16042019 - Borno gov, elders split over Lawan, Ndume by Vanguard Media Limited

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VOL. 26: NO. 63787

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TUESDAY, APRIL16, 2019

SENATE PRESIDENCY:

Borno gov, elders split over Lawan, Ndume •Gov Shettima sticks with Lawan, elders prefer Ndume

STORY ON PAGE 8

SPRING MEETING...

We’re still searching for remaining abducted Chibok girls — COAS 14

Naira appreciates to N360.30/ $ in I&E window 43 Mr & Mrs From left: CBN Governor, Mr. Godwin Emefiele; Minister of Finance, Mrs Zainab Ahmed; and Minister of Budget and National Planning, Sen. Udoma Udo Udoma, during a news conference after a successful outing at the Spring Meeting 2019 of the IMF and World Bank in Washington DC on Sunday. Photo: NAN.

ASSETS DECLARATION CHARGE:

I didn’t confess to any crime, 9 says Onnoghen COLUMNISTS

Extra-judicial killings: Police opt for stun 5 guns

TENIOLA 18

Tender your WAEC certificate if you have any, PDP challenges Buhari

MAILAFIA 32 ODUMAKIN 17

8 See Inside

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Vanguard, TUESDAY, APRIL 16, 2019—5

POCKET CARTOON guns

OIL AND GAS: From left, Chief Operating Officer, Academy Halogen, Dr. Wale Adeagbo; former High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, Dr. Christopher Kolade; former Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon and Executive Secretary, Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB), Engr. Simbi Wabote during the opening of the 2019 Annual International Conference and Exhibition of the Oil and Gas Trainers Association of Nigeria (OGTAN), yesterday in Lagos.

Extra-judicial killings: Police opt for stun guns By Emma Nnadozie, Crime Editor, Kingsley Omonobi, Emmanuel Elebeke, Joseph Erunke, Esther Onyegbula & Victor Arjiromanus

AGOS—Acting I n s p e c t o r General of Police, Mr Mohammed Adamu, yesterday in Lagos, said that henceforth, the nation's policemen will start using stun guns for routine patrols because the Police under the current leadership can no longer tolerate abuses associated with the Police. He spoke on the heels of killings by some

policemen in Lagos and other parts of the country, recently. Meanwhile, the British High Commission said that it was working with the Federal Government to end the scourge of kidnappings in the country. The UK through the Administrative Assistant, Private Office and Political, British High Commission, Abuja, Wayne White, disclosed that the UK was aware of the widespread insecurity and killings in Nigeria and was doing a lot to provide technical assistance to Nigeria to combat the scourge. Also, troops of the Nigerian Army and

Cameroon Defence Force fighting to rid the North Eastern part of the country and fringes of Lake Chad of Boko Haram terrorists, have killed 27 of the terrorists in a heavy gun fight. According to the Nigerian Army, at the end of the shoot-out, a cache of weapons capable of great destructive proportions including five Gun Trucks, two Anti-Aircraft Guns and two General Purpose Machine Guns among others were recovered from the felled terrorists.

How Arase introduced stun

It will be recalled that former IGP, Solomon Arase (retd), was first to introduce the concept of using stun guns in the Nigeria Police Force following outcry over cases of accidental discharge. Aside introducing the concept, IGP Arase who was an apostle of community policing, procured the stun guns and requisite wherewithal necessary for their usage. About 200 units of the stun guns which were bought by IGP Arase were supplied and distributed to Police Training institutions in Lagos, Port Harcourt and Kaduna to train police personnel on their use. He also introduced mental tests for police officers and personnel who would be allowed to carry guns and stay at strategic positions, a bit far off from those carrying stun guns in case of deadly armed robbery attacks. The stun guns according to Vanguard’s findings are presently being kept at Police armoury at the Police Training School, Ikeja in Lagos State, the armouries in Port Harcourt and Kaduna.

Enough is enough —IGP

Giving the stern warning during a visit to Lagos State, following recent public outcry, the visibly angry IGP Adamu said: “I have already ordered that a signal be circulated to all police commands and

formations in the country warning of dire consequences, against any personnel, that by their incorrigible acts, deviates from accepted police culture and values. “It is with a deep sense of professional concern that I visit the Lagos State Police Command to address the personnel of the force in the state. This visit has become expedient in view of recent trend of unprofessional conduct by some personnel who in utter disregard for their professional training, international protocols, constitutional dictates, force policies and ethical standards, have continued to drag the force into acts that pitch it against the citizens we were engaged, paid and statutorily obliged to serve and protect. “I must emphasise that enough is enough. The nation and indeed the police under the current leadership can no longer tolerate abuses

associated with the police either in Lagos or any other part of the country. I have already ordered that a signal be circulated to all police commands and formations warning of dire consequences, against any personnel who by their incorrigible acts deviate from accepted police culture and values.

Police to use stun guns for patrols, low risk operations

“In the long term, rather than the use of firearms, we shall henceforth use technologies and weapon systems such as electro-muscular disruption technology which is commonly known as teaser or stun guns by police for routine patrol, arrest duties and other low risk operations as a strategic approach towards reducing incidents of Continues on Page 43

By Bose Adelaja, Ebun Sessou, Yinka Latona, Chiamaka Uba, Dickson Omobola&Tolulope Oke

How can the killing of innocent citizens by Police, Customs be stopped? (2)

Nigerians must condemn the extrajudicial killing of their fellow citizens by the Nigerian Police and Customs. I think the government must do something about it by restructuring the security architecture. There is a need to check the type of persons being employed into police force. We do not need people of questionable character in the force. Mr. Anthony Ugwu, Businessman

It is quite disheartening that the people who are meant to protect lives are now the ones taking lives at will. Every young person out there now lives in fear because of the high rate of unjustified killings and harassment by the police. Sanctions need to be imposed on officers who take laws into their hands. Mr. Everistus Onwuzurike, Administrator

The human rights community should confront prevail on the Federal Government to caution policemen and customs personnel. Other security agencies are also culpable. The personnel are not even supposed to be seen moving about with guns everywhere. Sometimes the government even unleash security agents on the citizens during peaceful protests. Mr. Ekeh Leo Student

The security situation in Nigeria is now at a point where the sight of a police officer provokes fear rather than a sense of safety and contentment. It is really heartbreaking. The government has to step in and reform the Nigerian police because the police are critical agents of nation-building. Miss Anyanwu Ammarachi, Student

I will advocate regular training for our security personnel with adequate funding and monitoring. The citizens must also obey our security agencies, law-abiding to avoid any form of embarrassment or even untimely death. Mr. Olaoluwa Farotimi, Corps member

I think the police and customs should introduce what we call jungle justice for anyone found guilty of killing any citizen for no reason. There should be a limit to how police officers go around with riffles. Every policeman should not be considered capable of bearing arms. Mr. Balogun Afolabi, Security agent

6—Vanguard, TUESDAY, APRIL 16, 2019

Gunmen kill police officer in C-River By Ike Uchechukwu

ALABAR—A police constable, Etim Samuel, was, Sunday, reportedly shot dead by suspected militants at his duty post at Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, office, Ikot Effiom in Bakassi Local Government Area of Cross River State. A source, who pleaded anonymity, told Vanguard that Samuel was two months in service as at the time he was shot by the gunmen at about 2:30 am on Sunday. The source said: “He did not die immediately he was shot, but before the Samuel could get help, he had lost a lot of blood. “We have heard that the boys were looking for assault rifles and automatic weapons and they decided to pounce on the police officers who were on duty and killed one who fled into the bush in a bid to collect his rifle “The suspected militants, however, disappeared into thin air and nothing have been heard about them neither have they been apprehended but there is trepidation in the whole community as people are apprehensive because they fear they might come back.“ Contacted, Police Public Relations Officer in the state, DSP Irene Ugbo, who confirmed the incident, said the police officer was on duty when he was attacked and shot to death. “He was on duty when some suspected militants came and shot him to death. We want to find out what the motive behind his killing is and we have already started an investigation," the PPRO said. Vanguard further gathered that a lot of people were speculating that the killing might be unconnected with the just concluded elections but the police debunked it saying that they would unravel the truth as they investigate the matter. A source at INEC Office, Ikot Effiom, who pleaded anonymity said it had nothing to do with the justconcluded election as there were no longer materials or important items or documents relating to the recently concluded elections.

CRASHED: An accident scene along Lagos-Ibadan expressway after Sapade, Ogun State involving a passenger bus from Oshodi to Ibadan, Oyo State. No death was recorded, but many were injured, yesterday. Photos: Akeem Salau.

One of the victims.

Two killed, 3 hospitalised as suspected herdsmen invade Ekiti community By Rotimi Ojomoyela

DO EKITI—Suspected herders reportedly killed two persons, injured three others while many were sent packing from their residences, yesterday, in Iyemero-Ekiti, Ikole Local Government Area of Ekiti State. It was gathered that the assailants invaded the people’s farmstead in the early hours of the day while the residents were asleep. The incident occurred at Eda, one of the farmsteads and communities in Iyemero town. Multiple sources within Iyemero identified one of the dead as Mr Danjuma Ali, a farmer while the body of the second person, whose bodies had been deposited in the morgue. Those undergoing medicare at the emergency section of the Federal Teaching Hospital, Ido Ekiti include Mrs Jennifer Akoko, Mr Joseph Achebe and an unidentified victim. A source, who raised the alarm over the sad incident, said: “ It has happened again today (yesterday), it has become a recurrent killing. “They came around 1 am and were there till dawn. Our farmers are all afraid to go to their farmsteads. They all rushed to the palace of Oba Ebenezer Agboola Ogungbemi, the Olu of Iyemero Ekiti to take refuge. “We are mourning today at Iyemero, we are not happy about this incident and the government must do something about it”, the source said. The Olu of Iyemero, Oba

Ogungbemi and Olu-inCouncil, restated their calls for the establishment of a police station in the town to curb reoccurrence. Oba Ogungbemi, who spoke through the palace spokesman, Chief Ariyo Abejide, said there was the need for the teeming

population of farmers in this farmstead to be protected and secured by the security agencies from another seemingly and imminent attacks from the marauders. He said: “These herders stormed the community through the border of Iyemero

at Eruku in Kwara State. This makes Iyemero a porous exit and entrant, which portends dangers and insecurity to the community, Ikole local government and the state in general.” Contacted, Police Public Relations Officer, Ekiti Command, DSP Caleb Ikechukwu, said he had not been briefed about the matter.

Kogi Police confirm kidnap of man, wife By Boluwaji Obahopo, with agency reports

OMMISSIONER of Police in Kogi, Mr Hakeem Busari, yesterday, confirmed the kidnap of one Henshaw Ativie and his wife in the state on Sunday by unknown gunmen. Busari said in Lokoja that the husband and wife were kidnapped along Itakpe-Adogo road in Adavi Local Government Area of the state. He said the couple, their son, 7, and twin daughters, 4, were travelling to Edo in their SUV when they ran into the kidnappers. The police commissioner said the abductors forced the vehicle to stop by shooting at the tyres

before ordering the occupants to come down. According to him, the kidnappers later led the man and his wife into the nearby bush and left the three children stranded by the roadside. He said policemen deployed to the scene discovered that one of the twins was hit by a bullet fired by the kidnappers. The police commissioner said the girl had been taken to hospital for treatment while the remaining two children and the vehicle were in police custody. He promised that the men of “Operation Puff Adder ” recently deployed to the state were already on trail of the kidnappers, giving assurance that the couple would be rescued soon. In a related development, it

was gathered that the kidnappers of a commercial driver popularly called, SAPAMO, and four passengers travelling from Ayetoro/Gbede in Ijumu council area of the State have reportedly demanded N10 million ransom for their release. The commercial driver and the passengers were said to be returning to Lokoja the state capital, yesterday, when they were attacked and abducted along Obajana-Kabba road. A family source of the driver said the kidnappers have contacted the family demanding for N10m initially. The source said after much negotiation, the kidnappers reduced the ransom to N4m for their brother (SAPAMO), and the four kidnapped passengers.

Woman, 34, bags 14 years imprisonment for killing brother By Onozure Dania Lagos- A 34-year-old cook, Janet James, was yesterday sentenced to 14 years imprisonment by a Lagos State High Court sitting at Igbosere for beating her eight-year-old brother, Saviour James, to death. Janet James, it was gathered, beat Saviour to death for stealing meat from a pot of soup. James, who has been standing trial since 2013, was convicted by Justice Adedayo Akintoye, after she entered a plea bargain with the prosecution and later changed her plea from not guilty to guilty leading to reduction of her charges to a count charge of manslaughter. The convict, who committed the

offence on August 10, 2009, was remanded in prison custody on August 21, 2009, by a Magistrate's court. However, James was rearraigned before Justice Akintoye, in 2013 on a onecount charge of murder contrary to Section 317 of the Criminal Code, Laws of Lagos State, 2003. She had pleaded not guilty to the charge. The Lagos State prosecuting counsel, Mrs Abiola Gbadamosi, had told the court that James committed the offence at about 8 pm on August 10, 2009, at Ilupeju area of Lagos State.

How she killed him

Gbadamosi said the convict killed Saviour by beating him with a stick after accusing him of stealing meat from a pot of soup. She then dumped his body in the premises of an insurance company in Ilupeju. The convict, in her confessional statement to the police, said: “I carried him (the deceased) on my back and walked a long distance before throwing him across the fence. I decided to dump him there because the offices had long been closed. “He used to steal. I even warned him when I went to the

village to pick him. I beat him on Monday night at about 8 pm, after several warnings not to steal meat from the pot failed. I hit him with this little turning stick. But he did not die on the spot. At about 11 pm, he woke up to urinate. “But when I woke up at about 2 am, I discovered he was foaming from the mouth. I called him but there was no response. I tried opening his mouth and even hit him, yet there was no movement. While delivering judgement, the judge, held that the 14-year imprisonment will take effect from August 21, 2009, when James was remanded by a magistrate's court.

Vanguard, TUESDAY, APRIL 16, 2019—7

Ajah cult killings: Police arrest two suspects By Esther Onyegbula

AGOS State Police Command, yesterday, arrested two suspects in connection with the beheading and killing of four persons at Abraham Adesanya, Ajah area of Lagos State. The two suspects identified as Saheed Lateef and Julius Augulere, who reside at 13, Obodo Street, Okeira Nla, Langbansa area of Ajah, according to the police, are members of Aye

confraternity. Recall that four people were killed during a clash between rival cult gangs along Abraham Adesanya roundabout, Sunday morning. Vanguard learned that three of the corpses had machete cuts on their heads, hands and other parts while the head of the fourth corpse was severed from the body. Confirming the arrest, DSP Bala Elkana, Police Public Relations Officer, Lagos State, said "on April 14, 2019, Ogomo

police station received a distress call that rival cult groups had a clash of supremacy along Abraham Adesanya, Lekki-Epe expressway and four members of Eiye cult were killed by Aye members. "Two suspects have so far been arrested. Also, a blood-stained axe was recovered from the suspects. The two suspects have confessed to the commission of the crime. The four corpses have been evacuated and deposited at the public mortuary. The command has launched a manhunt of the other fleeing cult members."

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Man, 28, kills girlfriend over alleged cheating in Bayelsa By Samuel Oyadongha

ENAGOA— TRAGEDY struck, Sunday night, in the coastal settlement of Oluasiri in Nembe Local Government Area of Bayelsa State when a jealous man identified as Munabo Tonworio shot dead his girlfriend over alleged cheating. The incident, which occurred at about 11:00 pm, it was learned, jolted the serene oil-rich town. The suspect, aged 28, an indigene of Agada-Ama in Nembe, was said to have shot the

deceased identified as Victoria Ekalamene at close range as she was answering a call from an unidentified person. According to sources, the deceased, an indigene of Oluasiri, and a businesswoman, was the breadwinner of the relationship. The killer boyfriend reportedly took to his heels after committing the crime but was apprehended and tied close to the deceased corpse. Confirming the development, spokesman of the Police

Command, Asinim Butswat, said: “On Sunday at about 2245 hrs one Munabo Tonworio ‘m’ 28 years shot dead his lover, one Victoria Ekalamene ‘f’ 34 years, after a quarrel at the residence of the deceased in Oluasiri, Nembe Local Government Area, Bayelsa State. “The murder weapon, a locally cut-to-size gun and expended AA ammunition were recovered from the scene. “The suspect has been arrested and is being detained at the SCIID, Yenagoa. An investigation is ongoing.”

Very simple questions!

How suspect fleeced 20,000 Nigerians of N7bn via bogus scheme —EFCC Limited, Galazy Miners Concepts Soni Daniel, Northern Region Editor

CONOMIC and Financial CrimesCommission,EFCC,has arrested and detained a businessman, Babagana Abba Dalori, who is alleged to have fleeced his business associates to the tune of over N7 billion. Dalori, a 35-year-old 2010 graduate of Electrical Electronics, University of Maiduguri, is the Managing Director, Galaxy Transportation and Construction ServicesLimited,accordingtoEFCC sources. An investigation by the commission revealed that Dalori allegedly made his money from his unsuspecting investors as he lures them with mouth-watering Returns on Investment, RoI. He also promised his investors as high as 135 per cent and in some cases 200 per cent on whatever they bring into the company as their investment. How he floated phantom scheme in 2012 Accordingtothesuspect,hestarted his business in 2012 with just a tricycle (Keke NAPEP) and by 2014, hundreds of people showed interest in the investment and he felt the need to diversify. Thesuspectfurtherclaimedduring interrogationbytheEFCCoperatives that he diversified into sand mining, haulage business, transportationcommercial buses, while hundreds of investors were still falling on themselves to part with their hard earnedmoneyasthestakeonReturn on Investment had been raised from 135 per cent to 200 per cent.

In 2016, Dalori veered into full transportation business as he registered Galaxy Transport and Construction Company with his mother as co-director. In 2017, he claimed that he invested about N400 million to acquire a quarry licence and started mining at Mpape, Abuja. He added that he had offices in 11 states and continued to lure his investors with mouthwatering returns. He continued collecting money from investors until his investors rose to 20,700. But instead of concentrating on the line of business for which the investors had put their money, he further diversified as he registered and delved into Galazy Global Energy

Limited, Galazy Global Farms, Galazy GuestPalaceLimited,GalazyHospital, Galazy Computing, Galazy Block making and Galazy Car Wash. The investigation further revealed that in all the above companies registered and running, which spread in three cities of Abuja, Maiduguri and Yobe, the investors were never carried along; neither were they co-owners in the companies. Several investors interviewed, explained that they invested between N2 million to N20 million into Galazy Company but were never carried along in the multi-million investment he diversified into. Prior to his arrest by the EFCC, most of the victims of the scam had been agitated as the suspect has remained incommunicado.

Water borne disease claims 14 in A-Ibom community By Chioma Onuegbu

YO—NO fewer than 14 persons have been reportedly killed from water borne disease in Okoroutip community, an oil producing community in Ibeno Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State since December last year. Residents of the community, who disclosed this to newsmen at the weekend, lamented that apart from lack of source of potable water, they also suffer ravaging flood as a result of activities of oil companies operating in the

area. The youth president, Mr. Henry Nkan, said the community depended on existing ponds and water that flows from creeks for their source of drinking water, which has caused the lives of many He said: “As a riverine area where there is no bush to dispose waste, the community dispose faeces and other organic substances in the water and still drink from it. “From December last year till date, we have buried about 14 people that died from water borne diseases and we are afraid that more lives would be lost as nothing is being done to rescue us from the situation.”

If bread is polygamous, stew is a prostitute in Lagos

8—Vanguard, TUESDAY, APRIL 16, 2019

By Henry Umoru

My govt built three refineries —Gowon

BUJA—GOVERNOR Kashim Shettima of Borno State and elders of the state, yesterday, threaded parallel paths over who to support in the ongoing tussle for the 9th Senate presidency between Senator Ahmad Lawan (APC, Yobe North) and Senator Ali Ndume (APC, Borno South). While Borno elders and stakeholders threw their weight behind former Senate Leader, Ali Ndume, Governor Shettima dumped his kinsman, Ndume, and endorsed Ahmad Lawan. Speaking through their spokesman, Alhaji Yakubu Umar, in reaction to All Progressives Congress, APC, reported endorsement of Senator Ahmad Lawan, the elders said President Muhammadu Buhari had last December backed Ndume for the job. Meantime, an associate of Ndume told Vanguard that regardless of pressure from party leaders that the senator would not step down for Lawan. Rather, he prefers to contest and lose on the floor of the Senate than stepping down. ‘’Ndume would prefer to be defeated after the voting process instead of stepping down for Lawan,’’ the associate said, adding Ndume has the required number among the Senators to become the next Senate President. The Borno elders’ spokesman told Buhari to ensure he does not suffer further sabotage by allowing the wrong person to be elected the 9th Senate president, adding that the president should personally subject antecedents of Ndume and Lawan to scrutiny to determine who is more loyal, experienced or qualified to be senate president. In terms of lawmaking administrative experience, they said Ndume was first a MinorityLeaderintheHouse of Representatives and later Majority Leader before Lawan. According to the group, Ndume was punished and removed as Senate Leader because he was seen to be too close to presidency; just as he was suspended from plenary for defending Buhari’s policy, adding that Senate President, Dr Bukola Saraki, replacedNdumewith Lawan, who he considered as a willing partner, and under whom the presidency began to suffer sabotage. The group noted that Ndume would be a more competent Senate president because while he was a Senate Leader, he had the highest number of bills passed and also topped the chart of bills sponsorship with 64 bills. They said records also

By Udeme Akpan

BRIEFING: From left:National Vice Chairman, NACCIMA Business Women Group, NAWORG, Mrs. Nana Okuribido; National President, NACCIMA, Iyalode Alaba Lawson; Project Coordinator, NAWORG, Mrs. Afolabi Jimoh, and Member, Flora Takim-Ndifon at the briefing on NAWORG/Center for International Private Enterprise, CIPE Washington DC USA, #womenempowernigeria, in Lagos, yesterday.

SENATE PRESIDENCY: Borno elders, Shettima divided over Lawan, Ndume Elders back Ndume, gov goes for Lawan Why Ndume won’t step down — Associate show that no bill passed was denied assent by the president, but under Lawan more bills passed were rejected, adding: “This is because it is the responsibility of the senate leader to liaise with the Senate and Mr President, perhaps this was not taken seriously. ‘’Senate leader is the one who markets executive bill to the senate and carries out any improvement such bill requires to be accepted by the senate. This is the function Lawan failed to achieve." AccordingtoUmar,Senator Ndume is undoubtedly the senator who sacrificed the most in the defence of his party’s interest and policy in the 8th senate and that he lost his senate leadership position in the defence of President Buhari administration, just as he went on 90 legislative-day suspension in the bid to shield the presidency from ridicule. He continued: ‘’Before we decided to throw our support for Ndume to contest for the 9th senate President’s position if it was zoned to the North-East geopolitical zone, we the Borno elders on the platform of Concerned Borno Citizens asked our son whether he conferred with President Buhari, the ultimate leader of the ruling party, of his intention.

Shettima dumps kinsman, backs Lawan

However, addressing journalistsinAbuja,Shettima, a senator -elect for Borno Central, said he was supporting Lawanbecauseof the position of APC, which had already adopted him, stressing that the decision of

the APC on who becomes the President of the 9th Senate must be respected if party discipline and cohesion must be enforced in the ruling party. Shettima, who noted that it was not true that Borno elders were backing Senator Ndume, said as the first citizen of the state, he made wide consultations before his decision to support Lawan. He said: “I hail from the same state with the distinguished Senator Ndume. And I appreciate the fact that politics is local. But politics is also national. And I believe the blood that binds us together supersedes whatever we might harbour. I am the first citizen of the state, I have made wide consultationswithourleaders from Borno before resolving to back Senator Lawan. “I fully align with the aspiration of my party, to the aspiration ofPresident Buhari and by the grace of God, we are going to mobilize all our goodwill to see that we are fully on board. We are for Senator Lawan, we are for Femi Gbajabiamila and all other senators and other House of Representatives members endorsed by the party. “We are for party discipline that allowed everyone to aspire for political offices. We believe that we must respect the party. All of us won under platforms. There is no provision for independent candidate. “And most importantly, let’s be brutally honest. Most of us from the North won election by aligning with Buhari. So, we have no basis to undermine him or to disrespect him. Most of us

from the North have no basis not to align ourselves with President Buhari and whoever he enforces. He has endorsed some of the best hands we have in the system and where we hail from, Senator Lawan is one of the best hands we have. “It is a reality. He has been in the National Assembly since 1999, he has the experience, exposure, pedigree, intellect to redefine the process. He is the best among equals. He is level headed, calm, matured and we need such quality of leadership to drive the 9th Senate. “We, the people of Borno, the elected representatives of the people of Borno are not at war with Senator Ali Ndume. He is my kinsman but we will continue to prevail on him to align himself with the aspiration of the party. We are not at war. We belong to the same paternity.”

ORMER Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon (retd), said yesterday, that his government built three refineries, the ones in Port Harcourt, Warri, Kaduna for domestic consumption and had planned to build more refineries to export refined products, instead of giving the crude to various countries. This came as the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Dr Ibe Kachikwu said it will be impossible for the Federal Government to remove subsidy on fuel at this time in order to protect the people. They both spoke at the second International Conference and Exhibition of the Oil and Gas Trainers Association of Nigeria, OGTAN, in Lagos. Gowon, who chaired the event said: “I will like you to know that during our time, our plan was to build

five export-oriented refineries to export instead of giving the crude to various countries. “The three refineries, Port Harcourt, Warri, Kaduna, were designed for domestic consumption and we had planned that if our consumption grows more than the three can do, we will transfer one of the export-oriented refineries for home consumption.” Kachikwu on his part, said the Federal Government was mindful of the possible impact of subsidy removal on the people. He said: “Any President that is going to take that decision will have to weigh all the factors. Some of the factors, I don’t have here.” On fuel shortage, he said: "I went around Lagos this morning (yesterday). The fuel situation was just a logistics issue as available stocks can last for 28 days.”

High court judge heads Kaduna commission of inquiry into Kajuru crises By Ben Agande

ADUNA —THE Kaduna State government has announced the establishment of a judicial Commission of Inquiry into the incessant violent crises in Kajuru Local Government Area of the state. A statement by the spokesman to Governor Nasir el-Rufai, Samuel Aruwan, yesterday, said the commission is to be headed by Justice Isa Aliyu of the High Court of Kaduna State and has three months to submit its report. There has been incessant violence in Kajuru LGA in

the last four months, during which no fewer than 200 persons have been killed. According to the statement, the establishment of the commission of inquiry is a follow-up to the announcement by Governor el-Rufai. The statement said: “During a visit to Karamai community in Kajuru LGA on March 2, 2019, Malam el-Rufai announced that the Kaduna State Government had decided to establish a Judicial Commission of Inquiry into the communal conflict

Tender your WAEC certificate if you have any, PDP challenges Buhari

By Dirisu Yakubu

BUJA— PEOPLES Democratic Party, PDP, has dared President Muhammadu Buhari to tender his West African Examinations Council, WAEC, certificate, before the Presidential Election Petition Tribunal instead of allowing his campaign spokesperson, Festus Keyamo, to insult the sensibility of Nigerians by saying that certificate was not needed by anyone to become the President of the country. The party also called on

Nigerians to note that in claiming that an aspirant does not need WAEC certificate, but the ability to speak English, to contest for the office of the President, “the Presidency, through Festus Keyamo, has finally admitted that President Buhari does not have a WAEC certificate as he claimed in his INEC form.” A statement by the party’s spokesman, Kola Ologbondiyan read: “The PDP says it is completely inexcusable for President Buhari to swear to an affidavit to claim an educational qualification he does not possess.

“An attempt to deceive the public using a defective reading and skewed interpretation of a section of the constitution cannot exonerate President Buhari. ‘Moreover, Section 295 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) is very clear on issues of interpretations and reference to questions of law. The PDP therefore, maintains that the onus is on Buhari, as ‘Mr. Integrity’ to tender the certificate he claims to possess before the tribunal instead of this lame diversion from Presidential aides.”

Vanguard, TUESDAY, APRIL 16, 2019—9

How Nigeria can end fuel subsidy, increasing debt profile —NECA By Victor Young

HONOUR: Imo State Governor-elect, Emeka Ihedioha, CON, (left) presenting the NESH N&E Titan Honours for impactful Igbo Entrepreneurs to Mr. Paschal Dozie, CON, Founder, Diamond Bank & Chairman, MTN Nigeria (middle) at a gala dinner hosted by Corporate Nigeria to commemorate Dozie’s 80th birthday anniversary. Witnessing the Presentation is Emeka UgwuOju, Founder, Nigeria and Entrepreneurship:Summit & Honours, NESH.

Assets declaration charge: I didn’t confess to any crime, says Onnoghen Ex-CJN seeks acquittal, dismissal of charges FG’s lawyers clash, as CCT slates Thursday for judgment By Ikechukwu Nnochiri

BUJA—Former Chief Justice of Nigeria, CJN, Justice Walter Onnoghen, yesterday, berated the Federal Government for alleging that he confessed to the non-declaration of assets charge that resulted to his removal from office by President Muhammadu Buhari. Onnoghen, who voluntarily resigned his position as the CJN on April 4, maintained that contrary to Federal Government’s allegation, he did not at any time, admit that he committed any crime to warrant his trial before the Code of Conduct Tribunal, CCT, in Abuja. “This case is about alleged non-declaration of assets or failure to make a declaration. Counts two to six of the charge complained of false declarations. We submit that where a complainant alleged false declaration, it presupposes that there was a declaration”, Onnoghen’s lawyer, Mr. Okon Efut, SAN, said while adopting the defendant’s final address with respect to the charge. He urged the tribunal to dismiss the charge in its entirety, contending that FG failed to prove the elements of crime beyond reasonable doubt as required by law. On the issue of Exhibit C which was the statement the former CJN made before the CCB, Efut said it was grossly incorrect for the prosecution to equate

forgetfulness with admittance of crime. “This submission is grossly incorrect in law. When he said he forgot, that did not amount to a confession. He did not confess to the charge. The defendant cannot be convicted for an offence that is unknown to the law, for which there is no prescribed punishment. “The allegation here is that he failed or falsely omitted to declare assets. But our position is that there is no such offence that is known to the law in Nigeria. Until the law is well defined, an accused cannot be punished for an unknown offence. “There is evidence that the defendant substantially declared all his assets and it is not true that he did not declare his assets since 2005 until 2016. In fact this argument even defeats their case because they said that he falsely declared. What we are saying is that the prosecution has woefully failed to prove its case,” the defence lawyer insisted. More so, Onnoghen argued that section 15 of the CCB and Tribunal Act, is in conflict with Paragraph 11 of the Fifth Schedule to the 1999 Constitution. He argued that the section upon which FG hinged the charge against him, was unconstitutional and ought to be declared null and void. Consequently, the defendant prayed the tribunal to discharge and acquit him of all the allegations against him. However, Federal Government, through its lawyer, Mr. Aliyu Umar,

SAN, asked the CCT to convict and impose maximum punishment on the former CJN, contending that it successfully established that he acted in breach of the code of conduct for public officers in the country. In its written address, Federal Government further urged the tribunal to hold that the prosecution proved its case against the defendant, beyond every reasonable doubt. “We urge this tribunal to rely on hard facts before it and convict the defendant accordingly,” Federal Government stated. It further reinforced its position that the ex-CJN admitted that he forgot to declare his ownership of various bank accounts that were operational as at the time he declared his assets in 2016. “Whether or not forgetfulness is an offence, is for your lordships to determine,” FG added. Moreover, FG argued that it was not in Onnoghen’s position to determine whether or not the charge against him was proved beyond reasonable doubt, saying “The defendant cannot place a burden that the Constitution has not placed on the prosecution.”

FG's lawyers clash

Meanwhile, there was a sharp disagreement in FG’s camp immediately the CCT commenced its proceeding, yesterday, as two senior lawyers in the prosecution team, struggled for the microphone to address the panel.

Shortly after FG’s lead counsel, Mr. Umar, SAN, announced his appearance, a member of his team, Prof. Zainab Duke, attempted to take over the microphone to address the Mr. Danladi Umar-led three-man tribunal. With a paper in her hand, Prof. Duke, tried to use the microphone but Umar, SAN, quickly grabbed it and shouted on her to sit down. “There cannot be two leading counsel in this matter. Sit down! You cannot speak,” Umar noted. Meantime, Prof. Duke, who struggled to regain her position after she sank to her seat in the middle of a struggle for the microphone with Umar, did not give up, as she kept shouting, “My lord, I need your protection.” Intervening, the CCT Chairman, Mr. Umar, urged both parties to calm down, after which he foreclosed Prof. Duke from addressing the tribunal on behalf of the prosecution. “Only one of you can speak for the team. Whatever you have to say to us, I suggest that you inform the lead counsel,” the CCT Chairman stated.

CCT fixes Thursday for judgment

Meanwhile, the tribunal fixed Thursday to deliver judgment on the charge against Onnoghen. The tribunal said it would also on that day, deliver ruling on two applications the erstwhile CJN filed to challenge the competence of the criminal proceeding the government initiated against him.

AGOS—NIGERIA E m p l o y e r s ’ Consultative Association, NECA, yesterday, expressed concern over the resurgence of fuel scarcity across the country, and the return of fuel subsidy debate in Nigeria, saying NECA was disturbed at the corruption ridden fuel subsidy regime and the increasing debt profile of Nigeria. Giving insight into how Nigeria could end the fuel subsidy regime and unsustainable increasing Nigeria’s debt profile, Director-General, Mr. Timothy Olawale, in Abeokuta, Ogun State, said government should do the needful by immediately putting in place a process and enlightenment machinery that would lead to the deregulation of the downstream oil sector and a deliberate disengagement from the debt burden He said: “Like a sore that has refused to heal, the recurrent issue of fuel scarcity has reared up its ugly head again. We are where we are today

because despite past sound counsel, government has not been faithful to the deregulation of the PMS market in the downstream sector. Let us ponder and ask ourselves where the non-deregulation of the petroleum sector has led our economy: continued dependence on offshore sources for petroleum products, supply perennial shortage of petroleum products, loss of productive man hours as a result of endless hours spent at filling stations, massive and unimaginable corruptions in the management of the subsidy dispensation, etc.”. These, he averred, are not sustainable. “Over the last decade, the country has spent over N9 trillion on fuel subsidy, about N15.5 trillion on Capital Expenditure, N2.1 trillion on health and about N3.9 trillion on education. This is a misplacement of priority and shows that critical developmental items such as education, health and infrastructure have suffered due to the expenditure on fuel subsidy."

Internet users hits 114.7m in February —NCC

NTERNET users in Nigeria increased marginally to more than 114,752,357 million in February 2019, the Nigerian Communications Commission, NCC, has said. The NCC made the disclosure, yesterday, in its Monthly Internet Subscribers Data for February posted on its website. The data showed that overall internet users increased to 114,725,357 in February from 113,875,204 recorded in January showing an increase of 850,153 new subscribers. According to the data, Airtel and MTN gained more internet subscribers

during the month under review, while 9mobile and Globacom were the big losers. The breakdown revealed that MTN gained more with 607,462 new internet users in February, increasing its subscription to 46,538,633 as against 45,931,171 in January. It further showed that Airtel was second, gaining 430,990 new users in the month under review, increasing its subscription to 30,891,518 in February as against 30,460,528 in January. It said that Globacom lost 114,268 internet users, decreasing its subscription in February to 27,486,271 from 27,600,539 recorded in January.

Buhari hails former NSE president, Inuwa at 70 By Johnbosco Agbakwuru

BUJA—PRESIDENT Muhammadu Buhari has congratulated former President of Nigerian Society of Engineers, NSE, Ibraheem Inuwa, on his 70th birthday, and for many years of meritorious service to the nation, and his community. The President also joined Inuwa’s family, friends and professional colleagues in celebrating the milestone, which has been lined with

many achievements and recognitions for his sacrifices, selflessness and diligence in contributing to the development of the country. President Buhari affirmed that the engineer, who started out in the Ministry of Works and Housing in the 70s, and later moved to the Ministry of Rural and Community Development, Kano, used his talent and qualifications for the betterment of society, willingly accepting opportunities to serve.

10 — Vanguard, TUESDAY, APRIL 16, 2019

Hoarding: DPR seals three filling stations in Ogbomoso By Ola Ajayi

BADAN—THE Department of Petroleum Resources, DPR, has sealed three fuel stations in Ogbomoso area of Oyo State for hoarding premium motor spirit. This was disclosed by the Operation Controller of DPR, Ibadan Field Office, Mr. Oluyemi Olaonipekun. The DPR boss in the state further revealed that the filling stations were sealed in Ogbomoso East when officials of the DPR, who were sent to the field, found out they did not sell to consumers. Though, the product is available in Ibadan

metropolis, some of the filling stations at the outskirts of the city are trying to hoard it in order to create artificial scarcity. The DPR stated that sealing up the stations had compelled others who wanted to hoard the commodity to exercise caution. Vanguard discovered that the stations tried to hoard the product last weekend and some of the stations that have started dispensing it. He faulted the claim that Federal Government was trying to increase pump price of petrol just as he advised Nigerians to desist from panic buying of petrol.

Picketing: Caverton reaches agreement with Aviation Unions By Lawani Mikairu

AGOS—CAVERTON Helicopters reached agreement with their workers and aviation unions who planned to picket the company, yesterday, over unpaid workers terminal benefits. At a meeting yesterday, the company agreed to pay N400 million terminal benefits to the former workers who were declared redundant. Speaking with Vanguard on phone, National Union of Air Transport Employees, NUATE, General Secretary, Ocheme Aba confirmed the agreement and said the issue of gratuity is being worked on. He said: “N400 million

has been paid to the exworkers as redundancy payment, but he is yet to get how much will be paid to the workers as gratuity. ” The unions comprising National Union of Air Transport Employees (NUATE); Air Transport Services Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (ATSSSAN); Association of Nigerian Aviation Professionals (ANAP); National Association of Air Pilots and Engineers (NAAPE) and Amalgamated Union of Public Corporations Civil Services Technical and Recreational Services Employees (AUPCTRE) had resolved to picket the airline starting from Monday (yesterday.)

Akeredolu budgets N13m for phone calls, N500m for hosting guests

KURE—N13 million was budgeted for telephone calls in the office of Governor Rotimi Akeredolu of Ondo State in 2019. The office of Agboola Ajayi, Akeredolu’s for telephone calls while N2 million was set aside for telephone calls in the office of the Senior Special Assistants to the governor. This provision was made in the budget passed by the Ondo House of assembly in January but made public last week. In a copy of the budget seen by TheCable, N1.066 billion was provided for gift items during festivals and children’s party as well as hosting of state guests during special events in the office of the governor. The amount also covers donations to unspecified beneficiaries. N50 million was provided for donations in Ajayi’s office.

The breakdown, which was published under special programmes in the 2019 estimates, has N500 million earmarked for “hosting of state guests during special events.” Also a total of N336 million was budgeted to cater for gift items during festivities and children parties, just as N230 million was set aside for donations. The governor ’s office also has N107 million on local travel and transport; N2 million on electricity and N25 million for office stationery and computer consumables. Also to be spent is N13 million for printing of security documents, N53 million for maintenance of motor vehicle and transport equipment, N12 million for maintenance of office furniture, N19 million for local training, N150 million for refreshment and meals and N26 million for welfare package.

INSECURITY: Lagos police overstretched — AMBODE We’ll fish out bad eggs, IGP vows By Olasunkanmi Akoni & Monsuru Olowoopejo

A G O S — GOVERNOR Akinwunmi Ambode of Lagos State, yesterday, lamented that the number of policemen providing security were insufficient to address security challenges in the state. The governor said this when he received the Acting Inspector General of Police, Abubakar Adamu at the State House, Alausa Secretariat, Ikeja. He said the state government would not stop in its resolve to always support the police in boosting security. Ambode said: “We know that the Nigerian Police are under pressure. To ask just 33,000 officers to police a population of about 24 million in Lagos, it is obvious that they are already overstretched.” While he urged the Police boss to address issues within the force, he said: “I want to commend the IGP for this visit. Beyond the fact that this is a courtesy visit, he is coming promptly to address extra-judicial killings that have actually taken place in the last few weeks. “So, for the IG to come promptly himself to address issues that relate to public feelings about the Special Anti Robbery Squad, SARS, and actually talking to the officers and men, that

means he is taking the responsiveness within the Nigerian Police seriously, before we address extra issues that border on the citizens. So, I want to commend him on that act of responsiveness and also say that it is what we should emulate in dealing with management issues that relate with our officers. “I empathize with the IG because last week he was in Zamfara; today he is in Lagos and tomorrow he would be in other places. Policing Nigeria is a big challenge but again, he is up to the task and we wish

him well in his assignment.” Responding, the IGP commended Ambode for the support given to police and other security agencies in the state, saying the successes recorded in keeping the state safe would not have been possible if not for the support of the Governor. Speaking on recent cases of extra-judicial killings recorded in the state, Adamu vowed that the affected officers would be charged to court and made to face the full wrath of the law. He said: “I came to pay a

courtesy visit to the Governor because I am in Lagos State to see the officers and men of the Nigerian Police. I came to talk to them on good behaviour and to remind them of ethics of the job. We are to serve the public; we are not their masters, we are their servants. “I want to thank Governor Ambode for his support to members of the Nigerian Police in Lagos State. Without the support of the Governor, I think the successes we recorded in the state would not have been possible.”

VISIT: From left; Acting Inspecting General of Police, Mohammed Adamu; the Oba of Lagos, His Royal Majesty, Oba Rilwan Akiolu, Managing Director, Nigerian Ports Authority, NPA, Hadiza Bala Usman and Deputy Inspector General of Police, Taiwo Lakanu, during the trio's visit at the Oba’s Palace in Lagos yesterday.

Alleged debt: Ex-minister loses bid to stop bank from seizing property By Henry Ojelu

AGOS—A Federal High Court sitting in Lagos, yesterday, turned down an application seeking to stop Access Bank Plc from taking over a property known as Etiebet’s place in Ikeja, Lagos. The property, located on Mobolaji Bank Anthony Way, is owned by a former Minister of Petroleum Resources, Chief Don Etiebet, in the name of his firm, Obodex Nigeria Limited. In a ruling, yesterday, Justice A. Liman rejected

Obodex Nigeria Limited’s plea to stay the execution of a December 17, 2018 judgment of Justice Ibrahim Buba, which empowered Access Bank to take over the property. The bank had dragged Obodex Nigeria Limited to court over an alleged indebtedness. The firm challenged the court jurisdiction to hear the suit. But in his December 17, 2018 decision, Justice Buba dismissed the objection by Obodex Nigeria Limited and ruled in favour of Access Bank. Pursuant to this, Access Bank took over Etiebet’s

Place and appointed a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Mr Kunle Ogunba, as receiver/ manager to manage the property towards the recovery of the alleged debt. Not pleased, Obodex Nigeria Limited filed an appeal as well as an application for stay of execution of the judgment. In the application for stay of execution, through its lawyer, Mr Dele Adesina, SAN, Obodex Nigeria Limited sought an order restraining Kunle Ogunba, SAN and his privies or assignees from “advertising or offering for

sale, selling, mortgaging, transferring, alienating or otherwise interfering with the applicant’s equitable right of redemption on the property situated and lying at 21 Mobolaji Bank Anthony Way, Ikeja, Lagos, also known as Etiebet’s House, pending the hearing and final determination of the applicant’s appeals.” However, Access Bank, through Ogunba, opposed Obodex’s application for stay of execution. Ruling yesterday, Justice Liman refused to stop Access Bank from taking over the property.

‘INEC must declare results of Ajeromi-Ifelodun House of Reps poll’ By Onozure Dania

A G O S — ELECTORATE in Ajeromi Ifelodun Local Government Area, Lagos State, yesterday, appealed to the leadership of Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu to, as a matter of “urgency direct the Resident Electoral Commissioner to comply with court order and ensure that the Returning Officer declares the results of the election for the House

of Representatives, conducted in the local government. In a statement by the Rita Orji Campaign Office, entitled: Undue delay and failure to declare the result of Ajeromi Ifelodun House of Representatives Federal Constituency, by DirectorGeneral, Mr. Charles Ejimadu said: “There is a valid court order directing INEC to declare the results of the elections as conducted and announced at the polling units,” and noted that it was already a

week when ruling was given by court. “We did not expect any further delay from INEC in obeying the court order, as we already know who the winner is: Rita Orji, with a margin is unprecedented. “Rita Orji won convincingly. We urge you to declare the result and announce her officially without delay. She and Ajeromi Ifelodun electorate should not be subjected to this harrowing experience because she does not belong to the ruling party.

“It is curious that elections at the same polling units for the offices of the President and Senate were announced, while results for House of Representatives withheld. “We are in possession of copies of the original results for 67 polling units out of the 71 polling units. Elections were conducted at the polling units, results were declared and pasted at the polling units, while agents were given their copies including the security agents.''

VANGUARD, TUESDAY, APRIL 16, 2019 — 11

Abiodun unveils transition c’ttee

B E O K U TA — SEGUEL to the announcement of his Economic Transition Committee, Ogun State Governor-Elect, Mr. Dapo Abiodun has unveiled members of the Transition Work Groups. In a statement by his spokesperson, Mr. Remmy Hazzan in Abeokuta, Mr. Abiodun was quoted as saying “the members of the work groups is a further demonstration again that our commitment to inclusiveness is not a lip service, as the composition is broad-based and a rich blend of human resources, painstakingly selected from critical stakeholders,

ZONTA CLUB CHANGE OF BATON: From left; Zontian Omotayo Morgan; Zontian Gloriastene Agboola and the outgoing President, Zonta Club of Ibadan, Zontian Iyabo Bassir during the Club's fund raising and change of baton ceremony at the Zonta House Jericho/Idi-Ishin Ibadan on Sunday . Photo: Dare Fasube.

ALLEGED N1.2BN FRAUD: Judge continues with Fayose’s trial, ignores EFCC petition

Oyo guber: Adelabu, APC get court's nod to inspect materials By Ola Ajayi

By Innocent Anaba

AGOS—EFFORTS by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, to transfer the trial of former governor of Ekiti State, Mr. Ayodele Fayose before Justice Mojisola Olatoregun of a Federal High Court sitting in Lagos to another judge may have failed as the trial continued, yesterday, with the 11th prosecution witness, Mr. Sunday Alade, telling the court how the N1.2 billion allegedly given to Fayose from the Office of National Security Adviser, ONSA, was moved to the state. However, Alade, who said he was the Akure Branch Manager of a new generation bank in 2014 when the money was moved to his branch, said he did not know where the money came from and that he was not sure the person who brought the cash was former Minister of State for Defence, Senator Musiliu Obanikoro. He also said he did not submit any Bulk Cash Register to EFCC on the transaction. EFCC had in a petition by its acting chairman, Ibrahim Magu to the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, Justice AbdulKafarati, sought the transfer of the trial from Justice Olatoregun to another

judge, alleging bias against the trial judge. However, at the resumed hearing, yesterday, there was no indication that the case would be transferred to another judge as no reference was made to the petition. Led in evidence by prosecuting counsel, Mr. Rotimi Jacobs, SAN, Alade said he got a call from his head of operations asking him to head for Akure Airport to receive cash from a customer. “On June 17, 2014, I was in my office in the bank branch office in Akure. I received a call from my head of operations, Abiodun Oshodi that a customer would be coming to make deposit into his account with the bank. “He said in order to provide security, we should arrange for a bullion van to go to the airport to pick the cash. After an hour, my head of operations, Oshodi came and said the customer had arrived. He introduced Abiodun Agbele as the customer. “He said we should prepare to go to the airport. I asked for time to arrange for security, but they said that won’t be necessary as they had sufficient security. They came with mobile policemen and some soldiers in a Hilux van,” Alade said. The witness said he went

with Oshodi and Agbele to the airport in the bullion van with the security men. Alade said: “At the airport, we waited for a few minutes before the arrival of the aircraft. Three individuals came out of the aircraft. “Two of them walked away. The remaining person introduced himself as O. Adewale. The cash was offloaded into the bullion van and we drove to the bank branch in Akure.'' He said when they arrived at the bank, the money was counted in his presence and Oshodi, Adewale and Agbele. “The money was counted in our presence. It was N724 million. We were informed that there was a balance. We went back to the airport and picked N494 million. The total cash amounted to N1.219 billion. Another aircraft brought the N494 million. “I gathered that the cash was lodged in three bank accounts – those of DePrivateer, Spotless Investment and Ayodele Fayose. I also understand cash was taken away that day by Mr Agbele.” Asked who Adewale was, he said: “Adewale O. introduced himself as Obanikoro’s aide-decamp.” Asked if he knew those who walked away from the

aircraft after it landed, the witness said: “One of them resembled Obanikoro. I never met him in person. But he resembled the person I saw on television and newspapers.” Cross examination Under cross examination by defence counsel Ola Olanipekun, SAN and Olalekan Ojo, SAN, for Spoless Ltd, Fayose’s coaccused, the witness said he did not know where the money came from. Asked if he knew what the money was meant for, he said: “Not at all.” The witness said it took 10 days to process the cash. In response to a question by Ojo as to whether he submitted a bulk cash register to EFCC on the transaction, the witness said “No.” Ojo showed the witness a statement of account belonging to Spotless Investment. He was asked to identify entries for October 6, 2014, September 5, 2014 and December 6, 2014. Alade said the entries showed the transfer of N11.173 million each described as “mortgage repayment” and “mortgage loan liquidation.” Justice Olatoregun adjourned until May 10 and 14 for continuation of trial.

Lagos Catholic Archdiocese replaces Gabriel Osu By Sam Eyoboka

AGOS—THE C a t h o l i c Archdiocese of Lagos has announced the appointment of an acting Director of Social Communications to take over from Rev. Msgr Gabriel Osu, who had served meritoriously in that capacity for over two decades. He is the Priest-inCharge of the Catholic

Church of the Presentation, Festac Town, Lagos, Rev. Fr. Anthony Gbenayon Godonu. The Archbishop of Lagos, Most Rev. Alfred Adewale Martins, who made this known yesterday, said the appointment takes effect from April 1, 2019. Rev Fr. Godonu was born on March 23, 1976 to the family of late Mr. and Mrs. Roger and Celestina Godonu of Porto-Novo, Republic of Benin.

including professionals in politics (both in APC and other parties), experts, women, youth, organised private sector, people with special needs and nonindigenes, among others.” The statement added that: “There are 10 work groups to focus not only on key items in our manifesto, but also on connected matters that strengthen institutions, and build capacity that will ensure that government agencies deliver on their mandates effectively and efficiently on a sustainable basis. Motivation of Ogun State work force is a very key objective in this regard.”

BADAN—THE Election Petition Tribunal in Oyo State, yesterday, granted governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress, APC, in the March 9 election, Chief Adebayo Adelabu to inspect all materials used during the election. The tribunal gave the order after the petition filed by the APC in the state challenging the victory of the candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Engr Seyi Makinde in the election. Makinde was declared Makinde winner of the election by INEC after scoring 515,621 votes as

against his closest opponent, Adelabu of APC who polled 357,982. When Vanguard called the Media Director of Adelabu, he said his boss did not file any case against PDP but that the petition was filed by the party. Other respondents in the case are PDP and INEC. Chairman of the tribunal, Justice Anthony Akpovi gave the order after looking into the application presented before the tribunal. While presenting the petition, Mr. Olajide Ola, counsel to Adelabu prayed the court to grant his motion experte to allow his client inspect the governorship election materials in the state.

Oando, First Bank, others receive recognition at PEBEC Awards

BUJA—OANDO Energy Resources, First Bank of Nigeria and other private sector companies were commended at the recently concluded Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council, PEBEC, award ceremony held at the State House Banquet Hall in Abuja, for their support of the PEBEC initiative. The award was presented by Vice President, Yemi Osibanjo, on Wednesday April 3. The awards ceremony recognised MDAs and subnationals that implemented impactful and landmark reforms in 2018; as well as key members of the private sector who particularly contributed to driving PEBEC’s overall reform initiatives. Speaking at the occasion, the Vice President said: “In the past three years of inaugurating PEBEC, Nigeria has implemented more than 140 reforms to make doing business in Nigeria easier and improve overall competitiveness in line with a key strategic objective of the Economic

Recovery and Growth Plan, ERGP. It is a pleasure to celebrate the phenomenal successes of the PEBEC reforms, but more importantly to recognise specially some of those who made it all possible." Receiving the award, Chief Operating Officer, Oando Energy Resources, Dr. Ainojie Irune said: “While it is clear that the Government, through PEBEC has done a commendable job in aggressively driving reforms to ease the process of doing in business in Nigeria, it’s imperative that we in the private sector continue to proactively look for opportunities to collaborate amongst ourselves and with the Government to bring about sustainable solutions that will move the country and economy forward. As a proudly indigenous company, we at Oando are strong advocates of combined capital and intellectual resources in the public and private sectors to yield lasting results, which is why we will continue to lend our support to lofty Government initiatives such as PEBEC.”

12—Vanguard, TUESDAY, APRIL 16, 2019

We won’t disobey court orders on presidential election —INEC that there are petitions By Omeiza Ajayi

NDEPENDENT National Electoral Commission, INEC, has promised to respect all court orders relating to the ongoing petitions at the Presidential Election Tribunal. INEC National Commissioner in charge of Voter Education and Information, Mr. Festus Okoye disclosed this in a statement, yesterday, in Abuja. He said: “INEC is aware

pending before the Presidential Election Petitions Tribunal. The Commission is also aware that issues have been joined in the said petitions as the petitioners have filed their petitions and the respondents have responded to the petitions. The commission as one of the respondents in the petition filed by the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, and its Presidential candidate has responded to the said petition."

A-Court nullifies composition of APC primary election appeals committee ...declares Edo Speaker Akoko-Edo federal constituency candidate By Alemma Aliu

ENIN CITY – THE Court of Appeal sitting in Benin City yesterday nullified the All Progressives Congress, APC, National Assembly primary election appeals committee headed by former governor of Edo State, Professor

Oserheimen Osunbor. It also declared the Speaker, Edo State House of Assembly, Mr. Kabiru Adjoto the candidate of the party in Akoko-Edo Federal Constituency. Delivering its judgment on an appeal brought before it by Adjoto, who claimed to have won the party’s primary election but

was denied the ticket, Justice Moore AbrahamAdumein said the trial court ought to have heard the case brought before it. He said:”The trial court for reasons best known to it failed or neglected to make any pronouncement on the issue before it. The Osunbor committee was not properly constituted

FG must pay attention to unemployment statistics —Prof Ikelegbe By Tolulope Oke

Professor at the Institute for Security Studies, Lower Usman Dam, Abuja, Prof Augustine Ikelegbe, has called on the Federal Government to pay attention to the unemployment statistics

facing the country. He also called on Nigerian universities to reform how they educate their graduates, saying they should be educated to easily adapt to new technologies and become entrepreneurs. Ikelegbe, who said these at the 12th matriculation ceremony of the Western Delta University, Oghara, Delta State warned that failure to do so could make Nigeria totally forgotten by the scientifically and technologically progressive world. Speaking on the theme: “University Education and the Contemporary Labour Market in Nigeria,” said Nigeria’s employment capacity is 83 million. He lamented that 26 million unemployed people were seeking nonexistent jobs.

Edo 2020: Obende, group, drums support for Obaseki/ Shaibu

OUTHS under the aegis of Obaseki/ Shaibu Movement, OSM and a Chieftain of the All Progressives Congress, APC, in Edo State, Senator Domingo Obende, have thrown their weight behind the re-election bid of Governor Godwin Obaseki, promising to mobilise support for the governor and his deputy, Mr Philip Shaibu. In a chat with journalists in Akoko Edo, he said Obaseki has brought a rare panache to governance, which has engendered development in different parts of the state. Senator Obende, who is the Grand Patron of OSM, described Edo people as progressives, who support good governance which Obaseki’s government embodies.

WORKSHOP: From left—Director-General, Lagos State Safety Commission, Hakeem Dickson; Chief Executive, Century Group Mr Ken Etete; and Director, Environmental Services, Lagos State Ministry of Environment, Mrs Belinda Odeneye, at the Health, Safety and Environment workshop in Lagos.

because the committee contravenes Article 21 B of the APC guidelines which said no member of the fivemember appeals committee shall be from the state of assignment. The committee abinitio ought not to hear the case. Having considered the evidence before the lower court which it did not consider, Adjoto won the primary election as the Returning Officer during the election, Sufiyanu Igbafe declared that Adjoto scored 7,034 votes against his opponent, Peter Akpatason who scored 5,606 votes.’’ Consequently, he said: “This appeal is hereby unanimously allowed and the prayers sought by the appellant in the trial court are hereby granted and the sum of N300,000 is hereby awarded as cost against the first and second respondents” He said his two colleagues, Justice Chioma Nwosu-Iheme, who is the presiding justice and Justice Tunde Efotoye agreed with the judgment. However, lawyer to Akpatason, Omoh-Ige Adebayo said they would contest the judgment in the Supreme Court.

PDP, APC bicker over herdsmen killings in Delta By Perez Brisibe

GHELLI – THE Delta State chapters of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, and the All Progressives Congress, APC, are currently enmeshed in a war of words over the renewed attacks by armed herdsmen in some parts of the state. At least six farmers were last week confirmed killed in Abraka community of Ethiope East Local Government Area by suspected herdsmen. Reacting to the killings, the APC in a statement by its Publicity Secretary, Sylvester Imonina, explained that the killings and destruction of property in parts of the state gave the impression that the state government had abdicated its responsibilities. The party said: “In Delta State, it is on record that the governor receives billions of Naira as security vote. What is Sen. Ifeanyi Okowa doing with the huge sums earmarked for security in the state?” The party also asked the police and other sister security agencies in the state to up their game in tackling the spate of insecurity. Responding, the PDP in a statement by its Publicity Secretary, Dr. Ifeanyi Osuoza described the

statement as hugely disappointing in content and context. The statement reads: “The party is even becoming progressively worried by the growing activities of unprovoked attacks, maiming and perennial killing of helpless Deltans, particularly in the Abraka axis of the state where the

so-called ‘Peoples General’ is lord and master and holds sway with unchallenged autocracy, over his fiefdom. “That Governor Okowa had turned a blind eye to the legal/moral responsibility placed on him by the law and that members of Delta State Vigilante survive on the

crumbs from good spirited members of the public, while the government of Delta State cares less about their welfare, is not only misleading, but a lie, which can only be manufactured in the laboratory of falsehood, operated at full capacity by the fractured and factionalised Delta APC."

Ojobo-Bomadi-Gbekebor Road: Akugbene-Mein council urges Delta to partner NDDC, others

By Charles Kumolu

KUGBENE-MEIN Traditional Council has called on Delta State government to collaborate with the Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, and other relevant agencies to ensure the completion of OjoboBomadi-Gbekebor Road, in order to boost economic activities in the area. It also frowned on the level of insecurity in Nigeria, especially in the northern part of the country, urging the Federal Government to ensure that security agencies contain the menace. A communiqué issued at the end of its general meeting which was presided over by the traditional ruler of the

kingdom and 2nd ViceChairman, Delta State Council of Traditional Rulers, Pere S. P. Luke, commended the sons and daughters of AkugbeneMein over what it described as their peaceful conduct during the last

general election. The statement reads: “The council expresses gratitude to the sons and daughters of the kingdom for their peaceful and matured conduct, before, during and after the 2019 general election."

Otuaro has demonstrated political sagacity —Otuisi

PECIAL Assistant to Delta State Governor, Mr Louis Otuisi, has congratulated the Acting Governor of Delta State, Kingsley Otuaro who turns 51 years today. Otuisi said it was necessary to celebrate with Otuaro and re-dedicate him to God and service to mankind. He noted that Otuaro had demonstrated political sagacity by leveraging on

the inter-ethnic unity he worked hard for, to deliver massive votes in the Warri area for Governor Ifeanyi Okowa in the just concluded polls. “It is my prayer that the Amighty God preserves the life of Deacon Kingsley Otuaro and grant him uncommon wisdom to continue his good works towards uplifting the voiceless”, Otuisi said.

Vanguard, TUESDAY, APRIL 16 , 2019 — 13 :Vanguard News

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LG elections to hold in Zamfara despite security challenges — Gov Yari

AWARDS:From Left—Mrs Temitope Sowande, Head Procurement , representing First Bank Plc; overall winner, Customer of the year, Chief Micheal Ade Ojo; Chairman, Elizade Motors, Mrs Taye Ade-Ojo, wife, and Mr Henry Ade Ojuoko, Head Dealer Development and Special Project, Toyota Nigeria Limited, during the Toyota Customer Awards Night which held recently at Civic Center, Victoria Island, Lagos. PHOTO: Kehinde Gbadamosi

Alleged certificate forgery: Court strikes out case against Gov Bindow A

By Ikechukwu Nnochiri

BUJA—THE Abuja Division of the Federal High Court, on yesterday, struck out a suit challenging the educational qualification of Governor Jibrilla Bindow of Adamawa State. The court, in a ruling by Justice Inyang Ekwo, terminated further hearing on the matter for lack of jurisdiction. Justice Ekwo held that the suit which was lodged before the court by President Muhammadu Buhari’s in-law, Mr. Mahmud Ahmed, had turned academic since it

originally sought to disqualify the defendant as candidate of the All Progressive Congress, APC, in the last governorship election in Adamawa State. The plaintiff, who is also a chieftain of the APC in the state, had in his suit FHC/ ABJ/CS/1377/2018, alleged that Bindow who eventually lost the governorship contest, was parading bogus certificates. He alleged that Governor Bindow supplied false information to the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, in his Form CF 001, by purporting to have sat

for the West African Examination Council, WAEC, in June, 1983 and to posses the General Certificate of Education, GCE, issued by the examination body. The plaintiff further accused the governor of falsely declaring his educational qualification and date of birth for the purpose of nomination/ election into the office of Governor of Adamawa State for the 2019 general elections. Equally cited as defendants in the suit were the APC, INEC, WAEC and the Registered Trustees of Centre for Reform and

Public Advocacy. However, before hearing could commence on the matter, Bindow, through his lawyer, Chris Uche, SAN, filed a preliminary objection, wherein he notified the court that he lost the gubernatorial election the suit sought to bar him from contesting. In the motion he filed pursuant to section 285 (13) of the 1999 constitution (4th Alteration 2017), Uche, SAN, urged the court to decline jurisdiction to entertain the matter on the premise that there was no longer a reasonable cause of action in the suit.

NLC to partner MINILS on workers’ capacity AUPCTRE urges institute to focus on ideological re-orientation By Victor Young

BUJA—THE leadership of Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, has expressed readiness to partner with the Michael Imoudu National Institute for Labour Studies, MINILS, in building the capacity of the Nigerian workers. President of NLC, Ayuba Wabba, gave this indication when the management of the Institute paid him a courtesy visit at his office in Abuja. In a statement, Wabba described the Institute as one very dear to the NLC, saying “I want to assure you of our readiness to collaborate with you and see how we are able to maximize the benefits that the Institute in its experience as a foremost Labour Institute can

actually bring to Nigerian workers. I think we will do everything possible to ensure that we are able to have a concrete arrangement on how to go about the partnership which I believe will be an enduring one.” Earlier, Director-General/ Chief Executive of the Institute, Saliu Alabi congratulated Wabba on NLC’s achievement under his leadership in the struggle to better the lot of the Nigerian workers. He noted that MINILS has contributed its quota to the development of the country through its activities stressing that the need to partner with the NLC was borne out of the desire to serve the Nigerian workers better. Similarly Amalgamated Union of Public Corporation, Civil Service Technical and Recreational

Services Employees (AUPCTRE) lauded the Institute for providing qualitative labour education which members of the union have benefitted from. President of AUPCTRE, Benjamin Anthony, while receiving MINILS’ management on a

courtesy visit to his office, noted that the Institute has impacted significantly in leadership skills and practices and pledged his union continued support and participation in the Institute’s programmes.

A M F A R A — GOVERNOR Abdul’aziz Yari of Zamfara State, yesterday insisted that elections into the 14 local government areas would hold on April 27 despite the security challenges in the state. Yari made this known at a stakeholders’ meeting organised by the State Independent Electoral Commission, ZASIEC, in Gusau. The governor was represented by the state Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Alhaji Bello Dankande. He said the state was ever ready to support the commission to conduct free, fair and peaceful council elections. Recall that the tenure of office of the 14 local government chairmen had

HACFO visits Maraban Kajuru IDP By Sam Eyoboka

A D U N A — MEMBERS of Hausa Christians Foundation, HACFO, have paid a solidarity visit to Maraban Kajuru Internally Displaced Persons, IDPs, camp to fellowship with the displaced. The camp is the largest among the over 10 camps of IDPs from attacks of the Adara people of Kaduna state which provides safety, shelter, feeding and clothing for over 4,305 persons from five communities whose houses and valuables were destroyed. Speaking on the state of affairs of the Camp, HACFO said the number of IDPs and limited food supply were making it difficult for all the people

I’m quitting in September to the classroom — KWIRS boss Prof Muritala

By Demola Akinyemi

LORIN—EXECUTIVE chairman of Kwara State Internal Revenue Service, KWIRS, Professor Muritala Awodun, has said he will return to academics in September when his tenure expires. He spoke at the quarterly media interactive session, saying “My tenure expires this September and I’m quitting the office.For

purpose of clarification, even if the incoming administration offers to renew the appointment, I won’t take it .I’m going back to the classroom.” Professor Awodun, said \ the agency generated N2.16 billion in January, N1.76 billion in February and N2.38 billion in March 2019. The KWIRS boss, who said the revenue agency was yet to achieve its target

expired on January 2, but was extended to May 2 by the State House of Assembly. The governor said, “As we are all aware, both State and Federal Governments are working hard to end banditry in this state and positive results are being recorded. We are hoping that before the day of the election more successes would be achieved. I want to urge security agencies in the state to redouble their efforts to improve peace and stability in the state.” Yari said government had provided all that is required by the commission for the elections, urging it to work towards meeting the people’s expectations. He urged political parties in the state to present competent, credible and qualified candidates for the elections.

of generating an annual N60 billion revenue of N5 billion monthly, however, said “the service has been developed to a point that it would not make less than an average of N2 billion every month.” Awodun said the agency, which started with N17.2 billion annual revenue generation in 2016, and N19.6 billion in 2017 generated N23.1 billion last year.

to be adequately fed. According to him “At this time, many people are only enduring; sincerely it is not an easy work to feed 4,305 people at a time. The camp is not adequate for these people, and due to an outbreak of some diseases, the officials of the camp pleaded with the Christian brethren of Maraban Kajuru to secure them a place to sleep in the night while they return back to the camp during the day. “They reported to us how many women give birth to still-births and how those ones that were given birth died after delivery within few days due to unfavorable condition. “The people are traumatized and are in need of serious rehabilitation programmes spiritually, p s y c h o l o g i c a l l y, emotionally, and physically. The camp is not a secured place for these IDPs, they find it very difficult to secure shelter from the rain or scorching sun, especially the pregnant and nursing mothers. The condition of these displaced people has compelled most of the men to go home and rebuild their ruined homes so their families can go back,but the challenge has been how to start all over again."

14 — Vanguard, TUESDAY, APRIL 16, 2019 :Vanguard News

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Why Nigerian varsities can’t compete globally — NUC By Joseph Erunke

BUJA—THE Na tional Universities Commission, NUC, yesterday claimed that universities in Nigeria could not compete globally because they had undermined quality, character moulding among other virtues. This came as the commission said 303 applications from private universities seeking licenses for operations were in its possession. NUC Executive Secretary, Abubakar Rasheed, who disclosed this in Abuja at the opening of a two-day national summit on private universities in Nigeria, said figure available to the commission showed that at the moment Nigeria had over 170 higher institutions with 43 being federal, 48 state and 79 privately owned. While he acknowledged what he called “invaluable roles private institutions play in bridging the gap of tertiary education in Nigeria, “Mr Rasheed however, insisted that “universities have unfortunately undermined the issue of quality, character moulding among other virtues, hence making it difficult for them to compete globally.” Rasheed, who disclosed that getting any university registered in Nigeria required 14 painstaking steps and procedures, all of which must be fully met, noted that getting all 303 universities licensed to provide more access to tertiary education, would have been a laudable

idea, if only they can meet the criteria. He said: “You see; the challenges of providing education for all our people are very challenging, especially young and growing population in the country. So we need partnership with the private sector because the fact of the matter is that government alone cannot provide all the resources required to provide education for our people. “So we are segregating and getting the input of the private sector, so those of them with the passion, with the commitment to establish this institution, we want to encourage them to do so and we also want to guide them to ensure that they do it properly.

We’re still searching for remaining abducted Chibok girls — COAS By Gabriel Enogholase

ENIN— CHIEF of Army Staff, COAS, Lieutenant General Tukur Buratai, yesterday said the search for the remaining abducted Chibok girls was still on, just as he described the Boko Haram insurgency in the country as the most dangerous among terrorist groups. Buratai, however, said activities of Boko Haram had been confined to Lake Chad re-

NAS lifts children on Int’l Day for the Street Child

O commemorate this year ’s International Day for the Street Child, the Ikorodu branch of the National Association of Seadogs, NAS, visited the Child Lifeline Centre at igbese, Ikorodu, Lagos State to celebrate with the children. The international day for the street child is celebrated on the 12th of April every year. The first Vice President of the Ikorodu chapter of NAS, Mr. Beredugo Ekiprebo, while presenting various gifts to the children on behalf of the organisation, thanked the management of the Child Lifeline Centre for its efforts on the children and for the granting the association (NAS) permission to offer its widow’s mite to the needy children. Over the years, the National Association of Seadogs (Pyrates Con-

PARLEY: From left; Mr. Temidayo Johnson, Sales Manager, Technology & Innovation, Dizengoff Nigeria; Mr. Graham Leslie, Country Manager, Dizengoff Nigeria; Mr. Guy Rabinovich, General Manager, Technology & Innovation, Dizengoff Nigeria and Mr. Kai Wulff, Executive Vice-President, Balton CP Group, during a Ruckus interactive session with ISPs, organized by Dizengoff in Lagos.

fraternity) has partnered with the Centre to impact the lives of the children at the centre. Speaking at the event, the Second Vice President of the Ikorodu chapter, Mr. Solomon Bello admonished the boys to be focused on their dreams and stay away from crime and other social vices. Also, the Welfare Officer of the chapter, Mr. Ikape Solomon Oga, enjoined the boys to be determined and work hard at achieving their goals in life. He told them that their origins does not determine the level they can get to in life as long as they work hard at achieving their dreams. Reacting, the management of the centre thanked the association for taking out time to identify with the centre aid its resolve to rid the streets of children.

gion and fringes of Sambisa forest. The Army Chief disclosed this while delivering the maiden lecture of the Centre for Contemporary Security Affairs at the Igbinedion University, Okada headquarters of Ovia North East local government area. He stated that complex security challenges like the Boko Haram activities required political and security solutions that ensure that democracies rebound stronger after a crisis. The Chief of Army Staf stated that the government of President Muhammadu Buhari has fulfilled the pledge to support the MNJTF by donating the sum of $100 million even as he praised the current political leadership for demonstrating strong political will, purposeful direction and resourcing that galvanized the nation against the common enemy. He informed the gathering that adequate resources were provided to re-kit, procure more arms and ammunition, vehicles and other logistics required to prosecute the campaign against insurgency. He said, “Military leadership invariably draws inspiration from the political leadership and this allows it develop military strategic objectives that are to be achieved. One of the silent but radical changes in the operations was changing the orientation and mind-set of troops from a defensive to an offensive posture. We also created the Theatre Command to coordinate the activities of the divisions involved in the operations

“Socio-economic activities and free movement of people and goods have resumed in many areas. Significant improvements can be attributed to the systematic campaign led by the NA in conjunction with other Services and elements of national power. Success recorded so far is an indication that for Nigeria’s democracy to be consolidated, the military must not only play its part but must also fulfill the constitutional roles assigned to them.” Vice Chancellor of the institution, Prof. Lawrence Ezemonye, said the centre when operational would carry out research that interrogates emerging security challenges of local and global concern. Meanwhile, acting governor of Edo State, Comrade Philip Shaibu, has called for more budgetary allocation for the Nigerian military to enable it effectively combat the security

challenges confronting the country. He made the call during a courtesy visit by the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Yusuf Buratai, to the Government House, in Benin City, yesterday. “Thank you for what you have done in the NorthEast and we also appreciate you for the peace in the South-South. “Your leadership has ensured a cordial relationship between the Army and civilians. You have reinforced the rules of engagement in our system and it has given us a good image in the international community,” On budgetary provision for the Army, the acting governor urged members of the National Assembly to increase funding for the military to enable them discharge their duties effectively. “Edo State Government joins in the appeal to members of the National Assembly to increase the military budget so that they

can effectively deal with the security issues confronting the country,” he noted. He assured that the state government would contribute to ensuring a successful burial ceremony for late Gen. David Ejoor, who served as the sole administrator of old Bendel State (now Edo and Delta states). Chief of Army Staff, Lt. General Yusuf Buratai, said he was on a visit to the state to deliver an inaugural lecture at the Center for Security Affairs, in Igbinedion University, Okada. He will also pay a condolence visit to the family of late Gen. David Ejoor, who served as Chief of Staff, Nigerian Army, between January 1971 and January 1975, adding, “The loss of late Gen. Ejoor is a sad moment not only for Edo and Delta states or the Army but for Nigeria. We request the full participation of the Edo State Government to ensure a successful burial.”

Measles cases rose by 300% globally between January and March — WHO ity of the outbreaks. So By Chioma Obinna

NITED Nations, UN, yesterday said measles cases across world rose by 300 percent through the first three months of 2019 compared to the same period last year, as concerns grows over declining vaccination. Measles, which is highly contagious, can be entirely prevented through a two-dose vaccine, but the World Health Organization, WHO, has in recent months sounded the alarm over slipping global vaccination rates.

In a statement, WHO said preliminary global data which revealed 300 percent increase follows consecutive increases over the past two years. “While this data is provisional and not yet complete, it indicates a clear trend. Many countries are in the midst of sizeable measles outbreaks, with all regions of the world experiencing sustained rises in cases,” WHO further said. It further noted that only about 1 in 10 actual measles cases is reported, meaning the early trends for 2019 likely underestimate the sever-

far this year, 170 countries have reported 112,163 measles cases to WHO. At this time last year, 163 countries had reported 28,124 cases. “Spikes in case numbers have also occurred in countries with high overall vaccination coverage, including the United States. The disease has spread fast among clusters of unvaccinated people.” WHO explained that the most dramatic rise in cases a 700-percent increase compared to last year has been reported in Africa, which has weaker vaccination coverage than other regions.

Vanguard, TUESDAY, APRIL 16, 2019—15

Umahi charges new revenue board to sanitise system, increase revenue By Peter Okutu

BAKALIKI— GOVERNOR David Umahi of Ebonyi State yesterday swore in the former Managing Director of the defunct Spring Bank, Mike Chukwu as the new state chairman of Internal Revenue Board with a charge to the board members to clean up the system and increase the revenue base of the state. Some of the members sworn in by the governor include: the former governorship candidate of Social Democratic Party, SDP in 2011 and 2015 general elections in the state, Dr. Austin Nweze

and former Commissioner for Finance, Lands, Housing and Urban Development, Chief Jonah Egba. Addressing the chairman and the board members at Exco-chambers, Government House Abakaliki, Umahi said he was giving them three months to reposition the board and begin to generate resources for the state government. He told them that after the three months, government money will not be used to pay their salaries, running costs and other allowances; adding that they would be paid from whatever they

generate. “What we expect you to do is to come in, clean the system, ordain the system, increase the revenue and take five percent of the revenue to run the board. “The truth of the matter is that the lean resources of the state cannot pay the salaries and allowances of these weighty men and women. And so, it is like a social contract. We are not doing you any favour, it is not a political appointment. We are choosing the crème of our intellectuals to assist us in this nagging problem of our revenue collection. We remain the least in the entire federation and it shouldn’t be.

“The quarry alone, the lead and zinc should give us what we are looking for. So, if you focus, you will see the benefit of it. If anybody thinks that it is a political patronage, it is not true because before the little money comes, the one that comes from Abuja, it is already spent. So, I am appealing that this is an opportunity for us to work”, he said. Responding, Chukwu, the younger brother of former Minister of Health, Professor Austin Chukwu assured the governor of their determination to reposition the board and increase the revenue base of the state.

House c'ttee to present report on Owerri airport the committee has as it’s fire today chairman, Obinna Egu By Chinonso Alozie

WERRI—The Imo State House of Assembly, will today receive the report on findings of its committee on the fire incident that razed the cargo section of the Sam Mbakwe International Cargo Airport, Owerri. Vanguard gathered yesterday in Owerri, that the fire incident which occurred on April 8, 2019 caused a state wide panic especially among the passengers at the airport where it happened. However, following so many reactions, the state Assembly through a motion raised by the member representing Isu State Constituency, Ngozi Obiefule and seconded by Ikechukwu Amuka, (Ideato South) was forced to set up a committee to investigate the fire incident at the Owerri Airport. According to the House,

representing Ngor Okpala State Constituency. Other members are Ngozie Obiefule (Isu); Ken Agbim (Ahiazu); Chukwuemeka Lloyd (Owerri North); and Ukoha Buruno (Ezinihitte). The speaker, Acho Ihim, mandated the members of the committee to look into the April 11, 2019, Owerri Airport fire and report back to the House on 16th April. Ihim said: “The committee will visit the airport to acertain the extent of damages and assess the cause of the fire incident and get back to the House. “The committee should arrange the visit to the airport and get back to the House and present their findings on 16th April 2019.” Also today, the Assembly will decide on the fate of the five lawmakers that were earlier suspended.

Catholic bishop bars members from taking traditional titles By Chimaobi Nwaiwu

FLAG OFF: From left—Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Chairman, Enugu State, Augustine Nnamani; House of Reps member-elect for Enugu East/Isi-Uzo Federal Constituency, Prince Cornelius Nnaji; Enugu State Governor and Governor-elect, Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi; State Chief Judge, Justice Priscilla Emehelu; Wife of State Assembly Speaker, Princess Akunna Ubosi; and Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, Greg Nnaji, during the flag off of the construction of Nike Lake - Harmony Estate - Adoration Ministry- Ememe link road, yesterday.

Enugu govt begins construction of Abakpa was being environment”. Nike-Emene link road which He disclosed that three constructed for the first time

HERE was jubilation in Enugu yesterday as Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi flagged off the construction of the second phase of the all-important Nike Lake-Harmony Estate-Adoration MinistryEmene road in Enugu East Local Government Area, linking the ever-busy Nike Road and Emene. The second phase of the road, which will serve as a bypass from Nike Lake junction to Emene, was approved by the State Executive Council, EXCO, a few weeks before the just concluded general election, after the first phase - construction of five River crossings including culverts and bridges of various sizes, to connect Harmony Estate with the Adoration Ministry Enugu Nigeria, AMEN, Ground, reached 85 per cent completion. Flagging off the road amid jubilation and

excitement from the residents, Ugwuanyi, who was accompanied by the Chief Judge of the State, Justice Priscilla Ngozi Emehelu, the chairman of the Council, Alex Ugwu, the House of Representatives Memberelect, Prince Cornelius Nnaji, and the Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, Engr. Greg Nnaji, among others, stated that the project,

in the history of Enugu State, will help to ease traffic movement in Enugu metropolis and beyond. The governor added that the road construction was in line with his administration’s urban and rural development polices “to provide access to the communities in this area and ensure the full development of the Harmony Housing Estate as well as the surrounding

kilometers of the 10.5 kilometres road stretching from Emene to the Adoration Ground has already been completed and inaugurated by his administration, stressing that the state government decided to commence the construction of the second phase of two kilometres because of the socioeconomic importance of the road to the people of the state.

N E W I — A s Christians and non Christians alike prepare for 2019 Easter celebration, the Catholic Bishop of Nnewi, Most Rev. Hilary Odili Okeke has threatened to sanction any Catholic faithful who will turn the Easter celebration into a feast of idolatrous title taking and celebration. Bishop Okeke's declaration was contained in an Easter message he delivered at the Assumption Cathedral, Nnewi yesterday. The Catholic Bishop of Nnewi regretted that some of the Church members who call themselves Christians also join in traditional practices that were connected with idols, false gods and goddesses in the name of their belief in Igbo culture. He condemned some cultural and traditional practices attached to eight

deities in Igboland such as Edo, Idemili, Ogwugwu, Ulasi, Agwu, Akwu, Ala and Ofala. He accused the people of practising idolatrous activities and celebrating them, adding that Ozo title taking, Ofala and others that have idolatrous practices and celebrations attached to them must not be taken or celebrated by Catholics. He said that members of the groups were ready to abandon true Christianity in order to be faithful to Igbo culture, customs and traditions without regard to those practices attached to deities. “Sad to say, some Christians throw away their baptismal names, the names of their new lives by baptism. Some people publicly demonstrate their way of life as Christians but privately and secretly send people to carry out for them the idolatrous activities attached to their customary and traditional practices,"

Ukwa, APGA founding member joins chairmanship race

By Chinedu Adonu

N U G U — FOUNDING member of All Progressive Grand Alliance, APGA, and former member Board of Trustees, BOT, Chief Onwuka Ukwa has joined the race for the national chairmanship position of the party. Onwuka who made his

ambition known to newsmen in Enugu at the weekend said “APGA has lost focus and people no longer have faith and trust in the party. It has lost focus of why that viable political platform was established. “For many years, I was the lone voice fighting and pointing out the decay and corruption in the party. Corruption in APGA did

not start with the current chairman, Chief Victor Oye, there was already an established corrupt pattern.” Onwuka who said he formed the party alongside Chekwas Okorie and Prince Arthur Eze expressed regret that the vision that compelled the formation of APGA has long been abandoned.

“People have created their own stories of how the party was formed. I feel this is the time to put the records straight. It was initially called UPGA, the person that gave it that name was Prince Arthur Eze. “When Chekwas muted the idea, I took him to Prince Arthur Eze were I convinced him (Eze) to

finance the party. His response was that “it is important for everyone to have an address. He came up with the name UPGA and we accepted it and he provided the finance. That was how the journey started in his parlour. He also brought the name APGA when it became necessary."

16—Vanguard, TUESDAY, APRIL 16, 2019

Citigroup profit beats on investment banking boost

LAUNCHING: From left— Pastor Ben Akabueze; Pastor Chukwugoziam Onianwah (author) and his wife Ngozi; Pastor Cyprian Orakpo and Pastor Doreen Orakpo, at the book launch of 'The Cross of Jesus Christ: Its Message, in Lagos.

APC group faults vote of confidence in Obaseki B

By Elizabeth Uwandu

ENIN CITY—A group within the Edo State All Progressives Congress, APC, under the aegis of Concered Progressives of the Edo State APC, CPEAPC, has faulted the vote of Confidence passed on Governor Godwin Obaseki by the state executive of the party. The group described the vote of confidence as laughable "particularly

when the governor lost his ward, local government and senatorial district in the just concluded presidential elections to the PDP. So we are wondering why the accolades from the leadership of the party when the governor has failed to deliver all he promised the people". In a statement signed by the Director of Publicity of the group, Mr Lucas Umoru, it stressed the need for the leadership of the party in the state to remain neutral as " we head towards 2020 else the party members will

disown them. "Rather than exhibiting sychophancy, we expect the party leadership to press on the governor to change his leadership style so that the APC will be able to win elections in 2020. We cannot be passing a vote of Confidence on a governor that failed to deliver his LGA and senatorial district to the President. "And you cannot attribute the victory of our party as regards the 24 seats we won in the State House of Assembly to Governor Obaseki. APC fielded solid and

popularcandidatesfortheHouse of Assembly elections and that was why we won 24/24 and not because of the governor. "The party leadership should rather appeal to the governor to be more dedicated in delivering the much publicized Gelegele Seaport project, Benin Industrial park and the 200,000 jobs rather than dissipating energy on second term campaign. It is as a result of sychophancy that APC in Edo State is derailing and we want to use this opportunity to call on the leadership to calll the APC leadership to order so that we don't lose future elections in the state" it stated.

LASG: Magodo residents kick over master plan review MRA acccused the state draft. receptible against flooding and

By Lamidi Bamidele

AGOS—DISTURBED by the Lagos State government''s plan over the proposed review of Magodo GRA phase 2, the residents of the estate are currently in a running battle with the state government. Magodo is an upscale residential development, created by the government in the 1980s and comprising Phase 1 and 2. The Magodo Residents Association (MRA), alledged that the state government planned to convert the entire area into mixed use to accommodate other forms of developments other than residential.

government, especially Mr Wasiu Akewusola, General Manager of New Towns Development Authority, NTDA, of reviewing the master plan of the area and presenting it for approval without their input. According to the MRA, on March 22, 2019 the association got a letter informing residents that government officials of NTDA Lagos, were ready to make a presentation of the final

Speakingatthepressbriefing, MrJadeNiboro,MRAChairman accused Akewusola of being behind the planned review of Magodoscheme2. Moreso, Mrs Waleola Bello, the publicity/social secretary said:“Thewetlandboundingthe estate and Omole phase 2 is about to be eroded and turned into residential plots. This area is for conservation and preservation of the eco-system and should be limited to passive recreation,floraandfaunawater

discharge of storm water from Agege-Ikeja,Ogba,AlausaCBD, Omole, Otedola to Lagos. Speaking, General Manager, NTDA, Mr Wasiu Akewusola, said it’s a technical issue, in the sense that when we are talking of review of master plan even without having input of inhabitants and as a professional there are supposed to be an orderly plan. So when execution is being made then you will see challenges of your plan after that you will review."

Osakwe hails Onicha-Ugbo monarch on 20th coronation anniversary

NICHA—UGBO—A c o m m u n i t y development motivator and renowned

philanthropist, Dr. Osadebe Osakwe has described the rulership style of the traditional ruler of Onicha-Ugbo in Aniocha North Local Government Area of Delta State, His Royal Majesty Agbogidi Obi Victor Chukwumalieze I as worthy of emulation. Osakwe stated this in a goodwill message to the traditional ruler to mark the twenty years coronation anniversary of Obiship stool of Onicha-Ugbo Kingdom. According to him, ever since Obi Chukwumalieze was presented with the Staff of Office by the state government as the royal father of the community, the monarch has remained resolute and carried

everyone especially members of the Obi-inCouncil chiefs and other members of the community in ensuring that peace and harmony reign in and outside the community. Osakwe, however, enjoined the traditional ruler not to relent in his duties as the sole custodian of the culture and traditions of the community and that of his subjects. He also solicited for continuous support to the monarch by members of the community at home and in the diaspora, assuring that there is no doubt that the town with its people will continue to grow and join hands with the traditional ruler and the state government to bring more dividends of democracy to the community.

itigroup Incorporated reported higher-thanexpected earnings yesterday despite declining revenue as the New York-based lender cut costs, grew its investment-banking business and expanded net-interest margin. Still, Citi improved its results in ways, including expense cutting, that may be tough to replicate in future quarters. A lower tax rate also played a big role in Citi’s improvement from a year ago. The bank’s income from continuing operations declined slightly. On a call with reporters, Chief Financial Officer Mark Mason said the decline was due in part to a divestiture last year. But net income rose because the bank’s effective tax rate declined to 21 percent from 24 percent a year earlier. Citi has been investing in digital capability to try to win deposits domestically despite its light U.S. branch network. Chief Executive Mike Corbat said in a statement its efforts are showing positive early results. But the bank is still growing deposits faster abroad than in the United States: International consumer deposits rose 3 percent during the quarter, while retail North American deposits edged up 1 percent.

Wall Street drops after tepid big bank results

all Street’s main indexes fell yesterday, fol lowing a rally in the previous session that put the S&P 500 within striking distance of its record high, as underwhelming results from Goldman Sachs and Citigroup pressured financial stocks. The sector fell for the first time in four sessions, down 0.75percent, dragged lower by a 3.2percent tumble in Goldman Sachs Group Inc and a 0.7 percent dip in Citigroup Inc after the banks missed revenue estimates. The S&P banking index fell 1.12percent, also weighed down by a 1.6percent drop in JPMorgan Chase. Bank of America dipped 1.4percent ahead of results on Tuesday. “With less-than-stellar Goldman results, despite the bottom-line beat, it’s not necessarily surprising to see financials pulling back a little bit,” said Michael James, managing director of equity trading at Wedbush Securities in Los Angeles. “Earnings and guidance need to be better than estimates for the market strength to continue given the levels we are at now.”

Apple, allies seek billions in US trial testing Qualcomm’s business model

pple Incorporated and its allies yesterday kicked off a jury trial against chip supplier Qualcomm Inc in San Diego, alleging that Qualcomm engaged in illegal patent licensing practices and seeking up to $27 billion in damages. Qualcomm, for its part, alleges that Apple forced its longtime business partners to quit paying some royalties and is seeking up to $15 billion. Filed by Apple in early 2017, the lawsuit in federal court revolves around the modem chips that connect devices like the iPhone or Apple Watch to wireless data networks. Qualcomm has spent the past two years mounting a pressure campaign of smaller legal skirmishes against Apple, seeking - and in some cases obtaining - iPhone sales bans for violating its patents.

UniCredit to pay over $1bn to settle U.S. sanctions probes — source

niCredit, Italy’s biggest lender, will pay over $1 billion to U.S. authorities to settle probes of violations of U.S. sanctions on Iran and other countries, a person familiar with the matter said on Monday. The settlement will be with the U.S. Department of Justice, the U.S. Treasury Department, the Federal Reserve, the Manhattan District Attorney and the New York Department of Financial Services.

All stories credited to Reuters

Vanguard, TUESDAY, APRIL 16 16, 2019

Ajasin was honourable and incorruptible “ I came into office in October 1979 with a set of my own rich native dresses and left office in December 1983 with same set of dresses; no addition and no substraction. I had two personal cars at the time I assumed office but left without any: one had ended its serviceable lifespan with its use for the shadow elections in 1982, while the other was borrowed by a political associate with whom it ended up its lifespan.”

HAT was the testimony of Chief Michael Adekunle Ajasin at the end of his tenure as the elected governor of Ondo State. This is a claim you can hardly find any elected official at any level making in 2019 Nigeria. When the military struck in 1983 and the junta headed by Major General Muhammadu Buhari put most politicians of that era on trial before military tribunals, Ajasin was charged twice but discharged and acquitted on both occasions. The junta kept him in jail nonetheless as a septuagenarian. As he was being driven from Akure to Lagos by soldiers who arrested him after the 1983 coup, Ajasin was livid with rage that he was being subjected to such humiliation and that the Army would have to apologise to him some day.

Legitimate earnings When President Buhari revisited that era in Dubai last week, Ajasin would have been expecting a post-humous apology in his grave. The President had told his audience: “I have once ruled this country,...what I did was to arrest... the President ,Vice President ...I put them in jail and I told them they are all guilty until they can prove themselves innocent. “...We put about six tribunals based on six geo-political zones (there were no zones in 1983!) and those who were ministers and governors were asked to justify what they had in the banks and physical on the ground relative to their legitimate earnings. There were only two Nigerians then to my knowledge who were found to be honourable; both of them are dead now: Biliyaminu Usman, a junior minister from Jigawa State and C M Y K

Adamu Ciroma, a Minister of Finance and Governor of the Central Bank”. It would not be fair to the memory of Ajasin to allow the selective knowledge of Mr President to stick as the two

with anything that will tarnish my name, reputation and character. I am a selfdisciplined man. I live above board in both my private and public life. I believe in living by example. There has been no breath of scandal in my private and public life. I don’t drink or smoke and I am a strict monogamist with four children...”(Pg 430, Ajasin: Memoirs and Memories ). At the end of the trial Chief Ajasin was discharged and acquitted by the military tribunal.

Ajasin would always be remembered for his work on the Action Group blueprint for education which was Military tribunal carried into the Second Republic as The second trial was in the free education Ibadan.(There wouldn’t have been another tribunal in programme of the if they were indeed Unity Party of Nigeria Ibadan based on the geo-political UPN zones that were non-existent different military tribunals that tried Ajasin in Lagos and Ibadan found him spotless and not only discharged him but he was also acquitted. The first allegation was before the military tribunal in Lagos where Ajasin, Chief Bola Ige and Chief Olabisi Onabanjo were accused of asking and receiving N2.8 million kick-back allegedly paid to their party for election. Chief Ajasin stated before the tribunal, among other things: “I have never been connected

then. The charge in Ibadan was about Chief Ajasin, Mrs. Bolaji Osomo and Chief Akin Majasan being accused of conspiring to obtain N600,000 from a state owned company which was paid to their party. The trio proved successfully before the tribunal that the money was a loan that was repaid with interest. They were discharged and acquitted. No other charges were brought against Chief Ajasin but he was kept in jail. In his

words: “The last judgement was delivered on July 24,1985. Following it, and in the absence of any other matter over which I had been interrogated or on which I could await interrogation, I thought the twilight was over.. but I was proved wrong... For, instead of being released from detention, I was returned to the prison yard”. He was kept in detention until August 30, 1985 when the Gen. Ibrahim Babangida military junta which overthrew the Buhari junta four days earlier released 87 politicians which included Chief Ajasin, Chief Ayo Adebanjo, Alhaji Balarabe Musa, Chief C.C Onoh, Alhaji Lateef Jakande, Chief R. F. Fasoranti, Alhaji Bamanga Tukur, Dr. Clement Isong, among others. Chief Ajasin got some kind words from Lt.-Col Anthony Ukpo who was later appointed Information minister at a news conference on behalf of the new Armed Forces Ruling Council, AFRC, after the inaugural meeting to announce the release. H e described Chief Ajasin as an “old, honest and righteous man” who was tried twice and acquitted twice; but for reasons best known to the authorities at the time was still detained." He added: “This is contrary to our tradition and even if he was found guilty, as an old man, he should have been pardoned”. Chief Ajasin put his fingers on where his ordeal came from. In his words: “Based on our performance and conduct in office, I had no reason to look forward to sleepless nights when the military announced its take over of the government of the country. However, I was not unaware of the penchant of of the military to justify its action whenever it took government by discrediting politicians. In this regard, it is not unusual for the military to make, as its first set of victims, those politicians generally believed to have performed well. For once this category of politicians was thoroughly discredited, it would become clear to the public that the rest of the political class must have been worse and the military intervention was perfectly justified... As it turned out, the operators of the more progressive state governments who had provided exemplary leadership became the first targets of attack and victimization in the hands of the Muhammadu Buhari regime. In the absence of this rationalization which represents my own

—17

interpretation of the postcoup development at the time, it would be very difficult to explain why people like me should have been counted as one of the villains of the Second Republic” (P240 of Ajasin: Memoirs and Memories). Ajasin would always be remembered for his work on the Action Group blueprint for education which was carried into the Second Republic as the free education programme of the Unity Party of Nigeria UPN. And, when he became the civilian governor of Ondo State in 1979, he gave education the greatest priority. When he presented his budget in 1980, he allocated a whopping sum (at that time of N7.4 million) to free text books and stationery materials for primary schools. He increased the number of secondary schools from 250 to 473 and he expanded the existing 10 teacher training colleges. He equally set aside N3.5 million for operating expenses in schools, N2 million for science education and N40.77 million for the Central School Board. He cancelled all tuition fees in schools and distributed free textbooks, workbooks and stationary materials to students. Ajasin’s administration established the Teachers’ Housing Loan scheme which initially gulped N5 million.

Tuition fees in schools He was concerned about technical education as he improved the conditions of the four existing technical schools in the state. It was his concern for technical education that made him establish the state polytechnic in Owo. Ajasin also took over the payment of 50 per cent of the primary school teachers’ salaries despite the fact that it was the responsibility of the local government. He also expanded the special schools for the disabled in Akure, Ikare and Owo and established the Ondo State University, Ado Ekiti in 1982. Ajasin devoted N92.4 million of his budget in 1982 to education and he allocated N3.4 million to subsidize feeding in all the teacher training colleges. No fewer than 15,243 students of Ondo State origin in higher institutions benefitted from the government’s bursary, a gesture which gulped N7.018 million. Over 2,246 Ondo State students who were studying overseas also benefitted from the awards for which N11.7 million was set aside. Ajasin proved that free education – his brainchild which was adopted by the AG and UPN – was indeed practicable. Sleep well Sir, the honourable and incorruptible politician whose public life record remains a big challenge to all politicians in our land today .

18 — Vanguard, TUESDAY, APRIL 16, 2019 ON Thursday, April 4, 2019, President Muhammadu Buhari inaugurated the Senior Executive Course 41 of the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies, NIPSS, Kuru, Plateau State with the theme: “Funding Universal Healthcare Delivery in Nigeria.” He disclosed that Nigerians spend over N400 billion annually on medical tourism abroad. He regretted that in spite of government’s “commitment in the revitalisation of the health sector”, the system is still unable to respond effectively to public health emergencies and outbreaks of deadly diseases, hence the migrations for medical treatment abroad. For many years, our politicians have neglected to build infrastructure and strong institutions which make life more abundant for the people. They have neglected the roads, schools, hospitals, and other social amenities. They have undermined and corrupted

Leaders must build lasting legacies the judiciary, police, civil service, electoral bodies and other institutions. Today, many of those politicians have found themselves out of power and are being tormented by the rot which they created. Some of them have fallen ill, and finding no good hospital in the country, had to be flown abroad for medical treatment at huge costs to the country. More worrisome, and utterly confounding, is the State House Clinic which, despite huge annual budgetary allocations, remained a mere consulting clinic.

Apart from the health sector, the same problem prevails in the educational sector. Most of our leaders no longer bother to upgrade the educational institutions under their care to become good enough to educate their children in Nigeria. They simply send their children to schools abroad while our indigenous schools and universities are forced to endure prolonged teachers’ strikes and shutdowns. Our politicians should realise that the age-long saying: “No condition is permanent”, may sound like a cliché, but its eternal validity is proved by

everyday events of our lives. As we stand on the threshold of a new political term, with many new hands having just been elected and some old ones re-elected, we have an opportunity to turn a new leaf at all levels. Those who find themselves in power should learn from the mistakes of the past. This applies to the President himself. He has four more years to make a new difference. We want to see a situation whereby before the end of the new term of office, most of the health and educational needs of people in government and the upper echelons of society can be handled here in Nigeria. Apart from the drain on our resources, our leaders going abroad to look for solution they should provide and enjoy back home does not give us a good image. It makes us a laughingstock.

OPINION

N March 29, the Body of Benchers honoured 132 outstanding lawyers in Abuja. The Body of Benchers is a statutory body established by the Legal Practitioners Act of 1962 responsible for the call to the Bar of persons seeking to be legal practitioners as well as disciplining of erring lawyers. Among those honoured by the body was Alhaji Abdul Ganiyu Folorunsho Abdulrazaq, 91. He is number 460 in the Nigerian Legal Practitioners list and the first lawyer from Northern Nigeria. He was called to the Bar on February 8, 1955 but was enrolled to practice on April 1, 1955. Among his colleagues at that time were Mr. Justice Victor Orereko Ovie-Whiskey, who was number 437 and called to the Bar on August 6, 1954 but was enrolled on December 18, 1954. Chief Michael Adedapo Omisade was number 513, called to the Bar, February 7, 1956 but enrolled on March 23, 1956. Chief Richard Osuolale Abimbola Akinjide was number 509, called to the Bar on February 7, 1956 but enrolled on March 12, 1956. Chief Adeniran Ogunsanya was number 535, called to the Bar on June 19, 1956 but enrolled on September 15, 1956. Chief Akin Olugbade was number 402, called to the Bar on November 24, 1953 but enrolled on January 2, 1954. Mr. Justice Francis Ome Nwokedi was number 459, called to the Bar on November 23, 1954 but enrolled on March 26, 1955. Chief Nabo Bekinbo Graham Douglas (1926-

Folorunsho Abdulrazaq reclaims his glory in Kwara 2006), that tall imposing figure from Abonema, was number 493, called to the Bar on June 28, 1955 but enrolled on December 3, 1955. Chief Graham Douglas was the second Senior Advocate of Nigeria, SAN, after Chief Alade Rotimi Williams (1920-2005); while Chief Obafemi Awolowo (1909-1987) was the third SAN. Chief Awolowo was number 168, called to the Bar on November 18, 1946 and was enrolled December 24, 1946. Justice Sir Louis Nwachukwu Mbanefo (1911-1977), the first lawyer from the old Eastern Region, was lawyer 127, he was called to the Bar on November 18, 1935 and enrolled on August 13, 1937. Justice O. Shomolu was lawyer number 178, was called to the Bar on January 27, 1947 and enrolled on March 27, 1947. Justice Godfrey Charles Ubaka Agbakoba was lawyer number 303, was called to the Bar on June 6 1951 and enrolled on August 7, 1951. Chief Samuel Ladoke Akintola (1910-1966) was lawyer number 262, called to the Bar

on January 26, 1950 and enrolled on March 31, 1950. Justice Timothy Akinola Aguda (1923-2001) was number 339, he was called to the Bar on July 1, 1952 and enrolled on July 19, 1952. He was number 339. Chief Olu Akinfosile was lawyer 665, was called to the Bar on November 26,

What the people of Kwara State want is not a mere change of dynasty but a positive change for the better 1957 but was enrolled on May 12, 1958. It was a deserving honour for Alhaji Abdulrazaq, who because of his health was represented by his first son, Dr. Alimi. But equally deserving was the award given to him by the people of Kwara State when they elected his son, Abdulraham Abdulrazaq as their governor on March 9, which was a collective effort involving prominent people of Kwara State, including Alhaji Lai

Mohammed (67) from Oro and others. The governor-elect is the Managing Director of First Fuels Limited and and an ex-student of Government College, Kaduna. Nothing will please Alhaji Ganiyu Abdulrazaq as a proud father than for his son Abdulrahman to perform in terms of governance in Kwara State. There is a wall of difference between winning election and governing well. Elections make fundamental contributions to democratic governance. The main purpose of democracy is not only to win elections but good governance. What the people of Kwara State want is not a mere change from Saraki dynasty to Abdulrazaq dynasty but a positive change for the better. The OTOGE movement was a clarion call for good governance. The same forces that drove the Saraki dynasty out of power are still around and more reinforced and alert. Between 1952 and early ’70s, two important figures played prominent roles in the sub-region that we now call Kwara. They are Alhaji Abdulrazaq and Chief Josiah Sunday Olawoyin who died in 2000 at the age of 75. Chief Olawoyin was an ally of Chief Obafemi Awolowo and the Asiwaju of Offa. Then came Dr. Abubakar Olusola Saraki, the late Waziri of Ilorin. Then came Chief Cornelius Olatunji Adebayo (78) from Okeonigbin in Kwara State, who became a Commissioner in the state, elected senator in 1979 and elected governor in August 1983. He became a minister under President

Olusegun Obasanjo. Then came Chief Ayo Opadokun, the former Secretary of NADECO and now Alhaji Lai Mohammed. With the gubernatorial election last month, the torch has now been passed to the Abdulrazaq family. Public Service runs in the family of Abdulrazaq in Ilorin. Twenty years ago, the first daughter of the family, Khairat Abdulrazaq Gwadabe was elected a Senator in Abuja. Abdulrazaq himself entered politics as early as 1952. Between 1957 and 1960, he was a member of Northern House of Assembly. He became the Nigerian Ambassador to Cote d’Ivoire between 1960 and 1962. Between 1962 and 1964, he was a cabinet Minister of Nigeria Railway Corporation and a Member of Parliament. Following the creation of Kwara State in 1967, he was appointed Commissioner for Finance and later Commissioner for Health and Social Welfare by Governor Femi David Lasisi Bamigboye (19402018). In 1975, General Murtala Mohammed appointed him as a member of the 50-man Constitutional Drafting Committee. He was later made the Chairman of the sub-committee of the Executive and the Legislature. Other members of the sub-committee were Dr. E. Eleazu, Alhaji Sule Ganiyu, Dr. I. Ahmed, Dr. Kole Abayomi, Alhaji Femi Okunnu, Dr. G. A. Odenigwe, Mr. S.G. Ikoku, Alhaji Shehu Malami and Dr. K.O. Mbadiwe. Continues online

Vanguard, TUESDAY, APRIL 16 , 2019

NNPC reduces joint venture indebtedness to $3.5bn By Michael Eboh & Ediri Ejoh

he Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, NNPC, yesterday said that it has reduced joint venture cash call indebtedness to international oil companies to $3.5 billion. Group Managing Director of the NNPC, Dr. Maikanti Baru disclosed this in Abuja, at the 12th national conference of the Nigerian Association for Energy Economics/International Association for Energy Economics, NAEE/IAEE. Baru said the Corporation had paid over $1.5 billion out of the $5.1 billion joint venture cash call arrears owed international oil companies adding that 2018 marked the second year without the corporation incurring any cash call arrears. He reiterated that the corporation had negotiated the settlement of the pre-2016 Joint Venture Cash Call arrears, which led to indigenous cash exit and joint venture self-funding. He noted that the total cash call payments so far, which represented 29.4 per cent of the total amount owed the firms, had contributed immensely in growing Nigeria’s reserves and oil output. He said: “So far, we have repaid over $1.5 billion out of the $5.1 billion cash call arrears to date, a development that has not only restored the confidence of international oil companies, IOC, JV partners, but has also led to improved reserves growth and crude oil production. “It was quite fulfilling that in 2018 — that is for the second year in a row — we concluded the fiscal year without any cash call arrears.” Baru further disclosed that an average of 783 million Standard Cubic Feet, SCF of gas per day

was flared in 2018, 2.9 per cent higher than 761 mmscfd supplied to the power sector within the same period. He explained that in 2018, national average daily gas production stood at 7.90 billion Standard Cubic Feet, SCF, representing an increase of three per cent above 2017 average daily gas production of 7.67 billion SCF.

Gas flared outstrips quantity supplied to power firms He said, “Of the 7.90 billion SCF per day produced in 2018, an average of 3.32 billion SCF per day (42 per cent) was supplied to the export market, 2.5 billion SCF per day (32 per cent) for reinjection/fuel gas, 1.3 billion SCF per day (16 per cent) was supplied to the domestic market

and about 783 million SCF per day (10 per cent) was flared. “Domestic gas supply capacity was marginally stable at about 1700 million SCF per day, with an average of 1.3 billion SCF per day actually supplied to the domestic market. This is due to power evacuation challenges resulting from frequency management caused by rejection of allocated load by Distribution Companies (DISCOs) as well as transmission line constraints.”

From left, Directorate Head, Service Bank/Chief Information Officer, Heritage Bank Plc, Ike Williams; Chief Compliance Officer, Oluwatomi Ojo; Executive Director, Jude Monye; outgoing General Manager/Chief Compliance Officer, Wumi Adeniyi; Directorate Head, South South and South East, Osepiribo Ben-willie; and Regional Executive, Lagos & South-West Office, Dike Dimiri, during send forth of out-going General Manager/Chief Compliance Officer of Heritage Bank Plc at the Bank’s head office in Lagos yesterday.

ABCON calls for radical implementation of the risk of currency volatility, power sector reforms ABCON said, “Giving the By Babajide Komolafe

ssociation of Bureaux De Change Operators of Nigeria (ABCON) has called for radical implementation of the power sector reform program to $91.25 0.85 ensure access to stable electricity supply for 2,428.00 4.00 households and businesses. $12.70 -0.07 The Association also urged BDCs to apply the principle of currency diversification to $71.30 -0.25 mitigate the risk of currency fluctuations $63.64 -0.25 arising from uncertainties from CURRENCY BUYING SELLING socioeconomic and US DOLLAR 306 306.5 307 political development in 400.8906 401.5457 402.2007 POUNDS the United States and in 346.239 346.8048 347.3705 EURO Europe. 305.7248 306.2244 306.7239 FRANC 2.7326 2.7371 2.7416 YEN The Association made 0.507 0.517 0.527 CFA this call in its Quarterly 424.4211 425.1146 425.8081 WAUA Economic Report for the 45.604 45.679 45.754 RENMINBI first quarter of 2019 81.5935 81.7268 81.8601 RIYAL (Q1’19). 425.2788 425.9737 426.6686 SDR 46.3819 46.4577 46.5335 DANISH The Association noted . 21.9523 21.9882 22.0241 RAND that Nigeria’s score of CBN Exchange rate as at 15/04/2019 35 in terms of ease of

getting electricity, as indicated by the World Bank Ease of Doing Business report, is lower than the average for Sub-Saharan Africa and much lower than other comparable middle-income countries, with South Africa having a score of 63 and India having a score of 85. It stressed that access to stable electricity is one of the key challenges and constraints for doing business in Nigeria and hence a critical area of focus for the government in order to sustain ongoing economic recovery. ABCON stated: “ With the electoral victory of the incumbent government, ABCON review is recommending attention in the following sectors for full recovery from the recent recession: Radical implementation of the power sector reform program to ensure access to stable electricity supply for businesses and comprehensive diversification of the economy.” Stressing the need for BDCs and other players in the foreign exchange market to be wary of

uncertainties observed from the socioeconomic/political environments in Europe and US/ China relationships, currencies will be prone to undue volatility and fluctuations. British pounds position might be higher in risk due to the uncertainties surrounding BREXIT thus, BDC forex dealers are advised to apply the principles of diversification of portfolio of currencies to reduce the financial risks during second quarter of the year (Q2’ 19).” On the focus of the Association in Q2’19, ABCON President, Dr. Aminu Gwadabe said that the focus on automation and education for players, which commenced with the launch of the ABCON’s Automation portal in Q1’19, will be sustained in Q2’19. He disclosed that the Association is presently reviewing its live exchange rate platform, naijabdcs.com, with a view of introducing an improved and upgraded version with additional features and attractive design that delivers more value to foreign exchangers’ users across the country.

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FCT truncates Nigeria’s bid to build world’s biggest billboard By Princewill Ekwujuru

igeria’s bid to build the world’s biggest billboard could be truncated if the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) authority refuses to restore approval previously granted to construct the billboard. The Chief Executive Officer of Lona Global Resources Limited, Mr. Idoko Ilonah, an indigenous outdoor advertising company, who stated this, disclosed that the construction of the largest LED board in the globe will put the country on the world map. In a Save Our Soul message to President Muhammadu Buhari and well meaning Nigerians, Ilonah appealed that the authorities at the FCT should be prevailed upon to restore the approval previously granted him to construct the biggest LED advertising board in the world. Ilonah who holds the record of constructing the biggest billboard in Africa in 2016 at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport Road, Abuja by Lugbe Interchange, said he had expended about N800 million on the construction of the world’s largest LED board along the Airport Expressway/ Wawa (Centenary District) before he was ordered to stop work. He said he was granted approval by the FCT authorities before commencing the project. He said, “I was shocked when the FCT Minister ordered stoppage of the construction of the world’s biggest outdoor based on a petition written by the Centenary City PLC. My company had expended about N800 million on design and fabrication of steel and other items before the project was halted. I am still paying interest on the N300 million loan facility procured to kick-start the project which the Guinness Book of Records was already tracking. “The capitulation by the FCT had put me in a precarious situation by making me to default on an agreement with a telecommunications company which pre-paid N300 million as the first advertiser on the historic billboard. “I seek help from President Buhari and other concerned Nigerians to intervene in order to enable me revive the project, as this will help to realise the desire of putting the country on the world map through the construction of the largest LED board in the globe.

20 — Vanguard, TUESDAY, APRIL 16, 2019

Global trade tension: Nigeria, others decry growing concept of nationalism By Peter Egwuatu

OLLOWING the glo bal trade tension ex emplified by the U.S China trade conflict, Nigeria and other participating countries in the emerging markets at the just concluded World Bank /IMF 2019 Spring Meetings have decried the growing concept of nationalism being adopted as against multilateralism. Governor, Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, Godwin Emefiele, alluded to this at a joint briefing with Minister of Finance, Zainab Ahmed and Minister of National Planning and Budget, Udoma Udo Udoma, held in Washington DC, USA at the end of the Spring Meetings. He said that recovery in the global economy is expected during the second half of 2019, with the hope that the engagement between US and China will lead to de-escalation of trade tension. Emefiele stated: “At this year’s meeting, unfortunately some of the participants expressed strong concern or view on the growing concept of nationalism against multilateralism giving members the impetus to begin to talk about a new concept that is tagged new multilateralism. Views were therefore expressed that there would be a need for the World Trade Organization, WTO, to begin a process of reform that would lead to an update of the rule of the game and aimed at protecting even the weaker economies.” Commenting on the global economy, the CBN Governor said: “Based on the outlook and some of the presentation that were made by the ministers, we find out that casting our mind back to a year ago, we left the meeting here in Washington with some level of optimism that the global activity were accelerating in almost all regions of the world. So we had projected that last year growth will be at about 3.9 percent in 2018 and 2019. “However at this year ’s meeting, members were disappointed that much has changed basically for a couple of reasons. First, there was escalation of trade tension between US and China; there were some macroeconomic stress points in some countries particularly like Argentina and Turkey; there were some disruption in the auto sector in some part of Europe particularly in Germany; there were some tight credit policy in China; there were some monetary policy normalization like you have heard in larger developed and developing countries, including United States and Europe. These factors significantly contributed to a weakening in the global

*Christine Lagarde, IMF MD growth figures, especially in the second quarter of 2018 and the first quarter of 2019 and this weakening number is expected to continue. “Based on these factors, global growth for 2019 was revised downward at this meeting to 3.3 percent. Although, the 3.3 percent was considered reasonable; the outlook for most countries is still challenging with some uncertainties in the short term and some risk remain eschewed to the downside. For sub-Saharan African countries where we come from, some of the factors earlier highlighted contributed to the moderation of growth figure to 3 percent in 2018, though it is expected to pick up to 3.5 percent in 2019 and 2020, like the minister of finance said.”

*Zainab Ahmed, Minister of Finance

Financial inclusion target In his analysis of the some discussion held at the meeting, Emefiele said: “We held various side meetings like the minister of finance has said with some developing partners like the World Bank, International Finance Corporation, IFC, and Queen Maxima of Netherlands under financial inclusion. As you know, she is the United Nation envoy on financial inclusion and when she visited Nigeria about 18 months ago we promised that by 2020 the level of financial inclusion in Nigeria would be accelerated to about 80 percent. We reviewed the position so far observing that the rate of financial inclusion was moving up aggressively and that we are

*Godwin Emefiele, CBN Governor

very optimistic that in 2020 we would be able to meet the 80 percent target that we had set.” Foreign investor confidence On foreign investment, he said: We also met with foreign investors who expressed confidence in what we are doing in Nigeria and this has been supported by the massive flow that you may have observed recently between December 2018 and even to this time. For me, a major take away from this year ’s meeting is that although the GDP number for Nigeria is low at 1.9 percent in 2018, I am encouraged by the expression even at the International Monetary and Financial Committee disciplinary session here in

Washington that as global growth begins to pick up during second half of 2019, emerging markets economies like India, Brazil, China and indeed Nigeria would help to drive this growth to the kind of level that is expected by the world community. This means that many eyes are on Nigeria and we must work hard to aggressively push up our growth number. But I am hopeful that this can be achieved given the kind of discussion that have gone on even after President Muhammadu Buhari won re-election; that at this time we need to work on consolidating growth; we need to work on creating more jobs for our people and there is also the need to diversify the economy.”

Reduce debt vulnerabilities, IMF challenges African countries By Emma Ujah

HE International Mon etary Fund, IMF, has challenged African countries to reduce their debt vulnerabilities, invest more in human capital, as well as, infrastructure, in order to witness the much-needed high level growth that can positively impact the populace. Those were the key takeaway points from the African Consultative Group meeting, held, yesterday, at the IMF Headquarters, in Washington DC. The meeting was co-chaired by Ghanaian Minister of Finance, Mr. Kenneth OforiAtta, Chairman of the African Caucus, and Ms. Christine Lagarde, Managing Director of IMF. The communiqué issued at the end of the meeting stated: “We had very productive discussions on Africa’s economic development and prospects. The economic recovery in Africa is expected to continue. However, under current policies and amid increased global uncertainty, medium-term growth for the

region is expected to continue to fall well short of what is needed to absorb new entrants to the labour force. The key challenge that Africa faces is to invest in human and physical capital to create jobs while at the same time reducing debt vulnerabilities. “Against this backdrop, we agree that countries need to generate fiscal space, enhance resilience including to climate change, and create sustained high and inclusive

The key challenge that Africa faces is to invest in human and physical capital to create jobs while at the same time reducing debt vulnerabilities

growth, including by removing obstacles to greater gender equity. This will require, in particular: (i) pursuing growth-friendly fiscal consolidations, where needed, that strike the right balance between development spending, reducing debt vulnerabilities, and meeting essential social needs; (ii) strengthening the effectiveness of monetary policy to enhance the monetary transmission mechanism; (iii) enhancing the flexibility of markets to facilitate adjustment to shocks and preserve competitiveness; (iv) removing trade barriers to boost medium-term growth, including in the context of the African Continental Free Trade Agreement; and (v) addressing illicit financing flows and base erosion to enhance governance and strengthen revenue collection.” Lagarde stated that the IMF would continue to closely engage with its African members, in that respect. “The Fund will continue to support the authorities’ efforts to address the current macroeconomic and structural challenges and achieve a stronger, durable and inclusive growth

to absorb new entrants in the labour force,” she was quoted as saying. Ofori-Atta who echoed the economic prospects of the continent expressed the willingness of the sub-region to work closely with the IMF to tackle emerging concerns. He emphasized the need for members to sustain commitment to structural reforms and encouraged the Fund to show patience in its program engagement when there is demonstrated ownership by country authorities for successful outcomes. The African Consultative Group comprises the Fund Governors of a subset of 12 African countries belonging to the African Caucus (African Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors) and Fund management. It was formed in 2007 to enhance the IMF’s policy dialogue with the African Caucus. The Group meets at the time of the Spring Meetings, while Fund Management meets with the full membership of the African Caucus at the time of the Annual Meetings. Nigeria is a member of the African Caucus.

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Why we emerged with Alternative Evacuation Technology --- Nestoil Stories by Prince Okafor ECONDE Energy Limited has stated that it emerged with the Alternative Evacuation Technology, AET, in order to tackle oil theft and pipeline vandalism in Nigeria. In an interview with Vanguard, the Chief Technical Officer, Neconde Energy Limited, Mr. Ifeanyi Ezuka, said: “This AET has a combination of technical and logistical issues. In Nigeria, we have the Forcados, Bonny, Brass and Escravos terminals, where crude oil is exported. Over the years, the pipelines that take oil to these terminals have become targets for vandals. “Sometimes, the pipelines become targets whenever there are social and other issues with stakeholders, especially the government and communities, thus affecting operations. But with this system, we can now have control over the value chain.” He said: “It should also be noted that when we bought the asset from Shell, the mechanism in use was only able to separate oil from gas. But we had to put in place a mechanism to separate oil, gas and water before transporting it through barges. In other words, we had to convert our facilities to have the capability to separate water and provide dry oil that meet export quality. “In the Nestoil Group, we have companies that fabricate these vessels as well as companies that did engineering. Specifically, Impac Engineering did the detailed engineering and then handed it over to our fabrication company, known as Energy Works Technology (EWT).

Ekpe Nkan - Offshore Installation Manager, ERHA FPSO; Oge Udeagha - Manager, Media and Communications, ExxonMobil Nigeria; Scott Hommema, PhD - General Manager, Deepwater Operations and Joint Interest, ExxonMobil Nigeria; Dr. Emmanuel Ibe Kachikwu Honorable Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Nigeria; Simbiat Yusuff - Contact Engineer, ERHA FPSO; Richard Laing - Executive Director and Production Manager, ExxonMobil Nigeria; Niyi Idowu - General Manager, External Relations, ExxonMobil Nigeria, during a visit to ERHA FPSO.

Nuclear energy: FG worried over security of Nuclear Weapons Free Zone Treaty." radioactive materials Monguno, who was represented by By Michael Eboh

HE Federal Government has expressed concerns over the safety of nuclear and radioactive materials in the country and the rest of the world, noting that Nigeria was fully aware of the global concerns towards the proliferation of nuclear weapons and had taken steps to contribute to global efforts aimed at tackling this issue. This was even as the United Nations Office of CounterTerrorism, UNOCT, also warned that the possibility of terrorists gaining access to nuclear and radioactive materials and the threat it poses to global security was becoming increasingly real. The National Security Adviser, NSA, to the President, Major General Mohammed Monguno (Retd.) and the UNOCT gave this charge in Abuja, at an international workshop, tagged, 'Valiant Eagle: Response Coordination and Legal Frameworks,' organised by the Nigerian Nuclear Regulatory Authority, NNRA; Global Initiative to Combat Nuclear Terrorism,

GICNT; and the United Nations Office of Counter Terrorism, UNOCT, UN Counter Terrorism Centre (UNCCT). Nigeria had in 2017 signed an agreement with Rosatom for the development of nuclear power plants in Nigeria for electricity generation. The country also has a number of nuclear and radioactive facilities across the country, especially in the oil and gas sector. Monguno advised African countries to improve on their preparedness for nuclear emergencies through the development of appropriate response strategies. He said: "Nigeria accords high priority to all global efforts towards ending the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction and their means of delivery, including nuclear weapons, and is very much aware of the prevailing international anxiety over nuclear security and proliferation of nuclear weapons. This made Nigeria to play a major role in the negotiations leading to the coming into force of the African

one of his aides, Mr. Aliyu Aminu, lamented that while nuclear security events come with their own set of challenges, response principles often remain the same across different types of mass casualty incidents. He further called for strong regional collaboration among African nations to tackle the issue of nuclear terrorism and boost their response to nuclear emergencies. He said: "Though response to a nuclear security incident is unique, many of the same legal frameworks and emergency response procedures developed for natural disasters or other national-level emergencies could be adapted to meet this challenge. "Furthermore, this type of event may require the impacted country to notify its neighbours and request international assistance to execute an effective response. This is why this workshop is very important so that African nations can start developing strong regional coordination procedures and legal frameworks to ensuring preparedness for response to nuclear security incident of this nature, which would have impacts beyond national boundaries."

N713bn subsidy could have been used to develop the World Bank report, most of the infrastructure -–– DAPPMAN petrol volumes Nigeria spent

By Sebastine Obasi EPOT and Petroleum Products Marketers Association of Nigeria, DAPPMAN has said that the N713 billion spent by the Federal Government as fuel subsidy in 2018, could have been better used to build hospitals, additional roads to link out farms for easier evacuation of products, as well as complete dam projects for improved power and water supply. DAPPMAN’s reaction is coming on the heels of the World Bank report which stated that Nigeria spent N713 billion to subsidize fuel consumption in 2018, while the country’s oil sector declined in its productivity, ending on 1.9 million barrels a day (mbd) production mark as against the government’s hope of 2.3mbd. Speaking on the issue, Olufemi Adewale, Executive Secretary, DAPPMAN, said: “Though I don’t have data on empirical alternatives but surely, N731bn could have been used to build more hospitals to improve health care, build additional roads to

link out farms to the cities for faster evacuation of farm produce, complete a few dam projects to both provide portable water and improve power supply for the country’s teeming populace. N731bn could have been put to better use than ‘consumed ‘as fuel subsidy. It is hoped that the FG will take the bull by its horn and do the needful to curtail these unnecessary and avoidable expenses.” Challenging the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, NNPC to provide data on fuel consumption, Adewale said: “NNPC has been the sole importer of PMS for quite a while so the corporation should be able to provide data on our fuel consumption nationwide. “We in DAPPMAN have for quite a while been clamouring for deregulation of the nation’s downstream sector to eliminate subsidy costs and we shall continue to do so. For as long as landing cost of PMS into the country is higher than the pump price , for so long shall we be experiencing distortions in our economy.” According to

money to subsidise in 2018 were inflated as daily consumption increased to 54 million litres per day (ml/d) from 40ml/d in 2017, ostensibly due partly to outsmuggling. “Oil and gas revenue collection increased in 2018 but remained below potential. Net oil and gas revenues retained in the federation account grew by 73 per cent in nominal terms: as oil production remained stable, the increase has been driven by the oil price. “As cost is not linearly proportional to the oil price increments, more growth in the oil revenues were expected, and only about two-third of the budgeted net oil and gas revenues were actually collected. “The oil revenues continue to underperform both relative to the budget targets and their realistic potential due to the unbudgeted fuel subsidy (Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) ‘cost under-recovery’), which amounted to N731 billion in 2018, among other discretionary deductions, and the dollar-naira conversion using an exchange rate lower than that prevailing in the convertible IEFX window,” the report stated.

EWT fabricated the systems and then we transported everything to the field base for installation and integration. We also got one equipment the crude oil dehydrators from the United States for installation before the commissioning process started.” He added: “The new technology comes with a lot of benefits. The usual losses or leakages associated with pipeline issues are eliminated, meaning that we have control of the complete value chain to deliver specific volumes from the well-head to the terminal. Also, bankers now take us serious than before because they know and appreciate the certainty of our operations. There is also a significant drop in redundancy. “We have been at full deployment since June, July last year. It has been great, everyone is happy because production has been stable. From all indications, we will be able to pay back borrowed funds. It can only get better. “We are ready and currently discussing with some organisations. We look forward to delivering the AES, which includes the crew dehydration, the loading platforms, the vessels, and all the controls that are required within 14 to 18 months. This is because we have integrated companies that provide complementary services, thus enabling us to deliver value on record time.”

NNPC commends Oilserv on ongoing East-West Gas Pipeline Project as all materials needed for the

HE Engineering, Procurement and Construction (EPC) industry has played a major role in the development and advancement of the Oil and Gas sector in Nigeria. Oilserv Limited, a leading Engineering, Procurement, Construction, Installation and Commissioning Company in Nigeria has been a major player in the industry since her inception in 1992 and has contributed immensely to the development of pipeline systems infrastructure in Nigeria, having executed various large and medium scale projects. Oilserv is currently executing the biggest pipeline in Nigeria, the East-West Gas Pipeline Project popularly called OB3 Project (136km x 48 inch). The Company has demonstrated indigenous capacity and expertise which used to be the forte of international EPC companies in Nigeria and have earned a reputation for quality, safety and ontime delivery of projects. This was confirmed during the inspection site visit to the Gas Treatment Plant (GTP) site of the OB3 Project on Tuesday, April 2, 2019 by the management of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) led by the COO, Gas and Power, Mr. Saidu Mohammed and the Managing Director of the Nigerian Gas Company (NGC), Mr. Tunde Bakare. Impressed by the capacity and progress of Oilserv on the project, the COO, Gas/Power . Saidu Mohammed said: “This is a project that we have been waiting for in Nigeria and we are glad that Contractor is performing towards bringing light at the end of the tunnel. What I have seen so far is very impressive and the deadline of completing this project is achievable

completion of the work are on ground.” The Managing Director of the Nigerian Gas Company (NGC) Mr. Tunde Bakare said “From what we have seen so far, Oilserv has done very well. The Gas Treatment Plant (GTP) is massive with a capacity of two billion standard cubic feet per day (2bscf/d). What is left is just the piping work and we are sure that by September 2019 we will have the Vice President here to commission the project’’. The Chairman of Oilserv; Mr. Emeka Okwuosa while thanking the NNPC delegation for their commitment towards the project by making out time from their busy schedules to inspect the work said: “Oilserv with the support of the client; NNPC has demonstrated that such a huge project can be done locally. The project is quite a challenging one and Oilserv has always shown commitment in the process of executing the project from Engineering and Construction. “The Gas Treatment Plant (GTP) is the largest that exists in Nigeria and maybe Africa today and it is meant to have capacity of two billion standard cubic feet per day (2bscf/d). few changes in the entire design in addition to other issues that came up led to quite some delay but being that as it may the company is racing towards the finished line and we are sure we will deliver on the new schedule.”

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NNPC gets NIPR commendation for promotion of PR

HE Nigerian Institute of Public Relations, NIPR, Abuja Chapter, yes-

FG should tackle oil theft, environmental off flows during transport degradation, insecurity –––NNF and storage. She stated: "It By Esther Onyegbula

HE Federal Govern ment and other relevant stakeholders have been charged to tackle oil theft, environmental pollution and insecurity in the country. In her presentation at a one day media engagement against crude oil theft in Nigeria organised by New Nigeria Foundation, NNF recently in Lagos, Chikodi AmadiChiedo Programmes Manager, NNF, said there was an urgent need for the Federal Government to find a lasting solution these issues because of their negative impact. He

said: "Environmental degradation has been a major predicament in the Niger Delta since the extraction of oil began in the region. With a landmass of approximately 70,000km2, a total of 7.5 percent of the country is affected. "Negligence by oil extractors and the federal government, poor infrastructure management, and oil theft has led to the loss of 7,500km of rain and mangrove forest. Oil spillage via pipeline drilling, conventional spill and bush refineries, have poisoned the water with carcinogen benzene at levels around 900117 considerably higher than the WHO

approved level for drinking water which is 10. Pollution has also left soil dead up to depths of 5m118 making it infertile. "Mangrove plants make up most of the vegetation in the Delta and are most susceptible to oil spills because their seeds are stored in the soil. In many cases, the mangrove plant only sprouts a stem, no leaves. The stems are coated with oil, sometimes 1cm thick." Also speaking, Olayide Adesanya, Senior Programmes Manager, stated that the total environmental devastation in the region is due to poor refinery management and run-

is estimated that up to a fifth of stolen oil is delivered to small-scale refineries in the creeks and mangroves, where it is boiled to produce lowgrade diesel fuel or petrol. The efficiency of these so called ‘bush’ refineries is estimated at barely 20 percent as the heavy end of crude that cannot be refined is dumped into the environment. “Poor refining techniques and nonchalant disposal of waste into streams and creeks further pollute the Delta. Streams and creeks carry polluted water into community water supplies and damage the land.”

terday, commended the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, NNPC, for its effective deployment of public relations tools and professionals in managing its image and reputation. In a statement in Abuja, Chairman of the Federal Capital Territory Chapter of the NIPR, Dr. Tayo Haastrup, who stated this during a visit to the Group General Manager, Group Public Affairs Division of the NNPC, Mr. Ndu Ughamadu, also disclosed that the NNPC remained a critical promoter of professional PR practice in Nigeria. He commended the NNPC management for appointing a registered and certified member of the NIPR to manage the reputation of the corporation as required by law. The Chairman pointed out that the NIPR had taken seriously the menace of quackery in the profession, while noting that actions

are already been taken against those on the wrong side of the law, he also called on defaulting organizations to regularize before the law catches in on them. Haastrup lauded the expertise and professionalism of the Group Public Affairs Division of the NNPC, for its competence in managing the image and reputation of a critical organization like the NNPC. He said, "As the body regulating the activities of public relations in the country, it is our duty to monitor the activities of our practitioners in the field to offer professional advice or assistance where necessary and commend those who are making the Institute proud. “We have watched closely since your re-appointment as the spokesman of the NNPC and observed that you are living up to expectations as a certified practitioner and a Fellow of the Institute.”

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AIICO launches entrepreneurship programme

IICO Insurance Plc has launched a free entrepreneurship development programme. In a statement, the company said that as a socially responsible organization, it seeks to contribute to nation building by empowering Nigerians with the requisite knowledge and skills for entrepreneurship. This is aimed at employment generation, poverty reduction and economic growth. Executive Director and Chief Operations Officer, Mr. Babatunde Fajemirokun said, “The programme is open to individuals who desire to have the freedom to pursue their own vision; become their own bosses; have flexible lifestyle and potentials for alternate sources of income beyond salary. The programme helps to spot new business opportunities in Nigeria today and guides on dos and don’ts of succeeding. It is based on cutting edge information, tools and concepts of entrepreneurship. “Nigerians with entrepreneurial potentials and dreams of self-reliance can now take advantage of the programme to gain momentum and become viable, irrespective of challenges. We want to help them to see opportunities around them and equip them with the knowledge and skill to make the most of it profitably. We have the manpower and have made adequate provisions to ensure the continuity of this programme.”

FBN Insurance records 33% growth in premium

BN Insurance Limited has recorded a growth of 33 percent in gross premium written (GPW) to N26.0 billion in the 2018 financial year. The figure is against N19.6 billion recorded in 2017. According to the company, profit before tax (PBT) grew by 44 percent to N6.13 billion in 2018 from N4.26 billion in 2017. While commenting on the financial statement, Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, FBN Insurance, Mr. Val Ojumah, attributed the performance of the company to its resilience in achieving the strategic aspiration of becoming the most profitable life insurance company in Nigeria. He said, “The 2018 result has not only moved us several steps towards this goal, it has also raised the bar for our performance in 2019. Given our track record of strong and sustainable growth, we are confident that FBN Insurance will wax stronger in 2019.”

From left: Mr. Idorenyen Enang, Director, Prorisk Insurance Brokers Limited; Mrs. Derin Agbabiaka, Company Secretary; Prince Aderemi Adekile, Chairman; Mr. Oluwagbemiga Olawoyin Managing Director; and Nurudeen Fagbenro, during the company’s board meeting in Lagos.

NAICOM to restrict insurers’ business engagements to financial capacity Stories by Rosemary Onuoha

he National Insurance Commission, NAICOM, said that it has heightened its regulatory oversight to ensure that insurance companies take up only businesses that they have capacity to undertake. Commissioner for Insurance, Alhaji Mohammed Kari, who disclosed, noted that the move is part of efforts to protect shareholders’ investments in insurance companies. Kari said, “As insurance companies submit their reinsurance arrangement at the end of the year, we could tell some that ‘your capital does not justify your doing this business, so you are restricted to this’. We have always been doing it. Our opinion is discretionary, we apply it as we see fit at the time. It is our duty to ensure that only capable companies operate in capable areas.” Kari who reiterated that NAICOM has the regulatory powers to do so, said, “It is within our regulatory powers to protect shareholders and stakeholders as well as consumers, to ensure that companies only operate in areas where they have the wherewithal. This is to ensure

that shareholders commitments in a company are protected.” According to Kari, the current capital level of insurance companies was introduced thirteen years ago which is contrary to what is obtainable in other financial sectors. He said, “Insurance anywhere in

the world is the mobilizer of funds and provider of security. You cannot provide security if you don’t have capital. How can you approach a microfinance bank of N5 billion and tell them you want to give them protection. What is your capital? The claim you pay and the liability you

hold is a function of your financial ability. “Insurance companies own virtually all the financial sector in the world. They fund infrastructure because they have long term funds to fund long term business.”

Old Mutual’s new cover to combat high death Keith Alfrod stated that the new Families have been driven into rate in Nigeria Mr. product will help people plan ahead poverty in a bid to raise money for By Cynthia Alo

ld Mutual Life Assurance Company has introduced a critical illness cover to facilitate quick response to high health issues that have claimed many lives due to lack of funds and quick medical care services. The company made the introduction in commemoration of this year’s World Health Day geared towards universal health coverage. The company had partnered Roche Pharmaceutical, a global research-driven health care pharmaceutical and Hygeia Health Maintenance Organization, the pioneers of health insurance in Nigeria, to drive the new plan. Speaking at the launch in Lagos, Managing Director of the company,

of any critical health issue rather than resort to social media begging which has become the order of the day. According to him, the critical illness plan covers terminal illness that results to transplants or coma, cancer, stroke, heart diseases among others. He said: “Currently, over 800 million people worldwide spend at least 10 percent of their household budgets to pay for health care. In Sub-Saharan countries like Nigeria, medical expenses are often made through out-of-pocket payments with little coming from government or privately structured healthcare management initiatives. In the case of terminal illness, many sufferers have lost their jobs and their source of income significantly affected.

the treatment of loved ones. Unfortunately, insurance which ideally serves as financial protection has not been fully utilised by Nigerians. “There is a need for us to plan with insurance policies specially designed to provide protection from the financial burdens of terminal illnesses. It is to this end that, we entered into a partnership with Roche to develop this innovative insurance plan to protect Nigerians from the financial implications of terminal illness. As we commemorate World Health Day, we call on Nigerians to choose life and take up insurance as a protection against the financial burden of terminal illnesses that usually invade lives unannounced.”

AXA Mansard launches education product A

XA Mansard Insurance Plc has launched a revamped education plan to assist parents achieve their educational goals for their children. Speaking on the product, Chief Executive Officer of AXA Mansard, Mr. Kunle Ahmed said that revamped education plan is also designed to reward customers for their loyalty. He said, “In addition to assisting parents achieve their lofty goals for their children in terms of education; the revamped education plan is also designed to reward customers for their loyalty. Customers will have immediate access to a free annual health check and receive three months value of their premiums in the first five years of policy period. These rewards align with our continued focus on living benefits as well as promoting healthy living in our society”. He said that the plan gives parents/ guardians the opportunity to ensure they have funds for educational expenses of their

children/wards especially when they reach university entry age. It also ensures that their education is not derailed in the event of any unforeseen circumstance such as death or permanent disablement of the parents/ guardians. Also the company has introduced a new Cash-Back Term Life product as part of its quest to improve the ease of adoption of term life insurance and hence boost insurance penetration in Nigeria. According to the company, with Cash-Back Term Life, as against the traditional term life plan, AXA Mansard’s customers will get a refund of 50 percent of premium paid if they don’t make any claim till the expiration of the policy. This benefit comes in addition to the life insurance cover. The product also gives customers the option to choose additional benefits like permanent disability and extended life cover at a token fee. Meanwhile, the company recently sponsored

the SME 100 Africa Event in commemoration of the international women’s month. The event themed “Balancing for Better; The Rise of the Female Economy” held on the 21st of March 2019 in Lagos, Nigeria. Various women from different sectors i.e. government, private sector, academia, small business owners, professionals and housewives were present to discuss several issues that have been limiting women in their fields. AXA Mansard has also collaborated with Uber in conducting a safety workshop for Uber drivers to make rides safer and more secure for driver-partners and riders as a form of value added services to Uber partner drivers. The workshop which held on the 23rd of March and the 5th of April, 2019, in Lagos and Abuja respectively, was part of Uber’s weeklong Safety-Week initiative aimed at amplifying and restating its ‘Safety Never Stops’ narrative of making rides safer and more secure for driver-partners and rider.

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The order of things S

OMEONE recently circulated his thoughts about his personal philosophy of politics and the state of the nation in general. His name shall remain anonymous. His views are sadly typical of the cynical approach in which young people define the structure of our politics today. We quote him in full: “Nigeria is a stupid nation to think about dying for; I don’t hide my own. I want the best for every citizen but my interests comes (sic) first. I am a PDP member but in governorship I worked against Benue PDP because APC promised me appointment and that’s life of interest. We all work for our pockets. ….Oshiomhole was better in NLC. Labaran Maku was better as Unijos Students Union Government, SUG. Money closes our minds to rightful judgement. Professor Wole Soyinka says when you hear any man making noise he must either be hungry or (has) been cheated.” This statement tragically typifies the unprecedented cynicism that has taken over our national consciousness. It is actually worse among the youths who grew up under the baneful culture of militarism and who know nothing better. Some of us saw people such as Obafemi Awolowo, Ahmadu Bello, Nnamdi Azikiwe and Tafawa Balewa when we were children. As a young man I met people such as Chief (Dr.) Akanu Ibiam, Chief Simeon Adebo, Professor Olikoye Ransome-Kuti and others. Whenever

you encountered these personages nobody needed to tell you that you were face-to-face with greatness. Our youths of today do not know that there was once a country whose leaders were giants. When my godfather Chief Obafemi Awolowo died, the obituary column of the London Times newspaper described him as a statesman who could have successfully ruled any advanced Western democracy. Awolowo and his generation made their share of mistakes. They were by no means perfect people. But they were intellectual giants. Nobody in the current crop of politicians comes even remotely near them in stature. They wrote books. They articulated principles. They designed plans for Nigeria’s future greatness. In a word, they were statesmen and stateswomen. To the young who entertain such jaundiced, Luciferian cynicism, I have only this to say: Politics did not begin with Nigeria. It began thousands of years ago among the great civilisations of the Nile and Indus Valleys. Akhenaten and Imhotep. The Egypt of the Pharaohs; Aristotle and Solon in Athenian Greece; Asoka the Wise and his counsellor Kautilya of Chandragupta India; the Pitts of England; Thomas Jefferson and Abraham Lincoln of the young American Republic; and from Nehru in India to Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela of South Africa. The great political philosophers

from Ibn Sinna and Jalaluddin Rumi to John Locke, Thomas Hobbes and Jean-Jacques Rousseau taught that man, in the state of nature, is a warlike beast in a lawless world in which the strong get what they want while the weak grant what they must. The state emerges as a social contract in which citizens agree to lay down their arms in favour of a Leviathan that guarantees protection while monopolising the use of legitimate force. Civil government exists to secure the common peace and to guarantee the welfare of the people. Politics is the struggle to decide who is best placed to determine who gets “what, where and when”.

For the sake of your health, you must never go into politics unless you have the thick skin to absorb the shock of betrayal and sheer diabolical wickedness To be brutally honest, interests will always exist. The Florentine Prince Niccolo Machiavelli wisely observed that men are beasts. Nothing exposes that beastly nature than the low-intensity warfare that is camouflaged in the deceitful idiom of partisan politics. I saw a lot of it myself when I was the presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress. I witnessed the backstabbing, the lying, hypocrisy, betrayal, open hatred - the prevarication and cupidity. For the sake of your health, you must never go into politics unless you have the thick skin to absorb the shock of betrayal and sheer diabolical wickedness. But beastliness is one thing; the

other side of the equation is that there are still good people in Nigeria. Thomas Aquinas spoke about the better angels of our human nature. It was not for nothing that he was known as “the Angelic Doctor”. There are men in politics who are truly citizens of heaven, to borrow the inimitable language of St. Augustine, Bishop of Hippo Regis and my patron saint. Interests are not the ultimate objectives for the true statesman. Politicians will always look out for their own narrow selfish interests. Statesmen, on the other hand, look out for the long-term Common Good. The fact that we in Nigeria have been ruled by goonies doesn’t mean goonieism is the ultimate paradigm of political wisdom. When the military ruled this country for more than 30 years they instituted a culture of cynicism that has become the hallmark of what people believe to be political sophistication. You lie to the people, govern with impunity and rob the national treasury dry. During the life of our young Third Republic, many of the military barons re-constituted themselves into king-makers. They are innately averse to courageous intellectuals that are committed to progressive politics. They prefer little yes-men. They have the money to call the ultimate shots. They prefer goonies like themselves not those who have what it takes to move this country forward. The genocide going on in Zamfara is a metaphor for the evil times in which we live. For more than a year now defenceless peasants being killed in their thousands, with no one to protect them. Someone recently sent me a clip where hundreds were being forced to lie down and were being finished off in cold blood with guns and bayonets. Dying in shrieks, whimpers and sighs. Meanwhile the state governor announced his abdication from the role of chief security officer of the state. He now spends most of his time in Abuja while collecting his full emoluments,

Nigeria: A country in the grip of unending violence

By Chiedu Uche Okoye

ORD Fredrick Lugard, a one-time governor general of Nigeria, didn’t get the consent of the people(s) of Nigeria before he cobbled the Northern and Southern protectorates together. And, his wife, Christine Shaw, christened the geographical space Nigeria. That’s how the disparate ethnic entities came together to become Nigeria. So, owing to our country’s heterogeneous nature, we embraced and adopted the federal system of government. Federalism is thought to be suitable for countries with heterogeneity. However, today, not a few federal nationstates have collapsed. The USSR that was made up of 15 republics dismembered irrespective of its implementation of the policy of perestroika and glasnost. Yugoslavia broke up, too. And some countries emerged from Czechoslovakia after it had disintegrated. On the African continent, Eritrea pulled out of Ethiopia, while Somaliland emerged from Somali. After suffering years of bloody conflicts, Sudan was bifurcated with South Sudan emerging from it. Till now, countries on the African continent with heterogeneity are still being buffeted by bloody conflicts. In Kenya, the Lou and Kikuyu people(s) who are acutely aware of their different ethnic origins are still locked in the battle for political dominance and supremacy. In Cameroun where Paul Biya has been in the saddle of power for a very long time, the English-speaking people there are ceaselessly agitating for state-hood. Like the aforementioned African countries, Nigeria has had its fair share of violence and ethnic troubles C M Y K

dating back to the colonial era. In 1953, the Northern people threatened secession in their nine point programme. Adaka Isaac Boro declared the Niger-Delta republic in 1963; however, it was short-lived. And, the NigeriaBiafra war raged between 1967 and 1970 with its calamitous and devastating consequences. Millions of human lives were lost on both sides in the senseless fratricidal war. Since the end of the civil war, Nigeria hasn’t known true peace, as ethno-religious and political troubles have become features of our national life. After the cancelled June 12, 1993 Presidential election, Sani Abacha shoved aside Ernest Shonekan, then head of the Interim National Government and instituted a reign of terror in Nigeria. Members of NADECO such as Alfred Rewane, Kudirat Abiola, and others were killed. And in the past, the North would erupt in a religious frenzy. So, Gideon Akaluka was decapitated by Islamic fundamentalists for allegedly desecrating the Koran. His head was hoisted on a pole. Till now, waves of religious violence have been sweeping through the Northern part of Nigeria resulting in needless deaths of people. Today, Boko Haram, a deadly insurgent group, has continued to terrorise the North. Their hatred or distaste for Western education underpins their philosophy. Brainwashed and indoctrinated with distorted version of Islamic teachings, they’ve embarked on a mission to establish Islamic theocratic government in the North of Nigeria, and beyond. The crazed and murderous insurgents have seized the NorthEast of Nigeria by the jugular, killing people and taking female students captive. Some years

ago, the Boko Haram group raided a secondary school in Chibok, Borno State and took many school girls captive. It took intense negotiations between the Federal Government and members of the Boko Haram group before the girls were released from captivity. The insurgents later raided Dapchi Girls’ Technical College, Yobe and abducted school girls. While other girls who are Moslems had been released and united with their families, Leah Sharibu is still in captivity for holding fast to her Christian faith. Leah Sharibu has become a symbol of resilience and resistance to the Boko-Haram’s act of forceful proselytizing of people. Her non-release from

In today’s Nigeria, we do not place high premium on human lives; that’s why a triggerhappy policeman shot and killed Kolade Johnson recently for violating no laws captivity by the Boko Haram group has outraged the peoples of the world. But is the Nigerian government making concerted efforts to eradicate insurgency in the NorthEast? While the Boko-Haram insurgency has remained unabated, herdsmen, are causing havoc in every nook and cranny of Nigeria. The cattle herders appear emboldened in their despicable acts of homicide because of the indifference and inaction of the President Muhammadu Buhari administration. From Lafia to Taraba, and from Enugu to Anambra,

including the iniquitous security vote. The journalist Kadaria Ahmed was in the news last week. Some of you would remember her as one of those prominent anchors during the presidential debates on national TV. She is not only a highly skilled journalist, she is a fearless and courageous public intellectual and activist. She described Governor Yari Abul-Aziz as “the most useless governor in Nigeria”. We may not agree with her language, but she spoke from the heart and she was expressing the moral outrage that any well-thinking citizen must feel about what is happening in Zamfara. As it turns out, much of it has to do with conflict over gold and other precious gems that are said to be abundant in the state. Most of the miners are illegal immigrants from neighbouring countries. They are said to be working for retired military generals and Chinese reptiles that control the mining operations. Most of the proceeds are exported abroad. Of that illicit trading, nothing comes into the national treasury. The Federal Government recently halted all mining in Zamfara until further notice. I suggest we do not stop there. We should send the army to take over the mining sites. In Botswana anyone caught stealing diamonds is instantly executed. We should apply the same draconian law to this situation. We should also borrow a leaf from Sudan. Several years ago when the government in Khartoum faced a severe balance of payments crisis the reserve bank opened a window for gold and precious stones. All the miners were licensed to mine and sell all their gold and precious gems to the central bank. The latter also guaranteed them a fair price. The gold was used to bolster the country’s foreign reserves, thereby strengthening the Sudanese pound and saving the country’s public finances. Now is the time for true statesmen and women to stand up and be counted!

the cattle herders have been running wild, killing people and destroying the farmlands of farmers in their host communities. In the past week, they raided a community in Anambra West Local Government in Anambra State and killed six people. Where are the killers? Have they been arrested and arraigned as demanded by the law? In Zamfara State where governance seem to be on recess, the state government has more or less surrendered the state to the rampaging bandits. In Zamfara, anarchy reigns while Governor Yari, a globe-trotter, is only keen on travelling. In other states like Kastina and Kaduna, there have also been pockets of violence that led to loss of human lives and property. Nigeria has returned to the Hobbesian state of nature where life is short, brutish, and nasty. In today’s Nigeria, we do not place high premium on human lives. That’s why a triggerhappy policeman shot and killed Kolade Johnson recently for violating no laws of Nigeria. Now, teenage school boys, who are cultists, relish listening to mordant tales instead of imbibing the habit of reading. They kill one another in the name of rival cult fights. Now, the entire South-East is suffering from the infestation of cultism with its attendant deaths of many young people. However, it is our political leaders at different levels of government who arm and sponsor the cultists to unleash harm on their political opponents and rivals during electioneering and on election days. But he who sows wind will reap whirlwind. Nigeria has now become an infinity of unsolved murder cases because our political leaders are complicit in the deeds. *Okoye, a commentator on national issues, wrote from Uruowulu-Obosi, Anambra State

Vanguard, TUESDAY, APRIL 16, 2019 — 33 :Vanguard News

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Rivers govt'll tackle cult killings — WIKE HARCOURT— PORT G O V E R N O R

Nyesom Wike of Rivers State, has said that the state government will frontally tackle cultrelated killings in parts of the state. Speaking at the Government House, Port Harcourt, yesterday, when the Rivers State Council of Traditional Rulers paid him a congratulatory visit on his re-election, Governor Wike said that his administration will take the fight to cultists. He said: “We will not allow these cultists who want to paint the state black continue to cause mayhem. We will take the fight to them. Enough is enough. These people cannot continue to kill our people.” Wike noted that he met with the State Security Council on Sunday night and modalities were worked out on how to rid the state of cultrelated killings. He urged the Rivers State Council of Traditional Rulers to support the state government in the fight against cultism, saying that prompt information will be useful in tracking down criminal elements. Wike said he will jealously guard the interest of Rivers State and ensure further development of the state. “I am a total, unrepentant Rivers Man. I will continue to jealously guard the interest of the state,” he said. He thanked the traditional rulers for their solidarity visit, but regretted that some of them were involved in party politics, despite his advice that they should stay off the political terrain. Earlier, Chairman of the Rivers State Council of Traditional Rulers and Amayanabo of Opobo, King Douglas Jaja said that they were in the Government House to congratulate Governor Wike for a well deserved victory. He thanked Wike for extending the olive branch to his opponents and urged the opponents to accept the governor’s offer. He lauded Rivers women for the wonderful role they played to defend votes across the state, especially standing firm to resist the invasion of collation centres by the Nigerian Army. King Jaja prayed God to always grant Governor Wike the capacity to lead the state in the right direction.

Okowa, Oborevwori extol Otuaro at 51 By Festus Ahon

AWARD: Mr. Mukul Mathur, Country Head, Olam Nigeria Limited (left) presenting an award to Hon. Olusola Fatoba, Warehouse Manager, for his 25 years of meritorious service to the company at the Long Service Award ceremony which took place in Lagos, while Mrs. Oluwakemi Fatoba looks on.

Fear grips A’Ibom community over incessant armed robbery, cult attacks By Chioma Onuegbu

YO—FEAR has gripped residents of Mbak Etoi community in Uyo Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State following incessant armed robbery and attacks by cultists within the area. Residents of the community in the outskirts of Uyo metropolis are lamenting that threats to their lives by hoodlums had forced many to abandon their homes to sleep in the bush most nights. When newsmen visited the community, it was observed that economic

activities in the community have been grounded. Shop owners said that they have lost count of the number of times they had been robbed and extorted by the hoodlums. Some of the victims, who narrated their ordeals on the condition of anonymity for fear of further attacks, lamented that they had been left at the mercy of God as the police from the Shelter Afrique Divisional Police Station, Uyo have not done anything to rescue them from the incessant attacks. A nursing mother, and a provision store operator, said “Armed robbers have been terrorizing us for so

PUBLIC SERVICE CORRUPTION: VC tasks forensic investigation professionals By Emem Idio

ENAGOA—THE Vice Chancellor of the Niger Delta University, Bayelsa State, Professor Samuel Edoumiekumo, has charged graduands of International Institute for Certified Forensic Investigation Professionals, IICFIP, to champion the fight against public service fraud and corruption. Edoumiekumo, gave the charge during the graduation and induction ceremony of students of Advance Diploma in Forensic Accounting and Fraud Investigation and Diploma in Criminal I n v e s t i g a t i o n Management, held at the University auditorium, in Amassoma. He said the varsity was

determined to help tackle the problem of endemic fraud and corruption particularly in the public service in the country, informed the introduction of the programme in 2017. He said: “This is a programme we have been running since 2017. What we are doing is to ensure that we stop crime, fraud and corruption totally in the society. We at the Niger Delta University, have keyed into the progressives minds to see how we can come up with a crime free society. “The essence of the programme is to ensure that we train quality manpower’s that will be able to give us proper auditing report. I want to challenge our graduands to champion the fight against corruption in the public service wherever they may find themselves.''

long, that we are now just helpless. The first time they broke through the ceiling into my shop and packed all good in the shop. The second time they came in through the window. The third time they waylaid me on the road and stole my money at gunpoint. “The fourth time, they were even more heavily armed and came in large numbers. Two of the armed robbers entered my shop and requested for the money from the day ’s sales. I was terrified that I carried all the money I had saved, which I had planned to re-stock my shop with, I gave it to them. “But before I gave the money to them, they noticed that I had delayed in giving them the money and ordered me to drop my three months baby on the floor for them to shoot but I refused to drop my baby. They now began to beat me up and so I decided to hand over the money to them. “From my shop, they went into other shops around and robbed them too. They even stole fish and other food items. I have been robbed five times in this shop. They have also been robbing people’s houses.” Another victim, who also spoke on ground of anonymity for fear of attack, said: “I want the government and the police to ensure that armed robbery attacks end in Mbak Etoi. We don’t sleep well at night any longer. Throughout yesterday, we were running into the bush to hide. This was at night. “If we put distress calls to the police, they will tell us that they dont have petrol in their vehicles. The police usually tell us to buy petrol for them before they come to our rescue.”

SABA—DELTA State governor, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa and Speaker of the state House of Assembly, Chief Sheriff Oborevwori, yesterday, extolled the qualities and competence of the State Deputy Governor, Deacon Kingsley Otuaro, who turned 51 years today. Okowa, who is currently on leave praised the acting Governor, Otuaro for the role he is playing in ensuring peace for oil production in his capacity as Chairman of Peace Advocacy Committee Against Oil Facility Vandalism in Delta State. In a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Charles Aniagwu, Okowa said, “On behalf of my family, the government and people of Delta State, I wish to felicitate with my amiable Deputy Governor, a party stalwart and leader of inestimable value on the occasion of his 51st birthday anniversary celebration. “You’ve been a worthy

and dependable partner in our quest to ensure peace and security in our dear state and I must place it on record that you and your team in the Peace Advocacy Committee Against Oil Facility Vandalism in Delta State contributed largely to the peace we enjoy today in the oil and gas industry in the state.” Also, the Speaker of the state House of Assembly, Oborevwori described Otuaro as a reliable Deputy Governor, adding “Our Deputy Governor is a very dependable person, loyal and committed to the development of our people.” Oborevwori in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Dennis Otu said, “Your contribution to the remarkable achievements recorded by the Okowa’s led administration is appreciated. I therefore, join your family, friends and well wishers to thank Almighty God for His mercies in the past 51 years of your life.

EGCDF hails Tompolo at 48 By Gab Ejuwa

HE Egbema and G b a r a m a t u Communities Development Foundation, EGCDF, has congratulated former Niger Delta freedom fighter, HChief Government Ekpemupolo, popularly known as Tompolo on his 48th birthday. Executive Chairman of EGCDF, Ambassador Jude Ebitimi Ukori in a statement on behalf of the foundation, said Tompolo’s contribution to the struggle to emancipate the Ijaw people from the oppressive leadership of Nigeria Government resulted to the very first Ijaw man, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan, a minority to be president of Nigeria.

“He attracted the Nigeria Maritime University. His persistent struggle brought about amnesty programme, so many of our young ones who would not have gone to university are now graduates, that’s because Tompolo stood his ground to make what is wrong, right. “The man is always standing for what is right, which is justice for his people. That’s why he is being persecuted by the Nigerian Government. By God’s grace, he will be vindicated. We will celebrate him every year. Our prayer is that God will continue to guide and protect him. By the grace of God, we will celebrate him at 100. For us, he is a living legend,” he added

Auchi Poly to award degrees soon — OKHAIMO Polytechnic will soon By Festus Ahon

S A B A — N AT I O N A L President of Auchi Polytechnic Alumni Association, Mr. Victor Okhaimo, has said the Polytechnic will soon become a degree awarding institution, disclosing that a bill to convert it to a university had passed third reading in the National Assembly. Noting that the bill was awaiting President Muhammadu Buhari’s assent, Okhaimo said the Polytechnic, which is in the categories of firstclass polytechnics in the country, would become a University of Technology. He said Auchi

mark its 36th anniversary, adding that the institution has three campuses with good infrastructure to assume the status of a University. According to him, the association under his leadership was contributing its quota to the development of the institution, saying that the association was reaching out to old students with the financial wherewithal to assist in the growth of the Polytechnic. He said the Association was collaborating with the Forum of Nigeria Polytechnic Alumina Association, FONPA, adding “We are playing a lot of roles to see that the HND/Bsc dichotomy is wiped out.”

34—VANGUARD, TUESDAY, APRIL 16, 2019

Udeogaranya to Buhari: Forget your defence at tribunal; redeem your integrity

ORMER presidential aspirant on the platform of All Progressives Congress, APC, Chief Charles Udeogaranya, who later decamped to the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, has urged President Buhari to forget defending himself at the elections petitions tribunal but rather concentrate on redeeming his integrity. He said: “The disastrous position that Nigeria is now stuck with does not call for any strenuous efforts to be president, except one considers himself a genius and possesses a set of skills that are out of this world. The world economists can’t find a path for Nigeria's economic recovery and are now in serious doubt over Nigeria’s ability to pay her debts. “Nigerian international business partners are on a

perpetual decline of interest to continue partnership with Nigerian businessmen, because Nigeria's purchasing power is in the reds and no one partners with a poor man. The big question before President Buhari remains: why make yourself to be perceived as an enemy of progress by your citizens, since they do not believe in you to change their fortunes and as a result, your dogged efforts are not being appreciated? “I humbly advise President Buhari to quit his defence at the presidential tribunal to save whatever integrity that is left and pave way for Atiku to be sworn in as president and to try his bid in salvaging a country that will give hope to Nigerians for a substantial period.”

Battle to recover, rebuild Imo not over —Archbishop Obinna

By Chidi Nkwopara

WERRI—IMO people have been reminded that the gubernatorial election may have become history but the battle to fully recover and rebuild the state is not yet over. The Catholic Archbishop of Owerri Ecclesiastical Province, His Grace, Dr. Anthony J. V. Obinna, who stated this during a function for members of the Catholic Women Organisation, CWO, at Maria Assumpta Cathedral, Owerri, also said that the citizenry cannot afford the luxury of having another Herod in Imo. “As we thank God for this wind of change, may God grant the Governor-elect humility because we don’t want another tyrant. Imo people must continue to pray for the state because the battle to fully recover and rebuild Imo is not yet

over”, Archbishop Obinna said. While saying that “winning or losing election in this part of the world is not everything”, the Archbishop however opined that “the exercise however, brings joy on one hand and sadness on the other”. Obinna quickly added that the joy which electoral victory brings to the successful, “is earthly”. In obvious reference to what the people passed through in the past eight years, the cleric reminded the people that “whether it is Herod, the tyrant and ruthless ruler of the Jews,who stopped at nothing to keep his throne, or Caiaphas the Jewish priest, who organised a plot to kill Jesus or Pontius Pilate, who presided at the trial of Jesus and gave the order for his crucifixion, we are all guilty.”

Groups task Ohanaeze on peace By Anayo Okoli

MUAHIA—IN search of peace in the troubled apex Igbo sociocultural organisation, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, some Igbo groups, have visited the suspended secretary general of the body, Mr. Uche Okwukwu and held discussions aimed at ensuring peace, unity and development of Ndigbo. The groups, Igbo Unity Union, Nsukka Diaspora Forum U.K, Igbo bu Igbo Association, France chapter; Congress of Ebonyi State Women and Igbo National Youths, said they supported the cause of progress being pursued by

Okwukwu through Ohanaeze Ndigbo and urged him to ensure that Ndigbo is not missed out in the scheme of things in the country. The groups said that it was good that all Igbos did not support the main opposition party, PDP as planned by the President General and his supporters. According to them, it would not amount to a political wisdom if the entire Igbo people had supported and voted for PDP to the detriment of the ruling APC, noting that it was good for a balanced political position for the Igbo nation.

MORNITORING: Representative of Director-General, Standards Organisation of Nigeria, SON, Mr Obiora Manafa (second left) with Enugu State Commandant, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC, Mrs Chinwe Kanu (middle), observing the destruction of substandard vehicle tyres by SON in Enugu.

Court discharges Ozubulu church massacre suspects A

By Vincent Ujumadu

WKA—AN Anambra High Court sitting in Awka has discharged and acquitted the two remaining suspects standing trial for the attack on worshipers at St. Philips Catholic Church, Ozubulu in Ekwusigo Local Government Area of Anambra State in which 13 people lost their lives. Recall that unknown gunmen had on August 6, 2017, invaded the church in a commando style and shot sporadically, killing many worshippers and wounding others in the process. Four persons were later arraigned in court after the massacre and two had earlier been discharged.

The four suspects- Great Chinedu Akpunonu, 44; Vincent Ike, 57; Chukwudi Ugwu, 30 and Onyebuchi Mbanefo, 46, were arraigned on a 24-count charge in Suit No: HN/36C/ 2017 bordering on conspiracy and murder, while others allegedly involved in the attack were at large and could not appear in court. Most of the people involved in the case were indigenes of Ozubulu residing in South Africa, who carried their battle for supremacy in that country to their home town, Ozubulu. Among the victims of the Ozubulu massacre were the parents of Chief Aloysius Ikgwuonu, a prominent indigene of Ozubulu living in South Africa, who was

allegedly the target of the attack. In a judgment that lasted about three hours, the presiding judge, Justice Fidelis Aniukwu ruled that the prosecution counsel was unable to prove beyond reasonable doubt, the allegations leveled against the two defendants, Chinedu Akpunonu and Onyebuchi Mbanefo. The Judge had in December 2018, also discharged two of the four persons charged with attack one year after the commencement of the trial, for lack of proper evidence. According to Justice Aniukwu, the prosecution witnesses could not provide convincing evidence linking the defendants with the murder as alleged and discharged them accordingly. Vanguard also recalled

that although the high profile trial began at Nnewi High Court, the Judge decided to relocate to Awka due to the tension at the court premises whenever the case came up. The court premises was usually filled to capacity while the trial lasted and it was discovered that most of the people who came to witness the court proceedings were Ozubulu indigenes based in South Africa. Speaking after the ruling, one of the defendants, Mr. Chinedu Akpunonu said God had vindicated him from an attempt by some persons to smear his reputation. He, however, said he had forgiven his accusers and appealed to them to join hands to ensure that peace reigns in Ozubulu community.

State govt battles LGs, store owners over control of markets in Anambra innocent traders and we are By Vincent Ujumadu

WKA—ANAMBRA State government and some local government areas in the state may be up in arms over the control of markets, as the state Commissioner for Trade and Commerce, Dr. Christian Madubuko insisted yesterday that local governments had no powers to authorise individuals to construct markets in any part of the state. The commissioner, who spoke while parading three persons, including a chief in Aguata Local Government Area, Chief

Francis Eze who was allegedly involved in illegal revenue collection, said the state had consistently made it clear that revenue collection in the markets had been banned. Eze had claimed that following the overflowing of Aguata market at Ekwulobia, he bought a piece of land at a cost of N5.2 million and had also spent about N3 million to construct 20 stalls after receiving approval from Aguata local government to construct the market. According to him, the market is his private business, adding that he thought the approval he got from the local government was enough to operate the

market. He said he used the money collected from the traders to expand the market, adding that he informed a traditional ruler in the area who advised him to approach the local government for approval before he embarked on the project. However, the commissioner regretted that although the state government had banned all levies in the state, some people were still going about extorting huge sums of money from unsuspecting traders. He said: “From what Chief Eze is saying, you can see that they are earning a living from

doing our best to stop them. These people are flouting the state government orders, but today, luck ran against them and they were arrested. “Local governments do not have authority to approve the construction of markets because the state government had told all local governments that for them to give such approval, they must first liaise with the ministry of trade and commerce. I want to state that we have not authorised anybody to build any market in the area.” He described the suspects as "criminals who had formed the habit of disobeying government orders."

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Election tribunal: Sani raises alarm over INEC hiring el-Rufai's lawyer el-Rufai not respondent in the petition—INEC By Ben Agande

ADUNA—THE senator representing Kaduna Central senatorial district, Shehu Sani, has raised alarm over the choice of Governor Nasir el- Rufai of Kanduna State’s lawyer as the counsel to Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, at the National Assembly Election Tribunal. But INEC has insisted that el-Rufai is not a respondent in the petition, hence the choice of the said lawyer. The senator is claiming the alleged choice of lawyer by INEC has thrown up ethical issues on the appropriateness of such choice since el- Rufai is a party to cases at the tribunal. INEC hired A. U. Mustapha, a personal lawyer to el-Rufai as counsel at the election petition tribunal in Kaduna State. At a briefing, yesterday, Sani who earlier expressed confidence at the tribunal’s ability to do justice, demanded that the said lawyer be substituted because the lawyer remained the “personal lawyer of elRufai,” a party in the tribunal. “INEC has decided to hire Governor el-Rufai’s personal lawyer as their counsel. It is suspicious and it proves governor of the state and INEC using A.U. Mustapha and Co, who remains personal lawyer of Governor el-Rufai. "He is the one defending Gov el-Rufai in a case of defamation, which he filed against me in four courts in Kaduna State as a personal lawyer of el-Rufai and now, he has been hired by INEC in a case where el-Rufai is a party. A.U. Mustapha is also standing for el-Rufai vs Union newspaper and Gabriel Idibia. "For over 15 years, it is A.U. Mustapha who represents elRufai in courts and has represented him in several cases. How ethical is it for INEC that says it has conducted free and fair election to hire the services of a personal lawyer of a governor who himself is a party in court?”

el-Rufai not respondent in the petition—INEC

INEC In a statement by Festus Okoye, National Commissioner and Chairman, Information and Voter Education, said: “The Independent National Electoral Commission has a list of external solicitors that it engages for the prosecution of pre and post-election matters. These solicitors are

based in different parts of the country and must have represented a variety of clients and interests in the past. However, the external solicitors engaged by the commission for the prosecution of pre- and postelection matters are guided by the commission's code of conduct for external solicitors. In selecting external solicitors, the commission is guided by the highest standard of ethics in recommending solicitors to represent it. “The petition in this matter was filed by distinguished Senator Shehu Sani against

the election of Uba Sani. The GovernorofKadunaStatedid not contest the senatorial election in Kaduna State and couldnothavebeenthemajor consideration and issuein the assignment of cases to external solicitors. "The Governor of Kaduna State is not a respondent or party in the petition and the commission has no reason to believe that the solicitor appointed by thecommission will subvert the cause of justice. “The external solicitor appointed by thecommission is obligated to defend the election conducted by the commission and the declaration and return made

thereafter. The commission will put forward the facts at its disposal and allow the tribunal to adjudicate on the issues. "The present commission has been upfront in the provision of documents to all the political parties engaged in election petitions and will continue to do so. “The commission is a responsible institution and a public trust and is not and will not be in any illicit liaison with any individual or group to subvert the cause of justice. "We urge all persons and individuals to havefaith in the commission and accord the commission the necessary cooperation to deliver on its mandate.”

Tribunal orders INEC to allow APC candidate inspect election materials By Chioma Onuegbu

HE governorship Election Petition Tribunal sitting in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, yesterday, ordered Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, to allow All Progressives Congress, APC, candidate, Mr Nsima Ekere, to inspect all election materials used during the March 9 governorship election. The tribunal Chairman, Justice A. M. Yakubu, also gave permission to APC to serve Governor Udom Emmanuel of the state and

Isoko groups want Buhari to appoint Itsekiri indigene as Area of Delta State, said minister By Gab Ejuwa

Delta State-based political pressure groups, Isoko APC Concerned Group and Delta Women in Politics, have called on President Muhammadu Buhari to consider an Itsekiri indigene for ministerial appointment after his second term swearing in on May 29, 2019. In statement by Prince Gabriel Udemude and Enifome Okoro on behalf of the groups after their meeting in Oleh, Isoko South Local Government

PALM SUNDAY: Sub-Dean of the Cathedral of St.Michael, Venerable Gabriel Sedemogun (2nd left); Canon J. T. Thompson, Rev. Canon Cleopas Yamtai, Rev. Amos Akande, Rev. Daisi Oke (left) and Canon Olafimiham (right) during Palm Sunday service at Cathedral of St. Michael, Kaduna. Photo: Olu Ajayi.

Otuaro tasks Anioma to sustain peace “Thank you for the unity programmes." for devt and peace OFAAC stands By Etop Ekanem

CTING Governor of Delta State, Mr Kingsley Otuaro, has said the people of Anioma should sustain the prevailing peace as the state government prepares to scale up development across the state. Otuaro spoke as Organisation for the Advancement of Anioma Culture, OFAAC, led by Kester Ifeadi, paid him a courtesy call where they congratulated Gov. Ifeanyi Okowa and Otuaro on their re-election. The organisation used the avenue to invite the acting governor for OFAAC’s cultural outing scheduled for April 21, 2019. Thanking Anioma people for their contributions towards the re-election of Okowa, the acting governor said: “Educational, economic and indeed infrastructural development cannot take place in any entity in an atmosphere of chaos.

for, which is in tandem with the peace the Okowa-led Delta State administration set out to achieve from inception for development.” “Government is about adding value to humans. You can’t add value without appreciating the culture of the people. As a government, we came with a wellarticulated programme, which included peace across ethnic divides and creation of wealth through various

Earlier, President of OFAAC, Ifeadi, said the organisation, founded 16 years ago, had through the propagation of Anioma culture through festivals and activities, fostered peace, unity and progress while honouringthebestofAnioma peoples. “OFAAC has been bridging different cultural divides as it extends hands of fellowship to other ethnic groups in the state."

Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, through substituted means. Speaking, lead counsel to Ekere and APC, Chief Victor Iyenam, said the party would proceed immediately to paste the court processes on the PDP secretariat located on Four Lane, Uyo. Hesaid:“Whatwegotwas application for substituted service since efforts to service Governor Emmanuel failed. So, the court has granted us leave to serve the governor at the PDP office in Uyo. And then the other application is to inspect election materials.""

they decided to throw their weight behind Itsekiri indigene for ministerial position because other tribes in the three senatorial districts of the state have had their share of appointments. The groups said “Our support for Itsekiri is born out of equity, justice and fairness because the only ethnic nationality from Delta State that has not benefited from the APCled Federal Government despite her huge economic contribution to the Nigerian state is the Itsekiri people."

Political instability aiding flow of migrants in W-African ECOWAS Ambassadors — Nurudeen retreat in Uyo, Akwa Ibom By Chioma Onuegbu

YO —AMONG the diverse factors that drive mixed flows conventionally, political instability is the major one that has aided the flow of migrantsinandoutofmember states of the West African subregion. PermanentRepresentativeof Nigeria to Economic Community of West African States, ECOWAS Commission, Ambassador Babatunde Nurudeen, made the assertion, yesterday, in his welcome remarks at the 2019

Statewiththetheme,‘Mixed flows and durable solutions in the ECOWAS region.’ Nurudeen who is also the Chairman of the Permanent Representatives’ Committee at the two-day retreat, jointly organised by ECOWAS and United Nations’ High Commissioner for Refugees, UNHCR,urgedparticipants to undertake thorough appraisal of all the factors responsible for mixed flows in the sub-region and come up with lasting solutions aimed at mitigating the scourge.

Nnabuife urges A-Court to upturn judgment on Nwaoboshi By Maryann Michael

NE of leaders of Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in Delta North senatorial district of Delta State, Ojeogbue Nnabuife, has pleaded with the Court of Appeal in Abuja Division, to set aside the judgment of the Federal High Court, Abuja, which nullified the election of a sitting senator and senatorelect for Delta North, Peter Nwaoboshi, in the just

concluded general election. Nnabuifewhilespeakingat his Ezukwu residence in Ibusa, described the pronouncementbythefederal high court as a move to rub the people of the senatorial district of their choice candidate and the duly elected senator with wide margin of vote cast to emerge the overall winner at primary and the main elections adjudged as most transparent, free and fair.

The PDP chieftain, who is also the Special Assistant to the Governor on Community Development said the senatorial election, which was keenly contested by Nwaoboshi and two others, was witnessed by all and the results collated by INEC officials, which led to the emergenceofNwaoboshiand being declared winner. He said: “Various infrastructural development embarkeduponbyNwaoboshi in the past three and half

years of assumption of office, especially on roads construction/rehabilitation, provision of basic amenities, award of scholarship to studentsacrosstheninelocal government areas of the senatorial district as well as development bills sponsored on the floor of the senate coupled with job creationandassistancetothe widows, the less privilege and the vulnerable in the senatorial district has no comparism."

Niger-Delta Voice, TUESDAY, APRIL 16,, 2019 — 37

VOL. 1: NO. 188

TUESDAY, APRIL 16, 2019

BLOODBATH: Residents flee Rivers communities as cultists kill 33 in one week •4 beheaded at Omuoko; chase children of slain Rumuodogo I CDC chair •Killings spread from Emohua to Obio-Akpor local government areas •Pandemonium in Choba community as cultists confront police

fear again for the gods any more. Over 90 percent of these boys terrorizing us are total rejects of the society. They have not achieved anything in life, so they have vendetta in their heart. We will go far to ensure that we sanitize this environment. Emohua will liberate itself from these boys,” he said. In a related development, gunmen trailed and killed the Community Development Committee Chairman of Rumuodogo 1 community, Emohua local government area, Mr. Eze-otto Ishmael. Unidentified gunmen killed him at Rumuaghorlu community at about 7.00 pm while he was going home. One of the children of the late CDC chairperson, Ovundah Eze, narrated that his father had been receiving threat calls from some group of cultists in the area, saying that his late father reported it to security agencies. Ovundah noted that the boys who killed his father came in a Toyota Camry car and fully armed. He added that the bandits after killing their father also chased him (Ovunda) and his other brother, adding that they narrowly escaped death.

Carnage spreads to Obio/Akpor

 Deserted area in Mgbuodohia, Obio/Akpor, Rivers State

RIVERS…

TREASURE BASE OF THE NATION By Davies Iheamnachor

ORT HARCOURTRESIDENTS have deserted their homes in at least six communities in Rivers State, following a siege by suspected cultists who ran amok, beheading four and massacring more than 29 other persons in one week. Terribly hit are Ibaa, Egbeda and other communities in Emohua local government area, Mgbuodohia community, Rumuolumeni clan in Obio/ Akpor local government area, the home base of the governor, Chief Nyesom Wike, where fleeing residents have refused to return. Last Monday, the rampaging cultists slaughtered seven persons and inflicted bullet wounds on many others. A community source gave the identity of the victims as Foundation, Bright, Junior, an unnamed 64-year-old man was among those executed in Emohua and two others. The source disclosed that sympathizers rushed one Atochi Ogbonna and two other persons hit by stray bullets to the hospital. Another informant, Solomon, who confirmed Emohua incident, alleged the mayhem was

a reprisal attack by a rival cult over a reported attack on its member who attended a burial programme.

C’ttee Chairman of Emohua Community Security Committee, Chief Barr. Gabriel Enyi, who spoke to NDV, said, “On the 7th of January, this year, we entered a peace pact with the two cult groups, Deygbam and Iceland. The chiefs and elders of Emohua, including the king, Eze VC Okor, were there at Ahia-Ezi. “We, as a community, made peace between the two cult groups. The two groups denounced cultism. But, now it

seems that peace we got has gone to the grave yard.” Enyi confirmed our findings that the incident that claimed over seven persons was an act of vengeance by one of the cult groups. He asserted, “From our findings, it is a reprisal attack, the young man that was killed that led to this belongs a particular group. In the course of the reprisal, many innocent people were killed.” “Traditionally, we have done all we need to as a community. What we need to do is moral persuasion. We have warned them that the gods will go after them if they do some certain things, but they do not listen. “It appears they do not have

• Mr. Sorle, killed in Khana

• Barrister Frank Igwe, killed in Ozuoba

Our youths defy peace pact – Emohua Security

The killing has recently fully moved to Obio/Akpor local government, the home base of the governor, Chief Nyesom Wike. Hoodlums had on the wee hours on Sunday, murdered eight persons and shot many others with at Mgbuodohia community, Rumuolumeni clan in Obio/Akpor The incident, which caused pandemonium, has sent many packing from Mgbuodohia. Chairman of Rumuolumeni Community Development Committee, CDC, Mr. Sunny Odum, who confirmed the attack, expressed sadness over the development. He stated that over eight persons died during the attack in the community, urging residents not the panic and go about their normal businesses, as security operatives were on the trail of the perpetrators. “This is what we saw this morning, it is a cult related matter, I want to assure the residents here that there is no cause for alarm. We have called on residents of the place to remain peaceful because the police and army are on the ground. As for our festival that we will be having,

•Chief Gabriel Enyi, Chairman Emohua Security Committee

it will still hold,” he said. Also in Rumuekini in ObioAkpor local government, unknown gunmen killed an electrical generator repairer at his home after he returned from work.

Hoodlums engage police in gun duel

While law-abiding citizens were horror-struck at the escalating disturbance, over 16 cultists engaged the police in a shootout in broad daylight at Choba community, Obio/ Akpor. The cultists, who dressed half-nude wearing only pants reportedly, killed one Shedrack. Police mobilized to restore peace after the killing, but the impudent cultists returned to fight them, forcing to police to retreat and reinforce. They engaged the police for over two hours in gun battle after which the security agents took over the territory from them.

7 killed in Khana

In a similar development, gunmen executed seven persons at Kaani Babbe community, Babbe district of Khana local government area on Monday. Sources gave the names of the victims as Mgbibari, Sorlesi, Dornu, Bariagra,, Lekia, Boy-Mgbibari and Sira.

4 beheaded in Aluu, 3 others killed

At Omuoko, Aluu community in Ikwerre local government area, suspected cultists beheaded four persons and slaughtered three others, last weekend. Allegedly beheaded were Rhino, Justice, Nwobueze and another victim. One of the victims just had admission into Ignatius Ajuru University of Education, Iwofe, Port Harcourt, before the incident. Our source said the hoodlums invaded the area with heavy gunfire, shooting sporadically without interference from security operatives. Similarly, strange gunmen driving a black Toyota car killed a middle-aged man about 9.00 pm around Okuru Junction, Abuloma, Port-Harcourt City local government.

Cultists behind killings —Police

Police Public Relations Officer, Rivers State Police Command, DSP Nnamdi Omoni, disclosed that cultists were responsible for the criminal acts. Omoni regretted that politicians who armed the youths could not retrieve the dangerous weapons from them, saying that police have intensified action to apprehend them. He urged residents of the state to support the police in the war against cultism by providing useful information to the security operatives. On the Aluu incident, he said, “I heard about the incident in Aluu (Ikwerre LGA), but I am yet to get the full details of the incident. That of Aluu is confirmed, I have not been told about that of Obio/Akpor.”

38 — Vanguard, TUESDAY, APRIL 16, 2019

By Kingsley Adegboye with Agency report

ithout a doubt, the real estate sector has continued to be one of the most important sectors in the Nigerian economy. Figures have shown that the sector contributed immensely to Nigeria’s gross domestic product (GDP). For instance, in 2018, it contributed ?1.26 trillion to the country’s national income. Moreover, the sector grew by 38% between the first and last quarter of 2018. However, the percentage contribution of real estate to GDP declined to 6.41% in 2018 from 6.85% in 2017. Notwithstanding, the real estate sector is engulfed with big potentials, according to Nairametrics, an agency report. The report said “In developed climes, the mortgage sub-sector plays an important role in stimulating the real estate sector. But while there have been several mortgage schemes and initiatives in Nigeria , the impact has remained somewhat unfelt. In the meantime, investment analysts have expressed different views on the outlook of the real estate sector. Executive Director and Co-founder of Pertinence Limited, an investment firm, Mr. Sunday Olorunsheyi, said earlier in January: “It will be difficult to project the the fortunes of the real estate sector,

Hope rises for real estate investors as sector's growth potentials thrive

•Residential estate in Lagos. owing to factors such as lack of clear and consistent policies from regulators and a high degree of uncertainty”, Olorunsheyi stated. On the other hand, the Chief Executive Officer of Lifepage

Group, an investment holding firm, Oladipupo Clement, scored the industry high. According to him, “More landed properties were sold and bought in 2018 than apartments and houses, due to high capi-

tal requirement and cost of fund. Despite uncertainties, such as a decline in oil prices, political instability, inflation and the rising cost of funding, the real estate sector will still thrive”.

4th Elan international building & construction expo to discuss building collapse P

layers in the construction and building materials sub-sectors of the nation's economy are expected to converge at the 4th International Construction, Building Materials & Technologies Exhibition which is a platform for building, construction and related industries' operators to display their latest products, services, innovations and offer solutions to contractors, built environment professionals such as architects who are specifiers, quantity surveyors, building materials dealers and others. Subsequently, the issue of incessant building collapse across the country, which has remained a source of worry to Nigerians, will take the centre stage at the three-day expo which is billed to take place at Landmark Centre, Victoria Island, Lagos between June 27 and 29, 2019. The theme for this year is “Value Engineering Building and Construction Industry: The Role of Technology”. Briefing the press on the 4th edition of the annual international expo being organised by Elan Exhibition West Africa Limited, Mr. Jude Chime, who is the coordinator of the building and construction expo, said the exhibition is very important because of the incessant building collapses being recorded across the country. Chime who noted that the exhibition has the support of built environment profession-

al bodies such as Nigerian Society of Engineers NSE, Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria COREN, Women Engineers, Nigerian Institution of Surveyors NIS, Association of Professional Women Engineers APWEN and others, said the participation of built environment professionals at the exhibition will expose them to building materials and construction equipment that will be on display. “They will interface with manufacturers and suppliers of building materials as well as construction equipment manufacturers and suppliers as users of the materials and equipment. They will ascertain the quality and standards of the materials and equipment, and they can advise where necessary to avoid the use of sub-standard materials during construction of buildings”. Explaining the choice of technology in the theme, Chime said “Technology gives a whole lot of options to chose from in the absence of the actual material specified. Technology is dynamic, this dynamism makes it possible to have various options as alternatives where the ac-

tual recommended materials are not available”. The exhibition coordinator who disclosed that 50 exhibitors are expected at the threeday expo, said foreign exhibitors are coming from Spain, Italy, Germany, Morocco and South Africa, while local exhibitors from Nigeria are expected to dominate the 2019 edition of Elan expo. Reiterating that the exhibition is to boost trade, he stated that “It is a place to meet different clients and suppliers in Africa. This is a kind of trade fair which allows the potential buyer the flexibility in seeing various brands of a product before taking the decision on the one to patronise. This is why we call on all our built

environment professionals to be in attendance during the exhibition”. Chime who disclosed that the high point of the exhibition is seminar specifically meant to talk about building/ construction industry in Nigeria as well as building materials, said “The International Construction Summit 2019 brings together developers, engineers, architects, contractors, financial institutions and other key stakeholders to lead and accelerate the digital innovation in the construction supply chain”. According to him, speakers at the seminar are expected from Turkey, South Africa and Nigeria.

Windfall for investors and the growth potentials The experts were of the view that investors in the real estate sector are likely to smile to the banks soon, as they get returns on their investments. They argued that generally, Nigeria’s real estate sector was sluggish in 2018 because of the lull in the nation’s economy, pointing out however, that real estate investors will likely experience better performance this year because of improvements in the economy, and the anticipated political and economic stability in the country after the just concluded general elections. According to them, “There was excess liquidity in the economy during the election period. Recall that the President recently expressed concerns over the huge amount of foreign currency flooding the country, intended to influence the general elections. “With the conclusion of the general elections, the movements of both foreign and domestic currencies for electioneering processes will likely spread and drive patronage in the residential and commercial angles of the real estate sector. Eventually, what this does sometimes is to pressure the price of estate properties to increase, which implies higher revenue for investors. “Similarly, 2019 will spark the beginning of new governments in some states across the federation. These states will have either consolidated or new policies, which may drive economic activities uniquely away from past administrations. Again, contracts and appointments lobbying will also form a block on its own. “All these interplays are likely to redistribute income in some ways, and the real estate sector is likely to benefit in no small measure. How the economy reacts- Growth in the real estate sector in Nigeria will have impact on the economy significantly, from the jobs it creates to revenue generation. “Specifically, the real estate’s multiplier effect in terms of job creation is significant. Also, real estate activity stimulates the economy indirectly through the value-added impacts of the purchase of goods and services that stem from real estate-related businesses and transactions”, they opined.

Vanguard, TUESDAY, April 16, 2019 —39

We are judged, harrassed at family planning centres . Adolescent girls decry negative attitude of family planning providers

By Chioma Obinna

WENTY- YEAR- OLD Janet will not forget in a hurry her experience at a family planning unit in one of the Youth Friendly Centres in Lagos. Her encounter with the family planning providers was discouraging, to say the least. Janet narrated how she visited the Centre after undergoing an elective abortion at age 20. “My story was not a palatable. I wanted to put an end to my misery because I can no longer bear the guilt in my heart, “she said with tears rolling down her cheeks. Janet admitted she was not ready to zip up, however, her quest to prevent unintended pregnancy brought her to the Youth Friendly Centre where women are counselled and afterwards given family planning method of their choice. According to her, she was severely grilled and asked all sorts of questions ranging from her age, religion, how many boyfriends she had and why she was adopting family planning at a young age. “I was neither given opportunity to see a condom nor counselled properly on other options of contraception, so, I left in anger,” she added. Bola Ogidi, 22, has a similar story. As soon as she arrived at a popular Life Planning Centre in the State, she met a tense atmosphere. “The provider ’s first question was “how old are you?” I told her. Next question: “How many boyfriends do you have?” Three, Bola answered. Her This elicited hostility from the counsellor. “She asked if I am Christian or Muslim. I got the sermon of my life. At a point, I stumbled out of the Centre in anger. That was the end of my dream to access family planning. I have no regrets but i wish I received the services I needed,” she added. For Ebun Ola, 21, her experience at another Youth-Friendly Centre is just as unpalatable. Sexually active at age 20, Ebun says unless there is urgent intervention to

Adolescent girls. Courtesy of Southern Nigeria (9ja Girls). check healthworker attitude, unintended pregnancy will persist among adolescent girls in Nigeria. “In the first place, the family planning provider at the Centre was not comfortable talking to me. When I insisted that I really want to take up a method, she asked when I intended to get married and tried to discourage me from taking the LongActing Contraceptive Method. I succumbed to her suggestion and

I was neither given opportunity to see a condom nor counselled properly on other options of contraception

collected the male condom because she refused to give me a female condom. I even requested for oral contraceptive pill but she refused,“ Ebun stated. She left unsatisfied. The experiences of Janet, Bola and Ebun are no different from thousands of sexually active adolescents denied the right to adopt family planning services. Experts say planning early in life even as an adolescent will curb unplanned pregnancy, reduce maternal mortality

and prevent unnecessary abortions. An experienced family planning counsellor who spoke to Good Health Weekly on the issue, however, disagreed with the approach adopted by the providers, noting that they should have listened to the concerns of the girls. “The fact that the adolescents visited the Centres in the first is significant and an evidence that they have concerns and should be encouraged to seek appropriate and

210 African Foundries staff donate blood to LSBTC By Chioma Obinna

O build a culture of voluntary blood donation, African Foundries Limited, a leading steel manufacturing company in Nigeria successfully mobilised 210 staff to give blood to Lagos Blood Bank through the State’s Blood Transfusion Committee, LSBTC. Speaking on the blood donation exercise which is in its third series, the company’s spokeperson, Mr Satyendra Singh explained that the first two attempts were at the African Steel Mills Ltd, Ikorodu, and Agbara Units. He attributed the massive turnout of the staff and management in support of the exercise to sensitisation classes on that there was no harm in giving blood, adding that “it is very safe and to some extent good for your health if you

Blood donation in progress donate blood to save lives”. “We are trying to make it a very big event and we are trying to help Rotary Club of Lagos Island (RCLI) District 9110, and Lagos State Blood Transfusion Committee of the Ministry of Health, to have enough blood in the blood bank, because it is very important to save lives in emergency

cases.” On blood safety, he explained: “After donors volunteer for donating blood, there is a screening process where the blood quality is checked, the health of the donor is checked, and the person must not be on any medication and so, if you are screened and you don’t

qualify, you can’t donate blood. Also, all syringes used are for single use and there is no concern of any kind about the safety in the blood donation process.” On sustainability, he said: “Our group is very responsible corporate citizen, and as part of her corporate social responsibility this exercise will become one of our regular activities in the service of society.” The Rotary Club of Lagos Island, Rajkumar Gulati, President said: “There is a shortage of blood in this country and Rotary feels we should help this society and so we discuss with our partners and experts to find a sustainable solution. Today, we got up to 210 blood donors and our main purpose of doing Blood Donation Camp is to tell people in every country that there is no harm in giving blood; once you give blood, many diseases can be cured automatically.”

available services. According to the 2013 National Demographic Health Survey, NDHS, the average age at sexual debut is roughly 15 among adolescent mothers in Nigeria. The national adolescent fertility rate in Nigeria is 122 births per 1,000 women aged 15 to 19 years. Currently, data on Sexual Reproductive Health (SRH) outcomes in Nigeria highlights the importance of focusing on adolescents. However, as part of commitment to FP2020, the Nigeria government pledged among others to slow the rate of its population growth, dispelling myths and misconceptions about family planning, and enabling an environment in which women and girls make informed choices on their health. The government also planned to expand youth friendly centres that would ease access to family planning for young adolescent girls, sadly, services at the few centres already established are opposite of what the names imply. Rather, they have become a barrier to access to services for these young people. Family planning centres are associated with gaps including provider bias, negative attitude of staff, religious sentiments, lack of confidentiality in service delivery and poor knowledge on issues of sexuality. As a result, many young persons who are sexually active in Lagos state are not armed with adequate information on the different method of contraception available for use. In the views of the Country Director, Pathfinder International Nigeria, Dr. Farouk Jega, well knowledgeable family planning providers in healthcare centres will bring about enormous change towards building trust in the adoption of family planning and increasing uptake in the country. “Every woman, especially in developing economies like Nigeria deserves quality family planning information so as to make informed the decision, stating that, every woman no matter the age has the right to know and access quality family planning information. “There should be no coercion on the part of women as far as issues on family planning is concerned but should be armed with quality family planning information.”

40 —Vanguard, TUESDAY, APRIL 16, 2019

NAFDAC, NIAS seek food chain safety through animal feed By Chioma Obinna

TAKEHOLDERS in the food sector have called for safer food for animals as the well being of man depends directly on animal health and the environment. The stakeholders noted that animals raised in confinement and fed defined feeds containing ingredients ranging from rendered animal products and animal waste to antibiotics could expose consumers to unacceptable risks from the specific plant and animal disease agents as well as other food contaminants. In her submission during a Risk Assessment in Feed Productions jointly organised by the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control, NAFDAC, and the Nigerian Institute of Animal Science, NIAS, the Director General of NAFDAC, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye urged farmers to be more cautious on the quality of inputs used on their farm animals as whatever is fed to farm animals will eventually enter the food chain. Represented by her Senior Assistant, Mr Williams Effiong, Adeyeye said:

“The emerging trend of events in global food safety has revealed that the safety and well being of man directly depends on the animal health and environment. In order to effectively achieve this height, a multi-disciplinary approach is the only left alternative which must be effectively explored as soon as possible. We are yet to explore the livestock sector of international trade. Adeyeye stated that the workshop was strictly designed to achieve feed safety in Nigeria. “The objective of this workshop is to achieve a safer food of animal origin for our citizen amidst other benefits such as domestic and international trade, safer environment and a sound well being of our livestock. The emerging trend of events in global food safety has revealed that the safety and well being of man directly depends on the animal health and environment,” she stated. Further, he disclosed that NAFDAC is weighing the option of HACCP within the next one year to achieve a safer feed for safer food in Nigeria. Giving the growth situation

of feed in Nigeria, the Registrar, Nigerian Institute of Animal Science, NIAS, Prof E.A. Iyayi noted that feed production was increasing globally and in almost all the Regions, adding that Nigerian feed production has in parallel witnessed growth. According to him, “Demand for feed has been largely due to growth in poultry in most regions and ruminant in addition in some other regions. Population increase has driven demand for more animal products (as more people move into the middle-class bracket) and by implication demand for more animal feeds. This trend will continue in the foreseeable future as the Nigerian population will be about 470 million by the year 2050,” he explained. Iyayi said as demand for feed increases the likelihood of sharp practices in deviation from best practices will be on the rise, hence the need to mitigate risk for safer feed production. Speaking the Director, Veterinary Medicine and Allied products Directorate, Dr Buka Ali Usman, said there was a need to ensure

* Makoko youths during the WARIF/Slun2School outreach held in Lagos recently.

WARIF, Slum2School sensitise Makoko youths on sexual violence By Sola Ogundipe

HROUGH its Know Your Community Initiative, Women at Risk International Foundation (WARIF) recently sensitised 500 youths at the Makoko Community in the heart of Lagos, on the prevalence and effects of rape, sexual and genderbased violence - a frequent occurrence in communities such as this. The initiative, sponsored by USAID in collaboration with Slum2School Africa, is designed to enlighten members of all communities about rape, sexual assault and abuse, to sensitise them to its

occurrence and to equip them with the tools to fight its prevalence. In collaboration with Slum2School, the organisation reached out to adolescent boys and girls between the ages of 12 and 19 who reside in Makoko. The recipients were educated on recognising signs of sexual abuse affecting girls and boys and were encouraged to speak out against rape and sexual violence in their community. The importance of visiting the WARIF Centre to receive free services such as medical treatment, counselling and to report the cases to the proper authorities was

emphasized as well as the WARIF 24/7 confidential helpline for survivors. Dr. DaSilva- Ibru, Founder of WARIF speaking at the outreach said “At WARIF, we continue to emphasise the importance of tackling cases of rape and sexual abuse at community level. We hope to continue to collaborate with other organisations and expand our outreaches across the country. By sensitising these communities and offering counseling and healthcare services to all survivors – we can change the narrative of our youths to a more positive one and transform the lives of many, one community at a time.

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Vanguard, TUESDAY, APRIL 16, 2019 — 41

Professionals explore manufacturing techs at Nigeria Pharma Expo By Chioma Obinna

lans have been con cluded for the 5th edition of the Nigeria Pharma Manufacturers’ Expo 2019 (NPME 2019). The NPME which is the biggest International Pharma Manufacturing Exhibition in Central and West Africa is billed to hold August 28 through 29, 2019 at New Haven, Oba Akinjobi Street, GRA, Ikeja, Lagos, Nigeria. NPME is the definitive Pharma event and is known to attract close to 200 exhibiting companies from 6 countries and nearly 10,000 pharma and related sectors’ trade professionals from across the region. The Theme of this year’s edition is ‘Strategic Collaboration for Medicine Security, Affordability and National Sufficiency’. The organisers noted that the major objective

of the Pharma Expo is to create a platform for pharma machinery and equipment, raw and packaging materials, laboratory equipment, chemicals, and reagents manufacturers to meet and engage with the local pharma manufacturers and other stakeholders at this West and Central African Expo. The event is also aimed at encouraging further development of local manufacturing and production of high quality, safe and affordable medicines. In the views of the Chairman, NPME 2019 Expo Committee; Dr Fidelis Ayebae, the exhibition will be a more matured event to businesses not only within Nigeria but also across the entire West African pharma markets. NPME 2019 would be an event to update & upgrade the pharma manufacturing technologies

on bases of attend – explore – evolve. NPME 2019 is jointly organised by the Pharmaceutical Manufacturers Group of Manufacturers’ Association of Nigeria (PMG-MAN) and their partners - GPE EXPO PVT. LTD. The highpoints of the expo includes; special buyer-seller sessions that will bring together over 500 pharma and allied products manufacturing companies in close business discussions to generate an active business relationship. Technical Symposia will highlight discussions on most recent cutting-edge technologies and practices in pharma and allied products manufacturing companies. Understanding the Nigerian and other African countries regulatory environment, where key industry regulators will participate.

42— Vanguard, TUESDAY, APRIL 16, 2019

By Dayo Johnson

HEAD of the 2020 governorship election in Ondo State, Governor Rotimi Akeredolu is in the eye of the storm. There is division among his cabinet members and grumbling in the All Progressives Congress, APC, over the delay in constituting the boards over two years after he assumed office. Delay in constitution of boards The noise over the governor’s delay in appointing party faithful to fill vacancies in boards and parastatals became loud following the appointments made by Governor Kayode Fayemi in neighbouring Ekiti state within six months in office. Party leaders are worried that the helmsman in Ekiti State which is not an oil producing state, had made 96 appointments while Akeredolu had allegedly remained lackadaisical about rewarding them after being in the opposition for over eight years. They are therefore at daggers drawn with him and have complained to the party Chairman, Ade Adetimehin, who has been placating them. The latest 40 appointments of statutory board members and 35 Senior Special Assistants announced in Ekiti state further triggered their annoyance with Akeredolu. Fayemi had earlier appointed 16 commissioners and five Special Advisers. An aggrieved chieftain of the party who spoke with Vanguard in confidence said pay back time is gradually coming. Said the chieftain: “Do you think party leaders who have been in the opposition for years and after working for the emergence of the present governor and have not been compensated or given political patronage would want to stick their necks for him in 2020? It will definitely be pay back time.

ONDO 2020: Rumpus in Akeredolu’s cabinet

•Akeredolu “This governor had spent over two years. We are always under pressure on why boards have not been constituted. Party leaders are agitating. Where is the political patronage? How will you expect them to be happy? Honestly, we have a big problem in our hands. What do we tell them? We can’t say this in the open. “Viable boards are in the hands of Senior Special Assistants and consultancy jobs for mouthwatering projects such as the Ore flyover, the Araromi- Lekki road project and the ldanre- Akure road were given to the governor’s kinsman from his home town, Owo. “The most annoying thing is that Governor Kayode Fayemi within this short period in office had

constituted boards and parastatals and made no fewer than 100 appointments. “Why is it taking our own governor years to constitute boards? You will recall that even to appoint Secretary to Government, and commissioners took him months. Now, its over two years no board except few where he appointed his cronies while party members are left in the cold. “Even if he makes the appointment now that means those appointed will spend two years and if he does not get a second term which is still dicey what then will be the lot of party members who laboured to install him?

Split in cabinet Vanguard learned that the split in Akeredolu’s cabinet over his second term ambition is giving his kitchen cabinet some concern. The division among the cabinet members cut across the three senatorial districts of the state. A member of the cabinet who spoke with Vanguard said all may look rosy in public but deep inside, the cabinet is divided. “All may appear well in the public but the truth is that we are not united, many of us are just playing along because some of us know those playing the good boys and girls and we are mindful of what we say. “Those of us who have been politically undermined know ourselves and we have been sharing experiences especially in the last four months. We are looking at a bigger picture tomorrow which is 2020. If we can go through this horrible experience from the governor and his close cartel then it will be worse if we support him to come back, that is our dilemma. “He is already suspecting some of us. We now have Pro and AntiAkeredolu members in the cabinet. Some are already branded as the good boys of Akeredolu while others are branded as the non-conformists. “Is it not pitiful that a commissioner will be appointed and rendered redundant while empowering Advisers and Senior Special Assistants SSA?... Four commissioners were appointed from Akoko areas of the state but the same governor appointed four Senior Special Assistants from his Owo home town...’’

Vanguard’s findings showed that those in support of the second term ambition of the governor in the cabinet are in the minority. In fact, for the fear of a backlash for his 2020 second term ambition, the governor has shelved his plan to kick out some commissioners and other political appointees. He had planned to send some of them packing after his unpleasant experience during the last election which his party performed abysmally. Many of his commissioners declined his directive that they should drum support for Action Alliance, AA candidates in both the South and Northern senatorial districts. Vanguard gathered that if they had yielded to the governor ’s alleged directive, the four seats in the House of Representatives and the one seat in the Senate would have been lost to the opposition, whether AA or Peoples Democratic Party, PDP. The party lost the Presidential election and many seats in the National Assembly to the PDP. The party however won majority of seats in the state House of Assembly. Reacting, the Publicity Secretary of the APC in the state Alex Kalejaye said: “The Ondo State chapter of the All Progressives Congress is very concerned about the welfare of the members and will do all that is possible to ensure that. We appreciate the situation inherited by the government, but will continue to brainstorm on the best way to make progress. The zeal to ensure quality service delivery, and promoting interest of the members must be given serious attention. “I therefore want to appeal to party faithful to remain calm and keep faith with the party, and also assure that the party will never undermine their interest and patronage.’’ The Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Segun Ajiboye said: “The governor is presently working on it. You know he loves taking his time. He does not like rushing things. I want to assure our people that very soon the boards will be constituted by the governor.’’ Efforts to reach the Information Commissioner, Yemi Olowolabi, on the split in the cabinet proved abortive as he didn’t pick his calls.

It’s time for all stakeholders to join forces in Benue – Tondu, former gov aspirant By Dirisu Yakubu

BUJAA former governorship aspirant of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in Benue state, Mr. John Tondu, has called on political stakeholders in the state, to bury their differences and work with Governor Samuel Ortom to move the state forward. Tondu, a former Commissioner of Land and Survey stated this in an interview with a team of journalists in Abuja. While pleading with politicians in the state to let go of their different interests and party affiliations, Tondu argued that working with Governor Ortom is in the best interest of Benue and its citizens. He said: “My advice is that Benue is our state, and all the political gladiators should be able to come together to see how we can position Benue on the map of Nigeria.” The former commissioner, who came second in the PDP governorship primary election in Benue, also

counselled Ortom to extend the olive branch to all stakeholders regardless of their political platforms. Responding to a question on a comment credited to one of the governorship candidates during the re-run election that Benue would not see real development until it was freed from the grip of PDP, Tondu said governance was not about political parties but the will to make a difference. “Today, PDP is the government in Benue. But if the governor begins to look at the issues of governance as a political party, that is the first step to failure. So my advice to him is that he should look at Benue as one, not as a political party because he is the governor of the state. “Beyond the All Progressives Congress, APC, All Progressives Grand Alliance, APGA, whatever political party you are coming from, he is the governor of Benue state. “So what should be paramount at the back of his mind is what will better the lives of every Benue person

•Ortom and residents and not what betters the life of members of the PDP alone,” he added. He also expressed willingness to work with Ortom’s administration in moving the state forward, if his expertise and experience are required.

“You cannot set an agenda for a governor who is sitting on the chair; you can only advise and that is what I can do. “If today the governor genuinely extends his hands of fellowship and it depends on what perspective, I don’t necessarily need to be his

appointee to contribute my quota to the development of Benue. I am already contributing to the development of Benue in my own little way.” Asked if he would be willing to serve as a commissioner, Tondu said he would turn down the opportunity but will be willing to help the new administration in advisory capacity. Speaking on the just concluded elections in Benue, Tondu commended the professionalism and conduct of the security agencies as well as performance of the Independence National Electoral Commission, INEC. “When you ask me about the outcome of the elections, I will say it is a very broad question. In every contest, there are expectations and there must be a winner and loser. “All we can say is that the winners should be magnanimous in victory and the losers should also be able to accept defeat so that together, we can move the state forward,” he said.

Vanguard, TUESDAY, APRIL 16, 2019—43

VISIT—Oche of Echie, Eze Emmanuel Opurum (left); Gov. Nyesom Wike of Rivers State (right) and Chairman of the Rivers State Council of Traditional Rulers, Amayanabo of Opobo, King Douglas Dandeson Jaja (Middle), during their congratulatory visit to Governor Wike on his re-election in Port Harcourt, yesterday. Photo: NAN.

Extra-judicial killings: Police opt for stun guns Continues from Page 5 “Most disturbing is that the fatalities that resulted from such indiscretional deployment of lethal force leave behind trails of unbearable eternal pains and sorrow within the families, friends and associates of the victim.”

Area Commanders, DPOs, Sectional heads to be held responsible Condemning the act of police brutality and reckless killings, the IGP said sectional heads and Area commanders will henceforth, be held responsible when their men err. He also warned that such personnel who engage in extrajudicial killing will be charged for murder. He condoled with the families of victims of the recent incidents of misuse of firearms or

other forms of abuse of power by identified police personnel in the state, adding that he shares in their grief. “Second is to reassure citizens that as an institution, the Nigeria Police does not and will never condone any form of abuse of power, acts resulting in misuse of firearms, over zealousness and sundry unprofessional conducts by any member of the police regardless of his or her rank or position. “We remain a disciplined organisation that strives to advance its covenant with the citizens in relation to protecting their lives and property and safeguarding them against any form of threat. We shall continue to provide the requisite leadership that will uphold and advance these sacred obligations and we shall do such in the most transparent responsible, responsive and accountable manner.

Naira appreciates to N360.30/$ in I&E window

By Elizabeth Adegbesan

HE Naira, yesterday, appreciated to N360.30 per dollar in the Investors and Exporters (I&E) window. Data from FMDQ showed that the indicative exchange rate for the I&E window dropped to N360.30 per dollar from N360.33 per dollar last week Friday, translating to three kobo appreciation for the Naira. The volume of dollars (turnover) traded yesterday dropped by 45 percent to $111.80 million from $204.80 million sold last week Friday. However, the Naira was stable at N359 per dollar in the parallel market.

“I want to reinforce the extant force accountability policy which holds any officer professionally and criminally liable for the consequences of their actions, particularly, if such misuse of power resulted into the death, injury or indignity of citizens. Towards this end, I am sounding this note of warning loud and clear that henceforth, any police personnel that insists on being incorrigible by engaging in abuse of his or her powers or misuse his weapons with fatal outcomes in utter disregard for statutory provisions, will be arrested, investigated through our internal disciplinary machinery and if found culpable, shall be dismissed from service. “In addition, such personnel will be charged to court for murder or sundry offences depending on his or her level of criminal liability in the instance. Furthermore, the line supervisor of such officers including the Area Commander, Divisional Police Officer or Sectional Head shall be held vicariously liable for lacking supervision and shall be similarly sanctioned. This is the force policy and no-one should be in doubt as to our strong will to enforce it,” he added.

We’re working with Nigerian to end kidnappings

— UK

The British High Commission has said that it is working with Nigerian government to end the scourge of kidnapping in the country. The United Kingdom through the administrative Assistant, Private office and Political, British High Commission, Abuja Nigeria, Wayne A. White, disclosed that the United Kingdom was aware of the widespread insecurity and killings in Nigeria and was doing a lot to provide technical assistance to Nigeria to combat the scourge. This came in response to a Save Our Souls request made to the British government by civil rights organisation, HURIWA to provide technical assistance to Nigeria and indeed to mount pressure on President Muhammadu Buhari to confront the widening and increasing spectre of bloody and violent kidnappings by armed gangsters and attacks of communities by armed herdsmen/ bandits all across the country. In its response, the United kingdom wrote as follows: “Dear Emmanuel (of HURIWA). Thank you for your letter dated March 27, 2019. “We note your concerns, including that of the increased rates of kidnapping. Please be assured that the British High Commission will continue to work with the government and people of Nigeria for the development of the country.” Similarly, HURIWA said it wrote to United States of America; Germany; European Union and Australia to come to Nigeria’s aid. HURIWA had in the letter it sent to the

British government raised alarm that there was now widespread breakdown of law and order occasioned by the activities of dare devil armed kidnappers all across Nigeria. In a letter by its National Coordinator, Emmanuel Onwubiko, the Pro-democracy told Great Britain that: “The breakdown of law and order manifest more in the area of extensive and widening spectre of armed kidnapping all over the country. “Citizens of Nigeria and foreigners who live and engage in legitimate businesses in Nigeria are no longer safe. They can just be picked up by armed kidnappers at any point in time. Kidnapping people in Nigeria now is as easy as walking into a supermarket and picking up a commodity of your choice. “In Nigeria, nobody is safe unless those that carry arms like the security agencies and those who hold executive offices. The rest of the citizens of the country and even the foreigners including the Americans, European, British doing legitimate businesses and helping to grow our economy and even to help themselves are no longer safe because they can be kidnapped at any point in time.” “We urge the international community to provide technical assistance to help the Nigerian Government to investigate if there are possible linkages between armed kidnappers and some members of security forces so that the network of the kidnappers can be broken and the menace checked without further waste of time and before many more Nigerians or foreigners are killed.” “It is no longer the case of insecurity in the North East part of Nigeria. No part of Nigeria is safe anymore including North west, North central, South East, South South, South West.”

Soldiers cordon Zamfara community, kill many bandits, arrest others Several armed bandits were reportedly killed on Sunday after Nigeria’s military launched an offensive in Tsanu community in Zurmi Local Government Area of Zamfara State. Residents said the soldiers came around 1 p.m., heavily armed, and reportedly cordoned the entry and exit points of the community before they started the operation.

“While some soldiers were manned at the entry and exit point of the community, some entered the community’s market square, targeting armed bandits who were walking freely with arms. They killed many, while others threw their rifles and fled. “I cannot say exactly the number of armed bandits killed, but many of them were killed and others fled with bullets wounds. When the soldiers came, the bandits were easily identifiable because they were walking around clutching weapons,” a resident of the community, who requested not to be named, said. According to him, “We saw four armed bandits that were arrested. One of them is a chemist in the community who was allegedly providing medication for the armed bandits.” Troops kill 27 Boko Haram terrorists in heavy gunfight A statement by Col Sagir Musa, Acting Director, Army Public Relations giving details of the confrontation said, “Troops of Sector 1 Operation Lafiya Dole, in a joint clearance operations with Cameroon Defence Force, on April 13, 2019 had a fierce encounter with Boko Haram terrorists at the Northern part of Wulgo, Tumbuma, Chikun Gudu and Bukar Maryam villages. “During the operations, 27 terrorists were sent to permanent discomforting sleep. The following items were recovered: five Gun Trucks, several Motor Cycles, five AK 47 rifles, one Automatic Revolver Galil Rifle, one G3 Rifle, two General Purpose Machine Gun , two Anti Aircraft Guns and four Rocket Propelled Gun Tubes. “Others are one PK Machine Gun, one M21 Rifle, one Locally Made Dane Gun, five Rocket Propelled Gun Tubes Bombs, 1000 Assorted rounds of different calibre ammunition, 5fiveAK 47 Magazines, several Links of 12.7 MM, one Land Cruiser Buffalo, oneNissan GT, one Land Cruiser destroyed, one flag and a Grinding Machine. “Coordinated military operation is ongoing especially in the fringes of Gombaru - Ngala and surrounding areas to deal with the fleeing bandits running out from Multi National Joint Task Force (Op Yancin Tafki ) onslaught on their hideouts,” he added. Col Musa said there was no casualty on the side of the Nigerian and Cameroonian Forces.

44—Vanguard, TUESDAY, APRIL16, 2019

LEISURE

YOUR LUCK TODAY By Joshua Adeyemo Phone 08056180139 Aries: Certain lesser element within your base of operation may question your authority directly or otherwise. Once you know you’re on the right path, forge ahead. Be loving. Taurus: Doing away with unnecessary scheming and adoption of practical approach to (hard) work will safe you from avoidable frustration. This is the wrong time to take gift you did not solicit for. Gemini: You may be tempted and embrace wrong ideas to the detriment of your finances. The more cooperative you are the better. Reason with your spouse and/or important partners. Be loving. Cancer: This is a good day for you. Those of you who can be as secretive as necessary will have genuine cause to smile broadly. Be more receptive. Leo: Situation may prompt unexpected competition that’ll bring out the best of you. Limit not yourself to now; think the future.

SAYINGS OF OUR PEOPLE

TAKE HEART — ELLA RANDLE

“When you focus and listen to your inner voice, your heart compass will turn you in the right Love has to direction. Never forget to follow. It is crucial to be shown by move in the right direction.” Debasish Mridha The only way to know for sure what direction to go in deeds not is to be well informed. You need to be aware of internal words. ~ and external forces that may impact the success of Swahili proverb your endeavors. Ella Randle

TERROR MUDA

in “Never say goodbye”

By Kola Fayemi

Virgo: Make sure that your closeness with the influential people is not mis used by you. If you take others for granted today you’ll be disappointed. Ignore funny ideas. Libra: Placement of the Moon warns you to do away with arrogance when dealing with either your junior or senior partners. The more receptive you are the better for you. Protect your image. Scorpio: Although, many people will be under pressure, you’ll be at advantage position to defeat opponents at work to the betterment of your cause. Think financial success. Sagittarius: Prudence and/or practical approach will earn you success and enable you to avoid pit falls. The more self assertive you are the better for you. Be more loving. Capricorn: Challenges along your career/business lines indicated yet, you must not neglect your domestic responsibilities. Don’t abuse partnership related issues, at least for now.

DUDU

“ROLLING HOT”

By A.O. OLAIDE

Aquarius: Minor misunderstanding within your working arena is possible. Carefully handle your health related issues and/or your anatomical working system. Pisces: Placement of the Moon may tempt many of you to become unusually greedy to the resentment of others. Yet you’ll succeed and hurt them the more. Gamble not with love.

ASTROLOGICAL COUNSELLING ASTROLOGICAL COUNSELLING Send y our dat e and place of bir th t o the As tr ological datee and place of bir birth Astr trological Send yyour our dat th ttoo the As tr ological Counselling, PP.M.B .M.B 1100 00 7, Apapa, Lagos 007,

Financial Success for me? Dear Joshua, I AM married with children but not happily because my wife often times make life sorrowful for me. Being a Muslim ‘am contemplating marrying another woman, at least to make a statement and set strong warning to my aggressive wife. Does second wife good for me? Please also tell me about my career/business, finance and social life. Lucky, Abeokuta. Dear Lucky, The problem is with you (spiritually) and another wife’ll complicate the whole thing. The more spiritual you are the better. You career may bring you name and/or great publicity. If you like you can take to business. And you will do extremely well in the oil industry. Even if you start with kerosene, you will get to the very top. Another good products for you include gas, fisheries, shoes and bags. The needs at home (domestic apparatus) are commercially viable for you. Your Finance You are meant to make money but your major challenge is through your love life and/or members of your opposite sex; they are not to be taken for granted by you or else serious disappointments will keep coming. Be warned. Your Love Life Here is where major challenges of your life are. Although your religion permits more than one wife, taking another woman may not be the needed solution. The more spiritual you are the better for you. Always strive to protect your children spiritually. Your social life Friendly Aquarius hosted Mars (action/desire planet), when you were born. And with magnetic Libran personality, yours will be a glorious life. And as time goes by influential friends will want to draft you into serious politics. Belonging to powerful social clubs will help your cause. Because of your slow but dangerous tempter however, you must neither always tell all your very personal secrets nor take friends for granted. Certainly social activities can better your lots.

VIRGINIA

dadadekola@yahoo.com

HOME & ABROAD

By Lawrence Akapa

VANGUARD, TUESDAY, APRIL 16, 2019 — 45

Sudan’s main protest group demands end of military rule sitional council with mil*Wants civilian transitional council

he Sudanese group that led protests against deposed President Omar al-Bashir called on Monday for the transitional military council that has taken power to be disbanded and for a new interim civilian ruling council to be formed. Representatives of the Sudanese Professionals’ Association (SPA) piled on pressure on the armed forces leaders who have taken over, issuing a long list of demands for deeper and faster change. If their demands were not met, the group would press on with protests and would not join a future transitional government, Ahmed al-Rabie, an SPA member, told Reuters. The SPA was holding its first news conference since Bashir, who ruled with an autocratic hand,

was ousted by the military last Thursday following months of street demonstrations. A new interim civilian body should be given full executive powers, with the armed forces having representation, and the Transitional Military Council (TMC) that took over last week should be dissolved, the SPA said. “If our demand for the formation of a civilian tran-

Notre-Dame cathedral on fire tackle the blaze is under in Paris way at the 850-year-old

major fire has en gulfed much of one of France’s most famous landmarks - the medieval Cathedral of Notre Dame in Paris. Its spire has collapsed. The cause is not yet clear, but officials say that it could be linked to renovation work. A major operation to

Measles cases tripple globally in 2019, says UN

he number of mea sles cases reported worldwide in the first three months of 2019 has tripled compared with the same time last year, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). The UN body said provisional data indicated a “a clear trend”, with all regions of the world seeing outbreaks. Africa had witnessed the most dramatic rise - up 700%. The agency said actual numbers may be far greater, since only one in 10 cases globally are reported. Measles is a highly infectious viral illness that can sometimes lead to se-

rious health complications, including infections of the lungs and brain. Ukraine, Madagascar and India have been worst affected by the disease, with tens of thousands of reported cases per million people. Since September, at least 800 people have died from measles in Madagascar alone. Outbreaks have also hit Brazil, Pakistan and Yemen, “causing many deaths - mostly among young children”. A spike in case numbers was, in addition, reported for countries including the US and Thailand with high levels of vaccination coverage.

Ex-Volkswagen CEO charged with fraud customers. Volkswagen

erman prosecutors have charged former Volkswagen chief executive Martin Winterkorn with fraud over diesel emissions. Prosecutors in Braunschweig announced Monday that Winterkorn was one of five people indicted in a case related to the automaker’s diesel emissions-cheating scandal. Winterkorn has been accused of a particularly serious fraud, according to a statement from prosecutors. The charge carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison. The former CEO was also charged with embezzlement and violating competition law. He could be ordered to repay bonuses he received as a reward for sales. Prosecutors allege that Winterkorn was aware that diesel emissions were being manipulated as early as 2014 but failed to inform authorities and

itary representation is not met, we will not be part of the executive authority, the cabinet, and we will continue the mass escalation and the sit-ins to fulfill our demands,” Rabie told Reuters. The SPA issued its demands hours after protesters blocked an attempt to break up a sitin outside the Defense Ministry that has continued despite Bashir ’s departure, a Reuters witness said.

admitted the following year to cheating on clean air rules with software that made emissions look less toxic than they actually were.

Gothic building. Last year, the Catholic Church in France appealed for funds to save the building, which was crumbling. A spokesman for the Paris fire department said the next hour and a half was “crucial” in order to determine whether the fire could be contained. Loud bangs could be heard as flames burst through the roof of the cathedral, also engulfing its left tower. Thousands of people have gathered in the streets around the cathedral, observing the flames in silence. Some could be seen crying, while others sang hymns. French President Emmanuel Macron, who has arrived at the scene, said his thoughts were with “all Catholics and all French people.” “Like all of my countrymen, I am sad tonight to see this part of us burn.” Mr Macron has cancelled his planned speech to the nation following the fire, an Élysée Palace official said. A spokesman for the cathedral said the whole structure was “burning”. “There will be nothing left,” he said. “It remains to be seen whether the vault, which protects the cathedral, will be affected or not.”

Libya: UN envoy says Haftar made coup attempt with advance on largely to armed groups Tripoli

astern Libyan com mander Khalifa Haftar tried to stage a coup by issuing an arrest warrant for Prime Minister Fayez al-Serraj, U.N. envoy Ghassan Salame said on Monday with Libya’s top rivals locked in military confrontation over the capital Tripoli. Haftar ’s eastern-based Libyan National Army (LNA) advanced to the outskirts of Tripoli almost two weeks ago, predicting defections and victory within two days. However, Serraj’s internationally-recognised government has managed to bog them down in southern suburbs, thanks

who have rushed to aid them from various western Libyan factions. Haftar, a 75-year-old former general in the late dictator Muammar Gaddafi’s army, has been building up troop numbers and intensifying air strikes in a campaign he is selling as necessary to restore order and eradicate jihadists. But Salame, speaking to BBC radio, said Haftar’s decision to issue in the course of his campaign arrest warrants for Serraj and other top Tripoli officials “sounded more like a coup than counter-terrorism”.

46 — Vanguard, TUESDAY, APRIL 16, 2019

From drink-driving, cheating scandals and barely being able to walk to the GREATEST comeback ever THE STORY OF G TIGER WOODS

eorge W Bush was in the Oval Office. Fernando Torres ended Spain’s 44-year wait for a major trophy. Rafael Nadal was on the cusp of an historic French OpenWimbledon double. And Tiger Woods has edged Rocco Mediate to claim his 14th Major title. June 2008 was a very different time to April 2019. Game of Thrones was still three years away from first airing and California saw its very first legal same-sex marriage. But they have witnessed the beginning and the end of the Tiger Woods downfall. 4,082 days after lifting the US Open at Torrey Pines, Woods, now 43, punched the air and screamed to the heavens as he sunk the putt that sealed the most spectacular, the most emotional, of sporting comebacks at the Masters on Sunday. Play was brought forward and the format altered as inclement weather encircled Augusta National. It was anything but stormy for Woods as he calmly negotiated the famous and treacherous Amen Corner while rivals were swept up in the maelstrom. Eleven years of public scandal, divorce, four back operations that brought him to the brink of retirement and a descent to 1,199 in the world rankings have been banished. His long and troubled journey into wilderness begins just two days after his victory in San Diego when he announced he is to sit out the rest of the 2008 season after undergoing knee surgery. It had been an unlikely triumph for Woods, who admitted: ‘It’s my greatest ever championship. It’s the best of the 14 because of all the things that have gone on over the past week.’ He had entered the tournament considerably short of match practice, plagued by pain in his ailing left knee. Woods returned to much fanfare in 2009, but failed to win a major for the first time in five years. It ended with him taking an indefinite break from the sport as his personal life fell apart and marriage collapsed amid a string of alleged infidelities. Two days after the first claims of an extramarital affair came to light, Woods shocked the world when he lost control of his SUV outside his Florida mansion, crashing into a fire hydrant and tree after he pulled out of his driveway. His wife at the time, Elin Nordegren, had to smash a rear window with a golf club to force him out of the car. Questions were inevitably raised - what had happened to to one of sport’s most decorated names? What led to the car crash? Was he under the influence? Where was he going at 2:25am on a Friday? What would happen next opened a whole box of revelations that would leave his reputation in tatters and would one day eventually lead to him falling outside the top 1,000 in the world rankings. The then 14-time major winner had lacerations on his upper and lower lips, as well as blood in his mouth. The crash had knocked him unconscious for about six minutes and he was treated for 10 minutes until an ambulance arrived. Following intense media speculation about the cause of the much-spoken about accident, Woods released a statement on his website and

took sole responsibility for his actions, labelling it a ‘private matter’. ‘This situation is my fault, and it’s obviously embarrassing to my family and me,’ he says. ‘I’m human and I’m not perfect. I will certainly make sure this doesn’t happen again,’ Woods said on his personal website. For a famously private individual, whose brand was very much built on his reputation as a clean-living man as well as being sport’s biggest star, it was the last publicity he would ever hope for. Citing his injuries, Woods then withdrew from his own annual tournament - the Chevron World Challenge. On December 1, the Florida Highway Patrol announced that Woods would face a $164 fine for careless driving and four demerit points against his driver’s licence. He was not to face criminal charges. What followed would derail his career quicker than he would have ever imagined. Several claims by additional women claiming affairs with Woods quickly mounted in the next few weeks, prompting Woods to take an ‘indefinite break’ from professional golf. He checked into a sex rehab clinic in December. Woods lost endorsement deals with Accenture, AT&T, Gatorade, General Motors and Gillette. But there appeared to be a glimmer of hope on the field for the American in 2010 at the Masters. Following a 144-day hiatus from the sport he loves, the record-chasing golfer sealed a fourth place finish at Augusta. But in August, he finally divorced from his wife Elin following the on-going flurry of claims about affairs. After finishing tied fourth again at the 2011 Masters, it seemed like there was hope he could resurrect his dreams of surpassing Jack Nicklaus’ record of 18 major victories.

However, soon after injuries started to creep into his game that would derail his plans when he sprained his MCL and left Achilles tendon. After withdrawing from the Player’s Championship in May and firing his long-term caddie Steve Williams, who brought him huge success down the years, Woods dropped down to 58 in the world rankings. Surely it couldn’t get much worse. He managed to bounce back with victory at the Arnold Palmer Invitational in 2012, his first PGA win since September of 2009. It turned out to be a hugely successful year for the

American as he won five more PGA titles and returned to world No 1, his 624th week in that position. But persistent back injuries from there on in hampered his career more than anyone could ever imagine, which nearly led him to retiring from the sport he adores. Woods was forced to undergo back surgery in Utah in 2014 for a pinched nerve, just a week before the Masters as he missed the tournament for the first time. In September the next year after missing three of the four cuts in the majors, Woods’ back injury returned and he required

a second micro-discectomy surgery to remove a disc fragment that was pinching his nerve. Woods’ golfing career was unravelling around him and shortly after came a third back surgery in October as he fell outside the world’s top 100, in which he had a procedure to ‘relieve’ discomfort. The 43-year-old, who then dropped out of the world’s top 500, returned in December 2016 to play in the Hero World Challenge - his first competitive rounds in 466 days. His golfing career seemed in the dumps and all but over. However, what was to come would write its place in the history books and mark the greatest sporting comeback of all-time. In April 2017, the Ryder Cup star underwent his fourth

back surgery called spinal fusion, which proved to be a game-changer, to alleviate the pain in his back and leg. But of course his journey wouldn’t be so simple and he was yet again plagued with controversy when he was arrested in May 2017 for drinkdriving. Woods was pulled over driving southbound away from his $83m Jupiter Island home and restaurant The Woods when he was seen driving ‘erratically, all over the road’ in his 2015 Mercedes-Benz. A cop said that he smelled alcohol on his breath and then arrested him for refusing to take the test. The superstar spent around seven-and-a-half hours in Palm Beach County Jail before being released at 10:50am along with a disheveled mugshot revealing the once bright light of golf to be bleary-eyed and balding, which quickly went viral and shared all over the internet becoming a symbolic moment in how far he had fallen from grace. But the saga went on, with Woods, who also dated Olympic ski racer Lindsey Vonn for two years between 2013-15, claiming his DUI arrest was because of an ‘unexpected reaction’ to his medication and not because he was drunk. ‘I understand the severity of what I did and I take full responsibility for my actions. I want the public to know that alcohol was not involved,’ said Woods in the statement. ‘What happened was an unexpected reaction to prescribed medications. I didn’t realise the mix of medications had affected me so strongly. ‘I would like to apologise with all my heart to my family, friends and the fans. I expect more from myself too. ‘I will do everything in my power to ensure this never happens again.’ He ended up testing negative for alcohol, and it was later reported that he had Vicodin, Dilaudid, Xanax, Ambien, and THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) in his system at the time of his arrest. He was charged with driving under the influence and improperly stopping his vehicle. And he certainly stuck by his defiant message with his long road to redemption ending in glory at the Masters on Sunday. He has defied the odds after admitting in 2017 that he nearly retired from his beloved game. He actually needed a nerve blocker in order to walk into the 2017 Champions Dinner at Augusta before spinal fusion surgery allowed him to resume his PGA career. ‘I was done at that particular time,’ Woods said, as quoted by ESPN. ‘I had to get a nerve block just to be able to walk and come to the dinner,’ he continued. ‘It meant so much to me to be part of the Masters and come to the Champions Dinner. I didn’t want to miss it. It was tough and uncomfortable.’

Woods surges up world rankings IGER WOODS CONTINUED his T stunning rise up the world

rankings by officially returning to the top 10 for the first time since 2014 after his dramatic fifth Masters win. The 43-year-old climbed six spots to sixth after a oneshot victory at Augusta National which crowned one of the greatest comeback stories in sport with a first Major title since the 2008 US Open. Woods’ next target may be a return to the top of the rankings, where he spent a record 683 weeks between 1997 and 2014, including 281 consecutively. He was ranked outside the top 1,000 in November 2017 when he embarked on his comeback from a fourth

back surgery, but now has the top five of Dustin Johnson, Justin Rose, Brooks Koepka, Rory McIlroy and Justin Thomas in his sights. Johnson reclaimed the world number one ranking from Rose just a week after losing it to the Englishman, thanks to his tied-second finish behind Woods as Rose missed the Masters cut for the first time in his career. Koepka jumped back above McIlroy to third despite narrowly missing out on a fourth major title in just seven attempts. Xander Schauffele, the other runner-up in Georgia, moved up one place to ninth. Shane Lowry remains in 50th position, while Graeme McDowell is up three places to 112th.

Vanguard, TUESDAY, APRIL 16, 2019 — 47

Madrid to offer £52m plus Bale for Pogba

Eagles to pocket N1.6b if they win 2019 AFCON A

ll the countries competing at this summer ’s Africa Cup of Nations in Egypt will

receive at least $600,000 each, the Confederation of African Football (CAF) has announced following the

draw that took place in Cairo on Friday, April 12. For the first time in the history of the competition, 24 teams are participating and this will bring

additional revenue to CAF. According to President of CAF, Ahmad, the winner of the AFCON will take home $4.5 million (equivalent of 4 million euros or N1.6 billion) in addition to the trophy they will raise on July 19. ‘’Obviously, we increased the prize money for the competition,’’ Ahmad said to Radio France International. Defending champions Cameroon pocketed $4 million for winning the 2017 AFCON, Egypt received $2 million while Burkina Faso and Ghana, the two semifinalists, took home $1.5 million each. The Super Eagles have been drawn with Guinea, Madagascar and Burundi in Group B and the schedule sees the three-time African champions open their campaign against the Swallows at the Alexandria Stadium, Alexandria on June 22.

Court re-orders arrest of Jay Jay Okocha By Onozure Dania

•Jay Jay

AGOS—A Lagos State High court sitting in Igbosere has extended the arrest warrant it issued on former Super Eagles captain, Augustine Jay-Jay Okocha, for alleged tax evasion. Justice Adedayo Akintoye, yesterday, renewed the arrest warrant,

CHAMPIONS LEAGUE

Barca fear Man Utd spirit — Valverde E

rnesto Valverde has admitted he fears Manchester United’s “spirit” as he attempts to lead Barcelona into the Champions League semifinals at their expense. Barca host United in the second leg of their quarterfinal at the Nou Camp today, and will take a 1-0 lead into the game following their victory in the first match at Old Trafford. He said: “What I fear the most is the spirit they have. We respect them as a team, and the history they have behind them. “You can feel their spirit on the pitch and I think we will see it tomorrow. If we want to face that we have to show the way we are ourselves.” United had just 34 per cent of the possession and registered no shots on target in the first leg against Barcelona, while they had the ball for just 28 per cent of their 3-1 win away to PSG in the previous round. “I don’t know what Manchester United are going to do but we do have the references of what they’ve been doing in the Champions League this year,” Valverde added. “In four games away from

home, they have won three, and a couple in the last few minutes. So we must be on the ball. “Every team will try to play their game based on the players they have, and we will try to play our game.”

•Valverde

BAR CA B OOS BARC BOOS OOSTT

she had made on January 29, following an application by the Lagos State Government. At the resumed hearing of the matter yesterday, the prosecuting counsel Mr Yusuf Sule told the court that Okocha was yet to settle out of court, the 2017 income tax evasion charge. Sule said Okocha had made contact with the Lagos Internal Revenue Service (LIRS). He said: “The defendant is trying to settle, but he is yet to make any payment. In the circumstances, we will be asking for a further date.” While granting his application, Justice Akintoye held: “Bench Warrant is to continue

against the defendant. Case adjourned till May 28, 2019 for further directions.” Okocha, who was absent from court, had no legal representative. The Lagos State government, alleged that Okocha has failed to appear in court since October 5, 2017, when the case first came up. The government filed a three-count charge against Okocha on June 6, 2017, accusing him of: “Failure to furnish return of income for tax purposes with the Lagos State Internal Revenue Service contrary to Section 94 (1) of the Personal Income Tax Act Cap P8 Laws of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 2004 (As Amended).

Pogba

FIFA bans Brazil federation boss for life

ormer Brazilian Football Confederation president Jose Maria Marin has been banned from all footballrelated activities for life. The 86-year-old was found guilty of bribery after an investigation by Fifa’s ethics committee. The governing body also fined him one million Swiss francs (£760,000). Marin was one of seven Fifa officials arrested at a hotel in Zurich in May 2015, and was sentenced to four years in a US jail for corruption in 2018. He was convicted of accepting bribes from sports marketing companies in exchange for contracts to broadcast tournaments such as the Copa America.

De Jong to face Juve

renkie de Jong is in Ajax’s squad to face Juventus in the Champions League tonight but Nicolas Tagliafico misses out through suspension. De Jong lasted just 24 minutes of Ajax’s 6-2 victory over Excelsior on Saturday with a hamstring scare, but the midfielder is passed fit to play in Turin. Tagliafico has also travelled with the squad, although the left-back is ineligible due to a yellow-card ban. The second leg of the quarter-final takes place in Turin after last week’s 1-1 draw in the Netherlands.

Puyol, Okocha light up Uyo E

Messi will play against Man Utd L

IONEL MESSI will be fit for Barcelona’s crucial match against Manchester United today, coach Ernesto Valverde has confirmed.A strong challenge from Chris Smalling left the Argentine with a bloodied face in the quarter-final first leg clash, leading to him missing the weekend draw with Huesca. Valverde told his pre-match press conference: “[Messi] is fine after the knock he had. “He’s in perfect shape for the game tomorrow(today).” Both United and Barca struggled on the weekend having endured a gruelling 90-minute first leg at Old Trafford on Wednesday. And the Spanish coach admitted he was unhappy that half of the quarter-final draw had a quicker turnaround for their return encounter.

•De jong

Chiellini to miss Ajax clash

Heineken Champions League trophy tour: x- Barcelona Captain and legendary defender, Carles Puyol otherwise known as “The Wall” is in Nigeria today for the UEFA Champions League Tour presented by Heineken. The three-time winner of the UEFA Champions League is set to lead a football squad of the chairman team in a friendly encounter with a team christened Shine Shine Bobo led by former Super Eagles’ midfielder, Austin ‘Jay Jay’ Okocha at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo. The momentous match is one in the series of activities scheduled for the three-day UEFA Champions League Tour presented by Heineken. Puyol, who was Barcelona’s captain for a decade until his retirement in 2014, boasts of a well-decorated career, winning 20 honours including six La Liga trophies and three Champions League titles. The Spanish footballer was part of the squad that won the EURO 2008 and 2010 World Cup.

eal Madrid are preparing to offer £52m plus Gareth Bale for Manchester United midfielder Paul Pogba in this summer’s transfer window. Pogba continues to be linked with a move away from United, while Bale’s future at the Bernabeu is far from secure following a disappointing 2018-19 campaign. United are believed to be value Pogba around the £130m mark, but according to reports in Spain, Los Blancos are preparing to offer Bale plus £52m in cash in order to land the 2018 World Cup winner.

*Chiellini

iorgio Chiellini is expected to miss Juventus’ Champions League quarter-final against Ajax after failing to trainyesterday. Chiellini joined Mattia Perin and Martin Caceres in missing ttraining, with Sport Mediaset reporting the defender still has not recovered from his calf problem. The injury ruled the 34-year-old out of the first leg, which finished 1-1, but Rodrigo Bentancur, Daniele Rugani, Douglas Costa, Sami Khedira, Emre Can and Mario Mandzukic all worked out. Andrea Barzagli was present at Continassa but trained separately from the first team, so Rugani is set to be handed another start alongside Leonardo Bonucci in central defence. The second leg of the tie takes place tonight.

Ahmad sacks CAF SecretaryGeneral over whistle-blowing

frican football’s ruling body has sacked its secretarygeneral, Amr Fahmy after he accused CAF president Ahmad Ahmad of misappropriating funds. A document, sent on March 31 by Fahmy to a FIFA investigations committee and seen by Reuters, accuses Ahmad of ordering his secretary-general to pay $20,000 bribes into accounts of African football association presidents. The document also accused Ahmad of costing CAF an extra $830,000 by ordering equipment via a French intermediary company called Tactical Steel. Furthermore, it accuses him of harassing four female CAF staff, whom it did not name; violating statutes to increase Moroccan representation within the organisation; and over-spending more than $400,000 of CAF money on cars in Egypt and Madagascar, where a satellite office has been set up for him. •Ahmad

Vanguard, TUESDAY, APRIL 16, 2019

QUICK CROSSWORD

Sudoku TODAY’S PUZZLE

FRIDAY’S ANSWER

How to Play Sudoku

TODAY’S CROSSWORD

ACROSS 7 Plotter (11) 8 Breathe in (6) 9 Be ready for (6) 10 European country (6) 12 One of the planets (6) 123 Sick (3 14 Chaffed, teased (6) 16 Be unsteady on one’s feet (6)

THURSDAY’S SOLUTION

18 Owing money (2,4) 20 Extremely small (6) 22 Engagement (11) DOWN 1 Scrutinise (4) 2 Capital of Turkey (6) 3 Glorious (8) 4 At liberty (4) 5 Imaginary ideal place (6)

6 Break (8) 11 Eastern (8) 12 Final (8) 15 French channel port (6) 17 Offer (6) 19 Neat (4) 21 Ballet dancer’s skirt (4)

Place a number (1-9) in each blank cell. (No line can have two of the same number). Each row (nine lines from left to right), column, (also nine lines from top to bottom) and 3 X 3 block within a bold block (nine blocks) contains number from 1 through 9. This means that no number can appear twice in any block, column or row. No mathematics is involved – no adding, subtraction, division or multiplication, just plain logic and your imagination. Printed and Published by VANGUARD MEDIA LIMITED, Vanguard Avenue, Kirikiri-Canal, P.M.B.1007, Apapa. Phone: Newsroom: 018773962. Deputy Editor: 01-4548355. Advert Hotline: 08027767834; 01-4544821. Abuja office: 7, Dambata Close, Area 7, Garki, 09-2921024. Ikeja office: 73, Awolowo Way. V.I. Office: Murplus Plaza, 27, Sanusi Fafunwa Street. Asaba: 21, Anwai Road. Benin City: 4E, Arusa Street. Port Harcourt: 50, Ikwerre Road; Warri: 102, Efurun-Sapele Road. Advert: advertproduction@yahoo.com; E-mail: editor@vanguardngr.com, news@vanguardngr.com, letters@vanguardngr.com. Website: www.vanguardngr.com (ISSN 0794-652X) Editor: EZE ANABA. Phone: 01-4548355. All correspondence to P.M.B. 1007, Apapa Lagos.