August 08, 2015

THE NATION SATURDAY, AUGUST 8, 2015

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Ooni: The storm that rocked the palace

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MORTAL plague assails the 'State of the living spring' - or Osun State, if you like. The golden diadem of her pride emits a cool flow of devouring fire. Osun, clotted with the blaze, seethes from the crown of her head. An unforgivable sacrilege has been committed: His Imperial Majesty Oba Okunade Sijuwade, Olubuse II, the 50th Ooni of Ife, has been declared dead. The royal palace is livid, the people are confused, Ife Kingdom crackles like embers beneath a simmering fire.

The scene prefigures the transition in Greek art from high classicism to Hellenistic style or radical shift from ancient didactic Yoruba folklore to the nuances and wild experimentation of contemporary theatre. Tradition tangled with modernity, is like Laocoon dying with his strangled sons or the ancient Yoruba god, Sango Olukoso, vanishing or transitioning if you like, in his rage at betrayal.

Ife feels betrayed. The primordial borders of the Kingdom are overwhelmed by the smirking vanity of modernity - severally depicted by web journalism, traditional press and the social media.

It's like a cultural holocaust and the apocalypse. Ife flounders at ground zero, her fabled civilisation incinerated by a distant invader, the new media in particular.

The ancient kingdom, regarded by the Yoruba as the cradle of civilisation, still smarts from the daringness of modern civilisation and the new media. Following web media reports that Oba Sijuade died at the age of 85, in a clinic located at 20, Devonshire Place, London, United Kingdom (UK), the Royal Traditional Council (RTC) of Ile Ife, moved to debunk the report, insisting that the monarch is actually hale and hearty.

The RTC, which comprises of all traditional chiefs and title holders in Ile-Ife. Speaking at the House of Chiefs located within the premises of Ile-Oodua palace of the Ooni, the Lowa of Ife, Oba Joseph Ijaodola, maintained that the report in the media that the monarch died in a London Hospital of an undisclosed ailment was untrue.

According to him, "Those behind the death story are enemies of Ife and as I speak with you, chiefs have not heard anything like that.

This is not the first time such rumour will be carried about our father."

Similarly, the Chairman, Ife Development Board, Prof.

Muib Opeloye, maintained that the royal father was preparing for his son's wedding, urging people not to panic and go about their normal daily activities.

Oba Sijuade was, however, absent at his son's wedding.

But his staff of office was on display at the wedding ceremony thus signifying his attendance by proxy.

In an ideal situation...

A radical fusion of traditional media comprising print, broadcast media and daring new media, comprising internet journalism and social media stung the Kingdom of Ife awake from its cultural stupor. A new social and cultural space replaces the ancient village square and challenges royal traditional authority to its throne of power.

No one has the right to announce the death of the Ooni, so argued a source within the palace. More importantly, it is only the RTC that possesses the authority and honour to announce the passage of the monarch, if at all he truly passes away, claimed the source.

Given that the death of Oba Sijuade has not been announced, it is impossible for any of the ruling houses, including the Giesi, to make their nominees known. Whatever permutations or scheming are taking place concerning the selection of the next Ooni of Ife must be done underground.

The Nation findings revealed that whenever the Ooni of Ife passes away, the Kingdom knows without being told. The signs are there for everyone to see. Ogunlaadin, the main entrance used by the monarch and all the markets in Ife will be closed for seven days as a mark of honour to the soul of the departed Ooni. Major trunks of major trees and their leaves would be cut in the market and within the palace. In the past, in addition to these signs, all women would shave their heads for 40 days. Also, the process of initiation and installation of the Oba-elect, picked among the Omo-Oye (princes) will only commence after all these rites had been performed.

After ascertaining that the Ooni is dead, the

Olatunji OLOLADE, Associate Editor and Adesoji ADENIYI palace chiefs are expected to inform the other children of Oduduwa, particularly the Alaafin of Oyo, the descendant of Oranmiyan Akinorun, the Ewi of Ado-Ekiti, the Oba of Benin, the Onipopo of Popo, the Onisabe of Sabe, and the Owa Obokun Adimula. The news will also be broken to other towns and vassal towns and the days of mourning will be declared.

Rite of passage Those to be actively involved in the rite of passage are the Onisoros: Obadio, Lokore, Eredumi, Modewa, that is, the Emeses, Ihare chiefs, starting from Obalufe, the head Ife chiefs and next in rank to the Ooni who is expected to be acting as Ooni till the next king exits the Ilefin to mount the throne.

The kingmakers are in three lines: We have in the first line, the Ihare chiefs, from the Obalufe of Iremo quarter, the Obajio of Imore quarter, the Obaloran of Ilode quarter, the Akogun of Okerewe, Jagunosin )war leader, no boundary(, Waasin of Ilare, the Obalaye of Iraye and Ejesi. The second line known as Modewa chiefs are Loowa, Jaaran, Aguro, Arode, Isanire, Laadin, Lowate and Erebese. The third line only hasAraba, who is the chief priest.

The process for selection of the new Ooni will begin with the Araba, a priest, being summoned after the ruling houses have submitted names of omo-oye (princes nominated to represent their households). No prince or contender is expected to have tribal mark on his face because it is believed that he would die during initiation if he sees an item of the initiation rites with his tribal mark. The Araba would cast his Ifa rosary on each name but he can only use the Ikin not the popular Opele, for Ifa divination. Ifa is the Yoruba oracle of divination.

Following the divination and the selection of the next Ooni, the Obalufe will pronounce Ifa's choice. It is important that no chief mentions names submitted by all the ruling houses to members of the public until after the divination had been concluded and a choice had been made among the princes inside the palace. At times, it is possible for Ifa to pick more than one omo-oye.

When a situation like that arises and Ifa states that two or three of the omo-oye are good enough to be king and their reign would bring peace and prosperity to the town, the onus will fall on the kingmakers to cast their votes in order to pick a consensus candidate for the throne.

At this stage, several things are considered such as the character of the prince, his knowledge of culture, tradition and history of the town, his generosity, contributions to socio-economic growth and development of the town to mention a few.

The Enugeru is where the name of the preferred candidate will be announced. A day to the Ifa divination to pick the omo-oye, all the contenders to the throne must have left the town. After the choice has been made, the Emese will be sent to find him out and bring him in with songs and drumming just as they did for Oba Sijuade, who entered Ife in his time, through Ibadan.

The clan that may produce the next Ooni Although the announcement of the death of Oba Sijuade has not been made official, a vigorous campaign has commenced underground by the ruling houses to position their prospective candidates. Four ruling houses - Osinkola, Giesi, Ogboru and Lafogido - are recognised to contest the Ooni stool going by the 1957 Western Region Chieftaincy Declaration and adopted by the reviewed old Oyo State Chieftaincy Declaration of 1976. Though Ife maintained the four ruling houses, it moved the Ogboru from number three to two because according to

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THE NATION SATURDAY, AUGUST 8, 2015

4 NEWS

Much ado about Daura's DSS

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HE Department of State Services (DSS) will always be in the news owing to the sensitive nature of the agency's responsibilities. Since the end of the Goodluck Jonathan administration and the birth of the Muhammadu Buhari's on May 29, the prism through which the DSS is being perceived has changed. But the change in perception has nothing to do with the apolitical segment of the public.

It is a different kettle of fish any time the operations of the agency touch on politically exposed persons or groups. In this case, the DSS is being viewed in different lights by the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). To the former, the agency, as it is presently constituted, is serving the "national interest", while the latter sees the security outfit as an "attack dog" of the former.

Under Jonathan and his PDP, the DSS was a "patriotic" institution carrying out its duties "without fear or favour". In that dispensation, the APC was the whipping boy. While the PDP was in power, the DSS under its former helmsman, Mr. Ekpenyong Ita, put up "superb performance" as far as the PDP-led government and its sympathizers were concerned. Indeed, the 'brilliant outing' of the DSS then earned Ita another term from Jonathan, to carry on "the good job".

The Ita-led DSS was also hailed by the PDP when its operatives swooped on the Lagos data office of the APC and turned the place upside down, purportedly in search of cloned voter cards. While the erstwhile spokesperson of the agency, Ms. Marilyn Ogar, was beating the drum of phantom card cloning by the APC, the spokesperson of the PDP, Olisa Metuh, was at his best dancing regally to the tune.

Today, Metuh and his PDP are weeping and gnashing their teeth. In spite of the loud wailing by the APC under the Jonathan administration, the DSS under Ita continued its job unhindered. And does anyone expect the DSS under Daura to beat a retreat, tail in between the legs, simply because the PDP under the Buhari administration is moaning?

There are allegations that Ita's DSS knew a thing about the financing of the damaging audio and visual documentary on prominent APC chieftains aired by some local print and electronic media house shortly before the last general elections. Up till now, the affected media houses are still defending their action, even in court. But today, the PDP has mounted the rooftop crying over what it described as the partisan slant of the DSS in the ongoing election

Gbade OGUNWALE, Assistant Editor, Abuja petition cases in states like Rivers, Akwa Ibom and Abia.

Yesterday, it was the APC shedding tears over what it termed the ignoble role of the DSS, the military and the police in the governorship election in Ekiti and Osun states. The controversial and garrulous senator representing Kogi West Senatorial District, Dino Melaye would rather place the PDP-APC perception of the DSS in retrospect.

Hear the exuberant Melaye: "It is surprising and shocking that this is coming from the PDP. We were in this country when we saw the DSS apparently becoming a parastatal of the PDP. We are coming from an era where you could hardly separate the spokesperson of PDP from that of the DSS. Now that President Buhari is trying to change the order, there has been a lot of cry and noise making. But I want to assure you that no sinner shall go unpunished.

“If you are not guilty you have nothing to fear.

There is a popular Yoruba saying, 'When a witch exclaims in the night and in the morning the child dies, you know who killed the child.'

So, if people who have committed atrocities are now being either investigated or questioned, we should not politicise the issue.

“I am not the spokesman of DSS, but I want to say that Nigerians suffered what I will call interference by the DSS in the past and it is too early for anybody to be crying foul if an investigation is going on.

“As I speak to you, the wife of the Senate President is being investigated and there are senators that are being investigated that are not of the PDP extraction. So should we now say that there are PDP agents in APC government? Let everybody carry his cross."

Melaye, in essence, is saying that what goes around comes around.

In any case, the law allows any individual or group to seek redress in court if they felt the DSS or any other security agency had abridged their rights. Such persons or groups should feel free to challenge such infraction in the court of law.

The valuable lesson here is for the political class to imbibe the culture of moderation and refrain from using state apparatus to witch hunt opponents.

They should always bear in mind that no condition is permanent and that retaliation and reciprocity are two sides of a coin. It was the PDP yesterday, it is the APC today. It may as well be APGA tomorrow.

Jostle for Ooni’s stool begins Continued from Page 2

history, for 150 years up till the time the Olubuse I, the grandfather of Oba Sijuade, mounted the throne and ruled for 16 years (1894 to 1910), the Lafogido had three slots, the Osinkola, two slots but the Ogboru had only one slot. Thus in 1980, Oba Sijuade, from Ogboru Ruling House and with many qualities required for the revred stool - local and international contacts, wealth, education among other- was favoured.

The same criteria used for picking Ooni Sijuade was used for his predecessor, Oba Adesoji Aderemi, who reigned from 1930 to 1980. Aderemi contested the Ooni stool with Prince Adewoyin Ajagun Ademiluyi from Lafogido and Prince Adedire from Giesi but was said to have been chosen because he was rich and educated. In 1910, Adekola from Osinkola ruling house died in Ilefin and after him, Ajagun Ademiluyi became Ooni from 1910 to 1930. In all this, there was no rotation until the time of Oba Aderemi.

The four ruling houses cut across the five quarters: Ilode, Moore, Ilare, Iremo and Okerewe. And now that time is set for picking the next Ooni. Whoever emerges from these

ruling houses will represent all the five quarters.

But since, Oba Sijuade was from Ogboru, Oba Aderemi from Osinkola, Oba Ademiluyi Ajagun from Lafogido, and the Oba-elect, Derinloro Ologbenla from Agbedegbede compound, it is believed that it would automatically be the turn of the Giesi.

In picking the next Ooni, the RTC will probably be guided by the charisma, popularity and financial muscle of the last two Oonis: Oba Aderemi and Oba Sijuade.

Ife is not likely to settle for less. More so with the strategic and central position of the ancient town as the cradle of the Yoruba race. The princes, who are likely to join the race as soon as the death and the burial rites of Oba Sijuade are concluded include, Abdulraheem Adedoyin, Sikiru Adetona Ayedun, Tokunbo Sijuwade, Adekunle Adeyeba, Ademola Ademiluyi, Gboyega Ademiluyi, Adebambo Ademiluyi and Kanmi Ademiluyi.

The politics of denial Although the palace is still denying his passing, further findings revealed that his body has already been secretly flown into Nigeria and placed within the palace to enable death rites of passage to commence.

His death is expected to be officially announced as soon as the required traditional rituals are concluded in Ile-Ife. The Ooni was rushed to London on Friday July 24, and was taken from Heathrow Airport in an Ambulance to the clinic where he allegedly died four days later. As expected of tradition, the death of Ooni is being wrapped in secrecy by the traditional council in Ile-Ife. Several news media reported the death of the monarch, but the traditional council, which began the required rites of passage last weekend, still maintains that the Ooni is "hale and hearty."

There is no gainsaying the Ooni courted controversy by his open flirtation with power despite his heartfelt statement of 1980. Ooni Sijuade warned: "I like to warn that a society in transition like ours is a very delicate society which will always stand to benefit from the role which traditional rulers are so fitted to play as impartial, nonpartisan mediators of rapid change in such a way as to preserve the soul of our society and minimise inter-group frictions."

But in the flurry of accusations, counteraccusations and denials erupting in the wake of persistent news reports of his

demise, Ife Kingdom and the whole of Nigeria's traditional royal system will do well to take to heart and act by the profound wisdom in the Ooni's acceptance speech as he mounted the throne in 1980.

He said: Eighty-eight years ago (in 1892), my grandfather Ooni Olubuse ascended this throne and reigned till 1910. He championed the struggle that welded together the warring factions here and reestablished Ife unity. The point here is that each age, indeed each reign, is confronted with its own peculiar problems which it tackles using the materials and methods of its times. Traditional rulers know very well that in socio-political environmental terms and indeed, even in physical terms, they live in a very much changed world from that of our ancestors..." The Ooni counseled that traditional institutions must make provisions to accommodate and recognise "the changed and still rapidly changing societies we live in."

Perhaps the Ife Royal Traditional Council (RTC) would pay good mind to his words in future, lest the Kingdom gets tangled in the web and machinations of an increasingly liberal, skeptical and audacious new media.

THE NATION SATURDAY, AUGUST 8, 2015

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NEWS 5

The man who would clear NNPC's mess

HE hammer finally came down on the former Group Managing Director (GMD) of the Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), Dr. Joseph Thlama Dawha early in the week. In his place, President Muhammadu Buhari announced the appointment of the former Executive Vice Chairman/General Counsel of ExxonMobil (Africa), Dr. Emmanuel Ibe Kachikwu as the new boss of the corporation.

The termination of Dawha's appointment no doubt marked the end of an era in the all important organisation in whose hands the financial fate of the nation literally lies, but which, unfortunately, has been bedeviled by mega corruption.

Only on Tuesday, an international governance watchdog, the Natural Resource Governance Institute (NRGI) released a report in which it accused the NNPC of failing to remit $12.3 billion (about N2.46 trillion) into the Federation Account, being proceeds of sales of one of Nigeria's crude oil grade over the last 10 years.

In the report titled 'Inside NNPC Oil Sales: A Case for Reform in Nigeria,' the NRGI said its research found no evidence that NNPC forwarded to the treasury any revenues from sales of Okono crude between 2005 and 2014, totaling more than 100 million barrels with an estimated value of $12.3 billion.

“In other words, the corporation has provided no public accounting of how it used a decade's worth of revenues from an entire stream of the country's oil production,” the report stated.

The report further disclosed that the NNPC's approach to oil sales suffered from high corruption risks, adding that the company had failed to maximize returns for the nation.

According to the report, over the last 38 years, the NNPC has neither developed its own commercial or operational capacities nor facilitated the growth of the sector through external investment. Instead, NRGI noted, it has spun a legacy of inefficiency and mismanagement.

The governance watchdog lamented that in spite of the failings of the NNPC, especially in its debilitating consumption of public revenues, successive governments

Vincent AKANMODE, Deputy Editor have made no effort to undertake a reform of the corporation.

NRGI said: “We find that management of NNPC's oil sales has worsened in recent yearsand particularly since 2010. The largest problems stem from the rising number of ad hoc, makeshift practices the corporation has introduced to work around its deeper structural problems.

“For instance, the NNPC entered into poorly designed oil-for-product swap deals when it could no longer meet the country's fuel needs. Similarly, it began unilaterally spending billions of dollars in crude oil revenues each year, rather than transferring them to the treasury, because NNPC's actual budget process fails to cover operating expenses.

“Some of these makeshift practices began with credible goals. But over time, their operation became overly discretionary and complex, as political and patronage agendas surpassed the importance of maximising returns.

“These poor practices come with high costs.

"Average prices for the country's light sweet crude topped $110 per barrel during the boom of 2011 to 2014. Yet during that same period, treasury receipts from oil sales fell significantly. While volumes lost to oil theft explain some of the decline, NNPC's massive revenue withholdings and an increase in suboptimal sales arrangements are also to blame.

“Mismanagement of NNPC oil sales also raises commercial, reputational and legal risk for actors worldwide. The sales involve some of the world's largest commodity trading houses, are financed by top banks, and result in the delivery of crude to countries across the globe.”

The alarm raised by NRGI was a corroboration of earlier ones by concerned Nigerians, including Governor Nasir el-Rufai of Kaduna State who, advocating a radical solution to the menace the NNPC had constituted to the nation's progress, said the corporation should be

abolished and replaced with a new one.

“NNPC must die! If you don't kill NNPC, it will kill Nigeria,” he said at the 7th Wole Soyinka Centre Media Series in Abuja on July 13.

According to the governor, in three years between 2012 and 2015, the corporation failed to remit the sum of N3.670 trillion, which he said amounted to 42 per cent of the moneys it earned during the period. He explained that NNPC made about N10.463 trillion in the period but remitted only about N6.793 trillion and could not showcase proper record for the rest.

He said: “The long and short of the situation of our oil industry is best exemplified by the parallel government called the NNPC. In 2012, it sold N2.77trillion of 'domestic' crude oil but paid only N1.66 trillion to the Federation Account. In 2013, it earned N2.66 trillion but paid N1.56 trillion to FAAC, in 2014 N2.64 trillion but remitted N1.44 trillion, while between January and May 2015, it earned N733.36 billion and remitted only N473.2 billion!”

“That means that the NNPC only remitted about 58 per cent of the monies earned between 2012 and the first half of 2015. A company with the audacity to retain 42 per cent of a country's money has become a veritable parallel republic.”

But the party appears to be over with the appointment of Kachikwo as the new GMD. His pedigree as a First Class Graduate of Law from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka and the Nigerian Law School, with master's and doctoral degrees in Law from the Harvard Law School to boot, seems to testify to the quality that is being brought to the management of an establishment that is clearly the nation's economic nerve centre.

So also is his record of service with the Nigerian/American Merchant Bank from where he moved to Texaco Nigeria Limited before he joined ExxonMobil where he functioned as the Executive Vice Chairman/General Counsel before his appointment as NNPC's GMD. He has already wielded his winnowing fork, sacking the eight group executive directors of the company and merging the eight directorates into four, less than 72 hours after his appointment. Nigerians definitely expect more.

Buhari launches moves for weapons' production

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HE Ministry of Defence yesterday got a presidential marching order to design a plan for the establishment of a modest military industrial complex for the local production of weapons to meet some of the requirements of the armed forces.

President Muhammadu Buhari said at the graduation ceremony of the National Defence College in Abuja that Nigeria can no longer depend solely on other countries for critical military equipment and logistics.

He called the present situation as unacceptable.

"We must evolve viable mechanisms for near-selfsufficiency in military equipment and logistics production complemented only by very advanced foreign technologies,” President Buhari was quoted yesterday as saying by his Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu.

He added:"the Ministry of Defence is being tasked to draw up clear and measurable outlines for development of a modest Military Industrial Complex for Nigeria.

"In this regard, it is to liaise with other strategic MDAs and industries to re-engineer

Augustine EHIKIOYA, Abuja

the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON) to meet national military hardware and logistics requirements," the President said.

His administration,he said, has since its assumption of power reviewed the nature and character of the country's

security threats and challenges.

"We recognized first and foremost, the external dimensions of these threats and the need for international cooperation and common security mechanisms to tackle them," he said.

Thus government was

"convinced that the best approach was to work within the framework of the Lake Chad Basin Commission (LCBC) to mobilize a collective regional effort in the fight against terrorism and insurgency,” he said, and urged officers and men of the Armed Forces to work harder to win the war against Boko Haram, terrorism and

insurgency.

"We must apply a comprehensive strategy and coordinate all elements of national power against terrorism and insurgency; we must show result oriented leadership at all levels of military Command; we must set up an optimal organization to manage and sustain operational

Two ISIS-bound Nigerians arrested in India

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UNJAB, India Two young Nigerians suspected to be on their way to joining the Islamic State (ISIS) terror gang were yesterday arrested at the volatile India-Pakistan border after scaling a barbed wire fence near the border .

Alert Border Security Force (BSF) troopers apprehended Imran Kabeer and Sani Jamiliu both from Kano and later handed them over to Punjab Police.

The suspects aged around 24-25 told BSF officials they wanted to go to Pakistan and later to Iraq.

They carried no valid travel documents to enter Pakistan.

Both youths arrived in the Sikh holy city of Amritsar, 30 km from Punjab , on Thursday from Delhi in a

hired taxi. They argued with the taxi driver on Thursday night, hoodwinked him and drove away his Swift Dzire car. They arrived at the integrated checkpoint at Attari yesterday morning.

"On finding the border gates closed, the youths moved towards a barbed wire fence along the AttariWagah rail track (on which the Samjhauta Express peace train between both countries plies) and jumped over the high barbed wire fence, thinking they had entered Pakistan. BSF personnel immediately nabbed them," a BSF official said.

BSF Amritsar sector deputy inspector general M.F. Farooqui confirmed the arrest.

The entire 553-km international border between

India and Pakistan in Punjab is on high alert following the July 27 terror attack on Dinanagar town in Punjab's Gurdaspur district by Pakistani terrorists. Security is also tight in view of the coming Independence Day on August 15.

Since the youths claimed their final destination was Iraq, security officials said they could be headed to join the Islamic State terror outfit.

Both youths came to India on student visas about a year ago. While Imran is doing BBA from the Mysuru-based Karnataka State Open University, Sani is a BSc third semester student of the Kerala-based Mahatama Gandhi University. Both were residing in Delhi.

Nigerian-born Umar Farouk Abdulmutalab was

arrested on Christmas Day,2009 aboard North West Airlines Flight 253 from A m s t e r d a m t o Detroit,Michigan following his attempt to blow up the plane.

He was found to be carrying plastic explosives in his underwear.

He was subsequently tried and convicted by a US Federal Court on an eight count charge including attempted use of a weapon of mass destruction.

Farouk was sentenced on February 16,2012 to four life terms plus 50 years without parole.

Al Qaeda in the Arabian peninsula claimed,as the trial got underway, that it trained the convict and supplied him with the explosives.

performance; and we must show confidence and winning mentality," Buhari said.

He pledged government's determination to meet the operational, logistic, training and welfare requirements of the armed forces and ameliorate the hardships of people living in areas most affected by insurgency and terrorism.

He said: "We have the will, resolve and conviction to apply a comprehensive strategy and coordinate all elements of national power against terrorism and insurgency."

President Buhari said that the National Defence College had fulfilled the vision of its founding fathers, by becoming a strategic human capacity-building institution, making credible contributions to Nigeria and other friendly countries.

He urged graduates of the College's Course 23 to resolve to make "a marked difference in your future deployments and contribute your quota to the evolution and implementation of national security, defence and military strategies."

"You should be the source that lights up the environment wherever you find yourselves," he added.

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THE NATION, SATURDAY AUGUST 8, 2015

News

Jonathan’s aides made him sole candidate in 2011, Mark claims

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ORMER Senate Presi dent David Mark said yesterday that aides of ex-President Goodluck Jonathan were the brains behind his promotion as sole presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the 2011 election.

The aides' position,he said,ran contrary to that of party leaders at an earlier meeting that "though it was the turn of the North, President Jonathan was also to be allowed to contest."

Mark was reacting to claims by former Presidential Adviser on National Assembly Adviser, Senator Abba Aji, on the circumstances surrounding Jonathan's candidacy in that election.

The former Senate President, in an open letter to Aji said: "You referred to a meeting in which Prof Sam Oyovbarie and Gen. Sam Ogbemudia made contributions. I was in that meeting too. You will recall that the crux of that meeting was whether or not Jonathan was to be allowed to contest (2011 elections).

"It was argued that since the late President Yar'Adua (Umaru Musa) was from the North, any candidate to complete his term must also come from the North.

"After a lengthy debate, the conclusion was that ‘although Jonathan was not from the North, he also was to be allowed to contest’.

"If after this, you met elsewhere to also conclude or decide that Jonathan was to be the sole candidate, I certainly was not a party to that meeting nor was I privy to that decision.

"I was, therefore, very shocked when you queried why others were allowed to purchase forms in the caucus meeting.

Onyedi OJIABOR, Assistant Editor "When did you decide that Jonathan was to be the sole PDP presidential candidate?

"If anything, it is you the personal aides who floated and promoted that idea.

"The first meeting merely agreed that though it was the turn of the North, President Jonathan was also to be allowed to contest.

"My understanding was that the emphasis was on allowing someone outside of the northern geopolitical zone to contest.

"Why then would you want to stop other candidates from the North from buying forms?

"In any case, how did selling forms to other candidates of Northern extraction amount to misleading Jonathan?"

•From left: Commandant, National Defence College, Rear Adm. Patrick Agholor; President Muhammadu Buhari; Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Defence, Alhaji Aliyu Ismaila; Chief of Defence Staff, Maj-Gen. Abayomi Olonisakin; Chief of Army Staff, Maj-Gen. Tukur Buratai; Chief of Naval Staff, Rear Adm. Ibok-ete Ekwe Ibas; Chief of Air Staff, AVM Sadique Abubakar; and I-G Solomon Arase at the graduation of the National Defence College Course 23 participants in Abuja...yesterday.

PHOTO: NAN

$2.1m cash: Ex-NHIS boss surrenders to EFCC A

former Executive Sec retary of the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS), Dr. Olufemi Thomas, yesterday surrendered to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for interrogation on the seized $2.1million cash.

The appearance of Thomas foreclosed plans by the EFCC to declare him wanted after a three-week search.

Thomas denied ownership of the said cash and claimed yesterday that he was never on the run as reported by the media.

The EFCC has continued with its investigation of the matter, even as there were indications, last night that the EFCC might invite a former Minister of Health for questioning on how NHIS paid N990million for a plot of land

Yusuf ALLI, Managing Editor, Northern Operation

estimated at N350million, while Thomas was in office.

Thomas, it was gathered, arrived Abuja on Thursday night and reported at the EFCC headquarters, Abuja early yesterday.

He was grilled for several hours by the agency and moments after wards, his media aide, Mr. Sola Adeyemi, issued a statement describing Thomas as “a law-abiding person, a true professional and a man of his words.”

He said: “Today (yesterday), we were at the EFCC headquarters in Abuja in reaction to media reports that Dr. Thomas was wanted by the anti-graft agency in connection with a $2.1million cash seizure, where my boss

made an official statement on the allegation of money laundering.

“This shows that he was never on the run, and he would never do anything against the law of the land.

He has gone to answer the EFCC call. So we believe my boss' visit will put to rest all these allegations and help the anti-graft agency in their further investigation of the matter. Therefore, until the investigation is concluded, we would not speak on this matter.”

He appealed to the media to “maintain a high level of professionalism in the discharge of your duties in order that the anti-graft agency can focus on a thorough investigation on the various allegations. " A reliable source in the

US tightens visa waiver programme

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HE United States yester day in Washington, an nounced tighter security measures for visitors from the 38 countries in its visa waiver programme.

The Department of Homeland Security said the countries included European nations that have seen hundreds of residents traveling to fight with militant groups in Syria and Iraq.

It said the changes required the use of e-passports or paper passports that contain chips carrying biometric information and expand use of U.S. air marshals on international flights.

Meanwhile, some U.S. lawmakers have been urging tighter restrictions on the waiver program which allows citizens from participating countries to enter the U.S. without a visa for stays of 90 days or less.

U.S. Senator Dianne Feinstein, the top Democrat on the Senate Intelligence Committee, has criticized the programme as vulnerable to abuse, calling it "the Achilles heel" of American efforts to stave off attacks on its soil.

The U.S. intelligence community assessed in February that more than 20,000 foreign fighters, including at least

3,400 westerners, had traveled to the Syria-Iraq region since 2011.

The International Center for the Study of Radicalization said Western fighters in Syria and Iraq have found some of their most willing recruits in Belgium, France and Britain.

The centre said the three countries participated in the visa waiver program, as do many European countries.

Jeh Johnson, Homeland Security Secretary, said in a statement announcing the changes that the current global threat environment required the need to know more about those travelling the U.S. He said it includes those from countries for which U.S.do not require a visa.

Johnson said the new restrictions also require that participating countries use an international database to screen for lost and stolen passports.

He said the changes build on measures taken in 2014 to require additional information on the application people in visa waiver countries provided to travel to the U.S. The U.S. Travel Association, an industry group, wel-

comed the passport security and air marshal changes, but said it would evaluate other ones, including the development of passenger record databases and the screening of asylum-seekers.

Roger Dow, Association

President, said though security should always be its first principle, it is well worth keeping in mind how the American economy and job creation benefit when the (visa waiver programme) functions well.

commission told The Nation that the former Executive Secretary of NHIS voluntarily came to the EFCC office for interrogation on the seized cash.

“We have interacted with him and we asked him to make statement accordingly on what he knew about the cash,” the source said. “ We also grilled him on the relationship between him and the Bureau de Change operator, Ibiteye John Bamidele, who was arrested with the money by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA).

“We are proceeding with the next stage to investigate issues highlighted from the submissions of the two people. There are other clues we are also considering too.

“The ex-NHIS is on administrative bail and he has given assurance that he would report to the EFCC anytime he is needed.”

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) on July 3, 2015 arrested one Ibiteye John Bamidele at MMA Terminal 2 (MMA2) Lagos with the said $2.1million.

The Head of Public Affairs, NDLEA, Mitchel Ofoyeju,

said Bamidele was arrested by anti-narcotic officials, who suspected that the amount was for money laundering.

The NDLEA handed over the suspect to the EFCC on July 8, 2015, following admission of being on errand for money laundering and the implication of the ex-NHIS boss.

Meanwhile, there were indications last night that a former Minister of Health might be quizzed by the EFCC on how the Tenders Board of the ministry approved N990million for NHIS to buy a plot of land whose value was put at N350million.

When a former Executive Secretary of NHIS, Mr. Waziri Dogo-Muhammed, was in charge before Thomas came on board, he refused to buy the same plot for N350million.

The EFCC source said: “This is one of the pegs of the investigation we are looking at. We are going to invite the affected former minister for interaction. Thomas said the purchase of the plot of land went through a Ministerial Tenders Board.

“Some officials of the Federal Ministry of Health might also be questioned too.”

Gov. Aminu Tambuwal of Sokoto State (middle); Acting President, Nigerian Guild of Editors, Mr Garba Muhammad (second left); and members of the guild, during a courtesy visit to the governor in Sokoto ...yesterday.

PHOTO: NAN

THE NATION

NEWS 7

SATURDAY, AUGUST 8, 2015

•From left: Group Sport Editor, Vanguard Newspaper, Onochie Anibeze; General Manager, Publication/Editor-in-Chief Vanguard Newspaper, Gbenga Adefuye, Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to the president, Mr Femi Adesina; Corporate Affairs Advisver, Nigeria Breweries Plc, Kufre Ekanem and Eminent Journalist, Tony Iyare at dinner for Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to the President, Mr Femi Adesina in Lagos.

•Executive Director, PETROLOG, Vincent Ebuh; Edo State SSG, Ize Iyamu and Chairman, LEE Engineering Constructions, Lee Ikpea.

PHOTOS: Abiodun WILLIAMS

Bankers’ Committee moves against naira hawkers

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HE Bankers’ Committee met in Lagos yesterday and decided that hawking of the naira will no longer be acceptable.

Managing Director, Enterprise Bank Limited, Mrs. Mary Akpobome, who spoke on behalf of the Committee members, said it has been discovered that the naira is hawked by some merchants on the streets across the country, saying the practice has to stop.

Stallion Group denies duty evasion allegation

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TALLION Group, a multi national company, has denied allegations of duty evasion on rice imports leveled against it.

In a statement, the group said it has not committed any fraud or evaded any due obligations of import duties in 2014 as alleged.

The statement reads: “Popular Farms and Mills Limited and Masco Agro Allied Industries Limited being subsidiaries of Stallion Group importedXYZ matric tonnes of rice, and fully paid a total duty and levies of N17 billion at the prevailing duty and levy rates as approved by Mr. President for millers under the new National Rice Policy contained in circular no. BD/FP/TT/50/1/99 of 8th July,2014.

“Our rice production companies are contending that, legally, the retrospective duties being demanded by the Nigeria Customs Service are not payable and will adhere to any final judgment made by the country’s rule of law and due process.The rice companies have also issued a bond to secure Nigeria Customs from any potential proven obligation; therefore there is no question of any fraud or evasion. Our companies have not sought or received any “waivers” as misunderstood by some.

“We are a law-abiding group with international operations in several countries that strictly comply with all applicable law, rules and regulations. Stallion will never evade or avoid any lawfully due obligations in any of its business transactions in any country.”

Collins NWEZE She said such practice, which is not permissible in advanced countries like the United States of America and United Kingdom, should not be encouraged in Nigeria.

“We appeal to the people involved in this act to desist from buying and selling the naira on the streets or face the consequences of their actions,” she said.

Akpobome said the Committee notified various agencies to go after the perpetra-

P

tors, adding that both the buyer and seller of the currency will face the wrath of the law.

Kola Balogun, who represented the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Director, Banking Supervision, said the ongoing publication of the debtors’ list is to ensure that the financial sector is stable. He said the CBN will follow up on the prescribed sanction for the delinquent debtors, including ban from accessing the forex market,

adding that the publication of bad debtors’ names on national dallies will continue on regular basis.

He expressed surprise that a bank can publish the name of a non-existent borrower in the media, adding that where such is the case, the bank and customer should resolve it amicably. “Some delinquent debtors have been named. The banks followed their loan books and I will be surprised if a bank publishes non-existent debtor as owing,” he said.

Managing Director, GTBank, Segun Agbaje, said nothing has changed in the operation of domiciliary accounts in the country, except that foreign currency deposits are no longer acceptable into the accounts.

He said: “Interested persons will continue to pay school fees or medical bills through the official forex window. I want to assure you that legitimate transactions will pass through the official window.

The forex is available in the

banks people with legitimate demands should follow the right procedure and get it”.

On the cash-less policy, Managing Director, Wema Bank Plc, Segun Oloketuyi, said only five states and Abuja are implementing the policy.

The states are Lagos, Ogun, Kano, Rivers and Anambra.

He said the Bankers’ Committee is working on getting the policy rolled out nationally and called on banks to embrace the policy nationally.

Buhari charges Nigerians on agriculture

R E S I D E N T Muhammadu Buhari said yesterday that the time has come for Nigerians to take agriculture more serious as crude oil and gas exports will no longer be sufficient as the country’s major revenue earner.

He made the remark during an audience with Dr Kanayo Nwanze, the Nigerian-born President of the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), at the Presi-

•Says oil, gas revenue won't be enough Augustine EHIKIOYA, Abuja

dential Villa, Abuja.

“It’s time to go back to the land. We must face the reality that the petroleum we had depended on for so long will no longer suffice,” Buhari said.

He said that having used agriculture as a campaign issue in the run up to the last

election, he is “ready to assist as many as want to go into agricultural ventures.” He promised that his administration will also cut short the long bureaucratic processes that Nigerian farmers currently go through to get any form of assistance from government.

He told the IFAD President that improvement of the productivity of farmers, dry sea-

son farming, and creative ways to combat the shrinking of the Lake Chad will also receive the attention of his administration.

He said: “There is so much to be done. We will try and articulate a programme and consult organizations like IFAD for advise.”

He said that foreign exchange will be conserved for machinery and other items needed for production, “in-

stead of using it to import things like toothpicks.”

Dr Nwanze congratulated President Buhari on his victory at the general elections and assured him that IFAD was ready to give all possible assistance to the Federal Government and Nigerian farmers to boost agricultural production in the country.

IFAD is an international organization dedicated to addressing issues of agriculture and poverty alleviation.

Thousands of Ebola survivors face severe pain, possible blindness

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HOUSANDS of West Africans who were infected with the Ebola virus, but survived it, are suffering chronic conditions, such as serious joint pain and eye inflammation that can lead to blindness, global health experts said yesterday.

Ebola survivors who fought off the most severe bouts of infection are the most likely to suffer ongoing medical problems, World Health Organization experts said, and their health is becoming “an emergency within an emergency”.

“The world has never seen such a large number of survivors from an Ebola outbreak,” said Anders Nordstrom, a WHO representative in Sierra Leone who took part in a fiveday conference this week about Ebola survivors.

“We have 13,000 survivors in the three countries (Guinea, Liberia and Sierra Leone). This is new - both from a medical and from a societal point of view,” he told reporters on a telebriefing.

Daniel Bausch of the WHO’s clinical care team on Ebola survivors said about half of all

those who fought off the virus now report joint pain, with some suffering such severe effects that they can’t work.

Eye problems including inflammation, impaired vision and - in severe but rare cases blindness, have been reported by about 25 percent of survivors, Bausch said.

Less measurable but equally serious long-term problems, such as increasing rates of depression, post traumatic stress disorder and social exclusion, are also affecting survivors.

Since West Africa’s devastating Ebola epidemic was by far

the largest ever seen - infecting more than 27,000 people and killing almost 11,300 of them - scientists are not able to say whether survivors’ chronic health problems are unusual.

The Ebola virus is thought to be able to survive no more than 21 days in most body fluids, such as blood and vomit, which are the primary means of transmission.

But it is also known to be able to lurk in semen and in the soft tissues of the eye for up to several months after recovery.

Scientists believe the vision impairments reported by survivors of the current outbreak are probably linked to the virus persisting in the eyes.

Bausch said sight problems, joint pain and headaches have been reported in a few survivors of previous outbreaks since the disease was first detected in 1976. But past epidemics were much smaller, meaning survivor numbers were too small to study or draw any meaningful scientific conclusions.

Buhari commences payment of ex-militants’ allowances

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HE Federal Government has commenced the payment of outstanding allowances of former Niger Delta militants under the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP), it emerged yesterday.

The commencement of payment of the allowances followed the directives of President Muhammadu Buhari to the PAP office that the payment of the N65,000 monthly allowance resume immediately following the appointment of Brig-

Dele ANOFI, Abuja Gen. Paul Boroh (Rtd) as the PAP Coordinator and Special Adviser on Niger Delta.

In a statement yesterday by PAP’s Head of Media and Communications, Daniel Alabrah, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) confirmed the commencement of the payment of the outstanding allowances that will be in batches.

It reads: “The outstanding stipends will be paid in batches. We have com-

menced payment with the outstanding May 2015 stipends.

“That of June and July will be paid afterwards.

“The outstanding allowances and school/training fees of beneficiaries will be cleared at the end of the ongoing verification exercise of genuine claims.

“Hopefully, the other payments will commence soon once the verification team concludes its exercise.

“Gen. Boroh said the approval granted by the Presi-

dent for commencement of payment was heartwarming.

“Mr. President has by his approval demonstrated his commitment to strengthening of the Amnesty Programme.

“It is heartwarming that he graciously approved funds so as to quickly resolve the issues that have affected the smooth running of the programme.

“Now beneficiaries whose training or studies have been affected can look forward to resuming their studies sooner than later.

“We are committed to a quick resolution of all outstanding issues, including the training fees,” Boroh was quoted as saying.

On assumption of duty after being appointed as the PAP Coordinator and Special Adviser on Niger Delta, Boroh immediately set up a seven-man committee to undertake a verification exercise of claims.

There are about 30,000 ex militants on the register of the Federal Government for the Amnesty Programme.

THE NATION, SATURDAY, AUGUST 8, 2015

8

The politics of war, peace and terrorism T was shocking to read in the news media this week that Nigeria’s top military chief said at the pull out ceremony of his retirement that he led an army during his tenure that lacked funding and equipment. If you remember that our President Muhammadu Buhari, [and not Ribadu as the printers devil made out last week ]was reported to have said on his last trip to the US that the US in not selling arms to Nigeria to fight terrorism was inadvertently aiding and abetting terrorism, then you wonder about the saying that there can be no smoke without fire. Surely the two statements compliment each other even though they were said at different places. More ominously though they are as disturbing as they are credible given the political stature and office of the two speakers.

To stop any doubts on the authenticity of the two observations the former National Security Adviser was reported to have said that Western powers sabotaged the efforts of the Jonathan Administration to buy arms to fight Boko Haram and terrorism. Surely the jigsaw puzzle is unraveling on why Boko Haram has become an unsolvable military and security conundrum for the Nigerian nation, people and their leaders. A clear case of treachery in high places and amongst so called nations that Nigeria has come to rely on is slowly but surely emerging. That is the problem we shall deal with today as we identify the contents of this betrayal of our people and nation. We shall discuss the global politics of war, peace, insurgency and terrorism that has claimed so many innocent Nigerian lives and does not seem to be abating in spite of assurances to contain it by our leaders, both military and elected.

We have to confront the problem war and peace by thinking of what to do to those we call friends but who block our capacity to defend ourselves when terrorists kill our people and such people show concern and sympathy but refuse to sell arms to us to redress the situation and stop the killing of fellow Nigerians. What could be the motive for such reluctance or outright denial and what is the grouse of the so called Western powers against Nigeria? That is a question begging for an answer. Could it be that the Western powers have started to exact their pound of flesh from Nigeria over the gay rights issue and was that why they did not sell arms to the Jonathan Administration? If the answer is positive then the action or decision is wicked and hostile and the present Nigerian government must make inquiries and seek the appropriate redress at least diplomatically as soon as possible.

This becomes imperative given the pledges of western nations to support Nigeria against the terror of Boko Haram. Really of what use is such a pledge if the same nations or people refuse to sell arms to us to fight what they claim is a threat to their civilization - just as it is to our collective security in the global village that the world has become? Surely something is amiss on this development and Nigeria must demand and deserves an urgent explanation from those friends, who as things stand, seem tohave been shedding crocodile tears on our bloody ordeal and predicament in the hands of the perfidious terrorism of Boko Haram.

Nothing illustrates our befuddlement and consternation on this matter more than the argument of the US

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President Barak Obama to woo the American public on the newly signed Nuclear Deal with Iran. In a one off speech delivered at the American University in the US the US president was appealing to the American people to talk to their lawmakers in the US Congress not to jettison the Deal because to do so will lead to war and dent the credibility of the US in the Comity of nations. He assured his audience that Iran will never have nuclear bomb on his watch as he promised.

He acknowledged the fears of Israel’s PM Benjamin Netanyahu on the deal and his campaign against it but noted strongly that the Israeli PM was wrong on all counts and that again brings in another Gordian Knot to unravel. Is an American President more capable than an Israeli PM to determine the Security of the state of Israel? Must Israel abide by such reasoning and conclusion because it depends on US largesse for its security and peace in a hostile environment? Again answers need to be found to these burning questions.

Indeed the US President rested his case on the issue of credibility and rightly so except that in this instance credibility has become a two way street and not a presidential close. As a law professor the US president should know that he who comes to equity must come with clean hands and that trust is an essential ingredient of human cooperation and progress and the Iran Nuclear Deal is no exception. At one extreme the Iranians don’t trust either the US or Israel but would go ahead with the deal anyway to make sanctions stop and ease the economic hardship

’

We have to confront the problem war and peace by thinking of what to do to those we call friends but who block our capacity to defend ourselves when terrorists kill our people and such people show concern and sympathy but refuse to sell arms to us to redress the situation and stop the killing of fellow Nigerians

in the Iranian nation, to reduce pressure on the Ayatollahs ruling the theocracy. On the other hand Israel under its present PM mistrusts this sitting US president and would risk even its security to say it loud and clear as its PM has been doing in the life of the Obama presidency. The fact that the two are slugging it out to buy the acceptability or otherwise of the deal in the media showed the failure of diplomacy and bilateral relations between two traditional and ancestral friends and neighbors. Either side has said the alternative to its stand on the deal is war and that its view assures global peace. But then the nagging question is whose definition of war is correct and whose categorization of peace is wrong?

Obama quoted Reagan to the effect that the peace is not the absence of conflict but the capability to control conflict. However the issue seemed to have drawn attention to the issue of trust outside diplomacy and that is the disturbing fact that the Israeli leader has confused distrust of Obama as a person with that of a diplomatic mistrust and that is a fallacy. He may not like Obama as a person but he cannot make that personal as Obama is the US and is not representing himself but the great US which has guaranteed the security of Israel since 1948 when the state of Israel was established; and the US is in a position to do so under Obama as he has promised, an act which should have credibility with any Israeli PM who should normally be trusting of any US President, except this Benjamin Netanyahu.

In this particular instance the issue may not be simply that of separation of morals amongst individuals from that of morals or values amongst nations. In personal relations great store is placed on loyalty and consistency. In international relations however there are no permanent enemies but permanent interests.

On both scores US – Israeli relations seem to have nose dived steadily on this Iran Nuclear Deal and both nations should take a good look at the strategies being used to sell or jettison the Iranian Nuclear Deal both in the US and globally because credibility is taking a hiding on the international stage as both sellers and buyers of the deal are exhausting their goodwill and trust capital without showing a clear path to peace. And at the end of it all that is really the light at the end of the tunnel. Similarly such a debate is necessary in Nigeria too. In our own case it will be to find out why those we call friends have not been willing to sell arms to us to fight those killing our people with impunity. Again long live the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

THE NATION, SATURDAY, AUGUST 8, 2015

COMMENTARY

9

Non-issue of the gay rights issue ECENTLY, the US Supreme Court ruled that same-sex marriage is a legal right across the whole of the United States. With that ruling, 14 states with bans on same-sex marriage would no longer be able to enforce them bringing an end to more than a decade of bitter legal battle on the matter.

While that US Supreme Court ruling was America’s interpretation of ensuring that human rights is available to every American, African counties invariably do not have the same interpretation of those rights. For sometime, Western countries with America at the fore have continued to pressure African countries to recognise and legalise gay rights.

As part of its foreign policy agenda of the highest priority, America had adopted protection of the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community. On his recent trip to America, it was reported that the subject of gay rights and the reversal of the anti-gay law in Nigeria was touched on in a veiled manner to President Buhari.

Last year, the signing of the Same-sex Prohibition Act by the last administration on January 7 2014, elicited negative reactions from Western countries such as the US, member countries of the European Union and Canada. They have consistently mounted pressure on the federal government over the signing of the Same-Sex Prohibition Act 2014, claiming that the law is a violation of the fundamental human rights of Nigerians with same-sex orientation.

Notably, that law that was signed last year does not only criminalise same-sex marriage, it also makes public displays of affection and even socialising in the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and inter-sex community illegal. At the time that the law was passed, the US Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr James Entwistle threatened that his country would scale down its support for HIV/AIDS and anti-malaria programs in response to government’s position on the gay rights issue.

Thereafter, it was reported in the Vanguard newspaper that the US had committed “substantial” resources to fund the emergence of gay clubs and advocacy groups in Nigeria. As part of the fallout then, the Canadian government cancelled a scheduled state visit by the then President Jonathan. The Canadian government’s action was believed to have been that country’s reaction to the president’s assent of the bill, which had enjoyed popular support in Nigeria.

On the US President, Barack Obama’s, recent trip to Africa, the subject of legalising gay marriage came up. President Obama was very categorical in his condemnation of discriminatory practices against gay and lesbian people and urged African leaders to treat the issue of homosexuality as a universal human right, comparable to the fight against racism or sexism. However, in return, all the African leaders he conversed with emphatically told President Obama that the issue of legalising gay rights in Africa is ‘out of the question’ and a ‘non-issue.’ They made it clear to him that, there are certain subjects and values which Africa does not share with America, legalising homosexuality being one of them, and as such, it would be impossible to impose on people principles, which they do not recognise or accept.

This is not the first time America and the West have tried to pressure Africa into accepting homosexual unions. Since 2011, certain Western countries have been considering and implementing laws that limit or prohibit general budget support to countries that restrict the rights of homosexuals. Regardless of this, many African countries have continued to refute pressure to legalise homosexual practices. Many African leaders feel that gay rights are against Africa’s culture and religious value systems and believe that they have the sovereign right to reject what is seen as an imposition by Western nations that attempt to affect national sentiments via aid. While some of us may disagree with the laws that impose the death penalty on those who come out as homosexuals, the reality is that same sex acts are illegal in about 38 African countries and actual enforcement varies widely and punishment ranges from prison sentences to the draconian sentence of the death penalty.

In Mauritania, Sudan and Nigeria, homosexuality is a seri-

R

ous punishable crime. In Uganda, Tanzania and Sierra Leone, offenders can receive life imprisonment for homosexual acts.

South Africa’s constitution is the most liberal towards gays and lesbians within the continent, with a constitution that guarantees gay and lesbian rights and legal same-sex marriage. However, even there, gay rights have been described as an “exclusive privilege of the whites and well-heeled, a small but high-profile subset.”

The raucousness from Western nations that has been accompanying the banning of same sex unions in some parts of Africa, Eastern Europe and Asia has risen to a crescendo. And in their bid to ram the freedom of same sex unions down the throat of more traditional and conservative nations, the West has discarded high-minded rhetoric for bullying tactics dressed in the guise of human rights mantras. The result?

Hypocrisy has taken centre stage as the preferred response of the West in its bid to redefine the limits of marriage, privacy and religious freedom in some African, Eastern European and Asian countries.

The sheer hypocrisy of the West regarding their stance on the banning of same-sex unions is most apparent when considered next to the position taken on polygamy under western laws. In most western nations, the practice of polygamy is not only frowned upon but has been criminalised. The Western countries pass laws that limit the boundaries of marriage, privacy and religious freedom in line with their value system while they employ strategies and tactics to intimidate, harass, undermine, threaten and abuse other countries for doing the same.

In the case of Reynolds vs. United States, the American courts declined accepting polygamy as a legitimate religious practice, dismissing it as “almost exclusively a feature of the life of Asiatic and African people.” American courts have declared polygamy to be “a blot on our civilisation” and compared it to human sacrifice and “a return to barbarism.”

Not only is the practice of polygamy one of the common threads between Christians, Jews and Muslims, studies have found polygamy present in 78 per cent of the world’s cultures.

’

The sheer hypocrisy of the West regarding their stance on the banning of same-sex unions is most apparent when considered next to the position taken on polygamy under western laws. In most western nations, the practice of polygamy is not only frowned upon but has been criminalised. The Western countries pass laws that limit the boundaries of marriage, privacy and religious freedom in line with their value system while they employ strategies and tactics to intimidate, harass, undermine, threaten and abuse other countries for doing the same

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In the same way that countries that accept polygamy have no right to force western nations to legalise polygamy, western nations have no right to impose same sex unions on the countries that ban it.

As a sovereign nation, Nigeria and other African nations have a right to ban same-sex unions in the same way the West has banned polygamy.

The previous leadership in Nigeria has taken a position on a practice that is alien to its culture and its religious and traditional institutions and the current leadership is likely to uphold the same. The public relations officer of the northern Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) had in the past stated that Christians and their counterparts in other religions had unanimously expressed gratitude to the last administration and National Assembly for passing the Anti Same-Sex Marriage law, despite opposition from Europe and the US. Similarly, the Muslim Students Society of Nigeria (MSSN), Lagos State, had also commended the administration for signing the bill into law. The group applauded the Nigerian leadership for standing its ground, despite pressure to reject the anti-gay bill by some international organisations and foreign countries.

In the scriptures, marriage is a sacred contract between a man and a woman that cannot be redefined and it is the cornerstone of family life. In the Bible, passages in the book of Leviticus prohibit homosexuality. Chapter 18:22 states, “Thou shalt not lie with mankind, as with womankind: it is abomination.” Similarly, chapter 20:13 also states, “If a man also lie with mankind, as he lieth with a woman, both of them have committed an abomination: they shall surely be put to death; their blood shall be upon them.” Jews and Christians have historically interpreted these two verses as the clear prohibition of homosexual acts. Furthermore, the story of Sodom and Gomorrah has historically been interpreted as condemning homosexual acts.

In Islam, the traditional schools of Islamic law based on Qur’anic verses and hadith consider homosexual acts a punishable crime and a sin. The Qur’an cites the story of the “people of Lot” (also known as the people of Sodom and Gomorrah), destroyed by the wrath of God, because they engaged in “lustful” carnal acts between men. The Qur’an contains seven references to the people of Lot; 7:80-84, 11:7783, 21:74, 22:43, 26:165-175, 27:56-59 and 29:27-33, and their destruction by Allah is associated explicitly with their sexual practices.

In 2012, the Nigerian parliament approved a bill banning same-sex marriage despite threats from the US and UK that they would consider withholding aid if the country didn’t recognise gay rights. Curiously though in the US, 17 states out of 50 (less than half) have endorsed same-sex practices and others reject its legality. This means that even in the US, not all its citizens are in support of same-sex practices.

It increasingly seems that the Western countries’ mandate is to coerce African states to institutionalise behavior systems that they frown upon or deem illegal. There is the urgent need for these African states and the Nigerian leadership not to be dependent on foreign assistance for governance. If foreign aid coming from the West to Nigeria of other African Countries is contingent upon obliterating the core values of Africa, then Afrian nations have no choice but to liberate themselves and get their act together.

Nigeria and the African Continent should use its net worth to dismantle the entrenched dependence syndrome and to also say ‘No,’ no matter how many times they are accused of not adhering to the value system of the West. Aid given with strings attached is not worth it, especially if those strings are repugnant to one’s values and belief system.

Just like with the case of polygamists in Western countries, a day of social acceptance is unlikely to come for homosexuals in Nigeria and most African and Asian countries.

May each country be free to preserve the value systems they wish to be defined by and adopt the laws of which they wish to be governed.

I never spent a kobo without approval of the House—Aregbesola HE Osun State governor, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola has disclosed that his government has never spent a dime without the approval of the State House of Assembly since he assumed office.

Aregbesola made the disclosure while addressing a gathering during the Special Parliamentary Session organized by members of the House of Assembly in honour of the Speaker, Hon. Najeem Salam, who turned 50.

Aregbesola stated that his government has been conscious of the legislative roles in the running of the constitutionally designated duties of the government, stressing that the impact of the legislature can never be over emphasized towards the achievement of a sustainable democracy.

Aregbesola who reacted to the recent petition allegedly written and forwarded to the House for investigation by a sitting Judge of the State High Court, Justice Folahanmi Olamide Oloyede, where he was

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accused to have collected and mismanaged over N538billion between 2010 to 2014, described it as unfortunate fabrication and baseless.

While denying the allegation, he stated that even if the state is earning five billion (N5billion) every month, it could not still accrue to such outrageous amount within the years in question.

The governor noted that despite his high level of transparency and openness, he could not believe that such hate statement could emanate from other arm of government who is part of the system and who by the virtue of her office is highly respected.

He vowed that he would not be distracted or forced to deviate from the right path of fulfillment in spite of the current economic challenges ravaging the state and the country at large.

According to him, the role of the legislative arm in a democratically elected government can never be over emphasized as most of the

executive roles are hinged on the collective ratification and approval of the legislature, adding that in the eye of the law, nothing can be done without the approval of the members of the House of Assembly.

He explained that the roles of the legislature was not only limited to the approval of the appropriation bill from the executive but also has a prominent oversight functions and roles in ensuring that executive performs his statutory duties as expected in line with the constitution.

Aregbesola said it is also the duty of the State House of Assembly having approved the implementation of a proposed appropriation bill or the proposed projects to be executed by the executive, to equally monitor it and ascertain that the approved fund is used for the said projects which his government has been successfully managed with the previous and current legislators.

The governor said if anyone now feels that he or she at the comfort of his house can just petition the

Governor without the requisite knowledge on the fact that it is not possible for the executive be it Governor, Commissioner, and other government parastatals and agencies, to implement any project whatsoever without the consent and approval of the House, he or she is just wasting his or her time and such petition will always amount to mere emotional disposition that can never be enforced by law.

Governor Aregbesola lauded the resilience and doggedness of the state legislators for being forthright and unwavering in carrying out their constitutional duties since its inauguration, stressing that the House has been very cooperative, supportive and collaborative with his government.

He assured that the current economic crisis in the state would soon become a thing of the past as his government is working round the clock to make life more prosperous, meaningful, fulfilling, peaceful and abundant for the entire citizenry.

Governor Aregbesola stated that the parliamentary system of the government remained the best for Nigeria and other developing countries of the world, noting that it is the only system of government that concentrates all governmental powers in the hands of the legislature and as such, helping the financial management of the government because all the financial resources are concentrated on legislature for distribution and disbursement and whoever fails, either member of the parliament or the executive will definitely face the sanction of the parliament.

He, however, described Speaker Najeem Salam as an epitome of humility, patience, tolerance, perseverance and God fearing.

He therefore wished him more prosperous life on earth as he celebrates his golden jubilee, urging him not to deviate from good deeds, good work and as well be more committed and dedicated welfare of the people as part of his traits.

THE NATION, SATURDAY, AUGUST 8, 2015

COMMENTARY

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A’Ibom governorship tribunal: How Attah, Etiebet, INEC delivered the killer punch

’

The super star witness for Umana/APC on the day in question was an NYSC INEC ad hoc staff member, an Ibo lady, who told the tribunal how PDP thugs invaded the unit where she served in Mbiabong, Uyo and carted away election materials allocated to the polling unit. She said the hoodlums arrived in vehicles with arms, shouting and hailing the PDP and grabbed the ballot materials under her watch. When she resisted them, she said, they beat her up, tore up her clothing and “threatened to send me to the wheel chair for life • Gov. Udom Emmanuel S the Akwa Ibom State governorship election petition tribunal adjourned till August 18 to allow the petitioner, Mr Umana Okon Umana, governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), along with the other parties in the case the time to tender a mountain of INEC documents they all pleaded in their filings, it is an appropriate juncture to look at the milestones at the hearing of the petition so far.

But before going further, let us put the adjournment into context in order to squelch the unfounded rumour that the break was asked for because the petitioner had run out of witnesses. That is far from the truth. The break was discussed and agreed on by all parties who need to sit together and sort the INEC documents, which they had all pleaded, into schedules for presentation to the tribunal at the resumed hearing. The documents are of such volume that all parties, including the secretariat of the tribunal, have to work together to meet the deadline. Reacting to the motion for adjournment, which was made by Chief Wole Olanipekun (SAN), counsel to the petitioner, counsel to all the other parties agreed that it should be allowed because the break was needed for a “joint venture.”

For the milestones, rating easily as one of the critical junctures in the hearing of the governorship election petition were the decisions to relocate all the tribunals to Abuja, following security threats to members of the tribunal and witnesses to petitioners in matters before the tribunals. It is important to mention here that a witness from Onna, home local council to Udom Emmanuel, who was declared winner of the election, Hon. Etebom Christopher Itiat, a governorship candidate of the Democratic People Party in the election, was attacked and his house vandalised after going to Abuja to testify for Umana and the APC. Equally momentous also was the decision to move the electoral materials in INEC custody in Uyo to Abuja. In light of the discovery by the team of forensic experts working for the petitioners that INEC in Akwa Ibom was destroying electoral materials intended to be used as evidence in attempt to frustrate the petition, the movement was both significant and right in the interest of justice.

Another milestone was the day hearing began into the substantive matter before the tribunal. What invested that day with so much significance was not just its rank as the first day in the epic legal battle whose outcome will serve as the reference point for dating history in Akwa Ibom State, but more so for the legal fireworks that fore grounded the lone testimony of the day. The lead counsel, Chief Wole Olanipekun (SAN), for the petitioner had opened the case by calling the first witness, Bishop Samuel Akpan, who was the governorship candidate for Accord Party in the would-be governorship election. Bishop Akpan in the witness box for Umana was an intrusive shock to the respondents, comprising Udom Emmanuel, the Peoples Democratic Party and INEC. They quickly showed it.

Once they recovered from the shock, they went for the foundation of the case of the petitioner. Their game plan was to truncate the petition at that point with the argument— which could have easily fooled the unwary and the inexperienced—that Bishop Akpan and all the other witnesses that were to come could not testify before the tribunal because they were listed in their initials only by the petitioner in his filings before the tribunal. The trio of Paul Usoro (SAN) for Udom Emmanuel, first respondent; Tayo Oyetibo (SAN) for PDP, second respondent and Dr Onyiechi Ikpeazu (SAN) for

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Iboro OTONGARAN, Abuja INEC, third respondent, contended volubly and for about five hours that it was not allowed in law for witnesses to be identified by initials only, concluding therefore that all the witnesses listed by the petitioner stood disqualified. The petitioner, through his lead counsel, countered with the winning argument that such was allowed for security reasons, namely, possible attacks on witnesses—especially given the manifest truth that Akwa Ibom had been turned into a burning cauldron of violence in the last eight years, the calamity which climaxed in the build-up to and during the elections with some of the most gruesome murders and arsons imaginable. Thirty of the murders occurred on election day. Chief Olanipekun cited authority after authority on the use of initials by witnesses in court until he achieved enthymeme.

The tribunal, headed by Justice Sadiq Umar, agreed with the petitioner and overruled the opposition. What would have been a fatal blow to the petitioner’s case was thus deftly defused.

Of all the critical milestones in the hearing so far, Tuesday July 28 stands out as the most significant watershed yet at the tribunal sitting at the FCT High Court in Abuja. It was a day of great moment that lived up to its promise for the petitioner in the election dispute. The day also delivered on its full threat potential to the first, second and third respondents to the petition, namely, Udom Gabriel Emmanuel of the PDP, who was declared winner of the disputed election; the PDP and INEC. The promise and threat, depending on where you stand on the scale of justice, derived from the type of witnesses and kind of evidence that were to be led before the tribunal at the day’s session. They were easily the most ranking witnesses for the petitioner.

The day’s session began with a back-breaking testimony by one of the high value witnesses, Atuekong Don Etiebet— former minister of petroleum resources, former presidential candidate and former life BOT member of the PDP—against Udom Emmanuel of the PDP, INEC and the PDP. Etiebet authoritatively told the tribunal that elections did not hold according to law on 11 April 2015 in Oruk Anam local council area where he comes from and where he was at home to vote on that Election Day. He testified to massive irregularities, including but not limited to ballot snatching, absence of ballot materials at polling units, and bloody violence instituted and directed by thugs and members of the PDP. He tendered four materials in evidence, namely, his voter’s card, his press statement condemning the sham elections, newspaper publication of the press statement and a video recording of his visit along with other leaders of the state and members of the APC to INEC head office in Uyo on the night of the election to see whether there was state collation of the ballot as should be the case at the INEC office which was the state collation centre. Etiebet said this was after they could not find INEC collating any results of the “elections” at any local government collation centre in most parts of the state. He said during the visit, they found the INEC head office in total darkness, with no work going on and the INEC REC Austin Okojie nowhere to be found on election night when the INEC head office ought to be a beehive of activities and Mr Okojie was duty bound to be at his post coordinating work. He also told the tribunal that the elders and others in the delegation to the INEC office delivered a written protest letter to the state REC, advising him not to dare call the elections which were irredeemably marred by

• Mr. Umana Okon wanton irregularities and violence. Yet the following Sunday morning, Etiebet told the tribunal, INEC announced the result of the “election” and declared Udom Emmanuel winner.

Etiebet’s voter’s card, video recording of the visit to INEC head office on the night of the election, and press statement were accepted in evidence by the tribunal and marked as exhibits, but the newspaper reports of his press statement were rejected on the ground that the newspapers were not certified as true copies by the National Library of Nigeria as required by law. The legal team of Umana/APC at the tribunal said the rejection of the newspaper accounts of Etiebet’s press statement was of no legal significance since they were derivatives of the original press statement that had itself been accepted by the tribunal.

The next witness for the day was HE Obong Victor Attah, former governor of Akwa Ibom State and leader of the Ibibio. Attah, who was magisterial in his deposition and statesman-like in deportment, tendered his PVC to prove that he was a registered voter but could not vote because elections did not hold in his town; he also tendered video recordings and testified orally to the effect that elections did not hold according to law in Ibesikpo Asutan local council area where he comes from. Both materials were accepted in evidence and marked as exhibits. Under cross examination intended to tar the former governor with the brush of partisanship, Attah left the following words on marble for the tribunal and those in and outside its precincts to ponder: “Excuse me my friend,” said Obong Attah to the opposition counsel cross examining him, with a hint of edge to his regal self disclosure, “I was a member of the National Conference and I personally coined the phrase ‘sanctity of the ballot.’

My concern does not lie with a party but with Nigeria. I want everything to be done right in my country. I am an elder statesman.” No one could fail to be struck by the poignancy of an eternal personal hurt in his voice.

The super star witness for Umana/APC on the day in question was an NYSC INEC ad hoc staff member, an Ibo lady, who told the tribunal how PDP thugs invaded the unit where she served in Mbiabong, Uyo and carted away election materials allocated to the polling unit. She said the hoodlums arrived in vehicles with arms, shouting and hailing the PDP and grabbed the ballot materials under her watch. When she resisted them, she said, they beat her up, tore up her clothing and “threatened to send me to the wheel chair for life.” She said it was one of the good Nigerians who witnessed the attack that brought his jacket to cover her near nakedness. She added that she and her colleagues at the unit had to run for dear lives. She tendered the clothing as evidence, which was accepted and marked as exhibit.

It was a bad day for the PDP and Udom Emmanuel at the tribunal. The INEC lady’s eye witness account of election violence and the violation of the sanctity of the ballot was so vivid and poignant that those who watched her could see the entire horror movie unfolding before their eyes. But it was also paradoxically so, so surreal.

Before the adjournment to 18 August, the petitioner had presented his case before the tribunal for eight days out of the 14 days allotted to him to do so, and called 46 witnesses.

He has six days left to complete the allotted time.

• Otongaran is the director of media and publicity for the APC governorship campaign in Akwa Ibom State

THE NATION, SATURDAY AUGUST 8, 2015

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THE NATION, SATURDAY AUGUST 8, 2015

Segun AJIBOYE (Assistant Editor) and Innocent DURU

feature SPECIAL

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Roundabout, Okitipupa town centre

Continued on Page 18

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Continued from Page 19

ION AT 36TH DIFF:

AT AFRIFF BOOSTS NIGERIA’S PARTICIP

NOLLYWOOD MODEL HAS CREATED EMPLOYMENT FOR S/A FILMMAKERS, SAYS ANDILE BUWA

SATURDAY, AUGUST 8, 2015

PREMIER LEAGUE NEWS...PREMIER LEAGUE NEWS...PREMIER LEAGUE NEWS...PREMIER LEAGUE NEWS...PREMIER LEAGUE NEWS...

FIXTURES

Saturday Man Utd v Tottenham Norwich v Crystal Palace Leicester City v Sunderland Everton v Watford Bournemouth v Aston Villa Chelsea v Swansea City Sunday Newcastle v Southampton Arsenal v West Ham Stoke City v Liverpool Monday West Brom v Man City

SATURDAY, AUGUST 8, 2015

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Escapades of fun-loving city ladies Co-ordinated by Patience Saduwa 08023201831 (sms only) psaduwa@yahoo.com

Family Forum with Pastor Faith Oyedepo

Tel: 01-7341546-8 Email: counselling@faithoyedepo.org

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THE NATION, SATURDAY, AUGUST 8, 2015

NEWS

CRIME & OTHER STORIES

•The house where the victim’s body was found

Suspected cultists dump unidentified body inside water containeer ESIDENTS of Oke–Ison Street, OkeEfon, Abeokuta are still in shock after sighting,on Thursday July 30, 2015, the body of an unidentified lady in a plastic container filled with water.

The body had apparently been dumped in the plastic container in the wee hours of the day.

The state of the body suggested that it was set on fire before it was abandoned.

The residents rained curses on the perpetrators of the dastard act.

Mrs Memuda Adekunle lives adjacent to the scene.

“This incident is absolutely strange,” she told The Nation as she recalled what she saw.

“I sighted the body at about 6.54 am when I noticed that the container had been moved from where I placed it to another spot,” she said.

“I became curious and decided to open the container only to discover the girl’s body and I quickly alerted my husband as well as neighbours about it.

“The perpetrators must have strangled the girl before setting fire to her body in order to cover their tracks. One can only hope that police would fish out those behind this inci-

R

•Mrs Adekunle

•The victim’s body being taken to the mortuary

n Kunle AKINRINADE n

dent.”

Community leaders quickly reported the incident at the Adatan Police Station.

A team of police investigators later visited the scene and evacuated the body to the mortuary.

Cultists are said to have turned the community into their den and have been unleashing terror on their perceived opponents.

A resident who asked not to be mentioned said: “Without prejudice to the outcome of investigation being carried out by the police, I strongly believe the victim was killed and dumped here by cultists who have invaded our community.

“Only recently, a human head was discovered in a bush which the cultists have been using to carry out abominable acts. We are therefore urging the Ogun State government to rescue us from the grip of these bloodthirsty youths.”

When contacted on the telephone for his comments, the spokesman for the State Police Command, Mr Muyiwa Adejobi promised to revert to our correspondent but was yet to do so at press time.

,

•The victim

This incident is absolutely strange. I sighted the body at about 6.54 am when I noticed that the container had been moved from where I placed it to another spot. I became curious and decided to open the container only to discover the girl’s body and I quickly alerted my husband as well as neighbours about it

,

NEWS

THE NATION, SATURDAY, AUGUST 8, 2015

olukunle87@yahoo.com

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( 08167164657 or 08023910970 )

Unease in Lagos community over killing of dreaded land speculator EMIDIRE area of Alagbado, a suburb of Lagos, is yet to shake off the fear sparked in the community by the July 20,2015 brutal murder of land speculator, hotelier and suspected homosexual Tunji Rasaq Olaniyi aka Alhaji Gay. Olaniyi was lynched by a mob who accused him of raping young men,forcible grabbing of property and terrorizing residents with his thugs and compromised law enforcement agents.

Dozens of community leaders, including the Baale of Temidire, Chief Najeem Abioye, were arrested and charged to court by the police following Olaniyi’s murder.

There are fears that more people may be arrested soon.Some have gone into hiding,The Nation gathered.

Abioye and ten others were arraigned on Tuesday before an Igbosere Magistrate’s Court, Lagos , for alleged complicity in the July 20.

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n Kunle AKINRINADE n Also arraigned were: Adeola Ogungbade, 37; Ogundare Ogunsanya, 63; Olanrewaju Ololade, 62; and Bello Lasisi, 60.

Others were Ajani Kasali, 54; Oyedele Musiliu, 64; Jonathan Sanyaolu, 68; Taoreed Bakare, 61; Olaidi Albert, 66; and Wahab Abioye, 38.

The presiding magistrate, Mrs. O.M. Ajayi remanded the suspects in prison custody pending legal advice from the Director of Public Prosecution.

Sources said Olaniyi’s relations and loyalists had petitioned the police naming some residents as the brains behind his murder.

Most of those named in the petitions were said to be those who at one time or the other stood up to the deceased about his conduct in the area.

One source said: “not a few landlords fled when they got wind of sur-

•The late Tunji Alaso

reptitious moves by the late Olaniyi’s loyalists to engineer their arrest.

“A few days ago, a landlord ran

Lawyer condemns killing of Nigerian woman in Ghana

,

The religious leaders are creating the impression through their preaching that if one commits murder and comes to a worship centre and pray for forgiveness, his sins would be forgiven. On the contrary, the Bible and the Quran which the religious leaders rely upon admonish us to do unto others what we want for ourselves

Lagos-based legal practitioner, Chief Kofi AtiemoGyan, has condemned the killing of a Nigerian woman, Aminat Usman, for alleged rituals in Ghana.

Media reports on Amina’s death suggested that she was hacked to death by her neighbour, Abdul, who offered to ferry her to a hospital to deliver her baby on July 13, 2015.

Her body was found without the breasts and private part.

Gyan,patron of the Ghanaian community in Nigeria, called for a stop to such killings in Africa.

“How can people be so barbaric and cruel to the extent of killing their fellow human being for money making rituals?” Gyan told The Nation in Lagos.

He asked African leaders to establishing civic centres to educate the people on the need to avoid killing people for money ritual and, instead encourage hard work, education and proper planning of their life.

He added: “our people should be made to understand that whatever wealth they get in life,

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they have to work hard for it and not by any other magic which they wrongly believed.”

Gyan tasked religious leaders in Africa to be circumspect in their approach to generating money for their religious organizations.

He said: “The new generation of religious leaders are part of the problems the African societies are facing through their false preaching. Unfortunately, the religion leaders we have today don’t ask their members how they suddenly got their wealth, •IGP, Solomon-Arase provided they can donate money to the church or ers rely upon admonish us to do mosque and pay their tithes and unto others what we want for sakat.

“The religious leaders are creat- ourselves.”

He urged African leaders to ing the impression through their rule properly and use the wealth preaching that if one commits of their nations to fight poverty, murder and comes to a worship while the law enforcement agencentre and pray for forgiveness, cies should step up their vigihis sins would be forgiven. On lance against criminals in the the contrary, the Bible and the society.

Quran which the religious lead-

away with his entire family in the night when he learnt that his name had been penciled down for arrest. He left the community a day after two other landlords went into hiding for fear of being apprehended by the police.”

But community leaders are also said to have protested to the Inspector General of Police accusing his men of taking sides in the matter.

The IGP’s office responded to the complaint by dispatching a team of investigators to the area with a view to assessing the situation.

Policemen are also patrolling the area to check possible reprisal by Olaniyi’s loyalists.

A trader, who asked not to be mentioned, said: “We are living in fear of possible attack by Olaniyi’s thugs. We heard his thugs are planning to cause mayhem in this community and that is the reason why we close early nowadays.”

Housemaid steals N7m jewelry n Stories: Rukayat JIMOH n

HE police have arraigned a 24- year- old house maid, Ruth Ibang, at an Ebute Meta Chief Magistrate's court for allegedly stealing N7 million jewelry belonging to her employer, Mrs Biola Adegbuyi.

Ruth allegedly committed the crime between November and December 2014 and escaped to her state of origin, Cross River State.

Her employer was out of the country at the time and discovered that her jewelry was missing only on her return home.

The accused was traced to Akwa Ibom, arrested and brought to Lagos for investigation .

She pleaded not guilty.

The offence according to police prosecutor, Adegoke Akinlabi contravened Section 285 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2011.

The defense counsel, Imelda Adebambo prayed the court to admit the defendant to bail in the most liberal terms.

The presiding magistrate, O.l Adelaja admitted the defendant to bail in the sum of N500, 000 with two sureties in like sum .

The case was adjourned till September 9 for mention .

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Man charged with N2.5 m theft 33- year- old man, Nyah Etoo Sunday, is facing trial at the Ebute Meta Chief Magistrate's Court for allegedly defrauding one Ekaete Margaret Archibong of the sum of N2.5million.

Nyah was alleged to have defrauded Ekeate of the money under the pretence of facilitating a student visa and university admission for her daughter in France.

He was said to have conspired with others at large to commit the crime at Church Street, Oworonshoki, Lagos.

Nyah pleaded not guilty to the charges.

The offence, according to the police prosecutor, Mr Adegoke Akinlabi, contravened Sections 407, 313 and 285 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2011.

His counsel, Imelda Adebambo pleaded for bail in the most liberal terms.

The presiding magistrate, O.I Adelaja admitted the defendant to bail in the sum of N500, 000 and two sureties in like sum .

The case was adjourned till September 9 for mention.

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Infertility

nfertility is the inability of a woman to become pregnant. In general, infertility can be suspected if pregnancy has not occurred after a year of regular intercourse, (without the use of any form of contraception).

The cause of infertility may lie in the male or the female. There are numerous causes of infertility in each sex; sometimes no cause is ever found. Investigations for causes in the male are safer and simpler; consequently, they are normally performed first to save cost and to save the woman a series of tests, if a cause can be found in the male. Unfortunately, most men do not submit themselves to fertility tests. Rather, they ascribe the shortcomings to their wife's conditions only.

The cause of infertility may be either structural or due

•From left: Region 4 Chairperson, Lion Elizabeth Pacheco; District Governor, Lion Dr. Funke Adebajo; Chief of Staff to District Governor, Lion Lekan Owolabi at the devotional thanksgiving service of Lions International District 404B-2 at St. Agnes Catholic Church, Maryland, Ikeja to mark the beginning of its 2015/2016 Lionistic Year.

to functions of the reproductive system. There may be no production of sperm or ova, or for some reason, the two may not meet to bring about fertilization.

General ill-health, especially chronic diseases or endocrine/abnormalities can cause infertility.

Basically, two kinds of infertility are recognized in the female. There is the primary and the secondary infertility. When a woman has had a child before and there is a long gap, not deliberately brought about by her, it will be said that her condition is that of secondary infertility i.e. no one talks of infertility if the woman had one or two children and decided to stop having more. Primary infertility, on the other hand, is a condition where the woman has not had an issue before and is well into the childbearing age.

Causes of infertility that can be diagnosed are many. These include Blocked Fallopian Tubes, Uterine Fibroids, Hormonal Problems, Incompetent Cervix, Internal Heat in the lower abdomen, Tilted Mouth of the Uterus, Displaced Uterus, and Lack of Ovulation (especially after prolonged use of some contraceptive devices).

Other cases of infertility range from infections, especially the Sexually Transmitted Diseases (in both men & women) and Watery Sperms in men.

Also, some bad lifestyles, social excesses, indiscriminate sexual indulgence, criminal abortion as well as tough exercises, unsuitable postures and heavy sporting activities have been implicated in female infertility.

Prevention /Control Women should be very observant so as to note as early as possible, any irregularities in their menstrual period. Excessive heat in the lower abdomen, waist pains or pinching sensations at the sides of the lower abdomen should attract attention. Most importantly, indiscriminate use of contraceptives and abortifacients should be avoided.

In Holistic Lifecare it is strongly advocated that in order to avoid suffering in the midst of plenty, we must turn to nature.

Some of the suggested natural remedies being suggested for infertility include the extracts of local herbs such as Acanthospermum hispidum,

By Professor Dayo Oyekole Ph.D. (Ibadan), NMD, FNCP Tel: 0803-330-3897 Website: www.holisticlifecare.com E-mail: kolemetric@yahoo.com Desmodium velutinum, Kigelia africana, Momordica charantia and Viscum album.

For further information and consultation on Holistic Lifecare research and services, especially on Blood Infections, Infertility, Sexually Transmitted Diseases, Chronic Debilitating Conditions as well as mental and social problems, please call on: 0803-330-3897 or visit: Mosebolatan Holistic Lifecare Centre, Adeyalo Layout, Ogbere-Tioya, Off Olorunsogo Express Bridge, Ibadan.

Website: www.holisticlifecare.com. Distance is no barrier, we can send remedies by courier if need be.

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UNWTO welcomes China’s decision to fight poverty with tourism

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nited Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) has welcomed the recent decision of the China National Tourism Administration (CNTA) and the State Council Leading Group Office of Poverty Alleviation and Development of China to promote rural tourism as an effective means to fight poverty.

In a recent meeting with Chinese tourism authorities, UNWTO Secretary-General, Taleb Rifai, welcomed China’s continued recognition of tourism as an effective development tool as well as its special focus on rural tourism.

“Tourism is well positioned to contribute to rural development as it is a labour-intensive sector providing a wide range of job and entrepreneurship opportunities in areas where other economic activities are often limited or in decay. Furthermore, tourism provides these opportunities locally, helping to curb rural migration”, said Mr. Rifai.

Data from Chinese tourism authorities show that between 2011 and 2014, more than 10 million people, or 10 per cent of the poverty-stricken population, were lifted out of poverty through tourism. In view of this impact, Chinese authorities are launching, within China’s 13th Five-Year Plan Period, a nationwide tourism development plan to lift 17 per cent of the country’s impoverished population out of poverty by 2020.

CNTA and the State Council Leading Group Office of Poverty Alleviation and Development of China expect that by 2020, three million rural tourism businesses will be receiving two billion annual visitors, lifting two million of China’s rural population out of poverty every year. The total income generated is estimated to reach over one trillion RMB Yuan benefiting 50 million rural residents.

Despite its wide-reaching socio-economic impacts and for being identified by half of the world´s Least Developed Countries (LDCs) as a priority instrument for poverty reduction, tourism still receives limited attention as a tool for development. Against this backdrop, UNWTO recently called for higher financing for tourism in development in tourism on the occasion of the Third International Conference on Financing for Development.

“2015 is the year for action. As we move forward to adopt a new sustainable development agenda, we have a unique opportunity to raise the level of assistance in tourism to further harness its vast potential for stimulating green growth and inclusive development worldwide, particularly for the countries most in need”, urged Mr. Rifai.

Maximizing tourism’s contribution to poverty reduction is one of UNWTO priorities and main areas of work. In addition, the UNWTO Sustainable Tourism - Eliminating Poverty (ST-EP) Initiative •Rifai supports tourism activities that specifically deliver development and create jobs for people living on less than a dollar a day.

Ghana hotel woos Nigerian tourists

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oliday Inn, Accra, one of the leading hotels in Ghana said it is committed to welcoming Nigerian visitors through tailoring its services and delicacies to suit Nigerian tourists.

This was disclosed by the hotels's General Manager, Robert Bruce Drummond Potter.

Holiday Inn, which played host to American President Barack Obama during his visit to Ghana, is less than five minutes from the Katoka Airport, Accra.

He said further: “We are looking to do a bigger entertainment in the weekends. We would like to bring in some artistes on Saturday nights, maybe from Nigeria or even from Ghana where once in a month or once in two weeks we are destination venue for entertainment.

“We target the Nigerian market and we top it up with the local business. We now have to develop the product, make some subtle changes, continue the service, maintain the customer base that we have and keep the loyalty going.

“The future is stability, constantly adopting the product that we are offering, tweaking what we offer and then adding entertainment, keeping the local community involved. That is the future for us and maintaining our reputation, keeping it solely Holiday Inn.” “The hotel has 160 rooms, of which 96 are standard rooms, 48 executive and superior rooms. We have two presidential suites and six suites. We have five main conference rooms and board rooms and that business is primarily for the local trainings and presentations. The mainstay is rooms.

“We have two restaurants, Waise and La Cabana, and two bars, Safar and Terrace. So we cater for everyday. We are at the centre of business because of our location.

“The hotel has grown over seven years and we are now at our peak. The future for the hotel is to maintain our market share. So we are adding extras to the bedrooms this year. We are increasing the TV size; we are adding internet and we are offering video on demand. Basically, we are increasing the entertainment facilities in the bedrooms and undertaking soft refurbishment as we are renovating.”

•Potter

THE NATION, SATURDAY AUGUST 8, 2015

56 News

Boko Haram: Victims Support Fund signs N60m MoU with three hospitals in Borno, Yobe

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HE Nigerian Foundation for the Support of Vic tims of Terrorism,otherwise called Victims Support Fund (VSF), has signed a memorandum of understanding with three

From Duku JOEL, Maiduguri

hospitals for the treatment and care of victims of terror in Borno and Yobe states.

The MoU, which was signed at separate times within the week by the Executive Director of the Foundation, Prof.

Sunday Abogonye Ochoche, in

Maiduguri and Damaturu, also gave a cheque of N20 million each to the three hospitals.

The beneficiary hospitals include the Borno State Spe-

cialist Hospital Maiduguri, the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital and the Gen. Sani Abatcha Specialist Hospital, Damaturu in Yobe State.

Ochoche at separate signing ceremonies in Maiduguri and Damaturu, urged the management of the hospitals to use the funds judiciously for the care of victims of terror attacks in the states.

He said the desire of the VSF is to make sure that all the hospitals are assisted to perform at their minimum best in taking care of victims of terror attacks.

He said: “We at the Victims Support Funds are aware that we cannot meet all the challenges that your hospitals face in the treatment of victims of terror attacks. However, the presentation that we are making is to assist you in delivering better services to victims of terror attacks who are usually brought to your hospitals.

“We are aware that over time, when these attacks occur, your facilities are overstretched and therefore this

kind of support is crucial for the provision of equipment, drugs and facilitates for improved service delivery to the victims.”

He described the donations as just a small element of the good things that are in stock for the victims of Boko Haram attacks, adding that the foundation’s attention at the moment is geared towards the rehabilitation of women and the provision of good and sustainable education for the orphans of insurgency.

He also announced that seven hospitals are benefitting from the programme with majority coming from the North East, comprising Borno, Yobe, Gombe and Adamawa in the first phase while the second phase will comprise Taraba, Bauchi and Plateau states.

Dr. Abdulrahaman Tahir, the Chief Medical Director of UMTH; Dr. Salisu Kwaya Kura of the Borno Specialist Hospital and Dr. Garba Musa Fika all signed the MoU on behalf of their hospitals. They all promised to use the funds for the purpose it was meant for.

NNPC boss asks well-wishers to stop congratulatory adverts •From left: APC National Leader, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu; Sen. Abu Ibrahim; Gov. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje of Kano State and the Political Adviser to the Kano State Governor, Alhaji Abdullahi Abbas, when the governor paid a courtesy visit to the APC Leader in his house in Abuja yesterday.

Insurgency: British security experts in Nigeria to train policemen

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OME British security ex perts have arrived the country to provide expertise training for men and officers of the Nigeria Police Force across the country.

Speaking at the opening ceremony on the Special Weapon and Arms Training (SWAT) for the first batch of policemen at the Mobile Police Training College, Ila-Orangun, Osun State, the college’s commandant, Assistant Commissioner of Police, Dankwara Mohammed, said the programme was timely, particularly with the Muhammadu Buhari administration renewed effort to put total end to the Boko Haram insurgency and other insecurity challenges facing the nation.

He said the force was collaborating with the foreign security experts under the aegis of IBT Associates Limited, a consultancy firm, which is in partnership with Field Security Services.

Mohammed further said the special training programme, which would hold in batches, was designed for all the men and officers, cutting across the rank and file of the force.

He said the training would comprise a combined unit of counter-terrorism, the close protection unit and the antibomb, among others.

He praised the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Solomon Arase, for the initiative which, he said, would upgrade men and officers of the force.

He said the training, no doubt, would reposition the

force to tackle rising crimes in the country and make its men be in control to crack the Boko Haram insurgents, kidnappers, armed robbers and other violent criminals in the country.

He said:“The SWAT is a programme for most responsive action initiated by the British and American police. The Inspector General of Police, Solomon Arase, considered it necessary to upgrade the combat readiness initiative for the members of the force.”

Mohammed said the train-

ing programme would take four weeks for each batch of participants, adding that the first batch had been inaugurated on July 29.

The commandant advised the participants to take the programme serious for effective result, warning them against malingering and to obey the college rules and to maintain discipline throughout the duration of the programme.

He urged them to consider themselves lucky and privileged as the elite of the Nige-

ria Police to be trained by the British police officers.

While speaking further on the nature of the programme, the commandant said: “As soon as members of the first squad who are currently in training finish the programme, another squad would fall in immediately. Each squad is traditionally 63 in number. It is a continuous training programme. Possibly, all the police officers from the rank of inspector will be trained. That is the target of the IGP.”

Provide conducive atmosphere for new port order, Shippers’ Council urges FG

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HE Nigerian Shippers' Council (NSC) yester day urged the Federal Government to provide a more conducive atmosphere to achieve the new port order.

The Executive Secretary of the NSC, Mr Hassan Bello, made the plea during a twoday training programme on effective media practice for maritime journalists with the theme, “A New Port Order: A New Maritime Media,’’ in Lagos.

The new port order is designed to ensure that the nation’s ports become as efficient as what could be obtained in other advanced countries.

An efficient port order discourages diversion of ships to neighbouring countries, increases vessel and cargo traffic and generates more revenue for government and service providers.

Bello said the need for good maritime reports could not be over-emphasised because the media were among the change agents of operations in the industry.

“If maritime reporters are performing their roles effectively, everybody in the sector will do the right thing at the appropriate time,” Bello said according to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).

“Maritime reporters need to upgrade their knowledge of the familiar trends in the industry and should report critically,’’ Bello said.

He also said that for quick and positive results of the new port order, procedures should be carried out appropriately as being done globally.

The NSC chief also stressed the need to introduce automation into the system, saying this would reduce delay in all chains of shipping until the

consignments get to the owner.

The Executive Secretary said there had been reduction in delay in shipping processes, adding that Nigerian ports need to be competitive to attract more shippers who would use them as preferred destinations.

“Before we can achieve new port order, Nigerian ports must be efficient.

“Nigeria has 860 km nautical miles with 26 terminal operators and the competition needs to be supervised,” Bello said.

He said there should be a moderator to checkmate the operations of the terminal operators as well as the shipping companies.

Bello said there must be equilibrium in operations which would stimulate positive competition and efficiency in the port system.

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HE new Group Manag ing Director (GMD) of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), Dr. Emmanuel Ibe Kachikwu, yesterday appealed to friends and wellwishers to stop placing congratulatory adverts on him in the media.

NNPC Group General Manager, Group Public Affairs Division, Ohi Alegbe, said this in a statement yesterday.

Kachikwu, who assumed duty as the 17th GMD of the corporation on Tuesday, said he sees his appointment as a serious national assignment, which does not require the frivolity of congratulatory adverts and the celebration they connote.

He said he would rather appreciate that friends and well-wishers support him with their prayers for divine guidance to carry out the onerous task ahead.

North Korea's new time zone to break from 'imperialism'

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ORTH Korea has decided to switch to a new time zone to mark its liberation from the Japanese at the end of World War Two, according to state media.

North Korea is currently in the same time zone as South Korea and Japan, which are nine hours ahead of GMT. But the Pyongyang Time will see the clocks put back by 30 minutes on 15 August.

State news agency, KCNA, said "wicked Japanese imperialists" had "deprived Korea of even its standard time" by changing the clocks during occupation.

The entire Korean peninsula - then one country - was 8.5 hours ahead of GMT until Japan colonised it in 1910.

KCNA quoted officials as saying the decision to adopt the Pyongyang Time reflected "the unshakeable faith and will of the service personnel and people on the 70th anniversary of Korea's liberation".

South Korea said the move could cause some

short-term inconvenience at the Kaesong industrial plant in North Korea, jointly run by the two Koreas.

"And in the longer term, there may be some fallout for efforts to unify standards and reduce differences between the two sides," Unification Ministry official Jeong Joon-Hee said.

There is no international body that approves a country's change of time zone as countries decide for themselves.

In 2011, Samoa changed its time zone to the other side of the international dateline, losing one day, so as to make communication easier with neighbours, Australia and New Zealand.

And North Korea is not the only country that has created its own unique time zone.

In 2007, Venezuela decided to turn its clocks back by half an hour as President Hugo Chavez wanted to have a "more fair distribution of the sunrise" to residents.

Venezuela is now the only country with a time zone 4.5 hours behind GMT.

THE NATION

NEWS 57

SATURDAY, AUGUST 8, 2015

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O fewer than 12 candidates have applied for the post of the Vice Chancellor of the Ekiti State University (EKSU), Ado Ekiti which becomes vacant in four months time.

Incumbent Vice Chancellor, Prof. Patrick Oladipo Aina, is expected to vacate office on December 2 when he would have completed a five-year non-renewable term.

Aina, a professor of Soil Physics, is credited with massive infrastructural development,

12 jostle for Ekiti varsity VC job

Odunayo OGUNMOLA, Ado Ekiti

execution of reforms which has repositioned the university and better welfare for staff and students, among others.

He was a senior academic at the Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile- Ife before he became EKSU Vice Chancellor.

EKSU Registrar, Emmanuel

‘We have confidence in Ondo APC leadership’

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HAIRMEN of the 18 local government chapters of All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ondo State yesterday passed a vote of confidence on the state executive committee led by Isaac Kekemeke.

The party leaders debunked various allegations levelled against the leadership of the party and appreciated the successes it recorded in the recent elections.

A group, Political Youth Frontiers (PYF) had earlier condemned the alleged recalcitrant posture of Kekemeke which they claimed have deprived many members from contributing their inputs into the affairs of the party for its development.

They particularly lamented that the leadership of the party shunned proceedings at the election petitions tribunal where some of its state Assembly candidates contested the election results.

But the chairmen maintained that there is need to instill discipline in the party in view of re-

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cent happenings.

Addressing reporters at the state office of the party in Akure, the chairman of Akoko North Local Government chapter of APC, Alhaji Rasheed Badmus said, “we need to correct the recent happenings where some members tend to indulge in some acts that tend to portray the party in bad light.”

Badmus noted that all party members should realize that constituted authorities should be respected at all levels.

He advised against the idea of groupings within the party, stressing that it should be discouraged where they exist.

According to him, “APC is a big party with open arms to embrace and accomodate all entrants who should be encouraged to operate within the constitutional positions of the progressives party.

Children and youths have been charged to justifiably appreciate the huge investments on them by their parents and the nation at large by excelling in all their endeavours.

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In the race for the EKSU VC job are former Vice Chancellor of the defunct University of Science and Technology, Ifaki (USTI), Prof. Oye Bandele; Prof.

Joel Adegun, former EKSU Deputy Vice Chancellor (Development) and Prof. Gbenga Aribisala; former EKSU Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic).

Other EKSU senior academics gunning for the plum job are Prof. Samuel Ashaolu, former Dean of Faculty of Science; Prof. Adeolu Ibijola of Mathematical Sciences Department and Prof. Joshua Kayode.

Oziegbe OKOEKI peared before the committee, while the exercise is expected to last till next week.

Members of the committee are: Bisi Yusuff (Alimosho 1); Yinka Ogundimu Agege 2); Adekanye Oladele (Lagos Mainland 1); Mojeed Fatai (Ibeju/Lekki 1); Lawal Mojisola Lasbat (Apapa 1) and Alimi Kazeem (Eti-Osa 1).

LASEMA lauded for prompt response to emergencies Medinat KANABE Lagos State Emergency Management Agency, LASEMA has been lauded for its prompt responses to emergencies in the state.

MrOluwatosinJolayemi, the Managing Director of Daily Needs Industry made the remark yesterday after LASEMA prevented the company from being razed by a raging inferno.

He said: “We commend the prompt response of your team who came with safety wears and assisted in handling the fire incident. We are glad that LASEMA under your leadership has a formidable response team.

Osun State governor, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola (2nd left); Speaker, Osun State House of Assembly, Honourable Najeem Salaam (centre); Chairman, All Progressives Congress (APC) Osun Chapter, Prince Gboyega Famodun (left); Speaker, Ogun House of Assembly, Hon. Suraju Adekunbi (2nd right) and his Oyo counterpart, Hon. Adesina Adeyemo (right), during a special session to mark Najeem’s 50th birthday held at the Assembly complex, Osogbo... yesterday

Lagos Security Trust Fund gets N1bn from donations

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ORPORATE organisations and individuals on Thursday swelled the purse of the Lagos State Security Trust Fund (LSSTF) with donations totaling about N1billion to support the government’s effort towards ensuring a safer and secured state.

At a dinner organised by the LSSTF, members of the corporate world and respected members of the society lauded the strides of Governor Akinwunmi Ambode in the last two months as well as his plans to upgrade the security network in the state, affirming their commitment to continue to support the government’s strides to make Lagos safer.

The governor in his remarks said that his administration remains committed to new strategies to effectively police Lagos and rid the state from all forms

club.

Speaking at the event, the district governor, Rotn.Otunba Bolaji Onabadejo, paid tributes to the initiator of the project, Mrs. Mercy Ola Adegboyegun, a deceased head teacher of the school whose zeal, according to him, facilitated the actuali-

Miriam EKENE-OKORO

of criminal activities.

He said his administration was already thinking of overhauling its security apparatus to be able to rise up to the evolving trends of crime in the state.

“Right now we have just about 33,000 people policing us and we’re about 20 million. So, if you combine other forces, the Lagos Fire Service, LASTMA and Ambulance service, it might bring the number to about 40,000 of them as against 20 million people.

“I can admit we lack the right technology. We don’t have a holistic approach to coordinate everything that we are doing and then we don’t have the security management that Lagos actually needs, so we are under-

policed and we are not getting the right technology to be able to say that Lagos is secured. We must now integrate men, equipment and technology to keep Lagos safer,” he said.

Ambode lauded the private sector contribution to the LSSTF in the last seven years, which he put at a total of N4billion, while the state government has contributed about N8billion to the fund.

He said commencing from next year, a Lagos State Awards of Excellence will be held annually to recognise and certify individuals and companies who have been selfless about issues affecting Lagos.

Ambode also unveiled plans to strengthen the Rapid Response Squad (RRS) as well as establish an integrated security and emergency control platform, such that the control and

command centre in Alausa will have an interface with other security networks through the surveillance cameras which will be provided.

“It is in my interest that I drive the business of making Lagos safer and it’s also in my interest that you join hands with me to succeed in this,” he added.

Those who attended the dinner included Africa’s leading business mogul and President of Dangote Group of Companies, Alhaji Aliko Dangote; Managing Director, Zenon Oil, Mr. Femi Otedola; Chairman of Zenith Bank Group, Mr. Jim Ovia; Chairman, Heirs Holdings Limited, Mr. Tony Elumelu; Oba of Lagos, Rilwan Akiolu 1; Deputy Governor of Lagos State, Dr. (Mrs.) Oluranti Adebule and Chairman, Lagos State Security Trust Fund, Mr. Remi Makanjuola among others.

AOCOED workers, students protest alleged neglect •Workers allege doctoring of provost’s re-appointment letter

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ORKERS and students of Adeniran Ogunsanya College of Education, Ijanikin, Lagos State,yesterday blocked both ends of the Mile 2/Badagry Expressway in a protest to draw government’s attention to the plight of the institution.

The workers and students

Rotary club donates sick bay to school OTARY Club of Maryland, Ikeja, Lagos, has donated a sick bay to Community Senior High School, Wasimi in Onigbongbo Local Council Development Area of the state.

Rotn Mallinson Ukati, a philanthropist, donated the sick bay on behalf of the

while the rest six are from other universities around the country.

The Nation gathered that candidates have been lobbying powerful individuals, including politicians, council members and other people that matter in pushing their case.

Expected to play key roles in the emergence of a new VC are the Visitor, Governor Ayo Fayose and Chairman of the Governing Council who is also the immediate past Minister of State (Works), Prince Dayo Adeyeye.

Damisi OJO, Akure

Lagos Assembly advises councils to give priority to capital projects HAIRMAN of the Lagos State House of Assembly ad hoc committee on Local Government, Rotimi Abiru has advised local government chairmen to give priority to capital projects that would enhance physical development at the grassroots.

Abiru gave the advice yesterday at the commencement of the Uniform Budget Template (UBT) exercise for all the 57 local government and council development areas held at the Assembly complex in Ikeja.

Abiru said the purpose of the exercise is to prepare a uniform template for LGs and LCDAs. The 7-man committee headed by the Chief Whip, Rotimi Abiru directed all the council representatives to appear with all necessary documents which includes: capital receipts, Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) from January till date, breakdown budget of overhead cost, breakdown of teachers’ salaries and bank statements.

It would be recalled that the House had last week approved 2015 budget estimates for LGs/LCDAs following the report of a 6-man ad hoc committee.

Already over seven(7) local government and council development areas have ap-

Ogunyemi, confirmed to The Nation yesterday that 12 candidates were interested in the office of the Vice Chancellor, but he declined to give their names.

Ogunyemi, who is also the Secretary to the Senate and the Governing Council, disclosed that filing of applications has since closed while candidates will be interviewed in October.

Inside sources told our correspondent that out of the 12 candidates who beat the deadline for submission, six are senior academics in the university

The identity of the six applicants from other universities could not be ascertained at press time, but a strong lobby was being intensified to ensure that one of the ‘insiders’ got the job.

A source said: “The candidates are expected to face the interview panel in October and it will involve the Governing Council, the Senate and members of the congregation.

“The papers of the applicants are being scrutinised while for the outsiders, visits are being paid to the universities where they had worked in the past.

“The search party is already on the field and this is one of the measures to ensure that the process is credible and transparent.”

zation of the project.

He charged children and youths to justifiably appreciate the huge investments on them by their parents and the nation at large by excelling in all their endeavours.

The pupils elated by the donation, expressed appreciation to the club for supporting the school.

Adegunle OLUGBAMILA were protesting against the failure to increase the college monthly subvention since 2010 and renewal of appointment of the provost, Mr Wasiu Bashorun Olalekan, among others.

As early as 7am , the highways were blocked with a bus belonging to the Student Union Government of the college.Motorists and passengers went through horrendous moments as they were stuck on the highways for hours.

However, The Nation learnt that the protest may not be unconnected to the alleged doctoring of the letter of appointment of AOCOED provost for

a second term in office, a development that has created a crisis of interest in the institution.

Impeccable sources told The Nation that Gov. Akinwunmi Ambode has approved the reappointment of the provosts of the state owned colleges of education- AOCOED and the Michael Otedola College of Primary Education (MOCPED) Epe. However, while MOCPED has received its letter, AOCOED is still waiting to be officially communicated.

Meanwhile, new twist emerged that certain elements in government in connivance with the college’s Chairman of the Senior Staff Union of Colleges of Education of Nigeria (SSUCOED) Wumi

Ombugadu, are considering doctoring the letter to reverse Bashorun approval in favour of another professor of Education at the Lagos State University, who is being favoured to succeed Bashorun.

Speaking with The Nation yesterday, Ombugadu said: “I do not have any relationship with any top shot in government. As a union leader, I met the Deputy Governor, Dr Idiat Adebule during the college convocation two weeks ago. We briefly spoke and I booked an appointment with her on Tuesday (August 4) alongside three other unions.

“During the meeting, the deputy governor emphasised on due process on selection of a new provost in which the current provost also benefitted from.”

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THE NATION, SATURDAY, AUGUST 8, 2015

New appointments vindicate Buhari, says South East APC

APC leader accuses Dickson of diverting N15bn flood money T •Allegation frivolous, fallacious –Dickson A leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Bayelsa State, Chief Bodi Arerebo, yesterday challenged the state governor, Mr. Seriake Dickson, asking him to account for over N15bn he allegedly received from donors after the 2012 flood that devastated the state.

Arerebo, who is a kinsman of Dickson, recalled that after the flood disaster, philanthropic individuals and organisations, including international donors, gave billions of naira to the state for the resettlement of victims and rebuilding of structures.

He, however, expressed concern over the money, which he alleged must have been mismanaged, especially as Dickson had yet to tell the people how the flood fund was spent.

Arerebo, who while addressing newsmen in Yenagoa, insisted that there was nothing on ground to show that the money was used to rebuild damaged structures and resettle victims of the disaster.

He called on President Muhammadu Buhari to direct the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to investigate the money Dickson got from generous Nigerians and other international donors.

Arerebo remembered that multi-bil-

n Mike ODIEGWU, Yenagoa n

lionaires, such as Aliko Dangote, Wale Adenuga and others were among persons who donated money to the state.

He said: "Since 1999, the PDP government has not provided good leadership for Bayelsa State. The case of current Governor, Seriake Dickson is the worst.

"Dickson has yet to tell Bayelsans how he spent the money for floods victims in the state. The state was ravaged by floods in 2013 and as a result, donations came from Nigerians and international donors to ameliorate the sufferings of the victims.

"But from the look of things, the governor ate all the money. We do not even see what he used all the money to do.

He should come and tell Bayelsans how that money was spent. We are calling on Buhari to investigate the money Bayelsa got from international and local donors for the flood victims. Let him come and tell us how he spent the money."

But reacting to the allegation, Special Adviser to the Governor on Political Matters, Mr. Fyneman Wilson, berated Arerebo, saying his allegation was friv-

olous and fallacious.

Wilson said: "We have a governor who is very careful in the management of resources. If such funds were sent, he would put it back to direct project execution for the purpose of the floods.

"You are aware that there was a flood management committee that was put in place in this state. They did a lot of remedial work. In Sagbama and many other places, the areas the water passed through to cause floods were blocked.

"The governor did not tamper with that money and such money did not come to this state. The Federal Government did not give such money to the state."

Speaking further, Arerebo said that the APC was ready to sweep the Peoples PDP and Dickson out the Government House, adding that the PDP had failed the people.

He noted that the APC would provide the needed change for the people, asserting that the defeat of the PDP was imminent.

"By the next governorship election, APC will win in Bayelsa State. We will win because we have every machinery on ground for us to win," he said.

n Tony AKOWE, Abuja n HE All Progressives Congress (APC) in the south east geopolitical zone has said that recent appointments by President Muhammadu Buhari is a clear demonstration that the President bears no grudge against any section of the country.

In a statement by its Zonal Spokesman, Osita Okechukwu, a copy of which was made available to newsmen in Abuja, the party said the appointment of Dr Ibe Kachikwu and Engr. Dennis Ajulu as GMD and GED Exploration and Production of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) respectively vindicates the President’s earlier position that every region of the country under his watch would receive equal and fair treatment.

He also hailed the enlistment of Enugu Airport among the airports to be upgraded, describing it as a clear indication and demonstration that President Buhari bears no grudge against Ndigbo for not voting for him.

He recalled that the South-East APC had earlier assured the Igbo that President Buhari would not marginalize them for not voting for him, and urged them to disregard rumour merchants who peddle the falsehood the president hates Ndigbo.

Gov Ayade attracts tractor manufacturing plant to C/River •Plans to build 5000 homes for poor, unemployed ROSS River State Governor, Senator Ben Ayade's trade mission to the Republic of Ireland has already begun to yield fruits, with a tractor manufacturing company expressing the willingness to set up plant in the state.

Ayade, who spent the first day of his visit between Dublin and Monaghan listening to presentations from various Irish investors and businesses, was particularly excited by the presentation from the Affordable Building Concepts Limited chairman, Redmond Cullinane.

Cullinane informed the governor and his entourage, including Nigeria's Ambassador to Ireland and Iceland�, H.E Bolere Ketebu, that his firm can build a home in just one day and half.

The system used in constructing the homes, which he calls off site, is expected to "increase ten-fold in 2020, with this type of system making up over 50 percent of the

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current construction."

He said the system is the quickest way of fulfilling modern housing needs at a more competitive cost �which still ensures good and modern building standards.

The governor revealed that his administration would adopt the system to build 5000 homes for the poor and unemployed.

Catering for this class of people, according to him, was the most compelling reason why he is in public office, adding that the focal point of his administration in on how to lift as many Cross Riverians as possible out of poverty.

He later inspected prototypes of the homes at the company's warehouse in Monaghan.

The governor, however, demanded that given the number of homes his government is willing to build, the firm should consider sitting its manufacturing plant in the state.

15 injured as army, police clash in Edo IFTEEN persons, including a pregnant woman, were yesterday injured during a fracas between men of the Nigerian Army and policemen from the popular Oba Market Police Station.

The clash, which occurred opposite the market, located at the Benin City centre, forced residents and shops owners to flee for safety.

Tear gas canisters and several shots were fired during the clash, as soldiers who arrived in over 10 Hilux vans, invaded the police station.

Many residents were injured in the ensuing stampede and from inhaling tear gas.

Policemen in the station locked themselves inside the station, while business owners locked their shops to pre-

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•Cross River State Governor, Senator Ben Ayade (right); Nigeria's Ambassador to Ireland and Iceland, H.E Bolere Ketebu and Desmond Cullinane (left) inspecting the affordable homes at Monaghan, Ireland yesterday

Niger Delta youths threaten to shut down NLNG over plan OUTHS in the Niger matter in order to build dry-dock shipyard all-important Delta region have said to avert a serious anarchy.

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it would mobilize youths in all Niger Delta states to protest against the Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas Company (NLNG), if the company fails to reverse its decision to build a drydock shipyard outside its operational base.

The youths, under the aegis of Niger Delta Youth Organizations, spoke yesterday in Port Harcourt, saying that it would shutdown NLNG facilities if all peaceful modalities failed to convince the company to reverse its decision.

Over 30 youth organizations, including the National Youths Council of Nigeria; Rivers State chapter; Ijaw Youths Council; Bonny Youths Federation; Niger Delta People Volunteer and Salvation Front and Rivers Ethnic Youth Leaders Coalition, were in attendance at

n Precious DIKEWOHA, Port Harcourt n

the press briefing.

They said their grievances was predicated on the fact that NLNG decided to construct a dry-dock shipyard worth $1.5 billion dollars in an area outside its operational base and region.

Speaking on behalf of the youth organizations, the leader of Bonny Youth Federation, Comrade Simeon Wilcox, said the NLNG did a kangaroo feasibility study without the knowledge of the stakeholders from Rivers State and the Niger Delta at large whose interest were not considered.

He said the decision taken

by NLNG was seen as a clear case of insensitivity and a provocative corporate plan, adding that the company has failed to consider the colossal unemployment rate in the

Niger Delta region, especially in Bonny Kingdom.

Comrade Wilcox said: “We are calling on President Mohammadu Buhari, Chief Nyesom Wike and honourable members of the Rivers State House of Assembly to intervene on this

“We are going to shutdown the NLNG facilities if the company fails to do the needful. The youths of Rivers State and that of Niger Delta would mobilize to protest across every NLNG operational community until the company considers the interest of the region.”

n Osagie OTABOR, Benin n vent looting.

The soldiers stopped their over two-hour siege at the police station at about 6:20pm, following intervention of top police officers in the state.

It was learnt that trouble started when 10 policemen beat two soldiers to stupor at the Ibiwe junction close to the Oba Market station.

The soldiers, according to witnesses, had beaten up a female traffic warden for not allowing them to pass through despite heavy traffic.

One of the soldiers was said to have repeatedly slapped the woman until other policemen intervened, resulting into a free for all.

Dickson's wife, sister dragged to court for trespass, intimidation HE First Lady, Bayelsa State, Dr. Rachel Dickson, her sister, Madam Tari Konyefa and an architect, Mr. Raymond Favour, have been dragged to the state High Court for allegedly trespassing on a parcel of land belonging to one Anthony Ibomoghe, a.k.a Tony Ezekiel.

Ezekiel, a businessman, who hails from Southern Ijaw Local Government Area of the state, in a suit, dated May 21, said his parcel of land, which formed part of the Okunukuo Bush, Yenizue-Gene Epie, had been taken over by the trio.

He described Konyefa as an agent and trustee of Mrs. Dickson's expansive multi-storey building undergoing construction and near completion at the Erepa Road, Yenizue-Gene.

Ezekiel, in a copy of the suit obtained by The Nation, said the defendants dumped a container made of steel on his five-

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n Mike ODIEGWU, Yenagoa n bedroom duplex undergoing construction, which he said has already cost him about N40million.

He said the way and manner the container was dumped on the land impacted negatively on the foundation of his building and stopped him from continuing further work on the structure.

Irked by the development, he said he lodged a complaint with the Commissioner of Police in Yenagoa, adding that the matter was still receiving consideration by the police.

Ezekiel said he further sent a letter to the defendants, who instead of complying with his requests, replied him through their lawyer, denying any connection with the actions complained of, including owning any plots of land near his land.

NEWS

THE NATION, SATURDAY, AUGUST 8, 2015

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Abia North senatorial election: Kalu testifies at tribunal

n Ugochukwu UGOJI-EKE, Umuahia n ORMER Abia State Gov- Kalu, Kelvin Nwufo, SAN, deernor and the senatorial scribed Kalu’s testimony as excandidate for Abia North cellent, adding that he could Senatorial district in the last be declared winner based on general elections, Dr Orji Uzor the result of the two local govKalu, has testified in the con- ernment areas.

According to Nwufo, it hapsolidated petition at the National Assembly Election pened in 2007 when Nkiruka Petition Tribunal sitting in Onyejiocha was declared winner based on the result of one Umuahia.

Kalu, the candidate of the local government, Isuikwuato, Progressive People’s Alliance adding that it was later con[PPA], is contesting the decla- firmed by the Appeal Court.

He said Kalu’s testimony ration of Mao Ohuabunwa as was hinged on three deposithe winner of the election.

The former governor testi- tions, including the deposition fied as the 1st Petitioner, PW5, in support of the petition, depfor about three hours, insisting osition in support of reply to that he should be declared the the reply of the 1st respondent winner of the election, based and “our reply in respect of the on the result of the two local reply to the 2nd -9th respongovernments of Bende and dent.

Kalu’s counsel said a forenIsuikwuato.

Kalu, under cross examina- sic expert would testify in the tion by the counsel to the In- case on August 20, 2015, bedependent National Electoral cause the respondents’ objecCommission (INEC), Mike tion to his testimony was Onyeka, said that the election granted by the tribunal, which in the district was inconclusive ruled that they be served the in areas like Arochukwu, witness’ report to enable them Ohafia and Umunneochi prepare their reply.

The matter was adjourned council areas.

Speaking in an interview to August 14, 2015 as schedafter the session, counsel to uled by the tribunal.

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•Enugu State Governor, Rt. Hon. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi cuts the tape to formally inaugurate a 15-km Inter-Town-Connection (ITC) 2.5 MVA injection Sub-Station to supply light to some communities in Udi, Uzo-Uwani and Igboetiti L.G.As of the state. With him are the Deputy Governor, Hon. Mrs. Cecilia Ezeilo, (2nd right); member representing Udi North, Hon. Johnbull Nwagu (left); Commissioner for Rural Development, Ozo Gab Onuzulike (2nd left); and General Manager, Enugu State Rural Electrification Project, Dr. Simon Atigwe (right).

Abia, Ebonyi agree to end boundary dispute he governments of Abia and n Ugochukwu UGOJI-EKE, Umuahia n Ebonyi states have resolved to find a permanent solution to the Speaking at a joint meeting of border disputes between the two Abia/Ebonyi Interstate Boundary neighbouring states. convened at Umuahia by the NaThe deputy governors of the two tional Boundary Commission (NBC), states committed their respective Abia State Deputy Governor, Rt Hon governments to end the dispute with Ude Oko-Chukwu, noted that the a final demarcation of the 70km-long state has boundary disputes of varyinterstate boundary, involving four ing degrees with all neighbouring and two local governments in Abia states. and Ebonyi states respectively.

Oko-Chukwu said that Abia State The council areas in Abia State in- was ready and willing to ensure that volved in the dispute are Umun- the boundary dispute with its neighneochi; Isuikwuato; Bende and bours is resolved completely, adding, Ohafia, while Ivo and Afikpo South “We want our people to live in peace local government areas are in Ebonyi and harmony with our neighbours in State.

Ebonyi State”.

More than six violent clashes have He said that while some of the taken place at different points along boundary disputes had received atthe boundary since 1987, a situation tention, some remain unresolved, which necessitated the peace meet- adding that the Abia/Ebonyi bounding between leaders of the two states. ary “is among those that have not

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N2bn Adada river dam set for completion next year •Ugwuanyi inaugurates rural electrification project HE over N2 billion Adada River Dam project embarked upon by the Federal Ministry of Water Resources in Enugu State would be completed and delivered for use in July next year.

The dam is expected to generate and hold some 1.3m cubic metre of water all-year round.

Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State, who inspected the dam project at the weekend, also inaugurated a network of rural electrification project, which started barely few days after assumed office and executed by the state’s Rural Electrification Board.

The representative of the water resources ministry, Robert Umezulike, a Chief Hydrologist, who was at the site of the dam at the weekend, assured that when completed; the facility would power the greater Nsukka water scheme.

As part of the efforts to strengthen the process of enhancing the project and boost economic activities in the vast rural communities that cut across Udi, Uzo-Uwani and Igbo- Etiti local council areas of the state, the governor inaugurated a completed a rural electrification projected which would help in powering the dam when it is completed.

A large crowd of people from the three local council areas turned out to witness the inauguration of the 2.5MVA injection substation by the governor, who also cut the tape to inaugurate the civic centre in the community.

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been attended to along the entire stretch of the boundary”.

Speaking further, the Abia deputy governor said, “The disputes are actually land disputes which were converted to interstate boundary disputes because they now exist across the border of the two states.

The primary causes of the disputes are the unguarded desire to acquire more land for farming and to own quarry sites.”

Ebonyi Deputy Governor, Chief Kelechi Igwe, agreed with his Abia counterpart on the need for peace to reign in the border communities, saying that Ebonyi had already declared its readiness for peace and proper delineation of the disputed boundary.

Igwe identified eight points along the Abia/Ebonyi boundary where disagreements still exist. He said he

expected the spokesmen for the communities involved in the dispute to provide the information that will assist in arriving at strategies that will help in the demarcation of the boundary.

Also speaking, the Director-General of NBC, Dr Muhammad B. Ahmad, said that the commission had over the years taken different actions on interstate boundaries involving Abia State.

He, however, noted with regret that progress on each of the interstate boundaries is not commensurate with the efforts and inputs made by the commission.

Dr Ahmad said that the Abia/Ebonyi interstate boundary could be described as a boundary between brothers who co-existed as people of the old Abia State before the creation of Ebonyi State in 1996.

Clean-up of Ogoniland: PDP, South-South APC, MOSOP hail Buhari's approval of implementation of UNEP report HE Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Rivers State chapter, and the Movement for the Survival of the Ogoni People (MOSOP), have described as a welcome development, President Muhammadu Buhari's approval of the full implementation of the recommendations contained in the report of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) on Ogoniland's environmental assessment.

The Rivers PDP, through its Chairman, Chief Felix Obuah, yesterday in Port Harcourt, the state capital, noted that President Buhari's action on UNEP and Ogoniland was in tandem with Governor Nyesom Wike’s restoration programme in the state.

MOSOP, through its President, Legborsi Saro Pyagbara, congratulated the President Buhari-led Federal Government of Nigeria for also approving the setting up of the governing structures to facilitate the implementation of the recommendations of the UNEP report on Ogoniland.

The umbrella organisation of Ogoni people said: "Coming at a time of growing skepticism, driven by experiences of untoward politicisation of implementation of the report by the immediate past administration (of President Goodluck Jonathan), the approval demon-

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n Bisi OLANIYI, Port Harccourt n and Tony AKOWE, Abuja strates a comforting shift from rhetoric to matching words with action, which expresses commitment. The action will rebuild and strengthen the confidence of our (Ogoni) people in the government.

"In reciprocation of the Federal Government’s response to our outcries, MOSOP pledges to cooperate with the administration (of President Buhari) and other stakeholders to ensure a successful implementation of the recommendations of the report.

"While we applaud the approach on UNEP report, we will plead with the Federal Government not to delay the constitution of the approved governance structures, to enable urgent commencement of the Ogoni environmental remediation and restoration exercise. We will implore Mr. President to, as a matter of urgency, call for nominations from the defined stakeholders to enhance composition of the Governing Council and the Board of Trustees of the intervention agency."

The PDP, while urging President Buhari to match words with actions on the UNEP report, stated that the decision would fast-track the cleanup of Ogoniland.

The party lauded the President for not discontinuing a process started by previous administrations, which led to the commissioning of UNEP activities in Ogoni and the setting up of the Hydrocarbon Pollution Restoration Project (HYPREP), particularly by the Goodluck Jonathan’s administration, all of which were being gazetted.

The leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the SouthSouth also commended President Muhammadu Buhari for approving the recommendations of the report.

The National Vice Chairman of the party in the zone, Prince Hilliard Eta, said in a statement signed by his media aide, Bassey Ita, that the President's action was an indication that the President Buhari was fully ready to ensure the welfare of all Nigerians as contained in his campaign promises.

The APC chieftain, who expressed confidence that the government will turn around the economy of the region, also urged the electorate in Bayelsa State to embrace change in the coming governorship election.

Eta assured that the undue harassment of APC members in the state will soon become history, as the party was reaching out to relevant authorities to put a stop to the menace of the PDP-led authorities.

Ebonyi Assembly approves Umahi's N8.4bn CBN loans request n Ogochukwu ANIOKE, n Abakaliki BONYI State House of Assembly yesterday gave the state government the nod to take three loans from the Central Bank of Nigeria for various purposes.

This followed the letters written to the House by the governor, Dave Umahi, urging the House to approve the request.

The letters were read during plenary.

The loans include a N4.4 billion salary arrears bailout from the apex bank. Others included a N2bn loan for micro and medium scale enterprises development fund and a N2bn loan for rice production.

The letters were read by the Leader of the House, Joseph Nwaobasi, and accepted as a working document, after which the House dissolved into committees of the whole House to deliberate on the requests.

The Minority Leader of the House, Mrs Maria Ude Nwachi (PPA), representing Afikpo North West, in her contribution, urged the state government to ensure that the loans are utilized for the purposes they are given and not end up in private pockets of a few individuals.

She said: "My mind skips when I hear about these loans for agriculture, my mind skips. The reason is that most times, the money will end up in private pockets and the people that need the money will not be able to access it" "The people will still be poor and the people who have access to it will plunder it. I am hoping that this present government will deviate from the norm by making sure the real farmers benefit from the loan."

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NEWS

THE NATION, SATURDAY, AUGUST 8, 2015

It's illegal to touch Local Govt funds, says Yari n Augustine EHIKIOYA, Abuja n HE Chairman of Nigeria Governor Forum (NGF) and Zamfara State Governor, Abdulaziz Yari on Friday said it was illegal for state governments to withhold Local Government Council funds.

Stressing that no such unconstitutional breach was in practice in his state, he said that local governments could work together with the state and contribute towards a particular project.

Yari spoke with State House correspondents after meeting with President Buhari at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

He said: "This is a constitutional matter, section 7 has given power to the Assembly to manage finances of the state. And if you could remember, so many attempts have been made to the National Assembly to amend the section but it failed.

"But the essence of joint account to my understanding as governor is not to hold the money. As the money is coming, as the constitution spells out, the House of Assembly has to oversee the administration and finances of the state so therefore, that is the meaning of joint account. If it is done properly, no body should hold any local government money.

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•From left: Prince (Dr.) Tayo Haastrup; Miss Martha Adebimpe Haastrup and Hon. Justice Rakiya Haastrup as Martha bagged degree in law from Lancaster University, United Kingdom, recently.

Governorship tribunal: Gombe APC accuses INEC of conniving with PDP OMBE State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has accused the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in the state of conniving with the ruling PDP to sabotage its efforts at the tribunal.

Challenging the re-election of Alhaji Ibrahim Hassan Dankwabo as governor in the last governorship election, the APC, through its lawyers demanded that the ballot papers used for the elec-

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tion be recounted. The request was however not granted as the tribunal set aside the petitioner’s prayers.

Citing two authorities to buttress his ruling, the tribunal chairman held that no matter how eloquently rendered the written address of the petitioner was, it cannot take the place of evidence.

Speaking, counsel to the first respondent, Isiyaku Ibrahim (SAN), said: “We had cause to apply to the tribunal to set aside an earlier order of recount which

Governor denies fresh killings in Nasarawa n Augustine EHIKIOYA, Abuja n

HE Governor of Nasarawa State, Tanko Al-Makura on Friday denied report of fresh killings in the

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state.

Speaking with State House Correspondents after meeting President Muhammadu Buhari at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, he said that the present peace in Nasarawa has been unprecedented.

He said "People, I mean citizens of Nasarawa State are jubilating and are happy that the peace that has been attained through community-based mechanism that everybody was par-

ticipating has yielded results.

"We are enjoying unfettered peaceful co-existence in the state. So it will be surprising for anybody to speculate and raise an alarm where there is none.

According to him, the rate of crime in the state has drastically reduced to a point of no criminality.

He said: "We don't have anything like that, even the rate of crime in the state has really subsided because the security operatives and the residents are working in synergy to ensure that miscreants and bad eggs amongst us find another environment.

was obtained experte.

They were the only ones that moved the motion and the tribunal granted them without hearing us. But when we brought a motion for that order to be set aside, the tribunal agreed with us that we must be heard before such an order could be made.

“After that, they brought an application to say that they wanted us to be heard so that the tribunal would grant the order for a re-count but we said no.

The tribunal cannot give an order on documents that are not before it because the documents are supposed to be tendered before the tribunal can give an order for a re-count.”

Counsel to the petitioner, Mr Niyi Akintola (SAN) expressed hope that the results they are presently tendering would open up some revelation, believing in the ability of the tribunal to deliver justice in the matter.

He regretted that after paying over N11 million to INEC for the release of all the documents needed for the verification of claims, the office of commissions Head of Operations claimed it was not authorised to produce them.

Speaking to newsmen in Gombe, the party’s secretary, Alhaji Sallau Manu Pindiga, lamented that INEC, which according to him, should to be fair to both sides, was crying more than the bereaved.

"I doubt if there is any state that is holding any local government funds. But I think what used to happen in my own case is may be if we are having a development project, we vote together on percentage basis, maybe 60-40.

"This is the only thing that could make a state touch the monies of local government other wise all the monies to go the local government. So, no one as a governor has the right to touch local government money.

"Although there are speculations that some states are holding local government money, maybe because there are no election in those local government. It' is administrators, but constitutionally, it is the right of local government which must be exercised." He added According to him, efforts by state �governments in the Northwest, particularly Kaduna and Zamfara to curb criminal activities and communal clashes between cattle herders and farmers were yielding good results.

He gave as example recent arrest by security agents of cattle rustlers and recovery of stolen cattle in the area as the result of improvement in coordinated response to security threats in the region.

Kaduna TUC backs El-Rufai's fight against ghost workers n Abdulgafar ALABELEWE, Kaduna n HE Trade Union Congress of Nigeria, Kaduna State Council has said it is not opposed to the genuine verification exercise of the state Civil Servants to rid the government pay roll of ghost workers.

The Chairman, Comrade Shehu Mohammed while addressing a press conference in kaduna yesterday said the Congress is in total support of any move that will ensure the free flow of money illegal accounts to the government treasury for speedy development of the state.

The Union however appealed to the Governor consider the payment of July 2015 salaries and wages of those civil servants of the state that were cleared in June while the second round of the verification exercise in the state continue.

According to him, "The Union is of the opinion that delaying payments of worker’ salaries and wages amounts to tremendous hardship to the workers and their families.

"We considers the outcome of the meeting between the committee of verification exercise and the leadership of the union along side with banks that were to handle the exercise and we discovered that some of them are not ready.

"In as much as the union remains committed in supporting the government in carrying out its obligatory to the people of Kaduna State it would not be seen as shaking away from its responsibilities to protect the economic well being of its members in the state," Comrade Mohammed stated.

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Kadiri, Olumoroti join Kogi governorship race HE number of aspirants for the Kogi State governorship seat swelled by two yesterday.

Senator Alex Kadiri and Engr. Olusola George Olumoroti both picked their nomination and intent forms from the national secreatariat of the All Progresives Congress, vowing to turn around the fortune of the state in four years if voted.

Addressing newsmen at the APC National Secretariat after collecting his expression of interest and nomination form to contest the APC primaries, Kadiri said the bane of development in the State has been bad governance, adding that he needs only four years to correct the anomalies in the state.

He said he would only be in office for a term of four years if elected governor of the state, saying "It is not my intention to hang on to the governorship of Kogi State more than four years."

Senator Kadiri decried the margilisation of certain parts of the state since its creation in 1991

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•Vow to transform state in four years n Tony AKOWE, Abuja n saying it was part of the problem bedevilling Kogi state, noting that foremost businessmen like Jide Omokore and Tunde Ayeni have no investments in the state because of disconnection between the government and the people of the state.

He vowed to address youth restiveness and all other anomalies in the state.

On whether he will subscribe to having a consensus candidate for the election, he said the idea of consensus was good, but may not work out now after the aspirants have been made to part with a whopping N5.5 million each to obtain forms, adding that the timing is rather late.

He argued that Kogi's predicament has gone beyond mere electoral promises to addressing fundamental issues of unity among the populace and disconnection between the leaders and

the led over time, and lamented a situation where the people of the state who have lived together for over 20 years don't inter-marry.

In a different interview with newsmen in Lokoja, Olumoroti said his desire to occupy the exalted office of Kogi State governor was borne out of the need to inject fresh ideas that can move the state forward.

He said it was sad to see the state ranked in a recent World Bank rating as the 34th poorest state in the country in spite of its enormous natural and human resources.

He said the major problem confronting the state was that greedy and corrupt men with little ideas have been steering its ship, saying it was time for total change.

Describing himself as the only aspirant who can truly be called the bridge between the old and young, he said he has contributed immensely in the last 15 years to the eradication of

poverty in the state through various empowerment schemes for youths and women, including widows.

He said: "We are tired of the old order. Kogi must emulate Lagos State in the area of development, and I believe it is young, vibrant and energetic young men full of ideas like us that can bring the needed change.

"By the grace of God, if given the chance , I promise within one year to jump-start the state from its current socio- economic doldrums to a virile and vibrant state which everybody will be proud of."

On the rumour that some aspirants are stooges of Prince Abubakar Audu, who intend to step down for him later, Olumoroti said he would never be a stooge to anybody, adding that he was contesting the election on merit.

"How can anybody insinuate that I will be a stooge to another aspirant? Never! I have all it takes to govern the state successfully and everybody knows I have been a consistent, focused aspirant since 2007," he added

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THE NATION SATURDAY, AUGUST 8, 2015

EQUITIES NIGERIAN STOCK EXCHANGE DAILY SUMMARY AS AT 7-08-15

High-cap stocks, profit-taking halt equities’ rally

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HE week-long rally at the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) came to a halt yesterday as profit-taking transactions overshadowed the overall market situation and turned the benchmark indices into negative.

While there were more gainers than losers, profit-taking transactions on several highly capitalised stocks orchestrated a modest decline of 0.17 per cent, breaking the successive rally that ran through Monday to Thursday. The modest decline of 0.17 per cent nudged the negative average year-to-date return to -9.28 per cent.

The All Share Index (ASI), the value-based common index that tracks prices of quoted equities, recorded its first decline of the week to close at 31,441.71 points as against its opening index of 31,495.73 points. Aggregate market value of all quoted companies also dropped by N19 billion to close at N10.776 trillion compared with its opening value of N10.795 trillion.

Turnover meanwhile remained above average with the

Stories by Taofik Salako, Capital Market Editor

exchange of 524.65 million shares valued at N2.33 billion in 3,437 deals. The financial services sector accounted for about 85 per cent of aggregate turnover as investors traded 444.83 million financial services shares valued at N1.5 billion in 1,649 deals.

Highly capitalised stocks orchestrated the decline. Guinness Nigeria led 17 other stocks on the losers’ list with a drop of N6 to close at N131. Total Nigeria followed with a drop of N5.25 to close at N150. Flour Mills of Nigeria declined by N1.84 to close at N29. Cadbury Nigeria lost N1.75 to close at N33.30. Okomu Oil Palm dropped by N1.17 to close at N24.83. Stanbic IBTC Holdings declined by 90 kobo to N21. Northern Nigeria Flour Mills dropped by 69 kobo to close at N13.30. Guaranty Trust Bank, the most capitalised banking stock, lost 60 kobo to close at N24.10. Zenith Bank, the second most capitalised banking stock, also dropped by 30 kobo to close at N16.90 while

Unity Bank lost five kobo to close at N2.05 per share.

On the other hand, Forte Oil, which plans a supplementary capital issue, topped the 24stock gainers’ list with a gain of N8 to close at N208. Mobil Oil Nigeria followed with addition of N5 to close at N160.

PZ Cussons Nigeria rose by N1.51 to close at N34.51. Ashaka Cement chalked up n1 to close at N23. Berger Paints added 47 kobo to close at N9.97. Oando rose by 30 kobo to close at N12.30. Nigerian Breweries gathered 28 kobo to close at N135. FBN Holdings and Lafarge Africa added 25 kobo each to close at N7 and N103.25 respectively while Dangote Flour Mills added 10 kobo to close at N3.25 per share.

Further analysis showed that Continental Reinsurance was the most active stock with a turnover of 315.48 million shares worth N293.39 million in 11 deals. Transnational Corporation of Nigeria placed second with a turnover of 47.46 million shares valued at N133.66 million in 348 deals.

DAILY SUMMARY AS AT 7-08-15

THE NATION SATURDAY, AUGUST 8, 2015

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SPORT EXTRA BATTLE OF DAR ES SALAAM

Oliseh mum over Iheanacho’s chance

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IGERIA coach Sunday Oliseh has told Goal that there will be a few surprises when his list of foreign-based professionals to tackle Tanzania next month is released in coming weeks.

While reassuring that standard won't be compromised, he also revealed how difficult it was for him pruning down the names of short listed foreign-based players from 72 to 23.

The coach, who expects stiff competition when camping kicks off in Abuja in a fortnight, refused to confirm or deny if Manchester City's youngster Kelechi Iheanacho will be considered in his ‘surprise list’.

Iheanacho has been in blistering form for the Citizens in pre-season, scoring twice in five appearances.

The former Flying Eagles attacking midfielder has also been promoted to the first team squad for the coming Premier League season.

"I don't know and if I do, I won't share with you," Oliseh told Goal. “But there will be lots of surprises in the squad for the Euro-based players. We have a target which is to win in Dar es Salaam,” he added.

The former national team skipper handed fresh callups to seven new players for the upcoming away fixture against Tanzania, overlooking notable names such as

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• Iheanacho

Azubuike Egwuekwe, Rabiu Ali, Daniel Akpeyi and a host of others in his new look home-based Super Eagles squad.

Oliseh also revealed that his meeting with Liverpool winger Jordan Ibe, was fruitful but was quick to add that nothing is guaranteed at least for now confirming Goal’s earlier report regarding the availability of the Liverpool winger for Nigeria this year.

"We still have to make him see why Nigeria is a better option for him. Talks are still on as regards that."

UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE

Sporting Lisbon dare Musa's CSKA

• Musa

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HMED Musa and his Russian club CSKA Moscow will have to go past Sporting Lisbon of Portugal to reach the group stage of the UEFA Champions League after Friday’s draw.

Ahmed Musa scored a brace to ensure CSKA beat Sparta Prague of Czech Republic and advance to this stage of the competition.

This will be a rematch of the 2005 UEFA Cup final.

Several other Nigeria stars are involved in the Champions League playoffs.

Efe Ambrose’s Celtic face Malmo of Sweden, Ogenyi Onazi will hope his Italian club Lazio eliminate Bayer Leverkusen and Elderson Echiejile will team up with Monaco to stop Valencia.

Nosa Igiebor’s Israeli club Maccabi Tel Aviv face FC Basel of Switzerland.

The overall winners of these matches will qualify for the Champions League group stage, while the losers drop to the UEFA Europa League.

First leg matches are fixed for August 18 and 19, while the return matches will be played on August 25 and 26.

Femi Thomas disappointed to drop points at Akwa

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NYIMBA goalkeeper Femi Thomas has told AfricanFootball.com his side deserved to beat hosts Akwa United on Wednesday in a Week 21 game of the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL).

He said the 2-2 draw is not the true reflection of the play but admits a point is better than nothing.

The result also meant Enyimba lost the leadership of the Nige-

Adeniji, Ejike top calls for AFCON qualifier

ria league to closest rivals Sunshine Stars.

"It was a good game for both sides, but in my opinion, we deserved to win the game,” Thomas told AfricanFootball.com.

“The 2-2 draw was not the true reflection of the game because we created chances and couldn't convert them.

"The draw was better than losing anyway. And I must praise the officials for good officiating of the game."

WO of the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) leading scorers, Tunde Adeniji of Sunshine Stars and Heartland's Bright Ejike are among 23 players called up from the top flight for the 2017 Afcon qualiying game against Tanzania.

Adeniji currently leads the goalscorers' chart with 12 goals, one more than Ejike.

The two marksmen have been called up by Nigeria head coach, Sunday Oliseh, alongside five other strikers in Etebo Oghenekaro, Ezekiel Bassey, Gbolahan Salami, Bright Onyedikachi and Prince Aggreh.

Three goalkeepers, Olufemi Thomas, Ikechukwu Ezenwa and David Obiazo, got the nod to join the Super Eagles camp.

Eight defenders and five midfielders from the top division in the country have been included in the squad for the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier billed for Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.

The 23-man list also includes regular Super Eagles defenders in Nelson Ogbonnaya and Solomon Kwambe.

Oliseh will take charge of his first international game when the former African champions

face Tanzania in an Afcon qualifier on September 5.

The Nigerian manager is expected to name a list of overseas-based players expected to include Vincent Enyeama, Victor Moses and John Obi Mikel.

THE 23-MAN LIST GOALKEEPERS: Olufemi Thomas (Enyimba FC); David Obiazo (Heartland FC); Ikechukwu Ezenwa (Sunshine Stars) DEFENDERS: Orji Kalu (Enugu Rangers); Solomon Kwambe (Warri Wolves); Idris Aloma (Enyimba FC); Chima Akas (Sharks FC); Nelson Ogbonnaya (Heartland FC); Samson Gbadebo (Lobi Stars); Jamiu Alimi (3SC); Stephen Eze (Sunshine Stars) MIDFIELDERS: Ifeanyi Mathew (El-Kanemi Warriors); Usman Mohammed (FC Taraba); Azubuike Okechukwu (Bayelsa United); Lordson Ichull (Warri Wolves); Kingsley Sokari (Enyimba FC) FORWARDS: Etebo Oghenekaro (Warri Wolves); Ezekiel Bassey (Enyimba FC); Gbolahan Salami (Warri Wolves); Bright Ejike (Heartland FC); Tunde Adeniji (Sunshine Stars); Bright Onyedikachi (FC Ifeanyiubah); Prince Aggreh (Sunshine Stars).

• Salami • Adeniji

• Thomas (top)

• Ejike

Amuneke upbeat as Eaglets draw Chile, Croatia, USA

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OLDEN Eaglets Head Coach, Emmanuel Amuneke is upbeat about his team's chances to defend their FIFA U-17 World Cup despite being drawn against host Chile, Croatia and USA in the group phase.

The official draw was conducted by FIFA Event Manager,

Jaime Yarza on Thursday night (early Friday in Nigeria) amidst pomp and ceremony at the iconic Centro de las Artes (Art Centre) 660 in Santiago, and Amuneke reckoned that his team's route is cut out. " The draw is a welcome development because we had been waiting anxiously for long to

• Eaglets celebrate after scoring a goal

know about the teams we are going to meet and it is interesting that we are in the same group with the host team, Chile," admitted the former African Footballer of the Year. "I think our group like the rest is not an easy one and we were not expecting anything less. As such, we must be ready to play any team after all, we are the defending champions."

Incidentally, four-time record champions, Golden Eaglets would have the honour of playing the opening match of the tournament against Team USA on October 17 at the 47,000 capacity Estadio Nacional Martinez Pradanos in Santiago.

"We know there won't be any easy game for us and we have to redouble our efforts and continue to prepare well since we know now our group phase opponents. " All this while, we had been working generally but we would now be working specifically with our opponents in mind," noted Amuneke who was an assistant when Nigeria won the U-17 trophy in 2013.

The 2015 FIFA U-17 World Cup will be held between October 17 and November 8 across eight cities and the Golden Ea-

THE GROUPS GROUP A Chile Croatia Nigeria USA GROUP B England Guinea Brazil Korea Republic GROUP C Australia Germany Mexico Argentina GROUP D Mali Honduras Ecuador GROUP E South Africa Costa Rica Korea DPR Russia GROUP F New Zealand France Syria Paraguay glets' other group phase matches is scheduled to hold on October 20th against host Chile in Vina del Mar and against Croatia on October 23 at Coquimbo.

Akinbule joins Portuguese club

Iorfa gets No 18 jersey at Wolves

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IGERIA U23 invitee Ayonfe Sunday Akinbule has joined Portuguese division 2B team Sport Clube Uniao Torreense.

The product of Future Star Football club signed a year’s contract with an option for another year Thursday.

His representative Olusola Orelaja revealed to AfricanFootball.com that the striker is elated to take this bold step in his career.

"One of my players, Ayonfe Sunday Akinbule has just signed a year’s deal with an option of another one year with SCU Torreense,” Orelaja dis-

closed.

"He is happy with the deal because it will big a big boost to his career."

He was previously on loan to Gateway FC from Samvic Football club.

On why the 18-year-old striker, who had trials with Seria A side Cagliari last year decided to choose the Portuguese club ahead of IK Start of Norway who also wanted him, , Orelaja told AfricanFootbball.com the youngster will get a chance to play regular football in Portugal.

Olusola Orelaja also brokered Dele Alampasu's deal to Portuguese club Estoril.

IGERIA defender Dominic Iorfa has been handed a new Jersey number 18 by English Championship side Wolves in place of number 33 he wore last season.

The newly recruited Nigerian-born forward Sheyi Ojo was handed number 20.

Ojo joined Wolves from Liverpool on a season-long loan deal in order to get regular first-team action.

Another Nigerian-born Wolves player, goalkeeper Carl Ikeme, will wear the same jersey number which he wore last season, while Bright

Enobakhare has been handed jersey number 48.

• Iorfa

THE NATION SATURDAY, AUGUST 8, 2015

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SPORT EXTRA

Amuneke expects difficult game against hosts Chile • Impressed with new Eaglets

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IGERIA has been drawn against host nation Chile in Group A of the 2015 FIFA U17 World Cup as the Eaglets attempt to win back to back titles-and become the second only country to do so at this level- but Chief Coach Emmanuel Amuneke suggests the fixture may not be as important as the first game against the USA. The Eaglets play Chile in the second group game 3 days after the tournament kicks off and while they will surely enjoy the greater support Amuneke says he expects to play some of the toughest games should Nigeria hope to achieve success. ” They (Chile) are very good but every team’s objective is to do well and even win the tournament. Chile are the host, they’ll have all the support of the home crowd behind them, but the most important for us now is to concentrate for the US game, in every World Cup the first game is very important. ” The Golden Eaglets Coach told www.footballlive.ng that in the main his concerns bother on not just winning but also the ability of the team to react positively to changes on the pitch , represent his tactics aright and work hard. ” You have to ensure you don’t lose because a win gives you confidence. But while am not overly concerned about the win I want to see my players display real discipline on the field. ”We’ve made it to the world cup and now we must work hard to make sure we achieve

Success extends Granada contract

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LYING Eagles star Isaac Success has been rewarded for his impressive displays for the first team of Granada last season, with the Andalusian outfit announcing that his contract has been extended.

Granada have also decided to prolong the agreement binding both parties to fend off interest from overseas club.

The new deal that the 19 year - old signed will see him remain at the Estadio Nuevo Los Cármenes until the summer of 2019.

The former Nigeria Under 17 international recorded 19 appearances in the top flight over the course of last season, scoring once.

Success scored 2 goals in 4 games for the Nigeria Under 20s during the 2015 World Cup in New Zealand.

• Success

our set goals.”

However, Amuneke says there’s need for synergy in every department of the team as the October kick off date for the World Cup draws near.

Since the disappointment of the U17 Championship in Niger, several more players have come through to add some spine to the team and says the new legs have shown ‘some promise’.

The team has been in camp near 6 months, Amuneke reckons his side has shown impressive quality up front but says his new task is to build a compact unit of players who will represent his game strategy in all situations on the pitch.

” We’re happy that most of the new boys are willing to play and have shown some promise. We’ve been scoring goals which is good for the team, but in football there are several departments in the team and my concern is how to bring cohesion,” Amuneke told www.footballlive.ng. ” People talk about the system of the game but that is merely about position,my concern is what to do on and off the ball, understanding why, where, who and all else that matters on the pitch.”

Nigeria kicks off its title defense in Santiago against the USA on October 17.

• Amuneke

Adeniji thanks Oliseh for Eagles call - up

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IGERIA Professional Football League, NPFL, leading marksman Tunde

• Oliseh

• Aims to smash all-time record Adeniji has thanked new Super Eagles coach Sunday Oliseh for giving him the opportunity to prove himself in the senior national team.

Oliseh on Friday named the former Rising Stars of Akure striker among a strong 23 home –based professionals for next month’s2017 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier away to Tanzania.

Adeniji,who is just 19, was discovered by scouts of the Ondo State Football Agency,ODSFA, while playing for Methodist High School in Okitipupa, Ondo state.

And he has insisted that his target is not just to be-

come the league’s highest goal scorer this season but also to break the NPFL all time goal record of 23 goal set last season by Enyimba’s Mfon Udoh.

“My target is to break the record created by Mfon Udoh last season. He scored 23goals and with the help of my team mates, I know I can go pass that record this season,” Tunde Adeniji stated.

The erstwhile Rising Stars of Akure forward, has scored 12 goals so far, one Heartland’s Bright Ejike who is on 11 goals.

His goals have helped Sunshine Stars reclaim the top position in the NPFL from Enyimba of Aba.

Falcons return to camp on Monday

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NTERIM Coach Chris Danjuma has invited to the camp of the Super Falcons a total of 35 players in preparation for the Women’s Football Tournament of next month’s 11th All-Africa Games in Brazzaville, Congo.

Onome Ebi, Francisca Ordega, Halimat Ayinde, Esther Sunday and Josephine Chukwunonye – who all missed Sunday’s defeat in Equatorial Guinea which meant ouster from the 2016 Olympics race – have been called again, but injured star forward Asisat Oshoala is left out.

Osinachi Ohale, Ngozi Ebere, Desire Oparanozie, Ngozi Okobi and Evelyn Nwabuoku, who were at the FIFA World Cup in Canada in June, are joined by junior internationals Yetunde Adeboyejo, Chinaza Uchendu and Chinwendu Ihezuo.

All the players are to report on Monday, August 10 with their international passports and training kits. The Super Falcons will play host CongoBrazzaville, Tanzania and Cote d’Ivoire in Group A of the Women’s Football Tournament of the All-Africa Games.

Cameroon, South Africa, Ghana and Egypt are in Group B. THE FULL LIST Namchi Jeriam (Arkansas FC, USA); Onome Ebi (FK Minsk, Belarus); Osinachi Ohale (Rivers Angels); Francisca Ordega (Washington Spirit, USA);

Kemi Fatuyesi (Confluence Queens); Tochukwu Oluehi (Bayelsa Queens); Kemi Adetunji (Delta Queens); Sandra Chiichii (Bayelsa Queens); Charity John (Rivers Angels); Joy Jegede (Delta Queens); Mariam Ibrahim (Nasarawa Amazons); Halimat Ayinde (Western New York Flash, USA); Ngozi Ebere (Rivers Angels); Onyinyechukwu Okere (Inneh Queens); Esther Sunday (FK Minsk, Belarus); Alaba Adenusi (Adamawa Queens); Charity Uchebe (Capital Queens); Desire Oparanozie (En Avant De Guingamp, France); Josephine Chukwunonye (Washington Spirit, USA); Anam Imo (Ibom

Angels); Ngozi Okobi (Washington Spirit, USA); Evelyn Nwabuoku (BIIK Kazygurt, Kazakhstan); Gladys Akpa (Sunshine Queens); Alheri Jummai Ayuba (Adamawa Queens); Lilian Tule (Bayelsa Queens); Amaka Enzor (Taraba Queens); Osarenoma Igbinovia (Bayelsa Queens); Blessing Edoho (Pelican Stars); Yetunde Adeboyejo (Bayelsa Queens); Chinaza Uchendu (Nasarawa Amazons); Gloria Ogbonna (Ibom Angels); Amarachi Okoronkwo (Nasarawa Amazons); Sarah Nnodim (Nasarawa Amazons); Mercy Amanze (Rivers Angels); Chinwendu Ihezuo (Delta Queens).

•Asisat Oshoala (right) is challenged by Australia's defender Steph Catley during their Group D match of the 2015 FIFA Women's World Cup at the Winnipeg Stadium on June 12, 2015, in Winnipeg, Manitoba

Our dream Super Eagles <<<<<<Continued from back page Other discoveries have come when the teams were winning from the integrated programmes matches and trophies. found in the 209 countries Under such settings, what we affiliated to FIFA. The mill to recorded as pyrrhic victories came produce talents is enduring for back to haunt us as we lost out in those who apply the extant rules big competitions that opened new to the letter – those aptly tagged vistas for better prepared nations. the soccer nations.

However, the changes being put Countries serious to make an in place to ensure that the Eagles impact at the World Cup don’t do return to winning ways are such so with a pilgrimage of that throw up Nigeria-born kids, appearances. For instance, such as Jordaan Ibe, Alex Iwobi Senegal hit the quarter-finals of the and Chuba Akpom as the missing 2002 Korea/Japan World Cup in links in the team. Our players’ her debut outing, losing because attitude to matches must change the players lost focus and we were now that we have an NFF that is contended with what they had willing to make them comfortable achieved. and resolve their complaints.

A star such as Lionel Messi hit Ibe (forget about the cheap talk our consciousness with his exploits that he has dumped Nigeria) at the 2005 World Youth Iwobi, Akpom and indeed the Championships held in Holland, legion of Nigeria-born kids’ defying his morphological inclusion in the team will bring deficiencies to dazzle the world back the required mentality of with his silky skills. Messi hasn’t playing for the country to win disappointed soccer fans with his laurels, not playing because they breath-taking performances since think they are doing us a favour. that time, churning out sterling This new mentality will eliminate performances which have earned the sickening tradition of protests him all the accolades that there are and revolts that belittled us in the to be won in the beautiful game. polity of football nations.

Sadly, Messi hasn’t won the senior Oliseh knows that the Eagles World Cup, even though he is are a jaded side, especially as most being rated alongside the game’s of the players cannot make the greats, such as Erantes de Russia 2018 World Cup. He needs Nascimento, aka Pele, and Diego to get young boys into the team to Amando Maradona. increase its speed, endurance and Africa is always being tipped zeal to excel. Most of the players as the best outsider to lift the World are no longer motivated to give Cup outside the Europeans and their best, having won the Africa South Americans. Those who Cup of Nations in 2013, been to at hold this view have it reinforced least three uneventful World Cup anytime African countries win the and honoured with MON, OON world cups at the cadet levels. Not etc. The presence of players who a few cynics have sneezed at are in the twilight of their careers Africa’s feats in age-grade explains why it is easy for them to competitions, largely because the be swayed into revolts. They have products fade away when the nothing to lose anyway. world waits for them to blossom.

A top Green Eagles player told Nigeria has been champions at me how at half time during one the cadet levels, producing great of the Seoul 1998 Olympic Games lads such as Nwankwo Kanu, qualifiers, the late Samuel Celestine Babayaro, Victor Ikpeba, Sochukwuma Okwaraji asked Jonathan Akpoborie, John Mikel three big men in the team why Obi, Taye Taiwo, Tijani they were not passing the balls to Babangida, to mention a few. him. The late Okwaraji walked up Kanu and Ikpeba went on to be to them as they sat together. He crowned African Footballer of the held his shirt and asked: “Is there Year. any difference in the jersey that I’m Indeed, Kanu won this diadem wearing and yours? Let me know twice. One player the system so that I can tell the coach to give under-developedisAkpoborie-no me another one since I cannot thanks to the coaches that have understand why nobody passes handled our senior team. After he the ball to me, even when I’m shone at the 1985 WorldU-17 unmarked.”

Championships in China, The former player said he was Akpoborie became Nigeria’s deeply touched by the late biggest export in Europe. That Okwaraji’s statement and talked Akpoborie isn’t one of the lads with the clique to ensure that he whose exploits with the Eagles we got passes. The defender said would not talk about, tells the story Okwaraji scored in the second half of our coaches’ fixation. Scoring and was awesome in the game goals yearly to rank among the top and subsequent matches until his five in the strong German death on August 12, 1989 at the Bundesliga was enough to earn National stadium in Surulere, Akpoborie a regular shirt in even Lagos. the German side. Not in Nigeria.

This defender was buttressing This explains why the cabal ended the fact that the Eagles had cabals late Rashidi Yekini’s meritorious that determined those who career with the Eagles. A few should play and those who players felt that the late Yekini was shouldn’t. Oliseh must crush earning the glory of their collective them all. Players must accept to efforts and shut him out. The play for us without conditions or Eagles died, their careers ended stay in their clubs. No player abruptly and new stars were should be indispensable. Anyone discovered. who misbehaves should be Many have forgotten that Mikel shown the door and quietly and Taiwo fell behind Lionel Messi dropped from the team until he in 2005 World Youth shows remorse.

Championships held in Holland.

Oliseh’s search for new kids The difference then wasn’t as who have been developed in other alarming as it is now, given the climes is because he wants to hit incredible manner in which Messi the ground running, knowing has transformed into one of the that coaches are as good as their world’s greatest players. last results. The Eagles’ camp isn’t Attempts to change the face of for learners. Rather, it is a place thegameherehavebeenpoliticised. where certain things are given.

At other times, sentiments ruled Players are told what tactics are to be played and when they need decisions, such that we seemed to take a step forward only to realise to change as the game progresses. that we have indeed engaged the Since systems are universal, it is reverse gear, crashing into the expected that they know what ditch. With every fall came the every strategy demands. This is corrupt phrase – going back to the why Oliseh is insisting on those drawing board. For the coaches, who play regularly and for top rebuilding became a lingo, even teams. Isn’t he right?

TOMORROW IN THE NATION PUNCHLINE

SATURDAY, AUGUST 8, 2015 TRUTH IN DEFENCE OF FREEDOM VOL.10, NO. 3300

I have heard the following words used more often: contracts, scrambling, jets, remunerations, dollars, bonds, exchange rates, loans, meetings, factions, tribunal, subsidy, oil, vandalism, corruption, death toll, boko haram, Niger Delta, militants, allocations, diversify, sharing formula, amnesty, resource control ...

—Oyinkan Medubi

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HIS is clearly not the best of times for the Na tional Publicity Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party, Chief Olisa Metuh. The official megaphone of the deflated and defeated behemoth, which once declared 60 years’ invincibility against any form of electoral loss before ending its 16 years of impunity in power, now faces a Herculean battle on two broad fronts - within and outside the party. For a man who has taken up the challenge to engage the ruling All Progressives Congress toe-to-toe in the arena of political propaganda, this lonely voice in the wilderness could end up being a victim of the same system that propped him into national prominence. In truth and until now, Metuh has made a good job of shouting himself hoarse even as President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration effortlessly exhumes rotten secrets that passed on as governance in the last 16 years of the PDP’s rudderless leadership. No doubt, Metuh relishes his bird with a broken beak job.

However, there is some sort of wicked twist in the Metuh tale. Instead of getting decorated with a crest of honour for standing tall for all that was bad with the self-styled ‘Africa’s largest political party’, Metuh might just be on his last step into the hall of infamy if the allegations made against him by employees of the party’s secretariat are anything to go by. Perhaps, Metuh would not have been the issue today if all the matters relating to the financing of the 2015 general elections by the party had been settled when the issue had come up earlier in the year. Recall that Metuh, who had initially threatened fire and brimstone, was the same person that told an anxious public that the matter had been settled within the family. Now, the aggrieved workers in Wadata House have decided to open the can of worms concerning the financial malfeasance that crippled a party with a lofty dream of constructing a skyscraper as its National Headquarters. If we were to use the workers’ exposition as a template for determining how bad the books were in Wadata House, it would deepen the way we grasp the shocking realities of the mind-boggling figures that the Buhari administration has been reeling out as funds that were illegally siphoned in the last five years.

Here, we are talking about an embattled Metuh struggling to launder his ‘integrity’ before employees who describe him as nothing but a blubbering ”repulse to professionalism and a source of embarrassment to party members.” Interestingly, while a clear and present danger was brewing under his watch as the party sinks into deeper crises, Metuh was busy blaming the APC for the self-inflicted misery afflicting his party. He said the aim was to hound him out of circulation as his “outspokenness” has discomfited the ruling APC. A statement signed by Metuh’s aide said the APC found a willing tool in a “handful of disgruntled PDP staff who are attacking him with a view to bringing him to public odium, distract him and deny our party a credible voice to propagate its positions.” That notwithstanding, Metuh has vowed to trudge on in his role “in the rebuilding of the PDP and in providing firm, credible and issue issues-based opposition to the ruling party.” Oh, how delusions can pervade the human mind!

For those who value informed discourse, Metuh’s stance should be a welcome development because it provides an opportunity to unravel the

Et tu, Metuh?

‘ •Metuh hidden truth about how the PDP had vended deception as governance for close to two decades. With his vast experience as ”the longest serving member of the National Executive Committee due to hard work and the confidence members of the party reposed in him as an individual”, it would be an act of blind injustice for the party to ease off Metuh just because some common office employees are ranting. By the way, who is better qualified than Metuh to puncture the basket of lies being peddled by the APC on the callous manner the treasury was looted and raped by the last administration?

So, I wait with bated breath to see how Metuh would defend the latest accusation by the ‘uncomfortable’ APC that the last administration spent over N4.8 trillion on subsidy payments which dramatically jumped from a paltry N300 billion in 2010 to N1.9 trillion in 2012. I am sure this brave spokesperson is also studying the books to debunk the claim by the Nigerian Extractive Industry Transparency Initiative (NEITI) in its latest report that the country lost about 160 million barrels of crude valued at $13.7 billion to oil theft between 2009 and 2012. What tale would he tell us to disprove Buhari’s claim that the government is in possession of verifiable information on the banks where the billions of looted oil funds were stashed? Would Metuh also disprove that as one of the many lies of a President who is trying to make sense out of a mumbo-jumbo handover notes by a PDP-led government? Would Metuh also take the former Chief of Defence Staff, Air Chief Marshall Alex Badeh, to task on his claim that the war against terror in the North-East was difficult to prosecute because the military lacked the relevant equipment and motivation in spite of

Perhaps, Metuh would not have been the issue today if all the matters relating to the financing of the 2015 general elections by the party had been settled when the issue had come up earlier in the year. Recall that Metuh, who had initially threatened fire and brimstone, was the same person that told an anxious public that the matter had been settled within the family

’

the humongous money Jonathan claimed to have spent on re-equipping the military? What exactly would be his response to all the scandalous revelations of the blind, daylight looting being unearthed daily as Buhari clinically dissects the PDP’s padded shibboleths of treachery?

Okay, let us give it to Metuh. He has not allowed the domestic tiff with his co-workers in the party to weigh him down. After all, he still managed to issue a statement in which he described the government’s economic agenda as something lifted from the communist bookshelf. He speaks of a ‘unilateral imposition of new regulations” to firm up the naira against a skyrocketing dollar as archaic and outdated. How marvellous! Question is: how workable is the modern and digitalised system that the PDP left behind for Buhari to deal with some two months back? What checks did the PDP’s corrupt- proof administration place on the illegal freighting of slush funds to foreign accounts owned by top members of that government and their hangars-on? Why were piles of audit queries, including the ones addressed to The Presidency left unanswered?

By the way, let us not forget the fact that the brouhaha started when the National Secretary of the PDP, Prof. Wale Oladipo, signed a circular indicating that they planned a 50 per cent reduction in the secretariat staff in addition to a 50 per cent reduction in the salaries and allowances of retained lucky staff. Could it then mean that the National Working Committee members were expecting the hands-on staff, who claimed to have worked in the Secretariat for 16 years, to accept the grim news with stoic equanimity? So, do we take it that the APC influenced the job-cutting strategy for a party

that has been gloating since it lost out in the last election? Somehow, we need not blame Metuh if he chooses to ignore some of these questions. Sometimes, it is quite nerve-wracking when those who have worked with you in the same office for 16 years decide to take you up on your stewardship.

That is exactly what the band of ‘disgruntled’ staff is doing. They not only dismiss Metuh’s plea of APC’s romance as “absolute bunkum, clumsy, and blundering blackmail,” they said their boss’ gloating was a ‘weak shot from a mortally crippled arsenal’ (Well, I am sure it is not my own Arsenal FC!). Instead of begging the question, they simply tabled their own set of audit queries, moral and financial, before Metuh.

They want him to defend an alleged endorsement of a rival party’s candidate when Prof. Charles Soludo was gunning for the Anambra State governorship seat and Metuh was National Chairman, South-East. They spoke of his open endorsement of an APGA candidate in the 2013 Anambra governorship election. As entrenched staff with deep knowledge of the party’s operational manual, they seek an explanation into how ”a whopping sum of N450 million media fund earlier approved for the office of PDP Publicity Secretary by President Jonathan” was spent. They said it would not be out of place for Metuh to explain how he has been spending the N70m he allegedly collected in July this year, to prosecute a media war with the APC. Could it be true that the leadership of the party squandered the N12 billion being proceeds from the sale of nomination forms in the last general elections? Was another N1 billion that was realised from a compulsory levy of N10, 000 paid by delegates frittered by the NWC? What exactly was the role Metuh played in the widely-reported money-for-governorship-ticket bribery scandal involving a former House of Representatives member and the leadership of the party? What transpired in Kogi State at the party’s congresses in which some persons were said to have demanded another whopping N1 billion bribe to ensure the return of the incumbent governor as the state’s gubernatorial candidate in the forthcoming November elections?

Questions, questions and more questions. Surely, it is not enough for Metuh to brush the allegations off as witch-hunt by persons who are envious of his intimidating profile as the critical voice in a party that is just learning the ropes of what it takes to be an opposition party. No one learns that from the books. It comes with the sort of experience that resulted in the birth of the APC after fighting from the trenches for 16 solid years. Anyway, now that Metuh is insisting on standing up to be counted, he must first debunk the derisive jibes of the secretariat staff. No punch could be deadlier than the insinuation by the staff that Metuh’s trajectory in the PDP “in 1999 as a zonal youth leader, then National Ex-officio, Acting National Auditor, Zonal Vice Chairman and now publicity secretary” suggests that, “either his umbilical cord was buried at Wadata Plaza or that he can’t survive on any other thing except the PDP.” This is not simply a joke carried too far but also one that the self-styled anticorruption tsar within the PDP should not stomach. The law of equity demands no less. Will Metuh burst the pipe this time or would he wait for the usual under-the-table ‘family affairs’ crisis resolution mechanism to shut out the aggrieved workers’ complaints and thereby bury the rotten truth?

We wait for time to unravel the question.

Ade Ojeikere on Saturday talk2adeojeikere@yahoo.com

Our dream Super Eagles

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HE Super Eagles will be the Cinderella at the Russia 2018 World Cup, going by the indices available. Pointers to this dream are the novel changes in the system, starting with the conscious attempts by NFF President Amaju Melvin Pinnick to run the body’s affairs differently.

Pinnick’s insistence on scientific approaches to the way things are done at the Glasshouse is chiefly responsible for the new dawn in the Globacom Premier League, where referees have been exemplary in the manner in which they have handled matches. There have been startling results, with home teams losing games and the fans walking freely out of the stadia.

Of significant importance is the new drive for

getting the biggest sports brand solvent through interactions with the business sector in and outside the country. Gone are the days when NFF chiefs look towards the Federal Government for cash to fund all its programmes.

Eagles chief coach Sunday Oliseh is billed to ring the bell at the Stock Exchange on August 17. Is this not the new dawn people have canvassed for?

Oliseh’s presence at the Wembley Stadium last weekend to watch John Mikel Obi, Victor Moses and Alex Iwobi is also remarkable.

Seeing pictures of Oliseh and Moses raises the hope that the coach knows where the shoe pinches in the team. Gone are the days when Eagles coaches and key players quarrel over little things.

If the players are happy and feel wanted, they will give their best. Coaches must be told that

without the players, they cannot function. Only the players enter the pitch to play. There isn’t anything a disciplined coach can do if the players choose to play badly to frustrate him. Therefore, Oliseh’s visits to key players set the tone of what to expect from the players when the matches begin.

I can see the light at the end of this tunnel, but Oliseh must be sincere in his choice of players. He must adopt the right strategies for the team to excel.

Teams that have won the World Cup are not spirits.

They are human. They achieved this feat using scientific methods, buoyed with good planning and adequate funding. We are not lacking in getting the players to actualise our dream of watching Nigeria play at the finals of the Russia 2018 World Cup. Please, don’t wake me up from this dream.

Am I being too ambitious? What is giving me this conviction that Nigeria will shake Russia at the 2018 World Cup? Have I considered the troublesome NFF and its coaches? Have the players changed their attitude towards playing for the country? Who are the players in the Super Eagles who have given me this confidence? Or do I think the World Cup is another bazaar for everyone?

The World Cup is the platform for excellence. It is the big stage for new kids eager to redefine their careers and expand the frontiers of the game in their countries. Besides, the Federation of International Football Associations (FIFA) has sustainable developmental programmes meant to discover, nurture and exposed budding talents across the globe.

Indeed, most of the new lads discovered at the senior level most times have made their names in FIFA’s age-grade competitions.

•Continued on Page 63

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