Metro Star Newspaper, April 16 - 22, 2018

RUSSIA 2018: Time for Africa to rise up P.14

FIXTURES

LA LILGA

APRIL 17

Deportivo La Coruna - Sevilla Celta Vigo - Barcelona Villarreal - Leganes APRIL 18 Espanyol - Eibar Valencia - Getafe Real Madrid - Athletic Bilbao APRIL 19 Alaves - Girona Real Sociedad - Atletico Madrid Levante - Malaga Real Betis - Las Palmas England - Premier League April 17 Brighton & Hove Albion - Tottenham Hotspur APRIL 18 AFC Bournemouth - Manchester United APRIL 19 Leicester City - Southampton APRIL 21 West Bromwich Albion - Liverpool Watford - Crystal Palace APRIL 22 Arsenal - West Ham United Stoke City - Burnley Manchester City - Swansea City APRIL 23 Everton - Newcastle United MAY 9 Chelsea - Huddersfield Town Italy - Serie A April 17 Inter - Cagliari APRIL 18 Benevento - Atalanta Crotone - Juventus Fiorentina - Lazio Hellas Verona - Sassuolo Roma - Genoa SPAL 2013 - ChievoVerona SSC Napoli - Udinese Sampdoria - Bologna Torino - AC Milan Germany - Bundesliga April 20 Borussia Moenchengladbach - Wolfsburg APRIL 21 Eintracht Frankfurt - Hertha Berlin Hamburger SV - Freiburg Hannover 96 - Bayern Munich RasenBallsport Leipzig - Hoffenheim VfB Stuttgart - Werder Bremen Borussia Dortmund - Bayer Leverkusen APRIL 22 Augsburg - Mainz 05 FC Cologne - Schalke 04 FRANCE - LIGUE 1 APRIL 20 Nantes - Rennes Dijon - Lyon APRIL 21 Marseille - Lille Amiens - Strasbourg Guingamp - Monaco Metz - Caen Toulouse - Angers APRIL 22 Nice - Montpellier Saint-Etienne - Troyes Bordeaux - Paris Saint Germain

CHIBOK GIRLS: A REPORTER’S DIARY F our years ago, a middle ranking Boko Haram commander led dozens of fighters in search of food and other supplies in the remote town of Chibok. Like an afterthought, they saw a chance to abduct school girls in GSS (Government Secondary School) Chibok.

The girls at the time were preparing for their exams.

The dozens of Boko Haram fighters faced no opposition during the abduction, as they struggled to convey their captives to the forest of Alagarno, the insurgent’s first war capital, which they named Timbuktu. It was in Timbuktu that they organised most of the horror we experience today.

Some of the girls were lucky to have escaped on their way to Timbuktu that night, because there were fewer fighters to hold more than 200 girls. At the beginning, the group didn’t know what to do with the girls, at least, not in the first one month of their captivity.

However, what many people did not know was that two weeks into the abduction, the Jonathan administration was already in touch with me for the peaceful release of the girls. By the way, I was in self-exile after pressure from the same government.

I took an excuse where I was doing a menial job in the UAE (but still reporting the insurgency), to see the president, which was facilitated by Aliyu Gebi and Labaran Maku. By the 3rd of May, I was already on my way from Abuja to Madagali, Marwa and finally to a Boko Haram camp.

I got a proof of life for the president and another for the media in case I didn’t get back. The demands of Boko Haram then were simple: they wanted detained members taken to Damaturu and they would move the girls to Buni Yardi for a swap somewhere in-between. There was no word on ransom.

I was provided with full military escorts frm Abuja to Damaturu, Government was supposed to make sure that 70 detainees were ready on my arrival in Damaturu to meet 30 there. The rest of the negotiating team was in Abuja making sure the prisoners were on a plane before my arrival.

On arrival in Damaturu, the military commander there was not briefed about my work. He was merely told to expect a VIP? At that time, the girls had been moved by Boko Haram, but there were no prisoners for exchange and I got a call from the former CDS (Chief of Defence Staff, Air Marshal Alex Badeh) to abort the operation.

The president later said before me that he did not call off the swap. There was a credible window, but zero Will to rescue the girls. BH were angry. I returned to the UAE to continue my hustle, but received invitations not only by the former administration, but the current government.

Four out of five processes that I was involved in, we came close to a swap deal, but government in most instances did not provide the platform I presented with the

• Ahmad Salkida required expertise. And whenever government dragged its feet, Shekau would shift the goal post.

I continued with my reporting on the crisis, often critical of government and BH, with both sides raising concerns. For me, I am a reporter before anything else.

Many officials consider me as somebody who was too independent minded for a process that needs to be shrouded in secrecy.

Government began to look for alternatives to conclude what I’d started and my former couriers stepped in as the primary ‘negotiators.’ It was a break for me because it is no longer negotiations, but mere transactions. Another reason was my insistence that the process must be domesticated.

I was a prickle in the flesh of our our leaders with my counter claims to official narratives. A day after I exclusively released a video of the girls, something I’d done in the past, I was declared wanted by the same military tht provided me with escorts and military aircraft for assignmnts.

I was amazed to learn later that the terms that saw the release of some of the girls were unfavourable than what I presented, but as my friend will say, even if we come up with a cure for cancer, the war economy and elites would rather die than accept a cure from a talaka.

Today, my ainstaking investigations on the #Chibokschoolgirls revealed that just a handful of the 113 #ChibokGirls are alive. Many of the girls have died as a result of cross fires and bombardments of the security forces that no doubt were intent on rescuing them.

I regret to state here that only 15 out of the 113 #Chibokgirls are alive today, based on my investigations in the last three months and we have already seen some of them in a video, which I exclusively obtained and was published on SR

website.

What is the status of the remaining 15 girls as far as negotiations are concerned? My investigations also revealed that, they are no longer under the control of #AbubakarShekau. According to sources, they are now ‘married’ and only their ‘husbands’ can decide their fates.

If they are divorced or the men are killed, that is when Shekau’s decision takes precedence, and in this instance, since the girls have been indoctrinated, their leader has no right to negotiate for their release, no matter the ransom offered, reliable multiple sources said.

It will be unbearable to share the names of the 15 to share the names of the 15 that are alive here, this is the responsibility of Govt. When I was involved I regularly provided proof of life. Govt must demand that to prove me wrong or stop negotiating for many of the girls that don’t exist.

The secrecy around the condition of the #ChibokGirls and most recent #DapchiGirls debacle by those involved is the reason people like me are out of the picture. The fact remains that under the present circumstances there is NO room for peace settlement.

The way out for these girls is a military rescue or negotiate wt individual captors to release their ‘wives’ in return for some kind of deal, but this will mean death to these fighters bcz the terror group now sees the girls as part of their own and must be protected.

How come there is little or is little or no information about the girls and both the parents and campaigners are in the dark? Because, governmentt resists independent reporting of the crisis, most of the reports are choreographed and Nigerians are also not ready to hear the truth or stand by it.

Reporting the Lake Chad crisis is not just a job for me. Borno is my home. This crisis has affected me too. I’ve invested 13 years of my 18 years journalism career to follow this story in a way no reporter or researcher has done, hence my knowledge of this crisis can’t be dismissed.

I’ve risked my ife and that of my family in the past and even now, not only to tell the story, but to play the role of a mediator and fact finder. But as soon as the Federal Government found alternatives, my sacrifices got an official ridicule and I am being hounded.

I hold no other intention of doing this than the need to stir a debate to demand more insights and bring closure to the parents. The nation must not fail you from rescuing your daughters and also fail to tell you the truth.

My heartfelt condolences to the parents of the near 100 that have perished or have not returned home and apparently not with their captors. But you must always remember that your daughters were stronger than the rest of us that couldn’t do more to avert this catastrophe.

Published by Metrostar Media Head office: First Floor Suite 2, L.A Ajayi Plaza, 99 Obafemi Awolowo Way, Ikeja, Lagos. P.O. Box 7057, Ikeja, Lagos ISSN No: xxxxxx Tel: 08154378732 Email: metrostarng@gmail.com Website: metrostarng.com EDITOR: NICK NWAFOR.

Metrostar

| VOL. 1 NO. 1 | www.metrostarng.com www.metrostarng.com

REAL NEWS FOR REAL PEOPLE

VOL. 1 NO. 3 P.2

N100

APRIL 16-22, 2018

NEW BOOK

Osodieme, the Phenomenal Woman P.15

ZENITH BANK, JIM OVIA FIGHT BLOGGER REAL NEWS FOR REAL PEO P.11 Dapchi girls: Tighten security in schools –Oduah

OBASANJO EXPLO

P.10 Acquired land: Victor Olaiya’s sisters ask Buhari for compensation

2019 presidency: I’m more qualified than Buhari –Junaid Muhammed P.6

WHY BU

Leah Sharibu must be rescued P.12 – Saraki

Ekiti 2018: Fayose, Fayemi renew bitter rivalry

P.4

P.8,9,10

Oyegun: Govs, Tinubu in fresh battle

LEAD

2

METROSTAR, APRIL 16-22, 2018

New Book: Zenith Bank, Jim Ovia fight blogger MADUNAGU EMEKA

G

oldfish, they say, have no hiding place. However, one of Nigeria’s most reclusive billionaires, Mr. Jim Ovia, is involved in a bitter court battle with a blogger, Andy Briggs Ikeotuonye, over a book on the businessman.

Ovia and one of Nigeria’s top financial institutions of which he is the Chairman, Zenith Bank Plc, in March approached a Federal High Court in Lagos to stop the release of Briggs’ new book titled: ‘THE GODFATHER OF BANKING.’ The plaintiffs in the suit filed by a team of lawyers led by Prof. Fabian Ajogwu (SAN) alleged in their Statement of Claims that the book would hurt their interests and infringe on the banker’s privacy and family life.

The blogger, who runs andybriggsreport.me, an investigative website, however fired back in his Statement of Defence, saying he was exercising his constutional right to investigate any story without the consent of Ovia or Zenith Bank.

The case, which first came up on March 9, 2018 and was adjourned till March 19, 2018, is due next on April 30, 2018.

In the court documents obtained

by Metrostar, Zenith Bank, which is the first plaintiff, described itself as a reputable commercial bank in Nigeria of international standing, which has built goodwill and reputation in the banking industry all over the world.

The Statement of Ckaims described Ovia as “the chairman and founder and a businessman of international repute. He is also the recipient of a Nigerian national honour, an alumnus of the prestigious Harvard Business School and the chairperson of several Non-Govermental Organisations at several times.

“He is also the founder and chairman of Mankind United To Support Total Education (MUSTE), financier of Jim Ovia Scholars Programme, who have initiatives focused on providing scholarships for the less privileged, outstanding Nigerian youths, and the founder of the Youth Empowerment/ICT Foundation which encourage youths to embrace information technology.”

Turning to the subject matter, they averred that the defendant who carries on business as Andy Briggs Report Equipment Enterprise with registration number 2133326 registered on May 26, 2010 is also the author of the book.

They averred that the blogger described the book in a ThisDay Newspaper publication of February 20, 2018 as “coming soon.”

They stated that Ovia had

sometime last year bern tipped off about a manuscrult intended to be published as a book about his life, family and business.

Though he dismissed the information, “having not commissioned or authorised anyone to write his biography or any kind of book based on material from his personal, family, career and experiences.

“On Tuesday February 20, 2018, Jim Ovia was informed by his legal adviser, Mr. Emeka Anyaeji, about a certain advertisement on Page 33 of ThisDay Newspaper about the immediate release of a book written by the defendant titled ‘THE GODFATHER OF BANKING,’ sensationally described in the said advertisement by the author as UNCENSORED,

UNPUTDOWNABLE: “Alarmed by this information, Jim Ovia asked his said legal adviser to forward the scanned copy of the newspaper to him, which he did. Jim Ovia confirmed the information given to him by his legal adviser and also saw that his picture had been used as the cover of the book. The plaintiff shall rely on a copy of the said page of ThisDay Newspaper of February 20, 2018, in proof of the averment contained herein.

“Jim Ovia further averred that the said picture is his portrait which he has commissioned and published on Nigeria a couple of years ago. The portrait forms a part of Jim Ovia’s personal memorabilia. Jim Ovia shall at the trial of the case prove that the defendant’s use of this personal

portrait amounts to a violation of the the second plaintiff’s proprietary right.

“The second plaintiff immediately began enquiry into the identity and activities of the defendant and discovered that the defendant’s had a blog site - andybriggsreport.me - and discovered that the defendant’s had actually been stalking the second plaintiff since 2013 and had been writing all sorts of stories about the defendant’s (sic) personal and family lives.

“In his blog, the defebdabt claimed to havebdobe a lot of investigations on the second plaintiff, including travelling to the second plaintiff’s village to conduct interviews and taking pictures of the second plaintiff’s personal properties.

“That by the tktke if the book ‘THE GODFATHER OF BANKING,’ as well as his description as ‘uncensored, unputdownable, as contained in the advertisement published in ThisDay Newspaper, the defebdabt clearly intends to sensationalise as well as scandalise the second plaintiff and vy extension, the first applicant.

“That the adjective UNCENSORED - particularly in the context of this publication is one that will suggest in the mind of any reasonable man that the information contained in the book are sordid material based on his personal, family and business life.

“The second plaintiff avers that the book intended to be published by the defendant by its very title and from the information published by the defendant on his blog may have appropriated material from the second plaintiff’s personal life and family as well as materials concerning Continued on Page 3

OPINION

METROSTAR, APRIL 16-22, 2018 e-mail: amara@amaraofficial.com

Intimate Affairs with Amara

Osodieme, the Phenomenal Woman

her act to a whole new height when she decided to devote a considerable chunk n four years, Chief Mrs Ebelechukwu of her time to running a home for the Obiano has changed our understanding mentally challenged at Nteje in Oyi Local of what it means to be the wife of a Government Area of the state. Through governor. the auspices of the Caring Family And now we have realized that far Enhancement Initiative (CAFE) which she from the glitz and glamour; far from the set up to give focus and direction to her life dazzle of long motorcade, the circle of of charity, Osodieme has routinely picked fawning aides and the malevolent glare of up mentally unbalanced people from the envying eyes, the wife of a governor can streets to treat them and reunite them take responsibility for the happiness of the with their families. The most emotional most vulnerable groups in the society and of these great triumphs of the human leave an indelible. We now know that the spirit in Osodieme’s growing narrative of wife of a governor can be a phenomenal exceptionality is the story of 72-year old woman! Many thanks to Ebelechukwu Mrs Rose Anene who was considered Obiano,Osodieme (the one who performs dead 35 years ago when she suddenly great feats like her husband), we now wandered off beyond trace. know that a governor’s wife can change Mrs Anene was eventually picked up the world by changing the colour of her by Osodieme’s team and after spending own side of the sky. some time under her restorative care, But Osodieme’s narrative of courage regained full self-possession and identity. and purposeful Tears flowed engagements freely when her does not come to children and people who know grandchildren her by chance. Her who had thought antecedents stand her dead for 35 her out as a woman painful years with a load of destiny suddenly came on her head. face to face with She began her at the Nteje rather early to show Mental Home. that her personal The children contentment is had no words incomplete if anyone for Osodieme around her is in but it was dire need of help. understandable.

Her direct personal Such experiences interventions in deny us the the affairs of the power of words! downtrodden and While all these people in dire need acts of love and of help started from kindness stand her days of small out in their strong beginning; long significations before the coat as timely and of arms and the e n d u r i n g , imperial wailing of what marks the sirens.

Osodieme’s •Mrs. Ebele Obiano It was in full touches on the acknowledgment of society as rare this that against the run of play, she was and inspiring is the passion she brings to admitted into the hallowed chambers bear on everything she decides to focus of the Igwe’s cabinet in Aguleri. Indeed, on. There are no middle grounds for Igwe Christopher Idigo of the ancient Osodieme. It is all or nothing!

Idigo dynasty showed a frightening blend Indeed, Osodieme’s little light has of courage and clairvoyance when he continued to shine to the admiration of decided to admit a woman into the royal discerning members of the society. In fact, cabinet, the first in living memory. The important organizations like the United ancestors must have given him hints about Nations, the European Union and UNICEF the spark Osodieme carries. Perhaps. have all acknowledged and honoured To be candid though, we have seen her for sharing her love with humanity. philanthropy. But it would be unfair Osodieme is a UN Peace Ambassador, a for anyone who has closely followed UNICEF and EU WASH Ambassador and Osodieme’s activities to tag her rare a winner of the Irish Red Cross Award for accomplishments as mere philanthropy. service to humanity. The Nigerian Women Osodieme stirs the vulnerable population Association of Atlanta also conferred her like a ripple which starts unheralded but with an award for Excellence. Osodieme spreads inexorably wide enough for all is perhaps the only Nigerian conferred eyes to see. with the Honorary Citizen of the State of Indeed how could anyone in Anambra Georgia, USA. Odi ofele?

State pretend not to see Osodieme’s As she receives the prestigious Zik ripples of kindness that have continued Prize for Leadership in Humanitarian to spread far and wide in the past four Services today, Osodieme has finally years? How could anyone not have heard ascended to the heights where only the touching testimonies of the hundreds great personages with a keen eye on of people who received prosthetic limbs or immortality dwell. But what makes her the hundreds of children who underwent ascension fascinating is that she will not surgeries to fix their cleft palates and be alone. The love of her life, Governor who no longer shy away from their once Willie Maduaburochukwu Obiano is hideous images in the mirror? Who can already seated there and waiting to pretend not to have heard the stories of a receive her with a warm embrace. dozen widows whose lives had shattered Congratulations Osodieme. at the passing of their husbands, leaving Ijele Anambra jide ka iji! them marooned in homes that could easily pass for dunghills but who through *James Eze is the Chief Press Osodieme’s kindness had become proud Secretary to the Governor of Anambra owners of splendid new homes?

State, Chief Willie Maduaburochukwu To be candid though, Osodieme took Obiano JAMES EZE

Tired of waiting I

1. Hi, my problem is, I have been with a guy since June 2006. He is really nice, trustworthy, a no-nonsense person, fun, basically everything. He also really loves God and takes his ministry as a musician and the church builder seriously. Everything was good till January 2017 when he left to work in Montego Bay with a pastor. He’s always busy and seemingly doesn’t have time for me I remember in April, thereabout, I was talking to him on WhatsApp, he was online and he wasn’t talking to me so it made me become frustrated. It seemed as though he nearly got fired because I had called his office. I know I shouldn’t but I just needed some closure. He replied in June saying that things are going separately, and he can’t do this no more and he blocked me.

So I spoke to his mother, to try to talk to him. She did which was how I found out that I would have caused him to lose his job. She spoke to him and he said I must be patient; well, everytime that is what he says.

I had a proper conversation with him in December, not really proper but better compared to other times. He actually spoke to me, I felt as though I’m becoming a burden because every time I tell him how I feel, and when I make sure to tell him that I still love him and want to be there for him, he doesn’t express the same sentiments to me. Instead he says he will explain what’s happening in due time.

I don’t want to be impatient but this is becoming a real drag for me. I don’t want to push him away from me with my actions, but I really love him and want us to work together.

He said in March, one night after church that he would tell me his evaluation and report on moving forward.

He only said there’s a way in which one can achieve a sense of purpose and nothing more. He said he’s fasting till May 3 and will talk to me after but I doubt if he’ll find time.

He did not visit me for Christmas and it has been a year. I don’t think he’s cheating on me and I love him so much. I don’t think he loves me the same way. I get miserable waiting but I don’t want to walk away from something good. What should I do?

He usually picks my calls and talk, but now only texts and only when I text first. Sometimes I wonder if he evens remember me. I tell him how I feel a lot and all he keeps saying is in due time he will explain. I don’t know how long due time is and if he even explains stuff will we even start talking and texting back frequently?

I know he’s busy but I don’t think you can be too busy for someone you really care about. I wonder if he’s trying to test if I’m worthy to be a potential mate but it’s driving me crazy.

It’s been a year now, and I don’t know how he feels about me.

What should I do?

Regards, D Dear D, If he’s a good man, he won’t torture you with silence, neglect, or keep you in suspense. He will be honest enough to share his deci-

sion with you or at least be specific about his plans for the relationship or for you.

If he’s a good man to you, you won’t be tense, worried and emotionally unstable. Instead you will have peace of mind, and assurance that you are building your future with your best friend and companion.

If you can’t tell exactly what your position is in his life, what his vision is for the relationship, and where the relationship was headed, then you can at least take your own destiny in your hands by deciding to give yourself a direction or vision.

It is totally unacceptable for an adult to subject himself or herself to the decision of another adult.

That’s the simplest definition of manipulation and tyranny.

Instead of frustrating yourself with an expectation you are not certain of, why not consider the alternative and save yourself from the drama?

He’s a good man, he’s Godly, he’s fun to be with, and he’s your dream man, but also remember that he may not actually be your own future husband.

Wake up, you can smell the coffee, just don’t ignore the aroma, to avoid disappointment or embarrassing outcome.

There is no benefit in waiting for a partner who may have a different plan or vision from your own expectations.

I know that you love him so much, maybe you should consider loving yourself so little that you don’t allow any human to frustrate your life emotionally.

When you love yourself that much, you will know when to wait and when to walk away.

Good luck 2. Don’t Be Stagnant; Better Yourself I’ve had many wives and husbands complain to me about their spouse’s change of attitude because of change in social status either as a result of promotion at work or better business opportunity.

Inasmuch as I don’t support that attitude toward ones spouse; inasmuch as I strongly feel that we should stand by our spouses and treat them right at all times, I also believe that the spouse at the receiving should help himself or herself.

What do I mean? Yes, you started life from the scratch with him or her, but that’s not a good-enough reason to remain stagnant. You see your spouse getting more education; you see your spouse getting trainings on etiquette; you see your spouse self-educating himself or herself via the internet and instead of you thinking of better ways to improve, you waste your time and bandwidth on gossip with friends that have no vision for their lives. You waste your time on movies when you should be doing more meaningful things.

15

14

By Taiwo Ibrahim

I

n The History of the FIFA World Cup, no African team has ever won it despite participating in the Mundial since 1970.

The South Americans and the Europeans have held sway in the competition thus leaving other continents to watch while they dominate. let’s check out African teams performances in the world cup since 1970, it has been a story of near misses for the African representatives. in 1970, Fourteen African Countries entered the qualification process, The Atlas Lion of Morocco got the single ticket ahead of closest challenger Tunisia by a toss of the coin.

Morrocco were paired in group 4 alongside West Germany, Peru and Bulgaria.

They lost 2-1 against West Germany and got spanked 3-0 by Peru before earning a point by playing a 1-1 draw with Bulgaria, The Atlas Lions crashed out of the competition by earning the first point for an African Nation at the World Cup. In 1974, Twenty four African Countries took part in the qualifying series but Zaire(now known as the Democratic Republic of Congo) qualified comfortably by scoring 18 goals and conceding just 5 goals in 10 matches.

The Tournament was hosted by Mexico, DR Congo were placed in group 2 alongside Brazil, Scotland and Yugoslavia, they lost their first match 2-0 against Scotland, they capitulated against Yugoslavia by losing 9-0 their catastrophic participation came to an end with a 4-0 drubbing in the hand of Brazil.

DR. Congo crashed out of the Tournament without scoring a goal.

In 1978, Twenty Six African Countries entered the qualifying series Tunisia edged Morrocco to qualify by beating the Atlas Lions of Morocco via penalty shootout.

It was the first time penalty shootout will be used in the history of FIFA World Cup qualification.

The Carthage Eagles were placed in group 2 alongside West Germany, Poland and Mexico.

Tunisia earned the first ever win recorded by an African team in the history of the FIFA World cup when they fought back from a goal down to beat Poland 3-1, they lost to Mexico 1-0 and played out a goalless draw with West Germany, unfortunately that feat was not enough for them to qualify for the next round, they crashed out with their heads held high for making history.

In 1982, Twenty Nine African Countries competed for two spots in the qualification series, Algeria and Cameroon qualified to represent Africa in the competition that was hosted by Spain, Espana 82’.

Cameroon was placed in group 1 alongside Peru, Poland and Italy.

The Indomitable Lions played out a goalless draw against Peru and Poland before playing a 1-1 draw against Italy to crash out of the Competition, it was a painful exit for the Cameroonians who felt hard done that Roger Milla’s goal against Peru was incorrectly ruled out for Offside in their first match.

Algeria were placed in group two alongside West Germany, Austria and Chile The Desert Foxes caused a major upset in their first match by beating West Germany 2-1 courtesy of goals from Lakhdar Belloumi and Rabah Madjer, they lost their second match against Austria 2-0 before stunning Chile 3-2.

Unfortunately, Algeria crashed out due to inferior goal difference after winning two matches, history was made but progress was denied, the Foxes went home with their heads held high for making history as the first African side to win two matches in the history of the FIFA World Cup. In 1986, Twenty Nine African Countries slugged it out for two spots, Algeria

SPORTS

METROSTAR, APRIL 16-22, 2018

RUSSIA 2018: Time for Africa to rise up

made another history by becoming the first African Country to qualify for two consecutive World Cup. Morrocco also joined the Algerians to represent Africa in Mexico 86’.

Algeria failed to replicate their 1982 heroics by crashing out in the first round after losing 1-0 against Spain and 3-0 against Brazil before playing out a 1-1 draw against Northern Ireland.

But Morocco took up the mantle of Algeria’s impact in 1982 by qualifying for the second round of the tournament after playing out a goalless draw against Poland and England before beating Portugal 3-1 to become the first African team to qualify for the second round in World Cup history.

The Reward for their impressive first-round performance was a clash with West Germany in the second round, Goalkeeper Badou Zaki kept them in the game by pulling off several saves but he was finally beaten by Lothar Matthaus 87th minute strike to end the Moroccans hopes of going further in the competition.

In 1990, Twenty Six African Countries entered the Qualification process but Cameroon and Egypt qualified for the Mundial in Italy, Italia 90’ Egypt were placed in Group F alongside, England, Ireland and the Netherlands.

The Pharaohs played out a 1-1 draw with the Netherlands, 0-0 draw with Ireland before losing their last match against England to crash out of the competition with one goal scored by Magdi Abdelghani.

The Indomitable Lions of Cameroon were the surprise package of the competition, they beat the defending champions, Argentina 1-0 in their first match despite finishing the match with nine men.

In their Next Match against Poland, Legendary Roger Milla scored a brace to give the Cameroonians victory over the Polish.

After sealing their qualification to the next round, they lost an inconsequential

match to Soviet Union (now known as Russia) 4-0.

Cameroon defeated Colombia in the second round 2-1 courtesy of Roger Milla’s goals after he came off the bench to score the two vital goals that sent Cameroon to the quarterfinals of the competition.

The reward for that historic feat was a mammoth clash against the three lions of England in the last eight.

The Atmosphere was tense the Continent stood still expecting a miracle, The Indomitable Lions were just seven minutes away from history when the referee awarded a penalty to England which was converted by Gary Lineker to send the match into extra time, Lineker was the hero as he scored another penalty after the Cameroonian goalkeeper fouled Lineker, he stepped up and send the goalkeeper the wrong way to send Cameroon out of the Competition.

In 1994, Forty African Countries vied for three slots to qualify for the 1994 FIFA World Cup in the United State of America.

The extra slot was awarded because of the impressive performances of African representatives in the past editions of the FIFA World Cup, most notably Cameroon in Italia 90’.

At the end of the qualification series, Nigeria, Morocco and Cameroon booked the slots to represent Africa in the Mundial.

In Group B Cameroon had to battle it out with Sweden, Brazil and Russia to repeat their exploits in 1990 but they fell short by losing to Brazil 3-0, they were spanked 6-1

by Russia, they played out a 2-2 draw against Sweden to crash out of the competition.

Morocco could not earn even a point as they lost all their matches in group F, Belgium beat the Atlas Lions 1-0, the Netherlands also beat them 2-1 and Saudi Arabia won 2-1 against Morroco.

Nigeria were placed in Group D alongside Bulgaria, Argentina and

Greece.

The Super Eagles of Nigeria thumped Bulgaria 3-0 in their first match, they lost to Argentina 2-1 before beating Greece 2-0 to qualify for the second round The reward for that feat was a clash against Italy, the super eagles took the lead in the 25th minute through Emmanuel Amuneke, Nigeria were just two minutes away from history before Roberto Baggio restored parity in the 88th minute to send the match into extra time, Baggio Nigerians heart with another goal in extra time to send Nigeria out of the Competition.

In 1998, Thirty-Eight African Countries competed for five slots, after FIFA increased it from three to five because of African Teams performances in the past editions most notably, Nigeria in 1994.

Cameroon, Morocco, Nigeria, Tunisia and South Africa qualified among the rest to represent Africa in France, France 98’.

Morocco found themselves in Group A alongside Norway, Brazil and Scotland. they drew their first match against Norway 2-2, lost to Brazil 3-0 before redeeming their image with a 3-0 win against Scotland. but that was not enough as the Atlas Lions could not devour enough prey to qualify to the next round.

Cameroon were placed in group B alongside Italy, Austria and Chile.

The Indomitable Lions played out a 1-1 draw against Austria, they lost 3-0 against Italy before playing out another 1-1 draw against Chile to crash out of the competition, a win against Chile would have sealed their place in the next round.

Debutant, South Africa were placed in group C France, Denmark and Saudi Arabia.

The Bafana Bafana lost 3-0 against South Africa, drew 1-1 against Denmark before playing out a 2-2 draw against Saudi Arabia to exit the competition in the first round in their first time of asking.

METROSTAR, APRIL 16-22, 2018

3

New Book: Zenith Bank, Jim Ovia fight blogger Continued from Page 2

the first plaintiff over which the plaintiffs have a proprietary interest and moral right.

“From the defendant’s commentary about the book on his blog platform, it is clear that some of the information contained therein are personal, private and sensitive which the defendant (sic) has the moral right to preserve and not to be published without their authorisation.

“That the second plaintiff never volunteered any personal information about himsekf , his family or his activities to the defendant, neither did the defendant obtain his approval or consent before writing or publication.

“The plaintiff further averred that if this book is actually published, the defebdabt will enjoy financial gain from the appropriation of the material on the second plaintiff’s personal life over which he has a proprietary interest and moral right.

“The second plaintiff knows as a fact that the intended publication of this book is an immense tgrwT to the second plaintiff’s fundamental right to private and family life and has the potential to taint his reputation and that of his family.

“The antecedents of the defendant as clearly stated in his blogging activities show that he is a stalker and opportunist seeking to traffic to site hoping to gain some financial gain at the expense of the second plaintiff’s private life.

“The second plaintiff knows as a fact that he is entitled to right to a private and family life as well as freedom and protectopn from any person whose action infringes on or constitutes an infringement to his fundamental right.

“The second plaintiff kniws as a fact that unless restrained by this honourable court, the defendant will publish this book which will cause injury and distress to the second plaintiff and his family.”

Therefire, the plaintiffs are asking the court to declare that the publication of the book poses an imminent threat to, and is injurious to the brand name, goodwill, reputation and the proprietary interest of the bank.

They are also askibg the court to declare that the pubkixatipn of the book violates Ovia’s right to private and family life guaranteed under Section 37 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).

They also asked the court to hold that the “unauthorised use of the second plaintiff’s specially commissioned photograph used in the advertisement of the book” is a breach of Ovia’s copyright and intellectual property.

They also stated that “the watermarked description

superimposed on the picture used in reputation as well as of his being an the advertisement of any book titled alumnus of the Harvard Business ‘THE GODFATHER OF BANKING,’ School. “The defendant puts the pubkished in ThisDay Newspaper plaintiff to the strictest proof of the of February 20, 2018 is a breach of claim that the second plaintiff has the aesthetic moral right and right served as chairman of several Nonto integrity of the commissioned Govermental Organisations. photograph of the second plaintiff “The defendant is not in any under S of the copyright Act.” position to admit or deny Paragraph They also sought an order of 3 of the Statement of Claims as facts perpetual injunction restraining the stated therein are within the second defendant from releasing the book for plaintiff’s personal knowledge and sale in hard copy or online, either by puts the second plaintiff to the strictest himself or through any agents. test thereof. *BRIGGS RESPONDS “The defendant denies Paragraph However, Briggs countered most 4 of the Statement of Claims and in of the claims in response states his Statement of that he does Defence filed by business as Andy his lawyer, Ikenna Briggs Report Amaechi, and Enterprise.

The second plaintiff “The defendant dated March 28, kniws as a fact that denies Paragraph 2018.

In the defence, unless restrained 5 of the Statement he denied “each Claims and the by this honourable of and every material response states court, the defendant that his book is not allegation of facts as contained in will publish this book about the life, family the Statement business of the which will cause and of Claims as second plaintiff. if same were injury and distress to The book ‘THE set out herein the second plaintiff GODFATHER OF and traversed

by Andy and his family BANKING’ seriatim.”

Briggs written by He admitted the defendant is the financial institution’s claim to be hereby pleaded. a commercial bank registered under “The defendant in further reaction relevant Nigerian laws; but stated that to Paragraph 5 of the Statement of he “is not in any position to admit or Claims states that his book is not deny that the first plaintiff has built a a biography of the second plaintiff reputation in the banking industry all and not about the business and over the world and put the plaintiff to operations of the first plaintiff. The the strictest proof thereof. second plaintiff has majority and “The defendant admits Paragraph controlling shares in several other 2 of the Statement of Claims only to companies and is not just chairman the extent that the second plaintiff is of the first plaintiff alone. the chairman of the first pkaintiff and “The defendant avers that the a businessman. The second plaintiff is second plaintiff is not the owner of the not the founder of the first plaintiff.” first plaintiff.

The defendant urged the court “The defendant is an author with to discountenance the claim about published works and investigatice the second plaintiff’s international reporter/journalist, social critic, public

“

affairs commentator and publisher both online and mainstream.

“The defendant avers that his book is a result of years of research into the banking industry in Nigeria and key practitioner that has shaped the banking industry in Nigeria.

“The defendant avers that his book is a public interest work both for the recreational readers, researchers, investors and collectors.

“The defendant avers that any rumours that the second plaintiff may have heard as contained in Paragraph 5 of the Statement of Claims is not about his book.

“The defendant avers that the second plaintiff is a public figure and that the first plaintiff is a public liability company quoted on the Nigerian Stock Exchange with a lot of shareholders and sundry investors.

“The defendant denies Paragraph 6 of the Statement of Claims and further states that he advertised his book ‘The Godfather of Banking,’ which is about to be released to the Nigerian reading public with appropriate words to generate interest in the book and that the words do not connote or impute any thing negative on anyone or company.

“The defendant avers that the second plaintiff is a public figure functioning as the chairman of the Board of Directors.

“The defendant further avers that the second plaintiff’s photograph and data are in the public domain and accessible to the public and also filed at various government departments and agencies making them public documents.

“The defendant states that the plaintiffs’ suit is based on speculations and is academic.

“The defendant has in the past given awards to the plaintiffs and they gladly accepted them. Records of the awards ceremony are hereby pleaded.

“That the suit has delayed the defendant from commencing sales of his book in Nigeria and had occasioned losses to the defendant in terms of payments and commitments to various vendors and service providers that he made and could not utilise because of the pendency of this suit that are non-refundable. The defendant please proof of payments to to vendors and service providers.

“The defendant states that the plaintiffs’ legal rights capable of being protected by this honourable court have not been infringed by the defendant and the defendants will urge this honourable court to dismiss this suit with substantial costs against the plaintiffs.”

METROSTAR, APRIL 16-22, 2018

4

Oyegun: Govs, Tinubu in fresh battle

METROSTAR, APRIL 16-22, 2018

SCENES

13

RECENTLY, LAGOS STATE GOVERNOR, AKINWUNMI AMBODE, INSPECTED ONGOING PROJECTS OF HIS ADMINISTRATION IN DIFFERENT PARTS OF THE STATE

P

resident Muhammadu Buhari; the 24 governors elected on the platform of the All Progressives; the party’s National Leader, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, and other heavyweights are in a dilemma over who should emerge as the next national chairman of the party.

They are torn between supporting the current chairman, Chief John Odigie-Oyegun, to return or whether to back one out of three former governors - Adams Oshiomhole; Rotimi Amaechi; and Clement Ebri - who are the top contenders.

So far, only Oshiomhole and Ebri have made their intention known while Amaechi is allegedly making consultations.

Oyegun, whose National Working Committee was given a one-year tenure extension some weeks ago, suffered a major setback when Buhari told the party’s National Executive Committee meeting in March that Buhari washed his hands off the action.

He had warned that the the use extension would not help the party’s chances at the 2019 elections and urged the party to follow democratic processes.

Oyegun made spirited efforts to get the president to change his mind, even as many of the governors supported him.

However, by the time the party met again in April, all the governors had aligned with Buhari and dumped Oyegun.

For the APC governors, the last NEC meeting was a signpost of what is expected of the party. The meeting which was chaired by Oyegun had the trappings of war but the resolve by the audience at the meeting to give a waiver to the embattled chairman to enable him to contest in the forthcoming national congress of the party where its national officers would be elected doused the tension.

Metrostar learnt that Buhari’s decision to declare his intention to contest for second term in the office calmed the nerves of the loyalists of the embattled chairman of the party.

They sheathed their swords in the belief that the declaration would serve as a boost to Oyegun’s camp in the fight for the soul of the party.An informed source told Metrostar that the declaration did not go down well with some of the national leaders of the party who are of the opinion that he did not do enough consultations before going public with his intention to contest for a second term.

The governors at the meeting coordinated by the governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello, before the NEC meeting resolved that Buhari should be persuaded through his Chief of Staff, Abba Kyari, to declare his intention to contest for a second term at the NEC meeting. They viewed this as a way of stopping others nursing the ambition of contesting for the presidency on the platform.

There are indications that Governors Bello (Kogi), Nasir El-Rufai (Kaduna), Rochas Okorocha (Imo), Rotimi Akeredolu (Ondo) and sone other other governors have resolved to pitch their tent with Oyegun despite the fact that Tinubu is believed to be opposed to the idea of retaining Oyegun beyond the National Congress date.

It was gathered that the enormous influence of the governors on the delegates for the national congress of the party is one of the trump cards to be used to make sure that Oyegun’s office is not tampered with at the national convention of the party slated for June this year.

However, Tinubu is suspected to have thrown his weight behind Ebiri. Tis us allegedly premised on the fact that the former governor of Lagos State may not be favourably disposed to the candidacy of Oshiomhole. An informed source close to Tinubu told Metrostar that the former governor of Lagos State decided to pitch his tent with Ebiri because he does not trust Oshiomhole.

According to the source, the former Edo governor did not treat leaders of the defunct Action Congress of Nigeria and later APC with respect during his second term.

It was gathered that ministers from the SouthWest have resolved within themselves to ditch any candidate supported by Tinubu. They believe that his grip on the party is suffocating and therefore every effort should be made to reduce his influence politically by making sure that his candidate does not emerge as the national chairman of the party. All the APC governors and some National Assembly members are said to be working in tandem with Oyegun to make sure that he retains his seat.

Sources said they added a proviso that they must be given automatic tickets for the 2019 elections.

The governors and federal lawmakers don’t also

•Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode (2nd right), being welcomed byfather of Vice-President’s wife, Elder Olutayo Soyode (2nd left); Divisional Police Officer, Sabo Police Station, SP, Mary Ubangha (right) and others during the Governor’s inspection of the ongoing construction of Lagos State Model College, Sabo, Yaba, on Thursday, April 12, 2018.

•Buhari

•Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode (middle); Director of Project, Fountain Construction Company (FCC), Mr. Thomas Cunningham (2nd left); Commissioner for Works & Infrastructure, Engr. Ade Akinsanya (left); his counterparts for Information & Strategy, Mr. Kehinde Bamigbetan (2nd right) and Health, Dr. Jide Idris (right) during the Governor’s inspection of the ongoing reclamation project at the Oworonshoki Waterfront, on Thursday, April 12, 2018.

•Tinubu

•Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode (3rd right); Managing Director,

Planet Project, Mr. Abiodun Otunola (left); Special Adviser to the Governor on Lagos Global, Prof. Ademola Abass (2nd right); Special Adviser on Finace and Audit Control, Mr. Adeniyi Popoola (right) and others during the Governor’s inspection of the ongoing construction of the Oshodi Transport Interchange, on Thursday, April 12, 2018.

•Oyegun

•Oshiomhole

trust Oshiomhole to do their bidding if he becomes the national chairman. His only supporter is his protege and Edo State Governor, Godwin Obaseki.

During a reception for Oyegun organised late last year by the party’s Edo State chapter, only a member of the state house of assembly was in attendance.

Buhari is caught between aligning with Tinubu and dumping Oyegun and risking the wrath of the governors.

“These governors are too powerful that you cannot easily control them,” a source close to Buhari said.

Metrostar learnt that Buhari is ready to do the bidding of the governors because they will wield much influence on the delegates at the APC National Convention.

Meanwhile, Oyegun is already building support back home as a group of political leaders under the aegis of Edo State Political Leaders Forum (EDPLF) recently met in Auchi, Edo North Senatorial District, describing Oyegun as a man of integrity and principle.

“Chief John Odigie-Oyegun has been a refreshing contrast to some of his counterparts. He is one of those honest politicians in Africa” the leaders said.

They resolved to work against other likely national chairmanship contenders in the state.

“Oyegun is by far the most prominent option for those who want an inclusive, stable and strong party,” they stated.

In a statement issued by the group’s spokesperson, Dr. Kingsley Oshione, the leaders urged APC members in other geo-political zones to think about the future of the ruling party and resist any arrangement against Oyegun’s second term.

They described the national chairman as a good leader, competent administrator and one of the most influential and uniting figures in Nigerian history.

“Oyegun’s approach to politics is unique. He deserves a second term” the leaders said.

Reacting to the abuse and ridicule in the tenure elongation issue, the leaders hailed Oyegun’s harshest critics for acknowledging his impeccable honesty, competence and humble lifestyle.

“Oyegun is not just like other politicians. He is down to earth, clear sighted about issues facing the ruling party and instrumental in making APC the strongest in Nigeria.”

They praised Oyegun for having the type of empathy and direction the country needs, bringing people around to his way by dint of example and argument and liberating Nigerians from dirty politics.

“Oyegun is not a political novice. He took over the chairmanship with every understanding of what leadership or management is all about. The ruling party is now more united and expanded under Oyegun’s leadership” Set to mount a serious challenge to other national chairmanship aspirants in the zone, particularly Edo State, the leaders praised Oyegun for having the courage to speak out, putting up a brave front and discharging his duties as national chairman of the ruling party.

“Oyegun is well known for his innovative ideas, clean image and corruption free administration. He has a positive record as governor and cares about ethics,” they declared.

They added: “Since 2014, Oyegun finds allies in every corner of the APC apparatus in Nigeria. His overriding goal is to prepare the ruling party for victory in the country’s 2019 general election.”

The South-South geo-political zone recently endorsed the APC national chairman for second term.

Interestingly, political leaders from Etsako West, East and Central, Owan East and West and Akoko-Edo were present at the meeting.

The epic battle between Tinubu and Oyegun’s loyalists has put Buhari in a tight situation because wherever he decides to turn, he will win some and lose some, or maybe many!

•R-L: Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode; Managing Director, Planet

Project, Mr. Abiodun Otunola; Commissioner for Works & Infrastructure, Engr.

Ade Akinsanya and his counterpart for Information & Strategy, Mr. Kehinde Bamigbetan during the Governor’s inspection of the ongoing construction of the Oshodi Transport Interchange, on Thursday, April 12, 2018.

•Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode (2nd left); Commissioner for

Works & Infrastructure, Engr. Ade Akinsanya (right); his counterpart for Transportation, Mr. Ladi Lawason (left) during the Governor’s inspection of the ongoing construction of the Oshodi-International Airport Road, on Thursday, April 12, 2018.

Works & Infrastructure, Engr. Ade Akinsanya (left), being shown a the project board by Hitech Project Manager, Mr. Willie Barkhuisen (right) during the Governor’s inspection of the ongoing construction of the Pen Cinema Fly Over at Agege, on Thursday, April 12, 2018.

•The ongoing construction of the Pen Cinema Fly Over at Agege, being inspected by

•The ongoing construction of a Jetty in Ilaje, Bariga, being inspected by Governor

• Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode (middle); Commissioner for

Governor Akinwunmi Ambode, on Thursday, April 12, 2018.

Akinwunmi Ambode, on Thursday, April 12, 2018.

METROSTAR, APRIL 16-22, 2018

12

Life’s Lesson

Julian Atufunwa

08032810713 atufunwajulian@gmail.com

N

othing happens by accident.

There are reasons for everything. Some of our experiences, those we term as ugly, are all meant to launch us to higher levels. Some years back, I received a note from a dear friend which had lots of life’s lessons. And it reads… A man found a cocoon of butterfly and one day as he watched, a small opening appeared. He sat there watching the butterfly for hours as it struggled to squeeze its body through the tiny hole in the cocoon.

Then the butterfly stopped as if it couldn’t go further. The man decided to help the butterfly, He took a pair of scissors and snipped off the remaining bits of cocoon. The butterfly emerged easily but could not fly. The man continued to watch

it, expecting that any minute the wing would enlarge and expand enough to support the body. Neither happened. The butterfly spent the rest of its life crawling around. It was never able to fly. What the man in his kindness and haste did not understand was that the restricting cocoon and the struggles required by the butterfly to get through the opening was nature’s way of forcing fluid from the swollen body into its wings so that the wings could unfold and enable the butterfly to fly.…

LESSONS 1. Every one of us has an inbuilt capacity to fly. Inside of us lies greatness.

2. Life’s struggles and pains are designed to launch us to new pleasant levels. Just as we write tests and exams to come out in flying colours, so also the butterfly has to pass through struggles to fly with bright colours. Every one of us has got hidden beauty that glows when squeezed.

3. The butterfly does not stay in its

Animal World with

Jerry Ani

since it is within the danger zone (a temperature within 40oF to 140oF when its more vulnerable to contamination). Here are some precautionary measures to take at different stages.

PRE-COOKING

Pork Appreciation - Consumption (2)

N

o one eats a healthy pig. The journey from the farm to the kitchen is indispensable for pork to make it to the stomach.

In continuation from the previous edition, this article seeks to put more pork in your belly while making you smile.

MISCONCEPTIONS All cubs are lions. As inspiring as that sounds, what of the lionesses?

Misconceptions about the consumption of pork are from traditional; onefits-all analyses. Here are some popular misconceptions.

PORK IS DANGEROUS FOR CONSUMPTION Earlier studies identified the presence of Trichinella Spiralis, a parasite that causes Trichinosis, in pork; this was widespread in the 20th century.

Now, a lot has changed. through improved farming practices, which include regular deworming, improved sanitation and medication. The pigs from the farm produce healthier pork; which are highly beneficial to the human system.

PORK HAS HIGH CHOLESTEROL A small amount of cholesterol aids the body in production of testerone, oestrogen and vitamin D while in excess it could lead to cardio-vascular diseases. However, PORK IS LEAN. Lean pork is a product of extensive reseach and improved farming practices and is comparable to the leanness of the chicken.

AN IDEAL MEAL IS ONE THAT IS HEALTHY AND TASTY Handling fresh pork is crucial in keeping it healthy for consumption,

* Fresh pork should be placed in a plastic bag. * H a n d s should be washed before handling the

pork; this is good practice for general health. *Ensure utensils used for preparing pork are clean. *Refrigerate immediately to preserve meat quality for use in three to four days time. *Freeze in its wrap; if you intend to use in two weeks; unpack, re-wrap tightly and freeze for usage in 50 to 60 days time, it could be kept for longer.

COOKING Bacteria survive at certain temperature, trichinella spiralis cannot survive beyond a temperature of 137oF hence cooking up to 165oF is safe for consumption. Care should be taken to prevent over-cooking.

COOKING FOR THE TONGUE Healthy is necessary, tasty is sufficient. There are numerous recipes, hence I would adopt a general approach to getting tastier pork meals.

Preparation of Seasoned Pork Ingredient: 1 tbsp of minced garlic, 1 tbsp of of oregano, 1 tbsp of ground cummin, 1 tbsp of ground coriander, 1 tbsp of thyme, 1 tbsp of olive oil, salt, locust beans (Iru), a cube of maggi, minced onion, chili and minced ginger (for spice).

Procedures Add all ingredients into a bowl; stir till its properly mixed; marinate the pork with the seasoning for 5 minutes turning both sides for proper marination; cook for 15minutes. That’s it. You can add to your stew, soup or serve as sauce.

For comments, enquiries and consultation; contact me 08067632331 ( Whatsapp and text messages only); jeremiah.ani2018@gmail.com

cocoon forever. It takes about 10 – 14 days to emerge. Also, every painful experience we go through doesn’t last forever. It is for a season. The things that concern you have an end.

4. The greatest help you can get is the one you give to yourself.

Don’t always rely on people for help.

There is nothing as good as taking responsibility for your life. Sometimes, we use destiny as an excuse for complacency. Be responsible for your actions and inactions.

5. Do not thwart God’s process in the lives of people by trying to solve all their problems. It is good to help but be sure you are really led to do so. No matter how you try, you can never solve all problems. It is God’s responsibility. Sometimes we are allowed to pass through the process to make us stronger. Sometimes, trying to help people cripples them.

The man in his kindness wanted to help the butterfly, but he ended up crippling it.

6. There are preparatory periods in life. Spend time in your cocoon, getting ready for your evolvement.

Convert those periods of waiting to learning. Opportunities come to those that are prepared.

7. Anytime you feel the urge to take action, take it immediately.

Whenever It is time for a butterfly to come out of his cocoon, it becomes very uncomfortable with its environment. Therefore, it begins to kick and tear down its cocoon. Until you get dissatisfied with your present state, the change you need may not come. There must be a burning desire to do something worthwhile.

Martin Luther said- “If you cant fly, then run. If you can’t run, then walk.

If you can’t walk, then crawl. But in whatever you do, you have to keep moving forward.”

Reading the story above, you may have more lessons I never did mention.

We’d love you to send them in.

Finally, let me leave you with this quote: “When you have a great and difficult task, something perhaps almost impossible, if you only work a little at a time, everyday a little suddenly the work will finish itself.”

Isak Dinensi.

METROSTAR, APRIL 16-22, 2018

5

ADB, ETC sign $100m agric financing agreement he African Development Bank has signed a loan agreement for a soft commodity finance facility (SCFF) with the Export Trading Group (ETC).

This facility is innovatively structured as two successive loans of US $100 million, each with a tenor of up to two years, thus signifying the African Development Bank’s strong commitment to the promotion of agriculture in Africa.

This SCFF is one of the core Trade Finance instruments in the Bank that will provide pre- and post-shipment finance along various stages of ETC’s commodity value chain operations in the 17 countries expected to benefit from the initiative.

The intervention will help local farmers and soft commodity suppliers grow their revenues and produce quality crops for export.

Specifically, the facility will be used to finance the procurement of identified agricultural commodities from over 600,000 farmers.

Upon purchase of the soft commodities, the SCFF will provide working capital to ETC thus enabling the company engage

T

in value addition/processing of the soft commodities such as cashew nuts prior to export, and provide funding to procure farm inputs (mainly fertilizer components for blending) to be supplied to farmers so as to ensure consistency and quality of the commodities being supplied to ETC. This Trade Finance intervention along the agricultural value chain will enable the Bank to reach many smallscale farmers indirectly through ETC, a pan African aggregator that has deep knowledge of the market in which it has accumulated a 50-year track record; understands the agricultural sector operational risks and is able to mitigate and manage them.

Speaking at the signing ceremony, Josephine Ngure, African Development Bank Director General for the Southern Africa Region, said, “This facility will significantly contribute not only in improving food productivity in Africa but most importantly in value addition and the wide distribution of food across the continent using ETC’s broad distribution networks.

“The facility would also contribute to smallholder farmers’ access to inputs (seeds and fertilizers), mechanization and access to international markets thereby ensuring significant revenues to farmers; integration of poorer sections of the population into a sustainable process of economic growth and development; regional integration by developing sustainable platforms to supply local and regional markets; and lastly it also has strong gender and youth impact as agriculture employs significant numbers of mostly youths and women,” Ngure said.

Originally established in Kenya in 1967, ETC’s operations connect commodities sourced at the farm gate to local economies, from the local economies to the broader marketplace and emerging markets to each other and the world. ETC’s principal activities include: farm inputs and farm implements, processing of agricultural commodities and distribution. The Group employs more than 6, 000 people and has investments in bioenergy, farming, forestry and logistics and its operations are present in 26 African countries.

As one of the largest commodity ag-

gregators on the continent, ETG plays a significant role in the promotion of agribusiness in countries where agriculture is on average the biggest employer, providing in excess of 70% of total employment and 77% of all women’s jobs. Through the implementation of innovative programmes such as this SCFF, the African Development Bank seeks to promote private-sector development in line with itsTen Year Strategy (2013-2022) and the Trade Finance Program, which aim to promote exports through support to agriculture and SMEs. The initiative is also perfectly aligned with the Bank’s Financial Sector Development Policy and Strategy (2014-2019), whose main priorities are to broaden and deepen Africa’s financial systems by putting finance at the centre of Africa’s productive capacity. Lastly, by channeling financial resources into agricultural value chains, the Bank is scaling up its interventions aimed at making Africa a net food exporter, self-sufficient in key commodities and operate commercially viable agribusinesses, which is a core feature of the Feed Africa Strategy for Agricultural Transformation in Africa 2016-2025.

Leah Sharibu must be rescued – Saraki

P

resident of the Senate, Dr. - and resolve to ensure that all Abubakar Bukola Saraki, has Nigerians are adequately protected. called for concerted efforts “Let’s finetune the strategies that by governments, security have won us successes and discard agencies, religious and community those that have failed us. The goal leaders, to rescue the remaining and focus must be clear - to rescue 112 Chibok Girls and the Dapchi our girls and all those in forced school girl, Leah Sharibu, from Boko captivity in any part of the country, Haram’s captivity. and ultimately, to restore our pride as Saraki in a statement by his Special a sovereign entity.

Adviser, Media and Publicity, Yusuph “This is the time for all stakeholders Olaniyonu, in Abuja, said even to retool and re-strategize to ensure though four years have elapsed since that all these girls are not only the sad incident of the Chibok girls’ rescued but do all in our power to put kidnap, it must not dampen efforts a closure to all cases of kidnapping being made to see the girls rescued and insurgency in this land,” he said. and reunited with their families and The President of the Senate called loved ones. on all Nigerians who can help to come He noted with sadness the plight to the aid of government and the of the Chibok parents whose girls security agencies on how to rescue are not back and the anxiety they the girls. have had to endure all these while.

He also urged security agencies to He called on the parents to remain keep people abreast of developments steadfast as government will never about the issue to avoid the relent in efforts to see their daughters speculations and talks like the one back home safely. insinuating that many of the girls may Saraki said: “As a parent, I feel the have died. pains of these unfortunate young girls from Chibok and the latest one - Leah Sharibu - from Dapchi, their parents and the people and Governments of Borno and Yobe States over these harrowing experiences.

“However, all hope is not lost. We are all involved in this . Their return will give us joy while their continued stay in captiviy will inflict us with perpetual torment of failure.

“This is no time for blame game or passing the buck. We must all gear up and work together to see these girls rescued within the shortest possible time. I believe that the last four years has given us ample time to reflect on the calamity, review our modus operandi politically and militarily Leah Sharibu

•GMD NNPC, Dr. Maikanti Baru, FNSE, exchanging greetings with Engr. Alfred Irabor Okoigun during the latter’s induction as an Honourary Fellow of the Nigerian Academy of Engineering (NAE) in Lagos, Thursday.

•GMD NNPC, Dr. Maikanti Baru, FNSE, in a tête-à-tête with the President of the Nigerian Academy of Engineering (NAE), Engr (Mrs.) J. O. Maduka, during the induction ceremonies of Engr. Alfred Irabor Okoigun as Honourary Fellow of the Academy, in Lagos, Thursday.

NNPC to Support Local Investors on Advancement of Technology he Group Managing Director of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), Dr. Maikanti Baru, has said that the corporation was committed to supporting local investors towards growing the engineering profession, even as he noted that this would in turn ensure technological advancement of the nation’s oil and gas industry.

Dr. Baru disclosed this while speaking at the induction ceremony of the Group Managing Director of ARCO Group, Engr.

Alfred Irabor Okoigun, with the Honourary Fellowship of the Nigerian Academy of Engineering (NAE), in Lagos, Thursday.

“NNPC will continue to support ARCO Group and many other indigenous companies alike so that your story and the story of others will continue to be savoured by generations yet unborn,” Dr. Baru stated.

Engr. Okoigun established ARCO Petrochemical Engineering Company Ltd in 1980 after a two-year stint as a Material Management Officer with NN-

T

…As Baru Lauds ARCO Chief Executive, Okoigun, over Engineering Fellowship PC’s Warri Refinery and Petrochemical Company (WRPC).

The company has since grown over the last three decades to become a conglomerate that not only deals in engineering and maintenance, but has also diversified into marine logistics, maritime security, pipelines & facilities inspection, property development and consumer power generation.

Congratulating Engr. Alfred on his fellowship by the nation’s foremost engineering academy, Dr. Baru said he was a leading example in the development and promotion of engineering education in the country.

“This fellowship is a testament of your distinguished leadership and contribution to the Engineering profession as well as your outstanding achievements and contributions towards the well-being of the society at large,” Baru added.

He also commended the NAE for promoting policies that ensure the advancement of Science, Engineering, Technology and Innovation for a better economy and society.

He said in the academy’s twenty-one years of existence, it has proven to be the national “Think Tank” for Engineering and Technology, adding that “we in the NNPC are proud to be associated with you.”

Speaking earlier, the President of the Academy, Engr.

(Mrs.) J. O. Maduka described the fellowship conferred on Engr. Okoigun as well-deserved following his contributions to the development of Engineering education in Nigeria.

She charged him to be a good ambassador of the Academy by striving to do more for the Engineering profession as several young engineers are looking up to him for his remarkable achievements.

Rigging cause of widespread poverty - Olanipekun

L

egal luminary, Chief Wole Olanipekun (SAN), has expressed worry over Nigerian politicians’ penchant for vote buying at elections, saying the practice has aggravated poverty in the land.

The former President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), who said politicians should use such money to create jobs for the unemployed Nigerians, also cautioned against desecrating the ballot box by attempting to steal the votes of Nigerians which is said is worse than “crime against humanity.”

Olanipekun, who spoke with reporters shortly after the foundation laying ceremony of the new St. Peter’s Anglican Church building, in Oke’kere, Ikere-Ekiti which he is sponsoring, said: “We can stop poverty in Nigeria politically when we respect the ballox. To me, it is worse than crime against humanity when you defraud the ballot box.

“The ballot box, to me, is holy.

The ballot box represents the collective conscience of all of us and nobody must defraud it. Let us respect the sanctity of the ballot box.

Don’t buy voters to vote for you and stop distributing money on the day of election.

“You stay there and say to vot-

ers ‘go and vote, show me this, then come and take your money’.

Then there cannot be poverty alleviation because when you get there, you are not going to respect voters, you are not going to respect their children.

“You will want to recoup what you have spent because you see it as an investment, your family sees it as an investment, they want you to recoup it. “By the time you buy them, you will forget them and those who want to surrender their conscience for pittance, let them remember that they are doing it at the risk of their children, their own selves, their future generation,” the legal luminary said.

Olanipekun, who said running for the Presidency is the constitutional right of President Muhammadu Buhari and other Nigerians interested in that position and any other elective office, added that it is wrong for some Nigerians asking President Buhari not to run in the February presidential election. He, however, said the president should not be accorded superior rights over other candidates, adding that all of them must be given equal rights to canvass for votes in line with the Constitution and Electoral Act.

METROSTAR, APRIL 16-22, 2018

6

2019 presidency: I’m more qualified than Buhari –Junaid Muhammed ... says Ango Abdullahi, ACF, NEF, others can’t speak for Northern Nigeria Second Republic senator, Dr. Junaid Muhammed, dismisses President Muhammadu Buhari’s declaration to run for a second term. He states that he, like many Nigerians, is better qualified than Buhari to be Nigeria’s president and urges Nigerians to search for quality candidates in this interview with journalists in Kaduna. OPEOLUWANI ADE was there

•Junaid Muhammed The 2019 elections are drawing nearer and President Muhammadu Buhari has declared his intention to seek re-election. Do you think there are credible candidates that can challenge Buhari?

Please don’t insult the over 200 million Nigerians. Are you saying that they are no other people to lead this country other than Buhari, out of the over 200 million Nigerians? That would be an insult. Also, who tells you that the president must be a northerner? Look for people; if you don’t look for people and you sit down in the comfort of your newsroom or air conditioned offices, and start theorising who will be fit for the country then you will be deluding yourself. Supposing I offer myself as a presidential candidate? I have better education than Buhari. In everything I have ever done, I’ve done them better than Buhari and I have greater integrity than Buhari because I have never been caught taking a bribe or giving a bribe in my entire life. Even within the hierarchy in the North, I belong to a group or a clan which is higher than that of Buhari. I am of the clan that is a direct descendant of Usman Danfodio and his younger brother called Abdul-

lahi of Gwandu, the emir of Gwandu.

What makes you think that he is better than anyone of us, and what makes you think that only me a Hausa Fulani, a genuine Hausa Fulani and not a Tuareg from Niger is fit to lead Nigeria?

Are there no people fit from the South?

So, why confine this thing to the North?

What is the motive of those who want to say it is the turn of the North? Who are they, and what is their mandate?

How do they derive legitimacy to say it is the turn of the North? Who told them that? The zoning and rotation thing is unconstitutional, it can never be in the constitution. It can be in the constitution of parties and platforms but it is not in our constitution and it is not binding on anybody.

What is your reaction to the disclosure of the jumbo pay by Senators as exposed by Senator Shehu Sani ?

Let me say that first and foremost it was not Shehu Sani who exposed the jumbo salaries of these so-called legislators. It was first done by the former Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, who is now the Emir of Kano, Lamido Sanusi. That notwithstanding,

the fact remains that our democracy is a scandalous democracy, essentially benefiting only rogues and open armed robbers. Speaking for myself, I don’t believe that this democracy will survive, with this level of reckless stealing from the national treasury in the name of maintenance of democracy. If it is a fact, that it is now calculated that the National Assembly members have so far collected over N51 billion, and we have nothing to show for it, then we are right to ask of what use is the democracy itself. This is because if a democracy does not satisfy the basic yearning of the people, if it cannot guarantee security, it cannot guarantee peace, it cannot guarantee jobs, it cannot guarantee the maintenance of national institutions whether political or socio-economic, then that democracy is totally useless.

Democracy is not meant to provide a chamber or talking shop for people who are essentially jobless, who have not distinguished themselves in any calling in life. Also, the fact is that these things were done in secret and President Buhari did not have the courage, even if he is aware of the numbers. He knows they (salaries and allowances)

are untenable. his party is useless and the opposition parties are equally irresponsible because they started it, then we can say that our democracy is far from guaranteed. A guaranteed democracy is the acceptance of the people, they made their choice freely if actually there were free and fair elections and we have a responsible leadership that is accountable to the people and institutions. I have not seen responsibility in the way our legislators have spoken. Don’t forget the fact that some of the legislators, particularly former governors, are standing trial before various courts. They are only on bail. How can you can continue paying people who are standing trial before courts of competent jurisdiction and are on bail? It is the thing I found applicable only to Nigeria. I want to assure you that if these things are not reversed either by President Buhari himself or his party, or by the country itself, our democracy is guaranteed to collapse sooner than later. Mark you, N51 billion is only a fraction of the pay load. You know every member of the National Assembly is entitled to what they called ‘constituency allowance’ to the tune of N200 million or more. Nobody accounts for it. This, in their own wisdom is for a project and the project, is given to them directly or their companies or those they have nominated. I have never seen anything like this in my life, I have never heard of it, may be I don’t know much about democracy or politics. In addition also in the budgetary process, almost every committee collects money from the Main, Departments and Agencies of government that they are supposed to be overseeing. They set aside money for them.

This is the scandalous thing we have, and we call it a democracy. This is the thing that the media and the politicians say is worth preserving. I do not think this type of democracy we have is worth preserving.

At what point did this start? I recall you were once in the National Assembly.

A: This thing started undee Obasanjo. Obasanjo knew it was wrong, he wanted to reduce it, they blackmailed him and he simply retreated and allowed them to take whatever they wanted so that he could do whatever he liked with the executive arm of government. There was nothing like constituency projects during the second republic. I was deeply involved, and there was nothing like constituency allowance throughout my stay in the National Assembly. During the second republic, I was there from the beginning to the end. There was no way anybody could have put in money for the benefit of the members for oversight committees in the budgetary process of the Second Republic. Nothing, not a kobo was ever treated that way. I cannot see how this can be justified and it has almost become like a norm.

So, how do we get out of this mess?

A: Unfortunately, as long as Buhari is the leader, because he is incompetent, he is ignorant, he is selfish and he is nepotistic, there is no way you can stop these things. This is because even if you want to stop it, because of Buhari’s nepotism, his shameless acts , he himself is as guilty as the parliaContinued on Page 7

11 NEWS Dapchi girls: Tighten security in schools –Oduah METROSTAR, APRIL 16-22, 2018

A

gainst the backdrop of the refusal of Boko Haram to release a pupil of Government Girls Science Technical College, Dapchi, Yobe State, Leah Sharibu, the senator representing Anambra North, Stella Oduah, has called for a permanent legislative solution to the issue of school safety.Her call came on the heels of the frequent targeting of female students by Boko Haram insurgents in the

North-East region of Nigeria.Senator Oduah made the call in a statement on the continued refusal of the group to release Sharibu, even after freeing her some of schoolmates.

The group also continues to hold on to 113 pupils of Government Girls Secondary School, Chibok, Borno State, kidnapped four years ago while they were preparing for their final exams.

Oduah, who expressed mixed feelings

over the return of the abducted Dapchi girls, noted in a statement that she was “gladdened” on one hand but “concerned” on the other due to the fact that Sharibu is being held on account of her religious beliefs.

Senator Oduah said: “I am gladdened to hear news of the return of over 100 schoolgirls abducted in Government Science and Technical College Dapchi, Yobe State.

“But I am also con-

cerned about Leah Sharibu – one of the female students abducted in Dapchi who was reportedly left behind with the abductors on the account of her faith and religious beliefs. This leaves many questions hanging.

“I intend to take this up with the women affairs and police committees so we can get to the root of the matter and bring back Leah as well as the Chibok schoolgirls who remain in captivity.

“I look forward to consulting with my colleagues in the NorthEast, security agencies and civil society towards proffering a legislative solution to the issue of school safety.

“Let us all remember the saying: “Until we are all free, we are none of us free. “ Senator Oduah, who is the President, ECOWAS Female Parliament (ECOFEPA) and Vice Chairman, Senate Committee on Women Af-

fairs also noted that the threats to schools in the North-East is damning on the already alarmingly high rate of the out-of-school children in Nigeria.

Citing a UNICEF report which revealed that 60% of the 10.5 million out of school children in Nigeria are female, Oduah remarked that, “it could only get worse if we do nothing to assure our girls that they are safe in school. We have to move now.”

•L-R: Governor Aminu Waziri Tambuwal; Chief Judge of Sokoto State, Justice Bello Abass; and the Grand Khadi of Sokoto, Abdulkadir Saidu, during the swearing-in of new judges into the Sokoto State judiciary at Sokoto Government House... recently

FUOYE begins ‘top-up’ programme, matriculates 5377 ABIODUN NEJO ADO-EKITI ederal University, Oye Ekiti has opened a two-year Higher National Diploma (HND) ‘top-up’ programme for polytechnic graduates.

FUOYE Vice Chancellor, Prof Kayode Soremekun, said the innovative programme would enable participants to proceed to postgraduate studies.

Soremekun, who spoke to journalists shortly after the matriculation ceremony for 5377 fresh students of the institution, said FUOYE had begun post-graduate degrees in 45 programmes, following approval fron the National Universities Commission.

The VC said the 5,377 fresh students were offered admission out of the many that applied, saying that that is a sign that the university is ahead of others established at the same time.

He urged the students to shun cultism by facing their studies squarely and refusing to be influenced by people of shady char-

F

acter.

The VC said: “Though we are a young and growing university, we are on track for accelerated growth, development and excellent achievements.

“We have also commenced a School of Post Graduate Studies since January 2018. We are also unwavering in our resolve to make the university a household name in the nation’s education sector.”

According to him, the institution is currently the only federal university operating a multi-campus system at both Oye Ekiti and Ikole Ekiti, and that it had moved from its intial 512 students in 2011 to 12,163 in 2018.

“We have moved from four faculties and 29 departments to seven faculties and 49 departments.

As I speak, Law and Pharmacy are starting soon, while the Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences is also about to start.

“Physical infrastructure are springing up in our two campuses to cater for the increase in population. As we speak, FUOYE is like a huge construction site.

ABIODUN NEJO he Technical Partners of ABUAD Multi-System Hospital, Aster DM Healthcare of Dubai, have donated a multi-million naira Telemedicine Equipment to the 400-bed ultra-modern hospital to support it Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Aster DM Healthcare of Dubai, Dr. Harisha Pillai, said the gesture was in appreciation of the quantum of sophisticated and stateof-the-art equipment that the hospital is populated with, which is not common in many parts of the world.

Aster DM Healthcare and ABUAD Multi-System Hospital also signed Operations and Management Services Agreement in the areas of Technical services, Managerial services and High and clinical services as well as training between the two partners.

With the donation, ABUAD Multi-System Hospital will be able to engage in Tele Consulting, Tele Diagnosis and Tele Management.

These translate to the fact that doctors in Dubai would be able to diagnose

T

Aster partners ABUADTH on training, medicare

•Donates telemedicine equipment

a patient at ABUADTH and advise on the appropriate treatment and the right dosage.

Some of the services to be rendered by Aster DM Healthcare are the appointment of the Chief Operating Officer (COO), Operations Plan, Manpower Planning, Standard Operating Plans and System Analysis and Commissioning Hospital Information Management System (HIMS).

Others are the supply of Visiting Super Specialists and conduct of medical missions while the collaboration will also result in the setting up of services for the benefit of Nigerian and patients undergoing cancer care.

The Tele Medicine equipment would also be used in procedures as Consultants in Dubai would see what is going on in any of ABUAD’s five modular theatres and assist.

Part of the benefits accruable from the agree-

ment is the provision of advice for smooth operations and development of ABUAD Multi-System Hospital, with a vision to place it in a position to offer high-end clinical programmes for the benefit of Nigerian patients.

They will also train and retrain ABUAD teachers, consultants, nurses and medical laboratory scientists as well as other allied medical professionals.

Speaking at the signing of the agreement, Pillai who represented the Chairman of AsterMedicity Hospital, Kochi, Dr. A Moopen, praised ABUADTH’s Founder, Aare Afe Babalola, for achieving so much in his hospital within a short period of time.

Pillai said: “There is no earthly reason why anybody should travel out of Nigeria for medical care because everything he/ she needs is now available in ABUAD Multi-System Hospital.”

Babalola said the signing of the agreement made the day one of the happiest moments in his . He described the past as a great achievement for Nigeria, adding that he is a fulfilled man because of the way he has been able to impact on his generation and the society in general.

The ABUADTH founder said he was passionate about reducing medical tourism abroad, which necessitated the establishment of the ultramodern hospital.

He said: “Their (Aster Group’s) consultants will come here periodically and in the process minimise the amount paid abroad as medical expenses.

“A patient who spends an average of N5 million going overseas will get treatment here at a cheaper rate.

“With this, we are bringing quality healthcare to the doorsteps of our people,” Babalola said.

METROSTAR, APRIL 16-22, 2018

10

Acquired land: Victor Olaiya’s sisters ask Buhari for compensation wo sisters of highlife legend, Sir Victor Olaiya, have written to President Muhammadu Buhari, asking for N150 million compensation for the acquisition of their father’s 295.1 acres of land on which the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital is built.

In a petition dated April 1, 2018 and copied the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileged and Public Petitions, the grandmothers - Mrs. Comfort Taiwo Haastrup (nee Olaiya) and Mrs. Selina Anjola Williams (nee Olaiya) - said the land was “acquired by then South-Eastern State Government for the establishment of a specialist hospital and later came to be occupied by the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital.”

The petition titled: “URGENT SOS ON OUR FATHER’S LAND SITUATE/LYING AT UNICAL TEACHING HOSPITAL CALABAR,” reads: “We bring warm greetings to you Sir on the laudable strides of your Administration in various areas.

“We wish to bring to your attention a lingering breach and denial our.our fundamental human rights by agents of the Federal Government since 1972 vide the forceful takeover of land inherited from our Father, Chief Alfred Omolona Olaiya, by both of us, Mrs. Comfort Taiwo Haastrup (nee Olaiya) and Mrs. Selina Anjola

T

Williams (nee Olaiya), at Akim Qua Town in Calabar, Cross River State.

“The said land measuring 295.1 acres as indicated in attached documents is now the site of University of Calabar Teaching Hospital, Calabar, Cross River State.

“The Federal Government had confirmed through a letter dated November 18, 1998 by Mr. C.N Nnoli, then Principal Lands Officer, Federal Ministry of Works to the Director, Lands Division, Department of Lands, Surveys and Town Planning, Cross River State that the expanse of land was compulsorily acquired by the then South-Eastern State Government for the establishment of a specialist hospital and later came to be occupied by the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital.

“In the said letter, which is attached for your perusal Sir, the Principal Lands Officer stated inter alia: “The acquisition and assessment of compensation for payment of the persons affected by the compulsory acquisition was carried out by your Department (Lands).

“The Federal Government is looking into the issue of settlement of compensation claims therein but this office has not got any document to that effect.”

“Your Excellency, we had made several efforts to obtain the compensation and even

resorted to the courts but all proved abortive till date.

“We instituted a suit at the Federal High Court in Calabar against the Federal Ministry of Power Works and Hous-

ing; Governing Council of the University of Calabar; and the Attorney-General of the Federation but it was struck out in March 2018.

“We are pensioners and

•L-R: Mrs. Taiwo Haastrup and Mrs. Selina Anjola Williams

have spent our life’s savings on pursuing the settlement of due compensation but agents of the Federal Government have frustrated all our steps.

“We have therefore decided to approach Your Excellency as the Father of the Nation and a defender of the rights of the weak and powerless to look into this matter and ensure due compensation for us on the said 295.1 acres of land.

“Sir, we have high hopes that we will get justice in our lifetime through your good offices.”

The grandmothers had gone to court in 1975, asking for N15m compensation for the land and economic trees and N218 per annum as damages for delayed payment of interest on principal from that year as per judgment in suit number C/75/1975 dated November 6, 1975 In a separate suit at the Federal High Court in Calabar with number FHC/CA/ CS/12/2016, they sought N150 million damages for the land and economic trees as well as damages for the late payment of compensation at 25℅ per annum since 1972.

The suit was struck out in March for lack of diligent prosecution.

The grandmothers accused the defendants of deliberately frustrating the case, on which they said they had spent a fortune.

Ekiti 2018: Fayose, Fayemi renew bitter rivalry Continued from Page 9 carry large amounts in their pockets”.

INEC urged stakeholders to mobilise the people for the continuous registration exercise and also claimed over 200,000 Permanent Voter Cards are still with it.

Deputy Governor, Prof Kolapo Olusola, who is also a PDP aspirant, leaders of political parties, security agencies, market women, civil society organisations and labour leaders, among others were in attendance.

The deputy governor said: “All we want from INEC is neutrality so that Ekiti can be at peace before, during and after this election.”

The Alare of Are Ekiti, Oba Boluwade Adebiyi; the Attah of Ayede, Oba Mumini Orisagbemi; and the Alara of Aramoko, Oba Olu Adeyemi, advised INEC to be transparent.

The Commissioner of Police, Ekiti State Command, Mr Abdullahi Chafe, said the police have mapped out strategies to stop electoral malfeasance by ensuring that four policemen man a polling unit to ward off thuggery and manipulation.

FG HAS NO SPECIAL INTEREST - SECURITY AGENCIES Allaying the fears of aspirants and electorate in Ekiti State, security agencies have said the Federal Government under President Muhammadu Buhari has no special interest in the Ekiti election and hence would not deploy federal might to impose anybody on the state as being rumoured.

The police, Directorate of State Service (DSS), Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) and Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) among others warned leaders of political parties against sponsoring violence before and during the election.

The commissioner of police; DSS Director, Mrs. Promise Ihenacho; NSCDC State Commandant, Mr. Donatus Ikemefuna; and FRSC Sector Commander, Mr. Ismail Kugu; said at a stakeholders’ meeting held at the headquarters of the state police command that the Federal Government would not interfere with the Ekiti election.

Chafe said: “Based on the fear raised about federal or state might, I want to assure

you that the Federal Government has no special interest in the Ekiti election. The only interest is to ensure the security of lives and property and to also ensure that the votes of the electorate count.”

Chafe, who said intelligence information revealed that some politicians were secretly training youths to cause violence, warned that such would not be tolerated in the state.

He added: “Our neutrality accounted for the relative peace being enjoyed in Ekiti today. We are not partisan and we will never be.”

Chafe added that the security outfits in the state were well prepared for the coming election, urging politicians to be cautious of their actions to avert bloodshed.

He said: “We are well prepared in terms of logistics and personnel. We will ensure orderliness during the primaries in all parties, campaigns and on the day of election.”

Speaking for the parties, the State PDP Chairman, Gboyega Oguntuase, and APC Assistant Organising Secretary, Mr Gbenga Akinwumi, promised that all the platforms would give maximum cooperation towards the suc-

cess of the election.

Stakeholders at the meeting included Oguntuase; Akinwumi; Accord Party State Chairman, Chief Samuel Odeoba; Chairman, Nigeria Union of Journalists(NUJ), Ekiti Council, Lion Rotimi Ojomoyela; and representatives of other parties.

EKITI, CYNOSURE OF ALL EYES – BRITISH ENVOY British Deputy High Commissioner to Nigeria, Miss Laure Beaufils, said the international community is watching Ekiti State as the July 14 governorship election draws nearer.

Beaufils, who spoke while being hosted by Voice 89.9FM General Manager, Mr Donald Falayi, during a courtesy visit to the management of amthe private radio station, urged politicians and their supporters to conduct themselves in a peaceful manner in the buildup to the election.

The envoy, who said her country expected the conduct of open and transparent primaries, as well as a credible election, called on the political players to dwell on issues and their manifestos rather than attacking personalities.

ASPIRANTS BESIEGE

ABUJA FOR NOMINATION FORMS However, aspirants of the various political parties have started visiting the national headquarters of their parties in Abuja, for the purchase and submission of their governorship nomination forms.

As at last weekend, three PDP aspirants – Deputy Governor Olusola; Senator Biodun Olujimi; and former Minister of State fpor Works, Prince Adedayo Adeyeye had collected nomination forms.

In the APC, no fewer than 21 aspirants had obtained their nomination forms from the party.

They include Senator Ayo Arise, who was said to be the first to have paid for the form; Dr Wole Oluyede; Hon Femi Bamisile; Hon Michael Opeyemi Bamidele; Dr Christiana Yaya-Kolade; Hon Bimbo Daramola; and Hon Bamidele Faparusi.

Others include Senator Babafemi Ojudu; Senator Gbenga Aluko; Mr Makanjuola Owolabi; Captain Sunday Adebom;, Hon Muyiwa Coker; and Mr. Kola Alabi.

All eyes are on Ekiti State as political watchers hope the election will be a foretaste of the 2019 general polls.

METROSTAR, APRIL 16-22, 2018

7

2019 presidency: I’m more qualified than Buhari –Junaid Muhammed only there to make money. Neither of them has been able to explain to the country the phenomenon of either Boko Haram or the militancy in the Niger Delta. None of them has told us why the Nigerian Army, which takes hundreds of billions to maintain security, cannot control the situation in the North-East, even though Buhari in particular has been making a noise about the collapse of Boko Haram. Every time he makes the noise, Boko Haram goes about creating outrage to undermine the country. He inherited the situation of the Chibok girls. He now has his own that is indigenous to him and his government and his lousy system of administration that he maintains in terms of the Dapchi girls. How long will it take to have peace and order in this country? This is the question leaders should answer but the opportunists took it upon themselves to keep quiet because they believe they have the divine right to govern.

Continued from Page 6 ment. People around him have been found to be corrupt and he doesn’t have the face to confront them. He is guilty of appointing his own relations who have been found to be corrupt and he doesn’t have the balls to sack them. They include his nephews, nieces and the daughters and in-laws of his friends. So what I say and it might not be popular with some persons is that this democracy of ours is doomed to collapse and we may have to start all over again. I hope when we have the opportunity to start all over again, no person under the employ of the federal government or state government or local government will be allowed to fix his own salaries himself.

There must be a body like the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission that will be charged by the constitution to fix the salaries and allowances of all the members of the National Assembly, all members of the executive, and this should be done on a scientific basis, not on the basis of arbitrariness which has characterised all the presidents, from Obasanjo to Buhari. We must make sure that every kobo that is set aside is accounted for and we must without any hesitation do away with constituency projects.

We must do away with constituency allowances and in fact the whole idea of the so-called full-time legislature is a fraud. These people work three days in a week -Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays; they don’t work on Fridays, they don’t work on Saturdays, on Sundays and Mondays. How can you give somebody work for three days or let us even agree four days in a week and you say he is doing full-time work? When you ask them, they will say they do committee work.

We did much more serious committee work in the Second Republic when I was in parliament and nobody was allowed to work for only few days and get his full salary. Many of the people here in this republic do not come to the National Assembly. A lot of time is wasted on overseas travels and the amount of money they spend on their cars and constituency vehicles , this and that, this is actually rubbish. They spend billions recruiting some bogus characters they call consultants. If they can do the job, that’s fine. However, 99 per cent of the jobs are given to consultants and the consultants are their relations and friends. They don’t need consultants. If you are doing a fulltime job, your need for consultants will be minimal. I’m very sorry to say so, but I don’t know how this republic can survive and how this democracy can survive. I’m very sorry but is like we are heading into a disaster. Buhari does not have the integrity, he doesn’t have the competence, he doesn’t have the common decency to do what is right for the country. He doesn’t even know the implication of appointing people to manage an economy which is far smaller than the numbers that are being touted as necessary to run an economy.

Talking about Buhari and 2019, some elders from the orth recently met in Abuja in search of an alternative to Buhari. How do you react to that?

First and foremost, I don’t belong to the Northern Elders and Stakeholders, even though I’m more qualified than most of them. Secondly, nobody has given the so-called Northern elders the mandate to

•Junaid Muhammed decide the future of this country. What is being discussed is not the future of the North, it is the future of Nigeria itself and I know. I live in Kano, the single most powerful and most populous state in Nigeria today. I have never heard of any of them being elected to go and represent the North or any of the components of the North. These characters are those who want to be relevant. In fact, they are not relevant and can never be seen to be dictating the fate of the country, because it is very dangerous. You do not allow somebody who was not elected by anybody to be there because he has no mandate to go and call any kamikaze meeting in Abuja or anywhere and that he would decide who would be the consensus candidate of the country. No. Consultations are in order, but this consultation at the end of the day must terminate at the point where elections are supposed to be held. So as far as I’m concerned, I don’t recognise them, I will never be a part of them.

Anyway, we had a similar situation in 2010 when we attempted, and I was there, to present a consensus candidate. Atiku used his money to buy off the so-called Northern elders and that was the end of the story. Atiku failed woefully and throughout his career he has never won an election in his ward, in his local government and in his own state. Since the time when he said he won a governorship election and later became Obasanjo’s running mate which was controversial. So we are in very serious trouble because democracy is being undermined on one hand by the practitioners who are in parliament and on the other hand by some nobodys who claim to represent the North when in fact majority of them have never won an election.

You have officially joined the Social Democratic Party. Tell us about it.

Yes, but it is not just me joining the SDP. It is my party which I led called PFP. We hear that people from different parties have joined the SDP and many others are reaching out to its leadership.

In the case of myself, that is PRP and PFP we joined as parties. They are individuals who don’t have a plat-

form for now because they have left their own party , like Prof. Adeniran, Prof. Jerry Gana and others. So we decided that they can now join more or less as individuals, because as far as we are concerned it is a merger or coalition of some sorts , that is of people and parties, who have similar and compatible allegiance and ideology to world view.

Do you think the SDP merger is strong enough to wrest power from the All Progressives Congress?

I cannot guarantee you that for now.

But mark you, a week is a very long time in politics. Also know that the APC was put together in less than one year and it won election, so there is no big deal about it. If the people of Nigeria are sufficiently pissed off with the APC as they were with the PDP and they are looking for an alternative we are there. But we are not desperate to want to take over power, especially given the circumstances that Jonathan and Buhari have driven this country into. They have literally driven this country aground. The security is a mess, nobody has done anything about it. The economy is in tatters , there is virtually no growth. They are only counting some fraudulent numbers, and the question of social harmony in the country is terrible. Neither Jonathan nor Buhari has the capacity, and the people around them, either their friends or business partners, are

“

I’m very sorry but is like we are heading into a disaster.

Buhari does not have the integrity, he doesn’t have the competence, he doesn’t have the common decency to do what is right for the country

There seems to be the consensus that the next president should be from the North, but the Arewa Consultative Forum and other Northern bodies are not in unison.

ACF from the very beginning is an organization I have never associated myself with, because it is like a bazaar.

If you go into the bazaar, you look for something and then you disappear. It has never maintained a sustainable loyalty of even the Northern notables.

The Northern Elders Forum was created as a counter to the ACF because people perceived ACF to be corrupt, incompetent and to be without any issue value-added. That was why the Northern Elders Forum came in through the late Maitama Sule. Now that Maitama Sule is gone , within six months the socalled NEF had three leaders - from Maitama himself, to Paul Unongo, to Sani Mammam Daura and now we have a gentleman called Ango Abdullahi , the former vice chancellor (of Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria). If a group had four leaders within a period of six months, that shows you clearly that the group is not stable. They speak for nobody. If they were speaking for anybody the changes from one individual or group to another would have been done by election. NEF has never had an election, ACF yes they have had what you can call a kamikaze (kangaroo) election but NEF has never had one. There are other similar groups of individuals whose main purpose is to make money. How can these people give us leadership and how can anybody take them seriously? In regard to the multiplicity of people who claim to have the right to produce the leaders for the North and for the country, let us wait and see. At the rate they are going, they are going to divide themselves. In the end, the cherished North and so-called wannabe leaders of this country may not emerge because they are going to split their votes. Clearly, if we are going into politics of rationality, based on performance and the capacity to perform, based on specialised knowledge, justice and sense of fairness, there is no way you can reelect Buhari to be the president of this country. No way, unless you want to destroy this country completely. We cannot reward failure. He has failed in every sense of the word, why should we make him a president because he comes from the North? Who said that that is how politics is played?

METROSTAR, APRIL 16-22, 2018

8

METROSTAR, APRIL 16-22, 2018

9

Ekiti 2018: Fayose, Fayemi renew bitter rivalry ...as PDP, APC, SDP heavyweights jostle for tickets ABIODUN NEJO

A

s the clock ticks towards the July 14, 2018 governorship election in Ekiti State, Governor Ayodele Fayose and his predecessor, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, have renewed their bitter rivalry.

This is just as no fewer than 80 aspirants in the Peoples Democratic Party, the All Progressives Congress and some other parties are hosting for their tickets to run in the governorship election.

While Fayose is backng his deputy, Prof. Kolapo Olusola, to pick the governorship ticket of the PDP, Fayemi is making spirited moves to emerge the candidate of the APC. Fayose has vowed to do everything in his power to ensure a resounding victory for his deputy while Fayemi hinted on Saturday in the state capital, Ado Ekiti that ‘federal might’ would be deployed during the July 21, 2018 election.

FAYOSE: WHY I’M BACKING MY DEPUTY With less than a month to the primaries of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for the governorship election holding in July, Governor Ayodele Fayose’s loud support for his deputy, Prof Olusola Kolapo, has been received with mixed feelings in the party circles.

Although the worry of those in opposition to the preference of the deputy, who are mainly interested in the party ticket, has been ensuring there is level-playing ground in the forthcoming primary to choose the party’s flagbearer.

The PDP aspirants opposed to Fayose’s preference for Olusola include Senator Biodun Olujimi; former Minister of State for Works, Prince Dayo Adeyeye; and former Nigerian High Commissioner to Canada, Ambassador Dare Bejide.

But Fayose has many times said his unflinching preference for Olusola does not foreclose a primary election, which he assured would be free and fair especially as a shadow election would be conducted by the PDP national leadership.

The governor, whose action appears to be rooted in the benefit of experience, minces no words in saying, at any forum, that those who succeeded him in office during his first tenure turned back the hands of development of the state and dragged the state back to zero level.

Fayose had during his inauguration for the second term on October 16, 2014 set the tone for ensuring a trusted person succeeds him when he said the ship of state between October 16, 2006 and October 15, 2014 “drifted with neither a compass nor navigator.”

In his inaugural address, he had said: “My good people of Ekiti State, l left over N10 billion (in liquid cash and securities) in this state in October 2006 alongside all the monumental infrastructural and human developments that were emplaced during my first coming. This huge sum was depleted by the quasi-military emergency government that was foisted on our people by a power-hungry cabal

which masterminded and supervised my ouster.

“All the governments that forced themselves on the good people of Ekiti since I left office in 2006, including the outgoing cloned democrats, served every interest other than those of the ordinary Ekiti people. My heart bleeds today as I report to you that our state has been plunged into a heavy debt dungeon of over N49 billion.”

It is, no doubt, in a bid to discourage a repeat of such that Fayose appears to be giving all it takes to ensure his deputy emerges the flagbearer and consequently winner of the July governorship election.

Fayose also sees in handing over power to his deputy the beginning of Ekiti following the footsteps of Lagos State in enjoying the gains of development in succession, as in that from Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu to Mr. Babatunde Fashola and Mr. Akinwumi Ambode.

The Ekiti State governor painted the picture clearly recently at Afe Babalola University, Ado Ekiti when the National Association of the Proprietors of Private Schools (NAPPS), during their national conference, conferred on him the award of ‘Most Performing Governor In Private Education in Nigeria.’

Fayose said that he is supporting his deputy because he has been instrumental to the unprecedented achievements recorded by his administration in education, saying that such a feat must be sustained after the end of his tenure.

The governor said: “When you don’t allow continuity, you will lose all the gains you have recorded. For our achievements to be sustainable, we must encourage the continuity of this government by supporting Kolapo Olusola to succeed me.

“My deputy is a man that has done well in education. He is an outstanding personality. He is personally involved in the educational system of our state.

The decision to confer this award on me is not by chance. They must have looked into many parameters because when you don’t allow continuity, you lose all the gains. They are only buying into the sustainability and continuity of these gains,” the governor said.

The involvement and support of the deputy are not only in the area of education, as a “committed and loyal deputy,” which Fayose always calls him, Olusola is saddled with other responsibilities and represents the governor at the National Economic Council and Council of State meetings in Abuja.

Fayose had, while assuming office, called on Ekiti people “to join hands with my government to usher in another era of restoration – of meals to the tables, of smiles to faces, of money to pockets, of soundness of body and mind and of unique infrastructural development – as we resume the steady journey to plenty and prosperity.”

And today, three and half years after, the governor, who is satisfied with the support received and ever-persuaded that he had lived up to his electoral promises to Ekiti people in the areas of welfare of the people and workers, empowerment, agricultural development, infrastructural growth, education, health and security, said

farming just as inputs and chemicals worth over N20 million are distributed annually to farmers in various categories.

•Fayemi

•Ekiti State Police Commissioner Abdullahi Chafe

•Fayose

•MPN aspirant and Fayose’s ex-deputy, Chief Abiodun Aluko

•Olusola

•Ojodu

•Olujimi

•Bamidele

Olusola would build on all this.

Reeling out some of Fayose’s achievements in office in the second term which the incoming governor should build upon, the governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Elder Idowu Adelusi, said it has been a harvest of projects all the way.

Moba Council was built, while the administration rehabilitated the Ado-Aramoko- Itawure Road though it is a federal road.

Other infrastructure constructed by Fayose included a New Governor’s Office, High Court Complex and New Ojaba Market in the state capital in addition to its ongoing urbanisation project.

Midwifery examinations.

The state also won the 2017 Young Scientist Award in the country among numerous awards and laurels won by pupils and students from the state.

The state government spent over N100 million on the provision of furniture for teachers and students in public primary and secondary schools.

Courses in the College of Medicine, Ekiti State University were accredited, allowing the school to produce medical doctors.

Fayose has also marked the yearly Teachers’ Day celebration with pomp, handing over brand new cars to the best teachers at both primary and secondary school levels yearly, while a tutor general was appointed at the secondary school level to motivate the teachers and help improve the quality of education in the state.

Teaching aids were provided for teachers and special allowances given to those in rural areas and to those teaching core subjects. Also, textbooks were provided for students in core subjects. Extra classes were organised for final year secondary school students, who were also given

compilations of past WAEC and JAMB questions. Also, free JAMB forms were provided for indigent students.

INFRASTRUCTURE Adelusi said the governor continued to put his footprints on the sands of time by living up to his promise to provide good and durable intra and inter township roads. These include the construction of Ado Ekiti Flyover; completion of Ado-Ikere Road dualisation project which he began during his first tenure, fitting the road with streetlights from Ado down to Ikere, while a water fountain was built at the Ikere end.

Township roads in the following towns were dualised - Ijero, Ise, Emure, Ilawe, Afao, Efon, Ikole, Omuo Ekiti. In Ado-Ekiti, roads constructed include the NATA-Ori Apata Road, Car Wash – Afao Road and De Head - Police Headquarters Road, among others.

The Ikun Bridge over Ero River in

EDUCATION Fayose, who during electioneering campaign promised to restore the lost glory of education in the state, immediately on assumption of office, organised an Education Summit, which came up with some recommendations that were adhered to and the result was a significant improvement in the sector.

To this end, Ekiti State came first in 2016 and 2017 National Examinations Council (NECO) examinations.

In 2017, the state recorded 73.4 per cent in the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) examinations for secondary school students. The state also maintained its 100 per cent pass in the School of Nursing and School of

HEALTH More than 20,000 people have benefitted from eye care services and the distribution of free eye glasses across the state.

The Fayose administration has also committed over N300 million to free health care services tagged ‘Ilera Ayo’ and that has been done across the state.

COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY Construction of the ultra-modern multi-billion naira OjaOba Market in Ado Ekiti is reaching completion state just as another ultra modern market has been built in Ikere Ekiti.

The Fayose administration has also added 40 new shops to the Bisi Market in Ado-Ekiti. The same gesture was extended to Fayose Computer Market, Ado-Ekiti.

AGRICULTURE Land Banks were created across the state for people to access land for

WORKERS’ WELFARE Adelusi said the Fayose administration demonstrated commitment to the welfare of workers in the state.

According to him, over 15,000 civil servants were promoted in 2016, while car and housing loans totalling over N300 million were given to civil servants.

Moreover, the Civil Service Week 2016 saw the best civil servant getting a brand new car, while the first and second runners up got N500,000 and N250,000 respectively.

These and other achievements of the administration in other sectors including water and lands among others are what the governor is persuaded his deputy would build on when elected governor.

FAYEMI AS GAME CHANGER Former Governor of Ekiti State, Dr Kayode Fayemi, who is the Minister of Mines and Steel Development, on Saturday declared for the governorship race on the platform of the APC, boasting that the party would defeat the PDP. Ado Ekiti, the Ekiti State capital, was literally shut down with an unprecedented sea of heads and vehicular traffic.

The APC State Secretariat and the playground of Jonathan African Church Primary School in the state capital played host to the multitude of party members, Fayemi’s supporters, fans and admirers who had come from the 16 council areas of the state to be part of the declaration.

With the entry of Fayemi, who is officially the 37th aspirant to visit the APC State Secretariat, the game in the party and the party’s bid to reclaim power from the ruling PDP appeared to have changed more positively.

Fayemi said the party would deploy everything within the constitution to ensure that whoever emerges in the May 5, 2018 primaries beats the candidate of the PDP. “They said the June 21, 2014 governorship election was free, fair and credible, so that of July 14, 2018 will be free, fair and transparent as well.

They will accuse us of so many things.

They will accuse us of using federal might, but we will not care,” Fayemi said.

However, going by way of comparison, if the crowd that attended Fayemi’s declaration can be translated to votes, the road to being a candidate and indeed the winner of the forthcoming election appears to be clear for the minister.

FAYOSE’S EX-DEPUTY JOINS RACE A former deputy governor of Ekiti State and chieftain of Mega Party of Nigeria (MPN), Chief Abiodun Aluko, has formally joined the July 14 governorship race in the state, and promised to hit the ground running if elected.

Aluko, who was a deputy to Governor Fayose during the first tern,

was joined by a large crowd of MPN faithful and supporters from the 16 local government areas to the party’s secretariat in Ado Ekiti for the political rally.

Aluko, while addressing the rally said he was running on the backdrop of his 41-year experience as an administrator and government official, saying he would “hit the ground running when I am elected as governor on July 14.”

He said: “I am a retired civil servant; my wife is also a retired public servant and therefore, we know what it means to get paid your salary as and when due. I promise that salaries would be promptly paid while that will also not stop the development of the state.”

INEC LIFTS LID ON CAMPAIGNS Stakeholders such as political parties, aspirants, security agencies, non-governmental organisations, human rights and pro-democracy groups have upped their calls for an atmosphere for free and peaceful polls.

This is in view of the large number of aspirants jostling for the tickets of the various political parties and the campaign of calumny cum hate speeches among the aspirants.

No fewer than 80 persons are contending for the tickets of the parties in the race.

For instance, PDP has no fewer than six aspirants, APC has about 40, and Mega Party of Nigeria has seven.

While the Social Democratic Party (SDP) has three aspirants, Abundant Nigeria Renewal Party (ANRP) has one aspirant. Same for some other parties.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) officially blew the whistle for the commencement of campaigns on Sunday, April 15, 2018.

As such, governorship hopefuls will from this week raise their activities in the different wards, local governments and senatorial districts to canvass votes of the delegates who would elect the party flagbearers on the appointed date not later than mid-May. The issue of power shift, fears in some quarters that the party primaries would be rigged in favour of particular aspirants, monetisation of the process and threats that the imposition of new members on old members in some parties would be resisted are among reasons stakeholders believe no stone must be left unturned in ensuring peace before and during the primaries as well as during and after the election proper. *INEC ASSURES OF NEUTRALITY INEC has given the assur ance that it will be neutral in the Ekiti governorship election. It has also vowed that the July poll will not be monetised.

INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, said during a stakeholders’ meeting on the Continuous Registration Exercise in Ekiti State that the electoral body was in a ‘strong synergy’ with security agencies to ensure a credible, free, fair and acceptable election.

Yakubu, represented by INEC National Commissioner (Oyo, Ekiti, Osun and Ondo states), Mr Solomon Soyebi, said: “In the Ekiti election, we won’t allow any vehicle to come near the polling units, because politicians usually keep money in the booth. This will reduce because politicians can’t Continued on Page 10