpeting and the addition of bespoke furniture to its Business Centre and Conference lobby area. Touch-ups and recolouring were incorporated in the reception area, all public areas, guest restrooms and corridors. aha Hotels & Lodges CEO, Neil Bald says, “We have realised flexible places for informal meetings are a priority as well, which has resulted in the creation of more breakaway spaces outside the meeting rooms where delegates can continue their discussion.

In addition to this we have enhanced the wireless connectivity with ample bandwidth in all areas, affording delegates and guests seamless and uninterrupted connectivity.” The new lobby space can be utilised for intimate cocktail receptions and informal business meetings.

Sheraton Abuja presents Barbeque Night special Exports generated by tourism hit $1.6trn – UNWTO

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HE BBQ night themed event on Saturdays at the Sheraton Abuja has become more elevated with some more exciting offers, the hotel announced, Monday.

According to General Manager of the Hotel, Mr. Nouman Irshad, aside dedicating a team for the preparation of the delicacies, the hotel has also slashed its prices to as low as N1, 900, in addition to complimentary drinks.

“We encourage all our esteemed patrons to come over and experience a relaxing evening at our poolside, savor the tastiest BBQ favorites and enjoy great music while chatting with friends or connecting with family. “Our Executive Chef Nicholas and his dedicated team have a delectable variety of BBQ delights on offer such as; juicy steak, lamb chops, grilled fish, kebabs and Suya. Our skilled chefs will be on hand to prepare and serve you straight from the griddle to your plate.

“This menu is available every Saturday from 3pm – 9pm with dishes priced from as low as N1,900 and each complimented with an open salad bar for all diners.

“Other special offers for BBQ night on Saturdays will also include; A complimentary glass of Heineken draught beer for every tilapia fish order on the BBQ menu till the end of October 2018; First 3 diners to place an order, get a free ticket to an instructor led take home art painting every first Saturday of the month until the end of December 2018, with Art plash Studio, along with three tickets every first Saturday, once a month,” said Irshad. To add more excitement there are varieties of Shisha Flavors fun board games and great music to spice up your long and lazy Saturday evening.

The open-air Barbecue night entertainment at the Sheraton Abuja Hotel provides the perfect ambience for an inspiring get together with family and friends on Saturday evenings.

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NTERNATIONAL tourist arrivals grew 7 per cent in 2017, the highest increase since 2010, according to the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO)’s latest collection of Tourism Highlights.

This is just as growth in arrivals was echoed by a strong increase in exports generated by tourism, which reached US$ 1.6 trillion in 2017, making tourism the world’s third-largest export sector.

‘UNWTO Tourism Highlights 2018 Edition’ shows that international tourist arrivals reached a total of 1,323 million in 2017, some 84 million more than the previous year and a new record.

The sector has now seen uninterrupted growth in arrivals for eight straight years. 2017’s growth was the highest since 2010, led by the regions of Europe and Africa, which received increases in arrivals of 8% and 9%, respectively.

International tourism receipts increased by 5% in 2017. In addition to the US$ 1.3 trillion in receipts

that destinations earned, international tourism generated another US$ 240 billion from international passenger transport taken by nonresidents. This raised total tourism exports to US$ 1.6 trillion, or US$ 4 billion a day,which corresponds to 7% of the world’s exports.

These strong 2017 results were driven by sustained travel demand for destinations across all world regions, including a firm recovery by those that have suffered from security challenges in recent years. Strong outbound demand from virtually all source markets, including rebounds from major emerging economies Brazil and the Russian Federation, benefited both advanced and emerging destinations.

The new report also illustrates that China continues to lead global outbound travel, having spent US$ 258 billion on international tourism in 2017. This is almost one-fifth of the world’s total tourism spending in 2017, which stood at US$ 1.3

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The Oracle Today Wednesday September 12, 2018

AVIATION

TSC: NCAA rakes in $42.28m in 8 months • As Ethiopian, Emirates, Air Peace, Dana top traffic

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OLLOWING the automation of its revenue generation system, the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has disclosed that it generated over US$42.28 million from its Ticket Sales Charge (TSC) between the months of January to August.

The figure, according to NCAA, represents over $16.98 million from international airlines and another N9.16 billion plus from the domestic operators.

The agency also expressed the optimism that the receipts from TSC will more than double before the end of the year as passenger traffic increases.

Monies generated from TSC are shared among four agencies in the Ministry of Aviation excluding the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) that computes its own Passenger Service Charge (PSC) on all categories of passengers flying through the airport.

Director General, NCAA Captain Muktar Usman , who disclosed this while speaking with newsmen in Lagos stated that air travel demand as projected by the International Air Transport Association (IATA) will continue to grow with more connectivity, adding that the second position of Africa in the region in the July 2018 passenger traffic of 6.8 per cent increase can be surpassed with direct link in the continent.

“There has always been that projection that aviation in Africa is growing and the rate of growth is one of the highest in the world.

We lack that internal connectivity within the Africa region and once those sectors are developed you

would see much more increase in the movements,” he said.

Statistics released by the regulatory body indicates that passenger traffic in the last eight months has hit 2.4 million with 27.1k flight count.

International passenger traffic from January-August show that 10 of the airlines dominate haulage with Ethiopian Airline taking the lead with over 134,104 followed

by Emirates with 107, 217 British Airways, 86, 249 and Turkish airlines,70, 392 passengers.

Other airlines according to NCAA’s statistics are: Air France, 70,144, KLM Royal Dutch, 63, 990, Virgin Atlantic 63, 448, Delta Air Lines,39, 196, Qatar Airways, 38, 706 and South African Airways, 36, 868 passengers.

For the domestic passenger traffic, 7 airlines dominate with Air Peace at the forefront with over 340, 664, with Dana Air trailing with 330, 370, AZMAN, 245, 437 and Arik, 177, 061 passengers.

Others are; Medview, 156, 226, Aero, 138, 146 and Overland, 78, 166 passengers.

He said that there has been boost in travel activities since the country came out of recession, adding that more is expected in the coming days and months.

“Yes certainly, its going up, don’t forget that we came out of recession, during the recession so many things happened, now the economy is out of recession a lot of activities that’s commercial activities and so on, so people are being more empowered in terms of this movement, we should expect even more”, he said.

•Accident Investigation Bureau Commissioner, Mr Akin Olateru in a hand shake with Head of Bureau EnquêtesAccidents, Benin Republic, Bongo Paul, after the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) .

African airlines grow capacity 3.9% – IATA

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HE International Air Transport Association (IATA) has declared a healthy global passenger demand for July with all regions including Africa, reporting growth, as total revenue passenger kilometers (RPKs) rose 6.2 per cent, compared to the same month last year.

While this was down from 8.1

there are no two same accidents and it takes years to fully train an accident investigator.

“This for us, is to enhance our capability and boost our expertise in terms of accident investigation and as at today, Nigeria is the leader in terms of accident investigation in Africa” he said.

Bongo Paul, Head of Bureau Enquêtes-Accidents, Benin Republic, said he was glad to have signed the MoU with Nigeria, adding that the negotiation for the partnership had been on for six months.

Paul said it was significant to have entered into the partnership with a next door neighbouring country in addition to the ones with European countries.

He said the idea was to enable Benin to fulfill its obligations in the area of accident investigation through capacity building.

per cent year-over-year growth in June, it nevertheless marked a solid start to the peak passenger demand season.

According to IATA, monthly capacity (available seat kilometers or ASKs) increased by 5.5 per cent and load factor rose 0.6 percentage point to a record high for July of 85.2 per cent.

African airlines’ July traffic rose 6.8 per cent, second highest among the regions. Although this represented a decline from 11.0 per cent growth recorded in June, the seasonally-adjusted trend remains strong. Capacity rose 3.9 per cent, and load factor jumped 2.1 percentage points to 76.0 per cent. Higher oil and commodity prices are supporting economies in a number of countries.

“The industry posted another month of solid traffic growth. And the record load factor shows that airlines are becoming even more efficient in terms of deploying capacity to meet demand. However, rising costs — particularly fuel – will likely limit the stimulus we would expect from lower airfares.

Therefore, we do expect to see a continued slowing of growth compared to 2017,” said Alexandre de Juniac, IATA’s Director General and CEO. Domestic travel demand grew by 7.8 per cent year-on-year in

July, broadly in line with 8.0% growth recorded in June. All markets saw annual increases, with China, India and Russia posting double-digit growth rates. Domestic capacity climbed 6.9%, and load factor rose 0.8 percentage point to 85.6%.

“The second half of the year got off to a solid start. The strong demand we experienced in July is confirmation that summer is when people want to travel, to explore new places and to reunite with friends and family. Unfortunately, for air travelers in Europe, summer also brought delays and disappointment, while for airlines, it meant accepting schedule inefficiencies and longer flight times.

“That’s because air traffic capacity has not kept pace with demand and because some controllers used the opportunity of the peak traffic period to launch strikes and work slowdowns. Travelers want to get to their holidays on time.

It’s past time for the European Commission, Member States and air navigation service providers to take urgent action to eliminate European airspace bottlenecks and to discourage air traffic controllers from penalizing air travelers when they are unhappy over a contract,” said Alexandre de Juniac, IATA’s Director General and CEO.

tember 10.

“We are pleased to announce the commencement of our early bird flights from Abuja to Lagos on Sept. 10. The introduction of the aircraft is part of our ongoing partnership with Asky airlines and it will operate two daily flights from Abuja to Lagos at 7.02 a.m. and 4.11 p.m. There will also be a return

service from Lagos to Abuja at 8.55 a.m. and 6.03 p.m.,” he said.

Ezenwa said its passengers could now rely on the airline for their multiple flights between Lagos and Abuja routes.

According to him, our guests can now rely on us for multiple flights between Lagos and Abuja, and can now visit Abuja or Lagos very early

and return conveniently from both destinations to the warm embrace of their families.

Ezenwa said the early bird service was in response to the yearning of its esteemed guests who had continually requested for an efficient morning flight option from Abuja to Lagos, adding that the flights had been timed conveniently for its guests.

AIB signs MoU with Benin Republic on capacity building

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CCIDENT Investigation Bureau (AIB) and the Bureau Enquêtes-Accidents of Benin Republic have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to enable both countries partner in the area of accident investigation, capacity building and information sharing, to enhance standards of investigation.

The agreement in the MoU is in four parts – cooperation, capacity and human development, exchange of information and assistance.

The Investigators signed its MoU with Benin Republic on the sideline of the ongoing workshop on accident investigation for African countries organised by the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO), on Wednesday in Abuja.

Signing the MoU, AIB Commissioner, Mr Akin Olateru, said the two countries would partner in the area of accident investigation, capacity building and information sharing, to enhance standards and the said partnership would help the nations’ accident authorities fulfill their international obligations in accident investigation.

He said the two countries would assist each other in the event of an accident in any of the

countries by combining their resources and expertise to conduct the investigation.

According to him, AIB will be signing another MoU with Sao Tome, Niger Republic and other countries within the next few months.

“All these today between Republic of Benin and Nigeria is to help us both to fulfill our obligations with regards to ICAO convention on accident investigation.

“The synergy will go a long way to enhance capacity of our investigators because they will be working with each other to investigate accidents in any of the countries.

“It is about capacity building at the end of the day;if you look at it because the more you practice the more you learn in accident investigation practices because

Dana Air acquires B737-700 for ‘early bird’ operations

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igerian carrier Dana Air has added a Boeing 737-700 aircraft to its fleet to operate its “early bird” flights between Lagos and Abuja.

The airline’s Media and Communications Manager, Mr Kingsley Ezenwa, who confirmed the development on Tuesday in Lagos, said its “early bird’’ flights from Abuja to Lagos would commence on Sep-

28

The Oracle Today Wednesday September 12, 2018

INSURANCE & PENSION Operators uneasy as NAICOM backdates deadline for recapitalisation Stories by VICTOR NZE

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PERATORS in the insurance sub-sector of the economy have expressed unease with the backdating of the deadline for recapitalization by the National Insurance Commission (NAICOM), this year, from January 1, 2019 to October 1, this year.

Some of the insurers who initially expressed approval towards the directive now describe the new move to backdate the directive to October 1, this year, as unsettling.

It would be recalled that the commission had, last month, increased the minimum capital requirement for insurers by threefold, in a bid to expand their capacity to handle risk in the country.

Commissioner for Insurance, Mohammed Kari also announced the introduction of a 3 -tier based recapitalisation for the insurance industry.

Stating that this initiative will enhance soundness and profitability of insurers through optimal capitalization, NAICOM added that the introduction of proportionate capital that supports the nature, scale and complexity of the business conducted by insurers.

Explaining further on the newly-announced levels of capital requirement for operators, Mr Rasaaq Salami, spokesman for NAICOM, said the regime takes effect from January 1, next year.

Insurers who want “limited deals or don’t want to take all the risks in their class of business do not need to raise capital,” he said.

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.

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

In frowning against the backdating to October 1, the Association of Registered Insurance Agents of Nigeria (ARIAN), Monday, urged NAICOM to extend the January 1, 2019 recapitalisation deadline for insurance firms.

The group said in Lagos that the extension would give the operators more time to explore the best option to apply, insisting that 10 years after an earlier recapitalisation was too short to begin a fresh recapitalisation exercise.

President of the association, Mr Ademola Ifagbayi , while lauding the recapitilisation directive, urged NAICOM to move the deadline to another date to enable the operators make a decisive choice.

According to him, the recapi-

talisation is good because it will create a financially strong insurance sector capable of deploying its agents to penetrate the nooks and crannies of the country.

“However, insurance companies need more time to understand the new recapitalisation model and make a decision on where to play,” he said in a statement.

Meanwhile, reacting to the decision by NAICOM to backdate the deadline, Chairman of Mutual Benefits Assurance Plc, Dr. Akin Ogunbiyi, described the new date as counter-productive, antigrowth and disruptive to business and the well-being of the industry.

Ogunbiyi added that immediate implementation of the tier-based rating could lead to crisis of confidence for the entire insurance industry, where only about seven of the 29 companies would qualify under the new standards.

Worse still, he said this could lead to massive de-listing of Insurance stocks from the Nigerian stock market, stressing that insurance stocks are already classified as penny stock due to inability to support pricing by regular dividend payments.

Besides, he believes this would lead to hostile take-overs with peanuts, especially, by foreign investors with short-term gains as focus.

He pointed out that it might as well be practically impossible to fully implement the provision of the Local Content law, even as the rebranding project of the insurance industry may suffer a major set- back, while the public perception of some companies and the entire industry will be affected adversely.

According to him, a tier-based capital requirement, whereby a Tier 1 composite insurance company would require a solvency capital of N15 billion, is the highest in African insurance market, pointing out that the solution to the challenges facing the industry is not capital increase.

He recalled that the National Pension Commission (PenCom) is yet to increase the capital base of Pension Fund Administrators (PFAs) and Pension Fund Custodians (PFCs) from N2 billion and N5 billion respectively, 14 years after inception.

“Yet, they are managing and have grown the pension assets to about N8.2 trillion, while the

•Minister of Finance, Mrs Kemi Adeosun (left); Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo and the United Kingdom’s Minister for Africa, Harriet Baldwin, during a meeting with a business delegation from the UK at the Venture Park in Abuja.

insurance industry, which keeps on recapitalising, is nowhere near this feat, suggesting that the capital base might not be the problem.

“Is it only capitalisation that can drive insurance development in Nigeria, given the experience of other African insurance markets?

What has been the contributions and performance of the industry since the 2007 recapitalisation exercise? What level of returns has accrued to the investors and shareholders of the industry ever since? Who are the target investors expected to shore up the new capital call even if there was time?” he queried.

Speaking at a press briefing organised by the Association of Registered Insurance Agents of Nigeria (ARIAN), in Lagos, its President, Ademola Ifagbayi, said, such extension will give more time to underwriters to explore the best option to recapitalise.

Stating that the association fully supports NAICOM, he however, believes insurance companies need more time to understand the new recapitalisation model and make a decision on where to play in.

Similarly, insurance brokers, under the auspices of the Nigerian

Council of Registered Insurance Brokers (NCRIB), said it has set up relevant committee in motion to see the extent to which the new policy thrust would affect insurance brokers in the country.

President of NCRIB, Shola Tinubu, said: “On the part of our council, we have set relevant Committees in motion to see extent to which this new policy thrust would affect stakeholders, as consumers have begun to express concerns over the implications for them.”

NAICOM, last Friday, confirmed backdating the insurance companies Tier-based recapitalisation commencement date to October 1, as against January 1, 2019 it earlier announced.

Salami, NAICOM’s spokesman, said the confirmation was sequel to doubts expressed by some players in the industry on the adjournment of the recapitalisation date.

“The backdate means that operators only have one month and two days to recapitalise,’’ Salami said.

The spokesman said it was imperative for the commission to shift the date in order to re-position the industry for unbeatable performance in the financial sec-

tor.

“The commission would not withdraw any license but only ensure that an underwriter has adequate capital to absorb risks,’’ he said.

Salami said after the first guideline on recapitalisation implementation was released in July, the Federal Government through NAICOM issued a new circular dated August 14.

The circular according to him, the circular mandated all insurance companies to recapitalise and communicate to NAICOM the tier they intended to play in before October 1.

Salami said that only companies that meet the respective tier requirements shall lead on new businesses in those categories with effect from October 1.

“Companies shall be assessed, in the first instance, on their approved financial statement for 2017, and audited half year account for 2018. However, where a company is yet to obtain approval for its 2017 financial statement, its last approved audited accounts will be used for the assessment,” Salami quoted the statement from circular as saying.

He said the registered students had started enjoying the NHIS services at their chosen health facilities in Sokoto.

“Each student paid N2, 000 and they are expected to be paying the same amount every session.

All registered students are also expected to enjoy all benefits while they are exempted from paying the 10 per cent in the programme.

“So, registered students will enjoy free health care services an-

nually after paying the N2, 000,” Uba-Jogana said.

He called on other higher institutions in the country to key into the programme, to enable their students benefit from the programme.

“The advantage of the programme cannot be overemphasised considering the benefit students stand to get when they are sick or need health care services.”

He also called on Kano State Government to support its own

tertiary institutions to register their students, in view of the benefits of the programme.

“A student can fall sick at any given time and if he or she is registered he or she does not need to go back home and seek medical attention from parents. The health contributory scheme, introduced by Kano State Government for its workers will enable them access medical services at subsidised rate like their counterparts at the Federal Civil service.

25, 000 varsity students register for NHIS in Sokoto

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T least, 25, 000 students of Usman Danfodio University, Sokoto, have registered for the National Health Insurance Scheme, (NHIS), according to Abdulsalam Uba-Jogana, the Manager, Kano State branch of Manage Health Care Servic (MHCS).

Uba-Jogana disclosed this in Kano, Monday.

MHCS is one of the accredited National Health Manage Organisations (HMOs) to participate in NHIS in the country.

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The Oracle Today Wednesday September 12, 2018

INSURANCE & PENSION

FG to institute wreck insurance policy

Stories by VICTOR NZE

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IGERIAN Ports Authority (NPA) says Federal Government will soon institute a Wreck Insurance Policy (WIP) for vessels arriving in Nigerian ports for operational efficiency and navigational safety.

The NPA Managing Director, Ms Hadiza Usman, made this known in Lagos on Friday while addressing major stakeholders of the nation’s maritime sector at a one-day Quarterly Summit of the Ports Consultative Council (PCC).

Usman said that the policy would provide avenue for the port management to evacuate abandoned vessels in the entire nation’s territorial water.

She also said that the Federal Executive Council (FEC) had granted approval for a Private-Public Partnership (PPP) agreement of N72 billion for the ports access roads in Apapa and Tin Can Island.

On the gridlock on port access roads, she said that only trucks that were housed in the proposed trailer parks would be allowed entry into the port locations soon.

“The management is to deploy an electronic call-up system that allows access to the ports only when they are needed.

“The Apapa Wharf road reconstruction project has reached 85 per cent completion. The road will be fully completed in the next four to six weeks period,” Usman said in a statement.

She said that the efficient utilisation of inland waterways was key to decongestion of ports access road.

Usman said that a company, ‘Connect-Rail’, which was engaged by the authority to provide barge evacuation, was currently moving cargoes and several tons of containers between Ikorodu and the

terminals through the water.

“The management of NPA was desirous on how it could use the waterways farther even away from Ikorodu to other locations to ease the congestion of Apapa and Tin Can Island axis,” she said.

Chief Kunle Folarin, the Chairman of the Council, said that the meeting was strategic and an avenue

to examine issues relating to the operations of the port industry, especially as it concerned port operators.

Folarin said that at the end of the meeting, the council always came up with a blue print that would enhance efficient port operations and management.

AIICO Insurance, Wema Bank partner on retail insurance

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NSURANCE firm, AIICO, has announced partnership with Wema Bank Plc, geared towards deepening retail insurance in the country.

A statement issued in Lagos by the Manager Creative, Strategic Marketing and Communications of AIICO, Mr Ademola Adenekan, explained that the aim was to encourage people, especially rural dwellers to embrace insurance.

“It is specifically, to increase access to retail insurance products,” he said.

The partnership was endorsed by the National Insurance Commission (NAICOM) and the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).

Similarly, Mr Adewale Kadri, AIICO’s Executive Director, Technical, stressed that the partnership was to increase insurance awareness through Wema Bank’s distribution network.

“The public, especially rural dwellers can now be linked to AIICO’s bouquet of retail products through Wema Bank’s digital channels anytime and anywhere.

Both organisations have a legacy of trust and resilience that have won the loyalty of customers over the decades.

“We look forward to a fruitful outcome of the endeavour to the delight of the general public,” Kadri said.

Sovereign Trust grows PAT by 569%

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OVEREIGN Trust Insurance Plc said its profit after tax rose by 569 percent at end of financial year ended 31, December 2017.

According to statement released by the company’s Head, Corporate Communications & Brand Management, Mr. Segun Bankole, Profit after tax rose to N157million, a 569 per cent increase when compared with the sum of N23 million recorded in 2016.

The statement added that Gross Premium Written appreciated to N8.5billion representing a 33 per cent increase over the N6.3 billion recorded in 2016.

The Net Claims Expenses in 2017 stood at N1.3billion which is a 9.5 per cent improvement over the sum of N1.44 billion recorded in 2016 because of efficient claims management.

In the same vein, the company recorded a Profit Before Tax of N202million as against N44million recorded in year 2016 representing over 351% increase.

Consequently, the Return on Capital Employed (ROCE) recorded a positive performance of 1.87% as against 0.47 per cent achieved in the corresponding year of 2016.

Similarly, the Investment income rose by 41.6 per cent from N286 million in 2016 to N406 million in 2017.

In addition, the total assets rose from N9.5billion to N10.8billion representing 13.7 per cent increase. The composition of the assets was well structured to position the company for better future performance.

Speaking on its financial performance, the Managing Direc-

tor, Mr. Olaotan Soyinka reiterated the company’s unwavering commitment to creating value to both Shareholders and Stakeholders alike. In his words, “the path through achieving growth and sustaining same is not without its challenges but with the perseverance and doggedness of every member of staff, we were able to overcome and succeed as a team”.

Having met all the stipulated requirements outlined by the National Insurance Commission and the Nigerian Stock Exchange, NSE, respectively, the top underwriter has announced that its 23rd Annual General Meeting will hold on Thursday, September 27, 2018 in Lagos.

The statement added that “the company has satisfactorily fulfilled all the necessary conditions for the approval of its 2017 Annual Reports & Accounts and as such, have been given the go-ahead to host the 23rd edition of its Annual General Meeting.

From left: Director, Mr Bernard Griesel; Acting Managing Director, Mr Daniel Braine; Chairman, Joshua Fumudoh; Company Secretary, Moses Omorogbe, all of Linkage Assurance Plc during the 24th Annual General Meeting of the company held in Lagos.

PTAD to evolve automated computation of pension benefits

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ENSION Transmission Arrangement Directorate (PTAD) has said it will integrate automated computation of pension benefits in the coming months, in a bid to strengthen the management of pensions under the Defined Benefits Scheme (DBS).

PTAD’s spokesperson Mrs Harriet Agbeniyi said in Lagos on Sunday the automation would involve deploying technology to execute computation without human assistance.

The directorate said the automation would eliminate the lag between the conduct of verification exercise and computation process.

However, PTAD said it had completed the automation of pension payment through the Government Integrated Financial

Management Information System (GIFMIS) “The payment process enables pensioners to receive their payments directly into their bank accounts from the Treasury Single Account (TSA) without any interface with the directorate.

“PTAD does not operate or service any commercial bank accounts,” Agbeniyi said in a statement.

She said it had initiated the digitisation of pensioners’ data and records in order to maintain a comprehensive database of pensioners under DBS. Others initiatives, according her, include the establishment of care and empathy department that enhances prompt resolution of complaints.

“The department sees to the conduct of verification exercises

under conducive environment.

The unit also ensures provision of food, water and medical facilities at all verication and workshops center. Similarly, the directorate will continue to attend to the sick and infirm pensioners through Mobile Verification exercise,” she said.

She added that the directorate was intensifying the recovery of pension still being held by insurance companies through the use of all available legal means at our disposal.

“We continuously engage with National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) for enrollment of pensioners,” Agbeniyi said.

On the drawbacks, she said the directorate had identified lack of adequate resources to settle the liabilities inherited and to implement major initiatives mostly those that were capital intensive.

Prestige Assurance gets NAICOM approval to underwrite agric insurance

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RESTIGE Assurance Plc has confirmed receiving approval of the National Insurance Commission (NAICOM) to underwrite agriculture insurance in the country, few weeks after AIICO also got same nod to operate in the market.

A statement released by the company, Friday, said it has responded to the call in providing the much-needed protection the players in the agricultural business desire.

The Company known for its ini-

tiative exclusivity in special product design and development said these agricultural insurance products are tailored to suit the need of all classes of Nigerian farmers.

Thus, reiterating its preparedness to offer agricultural insurance to Nigerian farmers at all levels and potential investors in the agriculture business.

Speaking on the Company’s preparedness to underwrite agricultural insurance, Managing Director, Dr. Balla Swamy said NAICOM’s approval ‘is a testimo-

nial to the Company’s capacity, competence and sincerity in supporting the growth of agriculture in Nigeria,’ adding further that the company was acting as ‘burden bearer, intend to take the worry out of the players in the agricultural sector and give them opportunity to make wealth.’

Swamy said the disasters that befall the farmers anytime there is a natural calamity, have serious adverse effects on the financial position of the nation.

“Farmers who suffer losses from catastrophic events usually look up to the government for financial aid, which may or may not come as these aids run into several millions of Naira. As the frequency of losses is uncontrollable, such aids seriously erode government’s programmes when granted. Thus, a well-operated agricultural insurance scheme reduces the responsibility of the government in this direction,” he said.

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The Oracle Today Wednesday September 12, 2018

EQUITY & Capital Market

BGL case fixed for ruling today

By JEROME USHAKANG

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HE Chief Magistrate court in Wuse Zone 6, Abuja has fixed Wednesday September 5, 2018 for ruling on the various applications brought before it by BGL Plc and its subsidiaries.

BGL Plc and her subsidiaries had filed four different applications against their trial. These Applications centred on the First Information Report (FIR) before the court and jurisdiction of the court to hear the matter. The applications were argued at the last sitting in July 2018 and Chief Magistrate Chinyere Nweoachenu then adjourned to August 13, 2018 for rulling.

However the court did not sit on that date and the case was subsequently adjourned to September 5, 2018 for ruling.

It would be recall that top officials of BGL Group were on September 28, 2017 arraigned before the Chief Magistrate Court, Zone 6, Abuja on charges of criminal conspiracy, breach of trust and cheating.

Those arraigned included the Deputy Managing Director of the Company, Chibundu Edozie, who was docked along with three other accused for allegedly conspiring with some other staff of BGL to commit the offences against the investing public.

However, the Managing Director of the company, Albert Okumagba, was not in court and was not represented.

They were arraigned pursuant to a petition filed by Mahmoud Usman, Ann Orsule, Sylvanus Ghasarah, Eno Efanga, UN Staff Thrift Credit Coop-

erative Society of Anambra State (Abuja office) and Adejoke Atte, among others against them before the Securities and Exchange Commission.

However, Mr. Edozie was granted bail in the sum of N1million, with one surety in the like sum who should not be less than a Level 12 officer and resident in Abuja.

Following the arraignment, Chief Magistrate Chinyere Nwecheonwu adjourned the hearing to November 6, 2018.

In exercising its regulatory responsibility in the capital market as enshrined in the Investment and Securities Act, (ISA), the SEC, through its Administrative Proceedings Committee, APC in May 2016 banned Mr. Okumagba, BGL Managing Director and his deputy, Mr Edozie, from participating in capital market activities for 20 years.

The commission also ordered Mr. Okumugba’s companies to refund to investors over N2 billion for market infractions contrary to Sections 96, 312, 322 and 323 of the Penal Code Law, Chapter 89.

The ban followed complaints by investors against Mr. Okumagba and his company over failure, refusal and or/neglect to liquidate their investments in both the Guaranteed Consolidated dated notes and Guaranteed Premium Notes, among others.

The SEC in a bid to obtain justice for the complainants and grant all parties fair hearing, presented the matter before its APC, which sat and decided on the matter.

“During the proceedings testimonies and documentary evidence were tendered by various parties and

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market.

Besides, the APC decided that the registration of BGL Securities and BGL Assets Management be cancelled, while Messrs. Okumagba and Edozien be banned from capital market operations for a period of 20 years. It stated further that the two companies would also pay a fine of N25 million for breaching Rule 1(iii) of the Code of Conduct for capital market operators.

Also banned were Peter Adebola and Ashley Osuzoka for five and four years respectively.

The APC also imposed fines of N100,000 each on the culprits, for breach of the code of conduct for capital market operators and their employees, in addition to an order on the companies to refund N24.03 million to the National Open University Staff Cooperative Multipurpose Society.

Others sanctioned included Ande Ewubare, Victor Inyang, Hilary Eludu, Ehime Alofoje, and Ofem Omni, who were banned for two years and fined N100,000 each, while Nkechi Azubike, Adekunle Alli, Mohan Lalchandani, Anthony Nwozor and Oluwo Oluwale, who were banned for one year and fined N100,000 each.

HE Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) has lifted embargo placed on the trading in the shares of Standard Alliance Insurance Plc, for non-compliance with Rule 3.1, for filing of Accounts and treatment of Default Filing, rulebook of the Exchange.

According to the Exchange, the rule provides that; “If an Issuer fails to file the relevant accounts by the expiration of the Cure Period, the Exchange will send to the Issuer a second Filing Deficiency notification within two business days after the end of the Cure Period.

The rule also stipulates that the NSE can also suspend trading in the Issuer’s securities; and notify the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and the market within twenty- four hours of the suspension.

However, in a statement signed

by Head, Listings Regulation Department, Mr. Godstime Iwenekhai, Standard Alliance Insurance Plc has submitted its Audited Financial Statement for the year ended December 31, 2017.

“In view of the submission of its accounts and pursuant to Rule 3.3 of the Default Filing Rules, which provides that; “The suspension of trading in the issuer’s securities shall be lifted upon submission of the relevant accounts provided, the Exchange is satisfied that the accounts comply with all applicable rules of the Exchange. The statement read.

The Exchange shall thereafter also announce through the medium by which the public and the SEC was initially notified of the suspension”.

Therefore, the general public is hereby notified that the suspension placed in the trading of the Company’s shares has been lifted with effect from Wednesday, 29 August 2018.

The suspension of Standard Alliance Insurance Plc for non-compliance with Rule 3.1, Rules for Filing of Accounts and Treatment of Default Filing, announced on July 5, 2018 in the market bulletin of the NSE.

new investors.

“London is a strong partner to African companies seeking to attract international investment.”

Also this month, May 2018, Angola launched a $3bn Eurobond on LSE, the country’s biggest international bond and the first international issuance since 2015.

In April the LSE Group, the Nairobi Securities Exchange and non-governmental organization FSD Africa signed a memorandum of understanding to explore the launch of LSEG’s business support and capitalraising programme, ELITE. In May, the first Kenyan company, Olsuswa Energy, joined the programme. So far 850 companies have joined the ELITE programme.

In November 2017, the LSE, Casablanca Stock Exchange and the Bourse Régionale des Valeurs Mobilières (BRVM) signed an agreement to roll out ELITE across West African markets, in a signing cer-

emony presided by Amadou Gon Coulibaly, Prime Minister of Côte d’Ivoire.

In June 2017, Nigeria raised $300m through its first Diaspora Bond on LSE, a retail bond aimed at Nigeria’s global expatriate community seeking to invest in their home country’s development. It was the first bond of its kind from sub-Saharan Africa.

In March 2017, LSE published its first “Companies to Inspire Africa” report, identifying hundreds of the fastest-growing and most dynamic private businesses across Africa.

Vivo Energy is the first company in that report to follow up by listing on LSE. In March 2016, LSEG established an Africa Advisory Group, bringing together 12 distinguished business leaders, policymakers and investors from across Africa, to discuss the challenges and opportunities presented by the development of the continent’s capital markets.

Acting DG SEC, Mary Uduak. upon conclusion of the proceedings its APC arrived at a decision which has been approved by the relevant authority,” SEC stated.

The APC decided that by their actions and/or omissions BGL Securities Limited, BGL Asset Management Limited., Messrs. Okumagba, Edozie and other respondents engaged in acts capable of adversely affecting investors’ confidence in the capital

AMERC lauds SEC for dedication, professionalism

HE Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) Nigeria has been commended on its tirelessness, professionalism and dedication among others while it hosted the secretariat of the Africa and Middle East Regional Committee (AMERC) of the International Organisation of Securities Commissions (IOSCO).

The outgoing Vice Chairman of AMERC Nezha Hayat gave the commendation at the official handover of the Committee’s leadership from SEC Nigeria to Paul Muthaura of Capital Markets Authority (CMA) Kenya at the ongoing 43rd IOSCO Annual conference

NSE lifts suspension on trading in Standard Alliance shares

in Budapest, Hungary.

Hayat, who is also the CEO of Authorite Marocaine Du Marche Des Capitaux (AMMC) Morocco, listed the monumental approval of Arabic as an additional official language of IOSCO as one of the achievements of the Committee under the leadership of SEC Nigeria.

She also commended AMERC under the leadership of SEC Nigeria for ensuring that member countries, markets, investors and indeed the intermediaries benefitted from the numerous policies of IOSCO. According to her “I will like to take time to show our ap-

preciation to SEC Nigeria who had anchored the ship for over a decade and it has been quite a smooth sail.

“Under Nigeria’s leadership, the AMERC has grown in size and stature. Our relevance as a region in IOSCO has been felt and its visibility coupled with its impact has also been felt within the region.

Nigeria’s commitment to the AMERC and IOSCO over the decade cannot be overemphasized.

She added. “We all are witnesses to the monumental approval of Arabic as an additional official language of IOSCO, and this was with the tireless effort of SEC Nigeria as Chair of AMERC.”

plans to raise $45 million through offering a 18 percent stake via 657,179,319 million shares at UGX256.50 per share, according to Reuters.

The company manufactures drugs that include anti-retroviral, anti-malarial and Hepatitis B medicines and its products are sold in Cameroon, Comoros, Kenya, Namibia, Tanzania, Uganda and Zambia.

India’s Cipla Limited, Uganda’s Quality Chemicals and the Government of Uganda set up the company as a joint venture in 2005, and TLG Capital and Capital works Investment Partners invested in the company in 2009, holding stakes worth 12.50 percent and 14.40 percent respectively.

Lead transaction advisor was reported to be Renaissance Capital in Kenya and Crested Capital in Uganda is the lead sponsoring broker. it ends a six-year listing drought as the previous IPO in Uganda was Umeme in 2012.

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Quality Chemicals IPO closes 24 August London Stock Exchange financing African growth

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IPLA-Quality Chemicals Limited opened its Initial Public Offering (IPO) on August 13 2018 and closed on August 24, aiming to list on the Uganda Securities Exchange on September 24.

The pharmaceutical company

MTN under pressure to list in Uganda

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TN Group Limited, which has 55percent of the mobile market in Uganda with about 10.9million subscribers, is seeking to renew its 10-year licence in October.

Executive Director of Uganda’s telecom regulator, Godfrey Mutabazi, said that selling shares on the local bourse isn’t a pre-condition for the granting of a new 10-year contract, but Uganda wants “Ugandans to be part of the company,” according to Bloomberg report.

FRICAN companies listed on trading on the London Stock Exchange have a total market capitalization of over $200 billion ($271bn), and in the last 10 years have raised more than $16 bn on London’s markets. The 108 African companies is more than any other international market, according to a press release from the LSE. There are 9 African sovereign bonds listed in London, from: Gabon, Ghana, Namibia, Nigeria and Zambia According to Tom Attenborough, Head of International Business Development, London Stock Exchange, in an LSE press release: “The success of Vivo Energy’s IPO is a strong statement of international investor interest in building exposure to Africa. As a London-listed company, Vivo Energy, will gain access to the world’s most international market, as well as an unrivalled source of deep liquidity and

31

The Oracle Today Wednesday September 12, 2018

MONEY Market

CIBN urges customers to demand service charter from banks Stories by KAYODE OGUNWALE

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HE Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria (CIBN) has called on the Bank Customers Association of Nigeria (BCAN) to demand service charter from banks which would guide members of the public when applying for bank services.

Speaking in Lagos at the BCAN organised 3rd biennial bank customers summit titled: “ Rights and Obligations of Bank customers”, Acting Director Consumer Protection Department, CBN Mr. T.Y Ahmed said: “Between 2012 and July 2018 we have returned over N65 billion and I can tell you some customers and I mean individuals has got as much as N3 billion. “ I hope you are aware that for now your complaint shouldn’t be more than six years old. Why are we saying not more than six years old is to look at other relevant status. We have the Anti money laundering Act, we have the Evidence Act.” Speaking on customers rights and obligations on loans and advances, Council CIBN, Mrs. Yvonne Isichie, said: “There

should be service charters so that when you go in you know what you are asking for and then you should know the standards, to now define what your expectation would be.

“So we are imploring you to take it up so that by the next two years we would see something good.”

President BCAN, Dr. Uju Ogubunka in his response, assured Isichie, saying “Let me confirm that we would do just that. We will start by requesting all banks to submit their charters and if they don’t have any, we will expect them to submit one. We will not stop at that. When we get theses charters if we do and hope we may. We will subject them to scrutiny to confirm that the contents would satisfy the needs of bank customers”.

On his part, Dean, Caleb University, Mr. Segun Ajibola stressed the need for a good banker- customer relationship while highlighting the dangers of involving minors in banking relationship and operations He said: “At times we have this confusion. We know that a bank is regulated by law. CIBN Act 2007, Banks and Other Financial Institu-

tions (OFIs) Act 2005 and so many others define what constitute a bank. There is one problem with what constitute a banker. Within the banking hall you enter there are bankers and there are bank workers, so you run into problems when you rely on bank workers. Somebody who has not been trained in arts and science of banking pretending to be a banker, searching the interest of customers and most problems we have today even when they are least to little come out of fair ignorance on the part of those who should know but they don’t know.

“We must remember in an environment like ours where so many things are being redefined it is a quite note of a bank contract that you must attain the age of majority. Therefore in Nigeria today anybody that is below the age of 18 cannot valuably hold a bank account. Then you will ask me, we all open accounts for our children

in school. Banks go round now to say children account, this account, that account. You know the law is so dormant that is why we say the law is a horse. Nobody will raise any issue but let there be a problem. That child cannot sue that bank because any account that is opened below the age of 18 is not recognized in law.

“If anything goes wrong that bank cannot sue that child. The juvenile court system in Nigeria is still on a confused state so when the bank is opening accounts with school children and so on and so forth and there are problems. Beware.

“What of those that even come to the bank environment and they say I am here for an Industry Attachment (IT). One IT staff collected money from the strong room one day and he jumped the fence with N50 million. Everybody was working in the banking hall, the guy was on the run. By the time

everybody discovered that this guy, age of 17 had disappeared from the banking hall, they were looking for the guarantor but maybe the guarantor is, with due respect a driver, maybe his mother is a petty trader, maybe the brother that signed the form for him maybe he is an applicant.

What kind of relationship do we go into with the minors?

“What are the issues as at today? Banking is a conservative profession reserved only for noble men given its origin which we know through the consulate of 18the century that were off proven integrity and the conservative posture of banking agree with us on law. Then suddenly, the rule changed where banking licences were regulated and made available to the highest bidder. A line of demarcation was then drawn between professional banking and entrepreneurial banking contrary to the whole order”, he said.

Diamond Bank, Facebook to train businesswomen

D

IAMOND Bank in partnership with Facebook has commenced the first phase of targeted training for Small and Medium-scale Enterprises (SME) owners to enhance their businesses through online marketing platforms.

The training exercise, which commenced in Calabar, Cross River State on Thursday, 30 August 2018 with over 120 SME owners in attendance, is aimed at scaling up the skills of small businesses to cater to millions of Facebook users in Nigeria and beyond.

Head, Regional Businesses -South, Diamond Bank Plc, Nkem Okoro, told newsmen at the event that the training is in collaboration with SheLeads Africa, a representative of Facebook.

“As one of the fastest growing retail banks in the country, Diamond Bank is always at the forefront of leveraging technology to drive SME businesses. The idea behind the training is to give our SME customers an opportunity to merge their personal and business Facebook accounts. There are over two billion people on Facebook and with that, our customers will be able to showcase their products to this large population as well as get leads that will take their businesses forward. We have over 120 SME customers that are participating in today’s event and we intend to actualise our promise to provide them financial and nonfinancial services. We provide such non-financial services knowing that when our customers succeed it will trickle down to us, commented Okoro.

Head, Emerging Businesses, Diamond Bank Plc, Ayodele Olojede, said the Bank recognised that access to market was a limiting factor in doing business, adding that, “We also recognise the contributing factor of women in the growth of GDP. It is therefore important to continue to support them to scale up and improve their productivity. What we are doing today is to teach them how to create and monetise their online visibility. Just by being on Facebook,

you can increase your sales by over 33 per cent and a lot of women are not aware of this. Facebook is already a market for 26 million Nigerians and yet business owners are unaware. That is the reason for this training- to support businesses to grow. This is one of the first series across the country and we are planning to reach between 10, 000 and 20, 000 customers nationwide.”

One of the participants, Ruth Ntekim, owner of a luxury perfume store in Calabar, said, “I have learnt how to market products online by locating my audience and giving them direct information. Sometimes when you go on Facebook, you do not give the specific details to be able to attract the required audience, I have learnt how to restructure and how to create the right profile.”

Pastor Peace Ogar, also a business woman, said she runs a boutique in Calabar which has presence online.

“I am here to learn and of course you can’t get tired of learning. There is no knowledge that is useless, so I am here to learn. I have learnt how to give my business social media presence, and how to reach out to my audience, how to create content for my business, and have a target audience. To be honest with you, I have been on Facebook just posting pictures, relating with people, and I have never thought of how to reach out to people businesswise.

But today I have learnt how to reach out to people businesswise, how to use insight, and how to get people to relate to you. Today, I have learnt that you can reach out to people, and then get feedback from them,” Ogar said.

Diamond Bank Plc is Nigeria’s lead driver in the financial industry, providing enhanced customer experience through innovation and technology. Regarded as supporter of Small and Medium-Scale Enterprises through SME lending, capacity building, business seminars and workshops. Its mobile banking app, “Diamond Mobile”, currently has over three million active subscribers on its platform.

•Chairman of the Board of Directors of eTranzact International Plc, Mr. Wole Abegunde (middle) stressing a point during the recent Annual General Meeting of the company held at Four Points by Sheraton, Oniru, Lagos. He is flanked by Mrs. Olayimika Phillips, Non-Executive Director (first from left); Mrs. Omowunmi Adedurotimi, Company Secretary (2nd from left); Mr. Niyi Toluwalope, Interim Chief Executive Officer (2nd from right) and Mr. Victor Etuokwu, Non-Executive Director (1st from right).

UBA appoints four new board members T HE Board of Directors of the United Bank for Africa is pleased to announce the appointment of four new members to its board, subject to the approval of the Central Bank of Nigeria(CBN).

The new board members are Mrs. Erelu Angela Adebayo, Ms. Angela Aneke, Alhaji Abdulqadir Jeli Bello and Mr. Isaac Olukayode Fasola.

These appointments follow the retirement of Mrs. Rose Okwechime, Mr. Adekunle Olumide, OON, Alhaji Ja’afaru Paki and Mr Yahaya Zekeri, with effect from August 30, 2018.

“I am pleased to welcome Erelu Adebayo, Angela Aneke, Abdulqadir Bello and Kayode Fasola to the Group Board” said Tony O. Elumelu, the Group Chairman of the Bank. “These men and women bring a wealth of experience in their fields and will be tremendous assets, as we deliver on our mission to become the leading Pan-African financial institution in all our countries of operation.”

‘I am particularly pleased that two of the newly appointed NonExecutive Directors are women, bringing the total number of women to four, a further demonstration of our commitment to ensuring equality for both men and wom-

en,’ added the Group Chairman.

Mr. Elumelu thanked the retiring directors for their contribution, hard work and commitment to UBA, “I would like to express my appreciation to our retiring Directors for their leadership and dedication to UBA and for their contribution to an already impressive 2018.

I wish them the very best in their future endeavours”.

This announcement comes on the heels of the Bank’s strong H1 2018 performance with a PBT of N58.1billion. With the successful expansion of its retail operations, UBA now operates in 20 countries in Africa, following its recent acquisition of a licence in Mali and the United Kingdom. The bank also has offices in New York City and in Paris.

Erelu Angela Adebayo who graduated with an M.Phil in Land Economy from Cambridge University, is the former First Lady of Ekiti State in Nigeria. Mrs Adebayo previously served on the boards of several organisations, including the Dangote Foundation, DN Meyer Plc, Wemabod Estates. Mrs. Adebayo is a council member of the Nigerian Stock Exchange and has worked extensively on real estate development and She is the Chairman of the Erelu Adebayo Foundation for the underpriviledged.

Ms. Angela Aneke is a board advi-

sor, banker and a strategic thinker with over 30 years’ experience in financial services, in the areas of financial control, strategy, transaction banking, corporate banking, retail banking and governance. Ms. Aneke has held executive management and board positions in several international and regional institutions, including Ecobank Transnational Incorporated and the United Bank for Africa.

Mr. Isaac Olukayode Fasola is a consummate professional with over 30 years’ cognate experience obtained from Management and Board positions covering banking operations, risk management, credit analysis, insurance, asset management, business strategy/development, performance management and corporate governance. Mr. Fasola previously served as an Executive Director of a commercial Bank in Nigeria. Mr. Fasola holds 2 MBAs and is pursuing a Ph.D. in Business Administration.

Mr. Abdulqadir J. Bello, a Chartered Accountant, has over 30 years’ corporate experience in the banking sector, during which period he held several senior Management positions in various Banks. He also previously served as the Group Chief Credit Officer of UBA and thereafter as the Executive Director in charge of Risk Management for UBA Group.

32

The Oracle Today Wednesday September 12, 2018

News

Ugwuanyi pledges to include more women in governance

E

NUGU State Governor, Mr Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi has pledged to increase the number of women currently in his government so as to meet the 35 per cent affirmative action.

The governor made this known in Enugu on Tuesday while addressing over 1,000 women in state who staged a walk to the government house to demand for the inclusion of more women in government.

Ugwuanyi said he was happy that women from three political parties could come together to fight a just course describing it as a historical landmark.

He said no good government could ignore the place of women in politics because they were influential and to a large extent, determine the progress of a state.

“My 12 years at the National Assembly has afforded me the opportunity of traveling to 156 countries and I have discovered that these countries are rapidly making progress.

“Reason being that they have learnt that women are powerful and as such, they give them key government positions to oversee.

“This, also, has been my conviction and my motivation for appointing women to certain key positions when I became the governor.

“Because you are demanding for more and having been convinced by the capability of women already in my government to deliver effectively, I will begin processing your demands immediately.

“From now on, major appointments as well as positions of Permanent Secretaries will be given to women,” the governor said.

Ugwuanyi added that a gov-

ernment that ignored women did so at its peril and was bound to be retrogressive.

In her remarks, the Deputy Governor of the state, Mrs Cecilia Ezeilo, appreciated the women for jettisoning their different political differences to fight for their rights.

She said that her being chosen as a deputy governor for the first time in history is a pointer that the governor recognized the place of women in governance.

Ezeilo said aside her, the governor appointed a female Chief Judge for the first time and had already appointed five other females as members of his executive.

She advised the women to coordinate themselves well and continue to play their duties as expected even after the implementation of the 35 per cent affirmative action for women by the governor.

Earlier, the president of Inter Party Women Network (IPWN), Mrs Josephine Nwokedike under whose aegis the walk was staged, said the walk was an initiative of Women Aid Collective (WACOL).

Nwokedike explained that IPWN comprised women from three different political parties of the All Progressives Congress (APC), All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) who came together to request the implementation of 35 per cent affirmative action for women.

She appreciated the governor for appointing women into his government unlike what had been witnessed before in the state especially approving the inclusion of at least two women to be part of local government executives.

The president however, said more opportunities should be

given to women not only at the state level but also at the National Assembly and House of Representatives.

In addition, the Programme Manager of WACOL, Mr Chukwudi Ojielo said the initiative under the aegis of IPWN was organized by WACOL but sponsored by the National Democratic Initiative (NDI).

He said there was need to request for the 35 percent af-

firmative action because there had been steady decline in the number of women given active positions.

“Women are beginning to be fizzled out of key government positions and if not addressed on time, we might not have women in government anymore.

“This is not just an Enugu event but it is also taking place in six other states such as Lagos, Kaduna, Kano, Adamawa, Jigawa

•Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike, receiving Chairman of the Board of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Senator Victor Ndoma-Egba (r) who led the Board and Management of the NDDC on a condolence visit to the Government House Port Harcourt.

Rivers Govt set to revive abandoned Songhai farms Centre Manager of the Rivers Government-owned Songhai Farms, Mr Tammy Jaja, says the state government has commenced plans to revive the abandoned farm through direct gov-

ernment policy initiatives.

Jaja made the disclosure in Port Harcourt on Tuesday while reacting to the poor state of the farm which was established by former governor, Chibuike Amaechi.

Aguma, a thoroughbred professional – Ndoma-Egba

C

HAIRMAN of the Board of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Senator Victor Ndoma-Egba has described the Late AttorneyGeneral of Rivers State as a thoroughbred professional who contributed to the development of the Niger Delta region.

He spoke on Tuesday when he led the Board and Management of the NDDC on a condolence visit to the Government House Port Harcourt. He was accompanied by the Managing Director, Mr Nsima Ekere and other Executive Directors.

“The Late Attorney-General of Rivers State was a professional to the core with very deep insights. As a commission, we share in your grief. His death is a sad loss for the Niger Delta region because Aguma was an outstanding legal practitioner from the region “.

The NDDC prayed God to grant the people of Rivers State the fortitude to bear the great loss.

“We pray he finds peace in the hands of his maker. We can only take solace in the quality of life that Aguma lived while on earth “, Senator Ndoma Egba said.

The former Senate Leader said Aguma was not just a friend, but a brother.

Responding, Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike thanked the Board and Management of the NDDC for their condolence visit, describing the loss of the Attorney-General of Rivers State as unfortunate, pointing out that he lived a quality life.

“We thank God for the quality of life that Aguma lived while on earth. We urge the NDDC to participate in his funeral “, Governor Wike said.

Ndoma Egba and the Managing Director, Mr Nsima Ekere later

and Anambra,” he said.

The state Chairmen of APC, APGA and PDP separately promised to give females ticket during the forthcoming general elections and to also push that they be appointed into key positions if their party emerged victorious.

They also expressed joy in the togetherness of the women to fight for their rights and thanked WACOL for the initiative.

signed the condolence register in front of the Executive Council Chamber of Government House, Port Harcourt.

Also on Tuesday, Investments and Securities Tribunal, Abuja paid a condolence visit on Governor Wike over the death of the Attorney General of Rivers State.

Chairman, Investments and Securities Tribunal, Abuja, Mr Siaka Isaiah Idoko-Akoh, said that the Late Attorney-General of Rivers State was a bridge between the State Government and other

agencies operating in the state.

He said the Investments and Securities Tribunal , Abuja had fond memories of their professional interactions with the Late Attorney-General of Rivers State while they worked towards establishing their presence in the state.

While thanking the leadership of the Investments and Securities Tribunal for the condolence visit, Governor Wike said that the death of Late Attorney-General of Rivers State came as a shock to the state.

the State House of Assembly, the document would be easily passed into law before the commencement of next year.

The governor, represented by his Deputy, Sir Ude Oko Chukwu, also stressed the need for the Budget Defense Committee, Ministries and Agencies to make their budgets realistic and reflective of government’s policies for easy implementation.

He noted that early passage of the budget by the State House of Assembly would enable Government to start in time to address issues raised therein.

He also observed that realistic

and Objective budgets would attract international and donor agencies to assist the state.

Earlier in her speech, the Permanent Secretary and Executive Secretary, Abia State Planning Commission, Ugoeze Adanma Iheuwa, told the governor and other guests that the 2019 Budget would be tailored to envisage government’s policy direction, improve Internally-Generated Revenue and allow for completion of ongoing projects started by the present administration.

Ugoeze Iheuwa thanked the Governor for his encouragement and assured that the Com-

Activities at the multi-million Naira Songhai farms have seriously dwindled in the past three years.

The manager said that the state government was already discussing with some private investors with a view to commercialising the farm.

“We hope the process will be concluded quickly. Production at the farm is very low; we are hoping that the ongoing process will inject life into the farm by encouraging full operation.

“The moment the new administrators take over the centre, you can be sure that we will be back to work in full swing,’’ he said.

The farm, located in Bunu Tai in Tai Local Government Area of the state, was designed for commercial farming, agricultural tourism and entrepreneurship training.

Ikpeazu flags off budget defence, harps on realistic budget

From BONIFACE OKORO, Umuahia

A

bia State Governor, Dr Okezie Ikpeazu, has enjoined stakeholders to prepare the state’s 2019 budget properly to make its passage into law and actual implementation very smooth.

Ikpeazu gave the directive while flagging off the 2019 Budget Defense Session at the State Planning Commission, Umuahia.

According to the governor, the 2019 budget, if properly prepared and submitted to

mittee would remain focused and objective in its deliberations to be able to achieve set objectives.

33

The Oracle Today Wednesday September 12, 2018

Love and Living

...With Ireto Temofeh

MODEL OF THE WEEK

LOVE NEWS

Harry’s flexible fiancee! Meghan Markle shows off a range of yoga positions

‘Y

oga is my thing,’ Meghan Markle recently declared, as she described her health and beauty regime.

And these stunning photographs of Prince Harry’s new fiancé shows she is a woman of her word.

The royal bride-to-be has been practicing the discipline since she was a young girl, thanks to her mother, Doria Ragland, who is an instructor in their home town of LA. Miss Markle, 36, who will marry Harry at Windsor Castle in May, devotes a couple of hours to her passion a week, whether at home or in a studio.

‘That practice is in my blood,’ she told Canada’s Women’s Health Magazine in 2015, the year before she met the Queen’s grandson.

‘There are so many benefits that come with the practice of yoga… increased flexibility and muscle strength, greater happiness, increased mental focus, a greater ability to relax, decreased anxiety and better sleep.’

While the younger royals – William, Kate and Harry – are all extremely keen on their sport, Kensington Palace is unlikely to have seen anything like the ultra-flexible Miss Markle before.

The prince’s intended says she also loves running but has found it more of a strain as she gets older.

Nowadays, she reveals, her ‘perfect’ day would involve waking up late, tak-

ing her dogs for a walk before doing some yoga and then enjoying a sashimi lunch. Prince Harry take note!

Ellen Lee, chairman of the Independent Yoga Network, an organisation for yoga teachers and training schools, who has practised the discipline for 41 years, praises Miss Markle’s ‘strength and flexibility’.

She said: ‘Interestingly the poses in all four pictures are, technically, back bends.

Because she is obviously a strong, flexible practitioner, people like Meghan generally favour back bending because it has such an effective stretching action on the front of the body.

‘Back bending generally stimulates the nervous system. If your energy is low and you are feeling quite lethargic, particularly if you are sitting at a desk all day, any form of back bending physically and emotionally lifts your heart and your energy.’

She added: ‘The key words that strike me [about her] are strength and flexibility. They are the two things that yoga encourages, physically, and can take a long time to develop.

‘Yoga is an eastern-based practice stretching back thousands of years and is based on promoting a flow of energy through the body. All of these poses ensure Meghan’s heart is being lifted.

‘It is a lovely thing to see.’

Name: Catherine Tel: 08079521318 • If you want to be our next ORACLE GIRL, e-mail or forward your photos/data to ireto007@yahoo.com. Call 07031028714.

ODD NEWS

Cancer: Briton, 65, first in world to get breakthrough treatment that could extend life for thousands

A

British woman has become the first in the world to be given a revolutionary breast cancer treatment.

Anna Jones, 65, who is terminally ill, has been given a breakthrough combination of immunotherapy drugs that doctors hope will extend her life.

Experts at The Christie cancer hospital in Manchester believe the treatment – which operates in a twin attack against tumour cells – could help women for whom no other drugs work.

Mrs Jones, a grandmother of two from Rochdale, has been fighting the disease for more than a decade.

She has previously tried ten different treatments, including several rounds of chemotherapy.

But each drug has failed and she is now pinning her hopes on the therapy – a combination of established immunotherapy drug Herceptin and a second drug so new it is only known by the code name R06874281.

Mrs Jones, who has been taking the treatment for six weeks, said: ‘Fingers crossed that it’s a wonder drug – I would be over the moon, not

just for myself but for other women as well.

‘Of course it is scary being number one – they don’t know what the side effects are because nobody has tried it before. But it is exciting.’

Mrs Jones, who worked for the NHS before she retired, has been fighting advanced breast cancer since she was diagnosed in August 2004.

She was told she had the particularly aggressive HER2-positive form of the disease, which is responsible for 13,000 new cases in the UK each year.

‘When they found it the cancer had already spread to the lungs, the liver and the bones,’ she said.

‘It is a death sentence – but every day I am thankful to have got this far.

I have seen things I never thought I would see, I have seen my granddaughter go to her first prom, to buy her first car.’

She added: ‘The treatment has been a battle but I have stayed positive all the way.

‘I have lost my hair several times with the chemotherapy. And I have taken lots of different types of hormone therapy.’

Taking part in a clinical trial is also a major commitment – she has to travel into Manchester every week to receive the combination treatment, which is delivered via a drip over four hours.

She then stays overnight so doctors can monitor her. But Mrs Jones, who lives with husband David, 66, views it as a privilege.

She said: ‘It is wonderful to know that other people will potentially benefit in the future from this research.

It would be a good legacy to leave. I feel very privileged to know that I’m the first person in the world to have been given this new combination.’

Roche, the company which makes the drug, has agreed to keep Mrs Jones on the treatment for at least two years as long as she continues to benefit from it.

Her doctors expect to know in the New Year if she is responding.

The combination treatment is designed to work on two fronts – by boosting the immune system’s ability to attack while simultaneously taking down the cancer’s defences.

The RO6874281 drug introduces a Cont’d on page 36

Romantic Joke The Curse A man goes to see a wizard and says, “Can you lift a curse that a priest put on me years ago?”

“Maybe,” says the wizard, “Can you remember the exact words of the curse?” The man replies, “I pronounce you man and wife.”

34

The Oracle Today Wednesday September 12, 2018

True Confession

My sister-in-law caused my miscarriage and made me childless

Look into my eyes and tell me that you love me, but don’t break my heart.

M

y elder brother and his wife have a history of domestic violence. I have never taken sides in their quarrels or fights, nor do I intend to take sides now, especially after the damage has already been done.

I was just a pregnant woman who didn’t wish anybody evil. However, my light-hearted visit to my brother’s house turned out to be a near-fatal mistake for me.

On that particular day, my elder brother and his wife were quarreling as usual. I think the problem bordered on money and I could hear their loud voices even from outside as I quietly approached their apartment.

They always had financial problems and I just couldn’t understand why they couldn’t properly manage their financial problems without quarreling and fighting over money all the time.

I believe that in marriage, a sound understanding of the management of resources (financial and otherwise) is very important. And husband and wife need to work together as a team to budget and plan for both the family and for their personal needs too.

They both operated a joint account and my brother had accused his wife of withdrawing and spending too much money from the account without his knowledge or consent.

I was about six months pregnant then, and I had gone to deliver a message from our mother to my brother. I had recently traveled to the village to see my mother because it had been long since I last saw her.

Apart from the fact that I wanted to give her some money, I wanted her to give me some local herbs that would help me in pregnancy.

My mum was well versed in local herbs and she knew how to make a pregnant woman safely deliver a healthy baby.

Seeing my mother in the village had given me great joy and my mother had gladly accepted to assist me with some medicinal local herbs.

However, when I was about to depart from the village, she had informed me about a project she was undertaking.

It was a church project, because my mother was deeply involved in church activities in the village. She urgently needed money from all her children to help her proceed with the project.

However, the huge sum of money involved was not something that I alone could gather and give my mum. I just couldn’t afford it, so the best thing to do was to get my siblings in the city to contribute their own share of cash to the project.

That was just what I had in mind when I left home for my elder brother’s house that day. All I wanted was to collect some money from my brother to add to the one I had been able to gather for my mother. But sadly, fate seems to have had other plans for me.

Before I walked into my elder brother’s apart-

ment, I could hear shouts and screams and nasty words being said. I was alarmed at the kind of nasty words I could hear them say to each other. My brother would say: “I will kill you today, you stupid woman.” And his wife would reply: “You will die too, shameless man.”

They had apparently started fighting again and were oblivious of their surroundings. As they exchanged blows and hot words, they obviously cared less about whoever was listening.

The most irritating thing about it all was that my brother and his wife lived in a very peaceful neighborhood and their noisy quarrels and

fights were the exact opposite of the peaceful nature of their neighborhood.

Even my presence in their living room was not enough to douse the tension and make them sheathe their swords. My brother’s wife only had a wrapper tied around her chest and my brother had his hand on the wrapper and was trying to strip her naked and push her out of the house for the neighbors to see her shame.

Although I was heavily pregnant, I couldn’t just stand and watch things fall apart without doing anything. I appealed to both of them to

stop fighting and be quiet, but all my pleas fell on deaf ears.

I even yelled at my sister-in-law to stop insulting my brother because her insults were driving him crazy. But she didn’t listen. She continued calling him unprintable names and the situation continued to degenerate.

Before I knew what was happening, they had started fighting again and my brother’s hand was on his wife’s throat. He was obviously trying to strangle her and I couldn’t stand and watch him kill her just like that because I knew the implication.

So I jumped in-between the two of them in order to separate them. With my pregnancy, I was in-between two fighting parties and I thought everything was now going to be okay since I was now between both of them.

But just when I thought both warriors were going to calm down and sheathe their swords, my sister-in-law ran into the kitchen and came out carrying a pestle.

She rushed forward and swung the pestle, trying to hit my brother with the pounding tool. My brother managed to dodge the first blow. Then I ran in-between them again, trying to protect my brother from harm.

It was the moment I rushed in-between them that she wildly swung the pestle again, hitting me in the abdomen accidentally. The pain I felt is unimaginable and I passed out instantly.

I later woke up in the hospital and collapsed again after the doctor told me that I had lost my pregnancy. He said I had bled so much that it had been impossible to stop the process of miscarriage.

The worst of it all was that the doctor said that my womb had been seriously damaged as a result of the hard impact of the pestle on my stomach. According to the doctor, I may never be able to have a child again.

I am now going through emotional shock and deep trauma. As if having a miscarriage isn’t enough, being told that you may never be able to have a child again is like a cruel icing on a heartless cake.

My marriage has virtually been ruined because my husband is now saying that he may seek a divorce and marry a second wife because it is clear that I won’t be able to bear him children and he wants children.

My in-laws now call me barren behind my back and are secretly pressuring my husband to marry a second wife who will give him children.

I can’t believe that my loving husband can actually look into my eyes and tell me that he loves me, only to break my heart with the talk of marrying a second wife because he wants children.

My sister-in-law has practically made me a barren woman because of her stupid fight with my brother. I now remember the warning an old woman had given me at the market when I was only three months pregnant. She had told me that I should avoid anywhere there is trouble.

The old woman had told me that a pregnant woman should never be present wherever people are fighting. I have now learned the hard way. I thought that nothing bad would happen to me because the fight was between my brother and his wife. But I was wrong.

I’m now running from pillar to post looking for a solution to my problem. I advise all pregnant women out there never to try to mediate in any physical or violent conflict. They should avoid violent or troublesome people and stay away from troubled spots. Only God will save me!

A glimpse into the marriages...

Cont’d from page: 34 site. On the site, she claimed to be a dual citizen of Nigeria and Canada.

We chatted on Facebook and talked on phone for two weeks before physically meeting each other. I made a mistake by not investigating her background thoroughly before jumping into marriage with her.

I had always wanted to relocate to Canada and since she claimed to be a citizen of Canada, I told her that as a banker, I had been saving money to process a permanent resident permit and relocate to Canada. I confessed to her my future plans and she heartlessly took advantage to do me evil.

She told me that we needed to get married as fast as possible so that she could help me with the Canadian immigration process. She promised to use her ‘citizenship’ status to get me to Canada after our marriage.

However, after our wedding, she started demanding for huge sums of money from me for her to go to Canada to pave the way for me to come over.

She asked me to give her two million naira (N2million) the first time, which I did. She then travelled to Canada and stayed for three months and returned to Nigeria. Then she now demanded for five million naira (N5m) for her to go back to Canada and make the final preparation.

I was trying to sell off one of my properties in Lagos in order to make up the five million naira when my boss at the office asked me if I had consulted the Canadian embassy in Nigeria about I and my wife’s plans. My boss felt that my wife was demanding for too much money and told me to seek clarification from the Canadian embassy.

The following day after speaking with my boss I went to the Canadian embassy and told them what was happening. They told me to submit my wife’s name and details. You can imagine my embarrassment when an official of the Canadian embassy called me later to tell me that my wife was not a citizen of Canada.

The official said she had been using my mon-

ey to process her own personal immigration to Canada. In other words, my wife was trying to use me to get to Canada and it was clear that if she succeeded in completing her own personal immigration process to Canada, she was going to dump me. I had to act fast to divorce her.

Kenneth: In the end, there are no rules to how you meet, but what you make out of your marriage.

In the past, if you were going to get married to someone, you had to have known each other for x number of years. But these days, people meet each other through media dating Cont’d on page: 40

35

The Oracle Today Wednesday September 12, 2018

Relationships and Love Advice

I believe he has another woman

Love Search Women seeking relationship/ marriage Joyce, 26, in Lagos, romantic, wants a caring sugar daddy who can also help her get a job.

08050572880.

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Faith, 35, works and lives in Port Harcourt, needs a decent guy of 36-40 years.. 09037846643.

Dear Love Doctor, I am a lady of 29 years who deeply loves a guy. He claims to love me too but he does not express it. He does not call but sends text messages once in a while. I complained but nothing is being done and I strongly believe he has someone else.

I stopped my frequent calling yet he never bothered. He does not give me money or gifts, yet I have never asked him for anything. Now I want to quit the affair because I am not enjoying the relationship at all. Does he really love me? Love Doctor please I need your candid advice.

From, Praise.

Dear Praise,

M

If he doesn’t respond after you make your need for affection clear, then we have to dig deeper to find out why he’s withholding affection from you. Is something not working for him in the relationship? Is something bothering him at work? Is he depressed? Does he feel that you’re not meeting his needs?

Generally when we feel properly fed by our partners, we want to give back to them whatever they want from us. When a partner withholds, it can be a sign that he/she is feeling unfulfilled in the relationship.

Now let’s move to another possibility. Maybe everything is fine for him in the relationship and he’s simply fallen into what some counsellors call the Caveman Courtship routine. The caveman did whatever he needed to win his female. He’d show

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Call Love Doctor: 07031028714, 08131161840, 08077821830 for Counseling, infertility & Direct Hookup.

Love Doctor’s Advice: y first question is whether your guy used to show you any affection before (in order to win you) or was he always not affectionate?

If he used to be affectionate and he’s become lazy of late, my first question is have you discussed the issue with him? Does he know that you need more affection? If you haven’t yet discussed the matter, then we can’t assume that he knows anything is the matter! Never assume anything about your partner in a relationship without first seeking clarification from him/her. He may not have someone else as you think.

However, remember, don’t attack, blame, complain or criticize him.

Simply state what you need and how much it means to you. In many cases, this solves the problem.

Monica Ono, 35, beautiful, single mother of one, needs a handsome man of 38-41 years for marriage. 08036844539.

off, prove his strength and prowess, fight off competitors, etc.

But once he banged her over the head with a club and dragged her back to his cave, the challenge was over! His conquest was won, and he could just sit back and watch the sports channel. In this way, modern day men aren’t very different from cavemen. Therefore, your guy may be taking you for granted because he sees you as a done deal rather than the prize that he needs to keep happy if he wants her to remain in his life.

Reach out to your man. Discuss with him to know why he doesn’t show you affection. If it’s clear that he is playing games, don’t settle for deception, because it wouldn’t be wise wasting your time being with someone who doesn’t love you.

Men seeking relationship/ marriage An educated, God fearing young man wants an educated, God fearing, tall, very fair, working class lady with a B.Sc. or M.Sc. for marriage.

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Ephraim, a pastor, not buoyant, needs a buoyant girl of 20-30 years with big hips and big bust for marriage. Email: ugochukwuodor@yahoo.com Uche, in Lagos, needs a matured sexy woman from 40 years and above for friendship, not marriage. 08077821830.

Do you have advice on this problem? Please share your thoughts. Call 07031028714 or 08131161840. Email: ireto007@ yahoo.com

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Note: If you have fertility problems like childlessness, inability to conceive or get pregnant, miscarriages, fibroid, low sperm count, STDs, or need a male child or female? Call 07031028714, 08131161840.. Love Doctor can help you succeed in your marriage/relationship.

36

The Oracle Today Wednesday September 12, 2018

It happened to me:

I’m dating a widower, but it wasn’t love at first sight

T

en years ago I met a widower whose wife of 18 years had died the previous year. He had two sons. One was in high school the other was away at college. I wasn’t too interested in him at first, no love at first sight for me.

But he was persistent and eventually we started dating. It became serious rather quickly. After some time went by he asked me to move in with him. I wanted the same, I had fallen in love and hated the time we were apart.

We discussed our future as I was not willing to move away from my kids, grand kids and job to be someone’s live in. I was making a huge move and needed the security of commitment. (we lived hours apart) He lived on a farm in an isolated area where there was no job opportunities. His sons had no problem with me moving to their farm and living with their Dad. Three months later when the time came to tell them we were getting married, the youngest had a problem with that. He said no! The wedding was off. I moved back out.

I had to move in with my sister as I had given up my apartment. I had also given away all my furnishings.

Time to find a job! Three days later he called begging me back, assuring me we would get married as soon as his son Graduated high school and went off to college.

He felt his son had been through enough with the death of his Mother. I couldn’t understand why giving me the respect of marriage would cause his son any hardship.

His son was fine with me living with them, cooking the meals, cleaning the house, sharing his Dads bed and helping around the farm. I thought he was being a bad parent by letting his son rule the roost but I didn’t say anything. I did move back in and everything fell back into place.

I dealt with all the normal widower crap. (dead wife’s pictures all over the place, her clothes still in the closet, cosmetics in the medicine cabinet etc.) I filled in for the missing Mom, baking cakes for school raffles, washing football uniforms, decorating for graduation party. etc.

I did notice that my widower withheld showing affection towards me whenever his son was around to see. This to I let pass, though I was still thinking bad parenting.

When his son moved away to college, everything was more open and carefree.

We had a prenuptial agreement drawn up and he talked to his kids again about marrying me. Must not have gone over any better than the first time.

My widower’s bad parenting kicked in again and the wedding was off. He told me he was never getting married again and couldn’t understand why I needed to get married. Why couldn’t we just live together like his son wanted us to.

Anyway, to sum it up. Every time I leave he begs me back with promises. I know he in-

tends to follow through but then he puts the brakes on. I know he loves me. He just can’t go against his kids wishes.

Even though they are both married now.

He also has guilt issues to deal with. He was a drinker during most of his married life so he wasn’t the world’s best husband to her. I’m sure that plays a big part in all this.

So everything is fine as long as I don’t expect anything serious from the relationship.

His kids even resent any money he should spend on me..So, that doesn’t happen.

So where am I at? I am a live in cook, maid, housekeeper and bed partner. I play the role of wife without the respect and security of marriage. I am on the outside looking in. Nothing is mine unless it needs to be cleaned.

My widower doesn’t or chooses not to see what I have given up and what I continue to give up. My needs are not being met. My feelings are not being taken into account. I simply exist.

This is not the life he promised me. My widower, his kids and even his friends downplay my role in this relationship. Everyone is being loyal to a dead wife and mother. I have to wonder what type of a person she really was. Oh, I have heard of her greatness over and over again. That doesn’t bother me.

Everyone who dies is turned into a saint by the people they leave behind. I understand this silly ritual. But, if they think their treatment of me would please the dead wife, then they either don’t know her very well or she was not a very nice person.

Because no woman would be pleased to see her kids and husband treat another woman so poorly. What I’ve learned... I’ve found that most widows and widowers are very selfish people after the loss of a spouse.

They tend to think and do only what will make them happy. They believe they have suffered the greatest hurt imaginable so others should not complain about the small every day pains and hurt feelings. They have blinders on that keep them from seeing the pain they cause others.

These blinders tend to fog over their true memories of their dead loved ones also.

That’s why second wives or girlfriends of widowers usually feel like they can’t measure up or compete with that “perfect” late wife.

Society isn’t much help. Friends and family have a way of branding a widower as a sad lonely person who will never be complete again.

Doesn’t matter if the widower is in a new relationship, he is still expected to be sad and lonely for all eternity because he lost his one and only true love. They see second wives and girlfriends as replacements. Happy the widower found a companion to help fill in for the missing wife.

Widows and widowers can predetermine that a new relationship will never be as meaningful as the one they had with their

...first in world to get breakthrough treatment Cont’d from page: 33 potent version of the Interleukin 2 protein into the bloodstream, which stimulates the body’s immune system to kill rogue cells.

It is taken at the same time as Herceptin, which binds onto the cancer cells to make tumours visible to the immune system.

Around 60 people will eventually take part in the global study, including patients in the UK being treated at University College London

Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Barts Health NHS Trust and University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust.

RO6874281 has previously been taken by a small number of patients in a safety trial. However, this is the first time it has been combined with Herceptin.

Professor Andrew Wardley, from The Christie hospital, said: ‘This is an exciting and very novel form of therapy especially for breast cancer and I’m delighted that our patient Anna will be the

late spouse. (They can’t really) But they can put the brakes on a new relationship so that it doesn’t compete or out shadow the previous relationship. They do this out of loyalty to the late spouse and because society expects it of them.

There is also that graveside promise they almost always make. “there will never be another one” or “I’ll never love anyone as much as I did you” Doesn’t matter if they couldn’t stand to be in the same room together when they were both alive, they don’t remember that part.

(Blinders) Like I said, I’ve been in this relationship for ten years. It took me 1 year to get her clothes out of the closet. Two years

to get her pictures off the walls. I’m not even scratching the surface yet. Is it worth it? I would say yes. For him that is. He has had the best of both worlds.

After ten years of playing house, doing everything his wife did and then some. He tells me that our relationship will never mean as much to him as “theirs” did. She was his one and only true love for all eternity. My reply?...”well if you love her that darn much.. go dig her up! I’m tired of doing her dishes and feeding her husband.” Are we still together? Yes. But it’s a work in progress.

first to hopefully benefit from this treatment.

‘We believe that the two drugs working together will be more effective at targeting the cancer and stimulating the body’s immune system to kill the cancer cells.’ The HER2-positive form of the disease is responsible for about one in five of all cases and tumours are notoriously fast growing and difficult to treat.

Breast cancer is Britain’s most common female cancer, with more than 55,000 new cases and 11,000 deaths every year according to the most recent figures.

The number is rising steadily due to the ageing population and lifestyle factors such as obesity.

A study last week found that women who lose half a stone significantly reduce their odds of developing breast cancer.

US researchers said even ‘relatively modest’ weight loss has a considerable effect. Losing two stone or more cuts the chances of developing breast cancer by a third.

• Do you have a story or comment about this confession? Call 07031028714.

Daily Mail

37

The Oracle Today Wednesday September 12, 2018

The Law and You Company directors

A

neighbor of mine who works with a factory as the company driver used to come home occasional with his company’s bus and with inscription of the products of his factor written over the vehicles. However, some young school girls residing around us and who see him come with these vehicles asked home one day whether he is a driver in the company. Do you know what he answered them, “I am the company director-in-charge of Sales and Marketing”? As luck ran over home one day when one of these girls who invited him for an interview as a Secretary to the Executive Director Marketing and she became so glad that her chances would be very easy since that driver told them that he is the Director Marketing . She kept mute on receipt of her interview letter and planned to surprise that driver on the day of interview. On the D-day, she prepared very well and with high hopes went to that company for the interview and on arrival she asked to see the director.

She was let in but she saw a different person and asked him about the Director Marketing and mentioned the name of that driver. She was shocked to understand that the man she knows is the driver to the Executive Director, Marketing. The man she knows was called in by the director and to the girl surprise; the man came in and was prostrating for his boss who embarrassed him for impersonation and lying. What I am driving at is that it is an offence to advocate to ourselves what we are not. Section 250 CAMA states that where a person who was not duly appointed acts as a Director, his acts would not bind the company and he is personally liable for his acts unless the company is shown to have held him out. Likewise, Section 244(2) CAMA states that a member can apply to the court to restrain both the company and such a person from being paraded as a Director unless duly appointed. Hence, one is left the question; WHO ARE DIRECTORS OF A COMPANY? Directors are the Alter ego of the company. They are the mind and brain behind company’s activities. They make up the policy making bodies of the company as well as the executive organs of those companies. They are persons duly appointed by their companies to direct, manage and generally oversee the affairs of their companies. It should be mention here that the respective names ascribe to these directors are immaterial but what matters is whether it is their companies that duly held out the persons out as directing its affairs. Directors are of different types as we shall understand now.

TYPES OF DIRECTORS Nigerian Corporate Law Practice recognized the following types:

With Barr. Ken Akpom 08162016410 f.

LIFE DIRECTOR In private companies especially, Life Directors may necessarily be appointed to retain the control of a company for life by the Board members. However, the fact that a person is appointed a Life Director of a company does not mean that he cannot be removed except by death. Life Director can be removed under Section 262 of CAMA by an ordinary Resolution having special notice and the observation of other procedures which the lawyer knows better.

So find out from them or approach any for further assistance. It has to be mentioned here that the major benefit of appointment as Life Director is that such a Director is not subject to retirement and rotational rule as in Section 255 of CAMA.

a.

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR The daily activities of the company must be taken care of by a head – a Director – hence, these classes of directors known as the Executive Directors are appointed to oversee the various sections such as the Administration and Finance, etc. These classes of Directors occupy dual position or status as Alter ego as well as employee of the company.

This means that he sits at the board meetings formulating policy directions for the company as well as being in-charge of implementation of the policy thrust of the company. He has office created for him in the company to exercise his g.

REPRESENTATIVE/NOMINEE DIRECTOR daily affairs.

This is the appointment of a person who is already a director in one company to represent the company as a direcb.

NON-EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR These classes only operate as the Alter ego and are not tor in another company in line with the law approving this involved in the day to day running or operations of the act. He is a nominee of the other company to represent it company as the Executive Directors. No office is allocated in another company as Directors. Such an appointment is to them in the company. They only must attend the Board done by ordinary resolution of the members of the compaMeetings. It is in fact from this class of directors that the ny which is to represent unless the articles reserved such a Chairman of the company is elected to preside over the power the Board of Directors. His tenure is however for a board meetings. However, it should be noted that some fixed term in line with his appointment terms. small companies at times appoints Managing Director as SHADOW DIRECTOR Chairman and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) to perform h.

A Shadow Director does not have formal appointment nor both non-Executive and Executive positions. is there any formal removal from office of such a person.

The acceptance of the person as Director is based on the c.

MANAGING DIRECTOR He is the Chief Executive Officer who takes full responsi- test whether the company’s existing Directors are obliged bility of all the daily activities of the company. He occupies to take the direction and instructions of such a person in dual position as both the alter ego and employee of the the ruling of the company’s affairs. A good example of company. The appointment of Managing Director (MD) shadow director can be found in Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, is done by the Board of Director from member whether the former President of Nigeria and the Transnational Corfrom executive or non-executive arms of the directors and poration of Nigeria (Transcorp plc.) where it was generally delegates powers to him to act so for the interests of the believed that he directs and dictates the Board decision of company and not personal interests. Skills play prominent the company. role in this appointment hence, a service contract of terms WHAT IS THE NUMBER OF DIRECTORS REQUIRED BY and conditions of employment is very necessary.

COMPANIES? Two is the minimum number of company director in Nid. CHAIRMAN, BOARD OF DIRECTOR He is appointed by the Board of Directors from among the geria while the Articles of Association of the company Board members to act as its Chairman and to preside over determines the maximum number for that company. It is the company’s Board Meetings as well as its General share- to be mentioned that Section 245(2) CAMA specifies that holders meeting. Sometimes and subject to the compli- a company whose number falls below two shall within ance with the law regulating companies, he may have dual one month appoint new directors and shall not carry on business after the expiration of the one month unless the roles at a time. directors are appointed. The general meeting of the company can increase or decrease the number of directors by e.

ALTERNATE DIRECTOR Simply put, this is the appointment of two directors for alteration of the articles. The Board of Directors can only a single position to alternate for each other in case of ab- increase to the maximum allowed by the articles. sence of one. This usually happens where an expatriate is involved. However, they cannot be for executive directors. WHO CAN BE APPOINTED A DIRECTOR OF A COMPANY? It is not everybody that can be appointed as a Director in Here, their tenure in office ends at the same time.

Nigeria. Section 257 CAMA states out the persons qualified to be appointed as Directors in Nigeria companies. These classes of persons to occupy the alter ego of a company must be matured in character and attitude, credible personalities and very reliable persons in characters and trusts.

To this end, the section of CAMA I mentioned earlier, Section 257 CAMA disqualifies the following from been directors of Nigerian companies. They are; • Infants under the ages of 18 years • Lunatic or person of unsound mind • Persons of fraudulent characters as prohibited by court order or convicted for such act • A corporation unless by its representative appointed for a given term APPOINTMENT OF DIRECTORS AFTER DEATH OF ALL DIRECTORS AND SHAREHOLDERS In the event of the death of all directors and shareholders, the law permitted any of their personal representatives to apply to the Federal High Court within their jurisdiction for an order to convene personal representatives meeting of the shareholders to appoint new directors. In the absence of the representatives doing so, any creditor may c all for such a meeting.

For further enquires, you can contact me on my lines, email me or consult lawyers nearest to you.

• Do you have questions or seek legal clarification on issues concerning your marriage, probate, property, etc? Call or send a text message to Barr. Ken: 08162016410, 08075763840. Email: kenakpom@yahoo.com

38

The Oracle Today Wednesday September 12, 2018

ENTERTAINMENT

With Douglas Omoyooma

Ras Kimono knew he was going to die – Oge Kimono

T

he first daughter of late reggae legend, Ras Kimono, reggae artiste, Oge Kimono in this chat reveals that her dad knew death was knocking before the grim ripper came for him on June 12. She also opened up on fond memories with her dad.

It was with shock that NIgerians received news of your dad’s passing after a glorious career. what kind of a man was he?

Dad was an amazing being in every ramification. He was a very simple man whose humility was second to none, a true rastaman whose first rule was love regardless of status, race, creed or religion.

When was the last time you spoke to him and did you have a premonition that death was just around the corner?

The last time I spoke to him was a day before his trip. And I have been having some premonition as you call it about him passing away. The last one that I had which is still vivid in my memory occurred about two years ago when I dreamt he had passed on. I had been having those sort of dreams for a while but I wasn’t expecting it this soon.

There has been speculation that he knew his time was up. As his daughter who was very close to him, what is your take?

I think he was aware that his time was up because of a couple of things that happened prior to his passing. One incidence that strikes a chord for most people was his vote of thanks at his 60th birthday on May 9 where he have a vote of thanks. He said ‘thank you to all of you who came out to celebrate me today. I actually wanted to make my 35th year anniversay on stage alongside my birthday but unfortunately, it may not happen. Maybe, the next time we will celebrate will be at Aton cemetery.’ So I think he was seeing ahead of us. This is just one among other occurrences.

What find memories do you have of him and do you see him in your dreams?

Hmmm… I have so many fond memories of him. Even typing is making me laugh hard because I can just picture the huge mischievous smile he has on right now looking down on me from heaven. There was this particular day I punished my little

relative. She later slept off and my dad went to my room to look for me only to find the little girl sleeping so he came down stairs to meet myself, Righteousman and his wife and called me out for punishing the child and guess what, he said ‘waka your mama.’ I wanted to get back at him so bad so I said ‘waka to myself my papa.’ It was so hilarious we all bursted out laughing. Indeed that was a hilarious moment. I only saw him in my dream a day after he died and before I could say Jack he disappeared and I haven’t seen him since then. I am waiting for him!

What was the greatest advice he gave you growing up?

The greatest advice my father gave me was to be original and consistent in whatever I do in life. But above all I must be humble in whatever I do.

What plans do you have to carry on his legacy, can you step into his shoes?

One thing I have to set straight is this. There can only be one Ras Kimono! Good enough he saw me pushing a music career in Reggae so, as for the continuity of his musical legacy, it continues to live as long as I live so help me Jah! Sen. Florence Ita Giwa said it all ‘Kimono has a successor.”

What will you miss about him most?

Whenever I get this question ‘what will you miss most about him?’ My response is always the same, I will miss verything!

What were his unfulfilled dreams?

Hmmm… his unfulfilled dreams?

Maybe not winning a Grammy.

What project are you working on currently?

I was working on my debut album to surprise my dad this year but oh boy! did he surprise me instead. Anyways, that plan is still on as I am set to drop a single entitled Good Ole Days, off the album this September so look out for it.

• Oge Kimono

39

The Oracle Today Wednesday September 12, 2018

South East

E

bonyi Government says the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) assisted Value Chain Development Programme (VCDP) has used the 14 market stalls it constructed to reconcile two disputing communities in the state.

The Okposi-Okwu and Onicha Igboeze communities of Ohaozara and Onicha Local Government Areas (LGAs) respectively were in dispute over the ownership of a market situated on the land the stalls were constructed.

Chief Itapa Azuobu, Gov. David Umahi’s Senior Special Assistant (SSA) on Rice Production, told the people during the handover ceremony on Saturday that Umahi had directed both communities to jointly use the facility.

“The governor hails from this area and has sent me to this occasion with one paramount message: peace and only peace to exist between both communities.

“He also directed me to inform both communities that the market has been renamed: ‘Ahia Nkwo-Udo na Oganihu (Market of Peace and Progress).

IFAD–VCDP facility reconciles two warring communities in Ebonyi

“This is the new name for the market henceforth as we thank IFAD-VCDP tremendously for using the facility to restore peace between both communities,” he said.

Azuobu urged the traditional rulers and other stakeholders of the communities to liaise and remove all the existing shanties which had served as market stalls.

“New structures should be erected because our governor is not identified with shanties or poor structures.

“The market should be attractive to make motorists who ply this major road and people from several parts of the state to patronise the agricultural and other products sold inside it,” he said.

He also urged the people to em-

brace dry season farming, especially in the production of rice and other agricultural produce.

“I am the governor’s SSA on rice production and had harvested the 11.1 hectares of rice farm which I cultivated at Umunaga, the governor’s hometown. I have commenced a fresh cultivation of the produce. When I told the governor of my intention to introduce dry season farming in his area, he encouraged me.

“Those who tried it before failed but the governor’s encouragement made my venture a success story,” he said IFAD-VCDP State Coordinator in Ebonyi, Mr Sunday Ituma, said that the organisation consulted extensively with stakeholders of both communities to ensure har-

monious use of the facility.

“We will continue to monitor the usage through the operation and maintenance committee set up to ensure its adequate maintenance. “IFAD-VCDP has zero tolerance for erecting projects in dispute-ridden areas but the concerted efforts of chairmen and development centre coordinators in both councils, ensured the amicable resolve to jointly use the market,” he said.

He noted that membership of the operation and maintenance committee of the market was equitably shared among both communities in consonance with their wishes.

IFAD-VCDP National Programme Coordinator (NPC), Dr Ameh Onoja, urged the communities to

Ikpeazu reiterates commitment to supporting Abia women A

bia State Governor, Okezie Ikpeazu has reiterated the readiness of the state government to support women by addressing issues that affect them.

Ikpeazu made this known on Thursday in Umuahia during the 2018 Abia Women’s August Delegates Conference (AWADEC) organised by the Office of the Wife of the Governor and the Ministry of Women Affairs.

The event has the themed: “Women Participation in Decision Making:A Bedrock to Sustainable Development.“ The governor, who was represented by his Deputy, Mr Ude Oko-Chukwu, said that in the past three years, his administration had initiated programmes for empowering and promoting the cause of women in Abia.

He said that women were endowed with economic and organisational skills and described them as huge contributors to the growth of the family and society.

Ikpeazu said that his administration would continue to encourage women to reach their highest potential, adding that they had the capacity to facilitate sustainable development in the state.

Wife of the governor, Mrs Nkechi Ikpeazu, said that the conference was a deliberate effort targeted at educating Abia women on the importance of refocusing their priorities to develop Abia.

Ikpeazu urged Abia women to become active contributors to the establishment of good governance and be empowered to make the right choices which would promote qualitative leadership.

She said: ”The Abia woman also needs to claim her right of place in ensuring gender parity for elective positions.

“Therefore, I call on more Abia women to come out to contest elective positions in 2019.”

In her address, Mrs Kate Onyemachi, the Commissioner for Women Affairs, described the participation of women in governance as strategic, saying that women had a lot to offer in decision making.

Onyemachi said that she desired to see more women occupy more top political positions to promote

assist the committee to ensure that the facilities were adequately maintained.

Ameh, who was represented by the organisation’s Irrigation Specialist, Mr Frank Njah, said the committee members would not be paid but required the encouragement of the people to succeed in their duties.

Chief Moses Nome, Ebonyi Commissioner for Agriculture and Natural Resources, prayed that the peace facilitated by the handover of the facilities be maintained for the good of both communities.

“I also urge the people to collect their Permanent Voters Cards (PVC) to ensure that credible leaders such as the governor were re-elected to continue their good works,” he said.

Member of the Okposi-Okwu Traditional Ruler’s cabinet, Chief Ajah Okike, said that they had resolved he dispute to ensure that their subjects harmoniously utilise the market.

Commissioner warns traders against revenue diversion nambra Commissioner for Trade and Wealth Creation, A Mr Christian Madubuko, has

•Abia anniversary: Abia State Governor, Okezie Ikpeazu (l) flanked by members of his executive council during a commemorative service at the International Conference Centre, Umuahia, to commemorate the state’s 27th anniversary, Tuesday

socio-economic development in the state.

Earlier, Mrs Ozioma Onyenweaku, a resource person, said that increased participation of women in the nation polity could not be over emphasised because of their indispensable role of in the society.

Onyenweaku said that encouraging women to take part in decision-making process as well as involving them in peace and security processes were crucial to achieving sustainable development. She called on Abia women to “rise above their challenges;

shake off all the outdated African mentality that has kept them behind and realise that they are crucial in the affairs of the nation.”

The event featured presentation of a lecture entitled; “The Woman and Her Sociopolitical Environment”, among other high points.

Commissioner presents 100 bags of processed organic rice to Umahi, others E

bonyi Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Sen. Emmanuel Onwe, has presented 100 bags of 50kg processed organic rice harvested from his farm to Gov. David Umahi.

Onwe, who did the presentation in Abakaliki told newsmen on Wednesday that the governor’s immense support fuelled his interest in embarking on massive rice production.

“I present these 100 bags of

50kg processed organic rice in recognition of the governor’s tireless efforts to make the citizens engage in agriculture, especially rice production. The governor in his magnanimity, requested that each member of the EXCO be given a bag of rice as the council resolved to henceforth invest significantly in organic rice production,’’ he said.

Onwe said that there were several benefits of producing or-

ganic rice which the government intended highlighting extensively when activities concerning it commence.

“The council resolved to embark seriously in its production to complement the extra-ordinary work the governor is doing and to encourage farmers in the state.’’

The bags of rice were also distributed to members of the state EXCO among other government functionaries.

warned market leaders in the state to desist from stealing and embezzling government’s revenue.

Madubuko gave the warning on Thursday shortly after the election of new executive leaders of Old Mercedes Spare Parts Market, Nkpor, near Onitsha.

He said that some market leaders were in the habit of robbing the state government of its revenue and warned that “the prison awaits such conscienceless leaders.”

“The state government will not tolerate a situation where traders divert its revenue without proper accountability,” the commissioner said.

While assuring the traders of government’s continued support for businesses to thrive through the provision of basic infrastructure, Madubuko commended them on the peaceful conduct of the election.

President-General, Anambra Markets Amalgamated Traders Association (AMATAS), Chief Okwudili Ezenwankwo, urged the new leadership to sustain the relative peace currently existing in the market.

Ezenwankwo urged the traders to give the new leadership support in the herculean task of administering the market.

In his acceptance speech, Chief Victor Elobi, who was re-elected for a second term in office, appealed for co-operation so as to deliver on his promises in the market.

Elobi commended Madubuko and Ezenwankwo for their untiring efforts to reposition markets in the state.

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The Oracle Today Wednesday September 12, 2018

News

Man gives out 2-yr-old son as loan collateral in Calabar

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OLICE Command in Cross River has arrested a couple for allegedly trafficking their two-year old first son to an agent in Portharcourt in exchange for money.

Commissioner of Police, Mr Hafiz Inuwa, who presented the suspects to journalists on Tuesday in Calabar, said the couple was arrested on July 23 in Calabar after a report by the mother of the child, Mrs Magdalene Bassey.

Inuwa explained that the mother of the child reported that her husband, Mr Daniel Bassey, gave out the child to a trafficking agent for an undisclosed amount of money.

“On July 23 2018, one Mrs Magdalene Bassey reported at Efut Divisional Headquarters in Calabar that her husband, Mr Daniel Bassey, took their first son to an unknown person in Port Harcourt through one woman called `Mummy’.

“The police immediately swung into action and arrested the suspect. During interrogation; the suspect revealed that his wife was a party to the transaction.

“The duo is now in police custody to unravel the cause of this inhuman action and possible

prosecution,’’ he said.

The father of the child told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that said he gave out the child as collateral for N180,000 to help him pay his house rent .

“I did it based on the debt of N21,000 I collected from a friend to pay my house rent. There is no work in this rainy season and I am jobless. A guy from my area informed me that he knows a woman who lends money to people.

“That my friend told me that I can give out the child as collateral to get the money without necessarily selling him.

“The woman gave me N180,000 immediately after she received the child. After that, my mother in-law came and asked me of the child and I lied to her that I took the baby to my brother for holiday,’’ he said.

The commissioner also presented 37 suspected armed robbers; 20 suspected cultists; eight suspects for unlawful possession of firearms and five suspects for murder, among others.

He assured that the command would continue to work in collaboration with other security agencies and residents of the state with a view to safeguarding lives and property.

Councillors commend Okowa over new land law From JONATHAN AWANYAI, Asaba

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VWIE Local Government Council Legislative Arm has passed a motion of commendation on the Delta State House of Assembly and Governor Ifeanyi Okowa for the enactment of a law prohibiting extortion on land in the state.

The motion of commendation was passed during the sitting of the house recently.

Honourable James Emanarame, Councillor presenting Alaka/Jakpa Ward who moved the motion on the floor of the house, noted that extortion of money from developers in Uvwie Local Government Area had hindered development and brought disrepute to the area.

He therefore gave kudos to the Delta State House of Assembly for promulgating the bill and to Governor Senator Ifeanyi Okowa for assenting to the bill.

Seconding the motion , Honourable Enawore Precious, Councillor representing Ekpan Ward remarked that extortion of money by youths from developers, popularly known as ‘deve’ had discouraged most youths in Uvwie from educational pursuit and that it had caused bloody fracas amongst youths in the area.

The Leader of the House, Honourable Rotimi Obukohwo Ukwade, while adding his voice to the motion, noted that the councillors were representatives of the good people of Uvwie and therefore stated that they would always support what was good for Uvwie also condemn what is bad in the area.

He commended the state house of assembly and Governor Okowa for the bill.

Ukwade who is the Councillor representing Enerhen Ward also warned those indulging in the barbaric act of extortion of money from developers in Uvwie to desist from it forthwith and also charged the police to be up and doing in their responsibilities of ensuing that those indulging in the uncivilized act were arrested and prosecuted in law court.

The House also in a motion commiserated with the people of Ekpan in Uvwie Local Government Area over an accident involving a heavy duty vehicle and some electricity poles, thanking God that it did not cause any casualty.

The motion however called on authorities concern to put motion in place to avoid future occurrence of such accident.

Speaking to our correspondents shortly after the sitting of the house, the Chairman House Committee on Community and Councillor representing Effurun Refinery Road Honourable Ward, Hon. Austin Akemu, noted with delight that the bill would put an end to the harassment of property developers in Uvwie Local Government Area He expressed hope that people would be encouraged to develop properties in the area without fear of harassment from ‘deve’ boys.

•Delta State Governor, Ifeanyi Okowa (l) receiving the new General Officer Commanding 6th Division, Nigeria Army, Port-Harcourt, Major-General Jamiu Sarham (r), when the latter paid a courtesy visit to the Government House in Asaba.

C’River APC extends olive branch to Usani group, others From ANIEKAN ANIEKAN, Calabar

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EWLY inaugurated Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, (APC) Cross River State, Mathew Achigbe has waved the olive branch to Minister of the Niger Delta Affairs, Pastor Usani Usani and his supporters to synergize with the new executive in the interest of the party.

Achigbe made this call in Calabar after his arrival from his first National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting as state chairman of the party in Abuja.

It would be recalled that the national executive of the party recently dissolved the previous state executive led by Etim John, an associate of the Minister and sanctioned fresh congresses which produced the new state executive led by Mathew Achigbe.

Speaking in Calabar on the outcome of his first NEC meeting and efforts to reunite the party, he said: “We have a large heart to accommodate and to take care of ourselves. In fact today we spoke face to face and I was very happy that he was very receptive but he is a man of his own and he will take his decision.

INEC registers 600,000 new voters in Delta

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NDEPENDENT National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Delta registered 600,000 new prospective voters during the just-concluded Continuous Voters Registration {CVR}.

INEC’s Administrative Secretary in the state, Mrs Rose Orianrian-Anthony, disclosed this in Asaba on Tuesday, the commission achieved a lot by giving the electorate who had not registered before the opportunity to register to obtain their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs).

She said that the ne registrants included those who recently relocated to the state from other parts of the country.

Orianrian-Anthony said that those whose data were wrongly captured were corrected, adding that registering for PVC during CVR was a civil responsibility that all Nigerians should cherish.

She said that the CVR was

worth the stress and the commission was duly committed to the exercise.

The Administrative Secretary also said that the commission in the state distributed 36,647 old PVCs as at August 25 while 137,719 PVCs were yet to be collected.

She said that collection was a bit low in the state and that was why the commission kept sensitising the electorate to come forward for them.

Orianrian-Anthony who also advised the disabled and women to be part of the registration, said that INEC would continue to do its best to ensure that the votes cast by voters during elections counted.

Orianrian-Anthony said that the process would be accessible to all Nigerians irrespective of age, gender and religion. She said that the field would be free and fair that nobody would be left out.

“I will continue to appeal to him because where will he go to? He has to belong to his own party. He is progressive so I know that he will belong to APC. The only appeal is that he should be more fatherly as a leader he should show that he is truly one and make sure that he has a large room in his heart to accommodate others.

“And again we cannot divide this party at this critical time in our history so I believe from my own interaction with him, he is going to take some other issues into consideration and he will be part and parcel of this big family.

“When I say that I am interested in peace, I will pursue this matter to a logical conclusion and I will ensure that our Minister returns to fold, in fact, I have never imagined otherwise, I don’t even see where he will go to. To go outside APC is to commit suicide so I will not prefer a gentleman like him, how many Ministers do we have that we will allow him to go and commit suicide in the name of going elsewhere. He is going to be part and parcel of APC”.

He maintained that the party has no leader and that the party’s caucus will soon meet in order to determine who the leader of the party is and called on members to close ranks and help the president liberate the suppressed people of Nigeria.

“God forbid, if we do not win Cross River State, we will be one of the lone states that will be left behind. We have had it even without giving the President the support he needed to win, we have benefited so much, in fact, we should be thinking on how we can add to the benefits Mr President has given to us.”

PHED blames protesting Ahoada youths for shut transmission station

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ORT Harcourt Electricity Distribution Company, (PHED) says protesting youths in Ahoada community in Rivers have shut its132KV transmission station located in the area bordering Bayelsa.

The company’s Corporate Communications Manager, Mr John Onyi, said in a statement in Yenagoa on Tuesday that rea-

sons for the action could not be ascertained.

Onyi said that the shutdown of the station had led to blackout in Yenagoa and its environs.

He added: “in view of the ugly incident, the entire Bayelsa State, including Yenagoa, the state capital, has been thrown into darkness.

“Bayelsa state has only one

source of power supply, which is from thje Ahoada 132KV transmission station.

“PHED is still making frantic efforts to establish link with relevant authorities in the area with a view to finding out the remote cause of the action.

“We are appealing to our esteemed customers to exercise patience while the issue is being

resolved.”

He said that the shutting down of the transmission station by youths had become too frequent, adding that it was shut in 2017 and early February, 2018, which resulted blackout in the state. He appealed to security agencies to wade into the matter to forestall future occurrence.

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The Oracle Today Wednesday September 12, 2018

News

Tinapa Business Resort: C’River Govt has run out of ideas – Eyo Ekpo

From ANIEKAN ANIEKAN, Calabar

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UBERNATORIAL hopeful of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) in the forthcoming general elections in Cross River State, Eyo Ekpo has attributed the woes faced by the multi-billion naira Tinapa Business Resort to lack of ideas by the present administration in the state.

Ekpo who recently defected from the People’s Democratic Party to the Social Democratic Party in order to actualize his ambition said the government has let the people down by not letting them know the issues surrounding the shutdown of the facility and also showing clear lack of ideas.

“A lot of our people have already disconnected themselves from this government and what it has been doing. When the Federal Inland Revenue Service shutdown a facility like Tinapa, one would expect that this government would tell the people what was happening and why the tourism asset was shut down, but that was not what we got. No information whatsoever about.

“Though I must say that the problem with Tinapa precedes this administration, but I do blame Ayade for his inability to get the government on top of the issues around Tinapa. I mean to have a real estate asset like Tinapa in Cross River State and not make use of it is a travesty

and it actually shows that this administration lacks ideas despite the fact that it has the largest number of appointees ever in the history of Cross River State and probably the largest ever in this country including the Federal Government. The Governor has more than the Federal Government, which has a little over 800 appointees.

“So, government has become a provider of pocket money to people and it is just more of the same lack of ideas. The challenge that we have is that of ideas. We do have a lot of problems in this State and throwing money at the people is not going to solve anything.

“We have to sit down dissect that challenge, understand the root cause of the problem and address that challenge. As a government, however small the state may be; however poor the State maybe as a people, the mere fact that we have a government, means that we have access to ideas if nothing else.

“Look the truth is that problems are solved not only by money, but largely by ideas. That was established in Cross River State, but this government is not thinking. That is why they expect people to clap because government says it would appoint 200 widows. Where are they going to work and what exactly will they be doing”, he queried.

He said the unwieldy number of appointees in the state has a

detrimental impact on projects saying if indeed the government pays civil servants as well as the appointees, then he is robbing peter to pay paul and this does not augur well for the overall development of the state.

“If indeed you are paying civil servants, if indeed you are paying thousands of your appointees, then it means that you are robbing Peter to pay Paul. If the

State Government picks up 5 billion every month, Local and State Governments, he should tell us how much the wage bill is for civil servants. We need to know how much civil servants are paid, his political appointees wages put together and what is left for capital projects and overheads of government.

“You go into government offices, there are no imprest. The

civil servants cannot even prints file jackets nor buy writing materials let alone printing materials.

They cannot maintain their office equipment nor service faulty facilities like air conditioners, government vehicles nor type government documents in their offices. So, you cannot run government that way and still say you are doing capital projects”, he said.

•Airport Council International (ACI) World team on a visit to the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos to review security procedures at the facility. The 7-day evaluation exercise will recommend improvements on security procedures at the airport.

Credible election: March your words I regret not winning Lagos for PDP in 2003 – Atiku with action – Groups tell Buhari F

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HEAD of 2019 elections, civil society organisations (CSOs) have called on President Muhammadu Buhari to march his words with action by ensuring free, fair and credible elections.

Buhari had, Sunday in Beijing, China, said that as a beneficiary of free and fair elections, he was not afraid of a credible process in 2019 general polls in Nigeria.

He reaffirmed this commitment at an interactive session with members of the Nigerian community in China. ‘‘I have no fear about free and fair elections because that is what brought me to the present position. I know what I went through and very few Nigerians could boast of trying four times, contesting for the presidency. ‘‘Those interested in participating in the elections must get their PVCs, register in their constituency and elect anybody of their choice across ethnicity and religion. The Nigerian police, law enforcement agencies and INEC must respect the people to express their wishes,’’ he had said.

Speaking to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja, a cross-section of Nigerians said that the president’s words should be backed with action by first, assenting to the Electoral Act (Amendment) Bill.

Executive Director, Life and Peace Development Organisation, Mr Franklin Oloniju, who described the president’s statement as encouraging, said “having a free and fair election also depends on signing the relevant

legislations that can enhance the poll.’’ ‘’Those words should be backed with action, especially as it relates to the Electoral Bill that was submitted to him by the National Assembly. ’There is the need for him to sign the bill and if there are issues, an amendment can be made,” he said.

Oloniju also said that a free and fair poll also depended on the legislature’s readiness to approve the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC)’s budget on time.

He called on the lawmakers to take it as a matter of priority.

Mr Nyong Essien, a Programmer with African Centre for Leadership, Strategy and Development, said that it would be a plus for the president if he remained committed to the promise.

He, however, corroborated that the Electoral Bill before the president was an instrument that would help to further make the electoral process credible. ‘’Like the president rightly said, he benefitted from a free and fair election but from what we see, his refusal to assent to the Electoral Bill is equally a cause of worry. The apprehension is because the bill is the instrument that will help to further make the process credible.

“When you refuse to assent to such an instrument, it will begin to create doubt in the minds of the people. However, we are believing that because he has said so and he is known to be a man of integrity, he would abide by what he has said,” Essien said.

ormer Vice-President, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, on Monday said he regretted not doing much to help the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) win in Lagos State when he had the opportunity in 2003.

Abubakar, a PDP presidential aspirant, spoke in Lagos while holding a meeting with members of the party in the state.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the meeting was part of his nationwide tour of state chapters, to seek support for his aspiration ahead of 2019 general elections.

He revealed how his former boss, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, before the 2003 elections, gave him the task to deliver the six South/West states then governed by the Alliance for Democracy (AD) to the PDP. Abubakar said that in carrying out the task, he delivered all the states to PDP, except Lagos.

The former Vice-President said that he deliberately did not do much to win Lagos because of his relationship with former governor, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu.

He apologised to party members for what he called his mistake, saying that Lagos would have been better off, if he had delivered it to the PDP then.

“When we came to power in 1999, the entire South/Western states were controlled by the AD. “And when we were approaching the 2003 elections, I told my boss, give me the chance to take over the SouthWest

“And he gave me that authority, and I took all the states with the exception of Lagos.

“Why? Because Asiwaju Bola Tinubu and I came a long way from the SDP, PDM and all of that, and I felt I should leave Lagos for him. In fact, I could easily have taken over Lagos, but I did not.

“I have since regretted my decision; please, my sisters and brothers in the party, I want you to forgive me for taking Lagos out of that arrangement.

“If I have another opportunity again, Lagos will be taken to where it belongs. So, I am appealing to you to give me that opportunity so that I can correct the mistakes that I made”, he said.

Abubakar said his decision to seek the number one seat in the country was to reposition and put it on the path of progress.

He said that the country was having serious issues in the areas of economy and security, assuring that he would fix the problems if elected.

Abubakar said that the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) had failed to deliver the promised change.

He said that he was committed to the idea of restructuring, and believed it was key to the country’s progress.

The former vice president said he would restructure the country within six months in office, if given the mandate.

Abubakar pointed out that the Federal Government was too powerful, and promised to

ensure devolution of power to other federating units.

“If I am elected, I will make the centre unattractive and ensure that power devolves to the states”, he said.

He called on party members across the country to support his bid as he meant well for the country.

Earlier, the Director-General of the Atiku Campaign Organisation, Otuba Gbenga Daniel, said that his principal had the capacity to reposition Nigeria.

He said that he has the passion and the experience to lead the country and would not disappoint Nigerians, if given the opportunity.

Daniel, a former governor of Ogun, appealed to members in the Lagos state chapter to be united and support the aspiration of Abubakar.

The only PDP member of the state House of Assembly, Mr Dipo Olohunrinu thanked the former vice president for the visit.

He promised the aspirant full support, adding that PDP members in the state had confidence in him.

“We will support you, we will be with you .We are 100 per cent with you and your aspiration,’’ he said.

Abubakar was also accompanied on the visit by former Minister of Niger Delta, Chief Godsday Orubebe, just as former Minister of Works, Adeseye Ogunlewe, was among leaders that received the aspirant in Lagos.

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The Oracle Today Wednesday September 12, 2018

Crime

N52m Fraud: Three Businessmen Remanded In Prison For Duping American N52M A Stories by XAVIER NDAH

Lagos High Court sitting in Ikeja yesterday ordered the remand of three businessmen in prison for allegedly defrauding an American national of $146, 060 (equivalent of N52m).

The three defendants were arraigned alongside one Marydicc Ventures Limited by Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, (EFCC) before Justice Oyindamola Ogala on a nine count charge.

The accused persons are: Martins Nwaedi (aka Prince Martins

Dike), 48, Oliseh Dike Anthony (aka Lawrence Mhkize, Terry Cassidy, Okolie Anthony, Dike Anthony), 38, and Victor Onyebuchi Okafor, 43. The EFCC alleged that the businessmen connived to defraud one Mr khanh Lai of the said sum on the pretext of helping him secure

an investment in Nigeria worth $200m belonging to one late John Alex Ivan, a United States National, who resided and died in Nigeria.

The commission alleged that the defendants obtained the sum of $137, 380 in March 2012 as the cost of investment deposit certificate

worth N200m and later demanded a legal fee of $8,680 cash deposit in March 2015 from the victim.

The trio, who pleaded not guilty to the nine count charge bordering on conspiracy, obtaining money by false pretense, forgery and use of forged document.

Police raid Lagos markets for illicit drugs

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he Police Lagos State command is not resting on its fight against illegal drugs as it has taken its fight to the markets.

Reports’ reaching us reveals that the commands attention has been drawn to the indiscriminate sales of illicit drugs as traders are now using such substances freely.

It was gathered that young men are freely using them to energise them for hard jobs especially those involve in lifting heavy things like baskets of tomatoes, bags of rice and garri and the act is gradually spreading.

This has informed police authorities in the state to release its men to penetrate the markets.

Already police operatives have smashed illicit drugs syndicate that had virtually taken over a market square in the Ijegun community in Lagos.

It was gathered that police operatives led by the Divisional Police Officer, DPO Isheri Oshun Division, SP Rafiu Akilade, had stormed the notorious Ajagwu Market in Ijegun. The operation which lasted for several hours paid off as the police were able to dislodge the syndicate and arrested some of the dealers while others escaped.

Some of the suspects arrested were Mr. Chukwuka Evidence, 25, Henry Francis, 25, Ayomide

Adewunmi, 24 and Ebuka Uba, 18. The police also recovered some bags of substances suspected to be marijuana as exhibits. Both the suspects and the substances have been transferred to the Lagos Task Force office at Alausa, Ikeja for further investigations.

The residents expressed satisfaction and commended the DPO, SP Rafiu Akilade for having the courage to dislodge the drug dealers in the area. They revealed that the illicit dealings in the market had seriously affected the youths who sneaked into the market to patronize the dealers and became addicted.

It was gathered that residents had been helpless before the DPO got intelligence report on the illegal activities, mobilized his officers, cleared the place and arrested some of the suspects.

Police sources said that the action was in line with the professed determination of the Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Mr. Imohimi Edgal, to get rid of hard drugs and dealers in the State. The police boss had vowed that there will be no hiding place for hard drug dealers and users because of the effect on the youths in the society. To that effect, he had seized large chunks of drugs worth millions of Naira, arrested both dealers and users for prosecution.

trapped an armed robbery gang that swept a warehouse of mobile phones worth nine million naira.

A reliable Police source said a discreet and painstaking investigation and intelligence of the operatives led to the arrest of the four members of the gang, two months after

the robbery incident.

Among those arrested was a mother of one of the robbery suspect whose son gave one of the stolen phones but the woman was released because she was found innocent.

The suspects, as reliably gathered include one Yusuf Badmus, 36,Chimere Njenobi ,26,Dominic Anawo,36 and Abimbola Austine,30

There was a wild jubilation in Lagos as an alleged notorious cultist and armed robbery suspect Segun Kazeem alias ‘No Case’ who had

said, Ifekoya was arrested while It was gathered that a discrete inattempting to rob a woman of her terrogation by the police led to his handbag with the threat of injuring confession which indicted Kazeem her with a stick positioned as a gun. as the overall leader of the gang.

Ifekoya had told the police that, the said Segun Kazeem also known as water alleged to be a notorious armed robber and ring leader of a notorious gang had concluded arrangement to hijack PVC machines at Ejigbo high school on August 30.

Following the confession a team of Policemen led by the Divisional Police Officer,DPO, Chief Superintendent of Police, CSP, Olabisi Okuwobi moved to the scene and lay surveillance which led to the arrest of the suspect.

It was further gathered from sources at the Ejigbo Division that moments after Kazeem alias was picked up and a search warrant conducted at his Lafenwa Street resident, the office of the DPO was inundated with several calls requesting for his release.

Further information at our disposal reveals that many influential individuals had stormed the office of the DPO requesting the release

of the suspect but their request were stoutly turned down by the DPO who also ordered that an unnamed OPC stalwart be detained and interrogated on his relationship and interest in the case particularly connecting with an alleged armed robber and a cultist.

Other sources said the suspect who had been terrorizing the Ejigbo area with his cultists group and robbery gang had been on police wanted list for some time now but has been having a smooth sail following his fraternity with the past DPO’s until the arrival of the new female DPO who has vowed to weed off crime in Ejigbo and its environs.

Police sources revealed that a search warrant was conducted in his house and premises where a locally made pistol and two unexpended cartridges were recovered in his roof ceiling. Other exhibits recovered include charms, weeds suspected to be India hemp.”

Police image maker Lagos state Chike Oti could not be reached for comment as his telephone lines were switched off.

Mother Son, others in police net for alleged N9M Phones theft dragnets of Operatives of TberyhetheSquad Federal Special Anti-Rob(FSARS) in Lagos have

Lagos Notorious Robber ‘No case’ Arrested been in police wanted list for years was captured in a trap that was set for him for years.

Dependable police source revealed that the suspect was arrested along with his partner in crime Sodiq Ifekoya by a heavily armed Police detectives attached to Ejigbo Division under ‘Area D’ Command Headquarters Mushin following a tip off.

Our source

years.

They were alleged to have to invaded a warehouse, situated at Graceland Estate, Isheri-Oshun, Lagos on June 20th 3018 at about 6.00am and carted away cartons of phones and accessories worth over Nine Million Naira(N9,000,000.

According to report, the bandits, who were armed to the teeth at the time of the attack, held hostage one Kingsley Ochoma who was attending to customers under gun point.

It was gathered that the robbers were traced through the items they left behind in the warehouse.

The Lagos State Commissioner of Police Edgal Imohimi while confirming the report said the specimen was critically examined and the observations made were used to unravel the authors of the crime.

Edgal said the lid of the robbery attack was blown open when two of the phones was found with one Kareem Badmus and his mother by the detectives.

He added that the duo led detectives to Yusuf Kareem’s house, from where seven additional phones were recovered.

Edgal disclosed that further search conducted in the house of the suspect led to the recovery of two locally made cut to size double barrel guns with three live cartridges, which he hid inside his operational vehicle, a Nissan Quest with Reg. No. BDG-339-CA. The said Yusuf, according to the police commissioner later led detectives to arrest other members of the gang members.

He stated that investigation into the case is ongoing, adding that the suspects will definitely be charged to court.

43

The Oracle Today Wednesday September 12, 2018

News

Police nab headmaster for allegedly defiling 4 pupils in Enugu

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OLICE Command in Enugu State has arrested a 50 year-old school Headmaster, one Idoko Nathaniel, of Mkpamteulo village, Enugu Ezike community, for allegedly defiling four pupils put under his care.

The command’s Spokesman, Ebere Amaraizu, said in a statement on Monday that the incident happened at Migrant Farmers Children School located at Aguibeji community in Enugu Ezike, Igboeze North local Government Area.

Amaraizu said that operatives of the Gender Unit of the state’s Criminal Intelligence and Investigations Department investigated the suspect for weeks in relation to his alleged nefarious activities.

He noted that the suspect had allegedly in the afternoon of July 17 at a bush near the school sexually abused and defiled the

four minors aged between five and six years.

“It was gathered that the school headmaster had allegedly used his fingers on the private parts of the four female school pupils, inflicted serious injuries on them and thereby making them to be walking abnormally.

“It was further gathered that this was revealed as one of the victim school pupil opened up to her parents on what transpired in the school where she was defiled by the headmaster.

“This, however, led to the arrest of the headmaster. In his response, the headmaster regretted his act and blamed it on the Satan,” Amaraizu said.

The spokesman further revealed that the headmaster claimed that he was a father and had a wife at home.

“My wife is not happy with me over this incident. I am beg-

2019: Anybody backing Buhari’s second tenure not true democrat – Cleric

By IBE NWACHUKWU

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ENERAL Overseer of Mount Zion Faith Global Liberation Ministry Inc., Nnewi, Anambra state, Bishop Abraham Chris Udeh has warned that anyone supporting second term bid of President Muhammadu Buhari should regard himself or herself as an anti-democrat.

He stated that it was quite unfortunate that all the principles of democracy is not being practiced under the present administration to the extent that the rule of law is not obeyed, neither does the executive allow the legislative arm function, as expected in a democratic setting.

He lamented that what is obtainable at present in the country is bloodletting, disagreements between the executive and legislative arms, impunity, disobedience to the rule of law, hunger, muzzling of opposition party members in the name of anti-corruption crusade and above all lack of freedom of expression.

Bishop Udeh who spoke to newsmen via SMS, declared: “God showed me in a vision where all the service chiefs and APC governors and stakeholders gathered and agreed that Buhari must be returned for the second term at all costs, even if it means killing half of Nigerians to actualize that”.

“For instance, he continued, I saw Governor El Rufai in a vision burying many Christians in Kaduna state, an indication that there are plans to massacre people in the state. I also saw aircrafts somersaulting on air showing that there will be a plane crash that will claim the lives of many notable politicians in the country”.

“There will be more wars in Plateau State which will affect a thousand lives. I am seeing an oil pipeline burst and flowing as a result of actions of the dreaded Niger Delta militants. God also revealed to me that there is plan

for a military takeover by Hausa/ Fulani military men who are suspecting that the 2019 presidential election might not end in favour of Buhari, their master”.

“I saw in the vision, local marine boat fixed in Niger Delta and all Igbo land and I saw Boko Haram and Fulani herdsmen beheading people and filling the boat with human blood till the boat was filled up with human blood from the attack targeted at the Eastern part of the country.

“I therefore urge Christians and Ndigbo in particular to pray very fervently for God to intervene so that Nigerians will elect a Godly president in 2019 who have value for sanctity of human lives and the rule of law,” he said.

ging my wife, the parents of the children and God to forgive me,’’ Amaraizu quoted the suspect as pleading.

On whether he had been sexually assaulting other school

children before now, the headmaster declared that this was his first time and that it was not done for anything.

The police spokesperson said that the affected pupils were

•Rivers StateGovernor, Nyesom Wike (m) in company of the Secretary to the Bayelsa State Government, Pastor Kemela Okara, representing the State Governor, Seriake Dickson, who visited the River Goverent House to commiserate with the Government and people of Rivers State over the passage of the State’s Attorney General, Hon. Emmanuel Aguma (SAN).

Abia APC to decide on modalities for primary election From BONIFACE OKORO, Umuahia

MEMBER of the Board of Trustee (BoT) of All Progressives Congress (APC) from Abia State, Comrade Chris Akomas, says the state chapter of the party was at liberty to choose the type of primary election suitable for picking her governorship candidate.

Akomas, a former Deputy Governor in the state and currently a governorship aspirant on the APC platform, also says he needs only four years in office to bring about sustainable development

in the state.

The APC chieftain who was interacting with newsmen in Nenu, Obingwa country home Monday, explained that the directive by the APC National Executive Committee that direct primaries be adopted to elect its candidates for the 2019 general elections only applies to choosing the presidential candidate of the party.

He said that the states were free to choose from the three options presented by the party’s constitution.

“The party’s constitution allows three systems of primaries

have his or her PVC might not be regarded as a genuine member of the party.

Flanked by the chairman of APC Ward I, Ekwulobia, Nwosu Emmanuel Nwachukwu; his Ward 2 counterpart, Sunday Nnopu; the Secretary of Aguata Local Government chapter of APC, Hon. Nerius Ifeakor and the Agbalanze of Umuchu, an APC stakeholder in the state, Umenduka insisted that the party in the area would nominate and support someone who can take care of the peoples’ needs.

He regretted that the electorate in Aguata federal constituency were yet to see anything tangible thing from their past representatives, including the incumbent one, Mrs. Eucharia Azodo who is a blood sister to Chief Chris and Dr. Andy Uba, adding, “our goal is to give our people someone who can provide their needs from the national and state assemblies”.

Declaring his intention to contest the national assembly seat in 2019, the chief host, OliverChux Ezeobi, a pharmacist and

President of Ekwueme’s Oko Sports Club, said his decision to declare for the seat was informed by the fact that there is a gap between the representatives and the electorate.

Ezeobi contended that the gap has led to total absence of democratice dividends for the constituency, hence his decision to come in to build and restore the bridge between the constituency and the federal government.

According to the contestant, “the new chairman of APC, Adams Oshiomhole has restored hope and trust of the party men and women by insisting on strong internal democracy within the party. To me, this is the surest way for APC to expand and retain power across the three tiers of government in the country”.

“It is only a political party that holds these things sacrosanct and be capable of taking Nigeria to the next level, like the APC is doing that people will always like to identify with and lend their support to”, said Ezeobi.

A

2019: Aguata APC embarks on ‘Operation show-your-PVC’

By IBE NWACHUKWU

H

ENCEFORTH, members of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Aguata Local Government Area of Anambra state are to show their Permanent Voters Cards (PVCs) to the party executive through their various council wards levels, as a condition for recognizing those who they would regard as genuine members of the party in the area.

The party in the area has also opened a register to admit new members as a mop up exercise for more membership in the forthcoming general elections in 2019.

Chairman of Aguata Local Government Chapter of APC, PaulChuks Umenduka who disclosed this Tuesday at Ekwulobia, when a prominent member of the party, Hon. Oliver-Chux Ezeobi declared his intention to contest the seat of Aguata federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, said at the end of the exercise, any member of the party in the area who does not

currently being treated by medical doctors at the Police Medical Unit of the command, while investigation had begun.

Amaraizu said the headmaster would be arraigned in court on conclusion of investigation.

- direct, indirect and consensus primary election,” he said adding that stakeholders in the state would have to meet to decide on the type of system to adopt in choosing its candidates in the state.

“We can go for either direct or indirect primary. We can also use the consensus method if we like,” he said.

On his aspiration, Akomas vowed to fix the problems of Abia in four years of his administration, if given the opportunity to serve.

“I am one of the proponents of a single term and I believe that five years is good enough to do wonders. If five years will be good enough, four years will be good enough too. For me, four years is more than enough to complete any project that I want to execute in the state,” he said.

“I don’t need more than four years to set the solid foundation for social, economic and infrastructural growth and development to thrive in the state,” he added.

He promised to leave office after one term, stressing that he only needs to lay a foundation for sustainable development of the state which his successors would build upon.

“In Abia, we have growth centers that have remained moribund. I know what to do to ensure sustainable economic growth for Abia and those things, we can setup within two to three years of being in power and the fourth year will be to commission the built projects.

“I can assure you that I know how to bring the people together to key into our plans to reposition the state that within four years, we would have done so much that people will wonder if that happened only within four years,” he said.

44

The Oracle Today Wednesday September 5 2018

NEWS

Rights group condemns war threats in A’Ibom ahead 2019 elections From INI BILLIE, UYO

T

HE Human Rights Community in Akwa Ibom State has condemned the threats of war and violence ahead of the 2019 elections in the state and called on security agencies to invite persons involved for questioning.

Speaking, Tuesday in Uyo, the Coordinator of Akwa Ibom Human Rights Community, Mr. Clifford Thomas decried the call for war and violence, stating that unguarded utterances in the past had led to political violence and tension which claimed innocents lives in the state.

He called on security agencies which have the mandate to protect lives and property of Nigerians against individual or groups interests, to rise against any potential threat to peace in the state.

Stating that anyone heard issuing threats, no matter how highly placed should be subjected to a panel of inquiry, Thomas said, “We condemn every call for war and violence in totality, we need peace in the state because peace is the only catalyst for development.

“The statement credited and severally repeated by Sen. Godswill Akpabio is a threat to peace and we want to say that any who threaten the peace of this state should be invited by the security agencies to explain.

“Statements like these led to the electoral violence we had in the

past and we do not want a repeat of such tension in 2019,” he said.

Reacting to Akpabio’s claims that he chanted war songs in reaction to Governor Emmanuel’s threat, former Commissioner under Akpabio’s administration, Mr. Samuel Effanga said “Warsaw saw war and war saw Warsaw in Poland” had been Akpabio’s anthem since his defection.

He described Akpabio’s latest claim as face saving, adding that it was not surprising to see Akpabio elevate war against peaceful coexistence in the state, as his eight years as governor was characterized by violence, kidnapping and politically motivated killings He noted that Governor Emmanuel has led a Christ-centric government, and had devoted the first week of his administration to prayers and fasting to lay a solid spiritual foundation for the state, and has over the years run a government and state dedicated to God and with fear of God. “You don’t even need to be told that Udom Emmanuel is both God fearing and peace-loving, how many kidnapping cases have you heard reported in this administration, were you not here during Akpabio’s regime? A governor who is running an investment/ investor driven government is well aware that security is key, and he wouldn’t do anything to jeopardize such”.

Stop granting amnesty to criminals – Rivers monarch tells FG, States

T

HE traditional ruler, and Chairman, Taabaa/Bua Baa Council of Chiefs in Khana Local Government Area of Rivers State, Chief Mene Nule, has told the Federal and state governments to stop granting amnesty to criminals.

Nule, a second class traditional ruler in Rivers, said in Port Harcourt on Friday that rather, the criminals should be made to face justice.

“Granting of amnesty by federal and state governments to criminals should be stopped. The criminals should be made to pay for their crimes.”

He maintained that granting of amnesty to dubious characters would continue to encourage criminality in the society.

The late President Umaru Musa Yar’adua had in 2008 introduced amnesty programme when oil production in the South-South crashed, following the activities of militants in the region.

Nule, who decried the spate of violent crimes in Rivers, described the population of criminals in the state as unacceptable.

The traditional ruler blamed desperate politicians who wanted to be in office by all means, for arming youths to tackle their perceived political enemies.

He said it was saddening that while the politicians used youths to achieve their obnoxious political ambitions, their children were schooling in the best institutions overseas.

“Their sponsors should return their children to join the “bad boys” to do the dirty jobs the boys are doing. The system is in a mess and we need miracles to come out of it. He that carries gun about and terrorising people should face the offences they committed in court,” Nule said.

The traditional ruler noted that if the “evil boys” were arrested, prosecuted and jailed, others would learn a lesson and abandon crimes.

Nule, who is also a member of Ogoni Supreme Council of Traditional Rulers, appealed to the gun- carrying youths to surrender the guns to the state government, rather than their paymasters.

•A cross section of pensioners in attendance at the second Interactive Stakeholders Forum, organised by the Pension Transition Arrangement Directorate (PTAD), for federal pensioners in the South West Zone, under the Defined Benefit Scheme (DBS), which held in Lagos, Monday.

Okowa not on vindictive mission – Delta Govt replies Uduaghan

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EACTING to reports credited to immediate past governor of the Delta State, Emmanuel Uduaghan, in which he claimed the government of Ifeanyi Okowa was ‘on a vindictive mission’ against him, the Delta State Government, Tuesday, absolved itself from the ex-governor’s allegations, saying the ex-governor’s statements ‘were intended to drag the Okowa’s administration into his (Uduaghan) dwindling political fortune.’

Commissioner for Information in Delta, Chief Patrick Ukah, during a press briefing at the Government House, Asaba, to address claims by Uduaghan, assured that the state governor, Okowa was not on any vindictive mission against anyone.

He also said that Okowa had been focused on the development of the state, evenly distribution projects across the state as addition to existing infrastructure in the state, and therefore, had no reason was legacy project in the state.

“Our attention has been drawn to media reports particular credited to the immediate past Governor of Delta State, Dr Emmanuel Uduaghan wherein he alleged that the Governor Ifeanyi Okowa - led administration is on a vindictive mission to bulldoze his legacies as governor.

“It is not the style of the Okowaled government to respond to fallacious claims but we owe the public the duty to set the record straight particularly when such lies are

spilled by a former governor who this administration has given his dues and respect.

“Since the recent defection of former Governor Uduaghan to the All Progressives Congress (APC) from the PDP where he was bred and fed, we are inundated with both clandestine and visible plots to drag the Governor Okowa-led government into his dwindling political fortune just to deceive the public and possibly score very cheap political points.

“By his conduct and utterances, Dr Uduaghan needs to do more to convince Deltans that his desperate desire to become a Senator should not make him feed the general public with lies about a non-existent legacy project(s).

“Deltans and Nigerians who visit the state daily are aware that the former governor has no legacies in his 8 years in government thus his day-dreaming claims of legacy projects will not fly.

The commissioner further challenged the ex-governor to ‘tell the world about the said legacy projects he claimed to have left behind which this government has destroyed.’

“It is worth noting, that the Uduaghan-led administration’s free healthcare program had a budget of about N700 million yearly providing free healthcare in urban cities and Secondary Health Facilities only. No Primary Healthcare Facility (PHC) in rural communities where

the real people that needs the Free healthcare the most, was involved in the program. Also, no proper records of people that actually received the free healthcare service was kept. And, the free healthcare service was limited and had no provision for the referral of serious cases.

“In this administration, we now register all the people and have proper records of those that receive the service. It has been extended to rural communities PHCs where the real poor people that need it reside.

He said that the former governor’s mission to unseat a hardworking Okowa was already a failed one.

“A man who couldn’t summon courage to vie for a Senatorial election as a sitting Governor is here, boasting about leading a failed mission to unseat a hardworking Governor Ifeanyi Okowa who is committed to cleaning up the mess he left behind in his uneventful and sad era as Governor.

“It is indeed amazing that the same Dr Uduaghan, who a few months ago endorsed Governor Ifeanyi Okowa for a second term on account of his sterling performances in spite of the downturn in the economy displayed lack of integrity when he stylishly dodged the question on the performance of Governor Okowa while on the Channels TV Hard Copy programme,” the commissioner said.

CHANGE OF NAME I formerly known as DIKE CHINAZOM LYDIA now wish to be known as OKOLI CHINAZOM LYDIA. All former documents remain valid. Banks and general public take note

I formerly known as CHIDERA ADIBA HILDA OBI now wish to be known as CHIDERA ADIBA HILDA OJULARI. All former documents remain valid. Banks and general public take note

I formerly known as OGBONNA CONFIDENCE ODOCHI now wish to be known as EKENTA CONFIDENCE ODOCHI. All former documents remain valid. WAEC, University of Uyo, Akwa-Ibom State, Banks and general public take note.

I formerly known as OKOYE FAVOUR CHINYERE now wish to be known as ONYEBUCHI FAVOUR CHINYERE. All former documents remain valid. Banks and general public take note

I formerly known as UDEGBUNAM BLESSING UGOCHI now wish to be known as OBI BLESSING UGOCHI. All former documents remain valid. Banks and General pubic take note.

I formerly known as ATABI JOHN and IGOBOR JOHN ATABI now wishe to be known as ATABI-IGOBOR JOHN. All former documents remain valid. Banks and general public take note.

I formerly Known as EZE BLESSING IFEYINWA now wish to be known as NWEZE BLESSING IFEYINWA FAB-CHUKWUKA (F.C) . All former documents remain valid. Banks and general public take note

I formerly known as DAN AMARA grace now wish to be known as NWACHUKWU AMARA. All former documents remain valid. Banks and general public take note

I formerly known as CHUKWU JUSTINA now wish to be known as NWAOGU TINA OLUCHI. All former documents remain valid. Banks and General public take note.

I formerly known as NWAJI RAPHAEL now wish to be known as SUNDAY NNAMDI ISAAC. All former documents remain valid. Banks and General public take note.

45

The Oracle Today Wednesday September 12, 2018

SPORTS

Mikel lauds Rohr on invitation to young players

•Hails inclusion of Kelechi Nwakali Stories by MADUABUCHI KALU

J

OHN Obi Mikel, the Super Eagles and Tianjin TEDA captain, has commended the Super Eagles’ Technical Adviser, German Gernot Rohr for his courage to look for the future despite the enormous pressure of the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) with the invitation of young players for the crucial encounter against this Saturday.

According to Mikel, with the influx of young players into the national team,

it shows that Rohr has eyes for the future which is very good for the national team instead of trying to satisfy the immediate.

Mikel used the invitation of Kelechi Nwakali as example of young players whose invitation to the national team potent good future for the team; saying the same privilege was extended to him as a young player which automatically helped him in his international career when he became a senior player.

It is recalled that Gernot Rohr in his list

My players have one thing in common – Hughley

N

IGERIA’S national women basketball coach, Otis Hughley, has stated emphatically that there is a great possibility that Nigeria’s women basketball team, D’Tigress will ruffle feathers in the fast approaching FIBA World Cup in Spain.

He said that his team were ready for all opposition at the forthcoming FIBA World Cup in Spain which is slated for this month.

This much was stated by Hughley while addressing the media after his team’s morning training at the Teslim Balogun Stadium, Surulere saying he wouldn’t have taken up the Nigerian job if he had not considered that he would succeed with the team.

He said the players were in camp and that all of them had one thing in common “the determination to succeed”.

“We are already in camp preparing for the FIBA World coming up later this month in Spain,” Hughley began.

“My players are focused on the task ahead and all the players have one thing in common, the determination to succeed,” Hughley declared.

Meanwhile, some members of the senior national women’s basketball team, D’Tigress, have corroborated the position of their coach saying they have the capacity to excel at the forthcoming FIBA World Cup in Tenerife, Spain.

The 14-man team which arrived in Lagos last Monday from their Atlanta, U.S. base, is currently training ahead of the biggest competition in basketball at the Teslim Balogun Stadium, Suruelere.

They told reporters that they were proud to be available to represent Nigeria at the World Cup and that they are ready for the tournament.

Nkeshi Akashili of First Bank of Nigeria Basketball Club said that she was happy to finally join the team and was doing everything possible to contribute to the team’s success.

of invited players for the match against Seychelles has four new entrants that include Arsenal youngster, Kelechi Nwakali who is on loan to Portuguese club, FC Port B team. Others include Jamiu Colllins, Semiu Ajayi and Samuel Kalu; all are first timers to the Eagles.

In the words of Mikel: “Rohr has his eyes on the future despite the pressure on him to succeed in the immediate.

“Nwakali is a future project and hopefully he will come good because he has the ability to succeed in a not too distant future.

“I was a little bit younger when I broke into the senior national team of Nigeria and that helped me in my career.

“My early introduction into the national team also means I didn’t look out of place when I became a senior player.”

This is the list of players invited for the AFCON match against Seychelles.

GOALKEEPERS: Francis Uzoho, Dan-

Akashili said: “It’s a great atmosphere and a highly intensified preparation ahead of the competition; I look forward to making the team and contribute my quota.

“It’s going be a tough World Cup because the best players will be there to represent their countries as well but we are not short of quality players.

“The team’s chemistry is great and built around hard work where everybody is striving to give her best for a team jersey.

“I hope to make the team at the end and play my role to see we do well in Spain.”

On her part, Evelyn Akhator, a former Dallas Wings of the US Women’s National Basketball Association who is currently playing in Besiktas, Turkey, said the team would do well at the World Cup. “I am happy to be here to give my contributions to the team, it’s going to be tough in Spain but with a lot of hard work we are sure of doing well at the end.

“I am looking forward to a great championship that will have the best players in the world competing, and also confident of the quality of players in our squad.

“The team is in good spirit, we just do the necessary drills and fitness training. Sincerely, we can make the country proud in Spain.”

For Ezinne Kalu-Phelps, the team’s chemistry is just great and so much is being put together to ensure a great outing in Spain.

She said: “I think we are a formidable team; we have the quality to lift the country high and ensure we make everybody proud at the end.

“The team’s coach, Otis Hughley, •Kelechi Nwakali has a good approach and he has settled down with the team to give us the necessary drills and what is expected of us.”

Nigeria, who qualified as Africa’s UPER Eagles scout and former Champions is in group B along Ausstriker, Victor Okechukwu tralia, Turkey and Argentina and will Agali, has thrown his weight play their first game on September behind Wolfsburg striker, Victor 22.

•African Basketball Champions, D’Tigress of Nigeria.

iel Akpeyi, Ikechuwu Ezenwa.

DEFENDERS: Leon Balogun, William Troost-Ekong, Chidozie Awaziem, Bryan Idowu, Ola Aina, Jamiu Colllins, Semiu Ajayi, Kenneth Omeruo.

MIDFIELDERS: Wilfred Ndidi, Ogenyi Onazi, Joel Obi, John Ogu, Karo Etebo, Kelechi Nwakali.

FORWARDS: Ahmed Musa, Odion Ighalo, Simy Nwankwo, Alex Iwobi, Henry Onyekuru, Samuel Kalu, Kelechi Iheanacho.

STANDBY: Uche Agbo, Stephen Eze, Blessing Eleke, Musa Mohammed.

It is recalled that Nwakali was among the foreign-based players who joined the home based Eagles Team B to battle visiting Europa champions, Athletico Madrid in international friendly in Uyo last June and the Arsenal man impressed so much even with a goal that many queried the rationale for not including him in the Super Eagles’ World Cup squad. But now he has to take his destiny in his hands with this invitation having earlier declared that henceforth, he will not miss future Eagles’ matches starting with this game.

Eaglets’ skipper fails MRI test in Niger

I

T was a huge disappointment for FIFA Under-17 World Cup winning coach, Manu Garba when some members of his Under-17 team, the Golden Eaglets, including the captain of the side failed MRI scan.

The Eaglets presently have only 15 outfield players and three goalkeepers eligible for the qualifiers following the failure of some of the players to pass the MRI test in Niger.

The Eaglets would have to produce 10 other players for the MRI scan before they picked a final 20-man squad for the qualifiers.

Coach Manu Garba had insisted his team had passed the MRI in flying colours in Abuja after it was reported that as many of 15 of 40 players failed the test before now; but with what transpired in Niger Republic, it is obvious that the coach was only deceiving himself by the declaration that none of them failed the MRI Scan.

Benin Republic are already on their way back home after they were disqualified from the Under-17 AFCON competition as 10 of their players failed the age test.

Cote d’Vioire are the other team in Group B following the disqualification of Benin.

Their opening campaign took place on Monday afternoon against Burkina Faso.

Meanwhile, Mohammed Sanusi, General Secretary of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Sunday expressed confidence in the ability of the Golden Eaglets to beat Burkina Faso.

The U-17 West African Football Union (WAFU) B qualifiers gets underway in Niger Republic on Monday.

Sanusi told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that the Manu Garba-led boys were fit and ready to crush any opponent in West Africa.

He said they were well prepared to rekindle the glory of Nigeria in the U-17 category of global football.

“We should be prayerful because tactically our boys are good to go; therefore, what we need now is just God’s intervention,” the federation scribe said.

Nigeria’s U-17 team would contend with two opponents in their group because of the disqualification of Benin Republic.

Ten out of 20 Benin Republic players failed the Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) test, leading to their disqualification.

However, Nigeria is left with Cote d’ Ivoire and Burkina Faso in the Group.

Agali backs Osimhen Charleroi move

S

Osimhen’s loan move to Belgium 2nd division side, Charleroi.

According to Agali, the decision

by Osimhen to move to Belgium is to ensure that he get more playing time which is good for him and the country because in the near future, Nigeria may count on him to deliver the goods and this can only happen when he is playing regularly to hone his skills.

It is recalled that Osimhen is the Federation of International Football Association (FIFA) Under-17 World Cup highest goal scorer record holder, with 8goals in a single competition.

It is also noted that Osimhen’s move to Charleroi from Wolfsburg was facilitated national team gaffer, Gernot Rohr who has high hope of the young attacker, as he has already penciled him down in

his future plan for the team.

The forward joined Die Wolfe in 2016 after impressing at the 2015 FIFA U-17 World Cup, committing to a pre-contract agreement which saw him join officially in January 2017, after he turned 18.

The young striker made his debut in May 2017, as a substitute against Borussia Monchengladbach, but a combination of stern competition, poor form and fitness issues have hindered his breakthrough to becoming a vital player at the Volkswagen Arena outfit.

Last season, he made 12 German Bundesliga appearances, with only three coming as starts for Bruno Labbadia’s side. Also, the 19-yearold failed to register a goal.

And in search of regular football, the young marksman will play the 2018-19 campaign in the Belgian top-flight with the Zebras.

46

The Oracle Today Wednesday September 12, 2018

SPORTS

Moses’ll be missed – Akinwunmi Stories by MADUABUCHI KALU

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ARRISTER Seyi Akinwunmi, the first Vice President of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has declared that the absence of Victor Moses will be felt by the Super Eagles as they tackle Seychelles in their second match of 2019 Africa Cup of Nations Qualifiers this weekend.

According to Akinwunmi, Eagles will miss the services of Moses as he is an important member of the squad and one of the highly rated players in the team’s set up.

Akinwunmi bared his mind while lamenting the early retirement of Moses from international football. Moses it is recalled recently announced his retirement from international football citing family and club commitments as reasons for his decision.

“Of course he will be missed by the team. He is an important member of the present Super Eagles’ team,” Akinwunmi began.

“The announcement came to me and many others as a rude shock because Moses is still young and he is so talented and I do not expect him to retire so early in his international career.

He is just 27 you know.

“So why retiring from international football at 27? It baffles me but then he has the right to stay or not to stay.

“It is true that he gave some reasons for quitting the national team. I pray he changes his mind and he will be welcomed back with open hands if he decides to return to the team.

“He still has a lot to contribute to the team that is why we are surprised that he announced his retirement from the Super Eagles so early.

“It is within his right anyway to decide his future either with the national team or with his club and no one will deny him that. But having said that I hope that he reconsiders his decision

on Eagles,” Akinwunmi said.

Speaking further, the Lagos State Football Association boss expressed confidence that the three time African champions will triumph over the Pirates of Seychelles when they file out against in the crucial 2019 Africa Cup of Nations Qualifier on Saturday despite the absence of key players like John Obi Mikel, Victor Moses, Tyronne Ebuehi and Elderson Echiejile among others due to one reason or the other.

“I am optimistic that we are going to win the match against Seychelles on Saturday. Despite the absence of key players I strongly believe that we are going to emerge victorious to put our Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign back on track.

“It is true that all the four teams want to qualify for the 2019 AFCON but only the best two will make it and I sincerely believe that Eagles have what it takes to be one of the two teams.

“So, I am optimistic that at the end of the 90 minutes football hostilities, we would have the maximum points in our kitty,” Akiniwunmi said.

It is recalled that prior to the Mundial in Russia, Gernot Rohr had lamented the lack of world class players in his squad but singled Moses out as the only player in the team that could be considered as world class player. Moses it also recalled played a pivotal role in Eagles World Cup qualification playing most the matches in the qualifying series.

The Edo state born footballer was also an important member of Chelsea in the past two seasons with manager Antonio Conte converting him to a defensive midfielder where he shone like a million stars becoming one of the key players of the club in the past two seasons which earned him an improved contract at the Stamford Bridge.

No plan to disqualify Pinnick, Maigari, others – Katu

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HE Chairman of Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) Electoral Committee (NFF), Sani Katu, has rubbished insinuations that the committee has concluded plans to disqualify top contenders in forthcoming election into the NFF Executive Committee.

Katu allayed the fears that some interested candidates would be disqualified from contesting the forthcoming NFF’s election in a telephone interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) Sunday.

A source who preferred not to be mentioned had told NAN that plans had been concluded to disqualify former NFF President Aminu Maigari and embattled current NFF boss, Amaju Pinnick but Katu is saying that there is no iota of truth in the insinuation.

The plan according to the anonymous source is to disqualify both contestants during the screening exercise and leave only one candidate Taiwo Ogunjobi knowing that he might not have the support of the congress for the NFF top job.

“After the screening and disqualification of candidates, the electoral committee will open the nomination form for five days to pave way for more people to pick form including Shehu Dikko, Chairman of the League Management Company (LMC).

“Ogunjobi and Dikko may be the only ones in the final race and in the end, the LMC will emerge “Other popular candidates from the zones may be disqualified also before the final contest,” the source said.

But Katu told NAN that the committee had no plan to disqualify any candidate that met the requirement

set in the electoral guideline.

“We are already screening candidates and we will be holding our meeting tomorrow (Monday) to know the next step.

“There is no plan to disqualify anybody that is qualified. We have election guideline that guides us. We asked contestants that want to occupy positions to come and obtain a form and fill it according to the guidelines of the election.

“Once we are satisfied with the requirements, I don’t see any reason one should be disqualified; we intend to screen and find out whether the contestants are qualified, and once they are qualified, they are qualified.

“There is no way we can disqualify somebody that is qualified. We are an independent body and we are not going to do anything that is contrary to the guidelines; it’s very clear,” Katu said.

He however, said that there might be change of activities in the timetable if need be but that would be decided in the committee’s meeting scheduled for Monday.

“We cannot rule out the possibility of change of date based on election phenomena; we published a timeline but anything can happen at any time but for now, we are working with our schedule.”

The NFF electoral committee chairman noted that his members were not perturbed or distracted by the current leadership crisis in the country’s football house.

The timetable for the NFF election showed that intending candidates would buy and return their forms between Aug. 17 and Aug. 24, while screening takes place from Aug. 27 to Aug. 29 with names of candidates to be published on Aug. 30.

WAFU U-17 qualifiers: Garba assures of Eaglets’ victory over Ivory Coast

M

ANU GARBA, coach of the Golden Eaglets on Tuesday assured that his team would beat Cote d’Ivoire in the WAFU Zone B qualifiers tomorrow (Thursday), Sept 6.

Garba told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in a telephone interview that the victory in the second group match was important to keep the hope of qualifying for the U-17 AFCON in Tanzania alive.

“God’s willing, we shall beat Cote d’ Voire to keep hope alive,” Garba said.

He said that the team must win the remaining two games having lost the first match to Burkina Faso The Golden Eaglets made an unimpressive start losing 3-2 to Burkina Faso at the Stade Municipal in Niger on Monday.

Within a space of six minutes after kickoff, Abdoul Komi and Jean Fiacre Kouame handed Burkina Faso a two-goal lead as Manu Garba’s boys were made to pay for their poor defending.

But the Eaglets equalised before half-time break, thanks to Olakunle Olusegun’s brace. Mubarak Compaore scored the winning goal four minutes from full time.

Nigeria must win their last two games against Cote d’Ivoire and Benin Republic to stand a chance of qualifying for the semi-final.

Igali assures of adequate preparation ahead of championships

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HE president of the Nigeria Wrestling Federation (NWF) who also doubles as the Vice President of the Commonwealth Wrestling Committee (CWC), Hon. Daniel Igali, has assured that his Federation will give Nigerian athletes adequate preparation ahead of the forthcoming international championships.

According to him his board will ensure that the wrestler that will represent Nigeria at the various international championships are given adequate training to ensure that they make a mark at the events.

Some of the championships

lined up for Team Nigeria before the end of the year; include the World Championships in Hungary, U-23 World Championships in November in Romania and the Youth Olympic Games in Argentina.

In the words of Igali: “We already have six athletes in camp in Bayelsa (State) for the Youth Olympics coming up in Buenos Aires, Argentina,” he told NWF media.

“We also have the World Championships coming up in Hungary in October. We also have the U-23 World Championships in November in Romania.

“What we want is to also have

one or two test tournaments for the senior athletes before the World Championships.

“And we have two test tournaments but also ranking tournaments in Poland and France – Paris, to be precise in the middle of the month (September).

“So we are trying to get our senior athletes to go to those tournaments to get prepared (for the World Championships),” Igali disclosed The member of Bayelsa State House of Assembly also revealed that Nigeria will be sending between four to six athletes to this year’s World Championships in Budapest, Hungary.

Lagos City Marathon registration starts

T

HE registration for next year’s Access Bank Lagos City Marathon which is in its fourth edition started officially on Monday, September 3, 2018.

According to the statement by Director of Communications and Media, Olukayode Thomas and the General Manager for the Lagos Marathon, Yussuf Alli, the 2019 edition is going to be more community-based.

Alli said communities would be encouraged to participate as a team saying the start and finishing points for the 2019 races will be the same as in the previous three editions.

“We are hoping to have over 100,000 runners again like we did

for the 2018 race, the 10km will be starting at the Lekki Bridge and ending at the Eko Atlantic City while the full marathon will commence at the National Stadium, Surulere to also end at the Eko Atlantic City,” the Marathon boss stated.

The former quarter miller, however, warned that unlike in the previous editions of the Access Bank Lagos City Marathon in which people could still register two-three days to race day, the fourth edition next year will not be so as registration will close on January 11.

“No, it will not be business as usual. For the 2019 edition, registration will be closing on January 11th and there will be no extension after that window closes,” he stated.

He also disclosed that all participants must collect their running kits on or before January 31.

He warned that the 10km race is strictly for fun runners and not for professional athletes while also revealing that the winner will be driving home a brand-new saloon car from new automobile partners, Kia Motors.

Also, other exciting prizes will be provided by one of the new sponsors, Revolution Plus; one of Nigeria’s leading Property Companies.

SuperSport has also rejoined the

Access Bank Lagos City Marathon family.

The Access Bank Lagos City Marathon which made its debut in 2016 had 50,000 runners in its first year while the number increased to 73,000 in 2017 and in 2018 when it was awarded a bronze label, over 100,000 runners participated in the event.

Since Lagos has taken the forefront in reviving the culture of Marathons in Nigeria, other states across the country are also following suit from East, West South and even the North.

•Lagos City Marathon Manager, Yusuf Ali.

47

The Oracle Today Wednesday September 12, 2018

SPORTS

Obuh backs decision to concede league to Lobi Stars Stories by MADUABUCHI KALU

F

ORMER Flying Eagles’ coach and Africa Under-20 Nations Cup winning coach, Sam John Obuh, has thrown his weight behind the decision to award the 2017/18 Nigerian Professional Football League (NFL) to the Benue State financed football club, Lobi Stars of Makurdi.

According to him, he is in very tight corner as it regards his position because it doesn’t know which of his positions will be right but for the fact that there are people who have been given the mandate to run the affairs of the league, he believes that the decision they have taken is in the best interest of the league and country.

The decision to award Lobi Stars the 2017/18 league season came as a result of the deadline given by the League Management Company, the managers of the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) to submit the name of clubs that will represent the country on the continent next year in Champions League and Confederation Cup. And following the leadership crisis in the glasshouse that lingered for weeks over who is the authentic

leader of the nation’s football, the league which was suspended for the 2018 FIFA World Cup could not start as envisaged by the NFF and NPFL leadership before the World Cup. “I don’t know what to answer because what I will answer may be right or wrong,” the Abia State football tactician began.

“But one thing that is sure is that there are people who are saddled with the running of our football. And if they have taken decision to cede the league to Lobi after considering many other options, I believe that their decision is in the best interest of the country. Obuh said.

“I still believe that due to lack of time to meet up with CAF’s demand of submitting the list of our representatives on the continent that decision was taken.

“On the alternative, I wouldn’t know how possible it will be to play three matches in a week in order for the champions to emerge at the end of the season which I know still have about 14 matches. The distance of venue and the health of players are some of the facts that I believe that they considered before arriving on that decision. Is it possible to play three matches every week for the

Real aren’t as good without Ronaldo – Messi

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ARCELONA superstar Lionel Messi considers Real Madrid to be “less good” without Cristiano Ronaldo, but admits Juventus have now become “clear favourites” for the Champions League.

Having spent nine years locking horns with an eternal rival in La Liga, an iconic figure at Camp Nou now finds himself freed of a longrunning duel in the Spanish topflight.

With Ronaldo having made a €112 million (£101m/$130m) move to Serie A, the path has been cleared for a five-time Ballon d’Or winner to monopolise a domestic stage.

Messi believes Barcelona can take advantage of that, with Clasico foes Real not the force they once were, but is also aware that a quest for European glory could be disrupted by heavyweights in Turin.

The Argentine forward told Catalunya Radio: “Real Madrid are one of the best teams in the world and they have a great squad [but] it’s evident that the absence of Ronaldo makes them less good and makes Juventus [one of the] clear favourites to win the Champions League.”

Messi added on Ronaldo’s shock departure from the Santiago Bernabeu: “It surprised me (when he

left).

“I didn’t imagine him leaving Madrid or joining Juventus. There were a lot of teams that wanted him. It surprised me, but he has gone to a very good team.”

While stunned to see Ronaldo head for pastures new, Messi is delighted to have seen fresh faces arrive at Barcelona.

Arthur, Clement Lenglet, Malcom and Arturo Vidal have joined the ranks at Camp Nou and are considered to have raised the collective quality.

Messi said: “I didn’t know much about Arthur before [he joined], but he’s really similar to Xavi.

“He’s really safe and reliable (on the ball). He has the style of a player that’s come through La Masia.

He plays well over short distances, he doesn’t lose the ball... He’s got to grips really quickly with the team’s dynamic.”

Barca’s new-look squad have made a flying start to the 2018-19 campaign, with an 8-2 mauling of SD Huesca in their latest outing allowing them to sit proudly at the top of the Liga standings.

Real have also collected maximum points from their three games to date, with the Blancos hoping to prove that they can sustain a challenge for the crown despite bidding farewell to Ronaldo.

•Lobi Stars of Makurdi, Benue State. true champions to emerge?

“I know that some club believe that they probably would have emerged champions but we do not have time or are we going to tell CAF to excuse us and go ahead with clubs from other countries and later

we will join may be after two seasons? No matter how you looked at it, there is no easy way out.

“However, one good thing that this has brought is that those who would have relegated will not be relegated anymore and those who

think that they would have been champions will not be happy about the decision but really, we don’t have time on our hand. “That is why I believe that the decision is in the best interest of the country and clubs,” Obuh submitted.

Brazilian Ronaldo buys controlling stake in Real Valladolid

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RAZIL World Cup winner, Ronaldo has become the majority shareholder of Real Valladolid, after purchasing a 51% controlling stake in the Spanish club.

The 42-year-old played for Real Madrid, Inter Milan, AC Milan and Barcelona in an 18-year playing career.

“The arrival of Ronaldo puts Real Valladolid on the map and will allow the club to take a leap in quality,” said President Carlos Suarez.

Ronaldo scored 62 times for Brazil, including both goals when they beat Germany in the 2002 World Cup final.

Speaking at a news conference

on Monday, he said: “I have gone through many stages in my training in football to prepare. Football is a passion.

“This new management will be defined by four words: competitiveness, transparency, revolution and social.”

Ronaldo won two La Liga titles with Real Madrid and the Uefa Cup with Inter. He was part of the Brazil squad who won the 1994 World Cup - although he did not play - and helped them reach the 1998 final.

He picked up the Ballon d’Or award for the best player in the world in 1997 and 2002.

Last month, he was admitted to hospital in Ibiza with pneumonia.

AITEO Cup: Niger State to probe Tornadoes’ ‘Missing N10m Price’

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HE Niger State government last week said that it has begun investigation into the ‘missing’ 10 million Naira 2017, Aiteo Cup prize money won by Niger Tornadoes FC. Emmanuel Babur, the State Commissioner for Sports Development, made this known during an interview with the News men in Minna.

Reports have that Niger Tornadoes FC won the cash prize money of N10 million for finishing as runners-up of the Aiteo Cup but nobody could account for the money even it has since been paid to the club.

Akwa United defeated Niger Tornadoes FC 3-2 in penalty kick on October 15, 2017 during the finals of the 2017 AITEO Cup at the Agege Stadium, Lagos.

Akwa United got N25 million for winning the cup.

Babur said that government could not sit down and watch the drama surrounding the 2017 AITEO N10 million price belonging to the state owned football

club.

He explained that government has the right to investigate the issue because the club was fully sponsored by government.

He said: “We are worried because the money has not entered management’s account or the state government account.

“We have contacted the League Management Company and AITEO, sponsor of the league and they confirmed to us that the N10 million was paid to Niger Tornadoes.

“They even showed us acknowledgement receipt on how the money was received.

“After that we invited the current management of the club over the issue and they told us that they never received such money.

“We went further to scrutinise the clubs account and no such money was credited.”

The commissioner also said that the Ministry has invited the state FA to come and explain the issue.

He said: “Our searchlight now is on the state FA, we have invited the vice chairman to come and give explanation on the issue. We want to know whether they collected it.”

When contacted on the issue, Yabagi Baba, vice chairman, state FA, said that the body never received such money, adding that government should approach the central organiser of the AITEO Cup for the money.

Alhaji Mustapha Gawu, the club’s chairman in an interview on July 5, called on the NFF, AITEO and League Management Company to pay the money.

Gawu said there was uncertainty on the issue as he was reliably informed that Akwa United has since been paid their N25 million price for winning the cup.

Also, Aliko Mustaph, captain of the club said in an interview on July 5 that the players were not happy over the issue alleging that the money has been paid to management but they have refused to pay the players. ,,,,,,

WEDNESDAY September 12, 2018

The

www.oraclenews.ng

D

o you know that we have a national emergency situation in Nigerian football?

Do you know that the situation is so precarious that the security of the entire country could be jeopardized?

Can’t people see what I see from my little observatory about what’s been going on?

Do you know that domestic football has stopped in the country and that for the past three months, since the start of the World Cup in Russia, clubs have not been able to play any matches as a result of the crisis in the Nigeria Football Federation, NFF? Do you know that millions of the country’s citizens, particularly the youths in major football cities such as Enugu, Kano, Maiduguri, Jos, Ibadan, Akure and so on, have to find other ways to occupy the times they spent every weekend watching their local football clubs play matches? This social activity effectively dissipates their frustration with the harsh social, political and economic situation most of them have been going through in recent times in the country.

Do you know that several of the clubs have been unable to pay their players and officials because matches are not being played due to no fault of theirs, or the club owners, and yet they have to carry the brunt of the burden and responsibility of not doing any work?

Do you know that the national premiership will not be completed properly and according to the rules of the competition before October 14, the deadline for submission of the list of teams that will be representing the country in the continental championships that follow – the only lucrative competitive competitions in African football for which the clubs invest a lot of resources?

Do you know that sponsors of the league (if there are any) would be losing their investment in a competition as well as any attendant goodwill derivable by associating with it, that is supposed to help in their promotion, marketing and even Corporate Social responsibility agenda?

Do you know that all the opportunities that the players would have had to ‘market’ themselves in the game either for a place in any number of lucrative professional leagues abroad, or even for a possible call-up to the national team would have gone in a plume of the present crisis?

Do you now that all the clubs in all the leagues in the country, at all levels, would not have the opportunity of gaining promotion, and all their investment for the entire year would go down the drain?

Do you know millions of lives are directly and indirectly dependent on the wages and the accruals from the business and commercial activities of the various persons involved in the leagues?

All of them would suffer because these breadwinners would not earn anything for most of the rest of the year?

Do you know that the entire economy that revolves around football in the country, involving millions of people – footballers, stadium staff, referees,

48

racle Today

VOX POPULI SACRUM

ISSN: 2545-5869

Crisis in Nigerian football can be resolved in 48 hours!

GUEST COLUMNIST

Segun

Odegbami

•Super Eagles heading to the 2018 World Cup in Russia

coaches, commissioners, grounds men, ticket sellers, food vendors, drinks sellers, sports equipment and kits merchants, consultants, cleaners, architects, area boys, advertising agencies, football agents, managers, lawyers, journalists, juju men, pastors, imams, and many more, will all be adversely affected by the present situation?

All of these things, and even more, as a result of the shenanigans of a few stakeholders who consider their personal interests above the interest of the people, the game itself and the country.

To look closely at the issues that have brought the whole football industry to a standstill is to reveal the narrow-

mindedness of all the stakeholders that know what is going on but choose to still hide behind a finger and let the whole system collapse.

Many people know the truth and choose not to speak up or even do the rightful and the needful to resolve the simple matter. Read some of the social media platforms on sports populated by sports gurus in the country and you will see what I mean.

Indeed, this whole NFA matter is very easy to deal with it.

If the persons involved in all these fracases truly realise the damage their action or inaction has caused, what is at stake, the hardships they have brought to homes and entire sectors of the sports industry, they would bury their

narrow interest very quickly and allow the issues to be resolved amicably with nether side claiming victory and both sides happy thereafter.

That is the way to go. They must both be ready to shift from their stoic stands because neither side can claim to be in the clear of responsibility of the recent crisis. Where it not so, why would we have the same problem repeating itself every four years without a final resolution?

The shame is that the government that is responsible for all its citizens has been unwilling to do what would provide a permanent solution.

The truths are these: 1. The actors are playing football with the lives of Nigerians.

2. Nigerians just want to see genuine development in a game they love.

3. Nigerians really do not care much who is in charge of the NFF or who is not. Those people matter little. What matters is that the game is played and played well, and the whole country reaps the benefits of the pleasure, joy, victories, trophies and heroes that derive from football.

4. This whole crisis is about manipulation of the rules of the process leading to elections. Every one of the parties is involved, directly or indirectly, in manipulating, influencing or corrupting the process that leads to the same crisis every four years.

5. Government officials are also always involved in the crisis. Many of them, mostly out of government now, know the truth and the facts.

6. The present Minister of Sports is deeply involved in the current situation that the solution cannot come from him.

7. FIFA’s current intervention has not halted the crisis permanently. It will return soon again.

When two elephants fight, it is the grass underneath them that suffers.

That’s what is going on now and here in Nigeria.

It is the Nigerian people that are suffering.

The situation can be dealt with very easily.

That’s what The Minister of Sports thought he could do when he set up a group of former heads of the NFA to resolve the matter. They seem to have failed also, because the minister is also fully immersed in the matter that he can no longer be completely trusted by all the parties.

I can see the whole matter from my observatory.

This whole matter can be resolved in 48 hours.

•Odegbami is a former Eagles captain, an Olympian, and a politician.

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.