Wednesday September 5, 2018 Edition

PMB’s stance on Rule of Law: New dictatorship

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NY remaining doubts about where President Muhammadu Buhari stands with the Rule of Law, was finally wiped out on Sunday, when in an address go the Nigeria Bar Association, he stated that national security was superior to the Rule of Law. He

The Oracle Today Comment even quoted the law to support his position.

OUR surprised that lawyers and lay people appear shocked by the

The

VOX POPULI SACRUM

stance of the President on a matter that he has hardly concealed whether as a military leader or since he assumed office on 29 May

2015 as a civilian President. He had always considered “national interest”, “national security” – whatever he defined to be – to be superior

to the Rule of Law. HIS choice of the Bar general conference to lay down his policy as he continues his Presidency was not a mistake. The President had often seen the law, from the National Assembly to the Judiciary, as

racle

WEDNESDAY September 5, 2018

Cont’d on page 24

www.oraclenews.ng

Today N200

ISSN: 2545-5869 VOL.3 No.35

Intrigues stall Enugu EPZ From CHUKS EZE, Enugu;

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ffective take-off of the Enugu Export Processing Zone (EEPZ) may have been stalled for reasons that persons who spoke with The Oracle Today on the matter attributed to politics.

The EEPZ, otherwise known as ENPOWER FTZ and the first in South East Nigeria, was launched with fanfare in November 2016 with Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State performing the

•Sirika allegedly invalidates approvals already given by regulatory authorities •Discountenances building templates adopted by Enugu. •Template already in use in other airports around the country ground- breaking ceremony of the project.

Performing the ground-breaking ceremony at the Akanu Ibiam International Airport, Enugu,

Governor had described the EEPZ as “a great industrial hub” that would create 30,000 jobs and help in diversifying the economy.

“It is a unique partnership that

allows you process export commodities and has N240 billion expected direct foreign investment. About 5000 companies will operate the ENPOWER, it is

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igeria’s deep water petroleum industry champion, Total, has dispatched its iconic floating production, storage and off take (FPSO) vessel to begin subsea integration at the oil mining lease acreage offshore Niger Delta.

The development of the crude oil production facility posts positive revenue outlook for the nation’s economy at a time oil producing nations are in a race to draw much more value from the commodity market after debilitating low price cycle.

The $16 billion Egina FPSO which flies the landmark 72 percent local content flag in history of the Nigerian petroleum industry is to produce some 200,000 barrels of

•Enugu Airport is the latest excuse for the EEPZ not taking off.

Legislative aides protest over unpaid allowances T

he National Assembly Legislative Aides Forum (NASSLAF) has warned that it will shut down the National Assembly when the federal legislators resume from break on September 25, over al-

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Total deploys 200 kbd Egina FPSO to production site

By SOPURUCHI ONWUKA

By KELECHI NZE

the same manner that China and Dubai were created on free trade zones,” Commissioner for Commerce and Industries, Mr. Sam Ogbu-Nwobodo, who spoke at a briefing to announce the ceremony said.

“The specialized industrial clusters to be developed within the free zone areas include the manufacturing centre and wholesale market; the aviation and aerospace cluster; the power, utilities and light manufacturing cluster;

•Threaten to shut down NASS on resumption leged non-payment of their allowances.

The said allowances, they said, have not been paid since June 2015.

Grouped in five categories, including Senior Legislative Aides, Legislative Assists 1 & 2, Personal Assistant and Secretary, they stated that they have all been deprived

of their training and allowances, adding that they fear that they might not also be paid their sever-

Cont’d on page 44

light sweet crude oil per day after linking subsea production facilities with risers in the complicated marine environment where it begins solitary habitation for nearly 30 productive years.

Total told The Oracle Today that the vessel left the Lagos Deep Offshore Logistics (LADOL) base in Lagos on Sunday for Oil Mining Licence 130 (OML130), 150 kilometres offshore Port Harcourt, where Nigeria is to put mix of local and foreign technology to test for the first time in the history of the country’s petroleum industry.

The Deputy Managing Director, Deep Water, Total Upstream Companies in Nigeria, Mr. Ahmadu-Kida Musa said that the Egina field development project generated 24 direct million man-hours or 77 per cent of total project workload during the construction phase.

That translates to engagement of over 3,000 persons on average within 5 years.

The $3.3 billion Egina FPSO departed for offshore field after integration of topside modules locally produced by indigenous fabrication companies.

The Egina FPSO, which was built

by Samsung Heavy Industries

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Buhari’s interest not national interest - Secondus

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The Oracle Today Wednesday September 5, 2018

NEWS Continued from Pg 1 the healthcare park, the business and hospital park; technology and digital media park and the chemicals and agribusiness cluster.”

But, nearly two years after that project was initiated as the first of its kind in the South East, it may have come to grief, no thanks to the politics of location

Intrigues stall Enugu EPZ

of ports and other points of entry and exit in the country.

Although it took some doing before the licence was granted for the EEFTZ to be set up, the federal government, through its

agencies such as Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) finally gave the licence to a private company known as Enugu Free Trade Zone to operate the FTZ. Following the ground-break-

•The refurblished Enyimba Stadium, Aba that was opened on Sunday

ing ceremony on November 23 2016, many foreign companies, apparently excited at prospects of their businesses in business savvy South East, had indicated interest to build factories in the zone.

Similarly, many importers most of who are from the South east had seen the project as God-sent, hoping to boost their businesses using the free trade zone platform.

Their thinking was that with goods to be manufactured and exported from the South East, they would be saved the agony of bringing in their merchandizing goods from abroad.

However, while all and sundry were basking in the euphoria of the birth of EFZ in the South East and many in the zone were readying themselves to take advantage of such opening to better their social and economic thereby putting finishing touches to preparations for effective take-off, what would appear to be a witting or unwitting design to ensure the project never took off the ground was said to have been allegedly hatched by “retrogressive elements in government,” according to an aviation insider.

According to sources who would not be named because they were not authorised to speak to the media, Minister of State for Aviation , Senator Hadi

Buhari’s interest not national interest - Secondus

National Chairman of the TPDP,hePeoples Democratic Party, •Assures Presidential aspirants of fairness Prince Uche Secondus has berated President Muhammadu Buhari for trying to subjugate his interest as a national interest and his personal political security as national security.

Prince Secondus said that at the center of every national interest is as contained in the constitution and the rule of law of the nation and democracy is anchored on them.

The National Chairman made the assertion when he received two Presidential aspirants of the party, former Sokoto state governor Alhaji Attahiru Bafarawa and the incumbent governor of Gombe state, Dr Ibrahim Dankwambo at the party’s national campaign office otherwise called legacy house in Maitama, Abuja.

According to a statement from the National Chairman’s Media

Office signed by his Media Adviser Ike Abonyi, Prince Secondus warned that President Buhari’s interpretation of national interest and national security should be disregarded because it is all aimed at enabling him create order 6 to appropriate legislative and judicial functions and operative a full blown dictatorship.

Prince Secondus challenged the President to append his signature on the Electoral Act as amended if he truly believes in conducting a free, fair and credible election.

He wondered why the President is foot dragging in signing the new Electoral Act when it’s obvious that it would deepen our electoral system and ensure faster growth of our democracy.

The PDP boss assured the aspirants of the party at all level that

there would be free, fair and transparent primaries where the delegates’ decision would prevail.

“Let me assure you all aspirants of our party that the era of impunity, or imposition is over in the party as a rebranded PDP under my watch would ensure transparency and fairness for all” Prince Secondus appealed to the aspirants to work harmoniously among themselves in the interest of the party since it’s only one person that will get the slot at the end of the day.

“We must not forget to put the will of God in all we do bearing in mind that nobody gets power unless as designed and approved by God “We are proud of all our aspirants, all of them are imminently qualified to rule this country and

working in harmony we would chased out APC out of Villa by 2019.

In his own remarks, Alhaji Bafarawa assured that he would abide by the will of the party as to be demonstrated by the delegates of our great party.

He said that all hands must be on deck to chase away President Buhari and the All Progressives Congress, PDP, by 2019.

Also speaking in the same vain, Governor Dankwambo assured that he would subordinate his ambition to the party if the delegates decide to chose another person.

He said that he has what it takes in profession and experience to lead the rescue team to bail this country out of the misrule of APC. The two aspirants were accompanied by their campaign teams drawn from across the country.

Total deploys 200 kbd Egina FPSO to production site Cont’d from Pg 1 (SHI), sailed away from the quay side at Samsung Yard in Geoje, South Korea, on October 31, 2017, arrived Nigeria on January 24th 2018 for integration of locally manufactured topside processing modules before sailing away to the OML 130 where it would cohabit with sister Akpo FPSO operated by the same company.

The Egina FPSO would be the largest of such production facility ever deployed in the nation’s deep water terrain. Egina is reputed to alter the African industry capacity stereotype with its high level of local content milestones, including six locally fabricated topside modules that

successfully passed global quality tests for 25 years of operations in the deep water.

Mr. Musa had explained that “Egina is the latest of Total’s deep water developments and the third project of its kind developed by Total in Nigeria, after Akpo and Usan.

These projects have brought progressive increase in levels of Nigerian Content and this is well illustrated by the percentage of total project workload performed in Nigeria: from 44 per cent for Usan, Total recorded 60 per cent for Akpo and now 77 per cent will be achieved for Egina, just before the FPSO sails away from the SHIMCI Yard in LADOL Island, Lagos where it is currently moored for topsides integration works.”

“It is the deepest offshore development carried out so far in Nigeria, in water depths of over 1,500 metres and the project is designed to produce 200,000 barrels per day of oil at plateau. In addition to the oil, the Egina field will produce gas. Associated gas will be partly re-injected into the reservoir to maintain reservoir pressure, and partly channelled to supply the domestic gas market.” He explained that Nigeria was proud Egina has advanced its local content policy to new levels in many domains, adding that it, amongst others, led to the development of a new fabrication and integration yard which is reportedly Africa’s first FPSO integration quay.

“It was, constructed under the

FPSO package contract by SHIMCI, within Lagos deep offshore logistics base on LADOL Island.

Today, the Egina project is proudly the first to record the fabrication and integration of FPSO topsides in Nigeria. Six of the 18 topside modules were fabricated and integrated at the SHI-MCI facility at LADOL.” The Oracle Today reports that the Egina field is coming on stream with 200, 000 barrels per day at a time the crude oil price is hovering above $70 per barrels at the international commodities market, thus posting positive revenue outlook for the country which is currently battling with huge sovereign debts.

Sirika, a nephew of President Muhammadu Buhari, allegedly cited security concerns as reasons the EEFTZ must not be allowed to take off.

Sirika was said to have said that the EEFTZ was too close to the Akanu Ibiam International Airport runway and was too much of a “security risk” for it to operate as planned.

However, senior officials of the Aviation Ministry were taken aback by the development as, according to them, there were no security concerns in the area at all.

“They had given all necessary approvals within the ministry and didn’t know where Sirika’s directive was coming from,” a sources told The Oracle Today, wondering why “the cog in the wheel of take-off at the last minute.”

“Similar FTZs are located in Lagos and Kano and all are within meters to the runway, indeed much closer than the way it is in Enugu,” he said,adding: “I put all this down to the politics of port location from where South East businessmen have come out worsted. Because, really, these so –called security concerns were absolutely unfounded.”

Sources told The Oracle Today that the minister allegedly demanded another round of approvals from all the agencies, a seeming delay tactic to keep the project under lock and key.

As at press time, it was not clear when the approvals would come or if they would ever come.

The Oracle Today could not get any response from the office of the Minister of State for Aviation as he could not be reached through his cell phone.

However, an official who wouldn’t like to “drawn into this controversy” alleged, in a chat with The Oracle Today, that “there seems to be plans to deliberate scuttle that project using officialdom.”

He stressed that the EEFTZ politics is similar to that of the seaports, which the government has practically killed in other parts of the country outside Lagos, especially in the South East and South South.

“The objective is simple: don’t make the South east a gateway.

The FTZ will open the South East to the world and this may lead to businesses being moved out of Lagos and the Nigerian establishment doesn’t want this all.

“You would recall the recent controversy over congestion in Lagos owing to the congestion at the ports. The federal government knows that the easiest solution is to open up other ports in the country and Lagos would decongested in a jiffy. But, they wouldn’t want to do that because they don’t want South East businessmen to have it easy doing business. Do you know the number of business people who have died or lost their goods in transit because they had to transport their goods by land back to the East all the way from Lagos. It is countless. So, it’s all the same: if you have a successful EFTZ in the South East, you are opening up the place to the outside world independent of Lagos and they don’t want that. That is Sirika’s politics and I bet you, he has the support of the highest authorities in the land.”

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The Oracle Today Wednesday September 5, 2018

NEWS ACROSS THE NATION

Lagos Govt to decongest prisons through plea bargain

By VICTOR NZE

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AGOS State Government is set to bring down the number of inmates awaiting trial in prisons across the State through the implementation of plea bargain aspect of the Administration of Criminal Justice Law. Speaking at Ikoyi Prison during a visit to create awareness on the initiative, the State’s Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Adeniji Kazeem, said the huge population of inmates in prisons across the State was of serious concern to the State Government, adding that there was dire need to implement initiatives such as the plea bargain concept to drastically reduce the figures.

Kazeem, who was represented by the State’s Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), Mrs. Titilayo Shitta-Bay, specifically encouraged the inmates who are guilty of alleged offences for which they are facing trial to embrace plea bargain and thereby save time as well as serve lesser punishment.

According to her, “Plea Bargain will help to reduce the punishment for inmates, save public funds and time, and that is the reason why the State Government is purposely using the initiative to also decongest prisons in the State.”

Giving details on how the initiative works, Shitta-Bay said an applicant for Plea Bargain has to state the reasons for his eligibility and it would then be considered only on merit and based on the seriousness of the offence for which the applicant is being prosecuted.

Speaking further, she said: “The lawyers would write their recommendations too and the AttorneyGeneral and Commissioner for Justice would consider the facts of the matter and circumstances.”

In his response, the Comptroller in charge of Ikoyi Prison, DCP Tolu Ogunsakin commended the State Government for the proactive approach in decongesting prisons in the State, just as he advised inmates to make use of the wonderful initiative by the Attorney- General and Commissioner for Justice through the office of Director of Public Prosecutions.

Addressing the inmates, Ogunsakin said: “You have always been praying for freedom and Lagos State Government has brought you the opportunity to embrace it and confess to the crime that brought you to Prison instead of wasting your time and energy here”.

Aside Ikoyi Prison, the team also visited Kirikiri Female Prison, Kirikiri Medium Prison and Kirikiri Maximum Prison.

2018 NDHS commences in 36 states, FCT

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ATIONAL Population Commission (NPopC) has said that the 2018 Nigeria Demographic and Health Survey (NDHS) has commenced nationwide.

The Federal Commissioner representing Yobe, Alhaji Muhammad Makkau, made this known to newsmen on Monday in Damaturu.

Represented by the NPopC Director in the state, Alhaji Sa’idu Chara, the federal commissioner explained that “the survey seeks to collect high quality data on fertility levels and preferences, contraceptive use.

“Maternal and child health, infant and neonatal level, maternal mortality, violence against women, gender, immunisation, nutrition, breastfeeding, HIV/AIDS

awareness and other indicators relevant for the Sustainable Development Goals, among others’’.

He equally disclosed that the 2018 NDHS is the sixth conducted in Nigeria, which is a five-year periodic worldwide survey programme designed by USAID with support from other international donors.

He added that the survey was being currently carried out in several countries in Africa, Latin America, Caribbean, Asia, Eastern Europe and the Middle East.

He therefire urged the States and Local Government Councils, traditional institutions and communities in the affected areas to support the commission by allowing the field functionaries to access the selected clusters.

Kwankwaso to declare presidential ambition in Abuja, Wednesday

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ORMER Kano State Governor, Sen. Rabiu Kwankwaso, will officially declare his presidential ambition for the 2019 election on Wednesday, a statement by the Kwankwaso Presidential Campaign Committee, has said.

The statement, signed by a member of the committee Mr Taiwo Adekanla, was released in Abuja on Monday.

It said that Kwankwaso, a senator representing Kano Central, would join the presidential race at a rally to be held at the Eagle Square in Abuja.

The statement said that part of Kwankwaso’s policy direction, if elected, would be massive infrastructural development across the country.

“It is imperative for us to embark on massive infrastructural turnaround across the country. This includes the judicious management of the nation’s resources without necessarily mortgaging the future of the country on excessive foreign loans and its attendant burden.

“This will eliminate insecurity in all its forms across the country and return Nigeria to the path of prosperity,” it said.

It listed some of the aspirant’s achievements as governor to include his popular “Free School Feeding Programme’’ and free uniform for primary schools, based on his ‘Kwankwasiyya’ ideology.

•Vice President Yemi Osinbajo flanked by Minister of Budget and National Planning, Mr Udoma Udo Udoma and other executive members of the Nigeria Bar Association (NBA) during the 58th Annual General Conference of the NBA which held at the International Conference Centre, Abuja, under the theme: “Transition, Transformation, & Sustainable Institutions”.

Salvador’s defection good riddance – Lagos PDP

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AGOS State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party(PDP)has described Monday’s defection of its chairman, Mr Moshood Salvador to the All Progressives Congress (APC) as good riddance.

Salvador defected to APC with his supporters on account that his efforts to reposition PDP in the state were frustrated by some elders of the party, saying he left PDP because the party abandoned him when he was detained in connection with the murder of Mr Adeniyi Aborishade on July 21.

It would be recalled that Salvador, along with 10 others were charged with conspiracy and murder. They were arraigned in a Yaba Chief Magistrate’s Court and remanded in prison.

Aborishade, a PDP member was murdered during the party’s “Visitation Meeting,” that held at Igboseku village, Eti-Osa Local Government Area.

An Ikeja High Court, however, dismissed the murder charge filed against Salvador based on legal advice from Lagos State Directorate of Public Prosecutions (DPP).

Defending his defection to the APC, Monday, the former PDP

chairman said he could no longer labour in vain, hence his defection to the APC with his supporters.

However, reacting swiftly to the defection, the state Publicity Secretary of PDP, Mr Taofik Gani, said in a statement, Tuesday in Lagos, that the party was better off without its former chairman.

Gani said that Salvador was being economical with the truth in claiming he left the party because of Chief Olabode George, a leader of the party.

He said George was actually his benefactor as he facilitated his becoming the state chairman and stood by him during the factional feud in the state chapter.

Gani said that Salvador was not a team player, adding that the party was never demoralised by Salvador’s exit.

Meanwhile, in a related development, the the Lagos State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has described Monday’s defection of the state Chairman of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Mr Moshood Salvador, as the end of the opposition party in the state.

Reacting, Mr Abiodun Salami, Assistant Publicity Secretary of APC in

the state, said that PDP’s coffin had finally been nailed in the state.

He said that if the Chairman of the opposition could defect to the APC, it meant something was seriously wrong with the PDP in the state.

Salami described Salvador’s action as a welcome development, saying the party was expecting more defections into the APC both at the state and national levels.

“We are happy with the defection of Salvador and others. It is good news to our party the APC and bad omen to PDP. If the Chairman of a party could move to another party, it means something is seriously wrong with the PDP. “We have said it before that PDP is dead in Lagos, and this new development has finally nailed the coffin of the party in the state.The APC is the progressive party, it is the party to be. People are joining by the day, and we are expecting more defections both at the state and national levels in the coming weeks,” he said.

Salami said the party would not discriminate against the defectors but would provide a level playing ground for them to realise their political goals.

2019: NASS approves N143b out of N242b for INEC

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ATIONAL Assembly Joint Committee on Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has recommended N143 billion for approval for the commission’s preparation for the 2019 general elections.

This is in line with President Muhammadu Buhari’s request on July 11 when he requested the legislators’ approval of N242 billion for the elections.

Specifically, he said that N164.10 billion of the funds was urgently needed to enable the arrangements for the elections to commence, while the balance of N78.34 billon would be provided for in the 2019 Budget.

The president had in his letter of request explained that the urgently needed N164 billion would be allocated as follows: INEC, N143.51 billion;

Office of National Security Adviser, N3.86 billion and Department of State Services (DSS), N2.90 billion.

Others are Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, N1.85 billion; Nigeria Police Force, N11.46 billion and Nigeria Immigration Service, N530.1million.

Chairman of the joint committee, Sen. Suleiman Nazif, told newsmen at the end of the committee’s meeting in Abuja on Monday that the committee had adopted the president’s allocation of the funds, especially as needed urgently.

Consequently, the committee directed Chairman of INEC, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, to re-present the budget on Tuesday to reflect the new figure.

“The joint committee has sat and deliberated on the position to adopt

the N143 billion as presented by the President.

“It is also the wish of this committee that INEC re-presents their budget of N143 billion as requested by the president.

“INEC has the opportunity to reprioritise and this committee will be ready to receive their report tomorrow (Tuesday).

“The committee will be reconvening tomorrow by 1 O’clock so that we can consider the presentation by INEC,” he said.

The Senate Committee on INEC had on Aug. 16, queried the commission for presenting a budgetary proposal of N189 billion for the elections, saying it was at variance with the request of the president for the polls.

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The Oracle Today Wednesday September 5, 2018

NEWS ACROSS THE NATION

Defections: Something not right with Nigeria – Kenny Martins •Go get your PVCs – Ike Nwachukwu •Era of self-seeking politicians over – Sultan of Sokoto

By VICTOR NZE

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OLITICIAN and businessman, Chief Kenny Martins has decried the spate of defections by politicians in the polity as he posited that the country is in dire need of a credible system for evolving leaders who are committed to the welfare of the electorate.

This is also as former Minister of External Affairs and senator in the Second Republic, Gen. Ike Nwachukwu (rtd) called on Nigerians to go and get their voter’s cards ready for the coming 2019 General Elections, saying the country has not gotten the type of leaders it needed ‘because of parochial interests.’

Martins and Nwachukwu made their submissions during separate presentations at the Legacy Initiative International’s First Stakeholders’ Dinner and Interactive Session, which held under the theme of; ‘Inter-Faith Collaboration in Nation Building,’ at the Oriental hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos, Thursday.

According to Martins, who is also the Grand Patron of the organisation, the two major faiths in the country must have to come together to a roundtable to evolve that litmus test for emerging political leaders to pass through, as that remains the only way to remove money politics from the polity.

Continuing, Martins blamed absence of credible leadership for the country’s lack of progress in all spheres as, according to him, all the other nations that set out on the same journey of nationhood have all surpassed Nigeria largely on account of quality leadership provided by political leaders who are guided by the fear of God and interest of the people.

“Legacy Initiative is borne out of the fact that something is not yet right with Nigeria. Otherwise, how come all the countries that started the journey of nation-building with Nigeria have all surpassed us. All the countries that used to borrow from us before have all gone past us and we are even borrowing from them.

Look at Libya, at how our youth swarm to that country seeking better life. What has happened to us is our inability to put our acts together and come with the right choices in terms of God-fearing and peopleminded leaders who not only have the interest of the electorate at heart but also the well-being of the nation.

“How come some people elected by us midway now jump ship and leave us the electorate just to pursue their own personal interests?

We say no more to this. No more to

these politicians who abandon us the electorate. For our political leaders, it suits them to claim Christians or Muslims only when seeking our votes but then afterwards desert us to pursue their own selfish interest which suits them.

“We need to pay attention to the matters of God and only look at people who know what is on ground. We need to create that platform where Christians and Muslims can sit together and come up with acceptable solution to Nigeria’s political, socialcultural problems without any partisanship, or a nepotistic mindedness but instead look at what is best for the country and general society.

“They will look at all the candidates and aspirants and put forward names of persons who have the fear of God at the back of their minds, people of conscience who know that when they get to power they will have to defend their credibility before the electorate who will judge them. We want to bring consequence to politics. We are looking to bring conscience to politics. We are not concerned with your political leanings or affiliations. It’s about your credibility. No more money politics in Nigeria’s polity, no more vote buying in politics,” Martins said.

On the timing of the group’s agenda being too close to the 2019 General Elections, Chief Martins said the major concern was not the coming elections but instead ‘setting in place an enduring, unfailing system that will live beyond us.’

“We don’t have problem of time.

We are setting in place an enduring, unfailing system that will live beyond us. We are not concerned with the politics, let the parties choose their candidates. Let the candidates emerge at the various parties, and on this table and on this altar of spirituality where the two leaders of the faiths are seated, they will take a look, a close look at all these candidates, from the Presidency to the councillorship and then say look of all these people who are people or candidates that we trust across the party lines, across the religious lines, across the ethnic barrier, and they will then say these are the ones we ones we trust,” he said.

Also commenting, Gen Nwachukwu said the era of non-participation among the electorate should be discontinued as the electorate should ‘wake up’ to rid the country of politicians who are self-seeking.

“Till date, party politics, religion, ethnicity have remained the bane of nation-building in Nigeria, when these should instead be harnessed to produce a leader or leaders who

Ogun State gets Acting CJ

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GUN State Government has approved the appointment of Hon. Justice Mosunmola Dipeolu as the acting Chief Judge of the State.

A signed statement by Secretary to the State Government, Barr.

Taiwo Adeoluwa, Monday, said the appointment takes effect from Tuesday, August 28, 2018.

She takes over from the incumbent Chief Judge, Hon. Justice Olatokunbo Olopade, who retires tomorrow.

The acting Chief Judge holds a Bachelor of Law Degree (LL.B) from the University of Buckingham, England, attended the Nigerian Law School, Lagos and was called

to the Nigerian Bar in July, 1981.

She started her career as a Pupil State Counsel at the Lagos State Ministry of Justice in August, 1981.

In January, 1985, she was appointed to the Bench as a Magistrate in the Lagos State Judiciary and rose to the position of a Senior Magistrate in 1991.

Hon. Justice Dipeolu left the Lagos State Judiciary in December, 1991 and was engaged in private practice until November, 1995 when she was appointed as a Chief Magistrate 1 in the Ogun State Judiciary where she rose through the ranks to become a High Court Judge in May, 1999.

The acting Chief Judge has attended several national and international seminars and workshops.

have the interest of the general people at heart and guided by the fear of God and not selfish interest. This nation has not gotten the type of leaders it needs because of largely parochial interests, which is why the Legacy Initiative’s project I believe will attempt at gathering the various stakeholders together to a round table and come up with Nigerians who are not just God-fearing but are guided by the love and interest of the electorate.

Leadership does not mean feathering your nest, not minding the condition of the people you rule over and this is what we have been faced with for long now. That’s why we support the Legacy Initiative’s project.

“This is the time for all Nigerians to wake up from their sleep and elect into office only those who will make the country better for their children, the electorate. Go and get your PVCs. Vote for people who believe in a united country. This is not about religion because I don’t even know about any religion that preaches hate, hos-

tility and bestiality against the people governed. Let’s now vote for leaders who have the goodwill of the people at heart, who fear God,” he said.

On his part, the Sultan of Sokoto, H.E Muhammed Sa’ad Abubakar II through his representative, Alhaji Mu’azu S. Abubakar, the Sarkin Kudun Sokoto III, urged the electorate to ‘vote wisely’ as politicians deploy their tactics aimed at wooing them, adding that the era of what he termed ‘false politicians’ was over.

“Every well-meaning Nigerian should join this initiative to ensure that this time around we get it right in the area of quality leadership. 2019 is very close as aspirants try to sell themselves to the electorate. What we as leaders try to tell the electorate is that they should use their voters’ cards wisely to elect good candidates. We think that the era of electing false, self –seeking candidates is over. We need to tell ourselves the truth. We should choose wisely,” the Sultan said.

Similarly, Ooni of Ife, H.E Adeyeye

Enitan Ogunnwase, the Ojaja II, the Oonirisa of Ile Ife, through his representative, Chief Fayemi Johnson, called for prayers for the group as it embarks on the project of building a framework for selecting credible political leaders in the country.

“I think this Legacy Initiative is commendable, the Ooni has asked us to pray for them because it is a good step in the right direction for the good of the country,” he said.

The body plans to host leaders of all the major Christian denominations in September sequel to the August meeting which will followed by a similar forum with the leaders of the Muslim faith all geared towards seeking their cooperation as part of a wider consultative drive to realise the organisation’s objective of evolving an acceptable platform for verifying candidates on what it called the ‘altar of spirituality’ for onward presentation to the electorate.

The event in Lagos attracted notable dignitaries including the Yeye Oge of Lagos, Chief Opral Benson, notable clerics, traditional monarch, career civil servants, state Houses of Assembly Speakers, and others.

•From left: Former Minister of External Affairs and senator in the Second Republic, General Ike Nwachukwu (rtd); Yeye Oge of Lagos, Chief Opral Benson Chief (Mrs) Opral Benson; Alhaji Mu’azu S. Abubakar, the Sarkin Kudun Sokoto III, representing Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammed Sa’ad Abubakar II; and the Grand Patron, Legacy Initiative International, Chief Kenny Martins, during the Legacy Initiative International’s 1st Stakeholders’ Dinner & Interactive Session in Lagos.

‘Cleaner Lagos’ workers protest unpaid salaries

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UNDREDS of workers under of the Cleaner Lagos Initiative (CLI) of the Lagos State Government have staged a protest at the office of state Governor, Mr Akinwunmi Ambode.

The workers, who chanted solidarity songs and displayed banners with different inscriptions said that they are being owed salaries for July and August 2018.

Inscribed on some of the placards carried by the protesting workers were: “Visionscape and Environment and others, “Don’t make life difficult for us’’, “Accumulation of salary.“ “We don’t want deduction of salary,’’ “Don’t politicise our lives’’, “Governor should know sweepers are also voters,’’ among others.

The workers complained that there were discrepancies in their salaries, adding that they had not been given identity cards and employment letters.

One of the protesters, Mrs Salau Ologun, said that their employer was making life difficult for them.

She accused the government of being insensitive to their plight,

adding that they could not continue to suffer in silence.

Addressing the protesters, the Permanent Secretary, State Ministry of Environment, Mr Abiodun Bamgboye, told the protesters that their July and August salaries were ready.

Bamgboye said that government took the project from the company that was handling it and had been trying to put things in order, adding that, that was why things had not taken proper shape.

“We were able to clear the salaries from January to June. It is true we owe July and August but we have got approval for the payment. We are trying to audit the staff and the accounts and ensure that we are not paying ghost workers. There are some anomalies in the system.

“Your normal salary is N18, 500 per month. Whoever collects less than that should lodge a complaint and attach his or her payment slip, if the person has been reporting for work regularly. We don’t want to send your money

through intermediaries, which is why we pay you through banks,’’ he said.

The permanent secretary assured the workers that their identity cards, letters of employment, and other conditions of engagement would soon be ready.

On the staff that lost her life, Bamgboye said that the ministry rose to the occasion as soon as the person was hit by a vehicle, adding that she was taken to the Lagos General Hospital, where she was rejected.

He also said that the victim was later taken to the Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH), but was told that there was no space.

The permanent secretary said that the victim died before they got to Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH).

“We will visit the family of the deceased and do the necessary things. We have provided safety devices for you, but some drivers are drunk while some are careless. We have insured your lives and our government is ready to compensate the family of whoever loses his or her life on the job.’’

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The Oracle Today Wednesday September 5, 2018

News

Usani upbeat on Buhari’s chances in 2019

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INISTER of Niger Delta Affairs, Pastor Usani Uguru Usani has stated that the President, Mohammadu Buhari will garner more votes in next year’s election than the previous one because the common man is pleased with his performance.

He maintained that those who are critical of the president are criminal elements that are afraid of what awaits them in in the president’s second term and their propaganda will have no bearing in next year’s elections.

Pastor Usani Uguru made this known in Calabar during the official inauguration of the executive committee of the Usani Youth Movement. The movement which is made up of youths spread across the 18 local government areas of the state.

According to him: “All the abuses and propaganda we hear on the radio is made by the criminals who are afraid of what awaits them during the president’s second term but the common people know that the president is working and deserves to continue, hence the votes the president will garner in 2019 will be more.

“The victory of the president in next year’s election is not in doubt.

The second term of the president

Buhari administration will show the coming to fruition of the several programmes currently being put in place by the president”.

He emphasized that the government prioritizes the provision of infrastructure in the country as well as the welfare of youths who are the future of the country. He said presently several projects are ongoing in the region and human capacity for the youths has been placed in the front burner.

“In terms of human capacity building, I know that the government has trained over 500 youths in human capacity development and various vocations particularity in the state and these youths have been empowered with between 300, 000 and 500, 000.

“In infrastructure, we have built a comprehensive health centre in Yala local government area to cater for the health needs of the people.

The NDDC has provided several desks and books to schools in the region, as well as a cassava mill in Yala local government area and right now, Julius Berger is appointing community liaison officers in preparation for takeoff of the dualisation of the Odukpani – Itu – Ikot Ekpene Road”, he said.

He charged youths to collect their PVC and get involved in the political

development of the country in order to make the future of the country better than what it is today.

In his remarks, the chairman of the occasion Henry Egbe Ayuk commended the youths stressing that he has seen commitment, enthusi-

asm and interest from the youths.

He said in the past 19 years, the destination of the state has not been defined and the youths and the congregation of the youths will help change the exciting situation.

On his part, the Commissioner rep-

resenting Cross River in the Niger Delta Development Commission, Sylvester Nsa charged the youths on the socio-political development of the state.

He enjoined the youths to have mentors and not godfathers because whereas the godfather sells positions and arms the youths, a mentor teaches the mentee how to fish and encourages him to have a viable future maintaining that the Minister embodies a good mentor for the youths of the State

•From left: Governors of Abia State, Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu; Rivers State, Barr. Nyesom Wike, and Akwa Ibom, Udom Emmanuel at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, Friday when the Akwa Ibom Governor declared to run for a second term in office.

Anglican Archbishop hails Wike for standing up for Nigerians

APC will not follow PDP’s rotation formula in Cross River – Tinubu

NGLICAN Archbishop of Lagos, Most Rev. Michael Fape has lauded Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike for standing up for Nigerians by resisting injustice and political wickedness.

The cleric also praised Governor Wike for working for the development of Rivers State through the execution of pro-people projects.

He spoke during the 5th Synod Thanksgiving Service of the Church Of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) Diocese of Ogoni at St John’s Anglican Church, Kpor, Gokana on Sunday.

He said: “We want to thank Governor Wike for being an active and right thinking politician who puts the interest of his people above his personal interest. I am not saying that he is an angel, but when it comes to resisting wickedness, resisting deceit, resisting injustice, I thank without Wike in this country today.

“We would have been in trouble.

Help us thank him for what he has done,and of course he will still do better. They Call him Mr Projects. So my brothers, thank His Excellency when you get back to him,God will bless him”.

He said that the activities of Governor Wike has ensured the survival of opposition in Nigeria, hence he should be encouraged to do more.

He said: “I know I will see things and I will say them they way they are because at the stage we are now by the grace of God nobody can make us anything other than the way God has made us . And so what am saying is without any bias, it is without any sentiment, I want to thank Governor Wike of Rivers state”.

Responding, Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike called on the Church to envision correctly the political scenario that would

From ANIEKAN ANIEKAN, Calabar

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benefit the people in 2019.

He said that leaders should emerge on the basis of their performance and to the extent that they kept their promises to the people regarding the 2015 elections.

Represented by his Chief of Staff, Engr Chukwuemeka Woke, Governor Wike said that his administration has in the last three years transformed Ogoniland through the Sakpenwa-Bori Road, KpopieBodo Road, Birabi Memorial Grammar School, Bori, General Hospital, Bodo City , Zonal Hospital, Bori, Ogoni-Andoni-Opobo-Nkoro Unity Road and srveral basic schools reconstruction.

He said: “I want to add that if the church sees correctly the Church will play a major role in electing our leaders, . My lord Bishop let me add as we approach the next election, the Church should please see correctly for the right leaders to be elected”.

The governor said that Rivers State is one of the safest states in the country because of the investments of the State Government in building security infrastructure. He noted that the prayer of the church has been helpful.

He said: “The singular reason that you haven’t been harassed is a testimony that Rivers state is safe and that Rivers state is secure. I said we won’t have been able to achieve this if not for the prayers of the church. “ The church prayed for the safety and security of this state and the nation.The government complemented the efforts of the church by providing an enabling environment.

As a government we developed an amnesty programme to disarm our youth and that made our communities safe. As a government have provided several infrastructures including armoured tankers,patrol vans and all of that to support the armed forces”.

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ATIONAL Leader of the All Progressives Congress has declared that the party will not follow the rotation formula for governors in Cross River State but will source for the best candidate to serve the state come 2019.

Besides this, he said the policy of direct primaries is aimed at ensuring that the best candidate emerges and this is aimed at eliminating corruption in the political process.

Tinubu who was represented by Chief Wilfred Inah, a stalwart of the party in Cross River made this known in Calabar during the Cross River Rebirth Mission, the official declaration of Emmanuel Essien Robson for governorship of Cross River State.

“Our target should be to take over the government of the state and the area of choice should not

be narrowed. Let nobody say that the candidate should come from a particular district.

“The current formula in the state is that produced by the PDP and we are in the APC and should start our own rotation. We are not completing a roster in Cross River State but sourcing for the best candidate.

“I commend the National Working Committee for saying that candidates must emerge through direct voting and this way, it will be difficult for a candidate to go round all the wards and bribe people. What they have done is another way of fighting corruption in our electoral process”, he said.

According to him, the state needs someone who knows the feeling of the people, what governance is, has credibility and consults his executive council, maintaining that it is not enough for a governor to wake up and announce a fantastic

project which the commissioners know nothing about stressing that the Emmanuel Robson fits the bill.

In his declaration speech, Emmanuel Robson (MANI) said his desire to serve the state is borne out of his desire to salvage the state from its present state of despair and restore the values and tourism potential of the state which has been undermined by the present administration.

He said: “I am officially contesting for the office of the governorship of Cross River to change the landscape of development positively and give the Cross River State brand a rebirth.

“I am here to give Cross River State a rebirth by bringing back the beautiful years of her glory when it was reputed as the ultimate tourist destination in Nigeria and restore its brand value as the people’s paradise”.

“They filed for leave to appeal the judgment at the Court of Appeal. Until they set aside the judgment, we will not come,” Wike said.

The Governor stressed that the media trial by the EFCC will amount to nothing, pointing out that the Rivers State Government was aware of the move before it even started.

“We are aware of their tricks.

They should not bother engaging in media trial because it will not work. This is mere political witchhunt. They must obey the law. We have filed another action against the EFCC. Because they have been served, they are telling the Press that they have started investigating Rivers State Government.

“This media war by the EFCC will not work. We stand on the rule of law”, Wike stated.

It will be recalled that while speaking on the freezing of Akwa

Ibom State and Benue State accounts recently at the Government House Port Harcourt , Governor Wike said that the ultimate target of the APC Federal Government is Rivers State, where they have already detailed the EFCC to carry out very unconstitutional activities.

“There is no worse impunity than for the EFCC to shut down a tier of government through the freezing of the accounts of two state governments.

“An agency of federal government has frozen the accounts of Akwa Ibom and Benue State Governments This is the worst coup against the constitution and the law-abiding people of those states.

But the target is not Benue or Akwa Ibom States. The real target is Rivers State. The EFCC as a federal agency has no business with State Funds. That is the responsibility of the state House of Assembly “.

No Rivers Govt official will appear before EFCC until.. – Wike

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IVERS State Governor, Nyesom Wike has declared that no official of the State Government will appear before the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over what he termed ‘politically motivated investigations’ until the anti-graft agency approaches the Court of Appeal to set aside the 2007 Judgment barring it from investigating the state.

In a statement, last weekend, Special Assistant to the Rivers State Governor on Electronic Media, Simeon Nwakaudu quoted Governor Wike as describing the alleged action of the EFCC as a “political witch-hunt”.

“We are not afraid of their probe and they have no power to probe us. No government official will appear before the EFCC until they set aside the court judgment of Rivers State Government against them in 2007. We cannot be intimidated.

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The Oracle Today Wednesday September 5, 2018

News

Delta @ 27: We are celebrating peace, unity – Okowa From JONATHAN AWANYAI, Asaba tans, congratulated all Deltans and urged them to continue to support ELTA State Governor, Dr. his administration, assuring, “we Ifeanyi Okowa has said that will continue to do the best that we Deltans are celebrating unity can to make our state better.”

He also, stated that the Warri Port and peaceful co-existence as a peowould be made fully functional in ple.

Speaking at an interdenomina- the next few months and called for tional thanksgiving service held in support for the companies that will Asaba today to mark the 27th anni- engage in the dredging of the river, versary of the creation of the state, disclosing, “a lot of politics have Governor Okowa went through been played in the past concerning memory lane and thanked tradi- the Warri Port, we thank God that tional rulers, religious leaders and the contract for the first phase for all Deltans for agreeing to live to- the dredging has been awarded, my prayer is that our youths, and gether as one and in peace.

“There is a lot of reason to thank our people should not seek for that God; if you can recall when the which is self-serving and disrupt state was created, you knew how the work; we as a government, the the state was, but the peace that traditional rulers and the security we witness today is more than agencies will not allow that.”

Governor Okowa expressed conenough reason to thank God,” Governor Okowa said. fidence that with the signing of the He continued, “the peace that Delta State Public and Private Propwe witness in the state today does erties Bill 2018 into law, property not just indicate peace alone, but developers and investors will see proof that we are united, our tra- the state as a safe haven for their ditional rulers are united and they investments.

“Let our youths know that there are speaking with one voice; it was not so in 1991, but we thank God for is a law that will take them to prison where we are today, you can feel for disturbing property developers, the impact of that unity and peace we pray for those who will be the first set of people to flout the law,” in the state.

“We have come to realize that we he said.

Senior Apostle Sylvanus Okorote are one people and that we have to work, grow and think together and in a sermon at the event, called for that whatever development will tolerance among the people, addcome to this state has to be one ing, “to boost our unity, common in which it involves everyone and I interests should at all times, supergive God all the Glory,” he added. sede personal interest, we should The governor at the occasion, live in peace because, peace makes attended by his wife, Dame Edith, leaders to concentrate on develophis Deputy, Barr. Burutu Otuaro, ment.”

Speaker of the State House of He commended the developAssembly, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Obor- mental efforts of Governor Okowa, evwori, Chief Judge of the state, observing that the delivery of the Justice Marshal Umukoro, former SMART agenda has made it such Deputy Governor Benjamin Elue, that the projects and programmes national and state law makers, of the governor were campaigning traditional rulers, religious lead- for him ahead of the 2019 general ers, among other prominent Del- elections.

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•From left: Delta State Governor, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa; his wife, Dame Edith and Deputy Governor of Delta State, Barr. Kingsley Otuaro, during the Interdenominational Thanksgiving Service to mark the 27th Anniversary of Delta State, at the Government House Chapel Asaba.

2019: Saraki consults Okowa

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HEAD of the 2019 general elections, Senate President, Bukola Saraki, has met with the Delta State Governor, Senator Dr Ifeanyi Okowa at the Government House, Asaba.

Saraki who addressed the press after the more than 30 minutes closed door meeting, stated, “I spent four years with a very capable and competent colleague (Governor Okowa) in the Senate, we worked very closely together and I have come to spend

Forest resources: UN regulations hindering benefits to Cross River From ANIEKAN ANIEKAN, Calabar an absolute ban on deforestation and 80 per cent of our citizens ROSS River State Gover- are forest dependent. They live nor, Prof. Ben Ayade, has in those forests but we have disdisclosed that the majority located them from their dependof the people in the state do not ence on those forest resources.

“So, the issue of inclusiveness benefit from their forest resourcbecomes a serious one. How can es due to a ban imposed by the state in line with United Nations you, therefore, deny somebody the luxury of benefitting from the regulations.

He said that for development to natural resources abound to the be sustainable it has to be people- person yet not providing an adcentred and directly impact on the equate bypass mechanism for surpeople, a philosophy he said was vivability? Therefore, his children, his social dynamics and anthrolacking in Africa.

The governor made this known pology get completely disjointed. during a courtesy visit on him by You create a social distortion in sothe Country Director, United Na- ciety and now you have new wave tion’s Reducing Emissions from of youth criminality, youth misadDeforestation and forest Degra- venture and you don’t know that dation (UN - REDD) program Mr. it has a link to the poverty you have orchestrated on the family.

Samuel Bwalya in Calabar.

“The real development which is The governor said the ban on what United Nations has said toforest resources which abound in the state has displaced a sig- day is the people. The indices for nificant segment of the populace measurement of the performance who depend on these forests of government are the happiness and there has to be an alternative of the people; it is the sustainabilsource of livelihood for such peo- ity, the inclusiveness of your policies and programs, otherwise you ple.

He emphasized that more than would have failed” he said.

The governor solicited the sup80 per cent of Cross Riverians reside in the forests but cannot ben- port of the UNDP in developing efit from the resources available some of its signature projects to them due to a ban imposed by stressing that the basic objectives the state in line with UNDP regula- of the projects fit into the UNDP’s thematic areas especially as the tions.

“In Cross River, we have placed reforestation and jobs to be created form part of inclusiveness

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and sustainability, core areas the United Nations prioritizes.

In his opening remarks, The UNDP Country Director, Mr Samuel Bwalya he has been a follower of happenings in the state commended the governor for his development strides in the state stressing that there was need to have “a broad vision to drive the transformation of any state in any country”.

He disclosed that this vision is being exemplified in the state as, “Cross River State is far ahead of African countries in terms of broad vision, and your vision is very bold.

“There is a lot of transformation and whenever I talk about transformation, we are talking about technology, and about the means of moving the economy forward.

The use of technology and innovation to drive development is what we have seen in Cross River State and why Cross River State is succeeding in that direction which we have come to add value to what you are doing to enable you succeed the more.

“What you are currently doing is what we are implementing in Ethiopia and we are making effort to invite the Nigerian government over to (Ethiopia) to understudy what they are doing but I can tell you, Cross River is already far ahead,” Bwalya said.

some time with him and to hear his views now that I have rejoined the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).”

“Governor Okowa is a very important party member, he is someone I truly respect and I have come to listen to him, hear his views and to consult with him,” he said.

He lauded the level of development witnessed in Delta State in the past three years, observing, “there is lot of economic growth for the past three years in the state, a lot of opportunites have been created for Deltans, there is a lot of development in the state and this is what we want to see in most of our states.”

The Senate President who was accompanied by some Senators, including, Senator Dino Melaye and Peter Nwaoboshi also debunked claims that the Senate was yet to reconvene due to fear of his impeachment, stating, “I am not losing any sleep about impeachment, we have a country

that a lot of Nigerians believe there must be rule of law, those who are talking about impeachment are engaging in cheap blackmail and I am not concerned about that.”

He also used the brief encounter to throw more light on why he left the All Progressive Congress, saying, “I have made a four page statement on why I left the All Progressive Congress (APC) and I made it very clear that the ideas and visions of what we expected, was not realised in the areas of democracy, justice, etc.”

He continued, “those that followed the political terrain of the last three years can see that the people are not happy, it is not about myself but about Nigerians and about the kind of country we want to build, the kind of democracy we want practiced and the kind of leadership we need, but, we have not been able to achieve any of this under the APC as much as we have tried.

From JONATHAN AWANYAI, Asaba

we have in the State.”

Governor Okowa disclosed that getting the youths engaged was in line with his administration’s commitment to making the youths job creators through the different youths employment and wealth creation programmes of his administration.

“We are happy with the partnership between World Bank and the European Union, we are happy that the youth empowerment components is working in Delta State as over 700 youths have been trained and empowered through this partnership and they are on their own,” he said, adding, “we hope that this collaboration will continue to improve by the day.”

While noting that his administration has spent a lot of money to ensure the empowerment of youths, Governor Okowa, stated that the youths are also working hard to achieve results as “the price of hard work is to continue to work harder.”

Okowa calls for engagement of youths to check restiveness

Delta State Governor, Senator Dr Ifeanyi Okowa has called for spirited efforts to get the youths engaged to check restiveness and criminality in the country.

Governor Okowa made the call in Asaba when he received a team of World Bank, European Union and Federal Government officials who were in the State to assess the level of implementation of State Employment and Expenditure For Results (SEEFOR) projects.

According to the governor, “we thank the World Bank for the efforts, but, there are still very big gaps in our country and we know that partnering with the private sector as a State, we would be able to find other means to attend to the gaps that are still existing in the area of youths unemployment because, once we are able to do that, we would be able to achieve and sustain the security and peace that

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The Oracle Today Wednesday September 5, 2018

News

C’River APC governorship primary gets 9th aspirant

From ANIEKAN ANIEKAN, Calabar

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HE ninth aspirant seeking the governorship ticket of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Cross River has emerged following the declaration of intent of a United States-trained Marine Engineer, Emmanuel Robson for the governorship of the state.

Robson who joins other candidates including former minister of Culture, Edem Duke, Paul Adah, Venatius Ikem, John Odey as well as Odey Ochicha, amongst others, has promised to restore the values of the state as well as liberate the state from tyranny which has become the norm.

Speaking in Calabar while declaring his intent, the aspirant said the there is a need for the state to have a change of leadership because the present PDP government has no capacity administer the state and has plunged into the worst poverty in the history of mankind.

He said: “We have suffered for too long under the yoke of tyranny and the time has come for us to tell the incompetent government that the people actually own the power. We have been trampled upon, taken for granted and inflicted with the worst poverty in the history of mankind.

“It is unbelievable that a government that was elected and given a position of trust by the people of Cross River State has turned around and become an abuser of the people who put that government there. What is

happening is absolutely disgusting and a gross misconduct on the part of our leaders”, he said.

He said his desire to serve the state is borne out of his desire to salvage the state from its present state of despair and restore the values and tourism potentials of the state which has been undermined by the present administration.

He said: “I am officially contesting for the office of the governorship of Cross River to change the landscape of development positively and give the Cross River State brand a rebirth.

“I am here to give Cross River State a rebirth by bringing back the beautiful years of her glory when it was reputed as the ultimate tourist destination in Nigeria and restore its brand value as the people’s paradise”.

The rising number of aspirants has altered the political calculations in the state as the present zoning arrangement poses a challenge as to which zone gets the party’s ticket.

Going by the existing zoning arrangement which was put in place by the PDP in the state, the Northern Senatorial District which produced the incumbent governor is supposed to continue till 2023 but presently in the party, candidates from other geopolitical zones have joined the race.

Speaking on the issue in Calabar, one of the political leaders of the party in the state in the state and a former head of service in the state, Chief Wilfred Inah disclosed that the party will not be

Grazing reserves should be private sector led – Gambari From INI BILLIE, Uyo

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ORMER Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Nigeria to the United Nations, Professor Ibrahim Gambari has suggested that grazing reserves should be private sector led.

He said private sector investment in grazing will address farmers/herdsmen clashes in Nigeria, adding that the issue of grazing reserves should not be dismissed as it deserves more examination.

Gambari said in the private sector led grazing reserves there will be willing sellers and willing buyers.

Speaking on Friday during a public lecture in the University of Uyo, Uyo titled: “Violent Conflicts, Conflict Resolution and Peace-Building: Global Best Practices and New Perspectives on Farmers/Herders Clashes in Nigeria, the former UN ambassador said his recommendations were based on the experiences he gathered while in Zimbabwe.

He said the best way to respond to conflict is to view it from the angle of prevention to peace consolidation, explaining that the growing population of the country compared to the proportion of land available for cultivation and climate change were issues partly responsible for the farmers/ herdsmen problem.

He mentioned the abandonment of the use of traditional institutions in managing conflict, criminality, proliferation of small arms and light weapons, as well as the activities of spoilers who aggravate the problem because they benefit from the farmers/ herdsmen clashes as other causes of the conflict.

“The best way to look at how you respond to conflict is to see it as a spectrum from prevention to peace consolidation. Our population is growing and the proportion of land available for cultivation is declining. If we don’t address the mitigation and adaptation to climate change, we are going to have this problem not only in Nigeria but elsewhere.

“The traditional institutions of managing conflict are very low keyed but very effective, they are gone, we don’t put value on them and I am suggesting we look at what worked in the past and how we can refrain.

“Criminals have taken advantage of the situation. In the old times, when did you see a Fulani man carryAK47? They carried their stick but now, some of them carry AK47. So criminality, banditry, proliferation of small arms and light weapons in this country is frightening, you see guns coming in, no control. People use to resolve conflict by simple methods like talking but now they resort to violence because they have the guns.

bound by PDP’s rotation roster but will commence its own roster which will be based on merit.

Chief Inah who represented the national leader of the party, Bola Tinubu during the official declaration for governorship by Emmanuel Robson also said the party’s policy of direct primaries is aimed at ensuring that the best candidate emerges and this is aimed at eliminating corruption

in the political process.

“Our target should be to take over the government of the state and the area of choice should not be narrowed. Let nobody say that the candidate should come from a particular district. The current formula in the state is that produced by the PDP and we are in the APC and should start our own rotation. We are not completing a roster in Cross River

State by sourcing for the best candidate.

“I commend the National Working Committee for saying that candidates must emerge through direct voting and this way, it will be difficult for a candidate to go round all the wards and bribe people. What they have done is another way of fighting corruption in our electoral process”, he said.

•Governor Udom Emmanuel of Akwa Ibom State (r), accompanied by former Governor of Benue State, Mr Gabriel Suswam, Secretary to the State Government, Dr Emmanuel Ekuwem and some of his Executive Council members, graced the occasion of the 82nd birthday celebration of former Prelate of the Methodist Church in Nigeria, His Eminence Sunday Mbang (l), at the Prelate’s Shelter Afrique Estate residence, Uyo, Sunday.

Estimated billings: Why we cannot criminalize it – Rep

From ANIEKAN ANIEKAN, Calabar

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HAIRMAN of the House of Representatives Committee on Power, Hon. Daniel Asuquo has disclosed that the plan to criminalize estimated billing methodology in the nation’s

power sector may not happen immediately because the sector may shut down if it is done.

He emphasized that the necessary modalities that have to be put in place particularly the availability of electricity metres, debts by governments at all levels and well as proper sensitization of

NISER wants more rural electrification projects to boost power supply

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IGERIAN Social and Economic Research Institute (NISER) in Ibadan on Tuesday called for more rural electrification projects to boost power supply across the country.

Dr Femi Ogundele of Agriculture and Food Policy Department in NISER made the call while delivering a lecture at the NISER Research Seminar Series (NRSS).

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Ogundele spoke on the topic ‘Electricity Consumption and Households’ Welfare Effects in Nigeria.”

He said rural electrification projects would promote rural industrialisation and curb rural-urban drift among the populace.

Ogundele said that massive procurement and deployment of prepaid meters would ensure justice in electricity charges.

He said that there was the need for a national policy and framework for enforcement of rules and standards guiding the use of generating sets due to their environmental effects.

“There is need to exercise caution on the extent to which tariff on electricity can be increased as households don’t adjust electricity expenditure upward proportion-

ately to increased tariff.

“Efforts to make the cost of the environmentally friendly alternatives such as solar affordable is necessary to solve the problem of reliability and environmental pollution,” he said.

Ogundele said that electricity supply should reach the minimum daily average of 10 hours considered as satisfactory by households before any tariff adjustment.

Earlier, NISER Director-General, Dr Folarin Gbadebo-Smith, had said availability of electricity was key to healthy living, stressing that almost nothing would function without it.

Gbadebo-Smith, represented

by Prof. John Adeoti, Head of Science and Technology Innovation in NISER, said that the NRSS was a platform where the institute interacted with stakeholders on NISER researches with the aim of improving the economy.

He commended the stakeholders for their support and for finding time to attend the seminars.

The Chairman of the occasion, Prof. Andrew Ayodele, said that rural areas should be developed through adequate supply of electricity to stop rural-urban migration.

power consumers has to precede the proposed legislation.

Hon. Asuquo made this known in Calabar while speaking on progress that has been made in the sector over the past years and the steps needed to salvage the sector.

According to him, “As I speak to you, we are at a crossroads because if we criminalize estimated billing now, there is going to be a total shutdown because we do not have the meters to give to everybody and the meter is at a cost.

“In addition to this, the local, state and federal governments owe the distribution companies which have not been paid. There are no new investments coming into the distribution companies for them to invest in metres or change their transformers, so when you see us quarrelling over these constituency projects, these are things we are bringing back into the system by way of transformers, the extension of light and so on.

“Like I said, we are in a crossroads and when we resume we have to get everybody to sit down and find a way out. It is right to criminalize estimated billing but before you criminalize it, you must be able to give capacity for everybody to have a meter”, he said.

He said the distribution companies are taking advantage of Nigerians through estimated billing and Nigerians are also taking advantage of the electricity companies by stealing power and called for sensitization of power consumers in the nation on the need to see power as a commercial service and not a social service.

8

The Oracle Today Wednesday September 5, 2018

News

2019: Okowa’s aides, 5000 others defect to APC

From JONATHAN AWANYAI, Asaba

T

WO Special Assistants to the Delta State Governor, Ifeanyi Okowa, have officially defected to the opposition All Progressives Congress (APC).

The two aides are: The Special Assistant on Youth and Community Development, Mr. Lucky Arumare, as well as the Special Assistant on Women Mobilization, Mrs. Uyoyou.

The aides reportedly defected to the APC with over five thousand Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) members at Oleh, headquarters of the Isoko South local government area of Delta state.

Similarly, the former chairman of Delta State Board of Internal Revenue, Mr. Joel-Onowakpo Thomas, declared for the Isoko Federal House of Representatives in the forthcoming 2019 elections under the platform of the All Progressives Congress, (APC).

The former coordinator of Federal Inland Revenue Service, (FIRS), for Edo, Delta and Rivers states, passionately appealed to the people of Isoko federal constituency to believe in him and the APC which has now turned their only hope.

The Isoko federal constituency APC unopposed candidate, stated that his interest for vying for the House of Representatives was to for the total emancipation of the Isoko nation that has been enslaved for sixteen years.

Joel-Onowakpo noted that he has an abiding faith in the good people of Isoko, that they will choose rightly come February 2019 general election saying that God willing “we shall prevail.”

“My fellow Isoko people, fear not because the head of the snake has been cut off and it is perception only struggling to survive. Give me your supports and Isoko will never remain again in this slavery and hardship. The uninformed will hardly know that I have been involved in the political engineering of this nation since the day of Action for Democracy, (AD).

“In my avowed determination to continue to contribute my

quota of national development, I joined the PDP where I played active roles in building the party to enviable height culminating into my appointment as chairman of the Board of Interval Revenue, Delta State, before I finally decided to call it quits with PDP when all my entreaties against the misrule of the Statements and my beloved Isoko nation fell into deaf ears.

“My achievements during the time are manifest even my critics, (if any) will give me an A+, this performance I dare say was what President Muhammadu Buhari saw and appointed me the Revenue coordinator for five states.

Therefore the declaration I am making today as a formal member of the APC is a re-affirmation of my resolve to stand against all forms of impunity that has severally manifested by the present administration.

“I have after due consultation, decided to formally declare to the Isoko people this day, 25th August, 2018. Here and now, that I am running for the nomination as a candidate, to fly the flag of the APC in 2019 general election as member representing Isoko nation at the Federal House of Representatives, and put to end the current drift towards the enthronement or a political dynasty which is alien to the Isoko people.”

Also speaking, the State APC chairman, Mr. Jones Erue, said the party and Deltans have vowed to sack the incumbent governor of the state, Mr. Ifeanyi Okowa come 2019, describing his administration as the worst thing that has ever happened to Deltans since the creation of the state.

Erue told the mammoth crowd that the reign of PDP in the State and Isoko nation has come to an end because Deltans have made up their minds to send Okowa and the PDP packing in the State and Isoko in general.

“Governor Okowa will be shown the way out from the government house by Deltans because the people have concluded to enthroned an APC government come 2019 in Delta state. PDP has nothing to offer Deltans any-

more. Deltans are tired and have rejected the PDP led government of Ifeanyi Okowa.

“With the mammoth crowd I see here today, its work over for APC in Isoko and government house Come 2019. Hon. JoelOnowakpo Thomas has come to liberate the good people of Isoko federal constituency from the sixteen years of slavery in the hands of PDP in the federal House of Representatives. We must all give our full supports to Joel Onow-

akpo for a total freedom.” Erue said.

In his good will message, an APC chieftain in Isoko, Mr. Williams Omoviro, stated that the people of Ozoro kingdom are tired of the minority leader and current member representing Isoko federal constituency in the house of Representatives, Mr. Leo Ogor, saying “I am an Ozoro man like Hon. Leo Ogor, I can tell you authoritatively that we are tired of Leo, he has nothing to

•From right: Senate President, Bukola Saraki with the Delta State Governor, Senator Dr Ifeanyi Okowa at the Government House, in Asaba, Friday.

Navy to try 3 personnel over alleged theft of Tompolo’s equipment

T

HE Nigerian Navy said it had constituted a court martial to try three naval personnel allegedly involved in the theft of some equipment belonging to Mr Government Ekpemukpolo, a.k.a Tompolo.

Rear Adm. Saleh Usman, the outgoing Flag Officer Commanding (FOC), Central Naval Command, disclosed this on Monday during a farewell parade organised in his honour at the Warri Naval Base.

Usman who was flanked by the Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) DELTA, Commander, Commodore Ibrahim Dewu, said the Navy had concluded investigations into the

alleged involvement of the officers in the crime He added that a court martial had been set up to try the suspects accordingly and would be dismissed from service and handed over to the police if found guilty.

The suspects were allegedly caught with some Tompolo’s equipment currently confiscated by the Federal Government.

“We all know that there is no institution without bad eggs. To ensure the image of the Navy is not soiled, we have instituted a martial committee to try the suspects. They are currently in detention, so, if after their trial and

left their apartment at about 1 am. for one Mama Sola’s apartment before she was alerted about the fire.

“I later left Mama Sola’s apartment for Tuwere place and while I was still there, a neighbour alerted me about the incident at about 2 am.

“Before I got there, everything had been razed down

completely,” said Elohor, who was reported to be a single mother.

The Commissioner of Police in the state, Mr Mohammed Muatafa, confirmed the incident to NAN and described it as unfortunate. “It’s true. It is an unfortunate incident. Two children, one-year-and-four-month with four-year-old died in the fire,” he said.

Early morning fire kills 2 kids, destroys property in Delta

T

WO children were on Monday feared dead in an early morning fire at Igbudu in Warri South Local Government Area of Delta.

The fire, which occurred at about 2 am, also destroyed property, worth millions of naira.

The victims included one-yearold Wealth Enorke and fouryear-old Kesiena Lucky, said to be children of two sisters, Elohor Lucky and Ufuoma.

Eyewitness account said the incident might have been caused by a lighted candle allegedly put by the grandmother of the deceased children.

The account further said that the grandmother, a kerosene retailer, might have purchased adulterated kerosene, which caught the flame from the burning candle.

It was learnt that the woman

succeeded in rescuing four of the children in her custody before she raised the alarm that attracted their neighbours.

The fire was said to have spread to other parts of the building and trapped the deceased before help could come to them.

Speaking on the incident, Lucky’s mother said that she

offer for the sixteen years. Let’s all give our supports to Hon. JoelOnowakpo Thomas for a total liberation.”

The event came to a climax with the Special Assistant to Governor Ifeanyi Okowa on youth and community development, Mr. Lucky Arumare, and the Special Assistant to the governor on women mobilization, Mrs. Uyoyou Edhekpo, defecting to the APC with over five thousand PDP members in the land.

they are found guilty, we will dismiss and hand them over to the police for prosecution.

“In the next two weeks, the court martial will start sitting and the outcome of the trial will be made public, that I can assure you. We will not cover anybody up. We have our integrity to protect too,” Usman said.

The naval boss urged the ratings to shun partisan politics and show supreme respect to the constitution and the constituted authorities.

“The democratic system of government is vital for Nigeria if we aspire to be part of globalisation and the attendant development.

I therefore urge you to shun partisan politics as we approach the 2019 general elections,” he said.

Usman said the Central Naval Command was notorious for illegal activities such as crude oil theft, illegal bunkering, piracy and sea robbery adding that the Command was able to checkmate the activities of the criminals.

He also said that the introduction of swamp buggy operations had led to the destruction of over 80 illegal refining sites and 220 illegal refineries.

Kogi Inland Revenue Service denies diverting N3b

K

OGI State Internal Revenue Service (KIRS) on Monday described the allegation that it diverted N3 billion as spurious and unfounded.

Director of Administration and Corporate Affairs at KIRS, Mrs Hassana Salahu, while addressing journalists in Lokoja said that the monthly revenue the

state realised from Dangote Group was just N65 million.

She said that the organisation’s revenue accounts are domicile in the governor’s office, denying the existence of any other accounts outside the ones approved by the government.

Salahu explained that the Chairman of KIRS, Mr Yakubu Oseni, was not a signatory to any of

the accounts , saying that the service operates cashless operations.

The director said that the last time Dangote Group remitted as much as N1 billion to the KIRS was in 2016, saying that the amount was an accumulation of unremitted taxes for years.

Salahu dismissed the allegation

in its entirety, describing it as fake and hate speech.

It would be recalled that the allegation by some section of the media that the service diverted N3 billion to illegal accounts had been circulated in some quarters for days.

It was alleged that the money was tax proceeds from Dangote Cement and its subsidiaries operating in the state.

9

The Oracle Today Wednesday September 5, 2018

News

EU ambassadors to FG: Create room for credible polls in Rivers

By VICTOR NZE

W

ORRIED by the violence that marred the Port Harcourt State Constituency 3 Election, Ambassador of Ireland to Nigeria, Sean Hoy has called on the Federal Government to take steps to ensure that elections are conducted within the ambit of the rule of law.

Similarly, the European Union Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr Ketil Karlson declared measures must be placed on ground by the relevant authorities to check a repeat of the electoral violence on August 18, 2018 at the Port Harcourt State Constituency Three.

A statement by Special Assistant to the Rivers State Governor (Electronic Media), Simeon Nwakaudu, said both ambassadors spoke, Monday at the Government House Port Harcourt after a meeting with the Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike.

“We must always follow the rule of law. Because election without the rule of law is not good. And it is not good for good

governance,” said Hoy said.

The Irish Ambassador noted that they were in Rivers State to participate in a programme organised by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to improve youth participation in elections.

“We emphasised that the youths must register to exercise their right to vote,” Hoy added.

On his part, the European Union Ambassador to Nigeria, Karlson commended INEC for the action it took after the violence during the Port Harcourt State Constituency 3 Election.

“We have commended the work of INEC. They have taken an important step and stance on the Port Harcourt State Constituency Three Election. Measures should be taken so that we don’t see similar events in the future elections coming up in February and March next year “, the European Union Ambassador said.

He expressed concern about the violence during the Bye-Election.

Responding, Rivers State Gov-

ernor, Wike said it was embarrassing that elections could not be conducted in just 8 wards, saying nobody prays for a repeat of the ugly situation.

“It is so embarrassing that the police cannot secure eight wards and 142 Polling Units. What will happen when elections will be conducted in 4442 Polling Units.

Violence will not help.

“I have told the international

community that we want free and fair elections. Anybody who watched what happened on 18th August, 2018 will know that if we had retaliated or told our people to come out, it would have been worse.”

He stated that the entire world saw the purveyors of violence, saying that Nigerians know the real promoters of violence.

“We said, let the system play

put so that we know what they intend to do in 2019. For us as a government and as a people, we will continue to support free and fair elections,” Wike said.

While urging the international community to prevail on the security agencies to promote the enabling environment for credible elections, he noted that only credible polls will enhance the interest of the people.

Navy confiscates over 13,803 bags of smuggled rice in Calabar

F

LAG Officer Commanding, Eastern Naval Command (ENC), Nigerian Navy, Rear Admiral Mathew Emuekpere, said the command seized over 13,803 bags of smuggled rice valued at N22.8 million in the past seven months.

Emuekpere disclosed this on Tuesday in Calabar, Cross River, during the handing over of the command’s leadership to his successor, Rear Admiral David Adeniran.

He said the rice was seized due to the sustained patrol of the maritime domain by personnel of the command.

According to him, the anti-smuggling operation was carried out in line with President Muhammadu Buhari’s policy of enhancing and promoting local production of rice.

“Gladly, in the last seven months, we have been able to achieve some of our set targets in view of the numerous challenges.

“To a great extent, we have successfully dealt with illegal bunkering, crude oil theft, smuggling, human trafficking, piracy and sea robbery in Akwa Ibom, Cross River and Rivers states that are under the command.

“Within this period, the command seized over 13, 803 bags of

imported rice valued at N220.8 million at N16,000 per bag and several contrabands.

“These were made possible by continuous deployment of various platforms within the command area of responsibility throughout my stay as the Flag Officer Commanding (FOC).

“Within this period also, the command was able to shut down over 150 illegal refineries through sustained operation, while over 90 suspects were arrested for various maritime crimes,” he said.

Receiving the flag of leadership, the new FOC, Adeniran, commended Emuekpere for his dynamic leadership in improving the welfare of personnel and protecting the maritime domain.

“I want to commend the former FOC for his development drive in the command and also urge officers and men of this command to accord me the needed support to move the Nigerian Navy forward.

“Our purpose is to fight all forms of illegality to ensure that our maritime domain is safe for business to thrive.

“We are military men, involving in politics or social media activities is not accepted,” he said.

Emuekpere has been deployed to Navy Headquarters in Abuja as the Head of Administration.

•Delta State Governor, Dr Ifeanyi Okowa(l) with Mr Brar Parminder, leader of team from the World Bank, European Union as well Federal Government officials who were in the state to assess the level of implementation of State Employment and Expenditure For Results (SEEFOR) projects.

Nigeria’s elite use power against our collective interest – Moghalu From ANIEKAN ANIEKAN, Calabar

T

HE former deputy governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria and a presidential hopeful in next year’s general elections, Professor Kingsley Moghalu has disclosed that our elites use power against the collective interest of the nation.

He emphasized that the elites whom he called hegemons have perpetuated political fraud against the country and have to be retired next year so that the country can successfully forge ahead.

Professor Moghalu who is running on the platform of the Young Progressives Party (YPP) made this known in Calabar dur-

ing a town hall meeting with the people of Cross River State as part of his enlightenment campaign ahead of next year’s elections.

According to him, “political power in Nigeria is a game that is played by tribal hegemons. They are all seeking hegemony on behalf of their tribe. This is political 419.

“These politicians that we must retire in 2019 are only out for one thing which is their stomach. They believe that they own Nigeria, they and their children.

They use ethnicity and religion but when they get the power, even the members of their ethnic group and the members of their religion do not fare better.

So they use us to get to power

2019: INEC to re-design structures of polling units to curb vote buying

S

OUTH South Commissioner, Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Mr Mustapha Lecky, has disclosed plans by the commission to redesign the structures of all polling units to curb vote buying during the 2019 general election.

Lecky disclosed this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) at Auchi, in Etsako West Local Government Area of Edo, on Monday.

“We are taking measures to ensure that it would be difficult for political parties and their candidates to buy votes. We are going to re-design our polling area in such a way that people cannot

exhibit their ballot and show it to people in order to collect money.

So those kind of structural redesign of the polling area is what we are going to do,” he said.

Lecky urged the media to expose political parties and candidates found engaging in vote buying during the election, to enable INEC prosecute the culprits.

“We need the media to help us reveal those who are buying votes and call them to order. We are not yet apprehending them, that is the work of the police, but we can provide information to prosecute them; the needed investigation will be done by the police,” he said.

On the establishment of more polling units, Lecky said the INEC would create additional polling units after the elections as doing so now would be misinterpreted by politicians.

He said however that the commission would decongest polling units and create voting points close to the original polling unit.

“Unfortunately, we are not going to create them before the 2019 election because it is very political.

“Even before we start to gather information so that we can take a decision, people are already saying that INEC has created 30,000 polling units and dis-

tributed some to some parts of the country to the detriment of other parts of the country, so it becomes very political.

“We don’t want to have that as part of our burden ahead of 2019 election. I am sure after the 2019 election there will be sanity, we will then take time to study all the things we have collated and go about the issue of creating more polling units, but not before 2019 election.

“We can decongest a polling unit and create a voting points not far away from the mother polling units, that is much we can do, but actual polling unit would be after the election,” he said.

for their selfish purpose”, he said.

He emphasized that Nigeria is not yet a nation and quest for real nationhood is one of the fundamental problems facing the country which his presidency is out to address.

“Nigeria is not yet a nation and we can only become great when we become a real nation. Nation building is a process of creating a national identity using the power of the state hence the first task that faces this country is nation building and this is one of the cardinal programmes of the YPP. “For a leader to be able to build a nation, we must rise above the things that are limiting us. When our worldview is determined by your ethnicity, then you cannot build Nigeria and become a part of the problem rather than the solution. This is why our identity is first and foremost the political identity of citizenship of the federal republic of Nigeria”, he disclosed.

He said he is offering himself to provide leadership beyond politics but to fix Nigeria’s economy and fix jobs for the youths, young men and women who have gone out of universities but whose dream has been broken by bad leadership, selfishness and corruption which is at play today.

As part of his plans for massive youth employment, his administration will establish an N1trillion venture capital fund for enterprising youths in the country thereby creating massive employment opportunities.

10

The Oracle Today Wednesday September 5, 2018

News

Gunmen abduct youth corps member in A’Ibom From INI BILLIE, Uyo

G

UNMEN numbering six and suspected to be members of Iceland cult group have kidnapped a youth corps member, Mr. Akpanabia Udoworen, from his village, Nto Okon Usung Itike in Ukanafun Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State.

It was learnt that Udoworen, who is serving in Birni Kebi, Kebi State, visited his parents after completing his mandatory orientation exercise and was discharged from the camp on Friday.

A family source told our correspondent that as soon as the hoodlums heard that Udoworen, who is the son of the president of a prominent socio-cultural organisation, Esop Ikpaisong Afaha in Ukanafun, had returned, they stormed his family compound on three motorbikes and whisked him away.

The source added that the hoodlums were yet to contact the family on a ransom sum or say the whereabouts of the victim.

“He arrived on Friday and the following day, Saturday, the hoodlums got wind of his arrival and stormed the compound at Nto Okon Usung Itike, and whisked him away after brandishing AK-47 rifles and machetes,” a family source told our correspondent anonymously.

The Police Public Relations Officer in the state, Mr. Odiko Macdon, who said the police are yet to be briefed on the incident stated, “We have no report to that effect yet, even after asking several questions, no one has come to report or give any information to the police concerning this.”

Our correspondent learnt that the police command in the state had arrested many hoodlums, raided their camps in Okoyo, Ikot Akpan Ayara as well as other locations and rescued many kidnapped victims.

It was also gathered that the hoodlums, mostly of the Iceland cult groups, have been kidnapping for ransom in the last two years, compelling governor Udom Emmanuel to outlaw at least 33 cult groups in Akwa Ibom state.

Gunmen kill ex-councilor in Delta

Gunmen on Tuesday shot dead, a former councilor in the Ughelli South Local Government Area of Delta, Mr Blessing Oguori.

Commissioner of Police in Delta, Mr Muhammad Mustafa, confirmed the development in an interview with newsmen in Warri.

Mustafa who said the incident occurred at Osubi Road in the Okpe Local Government Area of Delta, disclosing that investigations had commenced, and adding: “we are looking for the suspects whose identites are

known”.

Witnesses said that the deceased was with the son of one Newton Agbofodo and that the boy was also shot.

“Oguori was a former Personal Assistant to Agbofodo and was with the son of his former boss, who was also shot but bullet did not penetrate him,” the witness said The police chief said that Oguori’s remains had been deposited at an undisclosed morgue.

•Delta State Governor, Senator Dr Ifeanyi Okowa, assenting to the new Delta State Public and Private Properties Protection Bill 2018 before Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, and the Clerk of the Assembly, Mrs Lyna Ocholor, Friday, at the Government House, Asaba.

No security challenge at A’Ibom Leprosy Hospital – Afia From INI BILLIE, Uyo EDICAL Superintendent of the Leprosy Hospital in Ekpene-Obom, Etinan local government area, Akwa Ibom State, Dr. Afia Afia has said there was no current security challenge confronting the hospital.

Stating that the security challenges recently reported in the media about the hospital was a thing of the past, Afia said the tripartite arrangement for funding the facility was still in existence.

He added that the disease of leprosy is curable and the reference to patients as “lepers” pro-

motes stigmatization and should be totally avoided by the general public and the media, as people affected by leprosy should never be discriminated against.

Speaking, Tuesday through a release made available to our correspondent in Uyo, Dr Afia said the notion that the tripartite arrangement was non-existence was misleading as the three bodies, The Leprosy Mission (TLM), Akwa Ibom State Government, and the Qua Iboe Church of Nigeria were still funding the operations of the institution.

He noted that the management of the hospital acknowledges

JTF’s job to force a community to sign a JIV report. Shell should stop using JTF to intimidate our community. For the past 20 years, there is no history of pipeline vandalism. This leak was due to a ruptured pipeline, due to corrosion yet they call us vandals, it is unacceptable,” Akamu said.

However, reacting to the allegation of intimidation, Mr Bamidele Odugbesan, Media Relations Manager of Shell, denied use of force to compel the company’s host communities to sign the JIV report.

“Yes, there are issues with the JIV report. The representative of Aghoro 1 community did not agree with a portion of the JIV report but we have not used force. SPDC does not coerce parties to sign JIV reports,” Odugbesan said.

Similarly, the Commander of the JTF, Rear Adm. Apochi Suleiman, dismissed the allegations of intimidation made by Aghoro community.

He said that the military waded into the crisis to encourage both parties to adopt dialogue to resolve their differences to avert breach of peace.

“We conduct our duties in compliance with our rules of engagement. We invited the parties to mediate and encourage them to dialogue and use the established channels of resolving conflicts. I told them to resolve their differences on the negotiating table so that the operation is not disrupted. Our mandate is to safeguard oil facilities and we do not want the disagreement to degenerate further.

“We got reports that some persons were disrupting ongoing repairs of the ruptured pipelines and that was why some people were profiled. I was emphatic that we cannot tolerate anyone taking the law into his hands,” Suleiman said.

News Agency of Nigeria investigations showed that the leak, which occurred on May 17 this year, discharged about 1,114 barrels of crude oil into the environment and polluted the Ramos River and farmlands.

The draft JIV report said the 1,114 barrels of crude impacted a total land area of 113.3 hectares in Aghoro 1 but the community claimed that the impacted area was 1825 hectares.

M

JTF, Shell deny coercing Bayelsa community to endorse spill report

T

HE Joint Task Force (JTF) in the Niger Delta and oil major, Shell on Monday denied allegations of coercing the leadership of Aghoro 1 community in Bayelsa to sign a disputed report on oil spillage.

A disagreement in the areas impacted by an oil leak on the Trans Ramos Pipeline within Shell’s oilfield at Aghoro communities in Bayelsa has stalled the release of a Joint Investigation Visit (JIV) report of the oil spill.

Community leaders, who participated in the JIV to determine the cause of the spill reportedly refused to sign the report.

The refusal was attributed to wide disparity between the impacted areas claimed by Shell and the community.

Mr Victor Akamu, Chairman of the Community Development Committee of Aghoro 1, had alleged that Shell connived with the JTF to force and intimidation, to compel the community to sign the report.

Akamu said, Monday, in Yenagoa that JTF summoned the community’s leadership to Yenagoa on August 23 to force them to sign the JIV report but that the leaders refused to sign.

He said the team from Aghoro were labelled pipeline vandals and were profiled into the database of the JTF. “We were taken to a room where detailed profiles of all of us were taken, including our finger prints, biometric details and our photographs. We were temporarily held down for almost three hours profiling before we were eventually told to go.

“I wanted to ask if it is part of

the continuous support of the Leprosy Mission in Nigeria and Northern Ireland to the hospital particularly the renovation of the limb department, female dormitory, female Tuberculosis ward and the on-going construction of the Esther Davies Amenity ward.

He stated that though the financial support of TLM may have slowed down due to global economic meltdown, the TLM has remained a major supporter of the hospital and has never allowed its activity, decision or policy to lead to the collapse of the tripartite agreement or the hospital falling into ruins.

The Medical Superintendent further explained that the State government under the leadership of Governor Udom Emmanuel is responsible for all the skilled manpower in the medical institution and is presently undertaking a vast renovation of projects in the hospital like the general male ward, physiotherapy department, hospital chapel, primary school block, residential apartment, hospital kitchen and a walk way near completion.

“The tripartite agreement supporting the hospital still stands and involves The Leprosy Mission Nigeria (TLMN) with funding support from The Leprosy Mission Northern Ireland (TLM-NI), the Akwa Ibom State Government and the Qua Iboe Church of Nigeria.

“Although we had a few security challenges some years ago, the situation has since been resolved and work is going on uninterrupted with significant development, thanks to the interventions of the internal management of the hospital, the village council, security agents and sponsors.

“The State government through FEYRep is also assisting in the welfare of the patients.

The Qua Iboe Church of Nigeria supports the hospital financially during the world leprosy day, donates materials for patient use from time to time and does respond to urgent needs or request as approved,” he said.

11

The Oracle Today Wednesday September 5, 2018

POLITICS

How Suleiman Abba’s poor memory exposed his own lies

M

y attention has been drawn to recent comments by former Inspector General of Police, Suleiman Abba, who alleged that he was sacked by ex President Goodluck Jonathan because he refused to rig elections in favour of the Peoples Democratic Party during the gubernatorial elections in Osun State.

Speaking to Daily Trust on Sunday August 26, 2018, Mr. Abba had said “One of the leading stalwarts in the PDP then said to me: ‘IG (you know I was acting then) deliver Osun to us and we will confirm you quickly.’ I was shocked!

That was when I knew that I may not last long in the office.”

The former Inspector General of Police then blamed his failure to influence that election for his sack by then President Jonathan.

We don’t know the motivation for this fallacious outburst, at this point in time. We are surprised that the former IGP who had maintained a dignified silence until now, would submit himself to utter such cheap outrage. No wonder, it is normally said that for some people, it is better to keep quiet, lest their foul breath blow away the veil covering their nakedness.

Former IGP Suleiman Abba is proof of the fact that liars need a very good memory otherwise they would contradict themselves with their lies.

In the first place most Nigerians who have become accustomed to former President Jonathan’s methods, disposition and records in office can vouch that ‘deliver for me or my party’ as claimed by the former IGP is never the language of the former President. If it were, President Jonathan wouldn’t have been able to organize the 2011 and 2015 general elections that were adjudged credible and transparent by both local and international observers. The fact that he organised many key elections in which his party lost to the opposition also knocks the bottom out of the former IGP’s needless naked lie.

Let us examine some

•Goodluck Jonathan

•Edgal Imohimi

facts. The Osun State gubernatorial election held on Saturday August 9, 2014. The results of that election was declared the next day on Sunday, August 10, 2014.

Mr Suleiman Abba claims to have been sacked be-

cause he failed to rig that election for the Peoples Democratic Party.

However, Suleiman Abba was appointed acting Inspector General of Police on Friday August 1, 2014 and sacked from office on Monday April 20, 2015.

If it was true that Mr Abba was sacked for refusing to rig the Osun State election, which held on August 9, 2014, why would former President Jonathan wait for seven and a half months before sacking him?

If it was true that Mr Abba was sacked for refusing to rig the Osun State election, which held on August 9, 2014, why would former President Jonathan keep him in office to preside over the Nigerian Police Force during the more important 2015 Presidential election which was even more crucial to the then President and the PDP? When juxtaposed with these facts, the accusation of the former IGP of Police makes no sense to reasonable men and women.

Former President Jonathan is known as a man who is not desperate for power. He has a reputation for providing the enabling environment for free and fair elections.

As a matter of fact, when the current chairman of the All Progressives Congress, Adams Oshiomhole, was re-elected after the June 2012 gubernatorial election in Edo State, the then Edo State Governor said on July 15, 2012 as follows: “President Jonathan has demonstrated statesmanship. I think there is hope for Nigeria. What the Edo election has confirmed is that when the President and Commander-in-Chief puts the country first and conducts himself as a statesman, not just as a party leader, credible elections are possible.”

This testimony, from an opposition governor, who was opposed to the reelection of then President Jonathan and who is now the chairman of the APC, completely rubbishes Mr. Abba’s statements.

I believe the former IG will have a lot to say about why he was sacked whenever he decides to tell Nigerians the truth.

Let him start by explaining to Nigerians why in 2015, the Kano State resident electoral commissioner (REC), his entire family and security guards were murdered under his watch, and the police didn’t even investigate the matter.

I therefore urge Mr. Abba to find other ways to ingratiate himself to the current powers that be and leave former President Jonathan out of his lying schemes and plans.

12

The Oracle Today Wednesday September 5 2018

NEWS Engage in productive ventures – Ubah urges youths

M

anaging Director, Capital Oil and Gas Ltd, Chief Ifeanyi Ubah, has advised Nigerian youths to engage in ventures that would prepare them for the challenges ahead.

Ubah gave the advice, Monday while speaking at the August edition of DigiPreneur Mentoring Moment for Anambra youths.

The occasion was organised by Mr Ifeanyi Aniagor, Senior Special Assistant to Gov. Willie Obiano on Youth Empowerment and Digital Entrepreneurship.

He said that the trend where youths spent productive period of the day on the social media, either discussing people or spreading falsehood was counterproductive.

Ubah who was the mentor of the month, said there were a lot of opportunities open to youths to explore and make money online.

He regretted that youths spent valuable time in pursuit of formal education without the entrepreneurship component.

“They lack the entrepreneurship component of education, hence, their inability to be innovative,” Ubah said.

Ubah also urged them to cultivate the culture of time management if they hope to be successful in their chosen field of endeavour.

The business mogul also called on them to make the best use of the opportunities provided by the various empowerment schemes in the country.

“Education is necessary but not sufficient to be successful.“ He noted that most people went to school, these days, for the fun of it and for self-expression, adding that the application component was lacking.

“In China, there are programmes that make youths to be compulsorily productive. But here, phone is causing problem for our youths, they spend their time chatting time away because that is what the society permits now.

“I think the narrative should change the orientation of time management. There should be time for eating, time to work, time to rest and time to play with your phones.”

Also speaking, Aniago said the programme was meant to raise the consciousness of Nigerian youths and help them to aspire to higher heights.

He said that the Not Too Young to Run law was not only meant to enable the nation youths take over the political space but all other aspects of national life.

Aniago described politics as one of the many areas youths could actively participate in and prepare to also take over the business, agriculture and Information Communication Technology sectors, among others.

He said that this was the only way they could adequately equip themselves to take over the political space.

The business mogul promised that his office would continue to inspire youths with stories of successful people in different areas of human endeavour as part of its strategies in mentoring this segment of the population.

Owerri women: IPOB declares Sept.

14 sit-at-home in S/East, others

T

he Indigenous Peoples of Biafra (IPOB) has declared September 14, 2018 as a day of total sit-athome in the south-east geopolitical zone and other places where Igbo people reside in Nigeria and the world over.

This was contained in a statement issued by IPOB Director of Media and Publicity.

The order, according to Powerful, is a result of ongoing campaign of ethnic and religious persecution, genocide and humiliation of the people of Biafra in general and Igbo people in particular by this Buhari regime, culminating in the abominable incarceration of innocent mothers, grandmothers and great grand-mothers in Owerri Prisons.

“Following the incarceration of innocent mothers, grand-mothers and great grand-mothers in Owerri prisons among other reasons we the do hereby declare 14 September 2018 a day of general strike, mourning and resistance across Biafraland,” he said He noted that the inhabitants of

South East/South South and all conscientious Biafrans living in other parts of Nigeria and the world are required to stay indoors away from work or daily business activities throughout the day of the 14th of September 2018 to register our anger and protest regarding the men and women killed at Afaraukwu in Umuahia during Operation Python Dance II on September 14 last year, those killed in Ngwa, Aba, Igweocha (Port Harcourt) and buried in unmarked mass graves as a result of unprovoked military invasion of Biafraland by the Nigerian Army.

“We shall also remember all those killed in the struggle for the restoration of Biafra independence since August 2015 when the army shot dead Mr Okafor in Onitsha on a peaceful march from Nkpor to Onitsha main town. Their sacrifice will neither be forgotten nor will it be in vain, because come what may, this generation of IPOB must and will restore Biafra.

“The sacrilegious and disgraceful humiliation of Igbo women, some

of them great grand-mothers, ranks as one of the most abominable act of desecration ever visited upon the land of Biafra in recorded history. It will mark the defining event that completed the shame and humiliation of the Igbo race. The cowardice and impotency of Igbo socio-political and cultural leadership in the face of such humiliation by a single Fulani police officer in Owerri is confirmation, if one is needed, that South East and South South regions are conquered territories and vassal colonies of the Sokoto caliphate.

“Nationwide general strike observed as a sit-at-home across Biafraland on the 14th of September 2018, is the only way we Biafrans can honour our fallen brethren and legitimately remind our northern oppressors and their collaborators in our midst that enough is enough! We do not want another Operation Python Dance or another mass murder of Biafra agitators and humiliation of our mothers in our land. Biafraland we state categorically, must emerge a free nation under God, whether our enemies like

it or not.

“What happened at Afaraukwu; the desecration of house of a traditional ruler, the slaughter of innocent men and women: the wholesale massacre along the Ngwa segment of Enugu-Igweocha (Port Harcourt) Expressway, countless number of mass graves across Biafraland, is repulsive, inhumane, barbaric and worthy of total condemnation by all right thinking people. We await the day United Nations and other world bodies will give the issue of Biafra the same level of prominence it is giving Rhohingya.

“All businesses, offices, markets, schools and road transportation will be shut down for 24 hours from midnight of the 13th of September.

There will be no human or vehicular movement across Biafraland. People are expected to stay at home to pray for the soul of the brave and reflect upon the bondage our land is under.

Any person or persons seen outside on the 14th of September 2018 will be classed as an enemy of the people because only collaborators in Ohaneze and South East Governors Forum that instigated Operation Python Dance and encouraged the army to kill unarmed innocent IPOB agitators will dare challenge this directive,” the statement said.

Abia @ 27: Ikpeazu honours three best students in WASCE

A • Abia State Governor Okezie Ikpeazu flanked by Kalu Ifeanyi of the Ofali Agwu secondary school Ohafia, Ogbonna Dike, Ehere Community Secondary School Aba and Ezera Samuel , Government College Umuahia during a presentation of N1m cash rewards to them for emerging best performing West Africa School Certificate Examination (WASCE) students from the three senatorial zone in the state

Abia Govt committed to delivering infrastructure development – Ikpeazu

G

overnor Okezie Ikpeazu of Abia, Monday, said that the state government was commitment to excellence, in delivering infrastructure development was unwavering.

Ikpeazu said this during the Abia 27th anniversary celebration tagged “2018 Abia Day” at International Conference Centre (ICC), Umuahia.

The governor said that the state government was determined to ensure that the people of Abia enjoy the dividends of democracy.

“We will never rest until we get to that excellent destination motivated by our founding fathers, to work assiduously for the creation of Abia,” he said.

Ikpeazu said that the state government had inaugurated strategic measures for the rapid socio-economic renaissance of Abia, adding that the efforts had started yielding bountiful fruits.

He expressed delight over the new lease of “unity, oneness and togeth-

erness” in Abia, and expressed optimism that it would be sustained.

In an interview with journalists, some stakeholders expressed delight over the developmental strides recorded since the creation of the state and urged the state government to increase its developmental efforts.

Eze Philip Ajomiwe of Oriendu Community said that agriculture was paramount in the development of every society, adding that Abia had made considerable efforts to explore the sector.

Ajomiwe, who noted that “we are not doing enough to promote agricultural development “, called on the people of the state to take advantage of the numerous agricultural programmes initiated by the state government.

Mrs Victoria Akanwa, a political stakeholder, said that Abia had made significant advancement in various sectors of the economy, added that there was still room for improve-

ment.

Akanwa called on the people of the state to evolve ideas that would complement the efforts of the state government in moving Abia forward.

Another stakeholder, Dr Uju Agomoh, called on Abia people to appreciate the efforts made by Abia government in creating an enabling environment for businesses to thrive.

Agomoh noted that the present administration in the state had brought a lot of innovations, including made-in- Aba campaign and other basic infrastructure to ensure that Abia attains greater heights.

The event featured presentation of award to 36 persons who made significant marks in their professions and communities in the state.

3 secondary school students who had best results in West African Secondary School Certificate examination in Abia were presented with cash rewards of N1million each.

s part of events marking the 27th anniversary of the creation of Abia State, Governor Okezie Ikpeazu has honored three best performing West Africa School Certificate Examination (WASCE) students from the three Senatorial zones of the state.

The three students who received cash gifts of N1, 000, 000 each from the Governor are: Master Kalu Ifeanyi of Ofali Agwu secondary school Ohafia, Master Ogbonna Dike of Ehere Community Secondary School Aba and Master Ezera Samuel of Government College Umuahia.

Speaking while handing over the cash gifts to the students, Governor Ikpeazu expressed delight that Abia State has maintained first position in WASCE, back to back, for 3 years.

According to him, “I cannot give awards to all our brilliant children but I want to use these 3 to tell them that the sky is indeed the stepping stone for each and every one of you”.

He assured that his administration will continue to mainstream education through the provision of adequate infrastructure, retraining of teachers and encouragement of high performing students and teachers within the Abia school system.

13

The Oracle Today Wednesday September 5 2018

NEWS Declare Ogbuoji’s seat vacant, Ebonyi youth group urges Saraki

By CHINEDU NWAFOR, Abakaliki

A

youth group under the auspices of Ohanivo Youth Forum, from Ebonyi South Senatorial zone, has called on the leadership of the National Assembly led by Senator Bukola Saraki to declare the seat of Senator Sonni Ogbuoji vacant for defecting from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), to the All Progressives Congress (APC), without cogent reason.

Ogbuoji who is a two time senator and vice chairman, Senate committee on appropriation recently left PDP to APC to pursue his governorship ambition but the youth alleged he took the decision without consulting his constituents.

A communiqué issued by the Youths after its general Assembly in Abakaliki, the state capital and signed by its National President, Comrade Raymond Okoro and 23 other executives, said the seat of Ogbuoji should be immediately declared vacant, insistinghe did not follow required condition as enshrined in the constitution of the country before defecting to the APC. The youths stated that if the senate leadership fails to declare the seat of Ebonyi south zone in the senate vacant, they would be compelled to seek a judicial interpretation of constitutional provision for defection and clarification of the mandates being held by the Senator.

“We call on the National Assembly Leadership to declare the seat of Ebonyi south Senatorial zone in the senate vacant. Our Senator fla-

grantly displayed his nonchalant attitude, disregard and disrespect for the constituents that gave him the majority of votes that accorded him the privilege of having the mandate on the platform of People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and when he decamped to APC, he never consulted his constituents and did not follow the required condition as enshrined in the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria before defecting to the APC. According to the communiqué, the constitution stipulates that a legislator can only defect from one political party to another, only when your party is in crisis or there is factions in your party, which makes it impossible for you to function effectively in your party and to the best of our knowledge, there is no faction in PDP. “If the senate leadership fails to declare the seat of Ebonyi south zone vacant, they will have no option than to seek judicial interpretation of constitutional provision for defection and clarification of the mandates being held by National Assembly members.

“We at Ohanivo Youth forum have assembled a team of legal luminaries from the constituency to package all the necessary arsenals for the legal onslaught. They have done a good job, next will be legal action”, the youths said.

They further regretted that the Ogbuoji has poorly performed and has never embarked on constituency meeting despite several letters to him.

Ebonyi PDP Assembly member set to dump party for ANN

By CHINEDU NWAFOR, Abakaliki

H

on. Maria Ude Nwachi, a member representing Afikpo North East constituency in Ebonyi state House of Assembly, under the Peoples Democratic Party,PDP, is set to dump the party for Alliance for New Nigeria (ANN), to enable her pursue her next political ambition.

This was evident when the Lawmaker commissioned some of his constituency projects penultimate week.

Hon. Nwachi won Afikpo North East state constituency in 2015 under the platform of Progressives Peoples Alliance (PPA), but later defected to PDP. It was gathered that she personally declined to seek reelection to represent the constituency even when she had the opportunity to do so under the PDP; insisting on contesting for Afikpo north /Afikpo South federal Constituency in 2019.

But because she does not have the backing of PDP and the governor, David Umahi, to contest for House of Representatives, Nwachi is currently looking for a party that would give her the backing.

A Presidential Aspirant on the platform of ANN, Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim who led National officers of the party to Afikpo, Afikpo North local government area of the state to inaugurate a multimillion naira toilet facility constructed by Nwachi for traders

in Eke Market, said the party had seen Afikpo as one of its strongholds and that it was only the lawmaker that could win election for the party in the area.

He therefore urged Nwachi to join the party assuring her of total support to enable her actualize her ambition in next year’s general election.

“The people that we are looking for now in Ebonyi state are the people like Maria. I am here because she is doing a very great work. What we want politicians do is talk and do.

“I know she is not in ANN where we are but I know that one of these days, she is going to join the ANN. We also like people who have something doing with their hands.

“We are happy to identify with this lady that is remembering her people through this type of project that has direct impact on the lives of the people.

“We are the new generation politicians. By the grace of God, in the coming election the story of Nigeria will change. It will change from poverty to prosperity, it will change from joblessness to employment, it will change from illiteracy to good education”.

Nwachi who would be joining the party any time soon, had been promised by the party leadership to contest whatever position she decides to contest under the party in 2019 as she would be given the ticket.

• (From right): Obi of Onitsha, Igwe Alfred Achebe, Governor of Ogun State, Ibikunke Amosun; representative of President Muhammadu Buhari, Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Mr. Boss Mustapha, at the commissioning of the largest brewery in West Africa, the International Breweries Plc, Tuesday, Bara, along Abeokuta-Sagamu interchange

Kwankwaso to Ebonyi people: I’m 7 different from other aspirants

By CHINEDU NWAFOR, Abakaliki

F

ormer Governor of Kano State and Presidential aspirant on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, has said what makes him different from other candidates is that he is the luckiest to have come from Kano state, the most populous in the country.

Kwankwaso who made the assertion in Ebonyi state when he paid a consultation visit to Governor David Umahi in company of the party’s leadership, disclosed that people have been wanting to know what makes him different from other aspirants, ‘but cannot simply say, expect that I come from Kano, the most populous state in the country.’

He commended the people of Ebonyi state for having a governor whom he said was doing very well.

“I can comfortably recommend him for you for a second tenure. Anybody like him deserves 8 years so that he can complete the projects and programmes he has started and even do more in the future. So, I congratulate the people of Ebonyi state and I’m so happy that we have such Governors in the PDP”, he added.

He pledged to carry all party members at all levels along if elected president of the country.

Kwankwaso said he was in the Ebonyi to handover Kwankwasiya

group to the Governor Umahi as the leader of the party in the state as all of them were now in PDP after his defection from APC and urged the governor to try as much as possible to accommodate them.

He stated that Kwankwasiya group was a movement whose membership spread across the country including Ebonyi state, saying that the Governor may be surprised to know that even some people working under him belong to Kwankwasiya movement.

“Your Excellency, let me say that we have a movement and that movement was started in Kano many years ago. It started from my ward to local government down to the state and to the entire Northern Nigeria and now, across the country. And that movement is the Kwankwasiya movement. Your Excellency, many people at your level won’t know the level of mobilization across the country even in your state.

“Because when we started, we did not involve this people at the table; because when we started, to them, it was too early and probably that was not the best way to start but we have witnessed expansion.

When I contested governor in 1998 in Kano, there was no senior person that would say he was my leader in Kano.

“What we did was to mobilize market women, youths and people

from motor parks; to the extent that one senior politician came to me and said only God can stop you Kwankwaso. And I asked him why?

He said he has gone round Kano and have seen the level of mobilization and that if PDP refuses to give you ticket, the party will be in a mess.

“When the governorship primary was held and thank God, direct primary was adopted, where all party members with membership cards were allowed to vote, I won all the 44 LGAs of Kano. Your Excellency, today that mobilization is everywhere in the northern Nigeria. Today, you can hardly get any household without a member of Kwankwasiya.

Responding, Governor David Umahi said Kwankwaso has demonstrated his abilities to govern as a former Kano Governor, adding that he was eminently qualified to become the president of the country.

He said Ebonyi and the entire southeast would negotiate with all the presidential aspirants so as to know what they stand to benefit from each of them before they could make their choice.

Umahi also noted that there was need for equity, justice and fairness to be upheld in the dealings with the entire people of Nigeria by any government in power to end the growing disunity and suspicion in the land.

Insecurity: Ugwuanyi appeals for more police personnel

E

nugu State Governor, Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, has appealed to the Federal Government to recruit more police personnel to combat security challenges in the country.

Ugwuanyi made the call when members of the Police Service Commission (PSC) paid him a courtesy visit at the Government House, Enugu, on Monday.

He pledged the support of the State Government toward achieving recruitment plans of the police especially as it concerned Enugu State.

“I commend President Muhammadu Buhari for appointing men

of integrity, purpose and commitment into the new Police Service Commission. I wish to congratulate you for your deserved appointment as well as the former Inspector-General of Police, Mr Musiliu Smith, for his appointment as the Chairman of the Commission.

“I am delighted that you choose to visit Enugu State first among other states in the country as well as your acknowledgement of our modest contribution to the welfare and repositioning of the Nigeria Police Force,’’ he said.

Chairman of the PSC, Mr Musiliu Smith, thanked Ugwuanyi for his various support to the police com-

mand in the state, formations and Police College, Oji River.

Smith, who was represented by a commissioner on the commission, Mr Austin Braimoh, said that the commission was highly appreciative as the governor had made security one of the cardinal programmes of his administration.

The chairman also thanked the governor for his promise to make available a zonal office for the commission to easily handle cases and complaints concerning the police.

“We are assuring you that the commission would work hard to improve the lot of the Nigeria Police and its personnel,’’ he assured.

14

The Oracle Today Wednesday September 5 2018

NEWS God will grant Buhari victory in 2019 -- Cleric

By CHINEDU NWAFOR, Abakaliki

A

cleric and chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), in Ebonyi state, Prophet Nwokoro Felix, said God would grant President Muhammmadu Buhari victory in the 2019 presidential election.

Nwokoro who gave the prediction in Abakaliki in a chat with Journalists, added that God was with President Buhari and would continue to strengthen him in his efforts to give the country good governance.

“Only one party and one man are standing very tall among these players eyeing the presidency. This man has distinguished himself as the most detribalized Nigerian in governance of his people. This man is no other man than President Muhammad Buhari”, he said.

The party chieftain also described APC national chairman, Adams Oshiomhole, as a great builder, leader with a vision to give love and hope to Nigerians, adding that he has ensured justice, fairness and equity in the conduct of the affairs of the party.

He also predicted the victory of APC in Ebonyi state governorship election in 2019.

“Ebonyi state is for APC come 2019; and that assignment will be fully accomplished to the greatest benefit of the people”, he said.

He said the leadership of the party in the state under the chairmanship of Eze Nwachukwu Eze, had the capacity to wrestle power from ruling PDP in the next general elections.

Umahi rejects Kwankwaso’s campaign Coordinator in Ebonyi

By CHINEDU NWAFOR, Abakaliki

E

bonyi State Coordinator of the Kwankwaso Presidential Campaign, Barr. Ikeuwa Omebe, has been rejected by the state Governor, David Umahi.

He disclosed this when Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso on a consultation visit to the Ebonyi state.

Kwankwaso while introducing his team during his consultation visit to Ebonyi state had introduced among others his campaign Coordinator in Ebonyi state,Barr. Ikeuwa Omebe, who hails from the state but Umahi quickly told Kwankwaso he cannot work with him and immediately appointed his Principal Secretary, Chief Clement Nweke, as his replacement.

Governor Umahi’s action nearly aborted the visit as Senator Kwankwaso and so many others were not comfortable with the development.

Barr. Ikeuwa was a former local government chairman of Ezza north local government area and was in the political good book of Umahi until recently.

He was appointed member, House of Assembly Commission by Governor Umahi, but reportedly fall-out with the Governor when he started attending political meetings in Abuja without the Governor’s notice.

He resigned his appointment earlier this year after Governor Umahi had allegedly threatened to sack him.

Since then, Ikeuwa went out of public circulation only to resurface during the visit of Senator Kwankwaso.

Prior to the consultation meeting, Ikeuwa was seen sharing letter of notification of Kwankwaso’s presidential ambition to party leaders.

As at the time of filing this report, it was still unclear whether Kwankwaso was going to respect the decision of Umahi or not.

Centre decries killings, attacks on hospitals

T

he Ethics Resource Centre Nigeria and Coordinating Agency for Health Sector Security Project has condemned the spate of killings, maiming and attacks on schools and hospitals in the country.

Chairman of the centre, Mr Ike Onyechere, decried the attacks in a statement, Monday in Abuja.

Quoting from the 2018 UN report in Abuja on Children and Armed Conflicts, Onyechere said that the rise in killings was worrisome and improper.

He noted that the level of killings, maiming and attacks on schools and hospitals across the country were

higher in 2018 compared to previous years.

The chairman emphasised that schools and hospitals have become the targets of choice of arm bandits, adding that such act is unacceptable.

He lamented the growing number of children, teachers and health workers, among others, that have lost their lives as a result of this menace.

Onyechere, who described the menace as inimical to national development, urged perpetrators of such act to stop henceforth to ensure the security of lives and property.

He said that the increase killings and attacks would negatively affect the nation’s economy.

He, however, said that the agency was committed to curb the menace in the country.

According to him, the agency will hold Healthcare Security Leadership Conference on August 29 and 31 in Enugu, to help curb the menace.

“The conference will assist healthcare leaders and other stakeholders to deconstruct and understand the nature of contemporary health sector security risks, threats and vulnerabilities in a complex security envi-

ronment.

“The conference will as well outline new leadership imperatives for development and installation of effective precautionary, preventive and mitigation best practices, protocols and measures,’’ he said.

Onyechere said the conference would attract WHO, Nigeria Police Force (NPF), Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Federal Road Safety Corps, National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) Health Ministries and Teaching Hospitals, among other stakeholders.

Lawyer drags Imo Govt. to court for alleged contempt

A

• Hundreds of workers under of the Cleaner Lagos Initiative (CLI) of the Lagos State Government protestying at the office of state Governor Akinwunmi Ambode

Obiano rewards 6 World Robotics, Technovation champions

A

nambra State Governor, Willie Obiano, Tuesday, presented cheques for one million Naira to each to the six students of the Regina Pacis Secondary School who won Gold Medal in the recently concluded World Technovation held at the Silicon Valley, San Francisco, United States.

Obiano during the reception presented the cheques to Adaeze Onuigbo, Vivan Okoye, Promise Nnalue, Nwabuaku Ossai, Jessica Osita, and Miracle Igboke.

He also presented two million Naira each to the principal of the school Rev. Fr. Vincent Ezeaka and Mrs Uchenna Onwuamaegbu- Ugwu their Team Leader, Coach, Mentor and Founder of edufuntechnik.com.

Obiano also announced scholarships for the six students up to their first University degrees.

The team had won in the junior category with their app called FDdetector which will help detect fake drugs.

Also the event was a double celebration as the governor enjoined all present to sing a birthday song to mark Anambra state 27th anniversary of its creation in 1991.

Obiano said the state government has embarked on perimeter fencing of all public schools, commencing from girls’ schools to ensure adequate security.

He said that speed boats and eight ambulances had been procured in

riverine areas, alongside additional emoluments for teachers posted in those areas, to encourage them.

Obiano said: “We must encourage those teachers in the hard-to- reach areas by providing them necessary facilities they needed.

“We have built 80 room blocks in seven communities for those teachers and the rent is free. We are working hard to encourage girl child education in Ayamelum, Anambra East, Anambra West and Ogbaru.

“To achieve this, we are building migrant schools in those areas, giving incentives to encourage their girls to go to school.” Obiano said.

He warned teachers against expelling students for non-purchase of text books, and disclosed that he had banned collection of levies and other illegal extortions in schools.

Obiano also emphasised that the state government has renovated and attracted accreditation of the eleven technical schools in the state,and assured that learning in those schools would remain tuition free to encourage the youths enroll in skill acquisitions.

He also pledged that government would continue to record excellence in education, stating that 60 schools had been equipped with modern standard laboratory for advancement in science studies.

Also at the occassion, Sen. Victor Umeh, (APGA-Anambra Central) presented N50,000 each to the

students for their excellent performance.

Umeh encouraged Anambra students to always participate in internal and external examinations, saying they had been equipped to emerge victorious Also speaking, the former Governor of Anambra, Dame Virgy Etiaba, urged the state government to inject requisite requirements needed to improve boy child education.

Speaking also, Prof. Kate Omenugha the Commissioner for Basic Education pointed that with the huge investments of the State Government in human capital development including the Education sector , Anambra students had become more emboldened and better poised to compete with their contemporaries the world over.

Others who spoke, the Anglican Bishop on the Niger, Right Reverend Owen Nwokolo and the Auxiliary Bishop of Awka Catholic Diocese, Most Reverend Jonas-Benson Okoye lauded Gov Obiano’s hug investment in education.

In a vote of thanks, one of the students, Miss Nnalue thanked the Governor for his immense support throughout the process and all who worked with them to achieve victory and promised that they will use the platform availed them by the State Government to always make the state proud.

n Owerri-based human rights lawyer, Mr Frank Ugboma and others have dragged the Imo Government, State Attorney-General and the Ministry of Lands Survey and Urban Planning to court for alleged contempt.

Also joined as defendants in the suit marked HOW/328/2009 included Mr Simeon Iwunze, the former representative of Isiala Mbano in the Imo House of Assembly, and Owerri Capital Development Authority (OCDA).

The suit was instituted following an alleged disobedience of a court judgement delivered on Nov. 18, 2013 against the defendants.

The court awarded N1.5 million against the defendants for allegedly destroying the property of the claimants in July 2008.

Ugboma also alleged that the defendants defied a perpetual injunction, which restrained them or their cronies from effecting further damage to the claimants’ buildings.

He sought a court order directing the Commissioner of Police in the state to arrest Mr Simeon Iwunze, State Attorney-General, Commissioner for Lands, Survey and Urban Planning and the Chairman of OCDA. In an affidavit, deposed to by one Ngozi Kalu, the claimants said in spite of the Nov. 13, 2013 judgment, which awarded the land and damages in their favour, the defendants further trespassed on the land.

They allegedly damaged the perimeter fencing and other property in the land.

In the application, Ugboma stated: “That a subsisting positive judgement of a court of competent jurisdiction remains binding until set aside.

“That in spite of service of form 48 on the contemnors, they have continued to disregard the order of judgement of this honourable court.

“That it is the duty of this honourable court to protect and enforce its subsisting order, otherwise the publics’ confidence in our courts will be eroded. ” Listed as applicants in the case include; Dr Robert Offurum, Mr Paschal Offurum, Mrs Monica Offurum, Mrs Angelina Offurum-Onyewu, Mrs Maria Offurum-Onukogu and Mrs Gertrude Onukogu.

15

The Oracle Today Wednesday September 5 2018

NEWS 18 Chinese converts on pilgrim arrive Uke Holy Ghost Adoration ministry

By IBE NWACHUKWU

1

8 of the first Christian converts in Guangzhou, China arrived Nigeria as pilgrims to learn the rudiments of evangelism under the Roman Catholic doctrine at the Holy Ghost Adoration Ministry, Uke, Anambra state.

Their coming coincided with the ceremonies marking the 27th anniversary of the creation of Anambra state.

The team comprising three Catholic priests, two Catholic Reverend Sisters and other Chinese Christians was accompanied by seven representatives of Nigerians resident in China who brought the message of repentance to embrace Jesus Christ to them.

Addressing the Mammoth crowd at the Holy Ghost Adoration Ministry, Uke before the Spiritual Director, Reverend Fr Emmanuel Obimma (aka Ebubemonso), leader of the Chinese delegation, Mary Lu appealed to Christians in Nigeria to pray for Chinese people to receive Jesus Christ in their lives as the only Lord and Savior.

Lu, who is the Coordinator of the Chinese Charismatic Group, Yide, Sacred Heart of Jesus Cathedral, Guangzhou, China recounted how they encountered Jesus Christ in Guangzhou City through Rev Fr Emmanuel Obimma who God used to heal their brother suffering from a terminal cancer already confirmed a death date by medical experts.

Lu said her team was in Nigeria on Pilgrimage courtesy of Divine Love Prayer Group China led by its coordinator, Brother Emeka Ugoagwu aka Holy Holy leader, to learn the rudiments of serving Jesus Christ and evangelism.

In his sermon, Reverend Fr Obimma said he saw the revelation many years ago that Uke community Adoration ground will be an attraction ground internationally for pilgrims as God has chosen it as a healing ground for adorers.

Fr Obimma who spoke on “silencing the accuser” asked Christians not to yield to the scheming of the enemy but to be focused and battle devil to a standstill, then expand their internal horizon through wisdom to survive better, assuming education circumstantially eluded the person.

Fr Obimma insisted that the problem of Nigeria is recycling of power, warning Northerners should stop using Igbo Presidency 2023 to deceive Ndigbo as it is impossible to materialize unless by divine mandate, regretting that Igbos are complacent in pursuing an agreed but collective interest, though quick to pull down their own brothers.

He asked Christians to shun arrogance and foolish brevity, but embrace humility and self-control always.

He further encouraged young boys to learn languages as it can change their fortunes in life.

Fr Obimma who was visibly worried over the arrest and detention of over 100 women in Imo state, described the development as a shame and a disgrace to President Muhammad Buhari’s government.

Later in his speech, Mr Emeka Ugoagwu, coordinator of Divine Love Prayer Group China, confirmed the Ebubemonso cancer healing story in Guangzhou City China, as narrated by the Chinese pilgrims as he witnessed it all, and thanked God Almighty for His abundance mercies in using them in Charismatic group to bring evangelism to the people of China.

Ugoagwu admitted they have a million and one testimonies to give from China but announced that this was the first time such number of Chinese are living their shores to another for a Church trip rather than business trips and other related engagements.

FGM: Lawmaker calls for stakeholders’ collaboration in Ebonyi

L

awmaker representing Ivo State Constituency in Ebonyi House of Assembly, Mr Oliver Osi, has called for stakeholders’ collaboration to check the spate of Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) in Ebonyi.

Osi, who spoke, Monday in Abakaliki, described the FGM as man’s inhumanity to man, that required urgent attention and continuous advocacies, especially at the rural areas.

The lawmaker who is the House Committee Chairman on Health, made the remark during a one-day training workshop for media practitioners on gender-based violence, sexual reproductive health rights and advocacy.

The workshop was organised by the Coalition of Eastern Non-Governmental Organisations (CENGOS)

in partnership with Civil Resource Development and Documentation Centre (CIRDDOC) with the support of Amplite Change (AC).

Osi who condemned the agelong practice in the state called on traditional rulers, parents and rural dwellers to resist and desist from the practice as there was no emotional or physiological benefit in such practice.

“This practice is obnoxious and barbaric; it is man’s inhumanity to man. This is the custom that we inherited but I am sure if our forefathers come out from the grave, they will be surprised that FGM is still in practice,” Osi said.

In a paper presentation entitled: “Overview of Reproductive Health, Women Sexual and Reproductive Rights,” Dr Joseph Agboeze de-

scribed reproductive health as a state of complete physical, mental and social wellbeing.

Agboeze, a Consultant in Obstetrics and Gynaecology in the Federal Teaching Hospital, Abakaliki, noted that reproductive health is not merely the absence of disease or disorder of the reproductive process.

He listed the traditional harmful practices to include female genital mutilation and cuttings, early marriage, widowhood rites and widow’s right infringement and female disinheritance.

He added that Ebonyi has the highest percentage of women circumcision in the South-East zone of the country.

Earlier, the State Coordinator of CENGOS, Mrs Nancy Oko-Onya,

who spoke, stressed the need for the rights of women to be protected.

She added that violence against women should not be swept under the carpet but publicised in order to checkmate its frequent occurrence.

She called on journalists to be proactive in reporting gender related violence to curb the occurrence as well as help bring justice for victims of Gender Based Violence (GBV).

“As journalists you have important role to play in curbing gender based violence in the state and I enjoin you to remain steadfast in prompt reportage of violence against women,” She said.

No fewer than 25 journalists drawn from various media houses attended the workshop.

NPopC commences NDHS in 18 LGAs in Anambra

N

• (From left): Former Deputy Speaker of House of Representatives, Chief Chukwuemeka Ihedioha, Sokoto State Governor, Aminu Waziri Tambuwal; and Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike, during a condolence visit by the Sokoto State Chief Executive to the Government House in Port Harcourt, Sunday, over the death of AttorneyGeneral of Rivers State, Emmanuel Aguma (SAN)

Tension in Bayelsa as Shell, host communities bicker over impact of oil spill From Clem Onyemaechi, Yenagoa

T

he refusal by the management of Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC), to allow all the impacted areas in the oil leak at its Trans Ramos Pipeline in Bayelsa to be accommodated in the Joint Investigation Visit, JIV to ascertain the extent of the spill is causing tension in the communities.

The leak occurred in Ekeremor Local Government Area on May, 17, 2018, affecting river, farmlands and surroundings of residents in Aghoro 1, 2 and adjoining settlements, but the quantity of crude discharged into the environment is yet to be ascertained.

The JIV report is expected to unravel the cause of the spill, volume of oil discharged and the area adversely impacted, and volume of oil recovered in the spill incident as well as serve as a basis to determine compensation.

Our correspondent gathered that SPDC and representatives of the host communities had a sharp disagreement on the size of areas affected by the oil spill and hence refused to sign the report and dis-

rupted ongoing clean-up of the site.

According to Mr. Sunday Benjamin, Chairman, Community Development Committee, CDC, Aghoro 1 who participated in the JIV, the communities had argued that the oil spread to wider areas and affected more places than the JIV covered.

“The cause of the stalemate is that Shell refused to accommodate satellite communities, they did not allow the JIV to be extensive, and they excluded the satellite communities and fishing settlements.

“They only captured Aghoro 1 and 2, leaving other fishing settlements impacted by the crude oil that leaked into the waters; they recorded 33 acres for Aghoro 1 and 113 acres for Aghoro 2.

“We eventually signed our portion because we did not want delays in the process and our land affected was not much but Aghoro 2 people refused to sign that is why the JIV report is delayed.

“Everyone agreed that the spill was traced to ruptured pipeline on three points due to corrosion on the Trans Ramos Pipeline,” Benjamin said.

However, the Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC) is claiming that a Joint Investigative Visit (JIV) to ascertain the cause of the oil leak had been concluded but the report was yet to be signed by all the parties.

Media Relations Manager at SPDC, Mr. Bamidele Odugbesan, had said that the joint investigation was conducted by the oil firm, representatives of the host community, government and regulatory agencies.

Odugbesan however said that the report of the JIV which commenced early in July 2018 was ready and awaiting signing off by the communities but declined to give reasons for the delays in releasing the JIV report.

But however, reacting to the development, Dr Peter Idabor, Director-General, National Oil Spills Detection and Response Agency (NOSDRA) said in a telephone interview that the JIV is ‘inconclusive’ following the disagreements.

“From the feedback from our officer in Yenagoa, the JIV is inconclusive’” Idabor insisted.

ational Population Commission (NPopC) says it will conduct the National Demography and Health Survey (NDHS) in 18 of the 21 local government areas in Anambra.

Director of NPoPC in Anambra, Mr Joachim Ulasi, made the disclosure at a news conference, Tuesday in Awka.

He said the local governments are Awka North, Awka South, Anaocha, Idemili North, Idemili South, Njikoka, Ekwusigo, and Aguata.

The others are Orumba North, Nnewi North, Nnewi South, Ihiala, Anyamelum, Ogbaru, Onitsha South, Orumba North, Anambra East and Anambra West.

Ulasi said 30 households would be interviewed by a team of 11 officials in 39 clusters earmarked for the exercise with the Ministry of Health as partners.

He said that women between ages 15 and 49, men between 15 and 59 and children 0-59 months would be interviewed on many areas, including malaria and genotype.

He said that the survey was the sixth in Nigeria with the last conducted in 2013, adding that it would help to create quality data on population, health and nutrition for national planning.

“The specific objectives of this NDHS are to collect high-quality data for policy formulation, programme planning, monitoring and evaluation,” he said.

Ulasi called on the Anambra Government, communities and traditional leaders to work with the officials and get the cooperation of the people for unhindered access to respondents.

He said that he had reached out to security agencies in the state to ensure the safety of field workers.

Also, Dr Chukwuma Ejike, the supervisor of the exercise in the state, said the team was adequately trained.

Ejike said that they would apply Computer Assisted Survey against the Paper Assisted method, adding that the time to spend on an interviewee had been greatly reduced.

“We started on August 26 with Ihiala Local Government and there are no issues and we hope there will not be any, and by the time we come to the hard-to-reach areas, we will adjust accordingly to ensure every cluster is covered,” he said.

The exercise which started on August 26 will end on December 15.

16

The Oracle Today Wednesday September 5 2018

NEWS Extra Anambra commissioner worries over fake revenue collectors

By Oge Onyeanusi, Nnewi

T

he Anambra State Commissioner for Trade, Commerce, Industry, Market and Wealth Creation of Anambra State, Mr. Christian C. Madubuko, has expressed worried about the incessant fake revenues groups operating in some markets and roads in the state.

Speaking to the newsmen in Onitsha, Madubuko narrated how he discovered some groups in various roads with fake papers defrauding residents and traders, warning that the state government would soon get them arrested.

“I have decided to take a tour to various markets around Onitsha which includes, Old Motor Car Spare Parts Mgbuka, Ogbaru Main Market, Marine Modern Market Onitsha and Ogbunike Market.

He also discovered that top people in the state were in charge of sending the persons to collect money on behalf of the state government whereas they are duping the people in the state and wondered why such inhuman treatments would be meted out to innocent residents of the state.

Sounding a note of warning, Hon. Madubuko , advised all market leaders in Anambra State to sit up in order to help the government to checkmate what is going on around their markets ‘because they are the people close to traders,’ adding that the market leaders should identify the incidents happening within their market environments. ‘‘Anybody given the authority to collect on behalf of government must identify with the market leaders’, he stated.”

Remarking, Chairman Marine Modern Market Onitsha, Sir Uzomili Onyeabor thanked the Commissioner for his effort made to fish out some fake receipts detected in some of the market in the state.

Uzomili expressed dismay over the fraud uncovered at the one of the market called Togo Line Union, as the chairman of that union allegedly uses security receipt to collect IGR to dupe the state government.

Commissioner frowns at ‘bastardization’ of civil service

C

ross River State Commissioner for Information& Orientation, Mrs RoseMary Archibong, has frowned at what she described as ‘the bastardization’ of the Civil Service in the country, saying that it will spell down for the integrity of the service which was built over the years.

Archibong who stated this in Calabar while declaring open a one day in-house training packaged by the Ministry in line with the directives of the Office of the Head of the State, added that the current monetization of schedules or service by workers ‘is very injurious to State Service and future workers in general.’

The commissioner further charged workers to rise above board in service delivery, emphasizing that there is always reward for excellence and hard work.

The in-house training drew participants from all departments in the Ministry while guest speakers like Elder Oqua Itu, former Director of Administration in the Ministry, Mr Patrick Okune of the State Security Adviser’s Office and Mr Ogar Ekuri Bassey of the Office of the Head of Service.

Police impound imported military uniforms in Aba

A

bia Police Command has impounded a large quantity of military uniforms, allegedly imported from China and stocked at a warehouse in Aba, the commercial hub of the state.

The State’s Commissioner of Police, Mr Anthony Ogbizi, made this disclosure at the Umuahia Central Police Station on Tuesday, while briefing newsmen on the achievements recorded by the command in the fight against crime and criminality within the last two weeks.

Ogbizi said that the owner of the warehouse, one Michael Onuoha, was arrested for alleged conspiracy, aiding and abetting the unlawful procurement, importation and possession of the uniforms, which were

mainly camouflage.

He alleged that the Managing Director of Messrs U.U Iruoha, one Uche Iruoha, popularly called Urchman, shipped the uniforms in a container to Apapa Port, Lagos, from where they were transported to Aba in March.

The police commissioner said that Onuoha was arrested on Aug. 16 but that Iruoha was still in China.

Brig.-Gen. Abubakar Ibrahim, the Commander, 14 Brigade of the Nigerian Army, Ohafia, who accompanied the police boss at the briefing, said that the army was worried by the development.

Ibrahim said that it was disturbing that unscrupulous persons wear military uniforms and camouflage to

commit crimes.

He said that the organisation was collaborating with the police and other security agencies to check the phenomenon and ensure that perpetrators were arrested and brought to book.

In a related development, the police also arrested two officials of a new generation bank in Umuahia for alleged conspiracy to defraud a high profile customer of the bank.

The suspects, which included a Marketer, Mr Promise Nwangene, and Customer Service Officer, Kenneth Ebereonu, were alleged to have collected the bank account details of the customer, names withheld, including the Bank Verification Number and Automated Teller Ma-

• Vice President Yemi Osinbajo after an interactive town hall meeting with United States-based Nigerians in Minnesota, Minneapolis, Sunday

Ugwuanyi moves to complete Enugu Int’l Conference Centre

E

nugu State Governor, Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi has directed the state’s Ministry of Works and Infrastructure to “immediately” initiate and commence the evaluation of outstanding builder’s works and other contractual requirements for the completion of the Enugu International Conference Centre.

Briefing newsmen after the meeting of the State Executive Council, the Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, Engr. Greg Nnaji, who described the centre as “a legacy project”, disclosed that Gov. Ugwuanyi’s administration is desirous to put in place mechanism to complete the edifice in view of its inherent socioeconomic benefits to the people of the state.

Also at the briefing, the Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Hon. Rita Mbah informed newsmen that the state government has taken full possession of the Hotel Presidential, Enugu, and consequently “approved the immediate renovation of the recreation section” of the hotel, following the recent striking out of the court case against the government by an interested party.

Hon. Mbah explained that the renovation exercise will be carried out “in the premier garden, the swimming pool arena, wedding arena and the four tennis courts, among others, stressing that the present administration “is really poised to make sure that the hotel is brought back to a functional state”.

The Culture and Tourism Commis-

sioner also disclosed that the council approved the sum of N77 million for the upgrade and rehabilitation of water supply in Nike Lake Resort Hotel, Enugu, pointing out that the decision was in addition to other interventions earlier made by the government to improve the standard of the three-star hotel, such as “the procurement and installation of 500KVA and 650KVA generators”.

On road infrastructure, the Works Commissioner stated that the council awarded a contract for the construction of Enugu Eke-Ogui-Oma Eke road near Amah Brewery in Udi Local Government Area to Willangy Nig. Ltd at the cost of N202 million.

He added that the council approved the designing and scoping of selected rural roads and 25 river crossings (bridges and culverts) across the state under the phase two of Rural Access Mobility Project (RAMP II).

Equally approved, according to Engr. Nnaji, was the sum of N250 million for the immediate repairs of identified emerging potholes on urban and intercity roads in the state, such as the Ugwuogo-Opi-Nsukka road and Ugwuogo-Ikem road, covering close to 40,000 square meters, which translates to 4.5 kilometers.

He further explained that “what we have done is to commence the first phase to ensure that these projects are rehabilitated simultaneously now the rains are reducing”, revealing that the state government agency in charge of road maintenance,

NCFC, will work with the Ministry of Works and Infrastructure to deliver on the project.

State’s Works Commissioner also stated that the council after the evaluation of the status report on the ongoing rehabilitation works at the Governor’s Lodge in Nsukka, approved a variation cost of N45 million for enhancement of works, and the sum of N62.2 million for further upgrade of the facilities to include external works and beautification, such as landscaping, multi-culture, procurement of generator, water boreholes, among others.

The Commissioner for Information, Hon. Ogbuagu Anikwe, who was also at the briefing, further revealed that the state government through the observation of due process, in line with its commitment to fiscal discipline, accountability and transparency, has saved the sum of N1.82 billion from expenditures, which he said were now being used for the provision of other development needs of the people of the state.

Hon. Anikwe said that the council approved in principle to establish three model driving schools in the three senatorial zones of the state for proper training of vehicle drivers. He added that the EXCO’s decision was a sequel to a memo to the governor by the state Commander of the Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC), which revealed that the majority of crashes in the state were traceable to poor driving habits.

chine, which they posted online.

The police commissioner said “their intention was to begin to steal the N1 million in the account but nemesis caught up with them.”

He alleged that Nwangene “in a bid to pass the information to his accomplice, Kenneth, mistakenly sent it to a WhatsApp group chat, where it was intercepted by a friend of the customer, who alerted the management of the bank.”

Nwangene told newsmen that they collected the bank details in order to reactivate the account for the owner and that no fraud was intended.

He said that he saved the information to be able to access it for the reactivation of the account but “mistakenly” posted it online.

To further diffuse the allegation of fraud, the two suspects said that no money had been removed from the account since July 1, when the information was posted, to date.

“We would have started removing money from the account or eloped since July 1, if the intention was to commit fraud,” they said.

Also in police net were a 65-yearold iron bender, Mr Chukwuma Orji, and two others, arrested in connection with the alleged kidnap of Dr. Innocent Iwegbu, a medical doctor with the Federal Medical Centre, Umuahia.

Ogbizi said that one of the suspects, Ikechukwu Ogbonna, who confessed to the crime, said that Orji, who lived close to the victim, allegedly availed the gang with the information that led to his kidnap.

He said that police busted the gang with the assistance of the people of Ohokobe Ndume community, near Umuahia, where the victim was held hostage in a hideout.

The gang had demanded N5 million ransom from the relatives of the doctor before he was rescued on August 16.

The command also arrested four robbery and rape suspects for allegedly terrorising the Ohuhu communities, near Umuahia, with machete and other dangerous weapons.

They were alleged to have broken into the house of one Mrs Osinachi Stephen in the area, where they allegedly gang raped her and dispossessed her of her valuables.

Ogbizi also said that the command recovered a Toyota Camry, which was snatched from the owner, one Mr Augustine Uchenna, at a gunpoint in Umuahia.

He said that two suspects, Kalu Kalu and Ndubuisi George, were arrested in connection with the theft of the vehicle.

He said that the police also recovered N385,000 being part of N695,000 allegedly snatched from one Nnamdi Nwosu by robbers, said to be operating in a stolen tricycle (Keke Napep).

The police boss said that Nwosu was on his way to deliver the money from his master to somebody at Umuobasi Village in Umuahia before he was attacked.

He said that the robbers chopped off Nwosu’s finger, when he attempted to resist them.

He said that the command had also recovered the stolen tricycle.

Ogbizi appealed to residents of the state to be vigilant and assist the police with relevant information that could help in crime reduction.

He said that the command would not rest on its oars but would sustain the war against violent crimes in the state.

He said that the suspects would be arraigned at the end of the ongoing investigation.

17

The Oracle Today Wednesday September 5, 2018

BU$IN£SS

•Energy •Finance

•Stock

•Insurance

•Aviation

•e-Platform

Gloomy H2 outlook as economy takes a plunge

By SOPURUCHI ONWUKA, JEROME USHAKANG and KAYOE OGUNWALE

T

•Finance Minister, Mrs.Kemi Adeosun Capital market transactions has continued to show strong indications of sustained losses as foreign portfolio investors pull out funds from the Nigerian bourse while looking at the political fireworks and power intrigues that precede the dreaded 2019 general elections.

In the last two months, trading activities on the floor of the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) has not been impressive as investment value significantly dropped

by N975 billion.

A check by Oracle Today shows that the two major market barometer, market capitalization and the NSE All Share Index (ASI) plummeted between June 1 and August 27, 2018. The market capitalization with the value of N13.866 trillion as at July 1 dropped to N12.891 trillion at the end of August 28, 2018 which

CBN EXCHANGE RATES AUGUST 28, 2018 Currency

Buying(NGN)

Central (NGN) Selling(NGN)

US DOLLAR 305.1 POUNDS STERLING 392.6027 EURO 354.7703 SWISS FRANC 310.4396 YEN 2.7477 CFA 0.5197 WAUA 425.1547 YUAN/RENMINBI 44.6939 RIYAL 81.3492 S/A 21.3056

represents 7.03 percent decline. In the same vein, the ASI which opened the period with 38,278.55 points fell to 35,311.36 basis points, representing 7.75 percent decline.

According to Oracle Today’s findings, all other indices finished lower between July 1 and August 28, 2018 as NSE Alternative Securities Market index recorded highest loss during the period with -14.71 percent drop, followed by NSE Industrial Index with -13.21 percent and NSE Pension Index with -13.05 percent.

The NSE Banking Index, NSE Corporate Governance Index, NSE Main Board Index and NSE 30 Index all plunged by -9.90 percent, -9.74 percent, -9.71 percent and -9.03 percent respectively.

Other indices that indicated negative outlook for the economy are; NSE Consumer Goods

Energy

Buhari’s first tenure: Hope dims on refinery rehabilitation P20 e-Platform

NBC may shut down radio, TV stations over N4.3b debt

P22

Travel

A’Ibom Govt., Akpabio trade blames over abandoned Four Points by Sheraton Hotel P26

Insurance

AIICO gets NAICOM approval on agric insurance P28 Equity & Capital Market

Sterling Bank: Itching to shelve its low dividend status P30 Money Market

CBN plans to stimulate lending ahead general election

P31

•Cont’d on Pg 19

HE second half of the year opened with a gloomy outlook for the economy as all indices of capital flow showed negative trend despite the overhyped performance of government’s economic recovery strategies.

According to figures pooled

by The Oracle Today from government’s economic monitoring agencies, the country’s foreign and domestic debts have continued to rise, Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) continues to shed value as foreign portfolio investors sustain capital evacuation, foreign direct investment zeroes down, while capital importation is dominated by loans.

According to figures from the Debt Management Office (DMO), Nigeria carried a total debt burden of N22.38 trillion as at June 30, as federal government borrowed a total of N410 billion locally to finance the N9.12 trillion 2018 budget.

Our analysis showed that the ratio of the domestic debt to external debt is inching towards the target of 60:40 and the target of 75:25 between long-term domestic debt and short-term domestic debt respectively.

The rise in the public debt stock between January and June 2018 was occasioned by the $2.5 billion Eurobond issued in February 2018. The rate of debt servicing, it was observed, also flowed at snail speed with public debt stock actually cutting by 1.44 percent from N22.707 trillion in March 2018 to N22.38 trillion in June 2018.

Actually, the decrease was due to a 3.38 percent negative balance in new government’s borrowings and debt servicing between March and June 2018. The figures showed marginal increases of 0.07 percent in the external debt stock and 2.75 percent in the domestic debt of states.

In the capital market, the index movement confirmed that all is not well with the Nigeria economy as it is said that, “Capital market is the key barometer of any nation’s economy.”

Index, with -11.66 percent drop, NSE Oil & Gas Index with -8.18 percent decline, NSE Insurance Index with -6.73 percent plunge and NSE Premium Board with -5.35 percent fall. Even the NSE Lotus Index which comprises Islamic compliance stocks fell by -7.22 percent.

Also, foreign transactions fell by 64.68% in July 2018.

The latest pools trading figures from major custodians and market operators on their Foreign Portfolio Investment (FPI) flows for the month of July shows that significant decrease of 64.68 percent in total foreign transactions from N102.41 billion in June 2018 to N36.17 billion in July 2018. Foreign outflows reduced by 69.99 percent from N54.45 billion to N16.34 billion whilst foreign inflows naturally dipped by 58.65 percent from N47.96 billion to N19.83 billion over the same period.

Total transactions at the nation’s bourse reduced by 22.21 percent from N187.78 billion recorded in June 2018 to N146.07 billion in July 2018.

Domestic investors dominated cumulative transactions from January to July which increased by 54.38 percent from N1.129 trillion recorded in 2017 to N1.743 trillion in 2018. The domestic transactions were largely driven by the 55.48 percent increase in the retail domestic participation which recorded N29.12 billion in June 2018 and N65.42 billion in July 2018.

Meanwhile, the domestic composition of transactions on the exchange between January and July 2018 indicates that, the institutional composition of the domestic market reduced by 20.91 percent from N56.24 billion in June to N44.48 billion in July 2018 whilst the retail composition increased by 124.66 percent from N29.12 billion to N65.42 billion within the same period. This indicates a significantly higher participation by retail investors over their institutional counterparts in July 2018.

Our findings also showed that the value of Foreign Portfolio Investment (FPI) in Nigeria de-

•Tourism

305.6 306.1 393.2461 393.8895 355.3517 355.9331 310.9483 311.4571 2.7522 2.7567 0.5297 0.5397 425.8515 426.5482 44.7676 44.8413 81.4825 81.6158 21.3405 21.3754

Stock Market Highlights As At 28th AUGUST, 2018

Summary

ASI DEALS VOLUME VALUE EQUITY CAP BOND CAP ETF CAP

S/N

35,516.21 3,394.00 339,681,118.00 N5,503,049,692.71 N12,966,160,098,817.78 N10,090,256,621,591.00 N6,305,416,809.26

Coy (By Volume) Volume

HMARKINS STANBIC MAYBAKER TRANSCORP UBA

99,953,767 72,952,779 40,089,608 16,075,795 13,813,703

Value(N) N30,985,667.77 N3,611,148,748.25 N91,865,470.89 N19,677,822.31 N114,975,193.85

5 Top Gainers

Symbols Last Close TOTAL N181 FLOURMILL N23.6 GUARANTY N38 PZ N13.05 DANGSUGAR N15

Five Tope Losers

GLAXOSMITH FO ETI NB CUSTODIAN

Current Change N190 9 N24.8 1.2 N39 1 N14 0.95 N15.5 0.5

N15 N14 N23 N22.3 N20 N19.3 N100.5 N100 N5.45

-1 -0.7 -0.7 -0.5 N5.1

%Change 4.97% 5.08% 2.63% 7.28% 3.33%

-6.67% -3.04% -3.50% -0.50% -0.35

18

The Oracle Today Wednesday September 5, 2018

BUSINESS

Stanbic IBTC assists Dangote Cement with paper offering Stories by KAYODE OGUNWALE

S

TANBIC IBTC Capital and Stanbic IBTC Bank, subsidiaries of Stanbic IBTC Holdings Plc, have partnered with Dangote Cement Plc, Africa’s largest cement producer, to conclude yet another issuance of N50 billion Series 3 and 4 Notes, under the recently established Dangote Cement PLC’s N150 billion CP Programme. Issuance of the Series 3 and 4 Notes closed on Friday 17 August 2018.

Stanbic IBTC Capital is Sole Arranger of the CP Programme, and acted as Joint Dealer for the Series 3 and 4 Notes, whilst Stanbic IBTC Bank is the Issuing, Calculation and Paying Agent for all Notes issued under Programme. The Series 3 and 4 Notes will be listed on Nigeria’s FMDQ OTC Securities Exchange.

Reflective of Dangote Cement’s top-notch ratings (Aaa/AA+ by Moody’s/GCR), the Series 3 (180day) and 4 (270-day) notes priced at thin spreads of 25 and 50 basis points over the chosen primary market Sovereign benchmark (OMO rate), to achieve discount rates of 12.40 percent and 12.65 percent respectively.

The N50 billon offering was 158 percent subscribed, with a robust and high quality order book closing at N79 billion. The order book featured bids from a diversified pool of funds managed by Pension Fund Administrators, Asset Managers, Insurance Companies, Trustees, Registrars, Corporate Treasuries and Private Bank HNI clients. Thus, the level of oversubscription generated from a high quality and diverse order book also validates DCP’s rich non-bank investor base, achieved

through the Company’s strategic efforts to broaden and diversify its funding sources. Funds raised in the CP Programme are to be used for the Company’s working capital and general corporate purposes.

Speaking in relation to the highly successful offering, Kobby BentsiEnchill, the Executive Director and Head, Debt Capital Markets, Stanbic IBTC Capital, expressed delight that Dangote Cement was able to achieve yet another landmark CP issuance, within 6 weeks of its inaugural offering.

According to Mr. Bentsi-Enchill, Stanbic IBTC Capital is committed, in line with the Stanbic IBTC Group’s value proposition and investment banking pedigree, to assist our clients with high quality advisory and arranging services that enhances their growth and expansion prospects by providing access to a diverse range of financing options within the domestic capital markets.

“Stanbic IBTC Capital will continue to exploit opportunities that support our clients with access to critical funding, short and long term, for their needs. This, we expect, will help stimulate growth via the mobilisation of debt and equity capital market instruments,” Bentsi-Enchill said. “We will continue to leverage our excellent investment banking pedigree as well as the strength of our franchise in the Standard Bank Group, the largest financial institution in Africa, to consummate such big ticket deals that will not only help businesses grow but also help deepen our capital markets” BentsiEnchill added.

The Group Chief Executive Officer, Dangote Cement PLC, Engineer Joseph Oyeyani Makoju, expressed

the Company’s satisfaction with the choice of Stanbic IBTC as a preferred partner, considering the financial institution’s strong pedigree and expertise in investment banking.

On the issuance, Makoju stated: “This landmark transaction, even more impressive than our first outing, remains still the largest-ever Commercial Paper issuance by a corporate issuer in Nigeria. In addition to helping us achieve our strategic objective of broadening our sources of funding, we have also made remarkable strides towards lowering

our overall cost of borrowing.”

Makoju added: “The success of this Programme reflects the high quality of our business and its strong cash generation capacity, made possible by our market leading positions in Nigeria and across Sub-Saharan Africa, where demand for cement is growing rapidly.”

The establishment of the Dangote Cement Plc Commercial Paper Programme is another testament to Stanbic IBTC Capital’s industry leadership in investment banking, issuing house and financial advisory

services. Stanbic IBTC has played a pivotal role in the resurgence of commercial paper in Nigeria following the release of guidelines on the issuance of the corporate debt financing solution by the Central Bank of Nigeria. Dangote Cement was advised by Stanbic IBTC Capital Limited as Sole Arranger for the CP Programme, and Joint Dealer in respect of the Series 3 and 4 Notes, whereas Stanbic IBTC Bank Plc acts as the Issuing Calculation and Paying Agent for all Notes issued under the Programme.

•Mrs. Kareem (3rd right), mother of 11-year old Warris (3rd left) receiving the agreement from Managing Director, Ecobank Nigeria, Charles Kie (2nd left). On hand to grace the occasion were: Tope Akinbola, Head, Brand and Communications Ecobank (left); the lad’s father, Mr. Kareem; Company Secretary/Chief Legal Counsel of the bank, Adenike Laoye and Head, Consumer Marketing, Insights & Analytics, Ikechukwu Kalu, during the agreement signing various products that have evi- ceremony on the adoption of Waris by Ecobank. dently shown that we always match our words with action – Leo Chat Banker is one out of the numerous examples that have won us several accolades and most recently a BOUT 30,000 metric tons 1,760 tons of cocoa butter and cake among the world’s biggest cocoa prestigious award from Euromoney (Mt) of cocoa scheduled for are also held up in the gridlock to producers, with the International which conferred us with the best export are presently trapped the ports as the economy contin- Cocoa Organisation (ICO) estimatdigital bank in Africa”.

According to him, “We remain on the atrocious route to Lagos ues to pay the price for years of ne- ing its 2017-18 output at 240,000 Mt. Access roads to the ports were left committed to consistently improv- ports, the Cocoa Exporters Asso- glect of port access roads.

The affected cargoes are either to decay by a succession of governing customer service and rewarding ciation of Nigeria (CEAN), has said. our loyal customers. As such, the Lagos as roads in a state of disre- locked down in traffic gridlock or ments over the past two decades, Wise Savers Promo seeks to com- pair delay access to ships, the co- stored in transit warehouses in La- now slowing everything ranging gos. from cocoa exports to gasoline impliment current initiatives aimed at coa exporters body said.

Similarly, another shipment of “A greater part of this travel time ports, escalating costs and taking a growing savings.”

80 customers to become millionaires in UBA Wise Savers • N120 million up for grabs

I

N line with its tradition of deepening the savings culture by rewarding and encouraging its loyal customers, UBA has launched a new savings promo, UBA Wise Savers Promo. The promo which is scheduled to run till September 30, 2019, will give 80 people a whooping N1.5 million each across all participating regions.

The objective is intended to assist in growing the Bank’s savings deposit. Participation is open to both existing and new customers.

To qualify for the Wise Savers Promo, new and existing customers of the bank are advised to make a N10,000 monthly deposit into their UBA savings account for 3 consecutive months before each draw date, or make a one-time deposit of at least N30,000 saved for 90 days before each draw date. Subsequently, 20 lucky customers will each win N1.5 million in the promo every quarter. Draws will take place every quarter until 80 customers win the N120 million up for grabs.

Speaking during the official launch of the Wise Savers Promo, Head Retail Liabilities, Tomiwa Sotiloye, explained that the Promo is consistent with the bank’s novel initiatives in proritising customers, adding that “we believe it is time we reward our customers who have been very loyal over the years. Without them, we could not have made the giant strides attained all these years and in recent times.

Tomiwa also noted that: “Because our customers are invaluable to all that we do, we listen and give them nothing short of the best that they deserve, that is why we pioneered

Non-Oil Export: 30,000 tons of cocoa, 1,760 tons of cocoa butter stuck on Lagos Port roads

A

China-Africa trade hits $116bn in first 7 months of 2018

T

RADE import and export volumes between China and countries from Africa reached 116 billion dollars in the first seven months of 2018 up 18.7 per cent year-on-year.

China’s exports to Africa were worth 59.36 billion dollars an increase of 8.8 percent compared to last year while its import volume rose 31.3 per cent to stand at 56.81billion dollars.

The figures were announced by the Chinese Ministry of Commerce (MOC) on its website.

China’s imports from Africa hit a global high over the sevenmonth period, while the trade volume between the two sides was second only to the figure recorded between China and Latin America, said the MOC. China has continuously called for the strengthening of bilateral ties with African countries.

According to data from the Department of African Affairs at China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, China-Africa trade has grown from a mere 765 million to 170 billion dollars over the past four decades – a 200-fold increase.

China has also maintained its position as Africa’s largest trading partner for eight consecutive years.

The Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) -one of China’s largest diplomatic events of the year – will be held in Beijing on September 3 and 4.

During the meeting, Chinese President Xi Jinping plans to introduce the new facets of China’s cooperation with Africa, while leaders from both sides will work together to find new cooperation opportunities under the Belt and Road framework.

is spent at the epicenter of the congestion which is just 6 kilometers (3.7 miles) to the ports,” Pius Ayodele, president of the cocoa exporters’ organisation, said.

Shipment delays are making it difficult for exporters to get credit from banks to finance their operations, according to Akin Olusuyi, president, Cocoa Processors Association of Nigeria, who said 1,760 tons of cocoa butter and cake are held up in the gridlock to the ports.

“Most of them have been in the traffic to the ports for close to three weeks and are still far away from its gates. “The cargoes that would have translated into export proceeds for us are locked up in that horrific traffic,” he said.

Travel time to Apapa and Tin Can Island ports that previously took hours, now takes as much as four weeks as trucks struggle through cratered and water-logged roads to get there, Ayodele, said.

Nigeria currently ranks a joint fifth with neighboring Cameroon

significant toll on economic activity, according to the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

Haulage costs have gone up by “about 400 per cent because of the turn-around time to get to the ports, to get loaded and get out of the ports,” Director-General, Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI), Muda Yusuf, said in an interview in Lagos.

This will either erode the profit margins of companies or get passed on to consumers, Yusuf said.

Farm-gate cocoa prices have dropped as purchases have slowed because of the difficulties in reaching the ports, according to local buying agents.

Prices have fallen from N800,000 ($2,208) per ton in July to N640,000, according to the Managing Director, Agrotrack Ltd. Wale Shittu, a cocoa-buying company.

Cocoa futures closed Friday at $2,364 per ton for December deliveries, after gaining 1.16 percent from the previous day, according to data compiled by Bloomberg.

19

The Oracle Today Wednesday September 5, 2018

BUSINESS

FG encouraged by growth in non-oil sector – Udoma

By VICTOR NZE

F

OLLOWING the release, Monday, of the latest GDP Growth numbers by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), Minister of Budget and National Planning, Senator Udoma Udo Udoma, said Federal Government is encouraged by the continuing growth recorded in the non-oil sector, which grew by 2.05 per cent in the second quarter of 2018.

This he noted was evidence that the implementation of the targeted policies and programmes of the Economic Recovery and Growth Plan (ERGP) is yielding positive results.

A signed statement, Tuesday, by Mr Akpandem James, the Special Adviser to the Minister of Budget & National Planning, said Udoma who was reacting to the NBS Report, stated his satisfaction that the Nigerian economy has continued to register positive growth in the first and second quarters of the year in spite of the security and other challenges faced by the country.

Udoma emphasized that the focus of the ERGP is on diversifying the economy away from dependence on the oil and gas sector and was encouraged that efforts are yielding fruits by the continuing growth in the non-oil sector..

The Minister noted that this 2.05% growth in the non-oil sector represents the strongest growth in the non-oil GDP since the fourth quarter of 2015.

The NBS Report indicated that the non-oil growth was driven by Transportation (road, rail water and air) which grew by 21.76 per cent, supported by Construction 7.66 per cent and Electricity 7.59 per cent.

These three are priority areas of the ERGP. Other non-oil sectors that drove growth in the second quarter include Telecommunications which grew by 11.51 per cent, Water supply and Sewage 11.98 per cent and Broadcasting by 21.92 per cent.

The Minister regretted that there was a slight drop in real GDP growth rate for the second quarter

principally as a result of the contraction in the oil sector. The Oil and Gas sector contracted by -3.95 per cent in the second quarter of 2018 compared to a growth rate of 14.77 per cent recorded in the first quarter of 2018 and 3.53 per cent in the corresponding period in 2017. However, the Minister noted that the contraction in the Crude oil and Gas sectors is attributable to some production issues which are being addressed

by NNPC. For instance, average crude oil production was only 1.84 million barrels a day in Q2 2018 as opposed to an average production of 2 million barrels a day in Q1 2018.

Another area of concern for Government, according to Udoma, was the slightly weaker growth in the Agriculture sector which slowed to 1.19% in the second quarter in 2018 compared to 3.0per cent in the first quarter of 2018.This is partly attributable to security challenges mainly in the North East and North Central zones.

The Minister was encouraged by these GDP growth results which he said is also consistent with improvements in other indicators including inflation and capital inflows, amongst others.

The NBS Report shows that headline inflation has consistently declined every month since January 2017 through July 2018 from 18.72 per cent to 11.14 per cent. The consecutive disinflation year on year, which is the eighteenth in a row, has resulted in the lowest rate of inflation since June 2016, he stated.

He was also happy to note that the Nigerian economy has continued to attract significant capital inflows. “The total value of capital importation into Nigeria stood at $ 5.5 billion in the second quarter of 2018, representing a 207.62% increase compared to the second quarter of 2017”.

While capital importation declined slightly in the second quarter of 2018, the total for the first half of 2018 at $11.8billionrepresents the highest half year capital importation since 2014, indicating increas-

ing confidence in the Nigerian economy, he pointed out.

“He was optimistic that as Government intensifies its activities in the implementation of the Economic Recovery and Growth Plan the economy will sustain this

growth momentum. The Minister conceded that, whilst we still have some way to go to achieve the target growth rates of the ERGP, these continuing positive results are signs that we are moving in the right direction. He re-iterated the commit-

ment of the Buhari Administration to turn this country around to become a productive country where we ‘grow what we eat, consume what we make and use what we produce’, thereby providing jobs for our teeming population.”

FAO Director-General José Graziano da Silva and African Development Bank President, Akinwumi Adesina signed the agreement, which builds on a longstanding collaboration between their organizations, at the UN agency’s Rome headquarters.

CIBN to host conference to bridge MSMEs funding gaps

T

HE Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria (CIBN), has announced plans to host its Annual Banking and Finance Conference, positioned to provide a platform for all stakeholders in the industry, to exchange ideas, and tackle issues affecting the finance sector and the economy at large.

This year’s conference, the 11th edition, scheduled to hold from 11th to 12th September, in Abuja, is centred on the need to generate new ideas, innovations and strategies, to address the funding gaps for micro, small and medium enter-

prises (MSMEs) towards stimulating economic growth and development in Nigeria.

Speaking at a media parley Friday, in Lagos, the President and Chairman of Council, CIBN, Uche Olowu, represented by the First Vice Chairman, Bayo Olugbemi, said some sessions of the conference is targeted at the youths and the women.

He said the event, themed, “MSMEs: The Game Changer for Economic Growth and Development,” is expected to attract over 500 professionals, comprising, managing

directors/chief executives, senior executives, millennials from the banking and financial institutions, players in the MSMEs as well as the academia.

“The sub-themes to be discussed at the Conference are: MSME Financing Gap: The Critical Role of Micro-Funding; Understanding Emerging Disruption in Technology and its Impact on MSME Growth; and Harnessing the Value Potentials at MSME in Income and Empowerment Generation; and MSMEs as an Integral Part of the Economic Growth and Recovery Plan.”

Gloomy H2 outlook as economy takes a plunge

Continued from P 17

clined by $45 million in the second quarter of the year from April to June, 2018.

A report on the Nigerian Capital Importation for the second quarter of 2018 released by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) showed that FPI depreciated from $4.56 billion in the first quarter of the year to $4.11 billion in the second quarter.

According to the report, the drop in the value of FPI in the second quarter forms the major reason for the fall in Nigeria’s capital inflow. NBS said FPI alone accounted for 75 percent of the total Capital Importation into Nigeria during the quarter under review. Other Investment also contributed to the decline in Capital Importation with a decrease of 24.07 percent from the first quarter of 2018.

During the second quarter under review, Capital Importation into Nigeria was still dominated by shares as capital inflow in the form of shares grew by 7.87 per-

cent to close at $4.09 billion from $3.79 billion recorded in the previous quarter while the percentage share of equities to total Capital imported stood at 74.21 percent in the second quarter of 2018.

The report stated that service sector overtook the banking sector to become the leading sector for foreign capital inflow in the second quarter of 2018 with a value of $479.85 million.

Banking sector fell to the second position to stand at $294.96 million, followed by production, finance and agriculture sectors respectively.

Also, the value of total capital importation into Nigeria during the period was $5.51 billion, which shows a 12.53 percent decline from the first quarter of 2018.

However, a decrease in Money Market Instruments with a value of $2.67 billion was the main reason for the decline recorded by portfolio investment which is the largest contributor to FPI in the second quarter of 2018. It fell by 24.29 percent from the previous

quarter.

Specifically, Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) contributed 4.7 percent, while Other Investments account for 20 percent of the total Capital Importation. Despite growing by 5.97 percent to $261.35 million from first quarter, FDI’s contribution is still very low, when compared with Portfolio Investment. At the moment, it is contributing only 5 percent of the total capital imported in the second quarter of this year. This signifies a fall of 4.75 percent on year on year basis, with Equity Investment contributing 97.85 percent of FDI in second quarter of 2018.

Other Investment has been falling since first quarter of 2017 and still declined by 24.07 percent to stand at $1.13 billion in the second quarter of 2018. Meanwhile, it contributed 20.5 percent to Capital Importation into Nigeria in the second quarter of 2018.

However, Loans with a figure of $1.12 billion dominated other investment in capital importation with a contribution of 99 percent.

In a nutshell, the decrease in the inflow of Capital Imports into Nigeria, especially Portfolio Investment, is typically a negative development for the Nigerian Capital Market. This is because lower FPI evaporates the liquidity that can sustain market growth, particularly for stocks. And reducing capital importation translates to lower external reserves.

Meanwhile, Nigeria’s external reserves has been on a free fall in the past few months and recently dropped below $47 billion for the first time in four months. This can be directly traced to the decline in Capital Importation in the second quarter of 2018. Improving FDI is mostly sought after as it reflects investors’ confidence in investing in development areas of the country though FDIs have always been lower than FPIs. In broader scope, the NBS in its latest GDP data for the second quarter of 2018 indicated slowing economic growth, showing a 0.45 percent slower growth in the second quarter than the 1.95 percent recorded in first quarter.

Growth in Q2, 2018 was –0.45

percent points slower than 1.95 percent recorded in the first quarter of 2018, the NBS said, indicating deceleration from the first quarter.

Again driven by the Financial Institutions activity, growth of the sector in real terms totaled 1.28 percent, lower by –9.18 percent points from the rate recorded in 2017 second quarter and down by –12.03 percent points from the rate recorded in the preceding quarter. Quarter on Quarter growth in real terms stood at –3.80 percent. The contribution of Finance and Insurance to real GDP totaled 3.31 percent, lower slightly than the contribution of 3.32 percent recorded in the second quarter of 2017, and lower than 3.55 percent recorded in the preceding quarter.

The Oracle Today reports that the prevailing negative economic performance is traditional to preelection periods as foreign investors remain paranoid to pointers of negative outcome of elections that will shape the policy environment for enterprises.

20

The Oracle Today Wednesday September 5, 2018

ENERGY

Buhari’s first tenure: Hope dims on refinery rehabilitation

By SOPURUCHI ONWUKA

E

XPECTATIONS that Nigerian will exit huge fuel import programmes by 2019 when the nation’s domestic refineries are billed to be on full stream may have been dashed as there is no indication in sight that planned rehabilitation of the dilapidated refineries has translated site activity.

The Oracle today reports that government has consistently promised Nigerians that the country would revive its domestic midstream petroleum industry as part of plans to save money, generate jobs, boost domestic productivity and activate industrial growth.

But since 2015 when the present administration of federal government came to effect, it has always been a recycled story about refinery rehabilitation with little or no action to back up relentless promises.

Group Managing Director of Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), Dr. Maikanti Baru, has consistently maintained at various occasions that the government is not just working to working to rehabilitate existing refineries in the country but also forging collaboration with the private sector to build new capacity in the nation’s midstream and downstream petroleum industry.

Also, Minister of State for Petroleum, Dr. Ibe Kachikwu, has been talking about the resolve of government to displace huge fuel importation volumes with locally refined products to cut import bills, create jobs and yield multiplier economic benefits for the country.

The NNPC which is saddled with statutory responsibility of meeting domestic fuel demand currently runs four dilapidated refineries operated by three companies in Port Harcourt, Warri and Kaduna. The 210, 000 barrels per day Port Harcourt Refining Company (PHRC), the 150, 000 barrels per Warri Refinery and Petrochemical Company (WRPC) and 110,000 barrels per day Kaduna Refinery and Petrochemical Company (KRPC) jointly confer NNPC with 445,000 barrels per day plant capacity to deliver its mandates in the domestic market.

Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Dr. Ibe Kachikwu, had in 2015 declared a hasty deadline to revamp the refineries or auction them by the end of the year. But while he made the declarations at various forums hosted by industry players to know the policy direction of the new government, his audience who understood the complexity of the task took his words with pinch of salt.

Dr. Ibe Kachikwu who also doubled as the GMD of NNPC, had in 2015 vowed to restream the nation’s three refineries as a matter of urgent national priority. He fixed deadline for managers of the refineries to swing to efficient commercial operations or get sacked and have the refineries be privatised.

Dr. Kachikwu had told the nation that President Muhammadu Buhari was in a hurry to fix the midstream and downstream petroleum industry operations of the NNPC in order to plug alleged financial leakages by weeding out large scale incompetence, ineptitude and financial profligacy in the system.

Dr. Kachikwu said the measures were urgent to exit the domestic fuel market from import dependence and save government billions of dollars in losses associated with NNPC’s national fuel supply obligations.

Unfortunately, the three refineries with four processing plants still lay moribund, operating sub-optimally at less than 10 percent capacity.

According to NNPC’s business report, the consolidated capacity utilization of the nation’s three refineries has instead fallen very low since 2015, plunging as low as 5.81 percent in November 2017. Performance for January 2018 is 10.89 percent as some of them were totally unavailable over periods of time in the year.

In January 2018, for instance, Kaduna Refinery performed at 4.7 percent of installed capacity, Port Harcourt Refinery performed at 20.6 percent while Warri Refinery recorded zero performance. In September 2017, only the Port Harcourt Refinery functioned at 13.4 percent while both Warri and Kaduna Refineries recorded zero performance in the month.

According to NNPC, “the combined value of output by the three refineries (at import parity price) for the month of January 2018 amounted to N26.18 billion while the associated Crude plus freight costs and operational expenses were N28.88billion and N10.88billion respectively. This • Port Harcourt Refinery resulted to an operating deficit of N13.59billion by the refineries.” large scale and mini refineries deFrom the figures, operations effi- nomic productivity.

Former Managing Director of Port spite unclear domestic market enciency of the government’s refinery business is very low; commerciality Harcourt Refining Company Limited, vironment where retail prices are has negative balance sheet of N13.59 Dr. Bafred Audu Enjugu, stated that still regulated by government under billion loss; while import monopoly the company has potential to har- much more uncertain subsidy arrun exclusively by NNPC generated ness business opportunities that rangement that scared off local marsubsidy bills in excess of N1.4 trillion could yield over N200 billion annu- keters from products importation. ally.

The strategy involves collaboration in 2017 alone.

Managing Director of Seplat Petrobetween agencies of government Starring directly at abysmal performance in the past three years, the leum, Mr. Austin Avuru, advanced including the Department of Peminister’s narratives on the refineries strong arguments to support indus- troleum Resources (DPR), Nigerian try pressure for government to dis- Content Development and Monitorhave also changed!

At the Nigerian Petroleum Industry place the controversial import pro- ing Board (NCDMB) and Bank of InSummit (NIPS) hosted by the minster grammes that promote capital flight dustry (BOI) for provision of funding in February, he decalared that the with reactivation of the nation’s do- and policy support to investors in lopolicy strategy now emphasizes pri- mestic downstream industry opera- cal refining.

According to Dr. Baru who spoke vate sector partnership arrangement tions.

He said a robust domestic refin- at the Nigerian Oil and Gas (NOG) that would see extension of deadlines from 2015 to 2019 when the first ing industry was urgently needed conference early July, NNPC is drivtenure of the Buhari administration is to promote local industrial growth, ing a new concession process that attraction of foreign direct invest- appears more detailed and painstakbilled to end.

Between 2015 and now, Dr. Kachik- ment, job creation and acceleration ing in selecting the private investors.

He said the corporation has set up wu had thrown about a number of of economic growth.

According to former Secretary of a committee to work out details of policy strategies that include clustered arrangement that would allow the Commonwealth of Nations, Mr. concession arrangements that allow new investors establish more refiner- Emeka Anyaoku, the fact that Niger- two consortia of nine firms run the ies around existing ones in order to ia is a global crude oil export factor country’s three refining companies.

The first consortium includes Vioptimise pipeline and storage facili- and at the same time a net importer of refined petroleum products is tol, Saipem, General Electric, Sahara ties already in situ.

He also adopted industry propos- an unacceptable paradox. He con- Group and MRS Oil Nigeria Plc. The als for legalization of scalable modu- demned the situation as wasteful, companies in the consortium push to take over the 125,000 Warri Refinlar refineries around crude produc- uneconomic and illogical.

Managing Director of ENI affiliates ery and the 110,000 Kaduna Refinery. tion hubs in the Niger Delta to service The second consortium which some segments of the local fuel mar- in Nigeria, Mr Mosimmo Nsula, had ket that patronize substandard prod- told Dr. Kachikwu at a panel session comprises Trafigura, Eni, Cepsa and in Abuja that Nigerian government Oando wants to run the 210,000 bpd ucts from illegal refineries.

However, the minister’s colloca- still has all it takes in its pocket to Port Harcourt Refinery.

The concession terms under distion and modular refinery strategies provide all the energy the economy needs without taking desperate cussion provides a fuel for cash swap failed to attract the right set of commercial investors in the first three measures like massive importations arrangement akin to upstream production sharing contracts (PSCs) years of the present administration. and tolled social services.

However, the current manage- that allow investors to recover funds Rather, trading firms that target offtake from the nation’s main refin- ment of NNPC is dusting up the refin- plus margin via commodity equity eries have rapidly filed into consor- ery programmes among other policy shares. The terms, it was learnt, tia that queue for shady concession programmes passed down from the would transfer responsibility on the deals that have pitched the minister ministry for efficient implementa- investors to optimise operations eftion. From managing the process ficiency in order to recover cost and against national legislature.

At the Nigerian Petroleum Industry to address issues of due process to earn returns.

In his speech at a forum for invesSummit in Abuja, industry stakehold- selecting the right set of partners, ers and economic analysts stressed NNPC has been struggling to gener- tors at the Offshore Technology the need to revive the nation’s re- ate the momentum to launch off the Conference (OTC) in Houston, USA in June, Dr. Baru, said measures had fining industry to capture the full process ahead of 2019 deadline.

The corporation, and her partners been taken to actualize the Decembenefits of the nation’s petroleum in the downstream industry, have ber 2019 target set by the federal industry.

They argued that the huge vol- kicked of strategies that see com- government to end the importation mercial investors sinking funds in of petroleum products into the umes of cash lost country. to shady petroleHe explained that um products imthe ongoing arport deals could rangement with the have built a robust midstream All efforts and attention of the govern- original builders of the refineries to reand downstream ment are on the 2019 elections, postturn them to at least petroleum induspercent capactry hubs needed ing no further hopes on any progress 90 ity utilization before to build the criti2019 deadline towards capacity recovery in the mid- the cal linkages bewas active to ensure tween the huge return of Nigeria stream petroleum indnstry budget petrofrom a net exporter leum sector and of crude oil to a net domestic ecoexporter of petro-

‘

,

leum products.

He stated that tendering exercises for companies interested in the rehabilitation programmes of the nation’s four refineries using a contractor-financing model had been completed and successful companies for the different projects have also been selected.

“This model is expected to be a self-sustaining financial model with near zero reliance on the federal government funds. For smooth running and implementation, we are also changing the operating and commercial framework of the refineries to make them work efficiently and be commercially viable,’’ he said.

According to him, the corporation and the Ministry of Petroleum Resources were also collaborating to encourage the establishment of modular refineries in the Niger Delta area to encourage job creation.

He announced that about 35 expressions of interest for the establishment of modular refineries had been declared, and that the Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR) had issued licenses to 13 companies.

However, Chief Operating Officer in charge of Refining and Petrochemicals at NNPC, Mr. Anibor Kragha, assured stakeholders at a forum that the 2019 rehabilitation target would be approximated by the President Muhammadu Buhari government, explaining that contract duration for the revamp job would be 24 months from financing closure.

He said capacity would ramp up from current 17 percent to 40 percent by end of the year with target for 90 percent capacity utilization by 2020.

He made it clear that while NNPC would concentrate of large scale refineries, government was also promoting modular refineries to displace illegal refineries in the Niger Delta.

Checks by the Oracle Today showed that the 24 month contract duration for the rehabilitation of the refineries has already exceeded the 2019 target set by the minister.

Besides that there has not been any concrete measure delivered by government towards all the plans for refinery rehabilitation.

Thus, the entire refinery rehabilitation programme of the present administration of the government has crossed full four year fist tenure of the Buhari government as mere story telling exercise. Currently, all efforts and attention of the government are on the 2019 elections, posting no further hopes on any progress towards capacity recovery in the midstream petroleum indnstry.

21

The Oracle Today Wednesday September 5, 2018

ENERGY

Marginal fields to take bigger space in national development Stories by SOPURUCHI ONWUKA

I

NDUSTRY experts are pointing at the emerging marginal field play in the petroleum industry as the new strategy direction in meeting national economic aspirations.

According to organizers of a forum to discuss the future roles of marginal field operations scheduled to hold in London, investors and players drawn mainly from the Nigerian petroleum industry are billed to analyze the role of small and medium sized assets in driving realization of key economic goals captured economic recovery and growth programme of the government.

According to organizers of Energy & Corporate Africa, marginal field operations have become critical in increasing national production, private sector capital inflow in the oil and gas industry and indigenous participation.

The result of indigenous domination in the marginal field segment of the industry would translate to economic buoyancy, employment opportunities and rural electrification through gas-to-power.

According to the chief executive officer of Energy & Corporate Africa, Sunny Oputa, it has become paramount to be innovative in the use of cost reduction strategies to reduce CAPEX such as alternative technology, use of intellectual development solutions, subsea tiebacks, riser technology, quality

lean production mechanisms, value creating methodologies and diverse creative economic options in the development of marginal and small –to large fields.

Oputa further said that some of the presentations highlights in the conference include; available assets both large and marginal fields, deep water resources, ·new frontiers, farm-in and other Investment opportunities, strategic outlook for empowering indigenous operators. economic and financial models for funding critical projects, capital and project funding for mid –caps / indigenous operators,global best practices in marginal/independent operations, investment opportunities – offshore, onshore and downstream, strategic gas projects and gas – to – power initiatives, local content and new regulations impacting oil/gas Industry, West Africa Outlook on Marginal and Independent Operations, cost reduction initiatives through innovation and technology, Conventional and Disruptive Technologies.

The conference will further articulate on the technical, economic, geopolitical and regulatory challenges impacting the development of large/marginal assets in the region, distribution, transportation and pricing of products and will through expert presentations share knowledge on the experiences of some companies on how they were able to overcome pitfalls and achieve success.

•The Group Managing Director of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), Dr. Maikanti Baru (middle), flanked by the representative of a bidding company, KBR, Okiotor Nyore (left), representative of the Nigeria Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (NEITI), Anthony George (right), displaying bids for the NNPC condensate refineries at the NNPC Towers in Abuja.

Oando focusing on E&P, trading for recovery

I

NDIGENOUS energy group, Oando Plc, which is trimming down from rapid bloat, has identified two core business areas that would sustain profitability, aid rapid recovery and lead growth in the medium to long term.

Group Chief Executive, Mr. Wale

Golar to spread FLNG model in more African developments

A

FTER successfully delivering its first floating gas liquefaction project offshore Cameroon, Golar declares that it would spread the model of capturing gas value with floating vessels across its petroleum interests in Africa.

The company has interests, mainly non-operated, across West Africa and it hopes to secure buy-in from its partners to sell the floating liquefied natural gas (FLNG) concept as a veritable and cost effective development option in fast paced market dynamics.

Golar’s Chief Executive, Iain Ross, stated that the pioneering FLNG project in Cameroon would lead to further schemes in West Africa after the company struck a deal to use the concept at BP’s Tortue gas development.

The Hilli Episeyo FLNG, a massive vessel above a subsea field that liquefies gas for further transport, was the first of its kind and is now running at commercially agreed levels, having produced its first LNG in May. Golar is now moving ahead with its portion of the BP-operated Tortue development, which straddles Mauritania and Senegal, having penned a preliminary agreement with BP in April to provide an FLNG for the project.

Mr. Ross told investors in a conference call that “The FEED (front end engineering development) update is being progressed at pace -we have a couple of months to go on that and we have strong interest with lenders.”

He noted BP and partner Kosmos Energy aimed to take a final investment decision on the development by the end of the year, with first LNG due to be produced before the end of 2021.

But aside from Tortue, Ross said there were two or three “strong”

FLNG prospects that have emerged thanks to proving the FLNG technology and commerciality.

“We’re seeing Hilli’s proof of concept triggering new interest... We think this is a truly disruptive solution in an industry not known for its disruptive solutions,” he said.

Golar has in the past hit serious stumbling blocks for its vesselbased projects, including floating storage and regasification units

(FSRUs) which import LNG. The Ophir Energy-operated Fortuna FLNG project in Equatorial Guinea stalled due to problems with financing, prompting a third partner to withdraw. On Thursday Ross said only that Golar had not yet given up on the project.

Golar also had issues with a project in Ghana, where it had earmarked an FSRU before the initiative was disbanded.

Tinubu, is quoted by secondary sources as saying that the company’s exploration and production unit, Oando Energy Resources (OER) and its trading arm, Oando Trading, would define the future of the group.

Consequently, he said, the company’s shrink down from bloated size through calculated divestment programme and asset sales are part of the realignment of portfolios which entailed sacrifice of low revenue ends of the business for consolidation of the profit centres.

The Oracle Today gathered from statements credited to Mr. Tinubu that Oando Plc is looking to boost crude output from next year after a string of asset acquisitions that lay basis for enhanced production numbers.

The company, it was gathered, is

OPEC coalition thins down quota overcompliance

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EMBERS in the 25 member producer nations involved in the agreement to cut oil output to the market are increasingly succumbing to the allure of high prices as they ramp up production to recoup sacrifices made in strengthening commodity value.

Sources close to the OPEC and nonOPEC monitoring committee found that oil producers participating in a supply-reduction agreement posted 9.0 percent over-compliance in July, the lowest in recent months.

The findings for last month compare with a compliance level of 120 percent for June and 147 percent for May, meaning participants have been steadily increasing production.

The Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries and other producers led by Russia pledged on June 22-23 to return to 100 percent compliance with agreed cuts of 1.8 million barrels per day, a pact that began in January 2017.

Producers had for months been cutting in excess of the agreed amount, driven by output declines in places such as Venezuela, Nigeria and Libya.

The committee, which held a conference call on Monday, groups representatives from Saudi Arabia, Russia, the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, Algeria, Venezuela and Oman.

The OPEC and non-OPEC technical committee plans to meet again on Sept. 11, one of the sources said.

That gathering would take place before an OPEC+ ministerial committee meeting due to be held in Algeria on Sept. 23.

Meanwhile, OPEC forecast lower demand for its crude next year as rivals pump more, prompting production factor, Saudi Arabia, to cut production and avoid a return of oversupply.

In a monthly report, OPEC said the world would need 32.05 million barrels per day (bpd) of crude from its 15 members in 2019, down 130,000 bpd from last month’s forecast.

The drop in demand for OPEC crude means there will be less strain on other producers in making up for supply losses in Venezuela and Libya, and potentially in Iran as renewed U.S. sanctions kick in.

Crude edged lower after the OPEC report was released, trading below $73 a barrel. Prices have slipped since topping $80 this year for the first time since 2014 on expectations of more supply after OPEC agreed to relax a supply-cutting deal and economic worries.

OPEC in the report said concern about global trade tensions had weighed on crude prices in July, although it expected support for the market from refined products.

“Healthy global economic developments and increased industrial activity should support the demand for distillate fuels in the coming months, leading to a further drawdown in diesel inventories,” it said.

OPEC and a group of non-OPEC countries agreed on June 22-23 to return to 100 percent compliance with oil output cuts that began in January 2017, after months of underproduction by Venezuela and others pushed adherence above 160 percent.

In the report, OPEC said its oil output in July rose to 32.32 million bpd. Although higher than the 2019 demand forecast, this is up a mere 41,000 bpd from June as the Saudi cut offset increases elsewhere.

In June, Saudi Arabia had pumped more as it heeded calls from the United States and other consumers to make up for shortfalls elsewhere and cool prices, and sources had said July output would be even higher.

But the kingdom said last month it did not want an oversupplied market and it would not try to push oil into the market beyond customers’ needs. Rapid oil demand that helped OPEC balance the market is expected to moderate next year. OPEC expects world oil demand to grow by 1.43 million bpd, 20,000 bpd less than forecast last month, and a slowdown from 1.64 million bpd in 2018.

working to glean out more production from acquired assets where projections show increased potentials for output. And the oil price recovery and associated return of oilfield vibrancy mean that the company will soon be launching field re-entry programmes to access reserves in acquired assets.

With over 450 million barrels of proven reserves and interests in 14 exploration licences OER is being positioned to drive production growth from current 40,000 barrels per day to over 75, 000 barrels per day in the next five years.

The Oracle Today reports that Oando faced debilitating headwinds following oil price crash immediately after it concluded its costly acquisition of Nigerian assets of departing ConocoPhillips.

The loan financed asset acquisition, considered one of the most audacious by any indigenous company at the time, plunged Oando into huge debts and forced it to embark on portfolio realignments that entailed disposal of low profit business units.

In a series of partnership agreements with a number of foreign portfolio investors, Oando conceded its controlling interests in its downstream marketing businesses and totally sold off some fringe commercial entities in gas, power and infrastructure.

Revenues from stake sell downs and divestments, according to company sources, went into consolidation of upstream positions and capturing more space in trading. Thus OER and Oando Trading formed the key business areas after the group’s portfolio realignment.

The company has consistently emphasised that it would remain strong in the list of preferred participants in the crude oil term contracts and associated products swap arrangements with the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC).

Crude oil lifting contract for the export of Nigerian crude oil and importation of refined petroleum products for the core businesses of Oando Trading, inside sources explain.

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The Oracle Today Wednesday September 5, 2018

e-Platform

NBC may shut down radio, TV stations over N4.3b debt

By KAYODE OGUNWALE

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ATIONAL Broadcasting Commission (NBC) may be compelled to shut down hundreds of radio and television stations across the country for their indebtedness to the tune of N4.3 billion to the commission , according to Is’haq Modibo Kawu, director general, NBC. Kawu explained that the broadcast stations indebted to the commission comprised both television and radio stations, adding that part of their indebtedness was in the failures to renew their licences with the commission over the years.

The stations well over 200 have till September 15 to come up with the payment plans or risk the commission’s big hammer.

The NBC boss who addressed journalists at the sidelines of the stakeholders meeting with licensees of the commission wax worriedly at the recalcitrant attitude of the licensees towards the debts and warned that it was no longer business as usual.

“The only action the NBC has taken regarding outstanding licence fees was to give all stations owing the commission a deadline to pay or be shut down, the deadline has since passed but the commission has not gone ahead to shut down any station yet.” Kawu stated.

This refusal to meet licensing obligations, has been a persistent

pattern of behaviour of NBC licensees.

He also spoke of the “strides in the digitization process, especially with the renewed commitment by the present administration, to find the resources for a rapid conclusion of the DSO, that give us tremendous levels of optimism at the NBC” “As Director General of the National Broadcasting Commission, I will have to own up to the fact that there was a historic pattern of relationship between regulator and licensee, which was based upon a notion of “nurturing” their stations.

This was at the beginning of a deregulated broadcasting industry, when there were just a few private operators in the business. So a notion emerged, that they should be “nurtured” and not allowed to go down under. So a rigorous regime of license fee payment, was not enforced. That approach might have had an altruistic motive, but was immediately seen as a point of weakness by licensees, who then began to proffer all manner of excuses, as to why they cannot pay their obligatory license fees, either on time, or in many cases, at all. It is this pattern of what might literally be called an ‘incestuous relationship’ that has led us to where we are today: licensees refusing to pay, and an indebtedness reaching over N4 billion, while the Commission is unable to carry out its functions.”

ITU holds regional workshop in Abuja

By JEROME USHAKANG

I

NTERNATIONAL Telecommunications Union (ITU) is to host regional workshop for capacity building in Abuja.

The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) in statement on its website said the workshop is organized by the Digital Bridge Institute (DBI),the training arm of the Nigerian Communications Commission.

Executive Vice Chairman (EVC) of NCC, Professor Umar Garba Danbatta who declared the workshop open, said that results the NCC expects at the workshop will include recommendations that will target elements of the digital ecosystem, namely, enabling policies and institutions for ICT growth, institutional change for more impact in the ICT Industry, and recommendations for the right communications and broadband infrastructure to improve internet access, speed and volume.

According to the statement, the fulcrum of the International Telecommunications Union (ITU) yearly regional workshop which opened in Abuja today was how to strengthen human capacity profile in the African region.

Professor Danbatta said that, “we are noticing a massive increase in data usage, and it is on the basis of these subscriptions that internet access can be acquired, so it is very important that recommendations targeting the improvement in broadband infrastructure are made so that we will reach the maximum target of 30 percent broadband penetration this year 2018, as we have already reached the 20 per-

cent minimum target.”

The theme of the workshop is “Strengthening Capacities in Internet Governance in Africa”.

The Administrator of DBI, Dr Ike Adinde, said that the workshop is to discuss Africa’s concerns about human capacity building, focus discussions on the future of skills and knowledge in order to seek changes in the African landscape in this era of connected economy.

Dr Adinde said, “digital literacy in the 21st century has become as important as the ability to read and write and governments in Africa ought to launch an aggressive intervention into the ICT industry by investing in skills development to stimulate economic growth and tame the rising tide of youth joblessness and associated insecurity in the region”.

•From left: Florence Otedola (Dj Cuppy), Trustee, Oscar N. Onyema Foundation (ONO); Mr. Oscar N. Onyema OON, Founder, ONO Foundation; Babatunde Folawiyo, Chairman, Board of Trustees, ONO Foundation and Mrs. Margaret Onyema-Orakwusi, Trustee, ONO Foundation, during the Unveiling Ceremony of The Oscar N. Onyema Foundation, at the Stock Exchange House in Lagos.

NIMC begins transfer of e-ID Cards

By KAYODE OGUNWALE

ATIONAL Identity Management Commission (NIMC) has introduced the transfer of e-ID Card to any NIMC Registration and Card Collection Centres of enrolee’s choice for collection.

Corporate Communications, Mr. Loveday Ogbonna, head, NIMC, said the request could be made from any of the NIMC Registration and Card Collection Centres nationwide, other than where the individual enrolled for the National Identification Number (NIN).

According to him, the transfer process is necessitated by a survey carried out by the Customer Care Unit of the Commission.

The survey shows that many registered applicants were yet to pick up their e-ID cards because they have either relocated from where they enrolled, or have changed the phone numbers they provided at the point of enrolment into the National Identity Database (NIDB).

Ogbonna, called on such persons to visit any NIMC office closest to them to request for a card transfer form, which they would fill, and submit to the State Co-

ordinator or Local Government Supervisor for processing.

The service, she said, was free for now and Ogbonna called on all individuals who have received the card collection notification either via SMS or emails to proceed to the enrolment Centre where they registered to pick up their cards.

They could also visit any NIMC Centre nearest to them to request for Card transfer if they have relocated from where they enrolled.

“For some people who have received SMS for Card collection but may have changed location from where they initially registered, they can walk into any NIMC office near them and make a card transfer request by filling a Card Transfer Form indicating where they now want the card to be sent.”

Explaining the process, he said an applicant should visit the specific Card collection Centre where he will like to pick up his National e-ID Card, and initiate the Card transfer process after he/she has received the SMS or email that the Card is ready.

“The applicant must came along with his/her NIN Slip, as well as evidence of notification,

ry features driving its popularity.

The new range of MacBook Air will be targeted toward consumers looking for lower-priced Apple laptops as well as educational institutions, which buy products in bulk. It is expected to have an October release.

Additionally, per sources, Apple is also looking at upgrading its desktop, Mac mini with higher processing speed and improved storage. With the implementation of the plan, the desktop will get its first update since 2014.

Apple, which was once a dominant player in the EdTech industry, lost its share to Alphabet’s GOOGL lower-priced Chromebook.

Per Future Consulting, Apple had 50 percent share of the education market in 2012 while Google with its nascent Chromebook

had merely one percent. By 2015, the tables had turned with Google holding 50 percent of market share.

The company believe that these new updates will help the company to put up a fight in the EdTech market as the company is targeting educational institutions for the new version of the laptop. Apart from this particular market, the products are also expected to do become popular among other users.

The upgraded versions of the devices are expected to drive demand, resulting in impressive financials for the company, which, in turn, will drive shares. Apple stock has returned 27.3 percent on a year-to-date basis, outperforming the 26.6percent rise of the industry.

N

Apple set to introduce low-cost laptop, high Performance desktop

By JEROME USHAKANG with agency report

A

PPLE (AAPL) is putting finishing touches to its new version of MacBook Air and upgraded Mac mini that will soon be unveiled to the public.

The company is reportedly coming up with a new version of its laptop, MacBook Air and the laptop will have thinner bezels around the screen.

The display will have a higher resolution Retina version and the screen will be around 13 inches.

The current MacBook Air, which is priced at $1,000, has been performing better than its other laptops like MacBook Pro. MacBook Air’s affordable price and userfriendly ports like SD card reader and USB connector are the prima-

which could be via a text message, email or the NIMC portal before the card transfer process can be verified and initiated after due diligence.

“The authorized officer then commences the transfer by sending a request to the NIMC Headquarters, and the Cards will be rescheduled and dispatched to the requested locations; the applicant will be called by the Card activation officer to visit the requested Centre to pick up his/ her Card.” Mr. Ogbonna further explained.

Facebook as Linkedin now allows researchers to mine its data

L

INKEDIN, an America professional networking site will from henceforth now allow economic researchers to mine its vast trove of data, but purely for academic purposes.

Chief data officer, and VP for engineering, Igor Perisic in a blog post said the firm says “researchers, academics, or datadriven thinkers,” will access deidentified data from LinkedIn “in a way that respects the privacy of LinkedIn members.”

The Economic Graph Research Programme allows selected teams to pursue their research in the fields of analytics, economics, and artificial intelligence, using LinkedIn data, with the aim of “removing barriers to economic growth and creating opportunities for the global workforce.

“LinkedIn is entrusted with a unique dataset and believes this data should be used to create economic opportunity for every member of the global workforce,” Mr Perisic said.

However, coming when the dust had barely settled on the Facebook-Cambridge Analytica data scandal in which data belonging to 87 million users was illegally harvested and used to shape political outcomes, the proposal sends shivers down the spines of the site’s estimated more than 500 million users.

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The Oracle Today Wednesday September 5, 2018

e-Platform

Nigeria’s capital inflow drops as FPI depreciates by $45m in q2

By JEROME USHAKANG

T

HE value of Foreign Portfolio Investment (FPI) in Nigeria declined by $45million in the second quarter of the year which ended on June 30, 2018.

This is contained in a report on the Nigerian Capital Importation for the second quarter of 2018 released by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) which showed that Foreign Portfolio Investment (FPI) depreciated from $4.56 billion in the first quarter of the year to $4.11billion in the second quarter.

According to the report, the drop in the value of FPI in the second quarter has been attributed as the major reason for the fall in Nigeria’s capital inflow. NBS said , FPI alone accounted for 75 percent of the total Capital Importation into Nigeria during the quarter under review.

It stated that FPI has been growing faster than the other types of Capital Importation since second quarter 2017. Other Investment also contributed to the decline in Capital Importation with a decrease of 24.07 percent from the previous first quarter of 2018.

During the quarter under review, Capital Importation into Nigeria was still dominated by shares. As capital inflow in the form of shares grew by 7.87 percent to close at $4.09 billion from $3.79 billion recorded in the previous quarter while the percentage share of equities to total Capital imported stood at 74.21 percent in the second quarter of 2018.

The report stated that Servicing sector overtook the Banking sector to become the leading sector for foreign capital inflow in the second quarter of 2018 with a value of

$479.85 million.

Banking Sector fell to the second position to stand at $294.96 million, followed by Production, Financing and Agricultural sectors in that order. Also, the value of total capital importation into Nigeria during the period was $5.51 billion, which shows a 12.53 percent decline from the first quarter of 2018 – with a year on year increase of 207.62 percent.

However, a decrease in Money Market Instruments with a value of $2.67 billion was the main reason for the decline recorded by Portfolio Investment in the second quarter of 2018. This is because it is the largest contributor to FPI. It fell by 24.29 percent from the previous quarter.

Specifically, Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) contributed 4.7 percent, while Other Investments account for 20 percent of the total Capital Importation.

Despite growing by 5.97 percent to $261.35 million from last quarter, FDI’s contribution is still very low, when compared with Portfolio Investment.

At the moment, it is contributing only 5 percent of the total capital imported in the second quarter of this year. This signifies a fall of 4.75 percent on year on year basis, with Equity Investment contributing 97.85 percent of FDI in second quarter of 2018.

Other Investment has been falling since first quarter of 2017 and still declined by 24.07 percent to stand at $1.13 billion in the second quarter of 2018.

However, it grew by 51.55 when compared to the same quarter in 2017. It contributed 20.5 percent to Capital Importation into Nigeria in

MTN Nigeria is refocusing its business model

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TN Nigeria said it has made a slight readjustment to its business model by focusing less on investment in voice facilities and more on data facilities.

The redirection in the MTN’s capital expenditure (CAPEX) which began earlier this year, followed the company’s observation that many Nigerians are now more into data communication than voice communication.

According to MTN’s General Manager for Corporate Treasury Finances, Mr Ishael Nwokocha, who recently made this disclosure in Lagos, much of the N180 billion earmarked for the company’s CAPEX in 2018 was geared towards network expansion/ upgrade and optimisation for data. This, he said, is part of the company’s effort to meet their subscribers’ increasing demand for data.

“In 2016 we spent N192 billion on CAPEX, in 2017 we spent N225 billion on CAPEX and in 2018, we earmarked N180 billion on CAPEX, and a large chunk of the 2018 budget was directed to network expansion, upgrade and optimisation to meet the growing demand of our subscribers for data services.” -Nwokocha He went further to state that it became imperative for the company to invest more in data facilities and increase its data offering, seeing as much of its revenue will henceforth be derived

from customers who are interested in using data services for the internet and social media MTN has a legacy of investing more in voice facilities in order to provide the absolute best voice facilities. However, it now has to follow a global trend whereby more network subscribers are interested in the use of data.

MTN Telecommunications Nigeria Limited, which is one of the leading telcos in the country, recently signed an N200 billion loan deal with 12 Nigerian banks as part of its efforts to improve its services and expand into underserved areas in the country.

But it has yet to pay up the N330 billion fine imposed on it by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), neither has it carried out its highly anticipated listing on the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) which could enable it to easily raise capital.

MTN Telecommunications Nigeria Limited, which is one of the leading telcos in the country, recently signed an N200 billion loan deal with 12 Nigerian banks as part of its efforts to improve its services and expand into underserved areas in the country.

But it has yet to pay up the N330 billion fine imposed on it by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), neither has it carried out its highly anticipated listing on the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) which could enable it to easily raise capital.

the second quarter of 2018. However, Loans with a figure of $1.12 billion dominated other investment with a contribution of 99 percent.

On the other hand, Abuja maintained lead as it overtook Lagos in the fourth quarter of 2017, and now attracted $2.55 billion to remain the highest state that received foreign Capital Inflow during the period, despite declining by 13 percent from first quarter 2018.

Lagos stood in the second po-

sition with a quarter-on-quarter reduction of 37.80 percent from $2.67 billion in the last quarter to $1.66 billion in the period under review, while Abia was third with $1.2 billion Capital Imports.

In a nutshell, the decrease in the inflow of Capital Imports into Nigeria, especially Portfolio Investment, is typically a negative development for the Nigerian Capital Market.

This is because lower FPI evaporates the liquidity that can sustain market growth, particularly for

stocks, reducing capital importation translates to lower external reserves.

Meanwhile, Nigeria’s external reserves has been on a free fall in the past few months and recently dropped below $47 billion for the first time in four months. This can be directly traced to the decline in Capital Importation in the second quarter of 2018.Improving FDI is mostly sought after as it reflects investors’ confidence in investing in development areas of the country though FDIs have always been lower than FPIs.

•The Executive Secretary, Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB), Engr. Simbi Wabote recently visited the Nigerian Stock Exchange. Executive Director, Regulations, NSE, Ms. Tinuade Awe who represented the CEO at the middle with NCDMB team leader.

Nigeria seeks Japan’s tech support in military operations

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IGERIA is seeking the cooperation of Japan in the area of science and technology, which is seen as key in modern military operations.

The discussions came as Nigeria Minister of Defence Mansur Muhammad Dan-Ali, paid a courtesy call on the Japanese Defence Minister of State, Tomohiro Yamamoto, at Shinjuku-Ku in the capital Tokyo.

Dan-Ali is on an official visit to the Asian country.”There is a lot

the two countries could learn and benefit from each other,” Dan-Ali said.

He highlighted some of the contributions of Nigeria on national security and peace-keeping operations in other parts of the world.

Yamamoto commended Nigeria’s leading role in Africa, particularly in supporting regional cooperation on security and peacebuilding.

He agreed the two countries

should initiate a defence cooperation that would serve humanity.

Nigeria is enduring a deadly threat posed by the Islamist insurgent group, Boko Haram.

The sect has killed at least 20,000 people and displaced over two million.

Boko Haram Fuelled By Shrinking Lake Chad - UN Deputy Chief UN Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed has attributed the Boko Haram terrorism in Northeast Nigeria.

Interconnection ‘Debt Mountain’ may threaten health of telecoms sector

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HE scale of interconnection debt between mobile operators in Nigeria hangs over the industry and does not seem to be going away. Without wanting to turn this “debt mountain” into a crisis, Russell Southwood looks at what might happen.

In 2013, interconnection debt between operators stood at N20 billion at the then exchange rate of US$123.5 million). In June 2018, it had risen to N165 billion an equivalent of US$458 million.

In other words, the debt has been rising at around US$67 million a year since 2013.million.

It is unclear who owes what between the operators but as always the biggest operator is owed the most. According to Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), 40 of this debt is owed to Nigeria’s market leader MTN. As with all interconnection debt, there are bound to be disputes

over who owes what to whom.

But the scale of debt means that even with adjustments, the total is unlikely to go down much.Two months after NCC first warned of a “debt crisis” not much has changed.

Last week, NCC’s CEO Professor Umar Garba Danbatta repeated his earlier position:”The NCC is worried about the accumulated huge debts from interconnectivity, which currently stood at over N165 billion and we have summoned operators and advised them to pay up their interconnect debt promptly.

But be that as it may, no operator can disconnect another operator on the ground of interconnect debt, except by the express permission of NCC,” he said.

So the situation is being held together by the requirement from NCC that no operator disconnect from another but all the while the

rising waters of debt continue to climb.

The regulator’s fear is that if say MTN cut off an operator over the debt it might drive that operator into a financial crisis or worse, bankruptcy. NCC is said to be insisting that the new owner of 9Mobile (formerly Etisalat) clear a significant part of the interconnect debt before it takes over the company.

According to This Day in May this year, Teleology Holdings has paid US$301 million to acquire 9Mobile. But this only takes the new owner to the starting line: it will then need to invest in the company’s infrastructure, something that may require at least as much money again as the purchase price.

9Mobile is an independent company and will need to raise that money without much of a proven track record.

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The Oracle Today Wednesday September 5, 2018

ISSN: 2545-5869

EDITORIAL

www.oraclenews.ng

VOX POPULI SACRUM

PMB’s stance on Rule of Law: New dictatorship Cont’d front page 1

as the Inspector-General of Police or the Comter the coup. Buhari thought the sentences were mander-in-Chief. Such rules are always subject to not enough and asked for re-trials and higher impediments to his policies, which delve towards manifest abuses, especially in respect of opposisentences.

Some of them were sentenced for dictatorship. tion politics. That has been the experience in 200 years!

THESE issues were hotly debated during the Nigeria.”THE dangers of operating with the Rule HIS dedicated battles with the judiciary, during campaigns for the 2015 elections. Whenever of Law beneath the dictates of the President are which security agents invaded homes of judges, his precedents as a military Head of State was succinctly by Adegboruwa thus: “The rule of law his refusal to bring people under arrest to court, mentioned, the response was that he was a is defined, basic, predictable and even subject his disobedience of court orders, are clearer indi“born again” democrat, who would respect to review; it helps to predict and govern human cations of his stands where the law is concerned. the Rule of Law. He has not, he has even given conduct. The Rule of Law limits and interposes It was not so surprising that he made this posisignals that he would take the country back to upon the rule of self all forms of arbitrariness and tion official at the Bar conference.

He was servhis 1984 days of military dictatorship. is thus preferable to the whims and caprices of ing notice of what was to come, to those who BUHARI with his Attorney-General Clement individuals. It is a dangerous proposition as we uphold the law.

Akpamgbo crafted Decree 2, under which two approach 2019. Taken to its proper interpretation, journalists Nduka Irabor and Tunde Thompson ACCORDING to the President, the “Rule of law it may be taken to be an advance notice to the must be subject to the supremacy of the nation’s were jailed for a story on diplomatic postings. people of Nigeria, to brace up for likely threats to security and national interest.

Our apex court Government did not like the story. Truth was their rights and liberties, in the coming days.” has had cause to adopt a position on this issue not a defence under the decree.

OTHER condemnations of the pronouncement in this regard and it is now a matter of judicial HE was not done. Three drug dealers, Barthocame from the Peoples Democratic Party, “It is recognition that where national security and lomew Owoh, Bernard Ogedengbe, and Lawal instructive to note that contrary to claims by Mr. public interest are threatened or there is a likeliOjuolape were on trial before Buhari came to President, there is no pronouncement by the hood of their being threatened, the individual power by coup in 1984. Their offence was not Supreme Court that subjugates constitutional rights of those allegedly responsible must take a capital offence. Buhari made new laws that rule of law and rights of citizens to the whims, second place, in favour of the greater good of were retroactive to change the penalty for caprices and dictatorial impulses of any Presithe society.” their offence to death. All pleas and explanadent. Our national interest is thoroughly embedSOME issues are thrown up immediately: What is tions that laws were never retroactive fell on ded, protected, expressed and enforced only national interest? What is national security? Are deaf ears – they were executed. under the rule of law as provided by our constitunational interest and national security different THE three, plainly stated, were murdered. They tion and there is no how Nigerians can allow an from ‘regime security’?

Who determines these? were given a punishment that never existed individual to superimpose or override the constiHow would those deciding these matters, withfor the crime they committed. It is a crime for tution with his personal whims and impulses; a out the law, ensure that personal interest is not which those who committed it should have pattern that is characteristic of known dictators elevated to national interest? gone on trial. To date, President Buhari has all over the world, as expressed in the obnoxious “IT was an extremely dangerous statement to have shown no remorse for that decision.

Executive Order 6, designed to justify a complete been made. His remarks contradicted the judgAMONG his other disregards for the law was in clampdown of political opponents ahead of 2019 ment of the Supreme Court. He quoted the judgthe sentences on governors he had arrested afgeneral election.” ment out of context and misconstrued TESTY days are ahead as Nigerians find out which it for the limiting civil liberties,” Olisa laws the President would decide to obey in his Agbakoba, former NBA President said. defence of “national interest”, and “national seNBA President-elect, Usoro (SAN), curity”. If the judiciary would not be the last hope tried to clear the confusion. “I am sure of the common man, what else is left in the quest that what the President was talking for law and order in society? about was fundamental human rights and not rule of law. Rule of law is supreme, that is what the constituOur Vision tion stands for. It is superior. When TO BE among the top five newspapers in Nigefundamental human rights clash with ria and, in due course, the Numero Uno; to be a national security, latter takes prenewspaper of records that effectively caters to eminence. The same cannot be said of the information needs of all segments and secthe rule of law. When the rule of law tions of the Nigerian society as well as all social clashes with national security, it must classes and cultures. Essentially, we want to be a bow to rule of law.”

PRESIDENT Buhari applied his “naresponsible corporate citizen, a commercially vitional security” argument in refusing able, properly organised media business, which to obey different court orders that meets its obligations to society, government granted former National Security and the workforce.

Adviser, Sambo Dasuki bail. Even the bail that the ECOWAS Court of Justice Mission granted Dasuki was not acceptable to WE INTEND to contribute to the development Buhari, who at a meeting of ECOWAS of an inclusive Nigerian society, with a view to last July in Lome lectured the gather getting rid of the dark sides of our national life on the Rule of Law. The Attorney (slothfulness, greed, corruption, nepotism, totalGeneral of the Federation Abdullahi itarianism, etc); to continually engender and susMalami authored a defence of the disobedience of court orders, which tain national debates that would ultimately lead have been applied to detained Islamic to the enthronement of healthy national valuescleric El-Zakzaky.

-hard-work, justice, equity and fairplay, transparEBUN-OLU Adegboruwa, a lawyer ency, good governance, resulting, in themselves, said, “National security has no definithe egalitarian Nigerian society of our dream. We tion, it has no limit; it is amorphous will give voice to the voiceless and at all times, and panders to individual discretion. strive to be balanced, objective, honest, truthful It is the rule of the executive arm of and fair to all sides; so that through The Oracle government alone, being the one Today, our people, the Nigerian people can see responsible for policy implementaa bright light at the end of what has been a very tion and the determination of security dark tunnel. And we shall do all this in absolute imperatives. National security is the rule and decision of individuals, such trust in God who blesses good intentions.

25

The Oracle Today Wednesday September 5, 2018

OPINION

Who can get Imo working again?

By Kanayo Esinulo

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t is common knowledge among politically aware indigenes of Imo State that soon after Abia State was carved out from the old Imo State, leaders of the remaining part met and decided on how the governorship position in the State was to be zoned and rotated. The idea, essentially, was to have a homeland that would be devoid of unnecessary political competition and rivalry that could harm peace and development in the “new” State. After series of consultations, a meeting was held on June 9, 1991 at Chief Emmanuel Iwanyanwu’s Glass House office in Owerri, and the result was a historic agreement that came to be known as Imo “Charter Of Equity”. It’s spirit was to promote love, understanding and peaceful rotation of the Number One office among the three senatorial districts in the State. But in 2011, that Charter, painfully, suffered a major setback.

Some say that it may not have been deliberate, but it happened like no agreed Formula ever existed.

Since June 1991, when this formula was first canvassed and unanimously adopted, Imo State has been at peace with itself. Unfortunately, the disruption that occurred in 2011 is now having serious political implications and consequences in a State that has consistently enjoyed internal peace and order. But, happily, there appears to be efforts at reactivating the “Imo Charter of Equity”. How can this be restarted without injuring nerves and ego, and from which of the zones, after so much water has been fouled, should this repair job start? Exactly at what spot was the formula dislodged or decapitated?

The truth and the reality is that Okigwe zone has, somehow, not fully utilised its space or what Nigerians prefer to call ‘quota’, as clearly stated in the Charter.

But I realise that Owerri zone may be getting slightly inpatient and agitated over the delay in handing over “the relay stick” to one of its own. That is understandable. And it would be most uncharitable to blame my Orlu Zone for this delay or postponement.

The disruption of our Imo “Charter of Equity” should be squarely put at the doorsteps of the political leadership of both Okigwe and Owerri zones. When examined critically and without any morbid sentiment, the inability of Sam Mbakwe’s Okigwe people to act as one when it mattered most plus the willingness of Owerri zone to accept the deputy governorship position when it could have supported Okigwe to complete its remaining ‘quota’ and the apple falls on its lap, certainly contributed to the emergence of Mr. Rochas Ethelbert Okorocha from Orlu zone, a zone that had done its turn. Okorocha is from Okpoko village in Ideato in Orlu Senatorial district where Achike Udenwa who occupied Douglas House, Owerri for an uninterrupted eight years comes from. If the Imo Charter had not been violated, Owerri zone would have been gearing up for its second term by now.

And I remind myself of the critical roles that some prominent Owerri political heavyweights played in the controversial ‘victory’ of Okorocha in April 2011. I mention Mr. Martin Agbaso who donated the party, All Progressives Grand Alliance, APGA, and his brother Jude Agbaso to the Okorocha Campaign of 2014, Captain Emmanuel Iheanacho, a former Minister and the Catholic

Archbishop of Owerri, His Grace Anthony Obinna, as some of those who facilitated the emergence of Okorocha as our governor in 2011.

But let us not forget, as some of us always do, that Owerri zone is not the ultimate loser in Imo politics, after all. It should always be remembered that it is from Owerri zone that Imo State chose and presented to Nigeria a Senate president, Evan Enwerem, Deputy Speaker of the Federal House Emeka Ihedioha, Ministers Kema Chikwe (she was also Nigerian Ambassador), Captain Emmanuel Iheanacho, and Prof. Viola Onwuliri were all Ministers of the federal Republic that represented Imo State. Even Martin Agbaso, at a point, was a Special Adviser to the President. I can go on and on.

But did Okorocha, in 2010, promise Owerri leaders that he would not seek Douglas House in 2015 – that he would be a oneterm governor? Did he and what happened?

If Okigwe had completed its eight years as spelt out very clearly in our Charter of Equity, that fake promise would have, in my view, been unnecessary. We should learn from that mistake and also learn from our brothers and neighbours in Anambra, Abia and Enugu States who have since stabilised their own politics and polity. They all borrowed from the Imo Charter of Equity, and are religiously following and obeying its content. Ebonyi State too! Anambra is enjoying unprecedented peace and development and quietly becoming a huge economy.

We all sometimes make mistakes in our calculations and projections, but I think, in April 2011, the people of our beautiful State committed an error by throwing away the baby with the bath water. We ought now to begin

to correct the mistakes by reactivating the Imo “Charter of Equity” and allow Okigwe Zone to complete its disrupted ‘allocation’ and then, in just four years, anchor on Owerri zone and demand that, across the parties, they should give us their very best candidates – politicians who understand our State, its challenges and development goals – political actors with clear vision and mission.

I am not being sentimental or insensitive here. I am searching for peace and development for our State, for good future for our children and grandchildren. Let Sam Mbakwe’s Okigwe people lead us for another four years, although I will not envy whoever takes over from Mr. Okorocha because of the enormous work that needs to be done and to get our State working again. After four years, I should repeat, we then anchor on Owerri zone – the strategic zone that helped Okorocha to win but which turned out to be the greatest victim of his recklessness and style.

Who will get Imo State working again?

That appears to be the big question. Will it be former Governor Ikedi Ohakim who is now commonly referred to as the man of the moment, the Mechanic who has what it takes to get the knocked engine rev back to life?

Or will it be someone else from Okigwe zone who may start searching and learning the ground? Or should we not prefer someone who will hit the ground running from Day One? The people of Imo State will provide the appropriate answer before long. But it should be an answer that separates our dear State from “chaos, anarchy and doom”.

•Mr. Esinulo is a journalist

Kofi Annan: In service of the world

By Ejeviome Eloho Otobo and Oseloka H. Obaze

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uring his tenure as Secretary General, Kofi Atta Annan frequently reminded the world that “there could be no development without peace, no peace without development, and neither peace nor development without human rights”. That perspective embodied his deep aspirations for global peace and prosperity but, paradoxically, also reflected the bitter lessons of experience learnt in many conflict-afflicted zones in the world, not least the Rwanda and Srebrenica genocides in the 1990s, which occurred during his tenure as the Head of UN Peacekeeping Operations.

Kofi Annan’s contributions to peace and security were wide ranging: encompassing efforts to discourage needless conflicts, support peace operations, create or nurture institutions for peace building, and develop norms and policies to promote inclusive development. Annan had presciently opposed U.S. and U.K. 2003 invasion of Iraq. Ahead of the invasion, during a meeting with visiting high-level British officials in New York, Annan was pressed hard to abandon his position and insistence on a Security Council resolution. Annan held his grounds, prompting Adam Thomson, then United Kingdom’s Deputy Permanent Representative, to quip, “SG, the coalition will proceed with or without U.N. support,” to which Annan retorted: “Ambassador, there comes a time when delusion meets with reality.” Today Annan’s position stands vindicated.

Annan, unlike Boutros Boutros Ghali, was not steeped in African politics, but his commitment to durable peace on the African continent was immense, a fact reflected in his 1998 landmark report on the Causes of Conflict and the Promotion Durable Peace and Sustainable Development in Africa. Annan oversaw the massive peacekeeping de-

ployment in response to rising conflicts in Africa, with about fifty percent (7 of 15) of U.N. peacekeeping operations and about eighty percent of U.N. personnel (69,238 of 87,764) deployed in Africa at the end of his tenure in 2006. Even after he stepped down as Secretary General, Annan showed his commitment to promoting democracy and good governance in Africa, most notably by mediating between the parties to the post-election violence that erupted in Kenya in 2008. He also pushed hard for political reforms in Zimbabwe, but not regime change sought by Western nations.

Annan successfully canvassed for “humanitarian intervention”, as a possible preemptive alternative to peacekeeping; though some suspected it was a policy not born of personal conviction, but as a safeguard against repeat of mistakes such as those in Rwanda and Srebrenica. Annan bought into the concept of “sovereignty as responsibility,” which gained impetus in 2001, well after Nelson Mandela publicly warned his fellow African Heads of State during the 1998 OAU Summit in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso, that “Africa has a right and duty to intervene to root out tyranny.” The resultant policy was the legitimization of the “responsibility to protect,” which though salutary, had a detracting flipside; most Africans worried that “responsibility to protect” would give carte blanche to meddlesome global powers.

Inspired by fundamental principles of the United Nations Charter, in particular the notion of “promoting social progress and better standards of life in larger freedom”, Annan launched a number of human security initiatives to help people stricken by disease, poverty and war. The Global Fund for AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria stands as a testament to his effort to mobilise global response to tackle the scourge of these three diseases around the world. The Millennium Development Goals, agreed at the

2000 Summit, was yet another initiative de- acronym for his secretary-general title, was signed to fight poverty, which was the first a sobriquet for “scapegoat”. of the eight goals. The establishment of the UN Peacebuilding Commission, which crea•Ejeviome Eloho Otobo is a former tion Annan described as “filling the gaping director and deputy Head of the UN hole,” in the institutional framework for Peacebuilding Support Office at UN post-conflict reconstruction and developHeadquarters in New York, where he ment represented an important step in galacted as Assistant Secretary General from vanising international support for countries February-August 2009. emerging from conflict.

Annan realised much earlier than many that in an era of globalisation, a strong part•Oseloka H. Obaze served as a UN nership with private sector was required to Official at its headquarters in New York make progress on many public policy issues. from 1991 to 2012. He is the MD/CEO of This provided the impetus for his advancSelonnes Consult, a policy, governance ing the idea of the Global Compact, which and management consulting firm based in aimed to encourage global corporations to Awka, Nigeria. embrace principles relating to promotion of labour standards, respect for human rights, protection of the environment, and combating corruption. Annan himself declaimed in a 2000 report that “weaving universal values into the fabric of global markets and corpoManaging Director/Editor-in-Chief rate practices will help advance broad sociIkeddy Isiguzo etal goals while securing open markets”.

It is broadly acknowledged that “policy is Editor most often limited less by some objective reality than it is by conceptual barriers of a Felix Oguejiofor Abugu statesman’s imagination.” The breadth and Deputy Editor/Head, Lagos Bureau scope of policy initiatives launched by Annan and efforts exerted by him in the area Sopuruchi Onwuka of peace, development and human rights showed that he understood fully the dyAbuja Bureau Chief namic nexus between these issues. But Tony Ailemen more importantly, he appreciated that the countries of the world must act in concert Head, Graphics & Designs to achieve peace and prosperity. It is not for nothing that Annan has been described Nnamdi Alex Chukwu as a diligent man of peace. It is an accolade well-deserved and affirmed by the Nobel Business Manager Peace Prize awarded to him in 2001. Yet, Esther Balogun when things went wrong - and they did occasionally- and UN member states sought to Circulation Manager lay blame on him, he was never bashful of self-deprecation; saying often that “SG”, the Felix Oti

THE GROUP

The Oracle Today Wednesday September 5, 2018

Travel & Hospitality

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A’Ibom Govt., Akpabio trade blames over abandoned Four Points by Sheraton Hotel Stories by VICTOR NZE

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HE expansive but unoccupied Four Points by Sheraton Hotel in Ikot Ekpene, which was commissioned in an elaborate ceremony in Ikot Ekpene, May 26, 2015 by immediate past governor of Akwa Ibom State, Chief Godswill Akpabio, has now become the centre of a controversy in the state.

First announced by the then Starwood Hotels and Resorts Worldwide, in 2014, the hotel was expected to boost tourist arrivals to the state as well as drive the tourism industry upon completion.

Owned by the Akwa Ibom State Government, Four Points by Sheraton in Ikot Ekpene became Starwood’s 10th hotel in Nigeria and its second hotel in Akwa Ibom after Le Meridien Ibom Hotel and Golf Resort. But while the latter property has now been taken over by the state, the Starwood Hotels and Resorts has since been acquired by Marriott International Hotels in a deal that was wrapped up in September 2016, one year after work began on the Ikot Ekpene property.

Till date, the Sheraton –branded property in the state is yet to get off the ground despite claims by the former governor that the hotel was already 98 per cent completed as at the time he left office in 2015.

As it is, with the Marriott acquisition of the Sheraton properties complicating the already precarious situation of the hotel, the matter of completion has become another issue set to drag the take-off of the hotel, which already most tourism experts believe was ill-advised.

Reacting to the claim by former governor Akpabio that the hotel was ready for business as at 2015, the state government described the statement as ‘spurious’ insisting that the ex-chief executive commissioned the Four Points by Sheraton Hotel, in Ikot Ekpene ‘without a signed Franchise agreement and full complement of requisite furniture and fittings.’

The state government also corroborated the position of tourism experts, as it claimed that ‘no guest traffic count and/or feasibility study

was carried out to justify the N25.4 billion investment in a 146-room hotel?’

Before now, industry watchers have maintained that the siting of the hotel was ill-advised as the state government should have built the hotel around an attraction or attractions in the state, rather the facility being the destination.

“In this day and age no tourist leaves his or her home just to go and stay in hotel. And that is the mistake people especially state governments make in opting to build hotels as way of boosting tourism in their states.

It’s not that building these hotels is bad in itself, but the attractions should have been developed first before the construction,” noted Chief Samuel Alabi, the Federation of Tourism Associations of Nigeria (FTAN) Board of Trustees chairman.

Reacting to Akpabio’s claim in a six-point statement issued by Mr. Charles Udoh, the Akwa Ibom State Commissioner for Information & Strategy, and made available to Oracle Today, Monday, the government accused the former governor of ‘unabashedly making spirited attempts at sweeping the facts under the carpet by alleging that his administration had fulfilled all franchise requirements with Starwood Hotels and Resort and that the current administration was only expected to pay the fees when it fell due in 2015.’

The state government also stated that the “Immediate past Governor commissioned the Four Points by Sheraton Hotel, Ikot Ekpene without a signed Franchise agreement and full complement of requisite furniture and fittings; “95% of the total contract sum was approved and disbursed by the immediate past Governor as building and site improvement cost; The worldwide standard for building and site improvement cost component of a full-service 4star hotel in an emerging market is 64% of the total cost of the hotel- (Hospitality Valuation Services HSV); The government, therefore, challenged Akpabio ‘to validate his claims of having fulfilled the requisite contractual obligations with Starwood Hotel & Resort for the Four Points

•Capt. Victor Egonu and Senior Flight Officer Emmanuel Iwhiwhu pose with other Air Peace staff after the airline’s newly acquired B777-300 aircraft landed at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos.

by Sheraton franchise by publishing a copy of the signed management agreement.’

“When was the agreement signed?

Who were the signatories and witnesses to the transaction? Which Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) was used in signing the agreement before vacating office.

“The SPV that manages the transaction on behalf of the Akwa Ibom State Government; Raffia City Hotels and Tours Limited was incorporated on June 11, 2015; more than one month after Senator Akpabio had commissioned the hotel. (Certificate of Incorporation attached).

“To set the records straight, the Senator should also publish a copy of the Certificate of Incorporation of the Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) he used for the transaction.

“Regrettably, it paints an unpalatable picture of mischief for the immediate past Governor; a lawyer by profession, to present an unsigned and unverified press statement in the Nation newspaper of July 12, 2014 as

Two Nigerians make Africa Tourism Leadership Awards shortlist

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FRICA Tourism Leadership Forum 2018 has unveiled the shortlist for its Africa Tourism Leadership Awards.

According to the statement from the organisers of the event, which is to debut in Accra, Ghana between August 30 – 31, finalists emerged in nine categories having met the criteria and the verification process handled by Grant Thornton.

This was disclosed by the cochairpersons of the awards committee, Prof. Marina Novelli and Ms. Judy Kepner-Gona.

Top on the shortlist are two Nigerians, Ikechi Uko, who is the organiser of Akwaaba African Travel Market, a yearly travel and tourism trade conference and exhibition event held in Lagos.

He was named in the category of Outstanding Entrepreneurship Award alongside another Nigerian, Kehinde Michael Oluwadamilare of Discoveria while the third person in that category is a Zimbabwean, Lipian Bongani Mtandabari of Phezulu Safaris (Private) Limited. Oluwadamilare was also shortlisted for the Outstanding

Africa Tourism Media Award category.

The other categories include the following: Leading in Progressive Policies’ Award – Namibia Ministry of Environment and Tourism; Rwanda Development Board; and Seychelles Tourism Board/Tourism Ministry Responsible for Tourism: Women in Leadership Award – Carmen Nibigira – Burundi; Rosette Chantal Rugamba – Rwanda; and Jacinta Nzioka – Kenya: Most Innovative Business Tourism Destination Award – Kigali City – Rwanda; South Africa; and Western Cape and Cape Town – South Africa: Outstanding Accommodation Facility/Group Award – Beyond Ngorongoro Crater Lodge –Tanzania; Beyond Group – Southern Africa; and SABI SABI Private Game Reserve- South Africa: Outstanding Tourism Transportation Award – FlySafair – South Africa; South African Airways – South Africa; and Ethiopian Airlines – Ethiopia: Outstanding Africa Tourism Media Award – Katchie Nzama – South Africa; Voyages Afriq Media Limited – Ghana; and Kehinde, Michael Oluwadamilare – Discoveria: Championing Sustainability

Award – Botswana Tourism Board/ Botswana Ministry Responsible for Tourism; Seychelles Tourism Board; and Wilderness Safaris – Southern Africa: Destination Africa – Lifetime Award – Late Russel Friedman of Wilderness Safaris – South Africa; Mandela and Nelson Mandela Foundation – South Africa; and Late Professor Wangari Muta Maathai – Kenya.

Winners will be announced at the awards ceremony to be held on August 31.

“The Awards seek to recognise and celebrate countries, governments, organisations and individuals for their innovation and outstanding accomplishments in tourism development across Africa,” said Novelli.

“We believe the efforts of these finalists will continue to empower our local communities,” added Kepner-Gona.

“The Africa Tourism Leadership Awards provide a novel approach to recognising change makers who inspire transformation across Africa’s tourism industry,” said Ms. Christelle Grohmann of Grant Thornton.

evidence of a legal contractual obligation on a high networth project as one in question. This is a brazen and unremorseful attempt at demeaning the intelligence of the good people of Akwa Ibom State.

“It is ludicrous that despite being confronted with bare facts, the immediate past Governor is unabashedly making spirited attempts at sweeping the facts under the carpet by alleging that his administration had fulfilled all franchise requirements with Starwood Hotels and Resort and that the current administration was only expected to pay the fees when it fell due in 2015.

“The Distinguished Senator would do well to answer these pertinent

questions; a. How come the hotel that had been commissioned never started operations before the end of his administration? How come there was no guest traffic count and/or feasibility study carried out to justify the N25.4bn investment in a 146-room hotel? Why were external caterers hired to bring in food if the kitchen and dining facilities were ready, equipped and commissioned? How come the hotel is a subject of discussion today; three years after it was supposedly commissioned? Who benefited from the contract awards for the hotel? Who brought the contractors? Who benefitted from the over 95% payment his administration disbursed on a half-completed hotel?” it asked.

Ita-Giwa reignites jollof rice war at 2018 Akwaaba Travel Market

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ENATOR Florence Ita-Giwa, the Chairperson of the Carnival Calabar and a Promoter of African Cuisine will attempt to reignite the lingering rivalry between the West African nations of Nigeria and Ghana over which of them cooks the best jollof rice delicacy as she hosts this year’s Jollof Rice Competition at Akwaaba African Travel Market in Lagos coming up from Sunday 9th to Tuesday 11th September 2018.

The Cross River State-born senator is expected to be the Special Guest at the sideshow which will also entered by The Gambia, another West African country.

At the expo, the National Council of Arts and Culture (NCAC) is expected to present the Nigeria Food Culture during the Nigerian Day at the Akwaaba Travel Market.

According to the Director General Otunba Segun Runsewe, Nigerians need to project their rich culture in different manners.

“Our very rich Cuisine is worthy of global acclaim. What we did in Russia at The World Cup showcasing Nigerian culture to the World is the template we want to use to make the world fall in love with Nigeria and its rich culture,” Runsewe said.

Runsewe, who also double as President of the World Craft Council (Africa region) wants Nigerians and foreigners to visit the NCAC stand to learn more about NAFEST and other Cultural events happening in Nigeria.

Nigeria Day is on Sunday the 9th of September.

The Culinary Tourism Contest will involve the three West African Countries of Nigeria, Ghana and The Gambia.

Last year 25 chefs from Ghana and Nigeria participated in the first #jollofricewar contest.

This year Gambia Tourism Board has nominated Mrs. Ida Cham of Yabouy Home cooking to represent The Gambia.

This is coming just as 15 Travel Companies from Dubai have confirmed their participation at Akwaaba African Travel Market in Lagos.

Also, The Gambia Tourism Board is seeking to renew their presence in Nigeria which is part of latest efforts to increase awareness for the country as an all year tourism destination for discerning Nigerian visitors and prospective investors.

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The Oracle Today Wednesday September 5, 2018

AVIATION Aviation workers can’t guarantee Nigeria Air, airports’ concession – ATSSSAN Stories by VICTOR NZE

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ATIONAL Executive Council (NEC) meeting, the Air Transport Senior Staff Services Association of Nigeria (ATSSSAN) has resolved that it will not guaranty a place for the new national carrier ‘Nigeria Air’ if the Severance Entitlements Settlement of ex-workers of the liquidated former national carrier, Nigeria Airways is not met.

The body also posited that Federal Government’ s planned concession the four most viable international airports in the country will compromise safety, increase charges and increase liabilities, even as it expressed reservations over the move ‘if the plan is foisted on its members.’

The union in its communiqué signed by Deputy General Secretary, Comrade Frances Akinjole and National President, Comrade Ahmadu Ilitrus lamented that 960 of the exworkers had died in pursuit of their entitlements despite the approval of said entitlements by the President.

Its communiqué read in part: ”NEC-in-session laments the failure of the Federal Government to settle the outstanding entitlements of exworkers of Nigeria Airways several years after the Airline was liquidated. The NEC appreciated the selfless efforts of President Mohammadu Buhari, who finally gave approval for the payment of Forty-Five (45) Billion naira towards the settlement of the entitlements sometimes last year, yet condemns the non-payment as at date.”

“The NEC resolved that the issue of payment of the Severance Benefits of ex-Nigeria Airways workers must be resolved immediately in order to forestall brewing labour issues that could affect, in the nega-

tive, the prospects of the recently unveiled “Nigeria Air” by the Federal Government of Nigeria. ATSSSAN NEC warns that if Government does not pay Nigeria Airways workers their hard-earned entitlements, it will not guarantee any place for the new airline in the industry.”

“The NEC commiserates with the families of the over 960 Nigeria Airways workers who died in very avoidable health conditions while waiting for their entitlement and wish the souls of the departed workers a peaceful rest and the family they left behind the gratitude to carry on the struggle,” the communiqué read.

On the brewing concession, the union insists that concessioning the mainstay of airports in Nigeria will adversely affect the others which are sustained by the main four and lead to the crippling of FAAN as an agency.

Federal Government through the Minister of State, Aviation, Hadi Sirika had insisted that there was no going back on the concession of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA Lagos, Nnamdi Azikwe International Airport Abuja, Port Harcourt Airport and Aminu Kano Airport, Kano), operated by the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) The union insisted that if government goes ahead with the plans without handling all pending labour issues including workers’ entitlements and pension rights, ATSSSAN shall not guarantee industry harmony at the nation’s airport airports. ”The four (4) Airports are the main sources of FAAN revenue. NEC fears that if the government succeeds with the concession of the airports, the entire operations of FAAN will collapse, as all other airports oper-

Air Peace acquires another B777 aircraft

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NDIGENOUS carrier, Air Peace, has taken delivery of another Boeing B777-300 aircraft in preparation for its commencement of international operations.

The 320 capacity aircraft, christened “Ojochide”, touched down at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos at about 1.45 p.m. on Saturday.

The aircraft, which was flown in from Dublin by Capt. Victor Efionu and Senior Flight Officer Emmanuel Iwhiwhu, was received by Air Peace Chief Operating Officer, Mrs Oluwatoyin Olajide and other

AIB to review industry regulations

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he Accident Investigation Bureau (AIB) is set to carry out a review of its existing regulations that will accommodate latest changes in the global aviation industry.

AIB Commissioner, Mr Akin Olateru, who said in Lagos, Sunday, that the review would enhance the bureau’s performance especially in the area of incident and accident investigations, added that the review exercise will take place before the end of the year.

The commissioner said AIB was determined to ensure that its activities were in conformity with European standards and to continue to retain its position as the leader on the continent.

According to Olateru, the management had already notified stakeholders about its intent to review its existing regulations.

top aviation personnel.

Olajide told newsmen that Air Peace had taken delivery of its first B777-200 aircraft in February, stressing that two more aircraft were being expected before year end to boost its international operations.

She noted that the Federal Government had granted approval to Air Peace to begin flights to six international destinations which are London, Dubai, Sharjah, Guangzhou-China, Mumbai and Johannesburg.

“We are very happy with taken delivery of another of our B777 aircraft in preparation for our international operations and we are looking at commencing operations on one of the routes before the last quarter of the year.

“We believe that this will enable us to create more employment opportunities for Nigerians because that is the reason why we exist. We want to help curb the unemployment situation in the country,”Olajide said.

According to her, the move will also impact the Nigerian economy positively because it will give Nigerians the opportunity to travel in comfort and safety at affordable fares across the world.

She thanked the present administration for the support given to Nigerian airlines through removal of Value Added Tax and waivers on aircraft spares.

The B777-300 aircraft has 12 First Class, 48 Business Class and 260 Economy Class and it is usually used for long-haul flights.

•From left: Former Commissioner, Banjul Accord Group Accident Investigation Agency, (BAGAIA) and Consultant to AIB, Nigeria, on Operations Review, Mr. Caj Frostell, Commissioner/CEO, Accident Investigation Bureau, (AIB), Engr.

Akin Olateru and Chief Air Safety Investigator, Safety Investigation Authority, Finland, Mr. Ismo Aaltonen at a press briefing on AIB Operations review held at Safety House, Murtala Mohammed International Airport, Ikeja, Lagos.

ated by FAAN are maintained or supplemented with revenue generated from the four referenced airports. “(ii) FAAN has huge pension liabilities and will not be able to settle its pension obligations to retirees (iii) Safety at our airports will be compromised (iv.) salaries of the over 6,900 staff scattered around the 22 airports presently managed by FAAN would be compromised. (v.)

concession of Airports will lead to high airports charges in the affected airports which will affect airlines, and by direct implication, results in high air ticket prices.”

The NEC further advised the Federal Government to look at other successful models of managing airports as being done in South Africa, Egypt, Namibia, Ghana and other civil Aviation jurisdictions around the world.

“The NEC therefore mandated the leadership of ATSSSAN to keep vigil and that peradventure the government insists on the concession of the airports as planned, ATSSSAN must insist that all labour issues including workers’ entitlements and pension rights are settled by the Government; failing which ATSSSAN shall not guarantee industry peace at our airports.”

“They are talking about 5 aircraft to start the operation. You know that will require a minimum of 50 pilots. The spiral effect will require more, 100 people engaged. I will always call on our people to be patriotic. The issue of compliance to Executive Order 5, giving Nigeria jobs to Nigerians is key to us.

“It is not justifiable to have an airline and just go and be bringing expatriates. It does not speak well of our patriotism. We expect that this patriotic zeal, the investors should have. I want our social partners to see us as such. We are partners in progress, not competitors. We are not competing with them.

“We are not in NAAPE to pull down businesses. No. When I assumed office, my dealings and my philosophy is always aiming at synergistic win-win. Win for the employer, win for the employee.

Let them be rest assured that we are going to be partners. Once we engage, we understand ourselves more. The erroneous perception on the union is in the past,” said Galadima.

On the processes of acquiring AOC Galadima said that it was at variance with logic that both commercial and general aviation investors go through the same processes.

“In terms of legislation, we want to see a situation where more is given to General Aviation where investors will find reasons to invest.

Where a General Aviation operator is expected to go through the same

process of getting Air Operators Certificate (AOC) with commercial operators defies logic. In this days where we talk about small medium scale businesses, I think that should be factored into the scheme of things,” he said.

On the issue of unemployed professionals, the NAAPE President said it was a huge challenge especially given the huge sums the professionals were trained with. According to him, the investment will be lost if these professionals do not retain currency.

“We have over 200-250 unemployed associate pilots, pilots and engineers, over 600 which is not good. This one is particularly a problem, because these two professions require you to be current and most of the ones that were trained, were trained with huge sums of money. So the investment will just be lost if they do not retain currency, because they will not be employable again without currency. That is why we are advocating that government do something.

“In fact, we have put in a proposal to a number of our partners.

We are still looking for more partners to fund it. Just like what the government is doing for the unemployed through the N-Power programme. If that can be extended to aviation, NAAPE is willing to partner with anybody such that if NCAT is given some money, the young pilots will go and build hours flying aircraft there and also use simulator as well. It will help them build more hours to gather more experience and expertise.”

Nigeria Air: Comply with Executive Order 5 – NAAPE tells FG

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ATIONAL President of the National Association of Aircraft Pilots and Engineers (NAAPE), Comrade Abednego Galadima has told the Federal Government to ensure compliance with the Executive Order 5 in staffing the Nigeria Air project, further warning that jobs meant for Nigerians should not be given to expatriates.

Galadima also called for separate processes of acquiring Air Operators Certificate (AOC) for commercial operators and general operators stating that it would help investors go into the business more.

The NAAPE President who spoke at the “Unveiling of NAAPE Compendium of 50 Outstanding Nigerian Aircraft Pilots and Engineers,” in Lagos said that some advantages the commencement of Nigeria Air will have on NAAPE members and even the unemployed, is that government has indicated that it would start with five aircraft and this will require no fewer than 50 pilots and over hundreds more engaged.

He however said the jobs should be for Nigerians as the country currently has over 200-250 unemployed associate pilots and over 600 pilots and engineers.

“If the National Carrier comes, it is a plus to us. While they absorb some, I am sure and there will be some migration from one airline to the other. It is our hope that some of the unemployed will find somewhere to fit in.

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The Oracle Today Wednesday September 5, 2018

INSURANCE & PENSION AIICO gets NAICOM approval on agric insurance

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OUR months after it first announced plans to unveil new products for the agriculture sector of the economy, AIICO has now bagged the approval of the National Insurance Commission (NAICOM) to commence underwriting policies for agriculture insurance.

It would be recalled that in April, this year during a parley with Insurance correspondents at its Yaba, Lagos Office, General Manager (Retail Life), Mr Sola Ajayi, said as part of AIICO efforts at exploring other investment options, the company will be venturing into the agriculture and micro-insurance markets with detailed products to address need of consumers by rolling out policies for that sector.

“Our agric policy will soon roll out. We are at its concluding stages and when we announce it, you will the first to know. But very soon the policy will hit the insurance market.

“Despite challenges encountered during last year operations, we still intend to diversify our operations and expand our market base with new products tailored to address new demands in the market. Another of those demands will be in the area of the continuously evolving micro-insurance market.”

Executive Director (Operations), Mr. Babatunde Fajemirokun, corroborated, saying: “We are concluding arrangements to venture into these markets with new policies as part of our broader plans to expand our market base as earlier stated,”adding: We shall keep you posted when we are set to unveil them,” said Ajayi.

However, last May the insurance firm in an exclusive e-mail to the Oracle Today over the delays in introducing the products it announced a month before, AIICO said it was still fine-tuning strategies with regulatory agency, the National Insurance Commission (NAICOM) on the planned agric insurance policy, while the micro-insurance product’s unveiling was being stalled by feedback from appropriate quarters before commencement.

“AIICO’s Agric. insurance is still a work in progress as stated during the last media briefing. We are looking forward to offering this service however we are still working with NAICOM on our application process.

“AIICO recognizes that Micro insurance is an area that cannot be excluded. Unfortunately, we have no feedback regarding commencement and will keep you informed once we do,” the firm stated.

However, with the securing of approval of the National Insurance Commission (NAICOM) as an agriculture underwriter, AIICO Insurance, Friday, said it is now ‘uniquely positioned to offer Agriculture Insurance to Nigerian farmers at all levels, as well as investors looking to tap into the huge potentials of the sector, through its value-based insurance propositions.’

According to the firm, its competitive edge is hinged on its understanding of the exact needs of farmers through the application of knowledge and expertise in this line of insurance business.

Commenting on the company’s readiness to play in this space,

NCRIB tasks government on compulsory cover for construction

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HE Nigerian Council of Registered Insurance Brokers of Nigeria (NCRIB), has called on the Federal Government to adopt insurance policy into its housing programme at the construction stage to unlock the potential in the industry.

The President, NCRIB, Shola Tinubu, who spoke to The Guardian after a news conference in Lagos, said insurance should be given its rightful place in such projects in line with Sections 64 & 65 of the Insurance Act 2003, which stipulates a compulsory cover for ongoing construction projects.He also lauded the Government’s Right-to-Own project, designed to enhance affordability by eliminating the need for down payments and other costs associated with normal mortgage loan arrangements, stressing that this will go a long way to addressing the housing deficit challenge.

The Government recently announced that about N197billion would be invested in the construction of 26,002 houses nationwide, while 13,953 homes were also renovated.

Tinubu added: “It therefore behooves the Federal Government to insist that appropriate insurance policies be put in place for these houses at the construction stage for the win-win benefits the project holds for government, the allottees and their families.”

Speaking on the 2019 election, and the potential negative effects on the socio-economic development of the nation, he urged brokers to stay above party politics.

On the future of the profession, he said the NCRIB has almost concluded a 10 year strategic plan for the Council and insurance broking, adding that the Council at its CEOs Retreat held recently in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, discussed the input of the strategic plan to allow members have a buy in.

On training, he noted that in line with the mandate of the current management, the Council has sustained its tempo of training, adding that in the last quarter, it organised about four professional training. These are Advanced Oil & Gas Training; Contemporary Regulatory Issues training; Risk Pricing, and Bidding and Evaluation.

He lauded the National Insurance Commission (NAICOM), for the zero draft guidelines issued to broking firms, stressing that the opportunity provided for brokers to make input into the Zero draft Guideline would enrich it.

“The guidelines are currently being reviewed by the Technical and Legal Committees of the NCRIB for our final input. We believe that if our suggestions and input are favourably considered, the Commission will definitely come out with a more robust and acceptable document for all stakeholders,” he said.

•A cross section of AIICO Insurance Plc., Directors during the 2018 Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the firm which held in Lagos.

Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Edwin Igbiti, confirmed that; “NAICOM’s approval underscores the Regulator’s confidence in the Company’s capacity and competence to support the Agricultural sector”.

With an average contribution of 24 per cent, agriculture has remained a significant contributor to Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product.

Being the provider of employ-

ment for over 60 per cent of the population, agriculture is pivotal to economic development, and more of the efforts to revive the economy, and reduce significantly the level of poverty, should be devoted to energising the agricultural sector.

The agriculture sector is exposed to extremely high degree of risk arising from natural factors like weather conditions, pests and dis-

eases and other environmental forces.

The AIICO boss said his company is taking strategic position to be a major player in offering agriculture insurance in order to deliver the much needed protection to the different players in the agricultural value chain, as well as in response to the dire need for adequate insurance in protecting investments in agricultural sector.

the need for them to collaborate with us and that their services are necessary in disaster management.

At the meeting, the companies say that they will key in and be part of our sensitisation so that they can enlighten the general public on the vital role insurance have to play in disaster management.

“If individual or groups get to know and understand the role of insurance, I quite believe that they will subscribe to insurance companies policy or policies cover for their overall benefit when disasters occur,’’ he said.

According to him, if people take up insurance policy cover, when disaster occur, the insurance company or companies will come and do their own assessment and pay compensation to the victims.

“This indemnity or compensation is far above the succour NEMA brings to them,’’ the director said.

Ibarakumo said that NEMA would be taking the sensitisation to various markets in the zone on the need for traders to take-up group insurance policy against disasters.

He noted that the disaster like flooding and fire disasters were yearly routine in some markets, adding that traders had to take up insurance policy or policies against these developments, if not individually, it could be done in a group form.

“The agency believes that insurance companies will be of tremendous help to the traders in markets in Onitsha and other trading cities in the South-East at this point,’’ Ibarakumo added.

bers to 23,656, while the Approved Existing Scheme (AES) membership remained unchanged at 40,951.

The Retirement Savings Account (RSA) registration indicates a 1.09 per cent increase in membership from the public sector in Q1 to stand at 3,516,873. This figure represents 44.09 per cent of the total RSA registration in the review period.

Similarly, membership from the private sector increased by 2.63 per cent to stand at 114,059 in Q1, which brought total registration from the sector to 55.91 per cent to stand at 4,459,103 of the total RSA registration, moving from 4,345,044 in Q4 2017.

The rise was attributed to increased level of compliance by the private

sector as a result of the various steps taken by the Commission to improve compliance and coverage as well as marketing strategies of the Pension Fund Administrators (PFAs).

Meanwhile, through recovery agents engaged to recover unremitted pension contributions, about 4,634 organisations remitted the sum of N48.94billion into the RSAs of 10,020 employees, and were in turn, issued compliance certificates the report said.

In Q1, 785 applications for the transfer of the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF) contributions totaling N53.47million were processed, and the contributions for 781 members were transferred to their respective RSAs.

NEMA partners insurance firms on safety

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ATIONAL Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) says it is partnering with insurance companies to sensitise residents on safety measures and insurance policies meant to mitigate disasters in the South-East.

NEMA’s South-East Director Walson Ibarakumo said Enugu, Wednesday, that the main business of risk management was for insurance companies.

“What NEMA actually does is to provide succour to victims of disaster. Although, insurance companies have not been forthcoming but NEMA is going to them to educate them that disaster management falls under their mandate as a business.

“Just recently, NEMA had a meeting with the insurance companies in Ebonyi, where we pointed out

Pension contributors hit 8.04m, as membership rises by 1.93% in Q1 2018

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IRST Quarter (Q1) E 2018 report released by the National Pensions Commission (PenCom) has shown a promising future for the industry following growth in the microeconomic sections in different sectors of the economy.

According to PenCom, the pension industry recorded a 1.93 per cent growth in membership in Q1, up from 7.89 million contributors at the end of 2017 to 8.04 million.

The growth in the industry membership was driven by the Retirement Savings Account (RSAs) Scheme, which registered new 152,065 contributors representing 1.94 percent.

However, membership of the Closed Pension Fund Administration Scheme (CPFA), declined by 41 mem-

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The Oracle Today Wednesday September 5, 2018

INSURANCE & PENSION

Accumulation risk remains key concern as cyber insurance market grows – Study

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LTHOUGH cyber risk premiums have expanded sizably in recent years with loss ratios that compare favorably to other product lines, the danger of accumulation risks is a key concern for the market, according to a study released by insurance industry think tank The Geneva Association.

The study, titled “Advancing Accumulation Risk Management in Cyber Insurance,” identifies three prerequisites to a sustainable cyber insurance market: Customers and insurers must facilitate resilience at the source of risk for the principles of insurability to apply; Insurers must be able to achieve an acceptable return on capital; Insurance markets need to be able to withstand shocks from extreme events, which means absorbing accumulation risk.

The concern about accumulation risk is widely held across the industry and is the reason the Geneva Association report is focusing on the market’s ability to withstand extreme events, said Anna Maria D’Hulster, secretary general of The Geneva Association (GA), in a forward to the report.

“Expanding the boundaries of insurability is not new for insurers.

However, cyber risks are taking us into uncharted territory,” she added. “Both exposures and threats have distinct characteristics, which give rise to unprecedented challenges.”

“These challenges require that insurers strengthen their core underwriting capabilities, in particular exposure measurement, claims assessment, and accumulation modelling,” the study said.

The report went on to highlight four cyber accumulation risk challenges to include: A single large event or a series of consecutive events may make affirmative cyber insurance unprofitable. (The report explained that insurers provide affirmative coverage in standalone and package policies); Insurers and reinsurers (for which risk accumulation may be more

pronounced than for primary insurers) could underestimate nonaffirmative cyber exposure leading to an unplanned shock from a major event. The report explained that non-affirmative cyber exposure occurs when a cyber attack causes major losses by triggering coverages in other classes.

Others are that: Data are of insufficient quality, are incomplete and/ or lack the necessary consistency for more advanced modeling techniques; Governments predominantly fail to provide frameworks for the sharing of large-scale cyberterrorism-induced losses.

Furthermore, the study said there are many market consequences if risks from these challenges materialize.

“Insurers and reinsurers could withdraw from the market after unacceptably high losses and fear of repeat events,” the study continued, noting that such losses also could stall the growth of the small alternative capital market and prevent insurers from accessing needed capacity.

In addition, re/insurers could introduce tighter policy terms and increase the number of exclusions and/or make buy-backs prohibitively expensive, the GA study said.

“The lack of confidence in advanced model outputs could stifle growth if models are deemed to be too blunt for insurers to extend portfolios or offer higher coverage levels,” which could result in a further constraint on the amount of coverage available for larger enterprises and leave the market for small and medium enterprises underdeveloped.

“A large event may also trigger regulatory intervention with the risk for insurers having to provide cover with uneconomic terms and rates,” GA said.

In response, GA said, insurers have formulated several approaches including: Developing data analytics that analyze the characteristics of cyber risk as well as data protocols that combine company infor­mation with digital risk indica-

NIRSAL launches new agric insurance product for smallholder farmers

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IGERIA Incentive-Based Risk Sharing System for Agricultural Lending (NIRSAL) has developed a new insurance product to mitigate the impact and losses of agricultural yields and market price risks for smallholder farmers.

This is just as the Federal Government has formally inaugurated five new national associations to boost agric production, commodity trade in the country.

A statement signed by Ms Anne Ihugba, Head, Corporate Communications of NIRSAL in Abuja, said the new insurance product is known as the NIRSAL Comprehensive Index Insurance (NCII).

She said the insurance product would safeguard farmers against risks along the agricultural value chain.

Ihugba noted that the NCII would also address the fundamental risks associated with possible production shortfalls and the uncertainties of the marketplace.

She said the deployment of the insurance product would commence immediately with a pilot phase as part of the organisation’s operation in the CBN’s Anchor

Borrowers Programme in the 2018 wet season farming.

According to her, while the cover provided by previous insurance product is limited to yields, the new insurance product is a combination of yields, price index and life insurance.

Ihugba in the statement quoted the Managing Director of NIRSAL, Mr Aliyu Abdulhameed as saying that the new insurance product was a demonstration to NIRSAL’s focus toward expanding the frontiers of innovation in the agriculture sector.

“At NIRSAL, our focus is to make positive impact at key points of the agricultural value chains that can translate to significantly higher and sustained productivity, food security for the country.

“The new insurance product, an innovative form of revenue insurance is unique in Africa. It is also the first of such product to be achieved without government subsidies on the premium.

“The product is especially targeted at smallholder farmers, who are the most vulnerable segment in the agriculture sector and the Nigerian population as a whole.

tors; Novel approaches to analyzing the risk “footprint” and corresponding threats affecting the size of the footprint. For example, the mathematics of epidemiology could be applied to the spread of computer viruses; Forward-looking threat assessments including external expert inputs, while developing in-house technical knowhow; Mapping cloud-related interconnectivity and digital supply chains, and using machine learning to assess the relationship between claims frequency and multi-dimension exposure.

“Of equal importance is the need to maintain underwriting discipline. Cyber risk is not unique in this respect. Historically, many property-casualty classes have suffered when underwriting stand-

ards slipped or when prices failed to adequately reflect the cost of risk,” the study went on to say.

“Many insurers perceive the current rating environment as soft and likely inadequate should any of the above risks materialize,” the study added. “Furthermore, the growing threat from terrorism adds urgency to such concerns, and the appropriate treatment for this risk in war and terrorism exclusions will be key.”

Accumulation modeling supports a greater understanding of risk interconnectivity, whether on a wide scale or within specific industry segments, which improves the ability of underwriters to accept risk, the study affirmed.

Market development is likely to continue to benefit from mod-

eling advances, said the report, expressing cautious optimism that as long as underwriting discipline is maintained “insurers are well-positioned to ensure the cyber insurance market’s viability and achieve sustainable growth in the future.”

“Cyber risk has distinct characteristics. Exposure bases are hard to define and measure. Historical claims data are scarce and not good predictors. Threats are constantly evolving, can spread widely and rapidly, and a series of consecutive large events is plausible. Moreover, a high degree of interconnectivity may result in potentially boundless impacts,” said Daniel Hofmann, senior adviser Insurance Economics at The Geneva Association and primary author of the study, in a statement.

•Graduate, Lagos State Employability Support Project (LSESP), Obe Omolayo Halima (left); Chairman, House Committee on Wealth Creation, Shola Giwa; Deputy Governor of Lagos State, Dr. Oluranti Adebule; Chairman, Lagos State Employment Trust Fund (LSETF), Ifueko Omoigui Okauru; and Executive Secretary, Akintunde Oyebode, during the graduation ceremony of 540 trainees of the LSESP in Lagos, where about 100 of them secured immediate employment from leading private organisations.

Global insured catastrophe losses decline to $20b in H1 – Report

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LOBAL insured losses from natural catastrophes and man-made disasters during the first half of 2018 were US$20 billion, down from US$30 billion in the first half of 2017, according to Swiss Re Institute’s latest sigma study.

On the other hand, during the first six months, total global economic losses from disasters were US$36 billion, significantly down from US$64 billion in H1 2017 and well below the 10-year average of US$125 billion, the sigma report said.

Breaking down the figures into natural catastrophe losses versus man-made disasters, the report revealed that global insured losses from natural catastrophes fell to US$18 billion, from US$25 billion the year before, while insured losses from man-made disasters decreased to US$2 billion from US$5 billion in the first half of 2017.

Of the US$36 billion in total global economic losses, natural catastrophes in H1 2018 accounted for the majority, or US$34 billion, compared to US$58 billion in H1 2017. The remaining US$2 billion of losses were caused by man-made disasters.

Nearly 56 percent of all global economic losses were insured as most

disastrous events occurred in areas with high insurance penetration.

Other findings from the report include: From an insured loss perspective, Europe’s winter storm Friederike in January was the costliest event in the first half of 2018.

The storm caused significant losses in Germany and the Netherlands, although France, Belgium and the UK were also affected. Insured losses came to approximately US$2.1 billion on economic losses of US$2.7 billion.

Other findings inkling: A series of winter storms in the U.S., including the “Nor’easter” storm in March, brought heavy snow, ice, freezing rains and flooding from snowmelt and coastal flooding. These storms caused US$2.9 billion in insured losses on total economic losses of US$4 billion. The Nor’easter was the largest loss for the insurance industry in the U.S. during H1 2018, with claims of US$1.6 billion; A series of convective storms, including thunderstorms, tornadoes and hailstorms hit the U.S., Europe, and other parts of the world. The costliest event for the insurance industry during the first half was a four-day spring storm that hit the southeastern states of the U.S. with

tornadoes and large hail, resulting in combined insured losses of over US$1.1 billion; Heatwaves and severe dry weather conditions have triggered major wildfire outbreaks in California and Greece. Widespread drought has affected Europe and southern Australia, which is experiencing its second-driest autumn on record, according to the Australian Bureau of Meteorology. Losses from the droughts and wildfires are still being calculated.

Around 3,900 people lost their lives or went missing in global disaster events during the first six months of 2018, which was the lowest half-year total in more than 30 years. The H1 2018 total compared to nearly 4,600 in H1 2017.

“We expect to see more extreme weather conditions such as intense heatwaves and dry spells of the like we’ve seen over the last few weeks.

This may well become the new normal,” said Martin Bertogg, head of Catastrophe Perils at Swiss Re. “According to scientific climate models, temperature, and atmospheric humidity will increase in many parts of the world, and at the same time also become more volatile.” Bertogg added.

30

The Oracle Today Wednesday September 5, 2018

EQUITY & Capital Market

Sterling Bank: Itching to shelve its low dividend status L

Lafarge Africa to hold EGM in Sept.

Stories by JEROME USHAKANG

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TERLING Bank Plc, is desirous to shelve its low profile image as the only commercial bank in Nigeria that has paid two kobo dividend per share to its shareholders in recent times.

The bank which used to lag behind its peers in the banking industry seems to have woken up as it is planning to migrate from the tail region of the sector towards the head in an attempt to raise its financial status.

The Oracle checks revealed that Sterling bank has planned to focus its lending on five key sectors. These are Health, Education, Agriculture, Renewable Energy and Transport.

It has also launched I-invest, an application that enables consumers to buy treasury bills and has also increased its social media presence, a strategy which should yield benefits if it remains consistent.

However, Sterling Bank is at the moment trading far below the average price to earnings ratio on the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE). It is currently trading at a price to earnings ratio of 3.39 times earnings.

At the time of filling this report, the share price of Sterling Bank closed at N1.30 kobo per share. The peak price of the stock during 2017 financial year was N2.42 kobo while it’s lowest stood at N1.13 kobo with Year-to- Date at 20.37 percent and one year return at 26.55 percent.

In a nutshell, the possibility of a rally in the bank’s share price is quite low, as the Nigerian Stock Exchange has been in a bearish slump since the last few weeks.

Therefore, shareholders or prospective investors expecting a bumper dividend may be disappointed. Besides, the bank has planned to raise additional capital within the

year.

Meanwhile, results for the half year ended June 30, 2018 showed that interest income increased to N62 billion in 2018, from N50 billion in 2017. Profit before tax rose from N4.3 billion in 2017 to N6.3 billion in 2018. Profit after tax grew from N3.8 billion in 2017 to N6.2 billion in 2018.

For the banking sector, results have largely been flat year on year as revaluation gains have disappeared due to a stable exchange rate, backed by robust foreign exchange reserves and a positive outlook for current oil prices.

The rebound in the bank’s results have been largely due to increased earnings from fees and commissions, as well as electronic banking income and what seems to be a one-time gain in foreign exchange trading. It would be recalled that Sterling Bank at its 56th Annual General Meeting (AGM held in Lagos announced plans to change its current operating structure to a Holding company (Holdco).

Addressing shareholders at the occasion, the Chairman, Mr. Asue Ighodalo, disclosed that the new holding structure will group the commercial bank and its other subsidiaries under a Holding Company (HoldCo).

Sterling Bank Plc, formerly known as NAL Bank Plc) was the pioneer merchant bank in Nigeria. It was established on November 25, 1960, as a private limited liability company, and was converted to a public limited liability company in April 1992.

The bank was listed on the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) on August 17, 1993.

The bank is a product of the 2006 merger among Indo Nigeria Merchant Bank (INMB), Magnum Trust Bank, NBM, and Trust Bank of Africa.

• Sterling Bank Chairman, Asue Ighodalo.

Group accuses NSE of frustrating implementation of FOI

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Group known as Media Rights Agenda, has alleged that the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) is frustrating efforts aimed at implementing the Freedom of Information (FOI) Act. According to the Group, the NSE has consistently denied Nigerians access to important market information, thereby failing in its obligation to comply with the specifications of the FOI Act.

NSE suspends Adonai Stockbrokers Ltd over market infractions

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HE Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) has suspended Adonai Stockbrokers Limited over alleged infractions, including the unauthorised sale of an investor’s share.

The firm is the latest to face the NSE’s regulatory hammer since 2017 when several dealing firms were disciplined for various offences.

Details of the company’s suspension and more were contained in a regulatory report titled Dealing

Member Firms Involved in Unauthorised Sale and misappropriation of Clients’ Funds as published on the NSE website.

According to the NSE, the company had also allegedly made use of a client’s funds and segregated client’s funds, while also guilty of other prohibited practices.

“The firm was suspended on the June 19, 2018 following its violations of The Exchange’s rules including, but not limited to: Rule

NSE lifts embargo on Conoil shares

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he Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) has lifted suspension placed on trading in the shares of Conoil Plc. The Exchange in a Market Bulletin marked NSE/RD/LRD/ MB02/18/08/08 said the action was taken because of the failure of the company to submit its audited financial statements as at when due.

The NSE said, “We refer our Market Bulletin dated August 6, 2018 notifying the public of the suspension of Conoil Plc for non-compliance with Rule 3.1, Rules for Filing of Accounts and treatment of Default Filing, Rulebook of The Exchange Issuers’ Rules, Default Filing Rules, which provides that; “If an Issuer fails to file the relevant accounts by the expiration of the Cure Period, The Exchange will: Send to the Issuer a ‘second Filing Deficiency Notification’ within two business days after the end of the Cure Period; Suspend

trading in the Issuer’s securities; and notify the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and the Market within 24 hours of the suspension.”

According to the Exchange, Conoil Plc has submitted its Unaudited Financial Statement for the period ended March 31,2018. In view of the submission of its accounts and pursuant to Rule 3.3 of the Default Filing Rules, which provides that; “The suspension of trading in the issuer’s securities shall be lifted upon submission of the relevant accounts provided The Exchange is satisfied that the accounts comply with all applicable rules of The Exchange. The Exchange shall thereafter also announce through the medium by which the public and the SEC were initially notified of the suspension”; the general public is hereby notified that the suspension placed in the trading of the Company’s shares has been lifted effective August 8, 2018.

11.9: Prohibition of Unauthorised Sale of Securities, Rule 11.3: Prohibited Practices, and Rule 11.8: No Unauthorised Use of Client Funds; Segregation of Client Funds, of the 2015 Rule Book of The Exchange (Dealing Members’ Rules).” – NSE This is not the first time that the Nigerian Stock Exchange has punished stockbroking firms and Dealing Members for unprofessional conduct in the capital market.

In the same vein, some firms were fined earlier this year by the regulator. At the moment, the Exchange has suspended 36 firms and seven stockbrokers for trading-related offences between January 2012 and August 2018.The NSE is putting measures in place to rid the system of fraud.

In view of the rising cases of fraud perpetrated by stockbroking firms, the Nigerian Stock Exchange had put in place measures in the forms of regulatory frameworks and sanctions aimed at deterring offenders.

One of such is a set of newlyamended rules designed to prevent unauthorised shares transfers by stockbroking firms. These rules make it possible for the NSE to revoke the license of any firm that unlawfully transfers shareholders’ shares, while also imposing fines on the offender.

The new rules also stipulate that “a Dealing Member that has sold or transferred any securities without the authorisation of the owner shall not be permitted to keep any benefits accruing from such transaction.

The media Group specifically accused the NSE of failing to comply with its obligations as specified under section two of the FOI Act. It stressed that the section reportedly requires the Exchange to disclose and regularly update certain market information on their website which are allegedly not being done at the moment.

The Media Rights Agenda stated that the NSE has consistently denied Nigerians access to important market information, thereby failing in its obligation to comply with the specifications of the FOI Act. It also pointed out the absolute lack of mention of the FOI Act on the NSE’s website. “The NSE has defaulted in complying with its duties and responsibilities under the FOI Act and by this action challenged the essence of the Act.” The Group added.

However, the NSE had earlier argued that the tenets of the Freedom of Information Act doesn’t apply to it and as such, it is not obligated to release any information as may be clamoured by the likes of Media Rights Agenda.

But during an ongoing litigation filled by the media group at the Federal High Court in Lagos, the NSE was reminded of its role as a public institution, established to serve the public.

The group, therefore, urged the NSE to operate in a manner that would uphold and project its integrity as a transparent organisation investors can trust and be confident in.

The best way to do this is through the full implantation of the provisions of the Freedom of Information Act, the group said.

The Group also explained that by consistently flaying the tenets of the FOI Act, the NSE is not only passing across the impression that it is not subject to the Act, but also the impression that it is not a transparent organisation.

Meanwhile, it should be noted that currently, detailed names of listed securities and their corporate information are available on the NSE website. Also made available are trading reports, notices to dealing members, corporate actions, financial reports and more.

AFARGE Africa Plc will hold an Extra Ordinary General Meeting (EGM) on Tuesday, September 25, 2018. Among the agenda to be discussed are: Approval of the appointment of Mr. Rossen Papazov as a Non-Executive Director. Approval of Rights Issue and Debt-to-Equity Conversion.

That the Company be and is hereby authorised to enter into a related party transaction with LafargeHolcim (its parent company) through Caricement B.V and to accept the facility. Details have been circulated to the shareholders by way of the Explanatory Note issued pursuant to The Nigerian Stock Exchange’s Rules Governing Transactions with Related Parties or Interested Persons.

Lafarge Africa is currently trading at N25.75 in today’s trading session on the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE), down 1.90 percent.

Results for the half year ended June 2018 show the company reported revenue of N162.29 billion for the period ended June 2018, compared to N154.84 billion reported for the period ended June 2017.

Loss before tax was N6.35 billion for the period ended June 2018 as against profit before tax of N18.16 billion reported for the period ended June 2017.

NCDMB advocates listing of Oil firms on NSE

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HE Executive Secretary, Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB), Engr. Simbi Wabote has urged investors in Nigeria’s oil and gas industry to get listed on the Nigerian Stock Exchange, NSE in order to attract adequate funds required to grow their businesses.

Speaking at the closing gong ceremony at NSE, Lagos recently, Wabote said that indigenous companies and their service counterparts would also benefit from the corporate governance principles demanded from businesses that float their shares on the Exchange.

He stated that listing on the stock market would also change the operating model of the oil and gas industry and enable the pooling of funds for growth, empowerment and inclusion of Nigerians in the activities of the sector, he remarked.

The Executive Secretary noted that oil and gas companies currently listed on the NSE were majorly downstream players and harped on the need for upstream and midstream concerns to also go public.

He stated, “We see opportunity to collaborate with the Nigerian Stock Exchange to increase the depth and breadth of listings using our 10-year strategy as a driver. For us in the Board, we have commenced multiple strategic initiatives to bring the roadmap into fruition.” He said that the NCDMB took 30 percent equity in a 5,000 barrels per day modular refinery in order to enable the government refine at least 10 percent of the nation’s oil output, using modular refineries.

Wabote added, “We see opportunity to divest such equity via the Nigerian Stock Exchange so that Nigerians and other investors can be part owners of such enterprises.”

31

The Oracle Today Wednesday September 5, 2018

MONEY Market

CBN plans to stimulate lending ahead general election

Stories by KAYODE OGUNWALE

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HE Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) is planning to stimulate lending to manufacturers and invest in corporate bonds to revive the economy ahead of next year’s presidential election.

The bank on last Friday said it wanted to increase the flow of credit to help sustain economic recovery after Nigeria exited its worst recession in quarter of a century last year.

Africa’s most populous nation has bank lending rates sometimes as high as 30 percent, making them one of the main barriers to growth. Under the new stimulus plan, the bank said it would provide lenders with funds to offer to manufacturers at a rate of 9 percent.

“Banks would henceforth be incentivized to direct affordable, long-term bank credit to the manufacturing, agriculture, as well as other sectors considered as employment and growth stimulating,” the central bank said.

The central bank has maintained a cash reserve requirement of 22.5 percent for banks and kept benchmark interest rates at a high of 14 percent for

over two years to counter inflation and support the naira after the 2014 oil price slump triggered a recession in the West African economy.

Although, Gross Domestic Product is still fragile and lending to businesses has shrunk.

Nigeria’s economic growth dipped to 1.50 percent year on year between April and June, the statistics office said on Monday, extending a slowdown into a second quarter as the oil sector contracted.

Largely dependent on its rich crude reserves, Nigeria’s economy began climbing out of its first recession in 25 years in 2016 as President Muhammadu Buhari’s government implemented the early stages of a turnaround plan.

But the pace of recovery has been relatively slow, and since the beginning of this year has again started to dip.

The oil sector shrank 3.95 percent in the second quarter, the National Bureau of Statistics said.

Oil production dipped to 1.84 million barrels per day (mpbd) from 2 mpbd in the first quarter.

“For the first time since the exit from recession, growth was driven by the non-oil sector which

External reserves shed $1.13b in one month

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ATEST data from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) website shows that the nation’s external reserves fell to $46.257 billion on August 20, from $47.119 billion at the end of July, 2018, representing a decline of $862.23 million, represented 1.82 percent.

Month-on-Month however, the reserves level fell by $1.13 billion or 2.38 percent from $47.388 billion on July 20, 2018, returning to a level it last touched on March 29, when it hit $47.257 billion as it climbed upward.

The reserves level had risen from $38.765 billion at the end of December 2017, peaking at $47.865 billion on May 5, 2018, accumulating a robust $9.099 billion, or 23.47 percent within the period.

Thereafter, it began a gradual decline, owing to the exit of foreign portfolio investors due to the mounting concerns over the 2019 elections.

In his personal commenting at the April meeting of the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC), released by the CBN, a member, Prof. Adeola Adenikinju, a member, noted the need for the “maintenance of adequate

foreign reserves as a hedge against reversal in portfolio investments and cyclicality of the global oil market.”

He equally noted the need for more committed by the Federal Government to sustain “an effective, functional and well-resourced stabilization account that will provide needed buffer for the economy, increase in non-oil tax-GDP ratio, horizontal and vertical diversification of the oil sector, speedy passage of the 2018 budget, payment of contractors’ debts to reduce the NPLs of banks, provision of more credit to the economy by the banking sector, reduction in the maximum lending rates by banks..”

He lamented the “continued depletion of the excess crude account, the monetization and sharing of oil revenues, and foreign debts without any effective stabilization fund…

Added to this is the potential spike in domestic spending that is a regular feature of past electoral cycles in Nigeria. “All of these factors, plus the rising debt profiles of the government, increases inflationary outlook for the economy,” which he said call for the synchronisation of fiscal and monetary policies in Nigeria.

grew by 2.05 percent,” the bureau said.

That was the strongest growth in non-oil GDP since the final quarter of 2015.

Leading the expansion were the transportation, construction and electricity sectors, while agriculture growth dipped to 1.3 percent from 3 percent.

Buhari’s record on managing the economy is likely to be closely

T

us. The goal of the Diamond Future and Cool-Teens Scholarship offer is to promote a savings culture amongst parents and guardians especially towards saving for their children/ wards’ school fees. This is a good way for parents to fund their children’s education, whilst diversifying their investments.”

To qualify for the Scholarship offer, all you need to do is open either a Diamond Future or Cool-Teens account at any Diamond Bank branch and increase the account balance to a minimum of N25,000 or set up a standing instruction with a minimum of N10,000. Every multiple of N25,000 saved gives the customer an extra chance of winning in the draw.

Qualified account holders will par-

lion per project for bank lending on a seven-year minimum tenor.

Funds would not be used to refinance existing loans, it said.

It will also invest in corporate bonds of at least 7-year tenors of local companies registered in Nigeria, the bank said, adding that companies would need to demonstrate that its projects require long term funds and would generate employment to qualify for central bank money.

•Mr. Oscar N. Onyema, OON, Chief Executive Officer, The Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE); Lady Maiden Alex-Ibru, Chairman/Publisher, The Guardian Newspaper Limited and Mr. Abimbola Ogunbanjo, President, NSE during a Closing Gong Ceremony in commemoration of The Guardian Newspaper Limited 35 years anniversary celebration at the NSE.

AfDB, Partners launch Off-Grid Energy Access Fund with $58m

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HE African Development Bank, the Nordic Development Fund and other partners have committed $58 million to support the Off-Grid Energy Access Fund (OGEF).

The Fund is part of the Bank’s sponsored Facility for Energy Inclusion (FEI), a $500 million debt platform to mobilize capital market funds for innovative energy access strategies. The first financial close, which took place 2 August, follows the official launch of FEI at the Africa Energy Market Place (AEMP), which was held in Abidjan from 5-6 July. The initiative was presented to representatives of five African countries - Côte d’Ivoire, Ethiopia, Egypt, Nigeria and Zambia - as well as leaders from the private sector and development partner communities.

FEI is a flagship programme and

Diamond Bank to reward customers with scholarships HE incoming academic session is set to be an exciting one for Diamond Bank customers as the leading retail bank recently announced its plans to reward holders of its youth banking accounts with scholarships worth N3million.

Titled, the Diamond Future and Cool-Teens Scholarship offer, the campaign is targeted at parents with children in preschool, primary and secondary schools.

Speaking to newsmen at the Bank’s head office today, Head, Personal Banking, Diamond Bank Plc, Adaeze Ume, said, “The scholarship offer is our own way of supporting and reassuring customers of our promise to provide value added services on their customer journey with

scrutinized if he goes ahead with plans to seek a second term in office next year.

The central bank said it would release part of the cash deposited by banks at the regulator for lending to businesses and that investment would focus on projects that boost local production and cut demand for foreign currency.

It set a maximum of N10 bil-

ticipate in a draw at the beginning of each academic term where winners will be selected and rewarded with scholarship prizes in their schools.

“The Diamond Future and CoolTeens accounts offer customers a structured savings plan with the added flexibility of saving various amounts monthly. Some of the account benefits include: 13th month bonus reward, competitive credit interest rates, access to educational tools, games for kids and a free debit card with trendy design options that permits teens to receive pocket money, pay for movie tickets, buy books, video games and enjoy loads of freebies like portable tablets and phones when they join the Cool-Teens community,” concluded Ume.

part of the Bank’s New Deal on Energy for Africa, a High5 priority to light up and power the continent.

OGEF has been designed to provide flexible debt instruments to companies in the household energy access sector, including distributors, manufacturers, and end-user credit providers. The Fund promotes financially sustainable mechanisms to provide access to clean electricity for underserved households through local capital markets.

“FEI is part of a broader Bank strategy to unlock more financing in decentralized energy companies...We will keep pushing the ‘off-grid revolution’ in the African continent to achieve universal energy access by 2025” Amadou Hott, Vice-President for Power, Energy, Climate Change and Green Growth, said.

The Energy Fund has received significant technical and financial support from key Bank partners, namely the United Kingdom Department for International Development (UK DFID), the Power Africa initiative of the United States Government and the Shell Foundation. LHGP Asset Management, a UK Financial Conduct Authority-regulated alternative fund manager, manages OGEF. “OGEF is the result of a strong partnership between our institutions and a perfect case study for making blended finance work for climate, green growth and the Sustainable Development Goals,” said Pasi Hellman, Managing Director at the Nordic Development Fund.

LHGP, Calvert Impact Capital, All On, a Nigeria-based off-grid energy impact investment company, welcomed the finalization of the financial close as a key milestone in the

provision of affordable power to unserved and underserved communities.

“The energy access sector demonstrates the vibrancy and innovation in Africa for market solutions to fundamental challenges. LHGP is excited to be the manager of OGEF and engage local capital markets towards the goal of connecting millions of households to electricity”, said Clemens Calice, LHGP Partner.

João Duarte Cunha, Manager for Energy Initiatives and Partnerships at the Bank, further underscored that “this broad partnership is a reaffirmation of the Bank’s catalytic role in financing renewable energy projects of all scales across Africa”.

“OGEF squarely fits within our investment mandate of leveraging public capital at scale to create systemic change in sectors and geographies that have been overlooked by mainstream capital markets. We are excited to work with this group of committed investors to scale this facility and increase access to clean electricity for off-grid households in Africa,” said Jenn Pryce, President and CEO of Calvert Impact Capital.

The spirit of partnership was also echoed by Andrew Herscowitz, Coordinator for Power Africa, who noted: “Power Africa is excited to support FEI. We will only achieve our ambitious goals by continuing to work closely together to promote private sector investment.”

“Shell Foundation is delighted to support the first close of OGEF. We believe that these funds, blending investment from commercial and concessional investors, will make a meaningful difference to companies delivering access to energy across Africa,” said Pradeep Pursnani, Deputy Director, Shell Foundation.

32

The Oracle Today Wednesday September 5 2018

NEWS Obiano honours ex-aides, for dedication

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nambra State Governor, Willie Obiano has presented Certificates of Meritorious Service to some of his former appointees who served in his first term in office.

The presentation ceremony which took place at the Executive Council chambers of the Government House, Awka where he recognized the former Chairman, State Internal Revenue Service, Mr Chike Emejulu; former Director of Media to the governor, Mr Chuks Iloegbunam and the

former Senior Special Assistant on Media and Strategic Communication, Chief Oliver Okpala.

Presenting the award, the governor said his administration will continue to reward excellence in public service, noting that the recognition was because of their outstanding performances while in service.

Mr Iloegbunam in appreciation thanked the governor for the honour and said working in the Obiano administration was a great opportunity

THE ORACLE BUSINESS ARENA

for them to tap from the governor’s wealth of knowledge.

He described Gov Obiano as a great leader who has touched the life of the citizens, assuring him that they will continue to support his administration.

Why I left APC for PDP– Rep

M

ember of the House of Representatives representing Owo/Ose constituency in Ondo State, Mr Bode Ayorinde, said he left the All Progressives Congress (APC) for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) because of impunity in the party.

Ayorinde addressed newsmen shortly after he obtained a PDP nomination form at the state party secretariat in Akure on Tuesday.

Recall that the lawmaker was among the House of Representatives members that defected to the opposition party on July 24.

The lawmaker, who is currently

serving his first term in the lower chamber of the National Assembly, said the APC had disappointed many democrats during the last congress.

“This cannot be the change we voted for; I campaigned vigorously for change, but I am highly disappointed. I have joined the PDP to strengthen the party, strengthen democracy and development in the country,” he said.

Ondo State PDP Chairman, Mr Clement Faboyede, who welcomed Ayorinde, assured the lawmaker of a level playing field for all members of the party.

I formerly known as NGWU MONICA IJEOMA now wish to be known as MADUBUIKE MONICA IJEOMA. All former documents remain valid. Banks and general public take note

I formerly known as AGUSIOBO ZIEM ETHEL now wish to be known as ONONYE ZIEM ETHEL. All former documents remain valid. Banks and general public take note

I formerly known as EGBOYI HAPPINESS DEBORAH now wish to be known as Mrs ONYEACHOM HAPPINESS DEBORAH. All former documents remain valid. Banks and general public take note

Confirmation of name MISS NWORGU HAPPINESS AND MISS UGOALA HAPPINESS is one and the same person, but wish to be addressed as MISS UGOALA HAPPINESS. All former documents remain valid. Banks and general public please take note.

I formerly known as NWANMUO CHIDUBEMU EDITH now wish to be known as UWOLLOH CHIDUBEMU EDITH. All former documents remain valid. Banks and general public take note

I formerly known as OGECHUKWU PRISCILLA OBIALOR now wish to be known and addressed as OGOCHUKWU PRISCILLA AKABUOGU. All Former documents remain valid. Banks and General public take note.

Formerly NWOKO CHIEMELA now wish to be addressed as NWOKO IFEANYI. Banks and general public please take note

I formerly known as CHUKWUDI MISAAK WEDOG now wish to be known as NWEDEOGU CHUKWUDI MISHAK. All former documents remain valid.Banks and General public take note.

I formerly known and addressed as ATABI-JOHN now wish to be known as ATABIIGOBOR JOHN. All Former documents remain valid. Banks and general public take note

DUMBU

BUREAU DE CHANGE PHONE: 08037792062 124 Ogui Road, Enugu Gov. Obiano

This is to notify the general public that the above name is to be registered as NGO TRUSTEES 1. ONAGHINOR CHRISTOPHER OMOMAGIOWAWI 2.ONAGHINOR ITONAN BETTY AIMS AND OBJECTIVES provision of social and economic empowerment to the economically inactive,poor, widows and the less privileges Sign Mr Idika 08062351920

OZONMA 2019

I formerly known as MISS UDOGADI CONFIDENCE IJEOMA. now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Okoye confidence ijeoma The general public should take note.

I formerly known as ETIM EKAETE JOY now wish to be known as OLUWADIMU EKAETE JOY All former documents remain valid. Banks and General public take note.

All over the world Nigerians have acquitted themselves well as highly intelligent, very focused and odds-defying success stories. From Africa to Asia. From Europe to the America; from Austria to the furthermost parts of the world; our people are breaking and setting records in every area of human endeavor.

-we have buried our faces in the sand like the proverbial ostrich, trying to wish away starring reality.

NIGERIA OUR NIGERIA!!

At home here in Nigeria the success story stands. Against the backdrop of harsh economic realities, non existent welfare policies, endemic infrastructural challenges, malnourished educational programs and very high interest rates(the list of woes is endless), our people especially the youths are still holding their own. They are still taking giant strides in science, technology, letter and entrepreneurship. Their zeal is relentless. Their hope is invincible. Their ethos: NEVER SAY NEVER

-face the harsh reality and understand that these people cannot help us -na de same people, no them.

-switch off from anachronistic and old leadership to hi-tech modern leadership.

-embrace young leaders with broad mindset and high level of dynamism -abandon benevolent dictatorship and accept egalitarian leadership based on sound democratic principles.

NIGERIA OUR MOTHERLAND!! we have the resources.

I formerly known as ONYEFULU LILIAN ADANNA now wish to be known as ONYEFULU LILIAN CHIAMAKA. All former documents remain valid. Please Banks and General Public take note.

I formerly known as VINCENT OGOCHUKWU OGOCHUKWU now wish to be known as VINCENT OGOCHUKWU OBIDIMMA. All former documents remain valid. Please Banks and General Public take note.

SEALED TRUST EMPOWERMENT ORGANISATION

The energy is palpable.

Talents are everywhere.

PRESIDENTIAL DECLARATION NIGERIA a great country of over 180 million wonderful people with dynamic and immensely talented young people as majority; land of prodigious natural and human resources; land of opportunities, possibilities and mind staggering potentials.

But, the co-ordination is seriously lacking. The perennial question of leadership dogs us still. There are resources in abundance. We have individual talents and success stories scattered everywhere. Everywhere too, the gap in leadership and governance is yawning. There seems to be absence of selfless, Smart, visionary, youthful and dynamic leadership capable of combining these good things into a powerful force for good.

FOR TOO LONG: - we have recycled the same kind of leadership and hoped in vain for magical change -we have embraced a generation of leaders that have done their best and cannot do any more

TODAY! I call upon the good people of Nigeria to:

MY DECLARATION Based on -my deep reflection and scientific understanding of what ails us and the remedies.

-my long studies on how to navigate ourselves out of the leadership woes confronting us especially at the center -my belief in the efficiency of a restructured Nigeria -my conviction of the possibility of workable students loan regime actively supported by the federal government -my understanding of the need for a better economy anchored on small and medium scale enterprises -my youth-centric focus and conviction in the indispensability of the young people in revamping of the economy and the national question -my determination (if elected into office) to undertake wide range of life changing and dream realizing government policies details of which I will unveil in the coming days.

I, Robinson Akpua hereby humbly declare that I will contest for the position of the president in the 2019 general election.

33

The Oracle Today Wednesday September 5 2018

Love and Living

...With Ireto Temofeh

MODEL OF THE WEEK

LOVE NEWS

Revealed: The SIX warning signs your husband is ready to have an affair

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ou might trust your partner implicitly, but in long term relationships everyone is tempted to stray at some point, according to a performance coach, so it pays to know the warning signs.

Dr Amy Iversen, who is launching a new practice in London, provides executive coaching to high-performing individuals from the worlds of business, law, and medicine and has revealed to Femail the six major signs that preceed an affair.

‘No matter how strong you believe your relationship to be, it is likely there will come a day when your partner feels tempted,’ she told Femail.

‘Infidelity can be so painful, we often make ourselves blind to the signs.

Whilst we may not always be honest with ourselves, women are intuitive.

‘We instinctively know when something is up. We have a sixth sense, and we should trust that.

‘Every relationship is different, but there are a number of indicators that proceed almost every affair. With a cool head and a cold hard look at the facts, the truth will reveal itself.

‘If you are smart and informed, you might even be able to avert the affair before it starts. Asking yourself the following six questions will reveal if you genuinely need to worry.’

A troubled or abusive childhood, or insecurity as a child can make a man more inclined to stray.

A strict or formal upbringing can increase the attraction of sexual exploration and delayed rebellion.

None of these criteria in isolation means anything. When found in tandem with other indicators they do make your suspicions more likely to be right.

2. What does his previous behaviour tell you?

Has your partner had a previous affair? Has there been any history during your relationship of him using dating apps, sexting, using masseurs or watching pornography? Has there been any history of sexually addictive behaviour?

What should you do if your partner is about to cheat?

Once you have complimented gut instinct with clear signs of his imminent affair, you’ve arrived at decision time. Every relationship is different.

There is no best way to proceed, but there is one important question every betrayed partner must ask themselves. What is it you really want?

When you weigh up all the factors in this relationship, what are you willing to forgive to survive as a couple?

1. What does his upbringing tell you? Remember, most people that considMen that come from broken fami- er an affair have no intention of leavlies with a history of infidelity are sta- ing their partners. It is rarely about tistically more likely to follow suit.

Continued from page: 34

Name: Omobolanle Tel: 07037197900 • If you want to be our next ORACLE GIRL, e-mail or forward your photos/data to ireto007@yahoo.com. Call 07031028714.

ODD NEWS

Facebook takes out ADVERTS to say sorry after mass data breach wipes £50 billion off social media giant’s shares

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ark Zuckerberg has taken out full-page adverts in British newspapers this morning to apologise for the ‘breach of trust’ which saw the details of 50 million Facebook users leaked to political campaigners.

The Facebook founder vowed to clamp down on allowing third parties access to data which can be sold on - although admitted he could not prevent other apps which had access to ‘large amount of data’.

It comes in the wake of a turbulent week for Facebook, which has seen more than £50 million wiped off the value of shares, after it

emerged political consultancy firm Cambridge Analytica used data to target voters online.

Under a headline which read ‘we have a responsibility to protect your information. If we can’t, we don’t deserve it’, Facebook took full-page adverts in the Mail on Sunday, Sunday Times, Sunday Telegraph, SundayMirror, Sunday Express and the Observer today.

In the apology, the 33-year-old wrote: ‘You may have heard about a quiz app built by a university researched that leaked Facebook data of millions of people in 2014.

This was a breach of trust, and I’m sorry we didn’t do more at the time.

We’re now taking steps to make sure this doesn’t happen again.

‘We’ve already stopped apps like this from getting so much information. Now we’re limiting the data apps get when you sign in using Facebook.

‘We’re also investigating every single app that had access to large amounts of data before we fixed this. We expect there are others.

And when we find them, we will ban them and tell everyone affected.

‘Finally, we’ll remind you which apps you’ve given access to your information - so you can shut off the ones you don’t want anymore.

‘Thank you for believing in this community. I promise to do better for you.’

The apology is formally signed off by the Facebook chief.

Facebook’s apology comes as Government officials moved in on Cambridge Analytica’s offices in London, taking vans full of evidence with them for further examination.

Teams searched the troubled tech company’s New Oxford Street headquarters after a High Court judge granted the Information Commissioner’s Office a warrant.

It took more than seven hours for investigators to comb through files, with paperwork and boxes of sus-

pected evidence piled into the back of a transit van.

A spokesman for the ICO told MailOnline it would not comment where the files were being taken to but confirmed officers left the premises.

The spokesman said: ‘We will now need to assess and consider the evidence before deciding the next steps and coming to any conclusions.

‘This is one part of a larger investigation by the ICO into the use of personal data and analytics by political campaigns, parties, social media companies and other commercial actors.’

34

The Oracle Today Wednesday September 5 2018

True Confession

My twin sister slept with my husband

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y name is Rosemary and I’m a twin. My twin sister is Anne, and ever since we were small, she has always been jealous of me. Maybe it was because I was prettier and more brilliant than her.

I remember those days in primary school when I used to come back home at the end of the term with the first position while Anne took average position.

My parents were always very proud of me and I guess this was what engendered the jealousy and envy in the heart of my twin sister.

Even at the university, boys looked in my direction and ignored my twin sister.

I won the contest for the most beautiful girl on campus and acquired all the hot and rich boyfriends on campus while Anne had to make do with those poor guys on campus that can hardly afford to take their babes out.

I didn’t need the pocket money my parents gave me since I got a lot of money from men.

But Anne, on the other hand, had to share her little pocket money with her poor boyfriend who found it difficult to even pay his school fee.

I laughed at both Anne and her boyfriend and made a ridicule of the poor boy in public.

I thought it was only a joke but my sister hated me for that and swore to get her own pound of flesh from me later. I thought it was the mere ranting of an ant.

Three years later, after we had both graduated from the university, I met Ike, a rich handsome young man who proposed to me within two weeks of meeting me.

When I announced my marriage plans, Anne did not rejoice with me and my parents. She just kept to herself. I wedded my husband in grand style and got a good job

with a bank.

However, my husband usually closed from work before me and whenever he got home there was nobody to cook his dinner for him, since I usually closed late from the bank.

So, in order to find a permanent solution to the problem, I begged my twin sister to come and live with us.

I thought it was better for my sister to live with us instead of getting a housegirl because I had heard how house-girls snatched women’s husbands. Little did I know my twin sister would try to snatch my husband.

I usually returned home from work around 10pm. My sister Anne had lived with us for a year and six months when one day, I had to close earlier than usual because my boss traveled that night.

So I arrived home by 7pm and caught my twin sister, Anne, and my husband Ike, on the couch in the sitting room making love.

The three of us had a big fight and my parents had to come from the village to settle the matter. But my sister refused to apologize to me for what she had done and simply moved out of my matrimonial home.

I suspect that she might still be sleeping with my man elsewhere and I’ve sworn that if I catch her with my husband again, I will surely kill her. I believe blood is thicker than water, but not when adultery is involved.

My mother says it is an abomination for a twin sister to kill her fellow twin, but I don’t care. If my twin sister doesn’t want to die, she should leave my husband alone.

Period!

Do you have a story or comment about this confession? Call 07031028714.

Revealed: The SIX warning signs your husband is ready to have an affair Continued from page: 33 love, and infrequently about the other person.

Often, it’s the idea of an affair that proves so alluring – affairs are risky, dangerous, labile. For your man, it’s often about a desire to feel special. To feel important. Valued.

Confronting your partner before they take the first step, reminding them of what they stand to lose will nearly always stop an affair before it starts.

Assuming your partner admits his mistake and doesn’t want to lose you, this doesn’t need to be the end of your relationship – at this point help from an experienced therapist or coach can be invaluable.

In years to come you may look back on this as the moment you re-found a spark; jealousy can be a powerful prompt for desire, and many couples report their best sexual experiences in the aftermath of an affair.

For most of the time our relationships drift along in cruise control without demanding attention. An affair can shatter that complacency and remind a couple what they really mean to each other. Better than that, there can be wider learning for the both of you.

The lessons gleaned from coming through an affair can have profound influences on other areas of your life. Discovery is available to both partners, if you will allow it. If both of you can come to see the affair as an ‘emotionally enlarging’ experience, the shared trauma can forge deeper bonds.

Any of these can indicate a predisposition to infidelity. Another clue can be found through his social circle.

Does he have a lot of friends or close family who have been unfaithful to partners? His reaction to the past infidelity of others indicates where his moral lines are drawn.

3. What’s going on in his life right now?

Affairs are about so much more than sex.

They are often less to do with the other person, and more about an individual’s struggle with their own identity.

Getting fired, getting promoted, retirement; any event in man’s life that affects self-confidence can increase interest in exploring sexual opportunity. Death is also a powerful aphrodisiac. The death of friends of family, or bad news from a doctor can make the idea of an affair more appealing.

Esther Perel, an authority on the psychology of infidelity, states that the most common reason given for having an affair is to ‘feel alive’. After a brush with death, an affair lets a man grasp life with both hands.

4. Have you noticed any changes in behaviour?

The excitement and flattery a man feels at the start of an affair manifests itself in noticeable changes of behaviour. He might suddenly be spending a lot more time on his appearance. New aftershave, an obsession with working-out, or uncharacteristically sharp clothes can be telling signs.

Affairs also require planning and subterfuge.

Taking calls in a different room, hushed conversations, and engaging heavily with social media are classic symptoms of a man about to stray.

Often before a man begins an affair for real,

he will become increasingly emotionally preoccupied with the object of his affection - called an emotional affair.

Is he talking a lot about someone in his circle at work? Quoting things that they have said for example. In the early stages, before the affair properly begins, he may not hide this from you.

This is your chance.

5. Does your relationship feel different?

A man considering infidelity will find ways to emotionally justify his decision. He may suddenly become highly critical of your behaviour and looks. It may feel like he is continually looking for opportunities to start an argument.

He may cut off emotionally as he struggles with guilt. Conversation may never stray beneath the surface as he becomes paranoid about letting something slip. The prospective affair will probably affect your sex life in some way.

Titillated by the excitement, his libido may suddenly increase, or he could turn away from

you all together. Moments of spontaneous affection or gifts can indicate a man coming to terms with betrayal.

6. Has anything changed in your life?

Let’s make one thing crystal clear. His affair is not your fault. Changes within your own life, however, may influence the situation. Men are more open to the idea of an affair when they feel neglected.

The appeal of adultery is often the need to feel special once more. If something in your life is suddenly taking up a lot of your time, if you are tied up with the kids, if you’re working long hours or looking after an elderly parent, you may find you don’t have much to invest in the relationship.

You may be unable to lavish the attention on him you once did. Perhaps a health issue has occupied your time and your thoughts? Perhaps you’ve had an affair yourself? Anything that has left him feeling less important could contribute to the likelihood of his betrayal.

Romantic Joke THE PICTURE

A man walks into a bar and orders a shot, then he looks into his shirt pocket and orders another one. After he finishes, he looks into his pocket again and orders another shot. The bartender is curious and asks the man why he looks into his pocket before ordering each shot. The man replies, “I have a picture of my wife in my pocket, and when she starts to look good, I go home.”

35

The Oracle Today Wednesday September 5 2018

Relationships and Love Advice

My boyfriend wants me to stop hanging out with my best friend

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Dear Love Doctor,

I

have a best friend (a guy) for eight years now, and we basically grew up together. I met my boyfriend last year and we’ve been together for about a year now. I’ve been a great partner to him and have treated him well to this day.

However, the problem is that he has a huge issue with me hanging out with my best guy

friend alone. I’d like to add that my best guy friend is like family to me. The brother I never had. For the 8 years we’ve been friends I can’t say that I’ve been interested in him in a romantic way.

I can’t say for certain that he has never had any feelings for me but what I know for a fact is that I haven’t made moves on

him, and he hasn’t made moves on me. We also hardly see each other because we live in different cities.

So right now, I don’t understand why my boyfriend is acting this way. What do I do?

From Nkoli.

Love Doctor’s Advice:

S

you’ve had since childhood.

Imagine if we all did that? We’d end up friendless every time we broke up with someone and I think some people actually do end up like that, sadly.

Assure your boyfriend of your love for him and tell him to stop being petty. He should open his mind and be mature enough to respect your friendship or platonic relationships with other people.

Being in a relationship will be a challenge for a person who insists on being absolutely free to do anything he/she wants, anytime he/she wants. If you want to be in a relationship, there are

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Dear Nkoli,

ome people may say that “your boyfriend should be your best friend” and that once in a relationship, “you should not be hanging out with a male friend because it is disrespectful to your boyfriend.”

However, the truth is that you have known your best friend most of your life and you’ve only known your boyfriend for only a while. You should not sacrifice your friendship to your best friend over a relationship that may not even work in the long run.

You can’t ‘throw’ your friends away every time you get into a relationship, especially ones

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bound to be some sacrifices involved. You can’t have your cake and eat it too.

Therefore, on your own part, make sure you don’t cross the boundaries in your friendship with your best friend. Do not hang out “too much” with him or overdo things. If you abuse your freedom to hang out with your best friend, your boyfriend will begin to see him as a threat to your relationship and this could result in a breakup. Therefore, do everything in moderation, and your boyfriend will understand.

Do you have advice on this problem? Please share your thoughts. Call 07031028714 or 08131161840.

Email: ireto007@yahoo.com Do you have a marriage/wedding, birthday, anniversary or club or town meeting announcement to make? Call 07031028714 now!

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.

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36

The Oracle Today Wednesday September 5 2018

It happened to me:

I

married young, and unfortunately realised too late that I had married the wrong person. My husband, who had been sweet and kind while we were going out, didn’t seem to want a wife; he wanted a slave! And every day, that’s what I felt I had become.

The more I did for Ray, the more he demanded, until it seemed that, between the hours of housework he insisted I do every day, and the elaborate meals he wanted me to cook, I didn’t have time for anything else. My social life dwindled, and by our first wedding anniversary, I was absolutely miserable.

I was too afraid to leave as I feared the consequences, for Ray was a very angry man. He hadn’t hit me yet, but his cruel threats and financial imprisonment were just as debilitating. And his family were even worse.

Knowing Ray’s parents, it was easy to see where he got his personality traits from. Nothing he did was ever good enough for them, and nothing I did came even close. They seemed to be at our house all the time, checking up on their son’s wife, and Ray would almost have anxiety attacks over his mother’s pending approval of my cooking and cleaning.

He never seemed to care how I might feel about her constant criticism. If she didn’t like what I had cooked, I was sure to get a serving of his most vicious insults once they had gone. If she did approve, he would claim to have prepared most of it himself.

The worst incident in our marriage was the first Christmas lunch, which I had to prepare. I was a nervous wreck as I basted the turkey, roasted the potatoes and glazed the enormous ham, all without any help, and it showed in the cooking.

The food was either overcooked or undercooked as I rushed around in a state of panic, trying to make sure everything was perfect. In front of everyone, Ray said Christmas was ruined, and that it was all my fault. Nobody disagreed.

For 12 months, I awaited the next Christmas with a growing sense of dread. I pleaded with Ray to ask one of his sisters to help me, or for him to help me himself, but he refused, and sneeringly told me I’d better do a better job than I had last year. Then he told me that he wasn’t going to buy me a present until after Christmas, all based on how I did preparing the Christmas lunch.

I knew that Ray would find fault with whatever I did, and that this was just his way of getting out of spending any money on me — when he wouldn’t even give me two cents to buy the things I needed for myself. Something inside me snapped. For the first time, I knew I was going to leave my husband. But first, I was going to make his whole wretched family pay!

A few days before Christmas, Ray came home with a bag of fresh prawns.

“Cook these for entrée, and make sure they’re tasty!” Ray snapped. I nodded silently, forming my plan. I would make them tasty alright. So tasty with chilli they wouldn’t be able to taste anything else for a week!

The same day, I snuck out to a local delicatessen and asked for the hottest variety of chillies they had, and I bought a whole bag. I ground them up in blender, seeds and all, to make a fiery red paste. I would marinate the prawns in this concoction until Christmas, setting some chilli paste aside to add after the cooking as well! I couldn’t wait to see the look on Ray ‘s family’s faces as their tongues were set on fire.

Christmas day arrived, and nothing Ray or his parents said could dampen my

I poisoned my husband’s Christmas lunch

spirits, which seemed to make them try even harder because they were ruder and more critical than ever. Beaming with joy, I carried out the steaming plate of chilli prawns, and waited with baited breath. But nothing happened.

“These are actually quite good,” Ray father announced, praise that would have thrilled me once, but today only sickened me with disappointment.

“A little on the hot side,” his mother agreed, “But overall better than anything else you’ve ever cooked. Was this your idea, Ray?” With a sinking heart, I slunk out to the

kitchen to prepare the next course. I was still going to leave Ray, but I would never have the revenge I craved for nearly two years of misery. Or so I thought.

For you see, the strong taste of the chillies also masked the fact that the prawns themselves were not quite right.

I’d been concentrating so hard on their marinading, I’d forgotten that they wouldn’t keep in the fridge for quite as long as I’d had them there.

Even before they went home, Ray and his family were racing to the bathroom in what would become two full days of food poisoning. And it was while Ray

was in the bathroom that I left, never to return again!

Even though Ray took the credit for the prawns, I’m sure I got the blame for the entire family getting sick, but I wasn’t around to find out. However, it still makes me laugh to think that, though unintentional in the end, I got the best revenge of all by ruining their Christmas lunch for real!

Do you have a story or comment about this true confession? Call 07031028714.

37

The Oracle Today Wednesday September 5 2018

The Law and You

With Barr. Ken Akpom 08162016410

Making a will and types of wills

I

received a lot of calls from many of our numerous readers all over the nation and the one that prompted me to delve into this particular topic was that from a young lady just recruited into the Navy. She appears to be doing so well in life but she is afraid of what may become of her dependents whom she loves so much if she dies in the course of her duties.

She has no time to visit or consult a lawyer to perfect what she calls her last wish of how her acquisitions on earth should be ‘distributed’ to her beneficiaries (that is her loved ones whom she would love to possess her wealth when she must have gone).

She went further by expressing her fears that at her death some gold-digger “wicked relatives” of hers may challenge her will as not competent and disputable with allegations or controversies.

Most of the fears of this my naval officer friend are properly taken care of in law, but the mistake that most people make is that they are ignorant over certain issues and instead of approaching the experts to assist them, they prefer to use people who do not know it like the experts do.

For some, their reason for this wrong approach in making their wills is that lawyers, the experts, charge exorbitantly. Come to think of it, is it not even better to spend just a little fraction of your income on a lawyer who will make you sleep peacefully in the bosom of the Lord when your time comes than to die and exist after death in agony?

Many of the disputes over wills of deceased (dead) persons deal with controversies or allegations over the following issues: i. Undue influence ii. Forgery iii. Lack of proper execution of the will iv. Revocation v. Incapacity of the testator to make it.

If you do not fully understand these facts please call on me or The ‘gold-digger’ who never sowed while the man was alive would like to apply customary law to outwit the deceased’s intenany lawyer near to you for detailed addressing. tions after his death as was in the case in my previous discussion that happened in a wealthy man’s family in Delta State.

Types of Wills Furthermore, there are different types of wills or different ways ii. The deceased (that is the dead) has the opportunity of approving those he wishes to be the administrators of his estates. to make a will, which include: iii. It affords the testator (The maker of the will before death) the opportunity to select or appoint a guardian/s to look after his a. Formal will – This is as required by the Will’s Laws. b. Nuncupative/Customary will – this is an oral directive made by children especially if they are young. iv. It affords the testator the privilege to make a positive demona deceased to his heirs to execute after his death. c. Mutual or Reciprocal Will – This is the type that husband and stration of his wishes/desires to whoever he chooses. v. It saves time and money especially when the deceased died wife or with children made together. d. Privileged will – This applies to certain categories of persons intestate in seeking for probate and waiting for a Letter of Adminin actual service like my navy friend who called me, soldiers, sea- istration before managing the deceased’s estates after his death.

A Will makes it happen immediately. men and crew members on a plane. e. Holographic Will – This is the will written in the hand of the testator (the maker). Does it stand? Call me or any lawyer near Finally, as I earlier said, it makes the testator very happy even when he is aware that death is imminent, because he would have you. f. Statutory Will – This is made in accordance with the require- arranged his house and estate very well. ment of certain laws/statutes.

General Requirements of a Valid Will It is my honest advice that you must bear in mind that in as much What Makes a Will Valid? as these types of wills exist, how best to make and use them in order to have complete peace of mind lies with the expert – the A will is not valid unless it is in writing (except Customary Will lawyers who know the law best and who will ensure the full im- in Nigeria), and signed by the testator (the person making the plementations of the will when the testator (The maker) is dead. will) or by another person, in the presence of, and at the direction of the testator. The testator’s signature must be made with the intention of executing the will, and in the presence of two or Advantages of Making a Will Come to think of it, are there any advantages in making a will? more witnesses. These witnesses must attest and sign the will in the presence of the testator. They need not be in the presence of The answer is capital YES. My reasons are as follows; i. It avoids the problems most families face after the death of each other in order to sign the document, as long as the testator the testator especially the legal wife and children of the deceased. is present at the time of each signing.

CASE 1 “My wife tore my will to pieces” Dear Lawyer, In 2011, I made a will and bequeathed my residential house to my second son who was doing very well in life the way I desired; but my wife stumbled on the copy of the will in my safe when I mistakenly forgot the key and she tore it to pieces saying that it was not fair. I was very angry and felt very troubled. Please, can this destruction stand since I did not consent to it?

CASE 2

How can I be sure that my will is valid or accepted?

Dear Lawyer, I am an educated man and I recently wrote my will without the assistance of a lawyer. How can I be sure that my will is valid or accepted?

From Ogbuefi,

From, Nwoke, Imo State.

Lawyer’s Answer:

Lawyer’s Answer:

Dear Nwoke,

Dear Ogbuefi,

Thanks for your mail. Please note that another person may destroy a will on behalf of the testator and at his direction and in the presence of the testator. That is only if the testator clearly intends that the will be destroyed. However, accidental destruction does not revoke a will. Call me for further explanation or consult any lawyer near to you for more advice and action.

A valid will must be in writing to avoid doubts, however customary will may not be.

Secondly, it must be signed by the testator in the presence of witnesses. Thirdly, those witnesses must attest to it in the presence of the testator even without knowing the contents of the will. Finally, there should not be alteration, interlineations or obliteration. Call me or consult a lawyer for more assistance.

• Do you have questions or seek legal clarification on issues concerning your marriage, probate, property, etc? Call or send a text message to Barr. Ken: 08162016410, 08075763840. Email: kenakpom@yahoo.com

38

The Oracle Today Wednesday September 5 2018

ENTERTAINMENT

With Douglas Omoyooma

How I am transforming entertainment, hospitality business in Anambra State – De Don Umenwobi Abuchi Henry is the CEO of New World Lounge & Las Vegas Night Club, Awka, Anambra State. The indigene of Ezinifite Aguata Local Government Area in Anambra State after spending eight years abroad returned home a couple of years ago and established New World Hotels and Las Vegas Nite Club. In this chat he opens up on how he is driving the entertainment and hospitality scene in the state.

You recently relocated home, how long did you stay abroad?

I grew up in Ezinifite before heading to Bauchi to learn trading. After that I came to Awka where I resided briefly before traveling abroad where I stayed for about eight years.

What inspired you to establish New World Hotel and Las Vegas Nite Club?

The major reason is because as a kid, I have always wanted to do something that will benefit people. So when I came back I thought of many business ideas but settled on building hotels and clubs because of the employment it will create and also provide people a place to rest and enjoy themselves. You can’t imagine my joy when I see people propose to their girlfriends every week at my club. It also gladdens my heart to see happy couples coming to my hotel for honeymoon.

What is his take off capital?

I don’t think I will be going into numbers but from the standard of the hotels, the two storey underground nite clubs, the VIP buildings and many other structures, anyone with a good knowledge of numbers would know it took quite a chunk of capital. And it didn’t just stop there as we keep investing often so as to keep elevating the standard What are your challenges doing business in Nigeria?

In Nigeria we seem to lack the three most important ingredients required for the growth of businesses, they are power, good roads and security. Until these important things are implemented by the government, the country will continue to lag behind, business wise. As for the hospitalily business I’ll say power and security are the most important. The vast amount we spend on diesel every week can be channeled into something else if there’s a reliable power supply.

Security is also another issue because if the country is not safe, people hardly go out. For businesses to be well patronized, the patrons must feel safe in the society.A lot has improved. Since the change in the security level of the state, hospitality business has surged dramatically.

We need good roads and This is crippling many businesses not just only those in hospitality. I won’t lie to you, it hasn’t been easy.

Has there been anytime he felt like quitting?

I think most businessmen in the country would answer a big yes to this question.

Even though profits may look good now and then, the challenges and hard work involved in setting up and growing a thriving business in Nigeria can sometimes be best described as almost impossible. But due to the mental and physical strength of average Nigerians, we tend

• De Don to make the almost impossible possible.

What is the secret to your success?

Good service. We always make sure that our customers are well treated.

That keeps them coming back. Next is security. I will say that our place is one of the safest places people can lodge or club with rest of mind. Then the types of events we host also count People love our activities. We have the white party which attracts the high and the mighty in Anambra State. We hosts jersey parties and we also do Champagne Night. We also host reigning pageantry winners from across the state. There is also Arabian Nights where the biggest boys and the biggest girls don Arabian attire. It is really a sight to behold. We just introduced two new events, one is the Mask Party and the second is Celebrity Night.

The likes Terry G, D Prince, Vector, Nkoli Nwa Nsuka, Zubee Michael, Award winning film producer Lawrence Lurrenzo Onuzulike, Junior pope and host of others do visit our outfits. What brought me to where I am today is mostly humility.

I have two offices in my establishments but you can hardly see me in any of

them. I am always everywhere ensuring that our clients are well taken care of. I make sure I am easily approachable. I like saying that I am a servant to our customers. Other things that add to our success stories are, security, people come to our hotels and clubs knowing fully well that they’re in a safe environment. Then neatness, anybody can go online and google From the images you’ll understand the standard we maintain when it comes to neatness. Another thing is creativity, we work with many talented and creative individuals to ensure that we keep being one of the best in the country.

We’re actually working on an entertainment addition to our outfits since hospitality and entertainment go handin-hand. We plan to produce talented youths and turn them into something fantastic. That aspect will also employ a whole lot of people, adding to our initial vision of creating jobs for the youths. In five years we plan we shall be a reference point in the industry.

What is your advice for young people?

Take it step by step and don’t rush! Don’t go into it just because you think you have money to throw around. Do it because you have the passion for it. There are What can government do to create a many massive hotels and clubs all over better environment for businesses Nigeria with no patronage. Before We’re not asking the government to fund establishing a hotel, a club or both, ask our businesses. All we ask for is a condu- yourself, what void are you trying to fill. cive environment just like is obtainable If there are hotels and clubs already in in many other countries. Let the govern- the city where you plan to build yours, ment tackle the issues of power, good ask yourself what will make your own roads and security and people will be different from the others? Why would amazed by the speed of growth that’ll be people leave where they normally lodge witnessed by Nigerian businesses or club to start flocking to your own? Find out what those already on ground are Where will we see your business in five lacking and add to things to your own. If years you fill a void the sky is the limit.

39

The Oracle Today Wednesday September 5 2018

Entertainment

Tears,eulogies as Ras Kimono is buried

Seyi Allen closcks 50

• Reggae lovers plan to immortalise him in Delta

hese are surely happy times for music producer tuned IT guru, Seyi Allen.

The boss of Network Tentacles clocked 50 Tuesday, august 21 and it was celebration galore all the way as he also used the opportunity to officially unveil his new brainchild, Network Tentacles.

Speaking with Friday Rendezvous, Seyi Allen who discovered and nurtured Queen of Love Azeezat in the late 1990s before eventually marrying her said he was grateful to God for making him attain the golden age of 50.

“It has been one long interesting journey; a pot pour of diverse experiences and lessons learnt. There have been the high points and there have been low points but The Lord has been faithful. I want to thank God for this opportunity to celebrate yet another year on mother earth.”

Allen was hosted to a birthday bash at popular club, Vegas on Tuesday. While on Sunday, August 19, he hosted close friends and family at COPSON House, Lagos. He has logged over 35 years in the NIgerian entertainment space.

From JONATHAN AWANYAI, Asaba

I

t was a gathering of reggae lovers,the movers and shakers of the entertainment industry in the country as the remains of the late legendary reggae singer, Ras Kimono was finally laid to rest on Saturday, August 25, in his hometown, Onicha-Olona, in Aniocha North Local Government Area of Delta State amidst tears and eulogies.

Kimono’s remains, contained in a Rastafarian coloured casket, was lowered into the ground at exactly 3.20pm by Ven. Josiah Ogom of the Asaba Diocese of the Anglican Communion.

The burial of the reggae icon was also witnessed by a crowd of politicians, friends who stormed the town to pay their last respect to the legendary reggae singer.

Dignitaries at the burial included a large presence of Nigerian performing artists led by Chairman of the Copyright Society of Nigeria, COSON, Tony Okoroji, Opa Williams, Orits Wiliki, Daddy Showkey, Buchi, Yellow Man, Righteous Man, Candy Sea and Bright Chimezie among others.

Others were Delta State Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Bazim Chinye , who represented Governor Ifeanyi Okowa, Hon Ameachi Mrakpor, Emeka Nwaobi, Delta State Commissioner for Youth Development, Karo Ilolo and members of the Rastas Fraternity including the national grand patron for Nigeria, Ras Edu .

The burial activities for the music icon who died on June 10, 2018, at the age of 60 commenced in Lagos where he spent most of his youthful days, with COSON night organized by the Copyright Society of Nigeria and climaxed with his interment at his hown town.

Speaking at the event organized in Lagos for the late reggae maestro, Tony Okoroji, Chairman of the Copyright Society of Nigeria, COSON, said the late singer was unbeatable.

His words: “Kimono was unbeatable, unpiratable and wonderful. He was a Nigerian like no other. We don’t mourn him, we celebrate him. Kimono never drank, never smoked and never ate meat yet he was great in his chosen field.

“As we say goodbye to this lion, let us remember that he had no father, no mother, no brother and no sister but see the way the world has honoured him. We should unite to support the daughters he left behind”, Okoroji said.

Legendry music stars including Majek Fashek, Oritz Williki and many others performed for mourners who gathered at the COSON House, Ikeja, Lagos, to pay tribute to Rhumba Stylee reggae icon, Ras Kimono. Among other important artistes and dignitaries that watched the Night of Songs in Lagos were Clarion Chukwura, Dede Mabiaku, Senator Florence Ita-Giwa as well as Faze, Essence, Alariwo of Africa, Kenny Saint Best and others. Oge Kimono, daughter of the late musician was equally on hand and performed her father’s famous song: “Under Pressure” recorded in 1980. While enjoying the performances by the artistes who took turn to play different Ras Kimono songs, the night became full of tears as those who spoke told stories of their encounters with the Rastafarian. Daddy Fraizer, Ras Kimono’s manager told the audience that the musician was fine a few days before his death as his doctor had adjudged him fit following a medical check up, adding that his sudden death was therefore a rude shock to all.

He said, “His death remains a big shock to all of us. He will be surely missed.”

The General Manager of Copyright Society of Nigeria (COSON), Chinedu Chuk-

T

Vincent Opurum, Salma Aminu welcome baby boy

S • The Late Ras Kimono wuji on his part said that “Ras Kimono was not just a COSON member he was a 100 per cent committed member, totally dedicated to the cause. He said, “As a hyper creative person, he fought against anything that will destroy COSON as he saw the organization as a watershed development in our country and an important legacy for the Nigerian creative industry.”

In Onicha Olona,his home town,prominent Nigerian artistes, who were touched by their love for the late reggae artiste could not hold their tears as they gave their testimonies of his legacies.

From Orits Williki to Daddy Showkey and Gideon Nwaomu it was a free flow of tears as they filed out to pay their last respects to their departed colleague. Kimono’s wife, Efe was overcome by grief and could not contain herself on sighting the glass casket bearing the remains of her late husband. Standing beside the casket, she kept confessing her undying love to the man she fell in love with as his manager and recently had a baby girl for.

Leading the procession, the Rastafarian Movement in Nigeria, led by its grand patron, Ras Edu Dickson, said Ras Kimono lives on. He said he was confident that the ‘Rub-a-Dub’ master had gone to be with his maker. “Ras Kimono never dies, but lives on,“ he said Similarly, a reggae artiste, Orits Wiliki, told The Oracle Today that Ras Kimono had good content that would outlive him decades after.

“Though, the Reggae master is gone, his lyrics will remain alive in the minds of people because he took after the likes of late Bob Marley who dropped powerful contents,” he said.

Kimono’s daughter, Oge said her father was selfless, compassionate, loving and patient, while describing him as her best friend.

“My dad was everything, he was a friend, confident and adviser. He was everything you can think of in a person.

He was a mentor I can go on and on.

He was an exceptional person.He was amazing. He was one that you can talk to about anything and everything and he would listen to you. If it is in his place to give advice, he gives advice, if it is his place to give support in any little way he can, he goes out of his way to do that.

My dad was everything and he is still everything.” She mourned.

Another artiste, Bright Chimezie opined that “Rastas don’t die but live on forever; therefore, Kimono is not dead but remains alive through his works.

“I will still see Kimono again but not here on earth but in heaven and if there is music over there, I urge him to play on” Chimezie said.

Also speaking,Gideon Nwaomu,chairman of Giddy’s place in Asaba opined that said that Kimono stood out among Nigeria reggae artistes because he was a political reggae singer, “he preached the truth”.

“He has impacted positively on a lot of young and upcoming artistes. He was truthful, honest, humble, down to earth, and accommodates anyone that came his way.

“He does not discriminate,when he comes to my place and he sees me serving people drinks,he will join me.He was a brother and friend.I will miss him dearly.”

The Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Mr. Emma Bazim Chinye who represented Okowa and was called to confirm the corpse of Kimono, declared that the State had indeed lost a rare gem, a legend who had contributed to the development of music, not only in Delta State, but Nigeria, Africa and the world at large.

More emotional in his farewell message was the Member representing Aniocha North Constituency at the Delta State House of Assembly, Hon. Engr.

Emeka Nwaobi.

The moody Honourable narrated to The Oracle Today how Ras Kimono and a retinue of Nigerian artists had staged a second term support concert for him and Governor Okowa a week before his death in Issele-Uku. In a related development, Orbada Clark, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Benvico Hotel, told The Oracle Today that the legacy Kimono left behind would continue to linger on.

Clark, who is a close ally of the music star, said reggae lovers in Warri were perfecting plans to immortalise him.

“Kimono was my very good friend; we last communicated on May 6, three days before his birthday.

“Kimono never died, he only translated, his translation is painful, as Jah messager, he has come to deliver the message and left.

“His name will be written in the marble of Benvico, every June 10 will be set aside to celebrate him alongside the father of reggae, Marcus Garvis, who died same day in 1940.

“All his albums are fantastic, including the latest work titled, Senseless Killer that was launched at Benvico on Dec. 15, 2017.

“All his music carried messages, he tells the truth, what is really happening in Nigeria, Kimono is a prophet, who gave the message for people to understand, he makes all of us happy.”

ix months after she tied the knot to her hubby, fellow actor, Vincent Opurum in a society wedding in Makurdi, Benue State, actress, Salma Aminu is now a mother In a social media post, Vincent had posted the following message: “My blood, firstly I thank Almighty God my creator for his mercy and grace upon my family, and my lovely wife, the bone of my bone officialsalma_v for helping me to recreate this great man in the making into this world, may God bless those who are a blessing to his life, and curse those who has evil intentions against him, because he is wonderfully and fearfully made to the glory of God, he is unstoppable, unbeatable full with grace, God’s guidance and wisdom, knowledge with understanding upon him. Thank you O’Lord of host. Welcome my king Orion, Somto’chukwu, Adeiza, Oto’ohomorihi.”

John Agoha’s drops new single, marks birthday

G

ospel musician, John Agoha is back on the march and it was double celebration for the Imo State born act who marked his birthday in grand style and also released a brand new single.

Speaking with Friday rendezvous in a telephone chat, Agoha said: “After the release of my last wave making single, I am proud to reveal that I have a spanking new single entitled Chukwu Idi Mma. It is banging right now and I am calling on my fans to go online and download it!”

On his birthday he said: “Wow! I have lots of good friends around me on my birthday and a special cake from some one very special. I was so happy adding another year though this year did not sart well in my life.too much pain and crying in my family. but am happy now that God has bless us and taking away that pain .i think this is my best birthday celebrations. me and my friends went for boating.”

New TV platform set to hit airwaves

C

oming from the stable of Imo Entertainment, an urban and lifestyle television channel, Sol TV is expected to hit TV screens soon.

Speaking, Emmanuel Enero Sunday, CEO of the platform said the 24 Hours TV channel, which will be launched on major pay TV soon will touch on different aspects of life and produce over 20 programs as it also lunches its radio station Sol FM. He said: “IMO Entertainment is a media and entertainment production company that is growing steadily in the Nigerian entertainment scene. Since its debut it has created two television series, ‘Girls Quarters’ and ‘N The Hood’,with other series to follow, the series have currently gathered many followership.

“Our 24 hours urban and lifestyle channel, Sol TV, which has over 20 quality entertainment programs will be launched soon, and we are here in the entertainment industry to stay.

“We have several programs we will be showcasing to the world. We covered and aired series of events outside Nigeria,one music festival in Dubai last year, behind the scenes activities during the FIFA world cup in Russia,which includes the night life, the viewing centres and the fan fest zone. So as it, we will be making a mark in the entertainment scene with our forthcoming programs,” he said.

Imo Entertainment s the brains behind TV programmes like Girls Quarters which stars the likes of Racheal Aniah, Ella Samba, Simion Evia and Damilola Awosemo among many other talented actors and actresses.

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The Oracle Today Wednesday September 5 2018

NEWS PSN to partner Bayelsa govt. on Cancer Center From Clem Onyemaechi, Yenagoa

T

he Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria has pledged support to the Centre for Cancer Awareness being planned in honour of the Memory of the late Mrs. GoldCoast Dickson, the mother of the Governor of Bayelsa State.

Deputy President of the PSN, South, Dr. Daniel Orumwhense, made the pledge for partnership while leading the body on a condolence visit to the Governor of Bayelsa State in his country home of Orua, Sagbama Local Givernment Area, on Tuesday.

The late Mrs. Goldcoast Dickson died of lung cancer at the University of Texas M.D Anderson Cancer Centre, Houston, Texas, in the United States at the age of 72.

A statement from the Special Adviser to the Governor on Media Relations, Mr. FIdelis Soriwei, quoted Orumwhense as having said that the PSN was ready to volunteer the services of its experts and ensure availability of original drugs to the centre when it became operational.

He stated also that the pharmacists who graduated in large number from the Bayelsa State-owned Niger Delta University were equipped enough to provide the requisite support to the planned centre.

He said, “We are aware of the cancer centre which the Dickson family is planning to establish in honour of the memory of your late mother.

“The Pharmaceutical Society òf Nigeria will partner with you. We have the manpower; we have the capacity, to manage it. Your Excellency, you can rely on the experts trained at the NDU to handle the centre. We will ensure that original drugs are made available at Cancer Centre to take care of the people.”

He said the Governor’s mother fondly called Mama Gogo lived a life worthy of celebration having nurtured successful children including a governor who was making serious contributions of societal development.

In his remarks, the Governor said that the Dickson family decided to establish a Centre for Cancer Awareness with the objective of reducing avoidable deaths from the deadly disease.

He said that the GoldCoast Dickson Cancer Centre would not be funded by the government but was designed to operate with donations to the Henry Seriake Dickson Foundation, the operators of the centre.

He stressed that the centre would focus on promoting cancer awareness and screening as part of the efforts to reduce deaths occurring as a result of the disease in the society.

The Governor said that the cancer would require not only funds from partners but also their expertise in its programmes deliberately designed to counter cancer and its spread.

Apart from the PSN, the NMA, the Ijaw Youth Council, women groups, community leaders and other bodies have also indicated interest in supporting the planned Cancer Centre.

Governor Dickson also called on traditional rulers of the Niger Delta to give the necessary support to the efforts to create awareness against the spread of cancer.

Gully erosion severs Nkpor-Nnobi Road in Anambra Gully erosion has severed NkporNnobi Road, a major road which links Onitsha and environs with Nnobi, Nnewi and other parts of Anambra South.

The road was built during the Dr Chris Ngige’s administration.

The gully erosion is few metres from the Ideani junction end of the busy road on the Nnobi bound lane.

Following the development, motorists queue from both directions to take their turn in what looks like

a “walk on a precipice”.

One lane of the road has already collapsed while that existing is under serious erosion threat.

A motorist, Mr Joel Nnodum, who works for a popular transport company on that route, said the road had become a nightmare for motorists since two months ago.

Nnodum said vehicles usually ran into themselves, especially at night, noting that it was more dangerous for those who were not familiar with

the road.

He said that the development was a dilemma because there were no alternative routes to easily access the area.

“My brother, it is a pity that this quality road which we have used for over 13 years have been destroyed by this massive erosion and the road has collapsed.

“This road connects the entire Onitsha and Idemili to Nnobi, Nnokwa, Nnewi, Aguata and most of An-

ambra south.

“It is a dangerous route to drive on now, you can see it is at a sharp bend and these glasses on the ground are from accidents, we pray the worst will not happen,” he said.

Another motorist, Greg Unadike, who described the site as a disaster, called on Anambra government to urgently take steps to salvage the road.

Unadike said the colossal damage could have been prevented if flooding was nipped in the bud.

“This is a clear case of poor maintenance, the environment and works ministries could have prevented this if they were proactive, now see the damage, it requires a huge sum of money to fix,” Unadike said.

Reacting to the development, Mr Marcel Ifejiofor, the Commissioner for Works, said the government was aware and that it was working on how to remedy the situation.

“We are working on it, the contractor will soon move to site,” he said.

National security, interest part of rule of law – ANRP replies FG

T • Rev Fr Emmanuel Obimma aka Ebubemonso middle with 18 Chinese converts to Christianity on pilgrim to Nigeria (Holy Ghost Adoration Ministry ground Uke) led by Coordinator of Chinese Charismatic group, Sacred Heart of Jesus Cathedral Guangzhou City Mary Lu , right and Emeka Ugoagwu, Leader of Divine Love prayer group China left and others

Ministry urges states to develop plan to fast-track ERGP initiatives

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inistry of Budget and National Planning has urged various states to develop medium term plan that would help the Federal Government achieve the objectives in the Economic Recovery and Growth Plan (ERGP).

Permanent Secretary in the ministry, Mr Olajide Odewale, gave the advice at the 17th Joint Planning Board (JPB) and National Council on Development Planning (NCDP) meeting in Abeokuta, Ogun.

Victoria Agba-Attah, the Director Press in the Ministry quoted Odewale as having said this at the occasion, in a statement on Tuesday in Abuja.

The theme for the 2018 JPB and NCDP meeting is “Accelerating Implementation of the Economic Recovery and Growth Plan (ERGP): The Role of Stakeholders”.

The JPB is a consultative forum of the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Budget and National Planning and the States’ Permanent Secretaries responsible for Budget and Economic Planning.

It also includes Special Advisers from Federal and States’ MDAs responsible for Economic Planning and Budget.

The Forum is designed to allow participation of representatives of the organised private sector, the academia and the Development

partners with a view to foster economic management process at the National and sub- national level.

Odewale pledged the wiliness of the ministry to provide technical support to the states in the pursuit of the plan.

He recalled that the ERGP was developed in response to the economic challenges at the inception of this present administration which culminated in a recession in the second quarter of 2016.

The permanent secretary said the plan was therefore designed not only to get the economy out of recession but also to place it on the path of diversified, sustainable and inclusive growth.

Odewale said: “Among the number of socioeconomic issues extensively discussed at the last edition of the JPB meeting was the need for states to develop their Medium Term Plans in line with the ERGP priorities.

“Other major resolutions include the need for government at the national level to accelerate the implementation of the ERGP and governments at all levels to intensify economic diversification and revenue generating efforts.

“Also, the Federal and State Governments have to put in necessary policy measures to facilitate job creation and ensure overall macro-

economic stability in the country.”

According to the Permanent Secretary, most of the recommendations of the last edition of the meeting are being addressed by the ministry.

He cited the ERGP Focus Labs as one of the key strategies adopted by the Federal Government aimed at generating private investment and jobs in the country.

Odewale expressed optimism that the outcome of JPB meeting would be tailored toward deepening the understanding and realisation of the objectives of the ERGP. “In this regard, some key issues to note are the opportunities the ERGP provides for effective collaboration with the states and other stakeholders with significant roles to play in the delivery of the plan objectives.”

The JPB meeting will be followed by the meeting of National Council for Development Planning (NCDP).

NCDP involves Minister and Minister of State of Budget and National Planning and Commissioners responsible for Economic Planning and Budget at the state levels.

The recommendations from JPB meeting are expected to feed into the meeting of the NCDP for further deliberations, ratification and adoption.

he Abundant Nigeria Renewal Party (ANRP) says national security and national interest must always be part of rule of law for Nigeria’s democracy to be meaningful.

National Publicity Secretary of party, Mr Sesugh Akume, said this in a statement, Tuesday in Abuja, against the backdrop of President Muhammadu Buhari’s remarks at the opening of 2018 Nigeria Bar Association (NBA) Annual General Conference on Monday.

He said that it would amount to a recipe for tyranny if national security and national interest overrode supremacy of the 1999 Constitution and the Rule of Law. Akume said that the president’s address at the conference was inconsistent with the universal application of the rule of law over and above “Rule of Man”.

He advised that care should be applied to ensure that the key tenets of democracy were properly observed in Nigeria.

“The president’s unfortunate address at the Nigerian Bar Association’s conference is an opening for ‘rule of man’ instead of the rule of law.

“Such a statement can be a ploy to re-enact Decrees 2 and 4 to give justification for blatantly violating court judgments, undermining the judiciary and refusing to give due recourse to the legislature.

“Without the supremacy of the constitution in place, we will have no democracy as our civil rule is called,” he said.

Akume said the president’s statement could not detract from the notion that it was justifying and serving as a cover up for the Minister of Finance, Mrs Kemi Adeosun, who should clear her name against an allegation of forgery.

He, however, urged Nigerians to participate in the Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) and obtain their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) before the Aug. 31deadline of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

Akume also urged Nigerians to ensure that they were not disenfranchised in the general elections so as to enable them to vote for the change they were clamouring for.

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The Oracle Today Wednesday September 5 2018

NEWS Ebonyi Govt seals Abakaliki rice mill over alleged poison

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bonyi Government on Tuesday sealed the Abakaliki Rice Mill Limited over the alleged infiltration of poisoned and adulterated rice in the mill.

State Governor, David Umahi’s Senior Special Assistant (SSA), Dr Kenneth Ugbala, on Internal Security, who announced the state government’s decision at a news briefing, said that the closure was with immediate effect.

Ugbala noted that the state Executive Council (EXCO) had received the news of the poisoned and adulterated rice with shock and deliberated extensively on it to save lives of citizens.

“The EXCO subsequently directed the concerned Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) of health, agriculture, commerce and industry and internal security to seal the rice mill for full investigations to be carried out.

“The Ministry of Environment, which firstly received the report, informed us that the products are not fit for human consumption.

“The primary aim of every government is to protect the lives of its citizens as we want to prevent unsuspecting citizens from purchasing such products,” he said.

Commenting further on the situation, Sen. Emmanuel Onwe, State’s Commissioner for Information and Orientation, noted that the government did not know the source from which the products infiltrated the market and the type of poison involved.

“We do not know whether they are rat or other type of poisons but the commissioner for environment quickly dispatched a team to the mill on receiving the news of the infiltration.

“The team confiscated some samples of the product and they had labels of ‘not fit for human consumption’ boldly written on them.

“We will not go into the semantics of such labels but any responsible government should take precautionary measures immediately such development is discovered.

“This government being a responsible one took the normal, precautionary step to safeguard its people’s lives,” he said.

The SSA on Internal Security and other authorities involved in the sealing left the EXCO chambers immediately to enforce the directive.

Delta Assembly approves extension of tenure of DESOPADEC board Delta State House of Assembly has approved state Governor Ifeanyi Okowa’s request for the extension of the tenure of the current board of the Delta State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (DESOPADEC) by six months.

The approval of the request followed the motion moved by the Majority Leader, Tim Owhefere, which was seconded by Mrs. Erhiatake Ibori-Suenu (PDP-Ethiope West).

The motion was unanimously adopted when the Speaker, Sheriff Oborevwori, put it to a voice vote.

Oborevwori had earlier read the governor’s letter in which he said that the current governing board of DESOPADEC expired on Monday.

Okowa said that the request for the board’s tenure extension was in line with Section 7 (2b) of the DESOPADEC Amendment Law, 2018, praying the assembly to approve it by six months.

The assembly also received another letter from the governor, nominating, Mr. Benjamin Igo and Dr. Frank Atube, for appointment as Chairman and Secretary, Delta Bureau of Local Government Pension, respectively.

Igo retired as a Permanent Secretary from the state civil service.

Health expert urges govt., others to curtail street begging in Anambra

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health expert, Prof. Peter Katchy has called on Anambra Government, religious bodies and corporate organisations to curtail the prevalence of street begging in major cities across the state.

Katchy said the influx of beggars into the state had become alarming, especially those with serious health challenges including cancer and glaucoma.

The professor of Alternative Medicine, made the call, Tuesday in Onitsha.

According to him, many of these beggars, who roam the streets of

Onitsha, Awka, Nnewi and Ekwulobia are homeless which suggests they are not from the state.

“Go to Upper Iweka in Onitsha and Unizik junction in Awka, you will see them. In fact, check them in major motor parks across the state; many of them are living without shelter. They defecate and take their baths in the open and sometimes on pedestrian walk ways and on federal high ways; these are the situations we have found ourselves today,” he said.

The professor noted that beggars had increased in number due to the

kind and compassionate nature of residents of the state, who were always willing to render help.

Katchy, who is also the Vice Chairman of the Nigerian Red Cross Society in the state, blamed the spate of begging on the failure of various state governments to provide basic needs of citizens.

“I am not saying that people should stop being compassionate because that is a religious injunction but I am against these persons with disabilities, high levels of cancer, leukemia and other diseases, who roam the streets to beg.

“It is the responsibility of government to take care of the economic and social wellbeing of its citizens; where government fails to do this, it has ceased to be a government. We know that state governments are admitting some of them for special care, but many of them are still on the streets frustrated, unemployed and depressed. Some of them have gone ill due to drug abuse and neglect,” he said.

He urged state governments, religious bodies and corporate organisations to look into the menace by donating homes for the motherless babies, mentally sick, old people, destitute and disadvantaged persons.

“These people need rehabilitation and treatments; they do not deserve to be abandoned to their fate,” he stressed.

NACA decries poor FG funding for HIV/AIDS

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• Ogun State Governor Governor Ibikunle Amosun (r) with the outgoing state Chief Judge, Justice Olatokunbo Olopade, at a valedictory session for her during the state Executive Council meeting

Osun 2018: PDP presents Adeleke as candidate

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eoples’ Democratic Party (PDP) in Osun, Tuesday, kicked off its campaign for the September 22 governorship election at the party secretariat, Osogbo, the state capital.

The campaign started with official presentation of the party’s gov-

ernorship candidate, Sen. Ademola Adeleke and his deputy, Mr Albert Adeogun, to the party faithful.

Adeleke, while addressing his supporters and unveiling his manifesto, said the PDP was on a mission to transform the state to one that would work for all.

Benin Rep., Oyo govt. partner on bilateral trade, trans-border crimes

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he Republic of Benin has expressed readiness to partner with the Oyo State Government toward strengthening bilateral trade, agriculture and forestall trans-border crime.

Chief of Staff, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation, Republic of Benin, Mr William Comlan, disclosed this in Ibadan on Monday during a courtesy visit on Governor Abiola Ajimobi in his office.

Comlan stressed the importance of fostering mutual understanding with the Oyo state government to boost trade and commerce as well as find lasting solution to other border related challenges.

“Our visit is to learn some new strategies from Nigeria, particularly Oyo State. We believe such cooperation could further strengthen the relationship that exists between the state and our country,” he said.

He stated that the choice of the state was as a result of strategic boundaries that linked Nigeria with

the Republic of Benin through Oyo State.

In his response, also expressed his administration’s readiness to partner with the Benin on bilateral trade, agriculture and forestall trans-border crime.

Ajimobi, represented by Alhaji Olalekan Alli, the Secretary to the State Government, stated that the state government remained committed to giving support and necessary assistance toward facilitating peace and development of across West African region.

According to the governor, the state government is also interested in socio-economic agenda that would advance the development in the sub-region.

The Benin republic delegation is expected to spend some days in the state to work out modalities and concretise its mission.

Some members of the state executive council also graced the occasion.

He said that his six-point agenda for the state included economic rejuvenation, agriculture revolution, restructure of the education system and improved workers’ welfare and condition of service.

Also listed were improved health care delivery and improved road and water infrastructure.

He said that his manifesto was not “mere election promises” but programmes evaluated that were morally right, just, equitable and deserved by people of the state.

Osun PDP Chairman, Mr Soji Adagunodo, in his address, said that the party had resolved to provide a better, credible, sustainable and people-friendly alternative set of programmes.

Adagunodo said the party would initiate policies to restore the state to the path of economic prosperity, social emancipation and general wellbeing of all and sundry.

He said the party would focus on candidate’s six-point agenda, adding that the party was building a coalition of well-meaning leaders and citizens of the state to ensure victory.

Adagunodo equally welcomed some leaders and members of political parties and groups, who defected from the Social Democratic Party (SDP), Accord Party and the Peoples’ Democratic Movement (PDM) to the PDP. The chairman handed the party flag to the new entrants.

he National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA), Monday, said 95 per cent of HIV and AIDS funding in Nigeria was largely provided by international donor agencies.

Director General, NACA, Dr Sani Aliyu, made the fact known at the public screening of Prof. Wole Soyinka’s “Keep the Promise’’ to AIDS Video Campaign, organised by AIDS Health Care Foundation (AHF).

Aliyu said that 95 per cent HIV and AIDS funding for about 1.1 million Nigerians on treatment came from the U.S. Government and Global Fund.

He said that the Federal Government was not pleased with such development and was committed to changing the figures and taking ownership of the HIV and AIDS response in Nigeria.

“We have to invest in HIV treatment; we are having more and more people in the world coming into treatment.

“Access to treatment is no longer a major issue globally and it should be in Nigeria. We have an opportunity with the HIV survey which is ongoing to clearly define the burden of HIV in the country, and by early next year we will have a reliable estimate.

“This will give us an opportunity to step forward and take over our responsibility because access to treatment is a right so that people living with the virus can live a normal life,’’ he said.

Head, Health and Gender Desk, News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), Mr Suleiman Tola, called for robust collaboration by stakeholders to support individuals and organisations who claimed to have cure for HIV through research and investigation.

He also tasked media organisations to have an in-depth understanding of the problem both economically and socially as well as its impact on individuals and the society.

He said a healthy nation is a wealthy nation hence the need for the Federal Government to prioritise HIV funding in the country.

Tola, further urged government at all levels to implement the Patient Bill of Right and promote issues affecting HIV and AIDS response in their various states and communities.

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The Oracle Today Wednesday September 5, 2018

Crime

Police, homosexuals trade accusations Stories by XAVIER NDAH There was war of words between police operatives and some youths suspected to be homosexuals at the police headquarters in Lagos.

The suspects said they were not rather they are just night crawlers who went to enjoy themselves in a club.

The youths numbering 57 were arrested at a Gay/Homosexual Club between 1 and 2 am at Kelly Ann Hotel/ Event Centre, No. 3-7 Adenrele Street, Egbeda.

Commissioner of police Lagos state, Edgal Imohimi said the , suspects were arrested following intelligence report that some youths (males) will be initiated into a Gay/ Homosexual Club at the club.

It was gathered that the suspects had converged at the club as planned.

According to him, “Consequent upon this, operatives led by Divisional Police Officer,DPO, Shasha and DPO Idimu stormed the venue at 0200 hours. On arrival, young men numbering about eighty were met in a hall taking different types of drinks including banned substance like Tramadol, Shisha laced with substances suspected to be Marijuana (IGBO) etc.

As soon as they sighted the police, they ran into different directions. However, the team arrested fifty seven (57) of them.

“Same sex marriage is an act contrary to section 1 (1) of Same

…You are homosexuals; no we are not but night crawlers

•Suspect

Sex Marriage Act 2014”.Imohimi explained.

In their reaction, most of the suspects who were arrested at the club denied any involvement in gay practices.

They claimed that they went to the club for lodging while some claimed to have visited the club to drink with their friends.

A suspect who identified himself as Osita, a stylists said he was invited to the club for a birthday party but was unable to identify who invited him.

Another suspect simply identi-

•Suspects

fied as Amechi, said he went to see a friend at that area and decided to lodge at the hotel to enable him leave earlier to his church since it was nearby. He couldn’t remember the name of the church when asked.

Ojo Emmanuel said he went to the club with the sister who was released to go home by the police.

Most of the suspects claimed to

have visited the club for one thing or the other stating that not all of them were gay.

Another suspect, who pleaded anonymity, said he went to the club for the initiation because he was promised a visa to the United States of America.

According to him, he was told to join in the initiation as top brass in the society are sponsors of the

club who can facilitate his travel abroad.

“Honestly I don’t like the idea but I have to accept the offer if they can help me because I don’t have a job to feed” The CP said investigation into the case is ongoing and the suspects will be charged to court when investigations in the matters are concluded.

Chief priest arrested over woman’s death Man sent robbers to steal

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n Ayilala traditional priest one Lekan Olukolu has appealed to the police in Ogun state to be left off the hook over the death of a 25-years- old woman one Idowu Ogunkoya.

The woman had died in his shrine miraculously after taking some concoctions to cure her of an alleged madness.

The suspect we gathered has told the police that he is not an apprentice in the job and has been curing many people of same but it was the will of the god’s that she should go that way.

Police said the victim died in the shrine of the traditional priest, at the Ago -Iwoye area of Ogun State after she was taken to the Shrine of Ayilala Priest by her parents for spiritual cleansing of alleged witchcraft.

Ogun State police public relations officer, Deputy Superintendent of Police ,DSP, Abimbola Oyeyemi, said “: The arrest of the Ayilara priest, was as a result of complaint lodged by Lucky Oghenetega, who reported at Ago-Iwoye divisional headquarters, that the deceased who was his fiancé was taken to the shrine of the priest by her parents for spiritual cleansing because they suspected her to possess witchcraft spirit. ” He stated further that when the deceased got to the shrine, the priest shaved her head and gave her a liquid substance to drink in order to be delivered of her alleged witchcraft. The deceased slumped and died immediately after taking the liquid substance. ” On the strength of the report, the DPO Ago-Iwoye division, CSP Adeola Adedoyin, led detectives

neighbour’s N150,000 iphone T

•Suspects

to the shrine situated at Ojuolota area of Ijesha road in Ago-Iwoye where the priest was promptly arrested alongside with the father of the deceased, Temitayo Ogunkoya ‘’.

Meanwhile, the Commissioner of Police, Cp, Ahmed Iliyasu has ordered the immediate transfer of the suspects to the homicide section of the State Criminal inves-

tigation and intelligence department for proper investigation.

The CP also warned members of the public to desist from primitive and barbaric ways of dealing with matters especially issues that have to do with human life as the command would not tolerate such archaic lifestyle, capable of terminating innocent people’s life unnecessarily.

hree men have been arrested by the police for alleged involvement in the robbery of an iphone.

According to the police trouble started when a lady Omotoyosi Bello bought her iphone which tickled his neighbour and co-tanent one Seun Hammed Olayinka ‘m’ alias ‘DJ Shy’ at no. 32 Ajose Street, Ebute Ikorodu.

Unknown to many that ‘DJ Shy’ was using his music business as a cover up for his membership of a three -man-armed robbery gang and had an interest in possibly getting the iphone.

The man had to organize his armed robbery gang comprising of one Solomon Jacob ,29, Ifeanyi Chifalue 32,and Akinola Micheal 24 years to attack his neighbor and steal the telephone.

Commissioner of Police,CP, Edgal Imohimi while commenting on the robbery said “ When I ask you the question, do you know your neighbour? Usually at the end of every press briefing, it isn’t just a mere word rather it is a question we must ask ourselves all the time.

“If Omotoyosi Bello knew that her neighbour and co-tanent at no 32 Ajose Street, Ebute Ikorodu, by name Seun Hammed Olayinka ‘m’ alias ‘DJ Shy’ is a member of an armed robbery gang, perhaps she might have given him up to the police. But unfortunately for her, the said Seun, a Disc Jockey (DJ) organized a 3-man-armed robbery gang to attack and rob her of her Iphone valued N150,000.00 on the 9th of August, 2018 at about 8:30pm.

“However, through painstaking investigation conducted by the Command’s raider team, three of

the robbers who took part in the operation were arrested and the Iphone recovered while the said Seun Hammed Olayinka, a co-tenant to the victim, who staged the robbery is currently at large.Edgal explained.

On his part,one of the suspects Akinola Michael who was weeping profusely denied knowledge of the plan to steal rather he said he was only sent to go and pick Ifeanyi who was called on the telephone to come to ‘DJ Shy’s house to effect the operation.

Ifeanyi the lone operator in the robbery transaction said he was invited by the DJ and “when I arrived at their base the DJ brought out a gun in his house and gave to me to execute the plan, he was keeping watch at the gate and that was after he was sure the girl who owned the phone had returned from her shop.

“He asked me to go as they don’t normally lock their door. I went and entered the house, immediately I entered I showed the girl gun and shouted at her where is the Iphone, where is the iphone she handed it over to me immediately and as I was about leaving I never knew that the door is a jam lock and that I had locked myself in whilst I was entering the house.

“I couldn’t open the door to escape that was when the girl started shouting ole, ole , ole that was when people in the compound invited people from outside and the police to come and arrest me. “ It was at the police station that I told them that ‘DJ Shy’ was the one that sent me, I think he got to know that his name was mentioned and he ran away. Ifeanyi explained.

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The Oracle Today Wednesday September 5 2018

NEWS Extra Lagos Govt awaiting FG’s approval on reconstruction of Okokomaiko-Seme road

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agos State Government says it is awaiting Federal Government’s approval to start reconstruction of Okokomaiko/Seme border section of the Lagos – Badagry expressway.

Babatunde Hunpe, Special Adviser to Gov. Akinwunmi Ambode on Environment disclosed this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Mondayin Badagry.

“As we speak, Gov. Ambode is seriously working towards getting Federal Government’s approval for the road.

“The Lagos State Government plans to start the project immediately federal government gives approval for the reconstruction of the road,” said the governor’s aide.

NAN reports that motorists and commuters experienced untold hardship while in gridlocks on Lagos — Badagry expressway due to its terrible state and ongoing rehabilitation which started 10 years ago.

According to him, the governor is worried about the plight of motorists and has directed the contractor handling the ongoing Eric Moore –Okoko section to hasten the construction of the road.

“Recently, Gov. Ambode visited sections of the Okokomaiko – Badagry expressway where people complained bitterly about the terrible state of the road. I was part of the entourage.

“After the visit, the governor directed Lagos Public Works Corporation (PWC) to do palliative work on the road until approval is given by federal government to take over the road and start construction work,” he said.

Hunpe gave assurance that work would soon begin on the Okokomaiko-Seme border section of the Lagos – Badagry expressway once the state received approval from federal government.

Nigeria, Niger, France, UK move to tackle border crimes

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igerian government has entered into a new partnership with the governments of Niger Republic , France and the United Kingdom on tackling cross border crimes.

Making the disclosure, Tuesday, in Abuja, Minister of Interior, Lt General (Rtd), Abdulrahman Bello Dambazau, said the proposal was a fallout of a sideline meeting of the four countries at the Regional Conference on Anti-human Trafficking/ Smuggling of Migrants held in Niamey, in Niger Republic on June 18 & 19, 2018.

The Interior Minister said the partnership was initiated by the United Kingdom and France to strengthen collaboration with Nigeria and Niger Republic in the area of border management, intelligence sharing and legal cooperation.

Damabazau added that the partnership, which seeks to strengthen cooperation among security agencies of the four countries in combating human trafficking, drugs peddling, illicit arms proliferation and terrorism is expected to deliver on its objectives within the duration of 12-36 months.

IPOB rejects Army’s Python Dance 3 From CHUKS COLLINS, Awka

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he Indigenous Peoples Of Biafra (IPOB) has tackled the Nigeria Army’s announced plans to deploy troops to the South East on the third leg of the much vexed “Operation Python Dance 111”.

It noted that the newly announced Operation Python Dance for the ember months of 2018 was coming on the heels of the discovery of yet more dead bodies of victims of Operation Python Dance from last year, in mass graves in Ukwa Ngwa Abia State in the past week.

In a statement signed by the IPOB’s Media and Publicity Secretary, Comrade Emma Powerful and made available to journalists in Awka, the Anambra state capital, weekend, IPOB alleged that “the Nnia Nwodo led Ohanaeze Ndigbo/ South East governors sponsored

Islamic massacre of innocent Biafrans is once again in the pipeline.

“Let no one be deceived as to the real motives of the so-called Igbo leaders and Abuja based politicians, behind this latest round of impending slaughter of Biafrans.

“The bitter truth is that SouthEast governors, Lagos-Abuja based Igbo politicians who are dependent on the political patronage of their Fulani godfathers, with the active connivance of Ohaneze Ndigbo, are the people behind every Operation Python Dance that ever took place.

These Igbo politicians see the periodic military massacre of their own people as a necessary sacrifice that must be made to ease their Fulani masters and ensure their political survival, electoral victory and relevance because they know in Nigeria true power belongs to the Fulani caliphate.”

Taking on the Chief John Nnia

Nwodo-led Ohaneze Ndigbo and the South East governors, “especially Dave Umahi, Okezie Ikpeazu and Willie Obiano, the best way an Igbo politician can demonstrate his one Nigeria credentials is to actively participate or facilitate the wholesale slaughter of his own people.

Should Buratai’s Islamic soldiers march on the streets of Biafraland anytime in 2018 and beyond, Biafrans must hold Gov. Dave Umahi, Okezie Ikpeazu, Willie Obiano and Nnia Nwodo led Ohaneze Ndigbo responsible.

“More unarmed, peaceful IPOB family members have been killed in the past year than all Boko Haram terrorists and genocidal Fulani herdsmen put together. When Fulani herdsmen attacked and killed unarmed villagers in Nimbo Enugu State, no Igbo governor or Ohaneze Ndigbo asked for Operation Python Dance to defend the peo-

ple. In fact they became dumb. It is common knowledge that Aso Rock refused to take the calls of Gov. Ugwuanyi. Commander of 82 Division Enugu and various leaders of state security agencies that litter couldn’t be reached until the Fulani killers left.

“When it comes to the killing of peaceful IPOB family members, phone calls from Igbo governors and Nnia Nwodo are promptly answered and soldiers deployed immediately. Isn’t it ironic that Igbo governors, Ohaneze Ndigbo, Fulani officers and soldiers that make up the bulk of the Nigerian Army, have chosen to ignore the murderous tendencies of Islamic extremism perpetrated by their own kith and kin in Boko Haram and Fulani herdsmen but have instead turned their rage and guns on unarmed IPOB fighting for their God given right to self-determination?

“Therefore, we wish to alert the public that the same Igbo men involved in the planning and execution of ‘Operation Python Dance’ across Biafraland last year are at it again this year. South East governors and Ohaneze Ndigbo should be held responsible should Buratai decide to march his Fulani Islamic soldiers into our land on another killing expedition designed to reduce the population of the South East,” the group said.

Umuchinemere Pro-credit Micro Finance Bank lends N451m to 2,114

P • Kaduna State Governor, Nasir Ahmad el-Rufai (m) during the inauguration of the Kaduna State Peace Commission at the Local Government Level, set up to ensure peace and harmonious coexistence at community level.

UK PM visits Nigeria, others to forge trade ties ahead post-Brexit Britain United Kingdom Prime Minister, Mrs Theresa May is scheduled to visit Nigeria, South Africa and Kenya from Monday for the first time in order to forge new trade links for post-Brexit Britain.

UK has voted to leave the European Union.

May becomes the first British leader to visit sub-Saharan Africa in five years, making a three-day trip that includes meetings with the

presidents of South Africa, Nigeria and Kenya.

The prime minister will bring a trade delegation with her in an attempt to boost Britain’s post-Brexit export prospects, although her visit comes at a time when the British government has been accused of a paying insufficient attention to the region.

May has never visited sub-Saharan Africa. Her only previous trip

Canned sardine: NAFDAC cautions public against consuming 2 brands

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ational Agency for Food and Drugs Administration and Control (NAFDAC) on Tuesday alerted general public against consumption of TL Tan Lung and TLC brands of canned sardine.

The Director-General of NAFDAC, Prof. Moji Adeyeye, gave the warning in Abuja.

Adeyeye explained that TL Tan Lung and TLC brands were produced by Chinese companies known as Fujian Yongfa Co. Ltd, and Dongshan Dongyi Food Co. Ltd., respectively.

She said that NAFDAC had been notified that the Malaysian Ministry of Health on April 20, 2018 in Kuala Lumpar Malaysia, recalled the two

canned sardine products.

Adeyeye said that the products did not comply with the standards set by 1983 Food Act and was recalled due to presence of nematode parasitic worms in the products.

The director-general also cautioned all importers not to import the affected canned sardines into the country.

“Anybody in possession of the unwholesome canned sardines should submit them to the nearest NAFDAC Office.

“Consumers are encouraged to report all adverse events resulting from the use of these products to the nearest NAFDAC office,” she said.

to the continent was a visit to Tunisia in 2015 in the aftermath of the Sousse hotel terror attack.

Speaking ahead of her flight to South Africa on Monday evening, the prime minister said, “Africa stands right on the cusp of playing a transformative role in the global economy” and that “a more prosperous, growing and trading Africa is in all of our interests.”

The last time a British prime minister visited sub-Saharan Africa was in December 2013 when David Cameron attended Nelson Mandela’s funeral.

He had intended to return in the summer of 2016 in the final days of his premiership but the planned visit was abandoned when May took over as Conservative leader earlier than anticipated.

May has never visited sub-Saharan Africa. Her only previous trip to the continent was a visit to Tunisia in 2015 in the aftermath of the Sousse hotel terror attack.

Speaking ahead of her flight to South Africa on Monday evening, the prime minister said: “Africa stands right on the cusp of playing a transformative role in the global economy” and that “a more prosperous, growing and trading Africa is in all of our interests”.

ursuant to the economic evangelisation mission of the Roman Catholic Church to alleviate poverty in the society, the Enugu-based Umuchinemere Pro-credit Micro Finance Bank (UPMFB), owned by the Catholic Diocese of Enugu, gave the sum of N451, 182, 305 to active poor people in the diocese in the first six months of 2018.

The money was given to 2,114 customers, among which were 809 female beneficiaries, in loans of various forms and categories to improve their quality of lives by engaging in different micro, small and medium enterprises, in order to escape poverty, the bank’s Head of Media/Public Relations, Sir Abuchi Anueyiagu, disclosed in a statement.

About the same period in 2017, the UPMFB which first began operations on 22 July 1995 as a community bank and later transformed to a microfinance bank in 2007, gave a total of N409, 205, 200 to a total of 1, 774 beneficiaries, a significantly below difference from that of the current financial year.

In the current financial year, the number of male beneficiaries was 1,305 and they received the sum of N257, 045, 905 of the N451, 182, 305 facilities which were interventions meant to fight poverty.

Detailed information from the bank’s head of Credit, Mr. Charles Udeani, indicates that both the Agriculture and Housing microfinance sectors received the sum of N30million and N10.9million respectively.

Small businesses received a total of N98.1million of the facilities.

Though the N451.1million was below the bank’s N600million target in the first six months of the year, it is hoped with improvements in macro economic climate of the country, the bank would meet its target by end of the year.

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The Oracle Today Wednesday September 5, 2018

NEWS

FG planned to infect detained protesters with terminal diseases – IPOB alleges

By IBE NWACHUKWU

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he Indigenous Peoples of Biafra (IPOB) has described the alleged planned forceful subjection to pregnancy test on the Imo women who were arrested, detained and later released by security agencies for making pro-Biafra protest, as a wider ploy to contaminate and infect them with some diseases that may prove incurable in the long run.

Prison authorities in Imo state had proposed to subject the women to pregnancy test to ascertain the number of those who were pregnant while still in detention among and those not.

In a press statement issued,

Monday, by its Media and Publicity Secretary, Emma powerful, IPOB expressed satisfaction that the women whom they identified as our mothers and grand-mothers vehemently resisted the ploy to forcefully subject them to such a deadly medical experimentation, before they were released.

“Any impartial observer unfortunate enough to visit Imo State today will be forgiven for thinking that Hitler’s Third Reich has been resurrected in the peace-loving central region of Biafra land, adding, the Gestapo style round up of innocent mothers during a peaceful protest, their unlawful detention by the government, torture and humiliation of the entire Igbo

race, clearly took another more sinister step.

“The forced pregnancy test for all the women including grand-mothers, announced by the prison authorities, was a devilish and sinister intrusion into the health of our mothers reminiscent of the fate Jewish women endured in Concentration Camps in Europe during the Holocaust.

“If this had been allowed to happen in the 21st century, it would have been an indictment of the impotency of United Nations, Britain, Africa Union and countless other human rights groups that receive aid and grants to defend human rights but only end up aiding gross violation of human

rights in Biafra. Who in their right mind would subject a 64 year old woman to a pregnancy test, if not for the purpose of humiliation and inflicting of bodily harm.

“IPOB wishes to notify the world that the planned subjection of our women to invasive and undignified pregnancy test was a genocidal medical experimentation which we would not have allowed to be performed on our mothers.

“The test should not have been proposed, not to talk of carrying it out. The best option remained for the government that said it was releasing our mothers unconditionally to have allowed them seek independent medical attention elsewhere, if they wished.”

•Former Arsenal coach Arsene Wenger arriving in Liberia where President George Weah, his former player honoured him with Liberia’s highest national award

Anambra Govt. pledges more support for IFAD-VCDP activities

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nambra Government has reiterated its commitment to the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD)-assisted Value Chain Development Programme (VCDP) for farmers in the state.

State Commissioner for Agriculture, Mechanisation, Processing and Export, Mr Afam Mbanefo, made the pledge in Onitsha on

Monday at the inauguration of Commodity Agricultural Forum (CAF).

The CAF is driven by the IFAD-VCDP for agricultural stakeholders under its programme.

“The CAF initiative will play a big role in driving the commodity unit in the state, which is why Gov. Willie Obiano mandated its estab-

Continued from Pg1

erate as the 8th Assembly would soon come to an end.

In an unsigned press statement, the Forum queried: “If our allowances are not paid, what is our hope that our severance packages would be paid? Legislatives aides of the 7th Assembly told us that their own severance packages were not fully paid and we do not want to be victims. So, we call on the relevant authorities to be aware of our plight and hardship.”

“We will vehemently resist and reject any half severance packages. They must be fully paid as stip-

lishment.

“Agriculture is key to this administration; that is why the state government will continue to support IFAD-VCDP to drive its activities for the benefit of farmers and agricultural stakeholders,” he said.

The state Programme Coordinator of IFAD-VCDP, Mr Nnamdi Agwuncha, explained that CAF

... Protest over unpaid allowances ance packages, which would be due at the end of the tenure of the 8th NASS at the end of next year.

According to the Forum For Personal Assistants to Legislators in both chambers of the National Assembly, only three-month allowances have been paid to them since June 2015.

They have expressed fears that the decision to withhold the balance of 13 and half months of their allowances could be delib-

ulated in the rules,” they added, warning that they would not sit idly and watch their colleagues die because they have no money to treat their sicknesses.

“We lost our colleagues due to lack of money to pay medical bills while others while others are stranded, unable to return from their travels no thanks to unpaid allowances that we are entitled to.”

They, therefore, called on the federal government to intervene and ensure that their allowances and other entitlements are paid.

was a platform for farmers and others to share experiences and find solutions to agricultural challenges in the state.

“It was adopted as a legal entity to enable it to play the facilitating role for VCDP. “IFAD-VCDP registered CAF with the Corporate Affairs Commission as a business entity to facilitate business transactions for all the value chain stakeholders in the country,” Agwuncha explained.

In his remarks, the state Chairman of CAF, Mr Paul Egwuatu, who commended IFAD-VCDP for the initiative, said the forum would be used to solve some of the challenges facing them.

IFAD is United Nations financial institution dedicated to eradicating poverty and hunger in rural areas of developing countries through rice and cassava production.

The six-year programme being implemented in Anambra, Benue, Ebonyi, Niger, Ogun and Taraba States, is expected to terminate on June 30, 2020.

Imo State APC celebrates council poll victory From COLLINS UGHALAA

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he All Progressives Congress (APC) says it is happy that with the near 100% victory it recorded in the Saturday local government election in the state.

The local government election witnessed massive boycott by the people of the state as everyone went about his business.

The Imo State Independent Electoral Commission (ISIEC) on Sunday released the result of the local government election and declared that the APC won the chairmanship positions in all the 27 local government areas of the state and 636 out of the 645 councillorship positions.

In a press release by the Spokesperson of the party, Onwuasoanya FCC Jones, the party said that though it had expected 100% result in the election, it is delighted with the near 100% success recorded in the election.

“The All Progressives Congress in Imo State has received with delight, the declaration of all its 27 Chairmanship candidates and 636 out of 645 councillorship candidates as winners in the LGA election held yesterday across the State.

“This victory which falls a little short of the 100% victory anticipated by our Party signals the victory that will be recorded by our Party come 2019 general elections, and we expect all the opposition Parties to accept defeat in good faith”, said the APC. The party added: “The Party is still studying the results from five communities where some opposition Parties won the councillorship election. The Party’s councillorship candidates shall be queried by the Party to give cause why they should not be sanctioned for squandering the Party’s goodwill in their wards. The Party will however not hesitate to petition the Imo State Independent Electoral Commission if enough evidence is advanced to show that the victory was given in error”.

In a related development, the APC has denied that there was apathy during the local government election that was held on Saturday.

According to the party’s Publicity Secretary, Onwuasoanya FCC Jones, the opposition parties did not take part in the election because “They were aware of the disgrace that awaited them had they fielded candidates for the election, hence, they chickened out early enough”.

The party noted that “In place of campaigning for the support of Imolites, they resorted to the basest form of blackmail, concocting one fake news after another to distract the ISIEC from going ahead with the conduct of the election. We applaud ISIEC under Hon. Ethelbert Ibeabuchi for not allowing itself to be distracted and for giving Imo people one of the most credible elections in its history”.

The APC added that “Having failed to stop the LGA election from holding, and realizing the huge political mileage the expected 100% victory for the APC gives us, the chronically disgruntled and lousy opposition has begun another futile experiment to discredit the election with unsubstantiated stories of apathy greeting the exercise. They have also gone ahead to manufacture pictures of empty church Halls taken days before the LGA election to confuse few gullible minds into believing that the election was greeted by apathy”.

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The Oracle Today Wednesday September 5, 2018

SPORTS

Moses’ retirement good for young players – Ibitoye Stories by MADUABUCHI KALU

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HE controversy that trailed the announcement by Super Eagles’ striker, Victor Moses of his retirement from international football is still generating heat among stakeholders despite the fact that his announcement to quit international football has been made more than two weeks ago.

However, while some are calling for his return to the squad some others are of the view that Moses should not be begged to play for the country since nobody forced him out of the national team but announced his retirement from Eagles out of his own volition.

One person who believes that the Chelsea wingback should not be bothered to return to the Eagles is the team’s spokesman, otherwise referred to as the Media Officer of the team, Toyin Ibitoye.

Ibitoye believes the retirement of Moses will create room for young players to stake claim to the national team duties and contribute to the development and progress of the team and as a result; it is a blessing in disguise.

He, however, acknowledged the fact that Moses is one of the best players that Eagles can boast of as he is playing at the top level but remains optimistic that there will be a replacement for him going forward.

It is recalled that Moses had announced about two weeks ago that he has decided to call it quit with the national team to enable him concentrate on his club career and at the same time attend to his young family as the combination of the two has been taking heavy toll on him.

“There will be no Victor Moses and there will be no Mikel Obi. Yaah! Already that is right. Moses announced his retirement from international football and Mikel has asked to be

excused so that he can regain his fitness. So, those two players will not be there but Coach Gernot Rohr has named 24 players on Friday and a few players are on standby.

“However, despite the absence of Victor Moses and John Obi Mikel, some of those who were at the World Cup are in for this game. You know it is a crucial game, we are still in the group, we are third in the group and the top two teams are the ones that will qualify. So it a must win game for us we must mop up the strongest squad possible for us to be able to get that result.

“We hope that there will be no injuries to the players that Gernot Rohr announced for the on Friday for the September 7 game,” Ibitoye said.

Speaking further, the Eagles spokesman disclosed that Moses spoke with the Eagles’ manager before going public about his decision to quit international football.

“Of course Victor Moses spoke with Gernot Rohr before announcing his retirement from international football. He was in touch with Rohr and top officials, the team secretary and a few other persons. The coach knows that Victor Moses is a good player, one of our very best, playing at a very high level and appealed to him to have a rethink but we respect his decision.

“I would understand his fears.

There is a new manager at Chelsea and probably a change of style that will affect him. And so he believes that he needs to be more focus on his club career so that he can get the kind of wing use he got in the last two years under Antonio Conte that helped him picked an improved contract at Chelsea.

“So, we really understand that.

However, nothing is cast in stone, if he decides; we have seen players who have gone on retirement before and they made a return. If he decides

to make a return he will be welcomed with open arms but we have to respect his decision.

“As Gernot Rohr told me when we had discussion about this issue, may be it is an opportunity for some other young players to step up and show that they can also be relevant and be a key members of the Super Eagles of Nigeria. So, soldier go soldier come as they say, but barracks will remains.

“We hope that his action will throw up something for us to make us stronger and make and us more competitive going forward,” Ibitoye explained.

Meanwhile, Super Eagles’ gaffer, Gernot Rohr has urged Victor Moses to reconsider his early retirement from the national team ahead of the 2019 African Cup of Nations.

The Franco-German football tactician is hoping that the AFCON 2019

that will hold in Cameroon will be a motivation for the Chelsea man to stage a comeback.

“We spoke already and I hope that his decision is not definitive.

“I think it depends on his motivation. If he really wants to commit himself again, he is welcome.

“Maybe the chance to win the AFCON is motivation. We will see.”

Moses contributed a lot to the Super Eagles third win of the AFCON 2013 in South Africa and he appeared in two World Cups for Nigeria in 2014 and 2018.

He played 37 times and scored 12 goals for the Super Eagles. Rohr is expected today to release his squad for the AFCON 2019 qualification match against Seychelles on September 8 The team camp will open on September 1 in Abuja from where they fly out to the Indian Ocean Island nation.

star, Victor Moses, called him to explain he wanted to concentrate on his club and have more time for his family.

“Moses has a new coach who • Victor Moses brought a new system. So, he needs to work to adapt to new formation.

I just hope his excuse is not a definitive retirement from the national HE much awaited team list team,” the German added. for the Africa Cup of Nations Qualifier against minnows Seychelles was released on Friday

by Super Eagles’ manager, Gernor Rohr with new names making the list.

Some of the new names in the list include 2013 Federation of International Football Association (FIFA) Under-17 World Cup winning captain, Kelechi Nwakali of Arsenal who is on loan to Porto of Portugal.

Others include Jaminu Collins – Paderborn, Germany Semi Ajayi – Arsenal Under-23, England Samuel Kalu – Bordeaux, France among others.

It is recalled that Kelechi Nwakali had last month stated that he will no longer be missing in Super Eagles games starting with the AFCON Qualifier against Seychelles next month.

Nwakali happened to be one player that most Nigerians believed would have made the Super Eagles World Cup in Russia but was shocked that the talented player was omitted in the Eagles list to the World Cup despite proving that he is one of the best players in the country when Eagles Team B played visiting Euopa Champions, Athletico Madrid in a friendly tie in Uyo, which ended in favour of the visitors, 3-2.

Meanwhile, Nigerians were surprised that despite the backlash that greeted Odion Jude Ighalo’s poor performance at the last World Cup in Russia, he was top on the list of invited players for the Super Eagles’ Africa Cup of Nations, AFCON qualifiers away to Seychelles.

It is noted that Ighalo came under fire after blowing up a good chance in the Eagles’ last game against Argentina at the World Cup. As Nigeria’s top striker to the 2018

2019 AFCON qualifiers: Rohr explains Mikel, Moses, Ebuehi absence

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UPER Eagles Technical Adviser, Gernot Rohr, has explained the circumstances surrounding the absence of some key players in the squad that will take on Seychelles in the forthcoming 2019 African Cup of Nations qualifier next month, September 7.

Speaking to sports journalists on Friday, the former Bayern Munich defender said Captain John Mikel Obi asked to be excused because he was recovering from an injury and not fit for the game.

“Yes it is true, our captain, Mikel will not be a part of the squad that will face Seychelles for the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) Qualifier because of obvious reasons. We spoke and he asked to be excused from the game to enable him recover from injury and be fit,” Rohr began.

“I considered his excuse and the long journey he has to make from China. He needs to focus on his fitness in order to recover fully for club and country.

“In the case of Shehu Abdullahi, he is celebrating Salah. He is not ready for the match, while Tyrone Ebuehi is recovering from an injury as well.”

Rohr also disclosed that Chelsea

Woods slams NBA players over Trump feud

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RESIDENT Donald Trump has publicly feuded with NFL players over protesting during the national anthem and lashed out at NBA players who have criticsed him, NorthJersey.com reports.

But Tiger Woods, who has played golf twice with Trump since his 2016 election, is not getting involved.

Woods shot a 1-under 70 on Sunday at Ridgewood Country Club, finishing The Northern Trust at 4-under par, well out of contention.

After his round, Woods was asked to describe his professional and personal relationship with the president. Trump has always been close to golf; he owns several country clubs and has developed a relationship with the most famous player in the world. Woods, a 14-major winner, played golf with Trump as recently as last November.

“Well, I’ve known Donald for a number of years,” Woods said.

“We’ve played golf together. We’ve had dinner together. I’ve known him pre-presidency and obviously during his presidency.”

Woods was then asked to explain why he has a friendly relationship with the president when athletes like James are publicly clashing with the president and many people, especially minorities and immigrants, feel threatened by his policies.

“Well, he’s the President of the United States,” Woods said. “You have to respect the office. No matter who is in the office, you may like, dislike the personality or the politics, but we all must respect the office.”

Last year, Trump vulgarly called out NFL players who protested during the national anthem, saying that they should lose their jobs and has publicly challenged the league to create a policy that forces players to stand during the anthem. He’s publicly feuded with LeBron James and refused to invite the Warriors to the White House after several players and Coach Steve Kerr said they wouldn’t attend a White House visit.

When Woods was asked if he had anything else to say about the state of the discourse in our country surrounding race relations, he took a pass.

“No,” Woods said. “I just finished 72 holes and I’m really hungry.”

New players make Eagles’ AFCON list

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FIFA World Cup, Ighalo was unable to score a goal in the three group matches despite playing in the three matches hence the eyebrow raised

by Nigerians over his inclusion in the squad that will face Seychelles on September 7.

However, despite his poor performance at the World Cup, the former Watford striker has been firing on all cylinders at his Chinese club, Changchun Yatai where he has scored as much as 15 goals this season.

That notwithstanding, in 24-man list released in Lagos by Gernot Rohr, some of the players who could not make any meaning impact at the Mundial found their way back to the team and they include the like of Ogenyi Onazi who didn’t play any game and Alex Iwobi, who alleged that his poor showings at the World Cup was as a result being played out of position just as Kelechi Iheanacho also found himself on the list.

46

The Oracle Today Wednesday September 5, 2018

SPORTS

Udeze rues Eagles’ lack of potent goal poachers Stories by MADUABUCHI KALU

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HE inability of Super Eagles’ strikers to score goals is giving former national team defender, Ifeanyi Udeze sleepless nights.

According to Udeze, it is worrisome that the main national team striker, Odion Jude Ighalo has not been able to replicate his club form in the national team.

“Of course it is a big problem for us now because when you look at it, our strikers are not scoring goals as they supposed to score. That is why Victor Agali said it is a concern,” Udeze began.

“It is a big concern because our striker should start scoring goals.

That is what we need. We need goals because without goals you cannot win matches. That is why our striker should step up their game to enable them score goals.

“Take for instance, when a coach tells you that I want to give you another chance like in the case of Ighalo that does not mean that he doesn’t believe in you rather it is to ensure that he pushes you to buckle up, wake and start scoring goals because that is what is expected of a striker.

“If you look you will observe that these strikers are scoring goals for their club sides but for the national team I don’t really know what the

problem is.

“But for me, I pray that Ighalo will replicate his club’s goal scoring prowess in the Super Eagles. That is why all our strikers should start scoring goals, that is the only way they will justify their inclusion in the team,” Udeze explained.

On the inclusion of Simeon Nwankwo as one of Eagles’ attackers, Udeze said Nwankwo is a good player, Ighalo is a good player and Ahmed Musa is also a good player but said for him Ighalo is more experienced than Nwankwo and as a result should be given preference in the team.

“For me, Simeon Nwankwo is a good player and Ighalo is also a good player. And if you asked me, Ighalo is more experienced among all the strikers.

“It is true that he has not been scoring goals for Nigeria but he has been banging goals for his club but I want him to replicate his goal scoring form in the national team.

“We need goals in the national team and when you are not scoring goals in the national team, it means that you are giving another striker chance to take your spot in the team. So there is need for them to start scoring goal if they want to retain their positions in the national team,” Udeze explained.

Garba happy with U-17 progress

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S the national Under-17 team, the Golden Eagles prepare for zonal African Qualifiers slated for Niger Republic, the team’s handler; Coach Manu Garba has expressed satisfaction on the progress made so far by his wards as they look forward to the Zonal African Qualifier According to him, his team have done well in the technical and tactical aspect of the game but has maintained that some gray areas in the team will still be addressed before their departure to Niger Republic soon.

“We are almost into the finishing touches. We are in the last stage of preparations. The team have done very well in terms of physical fitness, technical cleanness and tactical fitness. “But above all, we still have a little gray area to address.

“We need to work in those areas but our greater happiness is we are almost there to be ready for the zonal qualifier in Niger republic,” Garba said.

It is noted that Garba led the Golden Eagles to win the nation’s fourth Under-17 FIFA World Cup in 2013 and in 2015; the experienced manager won the Africa Under-17 Championship and in 2015 his first assistant, Emmanuel Amuneke won Nigeria’s fifth FIFA Under-17 World Championship in United Arab Emirate that saw Kelechi Iheanacho won the Most Valuable Player (MVP) of that tournament.

Ikpeazu to reconstruct Umuahia Township Stadium FIBA World Cup: Nwora optimistic of D’Tigers’ qualification

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OLLOWING the wealth of experience garnered in the reconstruction of Enyimba International Stadium in the commercial nerve centre of Abia State, Aba, the state Governor, Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu Sunday declared that the state government would reconstruct the Umuahia Township Stadium in order to increase the level of sports activities in the state.

According to him, after the reconstruction and rehabilitation of the Enyimba International Stadium, Aba, he has learnt some few lessons.

It is open secret that in the past two seasoned Enyimba FC of Aba have been playing their league and continental matches in Calabar because of the poor state of Enyimba International Stadium.

In the word of Governor Ikpeazu: “I have learnt a few things from this

project. It took us almost two years to complete the project and that project cost us N600 million. The turf cost about 1.6million euros plus other things we did,” Ikpeazu began.

“I will like to say that it is a possibility and I will like to do something better in Umuahia Township Stadium than what we have in Enyimba International Stadium.

“In the long run, it is cheaper and we are not going to go into the problems of re-grassing every year and we are not going to go into the problems of flooded pitch.”

Governor Ikpeazu used the occasion to reiterate his administration commitment to deliver standard infrastructure that would touch the lives of Abians and boost socio-economic activities in the state.

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’TIGERS’ Coach, Alex Nwora has stated that Nigeria’s Basketball Men national team, D’Tigers will be out to fight and do their very best to ensure good representation in order to pick one of the five tickets available for African Zone in the race to book a place for the 2019 FIBA Men World Cup. Nwora was speaking on the backdrop of the 12 players called to report to duty for the September window saying they will be ready to do their best as they hope believe in the President of the NBBF in communications with FIBA to also do their best.

“We will go and fight and do our best to represent Nigeria the best way we can knowing that the Federation have a goal to make sure that they give us a good condition

to prepare for this coming window which a very tough window for September.

“The President is giving us his words, hopefully we are even going to be stronger as we fight to ensure that we secure one of the five slots for Africa for the 2019 FIBA Men World Cup,” Nwora said.

Meanwhile, a player of Nigeria’s Basketball Women national team, D’Tigress, Ufuoma Jasline has stated that they will have strength as an advantage ahead of the team’s preparations for next month’s FIBA Women World Cup in Tenneribe Spain.

Jasline said that Nigeria would not be so low not to be able to make use of their one area of physical strength in their bid not just to appear at the World Cup but also compete for honours at the global basketball World Cup. “We prepare hard in the pro-

gramme as put together to prepare the girls to represent Nigeria and I think we should do well.

“They are all the teams are prepared and so are us. We have Nigerian strength and I think we should go out there and challenge them,” Jasline declared.

Eguavoen tasks Eagles on AFCON qualifier

F •Abia State Governor, Dr Okezie Ikpeazu, posing with Ex-Super Eagles players including Alloy Agu, Austine Eguavon, Uche Okechukwu, Taribo West, Daniel Amokachi, Samson Siasia, Mutiu Adepoju, Garba Lawal, Yisa Sofoluwe, Ndukwe Chukwu, Lawrence Ukaegbu, during the official reopening of the reconstructed Enyimba International stadium Aba.

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NYG: Team Lagos to flag off camping

S the countdown to this year’s National Youth Games (NYG) gets underway, Lagos State has commenced camping of her athletes ahead of the September National Youth Games which will hold in Ilorin, the Kwara State capital.

According to Lagos State Government, no fewer than 200 Team La-

gos athletes from 25 sports started on Open Camp on Monday August 27 to end on Friday August 31, after which they go into a Closed Camp from Sunday, September 2 to Thursday, September 6, 2018.

The athletes will be camped at the Teslim Balogun Stadium Hostel in Surulere and Myong Barracks Ig-

bobi, Lagos.

Executive Chairman of Lagos State Sports Commission, Dr. Kweku Adedayo Tandoh said all hands would be on deck to ensure that the athletes have good preparation during the camping period, adding that the best of them will be selected to represent the Centre of Excellence at the Youth Games.

ORMER Super Eagles’ coach, Austin Eguavoen has stated that invited players to the Super eagles should count themselves luck considering the plethora of players plying their trade abroad.

He therefore, said that they must now be ready to give their all in course of ensuring that Nigeria gets it right this time.

The Edo-State born former Eagles’ gaffer said the players approach must be different having missed out of two consecutive AFCON Championships.

“I believe that anybody that has been invited should also count himself lucky because the World Cup has come and gone, so is new approach now,” Eguavoen began.

“It is new tournament, may be with a different method. So if you are invited for the first game after the World Cup, you should count yourself lucky and you have to put in your best probably now that there will be new method,” Eguavoen advised.

It is recalled that Super Eagles’ Technical Adviser, Gernot Rohr last Friday released the much awaited Eagles list for the Africa Cup of Nations Qualifier against Seychelles with the omission of three key players that participated in Mundial in Russia. Those key players include the captain of the team, John Obi Mikel who is excused due to injury and lack of fitness. Victor Moses who two weeks ago announced his retirement from the team saying he has to focus on club career and young family while Shehu Abdullahi is not fit after salah, Tyronny Ebuehi is down with injury.

The September 7 Africa Cup of Nations is a must win match for the Super Eagles if they really want to be a part of AFCON 2019 that will hold in Cameroon after being absent twice in a role for the very first time.

Hence there is need for all hands to be on deck in order to ensure Nigeria secure the maximum points to brighten their chances of qualifying for the 2019 AFCON.

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The Oracle Today Wednesday September 5, 2018

SPORTS

CAF Conf Cup: Homecoming excites Enyimba Stories by MADUABUCHI KALU

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OLLOWING the refurbishment of Enyimba International Stadium by Governor Okezie Ikpeazu led government and the subsequent certification of the venue for Enyimba’s continental and club engagements, the two time CAF Champions Leagues Champions have expressed excitement over their return to their home turf.

It is recalled that the people’s elephant have been playing both their domestic and continental games at U.J. Esuene Stadium in faraway Calabar, the Cross River State capital and at the Adokieye Amasiemaka Stadium in Port Harcourt, but with the reconstruction and approval of the stadium by CAF, Enyimba are back to their home soil and will have the first feel of the stadium in competitive game against CAF Confederation opponents, CARA today (Wednesday) in Aba in their final group C game even as they will have the fully compliment of their home support.

The ever supportive Enyimba fans who have been yearning for the return of their darling club to the commercial city will troop out in their numbers to rally support to the two time continental champions even as the Abia State financed club have vowed to ensure victory to enable them top their group and make it to the knockout stage of the competition.

The people’s elephant need maximum points to be certain of advancing while a draw will suffice for Group C leaders CARA, whose lone CAF title came 44 years ago.

Three clubs have booked last-eight places and five are out of contention,

leaving eight entering matchday 6 seeking five slots in the September 3 quarter-finals draw.

AFP Sport predicts which teams are set to join V Club of the Democratic Republic of Congo, Renaissance Berkane of Morocco and Al Masry of Egypt in the knockout phase.

It is recalled that Enyimba are the only Nigerian club on the continent and the team said they are aware of the enormous responsibility that is on their shoulders even as they assured that they will definitely do the country proud.

There is no gain saying that the Abia State financed club remained the most successful club in the country having won the much publicized elusive CAF Champions League back to back in 2002/2003.

Till date no Nigerian club have been able to emulate the Aba elephant. If they win this year’s CAF Confederation Cup, they will end up taking their success to the next level and that is the prayer of millions of their fans the world over.

Meanwhile, it important to note that in Group C, CARA lead Enyimba on head-to-head records from Enyimba with Williamsville of the Ivory Coast two points adrift in an intriguing contest for two knockout-phase places.

The Brazzaville outfit have lost all five away matches in the Confederation Cup this season so the odds heavily favour an Enyimba victory on their new artificial pitch.

Williamsville are expected to beat already-eliminated Djoliba of Mali in Abidjan and join Enyimba in the quarter-finals with CARA missing out.

US Open 2018: Serena Williams through with first-round victory Six-time champion, Serena Williams made her return to the US Open with a clinical first-round win over Poland’s Magda Linette.

Williams, 36, missed her home Slam last year, giving birth to daughter Olympia shortly after the tournament started.

Opening Monday’s night session at Arthur Ashe Stadium, she won 6-4 6-0 against her 68th-ranked opponent. The 17th seed will meet Germany’s Carina Witthoeft in the second round.

Williams is still on course to meet older sister, Venus in the third round, although the prospect of facing world No1, Simona Halep - her projected last-16 opponent - has disappeared after the Romanian’s shock defeat by Estonia’s Kaia Kanepi.

Although she will face tougher challenges, Williams looks well placed to challenge for the recordequalling 24th Grand Slam on the evidence of her victory over

Linette.

She put the Pole’s serve under pressure in a lengthy third game without being able to convert, going on to break it in the seventh.

After avoiding a brief scare when she was taken to deuce in the following game, she saw out the opening set without facing a break point.

The second set was a different story. Linette could not cope with her power and accuracy in a 28-minute set, winning just nine points as Williams sealed victory with a 114mph ace out wide.

“It was such a good feeling to be back here - it is one of the best feelings in the world,” Williams said.

“The first set was tight, it was my first match back here in New York so it wasn’t the easiest.

“Once I got settled I started to do what I’ve been doing in practise and I felt better.

“I think I’m getting there - I’ve been feeling great in practice.”

•New Enyimba Stadium, Aba.

Bolt to make Central Coast Mariners debut in friendly

U

SAIN Bolt is set to make his debut for Central Coast Mariners, despite saying he is struggling with the physical demands of professional football.

The Jamaican eight-time Olympic sprint champion, 31, joined the Australian A-League side for an “indefinite training period” earlier this month.

The Mariners will face an amateur side in a pre-season friendly on Friday. Coach Mike Mulvey said Bolt has “rudimentary skills,” adding: “I imagine he’ll get some minutes.”

Mulvey said the 100m and 200m world record holder was “doing OK” but would take some time “to adjust.” He said: “The things we are asking him to do are things that he hasn’t done for quite some years.

“He has played football as an ath-

lete in between athletic meets so he has rudimentary skills. It’s about being able to do it at the speed that we do it.”

The 11-time world sprint champion has been playing as a left winger in training but said he still needs to “get up to pace” with the stop-start nature of football matches.

“Because I’m not used to picking up speed, going back down, up and down, up and down, back and forth, that’s the most challenging,” he said.

“The (A-League) season doesn’t

start until the end of October so I have time.” Bolt, who retired from athletics in 2017, has previously trained with Borussia Dortmund, South African club Mamelodi Sundowns and Norway’s Stromsgodset.

He said he had always “dreamed” of playing professional football and was starting to see improvements in his game. “For me it’s about just getting fit and as many touches of the ball that I can. The more I play, the more comfortable I get,” he said.

Abramovich splashes £500m on Stamford Bridge

C

HELSEA owner, Roman Abramovich will resume redevelopment work at Stamford Bridge and rejected reports that he is ready to sell the club.

Only two months after Sportsmail revealed that Britain’s richest man, Jim Ratcliffe, had failed in an attempt to buy Chelsea despite tabling a £2billion offer, the Sunday Times reported that Abramovich had enlisted the services of an American investment bank to attract a buyer.

However a club source insisted on Sunday that the situation remained unchanged since Ratcliffe’s advances were rejected, adding that Abramovich has no desire to sell. Indeed, Sportsmail can reveal

that staff at Stamford Bridge have been told work on a £500million redevelopment will resume at the stadium even if a date has yet been specified.

At the end of May the club announced that the project to increase the stadium’s capacity to 60,000 had been shelved because of the ‘current unfavourable investment climate’. It was widely seen as Abramovich’s response to problems the Russian oligarch had encountered with the Home Office over his UK investor’s visa, but while there remain concerns about the economy – particularly with the uncertainty over Brexit – club insiders are confident the owner will deliver on his vision for the stadium.

Ajimobi named Oyo SWAN Grand Patron

W

ITH the dust settled over the demolition of a part of Yinka Ayefele’s Road Station, Fresh FM by Governor Abiola Ajimobi following the promise by the Governor to rebuilt the destroyed part of the Radio Station, all is now set for the investiture of the Oyo State helmsman, Senator Ishaq Abiola Ajimobi as the Grand Patron of the Oyo State chapter of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN).

According to a press statement signed by Oyo SWAN Chairman, Mr. Niyi Alebiosu and the Association’s Secretary, Mr. Adewale Tijani, the investiture will take place on Monday, September 3rd, 2018 at the Governor’s Office, Secretariat, Ibadan.

Explaining why the Governor was appointed as the Grand Patron of Oyo SWAN, the State Chairman of the body of Sports Writers, Alebiosu said Governor deserved the honour because of

his innovation in sports and the administration’s unprecedented steps developing sustainable super structures for the development of sports in the state, in spite of financial obstacles limiting the capability of the state government.

Alebiosu recalled that the present administration in the state created a unique and conducive forum for football fans in the state to enjoy the thrills and frills of the 2019 World Cup held in Russia with the establishment of a large viewing centre, first of its kind at the Lekan Salami stadium where fans watched all games of the Mundial with pleasure.

“Governor Ajimobi, through the State Commissioner for Youth and Sports Mr. Yomi Oke, gave us the pleasure to watch all the World Cup games free of charge in a very conducive atmosphere befitting the VIPs”, the Oyo SWAN Chairman point-

ed out.

He also reminded the sports fans and stakeholders that the same Governor approved the renovations of Lekan Salami stadium for the people of the state to enjoy it better.

•Oyo State Gov. Abiola Ajimobi

WEDNESDAY September 5, 2018

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PMB’s elevation of “national interest” above Rule of Law unheard of

By MIKE A. A. OZEKHOME

I

humbly disagree with President Muhammadu Buhari on his assertion that security and national interest should be elevated above the rule of law. He said this in his opening remarks during the 2018 NBA Annual General Conference currently going on in Abuja. Mr. President, with all due respect, is definitely wrong on this score.

The declaration reminded me of the locust days of Decrees 2 and 4, which decimated citizens’ rights and ousted the courts’ jurisdiction to inquire into breach of such rights. I was shocked when I beheld lawyers, who ought to have protested loudly at this legal profanity, clapping, laughing and “applauding” him. It was, to me, a desecration of the dignity of man.

Are we cursed, or are we under a spell or state of mental stupor and intellectual inebriety? Mr. President was literally suspending the Nigerian Constitution, by his statement. And lawyers were cheering!

Rule of law is the very anvil and foundation on which any society is anchored. It precedes society itself and predominates over national interest. Indeed, modern society itself emerged from pristine Stone Age irrationality through the operation of rule of law. It was the violation of the rule of law in the Garden of Eden by Adam and Eve, when they ate of the forbidden fruit that so upset God that he drove them out of this Eldorado, after giving them a fair hearing. Without rule of law, there can be no nation state. Without nation state, there can be no national interest. Rule of law is father of national interest. No society can exist without the Rule of law. It is immutable, ineradicable, and unchangeable.

Those deceiving Mr. President and writing warped “legal opinions” and speeches for him on sensitive national matters that could snowball into serious cataclysmic miasma capable of consuming all of us, just to keep their cheap jobs and serve the insatiable bacchanalian appetites of their gods at the ephemeral corridors of power, must remember the immortal words of the Supreme Court in Military Governor of Lagos State v Odumegwu Ojukwu (2001) FWLR (part 50) 1779, 1802, Coran erudite Obaseki, JSC: “The Nigerian Constitution is founded on the rule of law, the primary meaning of which is that everything must be done according to law. Nigeria, being one of the countries in the world which professes loudly to follow the rule of law, gives no room for the rule of self-help by force to operate”.

The Constitution of Nigeria is the supreme law, the font et origo, the grundnorm, Section 1 (1) of the 1999 Constitution. The Rule of Law doctrine theorises, amongst others, that: all people and institutions are subject to and accountable to law; the principle of government of law. The rule of law means that no person or government is above the law; that there is restriction of arbitrary exercise of power by subordinating it to well-defined and established laws.

It means that no person, however highly placed, is above the law, whether law makers, law enforcement officials, judges or persons in government.

GUEST COLUMNIST

MIKE

OZEKHOME

•President Buhari

As propounded by Professor A. V. Dicey, the rule of law means equality of all persons before the law; observance of all laws by persons and authorities, irrespective of status. Of course, it encompasses obedience to orders made by competent courts of law.

The Rule of Law thus presupposes that once a court of law has made an order for the release of a citizen on bail, for example, the president, government and all authorities, must obey the order of court. It is not for the government to pick and choose which order to obey and which not to obey, in the name of so-called “national interest” or “national security”. This is because in arriving at a decision to release an individual on bail, the court must have first heard the facts and argument of the case of both the government and the citizen. It is tantamount to executive lawlessness and governmental capriciousness and whimsicality to sit on appeal over a court decision to determine what amounts to national interest. Such a stance is a clear descent into anarchy and chaos. The Nigerian apex court in the

case referred to by Mr. President made its pronounce based on the peculiar facts of the case before it, the case of Dokubo Asari vs FRN (2007) 12 NWLR (Pt. 1048) 331.

It was not a blanket statement authorising governments to disobey clear court orders.

The case did not state that rule of law should be subordinated to national interest or security.

Only recently, a federal court in Washington D.C descended on the Trump administration, when he reversed a deportation of an immigrant mother and daughter who were plaintiffs in an asylum case that was pending before the judge. The judge, in anger, did something unusual. He ordered that the Trump administration turn around the plane, which has already exited to Central America and bring them back to the U.S. He indeed threatened to cite for contempt the Attorney General, Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Director of US Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS) and Executive Director, Office of Immigration Review

(OIR), accompanied by their lawyers.

Although the plane was not able to turn around, but the Department of Homeland Security ensured that the mother and child were not disembarked in El Salvador but were duly returned to the US as ordered by the court. The rule of law was thus allowed to operate to affirm this ruling of Justice Emmet Sullivan, District Judge of the District of Colombia.

Even in India, Justice M. Venugopal, of the Madras High Court once declared that “right or wrong, obey court orders, especially when the order is not appealed against or stayed”.

In the case of Oba Aladegbami v. Oba Fasanmade (1988) 3 NWLR (PT. 81) 131; (1988) 6SCNJ. 103.” Per I. F. OGBUAGU, J.S.C., it was held: “It is now firmly settled that a court Order, must be obeyed even if such Order, is perverse, until such a time that the Order is set aside by a competent court.

In the case of LABOUR PARTY v. INEC (2009) LPELR-1732 (SC), the apex court held that: “It is now firmly settled that a Court Order must be obeyed even if such Order is perverse, until such a time that the Order is set aside by a competent Court. See the case of Oba Aladegbami v. Oba Fasanmade (1988) 3 NWLR (Pt. 81) 131; (1988) 6 SCNJ 103.”Per OGBUAGU, J.S.C (P. 25, paras. C-D).

Also, in the case of AG ANAMBRA STATE v. AG FRN & ORS (2005) LPELR-13 (SC), the Supreme Court held that: “The law in this instance is clear that it is settled that it is the unqualified obligation of every person against or in respect of whom an order is made by a court of competent jurisdiction to obey it unless and until that order is discharged and this the moreso, where the person affected by the order believes it to be irregular or void. In so far as the order exists, it must be obeyed to the letter. See Military Governor of Lagos State v. Ojukwu & Anor. (1986) 1 NWLR (Pt. 18) 621 SC. An order of court, no matter the fundamental vice attaching thereto, remains legally binding and valid until set aside by due process of law. “Per TOBI, J.S.C (P. 54, paras. C-F).

CONCLUSION Nations are built on precepts, which clearly limit the scope of governmental involvement in individual’s life and existence.

Any violation of an individual’s rights and civil liberties is tantamount to a clear subversion of the nation itself. This is because without liberty and fundamental rights, the nation ceases to exist as a coherent entity.

“National Security” or “National Interest” is a veritable smokescreen under which a tyrannical and lawless government hides to promote its own dubious agenda against the hapless masses, thus jettisoning all known provisions of the Constitution and the Bill of Rights. I hereby reject such illegal and unconstitutional theory.

•Ozekhome, SAN, OFR, FCIArb, Ph.D, LL.D, Constitutional lawyer and Human Rights activist

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.