Wednesday September 20

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WEDNESDAY SEPTEMBER 20, 2017

ISSN: 2545-5869 VOL.2 No. 39. N200

Python Dance curfew in Aba •Aba shutdown 6pm - 6am

•Journalists’ secretariat attacked •Road to Kanu’s village blocked

•Army apologises •Travellers stranded

CBN orders use of electronic certificate

By JEROME USHAKANG Central Bank of Nigeria Totherhe(CBN)authorized has directed banks and dealers to immediately begin the issuance of electronic Certificates of Capital Importation (eCCI) with effect

Cont’d on page 2

Atiku’s 2019 ambition splits APC

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ints of plans by former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar to dump the All Progressives Party (APC) and return to the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), the party he helped found in 1998 as a member of the famous G34, are sending shivers down the political

Pg 2

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FTER the primaries for the PDP governorship and with the deadline for completing the deputy governorship candidate draws near, the search for who to be on the ticket with Oseloka H. Obaze for the 18 November election has intensified.

The choice is a work in progress.

A source in the Obaze campaign team confirmed to The Oracle Today that the governorship candidate has a shortlist, but that

Cont’d on page 47

Anambra 2017: Race for Obaze’s deputy •Innocent blood of Somtochukwu ...

Page 10

Cont’d on page 2

Watch out

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The Oracle Today Wednesday September 20, 2017

NEWS Atiku’ 2019 Continued from Pg 1 spectrum and tearing the ruling APC apart.

Indication that all was not well between the former Vice President and the APC emerged recently when Abubakar accused the party leadership of using him to win the presidential election of 2015 and dumping him thereafter.

He had told the VOA (Hausa Service) recently: “Honestly speaking, I’m still a member of the APC; I was part of all the processes, including campaigns until success was achieved.

“But sadly, soon after the formation of government, I was side-lined.

I haven’t any relationship with the government, I’ve not been contacted even once to comment on anything and in turn, I maintained my distance.

“They used our money and influence to get to where they’re but three years down the lane, this is where we are.”

Expectedly, this ignited war of words between supporters on both sides.

But the war of words was to exacerbate when a few days ago the Minister of Women Affairs, Hajia Jummai Alhassan broke with tradition and openly declared her loyalty to Atiku, as her political godfather, instead of to President Buhari.

“Your excellency, our father and our president by the grace of God, come 2019,” she had said in Hausa language during a courtesy call on the former Vice President.

Alhassan’s insistence on her loyalty to the former Vice President, though premature, The Oracle Today gathered in Abuja, came actually as a demonstration of the extent to which Atiku’s political associates, within and outside the APC, are prepared to go to consolidate their plans to move to a new ground, to avoid sinking with the APC in 2019.

Disaffections within the APC got to a point that many Nigerians, including political pundits, were actually not taken by surprise at the latest turn of events in the party, especially given the poor handling of the nation’s economy and the health challenges of President Muhammadu Buhari.

The lack of political will by the leadership of the APC to chart a better course for the country, helped in no small measure to bring the party to its current sorry state.

The inability of the party to make profitable use of its majority in the

Cont’d on page 8

To be serialised in The Oracle Today soon

Read about the great Rangers story from next edition

Python Dance curfew in Aba From Tony Ailemen, Abuja, BONIFACE OKORO, Umuahia, CHINEDU NWAFOR, Abakaliki, COLLINS UGHALAA, Owerri, IBE NWACHUKWU, Onitsha, CHUKS COLLINS, Awka, CHUKS EZE, Enugu

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AYS of tension, following the deployment of more soldiers and security personnel to the five South East States - Abia, Anambra Ebonyi, Enugu, and Imo – under Operation Python Dance II, assumed new alarming levels with the imposition of curfew on the commercial city of Aba on Tuesday evening.

The Oracle Today learnt it was a proactive response of the state government to intelligence that violence, a response to the restricting presence of soldiers in the South East, was brewing in the state.

Two incidents, the invasion of Nnamdi Kanu’s Afara Ukwu Village, Umuahia, on Sunday, and the attack on the Umuahia secretariat of the Nigerian Union of Journalists, on Tuesday morning, both by soldiers attached to Python Dance, heightened the tension.

Hours after the attack on the NUJ, Governor Okezie Ikpeazu was in a security meeting to manage the situation that was steaming to a full confrontation between soldiers and members of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), who clashed with soldiers on Sunday.

The action was boiling elsewhere as Aba, 65km from Umuahia, intelligence revealed, was about to explode. “We heard the trouble would have come from Aba, not Umuahia as many expected,” said a source who explained the curfew that would adversely affect commercial life in the city.

“If the curfew was delayed for a few more hours,” he said about the immediacy, “we do not know what could have happened in Aba, and we were sure that if a crisis started there, it would be only a natter of time for it to spread to other places.”

The governor in a statement he signed said: “Abia State has for the past few days been the focus of security searchlight occasioned by the reported skirmish between some groups in the State, especially Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) with men of the Nigerian Army.

“Government notes and has observed the frenzy of activities of members of IPOB within Afara – Umuahia, the ancestral home of the leader of IPOB for some months now.

Government is equally aware of the recent proclamation by the Nigerian Army of Operation Python Dance II within the South – East geopolitical region of Nigeria.

“The operation as declared by the Army is intended to check kidnapping, banditry, assassination, secessionist activities within the region, amongst other forms of crim-

inal activities.

“The recent confrontation between the Nigerian Army and members of IPOB on Sunday, 10th September 2017, could presumably be attributed to the commencement of the said Operation Python Dance II. “The Abia State Government unequivocally states that Abia is a component State of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and subscribes to the supremacy of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and all other extant laws.

“While the Government of Abia State recognizes the right of the Nigerian Army and other security agencies, to perform their statutory duty of protection of lives and property of Nigerian citizens, such duties must be carried out within acclaimed Nigerian and international standards of engagement with the civil populace, with due respect for the human rights of citizens and sanctity of human lives.

“The Abia State Government is committed to the protection of the lives and properties of its citizens and others residing and doing business within the geographical entity called Abia State.

“Abians and others living within Abia, are advised to remain law abiding and carry on their lawful business without fear, as efforts by Government will be made to reduce friction between the civil populace and military personnel in the State.

“Meanwhile, Aba residents are

change Department , W.D. Gotring and posted on its website read: “In a bid to enhance transparency and efficient processing of foreign investment flows to the country, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) hereby informs authorised dealers and the public of the deployment of the electronic Certificate of Capital Importation

(eCCI) platform.”

According to the statement, the eCCI shall replace the hard copy CCI normally issued in respect of all capital inflows either in form of cash or machinery/equipment.

“Consequently, effective from Monday, 11th September 2017, the processing of Certificate of Capital Importation in Nigeria shall only be done electronically on the

advised to observe a curfew from 6pm to 6am from today 12/09/2017 to 14/09/2017.

“Finally, Abia State will co-operate with security agencies to maintain the rule of law and order in the State.”

Travellers stranded THE announcement of the curfew was so sudden that travellers from the surrounding States of Imo, Akwa Ibom, Rivers, Ebonyi and Anambra that wanted to pass through Aba on Tuesday evening were stranded. They could not get into the town.

A definition of where Aba was, was for the soldiers to make. While many had thought that the curfew would be for the immediate parts of Aba, or Aba North and Aba North Local Government areas, they were to discover that surrounding Local Government Areas like Obingwa, Isiala Ngwa South, Osisioma and parts of Ukwa East, and Ukwa West were being affected.

How soldiers invaded NUJ Press Centre a personal account - Okoro ABOUT 10.15 am today (Tuesday, September 12, 2017), a convoy of heavily armed military personnel, apparently on a Show of Force in Umuahia, approached the Aba/ Umuawaya Road/Railway intersection, which is close to the NUJ Press Centre as I was just stepping into the office.

Some of my colleagues were

Cont’d on page 8

CBN orders use of electronic certificate Continued from Pg 1 from Monday, September 11, this year.

The apex bank took this measure in its determination to enhance foreign investment flow into the country.

The CBN in a statement signed by its Director, Trade and Ex-

eCCI platform. Please note and ensure compliance accordingly,” the statement added.

A CCI is a certificate issued by Nigerian banks confirming the inflow of foreign capital, either in the form of cash (loan or equity) or goods.

A CCI is usually issued in the name of the investor within 24- 48 hours of the inflow of the capital into Nigeria.

The primary purpose of the CCI is to guarantee access to the official foreign exchange market for repatriation of capital and returns on investment - dividend, interest, and capital on divestments.

The rule is that a copy of the CCI must be presented to the Nigerian bank to process a remittance by the requesting company.

Historically, CCIs have been issued in hard copy and, for repatriation purposes, the hard copy of the CCI had to be marked down by the bank.

This, according to a report by PwC, led to a situation whereby investors were unable to make repatriations in the event an original CCI had been lost or destroyed.

The CBN has now decided to automate the process by migrating to electronic CCIs. The e-CCI will be on a server that is maintained by the CBN. “The e-CCIs will make it easier to process transactions, ease the process of tracking transactions and make it easier to amend the CCI where an investor transfers investment in Nigeria to another investor,” the report said.

“As a result of this, the CBN has directed banks to migrate all active CCIs to e-CCIs. It is clear that government is keen to move from manual to electronic systems. This should lead to better efficiency, ease of transactions and more transparency.”

It has advised affected companies to liaise with their banks to confirm the specific process and requirements for migration of the paper CCIs,” the PwC report added.

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The Oracle Today Wednesday September 20, 2017

NEWS ACROSS THE NATION Nigeria hosts yearly AFRIMA till 2019 From VICTOR NZE

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HE African Union (AU) has awarded the hosting right for the pan African music initiative, All Africa Music Awards (AFRIMA), to Nigeria for another three years, starting from 2017 to 2019.

A statement signed

by Mr Segun Adeyemi, Special Adviser to the Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai

Mohammed, in Lagos Sunday, said the hosting right was given to the country following its successful hosting of the 2014-2016 editions.

He said that the award of the hosting right was conveyed in a letter written ton him by the Commissioner of Social Affairs at the AU Commission, Mrs Amira Elfadil.

Mohammed said the AU’s commissioner com-

mended the growth and inclusiveness of AFRIMA by reaching out to `many musicians, music producers and creative arts practitioners in general’.

He said that Elfadi noted that between 2014 and 2016, during which Nigeria hosted three editions of AFRIMA, it “has become a very crucial event and movement of African musicians.”

The minister said that the AU’s commissioner

also noted that AFRIMA “allows them to establish synergies and work towards the development of Africa’s music and promotion of music in the continent and in the international arena.

“Based on this and other factors such as the willingness to create value and deepen the brand equity not only for Nigerians but also for Africans, the AU returned the hosting right of AF-

RIMA to Nigeria”.

He said that government’s desire to retain the right was informed by the enthusiasm and sense of duty with which Nigerians embraced AFRIMA coupled with the prevailing international confidence in the present administration.

“The African Union’s gracious concession to our request is beneficial for the creative sector in Nigeria and across Africa.

Statisticians task FG on credible population census

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ARTICIPANTS at the just-concluded first International Statistical Conference, organised by the Nigerian Statistician Association (NSA), have urged the Federal Government to conduct population census at regular intervals.

The participants made the call in a communiqué issued at the end of the 3-day conference in Lagos, signed by the NSA President and National Secretary, Prof. Sidney Onyeagu and Dr. Olatunji Arowolo respectively.

The participants observed that no appropriate measures were in

place to check population growth, just as they recommended that government should consider measures to check population growth through family planning and enlightenment.

The participants therefore, advised the government to re-introduce Statistics as a core subject in the secondary school curriculum.

“State Governments that are yet to enact their statistics laws are enjoined as a matter of urgency to do so and all states are enjoined to implement the Statistical Master Plan to the

Flood: Dangote-led relief committee donates N250m to Benue victims

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ATIONAL Committee on Flood Relief and Rehabilitation says it has provided N250 million as relief assistance to victims of the devastating flood in Benue.

Chairman of the committee, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, who disclosed, Sunday in Lagos that this was in response to the request by the Benue State Government, added that the committee had also approved the release of one of its completed IDP Hostels in the state as temporary shelter for some of the displaced people.

It would be recalled that former President Goodluck Jonathan had on October 11, 2012, inaugurated the Dangote-led 34-member National Committee on Flood Relief and Rehabilitation.

The committee was charged with raising additional funds to support the government’s efforts to provide adequate relief and post-impact rehabilitation to persons and communities affected by floods in the country.

Dangote said the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) had disclosed that more than 110,000 people in 24 communities, including Makurdi, were displaced

by the recent flood in Benue.

The committee chairman said that asides the donation to Benue, his committee had also donated N150 million to provide relief assistance to flood victims in Anambra, Dangote, in a statement by Mr Sunday Esan of the Corporate Communication Department of Dangote Group, said that the committee had also released N118 million to the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA).

He said that this was to augment the N1.6 billion released by the Federal Government for procurement of food and non-food relief materials in aid of flood victims in 16 states.

According to him, the states are Abia, Akwa-Ibom, Bayelsa, Ebonyi, Edo, Ekiti, Enugu, Abuja FCT, Kebbi, Kwara, Lagos, Niger, Ondo, Oyo, Plateau and Sokoto.

He said that the committee was currently implementing the various projects in the 24 states affected by the 2012 nationwide floods.

Dangote said that the rationale behind the projects was to assist the benefiting states to better handle future emergencies, including flooding.

letter. Governments at all levels should make adequate provisions for the funding of Statistics and consequently make use of the results of such exercises, in the design and implementation of programmes for the citizenry.’’

In addition, they recommended that governments at all levels should also leverage on the infu-

sion of statistics and ICT by working progressively towards e-government, which they noted, would ultimately encourage easier dissemination of statistics as well as enhance ready access to vital information on government activities as against what is currently on ground.

The theme of the Conference was “Positioning National Statistical Sys-

tems for Data Revolution and Inclusive Development The conference, which held between September 6 and 8, was the 41st Annual and 1st International Conference of the association. The Pre-Conference attracted about 73 participants while the main Conference attracted about 376 participants.

The Federal Government of Nigeria is calling on state governments and corporate Nigeria to partner with it and the African Union in ensuring a successful hosting of AFRIMA 2017 which will bring immense socioeconomic benefits to the selected host city,” he said.

Mohammed disclosed that the 2017 edition of AFRIMA is scheduled to hold from November 10 to November 12.

Enugu DISCo introduces security barcode to check fake bills

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HE Enugu Electricity Distribution Company (EEDC) has introduced a Security Barcode in its electricity bills to check fake bills, manipulations and other forms of “scientific electricity theft”.

The Head, Communications of EEDC, Mr Emeka Ezeh, who disclosed this in Enugu, said the modified bill and its special outlook was part of the company’s continuous efforts to introduce initiatives geared toward ensuring enjoyable customer experience.

He said the new features on the new bill included a summary of previous balance and last payment made by the customer, “a barcode (code number), which is a security feature’’.

“It also contains details of feeder and transformer; name and phone number of the marketer in charge as well as pictorial representation of customer’s meter reading. At the back side of the bill is the EEDC call center number as well as address of Nigeria Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) forum offices within EEDC coverage area, including their phone numbers and email addresses.

“It also contains details of respective reconnection fees and other relevant information for the customer,’’ he said.

Ezeh said that as part of the initiative to create technological driven innovations, the company would soon deliver electricity bills to customers via email prior to their receiving the hard copy.

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The Oracle Today Wednesday September 20, 2017

NEWS ACROSS THE NATION

Restructuring inevitable –Sen. Oduah

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OR Minister of Aviation and Senator Stella Oduah (PDP-Anambra North) has insisted that no meaningful development could be achieved in the country unless the current political structure was modified to also guarantee social justice, equity and fairness for all Nigerians across the six geo-political zones.

“We cannot go further than we have gone without restructuring for obvious reasons.

For us from the South-East in particular, you cannot spank a child and at the same time forbid the child from crying. It is an abnormality.

“The National Assembly has been discussing it that this nation was built on the platform of fairness, justice and equity. That is what our Constitution is all about and so if a group says they have concerns, those concerns must be addressed,” she said at the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) Forum in Abuja.

On the nature of restructuring required to bring an end to the rising agitations, the lawmaker suggested a holistic approach which would restructure political, economic and educational sectors as well as the security apparatus.

“The restructuring I am clamouring for is a holistic one to the extent that I am first a Nigerian and then the locality where I come from by accident of birth becomes secondary. The primary thing is that I am a Nigerian and I have to have a sense of belonging.

“The details of restructuring have to be discussed and it must be holistic because you cannot do partial restructuring for a better country. Women as a gender must be priority in the restructuring because women make up about 60 per cent of the country’s population.

“You can imagine the level of development the country will have if it actively involves 60 per cent of its strength in governance. The youth and their welfare must also be prioritized. So, it has to be very holistic,’’ she stressed.

According to Oduah, the

recommendations of the 2014 National Conference were “robust enough” to set the platform for a holistic restructuring of the country, further adding that she had gone through the contents of the report, and that it touched on almost all the concerns of Nigerians from the different regions.

“I believe that the delegates at the confab must have spent enormous amount of time, efforts and resources. So, we need to look at it and address the issues agitating our minds.’’

Oduah, therefore, promised that the 8th Senate would play a major role in helping to restructure the economy and the country.

“The Senate, having requested for the report before proceeding on recess, will ensure that it is submitted while nec- • Vice President Yemi Osinbajo met with Association of Retired Career Ambassadors of Nigeria, led by the assoessary action will be taken.” ciation chairman, Amb. John k. Shinkaiye, at the State House, Abuja.

5m benefitted from Amnesty Programme since 2009 –Boroh

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OORDINATOR of the Presidential Amnesty Programme, Retired Brig.-Gen. Paul Boroh, has stated that more than five million people in the Niger Delta region have benefited from the initiative since 2009.

Boroh, who is also the Special Adviser to the President on Niger Delta, disclosed this in Akure shortly after receiving an award as Niger Delta Peace Ambassador from the Nigeria Union of Journalists, Ondo State Council.

He said that the Amnesty programme was initiated in 2009 due to the conflict in the Niger Delta region.

Boroh said that it was difficult to be specific on the amount that Federal Government had

so far spent in restoring peace in the area.

“For all I know, the programme has impacted on well over five million people in the entire region and also aided efforts to achieve peace in the Niger Delta,’’ he said.

He commended President Muhammadu Buhari for sustaining the amnesty programme, saying this demonstrated his concern for the people of Niger Delta region.

The presidential aide also commended the response and efforts of the Federal Government in restoring peace across the country, just as he pleaded with the Niger Delta people to hasten their desired development of the area and embrace

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n an effort to broaden its scope, the West African Examinations Council International Office (WIO) in Lagos, has disclosed that it is now set to re-introduce electronic marking for its tests.

Head of the Office, Mr Adelowo Maliki, who said this, Monday in Lagos, noted that the marking before now was done with some foreign

partners based in the United Kingdom.

“We started this electronic marking in 2014 through to 2015, only for us to suspend it in 2016, due to high costs as regards the high exchange rate. But now, we are set to bring it back as we have gotten all necessary approvals from the council’s committee meetings and the council itself.

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ndigenous carrier, Dana Air, has become a member of the International Air Transport Association (IATA).

The company’s Communications Manager, Mr Kingsley Ezenwa, who announced the new status of the airline in Lagos, Monday, said that the IATA membership was coming two years after the airline passed its International Operations Safety Audit (IOSA) and was admitted into association’s global safety registry.

IATA membership is open to airlines operating scheduled and non-scheduled air services that maintain an IATA

Operational Safety Audit (IOSA) registration. IATA now represents 275 airlines in over 117 countries.

On his part, Accountable Manager, Dana Air, Mr Obi Mbanuzuo, said membership of IATA was a significant milestone, as, according to him, “this demonstrates our level of professionalism and commitment to operational efficiency in terms of providing our guests with safe, seamless and worldclass air transport service in Nigeria.

“Apart from the fact that this membership will further strengthen our relationship with other international airlines, we see it as an opportunity to take our amazing products to the

global stage through interline and code-share agreements.

“You would recall that Dana Air is the first and only Nigerian airline to have undergone an operational audit conducted by the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA). Together with its foreign partners, which is the Flight Safety Group, we are determined to reinforce our strategic route network within and beyond Nigeria,” he said.

Mbanuzuo said that the airline, in furtherance of its much-vaunted customer- centric products, recently launched a Special Services Unit to attend to passengers with special needs and urgent complaints.

bility of all Nigerians, particularly in our region, Niger Delta. It is all our responsibility to achieve this, let us not be tired, don’t allow negative forces to weigh you down and be positive even in your pronouncement,’’ he said.

IPAC wants states to strengthen electoral commissions

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he Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC) has urged states in the country to strengthen their electoral commissions, to enable them to fulfil their mandate of conducting credible elections at the grassroots.

WAEC to re-introduce e-marking for tests

Dana Air bags IATA membership From VICTOR NZE

peace.

He also reiterated the government’s warning on anyone promoting hate speeches capable of disrupting the peace of the country.

“Basically, peace resolution is a collective effort and responsi-

“This led to our trying to develop our own in-house and by the grace of God, the ongoing West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) for private candidates would be marked electronically.

“However, we will not be marking all the subjects through this mode, just some selected ones. So as soon as this examination is concluded, we will kick start marking electronically,’’ he said.

According to him, such mode of marking would further ensure test reliability.

“Here, you can be sure that if two people mark the same paper, they will arrive at the same scoring.

“So it will increase test reliability, which means that even for different people, there will be little or no deviation from what they awarded because this one is electronically done and if you are not doing it according to laid down rules, it shuts you off automatically on its own.

“At that point, you realise you are not doing the right thing and so if every paper can be done electronically, it is going to be the best,’’ Maliki explained.

Publicity Secretary of the Lagos State chapter of the council, Mr Shakirudeen Olofin, gave the advice in Lagos, Monday, said the major pitfall to the credible conduct of local government elections was that state electoral commissions did not have all the imperatives to credibly discharge their responsibilities.

Olofin said state electoral commissions were poorly funded and that they lacked other logistics to fulfil their mandates, adding that the state electoral commissions were not independent, as they were being influenced by state governments.

Olofin faulted the Senate for voting for the scrapping of state electoral commissions in the constitution amendment process.

“What we think should be done is to strengthen the state electoral commissions, as well as democracy, especially at the grassroots. The state government should properly fund their electoral commissions and provide them with the necessary materials to conduct credible polls,’’ he said.

Olofin also urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to live to its billing as an independent umpire in the conduct of elections, just as he advised INEC against compromise, saying that doing so would not guarantee free and fair conduct of elections.

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The Oracle Today Wednesday September 20, 2017

NEWS Rivers: Court remands suspected killer of 8yr old girl in prison custody • Suspect exonerates IPO in escape, says hunger led to his arrest in Plateau From NATH OMAME, P/Harcourt

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23-year old under-graduate student in the department of Physics, University of Port Harcourt, Ifeanyichukwu Maxewell Dike, was on Tuesday, remanded in prison custody by a Chief Magistrate Court, in Port Harcourt, capital of Rivers State.

He was taken in on a onecount charge of killing an eightyear old girl, Chikamso Victory Mezuwuba, at the Eliozu area of Port Harcourt.

Dike had earlier escaped from the custody of the State Criminal Investigation Department, SCID. He was arraigned in court by the Commissioner of Police in the State after he was re-arrested in a community in Barkin Ladi Local Government of Plateau State two weeks after his escape from Police custody.

The presiding Chief Magistrate, A. O. Amadi-Nna (Esq.) had declined jurisdiction to entertain the matter.

Amadi-Nna ordered the court registrar to remit the case file to the Director of Public Prosecution (DPP), for legal advice and adjourned the matter sine die (indefinitely).

Meanwhile, counsel to the accused, Mr. Lezina Amegua, who spoke with newsmen outside the courtroom, said he got involved in the matter for the sake of Justice.

He expressed confidence in

• R-L: Rev Fr. Johnbosco Ezika, Rev. Fr. Tony Nzomiwu, Very Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Egwuoba, Episcopal Vicar, Iyiowa Odekpe and Rev Fr. Peter Nwanso of St. Charles Special Science College Onitsha praying for former Gov. Peter Obi during Mass. the judiciary, stressing that justice must be dispensed in the matter.

The prosecution counsel, Enoch George, a Superintendent of Police attached to the State Investigation Bureau (SIB), of the Rivers State Police command, stated that every necessary legal step must be taken to ensure justice for the murdered eight-year old Chikamso.

Chairperson of the International Federation of Women

Lawyers, FIDA Antonia Osadebe, said that her organisation was involved in matter to make sure that all those involved in the killing of the eight-year old girl were punished according to the law.

Dike, who confessed when he was paraded by the Police before journalists claimed he raped, killed and removed vital organs of eight-year old Chikamso Victory for ritual purposes exonerated his Investigative Po-

lice Officer, Sergeant Johnbosco Okoroeze from his escape, three weeks ago.

He was paraded on Monday, in Port Harcourt, after he was rearrested, on Thursday, at Barkin Ladi Local Government Area of Plateau state.

He was driven back to the Rivers State Police Command by Police men deployed from the Federal Investigation Bureau (FIB), at the Force Headquarters, on the orders of the Inspec-

tor-General of Police, Mohammed Idris.

He told newsmen that he took the advantage of the dark environment at the State Criminal Investigation Department to escape. He pleaded for forgiveness and mercy.

Dike had killed the eight year Chikamso, and removed all her vital organs and was on his way to dispose off her remains when he was arrested by a local vigilante group in Okporo commu-

nity, Obio/Akpor Local Government Area of the state.

He said: “At the State Criminal Investigation Department, SCID, after I entered my statement late in the evening of the day of my first parade, my IPO asked me to go inside the cell that was when I had the opportunity to run away. My IPO did not help my escape. I know what I did was wrong, please forgive me and have mercy.”

Dike disclosed that he was rearrested, when he got himself into another trouble while looking for food to eat.

He explained that he was faced with hunger after he had arrived Plateau State and that he was apprehended by some residents in the process of stealing food and handed over to Police.

“I escaped to Jos. Having stayed for several days without food and due to the injuries I sustained; I was not able to get food to eat. So, due to the hunger, I decided to source for food and that was where I was caught and handed over to the Police.

“When I got to the Police station, at first I was hiding my identity, but on interrogation I got fed up and gave them (police) my aunty’s phone number.

“As soon as the Police called my aunty, she told them that I was declared wanted by the Rivers State Police command.

She also handed my IPO phone number to the Police officers and they later confirmed I am on wanted list. After I was confirmed, I was detained and returned back to Rivers State on Sunday,” Dike narrated.

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6

The Oracle Today Wednesday September 20, 2017

NEWS Ebonyi varsity students accuse lecturers of harassment, extortion From CHINEDU NWAFOR, Abakaliki

S

tudents of Ebonyi State University (EBSU), Abakaliki have accused their lecturers of sexual harassment and extortion.

This is coming on the heels of the recent sack of a lecturer in the Faculty of Education by the school management and the suspension of another, Mr. Onwe Chinedu Ogah in the department of History and International Relations for similar offences.

Ogah is currently facing disciplinary committee of the University over alleged sexual harassment and extortion.

Investigations revealed that some lecturers compel female students to pay between N10,000 and N30,000 to pass a particular course or pay in kind if they can’t afford the amount.

Those with problems of carryover are said to be the major victims of the ugly practice.

A victim, Chinenye Chike said he had carryover in her HIR department because she neither paid N10,000 nor agreed to sexual intercourse as demanded by the lecturer.

She said: “I had extra year because I couldn’t give N10, 000 to my lecturer who is now facing disciplinary panel. I carried my two-month old baby to re-write his course-Major World Revolution and he made me borrow extra-five courses.”

Another victim, Sylvia Ibiam said after paying money to one of her lecturers to pass her, the lecturer insisted that she must sleep with him, which she refused to do leading to the sabotage (hiding) of her project by the lecturer.

Also, some students in the Faculty of Agriculture and Natural Sciences of the school who spoke to The Oracle Today in confidence lamented the

high rate of extortion and sexual harassment in EBSU. When contacted, the Vice Chancellor of the University Professor Francis Idike confirmed that sexual harassment and extortion have become the order of the day in the institution.

His words: “I know that there is a case involving this particular young man. I also know that by Friday, the first report on the young man from the (disciplinary) committee came to me. I also know that I am currently studying the report at the end of which I will send it to the management for decision.

“From the management, depending on their decision, it may go to Council. It is only after going to Council that a decision would have been reached.

“So many people have been calling me and saying that they saw it on Facebook that decision has been taken, this and that. I don’t know where these people actually get this information. I don’t know how to use Facebook and WhatsApp. “The lecturer is on suspension.

How can you sack somebody without (going through) stages? The (disciplinary) committee has completed its assignment and submitted it to the Vice-Chancellor. I am studying it and after that I will send it to the management.

“I don’t have the total number off hand, but I know there are many of such cases. In fact, there was one we just decided last week based on sex for grade. A female lecturer was terminated. It happened in the Faculty of Education. Just last week, the Council took a final decision on the recommendation of the committee.

And that matter has already been written and it is posted on our website.”

Nigerian govts not serious about lassa fever eradication – Prof. Katchy

By THEO RAYS

D

isturbed by the many reported cases of death caused by Lassa Fever in some States of the county, the President of National Complementary and Alternative Medical Association (NACAMA) of Nigeria, Professor Peter Emeka Katchy, has accused government at all levels in Nigeria of apathy towards the prevalence of the dreaded disease in Nigeria.

Speaking with The Oracle Today in Onitsha, the NACAMA boss, who explained that Lassa fever is a disease caused by rat, lamented that for a long time, there is only one lassa fever laboratory in the country at Irrua in Edo State built with the help of the former Military Vice-President of the

county, the late Admiral Augustus Aikhomu.

He said the latest addition of lassa fever laboratory is the second in the country built at Abakiliki in Ebonyi State by the former Governor of the State, Chief Martin Elechi.

He, therefore, called on federal and State governments to, as a matter of priority and urgency, begin to set up Lassa fever laboratories in different parts of the country to address the inadequacy of such laboratories in Nigeria.

The NACAMA boss said: “Food items are exposed to rats; they expose gari to rat and drink it with sugar not knowing that the rodent has either urinated inside the garri or has its faeces in it

“This is the problem and it is different from Ebola that is alien to us. Lassa fever is not, but has similar symptoms like Ebola. Both have hormone symptoms, sometimes blood comes out from the nose and mouth.”

“Nigeria would have annihilated lassa fever long ago if people had taken it serious. People cannot deny that rats are within their houses or environment and it is a daily problem,” he added.

He said once affected by the fever, the incubation period lasts between 3 to 16 days and the victim is quarantined to avodi affecting others. The people who must have come in close contact with the victim are also kept under close watch to avoid spreading the disease to others.

Obiano allows women access N2b CBN agric loan From CHUKS COLLINS, Awka

T

he government of Anambra State has lowered its earlier very stringent requirements for accessing the Central Bank of Nigeria-backed N2b loan to women in agriculture and small investments enterprises (SMIEs).

The State governor, Willie Obiano disclosed this in his goodwill message at this year’s Mothers’ Summit held in Awka.

The seeming arbitrary policy shift, which many saw as an electioninduced action clearly contradicted State government’s earlier position.

The near interest-free loan, which was mandated by the federal government and backed by the CBN as a kind of mass economic stimulant for the lowest capacity of citizens in SMIEs who could not meet commercial banks’ cutthroat loan requirements, was made near impossible by the state administration until now.

The CBN had stipulated that at least 60% of the N2bn should be given out to women or to small businesses owned by women, but the Anambra State government through its Small Business Agency (ASBA) placed near impossible conditions/ collateral requirements, such that not a handful actually ac-

cessed the fund that was conceived to stimulate production, engage hundreds of thousands of unemployed hands and at the same time lower price of goods in the market.

The Anambra State government had, in addition to these CBN demands required that each applicant present a written guarantee and post-dated cheques covering the entire sum from a level 14 officer or above. Records show that those who had accessed the loan were neither women nor fall within the CBN stipulated group.

The ASBA chief executive, Chief Clement Chukwuka had earlier told our reporter that the State was merely protecting itself and the funds.

But, with the Nov 18,2017 governorship election fever getting to a feverish pitch, Obiano might have been forced to say that the N2bn interest-free loan would now be earmarked for disbursement strictly to women groups in the agricultural and business areas in the 2018 budget, adding that the State’s Small Business Agency (ASBA) has been directed to reduce the hitherto stringent conditions for accessing the fund to -just identification by religious and traditional leaders of applicants for the loan.

• The Anambra State Governor Chief Dr. Willie Obiano presenting a cheque of N3million to Mr. Ekwueme David Chukwuamaka, beneficiary of Interfact Hero Foundation Award at Nkwelle Ezeunaka.

Photo : Modestus Igudobi

Anambra 2017: We see pendulum swinging towards Obiano – Onitsha medicines dealers

By IBE NWACHUKWU

M

edicines dealers at the Bridgehead market, Onitsha, Anambra State, under the aegis of Association of Medical and Pharmaceutical Products Dealers (AMPPDO) have tipped the incumbent Governor Willie Obiano to win the November 18 governorship election in the State as, according to them, they are fore-seeing the pendulum swinging towards him.

They added that for now, Obiano is primus interpares (first among equals) in the line up churned out by various political parties.

Chairman of the association, Mr. Uche Eze who made this view known to newsmen yesterday at the union’s secretariat, drug market, Onitsha, said they are aligning

themselves to Prof. Charles Soludo’s recent view that there is no need to change a winning team.

According to Mr. Eze: “First of all, I commend all the political parties in the state for conducting free, fair, peaceful and rancour-free primary elections that produced their various flag bearers and we don’t want a chaotic situation during the general election.”

“In my view and that of my members,” he continued, “I will say Obiano has performed well and it is ideal to return him. Like Soludo said, I align myself with him that there is not need to change a winning team. I am optimistic that he will be returned for doing well and there is no need changing him. I like to identify with his successes.”

“Let Anambra people vote without external interference. I am in support of IPOB’s agitation for separation but I would not subscribe to a state of anarchy should the election fail to hold on the scheduled date. If the election fails, the federal government has the constitutional powers to appoint a Sole Administrator from anywhere.

“Let INEC revalidate the voters cards to ensure that everybody has the card and power to vote because without the cards, you have no powers.”

On fake drugs within the market, he noted that he has a lucid evidence to back up his claims that fakery has reduced in the market, as one of the primary assignments of his executive.

8

The Oracle Today Wednesday September 20, 2017

News Continued from Pg 2 National Assembly, the seeming lack of unanimity of purpose even in the Executive, has not portrayed the party as a serious organisation in the eyes of Nigerians.

Atiku’s recent statements indicated that he is not happy about the goings on in the party, as he was said to have been sidelined despite his huge investments in the party.

Atiku’s factor in the APC could not be underrated especially given the fact that his roles in leading seven governors, including those of Adamawa, Kwara, Sokoto, Jigawa, Kano, Rivers and Niger, out of the venue of the convention of the PDP in August 2013, that strengthened the formation of APC. The group had left in anger, to protest the absence of internal party democracy as the organizers of PDP Special National Convention

Atiku’s 2019 ambition splits APC had ensured that majority of the aspirants were unduly disqualified.

Speaking at a recent function, the former Vice President had noted that the APC has derailed from the original mandate and the vow it took to change the Nigerian political landscape for the better.

Said the Waziri Adamawa: “For a number of years now, we have had political parties, even governing ones, which hardly hold meetings of their important organs, including those meant for the democratic selection of their leadership, or even constitute institutions prescribed in their Constitution. In the absence of those meetings and elections, their existing leadership, often under the direction of the Executive at the state or federal level, fill the void.

That’s not party building but party bullying. And it’s certainly not a way to democratize parties and aggregate their members’ opinions, interests and aspirations” Nigeria’ s former Ambassador to Tunisia and Chieftain of the APC, Ambassador James Barka, also expressed his sadness over the ways the party conducted the recent ward congresses across the country. “ My brother, l was one of those who worked tirelessly to install this present government both at the state level and at the center. But as I speak to you now, l did not know how those purported to have been selected emerged in my ward and local government, Hong, in Adamawa,” he said.

Speaking on the move by the

former Vice President to dump the party, Amb Barka noted that Atiku has every right to decide, which party best suits his purpose.

“The former Vice President is an experienced politician and he can move to which every party he likes.

That is the beauty of democracy, if one party is not doing what you want, you can change party. So, he is free,” he said.

“He is a detribalized Nigerian. That is why he is very passionate about doing everything to strengthen the unity of Nigerians. Titi Abubakar, his first wife is a Yoruba woman, he also has an Igbo wife and the other one is Hausa. Check it out, amongst the top Nigerian politicians, he is the largest single employer of Labour.

The Oracle Today also gathered

that the recent party congresses conducted across the 36 States of the country, exposed the absence of internal democracy in the APC and the weak nature of the party’s leadership at the centre.

Atiku’s political fortunes have been largely buoyed by his large heart, deep pocket and massive investments in human resources, especially in building political bridges across the six geo-political zones.

This accounts for why the former Vice President currently controls a very large protégés and foot soldiers cutting across all the nation’s political parties.

A top government official told The Oracle Today in Abuja during

Cont’d on page 47

Journalists secretariat attacked

Continued from Pg 2

watching from the balcony while I was watching from the window. As they were negotiating round the Tower to Bende Road, some of their trucks stopped and I noticed one of the soldiers was pointing at me.

Simultaneously, I saw many soldiers jump down from two trucks and headed towards our office.

Upon swooping on our office, one of them howled at me and ordered me to give him my phone. I told him that I had no phone with me at that material time. But, he slapped me and ordered me to open my bag, which I was carrying. As I was bringing out the contents, I brought out my Samsung Tablet; he snatched it from me and smashed it.

Mission accomplished they rushed out.

(Boniface Okoro, The Oracle Today’s Umuahia Bureau Chief, was among those attacked.)

Speaking at the NUJ National Secretariat, Abuja, the National Secretary of the Union, Usman Liman, said the NUJ at the national level totally condemned the actions of the Soldiers.

Describing the attack as “ unprovoked” Alhaji Liman called on the Army operatives to tread with caution. “ In the first place, this attack was unprovoked. Reports reaching us here said they entered the state NUJ Secretariat and started beating up everyone around. and smashing their equipment.

“We have always cooperated with the military in whatever they do.

But there was absolutely no need for this attack on our members…I do not know how the Secretariat of the NUJ became involved (in Army’s Operation Show Force in the South east).”

“We totally condemn their action and we have taken up the matter with the Military. We have already reported the incident to the Police in Abia State and NUJ is assessing the extent of damages to both lives and properties with the view to seeking compensation,” Liman surmised.

Army apologises COMMANDER of the 14 Brigade of the Nigerian Army, Ohafia, Brigadier-General Abdul Khalifa Ibrahim, has, however, visited the Press Centre of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), on Aba Road, Umuahia and tendered unreserved apology for the unruly attack on Journalists at the Press Centre this morning by soldiers.

“What happened here is a disaster of unimaginable proportion,” he said after seeing the damage his men did. “ I hereby tender my unreserved apology. The Media is our partner and a powerful institution.

Someone from New York called to

ask me what is happening in Umuahia.”

Ohaneze to Buhari: Stop all military operations in S/ East The Ohanaeze Ndigbo has urged the Federal Government to call off what it called phoney Operation Python Dance II, in the region.

A statement signed by the President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, John Nnia Nwodo, said Nigeria at this moment does not need such deliberate and proactive escalation of tensions and crisis. “There are more civilized and established practices to resolve our democratic and security challenges,” the PG said.

Nwodo had recalled that on the 8th of September 2017, Major General D D Ahmadu, Chief Of Training and Operations of the Nigerian Army announced an exercise called Operation Python Dance II, which he said was going to take place in the five South Eastern States to address “rampancy of assassinations, attack on security personnel, theft of weapons, violent agitations, armed banditry and kidnapping.”

Ohanaeze Ndigbo also recalled that Python Dance 1 had been on for quite a while in the South East, adding that while Operation Python Dance 1 lasted, major roads, entries and exits of important cities in the South East had zigzag check points supervised by members of the Nigerian Army.

“They turned out to be toll gates used in extorting money under gunpoint from helpless motorists,” Nwodo asserted. “Our people were shamelessly intimidated and harassed at these checkpoints. Operation Python Dance 1 procured no arrests of criminals that were prosecuted for any of the criminal activities that Operation Python Dance II is supposed to address. Instead it witnessed reckless and indiscriminate murder of self determination agitators in Asaba, Aba, Nkporand Port-Harcourt numbering up to 191 by the estimates of Transparency

International and shattered public confidence of South Easterners in the Nigerian Army and Police.”

“Operation Python Dance II announced to be launched for the five South Eastern States whose crime rates by Police statistics are not the highest in the country, turned out to focus on a tiny suburban road leading to the home of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu,the IPOB LEADER” “Last night that road was visited by a combined team of Police and Military personnel with Armoured Personnel Carrier (APC) and armed personnel. Video posts from IPOB and the Nigerian Army did not indicate any act of disobedience before the invasion of this suburban environment,” the statement noted.

“Contradictory versions of the encounter in this location came from both the Military/ Police and IPOB. Sparodic shots were fired at innocent civilians who had no firearms.

Stones and bottles were pelted at the APC and military personnel.

Which of the attacks preceded the other is not clear, but one was clearly disproportionate to the other and violated rules of military engagement in situations of this nature.

“Ohaneze Ndigbo considers this development as unfortunate. We believe that it is a deliberate invasion of a quiet homestead, an act of provocation and a continuing policy of intimidation.

“Crimes of monstrous proportions are occurring in other parts of Nigeria. Such crimes include ravaging killings by Fulani herdsmen in the Middle Belt, Secret cult killings in Lagos and the South West, bunkering and armed resistance in the Delta, wanton kidnappings and killing of military personnel in Kaduna State and environs as well as Boko Haram insurgency in the North East. The Nigerian Army has never embarked on Operation Python Dance in any of the other five geopolitical zones on account of these incidences. Innocent civilians living

in these other parts of Nigeria have not witnessed the type of invasion Umuahia witnessed last night.”

“Ohaneze Ndigbo is left with no alternative than to conclude that this is a containment policy aimed at the South East to intimidate our people from freely expressing their anger and angst at their marginalization and treatment as second class citizens” “In a democracy the level of disenchantment expressed by the people of the South East of Nigeria ought to have provoked a serious dialogue between our people and the Federal Executive and the Legislature. History teaches us that the continous use of force to silence dissent and free speech will only accelerate the growth of dissent and dissatisfaction. Fundamental Rights of freedom of expression are critical for a successful democracy” Attack on Kanu provocative ONITSHA human rights lawyer, Ben Okoko has described last Sunday’s clash between the military and members of the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, near the palace of the traditional ruler of Afaraukwu Ibeku, Eze Israel Kanu, father of IPOB leader, Nnamdi Kanu as provocative. He also described the launching of Operation Python Dance II and its concentration only in the South East geo-political zone as a sign of aggression and uncalled for in a non-war situation.

“By the way, what is their business going nearer to Kanu in a matter that is sub-judice in the court?

Kanu has not jumped bail and his case is coming up sometime in October, this year. So, what are they looking for in his house? Kanu is not a military personnel as to warrant using the military to arrest him if they want to. The appropriate personnel that can arrest him if need arises are the police or the DSS. “The police, DSS and Civil Defence are capable of tackling the situation. Declaring the operation

only in South East is an invitation to anarchy. If it had been declared in all parts of the federation, it will be understandable. It is provocative and a sign of aggression for the military to concentrate the operation only in Southeast.”

More Nigerians, groups on Python Dance For Barrister Basil Onyeachonam Onuorah, the Nov 18,2017 governorship candidate of the Green Party of Nigeria, GPN, the military build-up in the South Eastern part of Nigeria is a clear indication that the Nigerian Chief of Army Staff lacks vision, is incompetent, clueless, and insensitive to the volatile nature of the area.

“I condemn the invasion of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu’s home by our unprofessional Nigerian Soldiers and the continuous human rights abuse being perpetuated by the military and the Nigerian Police. Enough of this please,” he said.

Chief Maurice Ebo, A chieftain of the Action People’s Congress, APC: “I call on President Muhammadu Buhari, to be a father to all Nigerians, and disappoint his critics.

He should withdraw the troops, and cancel the ‘Operation Python Dance II” exercise. I believe that the President will revive Nigeria, but he should not allow enemies, to have their way.

“I believe in one uninterrupted Nigeria. God Bless Nigerian State”, Chief Ebo emphasised.

Chief Sam Oraegbunam, the governorship candidate of the Hope Democratic Party, HDP: “The NASS members and Governors couldn’t say anything because they are not on top of issues and interest of our people. They are all using their positions to accumulate wealth to the detriment of our people. These are reasons they could not and haveno moral ground to caution Nnamdi Kanu -the IPOB leader when he crossed the red line by calling for the boycott of Anambra State Governorship election.

“IPOB as led by Kanu can act as a pressure group to raise issue of Igbo marginalization but shouldn’t be the mouth piece of the Igbo nation.

AN international non-governmental organization - the South East/South South Network, SESSNet, in its reaction noted that the group has “vehemently condemned the invasion of the leader of Independent People of Biafra, IPOB, Nnamdi Kanu’s home in Umuahia in Abia State by security operatives, saying “the invasion is a threat to the unity of the country.” The group in a statement made available to journalists via email described the development as unfortunate.

The group warned Nigerian Army

Cont’d on page 47

9

The Oracle Today Wednesday September 20, 2017

POLITICS

Rev. Fr. Egeolu: We didn’t need to destroy Ekeukwu to develop

‘In Bayelsa, oil spill is business’

Pg 10 - P11

Pg 14 oil companies claim have turned themselves into rent-seekers. If the oil companies had remained here, there is the possibility that the cities in the Niger Delta would have been as developed as say Lekki, Victoria Island, or even Abuja. And the prevailing social culture of the environment would have come to positively affect the psyche of our youths in the Niger Delta. So, we can say that there has been a deliberate policy to under-develop the Niger Delta by bad politics, collaborators, or by a cabal.

The Niger Delta is a victim of state violence.

The vice president comes to Uyo, in Akwa Ibom State and makes a pronouncement that oil multinationals should move their headquarters to the Niger Delta and even after the deadline none of the oil companies has moved its headquarters to the Niger Delta. I call that state violence against the people of the Niger Delta. The pronouncement of the federal government is tantamount to state violence because you make such pronouncements but don’t take any action to ensure such state policy is achieved or realized. Such actions provoke violence because the people that are being affected think that they are being taken for granted.

IYC: Federal Government is perpetrating state violence against the Niger Delta Alfred Kemepado is the Secretary-General of the Ijaw Youth Congress (IYC). He spoke with NATH OMAME, Jr. on the 90-day ultimatum it gave to multinational oil companies to relocate their headquarters to the Niger Delta; plans by the federal government to give licenses for establishing modular refineries; the activities of the ministry of Niger Delta Affairs and the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC).

AFTER the Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, directed the multinational oil companies to relocate their headquarters to the Niger Delta, your group gave a 90-day ultimatum to the oil companies to relocate to the Niger Delta, or else, they will face dire consequences. Is your ultimatum a threat?

Our ultimatum is based on reason and not a threat. For us to develop our region, we need to take deliberate steps, so we have issued this ultimatum in that regard. We will not seek the fulfillment of the ultimatum by resorting to violence.

Your group has been vociferous on the need for resource control; are you not in a way working inadvertently to re-enforce the rent-seeking mentality that the oil companies have been complaining about? That is sitting at home only to wait for monthly hand-outs from oil multinational oil companies that have invested millions of dollars in

the exploration and production of oil and gas in the Niger Delta region?

We are not in any way re-enforcing the culture of rent-seeking mentality. We are planning to orgainse seminars and workshops to disabuse the minds of our youths that they can sit down at home and expect monthly royalties from oil companies. We have realized, though, that some of our youths want to make millions just sitting down at home just because oil companies are prospecting for oil in their communities. The IYC is not in any way encouraging indolence. We are calling on companies and corporate bodies to support us in organising seminars and symposia in our efforts to de-emphasise that mentality. We agree that the rent-seeking mentality is a problem among our youths in the Niger Delta. And we are calling on them to depart from that rent-seeking mental realm.

So, why is the IYC furious with the oil companies for operating from Lagos, or, Abuja, knowing full well that it will be safer and more economical for them to operate outside the Niger Delta, free from the clutches of youth restiveness whose only claim to whatever monies they are asking for is that crude oil is found in huge deposits in their communities? Do you think it is economically viable for a company established as a business enterprise to pay monies to those who have not rendered any services to the oil companies?

But it is more expensive for the oil companies to have their headquarters in Lagos, or Abuja because the bulk of their operations are in the Niger Delta. The multinational oil companies should have stayed in the Niger Delta and created the enabling environment and job opportunities for the youths who the

Now, you are blaming the federal government for not being decisive. Have the people of the Niger Delta changed their mentality of seeing the oil companies as potential exploiters of their God-given resources?

Are the people of the Niger Delta willing to change their deep-seated hostility towards multinational oil companies?

The supposition that the people of the Niger Delta are generally hostile to the multinational oil companies is sheer blackmail.

Other companies are operating from the Niger Delta. Businesses are operating from the Niger Delta. So, why have these companies and business owners not come out to say the people of the Niger Delta have been hostile to them? I think we should all walk away from the blackmail. The oil platforms and flow stations are yielding money and contributing to the prosperity of the Niger Delta. So, why would the people of the Niger Delta be hostile to companies that are creating wealth and supporting the development of the region?

When the federal government says that the production of crude has risen, it is based on the production of crude oil in the Niger Delta. So, in the midst of the so-called rentseeking mentality, the production of crude oil is going on. The oil companies are flying their oil workers who go to the rigs from Lagos to the Niger Delta. The oil companies come here to do business running into billions of dollars, yet, they say we are hostile.

The contradiction is alarming, to say the least! The oil companies are treating us like a lady who is good to sleep with, but not good enough to be taken as a wife. That notion is very offensive and disrespectful of the entire region.

If it is peaceful for you to drill your oil; if its peaceful for you to fly in your workers weekly, or fortnightly, to the Niger Delta; if it is peaceful for you to export your oil; if you can come here and do business, then, it is also reasonable for the multinational oil companies to relocate their headquarters here and build the necessary infrastructure that will have a multiplying effect on the economy, create jobs and open more opportunities for the people of the Niger Delta. These activities will positively affect the social culture of the region.

We are not saying that activities of the oil companies in the Niger Delta should be conducted in such a way that their operations will be detrimental to the growth and economic development of other states or regions. We believe in comparative advantage.

Let the oil companies stay here and operate while the state governments also explore ways to maximize the development of the minerals in their states. We are looking at a situation where Nigeria can develop from dif-

Cont’d on page 13

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The Oracle Today Wednesday September 20, 2017

Bold ‘n’ Blunt

Rev. Fr. Egeolu: We didn’t need to destroy Ekeukwu to develop

•Alleges that similar demolished structures ‘litter’ the State •Says Ekeukwu will suffer the fate of order demolitions •Fumes that ‘evil’ will never go unpunished •Prophesises that ‘innocent blood of Somtochukwu will reveal a lot of things FATHER, you have been an advocate of good governance and good life for the masses. But about two weeks now, Owerri has been on fire as a result of the forceful eviction of the traders at Ekeukwu Owerri and the demolition of the market, leading to the death of some people while others were injured and hospitalized. What do you make of this development?

This is real catastrophe. It is real hooliganism playing out, very barbaric, indeed.

I wonder what is pushing the governor (Okorocha). Such a (poor economic) situation in the country and the governor is busy inflicting more pain on the people? The way he is behaving you would think someone or something is beating the music for him somewhere. I am telling you that what is happening in Imo State is not ordinary. But, all those involved in this shedding of blood must pay dearly for it, like the biblical Cain.

From biblical perspective, even the blood of Abel continued to speak and cry to God and God intervened. I believe that the innocent blood of Somtochukwu will reveal a lot of things to Imolites. It is shocking. How could Governor Okorocha have forgotten so soon how he came to power in 2011? It’s obvious now that many were misled into voting for a man they never knew.

This man has inflicted pains on Imo people. We are in the village setting and ministering to people. Our pensioners are dying.

Ask anyone, we are almost always burying old pensioners. Does the governor want to see old age at all? Is he happy watching those old people who have laboured for our State die? Some of them are on drugs and diets and cannot maintain themselves because he won’t pay them.

Okorocha said he would conduct local government election. Till today, we have not seen anything. Deceit! But, I want to remind the governor that he took an oath before God and the Blessed Sacrament.

And no matter what he does, the word of God cannot be broken, because whatsoever a man sows, that he will reap.

We are in a time such as the Israelites were and God had to send them Moses, to tell Pharoah to “let my people go”. I am one of those voices telling Rochas to “Let my people be...” We are tired of his tyrannical leadership and high-handedness. That is not the way to rule or lead.

This was a man of yesterday and now we have enriched him and we are now rags before him. Look at the common man in Imo, can he boast three-square meals a day? Do you know that since the market demolition, many have not eaten in their houses? Many people brought in their goods a few days to the demolition and the catastrophe struck.

Imo people are lamenting, but the governor thinks our God is a deaf God. No, I don’t think He is a deaf God. Look at the time He gave Pharoah until Pharoah did his last.

Yes, the governor has inflicted pains on Imo people, but he is not going to go free.

Is that how to bring development? Look at Upper Iweka, Onitsha, look at what Peter Obi did there, and in the whole of Anambra State really, quietly, and he did not hurt as such. That is why Anambra people are

Reverend Father Cammymario Egeolu is a firebrand priest of the Catholic Church. He is the priest in charge of St Brenda’s Catholic Parish, Okwu in Ikeduru LGA. In this interview with COLLINS UGHALAA in Owerri, he speaks passionately about the demolition of Ekeukwu Owerri by the State government. Excerpts:

•Reverend Fr. Egeolu celebrating him as a hero. It is very unfortunate the kind of legacy the governor wants to bequeath to the people.

You talked about 2011 and I recall that then the governor emerged with strong backing from the Catholic Church where you belong. Now, the Church is keeping quiet in the face of what you described as catastrophe. Is it a kind of conspiracy between the governor and the church? Or, is the church intimidated?

Nobody can intimidate the Church. I mean it. If for nothing else, I have been a voice crying in the wilderness against the

high-handedness of the governor. But, the fact remains that whenever something happens the Church would sit down and analyse it. Remember that in the Church, we are all under the tutelage of the Bishop.

Irrespective of that, every priest has a prophetic calling. Every priest is a priest, prophet and king and operates under the prophetic guide of the Church. I spoke to a crowd on Saturday (26 August 2017) when the demolition happened. People wailed.

I told them to hold on to God, but some people expressed fears about my safety.

But, if Jeremiah and Isaiah were here and this thing (demolition) happened, would

they keep quiet? It was Jesus Christ who said: “Woe unto thee Pharisees”, “Woe unto thee Sadducees” and no wonder he came as a liberator and emancipator. So, I feel that the Church, not just the Catholic Church but the global Church, should come out and talk. These are our people. We cannot ask people to come for harvest, thanksgiving and bazaar etc, ask for their money, and now that their means of livelihood is destroyed and taken away by the predators, we are keeping quiet. Wow! For me, this is a sin. I for one will not keep quiet because the prophetic fire is burning and eating me up anytime I keep quiet. It is only

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The Oracle Today Wednesday September 20, 2017

Bold ‘n’ Blunt when I speak out that I regain my sanity. It is a prophetic calling.

I don’t know why some people are keeping quiet, but when we kept quiet about the demolition of St. Michael’s Church, Akwakuma, I knew that things had gone wrong and will still go haywire. I knew danger was coming. Governor Rochas Okorocha has no reverence, respect and sense of awe for God Almighty. He now believes he is the “god” of Imo State. God Almighty is Supreme, and I know that soonest, Imo people will rejoice and know that we have God in this land.

Who is Governor Okorocha to intimidate God? To say he has intimidated the Church means he has intimidated God. When General Abacha thought he had become a “god” in this land, the Pope came and pleaded with him and he said who was the Pope? Then, God came in. The blood of Somtochwukwu Ibeanusi and the cry of the people have reached God. Soonest, Imo people will say, “Hurray! is this the way God works?”. I bet you, when God Almighty steps in to intervene, Ndi imo agaghi akocha akuko ihe chukwu mere ndi a...

Who would believe that up till now, the governor has not visited the Ibeanusi family to say “sorry’? We are praying and we are going to watch the end of this drama. I pray many Imolites will survive him to tell the story to our children yet unborn.

Everybody looks up to the Archbishop as the spiritual father and director of the State. But he has been silent.

It is also believed that the Archbishop was part of the critical mass that produced the governor in 2011. Is it not rather shocking that he has been silent in the face of this catastrophe?

I don’t know the mind of the Archbishop and am not speaking for him. But, we all know that he has been a voice to the voiceless and father of the fatherless. He has been so many things to so many people. People thought he was instrumental to the making of the governor. No. What happened was that the people wanted a change.

I have always asked the people to show me where the Bishop asked the people to vote for this candidate or that candidate. Rather, he has always asked the people to exercise their voting rights. “Get your voters card and if you think you don’t like this man, please, take a stand.” I have never heard where the Bishop said we should vote for APGA and not the PDP, or APC or Labour Party. Etc. It is not true that the Bishop is not talking. Remember that in 2015, the Bishop called for a debate among all the governorship candidates. What happened? The same governor, some knights and members of the Catholic Church constituted themselves into thugs and attacked the Church property and insulted the seat of the Church, and the Bishop stayed away. It was like the people asking the Bishop to leave them with this governor, and I can guess the Bishop saying; “Ok, you can have your man”.

It was like the Biblical scenario where God warned the Israelites about Saul but they insisted on having him until Saul started dealing with them and they started crying out heavily to God for intervention and God hearkened to their plea. But, I know that in due time as he is led by the spirit, you will hear him again. I know my Bishop and his prophetic vision for the poor and the needy in our midst. He is not keeping quiet at all.

But personally, I love what you called silence. It is for the people to see that when they are told not to do this or that, it is in their best interest. For instance, no priest is begging for food; we have no wife and children and when we speak, it is for the interest of the people. But, when you speak and the people join the bandwagon and turn against you, you allow them taste the other side. I think that is what is going on now, but in due time, you will hear and continue to hear from the Bishop as the spirit of the living God leads and directs him.

In 2011 the Catholic Church organized a “Black Mass” over the allegation that the former Governor assaulted a Rev. Father. People now ask whether the Catholic Church will not do so now.

OK. What they called a Black Mass, I don’t know

I don’t know why some people are keeping quiet, but when we kept quiet about the demolition of St. Michael’s Church, Akwakuma, I knew that things had gone wrong and will still go haywire. I knew danger was coming.

Governor Rochas Okorocha has no reverence, respect and sense of awe for God Almighty. He now believes he is the “god” of Imo State. God Almighty is Supreme, and I know that soonest, Imo people will rejoice and know that we have God in this land.

whether that existed, there is nothing like “BLACK MASS “in the Church, but I know there was a Rosary procession, exposition of the blessed sacrament and the people prayed and poured out their hearts to God. It did not only happen in Imo State. It happened across the metropolis and the nation at large because election was approaching.

The Church has been in the habit of celebrating Mass and praying for Nigeria in distress. It is not our own initiative.

For instance, I am under the guidance and tutelage of the Archbishop. If he calls the people to come out for prayers, they will. If he calls the priests to come out, they will.

I don’t want to take the initiative for him. He is the Bishop. But let me tell you: the people are praying, even when you think the Archbishop is silent. He is a father with a tender heart for the wounded children, he is praying.

Prayers are going on and many intercessors are not sleeping as am talking to you.

I may agree that prayers are going on. But, to so many people it would seem as if God is not listening.

My brother, when God is silent you had better be careful. Remember that at some point, Moses asked God, “How long would we remain in this suffering?” but God kept quiet. The Bible said that as Moses was making efforts to rescue the people, God was hardening the heart of Pharaoh until he met his waterloo. God handled Pharaoh in such a manner that people could not disturb themselves for his burial. The same way, if Okorocha does not change and apologise to the people, he will meet his waterloo.

And it won’t be only him but also all those who support him in punishing the people also. Mark my words!

Talking about those that support him to punish the people, are you referring to his appointees and members of the State Assembly who have kept mute in the face of this crisis?

It is a shame to all the people in the State Assembly. We don’t have people there. Have you ever heard them say the governor should not do this or that? They are supposed to checkmate the excesses of the governor, but just look at the rascality in the land. Absolute power is what corrupts absolutely. That is what we are seeing. I am not talking about the appointees of government alone. They are just stooges. He would sack them upon any attempt to advise him. He has become a ruthless emperor. It is unfortunate for Imo people. But, I am talking about people like the Commissioner of Police who aided the governor, even when the former CP had told the governor that the matter was in court. We have to respect the matter in court.

On what condition were the bandits brought to disturb the peace of the people? The way the bandits are being kept around is the same way Boko Haram started.

Those hooligans carrying guns before the security people, are they licensed to carry guns? Are they part of the security system of the country? If the Commandant at 34 Artillery Brigade Obinze had advised the governor against the rampage, I don’t think the mayhem could have happened. Do we need to destroy Ekeukwu Owerri for us to be developed? The ones he (the governor) destroyed, has he rebuilt them? Look at IMSU Junction, look at Amakohia; there are many abandoned projects everywhere. Is it then Ekeukwu Owerri that he would complete?

What is the rationale in relocating the market? Is there any market where you don’t have bandits? Ekeukwu Owerri is the ancestral market of Owerri Nchi Ise. He should have thought on how to modernize it than destroying it without a qualm of conscience. What kind man is he?

We

have to stand up and stop this rubbish.

Imo people should rise up and go on a revolution. That is how to stop this kind of man, because I think he is being hoodwinked into doing what he is doing.

Am still prophetically challenging and asking the following bodies in the State to rise up against this rampage of destructive mission. Where is the action and voice of Imo Labour Union, Christian Association of Nigeria, Nigeria Barr Association, IPOB, House of Assembly Members, human rights activists? We need to arise, pray and revolt because our people are dying in torrents quietly and unceremoniously. The time is now or never. But one thing is sure, God Almighty will be victorious at last!

Father, what do you have to tell other men or women of God, especially those in the heart of the town where these things are happening that are keeping absolute silent?

Honestly, my revered journalist, any man of God not praying fervently or is keeping quiet at such a critical time should question his prophetic calling! This is time for the people to know whether they have Shepherd or not. No good Shepherd will allow ‘predators ‘ to destroy or eat up his flocks and the Shepherd would say or do nothing.

Let me ask: all these people dying of heartbreaks due to sudden destruction of their source of livelihood where will there souls be? Are they in a state of grace? Did the little boy Somtochwukwu die in a state of grace? Is this not a satanically programmed strategy to populate hell? People are dropping dead untimely in this state as never before.

Look at our pensioners dying in torrents. How many civil servants in Imo know what their salaries are? The “emperor” gives them any peanut he likes. Chai! Ndi imo anyi ndonu! Men of God should rise from their slumber. And any clergy supporting this evil in the land because of the crumbs being given to them should wait for God’s wrath soonest, trust God Almighty.

But Father, some people are of the opinion that the Governor is destroying to bring development, what do u think of it?

Hiaa! Must he finish killing people strategically before he brings the development? If all the people are killed in order to bring development, who will enjoy the development? Crime rate is skyrocketing, depression that might lead to insanity is on the increase and the young ones are getting frustrated on daily bases. What are we talking about? The hardship in the Land is excruciating coupled with “Rochas destructive panorama”. The unfortunate thing is that the poor ones are majorly hit by this tragedy pepertrated by Rochas and his cohorts. Only God almighty can save and deliver His people now I bet u.

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The Oracle Today Wednesday September 20, 2017

POLITICS What is your reaction to FG’s claim that Nigeria is out of recession, which they have been celebrating in the media of recent?

The question is, on what basis is Nigeria out of recession? I do not believe their claim.

It is more or less cosmetic claims, as far as I am concerned and we find it very deceitful.

Nigeria can only be out of recession if we can see the improvement in the economy and feel the improvement in the home of the common man. We can say that we are out of recession when the high exchange rates crash. They are now claiming that prices of petroleum products have crashed to N143 per litre, when the government inherited N97 per litre pomp price. We can say we are out of recession when the embarrassing high rate of unemployment has been sorted out; when the reasons for strike actions that are going on here and there have been tackled, and when we stop borrowing and begin to settle the much accumulated debts. It is too early for anyone to claim that the country is out of recession, just because some people want to divert attention and get unmerited kudos. We may just have exited economic depression but not recession. The only thing that I have seen is that we are grateful to God for is that President Buhari is back to the country and that they are probably renovating his office.

You said something about executive recklessness, in passing; were you referring to the grass-cutting saga?

Why would they provoke Nigerians with tales of recession exit when poverty, hunger and anger are still the order of the day, and money is still in the hands of the privileged few? All the money they said they are recovering, do we even know the exact amount they have recovered and where it is being kept or whether it has been touched or not? There is no accountability! Where is the recovered money; how much is it? We need specifications. They are not being fair to us at all. Nigeria is still plunged in corruption; corruption in high places! This government would be judged more on the basis of whether the country is out of corruption, which was their cardinal campaign promise, and not just whether it is out of recession.

And as we speak, we are still deep in corruption. Whatever any government agent is saying now, we are saying that we have not seen any repentance or change in the attitude of those in government. And we say that there is more corruption now than before, which may be silent and stylistic. It is unfortunate that the people who say they are helping us are really sapping us and deceiving us. Going by the manner in which contracts are being awarded and how much of money that is being released; going by what is happening about the issue of high level of employment, favouritism, bribery and all that; going by inflation of contracts and review of contracts and all that, we have not seen any serious evidence of transparency and sincerity of government.

Are you not pleased that government captured some of the South East federal high ways in the 2017 budget as they had promised?

Where is the evidence, if they did? The government of Nigeria takes delight in advancing the attitude of absolute neglect towards that which concerns the South East. We have not seen anything that is truthful; we have not seen anything that is honest about distribution of wealth and dividends of democracy. Infrastructures are decaying in the South East by the day.

But the Akanu Ibiam International Airport was recently refurbished and the new international wing is almost…?

That is the issue! I just told you that the federal government enjoys neglecting issues that concern the South East. It is unfortunate that the federal government has refused to show any serious attention to that (Akanu Ibiam International) airport facility. We all witnessed recently, the speed with which the Kaduna Airport was refurbished and upgraded. Why can’t President Buhari, who claimed that he is for nobody but for everybody, show such interest and commitment towards the airport facility in Enugu, which is the capital of the entire Eastern Region?

•Arch Chukwuma:

Arch Chukwuma: Out-of-recession claim is cosmetic, deceitful •Says there’s more corruption under present administration •Asks FG to fix Akanu Ibiam Inter airport like Kaduna or…

•Counsels against disruption of Anambra election The Anglican Archbishop of Enugu Ecclesiastical Province, Most Revd. Dr. Emmanuel Chukwuma, in this interview with CHUKS EZE, in his office, condemned FG’s claim that Nigeria is out of recession and current move to re-arrest Nnamdi Kanu, saying it will make Kanu “more popular and a greater hero”. Chukwuma, who doubles as the Anglican Bishop of Enugu Diocese, also kicked against IPOB threat to disrupt the November 18, 2017Anambra guber election and advised them to rescind such plan to avoid the wrath of the law. But when the reporter sort his views about President Buhari’s declaration of non-negotiability of Nigeria unity, which is a sharp contrast to the vocal Prelate’s stand, he flared up: “How can anyone say that Nigeria’s unity is not negotiable when the South East, South-South and South West are saying there must be restructuring, or that there must be a national discuss or referendum, as the case may be?”

Does the government not know that if the Enugu international airport is fully upgraded, completed and functioning, it will minimize agitation and complaints of marginalisation from this end? You can imagine that since thunderstorm destroyed the VIP section of the airport, the federal government has refused to repair it and rain has been destroying the facility, and taxpayer’s money is being wasted. Even the vehicles that convey passengers from the plane to arrival lounge

have all completely broken down. Something tangible must be done in that airport – both the local and international sections, to avoid more agitations and protest.

Are you considering leading a protest to press home your demand?

I am saying that I am giving the Minister of Aviation ultimatum; together with his Works, Power and Housing counterpart, to go and fix the Akanu Ibiam International Airport so

we do not embark on open demonstration.

Let them show us that this country is really one; it is not a question of talking about non-negotiability of Nigeria. They should do something about that airport before December because the Igbo travel a lot and bring in a lot of goods during the Christmas season.

We cannot allow them to just abandon that facility like that for that long, after lurching

Cont’d on page 15

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The Oracle Today Wednesday September 20, 2017

POLITICS

...Government is perpetrating state violence against the Niger Delta Cont’d from page 9 ferent states and regions.

Since the IYC and most socio-economic and political pressure groups in the Niger Delta keep hammering on the need for the multinational oil companies to do more to assist the host communities, are you aware that the oil companies are involved in a joint venture with the federal government represented by the Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation, (NNPC), and that they pay tax to the federal government, contribute huge sums of money to the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) and build infrastructures such as health centres, schools, town halls etc, and award scholarships to indigenes of host companies communities, among others?

The failure of the Niger Delta region is in particles that make the whole. And part of that particle is the collaboration of the federal government with the multinational oil companies. The monies the oil companies are donating to the region are not up to two per cent of the billions of dollars that they make from this region. What we are saying is that the oil companies should relocate to the region and invest in the growth and development of the region.

The wealth of the country is from this region. The refusal of the oil companies to relocate their headquarters to the Niger Delta is a deliberate policy to impoverish the region.

The headquarters of their parent companies are located in the areas where they drill for oil, such as Texas, California, Aberdeen, Moscow, among others. So, why is it different with the Niger Delta? The oil companies contribute monies to the federal government amnesty programme that looks like a bribe only to impoverish the region.

The IYC is not the only pressure group in the Niger Delta, so, why is the IYC not striking a synergy with the other pressure groups to give your demand more acceptability?

We are in contact with other groups in the Niger Delta region. Let me explain: we are not threatening the multinational oil companies.

Our position is this: if you all you want is to sleep with us without a willingness to marry us, then, leave us alone. We will follow the Ogoni model. The Ogoni struggle is a non-violent struggle. And it has succeeded because SHELL has not operated in Ogoni for years now. So, if the oil companies fail to relocate, then, they should quietly leave us alone so, that everybody can rest. Gas will no longer be flared and there will be no more pollution in our communities. People are dying in the Niger Delta from gas-flaying related diseases in the environment. The IYC will collaborate in a very robust and respectful manner with other pressure groups in the Niger Delta.

It is bad politics that is making the oil companies undermine the growth and development of the region. We are riverine, and we are Deltans, yet, our seaports are not functioning.

The Brass LNG that has been suspended can provide jobs for about 15, 000 people. But it is lying fallow. The development of the Niger Delta region will rob off on all other states in the country. When the price of oil goes up, it

is not only Bayelsa, or Rivers, or Delta States that benefit from the oil windfall.

We are demanding that the oil companies should develop the economy of the region so that other Nigerians can come and work here. The development of the Niger Delta region will make the region safer and calmer for businesses to thrive. All we are saying is that it makes economic sense to site your factory close to where your source of your raw materials is. Is anyone saying that all the management staffers of the oil companies are from the Niger Delta?

These oil companies are business enterprises set up to make profit. Don’t you think the IYC and some other groups in the Niger Delta region are asking for too much?

We agree that the oil companies are private businesses established to make profit. All we are saying is that the oil companies should boost the economy of the region so that our people can get jobs and benefit from the ancillary companies that will spring up from their investment. We are asking the oil companies to relocate their headquarters to the •Alfred Kemepado Niger Delta so that they can assist us in marketing the region. They are de-marketing the region by locating their headquarters outside the region.

Why issue an ultimatum when you can call for a dialogue with the management of the oil companies? Don’t you think the oil companies will interpret your ultimatum as being hostile and confrontational?

We are not being confrontational. If the oil companies had responded positively to the presidential directive issued by the vice president, on March 2, this year, the oil companies would not have been given an ultimatum by the IYC. Is it not strange that oil companies operating in the Niger Delta have refused to obey a presidential directive?

Why didn’t the IYC issue its ultimatum to the federal government that has ordered them to relocate their headquarters to the Niger Delta, considering the fact that the oil companies are businesses operating in Nigeria in accordance with the laws of the country?

We have issued an ultimatum to all stakeholders. Why are people not bothered about the impotence of the presidential directive asking the oil companies to relocate their headquarters to the Niger Delta? Our ultimatum is to the oil companies; our ultimatum is to the federal government; the ultimatum is also for our people for us to wake up and take our destiny in our hands because this rape has to stop.

The ultimatum is for the benefit of all Nigerians because the region’s economic base will expand and Nigerians from other parts of the country can come and seek legitimate source of livelihood. Our 90-day ultimatum is seeking to enforce the presidential directive. It was the vice president that issued the directive to the oil companies to relocate to the Niger Delta. So, the IYC is merely re-enforcing the order of the presidency.

But it is more expensive for the oil companies to have their headquarters in Lagos, or Abuja because the bulk of their operations are in the Niger Delta. The multinational oil companies should have stayed in the Niger Delta and created the enabling environment and job opportunities for the youths who the oil companies claim have turned themselves into rent-seekers.

”

The IYC does not support illegal oil bunkering and that is not to say that some of our people are not involved. Some persons in the Niger Delta felt that illegal oil bunkering and crude artisanal oil refining were posing great health and environmental challenges to our people and the region. So, they conceived the idea of modular refineries and sold the idea to the federal government. Now, the federal government has issued a directive saying each state in the Niger Delta region will be allocated just two refineries. We consider this an insult to the people of the Niger Delta.

To further compound the issue, the federal government has set very stringent conditions to prevent people from the Niger Delta from owning modular refineries. And that will not work. The Gulf of Guinea is not far from the Niger Delta; so, too, is Cameroun and Ghana.

Owners of modular refineries in the Niger Delta can export their refined products from Nigeria. The idea of modular refineries is to What is the position of the IYC on illegal bun- get our people who are involved in illegal kering and the moves by the federal govern- oil refining to put their funds together and ment to give out licenses for the setting up switch to modular refining. But it appears that the same cabal infamous for bad politics of modular refineries? in Nigeria is scheming to edge out people of

the Niger Delta from fully participating in the ownership of modular refineries.

What are the views of the IYC on the ministry of Niger Delta Affairs and the NDDC? We are not happy about the activities of the ministry of the Niger Delta and the NDDC. We are looking into their activities and very soon we shall inform the public about our position.

For a very long time, contracts in the ministry of Niger Delta Affairs and the NDDC have been regarded as political patronages. We are not proud of the ministry of Niger Delta Affairs. We are not proud of the NDDC. The activities of both agencies have been over politicised and have not developed the Niger Delta. All we have are abandoned projects littered all over the place.

But you are aware that oil is becoming increasingly unpopular with the advent of solar and electric cars. Don’t you think that the IYC is not being far-sighted in its agitation?

That is why we are in a hurry to get the oil companies to relocate their headquarters to the region to tickle the economy and multiply the business opportunities in the region.

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The Oracle Today Wednesday September 20, 2017

INTERVIEW

‘In Bayelsa, oil spill is business’ Alagoa Morris is the Project Officer/ Head, Niger Delta Resource Center for the Environmental Rights Action (ERA), an environment-focused nongovernmental organization. In this interview, he delves into the shenanigans in oil pollution in Bayelsa, exposing the socio- economic and political interests that underpin the incidence and why it is difficult to eradicate, even as he carpets the oil industry operators, the government and host communities for their infractions. He spoke with CHRIS EZE in Yenagoa WHAT is the state of the environment in Bayelsa?

As you know, Bayelsa is part of the Niger Delta. Apart from the yearly incidence of flooding, we have issues relating to refuse disposal and oil industry pollution as well.

And when I talk about oil industry-related pollution, it may not be in Yenagoa per se.

But, even here in Yenagoa, along the Imiringi Road, there was a spill--the Biogbolo people, I was reliably informed, own that section of the land—which occurred from Shell facility. So, in terms of environmental issues, we have flooding, refuse related issues, sewage disposal that is not properly managed, then spills here and there in Yenagoa and environs.

According to experts, Niger Delta is a place where life expectancy is lower than in all other regions in the country. And I think they came to this conclusion following researches and observations made in connection with oil industry-induced pollution.

Before I joined Environmental Rights Action (ERA), I used to write short articles, which were published in newspapers. In one of such articles, I cited a woman, a medical doctor over 10 years ago, who said that children are now coming down with cancer.

Hitherto, cancer used to be like a reserved sickness for adults. But surprisingly, she agonized, children are also coming down with cancer in the Niger Delta, a development she directly linked to oil industry-induced pollution.

And when you talk about oil industry-induced pollution, it is not only oil spills. You also have gas spills. Some spills come in form of fumes--when the ruptured port is so thin, it will be sprouting into the air in gaseous form and the air will distribute it and when it becomes airborne, it will affect birds, animals, plants and even humans who are going to their farms or who are just in their communities, especially when such spill is very close to communities. There is also the real gas that ruptures and is soon airborne and carried along to far and wide.

You also talk about gas flare. Experts have talked about gas flare, both in terms of what we inhale and that which goes into the ground, which goes down like acid rain into the ground and is absorbed by plants.

When we eat these animals and plants that are affected by these chemicals, we become part of the chain and you know that we are not of equal strength health wise. Some are more susceptible to certain conditions, and so you see people getting different types of ailments that some can’t even identify.

Some because of poverty cannot even go for real medical examination like a certain lady in Ikarama community in Yenagoa Local

Government Area in Okordia Clan. In 2009, there was a major spill, very close to their house about four meters apart. She told us that in the morning, they could afford to stay and do something, but once the sun arose, she would leave the environment to her inlaw’s place because when the fumes began to evaporate, the nostril would begin to feel some pungent smell and pain. They would come back in the evening and even to put on kerosene lantern was a problem. She said they became like watchdogs to ensure that people didn’t pass there especially with lantern so that the place wouldn’t bring up big inferno.

And eventually the lady experienced a very bad sickness and later died. And up till now, that place has not been properly cleaned.

We went there and the community people told us that the type of grass growing there is alien. Formerly they said it was raffia palm that used to grow there; the pictures we snapped there in 2009 we saw raffia palms on the ground dead, now when you go there you see dwarfish, smallish plants that are growing there. So even when you look at the plants, you now agree that the effects of crude oil has not allowed raffia to grow again. Instead you have the stunted type of vegetation that is growing there.

So in the Niger Delta, you are also here we are all affected, the air we breathe, the food we eat, the water we drink, all these three areas, we are affected. And so it is huge.

From reports, it appears Bayelsa is worst hit in terms of oil spill in the entire Niger Delta.

Well in as much as I will agree with you, I will like to mention an authority. About three, four years, 2014 or so, head of NOSDRA, visited Bayelsa. He was going round Niger Delta, and he visited this same community I mentioned to you too, Ikarama Community in Okordia Clan in Yenagoa Local Government Area, after visiting Government House and the media people were talking to him.

He mentioned it categorically that Bayelsa is the most polluted, most oil spilled state in Nigeria and Niger Delta. So that is an authority.

Why did I say so? NOSDRA, the National Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency, they have the records, they visit almost all the oil spill sites even though the oil companies will like to hide some of them from the regulators. So, that is why we are following them bumper to bumper to make sure we expose all those ones we are aware of so that the world and Nigerians will continue to know the status of our environment and how oil spill has continued unabated.

Oil spill happens every day. The only thing is do you have the information. As we talk now around Gbarain area, Apoi Community,

•Alagoa Morris we were there last Saturday, and there was a major, major oil spill from Agip facility, a ten inch pipe. As we were there, it had not been repaired, deep in the swamp and the women are crying that this spill has denied them this year’s swamp time rainy season fishing. And there are special species of crayfish and fishes in our environment here in the Niger Delta that you don’t find in the river. You don’t find them in the creeks, they are only in the swamp, special crayfish and this is the time to kill them. After this time, you won’t see those crayfish anymore. So the women are crying that they have been denied because those swamps have been polluted. And that is the plight of most other community women when their swamps are so roundly polluted by these spills.

So that is how I see it. There are spills every now and then. But it is a function of information. Do you have information?

Would you say that NOSDRA and other regulatory agencies are up to their game in monitoring and controlling these cases of spills?

The thing is that it is one thing to set up a regulatory agency; another is the intent behind it. Is it just setting up for political reasons or just to keep people at arm’s length to deceive people. Because the Bayelsa State Governor, Henry Seriake Dickson made a statement on the 27th February 2012 when there was a major gas explosion off Koluama from Chevron’s North Apoi gas facility. The KS Endeavour Rig exploded and burnt for

almost two months before it drew any attention. When Dr. Goodluck Jonathan visited on the 27th of February as the president then, Governor Dickson was there too. But the incident happened on the 16th of January 2012. It took the president over a month before he visited personally on the 27th of February. There I heard and I recorded it where this state governor, Henry Seriake Dickson said that he would not tolerate our own boys bursting the pipelines and harming our fragile environment, and at the same time threatened to deal seriously with the environmental terrorists, the oil multinationals who have no respect for our eco system.

That tough stance of the governor we appreciated it, and we thought he would really follow up or work the talk. But actions since that time till now seem opposite. He talks tough on the environment, raises our hopes, but in action, the hopes are dashed because if you go to the Ministry of Environment, they don’t have functional vehicles that can take them to sites swiftly anytime there is an incident. The Environment ministry is not properly funded. They do not have a speed boat of their own or money voted for them to move at the slightest information to any part of the state because this is an environmental issue and if you don’t move fast enough, you miss certain things and the oil companies can manipulate.

In other words, you are saying the state

Cont’d on Page 16

15

The Oracle Today Wednesday September 20, 2017

POLITICS

...Out-of-recession claim is cosmetic, deceitful getting lion shares of the nation’s wealth from a certain place and then you refuse to share it equitably, thereby subjecting the provider of the wealth to immense suffering.

You cannot be getting lion shares while the ones who do not even know how the wealth come about and do not suffer any devastation as a result of exploration of the source of the wealth, are the ones enjoying it. It is unfair!

Cont’d from page 12 huge nation’s resources into the project.

Something must be done fast to put that place in order. They should stop celebrating federal government’s neglect of the South East. Let people not think that we are Nigerians without sense; we have sense and there is need for us to be reasonable in the way we do things in this country. Airports are one of the vital facilities or projects that are used to project a country’s image. So, our prayer is that government does the needful without further delay. If President Buhari really believes in whatever he said that he discussed with Ojukwu about how to maintain the country’s unity, let him demonstrate it.

Let us look at the issue of non-negotiability of Nigeria’s unity, which you have consistently opposed, but President Buhari recently said that it has long been settled and concluded that the country’s unity is not negotiable. What is your take on that?

How can anyone say that Nigeria’s unity is not negotiable when the South-South, South East and South West are saying there must be restructuring or that there must be a national discourse or referendum, as the case may be. The neglect and lop-sidedness in the recent federal appointments in this country is glaring for all to see and you still say our unity is not negotiable? It is negotiable! You cannot just return to the country after receiving so much of agitations and hate speeches, and after seeing all the killings, rancour and threats in the land you say not negotiable. Part of the hate speeches is because there is need for us to negotiate the unity of Nigeria. If you want hate speech to stop in the social media or anywhere, then you have to negotiate the unity of Nigeria. It is not a matter of saying stop this and that and threatening to monitor activities of Nigerians in the social media. The truth is that you cannot stop these things without having

what we are saying is that our resources should be shared and managed equitably in the interest of everybody. You cannot be getting lion shares of the nation’s wealth from a certain place and then you refuse to share it equitably discussion and negotiation. I think that it is absolutely unreasonable and irresponsible of any person in government, to say that the unity of Nigeria is not negotiable. It is negotiable! If it is not negotiable, then do things with equity and justice. And that is what we are talking about. Nigeria belongs to all of us.

The way they are handling Nigeria and the country’s resources is as if it is personal property. Somebody was voted in there to serve us and to serve us therefore, you must listen to us and not to begin to boss us. We are not in a military regime. We are in a democracy where the government is of the people by the people and for the people, and that must be respected.

An Anglican Bishop recently stated that the present structural arrangement of the country is not sustainable and warned that Nigeria may disintegrate if it is not restructured; do you agree with him?

I would not say that the country would break or disintegrate, but there would be more confusion if we do not restructure this nation. Like you know, I just returned from

”

Britain. There is a confession by the British colonial masters, which has just been released, of how they cheated the southerners and told lies in order to arrogate powers to the north. I do not know if you have read it but it will soon be made public and it would be so explosive. Northerners have known that whatever they are enjoying now, saying they are leaders, is a stolen mandate or authority, which they never deserved. The British government is getting to know that we are being cheated and that they have made a mistake – by the way they arrogated powers to the north, by faulty census, by the way they treated our early leaders such as Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe, Chief Awolowo and the rest, among others. These people were dealt with in order for the north to be made relevant. All these things are there. So, I am saying that care should be taken in handling issues in this country so as not to allow more agitations and more flames to spring up. I am not praying that Nigeria should break up; what we are saying is that our resources should be shared and managed equitably in the interest of everybody. You cannot be

What do you think about FG’s threat to rearrest Nnamdi Kanu over allegations that he violated some of his bail conditions?

My advice to Nnamdi Kanu is that he should not equate himself to the federal government by indicating that the government had flouted court orders on several occasions.

He should abide by the rules because he was given some guidelines and no court has set aside those guidelines as yet. I have advised him several times to be careful about his utterances, even in the media. I had expected him to lie low because he has made his point and we appreciate his point and his frustration knowing the way Ndigbo are being treated in this country. But, that should not make him become arrogant whereby he mobilises young boys for the wrong reasons and would be insulting adults, making himself an idol or probably feeling that he has become the supreme Igbo leader. He has also been making some threats about disrupting the forthcoming governorship election in Anambra State, and I condemn such action in its entirety. It is not right for him to do that because it is going out of the quiet order and moving into the area of trying to cause problem in the society, which he ought not to do.

He is yet to come out of his previous actions and he just has to be very careful.

On the other hand, I also feel that the federal government should lead by example. If they are angry that somebody violated the law, then they themselves should learn not to violate the law. My advice is that they should drop the idea of re-arresting Kanu because two wrongs cannot make a right, and re-arrest is not the solution to the problem.

Thank God that the South East Governors’ Forum, led by Chief David Umahi, is currently intervening in the matter. So, I urge the federal government to allow the Governors’ Forum to handle Kanu and call him to order. It is better to settle the issue amicably without any uproar and further heating up the already tensed nation. Re-arresting the young man will definitely make him more popular and a greater hero.

Do you mean that you are against the IPOB threat to disrupt the November 18 Anambra governorship election?

I vehemently disagree with IPOB on that.

You cannot fight where you belong. If there is any agitation or problem, they should go to Abuja. Let us not subject ourselves to unnecessary punishment. The IPOB got that one so wrong. It is not acceptable and I say to them that they are making a big mistake.

If elections had taken place in other South East states, you now want to disrupt this lone exercise? Do they want us to go forward or backward? We will surely resist such plan because they are not INEC. If INEC fails to conduct election, it would be a different issue, but if it wants to hold election, it should be allowed to perform its duties. Anybody that tries to disrupt the exercise will face the law and nobody will defend him on that.

They should know that they are not above the law, moreover, Nnamdi Kanu is not from Anambra State and he cannot come from Abia State to cause confusion in Anambra State. Ndi Anambra will not accept it and Ndigbo will not condone it. So, they should just allow people to vote their preferred candidate to power and we continue to move forward. By disrupting the election, they are taking us backwards. Is that how to become independent, sovereign or whatever they are pushing for? Is that how to achieve Biafra? We are talking about how to find a way to help ourselves, speak together and galvanise ourselves together for the progress

16

The Oracle Today Wednesday September 20, 2017

INTERVIEW

‘In Bayelsa, oil spill is business’ Cont’d from Page 14 government is not being proactive on issues of environment?

The workers in the ministry may be willing, but if you do not motivate them by providing the tools it will be as if the ministry is not being proactive. So, I put the buck on the governor’s table. The ministry is not properly funded. That is how NOSDRA is too. It is also not properly funded. They, with the ministry officials, all depend on Shell, Agip or any other company even Chevron for vehicles, logistics and all of that. So, if Shell did not invite you to come and join them in their vehicles or in their aircraft to so and so site, you won’t move. But we as NGO as small as we are, we move on to the Atlantic ocean on our own.

And that is what we expect the regulators to do because you cannot be funded by the oil companies and be very active at the same time.

However, having said that, I think the regulators are trying, the field workers. Look at now the spill at Tein Community in Biseni, the regulators are of the view that this spill is caused by your own equipment that failed, nobody caused it, and it is your own fault. But Shell is saying no, it was done by somebody.

Okay if you say it was done by somebody, produce the person. You have security people; you are paying people doing surveillance for you, so produce the person if you know it was done by somebody. And I have videotapes showing where NOSDRA has been arguing seriously with Shell on the field. So, they are willing to work, they are willing to serve society, but are not properly funded. If you allow the same people they are regulating to fund them, mind you he who pays the piper calls the tune.

That is why, right now as we speak, the Environmental Rights Action is assisting the NOSDRA people to amend the NOSDRA Act to make it more effective and for them to be adequately funded so that they can be on their own to bark and bite because we need such things.

The oil companies are powerful and we are not saying they should go against oil companies unduly but we want the right things to be done. They should be properly trained because the oil industry people are properly trained in any way, even in craftiness. They should know those areas where these people want to dodge, want to cut corners and be proactive, liaise with communities, have community contacts so that communities can also inform them promptly whenever there are incidents in the environment so that before the companies arrive, they can only tell the company, company A, we heard so, so things have happened at your facility, we are going now meet us there. Not to wait until the oil companies will go and inspect before and two, three days they say ok, NOSDRA come let us go, no.

From the Joint Investigation Visits you have witnessed, what has been the recurring cause of oil spill?

We have seen different types of spills: equipment failure type of spill, operational failure type of spill and then the one they call Third Party, or popularly called Sabotage.

Human error is also part of the operational failures. For example, on the 27th of November 2013, there was this major spill at Brass Agip Terminal in their loading point. They thought they were loading inside the barge, but the thing was going into the sea. That is human error, operational failure. Also in December 2011, you heard about the Bonga Spill; it’s just similar to this Agip case I just told you. Instead of loading it into the vessel it was just going into the sea in the night.

Then on 16th of January, 2012, you heard of this massive Chevron KSM Endeavour explosion off Koluama that was also operational failure. Then in April of 2012, there this massive multiple gas eruption in Egi Land from Total Elf and it lasted for a long time. To tell you how dangerous and how massive it was, certain python, according to locals, that used to cause panic among the people in the area, they saw that python so weak and powerless that people killed it and ate. And people in the area were told not to put even fire in their farm to burn it. Some people were relocated from their houses, even for people to drink water was a problem.

That was to tell you how serious that gas eruption was in Egi. Now keeping all those apart, we also have those minor or major ones that are caused by equipment failure like the one I told you about Apoi. We have seen some of them. But we have this one, the Third Person Interference. Those caused by illegal bunkering, those caused by Artisanal refinery operators, then we also have those caused by community persons who are sometimes sponsored by oil company contractors or oil company staff. Some of this Shell staffs are in the department of spill, or in the department where they know that money has been voted out for spill in a year. So, they are eying that money with greed that if there is no spill incident, that money will go back to the company coffers at the end of the day. So they look for fertile ground, those communities where they can enter and incite boys to cause this sabotage.

So, those types of incidents happen. We have on tape where people have confessed such things to us and we have been putting it in our report to Shell, putting in the public through the media that this is what we have found.

You see sabotage is not only caused by community persons, but some of the community boys that do it do it for political reasons or economic reasons. Sometimes they engage in it so that when clean up time comes, they will get the contract. And in most cases this same boys that burst the pipes who work hands in glove with Shell staff or contractors are the very ones that are given the clean up contracts. The Shell person will get the clean up contract and sublet it to the community boys who are bursting the pipelines. So they have that economic interest. Then the political angle is when the community youth feel that other communities have been benefitting from a particular oil company but they are not getting anything. And when they try to negotiate with this oil company and the company blocks them and break communication channels, the boys will now say when we burst it, they will come. So these are the areas.

In Ikarama Community in 2013, between January and August, there was no spill, meanwhile that community used to be the highest spilling community in the whole of Niger Delta in terms of frequency. We have noted it. That year luckily there was no spill, and while the youths were expecting that Shell will engage more of the boys that are doing surveillance, or increase their money, the two Shell contractors from the community came back one day and told them that Shell had terminated their surveillance contract. Mind you I said there was no spill that year from January to August. But once that news got to the community, within 24 hours, three spills occurred. Then from that time to December, we had about 14 or 15 spills. Shell later withdrew the statement and the contract continued.

What is the position of ERA on how to mitigate this oil spill and improve environmen-

•Alagoa Morris

the political angle is when the community youth feel that other communities have been benefitting from a particular oil company but they are not getting anything. And when they try to negotiate with this oil company and the company blocks them and break communication channels, the boys will now say when we burst it, they will come. So these are the areas.

”

tal sustainability in Bayelsa State?

Well, we have been trying but even monitoring the spill incidents is not easy. And when we monitor, we normally write reports, send out to the media and then the

media has been assisting in bridging the gap, telling the public of which I believe the authorities are also reading because they cannot tell me they only react to people who criticize them. If they know when people criticize them on face book or in the newspapers, so when we report these things why won’t they know because the press is also carrying these things? So, we have been doing that, advising in every situation because every situation is unique. We advise, take this measure or that measure. Shell do this, government do this. We always put that in our report. But, then I think for a very long time, we have come to a conclusion that the oil companies should step up their community relations apparatus. They should not remain in that old fashion public relations technique.

They shouldn’t forget that their welcome has been over stayed. They have enjoyed the hospitality of the people of Niger Delta for too long before violence even started. So to regain their goodwill they have lost, they should re -strategize.

This is because even before they started doing this their CRS, Corporate Social Responsibilities in communities for which I hail them, if you go to most communities you see more of projects sponsored by the companies than even the local, state and federal governments. So if you compare all tiers of government in terms of community development, I will score oil companies about 80 percent, and I will score government less than 20 percent. But while this is so, I think we expect the oil companies to be more environmentally sensitive. They should be more positive when it comes to the environment.

Their Corporate Social Responsibility should be seen more on how they treat the environment.

The Oracle Today

17

Wednesday September 20, 2017

BU$IN£SS •Energy •Finance

•Stock

•Insurance

•Aviation

•e-Platform

‘Recession exit follows oil price rise’

By VICTOR NZE

F

INANCIAL experts in the country have attributed the relative improvement recorded in the Nigerian economy to the sustained appreciation of the crude oil price in the international market as well as the reduced restiveness in the Niger Delta that has occasioned improved output.

Against the backdrop of the report by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) which indicated an exit from recession by the Nigerian economy and the follow-up claims by the Federal Government that its strategic fiscal programmes at repositioning the economy had started paying off with the growth recorded in the various sectors, the experts insist that the relatively improved pricing for the country’s biggest revenue earner is solely facilitating the perceived growth.

It would be recalled that President Muhammadu Buhari, penultimate week, after briefing from the Finance, Budget and Planning ministers as well as the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor in Aso Villa, expressed delight at the manner the economy has experienced improvement.

“A delighted president declared that he was pleased with the progress being made on different fronts,” said the Presidency in an emailed statement issued by Buhari’s Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Mr Femi Adesina.

Nigerian stocks rose to a nearly three-year-high in August, largely on the opening of a marketdetermined foreign exchange trade window by the CBN in April that has prompted some foreign investors to return.

Data released by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), penultimate Monday, also showed that consumer price index (CPI), which measures rate of inflation, dropped for the sixth consecutive month, although by a smaller margin. According to the NBS, inflation rate dropped to

NCDNB maps out job packages for Zabazaba dev.

e-Platform

Nigeria to get over $4bn in technology transfer from India

P22

Aviation ‘The 2017 budget took six months to get become a working document. It is still being adjusted. Both this one and the previous one which was heavily funded by a consortium of three local banks ran on heavy deficits. I can’t say for sure that the perceived improvement is down to any deliberate fiscal policy of government alone. Oil has to have played a major part too,” opined Mr Tunde Adeyeye, a Lagos-based financial analyst’ 16.05 per cent from 16.1 per cent in June, even though food index soared to 20.28 percent.

“The consumer price index (CPI) which measures inflation increased by 16.05% (year-on-year) in July 2017,” the report read, adding: “This was 0.05% points lower than the rate recorded in June (16.10%) making it the sixth consecutive decline in the rate of headline year on year inflation since January 2017.”

Also, last Tuesday, the NBS released its GDP report which indicated that the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) grew

Currency

Buying(NGN) Central(NGN)

US DOLLAR

POUNDS STERLING

304.85 393.9881

Energy

P20

CBN EXCHANGE RATES AUGUST 31, 2017

EURO 363.6556

SWISS FRANC 318.2815

•Tourism

305.35

Selling(NGN) 305.85

394.6343

395.2805

364.252

364.8485

318.8035

319.3255

YEN

2.7693

2.7739

2.7784

CFA

0.5408

0.5508

0.5608

WAUA

433.0694

433.7797

434.49

YUAN/RENMINBI

46.227

46.3033

46.3796

RIYAL

81.2847

81.418

81.5513

S/ AFRICAN RAND

23.3756

23.4139

23.4522

DANISH KRONA

48.8769

48.957

49.0372

SDR

433.7772

434.488

435.2001

by 0.55 per cent in Q2 2017 compared to -0.91 per cent (revised) in Q1 2017 and -1.49 per cent in Q2 2016. Quarter-on-quarter basis, real GDP growth was 3.23 per cent.

The NBS attributed the appreciation to ‘relative stability in the restive Niger Delta region’ which it said, contributed to the upturn in the country’s economic fortunes.

According to the NBS, the oil sector was estimated to have averaged production levels of 1.84 million barrels per day, which is 0.15 million barrels higher than

the daily average production recorded in the first quarter of June 2017.

However, analysts insist that nothing has changed by way of fiscal policies and frameworks to adduce the growth, adding that it was a mere reflection of the sustained appreciation of crude oil price which has not gone below the $44 benchmark set for the 2017 budget by the government, and continued on its above $50 per barrel price tag for well above 10 months now.

Cont’d on Page 21

Nigeria drives regional growth P27

Insurance N5,000 student insurance tears FG, parents apart P28

Stock Market Highlights As At August 31, 2017

Summary

ASI 35,504.62 DEALS 2,263.00 VOLUME 266,505,858.00 VALUE 4,036,009,777.21 CA 12,237,477,313,305.48

5 Top Gainers Symbols Last Close Current Change SEPLAT 482 490.5 8.5 TOTAL 243 245 2 GUINNESS 75 75.5 0.5 DANGCEM 204.52 205 0.48 PZ 26.89 27.3 0.41

S/N

Top Losers

Coy (By Volume) Volume

UNITYKAP ACCESS FIDELITYBK GUARANTY DIAMONDBNK EURO

Value

231,414,218 115,707,109.00 39,819,139 403,335,677.34 17,150,622 22,347,476.22 11,938,831 485,666,674.57 9,548,301 11,524,711.33 340.6285 341.1881

Company Last Close Current Change NB 185 180.03 -4.97 STANBIC 40 38.27 -1.73 JBERGER 34.2 32.49 -1.71 CADBURY 12.07 11.47 -0.6 SCOA 3.42 3.25 -0.17

The Oracle Today

18

Wednesday September 20, 2017

BUSINESS

Kenya edges Nigeria, others in financial inclusion ranking H

Honeywell to commission Sagamu swing mill

By JEROME USHAKANG

By VICTOR NZE

T

HE 2017 Brookings Financial and Digital Inclusions Project Report released, Monday, has ranked Nigeria below countries like Kenya, Brazil and South Africa with a score of 74 per cent in financial inclusion.

Kenya topped the world in financial inclusion, with latest reports giving the country a rating of up to 86 per cent above global heavy weights like Brazil, South Africa and Nigeria that scored 79, 78 and 74 per cent respectively According to the report, Kenya emerged tops among 26 countries that provide easy access to financial services to under-served people, beating Brazil,.

The analysis was based on four dimensions of financial inclusions which saw Kenya achieve an 89 per cent score on country commitment, 89 per cent on mobile capacity, 94 per cent on regulatory environment, and 78 per cent on adoption of mobile money services.

The study came on the heels of the Oxford Business Group’s banking inclusion report which showed that 75 per cent of Kenya’s population live within a three kilometre radius of a financial institution.

The report shows that although commercial banks operating in Kenya have declined from 43 in 2015 to 41 this year, the country is way ahead of other leading economies in the continent like South Africa and Nigeria who have higher population. Only 22 commercial banks are operating in Nigeria against a population of 180 million while South Africa has 19 commercial banks serving 55 million people.

Kenya’s population currently stand at 44.2 million.

‘’The figure is impressive given that much of Kenya’s population is dispersed, with lower urbanization rate of 25 to 30 per cent compared to Ghana and Nigeria who have close to 50 per cent but lower financial inclusion rate,’’ the report noted.

The country’s financial inclusion has been on an upwards trend, rising from 59 per cent in 2013 to 73 per cent in 2015 when the country had 1,523 bank branches. The inclusion rate rose to 75 per cent this year on the back of increased agency banking services.

Additionally, Kenya has 13 microfinance banks and 77 foreign exchange bureaus. The market has over 4,000 saving and credit cooperative societies (Saccos), 180 dully licensed by the Sacco Societies Regulatory Authority. ‘’The banking sector in Kenya has over the time effectively rode on the M-Pesa revolution which was pioneered in the country to bring services closer to people. The rate can only go higher considering the growing internee and mobile phone penetration,’’ said the report.

ONEYWELL Flour Mills Plc has embarked on backward integration programme aimed at using local raw materials to achieve capacity expansion and reduce its dependency on imported inputs for production.

Managing Director of the company, Mr. Lanre Jaiyeola who disclosed this in a “Facts behind the Figures” presentation to the capital market community at the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) in Lagos at the weekend also revealed that the swing mill scheduled to be commissioned in the first quarter of 2018 at Sagamu is capable of converting both local and imported raw materials into finished goods.

Following its local content drive, Honeywell Flour Mill has already dis-

•From left: South African Tourism (SAT) Regional Manager, West Africa, Hloni Pitso, Partner, Luxury Lifestyle Summit, Funke Osae-Brown, Partner, Luxury Lifestyle Summit, Tope Ogbeni-Awe, Lagos State Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Steve Ayorinde; Group Manager, Africa Sales & Marketing, Sun International, Jennifer Beattie; and Market Manager, West Africa & Indian Oceans, Sun International, Didier Bayeye, at the cocktail marking the just-concluded two-day Luxury Lifestyle Summit which held in Lagos.

tributed certified sorghum seeds to 11,000 farmers across seven states in Northern Nigeria and worked with them till harvest, culminating in the purchasing of its first stock of local grains under a buy-back backward integration programme, he added.

According to Jaiyeola, under the umbrella of Flour Millers Association of Nigeria (FMAN), they have partnered with Wheat Farmers Association of Nigeria (WFAN) to deepen the wheat value chain. In addition, the FMAN is working to develop wheat varieties that are suited to tropical climate and appropriate for producing wheat based staples such as bread, noodles, ball foods, pasta among others.

He said, the Flour milling industry was severely affected by foreign exchange crisis as the key raw material—wheat is imported.

However, he noted that the price war of 2016 eased as industry players confronted external macroeconomics factors that threatened their collective survival.

Also, during the period under review, the company’s top line recorded a growth of 83 percent on the back of improved supply situation due to foreign exchange stability, Jaiyeola stated.

He told the investing publics that his company’s products are supplied 55-58 percent to Northern Nigeria, 22 percent to Western Nigeria and 10 percent to Eastern Nigeria but said this would be altered. According to him, 40-42 percent would be allocated to the North, 40 to the West and 15 to the East, the company’s products currently enjoys 12 percent market share while its target is to secure 20 percent of the market share in Nigeria.

Responding, Chief Executive officer of the NSE, Mr. Oscar Onyeama commended Honeywell Flour for their good quality products, which he noted didn’t come easy as the company consistently embarked on innovations to meet the need of consumers.

Exit from recession down to oil price rise –Experts Cont’d from Page 17 While a huge shortfall in revenue stunted the implementation of the 2016 budget of N6.07 trillion based on a crude oil benchmark price of $38 per barrel and a production estimate of 2.2 million barrels per day, the progress of the 2017 proposal of N7.298tn (20.4 per cent higher than the 2016 estimates) benchmarked on $42.5 crude oil per barrel, is already struggling with a near N3 trillion deficit barely half year gone, according to the CBN. “Whatever the improvement is, the real sector of the economy is not seeing any, because things are still tough. So I don’t know what parameters the government is using to base its claims that things are improving in the country. If it’s improving in the public sector, I can’t say it’s the same in the private sector. Seriously, the scars left behind by the recession on the national economy will take years to heal,” said Mike Onye, a journalist.

For investment analyst, Mr Akin Adeoyo: “The fall in the price of oil threw spanner in the works of the economic planners, as we saw a rush of policy summersaults, one fiscal policy issued today and a

counter or contrary one the next day. However, with the sustained upward trajectory in oil pricing, more money is coming in and what we see is the public sector opening up, and activity has picked up as a ripple effect. This has also meant a reduced borrowing on the part of government for capital expenditure.”

“The 2017 budget took six months to get become a working document. It is still being adjusted. Both this one and the previous one which was heavily funded by a consortium of three local banks ran on heavy deficits. I can’t say for sure that the perceived improvement is down to any deliberate fiscal policy of government alone. Oil has to have played a major part too,” opined Mr Tunde Adeyeye, a Lagos-based financial analyst.

“There is a possibility that the economy might go back into recession, if there are no sustained efforts to get the economy rolling.

The current increase in the prices of oil in the international market is only temporary, which can be attributed to Saudi Arabia’s recent efforts to cut oil supplies to the United States, resulting in recent price hike, coupled with the recent Hurricane

storm that affected Texas and Louisiana areas of the United States, resulting in temporary closure of the refineries in the areas. Saudis efforts cannot be sustained, as the cut will lead to a counter measure by the United States, boosting its Shale oil production, in order to frustrate Saudi Arabia,” said U.Sbased Public Affairs analyst, Kayode Adebayo Similarly, the submission of the seven United States senators who recently toured the country, only went further to buttress the position of the general opinion held by the financial analysts who blame the government for a rigid approach to economic management, hence, any improvement should not be attributed to the administration but rather on the positive pricing for oil.

The U.S lawmakers who met with business leaders including Aliko Dangote and Tony Elumelu, chairman of United Bank for Africa Plc and investment company Heirs Holdings Ltd, insist that the negative policies were also stonewalling investors’ interest in the country, adding specifically that American companies are deterred from investing more in Nigeria on account

of its capital controls.

“Some of the currency controls that remain I think raise the question of whether foreign direct investment, if successful and profitable, will be able to be returned to any country. I have heard concerns from American companies that before they significantly increase their investment here they would hope they return to a floating currency,” said the head of the congressional delegation, Senator Chris Coons of Delaware.

A notable political economist, Prof. Pat Utomi, speaking, last Wednesday, at a seminar on entrepreneurship organised by the Uche Ahubelem Centre for Human Development, in Lagos, maintained that the economic recession in the country was self-inflicted, adding that wrong policy choices led to the hardships facing Nigerians.

“Our recession is self-inflicted. I am one of the persons that have always insisted that our recession is self-inflicted. We need to re-programme ourselves as a country,” Utomi said.

The NBS, said in a report, penultimate Monday, that 8,663 workers lost their jobs in the first half of 2017, with an average of 360 peo-

ple were sacked every week from January to June 2017.

Nigeria has suffered from dollar shortages and falling commodity prices that have affected Africa’s major crude exporters. The crisis has been exacerbated by the CBN import restrictions imposed on 41 items aimed at checking the slide of the naira.

Also, the CBN may have introduced a plethora of fiscal policies and occasionally injecting dollars into the market, squeezing the huge difference between black market and official prices, but it has not allowed the naira to float.

Last Tuesday’s NBS report also noted that Nigeria’s double digit inflation remains as consumer prices increased 16.05 per cent year-onyear in Q2 2017, even as the FBN Purchasing Managers Index (PMI) shrank in August to 49.2 from an earlier low of 50.6, indicating contraction.

“We expect a return to positive year-on-year growth in Nigeria, helped by improved foreign exchange availability and a recovery in oil production,” said Razia Khan, head of Africa Research at Standard Chartered Bank.

The Oracle Today

19

Wednesday September 20, 2017

BUSINESS

FEC approves concessioning of Lagos, Abuja airports F

EDERAL Executive Council (FEC) has approved the concessioning of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos and the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport (NAIA), Abuja ‘for better management.’

Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, who made the disclosure in Abuja at the fifth Presidential Quarterly Business Forum, said it is aimed at improving the ease of doing business in Nigeria.

“We are working hard to make the airports more passenger friendly, but then we have several issues. Infrastructure is in a terrible state and we know that public sector has a poor record on maintenance of facilities,’ Osinbajo said.’

He said the airports needed to be overhauled as they lacked basic facilities as most of the available ones were dilapidated.

He said for the economy to be improved, the private sector needed to be involved in many ways.

“Partnership with the private sector is not only a policy, it is the most sensible thing to do and our approach is to engage, work collaboratively to take criticisms and suggestions seriously and to respond.’’

He said a lot needed to be done in the whole process to ensure that what needed to be done was done to guarantee change and improve the economy.

He, however, said change was always slow but that the nation must remain focused to achieve the required objectives.

Osinbajo said the readiness to confront the covert and overt resistance of a system accustomed to rent seeking and gratification were also important “The private sector is also used to a system where there is constant gratification and rent seeking and in order to reverse and stop that, it involves calling out public officials who are involved in such.

“So it means the private sector cannot say because I want to do my own business as quickly as possible I will not call out anybody who is seeking gratification or bribe. We have to do this thing and if we do not we will not solve the problem,’’ he said.

He said the regulators of all the sectors of the economy should ensure that they were facilitators to the ease of doing business initiative and not obstacles to the growth being sought for.

Also remarking, Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr Okechukwu Enelamah, said the

progress made in the business community so far had helped the economy come out of recession, adding further that some of the successes of the Federal Government were tied to the responsiveness and engagements from the private sector.

“Forums like this help strengthen the engagement between the private sector and the government and we have used the feed-

backs to improve our policies and interventions.

“In many respects we are becoming more and more of a responsive government and we are mindful of the challenges that businesses face, particularly the private sector and incoming investors. We would like to understand some of these issues better and proffer solutions.

He said there was continued

• Cassilda Ntsane, Sales Manager Africa, Protea Hotels by Marriott, accepting the award for the best International Hotel Group in South Africa. On her left: Philip Du Preez, General Manager – Flight Operations, Cape Town: ExecuJet. On her right: Dylan Rogers, Editor: Business Traveler Africa magazine

Marriott Rewards, SPG announce new loyalty promo

By VICTOR NZE

M

ARRIOTT Rewards and Starwood Preferred Guest (SPG), award-winning loyalty programmes from Marriott International, have announced new offers to reward members.

Under the Marriott Rewards’ MegaBonus promotion members have the chance to earn a free night and SPG members can earn extra Starpoints under the Explore More promotion, allowing them to accrue points at over 6,200 hotels and resorts worldwide. Points can be redeemed for free nights, flights, exclusive experiences and much more.

By registering for the promotion here, members who complete two paid stays at any participating hotel or resort worldwide within the earning period will earn a free night and the opportunity to unlock more offers.

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by Marriott, Residence Inn by Marriott, SpringHill Suites by Marriott, Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott, TownePlace Suites by Marriott, Pro-

NNPC, ExxonMobil strategise on improved crude oil production

T

he Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) and its upstream joint venture partner, ExxonMobil, are seeking new measures to expand existing operational portfolio with a view to increasing crude oil production and availability of gas for power generation.

Speaking in Abuja after a meeting with a high-powered ExxonMobil delegation led by Mr. Jack Williams, Senior Vice-President of the United States-based global oil Corporation, Group Managing Director of NNPC, Dr. Maikanti Baru, said the joint

concern about what appeared to be an adversarial relationship and trust deficit between the private sector and government.

He added that there were several complaints about multiplicity of taxes and agencies that collect various levies at the different levels of government, adding that there was also the issue of coordination between government agencies.

venture with ExxonMobil, which until recently was the highest producer of crude oil in the country, was primed to make a rebound.

He said the Corporation had advanced talks with ExxonMobil on major operational issues like improved drilling to increase production and refurbishment of crude oil pipelines as well as supply of gas to the planned Qua Iboe Independent Power Plant among others.

“More importantly we also discussed their recommitment to supply gas to the domestic market and this is something that is very positive and

they are willing; we would quickly roll-out the programme to ensure that sufficient gas comes in for the IPP. We also secured a commitment from them to end gas flare at QIT and other production areas,” he said.

Describing the meeting as very fruitful, Williams on his part noted that ExxonMobil was committed to growing its production in Nigeria ’’safely and with much integrity’’.

To underscore its aspiration for growth in production, Williams hinted that ExxonMobil was set to increase its JV budget for 2018 operations.

tea Hotels, Moxy, and The Ritz-Carlton, the exclusive luxury partner to Marriott Rewards.

For the SPG ‘Explore More’ offer, members who register for the promotion will earn 1,000 Starpoints for eligible stays within the earning period at participating St. Regis, The Luxury Collection, W, Le Méridien, Westin, Sheraton, Tribute Portfolio, and Design Hotels hotels and resorts.

Registered members can earn 500 Starpoints for eligible stays within the earning period at participating Aloft®, ElementSM, and Four Points hotels and resorts. Plus, registered members can also earn an additional one-time bonus of 10,000 Starpoints for completing 25 eligible nights at participating hotels and resorts in the SPG programme.

These promotions are in addition to the everyday member benefits of both programmes such as free Wi-Fi, Mobile Check-in/Checkout, and, where available, mobile requests and keyless entry. Marriott Rewards and SPG are free to join.

Members of both programmes, as well as members of The RitzCarlton Rewards, which is a part of Marriott Rewards, can link their accounts to access unparalleled benefits such as instant elite status matching and unlimited points transfer between the programs.

SEC okays Oando’s 40th AGM

By JEROME USHAKANG

T

he Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has given Oando Plc, green light to conduct its 40th Annual General Meeting (AGM) scheduled to hold this September.

The Commission said the approval has become necessary as it has earlier requested that Oando should postpone its AGM, following allegations and claims raised by the petitioners, Alhaji Dahiru Mangal and Anbusry incorporated to enable its task team to investigate the allegations.

However, Chief Compliance Officer and Legal Adviser of Oando, Mr Ayotola Jagun in statement posted on the website of the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) said the Commission has given Oando approval to hold its meeting as earlier planned.

“Following the submission of an Interim report by the Special Task Team, the Commission is of the opinion that it is unable to identify any material findings that would warrant the postponement of the Company’s 40th Annual General Meeting (AGM) scheduled to hold on September 11, 2017,” said Jagun quoting a letter dated Thursday, August 31, 2017 from the SEC to the company.

It further stated that the reason being that the issues raised by the petitioners were fully and properly disclosed by the Company in its audited financial statements and have received Board, shareholder and required SEC approval.

NSE signs broadcasting agreement with CBS

By SAMSON AKINTARO

T

he Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) has signed a broadcasting agreement with the Continental Broadcasting Service limited (CBS) to transmit capital market activities live from the floor of the Exchange. CBS, the parent company of TV Continental broadcasts to major African and European countries.

Under the agreement, TVC will run live daily commentaries of major developments on the NSE and the Nigerian capital market at large as well as create a programme titled: “The Market This Week,” to be aired every Friday.

Commenting on the broadcasting agreement, the Head of Corporate Communications, NSE, Mr Olumide Orojimi said: “We are delighted forge this partnership with CBS. This will sustain the momentum we are receiving from media organizations, to collaborate with us towards projecting and promoting the capital market through timely dissemination of information that enables investors to make sound investing decisions.

“It further affirms the sustained relevance of the Nigerian Stock Exchange as the destination for discerning issuers and investors to raise and access capital. We look forward to a robust coverage of our market across CBS’s growing pan-african and global audience platforms”.

20

The Oracle Today Wednesday September 20, 2017

ENERGY

NCDNB maps out job packages for Zabazaba dev.

As OPL 245 controversy settles down

By SOPURUCHI ONWUKA

P

ARTNERS in the development of one of Nigeria’s biggest deepwater oilfields, the Zabazaba Field, have scaled major regulatory hurdle in the plans for a fabrication of a floating production system for the billion barrel asset.

The Oracle reports that Nigerian Agip Exploration (NAE), Eni’s local affiliate which operates Production Sharing Contract (PSC) for Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) has secured approvals from the Nigerian Content

Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) for award of job packages for the fabrication of the floating production, storage and offtake vessel that would be tied to subsea facilities at the field.

Eni’s NAE is the operator of Zabazaba deepwater field hosted in Oil Prospecting License (OPL) 245. NAE operates the PSC in which Shell Nigeria Exploration and Production Company (NEPCO) also holds 50 percent stake.

The oil block which was awarded to former Petroleum Minister, Dan Etete, has seen a

controversial equity swap deals which saw Malabu Oil and Gas Limited selling its entire stake in the asset to Shell and Eni to avert moves by government to cancel the award and transfer the license directly to Shell.

The asset transfer deal conjured up the theme of corruption and backstage arrangements after it was made open that the multinational partners pumped in additional $1.3 billion to settle off the poorly resourced and technically deficient Malabu Oil in a mediation brokered by government.

Political intrigues that

Bonga Main FPSO deep offshore Nigeria.

whipped up alarms attracted investigations and threats of sanctions on Shell and Eni in United Kingdom and Italy.

While the investigations progressed elsewhere, Shell and Eni quietly settled issues with NNPC for rapid development of the field as the new government frantically fought to activate new production streams from less vulnerable and high output deepwater assets.

An NAE source told The Oracle that the company and its partner had confidently activated development plans on the conviction that all transactions about their acquisition of the oil block were unassailable.

“The noise and controversies are the political side. The business side is what we are doing.

We have the capital, we have the right technology and we have the right business plan for the field development. That is our core areas. We are not politicians,” he told The Oracle at an agric expo hosted by sister Nigeria Agip Oil Company (NAOC) in Yenegoa, Bayelsa State.

Though driven quietly, the Zabazaba development has since progressed from plan approvals, regulatory checks and contract bid processes.

The Executive Secretary of NCDMB, Engr. Simbi Wabote confirmed the Board carried out detailed scoping of the project to ensure that the targets exceed the accomplishments achieved on previous deepwater developments in the country.

He expressed optimism that the development of Zabazaba would grow Nigerian content and impact the economy, much more than previous deepwater projects.

The field development would offer huge opportunities for local fabrication yards with the right set of skills and technol-

Gas to become world’s primary energy source by 2035

O

il and gas will be crucial components of the world’s energy future, according to DNV GL’s forecast of the energy transition.

While renewable energy will grow its share of the energy mix, oil and gas will account for 44% of world energy supply in 2050, compared to 53% today. Gas will become the largest single source of energy from 2034.

DNV GL’s Energy Transition Outlook (ETO), a forecast that spans the global energy mix to 2050, predicts that global demand for energy will flatten in 2030, then steadily decline over the next two decades, thanks to step-changes in energy efficiency. The fossil fuel share of the world’s primary energy mix will reduce from 81% currently to 52% in 2050.

Demand for oil will peak in

2022, driven by expectations for a surge in prominence of light electric vehicles, accounting for 50% of new car sales globally by 2035. However, the stage is set for gas to become the largest single source of energy towards 2050, and the last of the fossil fuels to experience peak demand, which DNV GL expects will occur in 2035.

Gas will continue to play a key role alongside renewables in helping to meet future, lowercarbon, energy requirements.

Major oil companies intend to increase the share of gas in their reserves, and DNV GL expect an accelerated shift by 2022 as they decarbonize business portfolios.

While demand for hydrocarbons will peak over the next two decades, significant investment will be needed to add new oil and gas production capacity and

operate existing assets safely and sustainably. However, the results of DNV GL’s model reinforce the need to maintain strict

cost efficiency in order to achieve the margins necessary for future capital and operational expenditure.

Shell to issue bid documents on BSWA

S

hell Nigeria Exploration and Production Company (SNEPCO) is set to issue bid documents this September for the supply of the floating production, storage and offloading (FPSO) vessel for the Bonga South West Aparo (BSWA) deepwater project.

The development plan for the twin deepwater field entails use of a single FPSO for the two contiguous fields, after initial plan to tie them into nearby Bonga Main FPSO failed to address capacity concerns.

The bid documents, we gathered, would set out the company’s plans for in-country fabrication of half of the topsides of the FPSO and their integration.

According to Nigerian Content criteria set for the bids, all overseas bidders are expected to partner with Nigerian companies.

Shell has some terms and conditions that are quite different from traditional These are thought to focus on Local Content and are all about asking the yards to take more risks.

ogy for fabrication of different topside modules that would be integrated into the main FPSO hull when it arrives Nigeria.

Over 50 percent of the topside packages would be awarded to local companies for incountry fabrication ahead of full facility integration.

Credible sources said NCDMB and NAE have agreed that the technical and commercial evaluations of bids for the Zabazaba main packages met the aspiration of maximizing local content at the most competitive cost.

The packages included the FPSO units, subsea, installation and rigs.

Despite the controversies that trailed equity swaps on OPL 245, The Oracle reports that award of oil prospecting and mining licenses in the country, from colonial proclamations through military decrees and directives to civil rule policies and programmes, has been fraught with secrecy, discretion and backstage deals.

Until 1999 when the new civilian administration attempted to reverse discretionary award of OPL 245 to Dan Etete’s Malabu Oil, many Nigerians were not aware of the depth of intrigues that play in oil block awards.

Dan Etete had secured the oil block for $20 million signature bonus in 1998, battled off asset raiders and settled for a $1.3 billion resell deal. While the figures got heads up, most people fail to realise that worse discretionary awards in the industry passed unnoticed.

Some of Nigeria’s producing deepwater oil blocks were awarded with discretion. Agbami Field operated by Chevron was awarded to Mrs Folorunso Alakija by Gen. Gbadamosi Babangida; Total operates Akpo, Egina and Usan deepwater fields in a block discretionarily awarded to Gen. Theophilus Danjuma.

In 2005, the Obasanjo government introduced Right of First Refusal in bid round for oil licences, prompting listed and strictly regulated multinational companies to shun the exercise as charade to hide discretion. Also in 2007, another licensing round was hosted for a close group of bidders that pledged strategic downstream investments in the country.

There are also unrefuted allegations that many new oil licenses have been awarded to highly placed moguls in the country without competitive bid.

Experts believe Nigeria’s reputation for discretionary license awards, while playing up the sentiments for local content and capacity building opportunities, has denied the country the right set of operators, best practices, environmental responsibility and host community development.

21

The Oracle Today Wednesday September 20, 2017

ENERGY Nigeria’s oil output up 50 kbd in August

By SOPURUCHI ONWUKA

T

he volume Nigeria’s average crude oil export appreciated by 50,000 barrels per day in the month of August, jumping from 1.81 million barrels per day in July to 1.86 million barrels per day, excluding natural gas liquids and condensates.

According to a table of production performance of members of the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) compiled

by Platts, Nigeria’s production has maintained a steady rise since the year following fall in pipeline breaks in the Niger Delta.

The figures by Platts may not include the 445,000 barrels per day which is allocated to the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation for local refining, nor do they take into account losses to illegal refiners and modular refineries attached to few marginal field operations in the country.

Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Dr. Emmanuel Kachikwu, had suggested that the country’s production was close to full capacity, linking the rise in output to increased investment by foreign companies on relative calm in the Niger Delta.

Nigeria also lifted force majeure on loadings of key export grade Bonny Light in August.

Libya and Nigeria are exempt from OPEC’s landmark production cut agreement, and their recovery over the past few months had led to talks among the coalition on whether the two should be asked to join in on the cuts, although Libya’s setback in August may quell some of that discussion.

Representatives from Libya and Nigeria have been invited to the September 24 meeting of the OPEC/non-OPEC monitoring committee overseeing the deal to explain their production outlooks.

The two members’ combined August average output was 480,000 b/d above their level in October, the benchmark month from which OPEC based its production cuts and quotas.

The agreement, which went into force January 1, calls on OPEC and 10 non-OPEC producers, led by Russia, to cut a combined 1.8 million b/d in output through March 2018 in order to rebalance the market and induce draws of oil in storage.

OPEC production (in million b/d) Member

August

Change

July

June

Algeria 1.05 0.00 1.05 1.06 Angola 1.67 0.03 1.64 1.66 Ecuador 0.53 0.00 0.53 0.52 Equatorial Guinea 0.12 -0.01 0.13 0.14 Gabon 0.19 -0.02 0.21 0.20 Iran 3.83 0.01 3.82 3.80 Iraq 4.46 -0.02 4.48 4.45 Kuwait 2.70 0.00 2.70 2.71 Libya 0.83 -0.16 0.99 0.81 Nigeria 1.86 0.05 1.81 1.78 Qatar 0.61 0.00 0.61 0.61 Saudi Arabia 10.01 -0.04 10.05 9.97 UAE 2.89 0.00 2.89 2.87 Venezuela 1.90 -0.01 1.91 1.91 Total 32.65 -0.17 32.82 32.49

OPEC production vs. cut allocations (in million b/d) Country

an-Aug avg

Allocation Over/under

Algeria 1.049 1.039 0.010 Angola 1.647 1.673 -0.026 Ecuador 0.523 0.522 0.001 Equatorial Guinea 0.130* 0.133 -0.003 Gabon 0.203 0.193 0.010 Iran 3.780 3.797 -0.017 Iraq 4.433 4.351 0.082 Kuwait 2.702 2.707 -0.005 Libya 0.735 (exempt) Nigeria 1.722 (exempt) Qatar 0.612 0.618 -0.006 Saudi Arabia 9.971 10.058 -0.087 UAE 2.876 2.874 0.002 Venezuela 1.947 1.972 -0.025 However, total OPEC’s crude oil output fell in August for the first time in five months, as outages in Libya interrupted the country’s recent dramatic recovery, more than offsetting gains in Nigeria.

Saudi Arabia, Iraq and Gabon

also produced fewer barrels in August, while Angola raised its output in the month. In all, the 14-country bloc produced 32.65 million b/d in August, a 170,000 b/d drop from July, the survey found.

Libyan output, which had risen

to 990,000 b/d in July, tumbled to 830,000 b/d in August as militants blockaded key fields Sharara, Elephant and Hamada.

Libya’s National Oil Corp. said in the week ended September 1 more than 360,000 b/d of produc-

in 2013 we have continued to enhance the plant’s HSSE profile through investments in safety equipment and training. For us at Egbin, ensuring safety at all cost is a non-negotiable policy and we are delighted with the progress we have made in this regard and it gives us the impetus to sustain ongoing transformation and preparation for future expansion of the plant.”

He said Egbin’s safety records had been severally commended by various post-privatization monitoring team and other regulatory agencies following inspection visits. “At Egbin, eve-

ry staff is a Safety Ambassador.

We demand the same level of commitment from all our partners and stakeholders and remain confident that HSSE issues will always be paramount in our operations.”

Speaking on the need for collaboration across the sector’s value chain, Adesina said this would help operators and regulators effectively address the challenges of the power sector.

According to him, “what we need right now is generation, transmission and distribution working together to achieve the

ultimate goal of improved power supply. We have witnessed continuing improvement across the value chain and we need to keep up the momentum and close our ranks where we have gaps to drive better power supply. Issues bordering on un-utilised energy, load shedding and optimised load picking can be better managed by the operators to ensure the system maintains a balance that enhances productivity and sustainability.”

“We should all work as partners in the power sector as the nation is counting on us to make the system work. At Eg-

tion from the three fields had been shut in, although sources told Platts late September 6 that flows from the 300,000 b/d Sharara and 10,000 b/d Hamada fields had resumed.

Production also restarted at the 90,000 b/d Elephant field on September 2, sources said.

OPEC’s collective output for August is about 630,000 b/d above its declared ceiling under the deal of about 31.9 million b/d, when Equatorial Guinea, which joined in May, is added in and Indonesia, which suspended its membership in December, is subtracted.

Not including the two exempt countries, compliance among OPEC’s 12 members with quotas under the production cut agreement remains robust at 112%, down slightly from 114% in July, based on an average of January through August output, according to Platts survey figures.

But while collective compliance with the cut agreement is strong, results among individual countries are still uneven. Seven members have cut in excess of their required levels in the eight months of the deal so far, led by Saudi Arabia, whose January-August average output of 9.971 million b/d is 87,000 b/d under its quota of 10.058 million b/d.

Saudi production in August was 10.01 million b/d, the Platts survey showed.

That leaves five countries that are non-compliant with their quotas, ranging from the UAE, which is over its allocation by 2,000 b/d, to Iraq, which has exceeded its quota by the most, 82,000 b/d, based on January-August averages.

Iraq, OPEC’s second largest member, produced 4.46 million b/d in August, according to the survey, while third largest member Iran produced 3.83 million b/d in the month, above its quota of 3.797 million b/d.

Both Iraq and Iran have said they would support extending the deal past its March 2018 expiry, as Saudi Arabia and Russia have advocated, if market conditions warrant and there is sufficient consensus among the producer coalition.

The Platts estimates were obtained by surveying OPEC and oil industry officials, traders and analysts, as well as reviewing proprietary shipping data.

Egbin Power records 827-day incident free operations

S

AFETY standards and procedures at Egbin Power Plc have helped the nation’s largest power plant record incident free operations over the last 827 days, Kola Adesina, the company’s chairman has said.

Addressing reporters on Egbin’s “Safety Report”, Adesina said the power plant operates in line with globally acclaimed standards for Health, Safety, Security and the Environment and requires staff and stakeholders to abide by its zero tolerance policy on safety infractions.

“Since we took over the plant

bin, we remain committed to spearheading intra and inter sectoral collaborative efforts to move the power sector ahead.

This will require the support of the government, regulators, operators, local/foreign investors, electricity consumers and civil societies,” he added.

Adesina explained that an analysis of operations across the value chain clearly reveals the need for the sector to address and correct the price differential between the actual cost of electricity and current price regimes. “Another important factor that is responsible

22

The Oracle Today September 20, 2017

e-Platform

Nigeria to get over $4bn in technology transfer from India Stories by SAMSON AKINTARO

N

IGERIA is to experience huge technology transfer of over $4 billion from India as the governments of both countries rekindle long standing relationships at the third Indo-Africa ICT Expo which recently held in Lagos. Already having strong presence in Africa, India, through the Conference is seeking stronger ties with Nigeria in particular, and has therefore offered its assistance in all areas of technology.

Along those lines, the Nigerian Minister of Communications, Barrister Adebayo Shittu who led the ministers from India, Ghana and top officials from Ethiopia, Rwanda and other African countries to inaugurate the conference, in his keynote address at the event expressed the country’s readiness to partner with India in all possible areas to achieve a digital economy Nigeria.

Shittu, who allayed fears of stakeholders in the ICT industry about the Indians coming to hijack the industry, said the coming of the Indians was sequel to discussions he had with the Indian business community in Geneva early this year, where they promised to come and invest $4 billion in the Nigerian IT industry. As part of India’s commitment to Nigeria, Shittu said India is also financing a solar-based Digital Connectivity project that would cover 1000 rural areas in Nigeria.

The Minister however, used the opportunity to invite Indians to invest in the key Nigerian ICT projects, which include the establishment of ICT University and ICT development bank to cater to the specific financing needs of the ICT industry in Africa’s biggest market.

Earlier in his opening address at the conference, Sanjay Nayak, Cochairman of India’s Telecom Equipment & Services Export Promotion Council (TEPC), said India remains the ideal partner for Africa as it

shares the same vision and mission for technology growth. According to him, India has developed quality technologies well-crafted to meet the needs of countries in the African continent, and which they can leverage on at competitive price.

India, Nayak said, has the lowest telecom tariff rates in the world as a result of its cutting edge technologies. “We have end-to-end solutions, which are well suited for African needs” he said. India’s Honourable Minister of Communications, Manoj Sinha, said the third edition of the Indo-Africa ICT Expo in Lagos has special significance, not only for India and Nigeria, but also for the entire Africa, adding that the success of the first two editions held in Kenya gave the organisers the confidence to shift the focus to West Africa.

“I strongly believe that the vast experience gained by India in setting up of ICT infrastructure can be leveraged by the governments as well as the private business enterprises in Africa. To explore synergies on the ground in ICTs, more than 50 ICT companies from India are participating in this ICT Expo” he said.

Citing the key capabilities of Indian companies and what they can offer Nigeria, the Minister said that India companies have developed the engineering capabilities and experience with smart innovations. “They have the ability to train employees at scale; innovative business models at low cost.

This makes them well-positioned to support the booming African ICT sector” he said.

According to the Indian Minister, India and Africa are having similar demographic and ICT usage profile and should therefore work together to achieve common goal of establishing digital economy in respective countries.

“We are fully committed to share our ICT experiences, expertise and software skills with other countries

• Nigeria’s Minister of Communications, Barr. Adebayo Shittu delivering his keynote at the IndoAfrica ICT Expo in Lagos in the developing world. India is also willing to explore opportunities of financing the emerging opportunities”. The organisers, TEPC, is working in conjunction with the National Association of Software and Service Companies, (NASSCOM), which is the premier trade body and the chamber of commerce of the IT-BPM industries in India.

The TEPC stated that the vision of a knowledge based society “is built on an edifice where IT and Telecommunications merge,” adding that “rapid technological con-

vergence has already established a symbiotic relationship between the development strategies of IT and telecommunications. IT flourishes on the telecom-network and in turn permits modern day telecommunications to use sophisticated IT-software.” The Council says as Africa is among the fastest growing markets worldwide, improving macroeconomic indicators, conducive business environment, larger, younger and more affluent population, rising middle class – all are strong indicators of not only a source of capital but also

of job creation, skills development, technology transfer, infrastructure development, responsible governance and most of all –sustained growth that eventually will lead to transformation of African economies!”

Other ministers at the conference include Mr. Vincent Sowah Odotel, Deputy Minister of Communications, Ghana and Mr. Getachew Negash Tekla, State Minister of Ethiopia’s Ministry of Communication and Information Technology.

Telecoms sector adds N1.5tn to GDP in Q2 –Danbatta

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• Danbatta, EVC, NCC

he Executive Vice Chairman of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Prof Umar Garba Danbatta has said that the telecoms sector contributed N1.549 trillion to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in the second quarter of 2017, representing 6.68 per cent increase from the first quarter of the year (N1.452 trillion).

Speaking while receiving the Chairperson of Liberia Telecommunications Authority (LTA), Madam Angelique Weeks, who paid him a courtesy visit recently in Abuja, Danbatta, said the figures were derived from the recently released National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) report on the economy.

The NBS’s report has confirmed that the telecommunica-

tions sector, during the second quarter of 2017, contributed 9.5 per cent to the GDP in contrast to 9.1 per cent contribution in the first quarter of the year.

“We are very proud of the remarkable contribution the sector is making. Even at the recent times when the whole economy was facing challenges, the sector had remained resilient and stable,” he told the visitor who was accompanied by a team of administrators from West Africa Telecommunication Regulators Association (WATRA).

Similarly, the NCC boss told the visitors that the commission has also noticed a remarkable increase in the data usage in the country. “The monthly data usage is about 40 million terabytes,” he noted. He, how-

ever, expressed optimism that the country would undergo a massive ICT transformation by the time the excess data capacity at landing point in Lagos is deployed to the hinterland when the licensing of Infrastructure Companies (Infracos) is completed. Speaking further, Danbatta noted that the broadband penetration in the country currently stands at 21 per cent, as Nigeria is inching toward 30 per cent penetration next year, which is in line with the target of the National Broadband Plan. He said the Commission has approved spectrum trading consistent with the spirit of the 8-Point Agenda on Optimizing the Use and Benefits of Spectrum. This is to ensure that no acquired spectrum is left unutilized.

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The Oracle Today September 20, 2017

e-Platform

CBN issues new rules to secure USSD transactions Stories by SAMSON AKINTARO

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PPARENTLY disturbed by the rising cases of fraudulent activities through the mobile banking system, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has released a new regulatory framework for the use of Unstructured Supplementary Service Data (USSD) in the country. This new regulation, according to the CBN, became necessary as providers of mobile telephony-based financial transactions are increasingly adopting USSD technology while the range of services supported by their mobile transaction services using the USSD channel is broadening rapidly.

The USSD technology is a protocol used by the GSM network to communicate with a service provider’s platform.

It is a session based real time messaging communication technology which is accessed through a string which starts normally with asterisk and ends with a hash. The USSD, CBN notes, has a shorter turnaround time than SMS, and unlike SMS, it does not operate by store and forward, which indicates that data are neither stored on the mobile phone or on the application.

CBN noted that the vast applications of USSD technology

•Emefiele, CBN Governor.

in terms of available services have raised the issue of the risks inherent in the channel.

“In this regards, concerns have been expressed on the likely exposure of CBN ap-

proved entities to the possible breaching of the USSDbased financial services in view of likely vulnerabilities in the technology and the ever growing threats. Further-

more, the implementation in Nigeria has created multiple USSD channels to customers, thereby increasing their exposure to risk, without a common standard for all” the apex bank said.

To mitigate the vulnerability of users, CBN in the new rules states that all providers of USSD-based financial services shall: “put in place a proper message authentication mechanism to validate that request/responses are generated through authenticated users; use secure USSD communication channels with a strong encryption mechanism; not use the USSD service to relay details of other electronic banking channels, in case of banks, to other customers, to prevent compromise of other electronic banking channels through USSD channel; implement masked PIN entry; and ensure encryption at USSD Gateway by implementing the Hardware Security Module (HMS)” The rules also compel service providers to implement endto-end encryption by ensuring that, at least, radio encryption between users’ phones and base stations, using secure VPN layered with SSL or TSL to ensure secure transmission of USSD signals.

Cash crunch hits NITDA, stops scholarship programme

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HE National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) has cancelled the 2016/2017 NITDEF Scholarship selection process due to non-release of funds. According to the Agency, the action became necessary due to serious budget deficit in its 2016 budget year as funds appropriated for the scheme was not released.

This is the second time in five years that the Agency has had to cancel the scholarship process as the same was done in 2012.

According to NITDA”s Head of Corporate Affairs and External Relations, Mrs Hadiza Umar, the Agency made appropriation for the scheme in its 2017 budget year noting that a new selection process will be announced soon. She added that capacity building remains a priority in the strategic roadmap of NITDA and it will strive to carry all Nigerians along.

“Management urged all affected to participate in the 2017/2018 NITDEF selection process, also assures all 2016 candidates of not having to go through the regular registration and shortlisting processes. “While regretting any inconveniences this may have caused the applicants, the Agency assures all candidates of justice, fairness and equity base on competitive merit,” the statement said.

National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) was created in April 2001 to implement the Nigerian Information Technology Policy and coordinate general IT development

in the country. In line with implementing its mandate, the Agency oversees the development and deployment of information technology in the country through human capital development

with emphasis on creating and supporting a knowledge-based economy. This will enable Nigeria to become a global key player in ICT.

Over 8000 brands register .africa domain name –ZACR

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ore than 8000 of Africa and world’s biggest brands, businesses and individuals have registered for the new .africa internet address, ZA Central Registry (ZACR) has said. According to the Chief Executive Officer of ZACR, the non-profit company tasked with administering the new domain name on behalf of the continent, Lucky Masilela, leading continental and international brands are snapping up .africa domain names because they recognise the importance of being associated with Africa’s bright future online. “With many positive stories coming out of Africa, brands understand that .africa domain names are valuable virtual real estate,” he said.

He noted that with .africa, the 54 countries in Africa are now united under a single, continent-wide domain name, staying true to the Oliver Tambo and Abuja Declarations of the 1990s. These written resolutions stated that ICT will be central to Africa’s future wellbeing and .africa is surely amongst the top African-led ICT initiatives of the last twenty years.

“Initiatives like .africa help harness the power of new technologies to solve old problems. .africa is unique in that it gives Africans an important sense of pride to help motivate

them to achieve the very best for their continent and themselves.

ZACR appeals to all Africans to take ownership of .africa, because it truly belongs to us all,” Masilela said.

Ericsson launches new small cell solutions

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ricsson has launched three new scalable small cell solutions designed to help expand the small cell market and meet the growing demand for better mobile coverage and capacity while preparing networks for 5G and the Internet of Things (IoT) applications: the Multi-Operator Dot and the Multi-Dot Enclosure for indoor deployments; and the Strand-Mount Unit for outdoor micro radios.

The Multi-Operator Dot solution delivers a set of Radio Dots that can be shared between multiple operators, with one operator managing the system while others provide radio frequency signals – similar to an active distributed antenna system (DAS). This new architecture allows up to four operators to broadcast over a single Dot solution; combining the multi-operator benefits of an active DAS solution with the performance, agility and costeffective design of the Radio Dot System.

Nishant Batra, Head of Product Area Network Infrastructure at Ericsson, said: “We have developed scalable small cell models to meet the current demands of our customers while also preparing for requirements that will be imposed by 5G and the IoT. “With the Multi-Operator Dot and the Multi-Dot Enclosure, our customers can enhance the inbuilding user experience with excellent connectivity for both smartphones and IoT devices.

The Strand-Mount Unit for outdoor micro radios, meanwhile, facilitates the dense deployments that will be required for 5G – enabling operators to deploy small cells in areas where they may not have been able to do so previously.”

Mark Lowenstein, Managing Director, Mobile Ecosystem, said: “The mobile industry is experiencing an evolution in the way we use our devices, the methods in which we design the networks for upcoming 5G technologies, and the way we deploy small cells.

Multi-operator solutions will be critical to expanding the market for small cells and the range of possible deployments. Ericsson’s new small cell solutions address these industry changes to enable operators to deliver the needed coverage and capacity in a variety of environments.”

The Multi-Operator Dot and the Multi-Dot Enclosure will enable service providers to offer their customers an aesthetically pleasing full multi-operator solution, capable of extending coverage and capacity indoors using LTE/5G tight interworking. The Strand-Mount Unit creates new opportunities for outdoor deployments for customers such as telecom operators, cable operators and tower companies.

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The Oracle Today Wednesday Setember 20, 2017

ISSN: 2545-5869

EDITORIAL

VOX POPULI SACRUM

www.oraclenews.ng

When python dances, operates…

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he security and welfare of the people should be the entire purpose of government. – Section 12 2b, 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria NO matter how one looks at a python, nothing about it recommends safety, comfort and the security that governments promise their people. With a dance, whatever style is attached to a python, deceit runs a full circle.

FANCIAL, theatrical, amusing as Operation Python Dance II may sound, there is no doubt that it is another round of efforts to extract a provocation from people in the South East, whether they are members of the Indigenous Peoples of Biafra or not. They do not also have to be of South East origins to face the extortions, harassments and humiliations that these occupations mean.

THOSE who have installed Operation Python Dance, now in its second edition, in the South East, know this. The targets of the dance also realise that the dance is not the typical magical feats that are performed with pythons, to admiration, most likely awe, of those who behold the huge snakes from a distance.

WE are not talking about a circus. The Python Dance is an annual military operation that is in its second year in the South East. It singles out this geo-political zone, already the most militalised zone, in peacetime, for an armada

of security personnel, to join those in perpetual occupation of the area.

DEBATES about how dangerous a python is tend to be so academic, leaving impressions that are created that a python is a toy. It is neither poisonous nor venomous, you would be reminded. But, a python picks out its target and constricts it to death with its awesome engagement of muscles in stunts that resemble dances in their slickness, belying the agony of the victim.

THE South East has military and security outposts in almost every kilometre of its landscape. It is the theatre of the Python Dance, which the military launches with fanfare. Nigeria annually launches a broader version of its militarisation of the South East.

WHAT do they do? They do everything in their powers to intimidate the people. They do all they can to provoke them. Where all these fail, they do not need any reasons to arrest, detain, or beat them up. These torments momentarily cease after money has been extracted from the people.

VILLAGES, moreso, and cities suffer the same fate. People have to explain why they are on the streets, in search of their means of living.

In a country that has made a monumental mess of having credible identifications for its citizens, they are asked for identifications, or ringed into any circumstance that is an opportunity to make money.

NO charges are required to detain anyone. No law operates in the domain of Python Dance. One is guilty until he proves his innocence.

IT may be convenient for the rest of Nigeria to say that the South East deserves what it is getting, but it would not take too long for other Nigerians to realise that injustice does not respect boundaries. The military clampdown on the South East diminishes the rest of Nigeria.

It does not matter what anyone thinks he is achieving.

THE wasteful dispersal of resources that should have been deployed to the fighting of insurgents in the North East is another indication that Nigeria is in the final phases of refusing to search for its challenges, and resolve them.

INADEQUACY of resources is often cited as a reason for the limited sources of the military operations in the North East. The same resources are being wantonly spent in opening new flanks of confrontation to make the point that the South East can be subdued, treated less Nigerian than other parts, to the delight of warmongers, who seem disappointed, where instead of war, the South East has adopted nonviolence in the quests that IPOB is

pressing in its own way.

WHAT is the point of the increased military presence in the South East? Is it easier to heighten troops deployment than to address the issues that younger people in the South East are raising? Would more security presence in the South East solve the problems that distort visions, hamper ideas and, ultimately, militate against the development of Nigeria as a whole?

IS it better, easier, and more sustainable to use war against the South East to attend to challenges the zone? What are the prospects for a peaceful Nigeria with a militarised South East?

WITHOUT operation Python Dance, and its additional roadblocks, road accidents have increased on most of the roads in the South East, especially at night, when unlit obstacles on the roads have sent many to their graves. Nobody cares.

THE remaining months of the year mark more traffic to the South East, more stress on roads that have suffered from neglect for decades, and roadblocks that surface, wherever and in numbers the Police, Army, Immigrations, Customs, Civil Defence, NDLEA, NAFDAC, FRSC, determine.

WE are told that Python Dance is to save the South East from itself. The argument, which defies logic, is typical. How does imprisoning the South East save it? Save it from what? Are there no other parts of Nigeria where crimes take place? Where else in Nigeria are there security outlays in the manner that is witnessed in the South East?

DOES Section 14 2b of the Constitution exclude the South East? The Federal Government should lift the siege on the South East – it is sectional, discriminatory, unproductive, wasteful, and provocative.

Our Vision TO BE among the top five newspapers in Nigeria and, in due course, the Numero Uno; to be a newspaper of records that effectively caters to the information needs of all segments and sections of the Nigerian society as well as all social classes and cultures. Essentially, we want to be a responsible corporate citizen, a commercially viable, properly organised media business, which meets its obligations to society, government and the workforce.

Mission WE INTEND to contribute to the development of an inclusive Nigerian society, with a view to getting rid of the dark sides of our national life (slothfulness, greed, corruption, nepotism, totalitarianism, etc); to continually engender and sustain national debates that would ultimately lead to the enthronement of healthy national values--hard-work, justice, equity and fairplay, transparency, good governance, resulting, in themselves, the egalitarian Nigerian society of our dream. We will give voice to the voiceless and at all times, strive to be balanced, objective, honest, truthful and fair to all sides; so that through The Oracle Today, our people, the Nigerian people can see a bright light at the end of what has been a very dark tunnel. And we shall do all this in absolute trust in God who blesses good intentions.

25

The Oracle Today Wednesday September 20, 2017

OPINION

Kenyan Supreme Court ruling and democratic consolidation in Africa (1)

By PAUL EJIME

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s expected, the Supreme Court’s annulment of Kenya’s August 8 presidential election over “irregularities and illegalities” has provoked mixed reactions. However, all seem agreed that the justices of the apex court had demonstrated rare courage in upholding the will of the people over and above other considerations, including the risks of ruling against a usually powerful sitting African president.

At issue was the deployment of Information Communication Technology (ICT) in the electoral process, particularly in the vote tallying and results transmission, but events that led up to Election Day were also ominous, especially the gruesome murder, a week to the polls, of Chris Msando, the acting head of the ICT department of Kenya’s Independent Elections and Boundaries Commission (IEBC). The fact that the IEBC commissioners were only appointed into office in January and therefore had limited time to organise a national election of such magnitude was another big challenge on its own.

Still, Kenyans had been hopeful that they could put behind them the sad experience of the 2007 bloody elections that resulted in the avoidable deaths of more than 1,000 people.

As part of the aftermath, incumbent President Uhuru Kenyatta became the first sitting African president to be dragged to the Hague-based International Criminal Court (ICC) on charges of crimes against humanity, which were later dropped.

A few Kenyan still lost their lives in the aftermath of the latest polls. And while Msando’s murder remains unresolved, the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court had on 2nd August is-

By ROY IWUALA was Julius Mgbeokwere who rightly capIheTtured Governor Rochas Okorocha when wrote a piece under the headline, ‘Imo

State - a State where anything goes,’ which was published in the Nigerian Horn of April 12, 2013 at page 10. At a point, Mgbeokwere maintained that, “Governor Okorocha of Imo State does what he likes, how he likes it and when he likes it, while everybody watches like people who are bewitched.”

However, Mgbeokwere didn’t realize that the ominous silence was extremely revealing since His Excellency relishes playing demigod. Regrettably, His Excellency forgot that his overblown image of the Greek god, Zeus has never saved anyone from a self-inflicted calamitous end. History, always uncanny, has a way of repeating itself, if its lessons are not sufficiently learnt. This is the reason why the unfolding events in Imo State remind me of “Otokoto 1996.”

For those who are not conversant with the “Otokoto 1996” saga, I will take the liberty to get down to the real nitty-gritty of that saga in attempt to arrive at the message, which I want to deliver in the raw. Methinks that Otokoto has gone beyond the moniker of any particular man. This is because, in the lexicon of Imo jargon, the catchphrase, “Otokoto 1996” refers to the evil of abduction, kidnapping, ritual killings, and lawlessness that eventually consumed the perpetrators of the carnage.

In fact, the Otokoto saga was full of isolated and hit-or-miss incidents that made “ndi Imo” living in Owerri wonder in horrified disbelief. This situation was more complicated than “ndi Imo” had at first realized. It was in due course that “ndi Imo” became aware of their worst fears. This happened when the State was plagued by snakes swallowing another (agwo loro ibe ya). I witnessed this ugly incident in my village when it was pervasive across the nooks and crannies of Imo State. It reminded me of the 10 plagues, which the Egyptians suffered when Pharaoh could not heed to the warning to “allow my people go.”

Significantly, the “agwo loro ibe ya” was a tell-tale clue or sign that the land of Owerri (in particular) was desecrated. Unarguably, the hostage-takers went to the extent of trying to abduct a corpse from a mortuary in Owerri. Also, children were reportedly missing in certain supermarkets, and children’s playgrounds in Owerri. In addition, prostitutes, hawkers, and strangers were easy preys that

sued a statement condemning what he called “increasing pressure” on the judiciary by the political parties. Indeed, on the 4th of last month, State security operatives allegedly ransacked the national offices of the main opposition National Super Alliance (NASA).

So, as the world watched the unravelling fierce presidential contest with a keen interest, NASA leader Raila Odinga lodged a complaint alleging that the IEBC’s ICT system had been hacked. He even went ahead to declare himself winner before the IEBC announced its official results on 11 August proclaiming President Uhuru Kenyatta re-elected with 54% of the vote, following his first victory over Odinga in 2013.

Before the Supreme Court’s 4-2 majority ruling on 1st September cancelling the poll results and ordering fresh elections within 60 days from that date, tension had again risen in Kenya, which is no stranger to election violence.

United by a common language- Swahili, the ethnic diversity of the “Safari Nation” of some 43 million people, is a recipe for both a vibrant national culture and divisive political conflict.

Kenya has also had more than its own fair share of global terrorism, notably in 1998 when more than 200 people were killed at the US Embassy in Nairobi in an Al-Qaeda attack; and subsequent attacks by the Somalia-based Islamist militant Al-Shabab in Nairobi (2013) and at Garissa University College, northeast Kenya (2015).

On the economic front, it faces high unemployment, rising crime rate and poverty levels compounded by regular bouts of droughts with the latest report of UN humanitarian agencies putting the number of the population affected by drought at 5.6 million, including 3.4 million who are food insecure.

These harsh statistics could not have been lost on the Kenyan Supreme Court justices in reaching their decision to annul the poll result of and calling for a fresh vote. Armed with convincing evidence provided by IT experts, they were left in doubt that justice must be served through a vote re-run instead of pandering to the exigencies of cost or the potential jeopardy to their individual career.

This Supreme Court ruling raises a number of fundamental questions about the capacity of electoral management bodies (EMBs) to conduct free, fair, transparent, credible and peaceful elections; the deployment of new technology in the electoral process; functions of poll observers, and the role of the judiciary in Africa’s democratic consolidation.

This is not the first time that a presidential vote would be cancelled in Africa (Nigeria’s military president Ibrahim Babangida did so with military fiat in 1993 and the country may not have fully recovered from the consequences of that annulment), but it is a first for the judiciary to invalidate the result of an election after an electoral commission had declared an elected sitting president victorious.

Also, just like the principled stand taken by the Electoral Commission of The Gambia to insist, even in the face of apparent political risk, that then President Yahya Jammeh, lost the December 2016 presidential election, there is an abiding lesson from the bold step taken by the Kenyan Supreme Court judges for the strengthening of democracy in Africa.

The independence of the judiciary and the national electoral body is critical to the delivery of credible elections and the promotion of democratic principles, just as the credibility of any election depends on the integrity of the

Smelling ‘Otokoto’ in the air met their waterloo at hotels in Owerri. In certain cases, human remains were found in a house and in a shop in Owerri. In view of all these incidents in Owerri, terror was struck into the hearts of “ndi Imo.” Thus, nightclubs and late-night shopping were no longer fashionable. In short, “ndi Imo” became increasingly safety conscious while in Owerri.

Sadly, the “money-grabbers” killed with impunity. They bribed or bought their way out of punishment. Nevertheless, their cups overflowed when a young boy, Master Ikechukwu Okonkwo who hawked groundnuts was abducted and beheaded. With the passage of time, the land of Owerri yearned for cleansing. There is no doubt that the blood of the innocent child from a very poor background cried for justice. Indeed, Ikechukwu proved to be “God’s power” when “ndi Imo” were miraculously moved to rise with one voice to destroy the ill-gotten properties in Owerri. Also, the “money-grabbers” were brought to book. Later, they paid for their crimes with their lives through firing squad, while others that bagged death sentence died in prison custody. Despite all their ill-gotten wealth, they were buried in unmarked graves never to reincarnate or be remembered. This was how Owerri, a capital city that acquired reputation in generosity to visitors was almost destroyed by self-serving “money-grabbers.”

At this point, it is instructive to note that Owerri had begun to experience another nightmarish living condition. This time, it is no longer about the “money-grabbers,” but about a “land-grabber” with voracious and indiscriminating appetite for land acquisition. Here, I wouldn’t want to delve into the details of this land acquisition through the mindless demolition of homes, work places, churches, ancestral markets, filling stations, graves, shops, business areas, and even government buildings and structures. The anguish and hopelessness occasioned by this unwarranted demolition of peoples’ properties in Orlu town, Okigwe town, Umuaka, Amaraku, Ahiara, Uratta, etc without any iota of compensation has put many people at death’s door.

This self-righteous “land-grabber” of our time has shown that he came for a destructive mission, but chose to deceive “ndi Imo” with rescue mission, free education, urban renewal, etc. I don’t want to digress because

I am concerned with a particular demolition job at Owerri where the residents and indigenes have learnt a difficult lesson. Of special interest is the demolition of Ahia Eke-ukwu Owerri, which will linger in the memories of “ndi Imo” for a long time. And, there is no overemphasis here because the ancestral market deserves it. There is no way its importance can be compared with other places that have been demolished in Owerri, such as Orlu road secretariat, Imo library, Ministry of Works, Mbari kitchen / Imo State Arts and Culture, Ama J.K. Recreation Club, Imo Hotels, and countless others.

Without mincing words, the Ahia Eke-ukwu Owerri is the climax or mother of all demolitions. This spectacular market was the largest, biggest, and greatest industry or factory in Imo State. It offered goods and services at affordable or cheap rates. Also, there were varied products. Indeed, the ancestral market attracted enormous investment, the destruction of which has ruined millions of families. What will the thousands of traders and shop owners do in order to eke a living in this hard economic recession period? Sadly, the purported relocation site is reported to be a marshy land overgrown with bushes. With no compensation, how can the displaced shop owners cough out #3million to acquire a shop at the new site? And, as schools have reopened, how would the displaced traders be able to pay the school fees of their wards who are in private schools? The questions are endless.

Obviously, the demolition of Ahia Eke-ukwu Owerri attracted wide reactions and condemnation because of its importance in the lives of millions of “ndi Imo.” As I earlier said, it deserves overexposure and overemphasis because the demolition resulted in the most pathetic scene where the gruesome pictures of dead bodies were displayed notwithstanding the fact that the “land-grabber” played it down from newspaper publicity campaign.

In the social media, it was a common sight to notice a young girl in her teens crying helplessly with blood all over her clothes and pretty face as her younger and handsome brother of 10 years old christened Master Somtochukwu Ibeanusi lay dead. By this singular act, the “land-grabber” recorded his name in the infamous book of Imo where there are the likes of the “money-grabbers” of Otokoto saga.

election administrator.

Another take-away from the Kenyan electoral experience is the need for capacity strengthening of election management bodies to enable them to deliver on their very sensitive and delicate mandate. It has since emerged from a leaked memo by the IEC’s Chairman Wafula Chebukati to the Chief Executive Officer Ezra Chiloba, that all had not been well with the Commission. In the said memo, which only surfaced after the Supreme Court’s decision, the Chairman was reported to have cited some 12 concerns and/or “irregularities” related to electoral procedures in the bungled August 8 election, including satellite phones acquired with more than $6 million for results transmission that never worked.

The memo also alleged that some 10,366 out of the 40,883 polling stations had sent text results without the accompanying legal form 34A for over 4.6 million votes from the 19.6 million voters registered by the Commission. It further disclosed that two IEBC IT staff members reportedly created two separate accounts with the Chairman’s username and password without his knowledge or consent and used the said accounts to undertake 9,934 transactions. If this was the case, it is curious that the same chairman would declare a winner in such a flawed contest!

As expected, opposition leader Odinga, whose petition resulted in the overturning of the poll results, has latched onto these latest allegations, claiming a vindication of his position and insisting that the IEBC staffers involved must face prosecution.

•Paul Ejime is an International Media & Communications Specialist

I thank God that “ndi Owerri” listened to my clarion call for prayers, which was published in the Nigerian Horn of Monday August 28, 2017 at the back page. These special prayer sessions started at “Ugwu Ekwema” on Friday September 1, 2017 where the elders wept at the graveside of their founding father, Owerre Ekwem Arugo of the 14th century. Also, they called on the ancestors for a repercussion for the wicked acts of black Saturday August 26, 2017. Moreover, a mass was conducted for the purpose on Sunday September 3, 2017 at the Assumpta Cathedral Church, Owerri. The 10-day event ended on Sunday September 10, 2017 at the Transfiguration of Our Lord (CATOL) Cathedral Church, Owerri.

From the foregoing, “ndi Owerri” have played their inviolable role. The rest will be completed by the innocent blood of Master Somtochukwu, like that of Master Ikechukwu, which presents a true case of “ofo na ogu.”

•Sir IWUALA (07039096666) wrote in from Owerri, Imo State.

THE GROUP

Managing Director/Editor-in-Chief Ikeddy Isiguzo Editor Felix Oguejiofor Abugu Deputy Editor/Head, Lagos Bureau Sopuruchi Onwuka Abuja Bureau Chief Tony Ailemen Head, Graphics & Designs Nnamdi Alex Chukwu Advert Manager Andrew Udeh Circulation Manager Felix Oti

26

The Oracle Today September 20, 2017

Travel & Hospitality ‘Data, key to online travel industry in Nigeria’ Stories by VICTOR NZE

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ANAGING Director of Jumia Travel Nigeria, Omolara Adagunodo, has described data and information as key to the operation of the travel industry in Nigeria.

Adagunodo, who said this at the just-concluded Nigerian Hospitality and Tourism Conference, organized by her online travel agency (OTA), Jumia, which held in Lagos, stated that the lack of data in the industry informed the need to enter the market.

According to her, at the time the company was entering the market some 5 years ago, it was noticed that data on the travel industry was not available. The company therefore took it upon itself to invest in the production of such data every year.

“In the last five years of our existence as a company, we have been involved in notable endeavors that sought to move the industry forward. One of the very first things we noticed at a time was the lack of data in the travel industry. As you all know, data is indeed crucial to the planning and development of any sector. So, we took it upon ourselves to invest in the production of a report on the

•Special Adviser to the Governor on Arts and Culture and leader of the delegation to the Conference, Mrs. Adebimpe Akinsola flanked by other delegates from Lagos State to the 41st annual World Tourism Conference which held in Kigali, Rwanda.

Nigerian hospitality industry. We produce this report yearly in every African country we have our operation,”Adaogunodo said.

The conference had two panel discussions with relevant travel practitioners as panelists. The theme: “Using New Media to

Merchandise Major Nigerian Sites, Destinations & Places to Drive Tourists Footfall,” was discussed by Chiamaka Obuekwe, Founder of Social Prefect Tours; Funmi Oyatogun, Founder of TVP Adventures; Wonu Lamidi, CEO of Diamond & Pearl Tours;

Lola Daniyan, Founder of Unravelling Nigeria; and Michael Balogun, Founder of Tour2Nigeria.

“Managing Current Hotel Trends to Anticipate Future Customers’ Needs,” was the theme of the second panel discussion which had Damilola Koya of Eko

Hotel & Suites; Anthony Shisler of Fahrenheit; Omolara Adagunodo of Jumia Travel; Jeff Fischer of Welcome Centre Hotels; and Paul Okojie of Golden Tulip.

The Nigerian Hospitality and Tourism Conference is a yearly event being organised by Jumia Travel Nigeria. Its objective is to bring the key players in the industry together to share knowledge and information with the growing circle of travel and tourism enthusiasts in the country. It’s a free to attend event.

Presenting his keynote address, Director General of the Nigerian Tourism Development Corporation (NTDC), Mr. Folusho Folarin-Coker, said Nigeria needs to grow its strong domestic market as it is the only form of sustainable tourism.

Coker spoke under the theme, “Maximizing the Potentials of the Hospitality and Tourism Industry: The Role of the Government.”

“The bedrock of tourism is not the big footprint of foreign brands but rather, the many cottage industries manned by passionate indigenes. That is what allows tourism be the largest employer of labour in the world, even over the oil industry,” Coker added.

Investors stake funds on 300 hotels in Africa T

he face of Africa’s tourism and hospitality sector has transformed almost completely from what was once known as the ‘dark continent’ whose narrative was riddled with stories of famine, poverty and political instability to ‘Africa is open for business’ and home to some of the world’s fastest emerging-market economies.

The TopHotelProject database has indicated in its report released, Friday, that a total of 116 hotel projects are in the planning phase across Africa, in addition to 155 projects under construction, 36 projects in the preopening phase and 42 projects nearing completion in Africa.

The TopHotelProject is a platform that receives direct input from the hospitality.

“Africa is open for business, which means there is a growing demand for lodging of an international standard. And it is this demand that creates the business case for investors with an appetite to invest in Africa, especially in countries with visible economic activity,” says Michele de Witt, director for Horwath HTL South Africa – a leading international hotel consulting organisation instrumental in growing the sector across English-speaking sub-Saharan Africa.

However, the sector differs from country to country and according to de Witt South Africa’s

hospitality landscape is different to that of other sub-Saharan African countries.

“It is very difficult to paint subSaharan Africa with one brush stroke. This is a vast continent and each country has a unique development history, which shapes its attractiveness for travel and tourism-related activities, as well as potential hotel investment,” says de Witt.

Growing the hotel sector is hard work and before making that investment decision, de Witt says investors ask several essential questions. She says a robust economy is crucial; so is hassle-free inbound air travel to guarantee access to the country and transport development and infrastructure too.

“These are very important requirements for hotel investors

and each of these points is vital to consider. In my view, the top sub-Saharan African countries that are succeeding and getting it right: Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; Nairobi, Kenya; Dakar, Senegal and Kampala, Uganda,” she says.

According to de Witt, the process in getting a hotel off the ground is multi-faceted and it starts with an individual or corporation interested in invest-

ing in a country by developing a building suitable for operating a hotel. She says in addition to the investor appointing a hotel management company to manage and market the hotel on their behalf, undertaking a market analysis and financial feasibility study is considered a ‘crucial first step’ in the hotel development process.

Global tourism numbers set seven-year record

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isitor numbers to Nigeria and rest of the African continent jumped by 7.6 percent as overall international tourist figures grew 6.4 percent in the first half of 2017, the strongest half-year figures in seven years, according to the data released by the United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) World Tourism Barometer, Thursday.

The number of international tourists surged to about 598 million between January and June, some 36 million more than during the same period last year, the Madrid-based United Nations body said in a statement.

Worldwide, international tourist arrivals (overnight visitors) increased by 6% compared to the same six-month period last year, well above the sustained and consistent trend.

“The first half of 2017 shows

healthy growth in an increasingly dynamic and resilient tourism market, including a strong recovery in some of the destinations impacted by security challenges last year,” said UNWTO SecretaryGeneral Taleb Rifai.

Mediterranean destinations reported “particularly strong growth” in the first half of 2017, including those such as Egypt, Tunisia and Turkey, which suffered terrorist attacks in recent years, causing a slump in visitors, the organisation said.

Southern and Mediterranean Europe saw a 12 percent rise in international visitors, North Africa posted a 16 percent rise and the Middle East recorded an increase of 8.9 percent.

Results are underpinned by robust growth in many destinations and a continuation of the recovery in those that suffered declines in previous years. Of UNWTO re-

gions, growth was strongest in the Middle East (+9%), Europe (+8%) and Africa (+8%), followed

by Asia and the Pacific (+6%) and the Americas (+3%).

In the whole of 2016, the num-

ber of international tourist arrivals grew by 3.9 percent from the previous year to 1.23 billion and the UN body expects the figure to grow by three to four percent this year.

Marriott wins two major industry awards

H

otel chain, Marriott International has bagged two major hotel category awards at the Business Traveler Africa Awards for 2017, recently held in Cape Town, South Africa.

Voted as the Best Business Hotel Group and The Best International Hotel Group in South Africa the hospitality giant has been recognized for its strong footprint, quality and consistency of service, and range of business facilities provided across its portfolio.

“To win top honors at the coveted Business Traveler Awards 2017 in two categories is indeed a commendable achievement and a

tribute to the commitment of our teams and associates who dedicate themselves to delivering the highest standards of service and strive to make every guest stay memorable,” said Alex Kyriakidis, President and Managing Director Middle East and Africa, Marriott International. “I am extremely proud of our teams and dedicate this award to their hard work and dedication.”

According to Volker Heiden, VP of Protea Hotels by Marriott, Marriott International, Middle East and Africa, “We are thrilled with this recognition which underpins the goals we have set for ourselves.

27

The Oracle Today September 20, 2017

AVIATION

Nigeria drives regional growth Stories by VICTOR NZE

A

FRICAN airlines experienced a 6.5 per cent increase in traffic compared to a year ago, down from 9.8 per cent demand growth in June. This is also as capacity rose 1.7 per cent, and load factor jumped 3.4 percentage points to 74.1 per cent.

According to the International Air Transport Association (IATA) which released its global passenger traffic results for July, demand grew strong but moderate with total revenue passenger kilometers (RPKs) rising 6.8 per cent, compared to the same month last year, down from 7.7 per cent year-over-year growth recorded in June.

The report further noted that conditions in the African region’s two largest economies, Nigeria and South Africa, continued to diverge, with the latter in recession while business confidence levels remained at a two-year peak in Nigeria.

According to the report, all regions reported solid or better growth in passenger volumes over the past year. Capacity (available seat kilometers or ASKs) increased by 6.1 per cent, and load factor rose 0.6 percentage points to a July record of 84.7 per cent.

“As is evidenced by the record high load factor in July, the appetite for air travel remains very strong. However, the stimulus effect of lower fares is softening in the face of rising cost

inputs. This suggests a moderating in the supportive demand backdrop,” said Alexandre de Juniac, IATA’s Director General and CEO. July international passenger demand rose 6.2 per cent compared to July 2016, which was a slow-down compared to the 7.6 per cent growth recorded in June. Total capacity climbed 5.5 per cent, and load factor edged up 0.5 percentage points to 84.6 per cent.

European carriers posted a 7.5 per cent rise in traffic for July compared to a year ago, down from 8.8 per cent annual growth in June. Capacity rose 5.9 per cent, and load factor climbed 1.3 percentage points to 88.7 per cent, highest among the regions. The economic backdrop in Europe has strengthened; however, on a seasonally-adjusted basis, the upward growth in travel demand has moderated sharply since February.

Asia-Pacific airlines’ July traffic rose 5.9 per cent over the year-ago period, a deceleration compared to June growth of 8.8 per cent. As with Europe, carriers in the Asia-Pacific region are seeing a slowing of demand growth. Capacity increased 6.7 per cent and load factor slipped 0.6 percentage points to 81.0 per cent.

“As the first full month in the summer peak travel season, July is a bellwether month, and demand continues to be very strong. People want to travel and aviation connectivity is vi-

NAMA commences competency appraisal for AIS officers

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he Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) has commenced a competency appraisal of Aeronautical Information Services (AIS) officers in all airports across the country.

Managing Director, Capt. Fola Akinkuotu, who said this in a statement in Lagos, Monday, added that the exercise, which was targeted at testing AIS officers in areas such as Aeronautical Charts, AIS Publication and Operations, was started from the Murtala Mohammed International Airport in Lagos.

According to him, the exercise will be replicated in other airports in the country in the coming weeks.

“Considering the pivotal role aeronautical information plays in safety of air navigation and in the light of ongoing migration to AIS Automation, due consideration must be given to the integrity of data being disseminated to airspace users, hence this exercise,” he said.

Akinkuotu said that NAMA placed premium on building capacity of staff, adding that sustained training and retraining of personnel were being carried out to ensure they possessed competencies required to perform critical functions.

He said their functions impacted on safety and they needed to keep pace with modern trends in the highly dynamic world of aviation.

General Manager, AIS, Mr Kabir Gusau, said that the periodic competency checks were in line with Annex 15 of the International Standards and Recommended Practices (SARPs) of International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO).

• General Manager, Federal Aviation Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Training, Mr. Nath McAbraham Inajoh (m) flanked by Chairperson, Nigerian Institute of Management (Chartered), Ikeja branch, Mrs. Elizabeth Talabi-Akinbile and another member during the just-concluded NIM (Chartered) Ikeja chapter Members’ Week in Lagos which held under the theme: Economic Recession and survival strategy. economic strategy,” said de Jutal to the smooth functioning able airport and air traffic man- niac. agement infrastructure.

To do of the global economy. But the This is particularly true as the economic and social benefits this effectively, governments United States considers restrucmust include aviation’s requirethat aviation brings need to be turing its air traffic control orsupported by adequate, afford- ments as part of their national ganization.

FAAN warns of bottleneck on MMIA road T

he Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, FAAN has appealed to air travellers as well as other airport users for understanding as the Lagos State government commenced the reconstruction of the Murtala Muhammed Airport (MMIA) Road, Lagos.

The project which would last for 15 months is to expand the road to a 10-lane highway.

FAAN, in a statement, Thursday, urged passengers and other airport users plying the road to

AMCON dismisses reports of negotiations with Ethiopian Airlines on Arik Air

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he Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON), has said it was unaware of any plans by the Ethiopian Airlines to buy embattled indigenous carrier, Arik Air Limited (Arik).

A statement signed by Head, Corporate Communications, AMCON Jude Nwauzor denied any discussions regarding any planned takeover of Arik Air by the Ethiopian carrier.

“Our attention has been drawn to a barrage of media reports, which claimed that there are discussions going on with Ethiopian Airlines for the carrier to render management services to Arik. Contrary to these reports, the Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON) is not aware of any current discussion or negotiation with the management of Ethiopian Airlines regarding

Arik Air Limited (Arik), Nwauzor said in the statement.

Continuing, the statement said: “Arik was placed in receivership last February, following the airline’s inability to repay debts in excess of N300 billion to AMCON and other creditors in Nigeria and around the world. It is on record that the Receivership Team has within the period stabilised the operations of the airline, marked by stability of schedules; improved On-Time-Performance (OTP) and revamped customer service among others.

Today, the Airline has regained its dominance as the most reliable carrier in the country with growing passenger patronage and confidence.

The general public and all stakeholders will be kept duly informed on issues relating to the airline’s divestment plan”.

always leave their homes earlier than usual, so as to be able to get to the airport in good time and also avoid missing their flights.

Specifically, the design of the project includes; the reconstruction and expansion of the existing carriage to a three-lane expressway on both directions; construction of a two-lane service lane on both sides; construction of Ramp Bridge to provide a U-turn from Ajao Estate to Airport; construction of a flyover at NAHCO/Toll Gate and drainage works.

Others include: The removal of existing Pedestrian Bridge at Ajao Estate and construction of Pedestrian Bridges at Ajao Estate and NAHCO/Hajj Camp; construction of Slip Road to provide access to Ajao Estate; construction of Lay-bys and installation of street Lights, among others.

“Security agencies and other traffic officers have been mobilized to ensure that road users and passengers have relatively hitch free passage while the road is under construction. The Authority, in conjunction with the Lagos State Government, has put in place necessary measures to mitigate the effect of the construction on the road users while the project last,” the FAAN statement read.

Meanwhile, the Lagos State Government, Thursday, met with stakeholders and residents of the Lagos International Airport Road and environs on the planned reconstruction and upgrade of the

Oshodi-Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA) road as part of efforts to prevent any impediment or delay in executing the project.

Commissioner for Waterfront Infrastructure Development, Engr.

Adebowale Akinsanya, who represented the State government at the forum, said the desire of the present administration to transform the entire axes of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport road informed its reconstruction.

He stated that the redevelopment of the International Gateway will enhance vehicular movement from the Airport to Apapa-Oshodi Expressway and its immediate environs such as Ikeja metropolis, Isolo and Mafoluku axis as well as eliminate the traffic gridlock and reduce travel time in the area.

Engineer Akinsanya, however, noted that the State Government is aware that there are bound to be some inconveniences during the construction period but assured that measures have been put in place to mitigate the impact on residents, motorists and commuters who ply the route.

Representative of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), at the meeting, Surveyor Remi Aromiwura, said the agency is very pleased with the decision of the State Government to reconstruct the road into what is obtainable in the developed world and pledged the cooperation of the agency in the timely delivery of the project.

The Oracle Today

28

Wednesday September 20, 2017

INSURANCE & PENSION

N5,000 student insurance tears FG, parents apart

By CHRIS EBONG

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NSURANCE covers introduced into the unity school system in 2015 and underwritten by the NICON Insurance Plc is degenerating into controversies between the school authorities and parents who have faulted the imposition of N5,000 premium on children.

A group of parents of students in the Federal Government owned secondary schools across the country under the aegis of Unity Schools Parents Forum has called on the National Insurance Commission to constructively see to the controversy generated by an insurance scheme facilitated

by NICON insurance in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Education.

The group said this is to avert an impending turbulence that the scheme may generate across the country at the students’ resumption.

According to the spokesperson of the group, Kingsley Akindele, “this controversy has been on for a while, and the parents in different capacities had over the years made their positions known on the scheme. Therefore it is

NAICOM partners NSE

T

he National Insurance Commission (NAICOM), Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) and other regulators are working to harmonize financial account submission procedures for insurance companies.

The move is to minimize incessant sanctions on insurance operators arising due to late submission of accounts.

The National Insurance Commission said that the planned procedure would act as onestop shop for rendition of accounts, making it possible for regulators to stay action once their colleague gets the account of a company.

According to the Deputy Commissioner (Finance & Administration), NAICOM, Mr. George Onekhena, the regulators are assiduously working to see that they share information on accounts submitted by companies.

Chief Executive Officer of NSE Mr. Oscar Onyema, who had a meeting with insurance operators recently, said the Exchange and other regulators will continue to harmonise financial reporting systems, adding that financial reporting is highly essential to investors as it aids their investments decisions.

very essential for the parent to once again call the attention of the public to the fraud that is going on in the sector. The parents at different forums had stated it unequivocally that the N5000 insurance scheme premium per student in federal government owned schools is not acceptable. It is unfair that the parents would be made to be paying for a scheme they knew nothing about.”

Speaking further Akindele said, “Trouble is eminent in the schools as some schools are already refusing parents who have paid their school fees without the insurance fees to convert their bank tellers to their respective school receipts. The major concern of most parents is the alleged diversion of the money for personal use by the management of the Jimoh Ibrahim owned insurance company.”

“It is expedient to recall that in 2016, we call the attention of the Federal Government, through the ministry of education and especially the Economic Financial Crime Commission (EFCC) to look closely at the scheme which no parent seems to understand. The entire parent is yet to understand the nitty-gritty of the contract and the facts about the actual arrangement the unity schools through the Federal Ministry of Education have with the NICON insurance company.”

However Akindele said most of the parents are not against the scheme, “but want it to be transparent, with clearly spelt out terms and conditions and reviewable annual contract agreement.

This most importantly must be optional.”

Meanwhile, the NICON insurance scheme in the secondary school has been generation controversy within the sector for a while, most of the parents considered it as a major fraud committing against them and wants the federal government to live up to its responsibility in administering the schools, it should be recalled that in 2015, the Na¬tional As¬so¬ci¬a¬tion of Par¬ent Teacher As¬so¬ci¬a¬tion of Fed¬eral Gov¬ern¬ment Col¬leges (NAPTAFEGC), South-west Zone, dur¬ing its quar¬terly meet¬ing

LASACO remits N1.063bn legacy pension

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at the Fed¬eral Gov¬ern-ment Girls’ Col¬lege, Akure, Ondo State re¬jected what it de¬scribed as the im¬po¬si¬tion of an un¬nec¬es¬sary in¬sur¬ance pol¬icy scheme on stu¬dents of unity col¬leges and called for the stan-dard¬i¬s¬a¬tion of ed¬u¬ca¬tion in the coun¬try.

The as¬so¬ci¬a¬tion made its po¬si¬tion public dur¬ing its March 2015 quar¬terly meet¬ing at the Fed¬eral Gov¬ern¬ment Girls’ Col¬lege, Akure, Ondo State, where chair¬men of NAPTAFEGC from the 18 col¬leges in the zone dis¬cussed is¬sues in¬clud¬ing the way for-ward for ed¬u¬ca¬tion in the re¬gion.

Accordinng to the Zonal Coordinator, Ru¬fus Famuwagun, the association, which he de-scribed as the strongest stakeholder and partner in progress to the Federal Min¬istry of Education, is out to de¬fend, up¬hold and sus¬tain the vi¬sion of the found¬ing fa¬thers of unity colleges.

Though the chairmen saw nothing wrong with an in¬sur¬ance policy for their wards, they argued that the federal gov¬ern¬ment has adequate funds to bankroll the insur¬ance policies for the school chil¬dren and spare their par¬ents the fi¬nan¬cial bur¬den Also in 2016, The National Association of Parents and Teachers

of Federal Government Colleges, an affiliate body of the Parents Teachers Association (PTA), says it will not accept N5, 000-insurance fee in unity schools. The former Chairman of PTA, Federal Government College, Kwali and North Central Zonal Coordinator of National Association of Parents and Teachers of Federal Government Colleges, Mr Ehis Ogbeide, told newsmen in Abuja at that time that the association was not concerned about the old N1, 500-insurance scheme which had fizzled out on its own but would not accept the introduction of another fee.

NICON Insurance scheme was introduced to all students in the federal government owned secondary schools otherwise known as the unity secondary schools throughout the country in 2015.

Since then, it has continued to generate abysmal controversy, where the majority of the parents claimed that the annual N5000 per children is of the high side, which means over 200,000 students from 104 unity schools nationwide will equal to over a billion naira annually.

And most importantly, the parents have never in any way contacted or contracted into the scheme by the insurance company, the school authority or the federal government.

ASACO Assurance Plc management said it has remitted the N1.063billion legacy pension funds in its custody to Pension Transitional Arrangement Directorate (PTAD), in compliance with the directive of the Federal Government.

A statement obtained on Thursday said the company paid the money to PTAD as final settlement of the funds meant for pensions of six Federal Government parastatals under the Defined Benefit Scheme.

The Divisional Manager, PTAD, Christiana Adebote, who made this known in Abuja after receiving the transfer, commended LASACO for its compliance, according to her; the transfer by the underwriting firm was an execution of a Memorandum of Understanding between the directorate and the company.

She added that last year, the directorate issued demand notices to insurance companies holding legacy funds meant for payment to pensioners under the DBS, to transfer outstanding funds into the dedicated e-collection account with the Central Bank of Nigeria, explaining that the Pension Reform Act 2014 vested all pension assets, funds and liabilities on PTAD and warned that it had become imperative for other concerned companies still holding on to the legacy funds to transfer them to PTAD without further delay.

The divisional manager noted that the intention of the Federal Government’s request for the release of these funds was to use them for prompt payment of pension to pensioners.

The General Manager (Marketing), LASACO Assurance, Ademoye Shobo, while collecting the ‘Letter of Set Off’ from PTAD, having fully paid the amount due, said the legacy funds managed on behalf of six Federal Government parastatals, as required by section 42 of the Pension Reform Act (2014), was fully remitted in July 2017.

Law Union & Rock Insurance appoints executive director

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aw Union and Rock Insurance Plc. have notified the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) and the investing public of the appointment of Olasupo Sogelola as an Executive Director (Operations/ Technical). The appointment has been approved by the National Insurance Commission (NAICOM).

Sogelola is an accomplished Ex-

ecutive who has over the years proven himself as a visionary leader and a business strategist.

He graduated with a BSc degree in Zoology from the University of lbadan in 1988 and an MBA marketing) degree from the University of Lagos in 2005.

Olasupo whose job experience in the insurance industry has spans

over two decades began his career in insurance in 1992 as a reinsurance Underwriter with Guinea Insurance Plc., Lagos. In 2010, he joined FBN Insurance limited (Subsidiary of First Bank & Sanlam of South Africa) as the Head, Corporate Division where he rose to the position of Head, Brokers & Public Sector. As a result of his extraordinary lead-

ership skills, Olasupo acted as the Managing Director of FBN Insurance Limited from December 2015 — April 2016.

He is an Associate Member of the Chartered Insurance Institute of Nigeria. He has attended many high profiled conferences and trainings both locally and internationally.

Olasupo is married with children.

29

The Oracle Today Wednesday September 20, 2017

CHERRYWOOD COURTS IBEJU LEKKI Cherrywood courts is an exceptional water front estate located in the alluring neighborhood of the Lekki free trade zone, Dangote refinery which is the new Lagos state money bag.

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For more details please contact PREMIUM PARTNERS +234 (803) 887 2988, +234 (803) 300 7069 25 Remi Fani Kayode Street G.R.A Ikeja, Lagos State

30

The Oracle Today Wednesday September 20, 2017

INSURANCE & PENSION

Ambode calls for efficient pension administration

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•From left: Director, NEM Insurance Plc, Alhaji Ahmed Yakasai; Deputy MD, Mrs. Susan Giwa-Osagie, Group Managing Director/CEO, Mr. Tope Smart and the Chairman Board, Dr. Fidelis Ayebae during the 47th Annual General Meeting of NEM Insurance Plc held at Premier Hotel, Ibadan, Oyo State recently.

HE Lagos State Governor, Akinwunmi Ambode has called for efficient pension administration in the country, saying the haphazard handling of pension matters over the years has led to huge pension arrears and the subjection of pensioners to untold hardship.

According to him, this calls for reforms across board on pension matters, stressing that Lagos State Government is aiming to assure the sustainability of the series of digital and electronic mechanisms and innovation now enshrined in the processes of its Civil Service Pensions Office (CSPO).

The Governor who was represented by the Commissioner, Lagos State Ministry Of Establishments, Training And Pensions, Dr. Benson Oke, in his opening address at the training for Senior Staff Members of the Lagos State

Insurers urged to develop analytical skills

By CHRIS EBONG

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HE Nigerian insurance industry has been urged to train market analysts who can talk about the activities and movement of insurance stocks on the floor of the Nigerian Stock Exchange, NSE. The advice came from the Director General of the NSE, Mr. Oscar Onyeama during a meeting with the National Insurance Commission (NAICOM) and chief executive of insurance companies in Lagos recently.

According to him, the risk management industry needs skilled

analytical mechanism that would promote and project the activities of the industry especially the insurance companies stocks on the exchange.

He blamed industry stakeholders for not creating enough awareness on the activities of the sector especially in area of claims settlements and dividend.

On the back of this, the Insurers Committee has proposed first quarter of 2018 to kick start publicity project that will sensitize the insuring publics on the benefits of insurance products.

The chairman, Publicity Subcommittee, Mrs. Ebele Nwachuk-

wu made this known to journalists shortly after the meeting of the committee, stressing that members are putting in place the machinery to ensure that the project commences on schedule.

In addition, the managing director, Cornerstone Insurance Plc, Mr. Ganiyu Musa, who is also a member of the committee, noted that the industry has resolved to take the insurance publicity campaign to doorsteps of Nigerians.

In separate meeting with journalists in Lagos, the managing director, Law Union & Rock In-

Report predicts $65bn insurance industry loss from Irma

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lobal catastrophe risk modeller, AIR Worldwide, has released an estimate for the insurance industry loss for Hurricane Irma for the U.S. and selected Islands in the Caribbean, of between $20billion and $65 billion, combined.

The report estimates an insurance industry loss of between $15 billion and $50 billion as a result of wind and storm surge from hurricane Irma, which was on track to hit Florida last Sunday morning.

For selected Islands in the Caribbean, the modeller estimates that Irma’s wind and precipitation-induced flooding will drive an estimated insured loss of between $5 billion and $15 billion.

AIR notes that these estimates are based on the NHC’s Saturday, September 9th 5am EDT forecast advisory for major hurricane Irma.

The intensity of the storm as it approaches the U.S. coastline is subject to change, but it is expected to intensify from its current Category 3 status to a Category 4 storm as it nears the Florida coast.

Parts of the Caribbean have already been battered by the storm, and now hurricane and storm surge warnings are in place for the Bahamas and Florida.

“At least two nuclear plants in Florida were shut down as a precautionary measure: the Turkey Point plant and the St. Lucie plant.

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers drew down the levels in Lake Okeechobee and inspected the dam for safety. The South Florida Water Management District lowered water levels in canals as they plan for flooding and storm surge dangers.

“The Georgia governor declared a state of emergency in at least six coastal counties, and issued mandatory evacuation orders for the City of Savannah and surrounding

Chatham County,” explains the report.

Concerns have also been raised for cotton fields in North and South Carolina and Texas, which could experience additional damage soon after a reported $150 million hit from hurricane Harvey.

80percent of Florida’s total insured value is in coastal counties, which suggests that the insured loss for Irma could be higher than seen with Harvey, owing to a lack of insurance penetration in the region, especially surrounding flood, which is expected to make up the majority of Harvey losses.

FBN General Insurance appoints Babatunde Mimiko as executive director

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BN General Insurance Limited has appointed Babatunde Mimiko as its executive director.

The company said in a statement that Mimiko brings on board a sterling 18-year career across the financial services industry, including a short stint in banking.

Prior to his appointment as Executive Director at FBN General Insurance, Mimiko was Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of Ensure Insurance.

He began his career at WAPIC

Insurance in 1999 as assistant superintendent, underwriting, from where he moved to the then Intercontinental Bank (now Access Bank) as product manager, consumer banking group.

In 2003, he re-joined WAPIC Insurance as branch manager of its Port Harcourt office. Mimiko spent the next 10 years of his professional career rising through various top management positions until he left as controller in 2013.

surance Plc, Mr. Jude Orimolade said that the insurance is looking up to the media in takings the insurance messages to the grassroots.

According to him, the percentage of uninsured Nigerians in a country of over 180million people was unacceptable and that insurance industry is now prepared to take the bull by its horn in ensuring that the sectors activities are made known to the public through a synergy with the media.

He expressed optimism that the underwriting sector will by year 2020 attain a trillion Naira status in premium income if the collaboration with the media is well sustained.

“Insurance industry, in the last CEO meeting we had with the commissioner, you heard what we want to do in terms publicity for the insurance industry.

Starting from next year, the first quarter the insurance industry is going to put in a lot of money in terms of publicity because that’s what we need in the industry.

We need to create a lot of awareness for the industry.

There are a lot of gaps in the market in the sense that we have a population of more than 180 million people and when one looks at that population, question that comes to mind is, what is the percentage of that population that is actually insured”. Mr. Orimolade acknowledged.

And it’s a good thing that your association has been able to come up with this innovation in terms of creating the awareness for the industry. In this direction we’ll continue to support you because we believe in this synergy between your association and the sector.

I know that the industry has projected to meet the one trillion Naira incomes by year 2020 and i believe that with the synergy between the industry and the media, the regulator and all other stakeholders we can achieve it”. He said.

Civil Service titled, ‘Digital and Electronic Administration of Pensions in Lagos State’ organized by the Civil Service Pensions Office said digital and electronic administration of pensions entrenched by the State is crucial to effective and efficient administration of pension in the State.

He explained that the CSPO has been responsible for processing of terminal benefits of staff who exit the system by way of statutory or voluntary retirement, noting that this is for pensioners who disengage on the “Pay As You Go” Scheme.

In addition to this, he said the CSPO is responsible for processing of payment of pensions and gratuities, maintaining comprehensive and up-to-date personnel records for pensioners of the civil service, among others.

He said in line with the recognised need for reforms, the Lagos State Government committed itself to the task of ensuring a better and more effective pension administration system.

He said it is to this end that the CSPO put in place various measures to ease the burden of retirees and ensure their comfort, he added.

He urges the participants at the training to be prepared to deliver value to pension administration in the State through digital and electronic measures.

I am therefore confident that the participants at this training will be exposed to a considerable body of knowledge that will stand them in good stead to assume positions of responsibilities in the near future and to sustain the pace, level, and scope of innovation at the CSPO, he said.

Obiano inaugurates 13-member Health Insurance Agency

A

nambra State Governor, Willie Obiano has inaugurated a 13-member Governing Council of Anambra State Health Insurance Agency to facilitate health delivery services in the state.

A statement in Awka by the Governor’s Office, noted that council was inaugurated at Governor’s Lodge, Amawbia, by Gov. Willie Obiano.

The council has Dr Philip Umezoke as its Chairman, while Mr Emmanuel Ezeoke would serve as the secretary.

Other members are: Anambra Commissioner for Health, Dr Josephat Akabuike, the Commissioner for Finance, Mr Ifeatu Onejeme and Dr Eric Anazodo of the Nigeria Medical Association.

Others also include: Mrs Chisom Uche, representing Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria; Mr Anselm Obi, Association of Medical Laboratory Scientists; Mr Benson Jibike, Organised Labour; Mike Opia, Civil Society Organisations; and Mrs Chinasa Añunobi, National Health Insurance Scheme. Three persons will represent the three Senatorial Districts of the state in the council that would steer the ship of the Anambra State Health Insurance Scheme.

31

The Oracle Today Wednesday September 20, 2017

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32

racleToday

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33

The Oracle Today Wednesday September 20, 2017

Love and Living

...With Ireto Temofeh

Model of the Week

LOVE NEWS

Bride, already on bail over credit card fraud, flees with £13,000

A

runaway bride who allegedly fled with £13,000 she raised for a stag trip to Ibiza fund was on bail over hotel credit card fraud.

Rachel Doran was held over claims she copied a hotel guest’s credit card before going on a spending spree.

Doran ,29, from Cleator Moir, has been in hiding since the scandal broke last week.

It emerged today that she was arrested last month following reports a credit card belonging to a guest at the hotel where she worked, in Cleaton Moor, Cumbria, had been cloned.

A source close to the investigation told MailOnline: ‘Rachel Doran was arrested last month in relation to the cloning of a tourist’s credit card. She was questioned by officers and arrested on police bail.’

A Cumbria Police spokeswoman added: ‘A 29-year-old was arrested on August 3 on suspicion of fraud after a report regarding fraudulent use of a credit card. Enquiries continue.’

It comes as it was revealed Ms Doran is being hunted by police after they received a complaint about the missing stag do kitty.

Chris Mahone, 27, let his Ms Doran, 29, organise the four-day trip for him and 29 friends ahead of their wedding.

But when Mr Mahone and his friends arrived at the airport, they found she had allegedly charged them £440 each and provided them with fake boarding passes and documents appearing to be from a local travel agency.

It has now been claimed she asked 20 of her own friends to pay £300

Name: Dimma Tel: +234 810 561 8531.

INSOMNIA

A man went to the doctor complaining of insomnia.

ODD NEWS

Being an ISIS martyr is better than success at school Muslim preacher ‘told children’

A

ment funded groups such as the English Defence League and Britain First to insult Muslims, attack them and put them down.

‘The kuffar [unbelievers] will attack you and kill you,’ he added. ‘Stand up and be ready to sacrifice, be ready to stand in the face of the elements of shaytan [satan], be ready to spill blood and have your blood spilt.’

An undercover officer known as ‘Qassim’ began attending the mosque in Stoke-on-Trent in June last year and recorded sermons given by Hussain over a period of ‘some weeks’.

‘Nobody knew he was a law enforcement officer and nobody knew he was recording the sermons,’ said Sarah Whitehouse QC, prosecuting.

Ten of the sermons, in a mixture of English and classical Arabic, are to be played to the jury, covering current affairs and reminders to the congregation to fear God and the day of judgment.

‘Much of the context of Mr Hus-

Cont’t on page: 36

Romantic Joke

• If you want to be our next ORACLE MODEL, e-mail or forward your photos/data to ireto007@yahoo.com. Call 07031028714.

n imam who encouraged his congregation including children to join Islamic State told them martyrdom was better than school or college, a court heard yesterday.

Kamran Sabir Hussain, 40, was recorded by an undercover police officer delivering 17 sermons in a mosque aimed at recruiting members for IS, the Old Bailey was told.

On September 2 last year, he allegedly told nine children and 35 adults that martyrdom was the ‘supreme success’, greater than any other such as school or college.

Those who died ‘fighting for Allah’ had nothing to fear because they would be forgiven, he is claimed to have said. They would be martyrs in paradise hated by no one except ‘unbelievers’ and hypocrites.

In front of a congregation of ten to 15 children under the age of 15 and about 25 adults on August 19 last year, Hussain allegedly said the Govern-

each for a hen party in Edinburgh next month.

The group was on the way to Leeds-Bradford airport on Thursday when they realised they had been conned, sources claimed.

A spokesman for Cumbria Police said: ‘We have now received a complaint and our enquiry is underway.’

Meanwhile Ms Doran has fled the couple’s home in Whitehaven, Cumbria and is said to have gone into hiding in a caravan park 20 miles away in Allonby.

It is expected officers will be going to the caravan park in west Cumbria where she is understood to be staying.

Some of the revellers refused to be denied a holiday and instead flew off to Magaluf.

The men were pictured sunning it up at a hotel at the party hotspot.

Nine of the original group spent £400 each on the spontaneous trip in a bid to ‘make the best out of a bad situation’ after their stag-do trip was revealed to be a fake.

But Mr Mahone himself was not in the mood to join his friends and instead returned home to Cumbria.

Ms Doran is now alleged to have fled with her hen party money.

One of the revellers on the trip told MailOnline: ‘After we found out about the holiday we went inside the airport, went to the desk and asked if there were any flights to Benidorm or Magaluf.

‘They offered us £150 return so we said ‘f*** it, we’re off to Magaluf’. To

sain’s sermons was unobjectionable,’ Miss Whitehouse said. ‘The sermons took the classic form of any sermon preached in a mosque up and down the country.

‘Some of the sermons, however, strayed beyond mainstream moderate Islamic thought and moved into support and encouragement to those carrying out acts of terrorism.’

The court heard that in March last year Hussain posted a ‘chilling message’ on social media in which he said the ‘Khilafah’ – a reference to IS – was ‘knocking on your door and the fulfilment of Allah’s command is near and if you don’t like it and are enraged by it, then our message to you is simple: “Die in your rage.’’’

In another post, he wrote that Islam ‘is the light of Allah, pre-destined to eliminate the darkness of kufr’ [non-believers].

The court was told that on June 24 last year, nine days after the start of Ramadan, Hussain delivered a 23-min-

The doctor gave him a thorough examination, found absolutely nothing physically wrong with him, and then told him, “Listen, if you ever expect to cure your insomnia, you just have to stop taking your troubles to bed with you.”

“I know” said the man, “but I can’t. My wife refuses to sleep alone.” ute sermon to around ten people in which he gave an account of Islamic military victories.

On the subject of the Battle of Badr in which the Prophet Muhammad was victorious against a much larger army, Hussain is said to have compared the circumstances to Syria today.

He spoke of a ‘small fledgling state who is standing in the face of a pompous and arrogant army’ – described in court as a ‘clear reference’ to IS – and asked his audience to pray for it to be victorious and its oppressors annihilated.

On August 5 last year, he is claimed to have told his congregation that ‘mujahideen’ [holy warriors] ‘take over a land, they stand a black flag, and establish the law of Allah over the necks of the people, whether they like it or don’t like it’ and ‘nobody – not the Queen, not the Prime Minister – can say that you are not allowed to estab-

lish the law of Allah’.

The sermon echoed a recording Hussain had apparently made at a demonstration saying: ‘Inshallah [God willing], we will see the black flag of Islam over Big Ben and Downing Street’.

Hussain, who had been living in a flat close to the mosque where he preached his sermons, is accused of two charges of encouraging support for IS and six of encouraging others to commit acts of terrorism.

He was arrested on February 14. He refused to answer questions but gave police a written statement saying the ability to discuss ‘difficult concepts in a challenging world’ was an essential part of religion and freedom of speech and he did not believe he had encouraged anyone to be a terrorist.

Hussain denies the charges and the trial continues.

DAILY MAIL

34

The Oracle Today Wednesday September 20, 2017

True Confession I ‘I cancelled my wedding because t was a fairy tale beginning. I was a bridesmaid at my cousin’s bachelor’s eve in Port Harcourt while Chike was one of the groomsmen.

The moment we set eyes on each other, we were instantly attracted, and spent the day getting to know each other and the night in each other’s arms on the dance floor.

I didn’t hesitate in giving him my number at the end of the evening, even with the knowledge that my boyfriend, Benjamin, was living in the same Rivers State.

Things weren’t going well with Benjamin my boyfriend. To say the least, his business was not moving and our relationship had gradually degenerated from that of intimate love and friendship to sex mates.

It was only in the bedroom where our quarrels, frustrations, harsh words and angry tears were replaced with passion and romantic fireworks.

We had been together for four years, on and off, and during the off times when I would start dating someone else, Benjamin would go to great lengths to get me back, and it didn’t take much persuading to get me back into bed with him.

The guilt that followed meant an immediate end to many fledgling romances with other men.

My family didn’t like Benjamin, and were always encouraging me to take a break and give myself the opportunity of seeing what was out there.

I could see the pleased looks on their faces at the wedding when they noticed the attraction Chike and I shared, and on the way home, my mother was full of praise for him and his wealthy family.

Chike sent me romantic text messages at work the following day, and picked me up from my office in the evening so that I didn’t need to walk in the rain to catch a cab or bus home.

He took me to a restaurant where we had dinner and then left me on my doorstep with a sweet kiss on the lips.

That weekend, Benjamin told me to come over to his place. And although I was quite tired of my affair with him, I decided to go so that it wouldn’t look as if we were quarreling again.

I got there to find Benjamin snoring in front of the television, and several beer bottles scattered on the floor around him.

The disgust I felt towards him and his regular evening drinking ritual, especially after my dream evening with Chike, was enough for me to tell him there and then that I was quitting the relationship.

Two weeks later, I couldn’t hold myself anymore. I simply called Benjamin and told him that it was over between us. This time, I meant it, and no amount of persuasion from him would bring me back.

My love for Chike blossomed, and I made every effort to avoid Benjamin. I changed my phone number and even changed my job to avoid the risk of bumping into him in the city.

Benjamin finally got the message and didn’t bother me again with his usual tricks.

Meanwhile, Chike and I settled into a comfortable and happy life together. Because Chike had money, he showered me with gifts and weekends away. He even took me to Abuja and proposed to me at the Transcorp Hilton Hotel.

I was happy but a little bit hesitant. The reason was that Chike was perfect in every way, except I craved for him to be more like Benjamin in the bedroom.

Every time we talked about setting a wedding date, I had a reason to put it off..

The reason for my hesitation was that, after returning from Abuja, I came face to face with Benjamin my former boyfriend.

As much as I tried to resist him, we ended up back at his place and made love. This time I vowed to be strong and make it the last time.

Every time I looked down at my hand and saw my engagement ring, I was reminded of the love Chike and I shared.

But it wasn’t enough for me to turn my back on Benjamin. The fact was that Benjamin gave me sexual satisfaction in bed, but Chike didn’t.

Despite this, I still set a wedding date with Chike, made all the preparations, and ordered my designer wedding gown from

of my fiancé’s low sex drive’

Every time we talked about setting a wedding date, I had a reason to put it off...The reason for my hesitation was that, after returning from Abuja, I came face to face with Benjamin my former boyfriend...As much as I tried to resist him, we ended up back at his place and made love.

London.

The wedding was fast approaching, and the tension I was feeling was building. I wanted a life with Chike, but I realised that I would never be finished with Benjamin.

Each time I made the decision to end it, my resolve crumbled.

In the end the decision was taken out of my hands. The day before we were due to be

married, Chike came to see me.

The look on his face said it all. He told me he wanted to hear from me whether I could leave the past in the past and be his wife, and only his.

I told him about Benjamin, and that as much as I loved him, I could never be rid of Benjamin. Chike spent several hours, along with my parents, begging me to reconsider.

In the end, the wedding was cancelled and I felt that Chike was better off being set free, instead of getting married to a woman like me who would never be happy or derive satisfaction from his performance in bed.

I think that if I had gone ahead to marry Chike, there was no way I wasn’t going to cheat on him with Benjamin. So it was better I didn’t marry him in the first instance.

Chike always found it difficult getting an erection, and even when he did, he just couldn’t make me reach orgasm.

Besides, he didn’t seem to want sex as much as I did, and it drove me crazy. I had to cancel my wedding because of my fiancé’s poor sex drive or libido.

At least one of us is free. Benjamin still continues to toy with my emotions and I don’t know what I’m going to do next.

My life is now a miserable mess. I hear from my cousin that Chike has moved out of Port Harcourt in order not to set eyes on me again.

I feel stupid to have lost my fiancé because of lack of sexual satisfaction, but still I think I took the best decision.

35

The Oracle Today Wednesday September 20, 2017

Relationships and Love Advice

‘My wife no longer wants to sleep with me’

Love Search Women seeking relationship/ marriage Roseline, 38, chocolate, from Cross River, living in Port Harcourt, needs a honest, mature, caring, god-fearing and well-to-do man of 40-50 years for marriage. 08180072310.

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Blessing, 33, from Imo, in Lagos, fat, busty, single mother, needs a matured man of 45years+ for marriage.

08025117116, 08053407885.

Dear Love Doctor, Please sir, I really need your advice. I’ve been married for the past sixteen years and I and my wife have six children, three boys and three girls. But the problem is that if I now want to have sex with my wife, she will not agree. If she agrees after much pressure from me, she will tell me that we can only do one round. And even that one round is war. Please, I think too much because I love her and I don’t know what to do. I don’t have a girlfriend. Please help me.

From Andrew, 080721017xx

Love Doctor’s Advice: Dear Andrew,

This is a delicate matter. However, you need to be patient with her. Have a frank talk with her and find out why she is so much against sex now, after 16 years of marriage.

Maybe she is going through so much stress. It is not easy having to cater for so many children and a husband. It could also be that she is scared of getting pregnant again after having given birth to six children already. Maybe she’s tired of child-bearing. If that is the case, you might need to assure her that you don’t want to have any more children & will ensure that she doesn’t get pregnant again by practising safe sex. Find out the exact reason for her refusal and assure her of your help & support. If she has your assurance & support, she will get over her fear of sex and your sex life will return to normal.

Chioma, 27, tall, homely, graduate, from Anambra, wants a hard working, understanding man of 28 years+ for a serious relationship. 08066521152.

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Call Love Doctor: 07031028714, 08131161840, 08077821830 for Counseling, infertility & Direct Hookup.

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Do you have advice on this problem? Please share your thoughts. Call 07031028714 or 08131161840. Email: ireto007@yahoo.com 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.

Kenneth, 40, wants a responsible woman for marriage. 08143002139.

36

The Oracle Today Wednesday September 20, 2017

I

It happened to me:

’ve never felt the need to have someone, a soulmate, a husband, a boyfriend, a lover or even just a close male friend. But when I hit 24 I suddenly felt an urge for company, maybe even love.

I had just packed my suitcase, ready for a trip up the coast when I had a crazy idea.

Don’t take anything with you. Have a break from everything, buy new clothes when you get there, act like a different person, take a stash of money out of your bank and forget your identity for the whole two weeks. So I did. I had a fantastic-paying job so I decided to withdraw $15,000 from my savings and spend it on whatever I wanted.

I got to my resort and entered my luxury suite. The first thing I wanted to do was to get completely relaxed so I rang the front desk and booked a massage for that afternoon. Then I realised I needed clothes for the evening — something completely different from what I’d normally wear. I walked to the street of boutiques and bought $1500 worth of clothes.

Then I passed an adult store and glanced inside. Normally a glance would be all I needed to satisfy my curiosity but now I wasn’t me. I was someone new and exciting and a raunchy sex costume was a necessity! I bought red lace panties with a matching silk robe.

I returned to my hotel room just in time for my massage. I opened the door to let in the masseur — but what a masseur! He had a sculpted body, an olive complexion with hazel eyes and a chiselled jaw line.

“Afternoon miss, your full-body massage has arrived.”

I stood in awe of this sexy man. The massage was amazing. And I knew it was not going to be my last one.

I went out that night and found a group of people who wanted to party as much as I did.

We had a great time but I couldn’t get the sexy masseuse out of my mind. So I booked another massage and specifically asked for the young man I had yesterday.

I heard a knock on the door, and there he was again. Feeling a sudden rush of embarrassment, my face turned red, matching the lace g-string I had on underneath my robe..

But I continued with my plan. He asked me to dress in a towel and make myself comfortable on the massage table. Instead, I dropped my robe and said “I’d actually be more comfortable without a towel.”

His gorgeous jaw dropped and trying to remain professional, he stumbled across words like “company policies” and his job being “in jeopardy”, but I had gone too far now to accept rejection. I moved closer to him, backing him onto the table.

I’m not proud of how I went about it, but the incredible time I had with this man satis-

‘I slept with my sister’s man by accident’

“Feeling a sudden rush of embarrassment, my face turned red, matching the lace g-string I had on underneath my robe.. But I continued with my plan.

He asked me to dress in a towel and make myself comfortable on the massage table. Instead, I dropped my robe and said “I’d actually be more comfortable without a towel.” fied me for the rest of my holiday. The rush of being impulsive and completely unlike myself was fantastic! Sadly, the holiday had to end and I had to go back to my life and resume my identity once again.

I thought the holiday would never resurface

in my mind once I was back to my routine but I was wrong. All I could think about was that masseur and the thought of him made me blush like a lovesick school girl. I decided I’d contact him in the new year, which was only a few weeks away.

Bride, already on bail over credit card fraud, flees with £13,000 Cont’t from page: 33 be honest we haven’t even booked a flight back.

‘We’re just drinking loads all day today. Chris is the nicest person in the world, I just can’t believe it’s happened to him.

‘People back home are absolutely devastated.

We’re just trying to make the best out of a bad situation. We’re devastated like.’

Sources told The Sun that the bride-to-be was motivated by revenge, believing her partner had cheated on her, a claim his friends denied.

One of them said: ‘She’s taken £13,000 from us for a stag do that didn’t even exist.

‘Some of us only earn £200 a week and have been saving since March. It’s scandalous.’

One friend, Glyn Edwards, said Mr Mahone would be alerting the authorities about his fiancee’s alleged scheme.

He told the Sunday Mirror: ‘He’s said the police will definitely be informed.

‘Any suggestion Chris has been playing around with another woman is totally incorrect.

‘There’s no way that Chris would cheat.’

Distraught Mr Mahone, who works at the Sellafield nuclear plant, posted an emotional message on Facebook in which he apologised to his friends.

He wrote: ‘Words cannot describe the pain and feelings that are playing with my head today.

‘I totally want to apologise to all my fantastic mates that were gonna celebrate what was supposed to be my stag do.

‘I can’t apologise enough. I’m sorry boys I really am.’

The groom-to-be’s pals responded with messages of support.

One wrote: ‘You have nothing to apologise for bro.’

Some of his friends even posted a series of altered pictures in which they mocked Ms Doran.

One showed her face superimposed on to a film poster for the 1999 film Runaway Bride while another showed her holding a $11,000 cheque emblazoned with the words ‘Stag do fund’.

Mr Mahone had clearly been looking forward to his holiday and posted ‘anyone fancy Ibiza’ ahead of the trip.

After realising what had happened, nine of the party chose to fly to Malaga instead but the groom remained in Leeds.

The couple were believed to be planning a £5,000 wedding in their hometown of Cleator Moor.

One relative said the family was ‘devastated’ after the farce, adding: ‘(Chris) thought she was the most amazing fiancée ever, for organising the stag and everything.’

One of Mr Mahone’s friends, who has gone on the trip to Magaluf, told MailOnline: ‘We had the

Fate, however, stepped in before I had a chance. My family was having a Christmas dinner like they usually do. The difference this time was, my younger sister brought a date along.

To my surprise and deep dismay her quite serious partner happened to be my sexy onenight stand masseur. He walked into the family lounge holding my younger sister’s hand.

My heart dropped at the exact time his jaw dropped.

To this day we have kept the secret from my sister. They got married and I could never let my impulsive decisions ruin the obvious love she had found.

Recently, at a family do of his, he and my sister approached me with another man. As they drew nearer, I realised he looked incredibly similar to the masseur I had still been having fantasies about — my sister’s husband.

He turned out to be his older brother who had just returned from a two-year world trip.

Let me just say, good, strong hands definitely run in the family. *Do you have a story or comment about this confession? Call 07031028714. stag do planned for a year now. We were meant to be going on Thursday 7th September.

‘We all met up in our local club at 10pm and we were on the drink before getting the bus at midnight.

‘We got within 15 minutes of Leeds-Bradford airport then the best man came to the back and said ‘listen lads, there’s no holiday’.

‘We were so shocked, we couldn’t believe it was real. There was no evidence of us booking and no space on the flight so obviously his girlfriend had done a runner with all the money.

‘Everyone had been paying money to the best man and groom then they were giving it to her pay off – but she was banking all the money.

‘Chris was absolutely devastated, he felt he let his mates down really.

‘You couldn’t believe what we were feeling. It was absolutely crazy, we were shocked and we couldn’t cope. A lot of the lads had saved all year for it as well.

‘Chris is the nicest person in the world, I just can’t believe it’s happened to him.

‘Hopefully he’s chucked all her stuff out on the road but apparently she’s done a runner.’

There was no answer at the semi detached house Rachel had shared with Chris and neighbours said they had not been seen for some time.

A relative of Rachel’s said: ‘I work with her mum. She was very upset when she found out.

‘There is a family rift but Rachel still talks to her mum and dad - at least she did before this happened.’

DAILY MAIL

37

The Oracle Today Wednesday September 20, 2017

Love & Living

What’s good about social media trolling?

S

OCIAL media trolling can be interesting, mostly overbearing but sometimes necessary. Don’t be surprised when you come under attack just for posting on your own social media space. There are posts on social media that certainly have no business being there in the first place.

Cleavage display is all the rage and most people wouldn’t think twice before condemning. I was astounded to find on a serious Whatsapp page cleavage shots posted by a lady I respect. It wasn’t just that she was in bed; her full bosom was almost on display since she was lying on her side. At first I thought it was posted on error until I spotted an accompanying line of greeting that showed the shot was in fact meant for the page. She either didn’t bother assessing the picture before posting or just had other intentions.

Suggestive posts, especially pictures on social media, are no doubt the trend among young people who desperately desire to be considered trendy and just want to show that they have what it takes. But how do you explain it when a mother does that? I noticed that no one immediately acknowledged the post but after a while, no one could hold it.

I’m sure she never expected the merciless bashing that followed.

Surprisingly, the men appeared disgusted too, probably after zooming in to behold her “asset” at close range.

T

HERE are Internally Displaced Persons, IDPs, camps in various parts of Nigeria. These IDPs are not the perpetuators of the mayhem that led to their displacement, but they are the proverbial grass that suffers when two elephants fight.

They are the ones who have to pay the price for crises, and away from the comfort of their homes. The crises, wherever they lived, have displaced them, endangered their lives, they end up in uncomfortable environments.

Media reports of IDPs, from my experience, have been unfair in reporting IDPs. The standard of living in many of these camps and the conditions of the IDPs are portrayed to be perfect, or the IDPs are well taken care; it is far from the truth. The cases where the conditions in the camp are highlighted are few.

In one of my recent visits to one of the camps and from the testimony of some others who had visited and also reports from some of the IDPs, I concluded that the IDPs are in dire need of proper care, at least till they are able to find their feet.

They have numerous areas of needs, some of which are not physical. I list some of them that I consider most important •Security In some of the camps, there are no security personnel and people go in and out of the camps as they please. This could attract yet another disaster to the campers. Some of the IDPs are afraid that those who created their situation, or new enemies could attack them.

At least, there should be security details assigned to each of the

Do you know that some men have got secret galleries on their phones, collections of pictures of unclad and semi-clad ladies, used for sexual stimulation? It works better for them if they chance on such pictures of women that they know personally or are attracted to. Thanks to social media, getting such shots has never been easier. And don’t forget that it is common practice for ladies to send shots of sensitive body parts to make friends via social media on request and maybe not. When such pictures are made public either by omission or commission, the level of trolling may be difficult to contain.

Back in the university, precisely in final year, nude pictures of the then Miss Unizik broke the Internet and there was hardly any guy in campus who didn’t have the collection. I saw the pictures and they were every bit raw and stark.

She was pictured with her friend in some of the shots and they had no clothes on.

Even worse, one of the pictures showed the lady herself displaying her woman-

Ify ARONU ifyaronu@gmail.com

hood with reckless abandon. We later learnt that she had sent those shots to her boyfriend during sex chatting and somehow it got into the wrong hands and ultimately into everyone’s phones.

The guys really feasted on those pictures and a regular line of conversation then was to analyse the girls’ bodies and

It is common practice for ladies to send shots of sensitive body parts to make friends via social media on request and maybe not. When such pictures are made public either by omission or commission, the level of trolling may be difficult to contain.

” Untold story of IDPs

M

e& ore

Maureen Alikor maureenalikor@gmail.com

The standard of living in many of these camps and the conditions of the IDPs are portrayed to be perfect, or the IDPs are well taken care; it is far from the truth. The cases where the conditions in the camp are highlighted are few.

”

camps, who would ensure that their lives and property are safe.

Security details assigned to the camps should also be warned against abusing these persons in their care; physically, verbally and sexually.

• Provision of basic needs Some of the basic needs of these campers include potable water, shelter, food, clothing and healthcare. Provisions should be made in all the camps so these IDPs can at least be in good health while they

who appeared neater “downstairs”.

How brazen!

The Miss Anambra cucumber story is another related one that got everyone’s attention. All these have shown that everything sensitive that is documented has the potential to go viral.

You should know this, social media trolls are waiting to feast on anything you let out and it is an experience no one wants to have in a life time. So rather than seeing trolling negatively, consider it as what keeps you on your guard even before you document anything you won’t be proud of.

•Please send your comments, observations to ifyaronu@gmail.

battle the trauma that comes with being displaced.

• Skill acquisition While IDPs were at their former homes, they had jobs and handcrafts, which they were involved in to earn a living. After the crisis and movement to the IDP camps, they become jobless, depending on handouts to survive.

Government could explore the skills that IDPs have to ensure that they earn a living. Most of the services government contracts out can be undertaken by IDPs, including the internal security management of the camps. There are suggests that if they are allocated lands, they can farm to feed their families, and earn incomes too.

•Power Many of the IDPs live in darkness as they have no source of power and one can imagine a life without power. Many things could go wrong. Electricity as part of the security measures in the camp is important, particularly as most of the crimes that could take place in the camps could be at night. They also need electricity to maintain a semblance of normality.

All these and more are the MAJOR needs of these IDPs, but the media often report impression that portray IDPs are being wee catered for.

We are the media, we are one people, and we should all lend our voice towards making life less unbearable for IDPs. •Please send your comments to maureenalikor@gmail.com

38

The Oracle Today Wednesday September 20, 2017

The Law and You

With Barr. Ken Akpom 08162016410

1999 constitution: Citizen’s right to fair hearing II T

he right to fair hearing is fundamental to the Rule of Law and to democracy itself. This right applies to both criminal and civil cases and is absolute and cannot be limited.

It requires a fair hearing within a reasonable time by an independent and impartial Court or tribunal established by Law. The right to a fair hearing, which implies to any criminal charge as well as the determination of civil rights and obligations as in the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, includes the following; 1.

There must be real and effective access to a Court (although there are limited exceptions in the case of vexation litigants, minors, prisoners Etc.) 2.

There must be a hearing before an independent and impartial Court or tribunal established by Law. 3.

The hearing must be held within a reasonable time.

What is reasonable depends on the complexity of case, its importance, the behavior of both the applicant and competent authorizes, and the length of time between the conduct in question.

4.

The applicant must have a real opportunity to present his or her case or challenge the case against them. This will require access to an opponent’s submissions, procedural equality and generally requires access to evidence relied on by the other party and an oral hearing.

5.

The court of tribunal must give reasons for its judgment.

6.

There must be equality of arms between the parties, so, for example, the defense has the same right to examine witness against them as the prosecution has and both parties have the right to legal representation etc.

7.

In criminal cases, there is a right to silence and a privilege against self-incrimination (although it may be possible to draw adverse inferences from suspects remaining silent).

8.

An accused person must have the right to effective participation in their criminal trial. Except for strictly limited exceptions, an accused is entitled to be physically present at his or her hearing to give evidence in person and be legally represented.

9.

The hearing and judgment must be made public. Hearing can, however, be held in private where in Torri v. National Park Service of Nigeria, the right to fair hearing is described as an extreme fundamental right in the constitution and the breach thereof has its implication on the proceedings. Every person charged with a criminal offence is entitled to be heard.

The right is inalienable and an indispensable requirement of any judicial decision. However, fair hearing is not some kind of abstract principle.

Fundamental Human Right probably found its way into the constitution of some countries through the Magna Carta, 1215 AD which was written as a result of the revolution by barons and peasants in England against the Kings on the grounds that their powers were being abused. Before the Magna Carta there was no procedure rules for the trial of accused persons therefore they have no protection. Consequently, this brought about a written guarantee signed by the king of the day which required that proceeding of any adjudication should be in accordance with the “Law of the land” that is according to the principles of natural justice. This requirement became popular and gained so much strength that is now an essential element of any civilized legal system. That is why in Nigeria today, traditional rulers with their council of chiefs are been looked upon by their subjects in adjucating on matters relating to their communities with a view to given them fair hearing or fair trial that every one that comes before them must comply and feel satisfy that justice is actually done. In Yoruba land, the Oba-in-Council is the head while in Igbo land, the Obi-in-Council is the head and in the North, the Emir-in-Council is the head.

The constitution of the United State of America in amendment XIV (1868) provides Inter alia that no state shall make or enforce

any law which shall abridge the privileges or immunities of citizens of the United States, nor shall any state deprive any person of life, liberty or property without the process of law. The “due to process of law” clause includes the right to fair hearing as a denial could lead to a loss of a person’s life, liberty or property.

The British constitution which is unwritten is backed by International Statutes and the pronouncements of the courts which are bound to follow the natural justice doctrine. For instance, the European Convention on human rights which was drafted under the auspices of the council of Europe (an international organization composed of 21 West European State) formed in 1949 as a result of the first post war attempt at unifying Europe has in its Articles 5-7 provision which are similar to our section 33 of the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

In the Nigerian case where the right to fair hearing is provided for in Section 35 and 36, the provision is meant as protection for the minorities. Natural justices compliment the constitutional provision. It is important to point out here however that the provisions of section 35 has not abrogated the common law rule as a litigant may still choose to protect his right either under the common law or under the constitution.

By virtue of section 35 of the 1999 Constitution, a litigant can seek redress in the High Court of any state which has original jurisdiction. One may ask the question why the constitutional protections of the fundamental Human Right since such rights are hitherto protected at common law. The reason for this is not far-fetched while a common law right is not justiciable against the legislature, a constitutionally protected right is justiciable against any arm of government.

Of importance to criminal law and criminal procedure vis-à-vis the rights to fair hearing are the provision of section 35(4 – 7) of the 1999 Federal Republic of Nigeria Constitution. The section which deals with the right to fair hearing will now be examined.

DOCTRINE OF NATURAL JUSTICE Sub-Section 2: This proviso makes provision for the person whose rights and obligations may be affected to make representations to the administering authority before such authority can make its decision and also such decision shall not be conclusive and trial otherwise such law giving power to that authority shall be invalid.

In Nigeria, this has been applied in a number of cases; see for instance an early case, Guri & Another v. Hadejia Native Author-

“By virtue of section 35 of the 1999 Constitution, a litigant can seek redress in the High Court of any state which has original jurisdiction. One may ask the question why the constitutional protections of the fundamental Human Right since such rights are hitherto protected at common law.”

ity where the appellants were charged and convicted for highway robbery (‘HIRABA’, Maliki law name for trying robbers). The applicants appealed against this conviction on the grounds that under the Maliki law which tried them. Also in the case of Denloye v. Medical & Dental Practitioners Disciplinary Committee, where the appellant was charged with neglecting a patient who was seriously ill, the appellant was denied a right to be present at the hearing and did not make available the evidence taken against him in his absence to him or his counsel. The court set aside the decision of the panel on the grounds that the procedure adopted was unknown to law.

In an old English case, Dr. Bonham’s case, where a medical doctor was fined by the board of the college of Physicians because he has failed to take out a license to practice from the college. It was held that the board cannot have such power on the grounds that it would amount to the Boards being a judge in its own case, besides the Board has proprietary interest in the matter.

Also in the case of Dimes v. Grand Junction Canal Co, the decision of the Lord Chancellor, Lord Cottenham was set aside on the grounds that he was a substantial shareholder in a company which was one of the parties before the court.

In Nigeria, the maxim was invoked in the case of Dr. Alakija v.

Medical Disciplinary Committee; the appellant who was a medical practitioner contended that the committee did not conduct the enquiry in accordance with the principles of natural justice in that the registrar who was in fact the prosecutor took part in the deliberation of the committee. The Supreme Court held that the Registrar was not by name or by designation a member of the committee and should not have remained during the deliberations of the committee. This can be compared to my earlier scenario of the journalist with the IGP,IRT police head of units commend on his matter with them.

The essence of this provisions is to discourage a likelihood of bias and it has been aptly concluded at page 259 of the decision of the Supreme Court in Dr. Alakija’s case where the judge said; “……………… but his mere presence at the deliberations offends against the principle in frequently enunciated in recent cases in which a clerk a piety sessions has retired as a matter of course with members of the Bench when they are considering their verdict, that justice must only be done but must be manifestly seen to be done”.

Subsection 2(b) which disallow decisions of such court or authorized body to be final and conclusive makes allowance for an aggrieved party to fell tree to appeal if not satisfied with the decision, it also gives the court power to examine the decisions of the determining body.

In the case of tribunals, the proviso seem to have been thrown overboard by the introduction of Decree 2, State Security Deviation of Personnel Decree 1984, which state that “No suit or other legal proceedings shall be against any person for anything done or intended to be done in pursuance of the decree”. This proviso Bars any judicial review of administrative or executive actions.

Decree No 13, section 1(2) 1984, goes on to say that any such pursuance against the above mentioned decree whether instituted before or after the decree was passed a nullity thereby making the decisions of the various decrees final and conclusive.

To be continued next week

• Do you have questions or seek legal clarification on issues concerning your marriage, probate, property, etc? Call or send a text message to Barr. Ken: 08162016410, 08075763840. Email: kenakpom@yahoo.com

39

The Oracle Today Wednesday September 20, 2017

Entertainment With Douglas Omoyooma

I’m single but not searching -Ella Mensah, actress

Busty and light complexioned actress, Ella Gift Mensah’s rise both in Nollywood and Ghallywood has been nothing shot of meteoric. Beginning with her debut movie role in Ghana in 2010 in a flick entitled Crime to Christ, which culminated in her invitation to Nigeria to star in a Nollywood flick in 2012, the actress has established herself as a force to reckon with in both industries. In this chat with Oracle Today, the actress opens up on career and growing up declaring that she is single but not searching.

“There is no lucky man in my life at the moment and I am not searching right now. I just want to focus on me and my career right now, However, talking about my ideal man, all I want is just any normal man who can make me laugh and he must be very ambitious,” Ella Mensah added.

For the actress, growing up in Ghana was a beautiful experience because as she puts it, she comes from ‘a happy kind of family because regardless of any situation we encounter, we are always happy and I used to look up to actress, Genevieve Nnaji, I just love her. I started acting in my country, Ghana, in late 2010 after I returned from South Africa with my son and in October 2012, a Nollywood movie director invited me to Nigeria for a movie shoot and now the rest is history.”

As an up and coming actress, Ella Mensah says one of her biggest challenges was the fact that she was not

known when she started out hence most producers didn’t believe in her potentials and so she had to work extra hard to convince them to give her a chance to show her talent but it was a very frustrating experience. However, one this she never experienced was sexual harassment.

Could she marry a Nigerian? “Yes as a beautiful Ghanaian woman, I wouldn’t mind marrying a Nigerian man, a Togolese man or an American man. I will marry any man who makes me happy regardless of which country he is from.”

Ella Mensha has attractive boobs which she tends to flaunt on social media. How are your fans reacting? “I don’t flaunt my cleavage. I only wear what I want.

Nollywood and professionalism As a professional, can you do a nude scene? “No, I can’t

Entertainment industry on AWOL as Majek marks 30 years on stage

do a nude scene but I have played a couple of romantic roles. Some are intense while others are uncomfortable but nothing daring. I think my most challenging movie role is yet to come because I have never acted a mad person’s role before and am really looking forward to that.”

Has she ever been sexually harassed before? “No, she says waving her head. “I guess those sexual perverts kind of passed over me when I came along. I have never experienced sexual harasement before and my heart goes out to those actresses experiencing it.”

Dreams “I am working on producing my own movies and setting up a home for old people.”

How son’s death broke Eucharia Anunobi

I

t was hyped as the biggest entertainment event of 2017.

The organizers even boasted that international artistes would grace the event. However, the reverse was the case last week Sunday when rainmaker, Majek Fashek marked 30 years on stage with a concert and the release of a new album.

Indeed, the rainmaker was abandoned by corporate Nigeria and his colleagues in the industry as only a handful of comedians and artistes turned up at the balmoral hall of oriental Hotel.

But for the precense of Tuface idibia, Sound Sultan, Ushbebe and Maleke, the industry was conspicuously absent at the event..

Ironically, the same celebs graced another event to unveil the theme for this year’s Calabar Carnival which was held at an adjoining hall.

Said an angry fan: “The industry has abandoned Ma-

• Eucharia Anunobi ollowing the death of her only child, Raymond, who was recently laid to rest at Ikoyi Cemetery, Lagos, actress and pastor, Eucharia Anunobi just can’t get over her son’s death.

Said a close source to the thespian: “The young boy who has been battling with sickle cell anaemia died at the age of 15. And ever since, Eucharia has not been unable to get over his death. Remember he is her only child and it will take a lot for her to get over the trauma.

He was the reason she was living and now that he is gone, we

F • Majek Fashek jek Fashek. Where is Davido, where is Wizkid, where are the Banky Ws and the Tiwa s Savages? It is sad that only a handful of artistes are here tonight to celebrate with our legend.

Majek may have his problems but we need to give him sup-

port now that he is still with us we must celebrate him. What a shame!”

However, undeterred, Majek had taken to the stage and entertained guests singing some of his old songs including Send Down The Rain.

As he made his appearance on stage dressed in a black cassock, and crining a bell, Majek Fashek had declared: “Repent for the Kingdom of God is at hand.”

The rainmaker also gave out free copies of his CD

only pray that she can survive the heart break. Her son was the only thing she took home after the break-up of her marriage to her ex.”

Meanwhile, present at the funeral were actresses Chigozie Atuanya, Ini Edo, Ebere Okaro, Oge Okoye, Stephanie Okereke-Linus, Monalisa Chinda, Rita Dominic, Lillian Bach and Susan Peters among a host of other celebrities including numerous friends and family members.

Eucharia married Charles Ekwu in 2000 and the marriage lasted till 2006 before trouble set in.

40

The Oracle Today Wednesday September 20, 2017

Entertainment

Monarchs commend Goldberg’s Isedowo T raditional rulers from the seven Yoruba-speaking states have commended Isedowo, Goldberg’s youth empowerment initiative during the flag-off of the cam-

paign in Ile-Ife, Osun State recently.

At the launch, which took place at his palace, the Ooni of Ife, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi Ojaja II, led scores

• Some Nigerian Breweries official with Olubadan of Ibadan

of first class traditional rulers in the Southwest to shower encomiums on Goldberg lager beer and Nigerian Breweries.

Oba Joseph Adebayo Adewole, Owa Ajero of Ijero Ekiti, lauded Goldberg, saying that the initiative would enable youth in the region to improve their artisanship.

Interested participants who wish to benefit are required to showcase their business ideas and how they impact the. There will be a screening of these participants and their business ideas across the region at those centres after which the top 100 participants will be rewarded with a grant of 300,000 each, totalling 30million for all participants to support their businesses. Participants must be 18 years and above and must speak Yoruba fluently.

The train moves to Ekiti State on September 13. Then there will be screening and selection of artisans who will undergo a live audition and reward on. September 22 in Ado-Ekiti.

• Didi Ekanem

My ideal man – Didi Ekanem, actress

A

ctress, script writer and native about a man that can love me right of Akwa Ibom, Didi Ekanem because Love to me means respect, has opened up on her ideal care, understanding, patience, tolerman. ance and trust.”

In a recent chat, the star who is one Didi who is fond of flaunting her of Nollywood’s most sought after ac- curves also says she doesn’t care tress said: “I can’t say who I can mar- about negative comments thrown at ry or who I can’t because whoever her by critics.

God says is mine is mine. Be him an “I actually don’t pay attention to entertainer, an engineer, a doctor, a negative comments. I always flaunts pastor. my clothes on social media. It’s im“My kind of man must be God fear- portant I do that for the growth of ing, respectful and caring and obvi- my business.” ously not a boring man. I am talking

‘Fans see us as ATM’, Mercy Salma gets busy Celebrities reveal T hese are surely exciting times for Abuja-based actress, Mercy Salma. The movie producer and actress is current.ly cooking up projects insiders say will raise the bar in Nollywood.

Said a source close to the actress: “ Mercy Salma is quite busy and she is about to hit the industry with a bang!

She is currently working on two projects, Traits and another movie and both are promising blockburste4rs.

And guess what, she is playing lead alongside, Nollywood hunk, Ray Emodi.

“Being a producer and also featuring in the same movie is a lot challenge but the actress is taking it in her stride. She has to struggle so hard so they don’t take her off her character. The good thing is that she is working with an understanding director,” the source added.

Alex Ekubo, Toyin Abraham, others storm London Fever Premiere

O • Ramsey Nouah

R

amsey Nouah’s celebrity status hasn’t been without a bunch of financial commitment as he has had to give fans who pass him a greeting on their meeting some money.

The actor who recently cleared the air concerning his nationality admitted that his predicament has cost him some discomfort.

He revealed this while responding to questions in a chat with The Sun News which focused on the impact which fame has made in his life.

“I wouldn’t say it closed doors on my face. No, not exactly. But, you know, you meet lots of people who tend to appreciate you.

“Everyone sees you around, all your fans, most especially in Lagos;

• Basket Mouth see you as their ATM. All their greetings have to be paid for. For instance, they will greet you ‘Hey, good morning bros, we dey hail o…’ You know you have to drop something, so it’s quite a thorn in the flesh.”

Just like other colleagues, fame has come at a price requiring celebrities to make adjustment in their lives. Changes they are not necessarily happy to be making.

Stand-up comic, Basketmouth in an earlier interview with Punch News published on Saturday, September 24, 2016, made reference to this.

The sacrifices he has had to make to accommodate his celebrity status includes a lack of privacy and the freedom to express himself like he

• Frank Edoho

ne of the most anticipated movies coming from Nollywood in 2017, London Fever has been receiving accolades since premiering in London recently, at the Odeon Imax Cinema, Greenwich and Go Glasgow Hotels on 25 and 27th of August respectively.

London Fever is the story of two young men, Ade and Chucks who live with their lousy father. They are desirous to go to London and will stop at nothing to achieve this plan

and are ready to deceive anyone that cares to listen.

From the stable of Minasdollz Entertainment, the movie was produced by Mike Godson and directed

by Charles Uwagbai.

London Fever stars Mike Godson, Alexx Ekubo, Toyin Abraham, Juliette Ibrahim, Hafeeze Oyetoro aka Saka, Juliet Ibrahim, Chiwetala Agu, John Okafor aka Mr Ibu, Etinosa Idemudia , Lilian Eroro , Francis Odega and many more.

would if he was rid of popularity.

“I have been robbed of my privacy and the freedom I had. The fact that I must be very careful with everything I say and do is a bit of a pressure.

“However, I wouldn’t trade the journey for anything. I won’t change a thing.”

In the same vein, television host Frank Edoho thinks the pressure of being a famous person can be very overwhelming.

He was of the opinion that celebs shouldn’t have to live in pretence just to please fans in an interview with Hip TV. According to him, major leaguers have feelings just like everyone on the street.

Source: Pulse.ng

• Alex Ekubo

• Toyin Abraham

41

The Oracle Today Wednesday September 20, 2017

News

South Africa-based group urges military to be cautious in S/East operations From ANIEKAN ANIEKAN, Calabar

F

ounder of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, a socio-cultural organisation, South Africa chapter, Chief Jonas Udeji has urged the Nigerian military to exercise restraint in its operations in the South-East States.

The military has, however, denied reports that it invaded the home of Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), killing three people.

Maj. Oyegoke Gbadamosi,

Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, 14 Brigade, Nigerian Army, said suspected IPOB members blocked the road against troops of the 145 battalion on a show of force along FMC-World Bank road, in Umuahia .

He said the group insisted that the troops would not pass, and pelted them with stones and broken bottles. “ In the process, an innocent lady civilian passer-by and a soldier, Cpl. Kawole Bello were injured.

“Both the soldier and the innocent female passer-by have been evacuated to the unit’s Medical Inspection Room and are receiving treatment,” Gbadamosi said in a statement.

Udeji told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Johannesburg, South Africa, that the group was worried about reported clashes and loss of lives between soldiers and youths in Umuahia.

He said that the group did not want the situation to degenerate into bloodshed or destruction.

Udeji also cautioned the youth to be peaceful and exercise their rights, using the non-violent means.

“We expect that they should continue with the same approach. The youth have not been known to use arms or violence while fighting for their rights. “ In this regard, we appeal to the Federal Government to caution the military not to attack unarmed youths. We do not want our youths to be hurt,” Udeji said.

(NAN) in Pretoria that many Nigerians could study without being in universities. “ The quality of open and distance learning education will be improved if necessary infrastructure is put in place. “ This system is being used in universities in Canada, Britain, India and Australia. This will bring education closer to those who are in need of it “ It can also run alongside with

the National Open University,” Braimoh said.

He further suggested that each university be allowed to conduct its own admission examination as well as set cut off marks in order to raise standards.

NAN reports that JAMB recently announced 120 and 100 as cutoff marks for admission into universities and polytechnics. “ The new cut-off point is beyond 50 per cent and it is not good

for our education. “ Academically, the implication is two steps forward, seven steps backward and I urge the authorities concerned to revisit this decision. “ In some universities in Africa, particularly in South Africa, most Nigerian first degree certificates are not admitted straight into masters degree because of problems associated with them,” he said.

South Africa-based don makes case for distance learning education P rof. Dele Braimoh, a South Africa-based don has canvassed the promotion of open and distance learning education in Nigeria.

Braimoh, a former UNESCO Chair of Open and Distance Learning, University of South Africa, told the News Agency of Nigeria

FIDA to offer free medical treatment to women raped by kidnappers in Rivers From NATH OMAME, P/Harcourt

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ivers State chapter of the International Federation of Female Lawyers (FIDA), has stated that it will offer free medical treatment to women that were raped by kidnappers during their ordeal in the hands of their abductors.

Chairperson of the group, Antonia Osademen said in Port Harcourt that her organisation would pay for the medical bills of women that were abducted and raped by kidnappers, last Thursday, at Isiokpo, in Ikwerre Local Government Area Eighteen passengers of a commercial bus, including the driver travelling from Port Harcourt to Owerri, in Imo State, were kidnapped along the Elele-Isiokpo Road.

Osademen said FIDA would partner with sister agencies to offer the raped victims free medical services and counselling because of their ordeal in the hands of their abductors.

“You know they were kidnapped and raped in the process. We will offer them free medical services and counselling. We need to support them in restoring their confidence.”

She also called on the security agencies and the Police to intensify their efforts in combating crime and criminality.

“There is need to have more security checkpoints along major roads look leading into and outside the state to protect the lives of women and children,” she said.

The driver of the bus, Afonya Dan-Jumbo, said the female passengers, including an old woman were raped by the kidnappers.

“The kidnappers led us into the bush. They asked for our identities to find out those with rich relations that can pay huge ransoms. They took all our ATM cards and withdrew monies from our bank accounts. They began hitting us with wood to pressure us to disclose our identities and name those we know that can pay for our ransom. They led all the women to another spot and raped them.

‘1.7m need help in Lake Chad Basin’

aiduguri - 12 September 2017: M Mark Lowcock began his role as Under-Secretary-General for

Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator on 1 September 2017. He is on his first mission in the new role – to Niger and Nigeria.

I have come to Niger and Nigeria to see the impact of the massive Lake Chad Basin crisis and the response with my own eyes and, most importantly, to listen to people affected. I will bring their stories to world leaders at the United Nations General Assembly next week.

Some 1.7million people require humanitarian assistance in the Lake Chad Basin.

Civilians continue to bear the brunt of a conflict that has led to widespread forced displacement and violations of international humanitarian and human rights law.

Since the beginning of the conflict more than 20,000 people have been killed, and thousands of women and children abducted. This year, over 80 children have been used as “human bombs.” Attacks on IDP camps by suicide bombers raise serious physical security threats for IDPs living in those camps.

Despite the immense challenges, the government-led response is reaching millions of people with life-saving aid. This includes 2 million people who receive food aid every month and hundreds of thousands of children who benefit from nutritional support. We have also provided critically needed psychosocial support to 160,000 children and supported hundreds of children and women who were associated with armed groups to be reintegrated.

I have just returned from Gwoza and Pulka, where I was struck in both Gwoza and Pulka by the scale of humanitarian need – thousands of people who have been forced to flee the safety of their homes and take refuge in camps or with host communities.

Despite the challenges, the stresses and the uncertainties, people were receiving support in terms of food, shelter and medical supplies, but more importantly people were receiving support from each other. I was also encouraged by the hope that people expressed to return home, despite ongoing insecurity in many areas.

The United Nations and our partners are 100 per cent committed to supporting the people of North East Nigeria. We are committed to reacting swiftly to new crises, such as the recent cholera outbreak. We are absolutely committed to supporting the Government of Nigeria in all that it is doing to tackle the significant humanitarian challenges and we commend the government for progress made, for example with the ongoing food distribution.

But most of all we – the entire humanitarian community – are bound to advocate for the protection of all civilians. The people of the North East of Nigeria have endured too many years of suffering, and have the right to live in safety and dignity. Civilians should not be forced to flee their villages and their homes. Civilians should not bear the brunt of the conflict. And civilians should never be a target.

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The Oracle Today Wednesday September 20, 2017

NEWS

Labour Party appoints Acting Chairman in C’River From ANIEKAN ANIEKAN, Calabar the governor of Cross River State.

The appointment of an acting ollowing his confirmation to chairman and the subsequent ratiact in that capacity by the na- fication by the national chairman, tional leadership of the party, Mr. Abdulkadir Abdulsalam seems Mr. Maurice Bassey Ekeng has to have brought respite to the party. emerged as the new Acting ChairAccording to Mr. Abdulsalam, the man of Labour Party (LP), in Cross appointment became necessary as River State. a result of the vacuum created by The party has been rudderless in the resignation of the former chairthe State for quite some time now, man, Mr. Ibok and their desire to especially in the wake of the resig- properly position the party for the nation of the erstwhile chairman, upcoming elections beginning with Mr. Austin Ibok, who was appointed the upcoming local government Special Adviser (Political Affairs) to elections in the state.

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He also disclosed that “the newly appointed acting chairman has been mandated to mobilize, coordinate, and revamp the party machinery in the State,” adding: “We urge him to mobilize massive support from serious-minded and prominent people into the party in consultation with the national headquarters.”

Abdulsalam said: “The National Secretariat has also discovered that one Mr Baron Eyo has been parading himself as Acting Chairman of the party in the State. For the records, he was only ‘verbally’ ap-

pointed as Acting Chairman by one Bobo Atari Adou.

“It was also discovered that Baron was not a financial member of the party. This was a breach of provisions of the party constitution as provided in Articles 10 (2) and 10 (3), hence the appointment of Ekeng as the authentic party chairman.”

The national chairman directed that all property and documents be handed over to the new chairman, Ekeng and implored party men in the State to accord him due respect and recognition as the authentic

acting state chairman as the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has been officially notified of this development.

In his reaction, the new chairman, Mr. Ekeng said with the new mandate handed over to him, he would not only re-organise the party but would also ensure that it makes a positive impact in the upcoming local government elections.

He also said arrangements are in top gear to sell the party to the grassroots.

ARPP set to hold 1000-man march for Okowa From JONATHAN AWANYAI, Asaba

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rontline political pressure group, Association of Registered political Parties (ARPP), Delta State Chapter, is set to hold a 1000-man march this Tuesday, September 19, in celebration of the “success” of Senator Ifeanyi Okowa’s government The 1000-man march, tagged ‘No Vacancy in Government Come 2019’ is part of activities to herald a threeday seminar on the importance of fiscal prudence in good governance, to celebrate Okowa as the best governor in Nigeria for his efforts in promoting fiscal prudence and for effective use of public funds.

The decision, which was reached at the end of an enlarged state executive meeting of the ARPP organized by the State Chairman, Pastor David Ashikodi in Asaba, was taken in furtherance of ARPP’s objective of identifying with individuals and organisa• The Obi of Onitsha, Igwe Alfred Achebe presenting a cheque of N2million to a benenficiary of Interfact tions that promote transparency and Hero Foundation Award at Nkwelle Ezunaka, Oyi LGA Anambra State.

Photo : Modestus Igudobi good governance in the country.

Four standing committees, namely, publicity, entertainment, security and mobilization, were inaugurated at the meeting.

The Publicity Committee has ARPP

By JEROME USHAKANG human endeavour. actively engaged in ICT sector devel- State Publicity Secretary, Comr. (with agency report) “There is already an incredible vi- opment,” he said.

Iteveh Ekpokpobe as Chairman, Mr. brancy in the use of ICT, particularly Williams also said that it is imperaThe Head of Information and Com- in the content and application of ICT tive for the Nigerian Government to munication Technology (ICT) Op- among Nigerian youths. There is a embrace e-governance, for easy and erations, African Development Bank real recognition of the value of ICT smooth discussions between it and Group (AfDB), Mr Nicholas Williams among them. the citizenry. has hinted that the bank will con“Even the Nigerian Government He said that e-governance would tinue to respond to the demands of is also recognising the value of ICT, facilitate a result-oriented two-way African Governments and its private and it is working at creating the envi- communication system for the gov- From EMMANUEL OGOIGBE, Warri sector customers. ronment for the private sector to be ernments and their citizens. is Royal Majesty, Orhue 1, the Williams who was speaking reOrodje of Okpe Kingdom, Macently on the sidelines of a two-day jor General Felix Mujakperuo Indo-African Information and Com(CFR, Mni, rtd) and other prominent munication Technology (ICT) Expo in Nigerians, have been conferred with Lagos, described Nigeria as “a very the “Distinguished Nigerian Awards” exciting place to be,” adding that From JONATHAN AWANYAI, Asaba he further stated. “During the 2015 gen- by The Oasis magazine for their out“compared with other countries, Nieral election, Delta State governor, Sen- standing achievements and contribugeria is an exciting nation in Africa.” elta State governor’s aide on Spe- ator Ifeanyi Okowa made a promise as tions to the growth of the Nigerian “The AfDB is, therefore, discial Duties (Media) Mr Ossai Ovie he moved from one local government economy and their immediate enviposed to giving whatever Nigeria needs. Whatever Nigeria wants, Success has said that the Gov Okowa’s to another in Delta State. He promised ronment.

Publisher of The Oasis, Pastor Umube it infrastructure development led administration has completed over to transform roads in Delta when voted into power. Today as promised by Gov koro Dafe, delivering a speech at the and other projects that would need 40 roads in Delta State.

Ossai made this known while ad- Ifeanyi Okowa, he has been fair, just occasion, said they are financing.”We are usually responcommitted to celebrating individusive to the demands of governments dressing newsmen in Asaba, Delta and equitable to the people of Delta State over the distribution of projects als and organizations that have exand our private sector customers,” State.

According to Ossai: “The State gov- as over 90 roads have been construct- celled through awards with the intenhe stressed.

Williams who was speaking with ernment led by Gov Ifeanyi Okowa ed and rehabilitated, some have been tion of motivating such individuals to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) has successfully completed over 40 commissioned, while some are await- do more, and as well add value to the said: “It is really a common turn for standard roads out of over 90 roads ing commissioning and some still under lives of individuals and the nation generally. the private sector and the govern- embarked upon in Delta State. The construction.”

Addressing current national issues, Speaking further, Ossai made it clear ments to approach us with their pro- completion of those roads is coming posals and with their ideas, before despite the recession and as a result that Gov Okowa has never abandoned Mukoro said: “Restructuring is more than resource control; our orientation we see how best to support them.” of prudent management of resources. the riverine communities in the State.

“Even though our monthly revenue has to change, our national anthem He said that the AfDB’s current There is no local government you will area of focus is to raise funds for the visit without seeing Gov Okowa’s foot- both from the Federation Account says so much, but means little to us. and Internally Generated Revenue has Nigeria seems to be a development of ICT in Nigeria, as prints.” lawless country because many are “Delta State as we all know is an oil dipped significantly, Governor Okowa well as in other African countries.

The AfDB official noted that there and agricultural producing state in has shown dexterity in managing the still above the law. Imagine the level is currently a growing awareness Nigeria, with a population of over 4 little available as can be seen from the of hate speeches made by Nigerians among young Nigerians of the im- million with an estimated area of 762 harvest of road projects across the on the social media and other aveportance of ICT in every aspect of square kilometres (294 sq mi) located state in his second year in office,” Suc- nues, many times directed at leaders”.

AFDB is ready to respond to Nigeria’s request- Williams

Pat Ngobakulu as Secretary, while, Chief Fidelis Ugboko and Mr. Azimoh Awele are members.

Welfare Committee has ARPP State Woman Leader, Mrs Hope Eraguna and Chairperson, while Mrs Isioma Ojei, Mr Awele Anazia, Mrs Okolo Happy, Mrs Isichei Tina, Evang. Stella Ogbechei and Mrs Anthonia Omozie as members.

Security Committee has ARPP Delta North Chairman, Hon Foster Kukaye as Chairman while Chief Fidelis Ogwude, Chief Oliseh Emmanuel, Chief (Mrs) Odili Charity, Mr Christopher Nwajei, Mr. Chukwudube Okezi, Hon Ossai Chukwutem and Mr Paul Inogbo to function as members while Mobilization has ARPP State Deputy Chairman, Mr Frank Elo as Chairman while the three Senatorial District Chairmen and all Local Government Chairmen of the ARPP are members.

Addressing newsmen after the meeting, the ARPP State Publicity Secretary, Comr. Iteveh Ekpokpobe urged all well-meaning Deltans and supporters of Senator Ifeanyi Okowa to join the campaign under the leadership of Pastor David Ashikodi, to better showcase the deeds of Senator Okowa whom he described as a development-oriented governor.

Okpe Monarch, others receive OASIS Magazine Awards

No local govt in Delta without Okowa’s footprints, says aide

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in the South-South geo-political zone,” cess emphasized.

The publisher advised Nigerians to

immediately denounce acts that promote disunity on the lines of religion, ethnicity and politics as only patriots can move the country forward, pointing out that many political office holders claim to be patriotic whereas they are mere businessmen.

He prayed that only visionary leaders would be allowed into the corridors of power.

Those who Received Oasis Magazine Distinguished Nigerian Award were Chief Dr. Felebens Edeheri Okoro, Governor Willie Obiano, HRM Orhue 1, Major General Felix Mujakperuo (CFR, Mni, rtd), Dr. Dele Joseph, Omemogor KSC, Facm, Amb P, Bishop Dr. Curtis FIANU, ENGINER GREGORY IGHERE, Hon. Rambi Ibrahim Ayala, Rev. Odigboro Simon, Peter Omamuyovwi Jones, Captain Jacob Ovweghre, Rev. FR. Christopher Vwavware Ekabo (JP), C.S.P Anietie Eyoh, Chief Frederick Otovwe Sowho.

Others are Apostle (DR.) Nosakhare Samuel Egharevba, Comrade Prince Kdunide Taiga, Mr. Godson Victory Okorodudu, Comrade Kelly Efemena Umukoro, Chief Nnamdi Raphael Uwalaka, Comrade Enudi Marcus, Comrade Ovie-Igho Anthony, Lady Mercy Enovwo Muoboghare and Mr. Ossai Ovie Success.

The Oracle Today

43

Wednesday September 20, 2017

SPORTS U-N-B-E-L-I-E-V-A-B-L-E:

I want to defeat Germany with Eagles –Rohr

Stories by MADUABUCHI KALU

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AGLES’ World Cup ticket almost settled, national team Technical Adviser, Gernot Rohr, has expressed his desired to lead three time continental champions, the Super Eagles to the Vladir Putin’s country of Russia for the 2018 FIFA World Cup. The Eagles’ gaffer is not satisfied with just qualifying for the Mundial rather he has set his sight on confronting his country

of birth, Germany with the sole target of ensuring that they bite the dust when the two countries meet in Russia next year.Rohr state this while fielding questions from sports journalists on his return from Cameroon where he led the Eagles to pull a 1-1 draw in the return leg of the 2018 FIFA World Cup double header with the African champions, the Indomitable Lions of Cameroon in of clubs and some national teams Yaoundé.“I have paid my dues as on the continent,” Rohr began.“It a coach having coached a number is very interesting working with

the crop of players in the national team. The boys are talented and they are young which means that the team have a bright future which is good for the country.

“My greatest desire is to be in Russia with the Super Eagles and possibly defeat my home country Germany during the Mundial.

“The opportunity to be in Russia is in our hands and not in any other person’s or team’s hands. I believe that we will be in Russia for the FIFA World Cup. “We can’t afford not to be in Russia having worked so hard to get to this stage. It has not been easy because everybody knows that our group is a very strong group with all the teams being former continental champions.

“Of course the game we played last was against Cameroon, the reigning continental champions and we were able to garner four out of the six points at stake.

“Of course I am satisfied with our game against Cameroon because getting four out of six points is not a bad result “It wasn’t a bad result in every standard but we must continue to push forward to get to our destination, Russia,” Rohr explained.

“Like I said earlier, I have paid my dues in this job having coached some clubs and countries. I think I have come a long way.

“In course of my coaching career, I have coached Bordeaux, where I coached Zanedine Zidane

and a number of very gifted players and during that period, we were able to play in the European Cup Final again Bayern Munich in 1996. I have equally coached Creteil, Nice, Young Boys, Ajaccio, Etoile du Sahel and Nante.

“My international coaching career started with Gabon in 20102012, Niger in 2012-2014 and I was in Burkina Faso in 2015 before I came to Nigeria last year.

“So, I am not new in African Football and I must admit that my experience of African Football has helped my job here in Nigeria,” Rohr confesses.

It is noted that the Super Eagles gaffer was born on June 23rd 1954 in Mannheim in the then West Germany. He played as a defender and his youth career was with VFL Neckarau from 1961 t0 1972.

Rohr started his senior football career with German champions, Bayern Munich from 1972- 74 before moving over to SV Waldhof Mannheim where he played for a season. Rohr played as a defender. He moved from SV Waldhof Mannheim to Kickers Offenbach in 1975 and spent two seasons with them and finally moved to Bordeaux in 1977 to 1989.

“As a matter of fact, I fear Zambia more than Cameroon but I believe with the form and the determination of our boy this time round, Eagles will surely land in Russia to the glory of God. I wish them the best,” Obaseki declared.

We’ll not disappoint –D’Tigers’ captain, Diogu

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OLLOWING the success recorded by Nigeria’s Women Basketball team, D’Tigress at the just-concluded 2017 FIBA AfroBasket Championship in Mali, their Men counterparts, the D’Tigers who are the defending champions of the tournament have pledged to follow the footsteps of their Women compatriot in this year’s FIBA AfroBasket Championship holding in Tunisia and Senegal.

This pledge was made by no other person than the team’s United States based team captain, Ike Diogu before the team departed for the championship last Wednesday.

It is recalled that the Nigerian Men Basketball team, the D’Tiger who are the defending champions of Africa Basketball Championship made history in Tunisia, by emerging the champions of Africa for the first time in 2015.

Their victory was so good because they defeated 10 time African champions, Angola to emerge champions and automatically qualified for basketball event of the 2016 Summer Olympics in Brazil. For the records, the Nigerian men Basketball team defeated Angola, the continent’s basketball powerhouse by 74-65 in the final to become the continental champions for the very first time in history.

It is this title that Captain Diogu has promised to defend in Tunisia where they won the title in 2015.

Meanwhile, before their departure last Wednesday, the coach of the team, Alex Nwora had released a list of players that will represent the most populous black-country on earth, Nigeria.

According to the list, 10 of the 14 players are foreign-based while four are home based.

The10 foreign based players are

led by the captain of the team, Ike Diogu who is the only member of the title winning squad in 2015 while the rest nine are new players in the team.

Others are Deji Akindele, O’karo Akamune, Bryant Mbamalu, Ike Nwamu, Akin Akingbala, Ike Iroegbu Anthony Odunsi, Kelechi Anuna and Washington Wizards forward, Daniel Ochefo.

The players from the domestic league include Musa Usman, Abdul Yahaya, Dike Azuoma and Victor Anthony.

It is expected that the Nigerian Men basketball team will replicate what D’Tigress did in Mali where they went unbeaten to emerge the champions of Africa for the third time.

The Oracle Today Sports is wishing the country’s representatives the very best as Nigerians look forward to celebrating their exploits in Tunisia at the end of the tournament.

The Oracle Today

44

Wednesday September 20, 2017

SPORTS

WCQ: No complacency, Obaseki warns Eagles •Says “I fear Zambia more than Cameroon Stories by MADUABUCHI KALU

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HIEF Oyuki Obaseki, the former Chairman of Nigeria Premier League otherwise known as ‘Glo Premier League’ has called on the Super Eagles not to take things for granted despite having almost qualified for 2018 FIFA World Cup after they pulled 1-1 draw in Cameroon on Monday in the World Cup Qualifying double header.

The Benin high chief, who has been out of the scene due to ill-health urged the Gernot Rohr managed national team to continue the good work they started last November in Zambia, where they pulled a surprise feat by defeating the Chipolopolo 2-1 in Ndola.

He commended them for their zeal to ensure that the country’s flag is hoisted when football biggest party starts in Vladir Putin’s country next year.

“Eagles have done very well so far. I must commend them for what they have been able to do so far,” Chief Oyuki Obaseki began.

“It is true that it seems that we are already there but I must warn that there should not be any complacency until the final game against Algeria.

Swimming finally part of National Youth •As Delta offers to foot bill

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t the long last, swimming is going to be a part of the sporting events that will be taking part at this year’s National Youth Games which Kwara State is playing host to according to the President of the Nigeria Aquatics Federation (NAqF) Mr. Babatunde Fatayi Williams.

It is recalled that before the now, there was serious concerned over swimming being a part of the events that will be participating in the National Youth Sports fiesta in Ilorin, Kwara State but that concern came as a result of lack of funds to reward athletes at the event; but that has been taken part by the government of the No1 swimming state in the country, Delta State.

The Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa-led Peoples Democratic Party Government in Delta State in a bid to encourage Delta swimmers has offer to foot the bills of the swimming events at the National Youth Games hence the inclusion of swimming in the sporting events that will be featuring at the Games.

“Swimming will featuring at this year’s National Youth Games which Kwara State is playing host to,” Williams began. “Of course before the intervention of Delta State Government, we were not sure whether swimming will be featuring because the Federation doesn’t have the funds to winning bonuses to the athletes; that’s why we couldn’t start preparations on time.

“Good enough, Delta State intervened by volunteering to make fund available so that the athletes entitlements would be paid at the end of the Games.

“We appreciate their goodwill and of course you are aware that Delta State is the No1 swimming state in the country.

“Invariably, the gesture will help Delta athletes used the Games to prepare for other activities of the Federation such as the Chief of Naval Staff Swimming Championship, the President Muhammadu Buhari National Open Swimming Championship.

“I believe that the National Youth Games will prepare our athletes for our coming championships,” William declares.

“I am highly impressed with Eagles 1-1 draw with Cameroon which brings the aggregate score to 5-1. It was emphatic victory over our perennial foes.

“Of course Eagles showed how hungry they are to be in Russia right from the first game in the qualifier against Zambia.

Against all odds, they pulled a victory to the amazement of everybody.

“The draw in Yaoundé on Monday means Eagles have a clean sheet in the 2018 World Cup Qualifiers so far in Group B,” Obaseki declared Speaking further the football administrator of note said: “I would like to use this opportunity to warn the team to remain focused because their next opponents, Zambia are dangerous costumers.

“It is true that we defeated them in Ndola, their coming for the return leg will be for revenge and we should not give them that room. I would rather like to see a situation where we give good beaten like the one Cameroon suffered.

My records will be difficult to erase –Bolt J

AMAICAN legendary speed star, Usain ‘Lighting’ Bolt, has declared that his records in his chosen track and field events would be difficult to erase.

According to him it will take nothing less than between 10-15 years for his records to be erased by other athletes.

It is recalled that the Triple, Triple man has called it quit with the sport that brought him fame and fortune after the 2017 International Athletics Association Federation (IAAF) Championship which held early last month at the majestic Wimbley Stadium where events didn’t go the way the world expected.

The event which was regarded as his farewell event did not go the way expected of it as he didn’t win the 100metres race as he placed a distant 3rd, behind American duo of Justin Gatlin and Christian Coleman in first and second positions respectively.

Bolt has since declared that despite the disappointment of that race, he will not return to the tracks saying that someone told him that the best of every sport doesn’t end well citing late American three time undisputed heavyweight champion, Mohammed Ali who lost his last bout as example.

Bolt set 100mtrs world record when he raced 9.63

secs to win the gold medal of the event at the London Olympics in 2012. It is true that he did not better the 9.58 that he set in 2009 but it was more than enough to secure the Jamaican the ultimate prize. He equally set a 200mtrs record when he returned in 19.19 in 2009.

These are the records that the legendary Jamaican believes will be difficult to erase in the next 15 years.

Eagles players’ want to be at World Cup –Onazi

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nspired by their good run in the 2018 FIFA World Cup Qualifier where they have garnered 10 points out of 12, Super Eagles players have expressed the desire to be in Russia when the biggest football fiesta will played next year.

Some of them who spoke to sportswriters on their arrival from Cameroon where they narrowly missed the maximum points after they were forced to 1-1 draw by the continental champions; the Indomitable Lions said they can’t wait to be a part of the 2018 FIFA World Cup party.

First to speak was Hapoel Be’er Sheva midfielder, John Ogu, who said he has never played at the World Cup and would cherish being at the football biggest event next year in Russia.

“Yes, we are happy for what we have been able to do so far in the 2018 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers. It is our hope that we will get the ticket to be in Russia where the best of global football players will converge.

“I have never played at the World Cup and this is opportunity for me to play at the World Cup and as a result, we are determined to ensure that Nigeria’s flag is hoisted in Russia.

“The World Cup is the biggest football event in the world and it is the dream of every football player to be at the World Cup and my dream is not different from the dream of other football players,” Ogu declared.

Also adding his voice to Eagles desire to be at the Mundial next year, the vice-captain of the team, Ogenyi Onazi, who moved from Turkish league to Championship side, Birmingham City, who incidentally was at the FIFA World Cup in Brazil in 2014 said qualifying for the 2018 FIFA World Cup would afford the players in the squad who have never been at the World Cup the opportunity to experience the once in life time opportunity of playing at the global football stage.

“Of course it is our dream to play at the World Cup and good enough we are almost there but we must make sure that we complete the assignment first.

“I know that some of our lads have never played at the World Cup are very hungry to play at the World Cup. It is the dream and desire of every football player to play at the football biggest football party.

“I like the spirit in the team, we are united and we are working hard with the technical crew to ensure that we put smiles on the faces of millions of Nigerian Football fans,” Onazi declared.

The Oracle Today

45

Wednesday September 20, 2017

SPORTS

If you have honour, resign now, Boboye tells Ilechukwu Stories by MADUABUCHI KALU

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ISTORY making coach of Plateau United Football Club, Kenneth Boboye, has challenged his Mountain of Fire Miracles FC (MFM) counterpart, Fidelis Ilechukwu, to honour his boast of quitting his duties if he does not defeat El Kanemi FC of Maiduguri on the final day of the 2016/17 Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL), if he has any modicum of integrity left him.

According to the Boboye, Ilechukwu vowed to resign if he does not defeat El Kanemi in Maiduguri. He said Ilechukwu even called on the League Management Company (LMC) to ensure that the game between us and Rangers and theirs are televised so that there will not be any manipulation.

“If Coach Ilechukwu is a man of honour, he should quit his job now that the

league has ended with Plateau United winning the league. He boasted that he was going to win the league on the final day because he believes that Enugu Rangers will either defeat us or draw the game.

“His thinking was that since it was only a point that we were leading them with before the final game he was going to defeat El Kanemi in Maiduguri just because they defeated El Kanemi in Lagos but to their greatest shock, they were defeated by Maiduguri Warriors and we won our game against Rangers.

“I am not against his call for the games to be televised but he crossed the red line by vowing to resign.

Therefore, he should quit if he is a man of honour.

“I am yet to know what he is waiting for to quit as he boasted that he will resign and go back to business.

“I think his problem is that he talks too much. He should minimize his talking and concentrate more on his job as a coach,” Boboye advised the Anambra State born football tactician who took the Nigeria Professional Football League by storm last season.

Meanwhile, Ilechukwu has made it clear that anybody waiting to see his back at the Agege based NPFL outfit will wait till their kingdom come. According to him what he did was nothing but a mind game which is aimed at motivating himself for the final battle of the season.

Ilechukwu, an avowed fan Jose Mourinho explained that he was trying to follow the footstep of his role model in the round leather game, Jose Mourinho who he said you will never get dull moment with him. It is noted that Plateau United won this year’s league.

Unseeded American Sloane Stephens wins first major title

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nseeded American Sloane Stephens, despite not being reckoned with before the commencement of the 2017 US Open made history on Saturday as she won her first major title after defeating her No15 seeded compatriot, Madison Keys to emerge the 2017 US Open champion.

Stephens, who has jumped more than 900 spots in the world rankings in a month, is now a grand slam champion for the very first time and this she achieved by defeating fellow American, Madison Keys 6-3, 6-0 at Arthur Ashe Stadium in Flushing, New York.

This was only the seventh time in the Open Era, and the second time at the US Open, that two first-time finalists have faced off in a grand slam final. This also was the first all-American US Open final since 2002, when Serena Williams defeated Venus Williams. Stephens is the first American woman other than the Williams sisters to win a grand slam title in 15 years.

The 24-year-old Stephens,

unseeded and ranked 83rd, is the third player to win the US Open ranked outside the top 10 since computer rankings began in November 1975. The others were unranked Kim Clijsters in 2009 and No. 26 Flavia Pennetta in 2015.

When it was over, the two Americans shared a long embrace on the court. After Stephens celebrated with her support group, including her mother, Sybil Smith, she returned to the court and sat next to Keys, whom Stephens calls her best friend on the WTA tour.

“Honestly I wouldn’t have wanted to play anyone else,” Stephens said. “For us both to be here is such a special moment. I told her I wish there could be a draw, because I wish we could have both won. I think that if it was the other way around she would do the same for me. I’m going to support her no matter what, and I know she’s going to support me no matter what. To stand with her today is incredible. That’s what real friendship is.”

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I knew Enyimba’s worst would be continental ticket – Ogunbote

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nyimba coach Gbenga Ogunbote has stated that he was always confident before the start of the 2016/17 Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) season that his team will finish in top-three position.

He explained that he had that self-belief that he had assembled a decent playing personnel to achieve that objective and clinch a place to play in one of CAF club competitions, the Confederation Cup. “From the beginning of the season, I knew the worst result we were going to get was a continental ticket. Even when the team

were 13th on the log, I did say Enyimba have unfinished business in the continent. I knew we had the materials to do it. At the beginning, you could see we started slowly. When the team peaked in the middle of the season, it started getting points home and away. So I think, like I said, the continental ticket is a (source of) pride for everybody,” Ogunbote told the Enyimba official website.

The Enyimba trainer is already looking ahead to the new campaign and also took time to shed more light on his team’s plans for the CAF Confederation Cup. Ogunbote revealed that he will

Crystal Palace fires De Boer after 77 days incharge

not be targeting “a (wholesale)” change in his playing personnel for next season and especially in the Confederation Cup but agrees the Peoples Elephant need to fortify the squad in order to stand the chance of winning trophies next season.

“The team is there, it’s not going to be a (wholesale) thing, that’s if I still remain in Enyimba. It’s just going to be looking at the areas of need, and filling the gaps to create a team that can stand the test of time, and win laurels in the domestic scene and on the continent as well. You know Enyimba for being a team that always wants to win.

So definitely the team needs to be beefed up, but it’s not going to be a wholesale thing,” the former Shooting Stars coach said.

However, Ogunbote revealed that the biggest challenge he faced with the Peoples Elephant during the season was sharing the UJ Esuene Stadium in Calabar with other clubs in the lower tier leagues.

He added that it denied his playing personnel quality time to train at the pitch and that represented a “major challenge” for them as Enyimba have had to play away from their stadium in Aba since the start of 2016 owing to repair work started on the ground.

rank de Boer has been sacked as Crystal Palace manager after five games and 77 days in charge.

Former England boss, Roy Hodgson will replace him, according BBC Sport.

The Eagles are 19th in the Premier League after losing 1-0 at Burnley on Sunday - and failed to score in their four league matches under De Boer.

Announcing the 47-year-old Dutchman’s departure on the club website, Palace said: “We would like to thank Frank for his dedication and hard work.”

De Boer only took over this summer, succeeding Sam Allardyce, who left after helping Palace avoid relegation last season.

De Boer’s past two jobs have lasted a combined 162 days - he was sacked by Inter Milan in November 2016 after 85 days.

Prior to that he had won the Eredivisie four years in a row, between 2011 and 2015.

His only win as Palace manager came in the EFL Cup against Ipswich Town.

Should Hodgson take the job on a permanent basis, he will be the club’s seventh permanent manager in six years.

Palace chairman Steve Parish was at Turf Moor on Sunday, and said afterwards: “It’s a terrible start but we have to stick together.

“People are frustrated, I’m frustrated, so are the management and players. We know we are better than this.

“I’m defending everyone at the club who is working their backside off to turn this around.

Football teams lose games. It happens.

“Who has the better squad, us or Burnley? We had a much weaker squad when we finished 11th. The buck stops with me; I’ve never run away from that.”

46

The Oracle Today Wednesday September 20, 2017

Crime

Agege Railway: Margaret Okonkwo to the rescue Stories by XAVIER NDAH

A

GEGE is a Lagos suburb noted as a breeding ground for all manners of crime. It is of course a conglomeration of burgeoning slums where children grow to know crime as a way of life.The notoriety that Agege has recently assumed in the field of robbery, cultism, money doubling popularly known as “wash wash” and sundry crimes only attracted well-meaning individuals who are now impressing on the government to do something fast about it.

Come to think of it; at an enclave called Akerele,near Old Ipaja Road are young boys and girls who specialise in drugs peddling, forcing first time callers to be security conscious for fear of smash and grab which is commonplace at any hour of the day. The bad boys and girls alike are known to the law enforcement agents who appear to be helpless.

A week long investigation by our reporter revealed that, several raids had been conducted on the hoodlums and arrests made. But the curious thing is that, suspects in such raids would be back on their beats after buying their ways.

Of course, Agege has one of the largest numbers of black spots in Lagos. For instance, Agege Railway Station environment was one area penciled down by the police as a smoldering which that must be avoided, most especially in the night.

Reports have it that it is a rendezvous for sharing /disposing stolen goods by criminals confederates.

“Robbers usually converge here to plan for their next operation as they engage in bout with alcohol, hard drugs or anything that could make them “high”. As these are going on, women of easy virtue would be around to cares the bare-chested criminals who would be giggling as some of them puff the stuff”, revealed a source who pleaded for anonymity.

Further checks revealed that, the nocturnal activities of criminals in Agege would peak during festivities when individuals in the criminal gangs would engage one another in a show of strength. “You see them

showing scars of previous bouts.

The number of scars on individual’s body connotes toughness and they are not ashamed of it. This operation show me your body scars somewhat added to notoriety of the community.

Again, at an intersection, popularly called Agbotikuyo are pockets of gangs. One unique thing is that, “these gangs started either as cigarette thieves or pickpocket. It is usually from a low crime to a Bigger one. In the past, several cases bordering on armed robbery, bag snatching, kidnapping and constructive stealing became prevalent while the area carried a Hash tag of “dangerous zone”.

Today, from all indications, the story is largely different since the assumption of duty of Margaret Okonkwo, a Superintendent of Police who is now the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) , Railway Police station Agege. Ask anyone at the railway area of her name, not all seem to know but at the mention of ‘iya Onigba’ meaning (mama no go gree),the response of “ah ah ah aha” would conjure what stuff she is made of. “She doesn’t tolerate rubbish. That is why she is highly revered and if you are caught in the web of crime the consequence is inevitable”, disclosed Baba Agba, a wristwatch seller along the Rail line..

Who then does not know this hardworking police officer? She was in charge of the Area Traffic, Area “G” command, supervising Nine Divisions within the area command. She ensured that, the free -flow of traffic-a task no police officer had ever ventured into in the history of police management in that area. “The chaotic traffic situation here which most often interrupts rail operations has disappeared since this woman was posted here. She is a workaholic, very unassuming, and of course, versatile”, revealed Alhaji Mohammed Balogun, a community leader. Balogun added; “This woman DPO is a pride to the Nigeria Police Force and a blessing to us in Agege”.

Okonkwo with her strictness has changed the face of the railway line area. Normalcy has returned to the once crime infested area.

Indiscriminate parking beside the

•Margaret Okonkwo rail lines has vanished, all the makeshift kiosks had since disappeared and no hiding place for criminals while the rail lines are free for free flow of traffic.

Okonkwo, knows her onions,can’t be cajoled as she stands firm without compromising the standards set for interference with the railway operational rules.

She makes it clear to all that the rail lines are no go area for hoodlums and illegal trading. How many people know that sitting on rail lines is an offence and it attracts a penalty of N100, 000? In a good day some caught are cautioned and allowed to go with a strict warning while some are made to face the wrath of the law, even with that she does her job

with the feeling of human kindness depending on their offence.

SP Okonkwo obtained the national certificate from Alvan Ikoku College of Education Owerri. Bachelors of science degree in Economics/Education from University of Nigeria Nsukka, Masters in public and International Affairs from University of Lagos. She was appointed into the Nigeria police force as a cadet Assistance superintendent of police of course 21/2002.

She was the general number one for female cadet Inspectors and Asp’s respectively. After going through several training and courses, she was drafted to the United Nation peace keeping Mission in Kossovo and Liberia respectively. She has served as a Divisional crime officer at Ikeja police station, Divisional Traffic officer man center Area F command also as the Area traffic officer Area G command supervising Nine Divisions within the Area command.eg pen cinema police station, Elere police station, Isokoko police station, Dopemu police station, Iju red house police station, Abattoir police station, Alakuko police station, Okoba police station and the Area command. She is a recipient of gold Medal Award from the United Nation for hard work and dedication to duty; she was given an award in recognition of her selfless service to humanity in the Area of traffic management and control by the Nigeria Union of Journalist, Lagos chapter. She also bagged an award in 2014 by the Junior chamber International Lagos metropolitan (JCI) for her exceptional talent, strength and outstanding performance. she has served in several command Kaduna state, Lagos and Ebonyi state respectively where she served as the Area Crime officer Metro, Abakaliki. she was honored for her excellence in crime fighting by the Nigeria peace magazine, superintendent Margaret Okonkwo is a dynamic lady, Ada Diorama, Ugosinamba as being recognize by her community in Anambra state, she is also a traditional title holder Ugegbe Ezinulo of Abatete, she is married and bless with children. Presently she is the Divisional police officer Railway station Agege Lagos.

Police killed my husband in cold blood, widow cries out

E

veryone who knew Gladys Kelikwuma would observe that she is currently a shadow of her old vibrant self. The reason is that she is now a widow following the alleged murder of her husband under questionable circumstances by policemen attached to Fegge Division under Anambra State Command. The incident has not only shattered Mrs Kelikuma but also saddled her with a lot of responsibilities.

Her husband, Ernest Kelikwuma, a renowned security merchant, who owns Ambassador Security Services and Coy Nigeria Limited located at No 52, Old Market Road, Onitsha in Anambra State, reportedly left his home in Ogwashi-Uku, Delta State to Fegge Divisional Police headquarters on the 31st of last month, following a call he received from an investigating police officer over the arrest of an armed robber by members of his own security outfit and that was the last time they saw him alive.

His widow, Gladys of Ewechi, Onicha-Ukwuani in Ndokwa West

Was Ernest Kelikwuma a victim of police conspiracy or did he truly die from accidental police gun discharge? How did a triumphant security provider, whose men reportedly caught an armed robber and handed him over to the police, die from accidental discharge at the police station where he had been called to see and identify his gallant security officers? These are the questions that agitate the minds of Mrs. Gladys Kelikwuma, Ernest’s widow and others who are at a loss over what happened to their breadwinner. From Asaba, JONATHAN AWANYAI reports.

Local Council, in an exclusive interview with The Oracle Today, has accused the Nigeria Police Force of killing her husband.

“My late husband, Ernest, owns a security outfit called Ambassador Security Service and Co. Nigeria Limited located at No 52, Old Market Road, Onitsha in Anambra State. They called him to inform him that some of his boys caught an armed robber who was trying to rob a house located at Fegge town in Onitsha. He was told to come immediately to Fegge police station where they detained the suspect that was apprehended by his boys. He left to Onitsha with a promise that he would return soon. We waited all night for him but what we didn’t know was that we were not go-

ing to see him again,” she said in tears.

Corroborating her mother’s account of what happened, the deceased’s son, Chidubem narrated: “My father and I were eating in the house when he received a call from Fegge Police Station on his MTN Line at about 4.45pm and he immediately left the food and told me that his attention was needed at the Divisional Police Headquarters and requested that I go with him to the station but I told him I was tired and needed some rest. He left the house with a promise to return very soon, but we never saw him again. The next day, my mother told me that she received a call from the security adviser to my father requesting that she

should come to the police station.”

At the Fegge Divisional Headquarters, the younger brother of the deceased who went in the company of Mrs. Kelikwuma further narrated that at the Divisional Police Headquarters, they were told that the late Ernest was allegedly presented with the gun which was recovered from the robber and he attempted to dislodge the gun in the presence of the DPO, IPO and other senior officers and in the course of dislodging the gun, there was an accidental discharge which hit him on the chest.

Sources revealed that the item of the deceased, which was returned to the family by the police is a wallet and a phone, but his

son disclosed that his father left the house the day he was called with N38,600 and two phones.

However, only one phone was returned to the family and N50 note found in the wallet.

Though, the body of late Ernest has been deposited in a morgue in Onitsha, the distraught widow who wondered how her husband could have been sent to an early grave, therefore, appealed to the Inspector General of Police, Ibrahim Idris and the Commissioner of Police in the State, Garba Umar to wade into the matter.

Concerted efforts to get the reaction of the Anambra State Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Nkeriuka Nwode failed as her phone rang once and was later switched off. A text message, which was also sent through her phone was also not replied.

However, when the Divisional Police Officer of Fegge Division, SP Rabiu Garba was contacted on phone, he denied knowledge of the incident.

47

The Oracle Today Wednesday September 20, 2017

News

Atiku’ 2019 INTAFACT splashes N80m on 40 young entrepreneurs Continued from Pg 2 the week that everything has been put in place to welcome Atiku back to the party “It is no longer a rumour. Everything is in place and we are also certain that the PDP ticket, come 2019 is his,” he said.

Challenges Atiku will face.

One of the major huddles, which the former Vice President is expected to face is in his home state Adamawa where it was gathered that the incumbent Governor, Jibrilla Bindow, is said to be undecided about joining Atiku to move to the PDP. Atiku will therefore need to work hard to remain politically relevant in his home state, should the governor refuse to move out of APC. How Atiku’s exit will affect APC At the party’s headquarters in Abuja, the National Publicity Secretary of the APC, Hon. Bolaji Abdullahi was said to be unavailable.

It was gathered that he had not been to his office since the beginning of the week.

However, some party members who spoke on the issue described the news of Atiku’s exit from the party as “ rumour” Mustapha Abdulrahman, who said he has been following Atiku’s political activities, noted however that the party should be held responsible should Atiku leave APC. “ The truth is the people are complaining and the party is keeping quiet as if it is not human beings that make up a political party.

I won’t blame him, if he leaves,” he said.

Obaze Continued from Pg 1 no decisions has been made.

On the list, which reflects religion, region and gender, are five men and two women, all drawn from South and Central senatorial districts.

“All the deputy-governorship pre-designates are Anglican,” the source said. The candidate is Catholic. It is reported that they have the support of the Anglican Church hierarchy. Again, they are mostly core PDP members.

Mr. Obaze won the 28 August 2017 governorship primaries, a nationally televised event.

Gov. Dave Umahi of Ebonyi State, who superintended the process, awarded him the certificate thereafter.

Our source also confirmed that Mr. Obaze, the PDP candidate’s name was forwarded to the INEC on 7 September 2017.

At INEC, our sources confirmed that the submission had been made. The race to the PDP ticket began for Obaze who was granted provisional waiver to contest the gubernatorial election on 11 August 2017.

He received full clearance from the Senator Bob Effiong screening appeals panel on 14 August 2017 and a waiver from the National Caretaker Committee on 15 August 2017.

Some of the PDP aspirants whom the party hierarchy and Mr. Obaze have engaged in reconciliation talks, have exercised their democratic right to file petitions on their respective grievances.

Enugu State Gov. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi chaired the latest conciliation effort on Monday, 11 September

By THEO RAYS

I

NTAFACT Beverages, an Onitsha-based beverage company and producer of Hero Lager beer, during the week, splashed over N80m on young entrepreneurs to start various kinds of businesses.

The Beverage Industrys operating under Heros Foundation split the said money among the beneficiaries at a ceremony held at DollyHill Hotel with the Governor of Anambra State, Chief Willie Obiano commending the company for its kind gesture to the youth Tagged ‘Kick Start’, the benefi-

ciaries who were drawn from five states of the Southeast geopolitical zone including Delta and Edo States were trained in different fields of endeavours such as poultry, tailoring, piggery, fishery, textile, fashion designing and many more.

Obiano said the Heros Foundation has reduced unemployment among the youth informing that the company has acquired a farmland at Igbariam in Anambra East Local Government Area where they would produce soghum locally instead of importing it.

Earlier in his remark, the Obi of Onitsha, His Majesty Igwe Nnemeka

Achebe who chaired the occasion urged the beneficiaries to make judicious use of the money to add value to themselves and the society.

In her words, a member of intafact Board of Trustees Professor Stella Okunna who introduced the beneficiaries, explained that they were examined selected by a panel of judges.

Okunna said the Kick Start empowerment project was the second edition, noting that the first took place last year with 24 people as beneficiaries.

Also speaking, the head of the panel of judges Professor Benjamin Osisioma who spoke through Mrs

Ngozika Okoye gave an insight into how the beneficiaries were examined and selected, noting that they proved that they can do what they were trained for at strategic locations where their business can survive and be sustained.

“Some of the criteria for passing the exams are the skills and experience of the applicants and the chances of locating the business where it can survive and be sustained to yield constant profit,” Okoye added Highlight of the occasion was the issuance of cheques to the beneficiaries.

on land, sea and air, (iii) for suppressing insurrection and acting in aid of civil authorities to restore order when called upon to do so by the President; subject to such conditions as may be prescribed by an Act of the National Assembly.

“With regards to subsection 3 above, have the civil authorities failed? What exactly have the Police done in the area so far? Do they report any insurrection? Not as far as Nigerians are concern. The implication of the President action is that he acted ultra vires when he deployed the Nigerian Army to the South Eastern Nigeria.

“It is South East Nigerian today, do we know what region is next?

I implore people of goodwill to speak out and stop this President from bringing back his days of Decree 4 in a constitutional democracy. Nigerians should act now before it is too late. Evil prevail when good people stand aside and do nothing.

“The Nigeria government should allow citizens referendum for them to determine how they want to live their lives. And to those who will argue the Nigeria constitution did not recognise referendum, I will say in a critical and perilous time like this, the doctrine of necessity can be invoked to conduct referendum and there is no need to amend the Nigerian Constitution.’

Similarly, a former federal lawmaker and ex-Biafran soldier, Barr.

Felix Mgbada has also condemned the action of the military insisting that their action was premeditated.

Mgbada who stated this while chatting with our reporter in Abakaliki said the constitutional duty of the military is to protect the country against external aggression not to be harassing innocent citizens.

“The job of the military is to protect against external aggressors such as Boko Haram who want to overthrow the government of President Muhammadu Buhari. The military has no right to invade people’s home. If anybody is suspected to be harboring something illegal, it is the work of the police whose duty it is to maintain internal security,” he said.

“The Army have no powers under our laws to harass or enter any

body’s compound. I doubt the story by the military that they were blocked by the youths. Only a foolish person will see military convoy and block it. The military have been looking for an opportunity to deal with Nnamdi Kanu; that was why they took the war to his home. It was a planned operation.

“What they had in mind was to deal with or even kill Kanu or anybody else found supporting him. If not so, why did they choose to follow the route that passes through Kanu’s home when there are so many other routes in Umuahia they would have followed?”

Chidoka condemns APGA’s silence, sets ups legal support FORMER Minister of Aviation and frontline contender in the November 18 Anambra State governorship election and candidate of the United Progressive Party, UPP, Osita Chidoka, has taken a swipe at Igbo leaders in the All Progressives Congress (APC) and All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), for remaining silent in the face of oppression against the people of the SouthEast region.

In a statement issued on Sunday

by Chidoka’s Director, Media Campaign Organisation, Viola Ifeyinwa Okolie, Chidoka regretted that such “atrocious silence of Igbo leaders in the APC and APGA has emboldened aggression against South Easterners.

“While we call on all our citizens to be peaceful and law-abiding, we will definitely not accept any deliberate act of provocation, harassment or infringement on the constitutionally guaranteed rights of our people by uniformed men, and for this we demand from the military high command, assurances of utmost professionalism and strict observance to international best practices and approved rules of engagement,” the Chidoka Campaign Organisation stressed.

More Condemnations Eastern Consultative Assembly, ECA, Igbo Women Assembly, IWA, Igbo Leaders of Thought, ILT, Igbo Youth Movement, IYM, South East Christian Network, and Igbo Students’ Union, have all condemned both the attack at Kanu’s residence as well as military occupation of the

est, there must be something that is informed that decision. Sometimes, that thing could be open, sometimes, it could be at a later date. In this case, I wish to categorically tell you that the IPOB (Kanu’s) house is not under siege,” Musa said.

Nonetheless, the rather overbearing presence of armed soldiers is creating palpable tension in Umuahia, the Abia State capital.

The soldiers ostensibly drafted to implement “Operation Egwu Eke,” in a siren-blaring convoy led by an

armoured personnel carrier, patrol the nooks and crannies of the city every now and then, scaring residents.

There are reports that the home of the leader of Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, has been under siege by the soldiers.

IPOB in a statement by its Media and Publicity Secretary, Emma Powerful alleged that the military has drafted soldiers to the home of Kanu, allegedly to assassinate him, a charge Musa denied.

South East.

The denunciations came on the heels of a myriad of other opposition to the occupation of the South East, especially Nnamdi Kanu’s country home by federal security agents which led to alleged number of deaths and several degrees of injuries on innocent Igbo citizens last Sunday. Kanu, the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, said he was the target of the attack, even as the military has insisted that no life was lost.

On its part, ECA, in a reaction, questioned the rationale behind militarization of a section of the country, which has long been subjected to a historic culture of enslavement, deprivation and neglect. Publicity Secretary of the ECA, Rev. Fr. John Odey, in a statement bemoaned the continued isolation as well as deliberate exclusion the South East region from the entire security organs of the country, adding that the current invasion of the region by various security agencies especially the military is the height of insensitivity and brazen insult on Ndigbo.

IWA, ILT, IYM, the South-East Christian Network, and the Igbo Students Union, have all condemned both the attack at Kanu’s residence as well as military occupation of the South East. IWA Chairperson, Chief Mrs. Maria Okwor, in her statement, described as appalling and provocative, the Sunday invasion of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu’s residence, just to display military might.

“Why can’t the army go and show force in Sambisa, in Plateau State, where hundreds of villagers had just been slaughtered by Fulani herdsmen, or in Ikorodu, Lagos, where the Badoo cult group has forced residents to relocate against their will. The display of show of force five meters from Kanu’s bedroom is a pointer that F.G. wants to provoke war in the East. This government is clearly an enemy government, and we call on the federal government to apologize to Ndigbo, without delay, for this infantile act of deliberate provocation,” Okwor said.

For the ILT and IYM, which spoke through their leader, Evang. Eliot Ugochukwu-Uko, “The story by the army that some kids pelted their military convoy with stones, in order to justify their use of live bullets on a residential compound, is hollow and uninspiring.

“Why would the army choose Kanu’s residence, of all places, to perform their ‘show of force’ on Sunday evening?

“The Army is only confirming the suspicion, that it is a sectional arm determined to wage war against the people of Eastern Nigeria, all in a bid to sustain Nigeria’s unjust unitary structure, and to resist the restructuring of Nigeria,” he said, adding injustice will not prevail over justice.

“They are only making Kanu more loved and more deified”, he said.

Python Dance curfew in Aba

Continued from Pg 8 not to take the patience of South East and South South Nigeria for weakness saying that any attempt by military to repeat what happened in Zaria, Kaduna State in the region would immediately lead to breakdown of law and order in the entire country.

“The development is a threat to peaceful co-existence of this nation and it is quite unfortunate that security operatives will descend so low by invading the residence of unarmed individual with Armoured Personnel Carrier, APC. “We put on record that if the security operatives try to repeat what happened in Zaria, Kaduna state to Shiites - where over 300 unarmed civilians were killed by security operatives without any justification - the entire nation will be set ablaze from which the entire nation may not recover from.”

A top political strategist and analyst, Chief Joe Ifedobi described the deployment of soldiers to South East in time of peace as illegal and unconstitutional. According to him, President Buhari knows that he has been committing impeachable offences. Look at the composition of the Security Council; no single Igbo person is there. Again the recent retirement in the military, the Fulani herdsmen killings, maiming, raping and illegal occupation and declaration of jihad and another Luanda ethnic cleansing experience is in the offing.

Our prayer is that Almighty God save Ndigbo Olatayo Ogedengbe Esq, a concerned Nigerian stated, “Could this be the beginning of ethnic cleansing? Has the condition for deployment of military to civilian population arisen?” According to him, “Section 217 of the 1999 constitution of Nigeria (as amended) clearly lays out the circumstances and conditions under which our Armed Forces can be deployed. These are as follows (i) for the defence of Nigeria from external aggression. (ii) for the maintenance of the territorial integrity and securing the borders of Nigeria from violation

Nnamdi Kanu’s house not targeted –Army From BONIFACE OKORO, Umuahia

D

eputy Director, Public Relations, 82 Division of the Nigerian Army, Enugu, Col. Sagir Musa has denied allegations that IPOB leader, Nnamdi Kanu’s home was their target.

“No house is under siege, let me make it clear. The house of Nnamdi Kanu is not a target. We know the capacity. You know we work on intelligence. But wherever you see security agencies are putting inter-

WEDNESDAY September 20, 2017

The

www.oraclenews.ng

48

racle Today

VOX POPULI SACRUM

ISSN: 2545-5869

Benue flooding: Best of episodic leadership T EARS, emotions, outpouring of pantomime grief, stubborn resistance to change, are some of the graver depictions of the flooding that is ravaging Benue State. More realistically, the tragedies in Benue were at best photo opportunities for many; they exploited them, making more fake promises.

Many of them know nothing about the challenges that Adamawa, Anambra, Benue, Kogi, Taraba and further down the basins of the River Niger face from the episodic leaderships in Nigeria. Is the problem new? Is it not disingenuous to keep blaming Cameroun for our woes?

Why would governments that fail to protect their people blame another government that considers the lives of its people important? We attach minimal importance to life; we consider the security and welfare with arable land of about 150,000 hectares low in the notches of government’s consid- thereby providing crop tonnage of 790,000 erations. tons in Adamawa, Taraba and Benue States.

It will also shore up employment opportu1958 nities to about 40,000 families and make Since the 1958 flood disaster that killed available navigation route of the Benue Rivmany people, this is the worst that has hap- er to Niger Delta. Site for the Dasin Hausa pened in Adamawa State. Many schools, multi-purpose dam, which is expected to hospitals, government buildings and over provide power of about 300mw, is in Dasin 250 villages have been submerged by the village of Fufore Local Government Area of flood. We have written the Nigeria High Adamawa State--Engr. Saidu Njidda of the Commission in Cameroun and the Foreign Foundation for Public-Public Partnerships, Affairs Minister on the flood and we are on solution to the flooding, 2012 waiting for the Federal Government’s ac- Note: Dasin Hausa Dam, identified as solution on the matter--Chairman, Adamawa tion to the problem, with additional beneState Flood Disaster Committee, Kobis Ari, fits to various communities across Nigeria, who was also the Secretary to the State has not been built in 35 years.

Government, attributing 2012 the disaster to the massive water released from the Lad- 2005 go Dam in Cameroun.

The UN Environment Programme and OfNote: If we use 1958 as take-off point, the fice of the Human Affairs commissioned a problem has been around for almost 59 study on the lake in September 2005. The years. We are still writing letters to Camer- findings indicated that Lake Nyos might oun that has secured its side of the waters. collapse within five to 10 years (by 2015).

A collapse of the lake would send over 30 1982 million cubic metres (MCM) of water into The Dasin Hausa Dam project conceived in Katsina Ala River in Nigeria all the way 1982 if completed would tackle the peren- down through Benue and Niger River sysnial flooding, provide the whole North East tems. The Federal Government has com-

menced the construction of Kasmbilla dam, designed to serve as a buffer dam to avert the danger posed by Lake Nyos in Cameroon. The dam project located in Taraba is expected to be completed in 2013.

Note: With Lake Nyos intact, the flooding continues.

2012

Nigeria is prepared to develop a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), with Cameroon on the management of water from Ladgo Dam. Unregulated water released from Ladgo Dam located 50km south of Garoua, on the Camerounian side of the Benue River causes huge flooding in Nigeria. “What informed the decision to visit Cameroon is as a result of the September floods. One of the causes of the floods, apart from excessive rainfall, was the unregulated release of water from Ladgo dam. What we are going to do with the visit is to establish a bilateral cooperation that will lead to sustainable management of water resources of the Benue Basin. We are going there in preparation for the rainy season so that people will not say that Nigeria is not prepared in case of any re-occurrence of floods. We are going there with a draft

copy of MOU on how to achieve sustainable management of the water resources,’’ a Federal Government official told the New Agency of Nigeria. In addition, the official said the visit would also provide an avenue to discuss possible collaboration on the safety and management of Lake Nyos, which lies close to the axis of the Cameroon volcanic line, which extends 1,500km from the Gulf of Guinea through South Western Cameroun and into northern Nigeria and northern Cameroun.

Note: The purpose of the visit is “so that people will not say that Nigeria is not prepared in case of any re-occurrence of floods,” according to a government official. Once the visit was made, allowances paid, reports may not be written, the official has shown that “Nigeria was prepared in case of a re-occurrence of floods”.

“If the trend of rainfall experienced this year continues in the next few weeks, more water will be released from the Cameroun reservoir till October 2012. NEMA is looking up to the Federal Government to find a permanent solution to the floods by constructing a dam in the State (Adamawa) that will reduce and manage the volume of water released annually from Lagdo Dam in the Republic of Cameroun. Also, there is need for dredging of water channels that link Nigeria with Lagdo Dam.” – Muhammad Sani-Sidi, Director-General of National Emergency Management Agency, NEMA Note: He sounds as if he discovered Ladgo Dam in 2012. A high-ranking Federal Government official speaks publicly about a problem that the government has not tackled, as if he works in the private sector.

2015

Kasmbilla Dam in Taraba State is completed, according to Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Water Resources, Mr. Musa Istifanus. “We have started controlling the water flooding into the river basin because we recently completed the construction of the dam which takes off 30 per cent of the water quantity that will flow into the Benue Basin,” Istifanus stated.

Note: What informed the choice of Kasmbilla (Taraba), without the benefits of Dasin Hausa Dam (Adamawa)? How did we expect that 30 per cent emptying of the basin would stop the flooding?

2017

We are in the concluding episode of a tragic circus, worsened by the fact that the sequel is awash with more deadly consequences once the leaders drain the Benue flooding of its media opportunities. “The President is very concerned about how to stop flooding in the State.

That is why dredging of River Benue is very important now,” Vice President Yemi Osinbajo said in Makurdi.

Note: If you think that “now” denotes urgency, the President’s concern “to stop flooding in the State”, says that the problem is in Benue State and has nothing to do with the construction of the Dasin Hausa Dam, conceived 35 years ago.

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.