30th September 2015 by Nigerian Tribune

NIGERIA’S MOST INFORMATIVE NEWSPAPER NO 16,338 WEDNESDAY, 30 SEPTEMBER, 2015 www.tribuneonlineng.com

Onosode dies at 82

HID Awolowo's final journey begins Nov 15 —P14

Nigerian Tribune

•Buhari, Dogara, others mourn

MINA TRAGEDY

—P43

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244 Nigerians missing —Hajj commission

From left, Archbishop, Ecclesiastical Province of Lagos, Most Reverend Adebayo Akinade; Ambassador (Dr) Olatokunbo Awolowo Dosumu; Primate of Church of Nigeria, Anglican Communion, Most Reverend (Dr) Nicholas Okoh; Reverend (Mrs) Omotola Oyediran and Archbishop Emeritus and Lord Bishop of Lagos Diocese, Most Reverend Ephraim Adebola Ademowo, at the Ikenne residence of the Awolowos, on Tuesday.

We are not aware Falae paid ransom to his —P3 kidnappers —Police

—P3

•Confirms 64 dead

From left, Commodore Ebitu Ukiwe, Ambassador (Dr) Awolowo Dosumu; Professor Joe Irukwu (SAN); Reverend (Mrs) Omotola Oyediran and Barrister Segun Awolowo. PHOTOS: TOMMY ADEGBITE.

CCT trial: 83 senators pass vote of confidence in Saraki

•Powerful forces outside Senate behind my trial –Senate President •Tread softly, Dogara cautions FG —P6

Wednesday, 30 September, 2015

CHIEF (MRS) HID AWOLOWO (1915-2015)

PHOTOS: TOMMY ADEGBITE

9 1. Most Reverend Ephraim Adebola Ademowo, Archbishop Emeritus and Lord Bishop of Lagos Diocese, with Reverend (Mrs) Tola Oyediran. 2. Most Reverend (Dr) Nicholas Okoh, Primate of Church of Nigeria, Anglican Communion, (left) and Ambassador (Dr) Tokunbo Awolowo Dosumu. 3. A cross section of Archbishops and Bishops of Church of Nigeria, Anglican Communion, with Reverend (Mrs) Oyediran and Ambassador (Dr) Awolowo Dosumu. 4. From left, Mr Abiola Tonade (Busar), Mrs Omolara Osunsanya (Ag. Registrar), Professor Adewale Sule-Odu (Deputy Vice Chancellor), Professor Saburi Adesanya, Vice Chancellor, Ambassador (Dr) Awolowo Dosumu, Dr Segun Oshin, Pro-Chancelor, Reverend (Mrs) Tola Oyediran, Barrister Segun Awolowo and Mrs Lolade Osinulu, Ag. Librarian, during the visit of management staff of Olabisi Onabanjo University (OOU).

5. Professor Joe Irukwu (SAN), former President General, Ohaneze Ndi Igbo, (left) with Barrister Segun Awolowo. 6. From left, Ambassador (Dr) Awolowo Dosumu, Reverend (Mrs) Oyediran and Most Reverend Kehinde Stephen, Archbishop, Archdiocese of Ibadan, Methodist Church Nigeria. 7. From left, Senator Florence Ita-Giwa, Ambassador (Dr) Awolowo Dosumu, Mrs Abba Folawiyo, Mrs Opral Benson and Reverend (Mrs) Oyediran. 8. A cross section of Ndigbo community with Reverend (Mrs) Oyediran and Ambassador (Dr) Awolowo Dosumu. 9. A cross section of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) members with Reverend (Mrs) Oyediran and Ambassador (Dr) Awolowo Dosumu. 10. A cross section of the Mayflower High School, Ikenne staff and students.

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Wednesday, 30 September, 2015

Mina Stampede: 244 Nigerians missing, 64 confirmed dead •Senate, Reps order probe

HE National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), on Tuesday, said 244 pilgrims had been declared missing. Giving newsmen update on the incident in Mecca, Alhaji Uba Mana, the Director, Public Affairs of the commission, said 10 more corpses of deceased Nigerian pilgrims had been identified, bringing the number of pilgrims who died at Mina stampede to 64. Mana said 71 pilgrims were injured as against

the 61 pilgrims earlier announced by the commission. He said of the 64 deceased pilgrims, 46 were transported to Saudi Arabia by state pilgrims’ welfare agencies and 18 by private tour operators. Mana also said 12 of the 71 injured pilgrims were transported to Saudi Arabia by tour operator and 59 by state pilgrims’ welfare agencies. He said the deceased were from Adamawa, Bauchi,

Borno, Ekiti, Jigawa, FCT, Cross Rivers, Gombe, Kano, Katsina, Kebbi, Kaduna, Kwara, Nassarawa, Niger, Ogun, Ondo, Plateau, Rivers Sokoto, Yobe, Taraba, and Zamfara states. Meanwhile, the Senate, on Tuesday, resolved to set up a committee to investigate the causes of the Hajj stampede which claimed the lives of no fewer than 50 Nigerians and over 700 others in Saudi Arabia. The Red Chamber, which took the decision at its re-

sumption of plenary after a long recess, said it would hold public hearing to forestall recurrence of the incident. The lawmakers urged the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) to coordinate with Saudi authorities to determine the actual number of affected Nigerians and to ensure adequate compensation. Senator Gbenga Ashafa (APC-Lagos East), who just returned from the Hajj, said Nigerian casualty figure

would have been more, but for the effort of the medical teams of the Nigerian contingencies to the pilgrimage. He insisted that the Saudi authorities should be blamed for the stampede, as they did not do enough to avert it. Meanwhile, members of the House of Representatives, on Tuesday, resumed plenary after six weeks annual recess and condemned the last week’s stampede in Mecca, in which several lives were lost, unconfirmed

number. The House also demanded for the immediate takeover of the investigation of the incident by the international investigators since there were still conflicting reports as to the cause of the incident. It stated that this became necessary, in order to prevent the unfortunate incident during which 54 Nigerians lost their lives, with 254 others still missing and many others sustaining various degrees of injuries.

stem the tide and reverse the process of recruitment, movement and effective operation of foreign terrorist fighters and their associated radical extremists. "In order to put in place the critical components of an effective approach to countering ISIL and eventually defeating it, we must address the threat from the

source," he said. Buhari asked the international community to disrupt illicit financial flows from nations with weak anti-theft structures to other parts of the world. He also said where such fund were identified, the victim state should be assisted to recover the loot expeditiously.

Buhari tasks UN, world leaders on Boko Haram, ISIL Clement Idoko -Abuja

R E S I D E N T Muhammadu Buhari has called on the United Nations (UN) and world leaders to take more decisive action to defeat Boko Haram sect and Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) fighters, threatening international peace and security. He said strong military action combined with effective border security, intelligence collection and sharing, as well as vigorous policing actions must be taken to win the war against the terrorists and violent extremism. Buhari spoke in New York, United States, at the Global Leaders' Summit on countering ISIL and violent extremism, on the sideline of the 70th General Assembly of the United Nations. He specifically said Boko Haram and ISIL were neither protecting nor promoting Islam, while describing Islam as religion of peace, which does not advocate killing of innocent people. He commended the United States president, Barack Obama, for organising the summit, saying the timing was appropriate. President Buhari noted that the threats posed by ISIL in the Middle East and violent extremism elsewhere were existential danger to many states, adding that ISIL "is a serious threat to international peace and security and should be treated as such. "There can be no half measures or expedient solutions in dealing with terrorists and extremists. They respect no laws and have no regard to the sanctity of lives and property. "They operate outside the law and must be seen for what they are and dealt with appropriately." According to him, "given that the acceptance process for recruits into the ranks of ISIL involves rigorous vetting and screening, as well as sponsorship known

as 'tazkiya'; our expectation was that the demanding enlistment process coupled with the legal framework instituted by the United Nations would stem the tide of their flow. Apparently this is not yet happening. "The increase in violence and terrorism by ISIL and other groups has enticed and emboldened insurgent groups in Africa to pledge allegiance in order to gain local traction. "The Boko Haram terrorist group, operating in the Lake Chad Basin area, which is currently on the Al-Qaida sanctions list, pledged its allegiance to ISIL in March 2015. "While we believe that Boko Haram action is an indication of the weakening operational capability of the group, it could also suggest that it was a strategic move to attract foreign fighters into its fold and obtain assistance from ISIL.

"Whatever the reason was for the declaration of allegiance, one thing is certain: Boko Haram terrorist group wants to be drawn into the centre stage of global terrorism. "This development has led not only to a shift in strategy, but also to changes in ideology, recruitment and propaganda methods by Boko Haram. "Its recourse to mass executions and public beheadings in the style of ISIL became notoriously widespread after the declaration of allegiance. "We also note that sub-Saharan Africa has been receiving special attention for purposes of radicalisation and incitement. "In the April 2015 edition of the IS magazine, 'DABIQ' entitled 'Shariah Alone Will Rule Africa,' Boko Haram was congratulated for 'joining the caravan' of jihad,

saying that they would 'now guard yet another frontier of the Khilafah [caliphate]. "Furthermore, capitalising on historic ethnic tensions and upheavals in Africa, ISIL is making vigorous recruitment campaigns and strident efforts to expand into some communities in the Sahel region. "Indeed, ISIL operations have lent credence to the supposition that terrorism and violent extremism are the two sides of the same coin. "Nigeria notes with satisfaction the efforts of the United Nations and the rest of the international community to contain ISIL. We certainly need to do more. We need to take military action combined with effective border security, intelligence collection and sharing and vigorous policing action. "These alone may not suffice, but they can certainly

We are not aware Falae paid ransom to his kidnappers —Police THE police, on Tuesday, said it was not in any way privy to any arrangement that would have led to payment of ransom by a former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Chief Olu Falae, who was recently released by his abductors. In a statement in Abuja, the police noted that as a law enforcement agency guided by the rule of law and professional ethics, they do not, under any circumstance, encourage the payment of ransom to kidnappers or other criminals as it was tantamount to rewarding crime and motivating other criminals to follow that path. “The office of the Inspector-General of Police has been inundated with enquires on claims by Chief Olu Falae and his family that a ransom was paid to his abductors, following the kidnapping incident involving him on September 21, 2015 and eventual release on September 24, 2015. "The police were not in

any way privy to any arrangement that would have led to payment of ransom by the elder statesman or his family. "For the respected Chief Falae to declare that he paid a ransom for his release is, therefore, a demotivating news. "Our approach was a professional response to what we saw as a crime against a respected national personality known to embrace peace and who has dedicated most of his valuable life to selfless service of our nation. “The police under the leadership of the Inspector-General of Police deployed our unique intelligence and operational capabilities, including police helicopters for aerial surveillance. "Our intelligence and operational teams comprising intelligence response team (a special anti-kidnapping unit), conventional and mobile policemen were deployed for rescue operation.

"They followed the path from the point of kidnapping at his farm at Ilado, on Igbatoro Road in Akure, Ondo State and trailed the hoodlums through bushes to Owo in Ondo State. "In the process, we were able to identify the major actors and currently high level police activities are being emplaced to apprehend and bring them to justice. "The primary interest of the police in this instance and granted the circumstances of the incident, was the safe rescue of Chief Falae, which was achieved. “Whatever the family did as regards payment of ransom was outside the knowledge and consent of the police and at this point, we wish to advice that in future families who fall victims of such acts should rather work closely with the police component of the rescue initiative so that we can achieve the primary purpose of rescuing the victim alive," the statement read.

Troops gun down notorious terrorist, arrest kingpin Chris Agbambu -Abuja IN an offensive operation to clear Boko Haram enclave around Kwatarha and Torikwaptir areas of Gwoza Local Government Area of Borno State, a notorious Boko Haram terrorist was gunned down by the Nigerian military troops on Monday afternoon. During the operation, an AK-47 rifle was recovered from him, while four other

terrorists were believed to have escaped with gunshot wounds. In a related development, troops of 3 Division have arrested a suspected Boko Haram kingpin, Alhaji Tijjani Usman Damagum. He was tracked down and arrested at Damagum, Yobe State, on Tuesday. As a high profile Boko Haram member, he has led Boko Haram members on various attacks, especially in Yobe.

Assets declaration: Judges' death stalls hearing of Saraki's appeal Sunday Ejike -Abuja THE appeal filed by the Senate President, Dr Bukola Saraki, asking the court to stay proceedings of his trial before the Code of Conduct Tribunal (CCT) over alleged false assets declaration was, on Tuesday, stalled. This followed the death of two justices of the Court of

Amosun names SSA Media OGUN State governor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun, has approved the appointment of a multiple award winning journalist, Mr Adejuwon Soyinka, as his Senior Special Assistant (Media). The appointment takes immediate effect. Adejuwon was until his latest appointment the Deputy General Editor and member of the Editorial Board of the TELL Magazine, Lagos.

Appeal in Saudi Arabia, last week Thursday. It will be recalled that two justices of the appellate court, Justice Abdukadir Jega of the Abuja division and Justice Musa Hassan Alkali of the Ilorin division, were among several Nigerians that died during the stampede that occurred in Mecca, Saudi Arabia, last week. At the last hearing of the matter at the Court of Appeal, Saraki had, through his counsel, Adebayo Adelodun, brought an ex parte application, seeking to upturn the ruling of the Code of Conduct Tribunal. The presiding judge, Justice Morri Abumein, had then asked Saraki to put the respondents on notice and adjourned till Tuesday, which did not hold as the court did not sit. The court, however, fixed October 6 for hearing of the ex parte application.

Wednesday, 30 September, 2015

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Wednesday, 30 September, 2015

No more collection of drivers’ license by proxy —FRSC

he Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC) on Tuesday said it would no longer accept the collection of driver’s licence by proxy. This was disclosed by Mr Vincent Nwokolo, the Commanding Officer incharge of Zone one, comprising Kano, Kaduna and Jigawa states, while speaking at the Road Safety Stakeholders Summit in Dutse. Nwokolo said anybody seeking the issuance of the driver’s licence must be present at the FRSC’s onstop-shop for his biodata to be captured. “I want to tell you that no more collection of driver’s licence by proxy, nobody

will sit at home and collect it. There must be live capture for it to be real,” Nwokolo said. He explained that the measure was to check the issuance and circulation of fake drivers’ licences among motorists. The commanding officer added that most of the licences produced by proxy were illegal and were not in the commission’s database. “This is because there are many fake drivers’ licences circulating and fake licences are not in our database,” he said. According to him, the corps will henceforth prosecute any persons found in possession of such licences.

“In future, when one produces such licence as a form of identity, it has to be tested in our data bank, and if it is fake, then we have to prosecute the holder,” Nwokolo warned. He, therefore, warned people to stop patronising those who paraded themselves as agents for the issuance of licences and number plates.

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Miss Odetunde Ibukunoluwa Aduralola now MRS. JINADU I B U K U N O L U WA ADURALOLA. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Miss Okunola Modinat Olaitan now MRS. ISMAIL MODINAT OLAITAN. All former documents remain valid. Kwara State Polytechnic, NYSC and general public take note.

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Wednesday, 30 September, 2015

CCT trial: 83 senators pass vote of confidence in Saraki

•Senate may sanction Marafa over drama on the floor •Powerful individuals outside Senate behind my CCT trial —Saraki Taiwo Adisa and Ayodele Adesanmi - Abuja

ENATORS, on Tuesday, passed a vote of confidence in Senate President, Dr Bukola Saraki, following his ongoing trial at the Code of Conduct Tribunal (CCT). Eighty-three senators supported the motion, which was the major item of the day, as the senators resumed from a six-week recess. The two-point motion moved under Orders 42 and 52 of the Senate Standing Orders, called for a vote of confidence in Saraki, his deputy, Senator Ike Ekweremadu and the entire Senate leadership. The motion also called on “Nigerians, groups and political associations not to allow themselves to be used by any person or persons to harass, intimidate or blackmail the Senate, senators and its leadership.” Senator David Umaru (APC Niger East), who moved the motion, said the Senate should not allow itself to be distracted and deterred or succumb to cheap blackmail in the course of carrying out its constitutional responsibilities as a result of political interests. When the Senate President put the issue to vote, it was taken overwhelmingly and the voice vote had no dissent. There was however uproar as Senator Kabiru Marafa moved a Point of Order, citing Order 53(5) of the Senate Standing Orders. He attempted to reopen the issue of vote of confidence, adding that the Senate was trying to reopen a matter that was already before the court. According to him, the Rules forbade the Senate from discussing any issue before the court. Saraki, however, asked Marafa to also read the provision of Order 53 (6), which equally forbade any senator from raising any issue upon which the Senate President had ruled upon, an argument ensued. The Senate President, thereafter, ruled Marafa out of order, but Marafa immediately retorted that Saraki was only yielding the floor to his loyalists. An obviously furious Marafa started accusing the Senate President of marginalisation, leading to confusion on the floor. His moves disrupted the

motion being moved by Senator Soni Ogbuoji, on the outbreak of Cholera, while also leading to confrontation between Oro and anti-Saraki Senators. An altercation also ensued between Senator Marafa and another APC senator, Issah Missau, who shouted Marafa down, while the Zamfara senator threatened to beat him up. At a point, the Senate

President ordered the Sergeant At Arms to remove Marafa from the chamber, but members of the Senate Unity Forum calmed down the Sergeant At Arms and gave assurance that the situation would be brought under control. Marafa was later taken out of the chamber to the office of Senator Olusola Adeyeye (Osun Central ) and barred from speaking to journal-

ists. Marafa, however, later returned to the chamber, while Ekweremadu apologised on his behalf to Nigerians. While 83 senators endorsed the motion by Umaru, Senator Babajide Omoworare dissociated himself from the motion which was endorsed by 48 senators of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and 35 senators

of the APC. It was the second motion in two months, following a similar motion by 81 senators on July 28. Senate spokesperson, Dino Melaye, who addressed newsmen in the Senate after the sitting, said the Senate was ready to receive communication from the president, adding, however, that the era of ‘bow and go’ was over.

Supporters of the Senate President, Dr Bukola Saraki and his deputy, Ike Ekweremadu, at the National Assembly’s gate, protesting the trial of the Senate President at the Code of Conduct Tribunal, on Tuesday. PHOTO: BAYOOR EWUOSO.

Ministerial screening will be thorough —Saraki PRESIDENT of the Senate, Dr Bukola Saraki, on Tuesday, said screening of ministerial nominees being expected from President Muhammadu Buhari before the end of the week, would be thorough and comprehensive. Saraki gave the hint while welcoming senators to plenary in Abuja, after a long recess. He said that screening of the nominees would be indepth to ensure that only competent and qualified individuals only occupied the positions. “As we await the list of ministerial nominees this week, we are prepared to treat the screening with dispatch, but with thoroughness. “I believe the presence of ministers will create the space for greater policy engagement with the executive arm of government. “I want to urge you all my colleagues to ensure that what is uppermost in our minds as we begin the constitutional task of screening of ministerial nominees is the overall interest of our country. “Once the list is submitted, let us ensure that we

treat it with dispatch and thoroughness. We must not be held down by unneces-

sary politicking. “The enormity of our national challenges at this time

does not give room for pettiness or politics of vendetta,” Saraki added.

President seeks Senate’s approval of $200m loan for Lagos State Ayodele Adesanmi - Abuja PRESIDENT Muhammadu Buhari, on Monday, asked for special approval of the Senate for $200 million as loan for Lagos State. The president, through a letter entitled: “Request for special approval of Lagos State Development Policy Operation under the Federal Government External Borrowing Rolling Plan (20152017) refer to the above and request approval for a development policy operation loan of $200 million to Lagos State from the World Bank. The letter added that “you may wish to know that the World Bank approved a Development Policy Operation loan for a total sum of $600 million to the Lagos State government in 2010, to be

implemented in three tranches of $200m per annum.” The first tranche, he said was approved by the National Assembly in the 20102012 Federal Government external borrowing plan and the second tranche was between 2012 and 2014. It, however, informed that the development policy operation had been successfully implemented by the state in 2014, following the successful implementation as adjudged by the World Bank, added that the bank board of executive directors approved the second tranche of the development policy operation on April 29. The letter added that development policy operation 111 was captured in the Federal Government external borrowing plan of 2014-

2016, which was discussed with the National Assembly, but was not concluded. It, therefore, seeks for the support of the National Assembly to facilitate the consideration and approval of the loan, in order for the Lagos State to consolidate on the gains of the second tranche of the operation. Another letter from the president to the Senate asked for the confirmation of appointment Professor Umaru Garba Dambatta as the executive vice chairman of the Nigerian Communication Commission for a first term of five years. The president, in a separate letter read to members on Tuesday, also sought the approval of the legislature to raise Nigeria’s proposed Diaspora Bond to $300 million.

The senator spoke on “the unruly behaviour of Marafa” and stated that the Senate would take necessary disciplinary actions against him if he puts up such attitude in future. “The Deputy Senate President, in session, apologised to Nigerians for the unbecoming attitude of Senator Marafa. That act is disgraceful, unacceptable, condemnable and the Senate regrets that. “We want to assure Nigerians that this will be the last time the Senate will condone such misbehaviour. His action contravenes Section 56 of the Standing Rule of the Senate, but his misbehaviour is regrettable. “The Senate will do everything within its powers to ensure that the situation does not repeat itself again and where it is repeated, it would be met with stiff adherence to the rules of the Senate.” While welcoming senators to the Senate on Tuesday, Saraki indicated that his ordeal at the Code of Conduct Tribunal was a machination of some powerful forces. He, however, said that the development would not deter the Senate from handling the ministerial list dispassionately. He said in his speech: “I wish to reiterate my remarks before the Tribunal, that I have no iota of doubt that I am on trial today because I am the president of the Nigeria Senate, against the wishes of some powerful individuals outside this Chambers. “But what is clear to me also, is that the laws of Nigeria and the rules of the National Assembly give consideration only to the wishes and desires of those of you who are here today as members of the Senate, to elect as you wish, one of your peers as President of the Senate. He also commended President Muhammadu Buhari, for refusing to interfere in the election of the National Assembly leadership, even in the face of enormous pressures on him to do so, adding that the president had “proven quite concretely that he is, indeed, a bornagain democrat. Too many people have fought and died for the democracy that we enjoy today.” He added: “ As for me, I am prepared to do my duty in defence of our democracy and in safeguarding the independence of the National Assembly.”

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Wednesday, 30 September, 2015

Dogara supports FG’s anti-corruption war

•Commends Saraki for appearing before CCC •Cautions EFCC, ICPC, CCC, others Jacob Segun Olatunji and Kolawole Daniel - Abuja

PEAKER of the House of Representatives, Honourable Yakubu Dogara, on Tuesday, declared full support for the current effort of the Federal Government towards sanitising the polity through the war against corruption, impunity and other vices. Dogara, who stated this on Tuesday while welcoming members back from their six weeks annual recess, commended the Senate President, Dr Bukuola Saraki, for submitting himself for trial before the Code of Conduct Tribunal (CCT) in the recognition that “no person is above the law.” He, however, cautioned all the agencies of government involved in the anti-corruption war to prove their capacity for fairness, justice and strict adherence to the rule of law, in order not to endanger our democracy.” According to him, “the barometer of the polity has been on the rise of late because of certain developments concerning the arraignment of the Senate President.” While commending the Senate President for submitting himself to the jurisdiction of the CCT in recognition that no person is above the law, I wish to caution that there is need for great circumspection in times such as this, in order to maintain proper focus in pursuit of the common good. He pleaded with his colleagues to brace up to the task of providing quality representation to Nigerians, whose mandate necessitated their presence in the eighth National Assembly. Dogara sought urgent and responsible actions geared

toward addressing extreme poverty, unemployment, insecurity, as well as ensuring national unity and cohesion. According to him, “we are confronted by endemic corruption, widespread debilitating poverty, mass unemployment, crass insecurity aggravated by terrorism

manifesting in insurgency, kidnapping and vandalism; a fledging democracy encumbered by weak institutions and above all, an ailing economy. In the task to free our country from these challenges and vices, there shall be no compromise. “Such is the magnitude of

the task before us, deserving total commitment and urgency. Now is the time to prove that we not only appreciate this, but that, indeed, we possess the capacity and will to execute our mandate. “We must come out decisively to facilitate the war

Speaker, House of Representatives, Honourable Yakubu Dogara; Deputy Speaker, Honourable Yussuff Lasun and the Chief Whip, Honourable Alhassan Ado Doguwa, after resuming from recess, on Tuesday. PHOTO: BAYOOR EWUOSO

THE House of Representatives is to probe the roles of the two construction firms and the Federal Ministry of Works over the deplorable state of the Ibadan-Oyo-Ogbomoso- Ilorin Expressway for such a long time. The two construction firms, PW Construction Company Limited and the Reynolds Construction

institutions to cultivate and stabilise our democracy.” Dogara, who spoke to other national issues pointed that “the introduction of the Treasury Single Account (TSA) policy is also a commendable measure. Over the years, the problem of uncontrollable revenue leakages constituted a cause for serious concern to the legislature and public finance management in general. “It is hoped that this new policy will substantially deal with the issue of revenue leakages and accountability. “However, in order to achieve strict compliance with the requirement of Section 80 of the Nigerian Constitution, it is important to restate that extra budgetary expenditure also constitutes revenue leakages,” he stated. Speaking on the recent war against insurgency by the military, Dogara commended the military for demonstrating the zeal to restore the territorial integrity of Nigeria through their sacrifices; whilst decrying ongoing mass killings in other parts of the country.

Attempt by APC Reps to initiate probe against Jonathan govt fails As PDP lawmakers shut down motion Jacob Segun Olatunji and Kolawole Daniel - Abuja AN attempt to probe some of the financial dealings of the Federal Government under the administration of former President Goodluck Jonathan, through a motion sponsored by a member of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Honourable Chike Okafor (Imo State) in the House of Representatives, was on Tuesday, killed

at the pelnary by the lawmakers elected on the platform of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). In the motion, Honourable Okafor, had accused the Federal Government agencies under the Jonathan-led administration of underhand dealings in tax remittance and unapproved spending of money meant for the Federation Account. Honourable Okafor stated that allegations had

been raised that the sum of $4 billion was paid as taxes and dividends by the Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas Limited (NLNGL) between 2009 and 2014, without the sum reflecting in the Federation Account as required by law. In addition, the lawmaker alleged that the Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) spent $3.8 trillion in three years under the same administration without parliamentary appro-

Ibadan-Oyo-Ogbomoso-Ilorin Expressway: Reps to probe construction firms, works ministry Jacob Segun Olatunji and Kolawole Daniel - Abuja

against terrorism and insurgency, the war against corruption and the war against kidnapping and vandalism. “We must adopt definite legislative measures in aid of job creation, poverty alleviation, revamping our economy through diversification and growing our

Company (RCC) Limited. According to the House, “this is to ascertain why the Oyo-Ogbomoso axis of the road has not been completed since it was awarded several years ago by the Federal Government.” This followed the adoption of a motion moved by the duo of Honourables Saheed Akinade-Fijabi and Odebunmi Olusegun-Dokun on the deplorable state of the important expressway under a motion of urgent

national importance. The lawmakers, in the motion, lamented that for the past 36 years, the strategic highway had been neglected, “leading to its dilapidation, especially the Oyo-Ogbomoso axis, a situation that is bringing untold hardship to the motorists.” They recalled that “in 2001, a contract for the reconstruction and dualisation of the highway was awarded in three sections

to three presumably reputable firms for effective and timely completion.” According to them, the three sections were awarded as follows: “IbadanOyo axis(44.5km) to PW Construction Company Limited at a cost of N15 billion,Ogbomoso-Ilorin axis (45km); Reynolds Construction Company(RCC), at a cost of N15.7 billion and Oyo-Ogbomoso axis (45km) jointly to the two firms at a cost of N15.2 billion.

priation which amounted to extra budget spending. He also noted that there were allegations that the sum of $2.1 billion was disbursed from the excess crude account without the approval of the National Economic Council (NEC) which were infractions. Okafor had merely commenced the reading of his motion when he was cut short in his presentation by two PDP members who raised point of order to stop him on the technical flaws in his motion as listed on the order paper. When the Speaker, Honourable Yakubu Dogara, who presided over the plenary, called on Honourable Okafor to move his motion and lead the debate on it, a member, Honourable Edward Pwajok (Plateau State) shouted “Point of Order” on top of his voice, to draw the attention of the Speaker and members the technicalities contained in the motion. Dogara, however, recognised Honourable Pwajok to make his contribution, while Okafor took his seat. While citing several sec-

tions of the constitution and the establishing Act of the NEC, Honourable Pwajok faulted the basis of the motion moved by Okafor, as he insisted that there was no solid foundation to believe what Okafor was raising in his motion, as there was nothing tangible before the House on such. He sought the leave of the House to have the motion stopped from being read and debated based on its flaws. His position was reechoed by the Minority Leader of the House, Honourable Leo Ogor, who was called to speak immediately after Pwajok by the Speaker, as he had also raised his voice in seeking permission to raise a Point of Order, insisting that Honourable Okafor’s motion was defective on all sides. With the PDP members having punctured his line of argument, Honourable Okafor lost his confidence to continue his argument, as he openly withdrew the motion when Dogara called on him to respond to the points raised by Pwajok and Ogor on his motion.

Nigerian Tribune

Wednesday, 30 September, 2015

Lagosmetro 500 Yaba residents get sallah gifts

Nigerian Tribune

Wednesday, 30 September, 2015

Edited By Lanre Adewole 0811 695 4647

‘Save IsheriOlofin-LASU Road from flooding’

Bola Badmus House of Representatives member, Honourable Jide Jimoh representing Lagos Mainland constituency said he was poised to serve his constituents and make a difference in their lives, in line with the promise he made to them before he was elected as their representative. Jimoh, who is the immediate past chairman of Yaba Local Council Development Authority (LCDA), gave the promise when he distributed food items and bail of clothes to over 500 of his constituents for the celebration of Eid-el-Kabir. The event, which took place at the Yaba All Progressives Congress (APC) secretariat, brought together various communities in the area, including Muslims, Christians, Ndigbo, Arewa, Ijaw, Ilaje, Egun communities who were the beneficiaries. Free medical test was also offered at the venue. The lawmaker, who insisted that three things remained basic in man’s life, including accommodation, feeding and clothing, said the gesture was not only in fulfilment of in his promise to serve the people as expected of any representative who desired to make a difference in the lives of the electorate who voted for him.

The deplorable state of a road at Oladunmi Street, Ikosi Ketu worsens with water gushing out from a broken pipe unattended to. PHOTO: SYLVESTER OKORUWA

Boko Haram: Fresh panic hits Lagos seaports

Tola Adenubi

eaport users and workers have been put on the alert following a security warning issued by the office of the National Security Adviser, NSA on the likelihood of a Boko Haram attack on the seaports in Lagos. The alert was as a result of the concern expressed by the United States Em-

bassy on the security situation at the nation’s seaports. When Lagos Metro visited the ports on Tuesday, it was observed that many of the port workers were trying as much as possible to avoid crowded areas such as the Creek Road end where the popular Nnewi building is located. Other areas noticeably being avoided was the Tin-Can Island Container

Terminal (TICT) entrance which is always crowded and the Ports and Terminal Multi-services Limited (PTML) area where the MRS jetty and other sensitive oil and gas projects are situated at the Tin-Can Island port. Speaking to Lagos Metro, an agent who works with one of the logistic firms at the Tin-Can Island port, Chigozie Obinna explained that ever since

the alert was issued, she has been avoiding places known to be crowded. “I have tried to avoid congested areas where people gather around since I heard of the terror alert. Although the police are trying their best, we still need to be extra careful. One of my clients called me to meet him at one of our usual meeting spots which is around the TICT entrance area but I told him to move outside so we can meet. It would be recalled that Boko Haram leader, Abubakar Shekau, claimed responsibility for two explosions that rocked Folawiyo jetty in Apapa, on June 25, 2014.

In a video released by the group on Sunday, July 13, 2014, Shekau said: “A bomb went off in Lagos. I ordered (the bomber) who went and detonated it.” The two blasts which occurred minutes apart at the jetty on the ever busy Creek Road, Apapa which claimed two lives, were strongly suspected to have been caused by bombs, according to security sources and bomb experts but the Lagos State government said the blasts were an accident caused by a gas canister. On December 13 2014, the Western Ports Police Command also warned of a possible attack on the ports.

Bride-to-be remanded in AyomideOwonibiOdekanyin

Dumping of waste inside a canal along Randle Road, close to Apapa General Hospital, Apapa. PHOTO: SYLVESTER OKORUWA

A 33-year-old woman, Olawunmi Oyebode, has been remanded in prison custody at Kirikiri over alleged assault. It was gathered that the incident happened one week to her wedding. She was arraigned before a Magistrates’ Court sitting in Isolo for the alleged of-

fence. Oyebode, who had concluded plans for her wedding, allegedly slapped her neighbour, Anthony Onyeka for an undisclosed reason. The incident happened at 51, Ijikoyejo Street, Ijeshatedo, Lagos where they reside. After the alleged assault, Onyeka went to Ijesha-

Manager of Total petrol filling station, LASUIba Road, Isheri-Olofin, Lagos, Alhaji Gbadamosi Araromi has urged Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode to save the filling station, people and environs from the flood water. Araromi made this known on Monday, while speaking with newsmen, adding that flood water has damaged the filling station and has dug out the tanks from the station. According to him, “It seems the contractor handling the channelization of drainage where ero-

sion can pass through in front of the filling station has stopped work and our experience during every rainy season is that the station is submerged with flood water. It also undermines our storage tank. It is practically difficult for both pedestrian and vehicular movement.” He stated further “We need urgent response of Lagos State government to complete the on-going construction of drainage along the Isheri-OlofinLASU-Iba Road so as to safe guard lives and properties during heavy rainfall.”

Man stabbed for urinating inside drainage Bidemi Olowofela Two persons, Moses Lawal, aged 18 and Abayomi Lawal, aged 40, have been accused of causing grievous harm to one Tochukwu Chigbo, aged 32. The two defendants who reside at 4 Towolawi Street are facing two count charges of conspiracy and assault. It was gathered that the victim Tochukwu, a resident of 55 Towolawi Street, Orile-Iganmu, Lagos, felt pressed and moved closer to a drain-

age where a ‘Faragon’ bus was parked to urinate. In the process, a group of boys challenged him and started stabbing him with a broken bottle on his arm and back. The defendants, however, pleaded not guilty when they were charged before an Ebute Metta Magistrate Court. The magistrate, Mrs. Ajibade granted the defendants bail in the sum of N50,000 with one surety. Ajibade thereafter adjourned the case till November 2, 2015.

prison a week to wedding tedo police division and reported Oyebode and she was arrested and taken to the station. It was gathered that every attempt by the police to settle the rift failed as Oyebode reportedly refused to apologise to Onyeka as advised. Thereafter the police charged Oyebode to court for assault.

When she was arraigned, she pleaded not guilty. The presiding Magistrate, Mrs Joy Ugbomoiko granted her bail in the sum of N20,000 with one surety. She was remanded in prison custody pending when her bail will be perfected. The matter was adjourned till October 16, 2015.

This undeveloped land located in at Airway Bus stop, Apapa has now been turned into a dump site. PHOTO: SYLVESTER OKORUWA

Father-of-one stabbed to death by suspected cultists Olalekan Olabulo A 25-year old man was over last weekend stabbed to death by suspected cult members at Igijo, a border community between Lagos and Ogun State. The deceased, identified as Semiu Sanni, was allegedly walking along Omoleye Street, when the hoodlums pounced on him and stabbed him severally. The attack has continued to create panic among residents of the Ikorodu community as shops remained under lock and key on Tuesday afternoon. An elder brother to the deceased Semiu, Saheed Sanni, while speaking on the incident narrated that “On September 26, I was at home on that fateful Saturday when someone came to inform me that my brother had been stabbed to death at Omoleye Street.” He continued that “Immediately I was told about the incident, I went straight to my father’s house to check if it was true that Semiu that had been killed.” The elder Sanni continued that “When I got there, I called the leader of the hoodlums who was identi-

fied as Sir Kay Phoenix and told him that his boys had murdered my brother and he promised to meet me at my father’s house.” Saheed added that “We went on a protest to Ogijo Police station with his corpse. When we got there, the station was locked, none of the policemen at the station attended to us. We left the station and went to Olowu’s house in the neighbourhood. “My brother was not a cult member. What we are ask-

ing for is justice, because the deceased was a peace loving person in the community. We have deposited his remains at Olabisi Onabanjo University Teaching Hospital (OSUTH) Mortuary, Sagamu. “It was the angry youths in the area that set Olowu’s father’s home ablaze. The 23-year-old wife of the deceased, while speaking on her husband’ s death said. I don’t know my husband would leave my daughter and I so soon.”

She continued that “My daughter was just 41 days old on that fateful day. We were both in the room watching a movie at about 3pm, when he went out only for me to be told that he had been killed.” The image maker in charge of the Ogun State police command, Muyiwa Adejobi, while confirming the incident, said that the state police boss, Abdumajid Ali had directed that the hoodlums should be apprehended.

Thousands of mechanics to be trained Chukwuma Okparaocha Thousands of auto technicians in Lagos have registered for Autofest which started Monday in Lagos. Organisers of the Autofest officially announced the free training while answering questions during a media parley. During the interactive session, Mr Gbola Oba, the COO of Automedics Limited, informed the audience about a partnership arrangement with two prominent mechanic associations in Lagos State to have their members trained in mechatronics and high-tech

21st century technologies in modern automobile. “Members of the Nigeria Automobile Technicians Association of Nigeria (NATA) and Motor Mechanics and technical Association of Nigeria (MOMTAN) have both registered thousands of their members in Lagos for the training,” he said. Several automobile companies, franchise holders and auto assemblers are participating in the Autofest with their latest automotive products ranging from SUVs, sedans, trucks, motorbikes, spare parts, accessories, tyres and many other inno-

vative products during the one week show. According to the Chief Executive Officer of the company, Kunle Shonaike, updating the knowledge of the mechanics through regular training is essential and crucial to the success of any auto brand and the automobile industry in general. “This is also necessary to complement efforts of the Federal Government in restructuring the industry towards greater productivity and technological acquisition as enshrined in the National Automotive Policy document.”

Nigerian Tribune

Wednesday, 30 September, 2015

Lagosmetro 500 Yaba residents get sallah gifts

Nigerian Tribune

Wednesday, 30 September, 2015

Edited By Lanre Adewole 0811 695 4647

‘Save IsheriOlofin-LASU Road from flooding’

The deplorable state of a road at Oladunmi Street, Ikosi Ketu worsens with water gushing out from a broken pipe unattended to. PHOTO: SYLVESTER OKORUWA

Boko Haram: Fresh panic hits Lagos seaports

Tola Adenubi

Bride-to-be remanded in AyomideOwonibiOdekanyin

Dumping of waste inside a canal along Randle Road, close to Apapa General Hospital, Apapa. PHOTO: SYLVESTER OKORUWA

This undeveloped land located in at Airway Bus stop, Apapa has now been turned into a dump site. PHOTO: SYLVESTER OKORUWA

businessnews

Wednesday, 30 September, 2015

Shareholders commend Honeywell over N393m dividend payout OlatundeDodondawa-Lagos

From left, Managing Director, Honeywell Flour Mills, Mr Olanrewaju Jaiyeola; Chairman, Honeywell Group, Dr Oba Otudeko; Company Secretary, Mrs Oluwayemisi Busari and Executive Director, Honeywell Group, Mr Obafemi Otudeko at the company’s 6th annual general meeting at Civic Centre, Victoria Island, Lagos, on Tuesday. Photo: Sylvester OKORUWA

A leading indigenous company in the Nigerian food industry, Honeywell Flour Mills Plc, received commendation for rewarding its shareholders despite a tough economic environment. The company announced a dividend payout of N396,509,883, representing 5k dividend per share. The shareholders were full of praises for the company, which, despite the tough operating environment, could pay dividend. Speaking during the company’s annual general meeting in Lagos on Tues-

NDIC pays N6.8bn insured deposits to 528,277 depositors of closed banks —MD The Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC) says it has paid out a cumulative N6.831 billion insured deposits to 528,277 depositors of 49 closed Deposit Money Banks (DMB) as at Dec. 31, 2014. The Managing Director of NDIC, Alhaji Umaru Ibrahim, announced this at the NDIC special day at the ongoing Abuja International Trade Fair on Tuesday in

Abuja. Ibrahim said the payment, which was in line with the act establishing NDIC, was also to ensure that un-insured depositors of closed DMB recovered their money. According to him, NDIC has paid a cumulative liquidation dividend of N94.737 billion to 250,592 to un-insured depositors of same 49 closed DMB as at December 2014.

He said that NDIC had declared in full, a final liquidation dividend of 100 per cent of total payments in 14 of the failed banks out of the 49 closed DMBs. He explained that payments were on-going for the depositors of Micro Finance Banks (MFBs) and Primary Mortgage Banks(PMBs). He said that the prompt payment of the insured sum was designed to re-

duce the impact of bank failure and also build public confidence. Ibrahim said that the participation of NDIC at the fair also provided a unique platform for public awareness on the benefits and limitations of deposit insurance scheme (DIS) in Nigeria. He explained that the DIS was one of the financial safety net in the economic system designed to pro-

Power consumers threaten Ikeja Electric over tariff hike proposal OlatundeDodondawa-Lagos Consumers of the Ikeja Electricity Distribution Company have moved against the plan to increase electricity tariff. Speaking at a stakeholders’ consultative forum in Lagos on Tuesday, the Managing Director, Mr Abiodun Ajifowobaje, said the company was awaiting approval from NERC. According to him, “Ikeja Electric has reduced fixed charge by 50 per cent from customer bills by increasing the energy charge per kilowatt. “Consumers and the percentage growth rate is determined based on the anticipated outcome of the enumeration project currently in progress. I urge our consumers to embrace cost-reflective tariff to enable us to serve you better.” However, stakeholders present at the meeting kicked against the proposed increase in electricity tariff. They accused the management of acting against the law, arguing that the forum was a violation of court process because the case was before a Federal High Court, Lagos. They advised the man-

agement of Ikeja Disco to step down the issues of tariff review pending the determination of the court and rather focus on metering all its customers to promote fairness and equity. Chairman, Ijede, Ikorodu Community Develop-

ment Area, Mr Rotimi Owolabi, advised the management to ensure adequate installation of pre-paid metres to all customers to avoid estimated billing. Owolabi said series of forums had been held by the

Ikeja Disco “but nothing was done by the management, anything short of metering installation to all homes would be an aberration. We will start turning down bill that is based on estimation if urgent solution is not taken.

tect uninformed bank depositors and ensure safety, soundness and stability of the banking system. According to him, in the event of any bank failure, each depositor was entitled to a maximum claim of N500,000 per depositor of DMB and non-interest or Islamic banks. For MFB and PMB, he said that each depositor was entitled to receive N200,000 in the event of any failure from the banks. He added that the insured sums covered over 90 per cent of bank depositors. Ibrahim said that depositors with claims above the insured sums were entitled to liquidation dividends from the proceeds of sale of the physical assets and recovery of debts owed to such failed banks.

day, the chairman, Honeywell FlourMill Plc, Dr Oba Otudeko, stated that: “Our company’s board and management was able to manage the very harsh operating environment in a manner that resulted in financial result that is better than the industry average.” Otudeko added that “our company continues to demonstrate strong fundamentals and the ability to withstand the increasing competitive operating conditions. “The expected focus on economic and infrastructural development by the new government would lead to moderation in inflation, improved domestic productive capacity, increase in autonomous income and improved demand. This is expected to translate to improved performance for the company in 2016 and beyond.” Also speaking during the annual general meeting, Managing Director, Olanrewaju Jaiyeola, said, “We are optimistic of the prospect for growth and better performance in the new financial year. Our company is committed to the continuous achievement of business successes by maintaining its quality leadership in the flour milling industry.” He concluded by reiterating that the company was driven by quality management system designed to ensure that customers are always provided with quality products and services, meeting international standards and consumers’ expectations.

IBEDC holds public consultation forum on tariff review By Doyin Adeoye Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company (IBEDC) Plc., on Tuesday, organised a public consultation forum to sensitise its customers on the new development.

Held at Jogor Centre, Ibadan, consumers from all over the business areas were present at the event, where they were informed and engaged on how the proposed tariff would improve electricity supply,

and provide better service. The Deputy Managing Director, IBEDC, Mr Oladipo John Ayodele, in his remark, said the benchmarking of the tariff scheme is “based on the amount of energy received,

Firm wants action on Apapa gridlock Tola Adenubi - Lagos Worried by the loss of productive man hours and adverse effects on port operations, Ships & Ports Communication Company has sent individual letters to the nation’s 468 Federal lawmakers asking them to take legislative actions to end the perennial Apapa gridlock. Chief Executive Officer of Ships & Ports, Mr Bolaji Akinola, said the move

became necessary in order to save the ports from further haemorrhage. Akinola said his firm sent individual letters to all the 360 elected members of the House of Representatives and 108 elected senators “in order to bring the plight of Apapa residents and port operators to their knowledge.” He said letters were also sent to the Speaker of the House of Representatives,

Honourable Yakubu Dogara and Senate President, Dr Bukola Saraki, on the matter. “The economy of this great country is haemorrhaging, not only because of the declining value of the naira and the crash in the international price of crude oil, but also due to the persistent traffic congestion that has practically brought Nigeria’s major port community of Apapa to its knees.

the amount of energy you will be receiving later, and what investments you need to support in the distribution of that energy.” Speaking on the motive behind the forum, Head, Branding and Communication, IBEDC, Angela Olanrewaju, said the forum was organised to engage the customers on the proposed tariff being considered by NERC. “For some customers, we have a 15 per cent reduction on the fixed charge, and for others, it is five per cent as proposed by the NERC. For instance for the R2 customers, it is about N625 and now it is proposed to be N521.” Many of the customers at the event also used the avenue to pour out their grievances on various issues, ranging from unstable power supply, exploitation

by some officers of the organisation, varying prices of prepaid metres, and excessive charges despite unavailability of electricity, among other issues. In his remark, the Alofa of Iloffa, Oba Samuel Dada, lauded organiser of the meeting, adding that the forum had brought about a closer relationship between the brand and its consumers. “This discussion will definitely bring about a better understanding between the authority of the IBEDC and the public and that is the basis of any business. It should be encouraged and done as often as possible. “However, my advice for the customers is to be patient and always endeavour to pay our bills, as it is obvious that this organisation means well for the people,” he said.

businessnews

Wednesday, 30 September, 2015

Nigerians to enjoy 6000MW of power by 2016 —VP

Togo, Benin want additional electricity from Nigeria Adetola Bademosi - Abuja with Agency Report

he Vice President, Professor Yemi Osinbajo, has said the Federal Government has plans to distribute 6,000 megawatts of electricity in the country by the first quarter of 2016. According to a release issued by Mr Laolu

Akande, the Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity to the Vice President, on Tuesday, Osinbajo said this at Kaleta, Guinea, on Monday at the inauguration of a 240 MW Hydro-power plant. The event, where Osinbajo represented President Muhammadu Buhari, was part of the activities marking Guinea’s

57th Independence anniversary taking place on October 2. The Vice President commended the vision of the Guinean President, Professor Alpha Conde, noting that the inauguration of the power plant was a “monumental accomplishment” in a short time. “It shows what can be

done with commitment and vision,” he added. The 240 MW Hydropower plant in Kaleta was built to serve mainly the people of Conakry, the nation’s capital city. The release noted that the event was witnessed by the Presidents of Congo and Niger, Denis Sassou Nguesso, and Mohamadou Issoufou, respectively.

Guest Performer/Reggae artist, Patoranking (middle) flanked on the right by Senior Brand Manager Flavours, Coca-Cola Nigeria Limited, Toyin Nnodi; and on the left by Assistant Brand Manager, Flavours, Coca-Cola Nigeria Limited, Olajumoke Oyewole; during the 2015 Sprite Triple Slam Event, which took place at the University of Ibadan, over the weekend.

PZ Cussons approves payment of N3.2 1bn dividends to shareholders Ubong Anthony - Calabar

Chairman of PZ Cussons Nigeria PLC, Dr. Kola Jamodu, on Tuesday, disclosed that the company had approved final dividend of N2.42billion, representing a payment of 61 kobo per share to all its shareholders. Jamodu, who disclosed this during the company’s 67th annual general meeting in Calabar said this

was in addition to N794 million interim dividend of 20 per share paid in March, which has brought the total dividend payout to N3.21 billion. He said despite the economic downturn and increasing competition, the company’s turnover grew from N72. 9billion to N73.1 billion. The company’s boss also said the balance sheet remained strong with total

assets of N67 billion and no debt. He said: “The board of directors is recommending a final dividend payout of N2.4 billion, representing payment of 61 kobo per share at this AGM. Together with the interim dividend of 20 kobo per share, N794m, paid in March, this brings the total dividend per share for the year to 81 kobo.

N53bn T-bills sold as naira weakens Chima Nwokoji - Lagos

Nigeria’s Central Bank sold N53.08 billion ($266.6 million) worth of treasury bills on Tuesday in a bid to mop up excess liquidity. This naira weakened against the dollar on the parallel market to N224.5 to the dollar from N223 to a dollar the previous day. The weakening of the local currency, according to dealers, was traceable to strong demand from importers stocking up ahead of forthcoming Christmas sales. The naira traded at 197 naira to the dollar on the official interbank market,

unchanged since February. Meanwhile, the CBN issued the 275-day Open Market Operations (OMO) bills at 13.50 per cent. The interbank lending rate traded at 6 per cent for overnight placement, almost unchanged from Monday’s 5.83 per cent. The interbank market almost froze two weeks ago after authorities ordered banks to transfer all government revenues to its Treasury Single Account (TSA) with the Central Bank, part of an anticorruption campaign. To ease liquidity shortages, the Central Bank cut banks’ cash reserve ratio

to 25 per cent last week. A currency dealer said: “The market is active now because of higher liquidity from budget allocations and repaid matured treasury bills. “We are seeing a renewed pressure on the naira from some importers stocking ahead for the coming Christmas sales and some people converting their naira to dollar.” Nigerian importers have struggled to obtain dollars as the central bank has limited imports to offset a collapse in oil revenues, the economic lifeline of Africa’s most populous country and biggest energy producer.

“If approved, the dividend will be paid to shareholders on September 30 2015 after deducting the appropriate withholding tax. Our balance sheet remains strong with total assets of N67bn and no debts.”

It added that there were also representatives from the governments of China, France and the United Arab Emirates, among others. The Vice President returned to Abuja after the ceremony. Meanwhile, the Community Electric du Benin (CEB), comprising of Togo and Benin Republic, has sought for an increase from 200megawatts to 300megawatts in the electricity they receive from Nigeria. Nigeria currently supplies 300megawatts to Togo, Benin and Niger Republic, out which Togo, Benin have 200megawatts of power supply while Niger Republic gets the remaining 100megawatts. CEB made the request when it led a four-man delegation to the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC). In a statement issued by the Head, Public Affairs, Dr Usman Abba-Arabi, the commission stated that the ongoing reform in the electricity industry would not jeopardise international relations and strategic interests of Nigeria. The chairman, NERC, Dr Sam Amadi, also advised the Transmission Service Provider and Independent System Operator for Republic of Togo and Benin Republic. To be ready to pay commercial rates for electricity supplied to it by the Nigeria Electricity Supply Industry (NESI). According to him, such a financial commitment and responsibility might be an issue in the consideration of the request for additional capacity.

Agriculture can replace oil as major revenue source —Afri-CASD Adetola Bademosi - Abuja

The Africa Centre for Food, Agriculture and Sustainable Development (Afri-CASD) has said the Federal Government can generate more revenue into its coffers if the agriculture sector is given similar priority as the upstream and downstream sector. Afri-CASD Programme Manager, Mr Bolaji Akindehinde disclosed this in a statement issued on Tuesday in Abuja. He stated that the agricultural sector could takeover from oil if President Muhammadu Buhari is committed to ensuring that every food commodities consumed are produced locally. According to the statement, the country is enriched with sufficient land mass and experts capable

of making the nation food sufficient rather than continued dependency on imports. However, the Non Governmental Organisation (NGO) urged the President to consider the appointment of an expert to oversee affairs of the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development. He stated that such individual irrespective of gender should be able to improve and surpass achievement of the immediate past agriculture minister, Dr Akinwumi Adesina. According to Afri-CASD, over-dependence on oil had resulted to an imbalance in the country’s economy, adding that the country stands to create wealth from agriculture if properly harnessed.

business

Wednesday, 30 September, 2015

Nigerian Tribune

daily summary (equities) for Tuesday, 29 SEPTEMBER, 2015

Wednesday, 30 September, 2015

14 news

Wednesday, 30 September, 2015

HID Awolowo final journey begins Nov 15

•As Anglican primate, Igbo leaders, OOU management, others condole with the Awolowos By Olayinka Olukoya and Moses Alao

HE Obafemi Awolowo family has announced that the final journey for the Matriarch and Yeye Oodua of Ife, Chief HID Awolowo, will begin on Sunday, November 15. This was disclosed by the eldest daughter of the family, Reverend Omotola Oyediran, on Tuesday. According to her, the burial activities would begin with a Christian interdenominational service at 31 Park Lane, Apapa, Lagos, while on Monday, November 16, there would be a lying-in-state at the Obafemi Awolowo’s residence at Oke Bola, Ibadan. She noted that there would also be a commendation service at the Agbeni Methodist Cathedral, Ibadan, which would be followed by a day of tribute at the Tribune House, Imalefalafia, Ibadan. Coincidentally, November 16 is the founder’s day of the African Newspapers of Nigeria (ANN) Plc., publishers of the Tribune titles. Meanwhile, dignitaries continued to throng the Ikenne home of the Awolowos, with the Archbishop, Metropolitan Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion), The Most Reverend Nicholas Okoh, leading a delegation of House of Bishops and Clergies to condole with the Awolowo family.

Mama was a great Christian, community leader —Primate Okoh

Primate Okoh described Mama as a community, national and international leader, saying: “Mama was an international, national, community, as well as strong Christian leader. We will really miss her and we pray that young people of today, future generations and all of us will aspire to live in such a way that others will benefit from our lives; that our lives will be blessings to others.” The Primate added that Mama Awolowo’s demise burial should serve as a lesson for others to be steadfast and loyal to the church they belong to. “Papa and Mama made their contributions to the development of humanity. All we can do is to sustain and pursue the legacies they lived and died for and that is a challenge for the family,” the Primate said. Also, present to condole

with the family were Igbo leaders from the South-East, as well as those resident in the South-West, led by a former military vice president, Commodore Okoh Ebitu Ukiwe. The Igbo leaders, including a former Nigeria’s Ambassador to Israel, Cyprus and the United States of America, Professor George Obiozor; former president of the Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Professor Jo Irukwu, as well as many others, described Mama Awolowo as a great mother and a historic figure. Ukiwe, in his condolence message to the family, said it was the tradition of the Igbo whenever they heard great news, either good or bad, to first doubt it until they confirmed it, noting that they were in Ikenne to confirm if it was, indeed, true, that Mama had left. The former vice president stated that with what they had seen, leaders from the East were “here to mourn and celebrate the departure of a great mother and wife of a great leader of the Nigerian people. “The Matriarch of Chief Obafemi Awolowo, Chief HID Awolowo, has left this world for heaven to join the Great Creator, Almighty God. We have come as tradition demands to confirm the news. We now know it is true,” he said. Professor Obiozor, in his message, described Mama Awolowo as a historic figure, noting that above all, she was a witness to history. A former consultant to the ANN Plc, Chief Bisi Olatawura, in his condolence message, said he wished every woman was like Mama, saying: “Mama, without any doubt, you lived for 100 years, which both of us joked about when you marked your 90th birthday. After all, 99 years, nine months, 24 days, 15 hours can never be regarded as 99. I wish every woman is like you.”

Mama was a great mother of Nigeria —Ita-Giwa

Senator Ita-Giwa, who spoke on behalf of a group of Mrs Abba Folawiyo’s friends, stated that they were in Ikenne to commiserate with the Awolowo family with which they were proud to be associated with and to celebrate her effective and well-spent life. She noted that Mama was a very strong woman in view of what she went through and was able to withstand, noting that she always prayed to God to give

HID Awolowo “women like me the strength and courage Mama had. “She was a strong pillar behind her husband and she kept the family together after he passed on. She is a great reminder of what Papa Awolowo stood for,” Senator Ita-Giwa said.

Mama was humane, kind —OOU Prochancellor

The management of the Olabisi Onabanjo University (OOU), Ago-Iwoye, led by its Pro-Chancellor, Dr Segun Oshin, was also at the Awolowo’s residence to commiserate with the family. On the entourage were the Vice Chancellor of the university, Professor Saburi Adesanya; deputy vice chancellor, Professor Adewale Okanlawon; Bursar, Abiola Tonade; acting Registrar, Mrs Omolara Osunsanya and the university’s acting Librarian, Bolade Oshinnilu. Oshin had, while speaking to the family, stated that Mama was exceedingly great, exceedingly witty; humane and kind, while Adesanya noted that Mama Awolowo was dear to the university, hence the visit to commiserate with the family.

She was the mother of all —Akin Osuntokun

Stephen

Also extolling Mama’s virtues, the Archbishop of the Methodist Church of Ibadan, Most Reverend Kehinde Stephen, maintained that Mama Awolowo symbolised motherhood in its purest form. “She was a mother of all. She was a wonderful personality. She left good legacies of fortitude, forthrightness and many more. She lived a remarkable life,” he stated.

Ogun SDP, Oyo Accord Party lawmakers pay tribute to Mama

The Ogun State chapter of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) and the members of the Oyo State House of Assembly elected on the platform of the Accord Party and some members of the party’s state executive also paid condolence visits to the Awolowos, eulogising Mama for living a life of service to others and for sustaining the legacies of Papa Awolowo. Speaking on behalf of the Ogun SDP, the chairman of the party, Chief Olu Agemo, said “Mama united all political divides; rightists, leftists and centrists, she saw us all as her children.”

Mayflower Schools, Ikenne too

In his condolence message, a former aide of President Olusegun Obasanjo, Chief Akin Osuntokun, noted that Mama Awolowo was the mother of all, saying: “What more can I say that has not been said? My personal experience is about her motherhood instinct; she was, indeed, the mother of all.”

Students and staff members of the Mayflower Junior and Senior Schools were also at the Awolowo’s residence, where they described Mama as a mother in a million, noting that she lived a long life and recorded rewarding achievements.

She left a timeless legacy-Archbishop

The United Bank for Africa (UBA) has commiser-

UBA condoles with Tribune over HID’s demise

ated with the African Newspapers of Nigeria (ANN) Plc, publishers of Tribune titles on the demise of HID Awolowo, the chairman of the company. The bank, in a condolence letter jointly signed by Olukayode Ogunleye and Adebimpe Ijaoye, Branch Operation Manager and Branch Manager, respectively, described her as a great icon, who lived an exemplary life worthy of emulation. “Indeed, Mama has been a great mother to all. We celebrate her enviable life and memorable existence. Our solace lies in the fact that she lived an exemplary life, one worthy of emulation and left behind a lasting legacy,” the bank stated.

HLB Z.O. Ososanya & Co condoles with Tribune

HLB Z.O. Ososanya and Co., as well as its affiliate, Sanyasec Limited, has condoled with the management and entire members of Tribune family over the transition of its chairman, Chief (Mrs) HID Awolowo. In a condolence message signed by Olufemi Ososanya, Managing Partner, the company said: “It was like swallowing a bitter pill on Saturday, September 19, when we heard the news that the mother of the Yoruba race had passed to the great beyond. “We know Mama as a thorough, astitute and untiring tycoon. We are wit-

nesses to her indispensable contributions to the sustenance and transformation of African Newspapers of Nigeria (ANN) Plc in the media industry in Nigeria. It is known by all that Mama had paddled the canoe of ANN Plc efficiently and effectively since 1987, when Papa Awo passed on. “It is our prayer that the Almighty God give the company and other members of Awolowo family the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss. We also pray for the sweet repose of her gentle soul,” the company stated.

FCMB commiserates with Tribune

First City Monument Bank (FCMB) has equally commiserated with Tribune family over the passage of Mama HID Awolowo. FCMB, in a condolence letter entitled: “HID AWOLOWO: GLORIOUS EXIT OF AN ICON,” described Mama as an epitome of womanhood and a rare shining star, whose faithfulness, dedication and business acumen had been a reference point, not only in Nigeria, but globally. “Mama was a jewel of inestimable value who lived a fruitful life worthy of emulation. Whilst we prayed that the good Lord grant Mama eternal rest, we also pray that the Almighty grant the family she left behind and the entire staff of Tribune the fortitude to bear this great and irreparable loss,” the bank stated.

Wednesday, 30 September, 2015

news

Wednesday, 30 September, 2015

Sunmonu floors Ilaka at tribunal

Ilaka to appeal judgment, says tribunal a theatre of the absurd By Tunde Ogunesan And Dare Adekanmbi

HE petition challenging the victory of the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate, Senator Monsurat Sunmonu in March 28 Oyo Central district National Assembly election was on Tuesday dismissed by the threeman tribunal sitting at the state High Court, Iyaganku, Ibadan. The petition in suit number EPT/IB/SEN/ NA/10/2015, was brought before Justice Abundaga led tribunal by the Accord party candidate, Chief Oyebisi Ilaka and his party, challenging Senator Sunmonu, APC and Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Oyo State as first, second and third respondents respectively. Barristers Olawale Omoloye, Tola Oshoobi, T. Olowofela and Oluwatosin Adisa represented the petitioner, first, second and third respondents respectively. Chief Ilaka had approached the tribunal seeking five reliefs; that Monsurat Sunmonu was not qualified to contest the election because she holds dual citizenship, that Monsurat did not win the APC primaries, that she did not win simple majority of votes of the National Assembly election votes, that Ilaka be declared validly elected as senator and returned. In a two hours, 33 minutes ruling read by the chairman Justice Abundaga, in an unanimous judgment, dismissed the petition by Accord Party candidate, Chief Ilaka on the ground that the petitioner failed to present substantial evidence to support his petition. According to Abundaga, the petitioner failed to bring any evidence to back his claim on dual citizenship while the first respondent brought two witnesses to testify that she is an indigene of Oyo town. Meanwhile, Chief Ilaka has said that he will appeal the judgment, adding that the tribunal had turned itself into “a theatre of the absurd” by standing “justice and all the rules of fair play on its head” by denying him the opportunity to present his case within the 14 days stipulated by the Electoral Act. “It is very funny that the tribunal refused to sanction those who flouted its order to allow us access to the documents and ballot papers we need to present

our evidence. It is curious, to say the least, that on the day that INEC released one of such documents, our hearing was closed. “Having appealed the tribunal’s ruling of August 14 and the notice of appeal properly served on the tribunal, the tribunal rushed to pronounce judgment without waiting for the

outcome of the appeal. “These series of events seem pre-ordained. The judgment gives off a stench. Those in charge should make sure that they audit the judgment. We shall have our days at the Appellate Court. Our people should not lose faith as we shall overcome,” Ilaka said.

Justice Abundaga said that the petitioner also failed to list appropriate documents to back his claim and it was discountenance on the issue of substantial non-compliance with electoral act and therefore, dismissed the petition and upheld the election that brought in the former speaker of the state

assembly. Senator Sunmonu, speaking with journalists said, “It is God that has given me victory and I have never doubt my God because he is a merciful God. Nobody can upturn the victory God has given me. I will advise the opposition to accept defeat,” she said.

From left, Nigeria’s Deputy Permanent Representative to the United Nations (UN), Ambassador Usman Sarki; President Muhammadu Buhari and Nigeria’s Permanent Representative to the UN, Professor Joy Ogwu, after President Buhari’s address at the 70th session of the UN General Assembly in New York, on Monday. PHOTO: NAN

Crisis hits C’River tribunal over competence of judge Ubong Anthony-Calabar

IT took the efforts of armed security operatives to avert bloodshed at the election petition Tribunal sitting in Calabar, Cross River State on Tuesday as supporters of various candidates had a clash. The clash was as a result of

a fresh application from the lead counsel to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidates, Paul Erokoro, challenging the competence of the tribunal Chairman, Justice Christopher Awubra, to continue sitting as the Presiding judge. As early as 8.00 a.m., some petitioners and

their supporters for the cases listed for the day besieged the court room but few minutes to the commencement of the sitting, lead counsels for the various cases were called into the judge’s chamber for a meeting. Tension however began to mount, when the

Ekiti election tribunal dismisses APC’s petition against Olujimi I’ll appeal —Adeniyi Sam Nwaoko-Ado Ekiti

THE election petitions tribunal in Ekiti State on Tuesday threw out a petition filed by the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate in the Ekiti South senatorial election, Mr Anthony Adeniyi, against the victory of Peoples Democratic Party’s (PDP’s) Mrs Abiodun Olujimi in the last general election. The tribunal in a unanimous judgment delivered by a member of the threeman panel, Justice P.A. Obayi at the tribunal held that Olujimi was not a public officer in the employ of the Federal Government. The tribunal threw out the petition for lack of merit and added that the evidence before it showed

that Olujimi was a nonexecutive member of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) board on part-time basis and was not employed in the public service of the federation as claimed by Adeniyi. According to the panel, the PDP senator was not a public servant as envisaged in the First Schedule of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) and held that from the evidence adduced before it, it came to a conclusion that Olujimi was never a staff member of NCC. According to the panel, having resolved the first issue for determination, the second question of whether the 1st Respondent (Olujimi) resigned her appointment as a board member of

NCC did not arise. Justice Obayi held that having been proven not to be in the public service, the second question had become academic, speculative and theoretically serves no purpose, saying “the petition lacks merit and it is accordingly dismissed.” Adeniyi, in reaction to the judgement, said the tribunal did not consider some of the evidences he had presented and said he would challenge the judgement at the Court of Appeal. He said “I’m heading for the Court of Appeal. Our grouse is that we made extensive submissions on the status of the woman but the tribunal in its wisdom did not consider it.”

lawyers came out from the brief meeting with the judges. Indications emerged that the tribunal may not sit because lead counsel to the PDP candidates, Paul Erokoro had filed a fresh application. Erokoro was challenging the competence of the Tribunal Chairman to continue presiding over matters at the tribunal, since he is a serving Customary Court judge in Taraba State, rather than a serving High Court Judge as provided for by the constitution on establishment of election tribunal. After several hours of endless wait for the proceedings to commence, a heated argument spurred up, which almost snowballed into a free- for-all but security operatives swiftly intervened. Thereafter, the tribunal clerk, Innocent Akidi called for calm with the aid of security men and announced that the tribunal will not sit and that all matters for the day have been adjourned to Monday, October 5, 2015. Meanwhile, the tribunal had already delivered two judgments in matters that were brought before them and struck out few others.

Oyo CAN chairman, Olabisi is dead

THE Chairman of Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Oyo State branch and the Adamasingba DCC Superintendent of Christ Apostolic Church (CAC), Worldwide, Pastor Johnson Ayo Olabisi is dead. Olabisi passed away at about 7.00 a.m on Tuesday, September 29 during a brief illness. The President of CAC, Worldwide, Pastor Abraham Akinosun, while leading a delegation of CAC officials to Pastor Olabisi’s home said the death of Pastor Olabisi was very shocking and painful but added that the Lord knew the best. He appealed to members of the Church worldwide to take solace in the fact that Pastor Olabisi devoted his life to the service of his maker and he was always found on the side of what is just and right. He therefore, appealed to all to continue living a righteous life since no one knows when the end would come. Pastor Olabisi was a member of the Presidentin-Council of CAC. He was also the Chairman of the CAC Evangelical Committee and a Council member of the Joseph Ayo Babalola University (JABU), and a member of General Executive Council. He was also a Board Member of the CAC Television.

Awosika, Uwaga, others to grace AIESEC management series lecture THE chairman of First Bank of Nigeria Capital, Mrs Ibukun Awosika and the president, Nigerian Institute of Management, Dr Nelson Uwaga, are among the eminent personalities set to grace AIESEC’s 31st management series lecture in October. According to a release made available by the public relations officer of the group, the lecture, held in honour of the pioneer president and former managing director, Unilever Nigeria, Dr Michael Omolayole, is expected to centre on development strategies for job creation and economic growth, which is aimed at developing youths and the country’s economy. The event is expected to draw participants from budding entrepreneurs, students in secondary and tertiary institutions, while the chief executive officer of Sokoa Chair Limited and Chairman of First Bank of Nigeria Capital, Mrs Awosika is expected to give the keynote lecture.

Wednesday, 30 September, 2015

tribune cartoons

Adeeko Olusegun adeeko.olusegun@yahoo.com 0811 695 4638

GIANT IN THE TROPIC OF AFRICA

CHURCH BOY

FUNOLOGY

Sam Ibiam

• B o r n o n April 4, 1925 in Ebonyi State. • P o p u l a r l y known as The Black Magnet during his playing days, Sam is a Nigerian ex-footballer who played as a goalkeeper for the Nigerian national football team .

SEGELUULU

• He is Nigeria’s first national goalkeeper. • It is claimed that he conceded just five goals in his 9 years of representing Nigeria till he retired from international football in 1958. • Sam Ibiam is now 90.

THERE ARE 10 DIFFERENCES IN THE CARTOONS BELOW. THE DIFFERENCES SHOULD BE MARKED IN B

SPOT THE DIFFERENCE

18 LETTERS TO THE

Wednesday, 30 September, 2015

editor

Letters to the editor should be sent to letters@tribune.com.ng or by sms to 08078891826. It MUST be accompanied by the full name and address of the writer.

Kudos to NCS on smuggled poultry

want to use this opportunity to commend the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) for curbing the importation of frozen poultry in the country. As a nutritionist, I know that most of these foreign producers use banned chemicals to preserve the products, and this is why Nigerians are developing more terminal illnesses like cancers, among others. The Poultry Association of Nigeria (PAN) has been urging Nigerians for many years not to buy foreign frozen poultry. Although they may be cheaper, they are definitely dangerous to the health. Now, the efforts of the NSC will achieve two aims for Nigeria; first, it will create job opportunities for those in the agricultural sector, as producers will need to produce more to meet the shortfall as a result of the banned imports.

In order to produce more, such companies will need to expand their businesses and employ more people. The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) can equally

capitalise on this to reduce unemployment by lending to the agricultural sector. Banks should also lend to agribusiness enterprises at a single digit interest rate. This will allow companies

obtain loan for expansion. As the biggest economy on the continent, we can make agribusiness bigger than oil. At the moment, the price of oil is falling on the international market,

but after meeting local demand, we can begin to export, just like Brazil. Secondly, the ban will definintely impact on the health of Nigerians, as it has been proved that the

chemicals being used to preserve the foreign poultry are dangerous to health.

the Senate president. If we want to tackle corruption, it shouldn’t therefore be selective in nature. Having said this, I want the various anti-corruption agencies in the country, like the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), the Independent Corrupt Practices

and other related offences Commission (ICPC), as well as the Police Fraud Unit (PFU) to do more towards curbing financial crime in the country. Nigeria will never develop if corruption is still thriving.

way finally packed up after series of repairs funded by the community. A patriot in the area, on his own provided a brand new transformer gratis to Benin Electricity Distribution Company. To ‘add pepper to our sore,’ the lady that owns the BEDC arrogantly told the community leaders that she was not interested in supplying electricity to IjeroEkiti because the total fund being generated at Ijero is not up to what a factory in cities will pay to her com-

pany. She refused to install the transformer. The Poser: Is this attitude and approach not a sabotage that negates the Federal Government policy of rural electrification? The attention of the appropriate regulatory authority and particularly Dr. Sam Amadi is hereby drawn to this malaise.

•Felicia Abah, Port Harcourt, Rivers State.

Saraki: Let’s give rule of law a chance LAST week, it was reported in the media that the Senate President, Dr Bukola Saraki, was pelted with rocks and sachet water during prayers at the Prayer Ground in Ilorin on Sallah day. Those who attacked Dr Saraki obviously might have seen his properties and bank accounts which had been circulating on the social media for a while now. While not trying to defend the Senate president, I think Nigerians need to learn to be civil in their approach. Although some people are saying Saraki’s

trial at the Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB) is politically motivated, Nigerians should support the trial of other politicians who have also acquired wealth beyond their means. Nigerians should, however, not resort to lawlessness; we should allow due process to take

place. Attacking politicians for an offence not convicted for is extra-judicial in nature. We should simply allow the rule of law to take its course. Looking at the Saraki case, what we should just ask ourselves is whether he would he facing trial if he was not

•Ismail Ajisewasi, Ilorin, Kwara State.

Attention, BEDC ELECTRICITY supply to Ijero-Ekiti through the nineties to around 2010 was reasonably constant and stable. With the sale to Benin Electricity Distribution Company the

performance began to nose-dive. For almost a year now some sections of the town have been without electricity supply. The transformer at Ijero to Oke-Oro express

•O. Afolabi, 31 Adetoun Estate Road, Ijero-Ekiti, Ekiti State.

Still on the deaths in Saudi IT is so unfortunate that Nigeria lost a huge number of her citizens to the stampede in Mina, Saudi Arabia. No matter the official reason for the stampede, I think the Saudi authorities should just accept responsibility and pay damages to the families of those who died. This is something that happens almost every year, and it is high time something is done urgently to prevent future occurences. As of the last count, Nigeria has lost an Appeal Court judge, a prominent journalist, businessmen and women among others. This is so much a loss to bear. However, I am glad that these people died while trying to fulfil a command-

ment of Allah. I am, therefore, using this opportunity to commiserate with the Nigerian delegation to the Holy land, as well as the families who have lost loved ones. Allah, in His infinite mercy, will give you all the fortitude to bear the loss. Finally, the Nigerian government must ensure that it obtains adequate compensation from the Saudi Arabia government for the families of the deceaseds. While this is not a substitution for the lives lost, it will help the families fulfil some obligations that have to do with finance. •Yakubu Salau, Lokojo, Kogi State.

editorial

Wednesday, 30 September, 2015

Nigerian Tribune

Sub-standard iron rods and the construction industry

consumer rights group, Safety Initiative in Construction Industry, penultimate weekend alerted the Federal Government to the influx of sub-standard iron rods into the building materials market. According to the group, the defective iron rods do not have the imprint of the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) which is the evidence that products have passed quality tests. The group expressed concern about the danger the products constituted to the construction industry and called on the government to take urgent steps against companies involved in the illicit business. The high incidence of buildings collapse is a recurring subject of public discourse that has been attributed to so many factors. The professionals in the construction industry have been blaming the situation on failure to involve qualified and competent professionals in building projects either due to ignorance or the sheer desire to cut costs. Some hold the view that inadequate supervision is largely responsible for the problem, while some others maintain that the unscrupulous behaviour of workmen entrusted with the handling of projects account for a substantial percentage of building collapse. Their argument is that such workmen divert materials provided from one project site to another for their personal financial benefits. The iron rod is one of the most prominent items that determine the solidity of structures in the construction industry. Its inadequacy in any project, either in terms of quality or quantity, cannot but have an adverse effect on the structure. By drawing attention to the production and sale of sub-standard iron rods, the Safety Initiative in Construction Industry has provided a vital information which should serve as a useful guide to both the general public and the relevant agencies of government. The Standards Organisation of Nigeria , which is the agency saddled with the responsibility of ensuring the quality of products, should view the situation with the seriousness it deserves and rise promptly to the occasion. The rights group has provided some leads that could assist the SON in tracking down the manufacturers of the sub-standard products. The group has revealed that the manufacturers have been bypassing established channels of distribution and delivering their fake products to end users at project sites without issuing receipts for products sold. It is thus apparent that the manufacturers are engaged in a clandestine operation that harms Nigeriaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s economic interests and puts its citizensâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; lives in jeopardy.

Each time a building collapses, the losses suffered are both human and material. The SON should make iron and steel manufacturing companies a primary focus of attention in its inspection of business premises. It should extend its visits to construction sites and trace the sources of questionable materials being used in any project. Any business or activity that constitutes a source of danger to the lives and economic interests of the citizens of any country should not be handled with levity. The NSO should seek the assistance of security agencies in tracking down the companies engaged in such a nefarious business. The human rights group that has brought this issue to light can be of further assistance and should be pressed into service in pursuing the objective of exposing the manufacturers of the defective product. The length of time for which such companies have been doing their illicit business and the extent to which they have penetrated the construction industry and contributed to the spate of collapsed buildings in Nigeria should be of interest to the government. The identification and apprehension of all those involved should be pursued with utmost vigour. If, as the rights group has hinted, the manufacturers are foreigners, they should be subjected to the punishment prescribed for producers of fake products by Nigerian laws and expelled from the country. And in case they have local collaborators, appropriate punishments should be meted out to such people for aiding foreigners to do what they dare not attempt in their home countries. The number of buildings that have collapsed and the number of people that have been crushed to death as a result of these illegal activities of these companies may not be known. What is obvious is that they have broken the laws of the land and should be swiftly brought to justice. The frequency at which buildings have been collapsing in Nigeria and the avoidable deaths that have been resulting therefrom should be an embarrassment to both the government and the relevant professional associations. If there are no defects in materials or errors in the process of construction, buildings will not collapse. If the specific factors responsible for the collapse of buildings have, over the years, been isolated and preventive measures put in place, the embarrassing case at the Synagogue Church of All Nations in which 116 people, including 67 South Africans died, would not have occurred. The discovery of defective iron rods should serve as an eye opener to the need for constant inspection of manufacturing processes and construction sites.

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opinion

Wednesday, 30 September, 2015

Politics and Nigeria’s ethnic divide By Bolaji Aregbesola

HE age-long ethnic division and mutual suspicion among Nigerians have been brought to the fore once again. President Muhammadu Buhari recently announced the appointment of six individuals including the Secretary to the Government of the Federation and this announcement has been met with criticisms from different sections of the Nigerian society. A statement in defence of the president’s appointments of twenty five persons since the beginning of the administration stated that the president would right the wrong and would pacify all frayed nerves in subsequent political appointments. Some Nigerians have also faulted this statement saying that the president knew all along that the appointments made so far were tilted towards a certain section of the Nigerian society. Now President Buhari has been tagged the “King of the North” in an article by Chief Femi Fani-Kayode who described the president’s appointments in three months after he was sworn into office as a mess. This article has lent its voice to the various criticisms and attacks on President Buhari’s political appointments and has also increased the debate about the intentions and agenda of the president. We the Nigerian people especially political parties and politicians have to champion the task of nation building through cohesion and integration of the diversity of cultures and ethnic groups in Nigeria. We need to move away from our old ways of thinking because Nigeria has been experiencing a setback on account of tribalism, ethnicity, sectionalism, zoning and federal character. President Buhari should not see these attacks and criticisms over his government’s appointments as personal but rather as a wake-up call and an opportunity to work earnestly towards achieving nationhood and national unity as many Nigerians do not have an outlook of one Nigeria. Chief Femi Fani-Kayode said in his article that the logic of ignoring federal character for merit is absurd, besides he concluded that equitable distribution of political ap-

pointments is a pre-requisite for peace, security and national unity. I beg to disagree with this assertion as federal character and zoning have not served our collective interest since independence. What they have done at best is to inflict pains on the Nigerian people and hamper the country’s growth and development. That is why the issue of tribalism, ethnicity and sectionalism still remains a big problem in Nigeria after 54 years of independence. Nigerian politicians and leaders should not fan the embers of discord and disunity among the different ethnic groups of the Nigerian society. They should rather champion the cause of national unity and nationhood. Federal character, zoning and the likes have been used over the years as a way of addressing the problem of ethnicity in Nigeria but these principles have failed to solve the problem of disunity thus creating more problems such that the APC had to run away from it due to the negative impact it had on the PDP during their 16 year-rule. Some people have admonished those who argue in favour of merit over federal character not to speak like illiterates. Well, being in support of federal character over merit as a

criteria for government appointments does not mean that a person knows very much either. President Buhari has to work tirelessly towards achieving national unity and nationhood. Though the present administration has security, the fight against corruption and jobs creation through the economy as its top priorities due to the exigency of our current national crisis but the Buhari administration now has to include national unity as one of its top priorities. The president’s Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr. Femi Adesina has said that political appointments would be balanced in the long run. It is not enough to balance government’s appointments but it is also important to change our sectional and regional outlook which has affected our ability to see ourselves as Nigerians first. President Buhari and all members of the political class have to work towards fostering social harmony among over one hundred and seventy million Nigerians and not contribute towards widening the ethnic divide that has plagued the country for many years. Governor Adams Oshiomhole in his defence of the president’s appointments said that we must not reduce governance to political patronage of bread and butter but unfortunately, we are yet to move beyond this point as a country besides political appointments have over the years been consolation prizes rather than getting the best minds to move us into the future. Nigerian leaders and politicians must recognise the dangers posed to the unity of Nigeria by being sentimental and playing the ethnic card. It is high time they begun to work on addressing issues emanating from our stark contradictions and flawed political foundation; and which are responsible for Nigeria’s perennial crisis as well as the current criticisms and reactions trailing President Buhari’s recent appointments. We are at the early months of the new administration and there is no better time to work towards national unity and nationhood than now. •Aregbesola is a public affairs commentator.

Still on Nigeria’s anti-corruption war By Iyoha John Darlington

EWS filtering in from Nigeria says there has been an improvement in power supply. Only last month we got a report that the country’s supply of electricity has improved tremendously and now operates on a 5000-megawatt gas-fired power station from which it again fell to 4000. Be that as it may, there is no denying the fact that there has been an improvement because before the present administration took over power in Nigeria the turbines, we gathered, produced much less. Many attempts by the previous administrations to fix this problem collapsed like a pack of cards. Cases of corruption trailed the attempts and whopping sums of money expended on the project disappeared without any trace, the most recent one is the over $16 billion during President Olusegun Obasanjo’s administration. Late President Umaru Yar’ Adua came without a lasting solution to the problem before President Goodluck Jonathan took over. The writer has it on good authority that President Muhammadu Buhari during an interview on BBC Hausa radio service said he did not part with extra money other than the stern warning he issued to the stakeholders to either give Nigerians electricity or lose their licences. The President deserves a pat on the back for this pronouncement all things considered. Have these workers come with any solution or still a part of the problem? A recent study has shown that Nigeria is capable of having uninterrupted power supply if our leaders are determined to solve this knotty problem. A lot of money has doubtless been spent on ensuring that power outage becomes a thing of the past; instead of an improvement it has assumed an embarrassing dimension. More embarrassing was the fact in 2009 when Nigeria’s State House got entangled in a frequent power outage that necessitated the resolve to

power the Presidential palace with stand-by generators. Casual visitors to the country who pass through the nation’s gateway to Nigeria - the airport of Lagos - are not spared this scare either. Often times, that airport has been thrown into complete darkness. These visitors go back to their respective countries with embarrassing tales about Nigeria which cause Nigerians in the Diaspora a crying shame. This is a frontline oil producing nation blessed with other vast potentials but is not ready to solve this perennial crisis. It would be recalled, however, that the immediate past Federal Government under President Goodluck Jonathan moved heaven and earth to fix power supply in Nigeria, all facilities were put in place before his unceremonious exit from power. Meek as he is, his instructions and orders were often flouted which contributed immeasurably to the failure of that God-send administration. The man that Nigerians actually need is none other than a fire-

brand leader whose words readily become effective as soon as they are uttered. It is not in dispute that electricity is the pivot on which every modern society rotates. For Nigeria to join the league of developed nations she needs round-the-clock power supply. We can achieve this by dint of hard work if we remain truly determined because what we long strive for that has gulped billions of our taxpayers’ money has been effortlessly achieved by other Lilliputian republics in the subregion. Many people make a brisk business out of this unfortunate situation and this must stop henceforth coupled with the fact that the level of power generation is grossly inadequate for a country of our size. 170 million is quite enormous if you ask me! In this administration’s bid to fix this problem, two key areas amid others must be looked into viz: Power at Substation: Has there been general maintenance? Are the transformers regularly maintained? Are substandard cables, fuses, switchgear and transformers that often result in voltage drops in use? What about vandalism and corrosion? These problems are hydra-headed which must be severely and resolutely tackled. Distribution: In the area of power distribution, the attitude of workers does not help matters either. There are reported cases where workers’ palms had to be greased before an area is lit up and cases also abound where a flat or bungalow uses more than a single phase. This must be frowned upon and stopped forthwith and the occupiers of such apartments read the Riot Act. While commending the president on this, much still needs to be done to complement his untiring efforts considering what we stand to gain in the long run. •Iyoha writes from Turin, Italy.

Wednesday, 30 September, 2015 Editor: Bayo ALADE featuresdesk@yahoo.com 08055001747

features

Spectators at the arena

Ojude Oba: Melting pot of fashion, fanfare and business By Paul Omorogbe

OR those not too familiar with the Ojude Oba festival, it is one of the most popular festivals in the Southwest part of Nigeria. The festival comes up annually on the third day of Eid-al-adha, which marks the climax of the holy pilgrimage to Mecca. History has it that the festival has been on for about 100 years. Accordingly, it is a festival whose main purpose is for the people of Ijebuland to come together as one to honour their king, who is the

Awujale, Oba Sikiru Adetona. In earlier times, Ojude Oba was an occasion for the first set of Muslim converts to visit the then Awujale to express gratitude to him for giving them the free will to practise their new found faith. Today, the ceremony cuts across religious boundaries as both Christians and Muslims are involved. The ceremony has no doubt gained national prominence as people from the length and breadth of the country make their way to Ijebuland for the celebration. Traditionally, the processions consist of

Traditionally, the processions consist of male and female age groups of indigenes called regberegbe. Each of these age groups bear names that are associated with the throne.

male and female age groups of indigenes called regberegbe. Each of these age groups bear names that are associated with the throne. Bobayo for instance means ‘those who rejoice with the king’, Bobakeye means ‘those who join the king in splendour’, Bobajolu means ‘those who assist the king to unite the town’. Each group was gaily festooned in the latest fashion as they filed past in unison to the tunes of traditional music to pay homage to the king. There are also groups of horse riders Continues on pg22

features

Wednesday, 30 September, 2015

Nigerian Tribune

Paying homage to the Awujale

...A festival for family reunion Continues from pg21

called eleshins. The eleshin groups are usually made up of family members. The parade of the descendants of war heroes who gained notable victories for the Ijebu nation during the inter-ethnic Yoruba wars in the pre-colonial times would then follow. The families including the Otubu, Kuku and Balogun are called out in order with the leader of the family- in most cases the eldest in the family or his child or grandchild mounts horsebacks and dance to traditional drumbeats. The display by the horses is a major attraction at the festival, fascinating the young and old. It is a display which causes visitors to return year after year. This year’s festival, held last Saturday had the theme: “Harnessing our Cultural Heritage for Economic Development.” For the first time, this year’s Ojude Oba festival witnessed a woman being recognised as special guest of honour. She is Senator Daisy Danjuma. Mrs. Modupe Adekunle, Ogun State Head of Service, represented Governor Ibikunle Amosun, who was away on pilgrimage to Mecca. Also present at the event was Governor Seriake Dickson of Bayelsa State, who described himself ‘as an Ijebu man from Bayelsa’. Governor Dickson came dressed as a member of the Jagunmolu group of the regberegbes. Ojude Oba festival has not ceased to be a festival of fun and excitement. This year’s event was literally a colourful event, going by the beautiful colour combinations adorned by the various regberegbes. As usual, there were awards for the best regberegbe male and female groups. For the winner of this year’s regberegbe female category, the Egbe Bobakeye, some bright ideas that came in the nick of time got them the trophy. Speaking on behalf of the winning group that received the winner’s prize of N500,000 and a trophy, an elated Mrs Taibat Abiodun Ogunkoya said, although the planning had been on since the Eid-el-Fitri holiday, “It was this morning we decided to tie our ‘gele’ this way. We decided to tie it the way our mothers used to do it, and we are so happy we won.” The top prize for the male category was won by the Egbe Obafuwaji. Among the eleshins, the Kuku family won the top prize

as they did not fail to live up to their billing as the group with one of the most elaborate and impressive showing in this category over the years. Segun Bashorun tends a horse belonging to the Odunnuga family. He explained to Nigerian Tribune that the feeding and general welfare of the horses was a family affair. He said any family member with a flair for horses could take up the responsibility together with the support of other family members. “It is something anybody in the family who likes horses can do. The family takes care of the feeding and training in preparation for this festival,” he said. Apart from being a traditional festival, the Ojude Oba has remained an avenue to make brisk business for the large brands and small ones. Apart from the usual hawking, games and dance shows, some sales people apply several means to achieve their aims including spending the night with a stranger, as was observed in this interaction between a sales girl and a prospecting customer. Customer: “Wetin be dis?” Sales girl: “Na ‘XYZ’ bitters.” Customer: “How dem dey use am? Sales girl: “Na you and your wife na!” Customer: “But I no bring my wife. You go do?” Sales girl: “No problem!” Youth participation in this year’s Ojude Oba festival was significantly high. Young people were well represented in their large numbers. It was a time of reunion for them as the ones Nigerian Tribune interacted with said they had travelled from outside the state to be there. As the Ogun State, HOS Mrs Adekunle rightly observed in her message on behalf of the state governor, “Most of

Apart from being a traditional festival, the Ojude Oba has remained an avenue to make brisk business for the large brands and small ones.

our children don’t know what our culture really is like.” Ismail Alebiosu, a youth, said he is based in Lagos and had been attending for about decade. “We use this occasion as a family reunion to unite with relatives in Ijebu-Ode. To make it more fun we did these customized T-shirts my cousins and I are wearing now.” Kola Odesanmi is a phone technician based in Computer Village in Lagos. He said his mother’s family lives in Ita Afin of Ijebu-Ode but his father was from Osun State. Having been at the festival last year, he said, “This year, I am much happier because last year I didn’t have money to spend. My mother had to encourage me to attend then so I could feel happy. I have been coming for over seven years. This year has been an opportunity to re-unite with my friends. I did not know they would be coming, but I am glad we met each other here.” This year’s festival was also a means to try out new technologies in event coverage. One Mr Tolulope Shosinmi, an Arts and Photography expert used a drone for aerial photography at the event. “It just takes a period of training to use the drones. It is something new I have been doing at events I cover,” he said. The festival did not come without a few challenges; one of which was a traffic gridlock which stretched across a major part of Folagbade Street, the road which leads to the Awujale’s palace and the arena opposite it where the festival proper took place. As people made their way in and out of the arena in their thousands, security men did their best to maintain law and order. Nonetheless, driving through the vicinity of the festival was an uphill task. One driver, simply identified as Mr Emmanuel said, “This one is too much, but we just have to bear it. This festival is what we are here for,” as he smiled faintly while waiting for traffic to move. By the time the proceedings at the Ojude Oba festival arena were over, numerous street parties organinsed by indigenous families began to hot up, just as some of the eleshins carried on with their parade on the streets amidst singing and dancing. Before the festival was over, the Awujale had this to say about this year’s event, “I am happy and grateful for the large turnout, contribution and sacrifice all have made especially our sponsors, who have helped raised this event to an enviable tourists’ delight which attracts people from all walks of life and from other parts of the country.”

Wednesday, 30 September, 2015

Nigerian Tribune

by Wale Ojo-Lanre 0803 349 0986 waleojolanre@gmail.com

Tourism of the Awolowo Dynasty By Akinola Iwilade

OURISM and its activities have a lot to behold. It is alluring, historical, medieval, contemporary, appealing and very wonderful. Certain enigmas promote all these unknowingly. The enigmas are man-made, natural, scientific and metaphysical. At rare situations, the enigmas could be of faith or partly spiritual. Examples of such enigmas are: institutions, cultures, monuments, events, landmass, plants and animals and lastly, but most important in this article people. Tourism and its business are largely dependent on these items. And as all products possess raw materials to which they are made, so are tourism products not in anyway an exception. This article and research will be limited to the enigma of people. It shall form the subject matter of the article and it shall be the basis of the new tourism product The Obafemi HID Awolowo Product. The general thought of the people enigma in tourism People generally possess instinctive and distinctive abilities in which if it is put to best use could turn basis for academic and tourism exploits. All over the world, certain individuals have been subject of many researches and items of tourism intrigues while they live and mostly often while they are no more. It is very interesting that even the research names are coined after such great men and women who have carved a niche for themselves in their chosen fields of endeavour. In areas that are most popular are politics, sports, oddities, metaphysics, sciences generally, arts etc. Examples of such people that have been subjects of research in modern time globally and the way their names were coined are: Nostradamus metaphysics, Gandhi study, Hitler phenomenon, Gani Law, Zikism, and our subject matter Awoism. Some are also labelled with the fashion style of such people to the extent that their fashion style is made the symbol of the researches or the admirers of such enigmas. For instance the ‘Red Cap’ in Kano, Northern Nigeria is a symbol from the fashion style of the great Aminu Kano who was credited to have lived a masses-friendly life through his development strides in politics for which he is being studied and admired. ‘The Tourism of the Awolowo Dynasty’ A product must have raw materials as I have written earlier and the raw materials shall be modified as original as possible and the raw materials for this product include but not limited to: Awo’s Mercedes Benz; in which he drove the country during 1979 and 1983 general elections respectively, a sword, various staff of authority, clothes including the one he wore on the day death visited, published books and his several speeches or policy papers on development among others. A product (The Obafemi HID Awolowo Tourism Product) is definitely going to be accepted immediately it is presented to various local and international markets given the enigmas to which are the basis of the product. The enigmas represent family success, national service and discipline in ideals of life. The loyalty of husband to wife and loyalty of wife to husband are legendary. The world must learn about these! It is no longer news that Chief Obafemi Awolowo, former Premier of the Defunct Western Region is the designer and architect of modern western region which form Lagos, Oyo, Osun, Ondo, Ogun, and Ekiti states which are obviously the home of Nigeria’s most developed manpower. However, this assertion may be contested by men of letters whom I owe in high esteem in every area in the

Mercedes Benz that Chief Obafemi Awolowo rode during his time value who could have helped answer the questions have as well answered the triumphant call, so we are left with Reverend Tola Oyediran and Ambassador Olatokunbo Awolowo Dosumu and probably Mr Segun Awolowo who may shed more light on the issues raised. Anyway, the inquisitiveness in tourism and various unanswered questions make the world of tourism and research great. Awo’s cap is another feather to his fashion sense. His trust in God, his Spartan life of self discipline and his amiable jewel of inestimable value are all the effects that make Awolowo what he was. Therefore, for any tourism product on him it is Awo and HID or nothing.

Chief Obafemi Awolowo and his wife, HID country. Even his worst critique accepts that obvious reality. In the runoff to the 1979 general elections, even the then military Head of State, General Olusegun Obasanjo, having agreed to the pedigree of Chief Awolowo opined that the best candidate may not win the election apparently referring to the Sage. There were very many virtues that stood Awolowo out which are laden in his modesty and consistency in ideals. Aside his Spartan life style, his dressing is of his brand which many nowadays, young and old, have taken to as a dress code. In such we have his much talked about round glasses which he wore even at his lying-in-state. The intrigues worth studying in this act of Awolowo is that of the reason why he wore such glasses, why he chose the round size and how he got the inspiration for the choice. Unfortunately, he is no more and his jewel of inestimable

The tourism of HID Awolowo Between November 25, 1915 and the evening of September 19, 2015, when Chief Hannah Idowu Dideolu Awolowo nee Adelana lived, she had carved a niche for herself as first and foremost a responsible wife for which she was described as the ‘jewel of inestimable value’ by her husband in his book My Early Life. Politically, spiritually and socially she distinguished herself and she is worthy not just as a role model for womanhood, but also a basis for research. Her personal effects are also needed for consumption by tourists. Spiritually and being a devout Christian as described by her pastors and reverends whose church she attended till death, a tourism phenomenon could be seen to have originated from her personal effects like: her Bible, church garments, hymn book, church notes (notes she wrote on sermons), etc. And finally, now that both Chief Obafemi Awolowo and his ‘Jewel of Inestimable value,’ Mama HID Awolowo are now in the great beyond, the culture of Awoism which symbolises selfless service to humanity, dedicated husband and wife, and life of devout Christianity and trust in God should be propagated so that the beliefs, lives and ideals of this great couple live forever in the hearts of tourists and might prompt leaders and youths to live the worthy life of the sage and his ‘jewel of inestimable value.’ Goodnight to these authorities! • Iwilade, a tourism researcher and poet.

Wednesday, 30 September, 2015

tribunetourism Envoy lauds Gani Adams on cultural-tourism crusade By Wale Ojo–Lanre

HE Yoruba cultural-traditional values revival being propagated by Oodua Progressive Union (OPU), under the leadership of Otunba Gani Adams has been described as a foresighted initiative which will bring the best of cultural behavioural patterns out of Nigerians in the Diaspora. The Nigerian ambassador to Cote D’ivore, Mrs Ifeoma Jacinite Akabogu-Chinwuba made this remark at the Nigerian House, Abidjan, Cote D’Ivoire during a courtesy visit paid on her by the leader of Oodua People’s Congress (OPC) and the Chief Convener of OPU, Otunba Gani Adams Introducing the visiting OPU members to Mr Kareem Nasir Adeolu, Coordinator OPU and President Yoruba Community in Cote D’ivore who led the visiting OPU leaders to the Nigerian House described Mrs Jacinite Akabogu-Chinwuba as a thorough bred Nigerian in totality. “It is my pleasure to bring our esteemed guests from Yorubaland to a woman of purpose who is not just an ordinary lady of thought, but a robust diplomat who seasoned and buffeted in the art of diplomatic finesse.” He pointed out that Mrs Akabogu-Chinwuba is a paragon of Nigerian virtues and a Nigerian in totality who is difficult for one to identify where she comes from whether she is Ibo, Yoruba, Hausa or Niger- Deltan. “This woman is a mother to all. She is not only a refined diplomat but one with a robust sense of responsibility who is difficult for you to identify her ethnic origin. She is a wonderful woman who operates an open door policy and very accessible. We thank the Federal Government of Nigeria for blessing Nigerians in Cote d’Ivoire with this wonderful mother diplomat.” Mr Adeolu pointed out that since Mrs Akabogu-Chinwuba resumed in Abidjan, “Nigerians here have continued to enjoy and experience blissful relationship and deeper interaction more than before. She has injected into us a virus of unity which has enabled all Nigerians here to obliterate the ethnic coloration and labour over that which binds us together.” “Otunba Adams and the kabiyesi will see the sign of this unity of Nigerians in Cote D ‘Ivoire tomorrow during the formal inauguration of OPU at Treichville Stadium. Ambassador Akabogu-Chinwuba has contributed more than any of her predecessors in the area of fostering communal relationship amogsts the various Nigeria ethnic groups in the country. Mr Adeolu commended the Federal Government for posting Mrs Akabogu-Chinwuba to Cote D’Ivoire because “we have in here an affectionate mother, a rare breed of a diplomat who is ready and willing to do the needful whenever she is needed.” The OPU coordinator enjoined Otunba Adams and his entourage to specially commend and thank the Ambassador’ for representing Nigeria well and being a mother for all. Otunba Adams who was in Abidjan with

a large cultural delegation from Nigeria had four traditional rulers, the Ajero of Ijero Ekiti, Oba Joseph Adewole Adebayo, Oba Yisa Olanipekun, Zaki of Arigidi, Ondo State Oba Adeoye Lasisi, Olawuyi, Ondo State Oba Adeoye Lasisi, Olawuyi, Asigangan of Igangan, Oyo State, and Oba Sanni Walidu, Olugedegede of Igedegede, journalists and other cultural stakeholders from Nigeria paid a courtesy call on the Ambassador at the Nigerian House said that it was a matter of necessity him to pay a visit to the Nigerian House wherever the OPU was to be formally inaugurated. “It has been our culture since we started to plant and inaugurate OPU, to make sure that we pay a courtesy visit to the Nigerian House to acquaint the Ambassador of our mission in the land and to ensure proper

understanding of the aims and objectives of this union which is purely and basically a cultural revivalists’ association aimed at reminding the Yoruba in Diaspora the essence of good behaviour and keeping the cultural value of the race in foreign land. “It is our modus operandi to pay a courtesy call on the Nigerian House wherever we are to inaugurate the Union so as first, give honour to who is due, relate our mission to the ambassador for proper briefing, understanding and comprehension of our mission and to establish contact for proper monitoring, guidance and activities of our members here by the embassy.” He pointed out that “We are happy to be here in Abidjan. We are impressed by the hospitality displayed by Her Excellency, Ambassador Akabogu-Chinwuba and the

embassy officials who ensured a conducive and warm atmosphere .which assured us that we are truly in Nigeria our father’s land.” He pointed out “And this behavioural pattern of OPU has not only saved us from misunderstanding of intention and purpose, but has helped in better understanding of the rationale behind the formation of OPU.” Otunba Adams said that Cote d ‘Ivoire is one of the countries in West Africa where Nigerians particularly the products of Oduduwa are not only present in large number, but thriving in their various occupational and trading endeavours . “We are here to inaugurate Oodua Progressive Union, which is the melting pot of cultural and social miscegenation for all Yoruba in the Diaspora,” Otunba Adams re-

vealed. Our aim is to stoke the ember of cultural responsibility in our people and lubricate the chord of unity and brotherhood for the glory and pride of Nigeria.” He pointed out “we realised that we have a sizeable number of Yoruba running to 2.7 million some of who are not culturally in touch with home. There are also the Yoruba who have alienated themselves from the cultural character of the race, posterity beckoned us and laid on our shoulders the onerous responsibility of stoking the embers of cultural rejuvenation for social responsibility and altruistic patriotism in these wonderful men and women.” Otunba Adams informed the Ambassador “It is my pleasure to inform you that OPU has been successfully planted in 58

From right, Olugedegede of Igedegede, Ekiti State, Oba Sanni Walidu; Zaki of Arigidi, Ekiti State, Oba Yisa Olanipekun; Otunba Gani Adams; Nigeria Ambassador to Cote d’Ivoire, His Exellency, Mrs Ifeoma Jacinite Akabogu-Chinwuba; Owa of Ijero-Ekiti, Oba Joseph Adewole Adebayo; Agangan of Igangan, Oyo State, Oba Adeoye Lasisi; OPU Coordinator, Cote d’Ivoire, Abidjan, Mr Kareem Nasir Adeolu and others.

countries of the world. What we are about doing in Cote D ‘Ivoire is the inauguration of the 59th Chapter of OPU and we are happy not only by the fact that we have a strongly responsible and altruistic Yoruba here but also a wonderful Ambassador who tends the flock of Nigerians here with potent affection as attested. Otunba Adams sequentially reeled out the mission statement of OPU and explained the relationship and difference between OPU. “I first of all must make it clear to your Excellency that OPU is a different entity from OPC. OPC is a self-determination group which protects the territorial integrity and influence of the Yoruba race. While OPU is a socio-cultural organisation formed purposely to arrest, sustain and uphold the pristine cultural consciousness and identity of the Yoruba race which is going down a seemingly irremediable forgotten dungeon.” Otunba Adams explained that “OPU is purely cultural. It is about cultural rejuvenation and resuscitation. It is solely for Yoruba in Diaspora. It is not a self-determinant group. It is to remind the Yoruba why they are who they are culturally and to ensure that they keep the oath of good behaviour wherever they are. He commended the Ambassador for being a good representative of the country “I am impressed by the testimony of you by the Yoruba here who applauded you for operating an open door policy and making yourself accessible to all and particularly of being there whenever the occasion demands.” Responding, Ambassador Akabogu – Chinwuba also applauded Otunba Adams and his delegation for deeming it necessary to pay her a visit. “I am impressed by your conduct and robust sense of responsibility of visiting Nigerian house in Abidjan. I have heard and read a lot about you, your organisations and I am impressed with the aims, objectives and mission statement of OPU which I believe if pursued to its logical conclusion will not only be beneficial to the great Yoruba race alone, but to all Nigerians and Africans in general.” She pointed out “The time has come for cultural rejuvenation and resuscitation. The world is going digital. “Any culture which is not being kindled or rejuvenated may be swept away by digital and foreign flood. I am happy that you have commenced the process of rejuvenation of the Yoruba culture and pristine values on the global stage where it is most needed.” She revealed that Cote d’Ivoire harbours over 2.8 million Nigerians where by 2.7 million are Yoruba “but honestly, Nigerians in Cote “d’Ivoire are peace loving par excellence who are above average in keeping to the rules and directives of staying in a foreign land.” Ambassador Akabogu-Chinwuba commended Otunba Adams for having a rare insight to inaugurate the OPU which will be a veritable avenue for behavioural modulation, collective monitoring and a springboard for socio-cultural unity. The ambassador presented plagues of commendation to Otunba Adams, the tra-

ditional rulers who accompanied him to the Embassy applauded the rulers for identifying with the vision of OPU. Giving the vote of thanks on behalf of Otunba Adams’ entourage, Mr Yomi Davies, CEO, Metro News “It is our great pleasure to be here today to meet one of the most wonderful Nigerian ambassadors who is sensible, responsible, and brilliant and who

understand her calling as an ambassador of a country. Your finesse of conduct and logical presentation of your welcome speech, all combined make you a pride of the nation. While I thank you on behalf of Otunba Adams ‘delegation, I must tell you that we shall also tell the world, nay, Nigerians that here in Abidjan, Cote D ‘Ivoire, we have not only an ambassador but a Nigerian in totally.”

Lagos to constitute CPWB —Ambode

Governor Akinwunmi Ambode, Lagos State

Mr John Kennedy Opara, Executive Secretary, NCPC

THE Executive Governor of Lagos State, Mr Akinwunmi Ambode while receiving the Executive Secretary of Nigerian Christian Pilgrim Commission (NCPC), Mr John Kennedy Opara and his team who were on a sensitisation visit to Lagos State has disclosed that the state would constitute its Christian Pilgrim Welfare Board in few days time in order to ensure that Lagosians benefit from the tremendous innovations of the Nigerian Christian Pilgrim Commission in the 2015 pilgrimage exercise. In his words, “We will not leave any stone unturned to ensure that we support you and the board here.” He affirmed that Lagos State had been a cooperative partner of the NCPC over the years and the commission had brought much value to the state through its pilgrimage programmes, adding that pilgrimage is a life changing experience worthy of performing as it fulfills an individual’s Christian life. The Governor commended NCPC and its leadership for the high level of organization it has always maintained in all its exercises. He assured the NCPC boss that he would improve on his support for pilgrimage so that more people from the state can be transformed. Earlier, the Executive Secretary commended him for being a man of vision and for remaining focused on his job. In his words, “your commitment is something people outside admire so much. You are in-

deed a leader with very rare qualities.” He intimated the Governor on the four pilgrimage programmes the commission runs yearly: The Easter pilgrimage, the youth pilgrimage which is designed to catch them young and which was launched in July, the family pilgrimage, and the Main pilgrimage usually held between October and December. He further stated that skill acquisition programme has been recently introduced to pilgrims’ activities while in the Holy Land, with the aim of empowering the Nigerian youths to be self reliant. He, therefore, urged the governor to partner with the commission to empower the youths in the state. He informed that the commission has expanded the scope of pilgrimage to Greece and Rome over the years and would continue to add value to the entire pilgrimage programme. He explained that the commission is mindful of the economic situation of the country and thus partnering with the National Lottery Regulatory Commission to commence a Christian Pilgrimage lottery Scheme to enable many Christians embark on Holy Pilgrimage with little or no cost, especially, now that the commission strives towards self sustenance. He encouraged the Governor to partner with the commission and other well meaning Lagosians to sponsor Christians who are spiritually rich, but materially poor to participate in the Lottery Scheme.

tribunebusiness

Wednesday, 30 September, 2015

Nigerian Tribune

Group Business Editor Sulaimon Olanrewaju

energy

m:08055001708 e:lanresulaimon@yahoo.com t:@lanresulaimon

anchor

Tunde Dodondawa

m:08029370304 e:mrdodondawa@yahoo.com

The Group Managing Director of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), Dr Emmanuel Ibe Kachikwu, in this interview with Energy correspondents in Lagos, outlined his plan for the corporation. Excerpts by OLATUNDE DODONDAWA.

HAT was your reaction when you were named as the GMD, NNPC and how do you intend to transform the Corporation? I never imagined I would start in the private sector and ended up in the public sector. When the president asked me to join him in re-directing the NNPC my first response was one of fright to be honest. I’ve been used to a life where processes work, you can pre-determine the decision and where you were headed. So I wondered if the Corporation will be ready for the sanitization that I will need to do if I have to drive the affairs of the Corporation. My first response was largely to say no, but later I realized it wasn’t really an option because all of us will have to leave our comfort zones and help. If you begin to consider your comfort zone, this country will not move forward. My time here is out about how long i stay, but how well I do with the time I have. If it is going to be one or two days, I will make a difference. That’s why you can see I’m moving with lots of speed because it is almost like I have a very limited time here. I have not started my sanitization process, sometimes people do the wrong thing because the operational environment permits them to do so. Lots of good people within the NNPC whom may have done wrong thing at one stage or the other. Even if I ask you to do something and in your judgement you considered it to be wrong, please don’t do it. There is no meeting point between the good and the bad, right and wrong. It is either something is right or wrong and there should not be an accommodation of what’s wrong. Unfortunately, so much harm has been done and so much needs to be done so quickly. The price of oil is less than $50 per barrel and the chances from every calculations it is not going up soon or the way we would have expected it to be. My hope is that this time next year, we should be seeing the trajectory of oil going above $50 per barrel. So every action that we will take must gravitate towards how do you help in that price uplift. The decision you take is not about being in position but because you have national interest and the entire economy to protect. So you need to decide what to do with the refineries. It has an effect. You decide what to do with the management of the fund, it also has an effect. The Nigerian public has the right to know that, it is not a privilege. We are working on making information easily accessible and available via the website. We need to give to them how their oil money is obtained, how contracts are awarded and funds are spent. We must be sincere and we are starting with our monthly re-

Subsidy removal, political — GMD, NNPC

Group Managing Director, Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, Dr Ibe Kachikwu port which will be out next week. It will contain data on all our activities for the month.

Right now, we are losing quite a lot. By my last count, we are losing N10billion on each of the refineries which is a huge loss.

NNPC is perceived to be corrupt because of poor and non-transparent account management system. How do you deal with the accounting issues in the NNPC? Firstly, we will be dealing with the accounting issues transparently. We are bringing in the auditors who did a partial audit to come and do the full audit. I need to know the the true state of finances of the Corporation and statement of funds. Our accounts were last audited in 2013 and we will bring it to 2015. That’s something I hope I will achieve before December. Once we know that, whether the accounts are good, whether the performances are good or bad is secondary. Because at least we will know what the state is and what you

need to work upon. We will do that and the President is very supportive of that. The next transparency issue we need to address is that the contractual processes must be transparent. Nigerians have an entitlement to participate in contract. It is not a privilege but their rights. And everybody must have same opportunity to be able to participate. In doing this, we must choose the best contract model that offers the best value chain yield for this country. If a contract doesn’t give me a good financial yield for the country, I’m going to cancel it. It is not that the operator of the contract is bad, but I will like to give others the opportunity to bid and see which is better. If you look at some contracts which we have cancelled, we have saved an average amount of $150million in a month just for the contract to be cancelled. In December, we are going to have a crude deal. Hopefully, we will end up with a sequence of results that will not only save money but improve efficiency and be seen and transparent. We are very focused on the transparency issue because if the NNPC must get back to its credibility, we must first address the transparency issue. We have the best engineers in this country managing our refineries. The fact that we continued to manage and operate the refineries that are about 30 years old without spare parts and lacked Turn Around Maintenance (TAM) is sheer miracle. It is unbelievable. Every international team you call will say ‘scrap’ them but our guys continue to maintain them. So, we must respect their intelligence. What we need to have is some level of independence. We should be able to fund the refineries. Right now, we are losing quite a lot. By my last count, we are losing N10billion on each of the refineries which is a huge loss. That’s why we need to keep from areas of emotions to areas of business. Sometimes, they say I talk of business and don’t talk of social services because it’s a Corporation. The day NNPC get social services we won’t be having this conversation but if it’s called Corporation it means the country expects it to make money, manage the business to make profit. I am very focused on the corporation aspect, I’m focused on the business aspect and want to do even better. What are the main challenges confronting the NNPC at present? The sheer issue of subsidy will continue to be a major challenge for us. There have been calls whether to remove subsidy or not but I don’t want to go into that debate because it is very political and not my focus. My focus is to deliver products at a price that makes sense to this Corporation so that we can survive as an entity and the country can take away some of the support that it gives. I will need to find a contractual model that will enable me to deliver products at perhaps NNPC Retail stations at subsidize rates. But the fact that NNPC will now become sole importer of products for the entire arm of oil companies that are doing their own private business is not applicable because that’s not what Continues on pg28

energy

Wednesday, 30 September, 2015

RoyalGate Energy to drill new Z-1 oil well Stories By Olatunde Dodondawa - Lagos

OYALGATE Energy has announced that it will drill the Tulip Upper Isongo discovery and Tulip Massive Isongo prospect in Block Z, Equatorial Guinea. The Z-1 well is to be drilled in the first quarter of 2016. The company stated this in a statement made available to the Nigerian Tribune at the weekend. Located to the north of Bioko Island and south of the Marathon Oil-operated Alba field, Block Z has estimated gas reserves of more than 3.6 tcf. A 600 square kilometer 3D seismic campaign in 2014 showed the Tulip, Daisy, Buttercup and Sunflower prospects. Block Z also contains the Gardenia discovery, made in 2004. The operator said it plans to drill the Z-1 well close to the location of previous offset wells and in the vicinity of known producers. These offset wells provided initial geological and geophysical data. Based on this and the seismic, magnetometer and shallow gas hazard data, the well has been designed and located to intercept the Upper Isongo and Massive Isongo zones. President of RoyalGate Energy Frank Ene said: “We are proud to announce the drilling program for the Z-1 well. This is the continuation of what we see as a long term partnership with Equatorial Guinea and we see a lot of development potential for Block Z. We are bullish about the prospectivity of this block and our other assets in Equatorial Guinea.” RoyalGate Energy entered the block as operator in 2013. The company is scheduled to hold a technical committee meeting

for Block Z with the Ministry of Mines, Industry and Energy and selected contractors on October 22 in Djibloho, Equatorial Guinea.

RoyalGate Energy is an Africafocused independent oil company with assets in Equatorial Guinea and Ghana and offices in Houston,

countries and communities in which it operates, and contributing to the sustainability of Africa’s energy industry.

Head, TATA Group (Technical Partner), Bushan Sachdeva, Chief Executive Officer, EKO Electricity Distribution Company (EKEDC), Director, Association of Nigerian Electricity Distribution Company (ANED) Sunday Oduntan and Chief Commercial, EKEDC, Sam Nwaire, at a Consumer Parliament held at Mainland Hotel, Lagos on Monday.

China reiterates commitment to sustain crude importation from Nigeria PEOPLE’S Republic of Chuna has reiterated its commitment to sustain crude oil importation from Nigeria. China’s Ambassador to Nigeria, Gu Kiaojie, says his country’s crude oil importation from Nigeria has been steady in the last five years. Gu said that contrary to insinuations, “China’s oil import

from Nigeria remains steady. For the past four to five years China has never reduced the volume of crude oil importation from Nigeria, the volume remains stable.” The Chinese envoy, who described the current trend in the crude oil market as a global phenomenon, also said the global oil market was weak.

Eko Disco reiterates commitment to meter all customers by 2017 THE management of Eko Electricity Distribution Company (EKEDC) has reiterated its commitment to meter all its customer by 2017 free of charge. The Chief Executive officer, EKEDC, Oladele Amoda, stated at a consumer forum in Lagos that the company is determined to meter all its customers free of charge before the expiration of the five-year metering deadline as contained in the performance agreement signed with government by distribution companies before takeover of the companies in November 2013. Amoda however advised customers who might be in a hurry for their premises to be metered before the smart meter programme reaches them to avail themselves of the opportunity provided by the Credited Advance Payment for Metering Implementation (CAPMI) which would allow customers to pay for meter and have the money paid for meter refunded back to them through the fixed

Lagos, London, Accra, Malabo and Luanda. The company is building a strong portfolio of assets across the continent, investing in the

Nigerian Tribune

elements of the billing. He said the refund of the meter programme would be spread over a period of time. The repayment of the money so paid Engr. Amoda said, would be with 12 per cent interest. He said the aim of the CAPMI programme was to serve as an interventionist relief pending the full take-off of the smart metering programme of the company. He said for vandalism of electricity equipment and other public facilities to be eradicated in the country, the existing laws regarding the criminal act will have to be reviewed to make for more stringent laws and penalty against perpetrators adding that the existing laws against vandalism of electricity equipment appeared too soft on those found guilty of the act. He decried a situation where a convicted vandal only bags two or three months of jail term after causing incalculable damage to economic and social wellbe-

ing of so many people who are usually affected by acts of vandalism. The Eko Disco boss further opined that vandalism of electricity equipment and other public utility facilities is a serious act of economic sabotage and should be treated as such. He also said sales of public power equipment such as transformers, aluminium conductors and armoured cables should be better regulated to make it difficult for vandalised electricity equipment to be taken to open market for sale. Apart from meting out stiffer penalty to convicted vandals, Engr. Amoda also advocated expedited trial and determination of cases of vandalism. In this regard, he said special courts could be set up to ensure speedy trial of vandalism suspects. Speaking further, Amoda said within the last two years, the company has spent about N20billion for system upgrade and network reinforcement.

He blamed the trend on weak global economy and the market forces of demand and supply, though he admitted that China is not a major crude oil importer in the world. “China steadly purchases between two to three per cent of total global Nigerian crude oil export.” He advised Nigerians to redouble their efforts in looking inward and see what they can produce locally rather than relying on importa-

tion. Apart from crude oil Gu also said that China imports commodities like iron ore, soya beans from Nigeria on regular basis. China’s slowing economy has been a great concern for stakeholders across the globe because the slowdown has dragged crude oil to a six-year low and oil’s second-biggest consumer remains the main safeguard against a further price meltdown.

South Africa to host top renewable energy conference SOUTH Africa will for the first time host the South African International Renewable Energy Conference from 4 to 7 October in Cape Town. The conference will be held under the theme: “Re-energizing Africa”. Addressing the media in Pretoria on Saturday after the Cabinet meeting held this week, Minister in the Presidency Jeff Radebe said the conference will profile renewable energy opportunities available in South Africa and Africa to producers of renewable power as their next investment destination. “South Africa, through its Renewable Energy Independent Power Producers Procurement Programme, is becoming one of the biggest markets for renewable energy,” he said. According to Minister Radebe, in future biomass, wind power, solar power and hydropower will contribute 11.4 gigawatts of renewable energy to the grid.

The Department of Science and Technology is supporting the country’s energy policies through research and technology development in low and carbon-free technologies that can be commercialized and rolled out to increase energy security and access to all South Africans. “We are now capable of manufacturing and integrating various components into a whole range of energy generating devices for these applications that are currently undergoing testing. “The benefit of our hydrogen and fuel cell technologies Programme is the use of platinum which will also open opportunities into the automotive catalytic converter market and promote beneficiation of one of our most abundant minerals. In this regard, we have established and are strengthening our partnership with the private sector to do final tests and commercialize various components and full energy solutions,” he said.

energy

Wednesday, 30 September, 2015

Nigerian Tribune

‘Value chain, my challenge in upstream sector’ perative because coastal movement of products may be crude or refined products is not the solution. It is not profitable and not sustainable. Please bear in mind that if this were to be a private company, you don’t get pipeline bursted and still remain in business, you will go elsewhere where it is profitable to do business. But we don’t have such option because we have social responsibility to give to the country so we must try and fix the challenges because we are compelled by law to do it. So,mid we put efficiency and planning right, we will get result. Most of these things we are doing at the PPMC by unbundling it and have a pipeline company with the Managing Director that focuses on pipeline, pipeline security and anything pipeline and 24-hour job to make sure they are working.

Continues from pg26

the NNPC is set out to do. If we focus on our own retail stations for deliveries, you will find that you can actually reduce the resources dramatically and let those private operators do their business. There are lots of other issues to deal with and the refinery is one of of them. How do we get it to work. My firm believe is to do everything to make it work. The reality is that if you give 450,000 barrels allocation, the model must be very straight forward. It is either I take the barrels and process and get returns while the government makes profit out of it and I keep what is enough to keep the refineries going. But the model we are running is to trade the barrels either due to pipeline issues or dilapidated facilities. The greatest challenge however is how do we limit the loss factor. People now say refineries are working at 60 per cent installed capacity. I keep quiet and enjoy the perception of the public. But the reality is that refineries are not working 60 at per cent installed capacity. If we get 60 per cent performance in a week, and the next week we are down to zero per cent performance; when you take the average, you won’t be getting 60 per cent performance. The average performance right now of the refineries is 30 per cent based in continuity basis. And that is the fact and the reality. What we need to do in the short term is either to shut down and do proper maintenance and position them to compete. If we choose to do this, do we have the money to do it? This is because we are in a tight fiscal environment. If we don’t we have to go and raise money externally to repair it. The model we are currently working on is that I have given 90-day ultimatum for the refineries to work. We either keep them open till December because they are actually producing or shut them down if they are not working and carry out repair. I will rather go sell the products and bring in imported refined products while I’m

doing the repairs to the refineries to bring them back to life. These are very hard decisions to make, but my job is to get things working. The pipelines have to work as well. Any model we are adopting for petroleum marketing in this country, the pipelines have to work. Pipeline vandalism and militancy are not enough reasons for the pipelines not to work. So I’m working with the security forces to provide enabling protection for accessing the pipelines and make them work. In the long run, we plan remote patrolling of the length and breadth of the pipelines so that we can guarantee products distribution. This becomes im-

What is your agenda for the upstream sector because so far you have focused on downstream sector? In the upstream sector, my challenges are in the value chain. I’m doing this mega project at the price that it should be done, but I’m I producing enough by putting additional support? To ensure that every contract is looked at thoroughly at the national level so that if any trading partner throws a project at me, I will be satisfied that a thorough analysis has been done and what I think is or what I think is not. Especially in this environment where the focus is on growing but not growing at a certain policy. This means I must ensure I produce efficient and cut cost dramatically. For instance, let’s say an average cost of a barrel for big project is $57 per barrel and in a $40 per barrel environment that is no go area which means it is dead on arrival. We need to get back to what Nigeria used to be which is one of the best price producers in the world. That means I need to drive the industry preferably to the region of $27 per barrel then you will have lots of margin to play with and it requires lots of analysis care file choice of projects. For

the next 1-2 years, I will be focusing on what I called Lowe input. The emphasis will be on those projects that will cost very little to bring like abandon fields that have been worked upon that may cost very little to bring back and gives huge returns. There are other regions and other countries competing for available capital. So the era of saying Nigeria is destination of choice is over. Capital is same every where and it goes where it can be received well and everybody is chasing it now. We can’t sit back and display docile attitude that if you want to invest in my country, you really need to work with me. I will be conducting my visits to the International Oil Companies (IOCs) myself. Before the issue has been that they come to me but now I will go and visit them in their offices and hold meeting with them because I hold 60 per cent stake in their operations. Their offices are my offices. We will sit down and look at their model, their problems and try to find solutions. They will also understand my own problems and if we work together without superior type partner attitude, we will get to where we should give going. Our cash call arrears is over $5billion and year-to-year gap is $1.5billion. These people (JV partners) will not invest in this country if they are not guaranteed that at the end of the day, you will meet the commitment you are expected to make. It is simple moral issue. I’m hoping to that by December, I will be able to deal with the issue of areas nod begin to focus on the future. I will like to float Sovereign Bonds/notes. Funding is key, cost-saving is key and relationship is key. We need to grow our skill set because we have been here for over 25 years and we cannot grow. As difficult as the terrain seems , we will also look and take the opportunity inherent in it. If we can turn around the operations environment in 1-2years and place emphasis on performance and produce good investment into the sector, we would have changed very dramatically once and for all what needs to be done in the sector.

Halliburton, Baker Hughes announce additional divestiture proposals HALLIBURTON Company (NYSE: HAL) and Baker Hughes Incorporated (NYSE: BHI) today announced that the companies will market for sale additional businesses in connection with Halliburton’s pending acquisition of Baker Hughes. Pursuant to the Merger Agreement, and in order to permit completion of Halliburton’s acquisition of Baker Hughes, the following additional businesses are intended to be divested: Halliburton’s expandable liner hangers business, which is part of the company’s Completion & Production Division; Baker Hughes’ core completions business, which includes: packers, flow control tools, subsurface safety systems, intelligent well systems, permanent monitoring, sand control tools and sand control screens; the Baker Hughes sand control business in the Gulf of Mexico, including two pressure pumping vessels; and Baker Hughes’ offshore cementing businesses in Australia, Brazil, the Gulf of Mexico, Norway, and the United Kingdom. The divestitures process for the previously announced divestitures of Halliburton’s Fixed Cutter and Roller Cone

Drill Bits, Directional Drilling and Logging-While-Drilling (LWD)/Measurement-While-Drilling (MWD) businesses is continuing, and Halliburton is pleased that last Friday it received proposals from multiple interested parties for each business. The combined 2013 revenue associated with all of the businesses intended to be divested was approximately $5.2 billion. The sale of these businesses will be subject to the negotiation of acceptable terms and conditions for the divestitures, the approval of the divesting company’s Board of Directors, and final approval of the Baker Hughes acquisition by competition enforcement authorities. Halliburton anticipates that the companies will complete the sales of these businesses in the same timeframe as, and the closing of the divestitures would be conditioned on, the closing of the pending Baker Hughes acquisition. There is no agreement to date with any competition enforcement authority as to the adequacy of the proposed divestitures. The companies will continue to work con-

structively with all competition enforcement authorities that have expressed an interest in the proposed transaction. The pending acquisition has received unconditional regulatory clearances in Canada, Kazakhstan, South Africa, and Turkey. Halliburton and Baker Hughes have also amended their timing agreement with the Antitrust Division of the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) to extend the earliest closing date by three weeks, to the later of Dec. 15, 2015 (from the current date of Nov. 25, 2015) or 30 days following the date on which both companies have certified final, substantial compliance with the DOJ second request. Timing agreements are often entered into in connection with large, complex transactions, and provide the DOJ additional time to review responses to its second requests. In light of the timing agreement, Halliburton and Baker Hughes have agreed to extend the time period for closing of the acquisition pursuant to the Merger Agreement to no later than Dec. 16, 2015. The Merger Agreement also provides that the closing can be extended into 2016, if necessary.

tribunebusiness

1 Wednesday, 30 September, 2015

Nigerian Tribune

Government has no business in business —Gbenga Daniel

Former governor of Ogun State, Chief Gbenga Daniel, in this interview with journalists in Lagos, speaks on the activities of his company, Kresta Laurel in the last 25 years. WOLE EFUNNUGA brings the excerpts:

hat makes Kresta Laurel stand out as one of the leading companies building elevators in the coun-

try? It is not an all-comers business. There are quite a few people who have tried in the last 20 to 30 years, but not many of them have been able to survive. Contrary to what people say, it is not a money-spinning business. The satisfaction is not in the money, as the first thing is the professional satisfaction. Do we get fulfilled? Yes. Why? In my previous experience, which is part of the driving force of Kresta Laurel Company, we operate in an industry where Nigerians are not given any pride of play. There is no respect and they don’t think we can do anything right. So, that is where we are coming from and that guided me when I was working with them. If you contrast that to the culture of the Germans, for them, it is not about aesthetics. It is about efficiency. It is a taboo for something to fail in their own psyche. What we set out to prove was that that is not an exclusive preserve of the Germans or the Europeans. The believe that given the right frame of mind and determination, we, also as black people, and Nigerians, can do it as equally good, if not better, then came in place. So that is really our driving force and the key ingredient of our company over the years. It is not necessary that all the jobs that we take are economically beneficial. Anything could happen on the job. So for us as a company, it is like a wrestling bout with the forces of you will not be able to do it, versus it shall be done. Once we get that the job, it becomes an ego thing. We must deliver, no matter what. It is not a matter of go and bring additional money before it could be done. I usually say that unlike what has happened to other companies, there is no single project that we have done that was not done well.

You left your company for eight years to govern Ogun State. What did your company suffer while you were away? I wouldn’t be able to say what we have lost, but I can say what we have gained, because what we have lost is in the conjecture and you can only imagine if you have lost something. But I think that if we measured the growth of the company even while I was not there, it was quite phenomenal. The company has experienced growth, not decline. So in that regard, we must give kudos to the people who held forth while I was away and by the way, they are still holding forth, because I am not the operations person; I am the founding chairman. Many people often complain these days of how the government is not creating an enabling environment for private sectors to thrive. How would you react to that? When I got into government, one of the

things that I observed, probably because of my background in business, was that government is not organised and trained to run businesses. And that was what influenced some of the steps we took. First, we decided that all those businesses that the government was involved in should be discontinued. And, if we are not able to get out of it completely for political reasons, let us then outsource it. Although regrettably, some of the things we did while outsourcing is that a number of our people were not well informed. They looked at outsourcing as if we had sold them. Without any doubt, the best hotel in Ogun State today is the Park Inn in Abeokuta. When I got into office in 2003, Ogun State was completely dilapidated. So, we started the struggle to see how we could turn it around on our own, by appointing administrators and other stakeholders. Unfortunately, things didn’t work. The state of those things had become so dilapidated that nothing short of rebuilding and repackaging them could turn it around. A number of people did not also know the challenges we were facing. By 2003, Ogun State government had not completely paid the loan that was taken by the Onabanjo administration to fix the hotel. We were paying money every month for a hotel that since its inception has not declared profit for one year, so it was running at a loss. Over the 20 years that it was established, government was still paying the loan. And, we were supposed to pump in money into it again, because that’s the language of the civil servants running the hotel at that time. The question is where is the money to pump? That was what led to the process of outsourcing. Rather than sell the hotel at that time, we were looking for people that we could concession the hotel to. We came to a conclusion that for us to be able to get the hotel to the standard we wanted, we needed to spend at least N2billion to N3billion. If I had that kind of money as public fund, I would expend it on other projects in the state that were begging for attention. The business of government is not to run hotels. We were able to successfully concession the hotel out. I have been told that October 12, they want to formally commission what has become the best hotel in Ogun State. Now, Abeokuta can boast of a hotel that can host the most

Gbenga Daniel powerful President in the world. That was what I meant when I said government has no business in business, but it has a responsibility to facilitate business. What we have done is to facilitate business and we facilitated it through various ways. Still on development and technology, as the president of Nigerian-Finland Business Council, how do you think Nigeria can gain from you to lift her technology? Finland is a very lucky country with about five million people, and probably the richest nation in the world. Most people don’t know that the amount of the money they have is more than enough for their population. But Finland has something that is working for them; they are clinically efficient in everything they do. There are not too many industries in Finland, but the few ones they have are the market leaders. When you talk of Nokia, you talk Finland. They have a very serious wood industry because they have an expanse of land, and there is no single person who doesn’t have a farm at home. Agriculture is very well developed and their engineering is superb. We must as a people see what we can learn and know that whatever we touch should be done efficiently. The biggest problem in the Nigeria’s construction company today is that everybody wants to cut corners. Why can’t we develop that industry here? One day, a lady called Awosika came to Ogun State and advised that we could start a furniture village, instead

The biggest problem in the Nigeria’s construction company today is that everybody wants to cut corners. Why can’t we develop that industry?

of sending our woods abroad for furniture and processing. I loved the idea and I asked her where she wanted the land that I would give her. She picked somewhere along the road, we gave her the land, and she even paid. And then somebody else came and said she should get out of the land. That was the end of the story. That is another story I don’t want to go into today. I am just saying that the solution to our problem as a country is in our hands. With next to nothing, a lot of things can happen in this country. It baffles me that we now award contracts that Ogun State cannot sustain. We keep imitating Lagos, forgetting that Lagos’s IGR is more than what they get from the Federal Government in a month. What can the government do to stop incessant collapse of buildings in the country? It is very simple and that is largely because of the lack of professionalism in the building industry. In other climes, if you submitted a plan that you want to build, it is not an easy process. All the people in the industry must be certified. You cannot build without the certification of a Structural Engineer. You cannot wire a building without the certification of a certified electrical engineer. You can’t do your plumbing work without the stamp of a certified plumbing engineer. And these professionals will not allow themselves to be associated with failures because the consequence of failure is grave. In the United Kingdom, if a building catches fire, it is not just about putting off the fire, there would be an investigation into the cause of the fire. If the cause is attributable to the carelessness of the electrical engineer, he doesn’t just lose his license to practice, he is prosecuted. And if there is a life that is lost, he is in the dock for murder. They will not even allow a substandard cable because there is no cable manufacturer that will not have correct certification. If by chance they now find out that it is the quality of that cable that is substandard, that manufacturer of that cable cannot escape justice. So I believe it is about standard and adherence to do standard. That is what we need.

Wednesday, 30 September, 2015 Group Politics Editor Taiwo Adisa - 08072000046 tai_adis@yahoo.com

Buhari

Saraki

CCT vs Saraki: What implications for APC?

Questions of politics and altruism have dominated the air since the trial of Senate President BukolaSaraki began at the Code of Conduct Tribunal. There are also issues about the deep implication of the trial for the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). Group Politics Editor TAIWO ADISA presents the issues and scenarios.

HE trial of Senate President Bukola Saraki at the Code of Conduct Tribunal (CCT) is unprecedented by all means in the Nigerian parlance. There has never been a time when a sitting number three citizen has been dragged to the Court by the Federal Government over whatever infractions. A number of persons have read this in different lights. Some have said this is the true colour of change Nigerians were promised by President Muhammadu Buhari during the campaigns. Those persons have referred to Buhari’s interview with the Cable News Network (CNN) when he insisted that he would not hesitate to try any member of his party who is indicted of corruption. They also insisted that the trial fulfills Buhari’s famed quote in his inaugural speech when he said he belonged to everyone and to no one. But many others have read the development differently. The scenario being painted actually have implications for the continued existence and solidity of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). So far, Saraki

has become the poster boy of the breakaway faction of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) the New PDP, having secured the Senate President’s seat for that group of joiners in the APC. The argument has been that the legacy parties, including the defunct ACN, ANPP and CPC have already secured key positions in the power sharing arrangement, leaving the nPDP empty. The CPC had the presidency; the ACN produced the Vice President, while the ANPP produced the National Chairman of the party.

Many had hoped that the APC would feel it has been helped in its power configuration assignment with Saraki’s emergence but the reverse has been the case, as leaders of the party have rather taken up arms against the former Kwara State governor for defeating the party hierarchy to snatch the Senate top job. For that, Saraki has been declared enemy number one of the party and rendered practically impotent even as the nation’s number three man. He has not been on talking terms with the

Overtures are already being made to Senator Mark to step in. It was also understood that President Buhari might not oppose the emergence of Mark, as far as Saraki does not occupy the seat.

President, who has refused to host him at the Villa in four months. He has also been admitted to the party’s events in respect of the statute books. Outside that, he remains a stranger to the APC and is not reckoned with in the decision-making process of the party, even the composition of the Federal Cabinet, where he is supposed to play a major role presiding over the confirmation process of nominees. While the issue of rift between President Buhari and the Senate President largely remained at the level of speculations ahead of the commencement of the CCT trial, the veil was eventually pulled off on September 16, when a suit was filed at the CCT indicating some sundry allegations against Saraki. Not even the spirited denials by the Presidency could convince many of its innocence. It was certain that only a hand as strong as the Presidency could embolden the Code of Conduct Bureau to embark on trial of a sitting Senate President. The logic is very simple. The Senate President sits atop the continues pg31

politics&policy

Wednesday, 30 September, 2015

The inherent posers continued from pg30

legislative chamber that has the power to investigate all agencies of government, including the CCB. The Public Accounts Committee of the Senate actually oversees the activities of all agencies of government, while the Committee on Public petitions can entertain petitions about any of the agencies. No agency of government would want to dare the holders of such powers. But then, the CCB took on Saraki, thus fuelling suspicions that the courage could only have come from quarters higher than that body. While the Presidency and the party have distanced themselves from Saraki’s travails, comments by a chieftain of the party in Lagos apparently gave them away. Last week, the spokesman of the APC in Lagos, Joe Igbokwe, was quoted as saying: “Because of the inordinate ambition of one man and lust to be the Senate President by all means, Saraki ignored the President, Vice-President, APC governors, senators, House of Representatives members, etc to sacrifice the unity of his party. Senator Saraki compounded the problems of APC, and mounted a major road block for its smooth take-off considering that it is just coming to power after 16 years in opposition. “This man put spanners in the works and initiated a serious internal crisis within the ruling party that nearly made Nigerians, who massively voted for APC, to begin to lose hope. Saraki and his gang of 40 thieves devastated the master plan of our great party to choose the right people to serve as the Principal Officers in the National Assembly.” His position clearly indicated that the accusing fingers being directed at the Presidency and the APC were not wrong after all. It’s now almost as clear as daylight that the fight against Saraki is a power game which is only attempting to find justification in the ambience of the law. Saraki has been quoted in the media as saying he was on trial because he is Senate President. It appears all signals are pointing to that direction. Many are already complaining that there is too much politics surrounding the anti-corruption war on Saraki, especially as the CCB is not known to have scrutinised the over 18,600 public servants fillings in its custody since 1999. There are questions as to whether Saraki would have ever faced the law if he did not emerge the Senate President or in the alternative, if he had read the list of Principal Officers of the Senate as prepared for him by the APC leadership. Besides that, the ‘offences’ committed by Saraki are twofold. First he defied the APC hierarchy to emerge the Senate President. Second, he set aside what looked like a presidential directive that he implement “party supremacy” and announce the likes of Senator Ahmad Lawan, George Akume and Abu Ibrahim in the leadership of the Senate. It was gathered that the President had keyed into the Senate leadership list prepared for Saraki and was assured that the Kwara politician would announce the same, only for Saraki to do the unthinkable and announce the list submitted to him by his colleagues in defiance of the party. With the series of “affronts” from Saraki, it was concluded that he should be taken to the cleaners and it was indicated that the CCT, with the power to remove public officers from office would be the best avenue for the trial. The scenario was all the more apt for a

Odigie-Oyegun

Lawan

Now that the APC has kick started the war on Saraki, it is doubtful if the fire already lit can be extinguished without squabbles. CCT trial because the option of impeachment for Saraki was going to be a tall order. Though politicians are incurable optimists once they set on an agenda, it appears a pipe dream to get Saraki impeached looking at the president configuration of the Senate. The PDP with 49 members had adopted Saraki ahead of the June 9 inauguration. It is already viewing the plots against him as an APC agenda, which should be resisted by the opposition. Again, the PDP is viewing the trial of Saraki as undue interference in the affairs of the Senate, which could only produce a near rubber stamp chamber if allowed. But then, the fight against Saraki is manifold. His wife, Toyin is already in the books of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), another subtle way to get at the balls of the Kwara politician. Feelers are indicative of a barrage of attacks which could make Saraki throw in the towel, in view of the difficulty of securing the numbers needed for impeachment. The APC would need 73 Senators to get him legally impeached, while it only has 59, with PDP’s solid 49 standing against the motives of the APC. But the implications of a continued attack on Saraki could be grave for the APC. First, the party risks the possibility of yielding the chamber to the PDP, which only needs some 11 senators to gain a majority of the Senate. Even as it stands, the PDP would have produced the Senate President if it had not played a somewhat “clean” game in the build up to that election of June 9. There was the thinking that former Senate President David Mark should team up

with his colleagues and upstage the APC. The plan was to encourage the APC field two candidates from its 59 members while the PDP man would just knock the two out with its united 49 members. Right now, the APC appears to have sealed Saraki’s fate with the flag off of a search for a Muslim Senator from the North Central as his replacement. Therein also lies another challenge. The ranking rule appears to catch up with Muslim Senators from the North Central. The two APC Senators from Nasarawa are not ranking, just as the three from Kogi, who are members of the APC. Benue has two APC Senators, who are Christians. Kwara has APC Senators, two of whom are ranking including Saraki, but all Kwara lawmakers are seen as loyalists of the Senate President. The search for a Muslim Senator from the North Central was said to have been influenced by the emergence of Honourable YakubuDogara as Speaker of the House from the North-East. His emergence was also said to have almost forestalled the possibility of Senator Ahmad Lawan, leader of the Senate Unity Forum, as Senate President. In the event that Saraki is forced out of office, a scenario of the PDP takeover of the chamber might therefore not be farfetched. Sources have said that overtures were already being made to Senator Mark to step in. It was also understood that President Buhari might not oppose the emergence of Mark, as far as Saraki does not occupy the seat. A flawed trial? Legal minds and loyalists of the Senate

President have raised a number of issues as to the legality of the ongoing trial at the CCT. Some have pointed attention to Section 24 of the CCB and Tribunal Act which indicates that charges preferred against any person under the Act can only be handled by the Attorney General or anyone he authorized. The claim is that since there is no Attorney General in place, the trial might have developed a ‘K’ leg. There is also that reference to Section 3 (d) of the CCT Act, which requires that anyone accused must be given the opportunity to either deny or admit to the noncompliance or the breach and the matter may not be referred to the Tribunal once the error is corrected. Saraki’s camp had posited that they got wind of the charges in the media just like any Nigerian. Section 3(d) of the CCB Act reads: “The functions of the Bureau shall be ....to receive complaints about non-compliance with or breach of this Act and where the Bureau considers it necessary to do so, refer such complaints to the Code of Conduct Tribunal established by Section 20 of this Act in accordance with Section 20 to 25 of this Act. Provided that where the person concerned makes a written admission of such breach or non-compliance, no reference to the Tribunal shall be necessary.” Another claim in the public domain was the fact that the failure of the CCB to follow its own procedure led to the collapse of the case filed by the Bureau against a former governor of Lagos State, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu in 2011. Tinubu was simply discharged as the Tribunal ruled that there was no evidence that he was invited over complaints about his Code of Conduct submissions. Now that the APC has kick started the war on Saraki, it is doubtful if the fire already lit can be extinguished without squabbles. One implication of this war is an unstable Senate in the months to come. Certainly, not a few Nigerians would abhor the reality of an unstable red Chamber as a legacy of the change promised by the APC.

politics&policy

Wednesday, 30 September, 2015

Igariwey

Prof Nwabueze

Issues in Igbo Day celebration Jude Ossai - Enugu

HIS may not be the best of time for Ndigbo and the reasons are obvious. The people of South-East geo-political zone are now in the opposition, having voted massively for ex-President Goodluck Jonathan of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the last general election. But Jonathan lost to Muhammadu Buhari of the All Progressives Congress (APC) who is now in the saddle as the President. Also, the Ohanaeze Ndigbo, the apex umbrella of Igbo socio-cultural associations has been in turmoil following the leadership crisis that had engulfed the group for over a decade. Perhaps, this could be largely the reason for the leadership of the Ohanaeze Ndigbo in celebrating this year’s Igbo Day in a lowkey, even as the embattled PresidentGeneral of the Igbo group, Chief Gary Igariwey tries to paint a picture of calmness in the union. Indeed, the Ohanaeze Ndigbo which is a successor to the Igbo State Union, which was banned in May 1966 by the military regime of General J. T. U. Aguiyi-Ironsi had in recent time come under sharp criticisms from within and outside Igbo enclave. To an average Igbo man, Ohanaeze Ndigbo lost its focus when itbegan to associate itself with partisan politics a quite departure from the founding fathers of Igbo Union whose history dates back to the early 1930s, when some Igbo in Lagos formed the Lagos Igbo Union in order to organise a reception for Dr AkanuIbiam, the second Igbo medical doctor who had newly returned from Britain where he had qualified. It will be recalled that the union brought together several towns, clans, and divisional organisations and became a voice for Igbo and its objectives were mainly for the welfare of the Igbo in Lagos. Today, it is not certain that Ndigbo speak with one voice, especially at national level, unlike the era of late Dr Nnamadi Azikiwe. The Great Zik of Africa as he was fondly called by his admirers had advocated in his book, Political Blueprint of Nigeria published 1943 and his national perception made him to quit the then Igbo Union. As

it is, an Igbo son or daughter who occupies a national political position will want to lord it over his kinsmen, whether the policy or programme of the government at the centre favours the region or not. Between 1999 and now, there has been a great divide in the leadership Ohanaeze Ndigbo due to individual political interests. For instance, during the Obasanjo re-election, the tussle in the pan-Igbo association was between Professor Joe Irukwu and Dr Dozie Ikedife while during ex-president Jonathan period, it was between the incumbent President-General Chief Igariwey and Ralph Obioha. Pro-Igariwey’s group had prior to the last general election advised that Ndigbo should resist any political and vested interests against the general Igbo interest in Nigeria and Diaspora. But not for a series of court injunction perhaps, the Obioha Caretaker Committee would have been in the saddle of Ohanaeze Ndigbo as the Committee tends to tilt towards President Buhari, having campaigned openly for him during the country’s last presidential poll. Chief Igariwey, while attempting to defend the low key celebrations of the Igbo Day told reporters in Enugu on Sunday that September 29 would be low key, saying that it is a time for sober reflection for Igbo nation. The Igbo Leader explained that there would be no reason for Ndigbo to cheer, adding that the current situation of the Igbo called for deep review of their national political lives. He said the Igbo would however be celebrated by respective member states as planned by their leadership, stressing that there would be a three-minute silence

for souls of Igbo extraction that died during the Biafra/Nigeria civil war. “Following a recent political trend in the country, including Federal Government appointments which appear to be going against the interest of the Igbo the apex Igbo Socio Cultural group, Ohanaeze Ndigbo after its meeting in Enugu declared a low key Igbo Day celebration”, he said. According to him, the meeting agreed that this was not a time for festivals and masquerades but a period for retreat and think-back. “We have resolved to show tact and unity as Igbo people thus this year’s celebration. We are asking our people not to be disappointed by the lopsided appointments but to rather see the development as a wake-up call on how to develop Igbo land. Our people should remain calm and think back on how to develop the South-East”. Igariwey however noted that, while the Igbo Day would be low keyed at the national level other branches of the Ohanaeze are at liberty to roll out the drums if they so desire. “We are also urging our people to cooperate; let’s speak with one voice; only then can we see growth. We have helped in developing other areas and cities; let’s re-create that at home; it’s a wake- upcall; grumbling will not help us”, he stressed. What then are the challenges facing the people of the South-East? As a matter of fact, the division in Igbo group is now a headache to many people in Igbo land as some clerics and industrialists of Igbo extractions have voiced out over it, proffering solutions to the hydra-headed problems. For Apostle Dr Chidi Macjossy of the General Assembly of All Igbo Christian Organ-

As it is, an Igbo son or daughter who occupies a national political position will want to lord it over his kinsmen, whether the policy or programme of the government at the centre favours the region or not.

isations and Ministers, it was time Ndigbo returned to God, adding that Igbo were sabotaging themselves. Macjossy called on Ndigbo wherever they might be to come together and set aside a three-day fasting and praying, adding that all markets and businesses were expected to be shut for the exercise. “There shall be neither deaths nor burials. No giving or taking of hands in marriages. The entire world must know that my people, who went astray for so long, are coming back to me. I shall lift you as a nation and wonderfully prosper you as a people. Return to me and I will return to you says the Lord”, he said. If there is any other Igbo leader who is vexed with the precarious position Ndigbo have found themselves, it is the Vice President of the “Aka Ikenga”, Charles Odunukwe, who advised that the people of South-East geo-political zone needed to rethink and consider investment in the zone as top priority. Speaking with reporters in Enugu, after attending Ohanaeze Ndigbo meeting on Sunday, Odunukwe appealed to Igbomen businessmen to look at employment generation the investment would create in Igboland as major consideration for them to bring home their investments. Odunukwe noted that, if all Igbo should simply look at the short term benefits of their investments as reason for diaspora investment, the region might not experience accelerated economic growth in the near future. He also suggested that the state governments in the zone should hold drive investments in the zone by engaging in industrial and agricultural policies. Further checks showed that marginalisation and social insecurity still top the challenges facing Ndigbo as many Igbo leaders hardly speak out on sensitive national issues for fear of losing Federal Government patronage. Consequently, a good number of prominent Igbo leaders have laid siege in Abuja seeking one favour or the other. Be that as it may, Igbo Day is still relevant to people of South-East, as it reminds of their continued survival in Nigeria. Little wonder they happily use the day to thank God for keeping them together after the Nigeria civil war.

Thursday, 1 October, 2015 Editor:

health YOU&EYE

Sade Oguntola sadeboguntola@yahoo.com 0805 506 9260

SEX,SEXUALITY&YOU

NATURALHEALTH

How often do you change your underwear?

INSIDE

By Victor Ogunyinka

N Feeling, looking young is possible with surgery —Ajayi Page 36

NATURAL HEALTH

Neem oil, cheap remedy for ring worm

Page 37

Health benefits of sex HEALTH QUOTE

Page 37

O doubt, there are many weird actions and decisions we took while growing up and some would just not leave our archives. For boys (maybe girls too), perceiving the odour of our underwear to see if it could still be worn one more time before wash is an unconscious habit we device to accommodate laziness but critically, experts have alarmed that it is also a narrow path to infection. When infection ravages the body, more often than not, the instinctive diagnosis of a layman points at ‘toilet disease’, more so if the infection is genitally related. But medically, experts have shrugged off claims of any term called ‘toilet disease’, as Dr Taiwo Aderemi, Medical Director at Safeway Hospital, Challenge, Ibadan, Oyo State puts it. “In medicine, we don’t call it toilet disease, poorly maintained toilet may be caused by a disease we call genital tract infection or genitourinary tract infection. If toilet is a suspected source, the layman may call it toilet disease.” The toilet has been wrongly accused and associated with anything that subjects the genital organs with rashes or unpleasant feelings and rightly so, Dr Aderemi explained that the toilet could be a very dangerous place when its hygiene is questionable. “If a toilet is not well taken care of and its users are not observant enough, they can have contact with a lot of microorganisms from a dirty toilet and when they are exposed to this, it evades their lower tract and then ascend, thereby destroying organs it meets on the way, right from the organ that is exposed to the toilet directly, in the case of man, the penis and vulva in the case of the woman, the organism would move up into the bladder then the urethra and to the kidney. If care is not taken, it can lead to terrible kidney disease,” he said. Also, the role of personal hygiene is all the more important in ensuring no one gets hurt or infected either from the toilet or elsewhere. Our underwear has been the unsuspecting agent of infection unknown to many users. A quick survey in the cause of writing this report on how many times boys and girls wear their underwear before washing, revealed that about 90 per cent of the boys wear their underwear more than once before washing and 95 per cent of girls wash their underwear after one wear. Untidy or dirty underwear is akin to an unhygienic toilet environment; the effect on the skin and a person’s health could be more damaging than imagined. “If somebody does not take good care of the underwear; wash it properly, clean it with appropriate detergent, antiseptic, spread it where it would dry well before wearing and then, frequent washing of such things, one could be exposed. You don’t use underwear twice for both male and female. Wear one per day, that’s ideal then, wash it properly with detergents if possible, clean water then add little antiseptic to it and spread to dry so, that’s one. The other is care of the toilet; if you take good care of underwear but you carelessly use a very dirty toilet, there is likelihood of still having this infection. The same way for the toilet if the toilet is clean and the user is dirty, it can still happen,” Dr Aderemi warned.

The effect of good personal hygiene births different genitourinary infection symptoms that experts said might start with itching and then, the person could notice certain tingling sensation in the genitalia. By the time it developed into having painful urination, it could become critical. And when the person starts seeing sore around the genitals, it could be very dangerous and by the time pus starts coming out it would have been extremely serious. It should be well noted that some school of thoughts are of the opinion that there is a chance that sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) could also be contracted on toilet seat, but experts have since debunked such insinuation, saying STDs could only and simply be contracted from a sexually partner. One unfortunate setback in the quest of maintaining a standard, healthy living, even after imbibing the ‘one wear, one wash’ policy for underwear is still the multiple usage of the toilet. For majority of Nigerians living in apartments where a toilet is allotted to multiple rooms, staying healthy may be sometimes

difficult. And for economic sake also, more than one toilet to a nuclear family could be too much task on people who prioritises fending for their family above other things. Dr Aderemi further inputted that “by the time more than five people are using a toilet, danger is looming because care may be problematic. Even if they have a roaster for maintenance, it will be difficult for some to comply, thereby creating problem for the entire house. People that have this problem more are the ones living in multipurpose houses, where families live in single room apartment and they have many rooms per building with only one or two toilet facility available and that is dangerous.” “… The government has a say in terms of ensuring public environmental hygiene. When we were young, there is this group of environmental health workers who go about inspecting houses, check their toilet facilities, check how they care for them, give specification of what each house should have and sanction defaulters. I don’t think we have such nowadays,” he said.

“The awareness that health is dependent upon habits that we control makes us the first generation in history that to a large extent determines its own destiny.” —Jimmy Carter

Wednesday, 30 September, 2015

inside

Femi Olukunle Co-ordinating Editor 08065167178

nigerdelta Roads in Warri and environs have become a worrisome nightmare. Ebenezer Adurokiya writes on this trend spiced with sampled opinions of residents who are fast losing their patience.

Agony in Warri, environs over poor state of roads

HE agony is uncalled for. Being a stinking oil-rich city of no mean repute, residents of Warri and environs in Delta State certainly deserve the best in terms of basic social amenities. But their situation is far from better! Except for a few relatively, newly-fixed, and in some cases, dualised Refinery and Deco roads, others have, more than ever before, become a source of worry to road users and residents. The abandoned dualisation of Effurun-Warri-Sapele road in the name of Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) by the last administration has assumed a phenomenal nightmare to motorists. It is causing more harm than good. If daring vehicles are not stuck in the yawning pits left unattended to by the contractor, their body parts are left badly damaged! Usually termed a federal road by successive governments as an excuse not to permanently fix it, the road linking the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Ugbuwangue and Roundabout has been left unattended to. Previous plastic work perfunctorily done on the road has even left it worse than when they met it. Today, motorists have turned the expressway into a single carriage way which recently led to the death of a young boy identified as Tunde who was attempting to cross the expressway, but was knocked down by a vehicle. Similarly, roads linking Warri to Ubeji, Egbokodo, Ifie, Aja Eta and Ijala communities are annoyingly in a terrible shape. A source said the outgone governor of the state, Dr Emmanuel Uduaghan, who is an Itsekiri himself, had awarded contracts to notable sons and daughters of Iwere (Itsekiri) to fix the roads, but they either did it halfway or never bordered at all. A peace-builder and vociferous lawyer, Robinson Ariyo, took to the social media to lament the state of the Ubeji road which he

Bad portion at abandoned BRT project on Effurun/Sapele road.

Abandoned lane on NPA-Ugbuwangue Expressway, Warri described as the only road leading to a community which plays host to oil companies such as the Nigerian Gas Company (NNPC), Warri Refinery Petrochemical Company (WRPC), the Pipeline Products and Marketing Company (PPMC) and several tank farms and highly placed government officials and leaders. The ordinary man on the street of Warri also spoke angrily on the poor state of roads in the oil-rich city. Paul Ifetmenya, a motorist, did not hide his disenchantment.

Asaba people can now eat new yam —Ayiwe —pg35

Speaking on the deep gullies on the expressway between NPA and Ugbuwangue in pidgin, he said “This road wen dem do wen no reach more than one week before the road scatter, make them give the contract to Julius Berger to do the work. Nor be individual company go dey do am because the thing dey spoil our business for here, make them spend money.” To Mohammed Abubakar, a Northerner, filth and erosion have worsened the disgusting state of the poor roads. “You see, this place dirty well, well here na only water

12 years after ceding, Bakassi IDPs still roam the streets

—pg35

water dey gather here, if government come do the road e go better, make them put hand together do the road. This month motor don fall for here scatter, keke accident dey happen here so make them come do am for us even if I get money, I go carry sand come pour for this road, the water dey make market no dey so we dey beg government to do the road,” the orange seller quipped. Some respondents fingered the poor state of drainage system as the cause of the poor state of roads in Warri and environs. Paradise Abada said some of the “roads are bad because of this gutter. At first when the road was constructed then, the gutter also should have been put in place; it would have been better, but for now, the road is of no use because of the potholes everywhere on the road. Another respondent, Tosan Fenama, who spoke in pidgin, said

“My prayer na make Okowa know about this road wen poor people dey pass through for this town. He fit dey fly aeroplane oh! That time he nor dey see the road then. Make he come do the road, that one nor be say no money, see the NPA express na one way people dey drive, just last week na motor kill person here. Tunde na be the name of the boy wen die, he wan cross for Ekurede Itsekiri junction; all this na because of one way drive. This boy suppose graduate this week, na because of this one way drive oh! So, make them no wait make more people die first before dem go do the road, if na sand them put full am first, e go better.” Meanwhile, residents of the area have called on the government of Senator Ifeanyi Okowa to come to the aide of Warri and environs particularly in terms of road network. Frank Oruru, Ufuoma Obiebi, Joseph Eket and others believed that if Okowa gets a clean bill from the ongoing fireworks at the Election Petition Tribunal over the last governorship election in the state, he may prioritise the roads and get them fixed. “For Okowa, I know he does not stay in Warri and I also heard he took loan concerning basic education in the state. It would be better for him to consider the road also,” Abubakar noted. For optimistic Obiebi, “I believe Okowa will be able to construct these roads; Uduaghan really maintained the roads, but there are other things needed to be done; so after the case between Okowa and Great Ogboru is finally concluded and if Okowa comes top, he would be able to construct the roads well.”

CREW

Dapo Falade -Rivers 08078891924 lasep09@gamil.com Ebenezer Adurokiya -Delta 08060113609 ebenezeradurokiya@gmail.com Banji Aluko - Edo 08067030572 adebanjialuko@yahoo.com Alphonsus Agborh 08035838703 Austin Ebipade - Bayelsa 08065400743 austinebipade@gmail.com

35 insidenigerdelta

Wednesday, 30 September, 2015

Asaba people can now eat new yam-Ayiwe Alphonsus Agborh - Asaba

S it is customary with the people of Asaba Community, Delta State Capital, they can now proceed and eat new yams. Until last weekend, the people were forbidden from tasting new yam. They can only do so after the Ayiwe of Asaba, Stanly Ikechukwu Amuwah, informed the King, Asagba of Asaba, Obi Professor Chike Edozie, as tradition demands, that eating of new yam for the 2015 harvest season was not harmful. Thereafter, the Obi and the Chiefs would go ahead to celebrate their new yam festival. The Ayiwe, who is the Eze Ugbo (King of farm) had cause, September 10, to roll out drums from his residence at Umuagu Quarters in the town in a procession through his domain. Tagged Eze Ugbo 2015 Carnival, the celebration marked the end of his ten-year reign in the spiritual saddle of announcing the freedom to commence new yam festival. Since 2006, Stanly Amuwah was lucky that his period was not truncated by any circumstances, including death as it was culturally accepted that if any Ayiwe dies within the period of the mandatory ten years, his body would be taken to the “evil” forest. Because the present Ayiwe survived all, his people, including the young and old, trooped out in large number to honour the man with a carnival. It was glamorous as he walked the long distance, adorned in colourful costumes. Youths also took the opportunity to showcase cultural heritage of Asaba people. “I thank my people for their support. I am running out of time because today marks my 10th year celebration of being Ayiwe and it is my last date of appearing. “Without problems, one will not succeed. I faced a number of odds, but I overcame them all” “As a message, evil doing should come to pass and our youths must be skillful in academics and trades and above all, honesty pays; therefore, lets all be honest and transparent in our dealings” the Ayiwe counselled.

The procession on major streets in Warri. The Onoi of Asaba, Ogbueshi Peter Ngozi Ogbogu Eso-yanya, at the ceremony, said it was the Ayiwe who ascertained whether the new yam was mature to be eaten by the kinsmen and that after the Ayiwe celebra-

Still the procession on Warri streets tion, all segments of Asaba will come alive to do their new yam festival. “There are five quarters in the town of Asaba. The Ayiwe has to perform and thereafter, Opalaukus, red cap chiefs, the Orinzeles,

ERA demands $28m from NAOC for victims of fire explosion Austin Ebipade - Yenagoa ENVIRONMENTAL Rights Action and Friends of the Earth Nigeria has demanded $28 million from Nigerian Agip Oil Company for the families of victims of fire explosion in Azuzuama, Bayelsa State, which claimed the lives of 14 persons. In July 2015, fire exploded in oil facility

operated by a multinational oil company, Agip, in Azuzuama and killed 14 persons while scores were injured. Executive Director, ERA/FoEN, Dr Godwin Ojo, shortly after conducting journalists round the facility, expressed displeasure at a news conference tagged, ‘Environment Parliament’, and demanded $2 million each for the families of 14 victims that died in the

12 years after ceding, Bakassi IDPs still roam the streets Ubong Anthony - Calabar MORE than 12 years after the International Court of Justice (ICJ) ceded the oil rich Bakassi peninsula to Republic of Cameroun, the displaced people of Bakassi have been living like outcasts in their fatherland. Despite their constant agitations for a better life, their plights have continued to degenerate from bad to worse as governments at both the state and federal levels have paid deaf ears to their pleas. In fact, they have been totally neglected by the Nigerian government which has refused to obey part of the treaty that has to do with the protection of their rights. They go through excruciating experiences on a daily basis without any hope in sight. Their tales of woes are enough to draw tears from the most hardened of hearts. Having been humiliated and chased out of their ancestral homes by Cameroonian authorities, the Bakassi IDPs have been nothing but beggars who wait for crumbs to fall from the master’s table. They have been denied the right to a good life. Those who refused to leave the ceded territory have been constantly harassed, maimed and killed by Cameroonian gendarmes who see them as slaves.

among others, will now follow suit. Also speaking, former Chairman of Oshimili South Local Government, Honourable Izuka Okolo, expressed joy that the Ayiwe successfully completed his tenure.

Even when some fled the ceded territory and abandoned their fishing occupation, they are still roaming the streets in search of a good life which has been very elusive. The temporary resettlement camp in Akpabuyo Local Government Area provided for the IDPs by the state government is worse than a slum. They die on a daily basis due to outbreak of epidemic caused by the filthy nature of the environment. They lack access to basic medical care and their kids have dropped out of school with some resorting to crimes to etch out a living. Though the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) has done its bit to salvage the situation by providing relief materials ranging from food items, drugs etc, what the displaced people are craving is a permanent place where they can pick back the broken pieces of their lives. While it seems there is no hope in sight, the displaced people have continued to fight for a better life. Their agitations have not ceased as they have constantly protested on the streets of Calabar, the state capital, to draw government’s attention to their plights. Just last Wednesday, they stormed the streets of Calabar protesting what they de-

scribed as “total negligence and abandonment” in the past two years by the government of Cross River State which has hitherto agreed to be paying them a monthly stipend of N5000. The protesters, who were led by Mr Duke Bassey, the president of the Ikang resettlement camp, came out in their numbers to barricade the entrance to the state Ministry of Social Welfare and Community Development to appeal to the state government to take proactive measures to address their challenges which include but not limited to, adequate security, sustainable source of income and affordable education for their children. Bassey, who lamented that the ICJ judgment had brought untold hardship to the people as it had become impossible for them to carry on their fishing activities, their major source of livelihood, noted that the IDPs were not only indigenes of Cross River State as people from other neighbouring states like Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Rivers and Ebonyi, who were also into fishing, were residing in the camp. He explained that the protest became necessary as they have completely been denied their rights as enshrined in the Nigerian constitution.

explosion. He said beyond the need for investigation, Agip must provide public response to the frequent fire explosion incidents as well as conduct immediate clean up and environmental remediation. Ojo stated: “While a price cannot be placed on the loss of human lives, we urge the payment of the sum of $2 million each to the families of the bereaved, since their breadwinners have been taken away from them abruptly. “This will serve as a lesson to Agip and other oil companies on the need to put lives first before profit.” The ERA boss also alleged that the impunity and fragrant disregard for environmental regulations by Agip had resulted in massive environmental degradation and destruction of rural livelihoods over several decades of its operations in the Niger Delta. Ojo, therefore, demanded the revocation of operational licencee of Agip for their persistent and criminal liability in the frequent fire explosions and deaths recorded. He said the laws governing oil spills and prevention of environmental degradation and security of lives and property had been severely compromised. He stated: “As in other cases, the vegetation, trees and cash crops and livelihoods on both sides of the pipeline covering several hectares were severely burnt. “Certainly, Agip is not meeting their internal rules. They are also not meeting the regulations and laws of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. The state of the act clean up technology remains the crude setting of oil spills ablaze.” He urged the Federal Government to set up an immediate investigative panel to identify the cause of the fire and explosion with a view to putting in place all necessary precautionary steps in future repairs.

Wednesday, 30 September, 2015

Edited by: ‘Gbenga Opadotun olojaekuro@gmail.com 08037149731

I deserved punishment —Gwer LG boss

HE Chairman, Gwer Local Government Area of Benue State, Mr Dele Uzuku, said he has learnt lessons from his one month suspension from office. Speaking with newsmen, Uzuku said that Governor Samuel Ortom had every reason to punish him for flouting his orders on payment of salaries. The report which led to Uzuku’s suspension ema-

nated from the Bureau for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs. The governor had directed all caretaker chairmen in the state to commence payment of current salaries and not arrears. Instead of complying with the directive, Uzuku decided to pay the arrears of November 2011 to staff of the local government area. “Governor Ortom has made a bold statement through my suspension

that it is no longer business as usual, and this is the real change we all yearned for in this country. “I was completely at fault and the governor had every right to punish me. During this suspension, I have learnt a lot of lessons and

understood our politics even better.’’ Uzuku said that the Benue people had already started witnessing change they all sought for by voting for the All Progressive Congress (APC) in the state.

Foundation deploys paramedics to Takum, Wukari LGs THE TY Danjuma Foundation, on Sunday, said it had posted 12 health personnel to help rural dwellers in Takum and Wukari Local Government Areas of Taraba State. The state co-coordinator of the foundation, Mrs. Funmi Ajalla, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Takum that the paramedics used motorcycles to get to the remote areas. She said that the foundation, in conjunction with Riders for Health, a nongovernment organisation, initiated the programme, which would provide medical assistance to people in the rural areas. Ajala said the paramedics had undergone rigorous training on conveying vaccines to rural areas and treating sick persons who could not access public hospitals. “Many people are dying by the day because they cannot access public health facilities that are mostly found in urban centres. “When you see pregnant women, who bleed to death due to these problems, then you will understand why this initiative is very important,” she said. The co-coordinator said that the programme, which already recorded success in Lau and Zing areas, would soon be expanded to cover the entire 16 council areas of the state. She expressed optimism that the high rate of maternal mortality in the area, would drastically be reduced if the programme

was properly executed. Also speaking, the Country Director, Riders for Health, Kayode Ajayi, said that the organisation would continue to work with the foundation to bring succour to the people of the state. The foundation had placed the paramedics on daily allowance for fueling and maintenance of their motorcycles

Gov. Samuel Ortom, Benue State

Ex–council boss cautions against imposition of candidates A former Chairman of Burari Local Government Area of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mr Isa Dara, has urged politicians to desist from imposition of candidates as parties’ standard flag bearers. Dara gave the advice in an interview with newsmen in Bwari . Dara was also a former House of Representatives candidate for Bwari/Amac constituency under the All Progressive Congress (APC). He said that the process of identifying parties’ candidates was key to the success of democracy. According to him, the imposition of candidated contributes to failure at the polls. He, therefore, urged politicians to elect representatives based on popularity in forthcoming council elections. “I urge politicians to be careful as we approach the forthcoming local government elections. “We have to be mindful and watchful about those we are going to elect; let’s elect credible people who will

Kogi LG workers to receive N45bn from bailout fund The Kogi State government has said that N45 billion of the N50.9 billion its bailout money would be spent on the payment of outstanding salaries of 21 local government councils’ workers.

The Deputy Governor, Mr Yomi Awoniyi, made the disclosure in Lokoja in a statement by his Press Secretary, Mr Mike Abu. The statement said that he made the clarification during a stakeholders meeting

with members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ihima, Okehi Local Government Area. It said that the balance of N5.9 billion would be used to pay the August and September salaries of workers

Sumaila LG Road: Return to site, gov orders contractor Kola Oyelere - Kano KANO State governor, Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, has directed the contractor handling Sumaila township road in Sumaila Local Government Area of the state to return to site. Governor Ganduje, who gave the directive during the inauguration of Government Technical School, Sumaila, said the directive was in line with the administration’s commitment to complete projects inherited from the immediate past administration. He also promised to

make funds available for the completion of Sumaila water and electricity projects in view of their importance to the socio-economic development of the local government area. On the technical school which was awarded in 2013, he noted that it was constructed with over N177 million and consisted of several laboratories and workshops, classes, administrative block and other infrastructure. He urged youths in the area to take advantage of the school, to acquire skills that would enable them to become self-reliant instead

of becoming liabilities to their parents and communities. Speaking on the occasion, the local government chairman, Abdulhamid Idris Rimi, thanked the state government for constructing the school and appealed to the governor to pay compensation for the land acquired for the project. He also urged the state government to intervene in restoring electricity to Sumaila town and requested assitance to rectify the age – long water problem facing the local government headquarters.

in the state civil service. The statement said that Awoniyi, while confirming that the total money due to the state was N50.9 billion, said the challenges facing its early release was being resolved. It appealed to workers to exercise more patience, saying that they would be the greatest beneficiaries of the funds when it was finally released. It attributed the inability to pay workers to a sharp drop in the allocation from the federation account and dismissed the insinuations of mismanagement being speculated in some quarters. The statement said that Awoniyi used the visit to commend the people of the state’s Central Senatorial District for their mature conduct in the just-concluded governorship primary of the APC. It noted that the action had further reinforced the confidence of the leadership of the party in the people of the area.

carry this baby area council forward. “So, I want once again to appeal to all of us to be very careful before making selection.” On the issue of security, he advised the people to shun acts that were inimical to peace and progress within the community. He stressed that people should not indulge in violence as means of expressing their grievances. He further advised Bwari residents against making utterances that could instigate violence and report any suspicious movements in the surroundings to security operatives.

Council boss identifies 16 erosion sites in Afikpo THE Chairman, Caretaker Committee of Afikpo South Local Government Area of Ebonyi State, Chief Eni Uduma-Chima, has said that there were 16 erosion sites in the area. Uduma-Chima announced the figure in Afikpo when a team from the National Ecological Office inspected gully erosion and other ecological sites in the area and those in Afikpo North Local Government Area. He said the 16 sites had posed serious danger to the people, adding that the biggest site had forced the council to relocate its secretariat. “The major roads leading to the council are also affected as both the state and local governments have taken steps to address the issue,” he said. The chairman said that the council intimated the ecological office of the problem with photographs of the sites. “We are happy that it responded swiftly to our call by sending its officials to inspect the sites, as this makes us believe that it will be a clear departure from the operations of the past,” he said. He noted that the situation had economic and social implications on the people, especially in the area of agriculture.

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38 news

Wednesday, 30 September, 2015

NAHCON medical centre records 19 deaths, treats 10,000 pilgrims MuhammadSabiu-Kadunawith Agency Report

EAD of Data Unit, National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) Medical Centre, Mecca, Dr Jibrin Suleman, on Tuesday, said the centre had recorded 19 deaths from inception of the hajj exercise to date. The centre has five clinics, two in Madinah and three

in Mecca to cater for the ailing Nigerian pilgrims in Saudi Arabia. Briefing the Leader, Senate Ad Hoc Committee on Hajj, Senator Ali Wakili, during a visit to the centre in Mecca, Suleman said most of the deceased were between 65 years and above. He said most of the deceased died of heart diseases, hypertension, diabetes and other related ailments.

Suleman said the centre, which was limited to the provision of basic treatment only, recorded two miscarriages and referred 50 cases to Saudi hospitals within the period. He said more than 10,000 pilgrims visited the centre for cold, malaria, body pains and other simple and noncomplicated cases. Also briefing the committee, the Head, Medical Team of the centre, Dr Mu-

hammad Bello Abdulkadir, said the clinics were stocked with necessary drugs. He, however, complained that the centre had no ambulance to move to the pilgrims’ hostels during emergencies. Abdulkadir said the four ambulances acquired by NAHCON for the centre were yet to be released by Saudi Authorities and urged the National Assembly to intervene.

From left, Chairman of Atayese, Prince Tokunbo Ajasin; Professor A.B.O.O. Oyediran; chairman on the occasion, High Chief Adebayo Akande and the guest speaker, Professor Akin Mabogunje, during the 58th anniversary lecture of self government of Western Region, organised by the Atayese group, held at the Premier Hotel, Ibadan, on Tuesday. PHOTO: YEMI FUNSO-OKE.

Politicians must show determination to pursue true federalism —Prof Mabogunje By Tunde Ogunesan

EMERITUS Professor Akin Mabogunje has called upon the present crop of politicians to show greater determination to ensure that Nigeria achieve full federalism. Professor Mabogunje disclosed this on Tuesday during the 58th anniversary lecture on commemoration of self government of Western region, organised by Atayese group. The renowned medicine scholar spoke on the topic “Awo legacy and challenges of political leadership and governance in present day Nigeria”, at the Banquet Hall, Premier Hotel, Ibadan. Mabogunje who commended Atayese Association for its vision of promoting a culture of governance, said that Chief Obafemi Awolowo made his “position abundantly clear that the only path to Nigeria’s freedom and development is through the adoption and serious commitment to a federal system of government.” He said Awolowo, in the twilight of the colonial period, provided a template against which to evaluate

what is happening in Nigeria today. He said the impact of the federal system of government was also very much felt in the effectiveness of governance at the regional level. “The ever-green legacy of Chief Obafemi Awolowo has been based on how he harnesses this residual power to dramatically enhance the welfare and the

well-being of the people of the region in areas such as education and healthcare and to systematically transform the socio-economic conditions under which they have to live.” In his address, chairman of Atayese, Mr Tokunbo Ajasin, said the association believed that no development and good governance could occur in Nigeria

without restructuring. The chairman of the occasion, Adebayo Akande, said the Awolowo political era continued to be the heydays of Nigeria’s political history, “judging from what we call the Nigerian political atmosphere of do-ordie politics, characterised by wanton corruption and mismanagement of public property.”

Bayelsa, Kogi polls: Dickson, Wada get certificates of return JacobSegunOlatunji-Abuja

AHEAD the governorship elections in Kogi and Bayelsa states, the national leadership of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has declared that the party would win the two states, being its traditional stronghold from inception and the good performances of their incumbent governors. The party, however, warned the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and security agencies to be objective and abide by the rules of the electoral process in the affected states, “so that

elections will be won and lost fairly.” The acting national chairman of the PDP, Prince Uche Secondus, stated this on Tuesday, when issuing certificates of return to the governor of Kogi State, Captain Idris Wada and his Bayelsa State counterpart, Seriake Dickson. They both emerged governoship candidates of PDP ahead of governorship polls. According to him, “no amount of rumour or intimidation can take the states from PDP. These are traditional PDP states.” He stated that the outcome of the primaries was

the “first time that we can beat our cheat and say internal democracy has taken place,” adding “this is completely a new PDP from what we used to know.” Secondus said the party “is proud to successfully hold its primaries without any for of divisiveness,” adding that the leadership of the party would improve on this new dawn of internal democracy stage by stage. He counselled the All Progressives Congress (APC) and other political parties to “borrow a leaf from us,” with regards to conduct of party primaries.

Speaking earlier, Wakili said members of the ad hoc committee were going round NAHCON facilities in Saudi Arabia to identify some of their problems and present them to the Senate for redressing. Meanwhile, the Nasarawa State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board on Tuesday confirmed that one pilgrim from the state died while two others were missing. The confirmation was contained in a statement by the board’s Public Relations Officer, Mallam Abdulrazaq Mohammed, in Lafia. According to the statement, one of the 54 Nigerian pilgrims confirmed dead by NAHCON in the stampede had been confirmed to be from the state. It added that two other pilgrims from the state who were declared missing had not been found. The dead pilgrim, the statement said, was Mallam Ahmad Mainasara from Gadabuke community in Toto Local Government Area. It gave the name of one of the missing persons as Mallama Rashida Shuaibu, adding that the name of the other, who hailed from Keffi had not been confirmed. The statement also announced the death of a pilgrim from the state, who passed on in Medina due to health challenges. It said that the deceased, Abubakar Aliyu, from Lafia Local Government Area, took ill on arrival at the holy land and was in the custody of the state’s medical team before he died.

Kaduna pilgrims arrived

In a related development, the first batch of Kaduna State pilgrims arrived safely on board Fly Nas Airways at 6:38a.m. yesterday. This was contained in a statement issued by the Public Relations Officer of Kaduna State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board, Malam Yunusa Abdullahi. According to him, the flight was earlier scheduled for 1:00a.m. on Monday and pilgrims were directed to leave Makkah for Jeddah by 11:00p.m., after performing their farewell Tawaf. Yunusa clarified that the lack of compliance with flight schedules by representatives of some hajj operators was mainly responsible for the large crowd at Jeddah airport. The second flight was about to leave Jeddah airport for Kaduna with 300 passengers as at the time of filing this report.

E-learning ’ll improve access to education –Prof Egbokhare By Paul Omorogbe

A nation that is hungry for education, e-learning is the best means to bridge the gap. This was the opinion of Professor Francis Egbokhare, who spoke on Tuesday at the International Conference and Exhibition on Learning Technologies (ICELET), held at the University of Ibadan, Ibadan. According to Egbokhare, a recent nominee for the post of vice chancellor at the university, “Nigeria is one of the few countries in the world with educationhunger.” Dr Tosin Awolalu, Chairman of ICELET 2015, said that in an era where speed of access is key “e-learning provides that platform,” and added that e-learning certainly had a future in Nigeria. Highlight of the conference on Tuesday was when Dr Victor Matthews of the Covenant University, Ota, unveiled a semi-humanoid wireless robotic lecturer, a novel learning technology for open and distance learning.

Adamawa organises workshop for information officers Kabeer Gwangwazo - Yola

THE governor of Adamawa State, Senator Muhammadu Umaru Bindow, on Tuesday, organised a twoday workshop on strategic and effective information management for the staff of the Ministry of Information. The Commissioner for Information and one of the resource persons, Comrade Ahmad Ibrahim Sajoh, while declaring the workshop open, said “we want to train you on cyber war; not to destroy but to build our dear state.” According to him, “the world is fast becoming a changing world, from analog to digital, from traditional to modern ways of passing information.” Sajoh who talked on Basic writing skills, emphasised the need for constructive online journalism geared towards development and peace. One of the resource persons, Mr Tom Garba, observed that the information officers are commandants to be trained in order to handle and manage information concerning the state.

news Nigeria at 55: Atiku calls for national unity, nation building 39

JacobSegunOlatunji—Abuja

S Nigeria celebrates its 55th Independence Anniversary, former Vice President and chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, on Tuesday, solicited from Nigerians “national unity, nation building, peace and progress” to build a united nation. In a statement made available to newsmen in Abuja by his Media Office, Atiku congratulated Nigerians on the occasion of the nation’s 55th independence anniversary. The former vice president declared that “Nigerians deserve a pat on the back for their success and perseverance in preserving the country since independence despite the stresses and strains of nationhood.” The Turaki Adamawa reminded Nigerians that this year’s celebration was significant because “it coincides with a rare change of government when an opposition party took over power through a democratic, free and fair election.” According to him, “having succeeded in deepening our democracy by making possible a peaceful transfer of power from one political party to another, the task before the people now is to work for national unity and peace in the land so as to lay the foundation for nation-building.” The former vice president identified nation-building as the greatest challenge facing the country at this present time as Nigerians still needed to improve the way they relate to one another, adding that “there is the urgent need for the people to begin to see themselves first as Nigerians, rather than one ethnic group or the other.” While stating that the future of the country lied in its ability to achieve unity and peace, Atiku urged all those in leadership positions to show good examples to their followers, insisting that “unity and peace will be much easier to attain if leaders at all levels allowed justice and fair play to govern their actions.” He stated that “when people believe in the fairness of their leaders, they will be ready to do everything within their power to protect their fatherland.” While recalling the challenges posed to the wellbeing of the nation by the prolonged Boko Haram insurgency, the former vice president was full of praises

Wednesday, 30 September, 2015

for the resolve of the nation’s Armed Forces and the successes of the latter in the campaign against terrorism. He called on Nigerians

to continue to support the Armed Forces and its Commander-in-chief, President Muhammadu Buhari. Atiku urged all Nigerians to support the government

at all levels, noting that as a watershed year in the fight against terrorism, the nation would now focus on reconstruction and rehabilitation of the areas dev-

astated by the insurgents as well as provision of critical socio-economic infrastructure in other parts of the country for development purposes.

From left, Chairman, Oyo State council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Mr Gbenga Opadotun; representative of the governor of Ogun State, Mr Taiwo Adeoluwa and the donor of NUJ guest house, Mr Adeniyi Oladeinde, at the inauguration of the NUJ guest house, in Ibadan, on Tuesday. PHOTO: NAN.

We operate fraudulent federalism —Gov Amosun By Tunde Ogunesan GOVERNOR Ibikunle Amosun of Ogun State has said that Nigeria is currently operating a fraudulent federalism. Governor Amosun stated this on Tuesday while delivering an Independence Anniversary Lecture organised by the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Oyo State Council. The event, which was held at the Dapo Aderogba Hall, NUJ Press Centre, Iyaganku, Ibadan, was organ-

ised in commemoration of the 55th anniversary of the country. The governor who was represented by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Taiwo Adeoluwa, said “a country where the Federal Government takes the high chunk of the nation’s resources is unfair.” Pointing out that a situation where 36 states of the Federation share 26 per cent of the national resources portended a danger for the country. “We’re sitting on a keg

of gunpowder. We must all work hard to turn the fortune of the country around,” he said. He stressed that most of the federal agencies located in states receive something from the respective states, saying “if the state governments decided not to fund the police, the commands would collapse. “The crux of the matter is that we must rearrange the structure of the country. We are trusting God will prove Himself in the life of President Muhammadu Buhari.”

NSCDC deploys over 50,000 personnel for October 1 Clement Idoko - Abuja THE Commandant General of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Abdullahi Muhammadu Gana, has ordered the deployment of over 50,000 personnel for the October 1, 55th Independence Day Celebration. Though, the Federal Government had announced that the event would be low-key, but the massive deployment of officers of the Corps is to prevent breach of peace nationwide

during the period. This was contained in a statement issued on Tuesday in Abuja by the Corps Public Relations Officer, Mr Emmanuel Okeh and made available to newsmen. According to the statement, Gana equally directed for the deployment of 5,000 sniffer dogs, Mobile surveillance vehicles and other gadgets for effective monitoring and supervision. He lauded the efforts of the officers deployed for the Sallah Celebration

for their wonderful performance in providing maximum security in all parts of the country. Gana, therefore, sought the co-operation of members of the public in providing information and intelligence needed to curb crime and criminalities in the society. While congratulating Nigerians on the occasion of the 55th Independence Anniversary, he urged personnel to work in synergy with other sister security agencies in ensuring hitchfree celebration.

He frowned at the practice where licences were given from Abuja to extract natural resources located in Ogun State. The highpoint of the event were the presentation of an award to the governor and inauguration of a guest house. Adeoluwa also described a story published by some newspapers on Tuesday that Governor Amosun ordered the arrest of a blogger who reported fake story about his wife as blatant lies. Adeoluwa said the governor was in Saudi Arabia observing 2015 hajj when the story broke in Nigeria therefore, “it is impossible to order such arrest from Saudi.” The SSG said such report was unfair to the governor and the people of Ogun State. According to him, the state government had reported the case to the police. He wondered why some people will come up with such malicious statements to distract the governor and the good people of the state. “Governor Amosun returned to Nigeria from Saudi Arabia just yesterday and some newspapers today published a story that the governor ordered arrest of a blogger.”

Nigerian Tribune

Current trends may mar nation’s survival —Uranta Bola Badmus - Lagos THE Executive Secretary of the Nigerian National Summit Group (NNSG), Mr Tony Uranta, has warned that the current trends in Nigeria, if unchecked, could negatively affect the nation’s existence. Uranta, who is making his comment on the 55 years of Nigeria’s independence, said consequently, there was urgent need to checkmate some insensitive power thrust trends in order to retain the continued unity of the country. “In about 72 hours, Nigeria will be 55years old. The trends of seemingly insensitive power-thrusts are not the best conducive with the accepted national aspirations for equitable economic development, democratic politics and social justice. “These ought to be driven by the Constitution and the respect for the rule of law, plus the pragmatic recognition of diversities that a united Nigeria needs to be premised upon.”

Democracy in Nigeria, a necessary evil —Ex-CP JohnsonBabajide-Makurdi FORMER police commissioner for Lagos State and socio crusader, Alhaji Abubakar Tsav, has described democracy in Nigeria as a necessary tool for development but regretted that the political class has made it evil. Tsav who spoke with the Nigerian Tribune in Makurdi, Benue State capital, on Tuesday, said that despite the merits of democracy he regretted that political class has made it to be an evil due to their impunity. While acknowledging the fact that the best form of government is democracy, he expressed sadness at the high level of corruption that has pervaded the present political dispensation and submitted that if he had his way, “I will say military should come and clean up the mess and return to the barracks. “But as a progressive and hard believer in democracy, I will not advocate for military government despite the rot in the political system. I believe that with the manner President Muhammad Buhari is going about it, we will reduce it to the barest minimum.”

news Bailout: NUT defends Fayose on non-inclusion of pensioners, others

Sam Nwaoko - Ado Ekiti

he Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), Ekiti State Wing, has exonerated Governor Ayodele Fayose from blame over the exclusion of retirees’ pensions and gratuities from being paid with the N9.6 billion Federal Government bailout the state received recently. NUT, which addressed newsmen in Ado Ekiti, on Tuesday, through its chairman, Mr Samuel Akosile, as part of activities to mark the 2015 Teachers Day ceremony in the state, said Governor Fayose was helpless, saying the information available to them showed that the state got only N9.6 billion out of the N26 billion it applied for. Akosile said: “The state government cannot be blamed. Governor Fayose is not that kind of a governor that will punish pensioners unjustly. You could re-

Wednesday, 30 September, 2015

member that the governor applied for N29.6 billion bailout from the Central Bank, but only N9.6 billion was released to the state. “If pensioners are not captured in the payment, I know the governor will soon find solution to it. The governor by action and deed has shown that he loves teachers, both active and retired ones. “As much as I am not comfortable with the fact that our retired members

may not benefit now, I am very optimistic that the issue will be addressed very soon.” The Federal Government, through the Central Bank of Nigeria released the money to Ekiti last week, to pay outstanding salaries and allowances, but the payment of gratuities and outstanding allowances of pensioners were not captured in the payment, which had generated furore among the retirees.

Akosile, who said the recent Education Summit organised by the state government had been of tremendous benefits to the sector, said the resolutions at the event had effectively raised the commitments of stakeholders, particularly parents to the growth of education. “The abolition of free education will help in strengthening education. Every parent will be involved because no parent will pay for WAEC or NECO and pay

development fee every term and still fail to monitor his or her wards. So, this is a very big plus to the education sector,” Akosile stated. He thanked Governor Fayose for “according the teachers respect and recognition,” and noted particularly the government’s solefinancing of the 2015 World Teachers Day slated for October 5, which is coming under the theme: “Empowering Teachers-Building Sustainable Society.”

Peace, basis of development —Mrs Ajimobi By Olawale Olaniyan Peace is the foundation for every achievement, and its presence is directly proportional to the progress recorded by any administration. This is the assertion of the wife of Oyo State governor, Mrs Florence Ajimobi, when National Association of Peace Studies Students (NAPSS) paid her a courtesy visit in her office, Secretariat, Ibadan, on Tuesday. She disclosed that the peace being experienced in the state is as a result of the cooperation of every stakeholder and her citizen. Mrs Ajimobi affirmed her confidence in the President Muhammadu Buhari led administration in bringing peace to all the troubled areas in Nigeria and in his administration’s ability to bring the expected positive change to the country. She, therefore, enjoined everyone to be an advocate of peace and be an ambassador for peace so as to move the state and Nigeria as a whole forward. The founder of Child Health Care, therefore, urged the students to be the main vanguard of peace since they are the future leaders who will one day direct the affairs of the country just as she charged them to support the administration in the country in whatever capacity they could.

From left, Nollywood actor, Yomi Fash Lanso; Marla Oliveira De Andrade Silva; national coordinator, Odu’a Peoples Congress (OPC), Chief Gani Adams; the coordinator, Traditional African Festival and Theatre, Department of Creative Arts, University of Lagos, Mr Steve James; Nollywood actor, Lambert Dike and the Publisher, Metro News Online, Mr Femi Davies, during “An evening of African Festival with Otunba Gani Adams,’’ organised by the Department of Creative Arts, University of Lagos, on Monday. Photo; Sylvester Okoruwa.

I did not withhold workers’ allowance —Research Institute Director

CelestineIhejirika-Umuahia

Sequel to the strike action embarked upon by staff of the National Root Crop Research Institute (NRCRI) Umudike, Abia State, the Executive Director, Dr Julius Okonkwo, has denied withholding the allowances of workers of

the Institute. He explained that allowances of staff are consolidated and added to the basic salary and paid as lump sum as consolidated tertiary institutions salary. In a statement made available to newsmen in Umuahia, on Tuesday, the

Director said the leadership of the NRCRI NASU was misled in demanding for payment of an allowance already built into their basic salary as if the payment was made from the Institute. “Moreover, no fund is sent to NRCRI for pay-

Rivers guber: INEC closes case as Wike opens defence Sunday Ejike - Abuja The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), on Tuesday, closed its case in the petition by the All Progressives Congress (APC) and its governorship candidate in the April 11, 2015 governorship election, Dr Dakuku Peterside, brought before the Rivers State Governorship election Petition Tribunal, sitting in Abuja. At the resumed hearing of the tribunal yesterday,

INEC’s counsel, Onyechi Ikpeazu (SAN), told the tribunal that, having called a total of 16 witnesses, the commission was satisfied with weight of the evidence given by the witnesses before the tribunal. Ikpeazu told the threemember panel that the electoral umpire does not intend calling more witnesses and as such, applied to close its case. His application to close INEC’s case was not opposed by counsel to the petitioners and the panel,

led by Justice Suleiman Ambrosa, consequently adjourned till today, September 30, 2015 for Governor Nyesom Wike to open his defence. INEC had, on Monday, accused the Nigerian Army of lying on oath before the tribunal, saying that the Army authorities, in a bid to discredit the outcome of the April 11, 2015 governorship election it conducted in Rivers State, sent soldiers that gave false evidence before the tribunal.

ment of salaries and allowances. Salaries are paid by the Office of the Accountant General of the Federation (IPPIS Dept) directly to staff bank accounts. The Executive Director does not determine what Federal Government pays each staff,” he said. Okonkwo described the strike as mischievous, saying that “On August 24, 2015, the chairman of NASU, NRCRI Umudike branch, Mrs Obi Nwakaego and members of NASU executive issued a 10 point ultimatum to the Institute’s management, requesting the management to address the issues before 14 days from the date of issuance of the ultimatum. “The management of the Institute responded to the issues raised one after the other and sent the reply to NASU on August 25, 2015.” According to him, the issue of allowances was not included in the 10 point ultimatum given to the management as part of the reason for the strike.

Ogun assures residents of massive housing development Ogun State Government has restated its commitment to the provision of more affordable housing units for the people of the state. The General Manager of the State Housing Corporation, Mrs Jumoke Akinwunmi, an architect, stated this while playing host to a delegation from the West Africa Portland Cement Company (WAPCO) operations, a subsidiary of Lafarge Africa PLC, in Abeokuta. Akinwunmi, in a statement signed by the Corporation’s Press Officer, Mrs Waliyat Odemakin, acknowledged that more remarkable improvements were being recorded through the Public/Private Partnership (PPP) involvement in the housing sector to further accelerate the urban renewal mission of Senator Ibikunle Amosunled administration. According to her, the corporation, with the collaborative efforts of various private organisations, had contributed immensely to solve the challenges confronting housing deficit in the country, through the construction of affordable housing units for the low and medium income earners in the state.

Abandoned child Ruth Hope, a baby girl of about one year old was found roaming about the neighbourhood of LusadaIgbesa in Ogun State on September 17, 2015, at about 09.00 hours. Hence, all efforts to trace the subject mother/guidance proved abortive. Anyone with useful information on the whereabouts of her mother/guardian of the subject parents should contact the nearest police station or the Director of Social Welfare Services, Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development, Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta.

Ruth Hope

news FG to tackle corruption, challenges in power sector —Osinbajo

Oluwole Ige - Osogbo

he Vice President, Professor Yemi Osinbajo, on Tuesday, said that the Federal Government was committed to tacking endemic corruption in the body polity and frontally address challenges in the power sector. He said far reaching measures were being taken by the incumbent administration to surmount these two problems, with a view to enhance the socio-economic sector, thereby boosting the nation’s revenue profile. Osinbajo, who spoke during an interaction with journalists after the seventh convocation ceremony of the Redeemer’s University Ede, in Osun State said, “We are determined to solve the problem of power in Nigeria to assist small and medium scale enterprises. Agriculture

Wednesday, 30 September, 2015

is the key of our economic plan. We want to achieve self sufficiency in rice and cassava production.” According to him, “there is incremental progress in the power sector. We are looking at it in phases and by the end of the year 2015, we should be able to generate 5,000 megawatts of electricity. By the first quarter of next year, we would also have been able to increase power generation. Our problem is transmission and distribution which are being worked on day by day.” Osinbajo continued, “we

must defeat the scourge of corruption that has brought us to our knees as a nation. Corruption, which President Muhammadu Buhari said must be killed if we don’t want it to kill our nation, cannot be treated with kid gloves. We are going to battle it to standstill.” Commenting on the consideration of merit for political appointment above zoning, the Vice President said, “I have always believed in merit and capacity. That should be the rule. Everywhere else in the world, the rule is first

merit and any other form of quota. That is the rule. So, you have a higher number of people appointed to positions on merit and then you have the consideration for geographical spread and federal character.” Earlier in his remark, Osun State governor, Mr Rauf Aregbesola, recalled that “before August 9, 2014 governorship election, there was a huge threat to my re-election. I went to our father, Pastor Enoch Adejare Adeboye for prayer.” He stated, “After exchanging pleasantries, Adeboye

said if it was the wish of God for me to secure second term, nothing can stop it. He prayed for me and his prayers among others thwarted the plan to bungle me out of office.” Aregbesola, however, tasked the graduands to key into the vision of the university, stressing that “the vision of your university is clear and sharp - Redefining of university education. It believes that its product will become a rock, in which gems are embedded. If you can memorise your vision and practicalise it, you cannot fail in life.”

Workers locked out for lateness in Kwara Biola Azeez - Ilorin Some workers in the Kwara State civil service, who came late to the Governor’s Office, Ilorin, on Tuesday, were locked out on the order of the Head of Service (HOS), Hajia Zahra Omar. The Nigerian Tribune gathered that the Head of Service had grown uncomfortable with the lateness of some of the workers and thus, directed on Monday, that the gate of the complex be locked immediately it was 8a.m. on Tuesday. It was also gathered that the closure of the gate caught many senior and juniors workers in the Governor’s Office unawares, as they became apprehensive. Some of the workers that were punctual to work said that the HOS had warned them severally against lateness to work. Also, some of those who came late said on condition of anonymity that they had some problems on their way to office on Tuesday, while they appealed for forgiveness. However, the HOS declined to comment on the issue. But a source who pleaded anonymity said the HOS only used the measure to make the workers imbibe sense of punctuality and be productive.

From left, Vice President Yemi Osinbajo; wife of the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God and recipient of honorary degree of Doctor of Science in Management of Redeemer’s University, Pastor (Mrs) Folu Adeboye; her husband, Pastor Enoch Adeboye and the Vice Chancellor, Professor Debo Adeyewa, at the 10th anniversary and seventh convocation and awards of degrees, at the university auditorium, Ede, Osun State, on Tuesday.

Robbers kill policeman, 2 others in Port Harcourt DapoFalade-PortHarcourt A policeman and two other persons lost their lives as gunmen, suspected to be armed robbers, carried out their nefarious activities along Olu-Obasanjo Road, Port Harcourt, Rivers State, on Tuesday afternoon. It was gathered that the suspected armed robbers, numbering about four, trailed their victims from a new generation bank along the area, where they opened fire on them. Nigerian Tribune also learnt that the suspected robbers, who were said to be acting on a tip off, opened fire, killing the driver before gunning down the policeman who was said to be the assailants’ main target. According to an eyewitness, the slain policeman and the other two victims rode in a Toyota Thundra car, with the policeman being the escort. The eyewitness further said the four armed robbers

drove in a Toyota Camry car, but parked few metres away from the head-office of the Rivers Transport Company (RTC), to avoid the traffic and trekked towards their targets. It was gathered that the robbers made away with an undisclosed sum, while the other two dead persons were the owner of the car and his driver. He disclosed that policemen around the vicin-

ity abandoned their duty posts and fled at the sound of gunshots. “They parked at the back because of traffic. They then trekked to where the Toyota Thundra car they attacked was. They killed the official, the policeman and the driver instantly. They then drove away because the traffic cleared.” Another eyewitness said immediately after the incident, police operatives

came and initially took their dead colleague and the dead owner of the car, but later returned and picked the driver who was also lying dead on the road. When contacted, the Rivers State Police Command confirmed the incident as its PPRO, Ahmad Muhammad said, “I’m aware of the incident but only Sergeant William Relomer, who happened to be in an escort vehicle, lost his life.”

Cholera claims 15 in Zaria Muhammad Sabiu - Kaduna Kaduna State Commissioner for Health, Professor Jonathan Nok, has said that cholera outbreak had claimed the lives of 15 people at Dutsen Abba village, in Zaria. He stated this during the World Health Organisation (WHO) biannual review meeting in Kaduna. Nok disclosed that from information gathered, the

deceased drank water from a contaminated well in the village. ‘Immediately we discovered the outbreak, our rapid response team in collaboration with WHO swung into action and we managed the situation. ‘We also advised the community on the need to consume safe water as well as to ensure their environment remained clean.

The commissioner maintained that at the moment there is no case of cholera outbreak in the area as well as the entire state. While commending the Federal Government on the de-classification of Nigeria from the group of polio endemic nations, he assured on the determination of the state government to eradicate the virus in the affected communities in the state.

US business group to invest over N100bn in Kogi Yinka Oladoyinbo - Lokoja A United States based investment group, Annointed Holdings Group, has concluded arrangements to invest over N100billion in mining, housing, agriculture and tourism development in Kogi State. The State Commissioner for Information, Hajiya Zainab Okino, disclosed this after a meeting between the delegation of the group and the state government at the Government House, in Lokoja. The commissioner, who noted that the group of investors had a fruitful discussion with the state governor, Captain Idris Wada, before presenting their areas of interest to members of the state executive council and syndicate group of experts, said the present administration had made the state attractive to local and foreign investors in his determination to transform the state. The commissioner said the governor at the meeting between the investors and officials of the state government commended the delegation of investors for their interest and commitment to invest in key sectors of the state’s economy.

Niger local government election holds Nov 7 Adelowo Oladipo - Minna The Niger State Independent Electoral Commission (NISIEC) is set to conduct election into the 25 Local Government Councils and 274 councillorship positions in the state. The election which will hold on November 7, according to the Public Relations Officer of the Commission, Alhaji Mohammed Ali, the election will cost the commission over N500million. In an interview with the Nigerian Tribune, on Tuesday, in Minna, he disclosed further that no fewer than 14 political parties would field candidates in the election while the screening of candidates will commence today (Wednesday). Accordingly, the Commission’s spokesman said some of the political parties contesting the election are fielding candidates only for councillorship while about seven parties out of the 14 presented contestants for the 25 chairmanship positions and 274 councillorship seats.

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Wednesday, 30 September, 2015

NHRC probes Al-Makura’s convoy over alleged assault on a lady Ademola Adegbite - Lafia

ational Human Rights Commission (NHRC), on Monday, commenced investigation into an alleged violation of the rights of a lady by the convoy of Governor Umaru Al-Makura of Nasarawa State. This was just as it declared that it can never be influenced or intimidated by political office holders to the detriment of vulnerable in the society. Executive Secretary of the NHRC, Professor Bem Angwe, disclosed this when he led a team from the Commission to the Government House, Lafia, to meet with Governor Al-Makura and members of his convoy to investigate the alleged assault on a lady on Nasarawa-Eggon/ Akwanga highway, in Nasarawa-Eggon Local Government Area of the state, recently. Angwe said they were at the Government House following a petition by Miss Lois Iorvihi, over alleged violation of her rights by the convoy of the governor. He noted that although the allegation had generated a lot of publicity, especially in the social media, the commission would not be influenced by the sentiments and emotions expressed in the various publications, adding that the commission would be fair and just to all the parties involved in the incident. “We owe it a duty to be fair and just, by ensuring the protection of the rights of all Nigerians, including that of the vulnerable and

those in position of authority. “The commission will not allow persons who occupy public offices, endowed with state powers, to misuse such to the detriment of the vulnerable public. “Similarly, the commission will not permit allegations aimed at exposing

public office holders to ridicule and hatred, “ Angwe said. He assured that the commission would be firm and thoroughly investigate the allegation, to ensure that the truth was revealed to Nigerians at the end of the the day. Responding, Governor

Leader of the Brotherhood of the Cross and Star (BCS), Olumba Olumba Obu has predicted that political parties would no longer serve as veritable platforms for election of people into political offices, but based on innate qualities of political office seekers. Obu, who made the prediction in Uyo, the AkwaIbom State capital, during a church service to round off the Brotherhood All Youths Assembly (BAYA) 2015 International Conference, said political platforms had been deployed overtime to deprive God-fearing people with real desire to serve the people the opportunities to ascend leadership positions to the advantage of insincere members of cabal.

precedence and make a statement that in spite of one’s immunity as a political office holder, there are certain things that one should hold in respect for humanity,” Al-Makura said, assuring that none of his aides invited by the commission would resist appearing before it.

Oyo State governor, Senator Abiola Ajimobi (second left), flanked by the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Mr Solomon Arase (second right); Oyo State Commissioner of Police, Mr ‘Leye Oyebade (left) and Mr Ismael Olalekan-Alli, during a courtesy visit to the governor’s office.

Plateau to beam light on missing fund from salary remittance Isaac Shobayo-Jos

As part of efforts of the Plateau State government to strengthen local government administration, Governor Simon Lalong has assured that his administration will address the issues surrounding missing funds from salary remittances, as well as matters surrounding staff job progressions and performance evaluation in the local government Governor Lalong, who

gave the assurance on the occasion of the presentation of the local government staff verification/ biometrics report, said the administration got the public outcry of the citizenry of the state on the difficulties the captured and unverified staff of the local governments had been going through on account of biometric data exercise that seemed unending. “Further to this is the corruption gap that unverified workforce has left in the local government system for

Political parties will cease as platform for elective positions —Olumba Udeme Utip-Uyo

Al-Makura told the team that his decision to submit himself for the investigation and waiving his immunity as a governor, was borne out of respect for human rights. “ Subjecting myself to be investigated by the Commission over the allegation is also to set a

“Henceforth, political parties would no longer be the dominant platforms through which leaders are elected because for a long time now, it has not been easy for the people with the genuine intention to emerge to pilot the affairs of our states and the country. This is the era of theocracy and only those with genuine intentions to serve and cater for the children of God are those who will emerge no matter how obscure their political platforms may be. “As we speak, satan has been arrested and is no longer in charge of the affairs of this state and Nigeria. It is only those who are ready to embrace the anti-corruption drive by President Muhammadu Buhari teachings and do the will of God that will lead this state and

country. The end to corrupt practices by those with the people’s mandate has come so that the sufferings the children of God who have been subjected to unwarranted sufferings by corrupt leaders would also end,” Obu declared.

which we were determined to bring to an end, given the zero tolerance for corruption campaign of the APC led government at the federal and state levels,” he said. He said the presentation of the report would provide a working tool that would squarely address issues of the local government workforce at the councils, education authorities, pensioners, issues surrounding missing funds from salaries remittance. Governor Lalong, therefore, assured that the government would ensure that the report was studied critically together with the supervisory ministry and agencies of local government administration, adding that the recommendations contained in the report would be implemented to the letter. Presenting the report, the chairman of the committee, Mrs Susan Jamfa, said the number of pensioners

kept increasing as a process of clearing and placement on payroll is a continuos exercise, adding that as of June 2015 alone, 183 pensioners were cleared for placements while others who were cleared and had forms come up in trickles everyday for such placement. She further noted that while some of the pensioners had also died within the period, others were yet to come up to present themselves for the capturing, adding that this would remain a continuous process as the issue continue to be treated administratively. Jamfa said the exercise would enable the government to know the exact number of staff that operated in the system, in departments and units, adding that salaries and allowances of staff and seniority levels were also clearly spelt out.

My re-election wasn’t the making of my husband — Remi Tinubu Senator Oluremi Tinubu, on Tuesday, said she did not get the support of her husband, Senator Bola Tinubu, to run for second term in the past National Assembly elections. Tinubu, who is representing the Lagos Central Senatorial District, made the disclosure while answering questions at the ongoing ‘Women in Government’ conference organised by the South-West region of the

Department For International Development (DFID). The conference was organised in collaboration with the Lagos State Office of the deputy governor. She said that it was her district leaders who got the form for her and then talked her husband into allowing her to run for the position. According to her, “Asiwaju likes his wife to be at home and what is more confusing to me is that

most Muslim men do not want their wives to work, but I am a hard worker. “People have been saying that I got to this position because I am Asiwaju’s wife. “What they did not realise is that in the past election, my husband asked me not to go for a second term. “It was the leaders in my district that got me the form and talked to him that they wanted me to go back.

Let’s support Buhari, Ajimobi, cleric charges Christians By Olalere Adeola The Christ Spiritual Church (Aladura), early in the week, rounded off activities marking its 10th anniversary (Eri -Ogo) with a church service in Ibadan, and a call by the Reverend Apostle Anthony on the church faithful to continue to be law-abiding and respect the constituted authoritties whereever they are in the world. The clergyman also appealed to Nigerians to support the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari in its commitment to make the country a better place and stamp out corruption in the country, saying that it is only by supporting and praying for the president that he would succeed. Reverend Anthony thanked God for allowing the church members to witness the anniversary in good health. The clergyman also called on the people of Oyo State to support Governor Abiola Ajimobi, whom he said, his administration has recognised the churches, and appealed to the governor to extend the same gesture to cherubim and seraphim, whose foundation is based on the spiritual doctrine from God.

LASU considers 331 staff for promotion Authorities of the Lagos State University (LASU), on Tuesday, said no fewer than 331 staff were considered for promotions for 2013 and 2014. The institution’s Appointment and Promotions (Administrative and Technical) Committee disclosed this in a statement, a copy of which was obtained by the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos. It said the promotion cases considered were presented by the Establishment for the Consolidated University Non-Academic Salary Structure (CONUNASS) Grade Levels 7, 8 and 9 positions. The Committee recommended 260 administrative and technical staff for the approval of the Governing Council for promotion to CONUNASS 7, 8, and 9. “The 260 recommended cases for the approval of the Governing Council are subject to verification of their results,’’ it said. To date, the number of outstanding promotion cases is put at 71, while the percentage of recommended cases is 78.55.

Wednesday, 30 September, 2015

Afghan forces fight to retake Kunduz from Taliban

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Obama, Putin have ‘shared desire’ to solve Syrian crisis

uring a oneon-one meeting ON Monday on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly, U.S. President, Barack Obama and Russian President Vladimir Putin, shared their views on Syria, disagreeing about the role of Syrian President, Bashar al-Assad, but agreeing to stay out of each other’s way militarily. “This was not a situation where either one of them was seeking to score points in a meeting,” said a senior White House official after the 90-minute meeting in New York. “I think there was a shared desire to figure out a way in which we can address the situation in Syria.” Calling the exchange “focused” and “businesslike,” the official said the meeting, the first in more than two years, produced clarity on Russia’s goals. “Their objectives are to go after ISIL [Islamic State] and to support the government.” The official said the United States does not view Russia’s military buildup in Syria as necessarily destructive to a positive outcome in Syria, but rather the administration’s view on the Russians will depend on their actions going forward. If the Russians use their military solely to fight the Islamic State group, that might be OK, the official suggested. If they use their might to continue to

strengthen Assad’s battle against his own people, it will be negative, he said. “I think the Russians certainly understood the importance of there being a political resolution in Syria and there being a process that pursues a political resolution,” the official said. “We have a difference about what the outcome of that process would be,” particularly as it relates to Assad. The Russians see Assad as a bulwark against extremists, he explained, while the Americans see Assad as continuing to fan the flames of a sectarian conflict there.

United States President, Barack Obama (right) meets with Russian President, Vladimir Putin, during the United Nations’ General Assembly in New York. PHOTO: Reuters.

Four British jihadists face UN sanctions Four British jihadists identified as Omar Hussain from High Wycombe, Nasser Muthana from Cardiff, Aqsa Mahmood from Glasgow and Sally-Anne Jones from Chatham in Kent are set to face United Nations sanctions. They will face a travel ban and a freeze of their assets.

mitted names to the UN sanctions regime, which was set up to tackle suspected al-Qaeda terrorism and extended to IS. A government official said the move was intended to send out a deterrent message. One name submitted to the sanctions committee is still to be approved and more are expected to be put forward. Jones has written on Twitter that she is “laughing out loud” at receiving the travel ban. The family of Mahmood described the move as “useless grandstanding” by David Cameron. Financial sanctions lists are arguably as symbolic as

The move is a new tactic to stem the flow of recruits to the IS group. At least 700 Britons have travelled to support or fight for jihadist groups in Syria and Iraq, according to British police. About half have since returned to the UK. It is the first time since 2006 that Britain has subThe activities of (clockwise from top left) Omar Hussain, Aqsa Mahmood, Sally-Anne Jones and Nasser Muthana have been widely reported in the media since they travelled to Syria. PHOTO: BBC

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they are practical. Unusually, they put the names of suspects in the public domain, even if they have not faced arrest, charge and prosecution. Although this is the first time the UN list has been used against Britons in Syria, the broadly comparable UK Treasury list has been used to target two other men. The aim is disruption. Banks and other institutions prevent named suspects getting at any cash they have, receiving funding and moving it around. On that level, the sanctions obviously perform a job. But the effect on any target inside IS territory, who has no intention of leaving or using their British bank

There were fresh reports of clashes Tuesday in the northern Afghan city of Kunduz, the first major city the Taliban has captured since being ousted from power in 2001. Security forces surrounding the city began attempts to wrest control from the insurgents, whose offensive drew alarm and condemnation from Afghan and U.N. officials. A statement from Afghanistan’s defense ministry said troops had retaken the police headquarters and the city prison, while NATO said the U.S. military carried out an airstrike in the area. NATO spokesman Colonel Brian Tribus said the strike was done “to eliminate a threat to coalition and Afghan forces” around Kunduz. An Afghan health ministry spokesman, Wahidullah Mayar, posted Tuesday on Twitter that hospitals in Kunduz had received 16 dead bodies and 172 injured people since the fighting began. Also Tuesday, an Afghan Taliban spokesman claimed its fighters made fresh territorial gains, overrunning two districts (Ishkamish and Yangi Qala) in neighbouring Takhar province. General Murad Ali Murad, the deputy chief of army staff, told a late-night news conference in Kabul that military reinforcements have arrived in the area and surrounded the city. Monday’s fighting left dozens of Afghan security personnel dead or wounded before others abandoned the provincial capital.

CAR leader leaves UN early due to violence at home The interim leader of the Central African Republic, Catherine SambaPanza, left early from the United Nations General Assembly to return home because of violence plaguing the capital of her country. Reports from Bangui said dozens of people have been killed in three days of clashes involving Christians and Muslims, sparked by the death of a

Muslim man. On Monday evening, hundreds of prisoners escaped from the main prison in the capital. Earlier in the day, at least three people died when protesters gathered in downtown Bangui to march on the presidential palace. Protesters blamed U.N. peacekeepers for shooting into the

crowd, but the U.N. peacekeeping force, MINUSCA, denied that its troops opened fire on protestors. “MINUSCA did not open fire on the population,” the organisation tweeted Monday. The United States condemned the unrest in C.A.R. and pledged its support for Samba-Panza’s government.

The UN peacekeeping force is under increasing pressure to restore order and peace to Bangui. PHOTO: AFP

Dujuan brings flooding to eastern China Typhoon Dujuan has begun to disintegrate over eastern China after unleashing its full force on the neighbouring island of Taiwan. At least two people were killed and more than 300 injured as the typhoon tore across central Taiwan on Monday night. Dujuan struck Taiwan as the equivalent of a Category

4 storm (on the five point Saffir-Simpson scale).The highest gust recorded on the island was 246km/h, 30km south of Yilan City. Torrential rain, with as much as 750mm in some areas, resulted in flash flooding and mudslides. At least 1.8 million homes were without power, although 1.3 million of those have since been reconnected.

Around 12,000 people were evacuated from their homes in advance of Dujuan’s arrival and this may have contributed to the very low death toll. The track of Dujuan was slightly further to the south than predicted, meaning that Taipei missed the very worst of the weather, although the city’s famous Taipei 101 skyscraper suffered some damage.

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Wednesday, 30 September, 2015

Oke-Ogun rulers pledge loyalty to Alaafin

RADITIONAL rulers from OkeOgun zone of Oyo State recently visited the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi, at his palace, where they assured him of their loyalty and dedication. According to them, there was no place like home, adding that “we are here to see our father (Alaafin) whom we owe allegiance.” Speaking during the visit, the Amunijio of Ijio, Oba Samuel Adegoke, said “Alaafin is our father and there is nothing anybody can do about it. “Kabiyesi should forgive us wherever we went wrong. We are your son,

hence we came to receive blessings as traditional norms demand.” The Akibio of Ilora, Oba Stephen Oyeniyi Oparinde, said: “I visit my

father every other day for consultation, homage and blessings; he is a wonderful father to me and my people of Ilora. Long may he reign.”

In his response, Oba Adeyemi thanked the delegation for their unalloyed support and cooperation at all times. According to him, “a tree

does not make a forest. Without you, there won’t be Alaafin and without Alaafin, there is nothing like Oke-Ogun obas, because Alaafin settled ev-

Ewi loses father-in-law Sam Nwaoko-Ado Ekiti

The Ewi of Ado Ekiti, Oba Rufus Adeyemo Adejugbe, has lost his father in-law, who was a community leader, Mr. Rufus Adeleye Oguntoyinbo. The late Oguntoyinbo, who was popularly known as Baba Teacher in his lifetime, was the father of Olori Abosede Adejugbe, the Eyesorun of Ado-Ekiti. According to a statement from Oba Adejugbe, Pa Oguntoyinbo would be buried on Saturday after a requiem Mass at the SS Peter and Paul Catholic Church in Oye-Ekiti, headquarters of Oye Local Government Area of Ekiti State. A commendation Mass would be held for him at St. Patrick’s Catholic Cathedral, Ado-Ekiti, on Wednesday; on Thursday, a service of songs would hold at his home at Oke-Oniyo Street in Ado-Ekiti, while a wakekeep would be held at his home, Ayegun Street in Oye-Ekiti on Friday. Pa Oguntoyinbo, who was a renowned teacher and community leader, died at the age of 93.

The Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi III (third right), flanked from right by, the Amunijio of Ijio, Oba Samuel Adegoke; the Oniro of Otu, Oba Sunday Adepoju; the Aseyin of Iseyin, Oba Ganiyu Ajinase; the Akibio of Ilora, Oba Stephen Olufemi Oyeniyi; the Onigboho of Igboho, Oba John Bolarinwa Olubiyi and the Bagijan of Ilaji-Ile, during a courtesy visit to Oba Adeyemi at his palace in Oyo.

Groups exonerate Delta gov, deputy of meddling in Ogbe-Ijoh kingship selection Ebenezer Adurokiya-Warri

Traditional Council of Ogbe-Ijoh Kingdom in Delta State has, exonerated Governor Ifeanyi

Okowa and his deputy, Mr Kingsley Otuaro from interfering in the electoral process that saw to the emergence of Pere Couple Oromoni as the

Amakosu Monbene II of Ogbe-Ijoh kingdom. Members of the council and the Ijaw Youths Council (IYC), described the claim as an attempt to

blackmail and malign the state government. They stated that the duo did not at, any time, meddled in the selection of the Ogbe-Ijoh kingship.

Community honours corps member Biola Azeez-Ilorin

Kosubosu community in Baruten Local Government Area of Kwara State has bestowed honorary indigeneship on an NYSC member, Rasaq Tijani, for his contributions to community development during his service year. The 2014 Batch ‘C’ corps member, who served at the

Kosubosu Primary school, was bestowed with the “icon of patriotism and honourary indigeneship of Kosubosu Award”. Speaking at the event, the Emir of Yashikira, Alhaji Usman Seriki, described the Ekiti born NYSC member as “a peace ambassador.” He said Tijani settled an age-long dispute between two communities: Gure

and Kosubosu, using a football competition. Represented by the Gun Yerima of Moore, Alhaji Usman Aliyu, the emir added that the contribution of Tijani would not be forgotten while encouraging other corps members to emulate him. Also speaking, a leader in the community, Mal-

Save local languages from extinction, monarch urges Nigerians A traditional ruler in Nasarawa-Eggon town of Nasarawa State, Bala Angbazo, has advised Nigerians to speak mother tongues to their children in order to save the local languages from going into extinction. Angbazo, who is the chairman, Eggon Traditional Council gave the advice in Nasarawa-Eggon, while hosting language translators of Nasarawa Broadcasting Service (NBS) in Nassarawa-Eggon. According to him, “if lo-

eryone of you where you are till today.” The monarch quoted a warning of the sage, Chief Obafemi Awolowo, that “disrespect to Alaafin is a challenge to any government in power. “The Oyo empire has lasted for over 600 years uninterruptedly, but today, I, Oba Adeyemi III, has brought modernity into tradition, culture and norms. “During the stone age, can any traditional ruler ever dare to see Alaafin face to face? No way. You may have the opportunity to see the Aremo of Oyo if he so wishes, but today, the story is different from the past. “I am using this opportunity to implore all of you to move closer to me and make good use of the opportunity you might have derived from me. “It is here in Oyo that, till today, we preserved our cultural heritage - that is: our mode of dressing, the beating drum, Sekere, Igba titi, among others,” Alaafin said.

cal languages are not communicated to the children through speaking and writing, they (languages) would soon disappear from the surface of the earth. “Even though it is an added advantage for Nigerians to learn other foreign languages, it is also good to preserve and pass the local languages to the next generation,” he added. He warned that unless the issue was taken seriously by all stakeholders “people will lose their lan-

guage, culture and identity”. He added that local dialect would also help in informing the people at the rural areas about the policies of government and the happenings in the society. He commended the language translators for the significant role they were playing in educating and enlightening people at the grassroots. “The news in local languages is seriously putting smile and bringing joy to most people in the state,

who do not have the opportunity of acquiring formal education,” he added. He, therefore, promised to support all media houses translating news in local languages in the state,and called on the managements of the stations to introduce more programmes in local dialect. Earlier, Abubakar AhmedUmar, Chairman Language Translators of NBS, said they were at the palace to pay homage to the royal father as the custodian of Eggon culture in the state.

lam Abubakar Yakubu, described Tijani as a “true Nigerian.’’ The headmistress of the primary school, Mrs Rekiya Abdullahi, said Tijani positively influenced many teachers in the school with his attitude to work, diligence and punctuality. She said Tijani provided the school with 40 benches and desks to solve the problem of insufficient furniture, reconstructed the school signpost and donated 100 copies of letterhead papers to the school. The headmistress added that Tijani organised a twoday seminar for the staff of the school on loan management. Besides, the NYSC member mobilised to dig a borehole for the community before the local government took over the project,” she added. Responding, Tijani, a graduate of the Federal Polytechnic, Offa with NYSC code number number KW/14C/3410, said he was overwhelmed by the honour.

This was made known in a statement signed by Chairman and Secretary of Ogbe-Ijoh Governing Council, Mr Lucky Oromoni and Elvis Wurusibewei, while another release from the Ijaw Youths Council (IYC), signed by its Chairman and Secretary; Liberty Arerebo and Victor Akemotubo, was also made available to Community News on Tuesday, in Warri. They contended that there were rules and regulations laid down for the election of Ogbe-Ijoh kingship. They urged the public to disregard recent protests and petitions against the installation of the new Ogbe-Ijoh monarch, which was said to be masterminded by one of the contestants, who lost in the election process. “The allegations against His Excellency and his deputy are baseless, frivolous and without any iota of truth. The issue of the selection of the Pere of Ogbe-Ijoh is purely an internal affair of Ogbe-Ijoh Kingdom and there has never been any external interference. “The governor and his deputy are innocent of the accusations in the petition,” the IYC stated.

Wednesday, 30 September, 2015

Nigerian Tribune

Editor: Ganiyu Salman tribunesporteditor@yahoo.com 08053789060

Akwa Ibom happy to be named 8th School Sports Festival host

Sharks’ goalkeeper, Charles Tambe in action.

Dolphins, Sharks embark on strike P layers of the Globacom Premier League club, Sharks and Dolphins have embarked on an indefinite strike over unpaid entitlements. The players of both clubs say they will skip training sessions until their demands are met. Captain of Sharks, Odinga Odinga exclusively told supersport.com that the match day 31 clash between both sides at the Sharks FC Stadium, on Sunday will be the last match the two sides will play this season “unless something is done.” “We have downed tools. We will not play again until our financial entitlements are paid. “This (the Sharks versus Dolphins Glo league clash) is our last game this season unless something is done,” an angry Odinga said. Both clubs, owned by the Rivers State government, are in relegation trouble this season. Sharks are currently sixth on the league log with 36 points, while Dolphins are 17th with 34 points. Rivers State governor, Barrister Ezenwo Wike, approved the payment of

eight months’ salary arrears to players of both clubs in June but the players insist the money paid “was not up to what they were expecting.”

“Yes, we thank the governor for the money he approved just three weeks after he assumed office but we expected more than what we got.”

Akwa Ibom State government is excited by the choice of its state as the next host of the 8th edition of the National School Sports Festival. The state commissioner for Education, Honourable Aniekan Akpan, made this known when he received a delegation of the leadership of the Nigeria School Sports Federation in his office on Monday. He said the people of Akwa Ibom and the government of the state are passionate about sports and are eagerly looking forward to hosting the about 8,000 Nigerian school children between the ages of six and 17 years converge on Uyo. “I am happy with your

Oliseh names squad for B/Faso CHAN qualifier Nigeria coach, Sunday Oliseh has announced a 19-man squad for the country’s African Nations Championship (CHAN) qualification match

2015 AfroBasket: D’Tigress end group stage with 4 straight wins By Ganiyu Salman NIGERIA women’s senior national basketball team, D’Tigress on Tuesday won their fourth consecutive game at the ongoing 2015 AfroBasket championship in Yaounde, Cameroon, following their 79-49 victory over Algeria. The Nigerian team landed in the quarter-final in grand style with nine points and finished as runners up in group B behind Angola. The defending champions, Angola had in the last game also defeated Guinea 89-47 to also finish on nine points, but topped group B on head-to-head policy having beaten Nigeria earlier in the opener. However, despite the victory of Nigeria, the heroine of the match was Algerian Sarah Nemmouchi who finished with a teamhigh 13 points as three Ni-

gerians only stopped on 10 points each. The turning point of the game was when after trailing for the entire opening quarter, Nemmouchi gave Algeria a 18-16 lead, but Nigeria’s Olayinka Sanni made sure to get her team back in front to close the half leading 30-21. Interestingly, coach Scott Nnaji paraded all the 12 registered players in the game. Meanwhile, the two-time African champions had on Monday night dumped continental rivals Senegal 75-64 before the defeat of Algeria which turned out to be the whipping side of the competition. Both Helen Ogunjimi and playmaker Sarah Ogoke came off the bench to pave the way for the demolition of the Senegalese as they combined for three-pointers thrice, while Ogoke led all scorers with 18 points.

coming and the choice of Akwa lbom as the next host of the School Sports Festival. I love sports a lot and the people of Akwa lbom are very passionate about sports. That is the reason for the construction of Nest of Champions now named Godswill Akpabio International Stadium. I assure you that the state will give NSSF all the necessary cooperation to stage a memorable festival. For us it will be an opportunity to put to use our good facilities so that Akwa lbom which is blessed with talents can churn out and showcase more,” Akpan said. He said already in line with ideals of school sports development, the state government has

The victory was also Nigeria’s first win over Senegal in the last three meetings at AfroBasket Women competition. An elated D’Tigress star, Joyce Ekworomadu speaking after the match described the win as “big statement, but we need to face one game at a time.”

D’Tigeress Ndidi Madu

against the Stallions of Burkina Faso in October. Nigeria is seeeking her second appearance since the competition started. Sunshine Stars’ hotshot and joint leading scorers in the Globacom Premier League, Tunde Adeniji leads the team that parades Gbolahan Salami, Solomon Kwambe, Bature Yaro and Ezekiel Bassey. Also invited are Idris Aloma, Stephen Eze, Usman Mohammed and Dayo Ojo, among others. All invited players are expected to report in Port Harcourt on Monday, October 4 ahead of the first leg clash against the Stallions of Burkina Faso for October 18 at the Adokiye Amiesiemaka Stadium. The return leg holds in Ouagadougou on October 25. The team will be joined by Femi Thomas (Enyimba FC), Ikechukwu Ezenwa (Sunshine Stars), Chima Akas (Sharks FC), Austin Oboroakpo (Abia Warriors), Paul Onobi (Sunshine Stars) and Prince Aggreh (Sunshine Stars) who will be in Belgium for Nigeria’s international friendlies against Cameroon and DR Congo.

begun a model of school sports facilities comprising grass football pitches, basketball and handball courts across all the constituencies in the state for grassroots sports development. “Our government is taking sports very seriously and I am hoping that with the support of NSSF, talents will be discovered and nurtured in Akwa Ibom State. I will particularly love to see children from Borno State reintegrate with their peers at least to feel good and let out of bondage.”

Sheraton Lions launched, beat Gwagwa Stars By Aramide Shanu

In a bid to foster unity and team spirit amongst associates and football enthusiasts in Abuja, Sheraton Abuja Hotel FC has been launched by the management of the hotel. The team known as Sheraton Lions which is made up of players drawn from various departments within the hotel in its debut game defeated Gwagwa Superstars 3-1. The chief coach of Sheraton Lions, Obong Peter Attat who is equally the Food and Beverage Director advised players to always exhibit the spirit of sportsmanship. Meanwhile, during the game, the Sheraton team within the first 30 minutes were two goals up through goals from Simon Solomon and ‘Di Maria’ of Food and Beverages and Engineering departments respectively. Udo Ekwere scored the last goal of the day for the Sheraton Lions after their opponents had pulled one back also in the second half. Coach Attat while speaking after the match commended the management of Sheraton Hotel for creating a platform for the talented staff to also exhibit their skills, just as he assured the players on behalf of the General Manager of the Hotel, Boris Bornman that the team would strive for excellence through adequate motivation.

Wednesday, 30 September, 2015

CHIEF (MRS) HID AWOLOWO (1915-2015)

PHOTOS: TOMMY ADEGBITE

9 1. From left, Commodore Ebitu Ukiwe (retd), Ambassador (Dr) Awolowo Dosumu, Reverend (Mrs) Oyediran and Barrister Segun Awolowo. 2. From left, Professor Saburi Adesanya, OOU VC, Barrister Segun Awolowo and Dr Segun Oshin, Pro-Chancellor, OOU.

6. From left, Senator Gbenga Kaka, Senator Akin Odunsi and Mrs Morenike Odunsi. 7. Ambassador (Dr) Awolowo Dosumu and Mr Bisi Olatawura.

3. From left, Ambassador (Dr) Awolowo Dosumu, Reverend (Mrs) Oyediran, Barrister Awolowo and Professor Joe Irukwu (SAN).

8. From left, Pastor Z.O. Odugbose, Remo Area Superintent of The Apostolic Church, Venerable F. Babatunji, Pastor T.A. Ajao and Pastor P.A. Obisesan, Remo Area Prophet, The Apostolic Church.

4. From left, Mrs Iyabo Stephen, Most Reverend Kehinde Stephen, Ambassador Dosumu and Reverend (Mrs) Oyediran.

9. From left, Mr Akin Osuntokun, Ambassador (Dr) Awolowo Dosumu and Barrister Awolowo.

5. Sir and Lady Adelana O. Odutola.

10. A cross section of the Accord Party lawmakers in the Oyo State House of Assembly with Reverend (Mrs) Oyediran and Ambassador Awolowo Dosumu.

SIDELINES

no 16,338

Wednesday, 30 September, 2015

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The Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation has threatened to sell any refinery that fails to meet its 90-day ultimatum to work. We urge the NNPC management to fast and pray fervently, because those who caused these refineries to fail will be the first to quickly table bids for them!

Friendlies: Omeruo awaits injury scan result

FIFA:

Warner banned for life

Omeruo

Tonight’s Champions League fixtures Astana Juventus Malmo Shakhtar Monchengladbach Man United Atlético Madrid CSKA Moscow

ormer FIFA vicepresident, Jack Warner has been banned for life from all footballrelated activity, the adjudicatory chamber of the ethics committee of the sport’s world governing body said on Tuesday. The former Caribbean federation president “was found to have committed many various acts of misconduct continuously and repeatedly during his time as an official in different highranking and influential positions at Fifa and CONCACAF” said the ethics committee statement. The 72-year-old’s ban covers all football activity at both a national and international level and is effective from September 25. “In his positions as a football official, he was a key player in schemes involving the offer, acceptance, and receipt of undisclosed and illegal payments, as well as other moneymaking schemes,” added the statement. Warner is also fighting extradition from his homeland in Trinidad and Tobago to the United States to face 12 charges of wire fraud, racketeering and money laundering related to the ongoing Fifa corruption scandal. He faces a hearing in his home-

land in December. US authorities, who have charged 14 FIFA officials and sports marketing executives of soliciting and receiving more than $150 million (134 million euros) in bribes and kickbacks over two decades, applied in July for Warner’s extradition. Warner has previously been a member of parliament as well as

Warner

Super Eagles defender, Kenneth Omeruo is waiting on result of a scan on his hamstring injury to ascertain the severity of the injury and whether he will be available for next month’s series of friendlies. The injury forced Omeruo out of a Turkish league game for Kasimpasa against Rizespor on Monday night after just nine minutes. A source close to the player informed AfricanFootball. com: “Kenneth suffered a hamstring injury and he will now do a scan to determine how serious the injury is.” Omeruo, who is on loan from English Premier League champions Chelsea, has been listed by Nigeria for the friendly matches against DR Congo and Cameroon in Belgium next month. Nigeria’s Super Eagles face DRC on October 8 in Antwerp and three days later, they would battle with the Indomitable Lions of Cameroon in Brussels. The matches are aimed at preparing the Eagles for the 2018 World Cup qualifiers against either Djibouti or Swaziland in November.

Fifa vice-president and president of both the North and Central American Federation (CONCACAF) and the Caribbean Football Union. He is accused, among other things, of buying the television rights to the 2010 and 2014 World Cup tournaments from Fifa president, Sepp Blatter for grossly deflated sums.

vs vs vs vs vs vs vs vs

Galatasaray Sevilla Real Madrid PSG Man City Wolfsburg Benfica PSV Eindhoven

Chad game: CAF fines Nigeria $5,000 for fans’ misconduct The Confederation of African Football has fined Nigeria $5,000 for fans misconduct during a 2017 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) group G qualifier between the Super Eagles and Les Sao of Chad on June 13. The decision of the continent’s football governing body was released on its website on Tuesday. CAF said the decision was reached at its disciplinary board meeting held on September 20. The News Agency of Nigeria reports that some fans of the Super Eagles’ fans had rushed into the pitch to celebrate the team’s second goal in the match played at the Ahmadu Bello Stadium in Kaduna. The encounter ended 2-0 in favour of the Eagles. The victory then had placed Nigeria in second position in the group, behind Egypt, which also had three points at that time.

Gbolahan Salami scored one of the goals against Chad

Printed and Published by the African Newspapers of Nigeria PLC, Imalefalafia Street, Oke-Ado, Ibadan. E mail: editornigeriantribune@yahoo.com Website: www.tribuneonlineng.com MANAGING DIRECTOR / EDITOR-IN-CHIEF: EDWARD DICKSON. Ag. EDITOR: TINU AYANNIYI. All Correspondence to P.O. Box 78, Ibadan. ISSN 2712. ABC Member of the Audit Bureau of Circulation. 30/9/2015.