Saturday 28th January 2017

Petrol: Major Marketers Meet Presidency, Restate Commitment to N145 Per Litre Pledge massive importation of aviation fuel to sterm shortfall

Ejiofor Alike The Major Oil Marketers Association of Nigeria (MOMAN) has restated the commitment of its members to support federal government’s

effort in ensuring sustained and stable supply of petrol across Nigeria at the official price of N145 per litre.

Rising from a two-day consultative forum of the downstream petroleum sector,

which was recently convened by the Presidency, the marketers also pledged to ensure immediate importation of aviation fuel to stem the current shortfall, and at the same time, ensuring significant reduction in price of

diesel at all MOMAN member retail channels in order to create a balanced supply system nationwide.

According to a statement issued at the end of the meeting, the forum reviewed the state

of the downstream sector and addressed issues that may impede the uninterrupted supplies of petroleum product leading to price distortions.

“Discussions focused on designing proactive measures

that will balance supplies and maintain the fixed pump price of N145 per litre for petrol.

Furthermore, deliberations also extended to creating an Continued on page 6

Stop Using Mosques to Preach Hate, Sanusi Warns Clerics… Page 15 Saturday 28 January, 2017 Vol 21. No 7955. Price: N250

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CAN: Osinbajo's Silence on Christians’ Persecution Worrisome

Acting President committed to value of lives of every Nigerian regardlesss of religion or ethnicity, says Spokesman

Senator Iroegbu in Abuja

The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) yesterday urged the Acting President, Yemi Osinbajo, to use his position to speak up against what it described as “a sustained persecution of Christians” in Nigeria.

This was contained in a statement by the CAN President, Dr. Samson Ayokunle, in which he said Osinbajo’s silence was worrisome, warning that failure to act against the forces trying to silence Christians in the country

could be disastrous.

Ayokunle, in the statement signed by his Special Assistant (Media and Communication), Pastor Bayo Oladeji, listed the continuous killing of Christians, especially the recent Southern Kaduna massacres, failure to apprehend and prosecute the perpetrators coupled with attempted arrest of Apostle Johnson Suleiman who spoke against the rampaging Fulani herdsmen, as some of the current challenges facing Christians The CAN President said: "We call on the acting President,

Professor Yemi Osinbajo, to intervene in this clampdown on the Church in Nigeria. After all, he is in the office primarily to represent the interest of the Christians and his studied silence is no longer golden.

"The last time we checked, Sections 38-41 of the 1999

Constitution (as amended), it states clearly that every Nigerian is entitled to freedom of thought, conscience and religion, including freedom to change religion or belief, and freedom (either alone or in community with others, and in public or in private) to manifest and

propagate his religion or belief in worship, teaching, practice and observance."

The Clergy noted that Christians were yet to recover from the genocide in Southern Kaduna by the murderous Fulani herdsmen and its attendant consequences, and that now,

“the Jigawa State government has started pulling down our churches with impunity."

As if that was not enough, he said, some operatives from the Department of State Services (DSS) reportedly invaded a hotel Continued on page 6

Oil Spill: Bayelsa Drags Agip to Court, Demands N1.6tr Compensation Emmanuel Addeh in Yenagoa The Bayelsa State Government yesterday dragged the Nigerian Agip Oil Company (NAOC) Limited to a Federal High Court in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, over an oil spillage from the company’s SBM Sirius (offshore Brass) in Brass Local Government Area of the state.

In an originating summons, filed by the state Attorney-

General and Commissioner of Justice, Kemeasuode Wodu, the Bayelsa State Government also demanded N1.6 trillion as compensation for general and exemplary damages from the spill which occurred on November 27, 2013.

The government’s legal team led by Wodu in the originating summons, which it said was Continued on page 6

alive and kicking...

R-L: President Muhammadu Buhari, Daisy Danjuma, Governor Ibikunle Amosun of Ogun State and unidentified guest in London ...yesterday

Ondo Speaker, Deputy Impeached over Alleged Fraud, High Handedness... Page 53

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TCN: Inability to Generate 3500mw Responsible for Repeated System Collapse Chineme Okafor in Abuja

The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) yesterday said Nigeria’s inability to generate and maintain a minimum of 3500 megawatts of electricity to the national grid had been responsible for the frequent power system collapse experienced in the country.

Speaking during the management retreat of the TCN in Abuja, the Managing Director of the Transco, Dr. Abubakar Atiku said the repeated system

collapse were avoidable but that anytime the country’s generation profile dropped below 3500mw, the transmission network would become susceptible to collapses.

He said at the moment, the country’s transmission system did not have spinning reserves to protect it from such collapse, adding that as a practice, 10 per cent of the total generated power in the system at any time should be kept as a spinning reserve.

By description, spinning reserves are usually any

back-up energy capacity which can be made available to a transmission system at instances of system collapses for continuous operation for at least two hours pending when the system is restored to normalcy. It represents the level of reliability that a transmission system has.

Also, the country’s electricity generation had recently dipped and was according to the System Operations department of the TCN at 2987.20mw on Friday night.

Atiku however said: “System collapse is avoidable if we have 3500mw of electricity steadily generated. If we go below that, there is no guarantee whatsoever that there will not be system collapse. And we don’t have spinning reserve which should be 10 per cent of our total generation at any time.

“Just like what happened yesterday on the Kaduna-Jebba line, there is nothing we can do if we have low generation.

“I must admit that the last two weeks have not been a

good experience for us in the power sector and the major problem is the inability of the power plants to generate the needed power.

“We are generating below 3500mw and that is attributable to gas because they are not getting the right quantities at the right time, and most of the units at the generation end are down and so the generation level has gone low.”

According to Atiku: “If we are generating below 3500mw, we at the transmission company

cannot guarantee stable grid.

Any turbulence can destabilise the grid and make it to collapse.

We do not have adequate spinning reserves to cushion the event of loss of loss of generation.

“When our line trip and we lose a substantial amount of power, that leads to system collapse and this is what we are witnessing these days. We are doing all we can to ensure that generation is above 3500mw to guarantee stability in the system.”

Lagos Floors FG in S’Court over Power to Regulate Property Tobi Soniyi in Abuja

The Supreme Court has struck out the bid by the federal government to stop the Lagos State Government from asserting control over landed properties it sold out to individuals and corporate bodies.

The apex court held that since the federal government had already sold the properties and divested its interest in them, it could no longer have any interest that could be threatened by any action of the state government.

Delivering ruling in an application brought before it by the Attorney-General of the Federation seeking to stop Lagos State Government from having any control on the sold properties, the Supreme Court held that the federal government can no longer invoke the jurisdiction of this court since it has no standing to do so.

In the lead ruling delivered

by Justice Musa Dattijo Muhammed, the Seven-member panel of Justices of the apex

court held that the objection of Lagos State to the Federal Government's suit was accurate and correct on the ground that the federal government no longer has any interest to protect on the properties.

Justice Muhammed agreed with Lagos that the federal government, having transferred its title in the land to others, it was untenable for the same federal government to try to assert that its interest was being adversely threatened by the action of the Lagos State

Lagos State government directed the buyers of the said properties to regularise the ownership of the properties with the state on the ground that the properties are situate in Lagos.

In reaction to the action of the Lagos State government, the Federal Government, through the AGF had approached the Supreme Court to invoke its original jurisdiction and sought an order that Lagos State government had no right to assert any control over the properties it had sold out.

The Lagos State Government had, in its objection asked the Supreme Court to strike out the application of the federal government on the grounds that, having sold out the properties, it was no longer the appropriate party that could sue on whatever action the state planned to take with the new owners.

The Supreme Court agreed, The unanimous ruling consequently struck out the application of the federal government in favour of Lagos State.

allowing or causing petroleum to escape from its SMB Sirius facility was as a result of its operational error into the waters of and around the said SMB facility which flowed into the sea and parts of Bayelsa State.

Bayelsa is also seeking a declaration that the defendant by allowing or causing petroleum to escape from its facility as a result of its

operational error, into the waters of around the said SBM Sirius facility, contravened Regulation 13 of the Petroleum Act Cap P10 laws of the Federation of Nigeria 2004.

"The defendant is under a legal obligation to restore the lands, rivers, creeks and the entire environment impacted by the aforesaid petroleum (crude oil) that escaped from the SBM Sirius (offshore brass)

facility on November 27, 2013 to their original state before they were impacted", the state government argued.

The plaintiff also asked the court to declare that the defendant was under a legal obligation to pay compensation to all persons whose properties were polluted in Bayelsa State by the said petroleum (crude oil) that escaped from the facility at the time.

Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN). Enough is enough!

Despite all the promises made

by Governor Nasir el-Rufai, none of those who were responsible for the killings of our members in the Southern Kaduna had been brought to book.

"Instead, the Police have been releasing those who were arrested for the killing of our members in Kano and Kubwa (Abuja) while our leaders are being subjected to untold

hardship for no just cause.

“It is high time the overzealous security agencies knew that Nigeria remains a secular state and any attempt to turn the country into a refugee camp for Christians will not be acceptable and will be resisted with every lawful means.”

Ayokunle stressed that every citizen of Nigeria was entitled to move freely throughout Nigeria and to reside in any part thereof and no citizen of Nigeria shall be expelled from Nigeria or refused entry thereby or exit there.

According to the CAN President, “the Constitution states unambiguously that every person shall be entitled to freedom of expression, including freedom to hold opinions and to receive and impart ideas and information without interference.

“Every person shall be entitled to assemble freely and associate with other persons, and in particular he may form or belong to any political party, trade union or any other association for the protection of his interests.”

Osinbajo reacts...

In his reaction, Spokesman to the Acting President, Laolu Akande stated that the Acting President has always acted to defend the rule of law and course of Justice. "He is firmly committed to the best standards of governance that primes and values the life of every Nigerian, regardless of religion or ethnicity.

As far as he is concerned, All

Nigerians are equal and loved by God, and does not discriminate on the basis of religion."

Stating further, Osinbajo is unwavering in ensuring that anyone who violates the law, should and must be made to face the full extent of the law.

"He has spoken out publicly on the inherent weaknesses in the nation's Criminal Justice System, and is working assiduously within government to bring the reforms necessary, including the option of community policing.

The current limitations of the criminal justice system however affects virtually every kind of crime, including the example of high profile murders of the past, many of which remain unsolved.

"This administration will continue to defend and protect the lives of all Nigerian citizens.

It's the reason the President gave firms instructions to security agencies-military and police to send reinforcements to Southern Kaduna to enforce the peace.

The Southern Kaduna crisis has become a worrying recurrent decimal over the years.

"We all of us in government, political, religious leaders, traditional rulers and the entire Nigerian people, especially the elites- must work to find a lasting solution.

Situations like the crisis in Southern Kaduna while capable of provoking emotive reactions and potent for divisive rhetorics, call for the display of true leadership virtues from everyone of us. We should resist the temptations to succumb to divisive tendencies," he said.

government.

"The plaintiff, who lacks the standing to sue, cannot invoke the original jurisdiction of the Supreme Court to assert a title it no longer has. It is academic and hypothetical for the court to proceed in a matter it has no jurisdiction," Justice Muhammed held.

The federal government had, between 1967 till date sold off its landed properties in Lagos State to individuals and corporate bodies Dispute however arose when

Oil Spill: Bayelsa Drags Agip to Court, Demands N1.6tr Compensation pursuant to Order 3 Rule 9 of the court, said the spill contravened the provisions of Regulation 13 of the Petroleum Regulation Act, Cap P10 Laws of the Federation of Nigeria.

It is therefore seeking an injunction restraining the defendant, (NAOC), its agents and or servants from further discharging onto or allowing petroleum (crude oil) to escape onto the waters of and around

the said SBM Sirius, (Offshore Brass) facility.

The government is also seeking an order directing the defendant (NAOC) to provide potable drinking water for the communities in Bayelsa State impacted by the said oil spillage from the affected SBM Sirius (offshore Brass) operated by the defendant.

The plaintiff added that the defendant should be ordered

to take all appropriate steps towards restoring the land, swamps, rivers and waters impacted by the spillage and pay compensation to all persons whose properties were destroyed.

While averring that the spillage contravened relevant sections of the constitution, the plaintiff asked the court to declare that the action or conduct of the defendant in

CAN: Osinbajo's Silence on Christians’ Persecution Worrisome in Ekiti on Tuesday where Apostle Johnson Suleiman and his team, who were in the state capital for a crusade were lodging.

He continued: "According to what we heard, they insisted on remaining in the hotel until Apostle Johnson Suleiman surrendered himself for arrest.

But for the timely intervention of the management of the hotel and other well-meaning Nigerians around, the invasion could have

resulted into bloodshed as the Minister of God was there with some MOPOL men and officers.

"Apostle Suleiman has become a refugee in Ekiti state as security operatives are said to be searching every nook and cranny of the state with a view to arresting him."

"If there is an urgent need to interrogate Apostle Suleman on any issue, it would only have been proper to extend a formal or informal invitation to him

from the DSS rather than Gestapo approach used in the attempt to arrest him. It should be noted that under Nigerian laws, he is presumed innocent until a court of law proves otherwise.

Or have they extended the proposed obnoxious law that forbids religious preaching without the permission of the state governor down south too?

"Treating Ministers of God and our members as common criminals is unacceptable to the

Petrol: Major Marketers Meet Presidency, Restate Commitment to N145 Per Litre affordable and stable price regime for deregulated products such as diesel and aviation fuel, which in recent times have been volatile,” said the statement.

In attendance at the forum were the Chief of Staff to the President, Mallam Abba Kyari; Minister of Finance, Mrs Kemi Adeosun; Minister of State (Aviation), Senator Hadi Sirika; the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor, Mr Godwin Emefiele; Group Managing Director of NNPC, Dr Maikanti Baru; Director-General, State Security Service (SSS), Lawal Musa Daura; as well as the chief executive officers of major marketers, depot owners and independent marketers.

Also in attendance were top executives of the NNPC, Petroleum Equalisation Fund (PEF), PPPRA and various labour leaders including the NLC,

TUC, NARTO, PENGASSAN, Petroleum Tanker Drivers (PTD) and NUPENG. In his comments, the Chairman of MOMAN Chairman and Group Chief Executive Officer of Forte Oil, Akin Akinfemiwa lauded the Buhari administration for convening the stakeholders’ forum to discuss pertinent issues that would support the effective distribution of petroleum products nationwide.

"Our members are committed to ensuring more than sufficient supplies of PMS to the nation at the fixed pump price of N145/ litre and to this end, Nigerians have no reason to panic. With the commitments from all the stakeholders present, I am optimistic that Nigeria shall remain the Aviation refuelling hub for West Africa,” he said.

The meeting also considered various frameworks and

options for the reconciliation and resolution of outstanding subsidy claims from previous years, forex differential, delayed payments interest and bridging claims which is expected to boost and sustain the fuels supplies.

At the meeting, the federal government also stressed the importance of continued private sector participation in the entire downstream sector value chain and as such set up a committee to review and agree a structure that will sustain the current deregulation programme.

The government also resolved to support the petroleum industry in alleviating the current challenges it is facing.

Following the assurance by the government, the marketers subsequently committed to supporting government’s effort in ensuring sustained and stable supply of petrol at the official

price of N145 per litre.

The marketers also pledged a ssignificant reduction in price of diesel at their retail channels.

MOMAN also committed to the immediate importation of aviation fuel to stem the shortfall that had affected aviation services in the last few weeks.

It also strongly opposed the peddling of refined petroleum products across the Nigerian borders to neighbouring countries and promised to apply strict sanction against any member of the oil marketing associations found culpable in this regard.

“To underscore our determination to ensure success of the initiative, we encourage the public to make use of the whistle-blowing platform recently instituted by the Government, to report any erring member of MOMAN,” Akinfemiwa stated.

T H I S D AY SATURDAY JANUARY 28, 2017

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January 28, 2017 • THISDAY, The Saturday Newspaper

RingTrue

Yemi

Adebowale The Politics of Absolving Babachir Lawal 07013940521 yemi.adebowale@thisdaylive.com

T

he so-called war against corruption of the Buhari administration is fast turning into a charade. Nothing typifies this more than the ignoble clearance of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Babachir Lawal of corruption allegations by President Muhammadu Buhari. It is clearly not the business of the President to clear his aides facing corruption allegations.

I thought that Lawal would have been suspended and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, allowed to thoroughly investigate him.

But our dear President, desperate to give Babachir a soft-landing, tactically referred the case to the Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami. Of course, the AGF gave Lawal the desired succour.

Buhari’s letter to the Senate clearing Lawal left me depressed. I spent most of this week thinking about this epistle read on the floor of the Senate. Instead of addressing the issue of corruption against the SGF, the President dwelt extensively on technicalities. The part, in which the President concluded that the report indicting Lawal was an interim one, and should not have been acted upon, is ludicrous. The President has suddenly forgotten that the former National Security Adviser, Col. Sambo Dasuki was indicted and arrested in 2015, on the basis of an interim report submitted to Buhari by a presidential committee set up to investigate the utilisation of funds for the procurement of arms by past administrations.

Even with the obvious overwhelming evidence that Lawal was duly invited to defend himself, Buhari, in his letter accused the committee chaired by Senator Shehu Sani of denying the SGF of fair hearing “by failing to invite him to defend himself during the investigation” on the mismanagement of funds of the Presidential Initiative on the North East. So, what happened to the invitation letter sent to and acknowledged by the SGF’s office? There was also a full page advert published in the Daily Trust of December 2, 2016, where Lawal was listed among those invited to the investigative hearing. I am convinced that Lawal elected to stay away because he had nothing concrete to tell the committee. Buhari’s talk about the majority of the committee members not signing the report indicting Lawal is also a funny one. None of the members has denied the report.

The Chairman of the Senate Ad hoc Committee was apt when he described

Lawal

the President’s letter as the funeral of Buhari’s anti-corruption war. Senator Sani added: “When it comes to fighting corruption in the National Assembly, the judiciary and in the larger Nigerian society, the president uses insecticide but when it comes to fighting corruption within the presidency, they use deodorant. It is shocking to me that such a letter can come from the presidency with such misinformation and outright distortions. I stand by the report of that committee. If we allow this committee’s report to be shredded, then l think it would be in order for us to open all the prisons in this country for all the convicts and awaiting trial inmates to go scot-free.

“It is unfortunate that we have a political atmosphere where you have a saintly and angelic presidency and a devilish and evil society. We must in every respect fight corruption within the kitchen as we do in the verandah. If we don’t do that, then we are being hypocritical. This letter does not in any way reflect the spirit which we espoused as a people, fighting to cleanse and fumigate this country of corruption.”

It is apparent that Buhari was misinformed to sign this humorous letter.

I have no iota of doubt about this. For me, the intention is to simply reach a pre-determined conclusion by covering up the matters raised by the committee.

We can all see that the President’s letter failed to address any of the issues raised

by the legislators. This SGF should help us save Buhari by resigning honourably. The evidence against him is overwhelming. I need to go back a bit here to refresh our memories about this enormous evidence showing that Lawal soiled his hands with PINE contract. The forensic report showed that some of the contracts were awarded to companies belonging to top government officials, their cronies and family members. It showed further that Rholavision Engineering Limited, a company, with the SGF as a Director was awarded consultancy contract by PINE. The copy of the search report from the Corporate Affairs Commission is an open secret.

It clearly shows that Lawal only resigned as a Director of Rholavision on September 16, last year.

The investigative committee remarked: “Although, Lawal resigned the directorship of the said company in September 2016, it is on record that he is a signatory to the accounts of the company. Aside Lawal’s complicity, PINE, which carried out the entire procurement activities, contravened laid down rules. Those that awarded PINE contracts took undue advantage of the provision of ‘emergency situation contract award’ in the procurement act to inflate figures. Also, most of the contracts had no direct bearing or impact on the IDPs, who are living in deplorable conditions.”

It is pertinent to note that in the course of the public hearing on PINE activities, its key offices could not convincingly account for the N2.5 billion released to them to tackle the crisis in the camps of the IDPs. The Secretary of PINE, Umar Gulani, claimed that the body spent N203 million to clear grass somewhere in Yobe State, but the Yobe State Commissioner for Information, Mohammed Lamin, disputed the claim. “No taipa grass was cleared in the state by any Federal Government agency,” declared Lamin. Gulani’s claim that PINE cleared invasive plants species around river banks in the state at the cost of N253 million was also disputed by Yobe State officials. They also disputed the N422 million PINE

claimed was spent on the provision of tents for displaced families in the state. Claims of renovating 18 schools destroyed by the Boko Haram in Yobe also turned out to be dubious. According to Yobe State Government’s records, only three schools were renovated by PINE. It is also sad to note that PINE confirmed donating N50 million to a questionable organisation while our unfortunate IDPs wallow in poverty.

Also, it was discovered that Josmon Technologies, a firm that was awarded contract by PINE, paid the money into the bank account of Rholavision Engineering Limited, owned by the SGF. Even more damning was the fact that Lawal, who only relinquished his shares in Rholavision on September 16, 2016, remains the sole signatory to the account of the company, as his Bank Verification Number was linked to the company.

After Josmon Technologies was paid

by PINE, it began to make payments into Rholavision’s account number 0182001809 in Ecobank on March 29, 2016, when it paid N50 million in five installments of N10 million. The payment continued for days.

Curiously, the award of contract for the removal of wild grass along the river channel, which does not fall into the IDPs’ immediate needs, came into the job schedule of PINE. The call for the sack and prosecution of the SGF by the Senate is a fair and just one.

Report of his complicity in the diversion of the humanitarian funds is apparent. The contravention of the provisions of Public Procurement Act and the Federal Government Financial Rules and Regulations pertaining to award of contracts is also obvious here. Lawal’s defence has been unimpressive. Bath Nnaji, power minister under the Jonathan administration was forced to resign in almost similar circumstances few years back. This SGF should not be an exception.

This morning, I urge our dear President to reflect on the statement of the National Publicity Secretary of Afenifere, Yinka Odumakin, who stated: “The President’s handling of the corruption allegations against the SGF was tragic. It is tragic that a President, whose sole credential is anticorruption, would treat a monumental allegation against one of his principal officials this way. It is the lowest low for anti-corruption.”

Babandede Should Tackle Problem of Passport Booklet Scarcity

Nigerians aiming to obtain or have their old travel passport re-issued have been going through hell in the last five months.

There is a scarcity of this document in passport offices across the nation. Some have been waiting since August 2016, just to obtain a passport. As a result, the situation in these offices has been chaotic, leading tives of victims often rescue them with to all sorts of shady deals. Trying to obtain ransom. It is a big shame. Even when our the 32-page version of this document is like security agents know that kidnappers a camel trying to pass through the eye of a now target schools, nothing proactive needle. The 64-page version takes a little has been done to stem the tide. Earlier in bit less time to obtain. The story in town is March, 2016, three pupils of Babington that the printing of this document has been shifted to Malaysia by the Nigerian ImmiMacaulay Junior Seminary, Ikorodu, gration Service, with all sorts of challenges Lagos, were abducted by gunmen. On trailing it. The situation was a bit better October 6, 2016, four pupils and two teachers were also abducted at the Lagos when it was being printed in Belgium. I State Model College, Igbonla, Epe. There can’t understand why our nation’s security press can’t produce this document. It is a is an urgent need to stem the tide of this big shame. The Comptroller General of the evil wind blowing in schools across our Nigerian Immigration Service, Muhammed nation. Sensitive issues involving the Babandede, must rise up to this challenge safety of students should get swift inand put an end to the agony of Nigerians in tervention nationwide. I sincerely hope immigration offices across the nation. This that the police, DSS and the military anguish must not be allowed to continue in will meet and come up with a proactive an era of “change”. Babandede must justify measure to tackle this menace. his appointment.

Gale of Kidnapping and the Shame of a Nation After almost two weeks in the den of kidnappers, three pupils and five staff of the Nigerian Turkish International College, Ogun State, were freed this week. Princely money was said to have been paid to the kidnappers by the traumatised parents. This has become a frightening trend in our dear nation in the last 20 months. Kidnappers have been terrorising Nigerians, as if we no longer have security agents. So many of them collect ransom and get away with ease. Frustrated families of victims now negotiate with kidnappers directly because security agencies can no longer be trusted to deliver on their mandate.

Their usual rhetoric is “we are closing in on the kidnappers”. More often than not, nothing concrete comes out of this. Rela-

Babandede

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JANUARY 28, 2017

super saturday Larry Onuegbu

I Like Money and the Taste of Good Life He is intellectually restive while his mind churns out enterprises. To be a totally balanced person, he ensures his life is an admixture of business and family. Serial entrepreneur, businessman and father, Larry Onuegbu, devoted the last three years to building a loving family with his heartthrob Mariana Souza Floriano. In an interview with Azuka Ogujiuba, at Trump Towers, New York; a 58-story mixed-use skyscraper located on Fifth Avenue between 56th and 57th Streets in Midtown Manhattan, where his kids played around in the background while Mariana sat next to him on the couch, Onuegbu talks about his business plans for 2017. He also sheds light on the controversies surrounding him and Naeto C’s wedding gift

H

ow have you been able to handle the forex crisis as an entrepreneur and what are your plans for 2017?

As an entrepreneur that operates various businesses, my plan is to diversify. With the current dollar exchange rate, things are not easy. Presently, we are running a five-star boutique restaurant in Victoria Island called Casper and Gambini. We celebrated a year in business on December 27. Secondly, I own Mega Point Automobiles located at Akin Adesola in the heart of Victoria Island along with a real estate company called Cosmopolitan Reality.

My aim is to build up my business empire to a certain level. Our plan for 2017 is to extend the business to the hospitality and entertainment sector. Mega Point is like the parent company of my business.

I started it about two decades back. We deal strictly in luxury, like armoured cars, presidential fleets, Rolls Royce and many others. However, with the present situation of the economy, we have decided to step it low.

Do you have plans to come back with Auto Lounge?

I did Auto Lounge in 2008 and it was a success but we had some challenges along the line in terms of management, so we decided to shut it down at the end of 2013.

But right now we are thinking of coming up with something on an upper scale. We have the restaurant Casper and Gambini going on right now, and its doing very well. In February, we will be launching a VVIP Event Centre, Lounge and Rooftop.

Is this event centre going to be for everybody?

No; it’s definitely not for everybody; we have a brand and Auto Lounge that caters only for the VIPs. We have rebranded and we are coming up with a different name.

There was a time you had an issue with a gentleman called Dumebi Kachikwu, what was the story behind it?

Basically, Dumebi Kachikwu is my friend, not too close though. He bought a lot of cars from me. Most times we did a personal relationship transaction where he dropped his post-dated cheques, picked up a car and paid after some months, which went on for some years before 2012. Most times when he buys a car of a certain amount of money, he drops like 25 or 30 per cent and pays over months because I am the sole owner of my business and was able to work these payment plans with him.

The issue with Dumebi was a serious one, however, because he was my friend and I didn’t want to take it (too) far.

Dumebi heard what happened between Naeto C and I. Naeto happens to be his cousin. I had a beautiful and lavish event

for Naeto C on his Bachelor’s Eve. I contacted a friend who owns a franchise to Ace of Spade to supply drinks worth N10 million to throw the party and we did. It was a celebrity thing and so everybody was there. After a week of this event, Naeto C’s wedding was coming up, Dumebi called me that he wanted to buy a car for Naeto C. I asked him of his budget and he said he didn’t want to spend more than N15 million. I offered him a Porsche Cayenne which I had in my dealership at that time. He came to the dealership and inspected the car. We agreed at N14 million. Being a good customer of mine and being that he has been paying over the years, I was comfortable with his cheque. I was forced to go to the wedding to present the car since I was presenting a big gift. Dumebi himself flew into Lagos the night before and called me that we would meet at the wedding. At that point, the car was parked at the entrance of the wedding on the red carpet.

We had a beautiful understanding that I would get my money after a week of the wedding. When I called after a week for the money, I heard a lot of story that the car I gave him was not good, that it was used and so on. But I told him that how come he never complained when he inspected the car before buying. A couple of days afterwards, Naeto C called that he wanted to return the car, I was surprised and I asked why he wanted to. He said Dumebi told him to, and that Dumebi said he’d buy him a new one. Eventually I had to collect the car but after a while I saw my name all over social media.

Dumebi made a lot of allegations against me that I borrowed money from him and so on. I was angry and so I took him to court, the Federal court in Abuja, after going back and forth in court, a judgment was passed for libel to repair the injury caused on my reputation by Dumebi which he had quickly gone to appeal, the case is in the Appeal Court right now. It’s a pity how I landed myself in that mess, because normally no one would give out a car of that magnitude on credit, but I did and I didn’t know it was a fraud.

When you noticed that the issue was getting out of hand, did you try to contact Dumebi or get friends to intervene?

No; because when things become messy and dirty, no one wants to go into negotiations. He pushed me out there, to the extent of affecting of my business visas, I couldn’t travel. People were trying to get the true analysis of the story. There were allegations that I did drugs, that I stole cars abroad and so on, and as a businesswoman, this affected me for a couple of years. However, after investigations, my visas were released to me. Now I’m settling down, coming up with different ideas and businesses, I want to start afresh and clear up the mess completely.

For over three years I have been quiet on

THISDAY, The Saturday Newspaper • JANUARY 28, 2017

11

saturday I like Money and the Taste of Good Life I hang around a lot of celebrities, VIPs and people from different works of life in terms of social activities. When I was younger, I had a very good friend who is an American called Cedric. He does a lot of entertainment and I looked up to him. In all fairness, I didn’t plan the whole nightlife thing, but when I got into it, the money was so exciting and I didn’t have a choice but to stay in it. However, in the long run, it got me into limelight, and on the other hand, it tried to ridicule me too

this issue while focusing on building a loving family staying away from all this negativity and focusing on my business plans going forward this 2017.

For the kind of business you do, have you encountered issues like this from other persons?

Yes, one has hiccups in whatever business one does, especially if it’s a legitimate business. There are people who will come with a lot of complaints. However, I’ve never had issues where someone would come to my dealership and buy a car he can’t pay for and then eventually blackmails me about it. Dumebi was doing more of this and I didn’t have time to fire back at him. So I kept quiet about it and took it to court. Even though he tried to ridicule me both locally and internationally, God in his infinite mercies intervened. Though I wasn’t allowed to travel overseas for a while because I was being investigated, I was vindicated later by different embassies that apologised for withholding my visas; all my international visas were re-issued.

How did you come about the concept of hospitality and night life?

I liked to have a good time as a young man. I come from a family of seven boys and I’m the second. We started partying as young as 15 years old, and at the end of the day, I found myself in an environment where I could not stop. So I partied a lot; I hung out with people much older than me and I ended up owning a club in Victoria Island, Lagos.

So which was your first club?

It was a bar actually, called Auto Lounge Bar. When the patronage was high, we had to open up the whole building and we called it Auto Lounge VIP Limited, which

Onuegbu with wife, Mariana and children

is still alive to date. It was opened on July 17, 2008.

What is your mission in setting up businesses that cater to entertainment and hospitality?

It’s about lifestyle. I hang around a lot of celebrities, VIPs and people from different works of life in terms of social activities.

When I was younger, I had a very good friend who is an American called Cedric.

He does a lot of entertainment and I looked up to him. In all fairness, I didn’t plan the whole nightlife thing, but when I got into it, the money was so exciting and I didn’t have a choice but to stay in it. However, in the long run, it got me into limelight, and on the other hand, it tried to ridicule me too. Having said that, I think I want to come back in a different

dimension because it’s good to learn from one’s past mistakes. I am coming back to nightlife with a different concept.

What uniqueness are you bringing into it?

I want to assure you of one thing, that what we are doing now will be a bomb.

It is nowhere on the surface of Africa, maybe in Dubai. At the moment, I stay in New York and I go to different lounges every day. I party in different lounges just to bring that experience back home.

Are you married?

No. But I have a partner who is amazing. Her name is Mariana Souza Floriano; a beautiful and kind woman of BrazilianGerman heritage. We have three lovely kids – a girl and two boys between the ages of one and five.

Do you have plans to marry her someday?

Of course, by God’s grace. In all fairness, she’s amazing and I’ll love to marry her. She lives in my house and in my heart.

Did you have a nickname as a young man?

No, I don’t have one.

What was your favourite subject as a kid?

I was born in church; both of my parents were pastors so I can quote from Genesis to Revelation. I love my Bible knowledge. I also love maths because I think I’m a smart guy.

What was your ambition as a child?

I have always wanted to be an entrepreneur; which I think is what I am doing (right now). I like money because I love the taste of good life.

OnuegbuTalksAboutBuildingHis BusinessEmpire,Controversies & Family

14

Polscope

JANUARY 28, 2017 • THISDAY, The Saturday Newspaper

with Eddy Odivwri eddy.odivwri@thisdaylive.com 08053069356

The Beautiful Ones are Not Yet There (1)

L

Services (DSS), which indicted Magu, which formed the basis for his rejection by the Senate, the presidency has undermined the validity of a state institution. If the DSS report can be that ignored with ignominy, then of what essence is the requirement of future profiling of anybody by the DSS? Or did the presidency also accuse the DSS of not giving Magu a fair hearing?

These two incidents cast a big question mark on the genuineness and non-selectiveness of Buhari’s fight against corruption. I shudder at the wisdom of allowing two individuals, accused of not having clean hands, to pull down the anti-corruption architecture the Buhari administration has been trying to build. Is it for lack of substitutes, in a country of 180 million people? These and many others will feed the suspicion of the Buhari critics/opposition groups that the anti-corruption fight indeed, has been a ruse.

ike the scripture, a good work of art is ageless.

It does not expire. Its content speaks truth and reality from age to age. Its message(s) is/are ever valid. And so, each time I reflect on the content and message of Ayi Kwei Armah’s 49-year-old epic novel, The Beautiful Ones are Not Yet Born, I marvel at the prophetic accuracy that ran through the narrative of

that work.

Ruminating over what our experiences have been in the almost two years of the President Muhammadu Buhari administration, I cannot but agree with Ayi Kwei Armah that indeed, the beautiful ones are not yet born.

Like former President Goodluck Jonathan, the Buhari administration came to power with a trailer load of goodwill. But right now, whatever is left of the Buhari goodwill is likely not enough load for a Keke Marwa (tricycle).

Truth is that Nigerians were buffed up with the Jonathan, nay PDP-led government, and so anything but PDP/Jonathan was good enough. The mess was monumental and smelly. All Progressives Congress (APC) fitted into the bill of public expectation. That was why the mono-syllabic catchy message of “Change” resonated so loud and well, across the length and breadth of Nigeria.

The truth however was that many people were clearly apprehensive of General Muhammadu Buhari. All sorts of frightening messages aimed at scaring voters away from him were circulated then. But some of us believed the nay sayers were merely being politically mischievous. I believed all that discredited Buhari in the past belonged to the past indeed. And that at his second coming, he would have learnt from his past mistakes and pull Nigeria out of the woods, what with his unsmiling and unwavering determination to deal a fatal blow on corruption. His ascetic and credulous credentials were simply endearing; and so Nigerians embraced him. And he won.

His victory came with great expectations. Very great expectations. We felt we were already at ground zero as a country under Jonathan and that the only possible thing that could happen to us is to be lifted up gradually and steadily. Sadly however, almost two years down the line, that has not been our experience.

Some of us have been obstinately hopeful, labouring to always explain to our traducers that the mound of mess inherited by the Buhari administration slowed down the quick effect of the expected “Change”. But that cannot be an eternal narrative! Almost two years after, Nigerians should begin to even feel, (if they can’t yet see or touch) the promise of a better life. But instead of relief and hope, Nigerians are harvesting hardship and hunger.

Worse still, the bite expected of the Buhari government is clearly missing. And this is in nearly every facet of this administration. From the economy to infrastructure through anti-corruption fight, to new order, national rebirth, down to security, etc. etc., the government, as they say in local parlance, have been “falling our hands”.

I had thought that even if Buhari fails in all other aspects of governance, it won’t be on the anti-corruption fight.

He had made it the cardinal prism of his government.

He had made a song and dance of how corruption will kill us as a country if we don’t kill it collectively. He had come with fierce rave, baying for the faintest smell of corruption. So many people were indicted. The EFCC was literally hauling “corrupt” (both indicted and accused) people into detention. The cells were bursting in their seams. Just too many people were robbing the nation blind. And the rest of Nigerians were happy with the daily report of huge recoveries from the ancient thieves of the previous administration. Nigerians clapped and goaded Buhari on. I was among them! The huge recoveries have been so much that we seem to have even lost count. But the irony is that the more looted funds were recovered, the poorer and more distressed we became as a people.

Yet what seems to be even more distressing is the fact that the Buhari administration is almost losing its defining identity. As the Holy Book says, “If salt loses its taste, then it is no longer good for anything, but to be cast down and trodden under the feet of men”.

If Buhari loses the fight against corruption, which seems imminent, I am afraid, nothing else would his government be remembered for.

I will cite some troubling examples.

The Clearance of the SGF and Magu

I, nay Nigerians were shocked that the presidency exonerated the Secretary to the Federal Government, Mr David Babachir Lawal, from blame and declared him not guilty of the accusation of fraud when he was said to have diverted funds meant for the welfare of

Our Technological Aspiration

Buhari Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) into his private company’s account. It was a matter that broke last year. The presidency had asked the Attorney General of the Federation (not Police or EFCC) to investigate the accusation and report back to the president. It was curious in the first place to ask the Attorney General to investigate an allegation of corruption. Those who suspected that the end of it would be as has been shown maintained that ever since the snake got pregnant was it known that its child will be long. It is even more significant to note that the so-called AGF report is not in the public domain.

Nigerians have been waiting for the said report. They were shell-shocked to read, last Tuesday, of the strong defence and clearance the presidency gave Lawal. It was quintessential “Government Magic” as the late Fela Anikulapo would describe it. The grounds of defence by the presidency were as specious as they were misleading.

It was a perfect case of red herring. The presidency was beating about the bush instead of addressing the issues.

In even beating about the bush, the presidency did it most dishonestly, seeking to sell short the collective intelligence of Nigerians. Even if all else was correct, how did N200 million meant for the so-called grass cutting in an IDP camp, find its way into Babachir’s company’s bank account? Nobody has denied the presence of that sum in the bank account of the SGF’s company. And could grass cutting be the utmost need of a people dying of hunger in an IDP? Is it not even more interesting to note that indeed, no grass was cut anywhere? And pray, does it really cost as much as N248, 939, 231, to cut grass? What kind of grass is it? The payments of N10 million, twenty times (i.e. N200million) into Rholavision Engineering Ltd, a company owned by Babachir Lawal, from Josmon Technologies Ltd, the company that got the contract from Lawal’s Presidential Initiative on Northeast (PINE) were published. Nobody faulted them. But rather than address the salient issues, the presidency seems to be bothered by legal shenanigans of fair hearing and all such vexatious warts. Look, did Lawal’s company receive the N200 million kickback from the company he awarded the contract or not??? If yes, nothing else defines corruption, if no, let him explain how that sum got into his company’s account. QED! As quaintly described by Senator Shehu Sani, the presidency’s letter of defence of Babachir Lawal is the funeral service of anti-corruption war. Who else will believe Buhari that he is indeed fighting corruption if he spares Lawal whose case is so very glaring even to the one-eyed man?

It must be added that the Senate committee which investigated the diversion of funds meant for the welfare of the IDPs said PINE which was under Lawal’s supervision could not account for the N2.5 Billion fund allocated to it.

Also related to this is the insistence that Ibrahim Magu be confirmed as the Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). My only worry in this is that by refusing to take into account the confidential report filed by the Directorate of State

In a world where technology is ruling and transforming nations and economies, here in Nigeria, we are not only still trying to find our bearing, the sad and disappointing story is that when we eventually find our bearing, the Science and Technology minister, Dr Ogbonnaya Onu says our whole aspiration is to be able to produce pencil. Yes, Pencil! I hardly can fathom the wisdom of such dwarfish aspiration. Of all things, it is pencil production that will be our password to our technological breakthrough. And that perhaps explains why after many years of its establishment, the Science and Tech ministry has never really pioneered anything.

They all just attend seminars and conferences, speak grammar and leave us where Obafemi Awolowo left us.

Killing the SMEs

Long before now, there has been so much talk about growing our Small and Medium Scale Enterprises (SMEs) believing that therein lies the strength of a nation’s private sector economy. Indeed, government cannot provide all the jobs a nation’s workforce will need. So the SMEs truly come to the rescue.

But how can the SMEs thrive or even survive under the prevailing harsh economic policies of the Buhari administration?

As at today, Diesel, for instance, is selling for N265 per litre. What kind of business will an entrepreneur meaningfully engage in when he buys diesel at that exorbitant price? What kind of profit can he/she ever make?

With latent threats or rumours of threat of increase in the cost of even petrol (NNPC stations no longer sell at the discounted price), there is a clear stifling of the SMEs. Not only will it drive down our overall GDP, the attendant job losses will worsen our woes.

Electricity Supply an Eternal Challenge?

At the background of the impending death of the SMEs is the running comatose state of electricity supply in Nigeria. We are simply tired of the loads of excuses and explanations of why all the present and past efforts give us more darkness than light. How can there be entrepreneurial growth or real sector growth with the continued comatose electricity supply situation in Nigeria? The Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) have been groaning.

Right from the days of Bola Ige (with his quick-fix model) to Babatunde Fashola, it’s been talk, talk and more talks. No action. No improvement even when more and more monies have been poured into the electricity pit. Right now, Fashola (who has gone all grey) in his usual smooth talk, has blamed the epileptic electricity supply on poor funding, asking that electricity tariff be raised as a guarantee tor steadier supply. It’s a throwback to the chicken-and-egg argument of which one comes first.

Every night, my neighbourhood is literally aflame with a cacophony of generator noise. A standing affront to our ears and peace. It is as if it is a technological enigma. This is what has long been overcome by even less endowed countries many years ago. But here, we are still struggling to supply four-hour-a-day electricity, 56 years after. At other times, we languish in unbroken darkness for weeks and even months. How can such a nation grow?

Year-in-Year-out, the fate of electricity consumers is tied to the mood and whims of the militants in the creeks. Nobody has thought out a technology that will enable the storage of gas somewhere away from the creeks. Why should the economic fate of the nation be tied to the state of mind of some criminals in the creeks?

And we all seem helpless, all lifelong!

This review will continue next week, but is it not clear, thus far, that the beautiful ones are not yet there?

15

THISDAY, The Saturday Newspaper •JANUARY 28, 2017

NEWS

News Editor Ahamefula Ogbu 08116759810 (sms only) Email ahamefula.ogbu@thisdaylive.com

Gunmen Storm Owerri High Court, Rescue ‘Vampire’, Notorious Kidnapping Kingpin, Others Amby Uneze in Owerri

The unexpected happened, Friday morning at the Owerri high court premises as gunmen stormed the complex in a commando style, sent people scampering for safety with sounds of sophisticated weapons and rescued a notorious kidnapping kingpin, Henry Chibueze, (alias Vampire) and two others.

In the ensuing melee, about five prison officials who led the suspects to the court received gun shots wounds and were rushed to the hospital.

The suspect who was arrested by the Department of Security Services (DSS) in 2015 after about five years of unsuccessful manhunt has been remanded in prison custody since the case was charged to court.

According to an eye witness, the gunmen laid siege on the court premises waiting for the arrival of their target and as soon as the vehicle arrived, the suspects alighted and were about to be led to the court room by some prison officials, they struck, shooting sporadically in the court.

“The gunmen came into the court premises posing like DSS operatives that came to give evidence in the trial of Vampire until the prison officials arrived with the suspects and they opened fire on the unsuspecting security men.

It took us by surprise and funny enough, they escaped in a Pathfinder jeep.

“How they could have beaten all the checkpoints on either Orlu, Onitsha, Port Harcourt, Umuahia and other roads to escape is not only a surprise but scandalous. We have to mount another manhunt for him. We suspect he would want to run outside the country”, a security source said.

Information alleged that even the suspect, Vampire

we'll rebuild north east...

L-R; The Director General, National Orientation Agency, Dr. Garba Abari, Mrs. Asmau Joda, Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, Chairman, Presidential Committee on the North East Initiative - Sub Economic Development Committee, Mr. Yusuf Buba, Mr. Mohammed Gambo Umar, Mallam Aliyu Kamara and Rabo Ngatuwa when members of the Presidential Committee on the North East Initiative - Sub Economic Development Committee paid a courtesy visit to the Minister in his office on Thursday

seized the opportunity to snatch a gun from one of the prison officials, added to the one the gunmen gave him and released volley of shots.

THISDAY also gathered that the gunmen must have made their way into the court premises through one of the exit gates along Orlu road and carefully avoided the major entrance to the court where a military armoured tank manned by military men

was stationed.

The court premises is located at the middle of the city having Imo State Government House in front, the State Police Command, the State Prison Command, the former office of the DSS and the residence of the Brigade Commander of 34 Brigade, Obinze around it.

When contacted, the Imo State Commissioner of Police, Mr. Taiwo Lakanu said that even though it was not the

police that was prosecuting the case; he personally led other officers on rescue operation to the scene of the incident when the shooting was on before the gunmen took to their heels.

Every effort made to contact the State Controller of Prisons or the Prisons Public Relations Officer proved abortive as th Vampire (28) who had confessed to being involved in several kidnappings in

various parts of the country, said that he operated from Abidjan, Cote d’ Ivoire, and other west African countries.

Fielding questions from reporters, Okorocha who personally interrogated ‘Vampire’ when he was apprehended disclosed that he had collected N110 million from one of his victims in Rivers State and thereafter killed him.

Shedding more light on his nefarious activities, Vampire

who always look unruffled even while in prison custody also admitted to have abducted an official of the Imo State Environmental Transformation Commission, ENTRACO (name withheld) equally collected N50 million, even as he similarly murdered the victim.

Furthermore, the seemingly unrepentant Vampire said that he murdered his girlfriend for allegedly stealing the sum of N45 million belonging to him.

Stop Using Mosques to Preach Abia Governorship : S'Court Grant Otti's Hate, Sanusi Warns Clerics Application to Challenge Judgments Laleye Dipo in Minna

Emir of Kano, Alhaji Sanusi

Lamido Sanusi has warned Muslim clerics in the country to stop using their mosques to preach hate among Nigerians.

Alhaji Sanusi Lamido Sanusi gave the warning in his sermon at the ultra-modern mosque of the Federal University of Technology Minna Niger State on Friday.

Alhaji Sanusi also led the first Friday prayers in the mosque after inaugurating it.

The inauguration of the mosque was one of the activities to mark the 26th convocation 35th anniversary of the establishment of the university.

He told Muslim faithful especially clerics that it was

unfortunate that some of them were hiding under the sanctity and immunity of the Holy places to set one part of the society against the other adding that this was totally against the tenets of Islam.

The monarch insisted that Muslim clerics and indeed all Muslims should preach peace among the adherents and work to achieve peace with members of other religions.

He asked Muslims all over the country to unite and forge a common front for the propagation of the religion and the country.

Emir Sanusi also called for religious tolerance among members of the two major religions in the country saying this was the panacea for peace

in Nigeria.

The monarch commended the university community for constructing the mosques and assured them that Allah would always reward those who participated in the building of a place to worship him.

Emir Sanusi was accompanied to the event by among others the Emir of Minna Dr. Umaru Farouq Bahago and Islamic Cleric Sheikh Ahmed Lemu.

The climax of the convocation and anniversary ceremonies holds on Wednesday with the award of degrees postgraduate degrees and diplomas to 3734 students 34 of them in first class while 35 others will receive doctorate degrees.

Tobi Soniyi in Abuja

The Supreme Court has given the governorship candidate of the All Progressive Alliance (APGA) in the 2015 election in Abia State, Dr. Alex Otti, the go ahead to appeal against judgments contesting the validity of Governor Okeize Ikpeazu's election.

In granting his application to appeal, the Supreme Court unanimously held that his (Otti) right to fair hearing as provided under section 36 of the 1999 constitution was inviolable and as such could not be denied on the grounds of technicalities.

Otti and his party had asked the apex court to set aside the refusal of the Abuja division of the Court of Appeal to hear their application to appeal against the earlier judgments of a Federal High Court in Abuja,

delivered by Justice Okon Abang on June 27, 2016, which sacked Ikpeazu.

In the said judgment, Justice Okon Abang ordered Ikpeazu to vacate office for allegedly making false declaration about his tax documents attached to Form CF001 which he submitted to the Independent National Electoral Commission nominating him as the PDP governorship candidate in the 2015 election.

Although Otti filed an application to appeal the judgment of Justice Abang, the Court of Appeal in its ruling delivered last year, held that Otti could not file an appeal against the judgments of the Federal High Court on the grounds that he was not a party in the originating suits and that the matter was an intra-party affair of the Peoples Democratic Party.

Not satisfied, he filed an appeal at

the Supreme Court seeking its leave to join the appeal at the Supreme Court.

The Supreme Court, in its ruling delivered yesterday, granted his application and gave him leave to commence his appeal against the judgments of the Court of Appeal.

Justice Clara Ogunbiyi who delivered the lead judgment of the Supreme Court held that Otti had the constitutional right to appeal against the decision of the Court of Appeal.

Justice Ogunbiyi further held that the applications by Otti and his political platform (APGA), bordered squarely on their right to be heard on a case that affected their interest.

Besides, Justice Ogunbiyi reiterated the position of the apex court that courts were to do substantial Justice and avoid technicalities.

16

THISDAY, The Saturday Newspaper • JANUARY 28, 2017

the alternative with Reno Omokri From Commander-in-Chief to Clearer-inChief: The Doublethink of President Buhari

I

used to think that the creators of the Mavrodi Mondial Movement, aka MMM, were smart people going by the fact that they were able to come up with such a brilliant Ponzi scheme that enabled them to make off with people’s money as the ultimate pen robbers, but I have since been undeceived and have now come to the inevitable conclusion that the operators of the MMM scheme are not smart after all.

If they were smart, after President Muhammadu Buhari cleared Babachir Lawal, what they should have done is immediately apply to him for clearance! After all, our President is the best clearing agent in Nigeria.

Cleared Buratai Cleared Danbazau Cleared Kyari Cleared Babachir Cleared Abacha Cleared Amaechi

If we accept this definition as accurate, then it is clear that the minister of information (I am tempted to say disinformation), Alhahi Lai Mohammed, is the High Priest of this administration’s temple of doublethink.

The aptly named Lai Mohammed, in a true manifestation of his name, told a lie, when he scolded the advocacy group, Bring Back Our Girls (BBOG) by saying that their use of ‘impudent’ language should “should have been reserved for those who did nothing in the first 500 days of the girls’ abduction”.

Of course Nigerians know that Lai Mohammed, the chief spin doctor of the ‘change’ agenda, is synonymous with lying and it is no wonder that the Oby Ezekwesili-led BBOG are firing at him, but to say that the Jonathan administration ‘did nothing’ to rescue the Chibok girls is a lie that will not go unchallenged.

I will now give a timeline of events to prove unequivocally that Lai Mohammed is a liar and his words should henceforth be taken with a pinch of salt by Nigerians and the international community.

In fact, I hear the Nigerian Association of clearing and forwarding agents unanimously elected to make President Muhammadu Buhari their life President after he cleared Magu and forwarded his name to the Senate!

And with all these happenings, there are still some people out there who believe that the President is fighting corruption! In fact, the word fool has to be redefined.

Afool is anyone who believes that President Muhammadu Buhari who cleared Babachir and Amaechi is not corrupt, while Goodluck Ebele Jonathan who sacked Oduah and Nnaji is corrupt!

So bad has the situation become that two erstwhile major supporters of President Muhammadu Buhari have had to publicly confess how bad things have become under his leadership.

First Senator Shehu Sani said, “When it comes to fighting corruption in the National Assembly and the Judiciary and in the larger Nigerian society, the President uses insecticide, but when it comes to fighting corruption within the Presidency, they use deodorants.” Then Junaidu Mohammed said, “The truth is that Nigeria is worse off today than when Buhari took over the reins of power.”

Even the most diehard Buharist must now admit that in electing Muhammadu Buhari as our President, all that we did was jump, not from a frying pan, but from a refrigerator to fire.

And the sad thing about the Babachir affair is that the President relied on what has now been revealed by Senator Shehu Sani as outright lies and clever use of technicalities.

For instance, in his letter to the Senate in which he cleared Babachir Lawal, President Buhari said that only three members of the Senate ad hoc Committee on the Humanitarian Crisis in the North-East signed the report indicting Babachir Lawal making it a ‘minority report’ and that the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Babachir Lawal was not invited by the committee to state his own side of the story.

These assertions have since been proven to be a pack of lies by the Chairman of that committee, Senator Shehu Sani who said, “It is shocking to me that such a letter can come from the Presidency with such misinformation and outright distortions. They lied by saying that the committee didn’t invite the SGF. The committee invited the SGF and the letter was acknowledged by the Permanent Secretary in the Office of the SGF.” Senator Sani went on to expose another Presidential lie when he said “issues were raised that only three members of the committee signed that interim report; that was also a second lie coming from the Presidency. I have a copy of the interim report, which was initially signed by seven members of the nine members of that committee and I am going to submit it to the Clerk of the Senate”.

Are we not seeing a pattern here? We see a sanctimonious President who is never tired of accusing opposition parties and politicians of corruption yet who gets caught pants down engaging in the corruption he accuses others of being guilty of.

We saw this when he used a heavily plagiarised speech to launch the so-called #ChangeBeginsWithMe initiative (which appears to have died a natural death).

We also saw it again in the President’s oft-repeated lie that the Jonathan administration did not achieve anything by way of infrastructure when he knows quite well that the 187KM AbujaKaduna fast railway that now enables Nigerians live in Kaduna and work in Abuja, which he commissioned, was built by the Jonathan government along with the restoration of national rail routes, the completion of the Olorunsogo phase 2 power station, the dredging of the River Niger up to Baro in Niger State and the building of 12 new Federal Universities and 165 Almajiri schools to mention a few.

After promising heaven and earth during the 2015 elections, the Nigerian public has now come to the realisation that they were duped by desperate power-seekers with empty sugar-coated promises they had no intention of fulfilling.

You can imagine a Director of President Buhari’s campaign and now the minister for solid minerals, Kayode Fayemi, telling Nigerian youths only this week to ‘quit whining’ and that nobody owes them anything. Hmm? If anybody had told the 2017 graduating class of the University of Lagos that the Fayemi who once begged them to vote for Buhari would one day scold them for having high hopes, these great Akokites might have stoned that person, but on Monday, January 23, 2017, they sat stunned as their expectations were torn to shreds by the same man who built it up.

President Buhari has altered the course of Nigeria’s march from

March 12, 2014: The then minister of state for education, Mr. Nyesom Wike, wrote the Governors of Borno, Yobe and Adamawa and advised them not to hold SSCE examinations in areas susceptible to the Boko Haram insurgency. This letter, with reference number HMSE/FME/147/VOL.1/150 and titled: ‘Security challenges and the conduct of the 2014 WASSCE and SSCE in Borno, Yobe and parts of Adamawa States’, is still available today should Lai Mohammed wish to read it.

April 14, 2014: Contrary to the advice given by the PDP-led Federal Government of President Goodluck Jonathan, the APCled Government of Governor Kashim Shettima, for reasons best known to it, chose to ignore that advice and held the SSCE examinations in Chibok, a mainly Christian town that was susceptible to attacks from the Islamic extremist group, Boko Haram. On the day in question, the girls of Government Girls Secondary School Chibok were kidnapped by Boko Haram while preparing to write their final physics examinations.

Flash forward to April 2, 2016: Governor Kashim Shettima confesses in an interview with Premium Times that he, the chief security officer of the state, DID NOT inform then President Jonathan when the girls were kidnapped for reasons best known to him.

April 17, 2014: Exactly three days after the kidnap, President Jonathan who had been unaware of the issue because of the deliberate refusal of the APC-led government of Borno State to brief him called for an emergency meeting at the Presidential Villa.

May 4, 2014: After consistent confused and contradictory information from the Borno State Government and various other authority figures, the Presidency invited the principal actors in the Chibok saga to the Presidential Villa to ascertain the truth.

The Presidency was shocked that key officials of the Borno State government didn’t honour the invitation. The governor’s wife who was invited shunned the event and when the then First Lady, Dame Patience Jonathan saw the scanty representation from Borno, she famously exclaimed ‘na only you waka come’?

May 6, 2014: The then National Publicity Secretary of the APC and now the current minister of information, Lai Mohammed, released a statement calling the Presidency’s intervention a ‘distraction’.

May 26, 2014: The Nigerian military revealed through the then Chief of Defence Staff, Air Marshal Alex Badeh, that it knew the location of the girls but could not attack because of fear of loss of lives of the girls after a similar operation in Sokoto to save an Italian and a Briton led to the loss of lives of the hostages taken by an affiliate of Boko Haram.

Unspecified Date in May 2014: The Jonathan administration began secret negotiations to secure the release of the Chibok girls.

October 6, 2014: Then President Jonathan visits Niamey as part of efforts to secure the release of the Chibok girls with the help of the Nigerien government.

October 17, 2014: Atruce was announced with Boko Haram after negotiations which were to allow for the release of the Chibok girls. The truce was broken by Boko Haram who reneged on their promise to release their captives.

There are other actions taken by the Jonathan administration which I have not listed here but the point I am making is that for Alhahi Lai Mohammed to say that, that government did nothing is not just a lie, but a shameless attempt to rewrite history by a man who has scant regard for the truth.

It is my prayer that the Chibok girls will be released but for that to happen, there must be complete transparency and truthfulness from government.

Let me say that a man, like, Lai Mohammed, with a bloated ego and the poverty-inducing government in which he serves cannot argue with a man with an accurate command of the facts.

Finally, permit me to, like George Orwell, pen my own satire.

Three men called JM, SR and PT wanted influence from GJ but he wouldn’t give it to them, so they plotted with MB to steal it from him using false accusation. After their success, MB got the influence but refused to share it with JM, SR and PT. So JM, SR and PT tried to do what they did to GJ to MB, but MB was like them. When JM attacked MB, MB unlike GJ attacked him back harder. When SR lied against MB like they did GJ, MB’s forces arrested him. When PT blackmailed MB using the same tactics they used for GJ, his boys invaded and arrested them. It was then JM, SR and PT understood that MB was not like GJ whose ambition was not worth blood, sorrow or suffering. They then asked themselves, what have we done to ourselves? But by then it was too late for them! GJ was the toast of the world and they were the toast of MB’s fire!

Timelines:

Buhari

a nation heading towards a utopian transformation under former President Goodluck Jonathan, to a nation experiencing a dystopian ‘change’ where, like in George Orwell’s 1984 masterpiece, Nigerians are forced to accept ‘doublethink’ as a reality.

For those who do not know what ‘doublethink’ is, I would suggest you read Orwell’s classic book about ‘Big Brother’ and titled ‘1984’ (coincidentally, 1984 is the year that Nigerians first became acquainted with Muhammadu Buhari on the national stage).

In 1984, Orwell defined ‘double think’ as: “To know and not to know, to be conscious of complete truthfulness while telling carefully constructed lies, to hold simultaneously two opinions which cancelled out, knowing them to be contradictory and believing in both of them, to use logic against logic, to repudiate morality while laying claim to it, to believe that democracy was impossible and that the Party was the guardian of democracy, to forget whatever it was necessary to forget, then to draw it back into memory again at the moment when it was needed, and then promptly to forget it again, and above all, to apply the same process to the process itself – that was the ultimate subtlety: consciously to induce unconsciousness, and then, once again, to become unconscious of the act of hypnosis you had just performed. Even to understand the word ‘doublethink’ involved the use of doublethink.”

This is what we have been reduced to in Nigeria. Forced to believe that someone like Olisa Metuh, who performed a job and was paid for it, is guilty, but Mr. Babachir Lawal, who enriched himself through a company connected with him and who hid the connection through a labyrinthine maze at the Corporate Affairs Commission, is innocent.

We are expected to believe that the Supreme Court Justice visiting Rotimi Amaechi who publicly admitted to spending $500,000 of public funds (yes, you read that right, half a million dollars!) to host Nobel laureate, Professor Wole Soyinka, to a one-day dinner is free from corruption but Reuben Abati who received funds to do the work that he was LEGALLY appointed to do was arrested and thrown into a cell to be photographed in his undies like a common criminal!

The Nigerian dystopia under President Buhari fulfils every facet of the definition of doublethink. Again, to quote from Orwell’s 1984, we see a Nigeria where a government official has “the power of holding two contradictory beliefs in one’s mind simultaneously, and accepting both of them. To tell deliberate lies while genuinely believing in them, to forget any fact that has become inconvenient, and then, when it becomes necessary again, to draw it back from oblivion for just as long as it is needed, to deny the existence of objective reality and all the while to take account of the reality which one denies – all this is indispensably necessary. Even in using the word doublethink it is necessary to exercise doublethink. For by using the word one admits that one is tampering with reality; by a fresh act of doublethink one erases this knowledge; and so on indefinitely, with the lie always one leap ahead of the truth.”

Could Orwell have time travelled into the future to catch a glimpse of the new and improved Nigeria under President Muhammadu Buhari?

How else are we to juxtapose the reality of a President who tells us that (and I am using his own words here), ‘Abacha did not steal’, yet his own Attorney General and minister for justice is fighting tooth and nail to recover $550 million worth of Abacha loot “illegally taken out of Nigeria” (again I am quoting from an official statement from the Buhari presidency on the subject). I guess when you ‘illegally take’, you are not the same as a thief. How anybody can keep up with the doublethink of the Buhari administration amazes me!

Elsewhere, doublethink has been defined as being able to control the memories of the populace, such that history is revised to fit the propaganda of the ruling party.

Plus

Loud Whispers memoirs Auto Fairground Fashion File Perspective

pg. 24 pg. 26 pg. 26 pg. 36 pg. 41 pg. 46

Muyiwa Ige

As Gov’s Children, Our Friends were Still Coming to Govt. House to Play Soccer with Us

THISDAY, The Saturday Newspaper January 28, 2017

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Plus

I Don’t Want to Die Young His Rockville abode located in Agodi Area of Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, is befitting of a king.

At a glance, the expansive compound could be mistaken for a tourist site as captivating rocks adorn the landscape. Dressed in blue attire, Architect Muyiwa Ige, the eldest surviving son of the late colourful politician and one-time governor of old Oyo State, Chief Bola Ige, welcomed this reporter into his home. Born January 28, 1967, he is a chip off the old block. With a burden of expectation placed on him, he has not disappointed as he does not live in his father’s shadow.

From studying architectural design in America, to handling high-profile projects and being involved in politics in the last six years, having served as Commissioner for Land, Physical and Urban Development in Osun State, he has become his own man. As he turns 50 today, he share with Funke Olaode the narrative of his golden years, joy and pains

H

ow would you describe life at 50?

I heard age 50 is a new 21.

To me, age is a number. I am still sharp mentally. I feel the way I felt in the last two decades. As one advances in age, I will take everything as it comes. Somehow, I don’t have parties yearly but every decade I seem to celebrate God’s goodness in my life. When I was 20, I had a party and when I turned 30, I had a huge party in Washington DC and my 40th birthday was a benchmark of celebration.

And at 50, we will try and have a good time.

Looking back at life generally, were there things you would have loved to do differently?

I was born in Ibadan at the University College Hospital, UCH, on January 28, 1967. I chose to go the school I wanted to and I chose architecture as a profession and overall I am an offspring of Bola and Atinuke Ige. I would not have done it differently. One can say in terms of process in improvement, when there are opportunities one should take them. I am very content though there are other levels to conquer and believe one should not rest on one’s oars.

I am who I am and I pray to be a better person. If there are things I can do differently may be to be a bit calmer and I think I am getting there now; before I used to drive very fast. But now I slow down because my children are getting older and life is giving one a different angle where one is becoming more responsible as you live for others.

You never wanted to be a lawyer Yes. Ironically, I am surrounded by lawyers: my parents, siblings and even my wife is a lawyer. I dared to be different. I just felt that I had a flair for the arts and was one of the first pupils to use platinum pen for drawing in my school. I used to look up to some architects in those days.

Architect Omisore was doing well in Ibadan, Architect Olumuyiwa Oluwole and then vice-president in the Second Republic, Alex Ekwueme. I just did a research and applied to Illinois Institute of Technology, Chicago, Illinois, United States. I told my father I wanted to study architecture and he called Dr. Ekwueme to find out if it was a good school and he said yes. And my father allowed me. Fortunately for us, my parents were very free and didn’t impose anything on us or on me and they allowed me to blossom with their full support. But now I will study law later doing one or two-year crash programme in Buckingham University.

Having accomplished parents must have placed a burden of expectation on you to excel Absolutely. It is an excess baggage but it is a good load because they were wonderful people and their legacy lives on. I make bold to say that I will forever cherish being an offspring of Bola and Atinuke Ige. My

mother was the first Yoruba Justice of the Court of Appeal. She was first female lawyer from Ibadan and she was also acting Chief Judge before she became a Justice of the Court of Appeal in 1993. The excess baggage is beautiful because anywhere I go the name Ige opens a lot of doors. It sends a right message because my parents served humanity. And we are reaping the benefits of that wonderful legacy and likewise my children. I cannot afford to be silly and must stay on the right path.

By now, one would have expected you should have stepped into your father’s shoes. Why haven’t you?

The cobbler that made my father’s shoes has hung his tools. Honestly those shoes are huge and enormous. My father started active politics as a student politician at age 15, writing articles in the newspapers. At a relatively young age, he was publicity secretary of the Action Group (AG). At the same time I have to live my life and shouldn’t live in the shadows of my late father. Nevertheless, I am conscious of the fact that I am an Ige and one needs to display some level of responsibility towards people and in one’s locality. Once aware of that, you make it your mantra and guiding principle. Yes, we are all political animals and we have a responsibility to the people.

But were you somehow scared out of politics because of what happened to your father?

There is nothing to be scared of. I am playing politics but remember we can play politics in our own different and unique ways as my father did. In the last six years I have been in active politics having been appointed commissioner for land, physical and urban development charged with changing the skyline and landscape of the State of Osun particularly the urban areas.

We had a responsibility guided by the six-point integrated plan of the administration of Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola. We have a responsibility to the people and as my father always said, once you have an opportunity to serve, serve to the best of your ability.

Your father was nicknamed ‘Cicero’ for good reasons. What will you say are your strong attributes?

I am very direct. I am a core Ijesha man who wears his emotions on his sleeves.

My heart is in the right place. I don’t try to envy anyone. I try to be content. I do my very best to help humanity. My weak point is that I am very easy when it comes to assisting people in the areas of education and health which I consider the Iges’ trait.

Again, I try to encourage young people and I blend in every stratum: from the highest to the lowest. I have no airs about myself. As long as I make others better I feel very easy.

I am relatively impatient but I am learning to be calmer. I try to encourage people and try to do my very best to be selfless. I go out of my way for others to blossom.

Ige

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January 28, 2017 • THISDAY, The Saturday Newspaper

Plus

With wife, Oyinda

Muyiwa being carried as a toddler by father, the late Bola Ige and Godmother, Mrs. Lanre Johnson

Because of hardship. I lost my father at an early age.

We were eight children in the family; catering for the family was left on the shoulders of my mother who was a cleaner. She could not meet the needs of everyone.

We gained our independence early in order to cater for ourselves. In the neighbourhood, it was not easy for me; choosing comedy was the best option. It was something I have always wanted to do. At first, my mother was sceptical about my success in this venture…

No Regrets Having Only Boys… They will in Turn Bear Girl-Children It has been 15 year since your father was murdered. Do you think you can still get justice?

I trust that we will sooner or later once we have a sensible and responsible government that must attend to resolving my father’s murder and all the unresolved murders. It gives a sense of responsibility to the government and for those who did it, their conscience will continue to deal with them for the rest of their lives. As a family, we have always maintained the fact that the wrath of God will deal with the perpetrators. But it will be good to get justice on earth because they are walking the streets.

What are the things people don’t know about your father?

He loved dodo. He was a prolific writer. He loved to drive himself. He was humble. He loved his children to a fault. I remember on the first of October 1979, after the swearing in as governor of Oyo State at the Liberty Stadium, the two of us just drove home. And for the first three months we were still living in our house in Ososami until the security personnel advised that he should move to the Government House in Agodi. He was a man of the people and that is what was incomprehensible that some people would come to his private home and kill him.

My father loved to celebrate people if he knows your birthday he will call you.

Growing up, how much of an impact did your father’s status in the society have on you?

I was 12 and half years old when he became governor and we were just a happy family. My mother was a judge and my father was a governor and a well-known politician. So we were just normal kids. He had a lovely Honda

Prelude and he would drive himself around and would even go and inspect projects by himself. Everybody knew his plate number, OY 1AF, his personal car as governor and people would be hailing him ‘Uncle Bola.’ I have always been conscious of who I was because position of leadership is transient. As said earlier, we lived in our private home in Ososami. My mother had an official quarters in Kobiowu Crescent at Iyaganku and later moved to the Government House. I was moved to a boarding house in England. And we would come home during holidays but we would still go back to our old neighbourhood.

My mother didn’t quit her job to become ‘First Lady’ because she was still going to court. She was powerful but humble as a judge. We were level headed and never got carried away.

You mean your teachers did not treat you differently?

No. Because we didn’t want it. We were just regular students in class and all our friends were still coming to the Government House and we would play soccer together.

Then as you grow older how many girls wanted to date you?

I beg o! I wasn’t interested in that. Yes. I had female companions. But when I was ready to settle down, I married one of the most intelligent, beautiful and smart women you can ever imagine. My wife, Oyinda, is a lawyer and mother of my three boys.

Was there a time you incurred your father’s wrath?

Not really. I remember I started driving at the age of nine. I have a brother who was a tough guy. He was five years older.

My maternal aunty always encouraged me

to learn so I was watching how he drives.

When I was about 13, the late Alhaji Arisekola Alao just bought his Benz 450 SL and brought it to the Government House to say hello to my father. But my father wasn’t at home. He said Muyiwa, can you drive? I said yes, I can Alhaji. I got into the car and as we were driving out of the Government House my father was coming home for lunch. The rider came and when I saw him I just froze. I released the seat of the car backward as soon as his car passed I jumped out of the car and ran upstairs. I thought he didn’t see me since he didn’t say a word. For two weeks, he kept mum over the matter.

We used to have fellowship every month at the Chapel and a lot of family members used to come around. I was coming down the stairs when he said ‘Hope you are not driving this evening?’ It was worse than being spanked. I said ‘no dad.’ I just went straight back to bed. That was the kind of trouble I got into.

Who were you closer to between your father and mother and why?

Both of them were special. My father was very liberal. If you wanted to take a decision he would ask you whether that was what you wanted. I was closer to him after I lost my elder brother. He would address me as ‘Muyiwa, my beloved.’ There was a special bond between us. Though, I was abroad at a time and he encouraged me to come back home. I eventually returned to Nigeria in 1999. Then he was heavily involved in politics and had to hold forth at home. I was my mother’s hand bag as she was always carrying me around as a child. And after my father’s demise, I left my house and moved my family to live with my mum. We lived with her until she died.

What is your greatest fear?

I am overly protective of my three boys and in terms of fear I am not fearful of anything. What is anyone fearful of? Well, sometimes people are afraid of death (though it is inevitable). We will all go one day but I don’t want to die young.

You have three boys. Do you regret not having a female child?

I have no regrets and my wife loves it that way because she is special and everyone dots over her. I am sure even if I had a daughter there would be competition (laughs). I don’t have any regret because God has blessed me with three prosperous nations. They will go and bring the lovely girls.

As an architect, what were your biggest and interesting projects?

Between 2000 and 2011, I actually carved a niche for myself in terms of assisting financial institutions to rebrand and give them different outlooks. We did a lot of projects with the old National Bank, now Chartered Bank, Stanbic IBTC and also worked with Ecobank nationwide. There were some flagships we did in Lagos. We also did some residential facilities. My present house was carved out of rocks.

But the most interesting one I did before I came home was MacDonald’s Restaurant in Baltimore. I used to be a corporate architect for Mac Donald’s Corporation. There is a children museum and it was a special project because it is a restaurant in Children’s Museum. In partnership with Disney, we brought in some children savvy equipment.

It was a restaurant but didn’t look like one.

Should Nigerians watch out for you in 2019?

We all have a responsibility to play our own part. So not only myself, Nigeria should watch out for all of us.

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THISDAY, The Saturday Newspaper • JANUARY 28, 2017

Expression

MEDIAGAFFES by

Take or Seize Opportunity?

I

received two meaningful calls and a mail with regard to last week’s entry which declared that there was no such word as “invitee”. Both callers—one of them a purist, my master and egbon Mr. Bayo Oguntunase— insisted that the word existed.

Another contributor, Dr. Joe Aguolu (joeaguolu@yahoo.com), said in his definitive mail (below) that the word is listed in an unnamed and undated dictionary and thesaurus.

“I just read your column, where you said there was ‘no word known as ‘invitee’. On the contrary, there is.

A dictionary definition has ‘invitee’ as ‘a visitor to whom hospitality is extended.’ A thesaurus has ‘invitee’ as a synonym for guest.”

Let me reiterate that the focus of this column is formal (modern) British Standard English usage—not traditional or regionalized English, which is usually dialectical with a dose of applicative circumspection and circumscription!

“Invitee” is a piece of Americanism that has invaded Nigeria by way of language imperialism. Persistent abuse of a word or phrase does not confer acceptability or correctness on it. Sticklers must cleanse themselves of the juvenile indoctrination that everything in the dictionary is correct. This columnist, without being immodest, has developed the capacity and competency to justifiably question literary status quo and conventions.

This columnist is not interested in colloquial and informal (nonstandard) entries, which may exist in ‘Elizabethan’ (ancient) registers,

dictionaries and thesauruses!

Personally, language currency is the sustainable path to toe—not faddishness, lexical conservatism, conventional wisdom and normative reliance. I have dictionaries, thesauri, English language textbooks and other general interest books which contain grammatical and factual blunders! For me, these publications are guides which are not inviolable.

Even the Bible, thesaurus and Shakespearean materials, as authoritative as they are, still contain lexical, structural and informational contradictions, if not fallacies. The edition of references is also critical because what is right today may be wrong tomorrow, depending on human strides, dynamism and universal language development.

Our familiarization with dated words or expressions in vogue in our locales should not mislead us into believing that they are sacrosanct and immutable. I welcome more constructive reactions to this and other issues raised here. My position on “invitee” still stands. According to D. W. Williams, past experience (sic) should be a guide post, not a hitching post.

Back to our usual business: “The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) is currently in a dilemma over the inability of five of the eight banks that failed the stress test in the industry in 2009 to get suitable partners.” By every shred, “is” indicates currency.

So, I do not understand this ubiquity in Nigerian newspapers: “is currently”. A rewrite: The CBN is in a dilemma….

“My most embarrasing day” (SUNDAY PUNCH, January 22)

Spell-check: embarrassing, but harassing “Exploitation of the underaged” (Sunday Tribune, January 22) Get it right: underage.

“Jammeh makes u-turn, demands for ceasefire” ‘Demand’ when used as a verb does not take ‘for ’.

“First Bank Nigeria PLC’s result for the period is an attestation of the trend” (Source: as above) Money: attestation to (not of) the trend. “…there is no doubt that she will be able to steer the ship of the bank without any doubt, writes....” (THISDAY Business, January 23) Why the overkill of ‘doubt’? “...wishes to seize this opportunity….” Straight to the point: the governor uses or takes this opportunity.

‘Wishes’ and ‘seizes’ are pedestrian and obsolete in the circumstance.

‘Seize’ means, essentially, ‘to take by force’, et al (vide Oxford Advanced Learner ’s Dictionary, 9th Edition, and The New Lexicon Webster ’s Dictionary of English Language 2010). However, Americanism accommodates the variant. So, as they say, make your own choice! For me, ‘take’ is it.

“Let sleeping dog lie!” (Vanguard, January 24) Sweet and Sour: Let sleeping dogs lie.

“More grease to your elbow.”

(DAILY SUN, January 23) This way: More power (not grease) to your elbow. What future for the English language?

“I believe that our politicians ought to have become more mature, and that the maturity would manifest in their conducts (conduct).”

“My mission was to present a review of the book at the occasion.”

Ebere Wabara

ewabara@yahoo.com, 08055001948

(THE GUARDIAN, January 24) Return to the source: on the occasion.

The next three schoolboy blunders are from the Nigerian Tribune of January 24: “They are taken through a two-week orientation seminar on American culture and press at the onset (outset) of the fellowship programme in June.”

“It is sad, very sad that the Nigerian police has never been known to use rubber bullets.” Checking the excesses of security operatives: Nigerian police have (not has).

“The assistance of government is urgently needed in this matter as lack of co-operation by many residents is hampering the activities of vigilante (vigilance) bodies.”

“Similarly, at the advent of any coup in Nigeria, we discover that power in all ramification (ramifications) is taken over by the military.”

“An average number of the Southerners are readily willing even at short notice (a comma) to stab their own brother on (in) the back, if only to have a piece of the national cake.”

“Furthermore, the South seem (seems) to have taken the North for granted for too long.”

THE GUARDIAN of January 24 powered two mistakes: “We must entrench into (in) the statute books provisions for the recovery of stolen loots (loot) from outgoing governors, ministers and their proximate beneficiaries….” Is there any loot that is not stolen?

Overheard: “How is your children”? Have a blissful Saturday!

T H I S D AY SATURDAY JANUARY 28, 2017

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER • JANUARY 28, 2017

TRIBUTE Governor Dickson

Celebrating A Consummate Democrat @51 Francis Ottah Agbo

B

efore Governor Henry Seriake Dickson was born some 51 years ago, Sarki, a Kano-born itinerant TradoMedicine Practitioner had foretold the greatness of this emerging statesman and consummate master strategist. But Sarki didn’t imagine that the boy who was eventually named after him would be Governor. But by dint of hard work, support of Bayelsans and God’s grace, he would later surmount the challenges of life to be overwhelmingly elected Governor of Bayelsa State for two consecutive terms.

To many observers, having a 51st birthday anniversary shortly after the Supreme Court affirmed his election is a fitting coincidence that calls for clinking of glasses but the Countryman Governor is not given to celebrating birthdays.

For the governor, the celebration will, essentially, be a toast to the good governance he has enthroned in the state, the resilience and utmost fidelity to his social contract with Bayelsans.

Upon his inauguration as the 3rd elected Governor of the littoral state, he declared that his government will usher in development, security, peace and prosperity in all sectors, such that after him, Bayelsa and indeed the Ijaw nation will never be the same again! Five years down the line, Governor Dickson who is now a Tarakiri High Chief is not only walking the talk, the regular Bayelsans see him as a sun shining on a cloudless morning!

There has never been the question of abdication of that obligation. The scrupulous observance of the imperatives inherent in the social contract naturally endeared him to the masses. It was this, coupled with an unforced bonhomie which earned him the sobriquet, Countryman Governor.

But significant triumphs and a successful life sometimes tend to create an illusion of an easy ride. Governor Dickson’s rise to political fame has been anything but rosy. The road to re-election was a particularly tortuous one, characterised by landmines created by the notorious federal might, carpet baggers and the merchants of violence whose ambitions were swamped by Dickson’s grassroots appeal and charisma.

Book makers are however disappointed that the Countryman is not rolling out the drums to celebrate the convergence of the sweet election victory and his 51st birthday especially in a volatile country where life expectancy is pegged at 50.

The two events are intertwined and are two sides of a life predicated on putting people first as constant variable as well as a life of selfless service rendered great and meaningful by the Karmic rewards of altruistic commitments. Governor Dickson exemplifies this paradigm of good rewards for good deeds; of sowing and reaping. It is a law embedded in the theological canons and philosophical corpuses of major religions. The Governor has reaped a deserved reputation as a man of unflinching humanistic convictions and consensus builder, yet does not compromise his stubborn commitment to democratic principles. The celebration of a birthday in the shadow of a historic electoral victory bears out this axiom.

Governor Dickson has courageously sown well and he is reaping well.

Governor Dickson, who is currently the Chairman of the National Peace/

But significant triumphs and a successful life sometimes tend to create an illusion of an easy ride. Governor Dickson’s rise to political fame has been anything but rosy. The road to re-election was a particularly tortuous one, characterised by landmines created by the notorious federal might, carpet baggers and the merchants of violence whose ambitions were swamped by Dickson’s grassroots appeal and charisma Dickson Reconciliation Committee of the Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP), has reaped goodwill in return; a pan-Nigerian network of trusted friends, admirers, and allies. He has reaped opportunities that some only dream of. For nothing epitomizes the enduring quality of the law of sowing and reaping than a political triumph, thought impossible by the federal might but made possible by a formidable cache of goodwill banked with voters and compatriots over a long period of unbroken grassroots service.

The enemies of democracy said the Ofurumapepe, meaning the Great White Shark as Dickson is fondly called was not supposed to win; he was not expected to win, and, given the ruthless aggression of the adversarial forces pitted against him, should not have won! So the electorates were intimidated and the Governor’s security guards were withdrawn to probably pave way for their sinister plan but Bayelsans formed an impregnable ‘Wall of Jerico’ around the Countryman.

Governor Dickson not only won but was the first opposition politician to win election under President Muhammed Buhari’s Presidency thereby truncating their one-party dictatorship plan as well as establishing Governor Dickson as the preeminent factor in opposition politics and good governance in Nigeria!

As Chinua Achebe wrote in his best seller, Things Fall Apart, “Looking at a king’s mouth, one would think he never sucked at his mother’s breast.” This pithy saying reflects in Dickson’s life.

Born on January 28, 1966, in the riverine community of Toru-Orua in Sagbama Local Government Area of Bayelsa State, Dickson did not sight a vehicle not to talk of experiencing a ride until he was 18 years and in far- away Patan. And at a point, his parents’ business nosedived and could not afford his school fees anymore,

forcing the young Seriake to drop out of Secondary School to join his mum do menial jobs in search of fees, before returning to school and therefore making him to miss some terms. Such very modest beginnings could not have presaged a successful future, but it’s yet another proof that one’s circumstances at birth are merely accidental and may be overcome by dint of hard work and conviction in the strength of the human spirit.

From that humble background, Dickson enlisted in the Nigerian Police Force in 1986 after completing his secondary education through the skin of his teeth!

Buoyed by the dream for knowledge, he applied and gained admission in 1988 into the Rivers State University of Science and Technology, Port Harcourt, to read law. Graduating with a degree in law in 1992, he would later earn his Bachelors in Law from the Nigeria Law School, Lagos, in 1993, and earned his call to the bar the same year.

Upon graduation in 1993, he was appointed a cadet Assistant Superintended of Police in 1994, which necessitated a training at the Nigeria Police Academy in Kano. But in the course of the training, he soon took a decision that baffled family members who had long dreamed of seeing their son decorated an officer - he voluntarily withdrew his service after close to a decade, to practice law.

At a period when it was not fashionable to join the Alliance for Democracy (AD), he was elected its Bayelsa State Chairman between 1990 and 2000 and led the party to a resounding victory in the 1999 general elections, producing the Senator and member of House of Representatives representing Bayelsa West and two members of the Bayelsa State House of Assembly representing Brass. These victories were so profound because aside the South West, Bayelsa was the only state

where the AD cruised home to such big victory. It was in recognition of Governor Dickson’s feat that he was elected National Legal Adviser of the AD and held the position between 2000 and 2002. But Dickson who at this juncture, was deeply rooted in the Ijaw struggle, dumped the AD and defected to PDP when the former backed the Onshore/ Offshore dichotomy suite instituted by late Chief Bola Ige, an AD leader and then Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice in the Olusegun Obasanjo administration.

The suite was believed to be antithetical to resource control and the Ijaw national interest Governor Dickson was appointed the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice of Bayelsa State from 2006 to 2007

by Dr. Goodluck Jonathan and was later elected the member representing Sagbama/Ekeremor Federal Constituency of Bayelsa State in the House of Representatives where he made his mark in the sands of time, sponsoring many bills which have since been passed into law, chief of which was the amendment of the Evidence Act, the first since 1954. He was re-elected in 2011 but resigned to stand election for governor, was overwhelmingly elected and sworn in on February 14, 2012.

The rise and rise story of this philosopher-king is the stuff of legends and could indeed be a source of inspiration for all Bayelsans to rise above the limiting circumstances of their environment and birth to accomplish their dreams. So there is no doubt that Governor Dickson has earned his stripes. And as he turns 51 on January 28, it’s safe to say that it’s morning yet on creation day!

–Agbo, Special Adviser to Governor Dickson on Media Relations wrote in from Yenagoa via francisagbo38@gmail.

23

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER • JANUARY 28, 2017

TRIBUTE

Okwuosa: Humility and Creation of Prosperity Cdon Adinuba

J

ust before the Enugu State University of Technology conferred last December 16 an honorary doctorate of engineering on Emeka Okwuosa, the highly accomplished but little known founder of the Oilserv Group, I published an article highlighting his virtues and accomplishments which stunned most readers because they were knowing about him for the first time. They were touched by his humility, a rare virtue in a society known for showmanship and pomposity.

The University of Nigeria at Nsukka will on Saturday, January 28, 2017, award an honorary doctorate to Okwuosa.

Okwuosa is an engineer, but the university is rewarding him for excellence in business administration rather than engineering. The university’s decision is sound. Management is a grave challenge in Africa, whether in the private or public sector, and this reality is a major cause of Africa’s economic underdevelopment, in spite of the tremendous natural resources on the continent. Those who have excelled in management should be recognized, so as to serve as role models.

Unknown to most people, a critical success factor in business growth is humility. Businesses run by humble and easily accessible people like Bill Gates, Jack Welch, Steve Jobs, Pascal Dozie, Oba Otudeko, Tony Elumelu and, of course, Emeka Okwuosa are likely to prosper and endure than those run by arrogant and contemptuous persons.

Hence, humility is not considered by management scholars as a mere personal virtue but the basis of organizational growth and national economic prosperity. The world’s leading theorists in organizational knowledge and learning like Ikujiro Nonaka of Japan have in recent years been calling more appropriate attention to the critical role of humility in management. No person who has ever followed the story of the growth of Vanguard newspapers in Nigeria, which started with a shoe-string budget, can fail to

Okwuosa

appreciate how the humility of its chairman and publisher, Sam Amuka, has been driving its success.

In the late 1980s and early 1990s when new newspapers, like new banks, were springing up all over Nigeria, Vanguard employees were the most difficult to poach even with promises of better pay, bigger positions and higher responsibilities, as well as superior conditions of service. “I will not like to hurt Uncle Sam”, almost each of them approached to join a new organization would say. “Our chairman is a very nice, courteous and humble person. He eats with us in the staff canteen everyday and even buys those around food when he comes”.

In Nigeria, which is a hierarchical society, it is a big deal for the chairman of an organization to eat in a staff canteen, let alone sit side by side with his employees and joke with them as though they are equal. Nigeria is a good example of what the great Dutch social anthropologist, Geert Hofstede, calls in his seminal work on the global dimensions of cultural values a society with a high index on power distance. A culture with high power index is one in which there is

a huge gap between those with power, on the one hand, and those without power, on the other, and those without power do not regard the big gap as an abnormality which should be reduced. In Africa, the Middle East, Asia and South America, people in both the private and public sectors are too deferential to those in power or have wealth or status or fame.

This situation perpetuates the “big man” syndrome in Africa or what Nigerians may call the “oga” phenomenon. In other words, these regions are marked by what social scientists refer to as tall hierarchy.

Hierarchy has come under excoriating criticism in management schools across the world because it is a serious impediment to organizational growth. It makes information and knowledge exchange difficult. Therefore, modern management scholars advocate flat structures or egalitarianism which is well practised in places like Finland where a company chief executive and a clerk, for instance, can park their vehicles in any space they find; there are no special spaces for top executives.

Egalitarian companies and societies are far more innovative than hierarchical ones.

Egalitarianism explains to a considerable the extent the success of Nordic countries despite their limited natural resources and poor climate.

The “big man” syndrome makes such modern concepts as servant leadership difficult to take root in Africa, hence our perennial underdevelopment. Africans, in both the private and public sectors, do not generally expect humility and simplicity, the hallmark of servant leadership, from their leaders; they do not regard their leaders as servants who should minister to the needs of their followers, as required of servant leaders everywhere. The truth is that every African believes that he or she will someday be in a leadership position entitling him or her to humungous perks of office. In the famous 10year study of the effects of cultural values on leadership styles across the world which was published in 2004, Project GLOBE identified a leadership style notorious in Africa: self

protective leadership which is marked by acute personal interest, ostentation, class consciousness and elaborate protocol.

Political science researchers describe the dominant leadership style in Africa as predatory.

Frankly, there are a lot of African cultural values which must change for Africa to leapfrog in economic terms. We need to inject a good dose of humility in leadership in both organizations and the larger society. Okwuosa has emerged Africa’s foremost developer of gas pipelines and metering facilities, and his firm is handling the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation’s (NNPC’s) OB3-48inch gas pipeline measuring 138 kilometres, the biggest on the continent, essentially because of his humility. He has since ventured into power generation. He is also building a $150m agric project in Anambra State to produce and process tomatoes. His firms are active in not just Nigeria but also Tanzania, Kenya, Uganda, Sierra Leone and other countries.

In other words, he runs multinationals.

Still, he is conscious of his roots. Okwuosa is on the verge of completing a one billion naira hospital in his hometown of Oraifite in Anambra State where he has built a long road for the community, awarded several scholarships, treated hundreds free in hospitals in Nigeria and overseas, and established businesses for many.

All this rapid and humungous growth has been facilitated by Okwuosa’s humility.

It says something about this personality trait that though we have been friends for years, it is only recently that I got to know that Okwuosa has a private jet, let alone one which is one of the biggest and most sophisticated in Africa.

As the University of Nigeria at Nsukka bestows on my good friend a Doctor of Business Administration degree which he eminently deserves, we know this is merely one of the great honours on the way. He is worth everything in gold.

–Adinuba is head of Discovery Public Affairs Consulting.

Umahi: Nigeria’s Farmer Governor Emma Anya

F

requenting the road behind the main back gate of the Umahis home in Umanaga in Uburu, Ohaozara Local Government Area of Ebonyi State at noon was a Toyota pick-up van.

Curiously, I moved closer to the tarred road, noticing the van ferrying loaded with sacks from a farm owned by a Fellow of the Nigeria Society of Engineers, Dr. David Nweze Umahi, a man I have chosen to dub Nigeria’s number one farmer governor.

Still wanting to satisfy my curiosity, I strolled to the farm welcomed by women cheerfully filling more sacs with harvested paddies. Before I left, I counted over 600 bags about to be loaded.

This was mid November 2016.

But less than six weeks after, I was again in Umanaga, early morning, to deliver newspapers to the governor who was in his country home for the Yuletide. While he was having a walkout in the gym, I took another walk to the farm only to behold a lush green field of growing rice stems and cassava leaves.

I had heard of dry season rice cultivation before. But on that day, I saw it in practice.

I recalled immediately that the state Executive Council never rose in November and December 2016 without Governor Umahi emphasising the need for government to begin preparations for dry season farming, especially rice cultivation.

The Umanaga rice farm isn’t the only one this farmer governor has. He partnered the Commissioner for Information and State Orientation, Senator Emmanuel Onwe, to successfully cultivate another rice farm in Ezillo, Ishielu LGA. Then on January 20, 2017, he again preached farming before the EXCO members.

He proudly declared: “Senator Onwe and I made good millions from our farm in Ezillo.”

In April last year when the governor first broached the idea of immediate massive agricultural programme by reeling out the strategies especially for rice cultivation, many thought he would not walk the talk.

To prove that he meant business, he directed all exco members to ensure that they owned at least one hectare of farm land. Umahi did not stop at that, he acquired some hectares of land

in Ezillo and directed every EXCO member to immediately roll up their trousers and move in. His idea was that top government officials would have no moral grounds to enjoin the public to get involved in agriculture if they had no farms of their own.

With land available at no cost, the Exco members keyed into the governor’s vision in groups and conquered their hectares. Their farms yielded astonishing results never recorded in the area of agriculture by any government in the state.

As the cabinet members await profits from the sales of their rice, private farmers/cooperative groups supported by agricultural agencies like FADAMA and IFAD in partnership with the Umahi-led administration are already counting their monetary gains.

IFAD alone profiled and supported over 6,642 farmers last rice farming season thereby boosting the state’s economy through the farmers by close to N4bn.

Civil servants and youths were also carried along by Governor Umahi. At every forum he had with their leaders, he harped on the need for the state to regain its number one position as the nation’s food basket.

At a larger gathering on July 6, 2015 when the Minister of Agriculture, Audu Ogbeh, accompanied by his Health counterpart, Isaac Adeoye, visited the state, Umahi lined up tractors which were handed over to youths to deploy in farms as part of the strategies to

reduce manual labour and make agriculture attractive to them. Before then, he had bought and sent 13 bulldozers to the 13 LGAs in the state to bulldoze farmlands ahead of their cultivation.

During the visit of Ogbeh and Adeoye, the governor announced a one-man, one-hectare agric policy in which every Ebonyi resident, especially civil servants, was enjoined to partake in.

Apart from N200,000 loan, the governor said the state government would make available to every youth or civil servant interested in the policy, Umahi offered to help them enjoy the CBN-anchor borrowers’ programme on agriculture. Rice cultivation, the governor told them, was not the only area they could go into, they were free to try cassava and yam farming, poultry, fishery, maize and other types of crop farming.

Testimonies of their successes abound. My cousin, Ifeanyi, a civil servant happily told me last week that he would not only make good money, he would have no reason to buy a tin of garri this year for his family as he had more than enough yield from his cassava farm.

A Youth Corps member serving in the Press Unit, Government House, Godshied Kanjal, joined in the frenzy by cultivating over three hectares in Umuagara, Ezzamgbo.

Like Umahi, Kanjal, who has already prepared customised bags of rice for presentation to the governor, happily advises his colleagues

to try farming instead of hoping for white collar jobs after service.

Governor Umahi’s policy last year revolutionized agriculture, especially in the area of rice production to the level that some state governments like Taraba, Abia and Edo bought the popular Abakaliki/Ebonyi Rice from the state. Prominent Nigerians like former Senate President Ken Nnamani, were not left out in the rush to savour the popular Ebonyi or Abakaliki rice. They placed orders and were supplied by the state government-owned Ebonyi Rice World.

The popularity Ebonyi rice assumed did not only make Abdulfatah Oladeinde, a columnist with Sun Newspaper to write on December 11, 2015, that, “We can now ‘import’ rice from Ebonyi.”

The agric revolution in the state attracted the attention of President Muhammadu Buhari, who, while presenting this year’s budget before the National Assembly, used Ebonyi State as reference point in the successes achieved by the Federal Government in agriculture.

Before Buhari’s acknowledgement of Umahi cum Ebonyi’s pioneering effort in the area of agriculture, our farmer governor had earlier taken his gospel for all to key into agriculture a notch further. When he received groups, community leaders, monarchs, etcetera, and one major theme of his speeches was agriculture.

Often, he used himself as an example. He never felt shy telling the crowd that his father was a farmer; that he was trained from proceeds of farming. Next minute, he would declare without equivocation that his farm is the best.

Another time, he would say: “I was in Abakaliki and I was making money day and night through rice production in Uburu. They were counting my money in millions from my rice farm here (Uburu). There is so much in agriculture. I know this and I personally made sure that I inspected the farm in Uburu nearly every weekend.

“Whoever is involved in agriculture should count himself very lucky because we are going to take agriculture to the next level in 2017.”

Umahi did not only offer loans, equipment, seedlings to any group or persons interested in agriculture, he promised partnership to ensure a geometric boost in the sector.

– Anya is Governor Umahi’s Chief Press Secretary

24

THISDAY, The Saturday Newspaper • January 28, 2017 with Joseph Edgar (09095325791)

Loud Whispers

Okorocha

Rochas Okorocha - A Laughable White Elephant I saw pictures of a Dana Plane bearing the logo of Imo Airlines and small tears trickled down my handsome face.

I wept not only for the sad people of Imo but also for Nigeria as a whole.

It’s really saddening that a state that has not paid salaries in the last seven months would now embark on such a gargantuan waste of time. Owning an airline is the most efficient waste of scarce state resources and this is really pitiable as the women and children of Imo continue to groan under the yoke of mass poverty and suffering.

The aviation industry is going through massive challenges, with all sorts of problems being faced daily by its operators and now a state government goes into it, promising a 10% discount on tickets for Imo State indigenes already digging the pit of bankruptcy and throwing into the bottomless pit of already non-existent state resources.

This is a huge PR stunt for the governor with no direct impact on the people of Imo State. I think that these are not the time for this kind of government magic as Fela would call it. If the government from its studies has seen opportunities in the aviation industry, then it should provide an enabling environment for investors to come in, give them tax rebate for employing Imo indigenes amongst other incentives so that private businessmen can come in and grow the business efficiently. My lord, no be the way be this.

Gubernatorial Pensions: A Massive Leakage They have chopped N37b so far. You will ask who; all retired governors and deputy governors. Yes o, these are the special Nigerians who have fed really fat on the lean coffers of states while the rest of us groan in mass suffering.

Look, let me show you very graphically the implications of this chopping. I read somewhere that last year all states in the federation generated just about N300b as internally generated revenue with Lagos State generating over 50% of this amount. Now imagine a select group of people who are not up to 200 taking up about 10% of all internally generated funds nationwide simply because they had ‘served’ us as governors and deputies. The sad part of it all is that these payments are legal and except the laws are changed nothing can be done. See this kind of wahala and you see why elections are usually like war. This money is too much o and we can no longer afford it. The laws must be changed now. The only way we can continue with this is if the payments are taxed heavily by over 80%, anything short of that is unacceptable.

The Duke of Shomolu which is not a pensionable position by the way has spoken.

Muhammadu Buhari : You will Live Long I saw the news report like millions on social media. The passing of our

Buhari

Mofe Damijo

Big Brother Naija: Where is the Problem My office has been inundated with petitions from a lot of jobless Nigerians complaining of the shooting of the latest version of Big Brother Naija in South Africa. To me, this recession has made a lot of Nigerians touchy or why would they be disturbing themselves with this kind irrelevant wahala? I am preparing an official position on the matter but awaiting my lunch date with the Minister of Information to streamline our positions before I fire it out. You see my people before I meet with my egbon Lai Mohammed, let me state here categorically that as a private enterprise, they reserve the right to shoot their programme anywhere they want to without even telling us the location.

This is a purely business decision.

I am beginning to lose my patience with all these funny distractions. So

all these musicians who go to South Africa to shoot their videos must all be arrested since they have not been informing us of the location of the shoot. Look, let us stop embarrassing ourselves, I would not even shoot Big Brother Shomolu in Shomolu. Where will I get the money to buy diesel 24 hours, where will I get the money to hire the kind of security that would push back would-be kidnappers. My people, if the shooting in South Africa is that painful to us, we simply don’t watch and with no viewership the forces of demand and supply will kick in and the promoters will sit up. We should stop treating this organisation as a government parastatal. Abeg the prices of rice and garri have not dropped in the market o, no be Big Brother Naija dey worry me this morning abeg.

favourite grandfather was gleefully announced and this almost threw me off balance. Initially, I thought it was Jammeh of The Gambia trying to be funny because of the principled stand our president took in ensuring that democracy was upheld in that tiny country. But something in me refused to believe the story but to be sure, I made calls to all the prophets who had made their annual predictions and they all confirmed that they had not seen this occurrence at all. I even called the Redeemed General Overseer to ask if during the short period he was being stressed with the retirement issue, if he had mistakenly sent a prayer upstairs that might have led to this and he replied in the negative. I was still worried and was only pacified when I placed a call to the UK and got the President’s

steward who confirmed that Oga had just finished his breakfast of pap. He further confirmed that Oga was hale and hearty and would be going to see a movie when he woke up. I was now relieved and thanked God that this story was like most stories on social media these days, false. It is really not the best to wish or even go ahead to announce a living being dead. People like Nnamdi Azikiwe read their obituaries and this is really very annoying. Why the rush to put out unverified stories, why rebroadcast falsehood before confirmation from credible sources? Really not fair. Anyway, our president is alive and well. He would soon be back to supervise the distribution of the N5,000 they are giving indigent people. I am waiting for mine eagerly.

Richard Mofe Damijo: But Why? This is one actor I hold in high regard. That he is talented cannot be discounted and that he has also held his own out there for so long is a further confirmation of his dexterity and mass appeal. It is in this regard, that when I conceived the play, ISALE EKO, we the producers had him in mind to play the Oba of Benin in what is beginning to look like an epochredefining production. I had met him once in his office at Asaba while he was a commissioner, his good buddy, Chike Ogeah is my Oga. I had also written him a powerful letter telling him that his turn as Oba Ovarawen in a production at the Law School cemented in my mind the powerful talent he was walking around with. He replied my letter stating his interest and that I should work with his team. So we went ahead and crafted a beautiful script, a script that has interested other talented greats like Madam Kofo, Yemi Shodimu and Patrick Doyle. A script that for the very few who have seen it will not only redefine the theatre but also perfectly sell the story of Lagos to the world. Alas! RMDs people sent a mail that he would be too busy to grace our stage - the only opportunity to walk the Broadway stage and possibly get nominated for the Tony Award. The shock to my system remains palpable because I really love this guy. You can notice I am refraining from yabing him make he no go spoil my case. Although I have received so many requests from other legendary actors to replace him, I still feel that only RMD can do justice to my script. So I am using this medium to beg him to stop pretending to be busy and come let us do this thing abeg. What is all this shakara after all no be only Glo advert go put food for table? I hereby give Mr. Richard Mofe Damijo of no known address, tall, dark and with a graybeard 24 hours after the publication of this notice to reach out to me, or else he will be declared wanted and tried for economic crimes against the people of Shomolu. Come on gimme a call abeg.

Uwem Whyte: My Big Bother I just want to shout out to this my big brother who recently celebrated his 50th birthday. His lovely wife, Clara threw a big bash for him on that day. As usual it was a wonderful occasion as it afforded me the opportunity to drink Moët Chandon to my heart’s content.

You see, as I walked in, the drink just started calling me and I did not disappoint it as I drank to the hilt. Clara even gave me another four bottles to take back to Shomolu where I run a charity organisation on wine tasting.

At the party, I met my long-lost brother Richard EDET who has grown to the enviable role of Managing Director of Nokia. It was a blissful evening and I wish Uwem a happy birthday even as I await his 51st birthday. Na dat day I go drink that Moët again.

25

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER • JANUARY 28, 2017

SPY GLASS

Senator Mamora in the Cold

If anyone had told the former Speaker, Lagos State House of Assembly, Olorunnibe Mamoora, that his political career would suffer a serious setback, he would have laughed it off as a bad joke. But right before our eyes, the respected politician is currently experiencing an unimaginable political misadventure.

At the twilight of his tenure as Speaker in 2007, he was considered as one of the few political gladiators not only in Lagos but in the entire South- west owing largely to his loyalty to his former boss and political godfather, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

As a result of his loyalty and clear vision, many had predicted a good future for him, politically. But many years after leaving the National Assembly where he was replaced by Gbenga Ashafa in 2011, he is yet to taste any dream political positions.

Spyglass gathered that when the All Progressives Congress, APC, coasted home to victory in the presidential election in 2015 with President Mohammadu Buhari, his luck became clearer as he was positioned for the Chairman of Nigerian Ports Authority, NPA. But sadly, another name was announced.

He was said to have been distraught, but advised to brace up for another appointment in due course.

Just as predicted, he was, again, nominated for an ambassadorial position. But surprisingly, his name was removed from the final list submitted to the National Assembly, thereby leaving him in the cold.

Of Omisore and Tall Dream

For Senator Iyiola Omisore, the dream of becoming the governor of Osun State is no longer a matter lying only in the inner recesses of his mind.

Indeed, over the years, the actions and inactions of Omisore, a former deputy governor of the state, point to one fact: a desire to be the number one citizen of the state.

However, it appears Omisore, whose political adventure has been marked by controversies, may have given up on his hope in the face of the political reality. Indeed, the odds against him are enormous, thereby making him want to entomb his dream.

Spyglass gathered that after two failed attempts to persuade the people of the state to entrust their fate in his hands, the bespectacled politician has reportedly resolved to support a fresh candidate come 2018 when the tenure of the incumbent Governor, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, will end.

Though it is said to be a hard

with Bayo Adeoye ....08054680651 decision for him, it was learnt that he came to the conclusion in view of his alleged dwindling popularity in the state and the fact that many of his supporters have abandoned him. ‘‘Omisore is no longer enjoying the support he used to have. Besides, his stronghold of Ife has fallen apart. He will surely be disgraced by a greenhorn, if he attempts to contest once again; hence his decision to quit, ’’ a source disclosed.

Another source, also disclosed that Omisore had taken the best decision by abandoning his ambition, in view of the current political situation, the emergence of the All Progressives Congress, at the centre, which is not favourable to him.

Besides, his running battle with the anti-graft agency, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, is another albatross to his long-held ambition

a social gathering recently.

In fact, Spyglass gathered that her frequent appearance at social functions these days is indicative of the fact that she has missed out so much from the scene.

However, findings reveal that the sudden change of mind might not be unconnected with her husband’s ambition to contest for the number one job of Nigeria. “She has been flying across the four corners of the country, attending social functions and she is mingling with other top women around, ’’ a source said.

Charles Ahize Keeps Fans Guessing

Where is Tony Onoh, the CEO, Eurafric Oil and Coastal Services?

This question may remain unanswered until probably when he resurfaces on the social scene.

However, if you are wondering why the question is so important, it is because Onoh was one of the big boys in the oil and gas sector during the administration of former President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan.

In fact his last major outing, it was gathered, was in February, 2016 when his company signed a 300 MW Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) with Cummings Cogeneration Ltd, as part of plans to build one of Africa’s largest gas-fired power plants.

But since the Jonathan administration wound up in 2015, Onoh has literally taken cover for some inexplicable reasons.

Obviously, his story will continue to astound many who know him to be a businessman and chief executive with an unusual gut. As a businessman, he does not cringe, even in the face of difficulty. Perhaps, this unique attribute was the impetus that made him go into the oil and gas business at a time when many had not given him any chance of survival.

When Onoh set up Eurafric Oil and Coastal Service in the 90’s, many had sneered at him, but he simply refused to allow his dream die. A couple of years after, the owner of Saple Power Plc in Ogorode, Delta State struck a deal to provide over 10 million litres of diesel to the landlocked West African country of Chad. Then, the only way to get the fuel delivered was to send it by truck through Nigeria’s northern borders. He was, therefore, advised to bring in the fuel by sea, store it in the Apapa depot owned by the old African Petroleum Plc in Lagos and engage a third party logistic firm to handle haulage of the product by road.

This arrangement worked so well for him that he not only became a multi-millionaire, but he also empowered most of the other firms and commercial partners working with him.

Charles Ahize means different things to different people: a businessman and socialite.

In business, his profile has been on the rise, especially as his Atlantic Automobile is setting the pace in the sector.

For many reasons, he enjoys the patronage of the high and the mighty who have a craze for the latest wonders on wheels.

While the foregoing is stating the obvious, what is news, however, is the fact that the founder of the sociopolitical group, Ogboibo, has not been attending parties too frequently.

However, Spyglass gathered that the powerful dresser is taking his time to develop his new project.

Though the co-founder of the defunct night club, Tribecca, is still keeping the details of the deal close to his chest, those in the know confirmed that the business deal will be announced with a bang.

For a man who is known in the business circle as a master in the art of making money, his fans can only wait patiently to see what he is up to.

Titi Abubakar Gets Back Her Groove

In her active days, Hajia Titi Atiku Abubakar, the first wife of Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, a former Vice President, was one of those who added flavour to the social scene.

You couldn’t mistake her presence at any social gathering; she was loud for a purpose.

But suddenly, she disappeared!

Interestingly, just like her presence had made an impression so also her absence had set tongues wagging.

Indeed, following her disappearance, many had assumed that she had left the party scenes because she has advanced in age. Some others too had assumed that she recoiled into her cocoon owing to the fact that many younger ones have flooded the scene. As if that was not enough, it was even rumoured that she is nursing a sickness that has made her bedridden.

But in what may be described as a move to silence her critics, she made a surprise and grand entry back at

Tony Onoh’s Unusual Quietness

Ooni of Ife’s Wife, Olori Wuraola’s Humaneness

Without gainsaying, providence has been kind to Olori Wuraola, wife of the Ooni of Ife, Oba Enitan Ogunwusi.

Humble and appreciative, Olori Wuraola never trivialises the teachings of the holy Bible, which include that the rich should be a source of joy to the needy.

Apart from the biblical injunction, her philosophy of life is deeply rooted in the aphorism that wealth is nothing if it cannot be used for the advancement of society and mankind.

Consequently, Olori Wuraola is presently calling the attention of Nigerians to the plights of orphans and widows, especially in the South West.

Her organisation, the Olori Wuraola Orphan Aid Project, an initiative under The House of Oduduwa Foundation, is working hard to empower the less-privileged children in Nigeria, regardless of their cultural and religious affiliations.

It was recently disclosed to Spyglass that she set out to help young orphans fulfill their potentialities in life. When asked to give further insight into the aims and objectives of the Foundation, she said: “I want to assist in the renovation of local orphanages and provide foods and other items to orphans in the rural areas of Nigeria and across Africa.

Orphans are society’s lost children.

They are homeless; they are often a group without hopes. These children have lost their parents and families due to the devastating effects of war, drought, famine and economic hardships; hence they are suffering from malnutrition, diseases and hopelessness. These vulnerable children face a disastrous future without our immediate intervention.”

Accordingly, the foundation is planning “Giveback Concert” on February 28. It will provide an enabling environment where orphans in the country can have a sense of belonging. Besides, the concert will also explore the gifts and talents embedded in the less-privileged children and expose them to opportunities that are capable of launching them into stardom in their various professions.

Already, more than 20 orphanages are lined up to benefit from the proceeds, which she promised would be used to renovate such orphanages.

Among the artistes billed to perform on the occasion are: Cobhams Asuquo, 2face Idibia, Darey Art Alade, among others.

26

THISDAY, The Saturday Newspaper •JANUARY 28, 2017

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2017 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport

Hyundai Sonata, Santa Fe Sport Named Bestrides of 2016 Stories by Bennett Oghifo

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he 2017 Hyundai Sonata and 2017 Santa Fe Sport were named to BestRide.com’s list of BestRides in 2016. In two of the most competitive segments in the entire industry, the Sonata was a favorite in the midsize car category and the Santa Fe in the compact crossover/SUV. BestRide.com’s four reviewers tested many cars and trucks on both U.S. coasts and these two Hyundai models were among a select group of standouts.

The Hyundai Sonata and Santa Fe Sport named Bestrides of 2016 by BestRide.com “Plenty of cargo room, a comfortable interior, and an intuitive infotainment system put the Hyundai Sonata at the top of the list for midsized sedans,” said Nicole Wakelin, contributor, BestRide.com.

“It’s a great value, with even the base model including a touchscreen for the infotainment system.”

Sonata offers a strong lineup in 2017 with three efficient powertrain options, great technology, and newly available dynamic bending light. The 2017 Sonata packaging updates maximize value, safety, and comfort at every price point across the lineup. The Sonata is available with many comfort and convenience features like our hands-free smart trunk, 8-inch navigation display, Apple CarPlay® Android Auto™, electronic parking brake, and Blue Link telematics system.

“The 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport Ultimate with AWD is a screaming bargain at $41,000. It is also the perfect size,” said John Goreham, contributor, BestRide.com. “With plenty of knee room for the driver and a large second row, the Santa Fe Sport is nearly as large as the three-row crossovers

on the market, but without the back row. The 2.0L-Turbo engine is a gem and the Santa Fe is fun to drive.”

The award-winning Hyundai Santa Fe lineup is dramatically improved for the 2017 model year.

The 2017 Santa Fe line-up continues to offer frontor all-wheel drive and seating options for five, six or seven passengers. The 2017 Santa Fe Sport is powered by an efficient 2.4-liter four-cylinder direct-injected engine with 185 horsepower or the more powerful, turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with 240 horsepower. 2017 Santa Fe (three-row) uses the acclaimed 3.3-liter Lambda II V6 engine, with 290 horsepower. Next-generation Hyundai Blue Link® (standard on Santa Fe and optional on Santa Fe Sport) provides a full suite of connected safety and diagnostic features, as well as features that are only possible with an embedded connected car system.

Range Rover Sport SVR

Range Rover Sport SVR Slays All-Terrain Acceleration Tests

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he Range Rover Sport SVR is fast on the road, but now it has proven that it is impressively quick off-road as well.

With a 550-horsepower supercharged V8 and all-wheel drive, it’s no surprise the Range Rover Sport SVR can accelerate as fast as a sports car on pavement, but in a new video, the British automaker also validated the performance SUV’s acceleration credentials on grass,

snow, mud, gravel and sand.

The first acceleration test conducted by Land Rover was on asphalt, which confirmed the SVR’s claimed zero-to-62-mph acceleration time of 4.7 seconds.

The second most demanding surface was gravel, which resulted in a 5.3-second zero-to-62-mph run.

The SVR’s fastest grass acceleration test turned up a 5.5-second result, with mud taking a full second longer at 6.5 seconds. Not surprisingly, the SUV took

the longest to accelerate to 62 mph on snow, coming in at a lengthy but still impressive 11.3 seconds.

Enabling the Range Rover Sport SVR’s all-terrain performance, Land Rover says, are its standard Michelin all-season tires and Terrain Response 2 traction control system. Terrain Response 2 is especially important, automatically selecting the ideal driving mode for the situation at hand and adjusting the vehicle’s settings accordingly.

Design Award Triumph for New Lexus LS

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he new Lexus LS 500 has been honoured with the 2017 EyesOn Design Award for interior design excellence on its world debut at the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) in Detroit.

Featuring a radical design, the new Lexus flagship sedan presents a coupe-like silhouette and a cabin inspired by the finest traditions of Japanese hospitality and craftsmanship. The EyesOn Design Awards are the officially sanctioned design awards at NAIAS, honouring the best production and concept vehicles making their world debut. The winners are selected by a panel of design leaders representing global automotive manufacturers and top design schools.

The fifth generation LS has been styled by the Lexus Design Division in Japan. It represents the pinnacle of the Lexus brand as a new-generation luxury car that embodies distinctly Japanese traditions and cultural influences.

The design team started with a clean sheet to re-imagine what a flagship model should be and to exceed the expectations of luxury customers, as if launching the brand for the first time.

LS chief designer Koichi Suga said the goal was to make the same impact as Lexus did with the original LS when it debuted in 1989. “We’re very proud that the EyesOn Design judges recognised our efforts and awarded the best interior honour to the LS 500,” Suga said.

THISDAY, The Saturday Newspaper •JANUARY 28, 2017

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auto

New 2017 Kia Niro Packs Huge List of Standard Features Stories by Bennett Oghifo

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he all-new 2017 Kia Niro hybrid crossover will start at $22,890 in the U.S. before destination when it hits dealers in early 2017.

The Kia Niro is the brand’s first-ever dedicated hybrid and has a targeted fuel economy goal of 50 mpg. Built on an all-new platform, power comes from a 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine and an electric motor for a combined output of 146 hp and 195 lb-ft of torque. A1.56-kWh lithium-ion battery will reduce the load on the gas engine and increase efficiency, and, interestingly, the hybrid will use a dual clutch transmission and not a CVT. The Niro will be offered in five trim levels: FE, LX, EX, Touring and limited-production Launch Edition. The base Niro FE comes well-equipped with 16-inch wheels, 6-way power front seats, power windows, keyless entry, cruise control, a 7-inch touchscreen display, rearview camera, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a six-speaker audio system with steering wheel mounted controls. Ajump to the Niro LX will see the price rise to $23,200 and will add a Smart Key with push button start, roof rails and LED taillamps.

The EX trim level, which starts from $25,700, incorporates the above options but also adds heated cloth/leather front seats, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, LED daytime running lights, heated power folding side mirrors, front fog lamps, Blind Spot Detection, Rear Cross Traffic Alert and Lane Change Assist. The limited availability Niro Launch Edition brings with it a $28,000 price tag and is identified by

The all-new 2017 Kia Niro hybrid crossover

its Snow White Pearl or Aurora Black Pearl exterior colors, model exclusive Hyper Gray 18-inch alloy wheels and metallic color grille. Other add-ons include a 10-way power driver’s seat, an 8-inch touchscreen navigation system and an 8-speaker Harmon Kardon premium audio system.

Finally, there’s the range-topping Niro Touring, which will run buyers $29,650 and adds a power tilt/slide sunroof, front and rear park assist, heated and ventilated seats, a heated steering wheel, 10-way power driver’s seat with memory function and an 8-speaker Harman Kardon audio system.

An Advanced Technology Package is available for LX models ($1,450) and adds Forward Collision Warning, Autonomous Emergency Braking, and Lane Departure Warning, while a similar Sunroof and Advanced Technology Package is also available for EX models ($2,300).

AdifferentAdvanced Technology Package ($1,900) can also be applied to Touring models and adds HID headlamps, a wireless phone charger, a 110V inverter, Smart Cruise Control, Forward Collision Warning, Autonomous Emergency Braking and Lane Departure Warning.

Volvo Goes onTrademarking Spree, Hints at New Fully Electric Models

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olvo’s been on a trademarking spree lately, filing applications in the U.S. for V20 and V30, and filing the names P5, P6, and more in Europe.

The European trademark applications say that the names P5, P6, P8, P9, and P10 are for “vehicles and conveyances; Electric vehicles.” These would presumably be added after the model name, like in the current XC90 T8, for example.

We know that the T8 is a plug-in hybrid, so this could be a sign that Volvo is taking the leap and introducing a line of fully electric vehicles.

The applications for V20 and V30, meanwhile, have even less information in them, saying only that the names are for anything from motor vehicles to steering wheels.

Judging by Volvo’s naming conventions, however, these could be names for smaller vehicles. Volvo currently has a V90, V60, and V40 model either planned or on sale. Judging by that, the V30 and V20 imply that Volvo is thinking of making even smaller cars. One of them could even be an all electric car with several trim levels. That is, of course, just speculation for now. In the meantime, we’re awaiting the arrival of the updated V60 later this year.

A version of this story originally appeared on SwedeSpeed

Power, Economy Boost for Toyota Kluger

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oyota will introduce added performance, refreshed styling and improved convenience to its family-oriented Kluger SUV when a facelifted range arrives inAustralia late next month.

Kluger receives a performance infusion with gains to power and torque from its V6 powertrain, which is now equipped with direct-injection engine technology.

The updated V6 petrol engine delivers improved acceleration and overtaking with a substantial increase in power of almost 8.5 per cent to 218kW while torque rises to 350Nm. Making best use of the engine’s upgraded performance and efficiency, the Kluger now employs a new direct-shift 8-speed automatic transmission.

The eight ratios, compared with six previously, benefit Kluger’s performance while improving fuel consumption and emissions by at least 10 per cent1 on the official combined cycle.

Mid-spec GXLvariants gain an 8-inch audio screen, satellite navigation2, digital radio (DAB+)3 and a power back door with the convenience of an independently operated glass hatch.

Top-of-the range Grande expands its suite of comprehensive safety features with rear-cross-traffic alert and supplements its lane departure alert with steering control and sway warning4.

Grande, newly specified with front parking sensors, also gains a panoramic view monitor that uses four cameras - front, rear and in the side mirrors - to take visibility and safety to new heights.

Toyota Kluger

Still on Driving Offences and Penalty Fines

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et me begin my focus today first with corporate offences that relates to companies such as construction companies and hospitals. This is because quite often these two constitute hindrances to our enforcement and rescue efforts. For some years running, hospitals that should complement our rescue efforts often frustrate our rescue team by rejecting road traffic crash victims on flimsy excuse such as the absence of beds for victims and in some cases they insist on the payment of specified sums before the admission of the victims. Although there is a measure of improvement in this direction, there are still some bottlenecks and that is why I have chosen today to start with the MEDICAL PERSONNEL/ HOSPITAL REJECTION OF ROAD CRASH VICTIM which carries a fine of N50, 000. It refers to hospital or medical personnel refusal to accept and administer treatment on road crash survivors or accept corpse(s) of victim(s).

The second is INADEQUATE CONSTRUCTION WARNING SIGN which like the first also carries a fine of N50, 000.It refers to the failure of a road construction company to provide adequate warning and/or directional/diversion signs at road repairs or road construction sites.

CONSTRUCTION AREA SPEED LIMIT VIO-

Safe driving with

Jonas Agwu

amnipr, mcipr,mprsa,arpa (Corps Commander) Corps Public Education Officer Federal Road Safety Corps. + 2348033026491

LATION carries 3 points and a fine of N3,000.

It refers to the failure to adhere to speed limits posted at construction sites and it is applicable to Construction companies . 0ne violation which is a big challenge is ASSAULTING MARSHAL ON DUTY which carries 10 points and attracts a fine of /N10, 000. This offence refers to manhandling a Road Marshal in the course of his lawful duties.

This offence may attract prosecution in a law court. I must emphasize that even though some operatives sometimes constitute themselves to nuisance which we condemn and punish; it is not an excuse for you to manhandle that Marshal simply because you are a retired wrestler or boxer from your village. In 2016, my Zone which comprises of Rivers, Cross Rivers, Akwa Ibom and Bayelsa States recorded a total of 141cases of assault. Another violation is ATTEMPTING TO

CORRUPT MARSHAL ON DUTY which carries 10 points and a fine /N10, 000.This offence refers to offering bribe (monetary or material) to Road Marshal(s) by traffic offender(s) in order to pervert the course of justice. This offence may attract prosecution in a court of law. CAUTION SIGN VIOLATION carries 3 points and a fine of N3, 000. It refers to failure to display the Ccaution sign at the front and the rear of the vehicle in the case of a broken down vehicle. This is in addition to failure to put in place red light at the rear of the vehicle at night. DRIVING UNDER ALCHOHOL/DRUG INFLUENCE carries 5points and N5, 000 fines. This offence refers to driving under the influence of alcohol, drugs or other psychotropic substance.

Violations that are tyre related are in more than one category. The tyre related offence is DRIVING WITH WORN OUT TYRES OR WITHOUT SPARE TYRE which carries 3 points and a fine of N3, 000.MECHANICALLY DEFICIENT VEHICLE carries 5 points and a fine of N5, 000.

Category 1: Being on the highway with a mechanically deficient vehicle, such as emits dark fumes that impair vision, driving a vehicle with bent chassis, driving a damaged vehicle, etc. This offence may attract prosecution and may have to be validated with a vehicle inspection report before a court trial. OPERATING A VEHICLE

WITH FORGED DOCUMENTS carries 10 point and a fine of N20, 000. It refers to driving while being in the possession of forged or fake driver’s licence or vehicle registration documents.

NUMBER PLATE VIOLATION (NPV) carries 3points and a fine of N3, 000. It refers to driving a vehicle without Number Plates, use of fake Number Plates, covering the Number Plates, using mutilated Number plates, expired Number Plates or failure to display Number Plates appropriately. OBSTRUCTING MARSHAL ON DUTY carries 2 points and a fine of N2, 000.

It refers to interference and willful disruption/ obstruction of Road Marshal while carrying out his lawful duty. I am sure that over 50percent of motorists must have been pulled over for the DRIVER’S LICENCE VIOLATION which carries 10points and a fine of N10, 000.This offence refers to driving without being in physical possession of a valid Driver’s Licence for the category of vehicle being driven. For the purpose of this piece, I think it is appropriate to once again refresh our minds on the various classes of Driver’s Licence which are as follows:-Class A - Motorcycle,Class B - Motor vehicle of less than 3 tones gross weight other than motorcycle, taxi, stage carriage or omnibus.Class C – Motor vehicle of less than 3 tones gross weight, other than motorcycle.

Class D – Motor vehicle other than motorcycle, taxi, stage carriage or omnibus but excluding an articulated vehicle or vehicle drawing a trailer, agricultural machines and tractors and earth moving vehicles.

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THISDAY, The Saturday Newspaper • January 28, 2017

Family Health with

Are You Sub Fertile?

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he fertility in human varies from one person to another. This means that what obtains for you does not necessarily feature in the next person.

I always tell my patients that it is good to share notes and treatment plans with your fellow patient, but your treatment is at the end individualized. Each client has a tailored treatment, and your symptoms and informed choice of treatment is absolutely yours.

Subfertility is the condition of being less than normally fertile though still capable of effecting fertilization. This means that your reproductive system is functional. But it is not optimal to actually produce a baby when you want it without help.

Subfertility means decreased fertility or a decreased chance of getting pregnant, but not a complete inability to get pregnant. Someone who is described as being subfertile still has a good chance of getting pregnant on their own, but it may take longer than others.

This is compared to someone who is infertile, who needs medical assistance to get pregnant and is unlikely to get pregnant without help.

Another difference between the terms is that infertility means you have been trying to get pregnant for at least one year without success.

Subfertility, on the other hand, can just mean it’s taking you longer than average to get pregnant... but that time period may be less than a year.

Making things even more confusing, the term subfertility is sometimes used interchangeably with the term infertility, making it difficult to define when read out of context.

Neither the term subfertile nor infertile should be confused with sterile. Someone who is sterile is completely unable to get pregnant. With infertility, there is some chance you might be pregnant without treatment, even if those odds may be very low. With sterility, the odds for natural conception are zero.

WHEN DO YOU SEEK HELP ?

Getting pregnant isn’t always easy. For how long should you try to get pregnant before you see a doctor? When should you keep going on your own, and when should you seek fertility help?

While it’s easy to become impatient if you don’t get pregnant right away, it’s also important you don’t delay getting timely help. It’s time to talk to your doctor if any of the following fits your situation.

Recommended Time to try Getting Pregnant is : if a couple has not achieved pregnancy • after one year of unprotected sex, they should seek professional help getting pregnant. However, if the woman is over age 35, she shouldn’t • wait so long. In this case, it’s recommended that a couple seek help getting pregnant after just six months of unprotected sex.

When you’ve been trying to get pregnant for months, and nothing is happening, you can feel frustrated, overwhelmed, and even a little frightened.

The wealth of information available online for couples trying to conceive is both a blessing and a curse. A blessing, because you can research just about every option, and get so much more information than your doctor has time to share with you. But it can also be a bit of a curse, because you don’t know where to start.

You also need to sort through the false and misleading advice online, and cautiously consider the products and services being marketed to the fertility challenged.

With that in mind, here are five basic things I want you to know.

Don’t delay getting help. I know it’s scary, and I know you’d rather walk around “waiting for a miracle” than find out that something is seriously wrong.

• But the longer you wait to get help, the less likely you’ll have successful treatment.

• If you’re over 35, you should see your doctor after six months of trying to conceive.

• If you’re younger than 35, you should get help after one year of trying to conceive.

• If you experience two consecutive miscarriages, you should also get an evaluation.

Getting pregnant isn’t always easy. For how long should you try to get pregnant before you see a doctor?

When should you keep going on your own, and when should you seek fertility help?

While it’s easy to become impatient if you don’t get pregnant right away, it’s also important you don’t delay getting timely help. It’s time to talk to your doctor if any of the following fits your situation

• If you’re experiencing symptoms of infertility, or have known risk factors for infertility, see your doctor whenever you decide you want to start having kids.

• You don’t have to try for a year first!

Who should you talk to?

Women should speak to their gynecologist, and men should make an appointment with a urologist. (Yes, men also need to be evaluated! Doing things right away will save you valuable time.)

Causes of Subfertility In general the causes of subfertility can be divided into: • Disorders of ovulation • Tube problems • Uterine or cervix problems • Male factors e.g. sperm dysfunction

Bobo Bode -Kayode

lifeissuesfromwithin@yahoo.com, .Cel, 08053372356

Investigations First line investigations: Male: Semen analysis to detect azoospermia, oligospermia (<20million per mL), or motility problems (asthenospermia).

Female: Cervical smear, Swabs for Chlamydia and Gonorrhoea, Urinalysis Bloods: FBC, syphillis, rubella and HIV. If a woman has attended during the luteal phase of her menstual cycle, blood may be tested for progesterone, to see if she is ovulating (>30nmol/L confirms). Baseline hormone profile including FSH, LH, prolactin, testosterone and TSH. Interventions

Regarding female causes, ovulation disorders and tubule dysfunction are the most common causes.

Male infertility Azoospermia is an absolute barrier to conception. Donor insemination (DI) is an option. If sperm can be recovered from the epididymus, a spermatozoon can be microinjected into the ovum, with around 30% success rate.

In severe oligospermia, one option is to concentrate a seminal sample and fertilise ova using IVF technology.

Female infertility Anovulation (with amennorhoea) can be treated with clomifene, an antioestrogen, interfering with negative feedback, resulting in increased FSH and LH. It is successful in around 80%.

Tubal damage may be corrected with surgery, to increase patency of the tubes (40% conceive within 2 years of surgery)

Female causes of subfertility 1. Age 2. Duration of subfertility: How long have they been trying to conceive?

3. Any ongoing medical problems/symptoms?

4. Intercourse: How frequent? Satisfactory penetration? 3+ times per week is optimum for conception. Problems such as retrograde ejaculation, erectile dysfunction and dyspareunia will reduce the chances of conception.

5. Anatomy: Previous gynae problems? Dyspareunia or post-coital bleeding may indicate ongoing infection.

6. Psychosocial: emotional / relationship problems, depression etc.

7. Gynae & Obstetric history: Menstrual cycle and regularity.

8. Previous pregnancies, miscarriages, stillbirths etc 9. Previous contraception methods.

10. Previous infections, including STIs. 11. Other gynaecological or related conditions e.g. PCOS.

Treatments Available Reproductive Technologies Assisted Insemination with partner’s sperm - sperm are transferred by catheter into uterus or fallopian tubes. Used for impotence, retrograde ejaculation, or localised cervical or uterine problems.

In Vitro Fertilisation (IVF) - fertilised eggs are transferred into the uterus or fallopian tube.

Used for oligospermia, presence of sperm antibodies, endometriosis, damaged fallopian tubes or unexplained fertility. 10-25% success rate.

Gamete Intra-Fallopian Transfer (GIFT) unfertilised eggs and sperm are transferred into one or both fallopian tubes using laproscopy or transvaginal ultrasound. Used for moderate oligospermia or endometriosis. 30-40% success rate per cycle.

Intra-Cytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI) - involves injection of sperm directly into the egg, and is the treatment of choice for severe oligospermia. 50% success rate per cycle.

The problem can stem from both female and male problems. Generally, the source of infertility is: Exclusively with the female in approx. 30 40% of cases Exclusively with the male in approx. 10 - 30% of cases A combination of both partner abnormalities in 15 - 30% of cases.

In 25-30% of cases no cause is identified.

GLOBAL SOCCER

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER â&#x20AC;¢ JUNE 16, 2011

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WEEKLY PULL-OUT

GUNNING FOR HISTORY

PAGE. 29 28.01.2017

Jordon Ibe Super Eagles on His Mind

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER • JANUARY 28, 2017

GLOBAL SOCCER

Super Eagles on His Mind After initially turning down offer from erstwhile Super Eagles coach, Sunday Oliseh, to play for Nigeria, with Three Lions' call-up now a mirage and fallen in the pecking order at Liverpool culminating to his loan to Bournemouth by the Merseyside club, English-born Nigerian striker, Jordon Ibe, has made a U-turn and declared his readiness to play for Nigeria. With the Super Eagles Technical Adviser, Gernot Rohr, not too keen on luring overseas-born Nigerian players to play for the national team, Kunle Adewale wonders if there is still a place for Ibe in the 2018 World Cupbound Eagles

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he NFF in 2015 made appeals to Jordon Ibe to switch international allegiance from England after Super Eagles head coach, Sunday Oliseh, visited the Liverpool winger at Melwood.

Ibe had represented England at under-18, 19 and 20 levels and was hoping he would graduate to full international honours, with the then Reds Manager, Brendan Rodgers looking for the winger to secure a regular first-team role at Liverpool, but it was not to be as he failed to impress, resulting in the decision to loan him out.

The Bermondsey-born player qualifies to play for Nigeria through his father and the federation made no secret of its desire to convince Ibe to commit to the Super Eagles. Oliseh indeed underlined that determination by meeting Ibe at Liverpool’s training ground but the youngster, who was then rated as a huge prospect at Anfield, was bent on featuring for England.

Oliseh later confirmed that Ibe had opted for England, saying, "Jordon Ibe's family informed me by telephone call that he was giving priority to an England call-up. We wish them well."

Interestingly, English FA officials were considering fast-tracking the youngster into Roy Hodgson’s senior ranks ahead of EURO 2016 to ward off Nigeria’s interest.

It however turned out to be a mirage as there was no England call-up for Ibe at the end of the day.

However, with the Three Lions invitation not in the offing and having been loaned to Bournemouth after failing to make the cut at Liverpool, the England-born Nigerian winger has pledged his readiness to star for Nigeria.

According to Mirror.co.uk, a source close to the NFF said: “Jordon is willing to listen to what we have to offer. We are hoping he finds the project enticing enough to dump England where he is a youth international and play for Nigeria at senior level.”

In an interview with THISDAY, former Nigerian international, Friday Ekpo, said he welcomed Ibe’s decision to play for Nigeria and charged the Super Eagles coaching crew to give him a chance to prove himself, just as he craved the national team Technical Adviser, Gernot Rohr, to look inwards for players especially now that the Nigeria Premier League was on, saying, “Charity begins from home and not abroad.”

“As a Nigerian player, since he has now decided to associate himself with the Super Eagles, he should be given a chance. He should be given a call-up to prove himself. Everything however depends on the coach. But deciding to play for Nigeria now is a welcome development and there is nothing bad in giving him a chance and if he proves to be good then he should be fielded,” Ekpo said.

Asked why most English-born Nigerian players always wanted to star for England as against the country of their father in spite of the fact that experiences had shown that most of them don’t always get to don the colours of the Three Lions eventually, he said: “It’s natural that they would always want to play for the country of their birth. Give their best to the country that developed them but when they realise that their colour is a hindrance and not given equal opportunity as their white colleagues, it is then they rescind their decision and chose to play for their fatherland.

“For a black man to play for the England national team, he must be extremely good. Not just an average player. It did not start today, it started long ago. Ruben Agboola and John Chidozie are good examples. They attempted it but ended up coming home to play for their father land,” Ekpo noted.

Ekpo however advised Nigerian parents to always educate their

Jordon Ibe

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JANUARY 28, 2017 • THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER

GLOBAL SOCCER

Ibe sends an opponent reeling

children on the importance of playing for Nigeria after learning the trade in Europe.

“After passing through good football academies in Europe, they should not forget their real home. African football is very interesting. They could go there to learn the tricks and return to exhibits those tricks here.

So, let us welcome Ibe with open hands and give him opportunity to prove himself and play well for Nigeria,” Ekpo opined.

Meanwhile, Gernot Rohr is presently not keen on luring overseas-born Nigerian players to play for the country, sources close to the German coach revealed.

Nigeria had been doing its best possible to lure players born abroad to the senior national team, with contacts already made with lots of players based in England over the possibility of following in the footstep of Alex Iwobi.

Iwobi switched allegiance to Nigeria despite representing England at youth level, and his case is what the NFF is banking on in their bid to lure players with dual nationality.

However, Rohr who has knowledge of talented Nigerians is said not to be too keen on luring them to play for the Eagles at least for now.

”He believes we have enough talents at our disposal, maybe in the future, but for now, he is focused on the players we have, but no one knows what could happen in the future” a source close to the player told Owngoalnigeria.com.

Ekpo however did not share Rohr’s sentiment on the issues, as he called for the best legs to be considered for the national team. “No good coach closes his eyes to a good player whether he was born here or abroad. If he gets to see a good Nigerian player anywhere, he should be invited.

Doing otherwise would be at his own peril.

The fact that he had won the two matches he had played in the World Cup qualifier is not enough to close his eyes to foreign born Nigerian players. If he does that he would have himself to blame at the end of the day.

“A very good Nigerian player that is doing well and playing attractive football anywhere in the world deserves a call-up because he would be a plus to the team. If injury sets in, what do you do? These are some of the things you consider. You put everybody on your radar and give them the impression that they could be called upon at any given moment. You cannot close your eyes to a good player,” the former Shell of

Sorry you can't make my team... Liverpool's Manager, Klopp seems to be telling Ibe

Gabon player noted.

Asked if bringing in foreign-born Nigerian players to the Super Eagles is not an indirect way of saying our local league is not good enough to produce players for the national team, the former Nigerian international reacted thus: “I will continue to say that ‘charity begins from home and not abroad’.

Our coaches must look up to Nigerian League as a league that can produce players for the national team. After all, 90 per cent of the current Super Eagles players passed through the same league, even if it is just for one season, aside from those born abroad.

“Come to think of it, how many Nigerian players are having regular 90 minutes playing time in Europe? Most of them come in with few minutes to the end of the game.”

1988 Africa Cup of Nations silver medalist, Ademola Adesina agrees with Ekpo. He said NFF and national team coaches should concentrate on home-grown footballers rather than seeking for Nigerian footballers outside the country.

“I support the use of home-grown players in the national team. There is nothing strange about it and if we continue judging the boys by the standard of our own league, we are making a great mistake. The coaches should utilise the advantage of working regularly with the players at home, and with frequent training, they would bring the best out of them.

“I did not play abroad before becoming a star in the Eagles and I am surprised that Nigeria is suddenly relying on players who are not playing regularly in their clubs just because they play outside Nigeria.

The home-based players can take our football to where it rightly belongs. I’m not saying we don’t need the foreign-based players but they should not be the bedrock of the national team,” Adesina said.

Born in Bermondsey, South London, as Jordon Ashley Femi Ibe, he signed for the Wycombe Wanderers youth team in 2007 at the age of 12, following his release from the Charlton Athletic youth team. He came up through the youth system at Wycombe, and made his first team debut at the age of 15. On October 24, 2012, Ibe made his national team debut at U-18.

It however remains to be seen whether the Super Eagles German Technical Advicer would want to look in the direction of Ibe considering his stand on overseas-born Nigerian player and the satisfaction and good results he is enjoying from the present crop of players at his disposal.

No good coach closes his eyes to a good player either he was born here or abroad. If he gets to see a good Nigerian player anywhere, he should be invited. Doing otherwise would be at his own peril.

The fact that he had won the two matches he had played in the World Cup qualifier is not enough to close his eyes to foreign born Nigerian players.

If he does that he would have himself to blame at the end of the day G LO B A L S O C C E R ASSISTANT EDITOR KUNLE ADEWALE WAHAB AKINTUNDE THISDAY ON SATURDAY EDITOR SHAKA MOMODU DEPUTY EDITOR YEMI ADEBOWALE THISDAY NEWSPAPERS EDITOR-IN-CHIEF/CHAIRMAN NDUKA OBAIGBENA MANAGING DIRECTOR ENIOLA BELLO DEPUTY MANAGING DIRECTOR KAYODE KOMOLAFE

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER â&#x20AC;˘ JANUARY 28, 2017

GLOBAL SOCCER

Defending FA Cup Champion, Manchester United, celebrating their victory last year

FA Cup: Southampton Hope to Continue Run Against Arsenal After defeating Liverpool in the semifinal of the League Cup, Southampton fans will be hoping for a repeat performance in the fourth round of the English FA Cup as the Saints today welcome the most successful team in the competition- Arsenal. Southampton will no doubt be buoyed by having reached the final in midweek by knocking out Liverpool in a 2-0 aggregate victory.

T

hree previous FA Cup meeting between the two clubs, all won by Arsenal including an FA Cup final in 2003.

In fact this is the earliest in the competition the two clubs have ever met with the three previous meetings occurring in the quarter finals in 1979, semi finals in 1927 and final in 2003.

Arsenal are in to the fourth round for a record consecutive 21st season and only failed to progress to the fifth round in four of those years, the last time being in 2010. Southampton have progressed beyond the fourth round just seven times over that same

time period.

Meanwhile, Arsenal manager, Arsene Wenger is facing a ban after being charged with misconduct by the Football Association for pushing the fourth official during his side's last-gasp 2-1 win over Burnley last Sunday.

Defender Shkodran Mustafi feels the victory, secured by Alexis Sanchez's 98th-minute penalty, showed Arsenal have more mental strength than people give them credit for.

"In other games it looks like Arsenal aren't going to come back or it is going to be a draw, but then we score in the last second just because everyone believes in it. It shows how much belief we have in ourselves and that we are going to go for it," Mustafi told the Arsenal website.

However, a potential FA Cup banana skin awaits Pep Guardiola as he takes his inconsistent Manchester City team to Crystal Palace in the fourth round on Saturday.

This month's results tell the tale of City's erratic form, with Guardiola's men cruising to a 5-0 win at West Ham United in the FA Cup third round, only to then crash to a 4-0 Premier League defeat at Everton.

They appeared to have found form again last weekend, going 2-0 up at home to in-form Tottenham Hotspur, but conceded two second-half goals to draw 2-2.

"We must be mentally strong," City goalkeeper Claudio Bravo told the club website this week. "We must keep working hard, keep believing in

what we're doing. It's the only recipe.

It's not a good feeling looking at how things developed against Tottenham.

We had everything to win the game, but it's the same old story: we had troubles creating chances and the other team, with less options, get the goals."

City won 2-1 on their last trip to Selhurst Park in November, but it took an 83rd-minute goal by Yaya Toure for the visitors to prevail.

Sam Allardyce is yet to make his mark as manager of Palace, whose 2-1 third-round win over Bolton Wanderers is the only game they have won since he succeeded Alan Pardew as manager in late December.

But they were unfortunate to lose 1-0 at home to Everton last weekend,

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JANUARY28, 2017 • THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER

GLOBAL SOCCER Premier League Chelsea Arsenal Tottenham Liverpool Man City Man Utd Everton West Brom Stoke West Ham Southampton Bournemouth Burnley Watford Leicester Middlesbrough Swansea Crystal Palace Hull Sunderland

22 32 55 22 27 47 22 29 46 22 24 45 22 15 43 22 12 41 22 10 36 22 2 32 22 -6 28 22 -7 28 22 -4 27 22 -7 26 22 -9 26 22 -13 24 22 -13 21 22 -7 20 22 -25 18 22 -11 16 22 -27 16 22 -22 15

FA Cup

TODAY Liverpool v Blackburn v Burnley v Chelsea v Crystal Palace v Lincoln City v Middlesbrough v Oxford Utd v Rochdale v Tottenham v Southampton v

Seria A

Seamus Coleman netting an 87thminute winner despite Palace debutant Jeff Schlupp being down injured and a hint of offside.

With Everton having thrashed City on their previous outing, Allardyce took his team's performance as a good omen.

"Everton beat Manchester City 4-0 last week and were lucky to beat us, so we have to take positives out of that," said the former England manager.

Liverpool, who needed a replay to see off fourth-tier Plymouth Argyle in the third round, welcome Wolverhampton Wanderers to Anfield on Saturday.

Five previous FA Cup meetings between the two clubs, with the lower league side Wolverhampton Wanderers having the upper hand with three victories as opposed to just two for Liverpool. However, this is the first FA Cup meeting between the two clubs for 65 years.

It is six years since Wolves last appeared in the fourth round and a further three years since making the fifth round. Liverpool never failed to be in the fourth round over those same six years, but will be wary of their opponents who have already knocked out one Premier League side at their ground this season.

Chelsea, the Premier League's runaway leaders, face a west London derby at home to Championship side, Brentford and Tottenham entertain fourth-tier Wycombe Wanderers.

Two previous FA Cup meetings between the two clubs, both won

by Chelsea, but in the last meeting four years ago it required a replay to separate them.

Chelsea are in to the fourth round for the 19th successive season, the second longest run ever, behind Arsenal. Chelsea have only failed to make the fifth round twice in that time. Brentford, however, haven’t reached the fifth round for 11 years.

While, Wycombe Wanderers are in to the fourth round for only the second time in 112 FA Cup campaigns.

The last time was 16 years ago when the Chairboys went all the way to the semi-finals. Tottenham Hotspur are currently trending to reach the quarter finals this season after being eliminated in the third round three years ago, the fourth round two years ago and the fifth round last season.

Following a 1-1 draw against Liverpool in their last home game, Manchester United will look to get back to winning ways at Old Trafford against shock 2013 FA Cup winners Wigan Athletic.

This is the first FA Cup meeting

Juventus Roma Napoli Lazio Inter Atalanta Milan Fiorentina Torino Bologna Cagliari Udinese Chievo Sassuolo Genoa Sampdoria Empoli Crotone Palermo Pescara

Hot Shots

Diego Costa Zlatan Ibrahimovic Alexis Sánchez Harry Kane Jermain Defoe Romelu Lukaku Sergio Agüero Dele Alli Eden Hazard Sadio Mane Christian Benteke Michail Antonio Theo Walcott Roberto Firmino

La Liga

Madrid Sevilla Barcelona Atletico Sociedad Villarreal Bilbao Celta Vigo Espanyol Eibar Las Palmas Alavés Betis Malaga Valencia Deportivo Leganés Sporting Granada Osasuna

18 31 43 19 17 42 19 34 41 19 18 35 19 6 35 19 12 31 19 3 29 19 -4 27 19 -1 26 19 -3 26 19 -2 25 19 -3 23 19 -10 22 19 -6 21 18 -5 19 19 -5 19 19 -16 18 19 -18 13 19 -26 10 19 -22 9

Spanish La Liga Fixtures

Wolverhampton 12:30 Blackpool 15:00 Bristol City 15:00 Brentford 15:00 Man City 15:00 Brighton 15:00 Accrington 15:00 Newcastle 15:00 Huddersfield Town 15:00 Wycombe 15:00 Arsenal 17:30

20 26 48 21 24 47 21 23 44 21 11 40 21 11 39 21 9 38 20 7 37 20 8 33 21 7 30 20 -5 26 21 -14 26 21 -3 25 21 -9 25 21 -4 24 21 -5 24 21 -5 24 21 -14 21 20 -20 10 21 -24 10 20 -23 9

Chelsea Man Utd Arsenal Tottenham Sunderland Everton Man City Tottenham Chelsea Liverpool Palace West Ham Arsenal Liverpool

15 15 14 13 12 12 11 11 9 9 8 8 8 8

between the two clubs. FA Cup holders, Manchester United are now level with Arsenal in terms of FA Cup wins.

The two most successful clubs in FA Cup history are only separated by the fact Arsenal have one more quarter final appearance to their name.

The two fifth-tier teams left in the competition both face home ties, with Lincoln City tackling Championship leaders Brighton and Hove Albion and Sutton United hosting Leeds United.

TODAY Villarreal Alavés Eibar Leganés

v v v v

Granada Atlético Deportivo Celta Vigo

12:00 15:15 17:30 19:45

SUNDAY Real Betis Espanyol Bilbao Madrid

v v v v

Barcelona Sevilla Sporting Sociedad

11:00 15:15 17:30 19:45

Bundesliga Bayern Leipzig Hoffenheim Dortmund Hertha Frankfurt Köln Leverkusen Freiburg Schalke Mainz 05 Wolfsburg Augsburg M’gladbach Bremen Hamburger Ingolstadt Darmstadt

17 30 42 17 19 39 17 13 31 17 17 30 17 6 30 17 7 29 17 6 26 17 1 24 17 -7 23 17 2 21 17 -4 21 17 -8 19 17 -6 18 17 -10 17 17 -15 16 17 -18 13 17 -14 12 17 -19 9

Bundesliga Fixtures TODAY

Ingolstadt

v

Hamburger

14:30

Leipzig

v

Hoffenheim

14:30

Darmstadt

v

Köln

14:30

Bremen

v

Bayern

14:30

Wolfsburg

v

Augsburg

14:30

M’gladbach

17:30

Leverkusen v

SUNDAY Freiburg

v

Hertha

14:30

Mainz

v

Dortmund

16:30

Serie A Fixtures TODAY Lazio Inter

v v

Chievo Pescara

17:00 19:45

SUNDAY Torino Cagliari Crotone Fiorentina Sampdoria Sassuolo Udinese Napoli

v v v v v v v v

Atalanta Bologna Empoli Genoa Roma Juventus AC Milan Palermo

11:30 14:00 14:00 14:00 14:00 14:00 14:00 19:45

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER • JANUARY 28, 2017

34

GLOBAL SOCCER\\OTHER SPORTS

Serena beat Venus to claim her first Australian Open title - the only other occasion Venus has reached the Melbourne final

Battle of the Williams Sisters

Venus Stands Between Serena and 23rd Grand Slam Title Serena Williams will meet sister Venus in the Australian Open final today after both blasted their way into the Melbourne showpiece.

Serena needed just 50 minutes to reach Melbourne final number eight with a dominant and ruthless 6-2 6-1 victory to end the remarkable fairytale run of Mirjana LucicBaroni.

Standing in her way of a 23rd Grand Slam title, a number that will take her clear of Steffi Graf, will be Venus who reached only her second Australian Open final with a three set win over fellow American Coco Vandeweghe.

The 36-year-old, who has never won the title in Melbourne and is in her first Grand Slam final since 2009, came through an epic clash with her unseeded opponent to reach her second Australian Open final, and first since 2003, with a 6-7 6-2 6-3 triumph.

Her opponent on that day was Serena who won in three sets to claim her first Australian Open title and this weekend the pair will meet in a Grand Slam final for the ninth time, Serena triumphing on

six occasions.

The sisters last met in a final in 2009 when Serena claimed the title at Wimbledon with a straight sets win at the All England Club but it was Venus who took the early headlines on Australia Day. The 13th seed battled back from a set down to beat unseeded Vandeweghe, growing in confidence as the match progressed to seal her three-set triumph in 2hrs, 25mins.

The seven-time Grand Slam title last claimed one of the major trophies in 2008, when she beat Serena to claim a fifth Wimbledon, and she will now have a chance at a first Slam outside of New York or London.

Venus' appearance in Today's final also gives her the record for the longest wait between major finals at seven-and-a-half years and after leaping and dancing around the court she was clearly delighted and paid tribute to her opponent.

"This means so much, especially because she played so well, I had to play defence for so long," said Venus.

"There was never a moment of relaxation

Rivalry Hard courts: Serena 9–8Venus Clay courts: Serena 2–1Venus Grass courts: Serena 4–2Venus Carpet: Serena 1–0Venus Grand Slam matches: Serena 9–5Venus Grand Slam finals: Serena 6–2Venus Year-End Championships matches: Serena 2–1Venus Year-End Championships finals: Serena 1–1Venus All finals: Serena 8–3Venus Serena

ever, so to be able to get to the final through in a match like this - I'm excited about American tennis as well. It means so much, growing up all I wanted was to have an opportunity to play the tournaments.

It's like more than a cherry on top, more than I dreamed of.

More than anything I'd love to see Serena across the net from me on Saturday (today)."

Less than two hours later she had her wish as her youngster sister blasted her way past Lucic-Baroni to join her on Rod Laver Arena and continue her own history-making journey.

After winning at Wimbledon last year, Serena joined Graf at the top of an illustrious list of the most female Grand Slam titles and she looks well placed to do despite Venus' heroics.

A dominant quarterfinal victory over Johanna Konta, one of the tour's most in-form early players this year, was notice enough but she followed up with an emphatic straight sets win over Lucic-Baroni who was appearing in her first slam semi-final since 1999. The younger Williams never gave her opponent a chance to

Head to Head

settle, landing an early break to go along with a fearsome serve working at it's top level.

She never looked back on her way to sixth straight sets triumph of the fortnight and a date with history, and her sister, in the final this weekend.

"For us both to be in the final is the biggest dream come true," the 35-year-old Californian.

"She's my toughest opponent, no one has ever beaten me as much as Venus has. I just feel like no matter what's happened we've both won. It is definitely 100 per cent the best-case scenario that I could have ever dreamt of.

She's been through a lot, I've been through a lot.

To see her do so well it's great. I look forward to it. A Williams is going to win this tournament."

Asked what it will take to win the final, she said: "Honestly, I probably just need to continue playing like I'm playing. I haven't played badly. I lost a set today. I was not happy about it. But my opponent deserved that set. So what else could I do? Try to get the next two."

Against her sister, she said, "I will try to do the same."

Serena Venus

Age 35 36

Birthplace Saginaw, MI, USA Lynwood, CA, USA

Height 5' 9" (1.75 m) 6' 1" (1.85 m)

Weight 155 lbs. (70 kg) 160 lbs. (72.5 kg)

Plays Right-handed Right-handed

Pro Status September 1995 October 31, 1994

YTD Won/Lost 1 - 1 1-0

Career Won/Lost 776 - 130 738 - 208

YTD Titles 0 0

Career Titles 71 49

YTD Prize Money $3,310 USD $3,310 USD

Career Prize Money $81,761,761 USD $34,435,058 USD

Nadal and Federer

History Beckons as Federer, Nadal Go for Broke Rafael Nadal set up a fairy-tale Australian Open final against Roger Federer, the ninth and unlikeliest time that the trophy-laden pair will meet to decide a Grand Slam.

Nadal came through a semi-final 6-3 5-7 7-6 6-7 6-4 against Grigor Dimitrov to reach his first Grand Slam final against Federer since the 2011 French Open, where the Spaniard prevailed.

The mesmeric run to Sunday's final of Nadal and Federer, taking full advantage of the early eliminations of the top two seeds Andy Murray and Novak Djokovic, is even more respectable given the injuries that have ravaged the past few years for both men.

Their world rankings were scuppered, seemingly insurmountably with Nadal ninth and Federer 17th, but a glorious fortnight in Melbourne will now see them win a combined 32nd Grand Slam.

Nadal, the final piece of a dream jigsaw with Federer already awaiting him, persevered through a near-five-hour slugfest against Dimitrov that ended after midnight local time on Friday, denying the Bulgarian his first Grand Slam final which would have gone some way to justifying the diminishing hype around his potential.

Nadal roared through the opening set in just 35 minutes but that wouldn't tell the whole story. Dimitrov swiftly levelled the match, needing five set points to fend off his illustrious opponent's advances, setting up a brutal third set.

The 70-minute affair might have wilted the less physically able Nadal of the past few years but, on this occasion, the Spaniard's legs remained solid. An exchange of breaks set the tempo before the set was decided with a tie-break, Nadal's stunning defensive shots dragging him over the line.

But the 14-time Grand Slam winner was frequently a step behind Dimitrov at the business end of the fourth set, narrowly losing a tie-break resulting in a decider.

Break points came and went, as 25 consecutive games went with service. Eventually it was Nadal, and his greater experience of the boiling pot of Grand Slam semi-finals, who celebrated going 5-4 ahead before surviving his next service game.

All four finalists, including the Williams sisters in the women's draw, have won a combined 60 Grand Slams.

Resurgent Federer however admits "the comeback is so great already" following six months out through injury. Federer held off a thrilling fightback from Stan Wawrinka to win their semi-final 7-5 6-3 1-6 4-6 6-3 on Rod Laver Arena on Thursday.

The Swiss veteran is wowing the tennis world with his wholly unexpected run through to Sunday's final, raising the prospect of an unprecedented 18th major title, has defied the doubters by reaching his 28th Grand Slam title match.

He became the oldest man to reach a major final since Australia's Ken Rosewall (39 years 310 days) at the 1974 US Open and admitted much of his rejuvenation stemmed from his injury break, the longest of his career, which followed surgery on his knee earlier in the season. "It was a good thing to do. You can only ever do so much treatment to feel decent," said Federer.

"What I've come to realise is when you don't feel well, you have too many problems going on, you just won't beat top-10 players. All the time all you're doing is fighting the fire. From that standpoint, yeah, the six months definitely gave me something in return."

Federer said his charge through the top half of the men's draw, aided by the shock exit of world No 1 Andy Murray, had surprised even him.

"It's gone much better than I thought it would. That's what I was telling myself in the fifth set," he said. "I was saying like, just relax, man. The comeback is so great already.

Let it fly off your racquet and just see what happens. "I think that's the mindset I got to have, as well, in the finals. Sort of a nothing-to-lose mentality.

Head to Head "It's been nice these last six Federer

Nadal matches to have that mentality. It 35 (1981.08.08) Age 30 (1986.06.03) worked very well so I'll keep that up."

Basel, Switzerland Birthplace Manacor, While a ninth major final show Mallorca, Spain down between Federer and Rafael Nadal remains a mouthwatering Switzerland Residence Manacor, prospect, the Swiss cheered on his Mallorca, Spain opponent Grigor Dimitrov, given that he has won all five of his previHeight 6'1" (185 cm) 6'1" (185 cm) ous meetings with the Bulgarian.

187 lbs (85 kg) Weight 188 lbs (85 kg) "You would probably think I Right-Handed Plays Left-Handed have a slight better chance to beat Dimitrov than Nadal, but who One-Handed Backhand Two-Handed cares?" Federer said.

1998 Turned Pro 2001 "Regardless of who it's going to be against, I think it's going to be YTD Won/ 0/0 special either way. One is going to

Lost 2/1 go for his first slam or it's the epic battle with Rafa.

0 YTD Titles 0 "All I care about is that I can win 1080/245 CAREER W/L 808/175 on Sunday. It doesn't matter who's 88 Career Titles 69 across the net but I understand the magnitude of the match against $98,830,825 Career Prize Money $78,73 Nadal, no doubt about it."

T H I S D AY SATURDAY JANUARY 28, 2017

35

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THISDAY, The Saturday Newspaper •JANUARY 28, 2017

FAIRGROUND

Funmi Okigbo’s Unofficial Christmas Party

with

Azuka Ogujiuba

azuka.ogujiuba@thisdaylive.com

T

he 2016 Unofficial Christmas Party had a theme, ‘Owambe’.

It is an event that is organised annually by Funmi Okigbo, CEO of No Surprises. The venue was at the Landmark with fully charged cranes, metal strips being knocked against the other, drapes flowing down from the ceiling, lights, speakers, stanchions, moin-moin leaves in vases, multi-toned lounge seats, and the fusion of African print patterns. These transformed The Landmark Centre on December 16th as The Unofficial Christmas Party hosted business magnates, corporate executives and their teams, media influencers and industry professionals to an amazing night of celebration of exceptional employees and a unique Christmas experience like never before.

In line with the theme of the third edition of TUCP, everyone stepped up their aso-ebi game with modern and fashionable ankara styles ankara fabric that accompanied the delicately handcrafted ankara-themed invitation box and acrylic access cards.

Guests marveled at the beauty of Yoruba culture as the hostesses led them through the history tunnel decorated with vintage Owambe pictures which made a unique red carpet experience. As they sipped on cocktails and champagne, courtesy of Diageo and Bollinger, people mingled, old friends reconnected, and recounted the year’s happenings. A big hit at the predinner reception was the exciting Owambe mirror booth, for photos and videos courtesy of Photogenic Photobooth.

IK Osakioduwa made a grand entrance donning his agbada as he danced alongside traditional drummers in aso-oke, he also moderated the event.

The entertainment kicked off with a thrilling performance by Brenda (The Voice Nigeria) and was followed by the “Employee of the Year” awards - where the most exceptional employees were rewarded with vouchers from Jumia, Café Neo and HC Bonum. The best dressed individuals at the event also won shopping vouchers from Ethnik by Tunde and Fashpa. Next up was the CEO gele tying competition, as CEOs from different firms went head to head (literally) on stage to win one night for two at the Wheatbaker Hotel. By popular vote, Mr. Lanre Onasanya, CEO of HC Bonum was crowned gele champion.

The entertainment continued with a choir performance by Demola Olota’s band, guests were reminded of the magic of Christmas and were in high spirits as Bez took to the stage and dazzled with an electrifying performance of his hit song “Stupid song”.

Up next was the most anticipated competition of the evening, the lip sync battle; teams were still practising their routines at the event and they put up a great performance show.

The Unofficial Christmas Party 2016 was sponsored by Air France KLM, Diageo, EbonyLife TV and Guardian Life in partnership with Landmark Center, Bellanaija, Guardian TV, OLAM, Bollinger, INK Business Design, Inkhearts Studio, KOTS Catering, Wheatbaker Hotel, Photogenic Photobooth, Mania, Kelechi Amadi-Obi, Blawz Studios, Ibukun Williams, Vive Voix, Genevieve Magazine, Jumia, Newton & David, Ethnik by Tunde, HC Bonum, Fashpa, Café Neo, Sweet Kiwi, Nakenohs, PNDGFX and Tablesetters.

The event was designed, produced and coordinated by No Surprises Events and directed by Dr. Yemi Amusan of Lucere Ltd. Media Partners for the event were Bellanaija, Guardian Life, Guardian Group, EbonyLife TV, Mania and Genevieve Magazine.

Photo credit: Blawz Studios and Ibukun Williams. Videography was by Asurf.

Denola Grey and Ill Rhymes

Tiwa Savage, Ifeoma Williams and Mo Abudu

Bola and Ismail Balogun

Funmi Okigbo and the awardees

Victor Kigbo and friends

Kelechi and Julian Amadi-Obi

The MD of Air France, presenting the Air France ticket to the winner

Steve BabaEko

Dein Ajumogbobia and Wife

Zel and Audi Maikore

Debola Williams and Yetunde BabaEko

37

THISDAY, The Saturday Newspaper •JANUARY 28, 2017

FAIRGROUND

Humblesmith Releases new Song, ‘Boogati’ Featuring Timaya

H

ighlife sensation, Humblesmith, drops the remix to one of his smashing singles, ‘Boogati. The new song features Timaya. There is definitely no slowing down for the Osinachi crooner in 2017 as he drops this new single just days after releasing the new Lagos anthem, ‘Beautiful Lagos’, which even caught the attention and admiration of the Lagos State Governor, Mr Akinwunmi Ambode. He went on to privately present the song to the governor.

The musician has featured top acts such as Davido, Phyno, Flavour and

Harrysong in his past songs but on this one he features the Egbere Papa 1 of Bayelsa, Timaya. ‘Boogati’ remix is a dance-hall track that prevents legs from staying idle as the sound is impossible to ignore.

Humblesmith, who is also known as the Golden Prince of Africa recently had a photoshoot with the legendary photographer, TY Bello.

Tongues have been asking what he is up to with all of these. The young musician is just busy working hard for his fans.

Humblesmith is signed to N-TYZE Entertainment and all he wants to do in 2017 is give his fans good music and make them happy.

L-R: Governor Akinwunmi Ambode; Humblesmith with a guest

Tunde Kelani to Train Students in Movie Industry

L

egendary Nigerian director, Tunde Kelani, has set all plans in motion to train new sets of students in the art and business of filmmaking at his Mainframe film and Media Institute, next month.

The institute is set to hold the second edition of her Film School Basic (FSB) where interested applicants can learn the basics of filmmaking and turn their dreams to reality. Students will be taken through the art and technique of filmmaking in response to emerging media applications.

The world-class school is calling for applications from interested students who desire to have veterans and certified filmmakers train them to outdo them.

The training will hold at the school in Abeokuta, Ogun State with option

of hostel accommodation for students coming from outside the state.

Seasoned facilitators such as Tunde Kelani, Niji Akanni, Ropo Ewenla, Bola Belo and Biodun Aleja, among others will be on ground to train the students.

According to the Programme Coordinator of MFMI, Abisola Ojo, the training institute is set to introduce other course programmes this year based on popular demand and emerging media trend.

MFMI is a film and media school established by Tunde Kelani to bridge the existing knowledge gap in the industry and to take students in their raw state and turn them into professional filmmakers who can go on to improve on the existing quality in the industry. Some students who took the basic programme last year are already making noticeable mark in the industry.

Tunde Kelani

Here Comes Nexcel iSignage

N

excel iSignage is the brain child of Uduak Bassey, founder of Plural Media and a leading player in the outdoor/digital-out-ofhome media business in Nigeria. Bassey revealed how this innovative idea was birthed in the quest to improve interactive customer engagement by converging mobile devices and place-based digital screens.

“Nexcel iSignage has been positioned to be the ‘seamless go-to platform’ for businesses of any size and scale to deliver tangible customer engagement with their audience especially across B2C footprints using what they already have – the television screens.”

“Indeed there may be different opinions on what customer engagement is, but the consensus is that engaged and valued customers are happy customers and happy customers are loyal customers; loyal customers are critical to the sustainable profitability of any business, he said.

“The question therefore is - how do you connect with your customers to drive engagement? We can think of the following popular ideas amongst others that most businesses may already be familiar with. Target the increasing number of multi-screeners

Uduak Bassey

and portable device users with mobile optimisation and responsive web design. Stay active on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and LinkedIn by sharing your creative and engaging content regularly.

“Communicate in traditional ways by calling your clients, sending them letters, or even visiting them if possible.

Encourage participation by creating product-review contests, selecting

weekly or monthly fans, and posting client-sent photos of your products.

“Engage people with unique, interactive, and need-targeted links, videos, newsletters, blog posts, and website content.”

He’s further quoted to have said,“Make your customer service a part of your customer experience strategy after equipping your employees with appropriate knowledge and useful tools.

“Whereas your company may already be implementing some of these ideas, the gap still exists in making these visible/tangible and felt by your customers in your physical spaces especially across B2C touch points.”

Taking the discussion further, Bassey posited that “a visit to most business corporate offices shows that the Televisions in these offices are only used to play Cable TV channels that arguably add very little direct value to their businesses.” In other instances where brand communication is displayed, the content on the screens are managed with flash drives with attendant hiccups and inconsistencies.

According him, Nexcel iSignage eliminates the hassles of “manually managing content” on your screens and bridges that yawning gap in your customer engagement/experience strategy by; making your online brand-building

and communications tangible, visible and felt through the optimisation of the use of the television screens in your offices; openly putting the customer at the forefront of everything your business does which is the thrust of Nexcel iSignage #OpenuUpGetCloser Campaign. Transparently connecting with your customers emotionally (research confirms that emotionally engaged customers are 300% likely to recommend and become repeat customers); Providing the ‘visible voice’ through which you can listen and feel their pulse. Your customers conversation with your business across your social media platforms are made visible. By visibly making your customers VIP, the law of reciprocity naturally motivates them to share positive feelings with their friends and therefore build loyalty for your brands, product or services.

The platform also delivers live streaming of videos and therefore serves as a dedicated Corporate TV Channel for your Business Nexcel iSignage is a robust software and platform that facilitates audienceengaging and dynamic ‘messaging and conversations that visibly connect with targeted audiences’.

Nexcel iSignage is cloud-based, affordable and easy-to-use/deploy for businesses of all sizes in their enterprise corporate communications –- SMEs, malls, schools, restaurants, hotels, hospitals, retail (B2C) companies, financial institutions, branding/ advertising, and so much more.

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THISDAY, The Saturday Newspaper â&#x20AC;¢ JANUARY 28, 2017

JANUARY 28, 2017 â&#x20AC;¢ THISDAY, The Saturday Newspaper

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER • JANUARY 28, 2017

POLITY Ezumoha

Our Group Will Install Next Imo Governor Poly Chinenye Ezumoha is a management scientist, marketing and business consultant. Until 2014, he was the Sales and Business Development Manager, West and Central Africa, DuPont International, a US based conglomerate with branches in over 75 countries. All these do not matter now as Ezumoha is neck deep in ensuring he and his group play prominent role in whoever emerges as the governor of his native Imo State come 2019. That was why he founded the Imo Network Group, ING, a socio-political organisation poised to galvanise good democratic governance, credible and quality leadership in the state in 2019 and beyond.

In this chat with Samuel Ajayi, Ezumoha reveals why Imo State is backward, the reason behind forming group and why he feels the group will have a say on whoever will succeed Rochas Okorocha What informed the formation of the Igwebuike Ndi-Imo Network Group (ING) by you? mo Network Group (ING) was formed in 2016 because we noticed a huge gap in the governance of our dear state.

We noticed that for a long time in the history of Imo State, good governance and the rule of law have taken flight.

You would concur that no leader can do much for the people where there is no good governance and rule of law. These two major issues are the major planks of democracy. Therefore, ING was born to give teeth and bite to good governance and rule of law. The essence is to ensure that the leaders play by the rules of the game and live up to their responsibilities.

It is unfortunate that many people seem not to understand what the rule of law and good governance mean. They think that good governance is all about building roads and offices or moulding sculptures and images. Good governance goes deeper than that. There are three legs to good governance, namely: transparency, accountability and inclusiveness.

You could see that good governance goes beyond structures, but provides that the government or leader must be transparent, accountable and inclusive in all it or he does. It further proposes that the leader should not exclude the people from the governance process. The leader should be accountable.

I

You said your aim is to install the next governor of Imo State. How do you intend to achieve this?

ING shall produce the next governor of the state through the ballot box. We have discovered that the only way to have a government that responds to the ideals of good democratic governance and rule of law is to ensure that the people produce their governor and other leaders. If the people continue to leave the political process in the hands of a few leaders who are political merchants, we will continue to have leaders or governments that have no regard to the principles ING preaches. You know that he who pays the piper dictates the tune. That is why ING wants the people to take over the process and be involved. The people are more in number than the few political leaders that force their stooges on the people. And you know, when these stooges are forced on the people, the whole essence of good democratic governance is eroded.

And that’s when you see stooges doing the biddings of their masters that would keep them serving only themselves and their masters other than the people who ought to have produced them in the first instance.

Also that’s when the stooges block every attempt to elicit stewardship from the master by the people he purportedly served. This cannot continue. If democracy is a game of numbers, ING has very bright hope that when the people are involved and take over the process the game can change and the people would win.

The Igbo society is republican in nature. How do you intend to get people to buy into this adventure?

What ING is doing is in line with the republican nature of the Igbo society. This makes the ING job very easy, because as republicans the Igbos do not want anyone who lords it over others. The Republican

Ezumoha

Igbo society abhors imposition, and manor lords. They would resist any attempt to lord it upon them. It might interest you to know that this assertion has severally been demonstrated in Imo State politics in particular. Let me tell you, and you could check the statics, no governor has been able to hand over to his hand-picked successor from 1999 till date in Imo State. 2019 will not be an exception, not even a government so hated and despised by the people it governs can achieve that. Let me also tell you, in Imo State of today, the communities and the people are so divided. The formation of the failed 4th.tier government of His Excellency Rochas Anayo Okorocha, so balkanised and cannibalised the community system long known and accepted by the communities. The untrained and untutored CGC masqueraders, backed up by the government that set them up, hijacked the community system of governance and leadership and messed up the community leaders and presidents, including the traditional institutions. It got to a stage when police could go for an arrest and the suspects would tell the police to allow them report to their chairman or president, the police would whisk them away with the payoff line that, “the governor has banned all community Presidents and Chairmen from functioning, oya move”. Families are divided and angry. Promises are not kept.

People are hungry. Salaries and pensions are not paid. There will be betrayals here and there. It’s not going to be easy, I tell you.

You have been hammering on what is wrong with the state. Many will want to know what the state House of

Assembly is doing in the face of all you have highlighted.

Sadly, the situation in Imo State is worsened by the fact that there is no functional House of Assembly in the state. Majority of the people we now have as lawmakers in the state House of Assembly are like errand boys and girls to the governor. They have been reduced to mere rubber stamps and now follow the governor about wherever he goes. By their actions they have become dishonourable members. Have you ever heard that Imo House of Assembly summoned the governor for questioning in the face of all these administrative gaffes? Do you think they will ever do it when they are busy lobbying for all sorts of favours and appointments? They have always lobbied to be part of governor’s trips.

They have succumbed to the governor’s intimidation and subjugation to inferiority complex. If the Assembly was functional as a separate arm of government, it should have summoned the governor for questioning on the plight of the pensioners.

Again, when the governor heaped refuse at Douglass road, and bluntly refused anyone to vacate same, the State House of Assembly sat down clapping and dancing.

You recently held a summit in Owerri, what was the aim and what did you achieve?

Imo Network Group December 2016 Summit was part of the programmes lined up to sensitise and educate the people of Imo State. It was hoped that through that we could create the needed awareness and challenge the people to be involved in the political process. The summit dwelt on Good Democratic Governance.

The summit was also aimed at telling Imo people that they now have a platform through which they can mobilise and hold the government accountable at all times.

But did we achieve all these? We achieved much more. Take for instance the goodwill we enjoyed. It might interest you to note that the people we invited as speakers were given very short notice. But they made it without asking us to pay. That was because they bought into the ING principles.

They came and spoke to us, and the result is that the people now know what they did not know. People can now ask certain questions about the governance of the state. Again, I need to tell you that we were surprised at the number of people that attended the summit. Don’t forget that the summit held during a very busy Christmas period, when people had all sorts of events to attend. But despite their busy schedule, the people came and we had a very encouraging attendance record.

Don’t forget that we did not pay anyone to attend the summit. Everyone came on his own. That in itself is an achievement. Also, since that summit, we have had upsurge in our membership. On daily basis we get people asking to join. We are pleased with what the summit achieved.

The Summit gave us the opportunity to carry out a number of sensitisation projects, selling the vision outside the state. To consolidate on our sensitisation project, it became essential to get to the grassroots to announce the berthing of ING. We succeeded. The Christmas and New Year period afforded us the rare opportunity of having both home and diaspora Imolites under the same roof.

January 28, 2017 â&#x20AC;¢ THISDAY, The Saturday Newspaper

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Fashion file

Le Reve Pieces Debuts 2017 Collection

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THISDAY, The Saturday Newspaper â&#x20AC;˘ January 28, 2017

By Azuka Ogujiuba azuka.ogujiuba@thisdaylive.com

Fashion file

Le Reve Pieces

L

e Reve Pieces (LRP) is pleased to announce the release of its new and exciting 2017 Look Book showcasing an extraordinary assortment of gorgeous and outstanding Jewellery & Accessories, featuring Canadian Model Tamar Ellah.

The Look Book is a comprehensive collection of the extremely unique and outstanding pieces Le Reve pieces stocks. The brand consists of fashion accessories - statement neckpieces, chokers, and the newly launched LRP shades - fashion sunglasses. It is considered to be the best collection of jewellery and accessories from all over the world. Jennifer Olize is the creative director.

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER • JANUARY 28, 2017

WITH

MARKET PLACE

OMOLABAKE FASHOGBON 08033621009

L-R: Chief Operating Officer, Nosak Group, Mr. Thomas Oloriegbe; Chairman, Nosak Group of Companies Ltd, Dr. Toni Ogunbor; and Chief Executive Officer, Wright & Co /Facilitor, Mr. Seyi Wright, at the Nosak Group 2017 management retreat in Lagos...recently

L-R: Managing Director, Afrinvest Asset Management Ltd, Mr. Ola Balgore; Deputy Managing Director, Afrinvest, Mr. Victor Ndukauba; Group Managing Director,Afrinvest, Mr. Ike Chioke; and Senior Associate, Investment Banking, Mr. Ayodeji Ebo, at the presentation of 2017 Nigerian economic and financial market outlook by Afrinvest West Africa in Lagos recently

LG Electronics Storms Market with 2017 Innovative Products Global leader and technology innovator, LG Electronics, has unveiled its direction for 2017 as it boasted of controlling the electronics market with its line of innovations soon to flood the market.

The firm which had already carved a niche for itself in the electronics sector stated that it was ready for the challenge ahead as indications had shown that the year would likely experience an implosion of technological innovations.

According to Head of Corporate Marketing, LG Electronics West Africa operations, Mr. Rajesh Ahad, the firm planned to debut exciting technolo-

NgEX Strikes US Deal, Launches New Business Data-driven marketing solutions company, NgEX, has sealed a deal with a US-based travel agency, ASAP travel, just as it unveiled a new business widget solution aimed at expanding customers’ businesses across the globe.

According to the firm which focuses on assisting businesses and organisations identify, reach and engage consumers in the Diaspora and Nigeria, the new solutions would enable users to leverage the reach of the platform and its business directory to interact directly with products and services of other businesses globally.

Business Development Manager of NgEX, Akin Alao explained further that, “the new solution also enables businesses to integrate their APIs with the site’s business directory while their widgets are embedded directly on business pages in NgEX.com. This enables users who visit the page, perform desired actions such as booking of hotel rooms, search for flights, book appointments, request information or purchase products directly”.

Speaking on the arrangements with ASAP travels, Alao stated that the development would enable users on the site book flight tickets to and from Nigeria, directly from the site as well as provided opportunity for the travel agency to interact with customers directly.

He added that “NGEX’s ASAP Tickets integration makes searching for cheap flight tickets to and from Nigeria more convenient and creates an incentive for users. Users no longer have to take additional steps after they have seen what they are interested in. Once they see what they want, they can express their interest by taking action immediately.

“We both share the same mission, to make it easier for consumers to get what they want at the point where they are searching for it without taking extra step. That was why we integrated ASAP Tickets cheap flights widget to create a new immersive experience where users interact directly with the agency without leaving the NgEX.com website.

We are closing the loop so that they can provide a great experience to our users all the way from search results to ticket purchase.”

gies than never before, ranging from wearables, automobiles and other home appliances.

“For us, the year is fully loaded with great products that will be trend-setting and perfect for smart homes which will further shape the year changing the narrative of technological innovation. Indeed, 2017 is a promising year for us, as we intend to upscale existing products and also introduce newer ones that will meet the needs of our consumers”, Ahad enthused.

Providing insight to some of the exploits targeted for the year, he hinted that the firm would strengthen its investment in wearables

such that would see the class of products find its niche and popularity in the market just like smartphones.

“The progress that LG has made with its smart watches demonstrates just how bright the future is for these devices. With a wide variety of smartwatches available from high-end luxury timepieces to activity trackers, 2017 looks likely to be the year that wearables will hit their stride and catch on with the majority of consumers”, he explained.

He said that the brand’s 2017 OLED Televisions would feature a blade-slim design of the B7 and

Uyo Wins Coca-Cola, World Economic Forum Competition The Coca-Cola Company and the World Economic Forum, WEF, have announced Uyo, Nigeria, winner of the 2016 ‘Shaping a Better Future Grant Challenge’.

The ‘Shaping a Better Future Grant Challenge’ is an exercise that takes a form of competition to award acceleration funding to sustain and expand initiatives led by members of the WEF’s Global Shapers Community .

According to Coca-Cola, the Uyo Hub of the Global Shapers Community has won the contest for 2016 and was therefore entitled to a $10,000 grant which would be used to advanced its education focused project ,”Education for Sustainable Development”.

Through the project, the Global Shapers seek to correct the negative educational impact on students caused by dilapidated school buildings, overcrowded class-

rooms, inadequate instruction, insufficient teacher training, and shortage of textbooks. So far, the project has impacted no fewer than 24,000 lives in Nigeria.

A member of the Uyo Global Shapers Hub in Akwa Ibom State, Mmanti Umoh pointed out that it was necessary to eliminate barriers to quality education in the state and called on stake holders to join in the cause.

President of Coca-Cola West Africa, Peter Njonjo, said, “It is exciting to see young people demonstrate active interest and resourcefulness in developing innovative solutions for many of the challenges faced by our communities in Africa. We are glad to be a key player in social entrepreneurship and we are proud to have two Global Shapers Hub, from Ghana and Uyo as winners of the 2016 contest”.

‘Airtel Touching Lives’ Ready for Premiere Next Saturday Telecommunication firm, Airtel Nigeria, is set to open this year’s edition of its annual social initiative, ‘Touching Lives’ next weekend in Lagos.

The programme in its third edition operates by the sponsoring company lending support to the needy and less privileged individuals including families and communities in the Nigerian society and also in fulfillment of its corporate social responsibilities commitment.

At the official announcement of the season three recently, Managing Director of Airtel, Mr. Segun Ogunsanya stated that the latest edition was activated as a result of the success and motivations derived from previous editions.

The telecommunication boss explained further that the initiative also aligned with the company’s belief that a company aspiring to be great must be a

good company which the organisation was committed to earning it social license, to be loved and accepted by the people.

According to the company, the year’s edition which would premiere amidst pomp and pageantry had already been stamped by the high and mighty in the society with top business executives, philanthropists, government functionaries, leaders in Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs), media chiefs and other prominent personalities who had already indicated interest to grace the event.

The event would be anchored by popular on-air-personality, Wana Udobang while plans have been concluded to air the show on both satellite and terrestrial Television stations in Nigeria and across Africa.

C7 series with an excellent picture-on glass design of the E7, G7 series and a unique Picture-on-Wall design of the latest W7 series.

“The innovative design of the W7 series is in line with LG’s philosophy of “less is more” to strip away all distraction and focus more on the beauty of the screen. The sleek nature of the W7 TV creates a sense of immersion about it.”

The company is also taking a bold step into the automobile arena to make capital of Internet of things, IOT as experts expressed belief that IOT would feature in almost 60 per cent of cars that would be available in the market for the year.

Turkish Airlines Entice Customers with Entertainment Features All in a bid to give customers an awesome treatment, Turkish Airline has given its In-flight entertainment system a touch -up.

According to the Airline, its new entertainment system now features a completely redesigned and improved user interface which enabled passenger’s access to entertainment content and information services easily.

It explained that its new move followed empirical studies which resulted in an impressive array of digital entertainment and information options for passengers, in an easily-accessible form.

The company stated that its airline boasts of style innovations ranging from features such as category filtering for movies or ratings of TV shows and movies from the renowned database IMD (Internet Movie Database).

It disclosed in a statement that the system also offered a new search function that allows passengers to access content more easily and quickly by searching all across movies, TV shows, music and games.

“Our selection of ‘Accessible Movies’ that are dubbed or subtitled with special descriptions for visually or hearing impaired passengers have also been extended to a total number of 11 titles.

“The improved 3D map provides more interactive and informative data as well as impressions about the current flight, including cockpit, right and left window views, virtual imagery with realistic 3D animations and descriptions of distance, altitude and geographical features.

“Also, a ‘Do not disturb’ function allows passengers to specify to the cabin crew whether they do not want to be disturbed during the whole flight or just want to be woken up for the food service. Moreover, business class passengers will have an additional handset available that includes its own second screen. Thus, they can for example follow the flight status info on the handset’s display while watching a movie on their personal screen.

THISDAY, The Saturday Newspaper •JANUARY 28, 2017

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SHOWBIZFLAIR

Tosin Clegg

Immaculate

07062816737 e-mail: tosinclegg@hotmail.com

I’m Big, Bold and Beautiful Immaculate was the first runner-up at the Season 6 of MTN’s Project Fame. This brought her to limelight, especially with her selfcomposed song, Sugar la-la. She grew her fanbase with that and steadily became bigger. In this interview with Tosin Clegg, she talks about acting and music My role on ‘Heart Beat the Musical’ played Iya Sidi, and I’m actually an elderly woman on set; my age was 50 on Heart Beat the Musical. I had all the features of an African woman who won’t take any of her kids for granted. I was actually the chief cook of the house called Grace House in the musical. I had a great bond with a son of mine on the musical and it was actually a home for homeless people and those that have gone through a lot in life and have nowhere to stay. It was a shelter home and I was actually like their mum. It was a beautiful role for me as it had a whole lot of emotions. At a point, I saw myself, Immaculate, in this woman and it was a bit challenging because I had to take out myself and interpret the character.

I

It was my first acting project I actually can’t rate my performance on this project, but I think with what people have been saying and comments I got, people love it.

You can actually hear Femi Jacobs talking about my character. It was a major privilege for me and I was able to showcase my talent. I love the fact that it started from Heart Beat the Musical.

Something great is coming up A lot of people have contacted me to say I have been starving them of music. But this project has taken a lot of my time and I wouldn’t say it’s a challenge or disadvantage starting from the theatre, but it’s where I needed to start from.

After Project Fame I still see Season 6 as having the most extraordinary singers and performance. For me, being the first runner up was a privilege. It wasn’t like I was better off or something but it was just God. Till date, when I go for interview, people ask a lot of questions but if you follow me, then you will know I appreciate people for their love and support.

Coming out was with a bit of fear but I knew I was a go-getter and music was what I wanted to do. It would be bad for me now not to feel good and, right now, I feel like a prophet knowing that this is what God wants me to do. So far so good; it’s been beautiful.

I got signed to TY Mix It’s gone past now and I am now on my own.Moving on. It’s beautiful and challenging but it’s been educational and uplifting.

‘Sugar la la’ is my new song I recorded it after project fame but being signed on a label you can’t just take some decisions. I recorded it with Cobhams and I am excited about it being out.

I could smell the love being in the Project Fame Academy I am not a Billionaire and even if I am, I cannot go out and start sharing money to people to tell them how much I love them. But it’s actually an appreciation song, which anybody can use to appreciate anybody. It’s easy to say my sugar, and it just pierces into your heart. You feel loved and sugar la-la. So, it’s a love and appreciation song for my fans.

In the next five years I see the brand Immaculate outside in the world, the moon and everywhere. It’s going to be a brand-change, and for me right now, what I tell people is that we have delays and these things are setbacks for people, but for me it’s an institution. So, I’m trying to learn from everything and make my brand a better one. I will put out good music for everyone, all around, to listen to. I want to touch lives too.

I love Beyoncé I love the fact that she knows her stage craft. But for the kind of music I do and, thank God for versatility, I would love to be on stage with Jim Scott and we will just pour out our hearts. Someone right now that is making me to go crazy is Fantasia; she gives out that fire.

There is someone locally I also love and that’s Omawumi. I love her anytime, any day and so also Waje.

They are people I look up to.

I look forward to all awards My kind of music, I don’t just channel myself to soul. Like I said, versatility is what I thank God for and I put out music that cuts across everybody. So, I do music that I can do for everyone but the highest award I am looking out for is not the Grammys but God’s Awards. If I’m doing right with what God has given and, as we are all going back, then He awards me and I’m fine with that.

What makes me exceptional is that I’m ‘Immaculate’ I’m big, bold and beautiful. Hard, loving and with everything other people don’t have. I’m thankful to God for making me who I am.

Immaculate

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THISDAY, The Saturday Newspaper •JANUARY 28, 2017

SHOWBIZFLAIR

My Story Olanrewaju

Tekno’s Taking over the Music Scene

I Have DirectedThree Short Films, More to Come

A few days ago, Tekno and his manager, Ubi Franklin, alongside Paul of Upfront Bookings took off to New York for Tekno’s signing to Sony Music. Surprisingly, it became more than just a Sony deal because it also gave room to announce Tekno as the first African act under Columbia Records. This became a major height for the Triple MG Star. He had a successful 2016 with over three hit songs in one year, and 2017 is looking hopeful and great for him.

It also looks like a Pepsi Endorsement maybe around the corner, as he also hits the social media with Pepsi talks alongside Paul of Upfront Bookings.

Muritala Olanrewaju is an actor and movie director. He has worked with Rita Dominic, Mercy Aigbe, Gabriel Afolayan, Chika Chukwu, Femi Jacobs, Muyideen Oladapo and a lot more. In this chat with Tosin Clegg, he talks about acting, directing

Seyi Law Celebrates Daughter with Family, Friends Ace Comedian, Seyi Law, over the weekend had a great celebration for his daughter, Tiwa with friends and family. In attendance were Industry colleagues, such as Mercy Aigbe, Mc Shakara, Funny Bone, and so many others.

His family was also in attendance

for this course of happiness and celebration which took place at his residence in Lekki.

A beautiful and blessing-filled child dedication it was indeed and Seyi could only but express his gratitude and thanks to God via his social media account.

H&K Cosmetics Kicks Off Make-Up Campaign Lagos’ leading cosmetics brand, H&K Cosmetics recently partnered with Redrun Models Management in a bid to run series of promotions to blend their brands.

The firm deals with all types of makeup kits and offers numerous services toitsbuddingcustomers.

It kicks off the first part of the campaign with Hosenat Mabifa, one of the beautiful faces of Redrun Models, which has projected the brand’s objectives to a large audience.

T

ell us about yourself?

I’m Muritala Olanrewaju. I hail from Badagry, Lagos. I studied Dramatic Arts at Obafemi Awolowo University. I had no intentions to practice what I studied, but a senior of mine, Muyideen Oladapo, LALA, encouraged me to give it a try and, to the glory of God, I have about 13 movies to my credit.

How did you become a movie director?

Directing is a different ball game entirely. I would say I fell in love with directing in my finals at OAU when my colleagues and classmates- Olusola Solanke and Emmanuel Odihiri - forced me to direct our first class project. It was challenging but we came through in a major way. So far, I have directed about three short films and more to come this year.

Who have you worked with so far?

I have worked with a lot of people, namely Rita Dominic, Mercy Aigbe, Gabriel Afolayan, Chika Chukwu, Femi Jacobs, Muyideen Oladapo and, the list is endless.

Where do you see yourself in five years?

In five years from now, Muritala Olanrewaju is going to be an household name in Nigeria movie industry and the world at large.

Joy Kingsley: I’m Standing Out in 2017

Chukwurah Joy Favour, popularly known as Joy Kingsley, considers her journey into Nollywood as divine. In this interview, she talks about her plans for 2017 and a new trend rocking the industry

E

Why did you choose acting as a career?

ver since I was a child, I’ve always wanted to be a star. Sometimes, in my dream, I see myself acting with other celebrities, when I wake up I then realizing it was a dream. One day, I saw one of this bulk sms messages on my phone, requesting for an audition in Okota. I responded with the ‘you never can tell’ attitude. I did the audition, I was successful. My very first attempt encouraged me. Moreso, I have the zeal for acting.

For the fact that you got a role, on your first outing, did you consider your journey an easy sail?

Not easy at all. There are so many difficulties in the industry and many challenges. I met so many disappointments along the line. Some promised me jobs; I didn’t get

at the end of the day

Can you give us an insight into some of these challenges?

So many competitions, affluence also determine your future. How wealthy and buoyant you are is also a factor.

Have you paid money for a role?

No, the industry is becoming more competitive. Nobody can tell what will happen. I’m doing other things that will compliment my career, things that will give me the kind of money that I need.

You said you are looking for money; do you need the money to pay your way through?

No, I want to start producing my own movies. That is why I’m searching for funds

Do you have the skills that will enable you to stand out as a producer, taking into consideration that some of your colleagues have gained international recognition through outstanding production?

I’ve gathered enough skills coupled with my experience. Right now, I can make a statement as a producer.

I have been to different locations, in and out of the country; I’ve met renowned producers, shared experiences and learned more about the job. I have what it takes to produce a good movie.

Why did you adopt the name joy kingsley?

My name is Joy and my father’s first name is Kingsley. I put the two together as my stage name. That’s why people call me, Joy kingsley.

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PERSPECTIVE

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER • JANUARY 28, 2017

Run, Sule Lamido, Run! Sufuyan Ojeifo

F

ormer governor of Jigawa State, Alhaji Sule Lamido, has served notice of his intention to throw his hat in the ring for the position of Nigeria’s president in 2019. It is his right to do so. He has the requisite backing of the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the concurrence of the constitution of his political party, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), to make certain his bid.

Nevertheless, he needs more than the rights conferred on him by these constitutions to win the election. As a presidential aspirant, he has to appeal to the sensibilities of the vast majority of his party men and women, more especially the delegates who will vote at the primary, with his reform agenda. This is the surest way to clinch his party’s ticket.

The battle, within the PDP for the ticket, is not going to be a tea party. It is going to be fiercely fought because the party is shorn of the overwhelming superintendence of a sitting president. What this encourages is a free course for many presidential aspirants to tread.

Lamido is lucky to have a head-start. He is the only one who has, so far, rolled out the drums to herald his own coming. He is not hiding behind a finger. But that is how far luck can take him. He should, therefore, brace up for challenge within the party from other presidential hopefuls.

This is where choices based on comparative advantages and selfish political interests will weigh in. The capacity of the individual aspirants to address the nation’s economic problems as well as their acumen, political ideals and ideological inclinations will largely define who clinches the ticket.

The path to the presidency anywhere in the world is, unarguably, long, tortuous and challenging. Lamido is conversant with this cosmopolitan reality. He is politically prudent to know there is a great deal of heat in the kitchen. Having, therefore, headed for the kitchen in spite of the shenanigans that have been constructed around him, he must stay on.

Perhaps to intimidate him from going into the race, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), as early as last year, charged him with corruption and

Lamido

money laundering offences, along with his son. That pre-emptive move by the EFCC finds explanations in a very recent history of presidential politicking.

Ahead of the 2015 presidential election, some powerful forces in the PDP had been opposed to Goodluck Jonathan seeking a second term in office. One of the power centres, coordinated by former president, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, rooted for a Sule Lamido candidacy.

The argument then was that in 2010, in order to get the widespread support that saw him become the candidate of the party and president, Jonathan had agreed to a term of four years in office, after which power would revert to the north of the country. But that proposition, fuelled by revulsion and antagonism rather than consensus, could not be pushed through.

It is irrelevant whether Jonathan fought

back or the people around him did. His candidature was eventually foisted on the party. As has been explained by Lamido in some of his newspaper interviews, he and, perhaps, those promoting his candidature, had to reconsider their strategy in the face of the universal fact that it is always difficult to defeat a sitting president in the primary of his or her party.

Jonathan was allowed to exercise the right of first refusal. What happened, thereafter, is fresh on our minds. He lost the presidential election to Muhammadu Buhari who, as it were, is the potential presidential candidate of the APC as far as the 2019 presidential election is concerned except he or existential happenstance decides otherwise.

Back to Lamido, because of the abandoned mid-stream project sponsored by Obasanjo and his clique on their failed voyage to stop Jonathan from being the PDP standard bearer, he has not found it difficult to revisit his desire to be president. The agent of the state-the EFCC- did not also find it difficult to move against him to stymie his presidential ambition.

Those who are arrayed against Lamido, perhaps, know that he is strong-willed and tenacious. Maybe, they also know that he is capable of enjoying cult following in the north. Therefore, they presuppose that tarring him with the brush of corruption should be enough to discourage him from entering into the presidential race. But, unfortunately, they are wrong.

The current economic difficulties confronting the nation under Buhari’s presidency have made a Lamido presidency an attractive option. Other aspirants will, certainly, excite the Nigerian people who are desirous of a change of “the change” they foisted on themselves in 2015 when they expressed their preference for Buhari instead of Jonathan.

This is where the aspirants will have to prove their individual mettle, regardless of who the APC is presenting for the presidential poll. But the odds are against the ruling party for presiding over a shambolic political economy. There is growing hunger in the land. The purchasing power of Nigerians has continued to ebb away due to runaway inflation, nay stagflation.

Arresting the economic drift, together with saving the nation’s economy from recession, is one of the critical issues that will determine

the shape and texture of the 2019 presidential poll. Nigerians need a Lee Kwan Yew who can take the country out of the aggravating economic quagmire. It is one thing for Lamido to take up the gauntlet to run for the presidency; it is another thing for him to have what it takes to restructure and redirect our economy on the path of recovery and sustainable growth.

This is not an unconscionable attempt to de-market Lamido. It is, rather, a patriotic service to interrogate his capabilities. Once beaten, they say, twice shy. Nigerians will, this time round, shun bandwagon effects produced by mindless propaganda. Not again will Nigerians be satisfied with stupidly sentimental defences of any candidate. We will not accept “NEPA bill” instead of real certificates evidencing educational qualifications.

Lamido should throw everything at his disposal into the race if he has the capacity, education, intellectualism, temperament, clear-headedness and antecedent in government to coordinate a resurgence of our poorly managed economy.

There is no doubt Lamido is politically astute. He has an intimidating pedigree in politics. The fact is our nation is not in short supply of realpolitikers. However, I want to safely assume that Nigerians are tired of governance at the centre through the prisms of realpolitik, primordial sentiments and ethnic prejudice that conspire to starve economic pragmatism.

What we need urgently in our nation is economic renaissance by the hands of an intensely knowledgeable pragmatist who knows what to do and how to get personnel to assist him in propping up our prostrate economy.

We no longer need the ongoing joke of a nation with five or thereabouts foreign exchange rates that do not promote investment or inspire investors’ confidence in our economy. Sadly, everybody, from the uneducated to the intelligentsia, is talking about how the foreign exchange regime has been mismanaged such that soaring prices of even farm produce are attributed to naira exchange rate to the dollar, which is doing the yo-yo.

–Mr Ojeifo, journalist and publisher, based in Abuja sent this piece via ojwonderngr@ yahoo.com

How to Reinvent Nigeria’s Economy through Equitable Regulation Sopuru Uwadiegwu

G

etting Nigeria acknowledged worldwide as the largest economy in Africa might not have put any food on the table for ordinary Nigerians, but its numerous benefits abound. For one, it can help attract foreign direct investments. The rationale appears to be that investors are looking to invest for profit, so those who had not invested in Nigeria earlier would have taken a look at the issues being raised and ask: ‘If others are delving there and making good returns on investments, what is holding us back?’

This might have been among the factors that informed the entry of Philip Morris International into the Nigerian market in 2015. Convinced by reality as against perception, the company met all regulatory requirements and obtained all import approvals to deepen business not just in Nigeria but in West Africa. The ECOWAS Trade Liberalisation Scheme (ETLS) helps facilitate trade among member states and PMI having a factory in Senegal, took advantage of this.

It is noteworthy that several governments before the President Muhammadu Buhari administration considered diversification of the economy, but none has had so much urgency as the present government. The resolve might have been fuelled by the recession arising from dwindling oil prices.

Probably motivated by the drive of the present day government and the desire to impact more on the Nigerian market, PMI, who trades in Nigeria as PMINTL

Kemi Adeosun

Nigeria Limited, is poised to give a boost to Government’s efforts by looking beyond taking advantage of the ETLS by moving to local manufacturing. This strategic step would impact the economy in several ways, including increased tax revenue for Nigeria, as well as employment for locals through direct and indirect means.

While some will argue that government need not have waited for dwindling oil fortunes to explore other avenues to strengthen the nation’s economy, it is more of a case of necessity being the mother of invention. Previous administrations made efforts in this direction, though, especially when the efforts of the likes of the former Minister of Agriculture, Dr. Akinwumi A. Adesina, and his commitment towards Agriculture are factored into reasoning. These

results of foreign direct investment inflows from the likes of PMI are heart-warming, because, statistics from Nigeria’s National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), as quoted by Ventures Africa, recently shows the trend of economic development in Nigeria and her future not so bright. According to a report titled; Nigerian Economy: Past, Present and Future, Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth will be 5.61 percent in 2019 unlike when it was 6.22 percent in 2014.

This once again indicates a need for an urgent need for diversification. This is the sad reality and many Nigerians know it.

While the battle against corruption rages, we need to revive the economy. I am a strong proponent against the menace eating-up our collective resources, but at the same time I insist we should direct attention towards creating jobs, increasing revenue for the country and building our economic capacity as a whole. The Government of the day has a duty to come up with policies that encourage enterprise, particularly in areas other than oil. There is one staring us in the face, and it appears the government is so beset with corruption issues that it has failed to look towards it.

This is where President Buhari may have to learn from former President, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo. It was the threat of economic bleakness that made him literally beg the British American Tobacco to invest in Nigeria. Pragmatism is what the situation demands. The tobacco industry is a monopoly at this time, and I am sure Nigeria can benefit from more of such investment.

Extreme focus on how to shore-up government revenue has seen the Buhari administration impose taxes on current account transactions at the risk of turning the

people against their leaders, one must point out. The imposition of a tax of fifty kobo for every thousand naira withdrawn on current accounts is outrageous. This, to my mind, can discourage the banking culture that several governments expended much time and resources trying to inculcate in citizens.

The cashless policy that the Central Bank of Nigeria has been championing is also at risk. Our government ought to know better!

My opinion is that, instead of laying more burden on the people, who are already burdened by the ripple effect of the dwindling oil prices, with the risk of distancing itself from voters, the APC administration ought to be wise enough to explore and build on some of the laudable steps of the immediate past administrations.

For instance, it can take advantage of Adesina’s giant strides in agriculture.

One of the last duties of former President Jonathan was signing into law, the Nigerian Tobacco Control Act. What is the present administration doing to realize the benefits?

I believe that all stakeholders would benefit from a strategic implementation of the tobacco control law. Tobacco will continue to be a part of Nigerian society for the foreseeable future and it is in the best interest of all stakeholders to regulate it and enforce the laws fairly and adequately.

It is only logical that more efforts should be made to regulate every legal, potentially profitable product with a view to boosting the economy. That way, the government can earn income in the form of taxes, levies, duties, etc., to help tackle numerous societal needs, while also discouraging consumption and promoting reduced risk products.

–Sopuru Uwadiegwu, an analyst writes from Surulere

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER • JANUARY 28, 2017

PERSPECTIVE

The Year of Destiny for Governor Yahaya Bello Segun Abrams

I

t is, indeed, a year like no other for Yahaya Bello (YB), Governor of Kogi State. One year in Luggard House, Lokoja, is enough time to take a bird’s eye view of a most turbulent and fairy-tale rise to power for someone I want to dub a child of destiny.

Let me confess upfront that I write as a brother and kinsman from the same Senatorial zone as the Governor, who probably knows him a shade beyond the call of duty and not as an aide or publicist. I seize the opportunity of this auspicious first anniversary to purvey a touch of brotherly candidness, while leaving a proper showcase of his 365 days in office for those who have that duty to do.

It would be trite to recount here the epic circumstances that brought this pleasant introvert and artful grassroots political strategist to power. A man who upon losing the All Progressives Congress, APC, primary to Prince Audu Abubakar, had resigned to fate and had gone about running his vast businesses. But fate was not done with him yet as we have come to see. The sudden demise of the Prince, that colossus of Kogi politics, had thrown him into the power equation once again.

A man of eloquence, sharp mind, surprisingly gentle disposition and good nature, Providence seemingly thrust power upon him, willy-nilly, and in the last one year, he has continued to project peace and offer reconciliation to all at every turn. We know he has never stopped reaching out to his co-contestants; making it understood that Kogi people represent for him the Y and the X at every turning point of this political equation; not the office nor the inherent perks and perquisites.

To prove that he is not one to stoke the embers of discord in his party, he was recently photographed respectfully greeting Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the APC numero uno, during the public presentation of President

Governor Bello Muhammadu Buhari’s biography in Abuja.

Besides being an unwavering party man and conciliator, I have come to find his loyalty to people and to the causes he believes in quite extraordinary. As I found out in the course of our interactions, his loyalty to President Buhari is almost addictive to the point that he almost alienated a very senior parliamentarian and mutual friend when the lawmaker’s relationship with the president was frosty.

For the Kogi Central stock of Kogi State of which I belong, the coming of Bello, the Ebira-born political maestro, is for us, akin to Barack Obama winning the Presidential election in the United States. It is a first-ever opportunity for our minority tribe to occupy the Government House in our highly heterogeneous state. It was a source of joy and excitement for the likes of us. And as a

major stakeholder, it is my wish that Governor YB makes a major difference. I am from Magongo, and knowing that my mother is from Ogori, Governor YB had recently teased that I am the REAL Ogori-Magongo!

A man of simple ways, the last time I visited Lokoja, he drove (he would rather drive himself as much as possible) to meet me and my younger ‘siblings’ (B & F) at our apartment. At certain points, I almost had to remind him that he is now governor and that people are liable to take him for granted if they find him too humble and self-effacing.

Not being your typical Nigerian politician, he has remained what I want to call a ‘triangular politician’. Do you remember in the university days, those students who used to shuttle from hostel to lectures and back to hostel? You would predictably find GYB go from home to work, to the mosque and back to home or work. GYB hardly socializes; as much as possible he shuns social gatherings and ceremonies.

Some people have begun to tag him as snobbish on account of this, but that is far from the truth. I think it is a mark of his professional training and his work ethic.

And let me say that going by the initial traits, I believe he will acquit himself well in office over the next three years, or seven years. And I say this with all sense of responsibility.

One year is a short time and, no kidding, it is also time enough to work the vision and set the tone for a glorious era in government.

From what I see and what some people have said, I think he is on track. Devoid of the initial shenanigans and distractions that roiled his early days in office, he has laid out his blueprint and, indeed, gone ahead to draw his roadmap.

Many would speak about the long-drawn screening exercise of civil servants in negative terms, but he has said he is actually on a mission to sanitize not only the badly compromised pay system, but to revamp the civil service.

His mission is known as New Direction Agenda (NDA) and he says his priority is

Education. His administration has acquired three schools from three zones as Centres of Excellence and Unity; they are the first in a series to be designated as such to raise future leaders and worthy ambassadors of the state.

A number of schools have enjoyed renovation as well as received instruction materials.

He has said Agriculture will be a main thrust of his administration. So many programmes have been initiated in this regard but most notable is the 20,000 hectares of land to Dangote Group for the cultivation of rice. Twenty one earth-moving plants have been given to each of the local government areas to help them drive year-round farming.

He has promised to give the local government councils full autonomy – including financial. This would be the greatest thing that would happen to my state since its creation, if he can pull this off and drive its implementation, including making them accountable. If this happens, the impact would be enormous as the state would enjoy rapid integrated development.

Some residents insist that Kogi is more secure today than GYB met it, having drastically tinkered with the security architecture of the state. They also say Lokoja is much cleaner today than a year ago when he took office. Apart from employing many more street cleaners and designating many more dumpsites, Kogi State Environmental Sanitation Exercise has been initiated .

What more can I say? I had promised at the beginning that this is not a forum to promote the activities of GYB, but I guess I got a little carried away. I urge the Governor to stick to his modest plan which he himself designed.

There will be resistance to change, but he must be resolute and faithful to his roadmap in order to leave lasting legacies.

He should also lead with the fear of God, compassion, truth and justice. He should listen to his people and carry them along.

–Abrams is the Publisher/ Editor-in-Chief of Fresh Facts Newspapers (Email:abramssegun@gmail.com).

Electricity: Dare to Dream and There Will Be Light Belije Madu

I

had a dream. In my dream, Nigeria had uninterrupted electricity supply. Yes, Nigerian cities had uninterrupted and improved electrify supply, which cascaded to the rural areas of Nigeria. Nigerian towns like Lagos, Kano, Ibadan, Enugu, Aba, Onitsha, Lokoja, Abuja, Ijebu-Ode, Ife, and Awka, etc. had electricity round-the -clock.

Commercial activities at night were similar to commercial activities during the day.

Factories were operated round-the-clock.

More jobs were created. Night jobs were also created and productivity soared. Because of improved electricity supply, security became enhanced. Nigerians even began talking of owning and driving electric cars.

As a consequence of the improved electricity situation, the Federal Government considered linking major Nigerian cities with the electric train technology. Nigerians marveled; truly, living in Nigeria has become similar to living abroad. Finally, Nigeria has caught-up with the developed world.

In my dream, the Nigerian electricity supply industry was fully functional, vibrant, and employed thousands of young Nigerians.

Electricity Industry workers were like Oil sector workers- well-paid and proud to be involved in the growth of their Industry and Country. Remotely monitored prepaid meters were installed in almost all houses. Even houses that did not have prepaid meters had some sort of collective prepaid metering.

There were only minor issues of outstanding or owed electricity payment, as all meters were prepaid and consumers had many options of buying electricity. Additionally, different types of electricity packages were available for sale by the Distribution Companies. Depending on the type of electrical appliances one had, different quantities of electricity could be bought for varying periods of time. So, people generally bought and used electricity, based on funds available.

The local Electricity Distribution Company Offices had evolved from being dusty, ill-equipped, and staffed with ill-tempered persons, to Customer Care Centers similar

to the customer care centers in other climes.

Complaints from electricity consumers were quickly resolved, with respect. Illegal connections and Illegal re-connections were things of the past, since the remote electricity monitoring systems, deployed by Distribution Companies detected illegal connections in minutes and since all electricity customers had been geospatially mapped by Distribution Companies, while their premises could be traced electronically within minutes.

Electricity outages were announced days ahead of time and were limited from minutes, to a maximum of one hour per outage.

Generators, the previous best-friend of every Nigerian home, including the famous I-passmy-neighbor had become so rare, that school children had to visit museums to see what a generator looked like. Premises that bothered to buy generators were premises that could not operate without an emergency electricity backup.

Initially, when the price of electricity was increased, everyone complained, but the electricity prices were cheaper than the cost of running generators, so everyone adjusted and moved on. However, with the passage of time, electricity prices started falling. Things were now at a stage, when people went to work, only to come back home, to notice that there pre-paid meters had been installed, with information on how to recharge the pre-paid meter from the nearest Distribution Company Customer Care Center.

In my dream, the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) had evolved from a company struggling to maintain its transmission lines and equipment, to a world-class Transmission Company, staffed by competent Nigerians.

In my dream, I saw the National Grid extending to hundreds of thousands of kilometers of transmission lines. The National Grid was finally a closed loop. A massive number of Transmission projects, covering over a hundred thousand kilometers, had been undertaken by the Nigerian Government, under a public-private sector-partnership (PPP) initiative. The 765kV Transmission Super Grid stretching from Mambilla, to Kano, to Afam and Lagos had been built, completed and commissioned, under the same PPP initiative. The number of Transmis-

sion sub-stations had been tripled, increasing the transmission and wheeling capacity of the National Grid, to over 60,000MW. In my dream, poor voltage profile in the transmission network, especially in Northern Nigeria, was a thing of the past. Overloaded Transmission lines and high technical and non-technical losses, which were once a regular feature of the National Grid, were non-existent. The combined transmission and distribution losses no longer exceeded 5%.

Most of the Electricity Industry operators had never witnessed a total Grid collapse. Total Grid collapse became a simulation scenario, in the National Grid monitoring software, which was operated by TCN. In my dream, inadequate funding of Transmission projects was a thing of the past, since the prompt payment of monthly TCN tariff/ wheeling charges, meant that various external funding could be secured to finance projects in the Transmission sector. Additionally, the PPP initiative made available funding to complete all ongoing Transmission projects, some of which had been under construction for more than ten years.

Also, inadequate power generation had disappeared. The generation sector of the electricity industry had become the most vibrant aspect of the Nigerian electricity value chain. Hundreds of On-grid and Off-grid power generation companies, from different parts of the world had setup shop in Nigeria.

The On-grid power generation industry had developed extensively, such that at every point in time, the available power generation capacity was in excess of available power demand. Some power plants were designated for peak-shaving and only came into the grid when there was excess power demand, at night.

The big turbine manufacturing companies notably, Siemens, General Electric and Mitsubishi setup turbine assembly factories and repair shops in Nigeria; gone were the days, when turbine rotors had to be shipped outside Nigeria for repairs. Some of the small turbine components were even being manufactured in Nnewi and Abeokuta. A sizeable percentage of the electricity generated was from On-grid solar power plants. The solar power generation business had grown so much, that solar

photo voltaic panels were being manufactured in Kano and Sokoto. In my dream, Offgrid power generation, in the form of Captive and Embedded power generation, had grown to become a huge industry. Far-flung parts of Nigeria that could not be reached with the National Grid were adequately service by the off-grid power industry.

In that dream, the Nigerian domestic gas supply challenge had been resolved. Nigeria’s abundant reserves, were being harnessed to support power generation and other industrial uses. Domestic gas supply pipeline network had been expanded and reinforced, to the extent, that even when cases of vandalism and sabotage were experienced, it did not have any overall impact on gas supply to the power plants, as gas supply was diverted to power plants, via alternative gas transportation pipelines. In addition to transporting gas via pipelines, a robust gas supply system utilising Compressed Natural Gas (CNG), Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) and Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG), which was delivered via trucks and rail, for alternative gas supply to power plants, had been developed.

The Nigerian Electricity Market reinforced the concept of the electricity supply value chain. Electricity funds were collected and remitted by Distribution Companies, promptly and fully. The inverse flows of funding, in exchange for electricity supply were guaranteed and Institutional foreign investors flocked to the Nigerian Electricity Market in their numbers. Nigeria was designated the first and foremost private power market in Africa, with functional Market Rules and Grid Codes.

Indeed, these were good times to be a Nigerian and to be involved in the Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry.

I was enjoying this dream, when the suffocating heat, due to the electricity outage, rudely interrupted my sleep. I realized that it was all just a dream, and wondered if my dream would ever come true. Oh, what a dream! It won’t end up like a malariainfluenced dream. I believe the Government of President Muhammadu Buhari can make it come true with the right approaches.

–Madu is an Abuja-based Electricity consultant

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER • JANUARY 28, 2017

49

MARITIME BITS

WITH

JOHN IWORI 08057763164

R-L: Minister of State, Aviation, Senator Hadi Sirika exchanging compliments with the Customs Area Controller (CAC), Eastern Marine Command (EMC), Comptroller Usman Kankara Bello at the Port Harcourt Polo Tournament 2017…recently

R-L: Customs Area Controller (CAC), Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Western Marine Command (WMC), Comptroller Yusuf Umar flanked by his colleagues and the Navy Commander, Badagry, Commodore Simon Dogo, speaking to newsmen shortly after displaying the 850 bags of imported rice intercepted by his officers at the command headquarters, Apapa, Lagos…recently

NCS to Scrutinise Personal Effects Importers who often import items listed in the Import Prohibition List (IPL) in the guise of personal effect will no longer have their way in the system as the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has unfolded plans to scrutinise them beyond the present level they are subjected to in the airports, seaports and international land borders.

Over the years, not a few importers have taken advantage of the ‘personal effect’ in the classification book of the NCS to import items in IPL into the country.

Just like the Export Prohibition List (EPL),

the IPL is maintained by the NCS based on the fiscal policies of the Federal Government.

However, many Nigerians, especially importers often circumvent the provisions of the IPL and EPL in order to avert payment of duties out rightly or pay an insignificant amount into government coffers.

This has led to the loss of huge sum of money running into millions of naira that would have been paid as duties into the federation account.

To achieve their aim, the violators of the IPL and EPL often label their goods as ‘personal effect’ so that they pay little or nothing at the

‘Presidency Should Not Personalise Appointment of EFCC Chairman’ A Lagos base licensed customs agent and public commentator, Prince Olusegun Ologbese has warned the Presidency not to kill the Economic and Financial Crime Commission (EFCC) by personalising the appointment of Mr. Ibrahim Magu as its helmsman.

In a statement issued in Lagos titled “Don’t kill the EFCC”, Ologbese who is also the Managing Director and chief executive officer (CEO) of Ogbese Marine Services Limited, the veteran licensed customs agent decried the controversy surrounding the appointment of Magu, saying that it was not healthy for the anti-corruption campaign of the President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration.

According to Ologbese, the controversies surrounding the appointment Magu as the substantive Chairman of EFCC is inimical to effective fight against corruption in Nigeria. The Senate’s refusal to approve Magu’s appointment base on the alleged negative report from the Director, Department of State Security Services (DSS) makes it look like various organs of the Buhari’s administration are working at cross-purposes.

Continuing, he said: ‘In as much as we would not waste our precious time on the factors responsible for the Director of the DSS to send such report directly to the upper chamber of the National Assembly without the knowledge of the Presidency, the aftermath of the action did not show that it was well handled by those given the statutory roles and responsibility to do so. The whole scenario made us look like we are not giving the fight against corruption the desired attention”.

On the speculation in some quarters that a retired Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIG) will be appointed as the next Chairman of the EFCC, the licensed customs agent popularly called “Alaye” said: “We strongly believe that the EFCC would be destroyed and taken over by caucus and desperate politicians because since these controversies surrounding Magu’s confirmation, caucuses and desperate politicians have been secretly working had to push who would dance to their illicit tune.

The president should not forget that, his inner mind has earlier suggested Colonel Ibrahim Hammed Ali (retired) to Chair the EFCC. The president should as well try to recollect those who come to him to change his mind by suggesting Colonel Hammed Ali (retired) to be the head of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS). These people knew Ali does not have friends and does not have enemies, since he usually hears “go” and not come, Mr. President should please take note”.

He stated that to find a suitable candidate to head the NCS should not give the president much trouble because it was widely rumoured sometime, that the World Customs Organisations (WCO) in Brussels have earlier recommended some officers to the former Minister of Finance, Mrs. Ngozi Okonjo Iweala to former president Goodluck Ebele Jonathan.

point of entry into the country.

Apparently aware of the huge revenue it is losing as a result of the wrong labelling of prohibited goods as ‘personal effect’, the NCS said it will no longer treat consignments coming into the country with the tag ‘personal effect’.

The service said it is set to strictly enforce the rules guiding importation of personal effects into the country.

According to NCS, it will soon start the seizures of items that are brought into the country under that guise but which are discovered to be goods on which their owners want to evade import

NIMASA Seeks Support of Professional Bodies The Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) has solicited for the support of professional bodies to ensure that the agency which remains the designated authority (DA) in the country fulfil its mandate as enshrined in the NIMASA Act 2007.

The Director General of NIMASA, Dr. Dakuku Peterside who stated this when members of the Lagos State Chapter of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) led by its Chairman Mr. Olusegun McMedal paid a courtesy call on him at Maritime House, the corporate headquarters of NIMASA in Lagos, urged professional bodies in the country to support government programmes aimed at revamping the nation’s economy.

Peterside who was represented by the Executive Director Operations, Engr. Rotimi Fashakin said that at this trying times when the nation is diversifying its resources towards

ensuring a virile economy, all professionals must rise up to the task by synergizing with Government in rendering professional advise where necessary.

He further stressed that NIMASA as an agency of Government is open to collaboration with professional bodies on how to reposition the maritime industry as a major contributor to the national economy. He urged them to always help to portray a positive image of the agency by highlighting its achievements and programmes.

He said with the approval of government, NIMASA is being restructured for effective discharge of her mandate evident by the recent redeployment exercise in the Agency.

His words: “We will empower our zones in order to allow stakeholders carry out their activities instead of coming to the headquarters. This is to fast track government business to meet the yearnings of the public for better service delivery”.

NCS Rakes in over N1.5bn in Seme The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has stepped up its revenue profile in Nigeria’s premier border station as it rake in over N1.5 billion in December last year.

The amount generated by the service in the premier border station which remains the busiest in the country is coming on the heels of the strict enforcement of the Federal Government policy on restricting the importation of new and fairly used vehicles through the land borders.

The revenue generated by the service exceeded the monthly revenue target given to the NCS Seme Command for the month of December 2016.

It also exceeded the amount collected in the corresponding year 2015 with N499, 558,434.40.

Similarly, the command surpassed its monthly target for the month of November and December in 2016.

On seizures, it made a total of 74 seizures with a duty paid value (DPV) of N55.6 billion in the same month of December 2016.

In the same vein, it said the Enforcement Unit of the command has succeeded in suppressing smuggling

activities to the barest minimum.

According to the service, the antismuggling operation of the command in recent times is evident by the number of seizures made and the revenue generated in December 2016. The Command replicated the unprecedented feat recorded in the month of November, 2016 despite obvious challenges that would have ordinary crippled the revenue drive of the command in the month of December. The repeated success was attributed to the doggedness and unflinching commitment of officers and men of the command who were prepared to succeed at all cost despite the many challenges that militated against revenue collection.

Customs Area Controller, NCS, Seme Command, Comptroller Victor David Dimka who disclosed in statement signed by the Public Relations Officer (PRO), Mr. Selchal Taupyen stated that apart from the commitment of his officers and men, the feat recorded is also attributed to the recent policy pronouncement of the Federal Government banning the importation of new and fairly used vehicles through the land borders.

duty payment.

The new Assistant Comptroller General (ACG) , Zone A, NCS, ACG Monday Abueh who dropped the hint recently in Lagos stated that Nigerians who bring into the country 10 to 15 boxes of goods which are of course dutiable but declare them as ‘personal effects’ must be ready to forfeit them to the Federal Government, once they are in excess His words: “Customs will no longer tolerate such abuse of the privilege of personal effect granted to Nigerians who are coming back into the country to settle down.

Customs Generates N55.5bn, Discovers 2 Illegally Imported Helicopters Not less than N55.5 billion was generated by the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) from the Muritala Mohammed International Airport Command (MMIAC) from January to December 2016.

The amount realised by the service in the command surpassed the amount it generated in 2015 by N12 billion. The service collected N42.7 billion in 2015. The higher revenue collected by the service in the command this year is in spite of the downturn in the economy as result of the decline in the income accruing into the federation account from crude oil.

While the cargo throughput in 2015 was 76.9 metric tons (MTNS) it was 64.63 MTNS in 2016.

Customs Area Comptroller (CAC), MMIAC, Comptroller Allanah Francis who disclosed this yesterday at the command headquarters, Ikeja also disclosed that men and officers of the command made seizures of several items in the Import Prohibition List (IPL) in the year under review.

These include elephant tusks, foreign currencies and bell helicopters.

According to him, the NCS has the statutory responsibility to collect and account for government revenue, enforce anti-smuggling laws perform agency services and so on. On how the two bell helicopters were discovered by the command, Francis said: “A consignment with airway bill no 172 3244 4403 arrived the country through the Murtala Mohammed International Airport. It was detained at SAHCOL shed pending fulfilment of all legal requirements for the importation. Upon examination, the consignment was found to contain two civil models 412 EP of serial numbers 36608 and 36606 Bell Helicopters respectively, in standard configuration and 23 packages containing accessories weighing 1145kg.

“The importer could not produce end user certificate, from the office of the National Security Adviser (NSA), and act which contravenes section 36 (2) of Customs and Excise Management Act L.F.N. 2004. Consequently, seizure was effected on 7th, November 2016, in line with section 46 (b) of CEMA”.

He revealed that the duty paid value (DPV) of the consignment is N9.7 billion.

The CAC lauded the Comptroller General of Customs (CGC), Colonel Ibrahim Hammed Ali (retired) as well as the management of NCS for the support and motivation given to men and officers of the command to deliver on their statutory roles and responsibilities.

He specifically lauded the CGC for what he described as his “heart-warming and highly motivating commendation” in August 2016 for increasing the revenue profile of the command.

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER • JANUARY 28, 2017

POLITY

Akpanudoedehe Fingers ‘New PDP Elements’ in His Travails, Asks APC HQ to Intervene Yemi Adebowale

to say they had suspended me. They paid people money to remove me from the party I built. The people who wanted ormer Minister of State for me dead in PDP are now in APC and Federal Capital Territory and a are behind this plot. I was not part of chieftain of the All Progressives those who engaged in protest during the Congress (APC), John AkpanuSouth-south meeting. It was South-south doedehe yesterday cried out, saying the New PDP elements in zonal meeting and the state APC cannot APC are calling for his head and moving take any action as a result of the meeting. to send him out of the party he helped to They lacked the locus standi to do so.

Their plan is to stop us from participatbuild in Akwa Ibom State.

Akpanudoedehe, in a statement yester- ing in the mini congress. But they will not succeed,” Udoedehe said.. day, specifically accused the Managing He also alleged that the National Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Nsima Ekere, and leadership of the party had been aloof to the situation in Akwa Ibom chapter of “his collaborators” of allegedly importthe party. ing corruption into the APC in the state.

“The leadership in Abuja has been The former minister alleged that his non-challant. The South-south APC set suspension was sponsored and stageup the Kokori Committee to resolve the managed by Ekere unconstitutionally. problem in the APC in Akwa Ibom. But He said: “These people wanted me dead in PDP. They charged me for treason nothing has been done about it,” said the former minister. and murder. Now, they crossed over to Blaming the former PDP members APC, which we built by our sweat and who joined to form APC as his problem, blood, and they now want to push me he said: “The former PDP members, PDP out.” defectors, who joined the party have Udoedehe alleged that Ekere and co induced some people to sign a document taken all appointments due to the state allegedly suspending him from the party. - seven of them in all. “They are Federal minister, Special Adviser to President “What they are doing is un-constituon National Assembly Matter, Comtional; anything founded on corruption missioner in NPC, MD of Oil &Gas Free cannot stand. It was fed by corruption.

Zone, House of Reps from the state and They are trying to muzzle the old ACN tendency within the APC out of the party. Ambassadorial Slot of Akwa Ibom.

“They have taken over the party we “They brought in a fake ward chairman

F

built. Ekere removed the state Chairman of ACN, made him Chairman of Eket Local Government just to diminish us in the state and take over the party.

“We want more people in APC, but these people give the impression that everything is closed as if we don’t want more people, which is false. They have the audacity and moral authority to assault the sensibilities of the people.”

Efforts to speak to Ekere on the allegations were not successful yesterday, as his phone line was switched off. A text message sent to him was also unheeded.

Akpanudoedehe

PHOTO NEWS

Two civil models 412 EP of serial numbers 36608 and 36606 Bell Helicopters in standard configuration and 23 packages containing accessories weighing 1145kg discovered by men and officers of Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Murtala Mohammed International Airport Command, Ikeja, yesterday PHOTO: John Iwori

Governor of Enugu State, Hon. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, his deputy, Cecilia Ezeilo and Commissioner for Tourism and Culture, Hon. Rita Mbah at the Enugu State Christmas Lite-Up Charity Project...recently

L-R: Chairperson, Executive Committee, Freedom Foundation (FF), Angela Attah; Chairman, Board of Trustees, FF, Dr. Tony Rapu; Member, Board of Trustees, Mrs. Nkoyo Rapu; First Lady of Lagos State, Bolanle Ambode and Director, My Lagos Diaries, Mrs. Adeola Bali at the premiere of ‘My Lagos Diaries’ held at Filmhouse Imax, Lagos...recently

L-R: CEO, Nigerian Economic Summit Group (NESG), Mr. Laoye Jaiyeola; MD/CEO, Afrinvest, Mr. Ike Chioke; Vice Chairman, NESG, Mr. Asue Ighodalo; and Chairman, Board Committee on Research and Publication/Director, NESG, Dr. Doyin Salami, at the launch of NESG Macroeconomic Outlook report 2017 in Lagos...recently Photo: Sunday Adigun

L-R: Barrister Gbenga Ajibola, Mrs. Abimbola Oladinni, Proprietress Diadem College, Ifako Gbagada, Mr. Poju Oladinni, Chairman, Governing Board Diadem College, Mrs. and Engineer Segun Jawando at the Pre-session “Meet and Greet” lunch party of college in Lagos...recently

48

SATURDAY JANUARY 28, 2017 T H I S D AY

THISDAY, The Saturday Newspaper •JANUARY 28, 2017

50

TRAVEL&Leisure

by Omolola Itayemi omolola.itayemi@thisdaylive.com 08054699602

Air France, KLM Fete Customers with Back in Time Party

Definitely not the first of its kind, AirFrance and KLM are known for their distinctive, yet classy soirées. So, it came as little or no surprise when the two European airlines chose to appreciate their customers with a back in time party last week. From afro wigs to flared pants to ‘70s Music to disco lights, AirFrance KLM was definitely in the air that evening. Omolola ItayemiI reports 6IX Restaurant Officially Opens in Victoria Island

L-R: Jean-Raoul Tauzin, General Manager Air France KLM Nigeria & Ghana, Chief Olopade, one of the oldest flying passengers of Air France KLM, Winner of the Business class

D

efinitely not the first of its kind, AirFrance and KLM are known for their distinctive, yet classy soirées. So, it came as little or no surprise when the two European airlines chose to appreciate their customers with a back in time party last week. From afro wigs to flared pants to ‘70s Music to disco lights, AirFrance KLM was definitely in the air that evening. OMOLOLA ITAYEMI reports Disco lights, speakers, gargantuan TV screens, Dj spinning old school vibes and the fusion of different ‘70’s fashion in blue and white African print transformed the terrace of Oriental Hotel in Victoria Island, Lagos.

It was an amazing night of celebration of exceptional customers. As they sipped on cocktails and champagne, people mingled, old friends reconnected, and recounted the year’s happenings. A big hit at the pre-dinner reception was the exciting photo booth, for photos and videos The event was hosted by IK Osakioduwa with DJ Bobbie on the wheels of steel, as well as a thrilling performance by Bantu and the Afropolitan band.

For the fun activities of the night, some of the guests at the party participated in a Soul Train dance competition and each of the winning dancers got a business class ticket, redeemable at any time. There were also other fun activities throughout the night, as well as an endless flow of drinks and a delicious buffet dinner served in a relaxed, beautifully decorated and illuminated ambience.

Catching up with the Commercial Director, Nigeria and Ghana, Air France KLM, Arthur Dieffenthaler, in his ‘70’s attire and afro hair was another high point of the night, as he explained the reason for celebrating this business relationship and the impact of the closure of Abuja airport on the airline.

“We are looking back at 2016 and celebrating business relationships with our customers is a norm. It has been a challenging year but more than ever, it has been a year we connected with many customers. We are celebrating the past and also looking forward to building tighter relationships.

“ForAir France/KLM it has been a very exciting year because we changed quite a lot of things.

We celebrated together with the premiere of a movie in a plane, which has never happened

The official opening of 6IX restaurant took place on January 15, this year. This fine dining restaurant is located in the heart of Victoria Island at number 873 Ozumba Mbadiwe Avenue. The event was hosted by Akinola Fafowora and in honour of the restaurant’s official opening, all patrons were welcomed by waiters and waitresses. The event served the purpose of a platform for the restaurant toshowcaseamazingfood,drinks,andservices.The event ended at the weekend with a big bang, think dinner party ambiance, coupled with signature 6IX flair. Guests feasted on an exquisite selection of the food menu and stylish drink infusions, while the sensational saxophonist,Yhumie, publicly known as Yomi Sax, added to the exuberant atmosphere.

The opening was a well-attended event; various celebrities and societal influencers graced the event with their presence, the likes of: Tuface, his wife Annie Idibia, Basketmouth, Bovi, Olisa, Mai Atafo, Elma Godwin, Shina Peller, Pearl Cardy, Rukky Sanda, Ketchup celebrity stylist Swanky Jerry, Jessica Ulo, Stephanie Coker, Air Boy, Que Peller, and many others.

IN TOURISM, WOMEN HOLD THE ACE

From left, Acting Director-General of the Nigerian TourismDevelopmentCorporation(NTDC),Mrs.Mariel Rae-Omoh;DirectorGeneralandChiefExecutiveOfficer of the National Institute for Hospitality and Tourism (NIHOTOUR), Chika Balogun, and Director-General of the National Council for Arts and Culture, Mrs. Dayo Keshi, at the Art of Friendship Exhibition IV, held at the International Conference Centre, Abuja, Recently

Soul Train Dance Competition

before. So, we showed to the rest of the world that irrespective of what happened, Nigeria together with Air France and KLM has been able to do remarkable things. I am looking up to 2017 with great confidence and I am sure that we will continue celebrating innovation and new things in Nigeria. Knowing how Nigeria works by now, I know there will be ways Nigerians will find their way back in a positive side of development. So, I am looking forward to a prosperous 2017.

“On the Abuja Airport Closure on our operations, it depends on the situation which is at hand. For now, we are following the updates from Nigeria on the time they plan to close the airport. For now, we have the dates but we don’t know what will happen. If the airport is closed, there is nothing we can do about that. We are looking to find ways together with our airport in Paris and Amsterdam to suit the needs of our customers in our best way. That could be via Port-Harcourt or Lagos, but we don’t know what the future or the timing will be. For us, the key point is that we serve our customers in the ways possible.

“We are one of the oldest airlines continuously flying into Nigeria. Everyone agreed that the

most outspoken decade in terms of outfit was 1970s. I am happy at the number of people that turned out and the beautiful outfits,” Dieffenthaler revealed.

While Dieffenthaler regaled me with the reason for the party, Jean-Raoul Tauzin, General Manager Air France - KLM Nigeria and Ghana shed light on new aircrafts and routes expected of the airline.

“On 787, KLM received a 787 last year. We received this last December. We will receive the next one in April and the next in May and next in November. So at the end of the year, we will have more aircrafts. Due to the current economic challenges in the country, we can understand that it is difficult, especially with the foreign exchange challenges.

Therefore, it is difficult for us to bring in that type of aircraft for the time being. We are supposed to have bigger type of aircraft last year and we did it with KLM with the 777 but with the current situation, we withdrew that type of aircraft because it has to be profitable. We are a company and the business has to be profitable.

As soon as we see the start of a change in the current situation, we will be able to reinvest in terms of fleet and for sure the aircraft is one of the latest in the fleet, it will be deployed to the route.”

NATOP Strategises for 2017 The Nigeria Association of Tour Operators, NATOP, has set plans in motion for its 2017 Annual General Meeting, AGM, slated for the first quarter of the year in a yet to be determined venue. This was disclosed by the Organiser of Akwaaba and a member of NATOP, Mr. Ikechi Uko on the sidelines of the strategic tourism partnership meeting, aimed at promoting mutual beneficial relationship between NATOP and SouthAfrican Tourism.

According to him, theAGM, which is now a regular feature for NATOP would be a grand event featuring notable speakers and the major players in the tourism industry in the country.

Uko stated that when the arrangements for the event were fine-tuned, NATOP would release the details which would include, the time, venue for the AGM and other plans.

But it will take place in the first quarter of the year, he said. It is believed that this year’s AGM would live up to expectation as usual in articulation and providing the policy direction for decision makers in tourism in the country.

51

THISDAY, The Saturday Newspaper •JANUARY 28 , 2017

media & Marketing

LGs President Speaks on Creating Better Lifestyle for Consumers

P

resident, LG Electronics MEA, Mr. Kevin Cha has said that technology has progressed to the point where innovation is no longer about creating a better life but a desire to create a better lifestyle for consumers.

He says this underpins LGs most exciting new products.

Cha declared: “While some of these innovations will quickly find their way into our lives and change how we do things, others are concepts that may or may not be part of three-dimensional reality in the near future.

“Few months ago, we were talking about how Internet of Things (IoT) is all set to bring in a new wave of innovation and with the pace that IoT is rapidly expanding, a new revolution is not very far away. IoT will be the driving force behind improving efficiencies, driving revenue opportunities and solving business problems across multiple industries and all business functional areas.”

Although IoT has existed for more than a decade, two developments in the last twenty years have been the primary drivers behind the emergence of IoT as a paradigm-altering phenomenon. The first is the explosive growth in mobile devices and applications and the broad availability of wireless connectivity.

He said though the age of IoT was already dawned, there was a need to start shifting focus from the devices that can be connected, to how services can be improved.

Quoting industry updates, he said more than 40% of the world population has internet connection today which was less than 1% until a few years ago. He added that the rapid and surging increase in the usage of the internet was nothing but rapid awareness on the strength and capability of the internet.

Networking giants across the globe are estimating that the number connected worldwide will rise from 15 billion today to 50 billion by 2020. Few are even more bullish, claiming that over 200 billion devices will be connected by then.

On the other hand, research firm IDC estimates that global spending on IoT devices and services will rise from $656 billion in 2014 to $1.7 trillion in 2020. All these connected

President, LG Electronics, Middle East and Africa, Mr. Kelvin Cha

devices will need optimized networking hardware, software, and processors and to meet this rapid growth, the networking giants are introducing scalable solutions for deploying IoT systems, creating analytics systems that analyze the accumulated data, and simultaneously working on improving cyber-security portfolio to counter new threats.

Looking ahead, Cha noted that the world would soon be filled with everyday objects connected to the internet. “IoT presents startling new opportunities for businesses.

The implications that IoT will have on all levels of business operations, no matter the industry, will range from the ordinary to insightful.”

He continued “Though the glitzy displays will create a buzz, in reality people will

be looking for how a smartphone with an added watch or a fridge with a tablet can translate to meaningful benefits in real life. In the past few years, the Internet of Things (IoT) has become the poster phrase for innovation – its advent supposed to be ushering a new era for making things better.”

“IoT will provide answers to problems facing businesses which in many cases will either disappear or diminish completely.

Matched with other technological developments such as cloud computing, smart grids, nanotechnology and robotics, the world of IoT that we are about to enter presents one giant stride toward an economy of greater efficiency, productivity, safety, and profits.”

“Newer developments within the IoT space will push the need to see scaled-up benefits from an end-user perspective – how

with

Kasie Abone 08057511558 (sms only)

an interconnected home can translate to better quality of life as a result perhaps of better storage of food through smarter home appliances, or a cleaner environment or better health because the air-conditioner or the air purifier has better user data.

“Many industry experts are also predicting that there will be no industry in the years to come that will not be affected or changed by IoT. IoT will soon gain the status of being indispensable to operations and these industries will help shine a light on the promise of IoT in the years to come.

“There is no doubt that IoT will usher in a new economic era across the globe. The promises IoT holds are not simply improvements over existing processes and economic models; rather, they are transformational in scope. The IoT economy will revolutionize the way businesses produce, function, and perform. And the change is happening faster than any previous industrial revolution.

“While IoT is running as one of the most popular technology buzzwords of the year, there are discussions now on how to maximise its impact and drive value from it. With the deluge of information and performance data that will be generated by IoT, artificial intelligence and robotics industry will also see a surge in the coming years.”

“Robotics and artificial intelligence, when used and harnessed properly, have already demonstrated positive contributions to addressing some socio-economic issues, such as in space exploration, scientific testing and even in manufacturing where production can be maintained and sustained seamlessly.

With the rapid development in the field of Robotics, Machine Learning and IoT, we have all the pieces of technology to make this happen and it’s just a matter of time when this will all be integrated to transform our way of living.”

It is against this backdrop that LG is moving towards artificial intelligence in the hopes of accelerating this drive towards not only improving the products, but seeing how services can be improved through robotics.

As the number of connected appliances grows, LG is staying one step ahead of the industry by introducing a groundbreaking new lineup of intelligent robots at CES 2017 in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Search for 2017 Cowbellpedia Maths Champion Starts

C

owbell Milk from the stables of Promasidor Nigeria Limited has announced the commencement of the search for the 2017 edition of the popular educative TV Quiz show, Cowbellpedia Secondary School Mathematics TV Quiz show.

Promasidor’s Managing, Director, Olivier Thiry, explained that though Cowbell had been involved in the improvement of standard of education in Nigeria especially Mathematics in the last two decades, the company last year brought all its intervention under one umbrella.

He added that this year’s edition would further provide credible platform for identifying and rewarding excellence in Mathematics among Junior and Senior Secondary School students in Nigeria, he added.

Thiry noted that across the globe, investment in education had assumed a new frontier as governments and corporate bodies have realized the need to build capacity in STEM courses which Mathematics is a key component of and which represents a driving force for development in the 21st century.

Like in the previous editions, the Cowbellpedia Secondary School Mathematics

TV Quiz Show is open to students in JSS 3 and SS 2 from 10 - 18 years of age attending full time secondary education in both public and private schools in Nigeria.

While entry into this competition is free, contestants are required to register online or pick up a registration form at the State Ministries of Education offices nationwide.

The competition is divided into two Stages; Qualifying Written Examination and TV Quiz Show.

“For the Stage one, we are continuing with the initiative that we started in 2016 for Mixed Secondary Schools to nominate minimum of two girls for each category to represent such schools. This is our own little way of encouraging the girl child to take interest in education especially the STEM courses,” he said.

The ultimate winner of the competition is handsomely rewarded with N1,000,000 cash prize and a foreign all-expense paid educational excursion while the first and second runners up will go home with N750,000 and N500,000 respectively.

Also speaking at the event, National Examination Council, NECO, Registrar who was represented by Director, Quality Assurance, Dr. Ikechukwu Anyanwu extolled Promasidor’s innovative approach to Mathematics education in Nigeria.

L-R: Managing Director, Promasidor Nigeria Limited, Mr. Olivier Thiry; Winner, Senior Category, 2016 Cowbellpedia Mathematics TV Quiz Show, Master Ayooluwa Oguntade; Winner, Junior Category, 2016 Cowbellpedia Mathematics TV Quiz Show, Miss Juliet Ekoko and Director, Quality Assurance, National Examination Council (NECO), Dr. Ikechukwu Anyanwu at the 2017 Cowbellpedia Mathematics TV Quiz Show press briefing in Lagos recently

Last year’s winners, Miss Juliet Ekoko and Master Ayooluwa Oguntade also commended Promasidor for the op-

portunity given to them to horn their Mathematics skill through the television Quiz Show.

53

THISDAY, The Saturday Newspaper •JANUARY 28, 2017

news

In Brief

Genital Mutilation Prolongs Labour

The United Nations Children’s Fund, UNICEF, has stated that majority of prolonged labour among pregnant women were caused by female genital mutilation and cutting (FGM/C), and has stressed the urgency in stopping the practice in parts of the country where such were still practiced. The world body also raised the alarm over the rising cases of female genital mutilation/cutting (FGM/C) in Imo State saying 68 per cent of women in the state were affected by the practice. Speaking at a two-day training of community champions to accelerate the abandonment of female genital mutilation/cutting in Owerri, the Imo State capital, the UNICEF consultant and his Ebonyi State counterpart, Mr. Benjamin Mbakwem said in spite of the law of the state against such practice, it still went on even by the so-called educated parents.

27 Bandits Pledge to Repent in Sokoto

Last respects...

(L-R) The First Lady, Kwara State and Founder, Leah Foundation, Her Excellency, Deaconess Omolewa Ahmed, Mrs. Oyinkansola Adun and her husband, Mr. Osa Sonny Adun at the Funeral and Thanksgiving service for the late Prof. H.M.A. Onitiri which took place at the African Church Arch Cathedral Bethel, Broad Street, Lagos on Friday, 27th January, 2017

DHQ: Boko Haram now Uses Female Suicide Bombers Carrying Babies Sect sets back North 500-1000 years Tobi Soniyi, Paul Obi in Abuja and Michael Olugbode in Maiduguri The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) yesterday said it had uncovered new tactics by the Boko Haram sects, as female suicide bombers now carry babies on their back to evade detention.

This is as the Vice Chancellor of University of Maiduguri, Professor Abubakar Njodi on Friday raised the alarm that Boko Haram had added to the educational disadvantage of the North which would take between 500 and 1000

years to enable the region compete educationally with the South.

Also, Acting President Yemi Osinbajo, SAN, has said restoring normalcy to the lives of Internally Displaced Persons in the Northeast remained a firm commitment of the Federal Government.

Director of Defence Information, Brig Gen Rabe Abubakar said Friday that the menace of using babies to evade arrest and detection posed a great threat to identifying many of the suicide bombers in the North East where the military has continued to confront the insurgents.

Abubakar said: "Attention of the Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has been drawn to a new tactic being adopted by female suicide bombers in the North East.

"Female suicide bombers are now evading detection from security operatives by carrying babies on their back that ordinarily pass them for innocent nursing mothers."

He explained that "the two recent suicide bomb attacks in Madagali, Adamawa State were instructive in this regard.

"The DHQ wishes to seize this opportunity to appeal to members

of the public to be patient and cooperate with the military and other security agencies while carrying out thorough security search and checks as the essence is to nip in the bud the murderous intention of the Boko Haram suicide bombers.

"The DHQ wishes to state further that the usual traffic 'go-slow' at military and security check points as a result of rigorous security checks are not meant to cause public discomfort or a deliberate action to induce traffic disruptions on our roads."

Ondo Assembly Speaker, Deputy Impeached

NDDC Appeals to Rivers Govt. to Rescind Land Revocation

time, it was gathered that the 26 James Sowole in Akure members House of Assembly had Less than a month to the inaugura- been enmeshed in internal crisis since March last year when Mrs. Akindele tion of the administration of Mr. Rotimi Akeredolu (SAN) in Ondo and Olotu were first impeached.

Both Akindele and Olotu were State, the state House of Assembly yesterday impeached its Speaker, Mrs. impeached by 18 out of the 26 Jumoke Akindele and her deputy, members in March last year for alleged highhandedness but the Hon Fatai Olotu.

A new speaker, Hon Malachi Coker intervention of Governor Olusegun representing Ilaje Constituency was Mimiko assisted in reversing the impeachment. subsequently elected.

Apart from the speaker, the House It was gathered that members of the House of Assembly numbering also elected Hon Ayo Arowele rep16 impeached both the Speaker and resenting Owo state constituency as the Deputy speaker. Speaking on the her deputy on Friday evening.

The impeachment was said to matter, a member of the Assembly, have taken place in the Assembly Hon Gbenga Araoyinbo confirmed the development accusing the speaker and premises.

Although details of the impeach- the deputy of allegedly perpetrating ment were not known as at press fraud.

Ernest Chinwo in Port Harcourt

The Chairman of the Governing Board of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Senator Victor Ndoma-Egba (SAN), has appealed to the Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike to reverse the revocation of the land which the Commission bought to provide access to the permanent headquarters in Port Harcourt.

Ndoma-Egba made the appeal when he led members of the NDDC board on a courtesy visit to the governor at the Government House in Port Harcourt yesterday.

The NDDC team included the Managing Director, Mr. Nsima Ekere, the Executive Director Finance and Administration; Mr. Mene Derek

and Executive Director Projects, Mr. Samuel Adjogbe, and other members of the Board.

The Chairman called the attention of the governor to the urgent need for the parcel of land to the Commission’s operations, saying: “We are confident your Excellency will reverse his earlier decision, because Rivers State has since inception shown tremendous goodwill to NDDC.” He expressed appreciation to the state government for hosting the Commission for the past 16 years and urged it not to relent in its assistance, adding, “Rivers State promised to give us a headquarters building at inception and it delivered on that. We want the government to help us protect that property which is facing some legal challenges.”

Cleric Calls on Osinbajo to Confirm Acting CJN John Iwori

The Archbishop of Christ Missionaries Crusaders, Arch-Bishop God-Dowell Avwomakpa has called on the Acting President, Vice President Yemi Osinbanjo, SAN to forward the name of the acting Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Walter On-

noghen to the Senate for confirmation.

Apart from being the Acting President, the cleric stated that Osinbajo as a professor of law should not hesitate to do the needful by forwarding the name of the acting CJN to the upper chamber of the National Assembly for confirmation.

The cleric who expressed confidence

in the judiciary noted that it remained the last hope of the common man, even as he also noted that the National Judicial Council (NJC) had recommended the Acting CJN to President Buhari for almost two months as the most senior Justice in the country.

Avwomakpa who is the Chairman of CAN, South-South Zone and also

the Chairman of Niger Delta Bishops commended the “silent reforms” introduced by the acting Chief Justice of Nigeria aimed at quick dispensation of Justice in the country.

He noted that the country was in dire need of such a man and his reforms in order to ensure better and faster dispensation of cases.

At least 27 self-confessed armed robbers have pledged to repent from banditry in Isa Local Government Area of Sokoto State. Its Chairman, Col. Garba Moyi (rtd) made the disclosure in Isa town on Friday during the fourth security stakeholders' meeting. He disclosed that the repentant bandits had also pledged to surrender all their arms and ammunition during the next meeting. ''This is certainly a good development as it would drastically reduce the recurring cases of cattle rustling, armed robbery and other related crimes in the area, Sokoto State and Nigeria in general", Moyi said. He commended the repentant armed robbers and also promised to assist them to be productive and integrate fast into the society. Moyi also vowed to do everything possible to protect them from any form of intimidation or harassment. He stressed that three other such meetings had been convened by the authorities of the local government across the area and the planned repentance was one of the dividends of the meeting.

Headsmen Kill Mother of Six in Benue

Suspected Fulani Headsmen yesterday attacked Ipidlo town in Amejo ward of Okpokwu local government area of Benue State, killing a mother of six children and destroying houses and farm produce worth several millions of naira. According to a reliable source, the herdsmen attacked the Ipidlo settlement at around 4am on Wednesday morning shooting sporadically on anyone on site while also setting many houses on fire.

As a result of their attack, a mother of six, Mrs. Veronica Ogwuche was gruesomely killed while several other people including one Mr. John Alexander sustained gunshot injuries. An eyewitness disclosed that the incident was shocking to the people of the community as there was no previous crises or issues with the herdsmen. “We never had issues with any Headsmen so we were surprised with the assault on our people” , complained Patrick Ocheme,a resident. Some of the villagers linked the attack to the recent clash between the Herdsmen and residents of Agadagba in Ohimini local government last week.

Obiano Back from Vacation

Anambra State Governor, Willie Obiano, has reportedly returned from his vacation to the United States of America. A press release from his Senior Special Assistant on Media, James Eze stated that Obiano arrived Awka, the state capital,Thursday evening and was welcome by members of his family, friends, colleagues. Eze said his return had dispelled the malicious rumours of the governor’s ill health as previously reported in some newspapers. Obiano who reportedly addressed Anambrarians who gathered at the governor’s lodge to welcome him said, “I went to the US for a short vacation. But I am back in Awka. I do not have any injuries anywhere. I am in a great shape. I have no problem at all with my health.”

The Governor said the false story about his health may not have been unconnected with the large turnout of people to see him after being away for short while on vacation. “Ndi Anambra were missing their governor.

It is okay. I am back now! Dalunu,” he assured with a broad smile.

New Dates for ConMin West Africa

DuetotherecentlyannouncedplannedclosureofAbuja'sairportinMarch, ConMin West Africa Exhibition and the National Mining Summit has been moved from April to 13 - 15th June 2017. “With a large proportion of attendees and speakers travelling from Lagos and internationally, we believe the event cannot run without the use of the airport“, said a statement from the organisers. ConMin West Africa is an Exhibition to service the rapidly growing construction machinery and mining industries in West Africa.The Exhibition is organised by Afrocet Montgomery, who runs Africa’s largest mining show, “Electra Mining” in Johannesburg. The event is running in partnership and with full endorsement of the Ministry of Solid Minerals, Deloitte and IMAG who owns the global construction brand “Bauma”.

Ayade Bags Governor of the Year Award

Cross River State Governor, Prof Ben Ayade,Thursday, bagged the 2016 GovernoroftheYearAwardonJobCreationfromtheAuthorityNewspaper.

Speaking on Ayade's choice during the award presentation ceremony at ShehuYaradua Centre, Abuja, Managing Director, Authority Newspapers, Madu Onuora said the award was in recognition of the governor's clear cut policy on industrialisation and employment generation. According to him, "Ayade has been providing employment for the youths in Cross River. In all the states that we checked, he is the one that has remained forthright, open and transparent in the number of jobs created daily, that is why we have to honour him, to spur him to do more.

Folasade Eniola Dosekun Passes on

Mrs. Folasade Eniola Dosekun, wife of late Emeritus Professor Felix OladejoDosekun,ofOndoTowninOndo Statehaspassedawaypeacefully after a brief illness in Lagos, in the early afternoon of Friday, 20th January, after a rich and eventful life. She was 90 years old. She leaves behind Professor Akinsan Dosekun, Dr. Rotimi Dosekun, Ms Ayoola Dosekun, and Ms Olatomijogun Dosekun, many grandchildren and great grandchildren, and was predeceased by Olusiji Dosekun. A statement by the family said she was also survived by the beloved spouses of her children. Funeral arrangements will be announced separately and at a later date."

54

THISDAY, The Saturday Newspaper •JANUARY 28, 2017

newsXTRA

Nigerian Ship Owners Demands Better Deal with FG

kidNAP KINGPINS...

Henry Chibueze alias vampire (right) with other kidnap suspects that were freed by armed men from a high court in Owerri where they were facing trials... yesterday

Magu's Renomination: Buhari Making Mockery of His Anti-Graft War Adedayo Akinwale in Abuja

Rights group, Advocates for Social Justice for All (ASJA) has expressed disappointment over the renomination of Ibrahim Magu to the Senate for confirmation as the Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) by‎ President Muhammadu Buhari.

The group said the president was making mockery of his anticorruption crusade, and therefore called on him ‎ to immediately rescind his decision.

Its Executive Secretary, Torkuma Venatius, expressed displeasure while speaking to journalists yesterday in Abuja, stressing that Nigerians could not watch and

allow this government of change go down the drain.

According to him, "as stated in previous press briefings by wellmeaning Nigerians, we maintain that it is our collective desire to kill corruption before the dreaded vice destroys whatever remains as our core values in Nigeria and we again state categorically that as an organisation, we have nothing personal against the Acting Chairman of the EFCC, Mr. Ibrahim Magu.

"President Muhammadu Buhari must know that his insistence on confirmation of Magu by the Senate has become a joke taken too far. This is a man rejected by the Senate based on unfavourble security report. Are we doubting

the integrity of our security report?

How will the countries of the world see Nigeria as a country?

"Magu's renomination by the President is least expected. And we are now forced to ask: is Mr. Ibrahim Magu the only qualified police man in Borno State? We are sure that if we go to Magu's village today, we shall find an equally qualified, if not better qualified, police officer.

"So, if Mr. President has zoned the position of EFCC Chairman to Magu's village, we assure him that he will find a man or woman of integrity within the federal law enforcement agencies in Magu's family.

"For Mr. President to believe that Magu is the only person with

the qualities of an EFCC chairman amounts to taking Nigerians for granted and reducing the anticorruption fight to an individual.

"It makes a mockery of Nigeria in the eyes of the global community and portrays Nigeria as a country of incompetent people.

"For the records, we are saying that Magu is guilty of some charges as may be contained on the security report coupled with the fact that a federal security agency has kicked against his confirmation through a security report speaks volumes.

"Mr. President will be belittling the anti-corruption crusade of his government and throwing caution to the wind if he continues to insist on Mr. Ibrahim Magu's confirmation as EFCC Chairman.

Era of Depending on Federal I’m not part of Jonathan/Fayose Allocations is Over, Says Ahmed 2019 Presidency, Ex-BOSEMA organised by the board of state Chairman Says Hammed Shittu in Ilorin revenue internal service to inti

Kwara State Governor, Alhaji Abdulfatah Ahmed has disclosed that the era of depending on federal revenue allocations for developmental projects was over in the nation's art of governance.

He therefore advocated that all hands must be on deck to ensure proper collection of taxes and revenues through the various ministries, departments and agencies of government so as to bring necessary socio economic development to the people of the state.

Speaking in Ilorin on Friday during a breakfast meeting with Head of ministries, departments, agencies and parastatals of government in the state, Ahmed said that, the dwindling federal revenue allocations to the 36 states of the federation had opened up the eyes of states on the need to look inward for revenue generations in the country.

The breakfast meeting was

mate the members of the public of the performance drive of each state's departments, ministries, agencies and parastatals in the state.

He said that, " the ministries and departments must be honesty and transparent in the collection of taxes for the overall benefit of the state".

He said that, the development would go a long way of assisting the government to have enough revenue to develop the state as era of waiting for federal revenue allocations every month to plan for the provision of programmes is no more feasible in the face of governance.

The governor who reiterated the commitment of his administration to ensure even development to all the 16 councils in the state said that heads of departments, agencies and parastatals must buckle up in the efforts of generating revenue for the overall growth of the state.

MichaelOlugbode

Former boss of Borno State Emergency Management Agency (BOSEMA), Alhaji Grema Terab has denied allegations that he was mounting a campaign for the return of former President Goodluck Jonathan in 2019.

Terab, who spoke to our correspondent on Friday after a bulk message purportedly sent by him, calling out people to be part of an organised march for Jonathan/Fayose 2019 Presidency surfaced, said the action was by some groups of politicians in Maiduguri who were out to rubbish his political credibility before the next general election.

He said that they were obviously angry because he had maintained a consistent media campaign against the maltreatment of internally displaced persons (IDPs) in some of the camps in the state.

"I think the government finds what I say unbearable because it is the truth which is why they have decided to mount this campaign of calumny

against me but I assure you. It’s all lies" the former BOSEMA boss said.

The All Progressives Congress, APC, in Borno State had equally on Thursday issued a release distancing itself from a campaign message allegedly authored by the former chairman of the Borno State Emergency ManagementAgency, calling for the return of President Goodluck Jonathan to take over from President Muhammadu Buhari in 2019.

The State Secretary of the APC, Bello Ayuba had said in a statement that Grema Terab had been parading himself as a member of the APC in Borno State whereas there was no record of him registered as card carrying member of the APC in any of the 312 wards across the 27 local government areas of Borno State.

Reacting to the turn of events, Terab said that he never left the APC and he was going to drag them to court for daring to drag his name in the mud.

His words " they are just being desperate trying to use this smear campaign against me. The intention is to blackmail me towards the year 2019.

John Iwori

Nigerian ship owners have demanded for a better deal with the Federal Government in this New Year to avert the pitfalls that inhibited the sustainable growth of the shipping sector of the economy in 2016.

The indigenous ship owners identified the need for the Federal Government to encourage investment in shipping business through creation of funds and credit facilities with single digit interest rate to enable them acquire vessels in 2017.

They identified lack of quality vessels as the major reason why Nigerian shipping companies found it difficult to compete with its foreign counterparts, even as they pointed out that this was why foreign-owned ships continued to dominate the shipping sector of the economy.

They argued that indigenous ship owners spend huge sums on payment of import duty and this takes close to 14 per cent of the total cost of importing fully built vessels and their corresponding spare parts, as Nigeria presently lacks capacity to build ships that meet international standards as stipulated by the maritime watchdog, the International Maritime Organisation (IMO).

According to those who spoke to THISDAY, the nation’s shipping business was enormous and estimated at N2 trillion annually, yet foreign flagged and registered vessels carry over 80 per cent of Nigerian seaborne cargoes. It is expected that creation of cheap funds will provide Nigerians the opportunity to own different categories of oceangoing vessels such as crude tankers, containerised vessel, bulk cargo carrier, general cargo and dry cargo carriers, among other types of vessels.

Chairman, Ship Owners’ Forum, Margaret Onyema-Orakwusi, said financial insitutions, especially the commercial banks were not lending to ship owners at single digit, pointing out that the cost of funds had been a major challenge to financing of vessel

acquisition in the country over the years.

Her words: “There is huge gap in indigenous ownership of vessels in Nigeria, largely due to lack of fund to acquire new vessels or refurbish the existing fleet. This is why Nigerian ship owners need cheap funds with single digit interest rate to finance vessel acquisition”.

She expressed dismay that many ship owners were drowning in repayment of debts to banks just as she blamed the situation on lack of special lending terms, despite the fact that shipping was an investment with long gestation period.

On his part, a master mariner, Captain Adewale Ishola stated that Nigerian commercial banks ought to be very active in funding ship acquisition given its economic benefits.

The master mariner explained that shipping business was a long-term project that required specialised funding.

He argued that a specialised maritime bank would give ship owners’ loans at a very competitive interest rate and not in a double-digit rate, which made it difficult for Nigerian ship owners to compete favourably with their foreign counterparts.

His words: “Shipping requires credit facility with a competitive interest rate of single digit. Our banks want to make returns in a very short-term.

This is why banks find it difficult to invest in ship acquisition.

There is need for the establishment of a maritime development bank that would understand the intricacies of shipping”.

Ishola also stressed the need for the disbursement of over N52 billion accumulated in the Cabotage Vessel Financing Fund (CVFF) as option of ship finance available to Nigerian shipping investors.

On his part, the President, Ship owners’ Association of Nigeria (SOAN), Mr. Greg Ogbeifun said the cost of import duty and taxes levied on imported vessels and spare parts amounts to approximately 14 per cent of the total cost of ship acquisition.

Acquire "Disputed Land' Ijaw Leader Advices Delta Govt Sylvester Idowu inWarri

An Ijaw leader in Delta State, Chief Micheal Johnny has proffered a lasting solution to the lingering boundary dispute between Ogbe-Ijoh and Aladja communities in Warri South West local government and Udu local government areas which has claimed several lives.

Johnny, also Chairman of Egbema Gbaramatu Communities Development Foundation said yesterday that it was becoming worrisome that over the years, the Delta state government never made any genuine efforts to resolve the boundary dispute which had claimed many innocent lives and properties.

"I am calling on Governor Ifeanyi Okowa, being the Chief Security Officer of the state to use part of the state's security vote to acquire the "disputed land" from both communities, because all panel of enquiries set up by his administration and previous ones on this matter produced no result.

"I know Okowa inherited the Ogbe-Ijoh and Aladja land dispute, let it also be on record that it was Governor Ifeanyi Okowa who permanently resolved the

land dispute, this should be his thinking and legacy and not playing politics with the crisis, acquiring the disputed land from both communities is the lasting solution.

"At this point, the Delta state government should immediately commence the process of acquiring the land from both communities after which a state or federal project be executed on the land to serve as a boundary in between the communities.

"And for the interest of peace, the people of Ogbe-Ijoh and Aladja communities should cooporate and allow the state government to acquire the disputed land, such a land that is often taking the blood of innocent souls should be sold out because our lives are more important than any land", Johnny, also a Chieftain of All Progressive Congress (APC) advised.

Just last Saturday, a renewed clash between Aladja, an Urhobo community in Udu Local Government area and Ogbe-Ijoh, that belongs to Ijaw in Warri South West Local Government area claimed a life and several persons injured with many houses and properties destroyed.

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THISDAY, The Saturday Newspaper •JANUARY 28, 2017

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Customs Seize Two Helicopters from "Unknown" Importers Chinedu Eze

The Murtala Muhammed International Airport Command of Nigerian Customs Service (NCS), has seized two civil models of Bell Helicopters imported into the country by undisclosed persons.

Customs said the two Bell Helicopters were handed over to the Nigerian Air Force for failure by the unknown importers to produce end user certificate from the office of the National Security Adviser (NSA) in contravention of Section 36 (2) of the Customs and Excise Management Act.

Addressing newsmen at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos, Customs Area Controller, Frank Allanah, explained that the duty paid value of the two helicopters and other accessories was over N9, 757, 135, 240.86.

He said the helicopters were flown into Nigeria as a consignment with Airway Bill Number 17232444403 into the country through the Murtala Muhammed International Airport.

The choppers, he said, were detained at the Skyways Aviation Handling Company Limited (SAH-

COL) shed pending fulfillment of all legal requirements for the importation.

He said upon examination, the consignment was found to contain two civil models 412 EP of serial numbers 36608 and 36606 Bell Helicopters respectively, in standard configuration and 23 packages said to contain their accessories weighing eleven thousand four hundred and seventy five kilogrammes ( 11,075 kg).

"The unknown importer could not produce end user certificate from the office of the National Security Adviser ( NSA) an act

which contravenes section 36 sub section two Customs and Excise Management Act (CEMA) laws of the federation of Nigeria 2004.

Consequently seizure was effected on November 7, 2016 in line with section 46 of CEMA," Customs said.

Allanah also disclosed that revenue totalingN55,505 ,499,945.35 was collected from January to December 2016 by a highly dedicated work force of the Customs Airport Command , surpassing the collection of 2015 which stood at N24,746,642,881.3 billion .

Diamond Platnumz, Sidibe, Phy feature in Glo- African Voices The profile of Tanzania’s music sensation, Diamond Platnumz, continues its upward swing this weekend. He is one of the three artistes featured in this week’s edition of African Voices, a CNN International’s 30-minute magazine programme sponsored by Globacom.

His guest appearance on the show comes less than a month after his superlative performance at the 2016 Glo-CAF Awards held in Abuja on January 5.

The singer whose real name is Naseeb Abdul Juma was born in 1989, and is best known for his hit song, "Number One". He is said to be the most loved and decorated Tanzanian artiste at the moment.

In 2014, Diamond Platnumz set a new record at the Tanzania Music Awards by winning seven awards, including Best Male Writer, Best Male Artiste, Best Song Writer and Best Male Entertainer of the Year. He also won the Best Live Act at the 2015 MTV Africa Music Awards as well as Artiste of the Year and Best Male Artiste, East Africa, at the 2015 African Muzik Magazine Awards.

'End Use of Force to Disperse Peaceful Demonstrators' KasimSumainainAbuja

upgrading for tourism...

L-R: Sole Administrator, Lagos Island Local Government, Alhaji Nasir Musa; Representative of Lagos State Governor / Acting Commissioner, Tourism, Arts & Culture, Mrs. Adebimpe Akinsola; Sole Administrator, Lagos Island East Local Council Development, Hon. Abiola Aare and Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Tourism, Arts & Culture, Mr. Adewale Ashimi during the official opening of the newly upgraded Tinubu Square at Lagos Island ... yesterday

Diamond Bank Maintains Lead in Staff Sareer Growth

3A Auction House Delivers Sold Jet to New Owner in U.S

In spite of the harsh economic climate threatening jobs of many employees and hurting the projections of corporate organisations in Nigeria, Diamond Bank has reaffirmed its commitment to continuously safeguard the career growth of its workers.

Recently, two staff members who joined the bank over two decades ago as Executive Trainees were elevated to Executive Directors following regulatory approval by the Central Bank of Nigeria. No fewer than 950 staff were also promoted.

According to Diamond Bank’s spokesperson, Chioma Afe, the Bank places premium value on its workforce and was very passionate about the development of the career goals of staff members that were living the core values of the Bank, noting that job security and career development of staff had continued to enable the Bank deliver quality customer service and strengthen investor confidence in the business.

“Providing unequalled customer experience and delivering superior shareholder value is our core vision; however, meeting this mandate is difficult without the right staff.

AtDiamond, we believe that people are key to providing quality customer

Nigeria's general auction house, 3A Auctions House Limited, has announced the delivery of the private jet it auctioned recently to the new owner in the United States of America.

Making this known in a press statement released by the company, the Chief Executive Officer, Abimbola Akingboye, said the safe and stress-free delivery of the jet was a further demonstration of the Company’s determination to do things thoroughly and ensure that clients get value for money through sales of disposable assets.

He added that it was also to let many Nigerians know that auctions pay off. He further reiterated that 3A Auctions is here to help create a meeting point between a seller and a buyer.

“The delivery of the jet to the owner is basically to show Nigerians that we are out there in the market to make a difference. We also want to let people know that auctions provide a solution to the problem of unserviceable goods. I also want to tell Nigerians that all those assets that have been 'sat on' for years are needed elsewhere; be it property, vehicles, and yes, even a jet.” Akingboye stated.

experience. That is why despite the hard economic conditions in the country, we are promoting our workers and placing much emphasis on career development of staff members,” she said.

According to the Bank, Chizoma Okoli, Executive Director, Business Development and Chiugo Ndubisi, Executive Director/Chief Financial Officer joined the Bank as Executive Trainees in 1992 and 1996 respectively; rose through the ranks to their current positions on the Board of the Bank.

Commenting on the appointments, the Executive Management of the Bank, Chioma said: These appointments further demonstrates our devotion to provide a viable platform for our staff to work and excel while grooming them to take on more challenges as they progress within the organisation. We are convinced that Chizoma and Chiugo will play pivotal roles in the next phase of the Bank’s evolution especially at the Board level.

With these new appointments and promotions, the Bank has strengthened its workforce and fortified its Management team, led by Uzoma Dozie, to take on the challenges and opportunities in the business years ahead.

Speaking further, he said the jet “Was auctioned on November 27 and an offer was made for it that day. However, since it is our tradition to do things in a thorough and professional manner, we had to do all the necessary checks and paper works to ensure a hassle-free delivery to the new owner.”

Akingboye added that since 3A Auctions does not claim monopoly of knowledge in all areas, it was in the practice bringing in professionals who were grounded in the areas of the item to be auctioned to help with some technicalities.

“In order to get the result for our clients, we usually bring in consultants who are grounded in the area of what is being auctioned.

For this jet, we had to get two aviation consultants to conclude on all the necessary groundwork to ensure a smooth sale and delivery.

They actually put us through in the area of technicalities; it was a very fruitful partnership we are grateful for,” Akingboye stated.

The 3A Auctions boss also announced that other assets had been lined up for auctioning by the company; adding that venue and date of the next public auction would be announced later.

A Pro-democracy and NonGovernmental Organisation, Hman Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has asked the Federal Government led by President Muhammadu Buhari to desist from incessant high handedness and the continuous use of brute force to disperse peaceful demonstrators across the country.

HURIWA stated that the current hierarchy of the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) had sadly returned the policing institution to the late Sani Abacha’s infamous police State Characterised by excessive use of force to disperse peaceful protesters, extra-legal executions of perceived opponents of the government at the center.

The group, in a statement made available to the press on Thursday in Abuja, said, "We are calling on the federal government for an end to the incessant high handedness and the deployment of brute force to disperse peaceful demonstrators."

The Rights group affirmed also that, the shameful actions of the Nigerian Police and the Military forces constituted grave threats to democracy, rule of law, respect for human rights and constitutionalism.

The company said the repeat broadcasts would be shown at 4.30p.m. today, and at 12.30a.m. and 7.30p.m. on Sunday. There are further repeats at 11.30a.m. on Monday and 5.30a.m. on Tuesday.

Also to be featured on the programme are Mao Sidibe of Senegal and Phy Mwihaki Ng'etich of Kenya.

Mao Sidibé grew up in Dakar where he started the dancehall crew, “BBC Sound System“. In 2012, he opened his own music and video production company, Mao Production. He was nominated by France national radio RFI for their annual African Music awards Prix Découvertes 2015. He is reputed for his mix of reggae, pop and dancehall beat fused with Senegalese traditional drums and instruments.

Phy is a Nairobi-based musician who started singing at a very young age. Her incredible talent came to the fore when at only eight years old she won the overall number one position at the Kenya Music Festival for the solo classical piece in her age category. In 2011, Phy came together with a group of friends to form PHY AND THE BAND. Their sound was heavily influenced by the Afro/Urban genre. In 2014, she decided to create her own musical journey. Her musical taste is a diverse array of genres and sub-genres with Mali music, India arie, Fena gitu as some of her inspirations in creating what many could only describe as “PHY-music”.

CHANGE OF NAME

I formerly known and addressed as OLADEJI OLAJUMOKE OLAYIMIKA, now wish to be known and addressed as AKINPELU OLAJUMOKE OLAYIMIKA. All former documents remain valid. The general public should please take note.

I formerly known and addressed as JULIUS LOVETH OSAS, now wish to be known and addressed as DANIEL LOVETH OSAS. All former documents remain valid. The general public should please take note.

I formerly known and addressed as HAUWA ABDULLAHI, now wish to be known and addressed ABUBAKAR as HAUWA All former ABDULLAHI. documents remain valid. The general public should please take note.

I formerly known and addressed as UZOIJE MUNACHI NNEBE, now wish to be known and addressed as UZOIJE MUNACHI NWABUEZE. All former documents remain valid.

The general public should please take note.

I formerly known and addressed as AKEEM OLANREWAJU KOMOLAFE, now wish to be known and addressed as AKEEM ONIGBANJO KOMOLAFE. All former documents remain valid. The general public should please take note.

I formerly known and addressed as NDUKWU JOSEPHINE CHIZORBA, now wish to be known and addressed as NDUKWU JOSEPHINE. All former documents remain valid.

The general public should please take note.

I formerly known and addressed as MISS OGEH JOSEPHINE UYOYO, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS UGWA JONATHAN JOSEPHINE UYOYO. All former documents remain valid.

The general public should please take note.

I formerly known and addressed as NKECHI EMMANUELLA NWABUDE, now wish to be known and addressed as NKECHI EMMANUELLA OPERE. All former documents remain valid.

The general public should please take note.

TR

Saturday, January 28, 2017

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Price: N250

MISSILE Junaid Mohammed to Buhari

“I think the question President Buhari needs to ask himself is that one year after he has taken over the reign of power, what has changed? Is Nigeria better off than when he took over on May 29, 2015? The truth is that Nigeria is worse off today than when Buhari took over the reign of power. Every Nigerian today is worse off and nothing seems to be working under this government.”

–Second Republic lawmaker, Dr. Junaid Mohammed, chastising the Buhari administration.

pendulum

Dele Momodu dele.momodu@thisdaylive.com

Who Wants President Buhari Dead F

ellow Nigerians, please allow me to say wherever two or more Nigerians are gathered these days the topic of discussion must, naturally, dovetail to our dear President’s state of health and the consequential suggestion that our country is ailing as a result. This controversy didn’t start today. I remember how Governor Peter Ayodele Fayose, the enfant terrible of Ekiti State, raised a horrific alarm, just before the 2015 election that eventually catapulted Major General Buhari back to power. He had screamed to the whole world, indeed to high heavens, that the then APC Presidential candidate, General Muhammadu Buhari, had suffered brain damage and that he had to be flown abroad in an air ambulance for treatment. I was in London at that time and I remember making frantic calls to impeccable sources who I believe would know the truth. I was able to obtain pictures of visitors to the modest apartment General Buhari was staying at the time, which was somewhere in the high brow Mayfair. The visitors included Nasir El Rufai and Kayode Fayemi and they were able to dispel the ugly rumour even if some doubting Thomases still believed the worst had happened as Fayose continued to spur them on.

It is about two years since that happened and it doesn’t seem much has changed. The only difference is that Buhari is now the President of Africa’s biggest nation and any news about him would be of greater interest to Nigerians, wherever they may be, and indeed the rest of the world. Since assuming power as Executive President, whenever the President has travelled abroad on vacation, the rumour mill has gone into overdrive with all manner of people espousing their own theories as to what is wrong with the President and the sort of treatment he has gone to receive. This trip is no different. It has been compounde by the fact that it was announced oin this occasion that the President was going on a medical vacation as he would take the opportunity of his holiday to see his doctors. This is why I believe the President’s information managers should try harder to dispel the rumours. They left the door ajar with the small piece of information they provided. Mischief makers would make capital out of this once nothing more was said about the matter. There is no big deal telling us how the President is spending his holiday, where he is staying and so on. If indeed he is seeing doctors for a routine check up or worse still his health is failing like happens to all mortals, there is nothing to be ashamed of. We should be provided with the information and updated regularly with what is happening. If the President had routinely gone into hospital Nigerians should know the hospital as a matter of right what hospital he has gone to and if possible the doctors attending to him. The doctors should be allowed to inform the public as much as possible without jeopardising his right to the little privacy that he has left. The citizens of Nigeria and the rest of the world are anxious to know every little information about the President of the most populous black nation and they should be obliged.

What seems clear to me is that those in charge of disseminating information about the President do not seem to realise that once you become President of Nigeria, especially now in the era of social media, you become a gold fish with no hiding place. The President of Nigerian is no longer a private person upon assumption of office. His life belongs to Nigeria and Nigerians.

That is the simple truth that the President and

Buhari his publicists must realise and accept. It was in the dark ages when people think that they are protecting the President and Nigerians by not telling us about things happening to the President and around him.

If the President’s PR people are not obliging Nigerians then, the Vice President, Prof Yemi Osinbajo should take charge properly by addressing the public and allaying the fears of the people. He is a very cerebral person who must appreciate the debilitating effect that the kind of stories being peddled about is having on the polity and the economy.

The has led to people even carrying some salacious tales that some infernal cabal have asked Professor Yemi Osinbajo to resign in order that a Northerner can act as President and to prevent a Yoruba man from becoming President in the event that the worst happens to the President. The reason that such fiction is able to thrive is because people feel that the Vice President has not come out powerfully enough to demonstrate that he is truly the Acting President. For many, his body language leaves too many questions unanswered. They claim that he either appears like someone in the dark about events around him or that he is just being too careful not to send wrong signals. The way we disseminate news still leaves much to be desired. We seem to treat power with too much trepidation and thus allow touts to take over and rule the airwaves and cause confusion all over the place. I know that is not the case because the Vice President is not that kind of person. He is a careful but deliberate man who brings his intelligence and experience to bear on all that he is doing.

However, it is clear to me that he has not been faced with this kind of dilemma before.

I am sure that the Vice President knows that neither the President nor himself have any real private life again. It is clear that President’s handlers do nt know this. I was surprised to hear what my brother, the Special Adviser to the President, Femi Adesina, had to say

about this matter suggesting that it was left to the President to tell us what he wished about himself, his vacation and his health.

Silence is not always golden. It can be somewhat destructive if care is not taken. I’m reasonably certain that President Buhari is on a short vacation as announced when he was travelling. Even if I do not know exactly where he is, I believe he is resting and possibly seeing his doctors for an annual check up. Why make a sog and dance or fetish of this? President Buhari is human after-all. It is sad that we often make mountains out of molehills by our actions, inactions and ill-actions. Nigeria ought to have learnt useful lessons from the days prior to the death of former President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua.

This was how Nigeria was thrown into total confusion in 2010 because of the inordinate ambitions of a few people. I believe we have come a long way since then. I thought we had established that our public officers, especially our leaders, are in the spotlight and the full glare of the citizenry. That is the price you pay for leadership. You cannot expect to be in that role and then want to be a private citizen.

If you want that, then you stay in the confines of your sitting room or the “other room”! You certainly do not aspire to public office, if that is your desire. There are very good reasons why we need to know what is happening to our leaders, especially the President and the Vice President. Our Leaders forget that they are Public servants. Emphasis being on the word “Public”. They are being maintained by our hard earned money, tax payers money, whether they are on holiday, or on a routine medical check or a major medical operation.

We therefore have a right to the information that is presently being hidden from us. If the President does not care as some of his aides are suggesting, we care! It is our country and we asked him to lead us.

The state of health of the President, Vice President, and other major leaders in the executive, the legislature and the judiciary are of paramount concern to us. If they are ill and unable to govern, legiste or dispense justice, we, the people, must know. They cannot be patched up. It is them, the elected leaders, and not their cohorts, associates and acolytes that we elected to govern and legislate for us. Those associates, kitchen cabinet members or other

The state of health of the President,Vice President, and other major leaders in the executive, the legislature and the judiciary are of paramount concern to us. If they are ill and unable to govern, legiste or dispense justice, we, the people, must know.

They cannot be patched up.

surrogates cannot overreach the Constitution and govern on behalf of the President or Governors.

That is what almost happened during President Yar’Adua’s last days. We vigorously resisted those that sought to hijack the government at that time and succeeded in driving them out of Aso Rock. Nobody can take us back to those dark days. We are not prepared for anybody to set us back.

The Nigerian Constitution is clear on what would happen in case of any eventuality to the President. No Jupiter can change that unilaterally, not even the Vice President.

Fortunately, Prof Osinbajo is an esteemed and erudite lawyer. I am positive that he will not allow the Constitution to be suborned. He is a God-fearing and courageous man and will defend the laws of our land as he has pledged to do. I expect that President Buhari will do the same. That is why he has consistently transmitted a message to the Senate that the Vice-President is to act for him when he is away on vacation.

What happened in The Gambia just last week should have shown clearly that the days of reckless rascality in government and governance in Africa are gone forever. Fortunately, Nigeria and its leaders have taken the lead in enthroning democracy in other countries, cue Charles Taylor and Liberia, Gbagbo and Ivory Coast and now Jammeh and The Gambia, and so cannot now turn around to do the opposite in our own country.

On a more serious note, someone needs to talk some sense to the ruling party, APC. In case, the party apparatchik are still living in denial, it should be told in very clear terms that APC is flailing and floundering aimlessly and dangerously. The party is not living up to expectations. Nigerians are suffering and crying. No excuse can change the fact that most of the promises we made have not been kept.

Volunteers and non-party members like us are being harassed and confronted on the streets by those who feel let down by a government we helped to midwife. It is shocking that a party which coasted to power on the wave of a significant majority of popular votes has virtually wasted and frittered away its goodwill so fast.

Something drastic and urgent has to be done to arrest the slide into oblivion. The best and most charitable friends of APC would admit privately, if not publicly, that this government has failed to sparkle, in fact, that it has been too lacklustre and sluggish. It is as if it feels it has all the time in the world. Why is APC unable to fly?

There are just too many questions begging for answers and APC has stubbornly refused to own up to its many shortcomings and seek help from within and outside. If you not know the way forward, one should be able to retrace his steps before it is too late. Those who invested in APC did so in the hope that it was coming to demolish the behemoth called PDP and make life better for most Nigerians. Never did we campaign that the journey was going to be an Israelite one that would take a total of 40 years instead of four. I believe Nigerians are very patient and understanding people but they often justifiably get impatient whenever they feel someone has taken them for a ride. This is why it may seem they are kicking fitfully and restlessly against the APC and unable to endure the hardships they currently face.

True change is needed and maybe the way to start being accountable is to publish details of the President’s state of health so we truly know where we are!

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