Monday June 24-30, 2019 Edition by oracle

POLITICS Is Bayelsa LG election jinxed?

BUSINESS

Baru lays claim to inherited achievements

The

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VOX POPULI SACRUM

CRIME

‘My master pays me N170k for every male head I severe, N160k for females’ – Man

SPORTS Our objective‘s AFCON trophy –Mikel

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Today

VOL.4 No.25 N200

Why SE govs, groups oppose Miyetti Allah •Demand is suspect, connotes ulterior motive •You cannot come to my house and ask me to give you gun to man my gate • Buhari must openly discredit, disown killer Fulani bandits, herdsmen •Allegations of Fulanisation, Islamisation breeds distr ust for Fulani

MONDAY June 24 - 30, 2019

•Igbo elders

ISSN: 2545-5869

•Miyetti Allah

Contraction looms as economy loses steam By SOPURUCHI ONWUKA and JEROME USHAKANG

nability of the government to evolve policy stimulants for enhanced economic growth has laid grounds for contraction in

Page 8

•CBN battles Forex volatility

the remaining part of the year even as the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) continues to tweak monetary

control instruments to balance liquidity in the system. Consequently, the World Bank which had earlier pre-

dicted Nigeria’s economic growth for the year at 2.2 percent has further downgraded the country’s es-

timated Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth rate to 2.1 percent. The bank noted that the

review was fueled by continuous foreign exchange constraints, oil production cut that was influenced by Organisation for Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) and the non-existence of

Cont’d on page 2

FG should bear loss of ceding Bakassi to Cameroon

The Oracle Today Monday June 24 -30, 2019

NEWS Insecurity: Anambra Vigilante trains 40 personnel in various skills By IBE NWACHUKWU

n its determination to retain Anambra’s current status as the safest state in the country, in terms of security of lives and properties, the state Vigilante Supervisory Committee has embarked on rigorous training and retraining of its personnel to enable them withstand more security challenges in the state. For a start, no fewer than 40 male an female personnel were grilled for three weeks in the areas of unarmed combat, physical exercises, foot drills, professional and legal studies, use of English language, communication skill, guard duties and e-security. In his keynote address at the colourful passing out parade for the trainees at the weekend at Nimo community in Njikoka Local Government Area of the State, Chairman of the State Vigilante Supervisory Committee, Chief Ikechukwu Ayo Aduba, a retired Commissioner of Police, disclosed that the training exercise which was co-ordinated by a Senior Zonal Supervisor for Anambra North Senatorial District, ACP Charles Osegbue, a retired Assistant Commissioner of Police, was to prepare them to face the current security challenges facing Nigeria. Aduba who is also a Senior Special Assistant to Governor Willie Obiano on Vigilante Matters, commended the traditional ruler (Owelle) of Nimo, Igwe Maximus Ike Oliobi for shouldering the expenses of the three-week training programme, thus demonstrating the need for the 179 communities in the state to partner with the state government in sponsoring certain security projects to complement the efforts of government. Said Aduba: “Respective AVG units need retraining of their operatives in the face of herdsmen menace, rising crime rate, cultism and prevalence of drugs in various communities.” He, therefore, called on other traditional rulers in the state to borrow a leaf from Igwe Oliobe, even as he reiterated the need for functional town supervisory security committees to be headed by respective traditional rulers, with Presidents-General of town unions in the state as the secretary and Divisional Police Officers, chairmen and commanders as members of vigilante committees in their various communities. He also commended the traditional Prime Minister (Onowu) of Nimo, retire Justice G. U. Ononiba, a one-time Chief Judge of Anambra State; Secretary of the State Vigilante Supervisory Committee, Oscar Christopher; Senior Zonal Supervisor for Anambra Central, ACP Matthew Uyanna, a retired Assistant Commissioner of Police and the Divisional Police Officer at Nimo, P. D. Obasi for their efforts so far in putting the training programmes together. In his speech, Igwe Oliobi commended Aduba and his lieutenants for a wonderful training programme and warned the trainees against dereliction of duty or misuse of the opportunity given to them to serve their community. According to the monarch, “I will do my own bit and expect you to do yours because to whom much is given, much is also expected, adding, I will make Nimo a safe haven for each and all.”

Why SE govs, groups oppose Miyetti Allah By CHUKS EZE, BONIFACE OKORO and THEO RAYS

OVERNMENTS, groups, individuals have stood up with one voice, warning Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) and its members not to overstep their bounds so as to avoid problems with their host communities, for their temerity to suggest that herdsmen in the South East zone be allowed to set up their own security (vigilance) groups to protect their cows. According to the South East groups, outing supports such a bold call. For example, extant Federal and State laws provide for the Nigeria Police Commands in the states and zones to maintain law and order in those areas and local vigilance groups to provide

community policing to augment the work of the police, all geared towards protecting the lives and property of indigenes and non-indigenes. Such laws, according to them, do not recognise the right of private individuals and or associations to set up their own security outfits to do the work of the police or that of any other statutory security outfit for that matter within a given locality. They have therefore suggested to Miyetti Allah to stop acting as though they are another governmental authority capable of making their own laws or usurping the authority of others, describing their plot as gratuitous insult to Igbo states. Abia State Governor, Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu was forthright. He said: “Fulani herdsmen will not be part

of any security arrangement in Abia. Such strategy could work elsewhere but not in Abia. We have our own plans, which we will be willing to share with other people if they are interested. Our plans do not have provision for herdsmen as vigilantes.” The disavowal of Fulani vigilance security outfits in the South East came against the backdrop of the expression by Miyetti Allah of its desire, at a recent security summit in Enugu, to establish Fulani youth vigilance group in the five South East states. President of MACBAN, represented by Alhaji Baba Ngelzarma, Secretary of the group, had said the Fulani youth outfit, when established, would work closely with security agencies, neighbourhood watch or local vigilance group to ensure the security of lives and

•Uchenna Ifunanya Mbanefo, daughter of Igwebike Mbanefo, Editorial Board Chairman of The Oracle Today, graduated recently with First Class degree in Chemical Engineering from University of Waterloo, Canada. Uchenna, displaying her certificate here is surrounded by family members.

property in all the communities. He said: “We can always assure government of the cooperation of our leadership at both state and local levels to fish out criminals from the society we live. We also call for the establishment of Fulani youth vigilance body, who will be working with the security, the neighbourhood watch or vigilante to ensure security in all communities, as it was done in Enugu State.” But the President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Chief Nnia Nwodo, promptly pooh-poohed the idea, describing it as preposterous. An incensed Nwodo declared: “Ohanaeze opposes vehemently any attempt by Miyetti Allah to establish any form of vigilante in Igboland.” Opposition to the plan may have stemmed as much from its ‘gratuitous temerity, as one group put it, as from the obvious distrust that Miyetti Allah’s words and deeds seem to invoke among non-Fulani Nigerians. Those who hold this view, look to the killings unleashed by the Fulani on local populations in the Middle Belt and other parts of Nigeria as evidence that the plan by Miyetti Allah to set up vigilance groups in the South East could never be altruistic. Miyetti Allah’s demand is suspect, connotes ulterior motive A former former director of SSS and CEO of Zoomlens Security Solutions, Mr. Dennis Amachree, noted that, “the request by Miyetti Allah is suspect especially considering the prevailing stories and allegations of Fulanisation, Islamisationand the whole insinuations about Fulanis trying to take over the country.” According to him, “making such request therefore becomes very suspicious, if such proposal really came from the Miyetti Allah. “As a nation, we do not want to live in suspicion about the intentions of others. Why should the

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Contraction looms as economy loses steam Cont’d from Pg 1

reforms that could have spurred productivity. The World Bank stated that the anticipated oil sector recovery has been hampered by policy uncertainty, which has hindered new capacity investment, noting that this has weakened government’s revenue generation as well. The elevated non-performing loan figures in the banking sector of exporting countries within the sub-Sarah African countries, was highlighted to have restrained growth and compressed export revenues that has resulted in impaired private sector balance sheets. According to Cordros Research and Predictions, the overnight lending rate fell to 5.71percent indicating a 571 bps w/w contraction as the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) refrained from liquidity mopping activities. As a result, inflows from matured open market operations (OMO) bills amounting to N125.76 billion boosted system liquidity, leading to a decline in the money market rate. Inflows from maturing OMO bills amounting to N105.59 billion is predicted to offer support to

system liquidity, while liquidity mop-up and forex intervention by the CBN are likely to exert upward pressure on the overnight lending rate. Meanwhile, activities in the treasury bills market remained bullish, with relatively healthy system liquidity spurring demand in the absence of any OMO activity by the CBN. Consequently, yields declined by 46 bps on average, w/w, to close to close at 12.42 percent. Yields contracted across the short segment at 18 bps negative, mid segment at 76 bps negative and long segment at 32 bps negative respectively. The situation is driven by demand for the 90 DTM bills at 147 bps negative, 97 DTM bills at 160 bps negative, and 188 DTM bills at 82 bps negative respectively. The CBN had at last week’s primary auction fully allotted N129.64 billion worth of bills at respective stop rates of 10.00 percent (same as previous auction), 11.95 percent (same as previous auction), and 12.34 percent (previously 12.20). The N129.64 billion comprises N15.00 billion of the 91 DTM, N30.00 billion of the 182 DTM, and N84.64 billion of the 364 DTM. Yields are expected to be pressured in the week, as the CBN is

expected to resume its liquidity mop-ups. In the bond market, bearish sentiments pervaded activities last week as local market participants began positioning for the upcoming auction. Consequently, average yield widened 12 bps week-on-week to close at 14.37 per cent; selloffs, spread across the short segment stood at 13 bps, mid segment at 13 bps and long segment at 9 bps. Yields on bonds maturing in June 2019, March 2027 and July 2034 all recorded significant expansions at 130 bps, 20 bps and 27 bps respectively. Cordros medium-term outlook for the bond market remains that yields would trend upwards in the face of increasing outflows from EM countries precipitated by rising fears over global growth, as well as the overarching aim of the CBN to keep prices stable. Meanwhile, Nigeria’s foreign exchange (FX) reserves extended its build-up from the previous week as the CBN recorded foreign reserve accretion of $2.7 million week-on-week to $45.16 billion. The CBN resumed its FX interventions with $210 million spread across its different FX windows, distributing $100 million to the

wholesale, $55 million to the SMEs, and $55 million to the invisible segments. Consequently, the Naira appreciated by 0.07% to N360.51/$ and 0.28 per cent to N360.00/$ at the import and export (I&E) window and in the parallel segment respectively. Elsewhere, total turnover at the I&E window improved by 2.4 percent to $746.56 million with 97.40 percent of trades executed within the N360-369/$ band. In the forwards market, all contracts appreciated in the period: notably, the one month contracts appreciated by 0.11percent to N363.41/$); three month contracts improved by 0.28 percent to N369.73/$; the six month contract rose 0.39 percent to N380.45/$); while the one year contract increased by 0.08 percent to N404.76/$. Analysts expect the Naira to remain firm in the medium to short term through the rest of the year, as high crude price continues to underpin higher oil receipts, thereby supporting the CBN’s continued intervention. In addition, the sustained deluge of portfolio inflow further supports the argument for currency stability.

The Oracle Today Monday June 24 - 30, 2019

NEWS ACROSS THE NATION Decongestion of Lagos ports on course, says VP Osinbajo

fforts to decongest ports in Lagos State have been intensified, with a visit to Apapa by the Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo and Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, on Saturday. The visit to Apapa was seen as a pointer to the readiness of the Federal Government to work with the Lagos government in finding lasting solution to the gridlock that has become an eyesore along the nation’s busiest ports. Prof. Osinbajo, who is also the Executive Chairman of the Presidential Taskforce on the Apapa Traffic Gridlock, said the decongestion of the Apapa port and its environ remained the focus of the Federal Government, noting that the visit to the port was prompted by the need to assess the level of

work being done towards solving the quagmire. He said: “There are several aspects of the task that has to be done in decongesting the port. There have been a lot of infrastructure projects around the Lagos ports initiated by the Federal Government. Some of these projects have been completed; a lot are still ongoing. However, clearing the roads of trailers and oil tankers is the major issue that is of concern to the people. The good news is, there is a considerable improvement in this regard. “The Mile 2 end of the Apapa axis is where there is some difficulty, but I assure you that in the next couple of days, it will be resolved, given the operation of Tin Can Island Trailer Park and the palliative

FG makes U-turn on planned Almajiri ban

Presidency has disTthehemissed media report that Federal Government had

concluded arrangements to ban the Almajiri system of education. The Almajiri system of education is a form of Qur’anic learning system associated with begging on economic and religious grounds peculiar to some Northern states. Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Malam Garba Shehu, in a statement in Abuja, Friday, however, said that the prescription of the Almajiri system had remained an objective of the Buhari administration. “The Presidency, therefore, calls for caution in responses to the pronouncements by President Muhammadu Buhari on free and compulsory basic education for every child of primary and junior secondary school age in Nigeria, during his speech on Thursday, June 20, at the inauguration of the National Economic Council (NEC). “The Presidency notes that while the Buhari administration is committed to free and compulsory education as a long-term objective of bringing to an end, the phenomenon of out-of-school children, any necessary ban on Almajiri would follow due process and consultation with relevant authorities. “Indeed, the Federal government wants a situation where every child of primary school age is in school rather than begging on the streets during school hours. At the same time, we don’t want to create panic or a backlash,” he said. The presidential aide, therefore, frowned at reports that there were plans for massive arrest of parents who denied their children basic education, saying that such reports were definitely out of place. “Things have to be done the right and considerate way. “Free and compulsory primary school education is a requirement of the Nigerian

constitution and any individual or group not in compliance with this is violating the law of the land and liable to be punished,” he said. Shehu, who referred to Buhari’s inaugural speech of the NEC) on Thursday, said the president stated that the country’s children have rights and must be given their due rights and protection under the law. According to him, as many have stated in their views, the Almajiri phenomenon represents a security challenge and a scar on the face of Northern Nigeria. “In that speech, the President said: “On education, I want to stress in particular the need to take very seriously and enforce very rigorously the statutory provisions on free and compulsory basic education. “Section 18(3) of the 1999 Constitution as amended places on all of us here an obligation to eradicate illiteracy and provide free and compulsory education. “Section 2 of the Compulsory, Free Universal Basic Education Act provides that every Government in Nigeria shall provide free, compulsory and universal basic education for every child of primary and junior secondary school age. ‘‘It is indeed a crime for any parent to keep his child out of school for this period. In my view, when a government fails to provide the schools, teachers and teaching materials necessary for basic education, it is actually aiding and abetting that crime. “This is, therefore, a call to action. I would like to see every Governor rise from this meeting and rally his local Government Chairmen towards ensuring that our schools offer the right opportunities and provide the needed materials and teachers for basic education, at the minimum. ‘‘If we are able to do this, the benefits will surely manifest themselves.”

work going on all the way down to Mile 2. We can all see that the entry to the ports is essentially clear. “There are short term, mid and long term measures we are putting in place. One of our long-term measures is to decongest the cargo traffic coming in and out of the ports. Apapa port is meant to take 34 million metric tons, but it is currently doing over 80 million metric tons today. There is certainly a need to find an alternative and to expand.” Osinbajo disclosed that there was an ongoing dredging of the Warri port in Delta State, as part of the efforts to decongest cargo traffic in Lagos ports. He added that standard gauge currently being constructed by the government from Lagos to Kano would be useful in the decongestion ef-

forts in Lagos ports. “We should be able to get cargos out of the Apapa port, using the rail. The NPA is using barges at the moment. This is a very busy port and congestion is caused largely by constraint of space. In sustaining the effort, we are improving the capacity of other ports across the country and then improve the infrastructure around these ports,” the Vice President said. Lagos government expressed satisfaction with the Federal Government’s effort to solve the traffic congestion around Apapa occasioned by influx of cargo and heavy-duty vehicles. Governor Sanwo-Olu said his administration would be ever ready to complement any effort by the Federal Government to ensure deconges-

tion of the area in order to ease the pains of residents and businesses. Also in the Federal Government’s team during the visit to Apapa included the Managing Director, Nigerian Port Authority (NPA), Mrs Hadiza Bala Usman, Executive Vice Chairman of the Presidential Taskforce on the Apapa Traffic Gridlock, Mr. Kayode Opeifa, Director General of the Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA), Engr. Adedamola Kuti, and members of Nigerian Shippers’ Council, among others. Some of the projects inspected by the Vice President and Gov. Sanwo-Olu included the rehabilitation of Creek and Coconut Roads, cargo terminals, and Tin Can Trailer Park recently built by the Federal Government, among others.

Jonathan eulogises Okara, tasks writers on nation building igerian former President, Dr Gabriel Okara. thusiasts, journalists and all paths who left behind N Dr Goodluck Jonathan, The former President, in his of us present to celebrate many legacies. has urged journalists and funeral eulogy described late Pa Gabriel Okara ours is not “The death of a loved writers to lend their creative energy toward promoting justice and equity as a means of building a nation of hope for all. Jonathan stated this on Friday in Yenagoa at a ceremony of songs and tributes in honour of late literary icon

Okara as the voice of truth and justice and urged Nigerians to follow his example. “Pa Okara represents justice, equality and truth. I, therefore, challenge us to be vanguard of these virtues. “To all writers, literary en-

to sit idle when things are going wrong in our society. We should be the ‘Piano and Drums’ that will beat to our nation, the rhythm of hope and truth,’’ he said. Jonathan, further described Okara as a great treasure and a man of many

Hearty

Congratulations

he Mezie Emeze Council of Umumezde Development Association (UDA) and the good people of Umumeze, Amuda, Isuochi, heartily congratulate Barr. Okey Igwe on his inauguration into the Abia State House of Assembly as the Hon. Member representing Umunneochi constituency. Jinx Breaker! We pray God to guide you through this tenure and beyond. Congratulations!

Signed. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12.

HRM. Eze Okey Chukwuji Chief Onyema John Mrs Monica N. Eziago Mr. Anthony N. Okoroafor Mr. Iroh Cheki Mr. Chike Emenike Ogboso Ogbuehi Monday B. Ireoji Mr. Samuel Agusi Ihie N. Ichie Anyabu C. Okpara Ichie Anthony Maduabuchi O Ichie ken U. Ajala Ichie Joseph Izuogu

Logu 1 of Amuda President General UDA President, Women’s Wing Vic e President General Secretary General UDA Financial Secretary PRO Provost

one no matter the age and circumstances brings grief to our hearts. “Pa Okara was a treasure to many and nobody wants to lose his treasure. He was a man of many paths: a poet, novelist, and journalist and of course an exceptional statesman. “Through hard work and diligence, he dotted these paths with success marks and legacies for which we are here to attest and testify of his glorious strides. Pa Okara was a literary icon who meant different things to different people; he would be remembered for different things. “He meant different things to different people, to some he was the first modernist poet of Anglophone extraction. To others, he was a cultural ambassador who showcased the folklores of the Ijaws to the rest of the world through his works. “Yet others see him as a seasoned administrator with a penchant for innovation. “The story of The Tide and Rivers State Television (RSTV) validates their claims. And to some, Gabriel Okara is simply a patriot who prioritised service to his people.’’ Commenting on his contacts and interactions with the late sage, Jonathan said: “For me, I recall that in secondary school, I read his poems such as, “Call of the River Nun”, “Piano and Drums” during my literature classes. “As an undergraduate, at the University of Port Harcourt, I remember vividly how the management of the School decided to honour him along with two other individuals in a special convocation where he was awarded an honorary Doctor of Letters Degree. (D.Litt.).

The Oracle Today Monday June 24 - 30, 2019

NEWS ACROSS THE NATION

Nigeria, rest of Africa’s total merchandise trade stands at $997.9bn – Report Nigeria and the rest of Africa’s total merchandise trade in 2018 have been estimated to be 997.9 billion dollars, retaining its number one position as the fastest growing regions in the world. African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank’s) Chief Economist, Dr Hippolyte Fofack, said this was contained in the African Trade Report 2019 inaugurated on the side line of the on-going Afreximbank Annual Meeting (AAM2019) in Moscow. The World Trade Organisation estimates reviewed that the volume of global merchandise trade grew by three per cent in 2018, down from 4.6 per cent in 2017. Fofack said Africa’s output grew by 3.4 per cent between 2017 and 2018 in spite of the slowdown in global growth during that period. “The findings highlight the resilience of Africa’s economies to global volatility at a time of rising uncertainty, escalating trade wars and tariffs between the United States, China and others.

“The resilience reflects the diversification of Africa’s trading partners in the context of South-South trade, growing fixed investment and public and private consumption, boosted by expanding urban populations and softening inflation. “These factors reduce Africa’s exposure to the business cycles associated with individual countries and regions.’’ Fofack explained that the European Union remained Africa’s main continental trading partner in 2018 – accounting for 29.8 per cent of total trade. He said African trade with the South grew significantly over the last decade to account for more than 35 per cent of the continent’s

total trade in 2018. He said China and India further consolidated their positions as Africa’s first and second single largest trading partners, accounting for over 21 per cent of total African trade in 2018. Afreximbank’s chief economist further said the continent’s IntraAfrican trade also increased steadily in 2018, growing by 17 per cent to reach 159 billion dollars. He said Africa had the potential to do more, adding that its contribution to global trade remained marginal at 2.6 per cent, up from 2.4 per cent in 2017. According to him, intra-African trade rose to 16 per cent in 2018 from five per cent in 1980, it re-

mained low compared to intra-regional trade in Europe and Asia. Fofack said the ongoing digitisation on the continent was paving the way for a new African economy, with e-commerce platforms and internet penetration to a new generation of transnational digital consumers. He then urged African governments to further capitalise on the opportunities associated with digitisation, by bolstering regulatory environments and supporting the development of digital ecosystems. According to him, digitisation can unlock Africa’s potential in driving economic development and the integration of African countries into the world economy.

Afreximbank’s President, Prof. Benedict Oramah, said: “It is vital that Africa grasped the economic growth opportunities flowing from the African Continental Free Trade Agreement, growing domestic demand and population. “And our ever-closer investment and trading links with emerging partners in the South. “We must exert concerted action to ensure that we develop, industrialise, diversify our industries and support infrastructure to foster regional integration and participate fully in regional and global value chains.” The theme of the meeting is ‘Harnessing Emerging Partnerships in an Era of Rising Protectionism.

NPA redeploys Port Managers

Management of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) has approved the immediate redeployment of some Port Managers along with the appointment of a new Technical Assistant, Administration, to the Managing Director. The General Manager Corporate & Strategic Communications, Adams Jatto, made this known in a statement made available to newsmen in Lagos on Saturday. According to Jatto, the management made the redeployment in a bid to reposition the nation’s seaports for improved service delivery in line with next level mantra of President Muhammadu Buhari-led administration. “In the latest redeployment, the erstwhile Port Manager, Lagos Port Complex (LPC), Mrs Aisha Ali-Ibrahim, has been moved to the headquarters as Assistant General Manager Operations, while Mrs Olotu Funmilayo, Port Manager, Calabar Port, takes over as Manager of LPC. “Mr Umar Garba is now the new Port Manager of Tin-Can Island Port (TCIP). He was the manager at Rivers Port Complex. “Also Mr Simon Okeke remains Manager, Delta Ports, while Mrs Asien Ehemeiri, replaces Mrs Olotu as the new manager, Calabar Port. “Akporherhe Emmanuel moves to Corporate Headquarters as Principal Manager Safety as Alhassan Abubakar, retains his position as Manager Onne Port,” jatto said. He added that Mr Yunusa Anji, Principal Manager, Environment, moves to Rivers Port as the new Manager. He further said Mr Isah Danazumi is now the new Technical Assistant Administration to the Managing Director. Jatto said Danazumi took over from Musa Shehu Yaro who had been moved to Procurement Division as Assistant General Manager. He said Managing Director, Hadiza Bala-Usman, urged the new appointees to rise up to any challenge in their respective roles. Jatto noted that the authority was poised to deliver its mandate to facilitate international trade in a safe and secured environment.

A cross section of some state governors during the inauguration ceremony of the National Economic Council (NEC) for the next four years, by the President Muhammadu Buhari and Vice, Yemi Osinbajo, at the Aso Villa, Thursday

Bus fare: Zamfara residents paid highest in May -- NBS

ational Bureau of Statistics …Anambra, Bauchi lowest N (NBS) says residents of Zamfara paid the highest bus journey fare within city with N300 in May, while Bauchi residents paid the lowest with N95. This is contained in the organisation’s Transport Fare Watch for May 2019, published on its website, which stated that Zamfara was followed by residents of Abuja FCT who paid N270 and Adamawa with N250. The report said that states with the lowest bus journey fare within city, along with Bauchi, were Anambra with N135.17 and Sokoto with N130. The report covered the following categories; namely bus journey within the city per drop on constant routes; bus journey intercity, state routes and charge per person. It also covered air fare charge for specified routes single journey; journey by motorcycle (Okada) per drop; and water way passenger transport. According to the report, the average fare paid by commuters for bus

journey within the city decreased by -2.74 per cent month-on-month and increased by 5.65 per cent yearon-year to N176.28 in May from N181.24 in April. The report also stated that the average fare paid by commuters for bus journey intercity decreased by -1.33 per cent month-on-month and by -32.95 per cent year-on-year to N1,582.97 in May from N1,604.36 in April. It added that the states with highest bus journey fare intercity were Abuja FCT with N4,150, Adamawa with N2,500 and Borno with N2,445.45. Also, states with lowest bus journey fare within city were Bauchi with N975, Enugu with N961 and Gombe with N961.90. The bureau said that the average fare paid by air passengers for specified routes single journey decreased by -0.27% month-on-month and by -3.23% year-on-year to N30,636.92 in May from N30,721.19 in April.

It further said states with highest air fare were Jigawa, Kwara and Rivers, all paying N35,000, while states with lowest air fare were Oyo (N25,064.90), Nasarawa (N25,048.77), and Sokoto (N25,000). Furthermore, it stated that the average fare paid by commuters for journey by motorcycle per drop increased by 8.94 per cent monthon-month and 20.03 per cent yearon-year to N126.69 in May from N116.30 in April. Also, states with highest journey fare by motorcycle per drop were Kogi (N233.33), Rivers (N196.92) and Ebonyi (N188.57) while states with lowest journey fare by motorcycle per drop were Zamfara (N60.29), Jigawa (N60.00) and Adamawa (N50.00). The average fare also paid by passengers for water way passenger transport decreased by -7.47% month-on-month and by -12.44% year-on-year to N501.79 in May

from N542.32 in April. The bureau noted that states with highest fare by water way passenger transport were Bayelsa (N1,816.67), Rivers (N1,750.00) and Edo (N900.00). Also, states with lowest fare by water way passenger transport were Delta (N178.57), Borno (N125.00) and Cross River (N125.00). Field work for the report was done solely by over 700 NBS Staff in all States of the federation supported by supervisors who were monitored by internal and external observers. Prices were collected across all the 774 local governments across all states and the FCT from over 10,000 respondents and locations. The prices reflected actual prices households state they actually bought those fuels together with the prices reportedly sold by the fuel suppliers. The average of all these prices was then reported for each state and the average for the country is the average for the state.

The Oracle Today Monday June 24 - 30, 2019

NEWS

Jonathan eulogises Okara, tasks writers on nation building

ormer President, Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan has urged journalists and writers to lend their creative energy towards promoting justice and equity as a means of building a nation of hope for all. In Yenagoa Friday, during the night of tributes in honour of the late literary icon Dr. Gabriel Imomotimi Okara, Jonathan said, “to all writers, literary enthusiasts and journalists, and all of us here to celebrate Pa Gabriel Okara, ours is not to sit idle when things are going wrong in our society, we should be the ‘Piano and Drums’ that will beat to our nation, the rhythm of hope and truth. In his tribute, he described Okara as a man who left behind

many legacies. He was the voice of truth and justice who “represents justice, equality, and truth. I, therefore challenge us to be vanguard of these virtues.“ Summing up the the passage of the literary icon, the former president noted that “Okara was a treasure to many and nobody wants to lose his treasure. He was a man of many parts: a poet, novelist, journalist and of course an exceptional statesman. Through hard work and diligence, he dotted these parts with success marks and legacies for which we are here to attest and testify of his glorious strides. “Pa Okara means different things to different people, to some he was the first modernist poet of anglophone extraction.

To others, he was a cultural ambassador who showcased the folklores of the Ijaws to the rest of the world through his works. Yet others see him as a seasoned administrator with a penchant for innovation. The story of The Tide and Rivers State Television (RSTV) validates their claims. And to some, Okara is simply a patriot who prioritized service to his people.” Recalling his memories of the late sage, Jonathan said: “For me, I recall that in secondary school, I read his poems such as, “Call of the River Nun”, “Piano and Drums” during my literature classes. As an undergraduate, at the University of Port Harcourt, I remember how the management of the university decided to

honour him along with two other individuals in a special convocation where he was awarded an honorary degree of Doctor of Letters. (D.Litt.). “In the formative years of Bayelsa State, Pa Okara served as Chairman of the Committee on Recognition and Re-classification of Chieftaincy Stools in 1997. When I was the Governor of Bayelsa, Okara was an asset to me as he offered wise counsels on different issues.” On how the nation and especially Bayelsa will preserve the legacies of the Okara, Jonathan said, “when a patriot dies, our task is not just to mourn and eulogise him for the great works he has done. We have a duty to preserve the memories

and legacies of the individual by subscribing to his ideas and philosophies, in this, we immortalise the person.” The former President thanked the State Government for the tradition of honouring its citizens, who have positively distinguished themselves by naming state owned structures after them while they are still alive. The Bayelsa State Governor, Henry Seriake Dickson called Pa Okara “beacon of hope to the future generation.” He promised to build to a mausoleum for the late writer at the Ijaw Heroes Memorial Park as well as undertake a project at Government College Umuahia, Okara’s alma mater to immortalise him.

C’River Football Association gets new Exco From ANIEKAN ANIEKAN, Calabar

he Cross River State Football Association has re-elected the incumbent Chairman of the association, Apostle Essien Ekpenyong Ayi to pilot the affairs of the association for another four years. Ayi who is a member of the House of Representatives (Calabar South, Akpabuyo and Bakassi Federal Constituency) was reelected alongside other board members, Mr. Oswald Atuake Vice Chairman 1 and Gregory Abang as Vice Chairman 2. Other elected members of the new exco are Godwin Odey and Vincent Elom (Northern

L-R: Nigeria’s former President, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan, Bayelsa State Governor, Hon. Seriake Dickson, and his wife, Dr.(Mrs.) Rachael Dickson, during the unveiling of the book: ‘’THE VOICE”, a book written 55 years ago by the late Dr. Gabriel Okara, during a ceremony of poems, songs and tributes in honour of the late Ijaw Literary Icon, at the Dr. Gabriel Okara Cultural Centre, Yenagoa. Photo by Philip Omojefe

Inauguration: Group congratulates Ugwuanyi, Enugu House/NASS Members

ith the inauguration of the Houses of Assembly by the governors and the National Assembly by the President, the second term of the Buhari era has firmly taken off and it is our pleasure to congratulate our dear governor, Rt. Hon. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi and Members of the Enugu State House of assembly and NASS Members from Enugu State on this momentous occasion in their political career.” Those were the words of Mr. Collins Chiedozie Idoko, founder Chido Foundation, an Igbo-Eze North, Enugu State-based NGO with accent on philanthropy and grassroots mobilisation, in a chat with The Oracle Today in Enugu. Idoko, whose group was very active in the electioneering campaigns under the aegis of Gburugburu is a Goal Campaign Group and Chido Foundation, expressed delight at the peaceful transition that has taken place in Enugu State, urging Governor

Ugwuanyi to ensure that the peace that has defined his Administration in the State since inception four years ago would continue in the next four years so as to enable him consolidate on hisfirst term achievements in the next four years. He called on Members of the State House of Assembly and National Assembly Members from Enugu State to cooperate with the governor at all times, noting that together and with the support of the people of the State, they would move the State to greater heights. “The second term has begun in earnest. With the State Assemblies and NASS inaugurated, the second term of the Buhari era has begun. On behalf of the Chido Group, I congratulate the governor, Rt. Hon. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi (Gburugburu), Members of the State House of Assembly and NASS Members from Enugu State on their inauguration and formal

commencement of their tour of duty as governor and legislators from the Coal-City State,” the philanthropist cum political organiser declared. “I believe that Ugwuanyi being a God-fearing leader will run an inclusive government in his second term, as he very well did in his first term, and that is all Enugu needs to move forward-for all hands to be on deck. Enugu is the only State where partisan lines are blurred when it comes to the politics of governance and development, mainly because Governor Ugwuanyi is a man who practises politics without bitterness and likes to carry everyone along for the good of the State. We urge him to continue along this trajectory in the next four years and beyond.” Ahead of the 2019 election, the Chido Foundation embarked on massive grassroots mobilization and sensitization across Enugu State in support of Ugwuanyi’s reelection bid.

District), Paul Atila Edum and Philip Obaji Junior (Central District) as well as Oqua Etim and Onyeka Oyekwelu (Southern District); while Talabi Oke serves as Secretary. Ayi, who described his victory as a divine intervention, promised to carry board members along in all programmes of the State Football Association as he solicited for improved funding of state-owned football teams by the government. Responding, a board member and state chairman of Akwa Ibom State Football Association Emmanuel Ibah commended the delegates for the peaceful conduct of the Congress and charged them to make the game viable in the state.

Brotherhood of the Cross hunts for talented youths From ANIEKAN ANIEKAN, Calabar

he Brotherhood of the Cross and Star (BCS) will stage a national talent hunt for Nigerian youths as part of its drive to reduce youth unemployment and restiveness in the country. Tagged “Kings Brain,” the talent hunt will be conducted through an aptitude test aimed at selecting the best brains in the country. Participants will earn cash prices and international scholarships. The the chairman of the media and publicity committee of the event, Ambassador Ogar Osim, who disclosed this in Calabar explained that the talent hunt is part of activities to mark the Heavenly Father, an international event organized to empower the physical/spiritual wellbeing of the children of God as well as honour the Universal Leader, His Holiness Olumba Olumba Obu. In addition to this, arrangements have been concluded for the establishment of a football team, AMEN Boyz, which is another means to reduce youth restiveness in the country.

Speaking on the Kings Brain, Osim said “the King’s Brain will be an aptitude examination where 30, 000 youths will be free to participate, register and write a test where the winner will be given a scholarship to any university in the country alongside cash prizes to the best youths. “The BCS Football team, AMEN Boyz will be unveiled and the process for its registration with the Nigerian Football Federation is ongoing.” He said the father believes that a child in soccer is a child out of court as the opportunity offered him will dissuade him from crimes which could land him in court. Osim said a minimum of 100, 000 people are expected to converge in Calabar for the epoch making event and there will be a carnival float to ensure peace in the country. He called on Nigerians to embrace the Father’s message of love emphasizing that “lack of love is the basis for all the violent crimes and killings in the country. When people abide by this message, the nation will be better.”

The Oracle Today Monday June 24 - 30, 2019

NEWS

Award winning author mentors pupils, students in Ekwulobia By ODOGWU EMEKA ODOGWU

EST selling author, Paul Chika Emekwulu has enjoined students of Anambra State to embrace God in truth and spirit by shunning drugs and other vices while emulating selflessness and service to their community. Emekwulu, a

mathematics teacher and indigene of Ekwulobia made the statement while delivering a motivational talk to students of the New Generation schools, Ekwulobia. Challenging the youths to be good ambassadors of Igbo nation by being truthful in their dealings, the award winning author told the students of New Generation Nursery/

IPOB condemns ‘agreement’ between S/East govs, Fulani herdsmen From PAMELA EBOH, Awka

he Indigenous People of Biafra, (IPOB), has condemned an agreement between the South East Governors and the Fulani herdsmen which might have necessitated a call by the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association (MACBAN), for the establishment of Fulani terrorist vigilante groups in Igbo land. In a statement, the leader of IPOB, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu stated that it was regrettable that at a time when Fulani cattle herders were terrorizing and ravaging the North, Middle Belt and Yorubaland, governors of the South East were letting Miyetti Allah to get away with such a criminal demand in the region. The IPOD leader wondered why the governors would want to accommodate the demands of the herdsmen. He noted: “Miyetti Allah, a mere cattle trading association and the fourth most deadly terror group in the world that later turned into a militant terrorist organisation is now openly threatening to conquer Igboland with the help of Igbo governors. “It defies logic that South East governors would give audience in the open in Igboland to an organization that has been rated the fourth deadliest terrorist organisation in the world. Did the Governors stop to consider that Biafran traders in the far North, even though law abiding, can never be given the audience and reverence that they have extended to Miyetti Allah. He noted that the Chairman of the South East Governors’ Forum and Ebonyi State Governor, Dave Umahi and the governors have already granted this

request. “And in the unlikely event they have not, it is highly probable that they will, albeit secretly. In such event, I warn Miyetti Allah, South East Governors and their collaborators in the South East and elsewhere in Nigeria that IPOB will not tolerate the establishment of any Fulani militia, masquerading as vigilantes, in South East or anywhere else in Biafraland.” Kanu recalled that it was the stated intention of IPOB to set up vigilante services, otherwise known as Biafran Security Services (BSS) but that it was used as the immediate excuse by the same South East governors to proscribe IPOB, after it was declared a terrorist organisation. He added, “We are eagerly waiting for Miyetti Allah and their Fulani terror militia in Biafraland, it will be an adventure they will regret for as long as they live. “Their ancestors tried the same 300 years ago and returned to Zaria in humiliation. Fulani caliphate must know that IPOB will not allow any piece of Biafran territory to become another Illorin. We are waiting for Miyetti Allah with open arms.”

Primary and Secondary School, Ekwulobia, Aguata LGA, “to shun get quick rich syndrome but be committed to their education to be useful to themselves and the society.” Speaking on his new book, “The ‘GPS’ of the Holy Bible,” Emekwulu enjoined them to use the ‘GPS methodology to study the Holy Bible, using

mental maps for easy memorization of the books of the Bible, which they can apply to other subjects. The proprietor of the school, Mr Eboh Moses Ignatius commending Emekwulu for his words the children, and admonished the pupils and students to utilize the knowledge grasped in their daily living. The teachers and students praised Emekwulu

for the teaching and learning techniques he exposed them as they asked for more engagement from Emekwulu. A student teacher, Nwazue Chimerem Arabella said the knowledge garnered from the motivational talk has exposed them to the best practices of memorizing the Holy Bible. Paul Chika Emekwulu

Flood destroys drugs worth over N50 million in Anambra From OGE ONYEANUSI, Nnewi

raders at the Bridge Head Drug Market in Onitsha, Anambra State were left wailing and in tears as drugs worth over N50 million were destroyed by flood water, which swept through the market after hours of rain. On the first day of the two day, 19th and 20th, June downpour, more than 130 shops were affected as the flood escalated and overran almost half of the market.

As the rain persisted, and the flood raged unchecked, the traders were seen trying to save soaked cartoons of drugs and salvage some already damaged by the flood water. Some of the traders, who spoke to journalists, said the flooding was caus3d by dumping of refuse in open gutters, which consequently blocked drainages. “The down pour started as early as 5.30 am and by 7 am our shops were already

flooded. We couldn’t identify our stalls or to know where there is a road in the market,” one of the traders lamented. The State Executive Secretary Anambra State Special Taskforce on Fake Drugs Adulterated and Substandard Products, Hon Chibuzor Nwokeji said the traders embarked on sanitation to clear the drainages but the second rain fall destroyed a lot of drugs as the drainage system linking the flood water to the River Niger

have been blocked and there was no easy passage for the flood which swept through the market. The secretary, who appealed to the state government to come to their aid of the traders “as they have experience a huge lost,” noted further that the taskforce will embark on routine check to assess the extent of the damage and will confiscate damaged drugs to stop any unscrupulous trader selling the drugs to unwary consumers.

•From left Engr Emeka Ononuju, Chief Mike Nnamekwe Okafor and Chief ChukwunonsoOnuorah during a grand reception in honour of Hon Charles Obinma, member representing Oyi State Constituency Anambra legislative Council. The event was held at the Garden Sports Club Awka Anambra State

Festival of tributes as Ugbene community marks last ofala for late Igwe By IBE NWACHUKWU

Gov. Willie Obiano

t was a festival of tributes for the late traditional ruler Igwe Simon Anyaegbune Nnalue (Ezukwu I of Ugbene) as the Ugbene community, in Awka North Local Government Area of Anambra State celebrated his last Ofalacultural festival. The three-day event, climaxed on Saturday with a church service at St. Mary’s Anglican Church, Ugbene and the traditional tributes from the unions from the six villages of the

community, the women wing, the Igwe’s cabinet, the bereaved royal family, branch unions and individuals. The town are Umualor, Ifite-Ora village, Enugagu, Umunokwam, Umuemem and Umuagunwoke. In a tribute the chairman of the Umualor village union, Chief Wilson Aniemene described the death of Igwe Nnalue “as a colossal loss to the community, which created a vacuum that only God can substitute.” While the Enuagu village union noted that the late Igwe Nnalue lived

a life worthy of emulation, the Umunokwam improvement union recalled that they had an intelligent and fair human ruler in their late Igwe. The President-General and Secretary-General, Mrs. Ijeoma Okafor and Esther Nnenna of the women wing of Ugbene Progressive Union, UPU, said the late Igwe, “was always caring, humble and kind to the women folk.” Members of the late Igwe’s cabinet, through their Vice Chairman, Chief Chris Nweke and Palace Secretary, Emeka Agbatue, noted that they

had many progressive deliberations during his life time. The Chairman of the chairman of 21-member Ugbene King makers; Secretary-General of UPU, Chief Fidelis Osita Nweke, a philanthropist in the community, who brought facilitated the electrification of the community, appealed to the state Governor Willie Obiano to complete the Amansea/Ebenebe/ Ugbenu road to enable the farmers have assess road to evacuate their produce from Ugbene.

The Oracle Today Monday June 24 - 30, 2019

NEWS FG should bear loss of ceding Bakassi to Cameroon, not C’River, declares Senator Ewa From ANIEKAN ANIEKAN, Calabar

ross River State Chapter Chairman of the Pan-Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF), Senator Bassey Ewa, has stated that the Federal Government of Nigeria ought to bear the losses associated with the ceding of Bakassi to Cameroon, not Cross River. He said this is so because the decision was purely that

of the federal government and it is out of place to make the state singularly bear the loss. Senator Ewa, a former Chairman of the NDDC and Senator representing Cross River Southern Senatorial District made this known in Calabar after being sworn in as to oversee the affairs of the Cross River State Chapter of the Forum. He maintained that the decision has to be reviewed because it was on the basis of

this that the state lost 76 oil wells following a judgment by the Supreme Court. “The ceding of Bakassi was a Federal Government Decision, therefore all losses following that decision by the Federal Government of Nigeria and not just Cross River State. “The Supreme Court said the 76 Oil wells were taken away because Cross River ceased to be a littoral State when Bakassi was ceded to Cameroon but this land

Calabar on which we stand today is not an Island, and not an island on a lake. “It is surrounded by waters of the high seas and like the states of the Niger Delta; we have numerous creeks and waterways all from the ocean”. He disclosed that the state suffered several losses as a result of the ceding like one of the richest economic zones in the world, ancestral homes amongst others and called for unity among states

of the region to help forge a united front. Also speaking, the National Chairman of PANDEF, Idongesit Nkanga called for unity among Niger Delta states so as to collectively work together to save the region. He reiterated the call for restructuring maintaining that some “all citizens of the country must have equal opportunities as is obtainable in other climes because people the world

over are revolting against old ways of doing things”. On her part, former member of the House of Representatives, Nkoyo Toyo said PANDEF has a lot of work to do to actualize its mandate like working for the implementation of the 16 points agenda presented to the president as well as the cleanup of the Niger Delta. She said the region is dying and stakeholders should work together to collectively revive the region.

Edo govt., World Bank, Dangote, others to support women entrepreneurs

do Government has said it will collaborate with the World Bank, Dangote Foundation and other institutions to create special window aimed at supporting women entrepreneurs in the state. Governor Godwin Obaseki stated this when he met with the executive members of the Benin Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture, BENCCIMA at the Benin Production Centre, Friday. The Governor said a team had been constituted to identify and assess the areas of support for businesses to be run by women across the 192 wards of the state. He said the initiative would be finalised within a week to allow for its implementation across the 18 local government areas of the state. “The enumeration of women in business would be done from ward to ward, to know the type of businesses these women do and where they are located. “We will be giving them support because we have found out that women contribute much to the economy of the state. “The idea is to help the women expand and link their businesses to the

necessary infrastructure and financing. “We want to come up with ways to support these women entrepreneurs in terms of infrastructure, connecting roads to the communities where they farm and do their businesses,” he said. Earlier, the President of BECCIMA, Dr Helen Odemwingie, said the chamber was doing its part to support the state government in promoting economic growth and job creation in the state. Odemwingie listed some of BECCIMA initiatives to include; farmers market and formation of a cluster for business operators in the oil palm value chain for easy loan acquisition among others.

Gov. Godwin Obaseki

Secretary to the Delta State Government, Chiedu Ebie Esq (r) representing State Governor Ifeanyi Okowa presenting relief materials through the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) to a fllod victim at the Alifekede in Ika South local government area of the state, Saturday.

Bayelsa ends casualisation of workforce, to absorb 838 casual workers

ayelsa Government on Thursday said it had outlawed engagement of casual staff in its workforce and would absorb the 838 casual workers currently in its service. State Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Mr Daniel Iworison-Markson, announced this at the end of the state Executive Council meeting in Yenagoa. He said the policy would complement the recent employment of 1000 grraduates, including First Class degree holders and medical practitioners as well as other related

professionals. Iworiso-Markson, who extolled the governor for approving the absorption, said it was a profound period in the lives of the beneficiaries as most of them had spent between 15 and 20 years as casual workers in service. He disclosed however that the affected casual workers would undergo screening before the confirmation of their appointments which was expected to be effective Monday, July 1, 2019. Also speaking, the Chairman, Civil Service Commission, Dr Peter

Delta Govt donates relief materials to flood victims Umahi elta State Governor, According to the magnanimity and love Ifeanyi Okowa has Governor, the government shown towards the victims, declares presented relief has put in place mechanism just as Hon Chuckwuye materialsto victims of the to militate the situation Festus Okoh, the member various flooding across the and that flood will soon be representing Ika South 4-year state through the State a thing of the past. at the state House of Emergency Management Director general, SEMA Assembly, noted that action on Agency (SEMA) at Delta State, Mr Karo Governor Okowa’s love for Alifekede in Ika South local Ovemeso, in his opening the people of Delta State industrial government area of the remark thank the Governor ‘cannot be over emphasize state. for providing relief hence his commitment to Okowa, who was materials and for showing reduce flood occurrence in clusters, represented by the genuine concern about the the state.’ secretary to the state plight of the flood victims The flood victims led airport government, Chiedu Ebie in the state. by Mrs Alice Osayede

esq, said there is a need for the people to be vigilante during heavy storm occurrence to avoid lost of lives and properties.

Speaking earlier Chairman of Ika South local government area, Hon Victor Okoh, commended the Governor for the

also thanked the state government, State Emergency Management Agency for their intervention.

Singabele, thanked Gov. Seriake Dickson for the approval. Singabele said that it would go a long way in addressing the problem of unemployment in the state. He however, explained that going by the extant public service rules, any applicant above 40 years of age was not eligible for employment. According to him, a verification of the educational certificates and age dececlaration of the casual staff would be carried out soon, and those above the age of 40 would be disengaged.

ov. Dave Umahi of Ebonyi on Friday said that building industrial clusters and a state-owned airport were among his vision for the state in the next four years. Umahi who disclosed in Abuja that the secret for his strides was passion and grace, said he would continue to develop Ebonyi, in spite of the state’s meager resources until the people were evenly empowered. “I shall dualise major roads that lead to the state capital as well as empower the youths,” Umahi said. The governor restated his determination to take the state out of the doldrums of aviation challenges by

On his part, the Head of Service in the state, Mr Luka Wellington-Obiri, described the outlawing of casualisation of workers in the state as cheering news to labour. He gave the assurance that the civil service would do its best to deliver on its core mandate of carrying out government programmes and policies. He advised the beneficiaries of the new policy to take advantage of the opportunity by being diligent at their duty posts so as to contribute their quota to the development of the state.

building an airport. Umahi, who thanked his people for supporting him, said he was committed to a better and greater Ebonyi. He said that the road to a prosperous Ebonyi was being built by his administration, adding that this should be the priority of every responsive government.

Gov. Dave Umahi

The Oracle Today Monday June 24 - 30, 2019

NEWS

Wike commits to delivery of projects in Rivers … Says ‘Amaechi ran a morally bankrupt administration’

ivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike has declared that his administration will continue to deliver projects that will improve the living condition of the Rivers people. In a live interview on Rhythm FM Port Harcourt on Monday, Wike assured the people that he will never disappoint them. The governor said that he will never make empty promises to the people because his administration is built on transparency, accountability and commitment to the welfare of the people. The governor described as unfortunate the statements made by the immediate past governor of Rivers State, Mr Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi on projects and programmes across the state. He said: “It is unfortunate that someone who was celebrating his 52nd Birthday would tell Rivers people what is not correct. The immediate past administration abandoned projects by previous administrations. But we

chose to complete projects that they abandoned. We completed all the projects that will positively impact the lives of our people. “We inherited N14.7billion as salaries and pensions from the Amaechi administration, which we cleared. N23.2billion loan from Zenith Bank was also inherited and cleared by us. Another agriculture loan obtained by that administration was cleared by my administration “. On the abandoned projects inherited by his administration, Governor Wike informed that contrary to claims by Amaechi, his administration paid the contractors N6billion to complete the EpirikomRumuolumeni Road which was awarded in 2012 at the cost of N10.3billion. He said that road was less than 25 percent completed at the time his administration took over. He said that the Nkpogu Bridges was awarded by the immediate past administration, but were not constructed because of a dispute between

the contractor and that administration. He stressed that his administration inherited the contractors, negotiated and paid the contractors for the bridges, which have been delivered and commissioned. The governor said that Amaechi merely returned to the state to launder his image, in view of the collapsed APC structure in the state. He pointed out that the administration paid for and completed the abandoned Ozuoba-OgbogoroRumuolumini Road and is already working on the abandoned Garrison-Trans Amadi -Elelenwo which will be completed in December. He also stated that the administration is working on the Elelenwo -Akpajo road and Ochigba road in Ahoada East Local Government Area, which was abandoned by the previous administration due to political consideration. Governor Wike said that his administration initiated new projects that have impacted the lives of the people, positively.

He listed the 42 roads in Diobu, roads in Borikiri, Ogbunabali Internal Roads, Isiokpo Internal Roads, Elele-Alimini internal roads, Omoku Internal Roads, Igwuruta-Chokocho road, Chokocho-Rumukrusi road, Ulakwo II-Afara-Nihi Road, Eneka-Rukpokwu road, Rukpokwu-Aluu among other road projects. The governor added that his administration has revived the state’s secondary healthcare sector by totally rehabilitating 13 General Hospitals, while over 300 primary schools are being renovated and equipped under the state universal basic education programme. Wike explained: “His (Amaechi) anger is that I have been given the name, Mr Projects. I came to serve the people. You are comparing your eight years with my two years.” He said that the former governor ran a morally bankrupt administration, which extorted money from commissioners and local government areas through his wife.

“When I was chief of staff to Amaechi, all LGA chairmen and Commissioners were paying N3m and N2m respectively to Amaechi’s wife monthly. “’My Academic background cannot be compared with that of Rotimi Chibuike Amaechi, I have never had a poor grade. I went to University of Port Harcourt, where I studied Political Science. I went to Rivers State University, where I studied law. I went to Law School and I came out successfully’. He said that the administration has improved security through the funding of

the operations of security agencies and the regular payment of monthly allowances. He informed that his administration inherited six months unpaid monthly allowances to security agencies, which has been cleared. The governor said that APC is dead in Rivers and the plot to use security agencies to rig in 2019 will not work as the people will resist any form of electoral robbery. He explained that the administration is addressing environmental sanitation challenges as part of its urban renewal programme.

‘Teachers recruitment in Enugu will not be political,’ Govt assures

hairman of the Enugu State Post Primary School Management Board (PPSMB), Mr. Nestor Ezema, says that the ongoing recruitment of teachers in the state will no longer be shared among political office holders. Ezema said in Enugu on Saturday that the recruitment would be based on merit because the board wanted qualified and dedicated teachers this time around. He said that the recruitment would be free and fair to improve the standard of education in the state adding that only qualified indigenes of the

state would be employed. The chairman disclosed that no fewer than 2,000 teachers would be recruited in the ongoing exercise in the state to fill in vacant positions. According to him, we are recruiting 2,000 teachers because Enugu state is lacking experienced teachers. “We have concluded written interview .Our staff was given few weeks to mark the scripts. “After marking, we will place a cut off mark and the successful candidates will go for oral interview and successful candidates will emerge.

INEC receives over 200 fresh applicat

P Managing Director, Mr Daniel Braie; Chairman, Chief Joshua Fumudoh; Company Secretary, Mr Moses Omorogbe, and Non-Executive Director, Mr Bernard Griesel, all of Linkage Assurance Plc during the 25th Annual General Meeting of the company held in Lagos.

Igbo Assembly hails appointment of Igwe as Ebonyi SSG

he Igbo Youth Assembly (IYA) Worldwide has commended Governor David Umahi for appointing Dr Kenneth Igwe as the Secretary to Ebonyi State Government. The Assembly’s President General, Mazi Ifeanyi Nwaudunna, who gave the commendation in a statement in Abuja on Friday, describing the appointment as a reward for hard work. He recalled that Igwe started his service to the

people of Ebonyi when he was appointed Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Internal Security. He said that Igwe in that position coordinated and supervised the activities of Neighbourhood Security watch and other internal security agencies in the state. “During the time of Igwe service as the SSA on internal Security, Ebonyi was adjudged the safest and least crime-free state in Nigeria.

“Earlier this year, he was promoted, when he was appointed Commissioner in the newly created Ministry of Internal Security and Peace Board by Mr David Umahi. “As a commissioner, he excelled and performed excellently in the area of security, peace and conflict resolution and dispute in the state. Today Ebonyi is the least crime-free state in Nigeria. “As the adage says that “reward for hard-

work is more work,” this is what manifested in the appointment of Igwe as the SSG because of his track record and performance that speaks volume.” Nwaudunna urged the governor to appoint more youths into his cabinet for the overall development of the state. He prayed for God’s protection, wisdom and good health for Igwe and wished him more successful and fruitful service to the people.

olice partner commercial drivers to end extortion by personnel in Enugu The Police Command in Enugu State says it will partner commercial drivers plying various routes in the state to end its personnel’s extortion and other unprofessionalism conducts. The command’s Public Relations Officer, Superintendent of Police Ebere Amaraizu, made the disclosure in a statement in Enugu on Friday. He said that the command would hold road stakeholders interface toward ending unprofessionalism among its personnel. Amaraizu said that the state’s Commissioner of Police, Mr Suleiman Balarabe, was worried by the reported cases of unprofessionalism especially extortion of motorists, tricycle operators and motorcyclists by police patrol men. ‘‘To this end, the commissioner has directed for a

stakeholders’ interface with leaders of National Union of Road Transport Workers, tricycle, motorcycle and taxicab unions with a view to fashionitowards modalities to end the monster of extortion. ‘‘The interface is expected to take place on June 28 at the Superior Police Officers Mess, Agbani Road, Enugu beginning from 10 a.m. ‘‘The commercial drivers stakeholders’ interface is aimed at discouraging extortion and any other identified unprofessional conduct by some police operatives in the state,’’ he said. The police spokesman said that the interface would deepen the relationship between police and members of the public as well. According to him, the interface with the commissioner will also engender fruitful modalities aimed at resolving unprofessional conducts as well as modalities of implementation of the reached resolutions.

The Oracle Today Monday June 24 - 30, 2019

NEWS Ohaneze flays UK report labelling parts of Southeast as unsafe

IPOB condemns S’East govs, Fulani herdsmen ‘underhand agreement’ on vigilantes

By CHINEDU NWAFOR, Abakaliki

hanaeze Ndigbo Youth Council Worldwide has described a report of the Foreign and Commonwealth office of the United Kingdom which included some part of Southeast region as unsafe for Brithish National as a total fallacy. President General of the Council, Mazi Okechukwu Isiguzoro, who disclosed this in a telephone chat with Oracle Today Correspondent said the report was not only malicious but false information with intent to derail the growing economic of the region. He said South East Nigeria is the Safest Haven for Investment and Tourism, adding that there’s no record of any act of terrorism or any terroristic Activities in the soil of South East Nigeria including Abia State. He however urged our potential investors and Tourists to disregard any fantastically fabrication created by the fifth columnist to derail the huge business investment coming to Enyimba Economic City. The council applauded the Southeast Governors’ Forum led by David Umahi, Governor of Ebonyi State, for putting up world class security intelligence in the region, that has ensured adequate security. His words: “The leadership of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Youth council worldwide, contrary to malicious intent and false information of the Foreign and Commonwealth office of the United Kingdom, declared that one or two States in South East Nigeria is(or are)among the 21 States unsafe for British National to travel to,as total fallacy and inclusion of any South East State is an error that must be corrected and debunk such unfriendly report. “Ohaneze Ndigbo Youth council worldwide wishes to inform the World, as the watchdogs of the South East Nigeria, we declare that South East Nigeria as the Safest Haven for Investment and Tourism”, There’s no record of any act of terrorism or any Terroristic Activities in the soil of South East Nigeria including Abia State. “We urge our potential investors and Tourists to disregard any fantastically fabrication created by the fifth columnist to derail the huge business investment coming to Enyimba Economic City. “OYC applauds the South East Governors led by Gov Dave Umahi for putting up worldclass security intelligence through prompt motivation of Security agents for efficiency and effectiveness in the discharge of their duties by our gallant security agents. These governors as chief Security officers in their various States had improved the security of their various states individually and collectively as South East Governors.”

By Pamela Eboh, Awka he leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu has condemned what he labeled as ‘underhand agreement’ between South East Governors and Fulani herdsmen which ‘led to the idiotic call by the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association (MACBAN), for the establishment of Fulani terrorist vigilante groups in Igbo land.’ He regretted that at a time when Fulani cattle herders have turned to terrorists and ravaging the North, Middle Belt and Yorubaland, Southeast Governors allowed Miyetti Allah to get away with such criminal demand in the southeast. Kanu who spoke in a statement made available to journalists in Awka regretted that the attitude of the South East governors is ‘akin to telling someone in advance that you are coming to rob his house and he allowed you to just walk away, while pleading with you that you should reconsider.’ “Instead of ordering their immediate arrest on the spot for daring to so brazenly reveal their criminal intention to invade Igbo land, the spineless cowards

that pass for South East Governors appear to want to accommodate their demands. No doubt as payback for being rigged back into power by Abba Kyari led Fulani Cabal that run the government of Nigeria in the name of a dead Buhari. “Miyetti Allah, a mere cattle trading association and the fourth most deadly terror group in the world that later turned into a militant terrorist organisation is now openly threatening to conquer Igboland with the help of Igbo governors. “It defies logic that Southeast Governors would care to give audience in the open in Igboland to an organisation that has been rated the fourth deadliest terrorist organisation in the world. Did the Southeast Governors stop to consider that Biafran traders in the far North, even though law abiding, can never be given the audience and reverence that these Southeast governors have so shamefully extended to Miyetti Allah. “Considering the weak and rambling response of Governor Dave Umahi to this criminal demand, we are certain these Southeast Governors have already granted this request; and in the unlikely event they have not, it’s highly probable that they will, albeit secretly. In such event, I hereby warn Miyetti Allah, Southeast

Governors and their collaborators in the Southeast and elsewhere in Nigeria that IPOB will not tolerate the establishment of any Fulani militia, masquerading as vigilantes, in Southeast or anywhere else in Biafraland.” Kanu recalled that it was the stated intention of IPOB to set up vigilante services, otherwise known as Biafran Security Services (BSS) but that it was used as the immediate excuse by the same Southeast Governors to proscribe IPOB, ‘whereupon they proceeded to invite the Government of Nigeria to declare IPOB a terrorist organisation.’ He maintained that all that culminated in the Python Dance that claimed scores of innocent Biafran lives. Kanu added, “We are eagerly waiting for Miyetti Allah and their Fulani terror militia in Biafraland, an adventure they will regret for as long as they live. “Their ancestors tried the same nonsense 300 years ago and returned to Zaria in humiliation, so will this Fulani army of darkness fail in 2019. Fulani caliphate must know that IPOB will not allow any of piece of Biafran territory to become another Illorin. We are waiting for Miyetti Allah with open arms.”

Vice President Yemi Osinbajo being received by Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike (l) at the Port Harcourt International Airport, Omagba ahead of the commissioning of the Liquid Waste Treatment Plant in Port-Harcourt, Friday

‘Fulani vigilante in South East, insult of the highest order’ –Group From BONIFACE OKORO, Umuahia

n Igbo youth group has called on the Federal Government to call the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) to order, describing their demand for the establishment of vigilante groups across the states in the South East as an insult of the highest order. Miyetti Allah made the demand in a recent security meeting of South East governors with the military in Enugu. Since Miyetti Alla has come up with this demand, the Coalition of South East Youth Leaders (COSEYL) is insisting that the South East governments should revive the dreaded Bakassi Boys and send them to the North to

protect Ndigbo and their businesses. President-General of the group, Chief Goodluck Egwu Ibem, said in a chat with The Oracle Today that the action of MACBAN was akin to one seeing the speck in another person’s eye while overlooking the log in his own eyes, stressing that MACBAN has done nothing to end Boko Haram, herdsmen menace and arms banditry in the North but was more interested in securing the South East. Ibem maintained that Miyetti Allah’s demand was an “abomination and provocative.” “For the past 12 years, Boko Haram and armed bandits have been terrorizing Northern states and Miyetti Allah did not deem it fit to establish a vigilante to protect

their Northern region and fight Boko Haram insurgents and stop the killings,” he queried “They could not chase away armed bandits in Kaduna -- Abuja Highway , the could form vigilante to stop killings in Zamfara , Adamawa and Borno States. The only place they are concerned with is the South East because they are good Samaritans. We say thank you for your concern, we don’t need your vigilante. Take it to the North and protect your states,” he added. He accused Miyetti Allah of harbouring a secret agenda which is “to fulanize, Islamize and declare jihad in the South East zone.” He argued that if this was not so, “what are they looking for in the South East zone when they already have enough land in the

North to graze and feed their cattle?” “We warn Miyetti Allah to, with immediate effect, withdraw this abominable statement and apologize to the South East zone,” he said. According to him, if the cattle breeders “are in need of our grasses, they should buy it from the South East and take it to the North since we also buy the crops that they cultivate in their region. We can’t be buying from them and they will want our own grasses free of charge.” “We demand the immediate establishment of the dreaded Bakassi Boys in the 19 Northern states to protect Igbos and their businesses in the North,” the COSEYL leader added.

The Oracle Today Monday June 24 - 30, 2019

NEWS Abia set to declare state of emergency in water sector From BONIFACE OKORO, Umuahia

bia State government says it would soon declare a State of Emergency on the State’s Water Sector to facilitate the realization of Effective - Water, Sanitation and Hygiene ( E-Wash )/USAID project for provision of safe, potable water to Abians. The State governor, Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu, who made this known when he received a delegation of the E – Wash/USAID project of the State at the Government House, Umuahia,

reiterated government’s determination to meet the objective of the project.. Ikpeazu noted that providing safe portable water from screened sources rather than depending on boreholes and other unreliable sources would help a lot in achieving health for all as it would reduce water-borne diseases. The Governor represented by his Deputy, Sir Ude Oko Chukwu, expressed gratitude to the E – Wash/USAID Project for granting the State the extension period requested

to streamline and complete all the necessary arrangements as funds have also been released to the contractor on site for prompt delivery on target. He reassured the USAID delegation of government’s resolve to support and collaborate with them to ensure that the objectives of the E Wash/USAID project was realized, adding that government has enlightened the populace on the importance of using portable safe water as moribund Water Schemes would be revitalized. In his remarks, General

Manager of Abia State Water Board, Mr. Leo Ogbonna,, expressed happiness that the Governor Okezie Ikpeazuled administration was supporting the E-Wash programme which would give Abians portable safe water expected to be a reference point for other States of the federation as well as attract investors and donor agencies to the state. Immediate past Commissioner for Public Utilities, Chidiebere Nwoke, told newsmen in February this year that in order to realize the E-WASH project,

Abia State government has rehabilitated many water schemes in the state. Nwoke said that USAID was coming to help the state restore public water supply, explaining that the agency had carried out a baseline study and requested the state to build three boreholes and water treatment plant before they would come in with their funds and expertise to enable water to be pumped. The former Commissioner added that USAID has already provided hundreds of metering

devices that would fixed in various compounds to regulate the billing system as water would no longer be provided free of charge when the project comes on stream. In his remarks, the Project Manager USAID, Mr Jean Jolicocur, stressed the need for government to continue to support the project by providing all that were needed to achieve success and assured of their commitment to evolve reform programme that will ensure safe and portable water for all.

Over 800 police personnel participate in fitness exercise in Enugu

o fewer than 802 police officers drawn from squads, departments and divisions of Enugu State Police Command took part in a fitness exercise in Enugu on Saturday. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that some officers from other sister security agencies also joined in the exercise, which was tagged: “Jog/ Walk for Life and Agility.” Speaking to NAN after the exercise, the State’s Commissioner of Police, Mr Suleiman Balarabe, said that the police would continue to use sports to create partnership with sister security agencies. Balarabe, who was represented by the Command’s Sports Officer, SP Ebere Amaraizu, said that the exercise had been veritable opportunity for personnel of various security agencies to interact and understand

each other. He noted that the synergy among security agencies had been able to bring crime to its barest minimum in the state as well as “made Enugu State the safest in the country.” According to him, we are currently partnering at security duty levels, where we are already doing joint patrols. “The Nigeria Police will also make sure that apart from this monthly exercise session, sister security agencies will be carried along in other sports and social functions of the command,” he said. Speaking, one of the participant, Mr Justin Agu, said that the exercise had helped to improve relationship between the police and other security agencies, especially the NSCDC in the state. Agu, who is a Superintendent, Nigeria Security and Civil Defense

General Manager, Lagos Traffic Radio, Tayo Akanle with the Public Affairs Officer, United States Consulate General Lagos, Russell Brooks who led his consulate team on a courtesy visit to the office of the state-owned radio station, Thursday. Corps (NSCDC), said, “it is better we work in synergy to easily achieve our common purpose, which is to ensure the protection of lives and property.”

NAN reports that the exercise started at the police command headquarters with warmup exercises. The walk/jog session

took the participants through Ridge Road, Okpara Avenue, Ogbete Road, Akwata Road and CIC Road. The participants then

turned at CIC Road and later terminated at their starting point, which is the police command headquarters, for warmdown exercises.

Abia’s monthly IGR less than N600m – Deputy Governor From BONIFACE OKORO, Umuahia

bia State government is taking all necessary measures to improve on its InternallyGenerated Revenue (IGR) which the Deputy Governor, Sir Ude Oko Chukwu, says hovers around N400 million – N600 million monthly. To this end, the Deputy Governor who is also the Chairman of Abia Revenue Council, has held crucial consultative meetings with major stakeholders in Aba and Umuahia. Those who took part in the meeting included the staff of the Board of Internal Revenue, newly inaugurated Transition Chairman and their Heads of Service of the 17 local government areas of the state, traders, artisans, landlords

CHANGE OF NAME IGWE: I formerly known and addressed as IGWE ABIGAIL AMUCHE now wish to be known and addressed as ANIEBONAM ABIGAIL AMUCHE. All former documents remain valid. General public to take note.

and the business community. At Aba, Oko Chukwu, appealed to residents of the state to be agents of development by paying all approval taxes, revenue and rates into designated government accounts. He, however, warned against cash payment to individuals and group that do not remit same to government. According to him, any cash payment in respect of taxes, revenues and rates to individuals and groups accounts would not be accepted or recognized when the Operation-show-authenticgovernment-receipts begin. He explained that it was only when revenue, taxes and rates are paid correctly into government account, that government would

be able to deliver on its mandate of providing democracy dividends to the citizens. He stated that revenue from federation account and oil were progressively dwindling, adding that there was need to increase the state’s IGR. The Deputy Governor lamented that IGR coming into government coffers from Aba, an internationally acclaimed commercial city and other cities, was nothing to write home about when compared to other neighboring states. He, therefore, urged traders and other stakeholders to report individuals or groups coming to collect cash payment for government while soliciting the cooperation of all to industrialize

Aba and the state irrespective of political affiliations. Earlier in his speech, the Executive Chairman of state BIR, Elder Udochukwu Ogbonna, enlightened the stakeholders on the need to cooperate with the state government in its commitment to take the state to the next level through prompt payment of revenues only to government accounts and urged them to report any cases of harassment from individuals or groups that intimidate them to pay cash to them. At the meeting with the 17 local government Transition Committee Chairmen and their Heads of service, Oko Chukwu charged them to plug all leakages

CHANGE OF NAME

CYNTHIA: I formerly known as CHIEKE UGOCHI CYNTHIA now wish to be known as CHUKWUKERE UGOCHI CYNTHIA. Former documents remain valid. Banks and General public take note.

IFEOMA: I formerly known as IFEOMA MARY ANN ADIKE now wish to be known as IFEOMA AYIKE. Former documents remain valid. Banks and General public take note.

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in revenue collection and ensure that the expected revenue were generated and paid into government coffers. He said that the meeting was called to brief them on revenue guidelines and the need to beef up the IGR of the state; as well as to evolve proactive measures. He explained that payment of taxes and other revenues were backed by laws and cautioned them against collecting illegal levies and ensure that levies collected were paid into government accounts saying it was the only way to check leakages and non-remittance. He disclosed that Abia’s IGR still hovers around N400m-600m a month while some states like Lagos and Rivers rake in between N15b to N60b monthly and challenged them to think of how to change the narrative. Contributing, Executive Chairman of Abia state Board of Internal Revenue, Elder Udochukwu Ogbonna, urged the councils’ leaders to be sincere and cooperate with the state to have optimal results.

The Oracle Today Wednesday June 24 - 30, 2019

HEALTH

Prostate cancer: Screening for solution treatment

he value of PSA (Protein Specific Antigen) screening is a hotly debated issue. Five screening trials have been completed, but three are not of adequate quality to be informative. The remaining two are of higher methodological quality and are most informative. These two large trials, PLCO and ERSPC have apparently different results. However, this may be explained in part by differences in their designs. Differences in terms of screening intervals and follow up protocols also exist between two trials, but it was felt that the major difference between the findings of these studies could be explained by the high screening rates in the controls of PLCO. Other three methodologically lower quality trials did not observe any reduction in prostate cancer mortality. The majority of the members (62%) of the group agreed that PSA screening does reduce death from prostate cancer; others felt that the current evidence is not sufficiently conclusive. All agreed that the magnitude of the effect was uncertain and that there is a substantial degree of over-diagnosis and overtreatment, which needs to be reduced before recommendations for using PSA screening in general population can be made. A third major trial (the CAP/ProtecT trial involving 450,000 men (and ISRCTN20141217) is due to report its initial findings in 2016 and this should help to clarify the value of PSA screening. It was agreed that death from prostate cancer should be the primary endpoint for screening studies. While difficulties in ascertainment of cause of death exist in older men, overall mortality suffers from lack of power due

to deaths from unrelated cause and the sample size required to observe an effect is prohibitively large. Every effort should be made to identify the specific cause of death. A useful secondary endpoint is the development of metastatic disease, which can provide more powerful and earlier evidence of a screening effect provided it is assessed with equal thoroughness in both trial arms. New triage and screening markers are major focus of research needs to be the development of new methods and markers, which more clearly separate indolent (low-risk) cancers from aggressive and potentially lethal ones, thus enabling conservative management of a much larger proportion of the cancer found. Ideally, this would be achieved by non-invasive and relatively cheap methods such as additional serum markers or urinary markers. Multi-parametric MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) (mp-MRI) or assays that can be useful for safely avoiding radical protastectomy and radiotherapy in a proportion of patients and therefore avoiding the morbidity associated with these treatments can also be applied. Modifications of existing PSA screening strategies like changes in screening frequency and PSA thresholds have potential to reduce harms from screening. Increasing interval between PSA tests, from annual testing as in the PLCO trial to testing to tests every 2-4 years as in the ERPSC trial may reduce harms from overdiagnosis without much detrimental effect on prostate cancer mortality reduction. Similarly, some data from population-based studies and RCTs like the Prostate Cancer Interven-

tion vs. Observation Trial (PIVOT) support increasing threshold to define an abnormal PSA value to 6-10 ng/ml from existing 3-4 ng/ ml level. Serum and urine markers are several potential improvements on the current PSA assays have been developed. Of these the prostate health index PHI, which is based on a molecular isoform of free PSA, is the most developed and has been shown to have greater specificity than use of total PSA or percent free PSA. Adding the Kallikrein protein hK2 to PSA based markers has also been shown to improve the specificity of PSA based assays but both need further validation in a screening context, with a particular focus on how they might be integrated into screening algorithms and compared against current risk calculations. Urinary markers need some degree of prostatic massage via DRE, to obtain enough cells to be sensitive, which limits their role to triage men identified to be at increased risk. Currently the assays are complicated and require a specialist laboratory for their use. Two assays have received the most attention. PCA3 measures mRNA only produced in prostate tissue which is markedly overexpressed in prostate cancer cells. PCA3 is more specific than PSA, which is a measure of total prostate volume. Initial reports indicate that while it does usefully identify cancer, it does not discriminate between low risk and aggressive disease. A urinary marker that detects the fusion of TMPRSS2 with ERG is also under development and may have greater ability to separate aggressive from low risk early lesions. Measurement of gene fusions between ERG and other potentially important genes in

HEALTH With Dr. JOHN

NWABUEZE â&#x20AC;˘Calls only: +234-8127227226, Email: ogudoben@gmail.com

urine or multiplexing of PCA3 and TMPRSS2-ERG with other genes like SPINKI and GOLPH2 is also an area of interest. Comparative studies have indicated that PHI, the four-marker Kallikrein panel and PCA3 are all more accurate than conventional PSA in detecting cancer, primarily as a result of better specificity. PSA levels at ages between 40 and 60 have also been shown to predict risk of prostate cancer several years later and may also help in identifying cancers likely to become metastatic or lead to death. This needs to be investigated further to improve screening and triage strategies. Methylation markers may also be useful for the diagnosis and prognosis of prostate cancer, but work is still in an early stage. Further research is needed for validation with an aim to allow use in needle biopsy and utimately serum or urine samples. Multi-parametic MRI includes a combination of high resolution T2-weighted image and at least two functional MRI techniques such as diffusion weighted imaging (DWI). Dynamic contrast enhancement (DCE), MR spectroscopy (MRS) to improve specificity. It aims to provide better anatomical delination, improved specificity in characterisation of lesions, and a more reliable assessment regarding organ-confinement of the tu-

mour in order to guide therapy. A key question is the ability of mp-MRI to identify which Gleason 6 cancers can be safely managed by active surveillance (AS). The potential for such use is its ability to highlight areas of aggressive disease, and improve staging in idetifying extra-capsular extension or disease in anterior or apical locations, which may not be reliably ascertained on digital rectal examination or standard systmatic biopsies. Apart from improving planning curative treatments, this is also likely to improve selection of patients for AS. The potential role of mp-MRI to monitor AS patients also needs to be investigated. The value of MRI-guided biopsies and MRI-transectal ultrasound fusion guided biopsies is emerging and both show higher detection rates for significant cancer than standard systematic biopsies. Ongoing trials like Prostrate MRI Imaging Studies are likely to clarify its role in the diagnostic pathway and its cost-effectiveness. Incorporation of mp-MRI in models predicting cancer risk in cases with prior negative biopsy also appears promising but requires further study. Markers in needle biopies although done at a later stage, progression markers identified in needle biopsies may still be able to help avoid unncecessary radical treatment. Ki67 by immunohistocheistry (IHC) is the most established marker and has been shown to be useful in distinguishing between aggressive and indolent prostate cancer. IHC and Fluorescent in situ Hybridisation (FISH) assays for PTEN have also shown some promise as has a FISH assay for fusion, albeit with conflicting results. Similarly overexpression of MYC by FISH and IHC have also been shown to possess some prognostic potential. A four-protein signature, PTEN, SMAD4, cyclin DI, and SPPI, as assessed by IHC has been found to predict biochemical recurrence. All markers have its advantages and disadvantages with persons based on health, age and complications. Improvement on diagnosis and screening are essential to give a better prostate result. â&#x20AC;˘Dr. John Nwabueze Calls only: +234-8127227226, Email: ogudoben@gmail.com

POLITICS The Oracle Today Monday June 24 - 30, 2019

Is Bayelsa LG election jinxed?

Cloud of uncertainty is hovering over the Bayelsa State local government election slated later in the year. This is because the state government appears determined to retain a card-carrying member of the Peoples Democratic Party, (PDP) as Chairman of the State Independent Electoral Commission, (BYSIEC). From Yenagoa, CLEM ONYEMAECHI reports.

he state governor, Hon. Henry Seriake Dickson had appointed Dr. Bertola Perekeme, a card-carrying member of PDP as Chairman of the electoral body, but his appointment drew flaks from the opposition camps in the state, which threatened to boycott the election if Perekeme’s appointment was not reversed. As the hoopla generated by the appointment was raging, the BYSIEC boss alleged threats to his life and members of his family and resigned his appointment. Before his resignation, however, Perekeme had postponed the election earlier slated for July 27, 2019 to August 10, 2019. The State Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Daniel Iworiso-Markson who confirmed Perekeme’s resignation in a statement said that Gov. Dickson has accepted the resignation and quoted the governor as thanking Perekeme for his services to the commission, particularly for setting in motion the conduct of the local council election. Dickson assured that regardless of the development, the council election will still go on, as the other members of the commission are in quorum to carry on with the business of conducting a hitch free council poll. The statement noted that the most senior member of the commission would take charge in acting capacity, pending the appointment of a substantive chairman. But fuming with rage, Bayelsa State Chairman of the People’s Democratic Party, Chief Moses Cleopas, attacked the opposition accusing them plotting to derail the conduct of the local government election. He called on the State Government to ensure the conduct of the local government elections despite threats by elements of the opposition in the state. Cleopas said in a statement that no amount of threats should be allowed to truncate the planned conduct of the local government polls scheduled to hold on August 10, 2019. The Chairman said that information at the disposal of the PDP indicated that Perekeme was threatened by members of the opposition political parties to truncate the planned conduct of the local government elections. He stressed that some disgruntled elements in Bayelsa opposition who lack the capacity to win free, fair and credible elections were behind the nefarious plot to prevent the conduct of the local government polls in the state. The PDP Chairman called on the police and other security agencies to ensure immediate investigation of the threats to the lives of the SIEC boss and his family members by the opposition with a view to bringing the culprits to book. He called on the Bayelsa people to be firm and support the free, fair and credible

elections being put in place bring in the next elected local government chairmen and councilors in Bayelsa State. He said, “It has come to the attention of the leadership of the People’s Democratic Party in Bayelsa State that the Chairman òf the State Indepedent Electoral Commission, Dr. Bertola Perekeme, has resigned from his position. “Investigations our party conducted into this sudden development revealed shockingly that Dr. Perekeme and members of his family were threatened by members of the opposition political parties who lack the capacity to win any free and fair electoral contest in Bayelsa. “It is on this note that we call on the Government to proceed with planned local government polls designed to bring in Bayelsa’s next party chairmen and Councilors. It would be sad to accede to the criminal intent of these characters. “We hereby call on the police and other security agencies to investigate this audacity being exhibited by criminals masquerading as politicians with a view to arresting them for prompt prosecution. “As a party, we are preparing for the election with the intent to win. Only the unpopular and those with evil intent would be against the conduct of free and fair polls at the local government level in the state.” Shortly after his resignation, Dr. Perekeme was handed the ticket of the PDP as Chairmanship candidate in Ekeremor Local Government Area for the local government election, confirming the fears of the opposition that he would have been partisan if retained. The expectation was that Gov. Dickson would change course thereafter and appoint a neutral umpire as the new BYSIEC boss. It was not to be as he again appointed another card carrying member of PDP, Chief Ball Oyalede as chairman of the electoral commission. Ball Oyelede was a member of the immediate past 5th Assembly representing Ekeremor Constituency 1 in the State House of Assembly. The hue and cry which had attended the appointment of Perekeme also greeted the appointment of Oyalede and before one could say jack, the governor dropped him and in his stead appointed yet another card carrying member of PDP now as Acting Chairman, Chief Remember Ogbe. Swearing in the chairman and two other new members of the electoral commission, the Governor charged them to conduct free, fair and peaceful local government poll that would be acceptable to all. Governor Dickson said the local government election scheduled to hold in August this year should be conducted in a manner that would reflect the wishes of the elector-

•Seriake Dickson ate. He noted that Hon. Ogbe was appointed acting chairman of the Commission until a decision is taken on the issue of the nomination of the chairman designate of the BYSIEC. He expressed confidence in the capability of the new members of the Commission to effectively oversee the affairs of the commission given their track record in their previous assignments. Governor Dickson also urged political parties and their candidates to abide by the outcome of the election.He said, “I congratulate the two members of the commission who have been sworn in today. You are appointed to fill in vacancies that emanated from the resignation of some members. You are selected because of your capacity and experience. “I urge you to do what is right and fair and carry out your duties in a manner that would engender trust and confidence. You should be prepared to conduct free, fair and credible elections. “I have listened to some of the concerns expressed on the position of the Chairman designate. That is why he is not taking his office. I call on the commission to carry out their duties in a way that would engender confidence. Let the elections be free and fair, and let the wishes of Bayelsans be respected. We are giving you free hand and every party should abide by the outcome of the elections”. Observers are at a loss why the governor has even chosen a year that governorship election is scheduled to hold in the state to conduct local government election, especially given the volatile nature of even a CDC election in the state. According to some observers, the bad blood the local government election may generate could spill into the governorship election and compound the tenuous peaceful atmosphere in the state. Since the inception of his administration in 2012, the Dickson government has conducted only one local government election and since the tenure of the elected chairmen expired around 2015, Caretaker chairmen have held sway at the eight local government councils in the state.

Meanwhile the major opposition party in the state, the All Progressive Congress, (APC) has declared that it will not participate in the state local government council election to be conducted by the State Independent Electoral Commission (BYSIEC) on August 10. Doifie Buokoribo, APC’s state publicity secretary, who made the official position of the party known in an interview accused Governor Seriake Dickson of plotting to use the local government council election to plant his men who would rig the forthcoming November 16 state governorship polls in favour of his party, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). Buokoribo spoke amidst threats by 76 other political parties under the aegis of Inter-Party Advisory Council to boycott the local council election if the Dickson administration did not remove the chairman of the BYSIEC known to be a card carrying member of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP. Buokoribo said that Dickson’s dramatic decision to hold local council polls a few months to the end of his tenure indicated a hidden agenda. He said the APC would not waste it’s time to take part in an election that would be conducted by an electoral umpire “chaired by a card-carrying member of the PDP.” According to him, the short notice for the council election released by the BYSIEC was also part of the grand plot by the governor and the PDP to compromise the council polls, insisting that “the rules are rigged against us (the APC), and we don’t stand a chance.” Buokoribo said, “For us, the pertinent question is: how come that for close to eight years Governor Dickson did not deem it fit to conduct local council election? “When he is about to go that is when he suddenly remembers to conduct local government council election. I mean, he has an agenda. “He wants to use the council chairmen to compromise the forthcoming governorship election. That’s one of the ways the PDP is trying to rig the (governorship) election. We are not participating in the local council election”.

The Oracle Today Monday June 24 - 30, 2019

INTERVIEW •Enugu in safe hands under Ugwuanyi •Advocates establishment of South East Development Commission •Canvasses women representation by law, not favor •Supports electoral reform, electronic voting •Views Certificate of Return a distraction, invention by elite •Expects ministerial nominee’s list with portfolios •Increased number of former SE govs in Senate good omen •Declares: I’m in Senate for serious business HOW would you describe your return to the Senate, after a sabbatical break from politics? I was in the wilderness, not sabbatical, for about eight years or thereabout. I have to be honest with you, I was in the wilderness. You can even say oblivion, before I was rescued by my governor, His Excellency, Ifeanyichukwu Ugwuanyi. He facilitated, in concert with the people, my emergence as Senator. And as I have always said, with him, Enugu is in safe hands, and in the hands of God. So, while we do our bits here, at the national scene, the issue of politics of my locality is in the hands of my able governor and political leader. I am grateful to God, my governor and my people. How can we have a better, more robust Executive and Legislature relationship? As it pertains, the Executive and the Legislature, should work together, in harmony, mutual respect and understanding. That is the way to go. Do you think we have mastered the Presidential system, which we borrowed from the US? We are going to master it, with time. I believe that there is a bureaucracy within the Legislature. You also have bureaucracy within the Executive. For you to enact a law, both sides need to get together and have a skeletal framework. Then the legislators would have to meet with the executive side – the ministers – and have some basic agreement and meet each other each way; that is those who belong to the same political party. You now bring it to the Senate executive session and Senators would talk to each other, reach a meeting point so that by the time you are doing a bill, there is certain understanding; if not, you are wasting your time. There is no need doing a bill that would not go through when it gets there. Do you mean the kind of understanding that led to the emergence of the leadership of the National Assembly, by-partisan voting process? Yes. By-partisan process produced the Senate President. In his inaugural address, he hoped and prayed that the by-partisanship should continue, and we hope that it continues. I mean by-partisan advocacy, lobbying, better argument, more educated

•Sen. Nnamani

Nnamani: Ugwuanyi rescued me from wilderness Former governor of Enugu State, Senator Chimaroke Nnamani, recently outlined a legislative agenda for the 9th Senate, identifying steps that, if adhered to, would enhance Nigeria’s democracy and the lives of the citizens. In an interview on AIT, Nnamani, (PDP, Enugu East Senatorial District), described the issuance of certificate of return by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) as an “unnecessary invention; a distraction of a dysfunctional elite.” Below are extracts from the interview, monitored by CHUKS EZE, in Enugu judgement and all that. The APC has had its way this time, unlike in 2015. There are rubber-stamp fears that the Presiding Officers may kowtow to the Executive. I would ask you to use the correct term. Resolution, conclusion, result, not rubberstamp. When you use terms like rubberstamp, have your ways and the likes, it connotes some discord. They did not have any way; we are not fighting. APC did not have their way; nobody had their way! It was by-partisan support. We all had our way. It was not APC. There was no loser because it was senators of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, put together, that elected the Senate President. The issue of rubberstamp does not arise. If you produce a bill, if you provide educated judgement, go one-on-one, convince your colleagues, it would go through. Come to think of it, even if you rubberstamp, and you rubberstamp the correct thing that would move the country forward, what is wrong with that? I do not use the word rubberstamp.

Your position on rubber stamping is interesting knowing that as governor, you used a lot of executive veto to get whatever you wanted, including muscling the House of Assembly. I am 59 now, I have come a long way. I was governor at 38. What it means is that the vibrancy, youth and vigour of a 38 year-old has been tempered over time, with age. At 59, you are not going to dance and dance as vigorously as you did at 38. I am saying that advocacy, educated opinion and judgement are very, very important. I have also learnt my lesson, because, when you keep quiet at injustice, it is a closed system, it comes around. In Igboland, we say that mma nile ga aga n’uzu(Every knife must pass through the blacksmith’s furnace). What I did, as governor at 38, is not essentially, what I am going to do now, at 59. Senate is a caucus of elders and so, while young men will want to dance and dance vigorously, will take their steps majestically. Your disposition appears like that of an ‘oh yes’ Senator… Honestly, I am an ‘Oh yes Senator,’ if it is good for Nigeria. If it is good for Nigeria, if

it is going to make Nigeria work, then mark me as ‘Oh yes Senator,’ based on debate, consensus, advocacy. If ‘oh yes’ would make Nigeria move forward, count me in; if ‘oh yes’ would guarantee the rights, free healthcare in all hospitals, treatment in emergency room without Police report, gender equality, inclusion of the South East within the epicenter of Nigeria, not only in governance, appointments, infrastructure among others, then count me as an “oh yes member.” Where then, is the principle of checks and balances that is embedded in the presidential system of government? Checks and balances entail debate, discuss, dissension, agreement, consensus; majority having their way, but it has to be discussed. Remember that in legislature, you canvass opinion, do advocacy, make laws and then you do oversight. In advocacy, you advocate the views of your people, you represent your people and convince your colleagues, leading to a resolution.

The Oracle Today Monday June 24 - 30, 2019

INTERVIEW

system; there are anti-hacking measures. What we are talking about is still better than the issue of overvoting. If we are practicing constitutional democracy, and there are best global practices, why don’t we do it?

•Gov. Ugwuanyi What should be the legislative agenda, direction of the Senate, when the Senate reconvenes? I have come here on a serious mission – to represent my people, to canvass their opinions and ideas; and through advocacy, convince my colleagues. I believe it would all start with the screening of ministerial nominees. And my position, based on the constitution, is that the letter of conveyance of ministerial nominees, should have their portfolios. With that, positive things would happen for the first time. In our constitution, Article 14 section 2a, b and c; 2a talks about sovereignty belonging to the people and government deriving its power and authority through the constitution; 2b talks about welfare and security being the primary purpose of government; and 2c talks about participatory democracy. The area of constitution that deals, directly, with the issue of ministerial appointment is Section 147, subsection 1, which talks about ministers of the executive arm; 147, subsection 2 talks about the President appointing, based on confirmation by the Senate; while 147 subsection 3 makes reference to section 14/3 on geographical spread. The constitutional democracy that we are practicing has to be practiced based on best global practices. I am saying that there is a social contract between those who vote and those they voted for. There are also benefits accruing from best global practices. Nigeria needs to benefit from those. So, the minister, under a presidential system of government, is the Chief Executive of that conglomerate called ministry. He has a legion of advisers, but he is the chief expert because the buck stops on his table. How would the Senate react when the President sends the list of his ministerial nominees without portfolios, which is usual so far? We are hoping that as soon as we get there, we would be able to get through a resolution, because, clearly, all matters

pertaining to, thereto, in terms of modalities, regulations, rules, guidelines on the appointment of, screening and confirmation of ministers lie within the purview of the Senate. The Senate should be able to provide the guidelines. We are hoping that as soon as we reconvene, we would be able to get a resolution through saying that the letter of conveyance should come with portfolios. Do you know any country where parliaments screen ministers without portfolio? Why should Nigeria be different? Would you may lay such resolution on the floor of the Senate? Let’s see how it goes. With talks about amendment of the Electoral Act right now, what other areas do you think should be prioritized? Besides the Electoral Act, I would be interested in the area of health reform – talking about emergency health treatment without Police Report – free emergency health care. I would be interested in addressing the issue of open defecation. I would be interested in the debate of the Nigerian project – restructuring. I would be interested in bringing part of the national wealth to my people, the people of Enugu, in terms of roads, quota and all that. Now, coming to electoral reform, there are two basic issues. One is the certificate of return. Certificate of return is a bourgeoisie distraction – distraction of a dysfunctional elite. It is unnecessary, it is an invention, a nonissue. When you conduct an election, announce results and you have a declaration signed by the returning Officer and the agents, that is the certificate of return. That is all you need. So, bringing a certificate of return is an attempt by the elite to exploit the system. When they do not like your face, they refuse to issue it to you. The second issue is that there should be no interfacing agent between the voter,

the vote and the result. I would use the Automated Teller Machine (ATM) that we use, to explain. You go to the machine with your ATM card, you slot it in and collect N100,000, and without seeing anybody or talking to anybody, an alert comes into your phone and goes to all the bank’s branches saying you collected N100,000. Why can’t we do that for our elections such that you just take your voter’s card (PVC), slot it into a machine and the machine would recognize you as a voter; and that is all you need, as a voter. At that point, you would have two options: one is to vote electronically, and once you vote electronically, it would register in the center called RAC, register INEC headquarters in the local government, the state and Abuja. Then, if you have a situation room, it would also register there ‘plus one’ for the party you voted. The other option is that you can also plug in your PVC, it recognizes you as a voter, you take your ballot paper and thumbprint on it to cast your vote. You do not need anybody to help you unless you are aged or physically challenged. So, when you do that and slot in your ballot, it registers ‘plus one’ for your choice party. This is very, simple and cheaper. If you can do it with your ATM, you can do it with your PVC. That would require amendment to the Electoral Act... Yes, it would. The advantage of the process is that you do not need any third party, and it is cheaper. No voter inducement or vote buying. If the margins are slim, then you do manual counting. But the way we are doing it now gives opportunity for a dysfunctional elite to manipulate the system. What about the issue of possible cyberattacks? There are modalities. Why have we not abandoned the ATM system for banking, even though we are aware of people hacking into banks and transferring millions of naira? You continue to work to better the

What are you former governors of the South East, with a reservoir of experience in the Senate, promising your people? We are going there, through advocacy, through bonding, through lobbying one-onone with our colleagues to say, we too, in the South East, deserve to be given our fair share. The Senate is an assemblage of patriots. It is like a microcosm of Nigeria, a caucus of elder statesmen. Go back to the clan meeting where you send your elders to represent each clan. In response to your view about the South East, I would go back to history, to ask, how did we start? People fought for the nation state. We are talking about Nigeria of Azikiwe, Sadauna, Awolowo, Okpara and the rest; the freedom fighters, who fought for the freedom of our country such as Herbert Macauley and the rest. Therefore, when we started, Nigeria stood on a tripod – the Igbo nation, Yoruba nation and Hausa/Fulani, and then the Tiv, Idoma, Ijaw and others. But essentially, we had the eastern, western and northern Nigeria, before the midwestern region joined. Today, the Igbo nation has not ended up in a small South East zone. Basically, we have to fight for our fair share, based on data and strength. If you are going to do a rail system from Abuja to Kaduna, you should have data about human movement from Abuja to Kaduna; movement of goods, vehicles, cattle, onions, oranges et cetera. You should also have rail between Port Harcourt and Enugu, and then, tell us what moves between Port Harcourt and Enugu, between Enugu and Onitsha; then tell us the role of aviation and waterways. So, when you do North-East Development Commission, you should do South East Development Commission, as well. Whatever is good for the geese is good for the gander. How easy would be for the South East to evolve a strong zonal caucus? Yes, you that Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe used to be the head of the South East caucus; he has emerged as the Senate Minority Leader. I do not know who is going to replace him now. But the most important thing is that we are going to meet as the South East caucus and divide ourselves on who to talk to who – the rest of the Senators – and through power of advocacy, we would convince them to include us in whatever that are being done. There would definitely be something different for the South East, this time. What is your view on youths coming into leadership positions in the country? When you are talking about young people you are talking about inclusion. What I am more worried about is gender inclusion. Even when you are talking about more young people, there are less women participating. We have to fashion a system, whereby by law, not by favour, women have to be represented. We may say one female Senator per state. We need to fashion a system where women have to be included or represented, because, in the constituency that I represent, there is total equality. That is another issue on the legislative agenda. Our daughters, wives and mothers should be represented in the legislature, executive and all levels of leadership, by law. What is your level of confidence in the President of the Senate? The Senate President, Ahmed Lawan, is an academic, a PhD holder. He has the experience and temperament to pilot the Senate. So, just as he emerged through bipartisan support, we hope that he is going to continue that way in steering the affairs of the 9th Senate.

The Oracle Today Monday June 24 - 30, 2019

NEWS FEATURES

t was a festival of encomiums and eulogies as the sixteen communities of Orumba-North local government area converged on the humble abode of the Deputy Majority Leader of the seventh state house of assembly Rt.Hon. Chief Emeka Aforka to fete him on the occasion of his thanksgiving ceremony to God for his enablement and blessings immeasurable which saw his triumphant entry into the Anambra State House of Assembly to serve the peaceloving people of Orumba-North . The occasion which started at St.Lawrence Anglican Church Ndiowu was a rallying point for Friends, families, business and political associates to felicitate with an illustrious son whose political and charitable gestures have emancipated many from poor living conditions. The protagonist whose political pedigree could be likened to the proverbial mustard seed had through thick and thin rose to an enviable height such that he has become the cynosure and role model to many a youth. That was why the entire Orumba-North unanimously and unequivocally bestowed their mandate on him because as a former local government chairman, his accomplishments left indelible impressions in their hearts. The Vicar in charge of St.Lawrence Anglican Church parish Ndiowu Revd. Innocent Chukwu described the person and personality of Chief Emeka Aforka has very humble , humane and supportive to the church and to all the communities . The cleric therefore hailed the lawmaker’s philanthropy and kindheartedness especially as it concerns the execution of community-driven projects in Orumba-North local government area while urging him to always seek God’s intervention in all his undertakings as he embarks on the onerous task of representing the constituency at the state assembly . Other distinguished personalities who graced the thanksgiving ceremony equally gave testimonials about the person and character of the former council chairman now the Deputy Majority Leader and member representing Orumba-North in the just constituted 7th assembly of the Anambra State House of Assembly . National chairman of the All Progressive Grand Alliance ( APGA ) Chief Ozonkpu Victor Ike Oye whose august presence added more impetus to the celebration, said he was happy to have mentored the likes of Chief Emeka Aforka who according to him rose within a twinkle of eye to become the Deputy Majority Leader of the Anambra State House of Assembly . Though Oye charged him not to fall short of the yearnings and expectations of his people but strive to fulfill his electoral promises to them inorder to retain their confidence and trust . Also the Speaker of the legislature Rt.Hon.Uche Victor Okafor passed a vote of confidence on his colleague saying that the multitude of persons that thronged his house to celebrate with him was a clear portrayal of the fact that Chief Emeka Aforka was loved and cherished by his people . The Speaker however reiterated the core constitutional duties of a legislator viz effective representation , lawmaking as well as oversight functions stressing that the people of Orumba-North should expect the very best of political representation at the state assembly . Former President-General of traders in Anambra and Southeast now the representative of Orumba-North and South federal constituency at the House of Representatives Hon.Chief

Orumba-North fetes Anambra Deputy Majority Leader, Aforka From Awka, OZO RAY writes on the merriment that attended the reception held for Anambra House of Assembly Deputy Majority Leader, Chief Emeka Aforka by the 16 communities that make up Orumba North Local Government Area.

Okwudili Ezenwankwo in his eulogy , said the people of Orumba-North loved the former council chairman . This he believed was the real reason they supported his political ambition and his eventual emergence as representative of the area in the state assembly . Though he pointed out that legislative work was not an easy task but urged the people to remember him in their prayers and supplications to God to enable him deliver on the mandate bestowed on him by his constituents . Furthermore, a former council chairman of Orumba-North Hon.Ify Obinabo said Chief Emeka Aforka has been tested and trusted because according to her , when he was the local government boss , he made positive impact on the lives of so many people . She therefore noted that the mammoth crowd that attended his thanksgiving ceremony was an eloquent testimony that he has been tested and trusted and there was no doubt that his emergence as lawmaker would bridge developmental gaps in the area . Meanwhile ex-chairman of Anaocha local government area Hon. Engr.Ikeobi Ejiofor described Chief Emeka Aforka as one who has shown great commitment , loyalty and dedication to duties stressing that he was not taken aback when Orumba-North unanimously elected him to represent them at the state assembly . Ejiofor therefore challenged the former Orumba-North council boss to endeavour to attract

“

a former council chairman of Orumba-North Hon.Ify Obinabo said Chief Emeka Aforka has been tested and trusted because according to her , when he was the local government boss , he made positive impact on the lives of so many people . She therefore noted that the mammoth crowd that attended his thanksgiving ceremony was an eloquent testimony that he has been tested and trusted and there was no doubt that his emergence as lawmaker would bridge developmental gaps in the area

“

projects and programmes to his people to further improve their lives especially the less privileged ones . Special Assistant to Governor Willie

Obiano on Public Utilities Hon.Ogochukwu Nnamdi Ekwueme on his part noted that Chief Emeka Aforka was an asset to Orumba-North local government area and that his developmental strides were there for everyone to see . Ekwueme observed that it was because the former local government chairman did well in his time , that the entire Orumba-North stood by him and decided that he was best suited to represent their interest at the state assembly . He said the lawmaker already has a blue print to work with but admonished him to ensure fair and equal representation of the sixteen communities of OrumbaNorth state constituency . Chief Emeka Aforka in whose honour the thanksgiving ceremony was held explained that the large turn out of NdiOrumba-North in his humble abode was a clear manifestation of the celebration of their voice that was heard and that none of his co-contestants were able to contest the outcome of the election in the law court . He said the solidarity given to him by the people of Orumba-North was overwhelming and that it equally rekindled the mandate the people bestowed on him to represent them even as he stated that he has a social contract with his constituency . He said he would continue to collaborate with the state government to enable him attract the Infrastructural development needed in Orumba-North state constituency .

The Oracle Today Monday June 24 - 30, 2019

NEWS FEATURES

To whom much is given...

hilanthropist and business mogul, Hon.Edward Obiefuna Ibuzo who is also the lawmaker representing OnitshaNorth II State Constituency in the just constituted seventh legislature says his utmost concern is to produce one hundred millionaires in his constituency as part of his second term empowerment scheme . The German-based business magnate had in his first term carried out self-help programmes in Onitsha-North two constituency ranging from establishment of small and medium scale entreprises for constituents as well as provided succour and means of livelihood for widows , the poor and downtrodden . It is as a result of his humanistic approach to governmental and political representation anchored on the dire need to eliminate abject poverty and penury , that the lawmaker who upon his inauguration into the seventh Anambra State House of Assembly for a second term of office , distributed brand new tricycles to his constituents together with other incomegenerating items for self-help purposes ; decided to operate on what he termed Speed Gear to fast track development through the empowerment and production of one hundred millionaires in Onitsha-North two constituency this time . buzo during an exclusive interview with our correspondent in Awka regarding his second term at the state assembly , recalled that in 2015 when he embarked on the journey to the Anambra State House of Assembly , he made a fervent promise to transform the lives of his constituents through consultative representation . Thus , his resolution gave birth to the opening of his constituency office where youths recieved free computer training and thereafter launched a medical centre with qualified medical personnel who administered medical services to his constituents without any cost implications . Also he undertook the renovation of Woliwo primary school as well as sank borehole water facility there in which currently serves the school and its neighborhood . Though the constituency projects mentioned here could be regarded as an infinitesimal portion of the numerous people-oriented projects he executed in his first term at the state assembly as the lawmaker representing Onitsha-North two state constituency . His commendable strides as a lawmaker endeared him to his constituents and eventually secured their confidence to serve them for another term in the legislature of Anambra state . Be that as it may , Ibuzo also disclosed that he entered into another pact with his constituents as he begins his second term in the state house of assembly . This time , he said “ in this our second tenure , I promised them that we are going to be on the speed gear and that is exactly what we have started from the first

•Lawmaker promises to produce 100 millionaires among his constituents From Awka, OZO RAY reports that the philanthropic gestures of lawmaker Edward Obiefuna Ibuzo say a lot about a man ready to give back to the society that has given so much.

day we were inaugurated . Even the inauguration came with empowerment . I have opened my second constituency office and I am currently collaborating with an NGO called Living To Make

Impact Foundation to teach my constituents the power of savings , the power of discipline as well as power to identify ones innate potentials because there are a lot of people who don’t

have vision and no matter how you empower this category of people , they will still come to zero . “ The lawmaker explained that after the technical sessions with the NGO , he would also

empower the beneficiaries with soft-loans without any interest attached to enable them to set up businesses in relation to their innate abilities and capacities for whatever they ventured into for the purposes eradicating poverty and wealth creation in my constituency . According to Ibuzo , “ my target however is to produce hundred millionaires in OnitshaNorth two constituency within the next four years and I mean it . So this is my mission for this second term . “ Ibuzo said that his Widows Foundation is equally empowering widows with life-line to enable them fend for their families as well as protect them from the tutelage of the society . Liver To Deliver Foundation is yet another foundation of his in partnership with an NGO currently delivering empowerment lectures to his constituents for self-sustenance stressing that all his empowerment and poverty alleviation schemes will be sustained even after his exit at the end of his second tenure at the state house of assembly . Other issues of urgent public concern were bad roads and erosion menace ravaging his constituency . To this end therefore , Ibuzo posited that he would sponsor bills that will further develop Anambra state as well as move motions that would accord Onitsha-North two state constituency the befitting status it deserves as the constituency harbouring the largest market in West Africa which is the Onitsha Main Market adding that all his intentions would be met because he believes that promises made should be fulfilled for posterity sake .

The Oracle Today Monday June 24 - 30, 2019

PEOPLE By THEO RAYS

BAZULIKE AMECHI aka The Boy is Good. WHAT do you say of a First Republic politician, the lone survivor of an era, who dined with the late President of Nigeria, Owelle of Onitsha and Zik of Africa, the great Zik, and the grand politicians of yore. THE President of Alaigbo Development Foundation (ADF) Professor Uzodinmma Nwala says of him him: “Mbazulike Amechi is the living Father of Alaigbo. We bow and salute you, Sir. You are worshipful as our living Legend! Speaking on Amechi at 90, the Igbo group, ADF described him as a great political gladiator and the true face and living symbol, nay, the Father of Igbo liberation struggles. Continued Nwala said: “You were born in 1929, the year our mothers rose as unstoppable Amazons who fought the white colonizers to a standstill, the first and most frightful encounter the European colonizers met in Africa and elsewhere. Why wouldn’t the warrior blood run through your veins, the true son of our warrior mothers. “ADF salutes you specially in recognition of the prophetic statement of yours, the very day we invited you and other elders in Elder Kalu Uka’s house in Enugu to inform you about the journey we were about to embark upon towards Igbo Renaissance and Liberation - yes towards the Rebuilding and Development of Alaigbo and the Restoration of the Spirit of her Culture and Civilization. “You had exclaimed, “Eeehh yaaaa! I have seen what I shall tell Zik, M.I. Okpara and Sam Mbakwe, when eventually I go to join them, that there is (apparently a Zodiac) sign that Ala-Igbo is on the verge of marching towards its manifest destiny.” At 90, Chief Mbazuluike Amechi needs no further introduction. A Zikist, he is the legendary, that exclusive and iconic select group reverently called, the Founding Fathers. He is among those who found the modern Nigeria. The only surviving politician of his era in the South East, the Boy is Good was a core loyalist Azikiwe. He finds his peer in Chief Edwin Clark, the Ijaw politician. Amechi’s role in the struggle to liberate Nigeria earned him a Federal appointment as Minister of Aviation. It is a position he held for six years before the military struck and derailed the democratic adventure of the young Republic in 1966. An privileged encounter with the Boy is Good at his serene and secluded country home in Ukpor, in Anambra State testifies that the octogenarian remains much more committed to the Igbo struggle more than ever before as well he no doubt was in the development and progress of Nigeria. He listens with rapt attention when the discussion bothers on the affairs of Ndigbo. And as puts it “when a patient lying on a sick bed hears a story that is interesting to him, he will demand for the pillow to be propped well. The story about Ndigbo is interesting to me, it is like telling that patient on a sick bed the story he likes to hear.” At 90, he is not just a listener, he has his own stories to tell and of course high dose of advice to give. He remains an elder statesman willing to make more contributions for the benefit of the younger generations. It is a generation that has not quite endeared itself to his heart. He is worried that unlike those days when the Zikists were fiercely loyal to Zik, and the nationalistic ideals that he preached, there is lack of loyalty among Igbo politicians of today. Of course it is not only among the Igbo, nationalistic ideals have been degraded to tribal sentiments. But looking at the Igbo struggle, he is happy and satisfied on one hand and not really satisfied on the other hand. He is happy at the level of Igbo consciousness and commitment towards the liberation of the Igbo race but not really satisfied at the direction and strategies being adapted and followed by the champions of the Igbo cause.

Mbazuluike AMECHI

90:

The story of Ndigbo interests me

•Godwin Ubaka Okeke

In his view, most of the Igbo protagonists are not loyal and not open to advise from the elders. To him, the Northerners and the South Westerners appear to have a clearer direction and strategies owing to the fact that they are loyal and more open to advice from the elders. He laments: “Everywhere you go, you hear that Igbo are not united, why are we not united? Because we don’t listen to one another; there is no loyalty, everybody prefer to do things in his or her own way.” The elder statesman, who served as a political strategist in the nationalistic Zikist Movement might not have got enough opportunities to play bigger roles in the politics of Ndigbo and Nigeria at 90 but nevertheless, his views and opinions remain vibrant and relevant. When he speaks on Igbo affairs and national issues he reflects the thought of a well grounded mind who knows what

could be done in addressing the challenges facing Ndigbo as a tribe or region and Nigeria as a nation. To a large extent, an encounter with him shows that he still has a lot to offer. Thus, he is like a voice crying in the wilderness, and at 90 his voice is deserves to be heard now moreso as Ndigbo are facing myriad of challenges such as marginalisation in federal appointments, lack of federal presence in infrastructure such as roads, poverty, unemployment among the youth and general economic hardship that is badly impeding on the progress of the people. In a country that is facing serious challenges of insecurity, aggressive agitations, high rate of poverty, unemployment and hunger, with no solution in sight, the voice of a 90 year old, who lives in a secluded environment and have seen it all, could be profitable. The truth is that Ndigbo and Nigeria

need the prayers, blessings and wishes of a man who fought for the birth of this country. By this December this year, all roads would be leading to Ukpor for the birthday ceremony of the only surviving Nigeria nationalist in Alaigbo. Professor Nwala, never wavers on that recollecting encounters with the Boy Is Good. He says: “The Boy is Good, since that day (5 years ago) ADF has remained unwavering in pursuit of this divine task. We visited you in Ukpo, two years ago on our (ADF) mission to see what evidence there are for the progress in the AKURUO ULO Movement ADF launched in pursuit of her mission. As you relax today and reminisce over your historic journey in life, ADF wish you all the best. May the God of our ancestors continue to guide and preserve you in Jesus Name! Amen.

BU$IN£SS The Oracle Today Monday June 24 - 30, 2019

•Energy •Finance

•Stock

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•e-Platform

•Tourism

Energy

Scramble for GMD: Kyari’s entry settles proxy war P24 Insurance

Gulf attacks: War risk insurance premiums surge for tanker oil owners P26

TOURISM

NNPC Headquarters, Abuja.

Tourism remains global force for growth –UNWTO

Baru lays claim to inherited achievements By SOPURUCHI ONWUKA

n his last days in office, Dr Maikanti Baru, the 18th Group Managing Director of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) who is said to be eying political appointment in the cabinet of President Muhammadu Buhari, went credit grabbing on the activities and successes of the corporation. However, our fact checks showed that most the achievements claimed by Dr. Baru were inherited from 16th GMD of the corporation, Mr Andy Yakubu, who was retired in 2015. Dr. Baru who spoke at an event at the University of Lagos had claimed that he took the initiative of evolving alternative funding arrangement for government’s joint venture with commercial investors that operate the exploration and production

agreements. He claimed that he relieved government of huge financial commitments on cash-call commitment by developing workable alternative funding arrangements. In fact, the alternative funding arrangement in the petroleum industry was initiated by the former Minister of Energy, Dr. Edmund Daukoru, who is now the Mingi of Nembe Kingdom in the Niger Delta. During his time in the office under President Olusegun Obasanjo, Dr.Daukoru had worked with the former GMD of NNPC, Mr Funso Kupolokun, to experiment on various funding arrangements including the modified carry arrangement (MCA) which is modeled after production sharing contract (PSC). Under the arrangement, the venture operator under a joint operating agreement (JOA) with

CBN Exchange Rates APRIL 20th, 2019 Currency Buying(NGN) Central (NGN) Selling(NGN) US DOLLAR 305.95 306.45 306.95 POUNDS STERLING 388.3729 389.0076 389.6423 EURO 346.0906 346.6562 347.2218 SWISS FRANC 310.5776 311.0852 311.5927 YEN 2.8423 2.847 2.8516 CFA 0.5036 0.5136 0.5236 WAUA 421.8684 422.5579 423.2473 YUAN/RENMINBI 44.634 44.7074 44.7808 RIYAL 81.578 81.7113 81.8446 S/ AFRICAN RAND 21.4257 21.4607 21.4957 DANISH KRONA 46.354 46.4297 46.5055 SDR 422.5475 423.2381 423.9286

the NNPC would conduct the project cost audit and develop estimate that is later adopted as the project budget. He funds projects and recoups cost from produced commodity on fist line charge basis. Dr. Daukoru had also proposed to government to migrate all existing Joint Venture agreements to PSC model which transfers cost burden on the operator. Whereas the modified carry agreements targeted specific projects and did not provide comprehensive funding alternative to all JV operations, it provided a fiscal model that formed the main persuasion for exploring alternative funding. Besides the MCA and the PSC options, there was also consensus among government technocrats including ministers, special assistants and strategic advisers on the need for individual JVs to transit to Incorporated Joint

P27

Ventures (IJVs). The proposal for IJVs was part of the fiscal and legal frameworks recommended in the stalled Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB). And delays in the passage of the bill left the industry in a fiscal quandary. Eminent industry captain, Mr Austin Avuru, had at a 2015 conference in Houston, USA, called on government to exit the funding impasse by activating the provision for alternative funding which lay latent in the JOAs that govern operations. He said investment apathy in the industry and piling JV cash call debts had made it unnecessary to take a creative route out of the PIB. All that was needed, he told conference audience that comprised government officials, legislators and industry representatives, was for NNPC and her partners to work out

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Lagos to embrace, fund tech-driven models for urban development P28

Equity & Capital Market

Continues On Page

Uduk identifies Derivatives as products that will enhance

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Stock Market Highlights As At June 20, 2019

Summary

ASI DEALS VOLUME VALUE EQUITY CAP BOND CAP ETF CAP N0.00

29,851.29 3,089.00 189,956,606.00 N4,161,622,651.03 N13,154,608,527,766.64 N12,506,600,342,304.10

Top 5 Trade S/N Coy 1. ZENITHBANK 2. GUARANTY 3. WAPCO 4. ACCESS 5. MTNN

5 Top Gainers

Symbols SEPLAT MOBIL NB DANGCEM WAPCO

Last Close N497 N164.5 N57.5 N182 N10.5

Current Change %Change N510 13 2.62% N170 5.5 3.34% N60 2.5 4.35% N184 2 1.10% N11.55 1.05 10.00%

5 Top Losers (By Volume) Value(N) 29,647,644 N592,873,874.25 22,422,975 N700,200,184.80 14,776,254 N170,665,733.70 12,277,737 N84,380,584.75 9,756,433 N1,268,436,763.00

NESTLE STANBIC CAP AFRIPRUD FIDELITYBK

N1400 N41.5 N27.9 N3.54 N1.8

N1350.3 -49.7 -3.55% N40.65 -0.85 -2.05% N27.5 -0.4 -1.43% N3.41 -0.13 -3.67% N1.73 -0.07 -3.89%

The Oracle Today Monday June 24 - 30, 2019

ISSN: 2545-5869

The

EDITORIAL

racle www.oraclenews.ng

Today

VOX POPULI SACRUM

The ravishing of Onitsha...by EEDC

ver since Enugu DisCo was handed over cow that must be milked dry. Onitsha may be environs are threatened by perennial power to Emeka Offor’s Interstate Electrics, populated mainly by traders with cash, but supply challenges. six years ago, electric power supply these people are not so stupid as to be payhas been abysmally low and irregular ing for services not enjoyed. Nobody throws The complaints against power distribution even by Nigerian standard. The situation money away or to the dustbin these days. companies may be rampant nationwide, but has become so bad that both corporate Calls for revocation of EEDC’s operating licence Onitsha seems to be a special case: at times and individual consumers across the South have been strident in recent times. When EEDC works with thugs to intimidate customEast States of Enugu, Anambra, Imo, Abia more than 1, 000 electricity consumers in Oniters into submission; it does not provide transand Ebonyi (all now served by the Enugu sha and some rights’ groups protested last formers where they are needed and refuses Electricity Distribution Plc, EEDC) have been year, they cited non-supply of pre-paid meto maintain existing ones; customers pay for protesting against the paradox poor power ters and over-billing, a charge the company purchase, installation and maintenance of supply and high bills. denied. It is no longer just the Onitsha South distribution transformers. A greater paradox is the fate of electricity Elite Forum, Concerned Residents of Onitsha Although Onitsha, by and large, is indispensable consumers in the commercial and indusSouth, Campaign for Democracy, and the to the growth and stability of the economies trial town of Onitsha. Whenever Onitsha International Human Rights and Equity Deof the South East and South-South, this comis mentioned, the uninformed assume it fence Foundation that are protesting against mercial and industrial behemoth is treated is just the city known in the 1980s as host EEDC’s cheating. Now, the situation has got with so much levity by Emeka Offor’s EEDC. to the largest market in West Africa. But even worse and everybody residing in Onitsha The total power supply to Onitsha averages Onitsha has since morphed into adjoining is protesting, especially as the Christmas and barely three hours a day. Most parts are towns like Obosi, Nkpor and Ogidi, and is New Year festivals are at hand. in total darkness for weeks or months on moving towards Ogbunike, Umuoji and We call on the Minister of Power, Works and end. Most customers lack pre-paid meters other adjoining towns, thus making it the Housing, Mr Babatunde Fashola, to listen to because to access a one phase or threebiggest commercial and industrial Nigerian the cries of Onitsha residents and sanction phase prepaid meter is which is statutorily city outside Lagos. EEDC appropriately. For its part, EEDC would free, EEDC or its fraudulent agents insist Of course, Onitsha is home to the highest do well to stop extorting Onitsha residents. on collecting N60,000 for the one-phase or number of industries in the South-East: No power, no bill! If the people are ignored, N100,000 for the three-phase types. Those the Onitsha Harbour Industrial Yard alone they might decide to take law into their own who are lucky to have these prepaid meters boasts companies that are so big they pay hands. And the result could be dangerous installed for them are forced to buy at least as much as N70m a month as EEDC bill. both for the federal government and EEDC. N2, 000 worth of credit every month--you Indeed, a few years ago, Innosons IndusLet peace reign please. dare not pay for less! Even then, a resident’s tries, Nnewi, for instance, were reported as access to power can still be denied until he stating that despite spending a whopping has obtained what EEDC calls “tamper code” Edited and reproduced from December last year N60million monthly on diesel used by their to be able to open his meter and access numerous giant generators, they were power. Our Vision compelled by the EEDC to pay N100m every It is an elaborate fraud woven together by the TO BE among the top five newspapers in Nimonth for power provided epileptically. EEDC, which, like security operatives in all of geria and, in due course, the Numero Uno; Scores of other companies employing tens Anambra State, only sees Onitsha as a cash to be a newspaper of records that effectiveof thousands of workers in Onitsha and ly caters to the information needs of all segments and sections of the Nigerian society as well as all social classes and cultures. Essentially, we want to be a responsible corporate citizen, a commercially viable, properly organised media business, which meets its obligations to society, government and the workforce.

Culled from Asukwo blogshot.com

Mission WE INTEND to contribute to the development of an inclusive Nigerian society, with a view to getting rid of the dark sides of our national life (slothfulness, greed, corruption, nepotism, totalitarianism, etc); to continually engender and sustain national debates that would ultimately lead to the enthronement of healthy national values--hard-work, justice, equity and fairplay, transparency, good governance, resulting, in themselves, the egalitarian Nigerian society of our dream. We will give voice to the voiceless and at all times, strive to be balanced, objective, honest, truthful and fair to all sides; so that through The Oracle Today, our people, the Nigerian people can see a bright light at the end of what has been a very dark tunnel. And we shall do all this in absolute trust in God who blesses good intentions.

The Oracle Today Monday June 24 - 30, 2019

OPINION

Remember Iraq and resist the warmongers

By NICHOLAS CHRISTOF

resident Trump applied maximum pressure on North Korea, and it is continuing to produce nuclear weapons. He applied maximum pressure on China, and we may be facing a trade war. He applied maximum pressure on Venezuela, exacerbating hunger in the streets but leaving the dictatorship in place. He applied maximum pressure on Palestinians, who responded by refusing to meet administration officials. Most worrying of all, Trump applied maximum pressure on Iran, and we may now be on the brink of war. In each of these cases, Trump pursued aggressive tactics without any obvious strategy. The tactics themselves often proved quite successful at inflicting misery, but this simply led several countries to double down on belligerence in ways that endanger the United States — and that is particularly true of Iran. Trump says he called off military strikes on Thursday — thank goodness! — but he adheres to a failed policy that has put Iran back on a potential track to nuclear weapons. He is improvising, confusing friend and foe alike, even as he plays a perilous game of chicken with Iran’s supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Trump seems to inhabit a fantasy world

in which his abandonment of the Obama nuclear deal with Iran, along with sanctions and bellicose tweets, will force Iran to roll up its nuclear program. Instead, Trump’s tactics have, quite predictably, led Iran to lash out. Some Americans speak blithely about “surgical strikes,” and I fear that many Americans, including those in the White House, don’t get how badly these can go awry. If we kill 150 Iranians in a set of airstrikes, as Trump says had been anticipated, Iranian proxy forces will retaliate by killing Americans in Iraq, Syria, Afghanistan and elsewhere around the world. Iran or its proxies might strike at Saudi Arabia’s oil infrastructure, while also interrupting the flow of oil through the Strait of Hormuz. We might see Hezbollah strikes on Israel and a new Israel-Lebanon war. The global economy could take a significant hit. The conflict may start “surgical,” but it’s unlikely to end that way. It’s essential that we clarify the location of the U.S. drone that Iran shot down, and delay any action until that question is resolved. Trump insists that the drone was in international airspace, while Iran says it had intruded over Iranian territory. The Times quoted a senior administration official as acknowledging that it may in fact have violated Iranian airspace; if so and the

administration is caught lying to the world, this will be an enormous self-inflicted blow. Iran’s decision to shoot down a drone in its own airspace would be understandable; certainly the United States would shoot down an Iranian drone that intruded over our territory. The national security adviser, John Bolton, and secretary of state, Mike Pompeo, reportedly are pushing for military action. Both are longtime hawks, with Bolton urging in 2015 that “to stop Iran’s bomb, bomb Iran.” Bravo to uniformed officers in the Pentagon for pushing back and warning of the dangers of escalation. I suggest this principle of foreign policy: Hawks who were completely wrong about Iraq should refrain from jingoism about Iran. What can be done to reduce the risk of war? Here are four steps for Trump to take: 1. Ensure that U.S. forces fire only in clear self-defense or on presidential orders, to reduce the risk of an accident. In 1988, the U.S.S. Vincennes shot down what the crew believed was a threatening Iranian military jet. In fact, the airplane was a civilian Iranian airliner, and all 290 people onboard were killed. 2. Try to organize an international force to protect ship traffic through the Strait of Hormuz. This would present a united front against Iranian provocations and reduce

the risk of a limpet mine starting a war. 3. Disentangle the United States from Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, which have played a pernicious role (along with Israel) in encouraging belligerence toward Iran (the Senate took a landmark step in the right direction a few days ago by voting to block weapons sales to Saudi Arabia). The blundering Saudi efforts to challenge Iran have so far backfired in Qatar, Lebanon and, most tragically, Yemen, so Trump should listen carefully to what the Saudi crown prince says — and then do the opposite. 4. Seek secret talks with Iran to patch back together the nuclear agreement. These approaches may not succeed, but the stakes are high enough that they are worth trying. War is sometimes necessary; this is not one of those times. Advertisement Trump’s maximum pressure has been a failure in country after country, and I fear that his cancellation of airstrikes on Thursday may have simply deferred a military clash with Iran. The two countries remain on a collision path, with few face-saving exit ramps, and with hard-liners on each side escalating and empowering those on the other. Look out. •CHRISTOF, a columnist, wrote this article originally for NewYork Times.

Obaseki-Oshiomhole feud as omen for APC By EHICHIOYA EZOMON

he crisis in the Edo State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) gets messier by the day, no thanks to the “supremacy” contest between Governor Godwin Obaseki and the National Chairman of the party, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole. The fallout spilled into the House of Assembly on Monday, June 17, 2019, when nine of the 24 members-elect “chose” the presiding officers at 10 p.m. - an ungodly hour for legislative matters. The next day, political thugs of the same camp attacked the outsmarted 15 memberselect, including Mr. Oshiomhole’s younger brother, Seidu, as they were strategizing on how to respond to the “parliamentary coup” against them. But the watching public is baffled that spokespersons for the state government, and the APC chapter have justified the “inauguration” as meeting the quorum of onethird of the 24-member legislature. Some posers: Do the “minority” lawmakers belong to Governor Obaseki’s faction of the APC in Edo, and as such needed the executive backing to legitimize the “election” of principal officers of the assembly? Why would the governor’s “camp” endorse the action taken by a few legislators, when the majority had left after waiting, in vain, for the governor to transmit the proclamation letter during the legislative business hours of the day? Why did Obaseki “postpone” the proclamation of the House of Assembly from June 7, and set about the process in the “night” on June 17 - a clear 10-day interval? Is there a nexus between the opposition to a second term bid by the governor and the calls for resignation of Mr. Oshiomhole as chair of the APC? Or is it mere happenstance or coincidence that one cacophony appears to orchestrate a counter agitation? In political parlance, Obaseki is the godson of Oshiomhole who, in his eight-year tenure as governor, preached the mantra of “One man, one vote,” “One woman, one vote” in his attempts to stamp out “godfatherism” in Edo politics.

Oshiomhole had targeted the “Leader” of the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), the late Chief Anthony Anenih, whose assumed “caging” as “Mr. Fix It” he ascribed to the “death” of the PDP, and the era of “imposition” of candidates in the state. And yet, against a strident opposition in the chapter of the APC, Oshiomhole sidestepped his dogma in 2016, and “installed” Obaseki as his successor in office. So, what has prompted the “quarrel” between him and Obaseki? Is it a case of a godfather trying to control his godson, and the latter resisting, and wanting to carve a niche for himself? Nigeria’s political landscape is replete with stories of godsons, who groveled and genuflected to get “anointed” as successors, only to grow the balls, and turn against their godfathers. In some instances, they hounded their benefactors out of town. Ask former Governors Peter Odili of Rivers State, Orji Uzor Kalu (Abia), Chimaroke Nnamani (Enugu), Martin Elechi (Ebonyi), Musa Kwankwaso (Kano), Godswill Akpabio (Akwa Ibom) and George Akume (Benue) about their unsavouring experiences from those they “made” politically! That said, the “no love lust” between Oshiomhole and Obaseki exacerbated after the 2019 general election, in which the former and sitting governors got their noses blooded by the “dead” PDP. Recall that the APC lost the February 23, 2019, Presidential and National Assembly contest in the state, but somehow recovered, two weeks later, in the House of Assembly poll of March 9. Could the tirade result from the elections, with one camp blaming the other for not holding the fort in the state? Or has it to do with the 2020 governorship contest in which Obaseki seeks re-election? Perhaps! But long before the 2019 polls, fissures had developed in the Edo APC based on Governor Obaseki’s alleged “refusal” to “share” the state resources to party chieftains. The stalwarts were not interested in the developmental strides of his administration, epitomized in the “Wake-and-see” projects

across the state “without prior fanfare or needless rhetoric.” Theirs was “stomach infrastructure,” and the failure of the governor to deliver led to a stream of defections to the PDP, and the subsequent campaign to thwart his second term aspiration. Many APC big shots, and groups have enlisted in the project to stop Obaseki by whatever means, including to “Ambode” him - a reference to the failure of former Governor Akinwunmi Ambode of Lagos State to secure a re-election ticket in the 2019 polls. Ironically, Ambode, not the typical politician, but a technocrat and business man, didn’t lose in his bid for lack of performance. His undoing was his “rebuff” to “gratiate” the party’s power brokers, who, amidst protests from loyal, steadfast and capable members, had backed his “choice” for the post of governor in 2015. A similar plot played out in Edo in 2016, when Oshiomhole overlooked several foundation and loyal members of the APC, including his two-term Deputy Governor, Dr. Pius Odubu, and “anointed” Mr. Obaseki, an investment banker and stockbroker of international repute. Could these “dissatisfied” APC members be taking “instructions” from Obaseki’s “godfather,” Oshiomhole, and the reason the governor’s camp “instigated” the calls for the APC chair to resign his position for “leading the party into defeat” in the 2019 polls? Overall, it would amount to shirking his responsibility if Oshiomhole, as the superintendent of the APC, were to blame Governor Obaseki, or any chieftain for the party’s “loss” in the 2019 elections. It’s his job, and that of members of the National Working Committee (NWC) to deliver all elections for the party and its candidates. State governors and other layers of authority have only complementary roles to play in that regard. That said, Mr. Obaseki shouldn’t forget so soon how he got to the position of governor, which’s through the political benevolence, and instrumentality of Oshiomhole. And in defence of Obaseki in 2016, he offered his head as coconut to be broken by opponents

of the governor. Hence, Oshiomhole deserves, not spite and derision, but all the “thank you” and appreciation from the governor, who, for the sake of his second term ambition, shouldn’t trifle with Oshiomhole’s political capital even in the face of his current “adversities.” Still, whatever the motivation for the dirty political fight, it’s a wrongheaded approach to solving the problems in the APC, at the state or national level, but worsening the crises. Make no mistake! Without closing ranks, and working as a team, the APC in Edo would open its flank for the opposition PDP to sneak in, as it did on February 23, and Obaseki would blow his ambition bye! • Mr. Ezomon, Journalist and Media Consultant, writes from Lagos, Nigeria.

THE GROUP Managing Editor/COO Felix Oguejiofor Abugu Deputy Managing Editor/COO Sopuruchi Onwuka Chairman Editorial Board Igwebike Mbanefo SE/SS Editor Odogwu Emeka Odogwu Acting BDM Kelechi Nze Head, Graphics & Designs Nnamdi Alex Chukwu Circulation Manager Felix Oti

The Oracle Today Monday June 24 - 30, 2019

BUSINESS

World Bank reviews Nigeria’s Projected GDP 2019 downwards Stories By JEROME USHAKANG

igerian’s estimated Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth earlier forecasted by World Bank at 2.2 percent for year 2019 has now being reviewed downwards to 2.1percent this year, by the bank. The bank noted that the review was fueled by continuous foreign exchange constraints, Oil Production cut that was influenced by Organisation for Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) and the non-existence of reforms that could have spurred productivity. The World Bank stated that the anticipated Oil sector recovery has been hampered by policy uncertainty that has hindered new capacity investment and this has weakened the government revenue generation as well. The elevated Nonperforming Loan figures among the Banking Sector of exporting countries within the subSarah African Countries, was highlighted to have restrained growth and compressed export revenues that has resulted in impaired private sector balance sheets. Equities Extending it losing streak for the second consecutive week, the Nigerian equities benchmark index declined by 1.27 percent week-onweek to close at 30,432.13 points. Thus, the MonthTo-Date and Year-ToDate losses increased to 2.05percent and 3.18perce respectively. On sectoral analysis, losses in Industrial Goods stood at-4.2percent and Consumer Goods at-1.7percent masked gains from Insurance at +0.9percent and Oil & Gas at+0.3percent indices. However, the Banking index closed flat. Codros research findings for the week reiterate their view that the blend of a compelling valuation story, together with positive macroeconomic picture leaves scope for market recovery in the medium term. However, we guide investors to tread the cautious trading path in the short term.

Money market In line with Cordros Research and predictions

, the overnight lending rate fell to 5.71percent – a 571 bps w/w contraction – as the CBN refrained from liquidity mopping activities. As a result, inflows from matured Open-Market operations (OMO) bills amounted toNGN125.76 billion boosted system liquidity, leading to a decline in the money market rate. However, it stated that this week, inflows from maturing OMO bills (NGN105.59 billion) will offer support to system liquidity. However, liquidity mop-up and forex intervention by the CBN are likely to exert upward pressure on the overnight lending rate. Treasury bills Activities in the treasury bills market were bullish, with relatively healthy system liquidity spurring demand in the absence of any OMO activity by the CBN. Consequently, yields declined by 46 bps on average, w/w, to close to • CBN Governor, Godwin Emefiele close at 12.42percent. Yields • President Mohammadu Buhari contracted across the short (-18 bps), mid (-76 bps) and long (-32 bps) segments, driven by demand for the 90DTM (-147 bps), 97DTM (-160 bps), and 188DTM (-82 bps) bills, respectively. At this week’s primary auction, the CBN fully allotted NGN129.64 billion – NGN15.00 billion of the 91DTM, NGN30.00 billion of the 182DTM, and NGN84.64 billion of the 364DTM – worth of bills at respective stop rates of 10.00 percent (same as previous auction), 11.95 percent (same as previous auction) and 12.34 percent (previously 12.20). Yields are expected to be pressured next week, as the CBN is expected to resume upwards in the face of to the SMEs, and USD55 USD), and 1-year (+0.08 year, a marginal fall from its liquidity mop-ups. increasing outflows from million to the invisible percent to NGN404.76/ the 5-month high of 1.9 EM countries precipitated segments. Consequent on USD) appreciated, percent year-on-year, in Bond April. Proceedings were by rising fears regarding the foregoing, the naira respectively. Through the rest of the The details show bearish in the bond global growth, as well as appreciated by 0.07% market, last week as the overarching aim of the to USD360.51 and 0.28 year, we expect the naira to energy prices fell 0.5 year-on-year, local market participants apex bank to keep prices percent to NGN360.00/ remain firm in the medium percent USD at the I&E window and to short term, as the reflecting the declines in began positioning for the stable. in the parallel segment, still elevated crude price gasoline prices, which in upcoming bond auction. Foreign Exchange respectively. Elsewhere, continues to underpin turn contributed to softer As a result, average The Nigeria’s FX total turnover at the I&E higher oil receipts, thereby transportation fares, and yield widened 12 bps, w/w, to close at 14.37percent. reserves extended its window improved by 2.4 supporting the CBN’s offset the rebound in to USD746.56 continued intervention. the cost of food – food Selloffs were spread across build-up from the prior percent the short (+13 bps), mid week, as the apex bank million with 97.40 percent In addition, the sustained inflation tilted upwards to (+13 bps) and long (+9 bps) recorded foreign reserve of trades executed within deluge of portfolio inflow 2.0 percent y/y (vs. April: NGN360-369/USD further supports our view 1.8 percent). Core inflation, segments, with yields on accretion of USD2.7 million the band. At the forwards of currency stability. which removes energy and the JUN-2019 (+130 bps), w/w to USD45.16 billion. Meanwhile, the market, all contracts food costs, edged down to MAR-2027 (+20 bps) and Global economy 2.0percent y/y (vs. April: JUL-2034 (+27 bps) bonds CBN resumed its FX appreciated in the period. Based on the Consumer 2.1 percent y/y) following a recording significant interventions this week, Notably, the 1-month (+0.11 selling USD210 million percent to NGN363.41/ Price Index (CPI) report sharp decline in the prices expansions. Meanwhile, Cordros across its different FX USD), 3-month (+0.28 released by the U.S. of used cars and trucks, medium-term view for windows, – distributing percent to NGN369.73/ Labour Department, May as well as motor vehicle the bond market remains USD100 million to the USD), 6-month (+0.39 headline inflation sttod insurance. The below-target that yields will trend wholesale, USD55 million percent to NGN380.45/ at 1.8 percent year-on-

“Through the rest of the year, we expect the naira to remain firm in the medium to short term, as the still elevated crude price continues to underpin higher oil receipts, thereby supporting the CBN’s continued intervention. In addition, the sustained deluge of portfolio inflow further supports our view of currency stability”

The Oracle Today Monday June 24 - 30, 2019

BUSINESS

World Bank reviews Nigeria’s Projected GDP 2019...

• Minister of Finance, Zeinab Ahmed

inflation shows little reason for the Fed to hold back from rate cuts in coming months to combat the perceived threat of a slowdown caused by intensifying trade tensions. In a reported by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), China’s industrial output growth slowed to a more than 17year low of 5percent y/y in May, reflecting the effect of escalating trade pressures. Fixed-asset investment (+5.6 percent y/y) also grew less than expected, reinforcing expectations that more growthboosting measures soon will need to be rolled out soon. Private sector fixed asset investment, which accounts for c.60 percent of total investment in China, rose at a slower pace of 5.3 percent y/y (vs. April: 5.5 percent y/y). Retail sales was a bright spot, expanding 8.6 percent y/y (vs. April: 7.2 partly because a longer May Day holiday encouraged more tourism and spending. Looking ahead the impact of the negative trade shock is likely to intensify in the

absence of a clear path to a resolution to the trade war with the U.S. Global markets Despite the mixed macroeconomic data released, global risk appetite across our coverage universe closed slightly positive. The improved performance reflected increased investors’ bet on the Fed’s rate cut which was fueled by slower May inflation data in U.S. Evidently, U.S (DJIA: +0.1percent, S&P: +0.6 percent ) markets closed positive. Similarly, amidst weaker industrial report in China, the Asian (CSI 300: +2.5, Nikkei: 1.1 percent) market closed the week on a positive note. Elsewhere, the European (FTSE 100: +0.1 percent, Euro Stoxx: +0.0 percent) markets were mixed. Emerging (MSCI EM: +1.5 percent) and frontier markets (MSCI FM: +0.2 percent) indices closed positive in the week, driven by gains across Argentina (+14 percent), China (+2.5 percent), South Korea (1.1 percent) and Kuwait (1.8 percent).

Lafarge Africa posts N8.8bn loss

ement firm, Lafarge Africa Plc, has declared huge commercial losses in its 2018 operations, saying it went down by N8.8 billion for the year. The new financial results painted an improviing future for the company which earlier posted a loss of N34.39 billion in 2017. The company posted revenue of N308 billion in 2018 after delays in filing of the results, saying the delays followed “some pending actions required for the resolution of key matters.”

However, the 2018 earnings represented significant improvement on N299 billion posted by the company in 2017. Finance cost rose to N45.973 billion from N43.217 billion, while loss before tax stood at N19.508 billion. But a tax credit of N10.707 billion reduced the loss after tax to N8.802 billion. Meanwhile, the company is to sell 100 per cent of the issued share capital in Lafarge South Africa Holdings Limited (LSAH ) to Caricement B.V, a subsidiary of Lafarge Holcim for $316.3 million.

The proceeds is expected to reduce the liabilities, which the company’s auditors, KPMG Professional Services, raised concerns about. The auditors noted that as of that date, the group’s current liabilities exceeded its current assets by N119.3 billion, a major improvement on its 2017 liability surplus of N189.6 billion, while the company’s current liabilities exceeded its current assets by N114.2 billion, another improvement on the 2017 current liability surplus of N174.1 billion. However, the auditors

explained that December 4, 2018, the company launched a Rights Issue scheme to raise N89.2 billion which was fully subscribed, while on 24 May 2019, the board approved the disposal of LSAH. In related development, the Nigerian equities benchmark index declined by 1.27 percent week-on-week to close at 30,432.13 points, extending it losing streak for the second consecutive week. Thus, the Month-To-Date and Year-To-Date losses increased to 2.05 percent and 3.18 perce respectively.

Forte Oil gets new CEO, CFO

ndigenous oil marketing firm, Forte Oil Plc, has announced appointment of new Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer following the completion of the sale of Mr Femi Otedola’s shares in the firm’s downstream operations. The firm last Thursday announced that Mr Olumide Adeosun and Mr Moshood Olajide had been appointed as CEO and CFO respectively after the resignation of Messrs Akin Akinfemiwa and Julius Omodayo-Owotuga who occupied both positions. Forte Oil, in a notice filed with the Nigerian Stock Exchange, said Ignite Investments and

Commodities Limited, led by Prudent Energy Services Limited, had completed the acquisition of Otedola’s 74.02 per cent shareholding. According to the firm, the completion is consequent upon Ignite receiving all the necessary approvals from the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) and fulfilling all relevant terms and conditions attached to the Share Purchase Agreement (SPA). It said, “As a result of this and further to the announcement on December 28, 2018, Ignite will take over controlling stake in Forte Oil Plc, the

downstream company.” Commenting on the transaction, the outgoing GCEO, Akinfemiwa, said, “This concludes a very painstaking process and we believe that this transaction would optimise the existing capabilities inherent in the business and its people who are the key drivers of the business, and propel the company towards an assured future.” The Chairman of Ignite and Chief Executive of Prudent Energy Services, Mr Abdulwasiu Sowami, said the investment was of strategic importance to support their quest of continuously adding value to the Nigerian oil and gas industry

Femi Otedola

Dr Maikanti Baru

Baru lays claim to inherited achievements Continued from Page

details of implementation. Mr. Avuru’s presentation formed the basis for pan-industry pressure that laid the groundwork for alternative funding which was later inherited and concluded by the current administration. Legacy JV debts still exist, however. Another bogus claim by Dr. Baru was maintaining production levels well above 2.0 million barrels per day, and ensuring a boost in gas production. Our checks showed that international oil companies continue to lead Nigeria’s production, while key indigenous independent companies including the Nigerian Petroleum Development Company of NNPC still account for less than 25 percent total output. According to figures at the Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR) which regulates the industry and takes custody of upstream data, Nigeria achieved total production capacity of over 2.7 million barrels per day with the development of six deepwater fields that include Shell’s Bonga; ExxonMobil’s Erha and Usan; Chevron’s Agami; as well as Total’s Akpo, and Egina. Key factor in production is availability of developed capacity as restiveness in the Niger Delta, facility vandalism, crude oil stealing and restrictions by the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) continue to take toll on production. Again, Dr. Baru took credit for “saving enormous financial resources through Direct Sale Direct Purchase (DSDP) scheme adopted for products import.” Outgoing Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Dr. Ibe Kachikwu, also claims credit for the DSDP. Actually the DSDP should instead by the symbol of failure for both Kachikwu and Baru who kept trying series of fuel import models since 2015 when the new government cancelled simultaneous rehabilitation contracts on all state owned refineries. Both men have instead been talking about several revamp models including concessions, collocation, clustered developments and modular clusters. The corporation has

not been very transparent about the cost of total fuel imports on the country, even though Dr Kachikwu declared early in the year that annual subsidy bills transcended N1.4 trillion mark! The subsidy bill covers the price differential between open market value per liter of petrol and the capped retail price in the domestic market. Others include: devising sustainable teamwork between the Oil and Gas Industry and the numerous host communities in the Niger Delta to curb security challenges that had dipped crude oil production some years back; and instituting a regime of transparent contracting/bidding processes in all major projects. Dr Baru also claimed to have reduced cost of oil production in Nigeria from $27 per barrel to $22 per barrel. Again, an industry source said the claim can only apply on average basis since, according to him, cost of production differs from terrain to terrain. Key cost factors cannot be controlled by one entity, our source said. He explained that different operators with assets in different terrains bear different costs. He added that presence of shared infrastructure beats down cost for some operators while development of new infrastructure builds cost for some operators. “So, there is no way NNPC or anybody can fix or control the cost of production by choice. Costs are the outcome of project economics; and the considerations include size of asset, terrain, existing infrastructure, onshore or offshore, shallow water or deepwater etc,” our source explained. All industry experts that commented on Dr. Barus’s scorecard are sad that he led the avoidable exploration misadventure in the frontier basins with nothing to show apart from huge bills. A top manager in a geological services company told The Oracle Today in Lekki, Lagos, that the inland exploration campaign by NNPC in the northern parts of the country followed blurred seismic leads. He said an extensive study involving new technology is required to review earlier works in the areas before committing to costly rig operations.

The Oracle Today Monday June 24 - 30, 2019

ENERGY Sopuruchi Onwuka

rotracted power tussle between the former Minister of Petroleum Resources, Dr. Ibe Kachikwu, and the outgoing Group Managing Director (GMD) of Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), Dr. Maikanti Baru, over successor captain of the corporation took a dramatic resolution with the appointment of Mr. Mele Kolo Kyari into the position. Industry pundits who monitored the developments leading to change out of government’s technocrats in the petroleum industry had sustained fears of ultimate clash between Dr. Kachikwu and Dr. Baru whose relationship in the ministry had been frosty and fraught with power frictions. Dr. Kachikwu had arrived the petroleum ministry on double capacity as junior minister and also GMD of NNPC, making him one of the most powerful and influential members of President Buhari’s cabinet. He also came with a team of young executive rookies with which he replaced the entire group executive directors and head of departments at the corporation. However, he could not remove Dr. Baru who is said to be directly plugged into power source at Aso Rock. Dr. Baru had remained in the wings until Dr. Kachikwu whose off-grid policies and tough targets unsettled the industry was finally limited to the role of junior minister before he was appointed GMD. Since then, influence, power and interests between the two had clashed with players in the industry standing behind Dr. Baru. Subsequent promotions by Dr. Baru obviously to balance out loyalty in the executive cadre of the workforce produced two proxy henchmen: Mr. Rabiu Suleiman for Dr. Kachikwu, and Mr. Bello Rabiu for Dr. Baru. Rabiu Suleiman who was of the rank of Group Executive Director at NNPC was elevated to Dr. Kachikwu’s office to serve as Senior Technical Adviser who chaired the committee on flare gas capture and monetization. On the other hand Bello Rabiu was promoted Chief Operating Officer, Upstream at NNPC, after serving Dr. Baru as Technical Assistant. Whereas staying in the same rank at NNPC while serving separate feudal masters, both were positioned to succeed Dr. Baru whose retirement was imminent. Meanwhile, Mr. Mele Kyari had since chalked up undeniable status in the domestic oil industry, global oil market and in the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) following his dual position as Group General Manager (GGM) in charge of NNPC’s Crude Oil Marketing Division and Nigeria’s OPEC Governor. In the internal organogram of NNPC, GGM is considered to be of the same rank as the Managing Director of business unit, a position that is lower than and supervised by a Group Executive Director in each of the divisions of the corporation. So while Mallam Kyari remained in a position considered lower than those of Rabiu Suleiman and Bello Rabiu respectively, his position as Nigeria’s OPEC Governor obviously augmented his ranking in the group executive directorate of the organization and placed him ahead of his peers and afforded him closer visibility in the front row of the leadership cadre of the corporation. It was not surprising therefore that he was in no time next in the

Mr. Mele Kolo Kyari

Scramble for GMD: Kyari’s entry settles proxy war triangle of top contenders for the succession of Dr. Baru who was said to be seeking tenure extension like in the cases of former Inspector General of Police, Mohammed Idris; and Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Mr. Godwin Emefiele. Dr. Baru is also rumoured to be eyeing the position of junior minister, having worked directly with the office of the president, above Kachikwu’s supervision, in the years when he served as the GMD. He is also fingered to have played prominent backstage roles towards the reelection of President Muhammadu Buhari in the 2019 polls, a role that placed him under the radar of National Assembly committees that monitored the flow of funds from NNPC during the campaign period. The arrangement, according to sources close the president’s office would be for Baru to ascend to the position of minister while his right hand man, Bello Rabiu, moves up to become the next GMD. On the other hand, Kachikwu’s most senior aide in the ministry, seconded from NNPC, also enjoyed backstage support from the minister in line with the power feud between the ministry and the corporation. Meanwhile, President Buhari who earlier declined a recommendation from Vice President Yomi Osinbajo to subject Dr. Kachikwu to investigation by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) once again maintained an unbiased stand in the succession battle, providing opportunity for a neutral candidate to seek consideration. To make things easier for Kyari, both power blocs impinging on the selection process were being phased out almost simultaneously. Whereas Dr. Kachikwu stepped down with the dissolution of the president’s first tenure cabinet, Dr. Baru retires after 60 years of service

in the first seven days of July. Therefore, Mr. Kyari’s eminent standing in the industry settled the politically charged dilemma of choosing between Messrs Rabiu Suleiman and Bello Rabiu respectively. Sources in the ministry told The Oracle Today that availability of Mr Kyari presented President Muhammadu Buhari the best opportunity to appoint Dr. Baru’s successor without ruffling feathers. Spokesman of NNPC, Mr Ndu Ughamadu, stated in a media release that new appointments were also made in the positions occupied by the two Rabius, indicating that the proxy contenders have been retired. Mr. Ughamadu who is GGM, Group Public Affairs Division of the corporation, stated that President Buhari appointed alongside Kyari, seven new Chief Operating Officers including Mr. Roland Onoriode Ewubare who presides over the Upstream. Mr. Ewubare was GGM, National Petroleum Investments and Management Services (NAPIMS), a Corporate Services (NAPIMS) unit of the corporation headquartered in Lagos. He earlier functioned as Managing Director of the Integrated Data Services Limited (IDSL), a seismic data acquisition company of NNPC based in Benin.

Mr. Ewubare is part of the hands introduced into the corporation by Dr. Baru when he assumed office in 2015. Also appointed COO is Mr Mustapha Yinusa Yakubu, an engineer, who oversees Refining and Petrochemicals. Mr Yakubu was the Managing Director of National Engineering and Technical Company Limited (NETCO), a semi-autonomous services unit of the corporation. Next in the new COOs is Mr. Yusuf Usman who supervises Gas and Power Division of NNPC. He was Senior Technical Assistant to Dr. Baru. The new COO in charge of Ventures Division of the corporation is Ms. Lawrencia Nwadiabuwa Ndupu. Before now she was was the GGM, NNPC Oil Field Services, established to provide technical services to players in the Industry. Mr. Umar Isa Ajiya was appointed the corporation’s Chief Financial Officer. Mr. Ajiya, was until his recent appointment, the Managing Director of Petroleum Products Marketing Company (PPMC) of NNPC, a downstream arm of the corporation. He had also been the corporation’s GGM in charge of Corporate Planning and Strategy (CP&S). Another COO is Mr Adeyemi Adetunji who takes over the downstream Division. Until his new ap-

pointment Mr Adetunji was the Managing Director of NNPC Retail Limited, a downstream marketing company of NNPC. He had also been the General Manager, Transformation Department, a thinkthank unit of the corporation. Also appointed COO is Mr. Farouk Garba Said who would now supervise the Corporate Services Division of NNPC. Mr. Said was before now GGM, Engineering and Technology Division of NNPC. He would be the first to achieve full take over on June 28, 2019. Other new appointees are directed by President Buhari to work with the outgoing till July 7, 2019 for ease of transition ahead of July 8, 2019 when all new appointments would take effect. According to Ughamadu Mallam Kyari who would be the 19th GMD of the corporation comes with 27 years of records performance in different positions in the corporation. He is credited with noticeable transformation in the management and sales of the various Nigeria’s crude oil grades, transparency and process automation. With the appointment of Mr Kyari, the retirement of Dr. Baru and dissolution of the cabinet, all the feuding factors in NNPC and their cronies appear to have paved way for a new set of industry leaders.

“Mr. Mele Kyari had since chalked up undeniable status in the domestic oil industry, global oil market and in the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) following his dual position as Group General Manager (GGM) in charge of NNPC’s Crude Oil Marketing Division and Nigeria’s OPEC Governor. He is credited with noticeable transformation in the management and sales of the various Nigeria’s crude oil grades, transparency and process automation”

The Oracle Today Monday June 24 - 30, 2019

ENERGY Rainoil captures more market with retail spread

ainoil Limited, an integrated oil and gas company, has taken steps to drive commercial activity and provide jobs in Kwara and Gombe states. Making official announcements via its social media handles, the company made a foray into Gombe State with the commissioning of two retail stations in May, and in Kwara State with the commissioning of a retail station in the capital city of Ilorin on the 18th of June, 2019. Just a day before commissioning its station in Ilorin, the company also commissioned a station in Eket, Akwa-Ibom State, its third station in the state. Information gleaned from the company’s information portals suggest that the concurrent openings of retail spaces are in line with the company’s aggressive retail rollout agenda. The official announcement of the expansion agenda will come on the heels of the company’s commission of its multi-product

depot at Ijegun, Lagos. The company also announced that with its entry into Gombe and Kwara states, it now operates in 17 states across Nigeria; with immediate plans to expand further into more states. The company expressed its satisfaction with its investments in these states, with hopes that they would drive commercial activity which will in turn, generate revenue and see indigenous members of the community provided with jobs. Rainoil seeks to create superior value by increasing market access, driving socioeconomic development and providing easy access to quality products to its loyal customerbase across the country. With plans to further expand within both states and across the country, Rainoil currently operates over 71 service stations across the country with substantial market share across the entire downstream value chain of logistics, bulk storage, shipping and retail.

Total, UNITAR Signs SPG on plastic recycling Sopuruchi Onwuka

rench multinational oil company, Total, has entered a pact with the United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR) to promote research into recycling of plastic waste in Nigeria. The partnership agreement which was signed in April was announced by Total in a statement on Tuesday as part of its efforts to reduce plastic pollution and help save the environment. According to the statement, the two signed a Special Purpose Grant (SPG) agreement on the April1 in Lagos, while the accord was later countersigned by the UN Assistant Secretary General and Executive Director of UNITAR. The grant will be managed by UNITAR with an implementation committee to create a full cycle recycling plant which will be located in Port Harcourt, Rivers State. The two-year Project is expected to create employment, induce research and finally unbundle opportunities to small and medium scale enterprises. In his remarks, the Managing Director, Total E&P Nigeria, Ltd.,

Mr. Nicolas Terraz, represented by the Executive General Manager, Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), Mr Vincent Nnadi said, “We expect that this project will bring a turnaround to the Nigerian recycling sector and also create employment at every step of the value chain.” In his response, Country Head & Resident Representative of UNITAR, Lawrence Boms stated, “This is not the first time we’ve been in partnership with Total. We know the Sustainable Development Goals are not done on paper; you have to do practical things to create employability; and do something to save the planet. That is why we are really interested and happy to partner with Total this time again.” As the Responsible Energy Company, Total is committed to the preservation of the environment and considers plastic recycling a sustainable path to this commitment. The company is therefore ready to engage with all stakeholders on specific projects dealing with better recycling, waste management, eco-design, etc. Total also actively supports initiatives in environmental awareness and education.

Commendations pour in on Kyari’s appointment

xpectedly, commendations have continued to flow the way of the new Group Managing Director (GMD) of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), Mallam. Mele Kyari, as partners and associates around the world learn about his new position. The outgoing GMD of the corporation, Dr. Maikanti Baru, the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) and the Nigerian Extractive Industry Transparency Initiative (NEITI) have all commended Mallam Kyari in the past two days of the appointment. Mallam Kyari was appointed the GMD by Presidenty Muhammadu Buhari in a surprise twist that sidelined top contenders for the position. Even though Kyari was not his anointed candidate for the position, Dr. Maikanti Baru, declared generally that the new appointments into the group executive directorate of the corporation are all well deserved. The appointments, like any politically sensitive government offices, were geopolitically spread across the six zones of the country, being the first in the redemption of the president’s pro-north appointments in the past four days. While wishing them success in their various positions, Baru expressed optimism that the new GMD and his team would

deliver on their respective mandates in line with the vision of President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration and the dreams of the Corporation’s founding fathers. In their separate congratulatory messages, the Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) and the Nigerian Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (NEITI), also applauded Kyari’s appointment as the 19th GMD by Mr. President. In a letter addressed to the new GMD, OPEC Scribe, Mohammed Sanusi Barkindo, said the appointment came as no surprise and as a testament to Kyari’s exemplary record and exceptional performance over the years in his illustrious career at the NNPC. “You have earned the respect of your colleagues in OPEC’s Economic Commission Board (ECB) where you have conducted yourself with gravitas and greatly contributed to the discussions and decisions of this body,” Barkindo stated. Prior to his appointment, Kyari was Nigeria’s National Representative at the OPEC, a job he combined with the Group General Manager in charge of NNPC’s Crude Oil Marketing Division (COMD). The Executive Secretary of NEITI, Mr. Waziri Adio, in his congratulatory message,

described Kyari as a well-known transparency champion who shared the principles which underline NEITI’s work and the global EITI on good governance of the oil and gas industry. “As a member of the global EITI Working Group on commodity trading transparency, Kyari’s appointment has placed him in a vantage position to push the frontiers of openness and to work more closely with NEITI and the global EITI,” Adio concluded. Mallam Mele Kyari, the incoming GMD, will take over from Dr. Maikanti Baru who will be retiring on 7th July, 2019, upon clocking the statutory age of 60.

“You have earned the respect of your colleagues in OPEC’s Economic Commission Board (ECB) where you have conducted yourself with gravitas and greatly contributed to the discussions and decisions of this body”

Shareholders demand fair hearing in Oando investigation Sopuruchi Onwuka

hareholders of Oando Plc have expressed concern over the process in which the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) intervened in the allegations of corporate governance practices in indigenous oil and gas company, Oando Plc. The group accused SEC of bias against the board and management of Oando Plc, saying the outcome of forensic audit by Deloitte was kept from Oando against the rules. The members of the group also alleged that

violated the necessity of convening a meeting of its Administrative Proceedings Committee before issuing penalty to Oando Plc. In printed messages circulated by members of the Pragmatic Shareholders Association of Nigeria, they accused SEC of lack of due process and fair hearing in the conduct of forensic audit on the oil company. According to the group, majority of the company’s shareholders join the management and board in calling the management of SEC out “for not availing our company with fair hearing.”

The group compared SEC’s intervention in Oando with similar inquiry into Ecobank Transnational Incorporated (ETI), pointing at major lapses in the process adopted by SEC in the case of Oando, adding that “there are major differences that show lack of due process and fair hearing.” “We ask SEC to share Deloitte’s forensic audit report to enable our company to review and defend accordingly,” the group declared in the publication, adding that “fair hearing is paramount.” In a comparative analysis of the similar exercise conducted by SEC

on ETI and Oando, the association pointed out that the duration of forensic audit on Oando took too long, over 18 momths, while that of ETI took only four months. The association did not however explain how the length of time would affect the quality of the process. The shareholders’ association argued in the statement that whereas the SEC audit in ETI conducted by KPMG provided opportunity for ETI management and board to defend the findings, no invitation or opportunity was provided Oando’s board and management to meet with SEC to

defend the findings. Thus, they argued that whereas ETI’s defense was incorporated in the KPMG’s final forensic audit report, Oando was not given any opportunity for defense in the first instance. According to them, the requirement of sharing the audit report with the investigated party was met in the case of ETI but denied in the case of Oando. While the KPMG’s audit report was delivered to ETI’s head office, Oando is yet to see the audit report conducted by Deloitte, the association stated.

The Oracle Today Monday June 24 - 30, 2019

INSURANCE & PENSION

Gulf attacks: War risk insurance premiums surge for tanker oil owners Stories by VICTOR NZE

il tanker owners face spiraling insurance costs to load cargoes from the world’s largest crude-export region after the latest round of attacks on vessels. War risk premiums that owners pay each time they go to the Persian Gulf have now surged to at least $185,000 for supertankers, according to people with knowledge of the market. They rose to $50,000 after the attacks a month ago. Both owners and the companies that charter their ships paused bookings in the immediate aftermath of attacks on Thursday as they re-evaluated risks to shipping barrels from the Middle East in

the wake of attacks on two more tankers just a month after similar incidents. Insurance costs from the Persian Gulf are soaring. While the United States has pointed the finger at Iran for the attacks just outside the Strait of Hormuz, a vital corridor for crude oil exports, the Persian Gulf country denied being responsible. Regardless, six tankers, hauling a variety of petroleum cargoes, have now been targeted in the space of just 32 days, the kind of threat to merchant shipping that hasn’t been seen in the region for decades. “We need to remember that some 30% of the world’s crude oil passes through the Straits,” said Paolo d’Amico, chairman of Intertanko, the biggest trade group

for tanker owners. “If the waters are becoming unsafe, the supply to the entire Western world could be at risk.” The Joint War Committee, a group that advises insurers, designated the entire Persian Gulf and waters just outside it a so-called Listed Area after the incidents a month ago. The classification gives underwriters room to charge more. As of Thursday, owners were reluctant to send vessels to the region while there was also a dearth of cargoes, according to traders and shipbrokers involved in that market, who spoke on condition of anonymity. DNK, the mutual insurer that covered one of the ships damaged Thursday, will increase its rates

for war insurance, according to a person familiar with the matter. Rival insurer Hellenic War Risks Club will probably increase a socalled additional premium that owners pay when sailing to the Persian Gulf with immediate effect, according to a notice on its website. DNK insured the Norwegianowned Front Altair for the full value of the vessel, according to the person familiar with the matter. A ship of that tanker’s size is worth between $30 million and $50 million, according to another person with knowledge of the matter. Insurers provide war policies that pay out the value of ships damaged or destroyed by acts of both terrorism and war. The Front Altair’s cargo of naphtha would be insured under a separate policy.

Executive Secretary, National Council of Registered Insurance Brokers (NCRIB), Mr. Fatai Adegbenro; Executive Director, Scib Nigeria & Co. Limited, Mr. Solanke Ogunlana; Executive Director, AIICO Insurance Plc, Mr. Adewale Kadri ; the Ebi of Idena, Oba Omosanya Akinyemi; Vice President, NCRIB, Mr. Rotimi Edu; Past President, NCRIB, Barr. Laide Osijo; President, NCRIB, Mr. Shola Tinubu; Executive Chairman, Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), Dr. Babatunde Fowler; Deputy President, NCRIB, Mrs. Bola Onigbogy; Past President, NCRIB, Prince Feyisayo Soyewo at the just-concluded NCRIB 2019 CEOs’ Retreat

Linkage Assurance commits to profitability, ROI

inkage Assurance Plc has restated its resolve to mine opportunities in the economy and expected stability to grow portfolio for increased shareholder value, while focusing on profitability, customer intimacy and operational efficiency. Chairman of the company, Joshua Fumudoh made the disclosure at its 25th Annual General meeting held in Lagos. Fumudoh who reviewed the company’s performance during the meeting said the underwriter in the 2018 financial year achieved 31 percent growth in gross written premium to N5.391 billion from

N4.102billion in 2017 despite the tough operating environment. According to him, the company paid out a whopping N2.71 billion on claims in 2018, which were largely from oil and gas, aviation businesses, as against N1.04 billion the previous year. He said that insurance companies are in the business to pay claims, and being able to pay this huge amount clearly underscores the financial capability of the company to meet its obligations when they fall due. Daniel Braie, managing director/CEO of the Company said to enable the company achieve its

set goals, management is driving strategic initiates, which include reinsurance optimization; revenue growth, brand awareness, corporate excellence and strong financial solvency Going into 2019, Braie said the focus of the company is profitability, and we would have this in mind from the point of acceptance of business from every market segment no matter the size and exposure. “For this reason, we would ensure effective risk management and the essence of this is to ensure adequate risk management culture within our underwriting

and claims processes, Braie said. Braie told shareholders at the meeting that the company was already generating profit and making progress in its projection for the current year to meet shareholders expectation. As at the end of first quarter 2019, Linkage Assurance Plc’s unaudited result shows 34 percent growth in profit before tax (PBT) to N627.52 million, as against N469.19 million in 2018, while the profit after tax during the same period stood at N439.26 million, from N375.36 million in 2018, indicating a 17 percent increase.

Regency Alliance shareholders reject 3kobo dividend payment

hareholders of Regency Alliance Insurance Plc have rejected the 3 kobo per share dividend proposed by Board of Directors of the company for the year ended December 31, 2018. This decision to reject the cash dividend proposed by the board for the last financial year was taken by the shareholders at the company’s Annual General Meeting (AGM) held in Lagos, last Tuesday.

According to the firm, when the shareholders were asked to vote to approve the 3 kobo dividend, they expressed to move against it. Instead, the firm added, they asked the board to return the money into the company’s purse. Confirming this development, Regency Alliance Insurance, in a disclosure to the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) on Wednesday, said, “The shareholders at

the meeting did not pass the resolution to pay dividend of 3 kobo per every share at the closure of the register instead the shareholders moved the following motion which was passed by the requisite majority that the total sum, which would have been paid in dividend, should be ploughed back into the company’s general reserve.” However, at the 25th AGM, the shareholders approved the

company’s Audited Financial Statements for the year ended December 31, 2018 together with the reports of the auditors and Audit Committee. They also approved the reelection of Mr Matt Osayaba Aikhionbare as a Director of the company, while Mr Amos Idowu, Mr Solomon Sunday Akinsanya and Mr Wale Taiwo (SAN) were elected as members of the company’s Audit Committee.

AIO appoints NIA chairman as VP

hairman of Nigeria Insurers Association (NIA) as well as Managing Director, NEM Insurance Plc, Mr Tope Smart has been appointed the Vice President of the African Insurance Organisation (AIO). The appointment was announced at the recentlyconcluded 46th Conference and General Assembly of the AIO which held in Johannesburg, South Africa from the 8th – 13th June, 2019. Smart takes over from Mrs. Delphine Traoré, Regional Chief Operating Officer Allianz Africa who was appointed AIO President at the end of the Assembly. This development follows Nigeria’s acceptance to host the conference next year, 2020. In his acceptance speech, Smart assured members of the AIO of an effective and efficient work relationship. He disclosed that the hosting by Nigeria has the full backing of the Federal Government. Smart hails from Ijagba in Ondo State. Born on the14th of April, 1964 at Omuo Ekiti in Old Ondo State now Ekiti State, he started his education from St. Silas Primary School, Omuo – Ekiti between 1970 and 1976. He continued his Secondary Education within the same vicinity by attending the Community Grammar School, Omuo Ekiti where he completed his O’ level examination and emerged as the overall best graduating student in 1981. In 1991, Mr. Smart completed his professional examination with the award of CII London where he equally won the prize for Distinction in Property and Pecuniary Insurance. He served Nigerian French in various capacities and became an outstanding staff in the company. No wonder, he was rewarded with a double promotion and was made to head the Marine Unit of the company, a position he held till he left the company.

AIICO concludes free entrepreneurship development programme at Lagos varsity

IICO’s free Entrepreneurship Development Programme has recorded a milestone with the invitation by the Lagos State University, to train and empower students of the institution on Entrepreneurship. About 250 students of the institution participated in the workshop, which was fully sponsored by AIICO Insurance Plc, organized with the aim of igniting their passion and drive for success in their journey through Entrepreneurship. AIICO recently commenced the free Entrepreneurship Development Programme as part of its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) programmes with the goal of empowering Nigerians with the requisite knowledge and skills for success as entrepreneurs.

The Oracle Today Monday June 24 - 30, 2019

Travel & Hospitality

Tourism remains global force for growth –UNWTO Stories by VICTOR NZE

ith international tourist arrivals having grown by 4 per cent over the first quarter of 2019, following on from 6 per cent growth in 2018, the United Nations agency responsible for the promotion of responsible, sustainable and universally accessible tourism, the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) has met in Azerbaijan for the 110th Session of its Executive Council. The Council brings UNWTO Member States together for toplevel talks on the direction of the global tourism sector. The council met in Baku, Azerbaijan, for the 110th Session of its Executive Council which held from June 16-18 with Member States also endorsing the organization’s progress and future plans, as outlined by SecretaryGeneral Zurab Pololikashvili. “It is an immense pleasure to be in the dynamic city of Baku for the 110th Session of our Executive Council,” Mr. Pololikashvili said. Continuing, the UNWTO scribe said: “The Executive Council gives UNWTO Member States a thorough overview of UNWTO’s activities and progress over the preceding year, and makes key recommendations on the path ahead. Our time in Baku offered us

the perfect opportunity to discuss the challenges presented by the ongoing rise in tourism numbers, including through the creation of more and better jobs and through driving gender equality. I thank all Member States for their commitment to UNWTO’s mandate and I thank the United States for their presence and openness to the possibility of rejoining and working with us to make tourism a driver of growth and equality.” Remarking, Head of the State Tourism Agency of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Mr. Fuad Nagiyev, expressed his support for UNWTO’s mission, noting that it was “an honour” for the country to have been chosen to host the 110th Session of the Executive Council. “UNWTO events, including this Executive Council, are great platforms for promoting the potential of tourism and for forming and developing good working relations with both UNWTO and its Member States,” Nagiyev added. Member States endorsed the Five Priorities underpinning Secretary-General Pololikashvili’s mandate include making tourism smarter through embracing innovation and digital transformation and growing competition and entrepreneurship within the sector. At the same time, making tourism a leading source of more and better jobs, and a top

Group General Manager, Marketing and Communications, Coscharis Group, Mr Abiona Babarinde; Chief Operating Officer, Private Jets Nigeria, Mr Omotade Lepe; Founder, Huce Valeris, Henry Ekechukwu; Chief Executive Officer, Thistle Praxis, Mrs Ini Abimbola, on the panel titled: Luxury Retail In Nigeria: Opportunities, Challenges and Policy Options at the 5th anniversary of The Luxury Reporter Magazine 5th Anniversary celebration which held at Wheatbaker Hotel, Lagos, Thursday.

provider of education and training is another of UNWTO’s priorities. They were also informed of progress achieved to make tourism more inclusive, seamless and a means of safeguarding and promoting social and cultural heritage and environmental sustainability. In addition, the progress made in newly launched ‘UNWTO Agenda for Africa 2030’ was welcomed. The bold four-year plan is aimed at realizing the potential of tourism for Africa, with a special focus on tourism as a driver of poverty alleviation, job creation and professional development.

Don’t travel with ‘declared lost’ passport –NIS advises

omptroller General of Immigration Service, Muhammad Babandede, has directed that all lost travel passports declared to the Nigeria Immigration Service, if found, be returned for cancellation. According to the agency, in a statement signed by its Service Public Relations Officer on behalf

of the Comptroller General of Immigration, Mr. Sunday James, ‘the continuous use contravenes section 10 subsection 1 (a) of the Immigration Act 2015, which states that: a person who has, holds or is in unauthorized possession of more than one valid Standard Nigerian Passport, commits an offence

and is liable on conviction, to imprisonment for a term of ten (10) years or a fine of Two Million Naira or both.’ The NIS chief, therefore, advised that such passports so declared, if found, ‘must not be used for travel but submitted to the nearest Nigeria Immigration Service Office for cancellation.’

Promote Nigeria tourism –NTDC urges media, filmmakers

irector General, Nigerian Tourism Development Corporation (NTDC), Mr Folorunsho Coker, has urged the media and filmmakers in Nollywood to project the country’s image positively. Coker stressed in Abuja, last Saturday, that with the understanding of the concept of developmental journalism, the media should use such to promote the country’s image for tourism to strive. He said that reporting that a strange sickness had ravaged the nation as headline news sometimes may be detrimental to the country and the effect was more harmful than good. Coker also called on the movie makers to use their medium to sell

the nations rich cultural heritage rather than portraying the negative side of the country. “It is not the dramatisation of witches and wicked mother in laws that we should sell in our movies. It is not also about putting out a headline that lassa fever hits Nigeria that the media should report because such reportage damages the image of our country. “What image of the country are we selling, what are we also promoting by all these; we are actually working against ourselves by portraying these to the world,” he said. According to him, such reportage through the media and movies tells tourists that the country is not in a good condition for tourism.

Coker who stated that the developed countries such as America, Britain Italy and France showcased their heritage stressed that such made those countries attractive for visit. He decried the absence of Nigerian image makers, in the promotion of the society’s image by way of wearing branded clothes, others. “Tell me when last you saw a super star wearing our branded clothes, promoting our image; they rather promote the brand of other countries. Use your soft power to promote the image of our country, when you are walking help someone stand and use Nigeria film to promote our sports industry as well as support our women in sports, ” he urged.

Tanzania: ‘No plastic bags or face fines, imprisonment’ –Nigerian tourists, others warned

ourists and foreign visitors traveling to Tanzania are advised not to carry with them plastic bags on arrival at the major airports effective Saturday last week to avoid incursion by the state legal and security machinery. Tourist companies operating in Tanzania have issued several warnings and advisories to their clients booked to visit this African tourist destination to avoid carrying with them plastic bags on their arrival at major airports, after the government of Tanzania banned plastic bags from the first day of June. Newspapers, social media outlets, television, and radio stations across the country are sending warning messages to citizens and foreigners traveling in key business cities and towns to avoid carrying plastic bags effective this Saturday to avoid on-the-spot fines and other legal incarceration. Any person found carrying a plastic bag will be liable to an onthe-spot fine in the amount of US$13 in local Tanzanian shillings. Tour operators, travel agents, airlines, and companies with businesses in Tanzania have issued several warnings on their websites and other communication networks, telling their foreign clients to remove plastic bags from their luggage after the East African nation implemented a ban aimed at tackling pollution and protecting its fragile environment. Airline passengers have been told to remove the non-recyclable plastic carriers before arriving – although “ziplock” bags used as part of airport security procedures are still permitted. Already, the British Foreign Office in London has advised Britons looking to visit Tanzania, its former colony, to surrender their plastic bags on arrival at the airports. About 75,000 British tourists visit

Tanzania every year. Tanzania has joined other countries in the world to implement a ban on plastic bags in tackling plastic waste. The ban, which comes into effect on June 1 targets all plastic bags “imported, exported, manufactured, sold, stored, supplied, and used.” Zanzibar Island, which is part of Tanzania, outlawed plastic bags in 2006 and announced proposals for a country-wide ban in 2015. Kenya, the leading tourist destination in East Africa, banned plastic bags in 2017, with those caught manufacturing or carrying the single-use items facing up to 4 years in prison or a fine. Rwanda, South Africa, and Eritrea are among the more than 30 sub-Saharan African nations to have their own plastic bag bans; the former insists on bag searches for travelers entering the country. The West African nation of Mauritania banned plastic bags in 2013 to save its livestock. Three-quarters of cattle and sheep were killed in the country’s capital, Nouakchott, after eating plastic waste. Nigeria has fixed a 2020 date for national legislation on use and production of plastic bags. Several warnings have been issued to alert all travelers arriving to Tanzania to take a note of the advisory in order to avoid delays on arrival at any of airports. The warnings circulated by tourist and travel companies said that all passengers arriving at any Tanzania airport, including tourists, can possibly face very heavy fines for using plastic bags in any way, shape, or form. Use, manufacture, or importation of plastic bags, including shopping bags, is illegal from the said date. Offenders, including tourists, could face very heavy fines.

The Oracle Today Monday June 24 - 30, 2019

e-Platform

Google to shut tablets production

Lagos to embrace, fund tech-driven models for urban development Stories by VICTOR NZE

L R

emember the Pixel Slate? The tablet launched last year alongside the Pixel 3 and Pixel 3 XL smartphones. This tablet runs Chrome OS, as Google was seemingly doing its best to forget there was ever a time when Nexus tablets were a thing. The company is now officially giving up on tablets entirely. The Pixel Slate will never get a successor, and there are no more Chrome OS or Android tablets in development by Google’s hardware teams. There used to be two tablets in development, both smaller than the Pixel Slate, but earlier this week these were canceled along with the sheer concept of Google ever making tablets again. Google is done making tablets, the Pixel Slate is not getting a successor The company plans to focus on Chrome OS laptops going forward, and of course Pixel smartphones running Android. In fact, a new Pixelbook laptop could arrive by the end of the year, perhaps announced at the same time as the Pixel 4 and Pixel 4 XL this fall. Since not even the Pixel 3 and Pixel 3 XL smartphones have been selling well, we can only assume how bad things were for the Pixel Slate. Speaking of that, Google is committed to continued support for it, all the way through June 2024. Also, the company’s Android and Chrome teams are “100% committed for the long-run on working” with partners “on tablets for all segments of the market (consumer, enterprise, edu)”, according to Rick Osterloh, Google’s SVP, Devices & Services.

agos State Governor, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has pledged his administration’s support and funding for entrepreneurs with new technologies that possess business models capable of assisting urban development in the State. Governor Sanwo-Olu also said the state will provide fluid financing to promote and encourage the upscale for digital economy. The Governor made this known in his goodwill message delivered at the opening of the PwC Experience Centre in Victoria Island, Lagos, Wednesday, just as he further assured of his administration’s partnership with proactive organisations like PricewaterhouseCoopers. “We want to help you think carefully about the incentives that promote and foster the growth of the digital economy and help fund entrepreneurs who have new tech-driven business models that can contribute to our sustainable urban development.

“We will therefore continue to encourage and support forward thinking organizations and institutions – like yours – that catapult Lagos into this new era of development,” Sanwo-Olu said. He expressed delight with the creation of a PwC Experience Centre in Lagos State noting that it is in tandem with his administration’s plan to cut off traditional modes of thinking for a 21st Century city. The Governor added that the centre has joined the progressive organisations with modern creative ideas leveraging on technologies for growth and job opportunities. According to him, “ the establishment of the PwC centre also aligns with the aspirations of our new government to support, in any way it can, the disruption of traditional thinking that will transform Lagos State into a 21st century smart city. “PwC has joined this elite class of forward-thinking companies that are now leveraging on technological advancements to provide inclusive growth, more job opportunities and

the emergence of our informal enterprise out of the shadow economy,” the Governor said. Governor Sanwo-Olu however noted that the desire to know more and make progress should be taken beyond the private sector but also to the public sector where his government is ready to take advantage using the bright and intelligent public servants to grow and improve governance. “It also serves as a reminder to us that the quest for knowledge and progress, with the use of technology, should no longer be limited to the private sector. It is imperative that the public sector urgently commits itself to leveraging our brilliant and creative minds to harnessing data and digital intelligence to advance our standard of living and well-being. “In Lagos, we face serious challenges particularly in the areas of traffic management, waste management, safety and security, human capacity development; and we have no choice but to address them by embracing technology and innovation,” the Governor said.

ational Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) has urged federal, public institutions, Information Technology (IT) service providers to strictly comply with guidelines on hosting government data locally for easy governance. Director General of NITDA, Dr Isa Pantami, who stated this on Thursday in a statement issued in Abuja, said the need for compliance was according to the agency’s Section 14 of the Regulatory Guidelines for Nigerian Content Development in Information Communication Technology (ICT). “NITDA will like to bring to the attention of federal public institutions, IT service providers to Federal Government and all data management firms doing business in Nigeria on the need for strict compliance to its guidelines. “This section provides framework for repatriation and hosting of all Nigerian government data within the country. “The agency notes that prior to the operation and full implementation of the Regulatory Guidelines for Nigerian Content Development in ICT, a sizeable component of government data was hosted outside Nigeria,” Pantami said. He, however, said that some organisations were adhering to requirements of the guidelines, but more needed to be done to ensure more organisations complied. The director general added that the agency as mandated by law would start penalising erring institutions.

Gmail for Android to get dark mode

2 Founder/Chairman of Zenith Bank, Mr. Jim Ovia, Lagos State Governor, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu and Leader of the PwC Experience Centre, Mr Femi Osinubi, during the opening of the PwC (PricewaterhouseCoopers) Experience Centre in Victoria Island, Lagos, Wednesday.

UBA GED advocates curriculum change for tech evolution

roup Executive Director of United Bank for Africa (UBA), Mr Liadi Ayoku, has called for the overhaul of the training curriculum in financial institutions across Africa to reflect current technological realities, which according to him will reflect the modern business expectations and ensure the relevance of graduates to the continent’s economic growth and aspiration. Ayoku, said this while delivering a keynote address during the annual lecture of the Faculty of Management Sciences, Lagos

NITDA calls for strict local data hosting in Nigeria

State University (LASU) titled: “The Future of Finance – Technology at Play” on Wednesday. He explained that finance graduates and professionals must be aware that it was no longer business as usual following the fast-changing technological landscape. He said, “I am not certain if the finance and accounting graduates of today are familiar with modern financial softwares packages, including global accounting and financial reporting standards. “Have they been imbibed with the ready-to-market soft skills

like leadership, communication, commercial acumen, flexibility/ openness to change and strategic vision? “If not, I will like to propose an overhaul of the curriculum to accommodate these,” he noted. Ayoku further explained that with technology replacing basic financing, the finance professional that would excel in the future must be quick to retool and adapt to changes. “Traditional knowledge of finance is getting stale in today’s business world and indeed there is dire need for retooling our skills if we

must remain relevant n tomorrow’s financial world. Technology is fast replacing the basics of finance,” he surmised. According to Ayoku, financial reporting is increasingly being automated, just as data analytics is demystifying performance analysis. Tomorrow’s finance professionals must have capabilities for business intelligence and cognitive analysis. “We must apprise ourselves of the most recent technology and continue to retool our skills to remain relevant today and into the future,” Ayoku said.

019 seems to be the darkest year in mobile OS history, if you count the fact that both Android and iOS are getting official system-wide dark themes. As it is, Google and Apple are also busy working on adding dark themes to all of their mobile apps. The latest one to get the treatment is Gmail for Android. However, it’s still very much a work in progress, even though it is randomly showing up for people running the latest version of the app. For now, the dark theme is only there in the Gmail app’s Settings. You don’t get it in the main window or the sidebar, unfortunately. Also, it seems to come on and off when it wants to, and you have no control over it because there’s no toggle to enable or disable dark mode. Hopefully Google is hard at work turning this into an actual full dark theme for Gmail, and will release that soon - or, at the latest, when Android Q comes out in August. It would be sad for Pixel owners to enable the system-wide dark theme and find built-in apps such as Gmail still not supporting it.

The Oracle Today Monday June 24 - 30, 2019

e-Platform

Google to shut tablets production

Lagos to embrace, fund tech-driven models for urban development Stories by VICTOR NZE

L R

Gmail for Android to get dark mode

UBA GED advocates curriculum change for tech evolution

NITDA calls for strict local data hosting in Nigeria

The Oracle Today Monday June 24 - Sunday 30, 2019

e-Platform

Facebook secretly helped phone mak

customers in March

Google is done making tablets, the Pixel Slate is not getting a successor The company plans to focus on Chrome OS laptops going forward, and of course Pixel smartphones running Android. In fact, a new Pixelbook laptop could arrive by the end of the year, perhaps announced at the same time as the Pixel 4 and Pixel 4 XL this fall. Since not even the Pixel 3 and Pixel 3 XL smartphones have been selling well, we can only assume how bad things were for the Pixel Slate. Speaking of that, Google is committed to continued support for it, all the way through June 2024. Also, the company’s Android and Chrome teams are “100% committed for the long-run on working” with partners “on tablets for all segments of the market (consumer, enterprise, edu)”, according to Rick Osterloh, Google’s SVP, Devices & Services.

w leveraging on technological advancements to provide inclusive growth, more job opportunities and the emergence of our informal enterprise out of the shadow economy,” the Governor said. Governor Sanwo-Olu however noted that the desire to know more and make progress should be taken beyond the private sector but also to the public sector where his government is ready to take advantage using the bright and intelligent public servants to grow and improve governance. “It also serves as a reminder to us that the quest for knowledge and progress, with the use of technology, should no longer be limited to the private sector. It is imperative that the public sector urgently commits

itself to leveraging our brilliant and creative minds to harnessing data and digital intelligence to advance our standard of living and well-being. “In Lagos, we face serious challenges particularly in the areas of traffic management, waste management, safety and security, human capacity development; and we have no choice but to address them by embracing technology and innovation,” the Governor said. He was optimistic the centre will not only be impactful to Lagos for growth and development but also Nigeria in general.

rendered by the centre includes assistance to domestic brands, government, foundation and multi-nationals from planning for the future, also make best use of technologies to meet challenges of dynamic world of business. In his words, “we support household brands, governments, charities and global companies with everything from planning for the future, to how they can make best use of their technology and meet the challenges of a changing world of business”, he said.

The latest one to get the treatment is Gmail for Android. However, it’s still very much a work in progress, even though it is randomly showing up for people running the latest version of the app.

Earlier in his address, the Leader of the PwC Experience Centre, Mr Femi Osinubi, stated that some of the services to be

For now, the dark theme is only there in the Gmail app’s Settings. You don’t get it in the main window or the sidebar, unfortunately. Also, it seems to come on and off when it wants to, and you have no control over it because there’s no toggle to enable or disable dark mode. Hopefully Google is hard at work turning this into an actual full dark theme for Gmail, and will release that soon - or, at the latest, when Android Q comes out in August. It would be sad for Pixel owners to enable the system-wide dark theme and find built-in apps such as Gmail still not supporting it.

“In these cases, NITDA is to be notified promptly as government has put measures in place to commence sanctioning of violators in line with provisions of the NITDA Act 2007 and other relevant laws in Nigeria,” he further said.

flexibility/openness to change and strategic vision? “If not, I will like to propose an overhaul of the curriculum to accommodate these,” he noted.

He reiterated that government data was national resources needed to be hosted locally for easy analysis, improvement of governance and development of the country.

Ayoku further explained that with technology replacing basic financing, the finance professional that would excel in the future must be quick to retool and adapt to changes. “Traditional knowledge of finance is getting stale in today’s business world and indeed there is dire need for retooling our skills if we must remain relevant n tomorrow’s financial world. Technology is fast replacing the basics of finance,” he surmised. According to Ayoku, financial reporting is increasingly being automated, just as data analytics is demystifying performance analysis. Tomorrow’s finance professionals must have capabilities for business intelligence and cognitive analysis. “We must apprise ourselves of the most recent technology and continue to retool our skills to remain relevant today and into the future,” Ayoku said. Chairman of the occasion, Dr Rotimi Oladele, the Executive Secretary, Institute of Entrepreneurship, commended Ayoku for delivering a profound paper worthy of equipping account graduates for a future driven by technology while also praising the Chairman of UBA, Mr

w hosted within the country.” Pantami said: “We wish to note that a small fraction of government data was still hosted outside Nigeria without approval of the agency. We understand that for some federal public institutions, a consideration of cost and other technicalities may have affected the full repatriation of government data.

Ministry of Communic wei’s Android license

Airtel 4G Network to accele

The NITDA boss also advised Data Centers and Cloud Service Providers operating in the country to comply with requirements of information security management, global best practices, standards for better service delivery.

Tony Elumelu for his contribution to entrepreneurship in Africa, describing him as a ‘global brand of the rarest value’. He said LASU would benefit from its collaboration with the entrepreneur. “No doubt Tony Elumelu is not just a Nigerian of rare value to Nigeria but a Premium African of rarer value and of course a Global Brand of rarest value. Tony Elumelu today as a ultrapreneur is known all over for breeding entrepreneurs and start-ups in thousands and with millions of dollars ceaselessly in support for sustainability. “We believe LASU partnering with Elumelu could be the best testimonial of a befitting support to the most multi-cultural and multi-tribal university in Nigeria.

The profile of LASU Staff and studentship speak for this fact,” he said. The LASU Vice-Chancellor, Prof Lanre Fagbohun, represented by the Deputy Vice Chancellor, Prof Oyedamola Oke, thanked UBA for its support and sponsorship noting that a bank that believes in the support of education is indeed a special institution.

“Data Hosting Service Providers are required to register their competencies and capabilities in line with requirements of the Guidelines for Nigerian Content Development in ICT to ensure adequate oversight. “This will ensure that the citizens and government data are properly protected,”Pantami said.

The Oracle Today Monday June 24 - 30, 2019

RELIGION There is a conspicuous difference between real love and obsessive love. WHAT IS LOVE? Love is a healthy emotion that goes between two people and in this context the male and the female gender. Love is not just dabbled upon. The two individuals would have taken time and energy to study and ready to get to know one another. Real love allows and honors individual identities and peculiarities and interests, real love never feels threatened or harassed when a partner has needs to spend time with family or friends without them. WHAT IS OBSESSIVE LOVE? This is an unhealthy and negative emotional condition in which one person feels an overwhelming obsessive desire to posses and protect another person towards whom one feels a strong attraction with, with a strong resistance to and inability to accept failure or rejection. It is an overwhelming domination of one’s thoughts or feelings by a persistent feelings or desires about another. The victim focuses in just one individual with little interest on anyone else. CHARACTERISTICS OF REAL LOVE (1 CORINTIANS 13:4-7) • Patient • Kind • Joyful • Protective • Trust • Hopeful • Perseveres (Endures) • Never fails (Lasting) • Love is the greatest of all CHARACTERISTICS OF OBSESSIVE LOVE (1 CORINTHIANS 3:4-7) •Envious •Boastful •Proud •Rude •Self-seeking/selfish •Easily provoked •Bitterness •Delight/craves for evil REAL LOVE VERSUS OBSESSIVE LOVE Obsessive Love is not anything about real love though it feels a lot like real love at the onset. Obsessive love breeds negative feelings such as jealously, insecurity, suspicion and paranoia . The obsessive individual suspects that their partner may be cheating on them. He or she

Real love versus obsessive love Singles connect column: With EVANGELIST

NNEKA

OKEKE

(JESUS’BABE)

Follow @instagram jesusbabestv, jesusbabesfamily Whatsapp: 08180072270 jesussinglesconnect@gmail.com

believes everything their partner does or says is somehow a reflection of how they feel about them. Real love makes you feel good because it breeds positive emotions like joy and excitement. Love has deep empathy. It enables you to put yourself in another shoes and view things from their own perspective. You so much care about those you love, if he hurts you automatically hurt. And most importantly, real love energizes you to make people feel worthy or valued. Obsessive love is possessive while real love is protective. Obsessive love is ironically the very thing that snuffs the love, you have over 70% tendency to lose a relationship over which you obsess. Love is all about appreciation, feeling good, enthusiasm, etc. Short of this is not love. Obsessive love, however, is associated with frequent fighting, bickering; verbal, emotional and physical abuses. Real love is a very strong feeling of affection that makes you to show benevolence acts towards them that you love. It makes you feel convinced, attached and enthusiastic about someone unconditionally and you can’t get to this level without the Supreme assistance. (I John 4:7). Love is not just liking someone. It goes beyond that, love is a moral character. Obsessive love is just based on how you feel about someone. It is external while love is internal. Ob-

sessive love is a feeling of low esteem. Low esteem leaves people threatened with the impacts of another. Obsession is like having a tunnel vision whereby you do not have access to other things or activities going on outside the fellow to whom you are obsessed. Real love understands and accepts differences – we are unique individual (two people can never be the same). Identical twins are not. Love is about accepting another’s peculiar nature. Obsession can be easily mistaken for great love. However, it is a psychiatric ailment that keeps one’s mind perpetually in bondage and to someone else. Obsessive love is strong uncontrollable desire to posses another person with an inability to accept rejection or failure. It is one of the major reasons that make people commit suicide at heart brakes. It leaves you with the feeling to see another as a possession rather than as a partner. Love on the contrary, is about discovering another’s love language so you can know how to show them love in a way they recognize and appreciate it, and still feel good about it (see the book “Five Love Language by Gary Chapman”) Real lovers are proud and happy about their partners’ accomplishment while obsessive lovers feel threatened by their partners’ rise or accomplishment. Real love is about trust and trust

ment they cannot pull out of the relationship. Reason being that they have feelings of guilt, fear of what people would say and feeling of Stockholm syndrome. Besides, some of them choose to rather continue than to face terrible attack because obsessive lovers do not just want to let go. STEPS TO GET RID OF OBSESSIVE LOVERS •Take a distance away from fellow who is obsessed about you. •Do not allow room or atmosphere for growth. •Distract yourself with more positive things and people (Phil. 4:8) •Learn to grab every moment and be in the moment. •See them for who they are and never think you can change them. •Never allow people to validate your personality •Remember the bad time – the abuses, abductions, rapes, harassments, etc. •Don’t be available!!!

means freedom (allow people space, if they leave they were never meant for you). Obsessive lovers make it impossible for their partners to move an inch. They always have physical need to be with their object of obsession 24/7. In situations they are not together, HARD TRUTHS the obsessive lover desires to find •Real love is not about changing out where they are and who they another are with. •Real love allows people their freedom ACID TESTS OF OBSESSIVE LOV•You must not be at the same ERS place to be in love; you may be far •Sends multiple calls, texts, and still love. mails in one day •Jealously is not love. True love •Attempts to spend every un- means having confidence in quality worthy time with the fellows to of the relationship. whom they are obsessed •Real love is absence of fear – •Wants you to account for every that is excitement, contentment, moment joy and satisfaction. •Limit your opportunities of •Obsession begets fear of inmeeting and spending quality time security and it breeds hatred and with family, friends etc. envy •Could be very angry and jealous •Fear is opposite of love. You •It is about capturing and con- want people, you do not need trolling another person them. Needing people makes you •Verbally and physically abusive. uncomfortable about losing them •They can be remorseful later and that is why you can kill them but still blame their partners for if they leave or commit suicide at being the cause of such abuses heart brakes. •In extreme cases they rape, •Love is an action not just a rostalk(trail, track or hunt), abduct mantic feeling. Don’t assume that or murder you love, prove that you love. •Reduces another to mere exist•Love is unconditional ing, dependant and helpless peo•Love is putting other people ple (their victims may never pur- needs equal to or before yours. sue and actualize their Gods given Genuine loves cares about others. dreams) •Real love is going a long way to •The victims, however, grow make people feel good. to realize it but mostly at the mo-

Community Assembly calls for arrest of criminal vigilante members

he Imufu General Assembly, IGA, has asked the Enugu State government to fish out the Neighbourhood Watch members who abducted and killed Chibueze Uramah at Aji, Enugu-Ezike in Igbo-Eze North Local Government Area of the State about three weeks ago. This was contained in a memorandum presented to the Administrative Panel set up by Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi to ascertain the remote and immediate causes of the problems that led to Uramah’s killing as well as the reprisal attack, with a view to finding lasting solutions to the issues raised. Ugwuanyi also asked the panel to unravel those behind the dastardly killing of the deceased patent medicine dealer and recommend appropriate punishments for the killers. Uramah, who hailed from Ikem Umuidoko, Ogrute, Enugu-Ezike, was kidnapped from his drug store at Imufu, a neigbouring village, and taken to Aji, where he was killed by some members of Aji Neighbourhood Watch for allegedly receiving

some stolen drugs from a suspected criminal. However, apparently angered by the manner Uramah was killed, his kinsmen carried out a reprisal attack against Aji interests in Ogrute, including setting some property ablaze. It took reinforcements of soldiers, policemen among other security agencies to bring the situation under control. But in its presentation to the panel, the IGA called on the government to stop traditional rulers from being the sole authority in the recruitment and employment of Neighbourhood watch members in their domains in order to reduce tensions in those domains. The memorandum jointly signed by the Onyishi Imufu, His Majesty, Oluoha Mamah Apeh and the President General of the town union, Lawrence Mamah, a retired DSP, was entitled, Re: Brutal Murder of Chibueze Uramah of Ikem, Umuidoko Ogrute, Enugu Ezike; Request and Passionate Appeal for the In-

clusion of Imufu General Assembly in the Process of the Nomination, Appointment and Recruitment of the Members and Officers of Imufu Unit of Neighbourhood Watch. The memorandum read: “We most humbly write you on the above subject matter based on the facts and circumstances as hereunder stated seriatim: “That late Mr Chibueze Uramah who was brutally murdered in cold blood on Friday, May 27, 2019, was unlawfully arrested by the members of the Neighbourhood Watch unit of Aji Community at Imufu and taken to Aji, where he was subsequently murdered. “That the said members of the Neighbourhood Watch of Aji community who effected the unlawful arrest, neither reported to Imufu Neighbourhood Watch unit nor to any other constituted authority at Imufu community before embarking on the purported arrest, if not kidnapping properly so called. “That the recruitment of criminals and persons of questionable characters into the Neighbourhood

Watch group goes to the root of mischief behind the exclusive function of the Igwe in nomination and appointment of the members and officers of the neighbourhood watch group to the exclusion of other constituted authorities in the community under the guise of being the chief security officer in the community. “That the traditional process of nominating and recruiting security men (Ndi Oche) before the advent of Igweship position whereby persons of unquestionable character and moral probity were equitably selected as members and officers of such security group from each clan or family that made up such community is preferred to the modern process of monopolising same by the Igwe.. “That the inclusion of IGA in the process of nomination, appointment and recruitment of members and officers of the Neighbourhood Watch group will enhance adequate consultation, which will ensure that only fit and proper persons are recruited as members

and officers of the Neighbourhood group in Imufu community. “That Imufu General Assembly comprises the Onyishi (eldest person), Igwe, the Oha, the Egal (young men) and the town union. “That it is equally our passionate appeal for the fact and circumstances surrounding the brutal murder of the late Chibueze Uramah to be properly investigated while those involved in the act be fished out and brought to book and that we equally deserve a public apology from Aji Community for acting beyond its territorial jurisdiction. “It is against this background that we unanimously resolved to fly to your patronage. Kindly therefore, intervene in this matter by using your good offices to suppress the mischief and advance the remedy with regard to the nomination, appointment and recruitment of fit and proper persons as members of Neighbourhood Watch group in Imufu community as well as assist in bringing the culprits behind the brutal murder of the late Chibueze Uramah to justice.”

The Oracle Today Wednesday June 24 - 30, 2019

FOCUS

•Cross River State HIV and AIDS Prevalence rate From ANIEKAN ANIEKAN, Calabar

ROSSRiver State might be winning the fight against HIV/AIDS in the country going by recent statistics published by the National Agency for the Control of Aids (NACA). According to the statistics, the prevalence rate of the virus declined from 6.6% to about 2% in the state, an indication that the strategies and initiatives adopted by the State Agency for the Control of Aids (SACA) to contain the scourge are bearing fruits. With NACA appraising the strategies deployed by the state agency with a view to further expanding access to medical care to control of the scourge, caregivers and health workers involved in managing the scourge gave insights on the strategies. The coordinator of the ART Centre at the General Hospital Calabar, Catherine Eyo, said they work alongside community pharmacists and some non-governmental organizations (NGOs) to help patients manage the virus. She said the idea of community pharmacists is to ensure that patients get a timely access to medications and besides giving medications, case managers resident at the community level also give appropriate knowledge to the patients to enable them to lead healthy lives. According to her, “at the General Hospital, we have integration services where the patients are seen regularly and some of them who cannot come here are sent to community pharmacists where they pay a token. “You must be screened, ascertained to be eligible and a pre-patient is examined to make sure you don’t have any diseased condition. We have 3,250 patients and a number of them are with the community pharmacists. The viral load has to be suppressed and we ensure that they are not hypertensive and diabetic. “We advise them on how to take care of themselves and we have case-managers who are being employed to work hand in hand with the hospital. “We also track patients to remind them when their cases are due. We have to do this because, without this, the patient may not take the drug thereby worsening the scourge of the menace in the state.”

HIV/AIDS: C’River’s thriving strategy against a menace

•HIV victim A Community Health Officer in Big Qua, Helen Usim, said they work hand in hand with traditional birth attendants (TBAs) to ensure that pregnant mothers do not transmit the virus to newborn infants. She said: “We go the extra mile and try so hard especially tracking pregnant mothers to come for prenatal care and also liaise with TBAs to make them know that it is not their duty to treat pregnant mothers but refer them to us for proper procedures. “Most of them who come here see reasons to adhere to their medications and we actually follow them up because we have instances where patients throw away the

drugs. “We deploy adherence counselling because initially the pregnant mothers may be stubborn, and attribute the ailment to spiritual attack but when we talk to them, they come back to be treated and the drugs are always available. “We have their registers and ensure that we go through the processes. If after six months the newborn infant is negative, it means they will be so for life.” Nsa Ekpenyong, the Officer in Charge of the Primary Health Centre, Akim said they regularly interface with members of the

community and let them know what they have to know about the virus and health education. “We have clients who come in to access HIV/AIDS on a daily basis. We let the local people within the community know the services we render and in the course of this, we meet those with the virus. “Those who are reactive, if pregnant, we immediately counsel and enrol the patient. If not pregnant, we conduct a CD4 count to know the viral load and then start treatment immediately. “There are those who have the virus and refuse to take drugs, prefer faith healing or herbal treatment. But we normally do follow up and try to convince them that the quicker they come the better but the recalcitrant ones do relocate. “We take the pains to go to some patients because our duty is to save lives and we do this confidentially so as to avoid any form of stigmatization by their neighbours. “For the TBA’s we have our special days where we go on outreach to our immediate community. We tell them we are coming with our kits, to do tests like malaria, AIDS and when once we identify a positive case, we enrol the patient for treatment”. The coordinator of Cross River State Network of people living with HIV, Cecilia Ofun, commended the government for making the medication available across health centres in the state for patients to access. She, however, called on the government to continue keying into the initiative since donors have made the drugs available so as to make them readily accessible to the patients. She said the network has been spreading the awareness in the support groups so as to enable patients to take their drugs timely so as to improve their health.

The Oracle Today Monday June 24 - 30, 2019

ENTERTAINMENT

With Douglas Omoyooma

My ideal man

Azizat Sadiq By Douglas Omoyooma

ctress, Azizat Sadiq needs no introduction. Among others she has starred in movies like Sitanda and Prey and also featured prominently in Mnet’s sitcom ‘Edge of Paradise’ and the BBC’s Wetin Dey series. Oracle Today caught up with the actress and she opened up on her ideal man, sex before marriage and where she has been all this while among other interesting issues.

Gratitude To Fans Having come thus far, she has a word of gratitude for her fans. Hear her: “Thank you for all the support all through the years even when I was away. My first production Chi’s Journey would be out soon, please follow me @ zeezasadiq on instagram, Facebook and twitter to get all the updates and I will also love your honest reviews. You guys are the best!”

Speaking on her ideal man she begins as her features melt in a smile: “Actually I can date or marry a man who doesn’t practise my religion; for real. I am more spiritual than religious and some times we tend to get caught up in religion rather than what religion preaches which is love. My ideal man must be kind, considerate, hardworking and benevolent. Let me inform you that I am engaged to my best friend and we are practically married as we have met each other’s family.” Talking about the new man in her life. A while ago there were speculations that she was pregnant. How true is that? “Really?” she begins smiling mischievously as she laughs. “Well, time will tell. Let’s just leave speculators to continue speculating. But let’s wait and see.” For a while she has been under the radar and fans who have been wondering where the actress has been need not worry anymore as she reveals what she has been up to and her latest movie projects. “I want to assure my fans that I am back for good. The reason why I have been scarce is that I went away to the United Kingdom for schooling and to hone my skills as an actress. While I was there, I ended up working for a while. I discovered myself as an individual and also created value in myself as a person. While in the UK I shot movies like Bukky, Urban Rhythm, Shattered, The Engagement, and of course, Chi’s Journey. Chi’s Journey was the most challenging because I had to produce and act at the same time. That was really tough.”

Now that she is back, what would she say has changed about Nollywood: “Changes in the industry are a welcome development. The involvement of cooperate organisations has been very good for the industry and would contribute to general economic growth in Nigeria. Also our industry is generating better produced films and that contribute to a creating a positive image of our beloved country. So all in all positive changes which is good. But I must confess I missed a lot about

Nigeria. I missed the weather, the beaches, and my family the most. I also missed working in Nollywood, the zeal and passion that it involves.” What’s your take on sex before marriage? “This sounds like a tricky question. It happens and to act like it doesn’t is being hypocritical. I think the best thing is to be educated and practice the ABC of sex. Abstinence, Be faithful or Condoms. Protect yourself.

“Actually I can date or marry a man who doesn’t practise my religion; for real. I am more spiritual than religious and some times we tend to get caught up in religion rather than what religion preaches which is love. My ideal man must be kind, considerate, hardworking and benevolent”

The Oracle Today Monday June 24 - 30, 2019

It happened to me:

y daughter Olivia was due to start school and I attended the parents information session to find out how best to prepare my baby girl for big school. I walked into a full room of mother’s looking me up and down and I immediately knew what they were thinking. I had my daughter when I was 16 and was now only 21 so I did stick out like a sore thumb in a sea of middle-aged faces. It was quite a formidable school with an excellent academic reputation and I knew that in an area like this having a baby in your teens was not the norm. I prided myself on having got my life together — since having my baby I’d met a wonderful older man, Steve who took on Olivia as his own, and provided me with life’s luxuries including a beautiful house and a nice car. I’d gone back to college and enjoyed working part-time as a dental nurse, in fact the only thing I didn’t have was my own family and friends as they had turned their backs on me when I fell pregnant. Steve’s parents had passed and he had no siblings so it was pretty much just the three of us which was lonely and isolated at times. When Olivia started school I volunteered in the canteen and joined the P&C and found parents beginning to slowly open up to me, it was then I met Joanne. Joanne was in her early thirties and was just so bubbly and easy going, she seemed to understand what I had been through and included me in working

‘I drove away my only true friend’ bees and encouraged me to help on class trips. We became firm friends and conveniently lived close-by so saw each other a lot, she was my only friend and I was determined to keep her in my life. I suggested we should walk to get fit and walk the girls home from school together every afternoon which she too thought was a great idea. I also started cooking extra at dinner and dropping it around to her house on my way past. I planned shopping trips and family outings together and was thrilled to have found a soul mate. I often rang Joanne in the evening to have a chat before I went to sleep and it was during one of our regular chats that Joanne dropped a bomb. Joanne said I was smothering her and she needed more family time but that she would still see me at school, I said I understood but I was deeply hurt and had no idea where this was coming from. I had thought everything was great. I started to feel isolated again as

Joanne withdrew further, so I began to follow her from school so we could run into each other shopping and changed my volunteer day in the canteen to the same as hers. I even took my daughter and enrolled her at the same dance school as Joanne’s child so that we could hang out during lessons, but Joanne wasn’t the same around me — the comfortable closeness we had shared had gone. My hurt turned to irrational thinking and I felt sure some other mother had been jealous and tried to break up our friendship. It rapidly got to the stage where Joanne would see me and walk the other way. I drove to her house to find out why she turned her back on me and saw Sarah who was another mother from our school at her house. I was furious being convinced Sarah had been filling Joanne’s head with lies about me as she had always turned up her nose at me. I got out of the car and seeing red slapped Sarah across the face. Sarah had a complete look of shock on her face.

I wanted the driveway to swallow me up when I heard Sarah had gone to Joanne’s house to bring her daughter’s school bag back after Sarah’s daughter had picked it up by mistake. I left in a hurry embarrassed at what I had become, I was using Joanne to fill a void in my life. I arranged to see a therapist and would apologise to Joanne and Sarah on Monday. Monday came and there was no sign of Joanne. I found out she had taken her daughter out of the school. I was completely distraught at what I had done. Everyone soon found out due to Sarah’s big mouth. I needed a fresh start so have moved Olivia to a new school two suburbs away and have started to make new friends but have learnt a lot of important lessons, not the least about boundaries.

Do you have a story or comment about this confession? Call 07031028714.

The Oracle Today Monday June 24 - 30, 2019

Entertainment All set for Eddy Ugboma’s burial

REVEALED: Patorankin neither drinks, smokes nor uses hard drugs Patorankin

t has emerged that dancehall act, Patrorankin neither smokes, drinks or uses hard drugs despite working in an industry where the practice is generally accepted. According to a source who spoke to TS Weekend during the listening party for his latest album which was held in Ikoyi, Lagos, unlike most hip hop acts, Patoranking is a rare exception because he deviates from the norm as the act never smokes or drinks to get inspiration for performance or writing songs. “That Patorankin is one of the hottest male acts in the industry

is not in doubt and he has been consistent since he released his debut single, Girle-o, which was followed by a successful colabo with Tiwa Savage after which his career has been on an upward trajectory. “Forget the fact that for over three hours he was dancing and entertaining guests at his album listening party clutching a bottle of brandy and a Havana cigar. Patorankin neither smokes nor drinks, not even marijuana so people are wondering where he gets all the strength and creative juice that has set him apart in the

industry from. The truth that he has a natural high which he taps into so he does not need stimulants to do his thing.” Recall that during the launch of his latest album, an event which attracted the creme de la creme of the industry including Tuface Idibia, D Banj, Tiwa Savage and of course, Starboi, Wizkid, images of him clutching a Havana cigar and a bottle of brandy while entertaining guests with songs from his new album had gone viral prompting people to think that he indulges in them. To buttress his point the source queried: “Did you notice that for over three hours he was clutching that cigarette and brandy, did you see him drink or smoke? That is Patorankin for you, that is his own way of sending a message subtly.” Entitled Wilmer and named after his daughter, Wilmer Okorie, guests that hit the venue included Oba Saheed Elegushi, Larry Gaga, Sound Sultan, DJ Neptune, DJ Jimmy Jatt, DJ Spinall, Phyno, Don Jazzy, Omawumi and Yemi Alade among a host of others.

Give peace a chance in Sudan-Chidinma Aaron, Miss Nigeria cries out

s the crisis in Sudan spins out of control, Miss Nigeria, Chidimma Aaron, has called efforts across the world to rein in the Sudanese crisis which has resulted in numerous deaths and rape of protesters and uphold the will of the Sudanese people. In a statement made available to TSweekend, Aaron said: “There are numerous reports on the tragic violence against protesters from Sudan as a consequence of the out steer of ex Sudanese President, Omar al-Bashir, who was President for decades. As reported, hospitals in the capital had estimated more than 70 cases of rape and over 100 deaths. “In the above light, there is a pressing need to put an end to the chaos and the human rights abuses.

I recognise the efforts of the media in the creation of awareness. However, more needs to be done by the media to open up this issue. This will aid in attracting all the support needed to end the violence and restore peace to the region. According to her, amid the chaos, it is important to note the efforts of UNICEF and other relief organisations. Aaron continued: “There are also petitions calling for a UN investigation into the violence against protesters and calls for awareness on the issue from celebrities and public figures across the world. It has been reported that the U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs Tibor P. Nagy, accompanied by a special envoy has met with leaders in Sudan in efforts to support a political solution to

Emmix out with Fowonlenu

F Chidinma Aaron the current crisis that reflects the will of the Sudanese people. As the proceedings of the meeting are awaited, I urge us all to focus energy on positive efforts aimed at bettering the plight of the Sudanese people.”

TAFF 2019 to honour AnyamOsigwe, Benjamin Oyango

Peace Anyam-Osigwe

otable African film makers are expected to storm the city of Dallas, Texas, from June 27, as this year’s edition of The African Film Festival (TAFF) kicks-off. In a statement, Festival Director/founder TAFF, Kelechi Eke revealed that those to be honored include Peace Anyam-Osigwe and Kenya’s Benjamin Oyango. He disclosed that while Peace Anyiam-Osigwe will be honoured with the African Film Pioneer Award in recognition of her contributions to the development of the African film sector, Benjamin Oyango will be honoured with the award for

n May 11, 2019, veteran moviemaker Eddy Ugboma passed on at the ripe age of 79 after a protracted battle with illness throwing the entertainment industry into mourning. Now, according to a statement from his family, Ugboma begins his final homeward journey on July 10 when a tribute will be held in his honour which will also coincide with the launch of his biography entitled Eddy By Eddy at the national Theatre at 10am. On Tuesday, July 11, Service of Songs will be held in his honour at the National Theatre, Lagos, at 4pm, and also at Industry Night at 5pm. On Wednesday, July 12, Lying in State will take place at 9am while Burial Service will commence at 10 am. Interment follows immediately at the Vault Gardens, Ikoyi, Lagos, and this will be followed by entertainment of guests at National Theatre by 1am. Until his death, Ugbomah held the record of the only African to have shot 13 films on celluloid. A former DG of the Nigerian Film Corporation (NFC), his movies included blockbusters like The Rise and Fall of Oyenusi, Oil Doom, The Mask and The Boy is Good among others.

African film Legend. Among others, Kelechi said the festival will climax on June 30 with an awards night while the opening, ceremony will witness a marathon of short films from across the continent. Expected at this year’s festival are Hon. Astrid Madiya Ntumba, Democratic Republic of Congo’s Minister of Arts & Culture, Robert Peters, Nigerian Atlanta-based film director and Nevada Neville, Nigerian Atlanta-based producer. Others are Stella Damasus, Charles Billion, Emem Isong, Billy Richardson, Ghanaian Producer and Tiana Bibish among a host of others.

ollowing the success of his debut single, Blessings, fast-rising rapper, afro/pop singer and song writer, Oludare Segun Emmanuel aka Emmix has unleashed his sophomore single entitled Fowonlenu. Speaking with TSWeekend, Emmix, an undergraduate of Civil Engineering from the University of Benin (UNIBEN) said: “I am really excited as I have just release my debut single entitled Fowonlenu. Fowonlenu is a great song which will touch many lives. I want all my fans to go online and download it. Fowonlenu was produced by Xsmile. Fowonlenu has an irresistible dance melody which is making waves currently in the Nigeria music industry.” Born November 18, 1996, to a family of four, Emmix was raised in Akure, the Kwara State capital. Emmix started his career as a member of the choir in church in 2009. That move triggered his love for music and he involved into a rapper and singer. He joined a music group call SSR(Senior Squad Rhythms) in 2009 and recorded his first rap song in 2010, which was produced by his crew mate, Xsmile.

The Oracle Today Monday June 24 - 30, 2019

Crime

Lagos parades two LASTMA officers for alleged extortion Stories by VICTOR NZE

wo officers of the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA), who allegedly received gratification from a traffic offender, have been paraded at the Lagos Governor’s office in Ikeja. The officers whose names were not revealed were summoned to the Governor’s office on Friday, following a petition from a lawyer to the offender. The two LASTMA officials allegedly received undisclosed amount of cash into their personal bank accounts as bribe to free the offender, who claimed to be driving on a one-way lane unknowingly. During a fact-finding engagement with the Deputy Governor, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat, the two officers admitted that they collected gratification from the offender, but claimed the offender paid the money to show appreciation. Hamzat condemned the act, not-

ing that LASTMA officers did not have a brief to receive gratification from members of the public for carrying out their statutory duty. The Deputy Governor disclosed that disciplinary actions would be taken against the erring officers immediately, adding that the punitive measures would serve as deterrent to other officers with similar motive to extort money from motorists. He said: “These two officials allegedly extorted money from an offender whose lawyer sent a petition to us. We have listened to their stories, but we are not convinced by their defence. “For further action, the two officers have been referred to LASTMA for further investigation and possible disciplinary actions. The law must take its course. This effort is to inform members of the public that LASTMA is created to make life easy for all of us. “In carrying out their statutory

duties, no agency of government is allowed to harass citizens. We advise residents not to pay penalty into personal bank accounts of government officials. LASTMA and other agencies have their direct lines to lodge complaints. General Manager, LASTMA, Mr. Wale Musa, who was at the meeting, also warned officers against extortion, saying the agency had stepped up its monitoring activities

to eliminate extortion. He said: “No LASTMA officer has right to issue penalty ticket. We are ready to discipline erring officers. If they misbehave, the law will deal with them. The public should report any officer through designated numbers published on our website. We don’t condone indiscipline. The way we penalise violators of traffic laws is the way we will deal with our officers too.”

‘My master pays me N170k for every male head I severe, N160k for females’ – Man T he Police Command in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Abuja says it has arrested one Mustapha Aliyu, 22, with a freshly severed human head. Commissioner of Police in charge of the command, Mr Bala Ciroma, disclosed this in a statement on Friday in Abuja. He said the suspect was arrested on May 19 following a distress call to police operatives in the territory. The commissioner said that the victim was a 3-year old boy of Rugan Fulani near Leleyi village in Kwali Area Council of the territory.

He said the suspect had confessed that prior to his arrest he had beheaded four children and given their heads to his master who was now at large. Ciroma said the suspect told the police that he was paid N170,000 for every male head he severed and N160,000 for every female victim by his master. He said his victims were taken from Sheda, Kwali, Kilankwa, Gwako and Leleyi villages all in Kwali Area Council. The police boss said efforts were •The two Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) officials paraded being intensified to arrest his mas- at the Governor’s office on Friday following a petition from a lawyer for allegedly receiving gratification from a traffic offender ter who was currently at large.

Police recover IED in Anambra

in Anambra have arrestPbersolice ed five suspected armed roband cultists, the command’s

Spokesman, Mr Haruna Mohammed, said in statement in Awka on Friday. Mohammed said that the command also recovered an Impoverished Explosive Device (IED) sighted behind an Observation Point of policemen attached to 54PMF along Otuocha-Nando road. He said that arrest and recovery were made by operatives of the recently launched “Operation Puff Adder’’ and patrol teams. Mohammed stated that on Thursday, at about 9.10 p.m, the operatives and the patrol team attached to Ogidi Division received a distress call that some cult boys were operating around St. Philip’s Church in Ogidi. “The operatives responded swiftly and rushed to the scene where the hoodlums in their numbers allegedly engaged the patrol teams in gun duel, but were overpowered and four suspects were arrested on the spot. “The suspects are Chijoke Okolo, 19; Chukwudi Kosiso, 17, of Nkwelle Ogidi; Chukwuebuka Anayo, 22 and

…Arrest 5 suspected armed bandits, 122 suspected criminals in Kano

Akpu Chinese, 19, both of Ogbuinike in Oyi Local Government Area,” he said. He said that one locally-made pistol and three live cartridges were recovered from the suspects. Mohammed claimed that the same gang numbering over 10 men had at about 8 p.m. on the same date, robbed one Ukamaka Amobi, a female, at Ekeweje Ogidi. He said that the suspects dispossessed their victim of her two telephones and cash of N10, 000, and shot and wounded one Nzubechukwu Okwonko on his hand. He said that the fifth suspect, one Tochukwu Okeke of Nkwelle Ogidi was arrested in a bush where four other suspects were arrested earlier on same day. On the IED, Mohammed explained that on sighting the object, police cordoned off the area. According to him, a white paint bucket filled with shrapnel glued together with cement and connected with two wires, extended to nearby bush was examined and confirmed to be an IED.

He said that the device was successfully deactivated and evacuated to a safer location for demobilisation. In a related development, the Police Command in Kano State on Friday said it had arrested 122 suspected criminals in its intensified onslaught against crime and threats to security in the state. Commissioner of Police in the state, Mr Ahmed Iliyasu, told newsmen in Kano that suspects were apprehended between June 7 and Friday in raids of criminal hideouts and black spots across the state. Iliyasu said that the command had put new operational strategies, including technical intelligence-gathering and community policing, in place in line with the mission of “Operation Puff-Adder’’ intended to rid that state of all forms of criminality. He said that three persons suspected to have kidnapped a bride and her two friends but were later rescued by the police, were nabbed at Falgore forest. He added that 11 suspected armed robbers were arrested within Kano

metropolis on Thursday. The commissioner also said that on June 13, seven imposters were arrested for criminally conspiring and parading themselves as National Guard personnel attached to Kano unit. He said that the suspects wore armed forces and paramilitary kits and were extorting money from the public. Similarly, he said that 82 hoodlums popularly known as ‘Yan daba’, including two ATM scammers, were apprehended during the raids. Illiyasu said that one Pump Action gun, with 15 rounds of live cartridges, 115 live ammunition of AK 47 Rifle, three stolen vehicles, 53 bags of suspected Cocaine, 43 knives and 58 clubs (Gora) were recovered from the suspects. He listed other items recovered as 20 other dangerous weapons and breaking implements, nine cartons of expired Bio-Vein Injection used for insemination and hallucination. Others were 10 handsets, one laptop, a desktop, large quantity of hard drugs, rubber solution and “suck and die”.

‘Operation Puff Adder’ arrests 38 kidnap suspects under 2wks in June olice operatives attached to Ptween Operation Puff Adder have beJune 5 and 19, this year, ar-

rested a total of 32 kidnap suspects including 4 involved in the kidnap of Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) Chairman, his daughter and the killing of his driver. The operatives also recovered 11 AK-47 rifles, 2 Pump Action guns, 3 locally-made pistols, 12 dane guns, 2 revolver pistols, 10 live cartridges, 77 live ammunition and 2 Volkswagen vehicles. According to a statement by Mr Frank Mba, the Force Public Relations Officer, Force Headquarters, Abuja, “the arrest of the 4 suspects is sequel to the massive manhunt launched to apprehend the fleeing members of the kidnap gang involved in the kidnap of UBEC Chairman. “It would be recalled that some gang members had fled following the death of their Gang Leader/ Kidnap Kingpin, one Sumaila Sule a.k.a Shaho, who died on 18th May, 2019 as a result of bullet injuries sustained during a shoot-out with Police Operatives.” Similarly, the Police Operatives, within the period under review, have following raids of criminal hideouts in Kainji, New Bussa, Mariga Bangi and Charagi in Niger and Kwara State respectively and Birnin Yero forest along Birnin Gwari, Garu Rahama, Gaidan Gaya in Kaduna State, arrested 28 other notorious kidnappers/armed robbers, including one Abubakar Umar a.k.a Buba Dogo. Mba said investigation reveals that Abubakar Umar is a specialist in the kidnap of foreign nationals whom he keeps hostage until substantial ransoms are paid.

‘We hide our guns under okada seats’ – kidnapper

notorious kidnapper and cattleA rustler, Abdulrahman Muhammad, said they (bandits and kidnap-

pers) usually hide their guns and other deadly weapons under the seat of motorcycles when they want to go and carry out their operations. Muhammad, 32, told Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Husseini Gimba of the Inspector General of Police (IGP) Special Tactical Squad (STS) who interrogated him, that he often joined 10 other kidnappers to abduct harmless travelers on the popular Kaduna-Abuja Highway, Niger, Zamfara, Katsina and Kano States, while also terrorizing Zaria/ Katchia axis in Kaduna. The Katsina-born criminal, said he started armed banditry and kidnapping for ransom, precisely in 2016. The young kidnapper, said though they received N950, 000 as ransom for the two women and one man they abducted recently, a member of their gang called ‘Yellow’ raped the innocent women twice, while they were still kept in hostage. He said each of their gang-member got N100, 000 from the ransom paid by relations of the two ladies. Quizzed by DSP Gimba on how guns and other ammunition are supplied to them, the middle-aged Fulani kidnapper, said he bought the AK-47 gun he had been using for kidnapping and rustling activities for N550,000 three years ago.

The Oracle Today Monday June 24 - 30, 2019

SPORTS

AFCON: Musa, biggest threat in Eagles –Babangida By MADUABUCHI KALU with agency report

Our objective‘s AFCON trophy –Mikel By MADUABUCHI KALU

uper Eagles captain, John ObiMikel, has disclosed that the objective of the team is to go all out and win the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations which kicked off in Egypt on Friday. Nigeria startedtheir quest for a fourth African title in senior men’s football when they took to the field against the ItambaRuMugamba of Burundi at the 20,000 –capacity Alexandria Stadium on Saturday evening. Burundi, it is noted are making its first –ever appearance at African football’s top table while Egypt 2019 is Nigeria’s 18th attempt, with three titles, four silver medals and five bronze medals to show for her efforts. The Super Eagles know they must work out a great start to the campaign by taking all three points off Burundi, and Captain John Obi Mikeltold thenff.com that

Sanwo-Olu fires DG Lagos Sports Commission By MADUABUCHI KALU agos State Governor, BabajideOlusolaSanwo-Olu, during the week, approved the sacking of the Director General of the State Sports Commission, Mr.Babatunde Bank Anthony.

there is no reason to pull punches. “There would have been no reason to come here if we were not going to go all out for the Cup,” he said. “It is not something that is up for debate. Whenever we step out there, the objective is to win. “The last time we appeared at the AFCON, we won the competition. There are several new players in our squad now, who were not in South Africa six years ago. But the spirit of the champion team still subsists.” It is recalled that after lifting a third title in South Africa in 2013, Nigeria failed to qualify for the 2015 finals in Equatorial Guinea and the 2017 finals in Gabon, but made sure of a ticket to Egypt with a match to spare after beating Seychelles away, back-to-back wins over Libya and a score draw in South Africa. Franco-German tactician,Gernot Rohr has described his wards as a ‘young and ambitious group’ with so many new faces, yet retaining the steel, skill and savvy of a team capable of breaking down the strongest defensive walls while erecting an impregnable one of their own.

The Governor however, approved the appointment of Mr.OluwatoyinGafarBolowotan as Bank Anthony’s replacement at the Sports Commission. This development was made public via a statement signed by Mr Hakeem MuriOkunola, the Head of Service, who stated that the appointment is in line with the ongoing reorganisation of the State Public

Service for efficient service delivery, even as he declared that the appointment is with immediate effect. It is recalled that Lagos did do well sports wise during the last administration as the out gone governor, AkinwunmiAmbode did not pay attention to sports. As a matter of fact, sports suffered untold neglect during Ambode’s time as many sporting events did not take place as planned.

•Sanwo-Olu

Gwangju 2019 gives final touch on venues construction

AFCON 2019: Okocha, Yoboare SportSportpundits

By MADUABUCHI KALU

By MADUABUCHI KALU with agency report

uperSport, Africa’s biggest sports broadcaster, has unveiled a host of big names to provide expert analyses of the tournament to ensure that the 2019 African Cup of Nation (AFCON) is more than a mere spectacle of soccer action. This will give DStv and GOtv subscribers, in addition to the analyses, background stories, colour pieces and breaking news. The big names drawn from across Africa include former national captains Austin Jay Jay Okocha, Joseph IkpoYobo and Ghana’s Laryea Kingston. Decorated former South African national team Coach, PitsoMosimane, Musa Otieno (Kenya), David Obua (Uganda) TinasheNengomashe (Zimbabwe), TekoModise (South Africa), Shaun Bartlett (South Africa) and Oliveira Goncalves (Angola, Maximo). Each match on DStv’s SS7 and GOtv’s Select 4 will include a one-hour build-up, plus a post-match wrap designed to give fans the full picture. Selected matches will also be broadcast on DStv’s SS8 and SS10, while GOtv viewers can catch selected matches on Select 2 and Select 5. Furthermore, SuperSport will have crews on hand to document the activities in each group to ensure fans are kept in the abreast with whatever happens on and off the field. Okocha it is recalled has always participated or served as pundit during important competition at the SuperSport, including during the last World Cup. YoboIkpoYobo has also featured as pundit or analyst during important

ijaniBabangida, former Super Eagles winger has disagreed with the school of thought that has it that China-based Jude OdionIghalo is the most prolific striker in the Eagles squad saying that Al-Nassr of Saudi Arabia forward, Ahmed Musa is the country’s most dangerous player at the Africa Cup of Nations in •Ahmed Musa Egypt. The former Ajax winger told AOIfootball.com in an exclusive interaction that Ahmed Musa is the best attacker in the current Eagles’ team. Babangida also talked about the expectations from some other players in the team. “He’s the best attacker in the team now. He’s got that everlasting pace that is needed in an attacker and he always steps up his game in tournaments and this one won’t be any different,” Babangida said. “Football is all about taking your chances when they come and Musa is a player that takes those chances on big occasions. He’s definitely the main threat in the team right now. “Of course I’m expecting Moses Simon and Alex Iwobi to do really well upfront as well as Onyekwuru,” Ahmed Musa is recalled is the only Nigerian player to have scored two goals in two World Cup and he did it against Nigeria’s perennial, rivals Argentina in 2014 in Brazil and debutantes Iceland. Babangida, it is recalled scored a total of 5 goals in 36 international caps and 76 club goals before he retired from professional football in 2004 and he has since become a coach and has taken his trade to different clubs in the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) and the last being Sunshine Stars of Akure.

•Okocha football game at the SuperSport. They are not the only Nigerian former internationals that have featured prominently as pundits at the SuperSport as we had the like of the late Stephen OkechukwuKeshi, Daniel Amokachi, Victor Ikpeba, Emmanuel Amuneke, SundayOgochukwuOliseh amongst others.

he 18th FINA World Championships, in Gwangju, Korea, is less than a month away (July 12-28) and final venue and organisation preparations are being completed. The modern village that will be divided into three separate zones is set to welcome the aquatic elite athletes as well as the officials and the international media covering the championships, while sports venues are also in the last stages of preparation to host FINA’s six disciplines. A total of five venues will be in operation in Gwangju and Yeosu: The Gwangju’sNambu University (swimming, water polo, diving) is the first venue in the nation to adopt a state-of-the-art operation system to provide the best water quality for the athletes and is on the path to become one of Asia’s most user friendly swimming facilities. The temporary water polo field will be built on a football pitch adjacent to the University. After the competition, the football field will be restored to its initial purpose. While Gwangju’s strengths lie in the quality of the venues, an efficient transportation plan, suitable accommodation, excellent TV production and good promotion plan, the local Organising Committee is assuring that the city is ready to welcome FINA showcase, the third in Asia after Fukuoka (JPN, 2001) and Shanghai (CHN, 2011). Confident of an excellent outcome next July, FINA President Dr. Julio C. Maglione said: “The Gwangju proposal was quite attractive and we knew Korea had an enormous potential to organise a major event of this calibre. Your country has hosted the summer and winter Olympic Games, as well as many other international events, and this accumulated experience is a precious asset to ensure a successful organisation of the FINA World Championships. The Gwangju bid was quite solid and we have received those guarantees from both the city of Gwangju, but also from the Government of Korea.”

The Oracle Today Monday June 24 - 30, 2019

SPORTS AFCON 2019: Femi Kuti, 2 others thrill at colourful opening ceremony

Truth about Samoura’s appointment as CAF administrator by FIFA By MADUABUCHI KALU

here is no gain saying that all is not well with continental football governing, Confederation of Africa Football (CAF), particularly as it was widely reported in global media earlier in the month, on the 6th of June to be precise that CAF President, Ahmad Ahmad was arrested in France, where he was attending FIFA Congress over alleged financial impropriety. Of course, the former Malagasy cabinet minister’s problem started when he was reported last month (May) to the FIFA’s ethics committee for alleged corruption and sexual harassment by former CAF general secretary, AmrFahmy, who was then fired. Reports of Ahmad’s arrest were published by French-based panAfrican magazine, Jeune Africa, who said the 59-year-old football administrator had been detained at his hotel in Paris, where he was attending the FIFA Congress.

His arrest by the Central Office for the Fight against Corruption and Financial and Tax Offences (Oclif), is reportedly in connection with a contract that CAF terminated with German equipment manufacturer Puma in favor of Technical Steel. Ahmad was accused of having influenced the decision, standing to be rewarded with up to $830,000. He has since denied the allegations. However, the truth of the appointment of Senegalese-born FatmaSamoura to oversee the activities of CAF from 1st August 2019 for the first six month with the relationship “renewable with the agreement of both organisations” was an agreement between CAF and FIFA and not that FIFA just took a unilateral decision to send Samoura to administer the organisation on behalf of the global football governing body as it is being wrongly insinuated in some quarters. First and foremost, it is perti-

nent to note that it was CAF President, Ahmad Ahmad who made a proposed to the body’s Executive Committee that gathered in Cairo on 19 June 2019, to seek FIFA’s expertise to assess the current situation in the African governing body and help to conclusively accelerate the implementation of the ongoing reform process destined to ensure that CAF functions with transparency, efficiency while abiding to the highest governance standards. The Executive Committee unanimously approved the proposal of CAF President. As part of this process, it was also agreed that FIFA and CAF will undertake as soon as possible, a full forensic audit of CAF. In light of this, CAF and FIFA agreed to appoint FIFA Secretary General, FatmaSamoura as “FIFA General Delegate for Africa” for a 6-month period from 1 August 2019 to 31 January 2020, renewable with the agreement of both organisations.

igeria’s national team, Super Eagles are chasing a whopping sum of $4.5m at this year’s Africa Cup of Nations in Egypt, where very huge and stunning monetary figures are on offer in various new dimensions in the competition’s first 24-team expanded edition. Nigeria opened their campaign 24 hours after the opening ceremony and first match of the continental contest, in which hosts, Egypt defeated debutants Zimbabwe 1-0. The competitive nature of the Eagles’ start to their quest for glory at Egypt has further being underscored by revelations of the startling figures on offer, in terms of financial gains for each level of the race to the final on July 19 in Cairo, Egypt. In the new monetary regime announced by Confederation of African Football (CAF), each country will get $475,000 as last placed in any of the groups, while third placed will go home early as well with $575,000.

he 2019 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) was heralded with a spectacular and colourful opening ceremony inside the jampacked 75, 000 capacity Cairo International Stadium in Egypt. The Egyptians did not disappoint with a well choreographed and technological propelled opening ceremony, on Friday night. The breath-taking ceremony had in attendance, Egypt President Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi who delivered Coast as a welcome address, FIFA president, Gianni Infantino and CAF president, they performed their new song Ahmad Ahmad among other Metgamaeen (Together), whose lyrics are in Arabic, English and dignitaries. “I welcome all of you, our dear French. The short but glamourous African brothers, in your second homeland, wishing you happiness,” ceremony was brought to an end with colourful fireworks that lit up Al-Sisi said in his address Nigeria’s legendary Afro-beat the stadium. It was followed by an equally singer, Femi Kuti was subsequently joined on stage by Egyptian pop entertaining match between host singer and DobetGnahoré of Ivory Egypt and Zimbabwe.

LMC must go back to regular league format –Ekpo By MADUABUCHI KALU with agency report

ormer international, Friday Ekpo, has charged the League Management Company (LMC) to return to a regular Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) season where 38 matches are played over a period of nine months rather than the abridged league that was used during the just concluded season. Speaking with League Rendezvous, the former Abiola Babes star said going back to the abridged season would be dangerous for the development of the league. While applauding the LMC for the organisation of the Super VI which produced Enyimba as the champions, he called on them to try their best and make sure Nigerians are given opportunity to watch the NPFL on television. “I want to applaud the LMC for organising the Super VI and also taking it to Lagos,” he said. “The Super VI came as a result of the abridged league due to the peculiar situation in which we found ourselves. With all said and done, I will advise we return to the regular 38 league matches for us to know

the real winners of the league. “Scenarios like this always play back when we get to the continent, which will show our level of preparedness, because we didn’t play a full strength league. “All the same, I want to give the LMC kudos and also all the teams that took part in the playoffs because the kinds of performance I witnessed were unprecedented. They have all proved to us that they are good and well trained. “Also, I am happy that finally we had our league on TV during the last two days of the playoffs, this is one of the things that were missing during the regular season. The fact remains that not everyone can travel for all the games, or be at the stadium every matchday. “But the games being on TV afforded more people the opportunity to watch matches live and it shows that we can organise our league properly. “I will not advise us to continue the abridged league because it was not a normal situation that made us to go for it in the first instance. “So now that we have sorted out what caused it initially, then we should go back to the regular season. We should continue to play the whole 38 matches.”

Torres announces retirement from football

F Eagles target $4.5m champions’ prize money at AFCON 2019 Each team that qualifies for the quarter-finals at Egypt 2019 will get $800,000 as reward for their efforts, while fees for the semi-finalists will range from their strides in the competitions last four matches.

Fourth place will get $1.5m, third place goes home with $2m, while the runners-up receive $2.5m, and the champions on July 19 will smile with a princely sum of $4.5m (which is about N1.62bn).

ormer Liverpool, Chelsea and Spain forward, Fernando Torres has announced his retirement from professional football. Torres, who is currently playing for Japanese side, Sagan Tosu took to his social media handle to make the emotional announcement. He wrote: “I have something very important to announce. After 18 exciting years, the time has come to put an end to my football career. “Next Sunday, the 23rd at 10:00AM, local time in Japan, I will have a press conference in Tokyo to explain all the details. See you there.” Haven endured a torrid time with Chelsea, Torres moved

to AC Milan on loan in 2014, before rejoining his boyhood club,Athletico Madrid where he won the Europa league before leaving for Sagan Tosu in July 2018. Torres, who has scored only four goals in 32 games for the J League side, enjoyed individual success with Liverpool , where scored 81 goals in 142 games without any trophy before his shock move to Chelsea on Deadline Day in January 2011. The high points of the forward‘s was winning the 2010 World Cupand Euro 2008 and 2012 with Spain. He also won the UEFA Champions league and Europa league with Chelsea in 2012 and 2013 respectively.

The Oracle Today Wednesday June 24 - 30, 2019

NEWS

Why SE govs, groups oppose Miyetti Allah Cont’d from page 2

Fulani want to create a vigilance group, to take care of their cow, in another man’s house? It does not make any sense, except you want to take over that man’s house. “So, the proposal connotes ulterior motive, because, if there is need for any kind of special security that is essential for any part of the country, we have the Police, and people have been agitating for State Police. You cannot come to my house and ask me to give you gun to man my gate; are you trying to protect me or imprison me?” But, according to Amachree, “there is no cause for alarm yet, the whole plan is still beer parlour wish because, for one to form a vigilante, he must apply to the government to obtain Police permission. Let us wait until they make formal request to government. “I do not think that any government would issue such permission (although) citizens should be more security conscious about their immediate environment and be ready to protect it. If somebody tells you that he is coming to beat you up, you do not wait for Police to come and arrest him, you rather, ensure that he does not beat you up.” The security expert called on President Muhammadu Buhari to

come out and discredit and disown the rumour, whoever that is generating or spreading the rumour about Islamisationand Fulanisationagenda, especially now that there is an alleged demand by the Miyetti Allah to be allowed to float vigilance groups in the South East. “The society is ruled by perception and if people have this perception of Fulanisation and Islamisation, and that Fulanis are committing crimes and nobody is talking to them because the President is from there, such perception would develop into strong views that the present government is trying to Islamise and Fulanisethe country (and that is not good for the President).” ‘Our strategy in Abia is to sue for peace‘ Certain that the Miyetti Allah plot has no basis, Ikpeazu explains what Abia has done to make such plots unnecessary. He said: “One of the reasons we have no instances of Herders-Farmers clash in Abia is because we adopted an innovative and unique strategy which takes a human view of the situation. “I spent seven years in the North as an undergraduate and postgraduate student, and I have a fair idea of how the average Fulani behaves and thinks. “We set up Mediation Committees at the State and Local Gov-

ernment levels. When cows destroy crops, the cows don’t know the difference between cash crops and normal grass. Someone must take responsibility. “I have mandated the mediation committee to investigate real cases of destruction of farmlands and even, the killing of cows and when such instances are confirmed, I choose to pay either the owner of the farm or the cow owner as the case maybe. One human life is more expensive than all the cows put together. “However, our major emphasis is on ensuring peaceful coexistence amongst all those concerned. This is why we hear little about clashes in Abia. There are herdsmen in Abia but we have managed to create a template that ensures peace.” They should take their service elsewhere For the President-General of Coalition of South Youth Leaders (COSEYL), Chief Godwin Ibem, “Miyetti Allah’s secret agenda is to fulanize, Islamize and declare jihad in the South East zone. Wondering about what they could be looking for in the South East zone when they already have enough land in the North to graze and feed their cattle, he said, “for the past 12 years, Boko Haram and armed bandits have been terrorizing the Northern states and Mi-

yetti Allah did not deem it fit to establish a vigilante to protect their region and fight the insurgency. “They could not chase away armed bandits in Kaduna-Abuja high way, they couldn’t form vigilantes to stop killings in Zamfara, Adamawa and Borno states. The only place they are concerned with establishing a vigilance group is in the South East . We don’t need your vigilance, take it to the North and protect your states,” Ibem said. He enjoined the Houses of Assembly in the South East to make laws for establishment of the dreaded Bakassi Boys who will not only operate in the South East but would also be deployed to the 19 Northern states to protect Ndigbo and their businesses in the region. They want to test our might – Nwokocha A civil society activist, Innocent Nwokocha, is cautious that the MACBAN demand should not be treated with kid gloves, or else, the South East might be in for big trouble. The Miyetti Allah may have even commenced the real vigilante work before making their demand. His worry is that, “this statement from Miyetti Allah is a strategic one aimed to under study the reaction and capacity of the entire South East populace. “The real vigilante work may be

Anambra Govt revives ASMATA as new traders’ association From OGE ONYEANUSI, Nnewi HE Anambra State GovernTgamated ment has disbanded the AmalMarket Traders Asso-

ciation, (AMATAS), the umbrella body of all markets in the state, which had piloted the affairs of markets in the state for the past 12 years. In its place, the government reconstituted and inaugurated a 34-member executive for the defunct Anambra State Markets Amalgamated Traders Association, (ASMATA). The executive is led by former chairman of Onitsha Main Market, Mr. Ikechukwu Ekwegbalu as its President General. Other members are Jude Agumadu, Ist Vice President; Obinna Okechukwu, 2nd Vice President; Chinwendu Ezeigwe, Woman Leader; Rosemary Anazodo, Secretary General; Nelson Ojukwu, Treasurer and Ikechukwu Victor Orizu, Welfare Officer. The patrons are Chief G.U Okeke, Chief Innocent Chukwuma and Chief Rommy Ezeonwuka. The zonal leaders of the reconstituted executive are: Eddy Muozom and Obinna Okechukwu, Nnewi Zone; Emma Eddy and Ndubisi Ochiogwu, Ogbaru Zone; Sam Emeka, Onitsha Zone; Tony Ezechukwu Onwuetiaka, Idemili Zone; Anayo Nweke, Awka Zone and Humphrey Anuna/Okafor Ugochukwu, Aguata Zone. At the inauguration of the executive at the Jerome Udoji Secretariat complex, Awka, at the weekend, the Commissioner of Trade, Commerce and Wealth Creation, Dr. Christian Madubuko said that the exco has a renewable tenure of three months. He charged the executive to maintain peace and cleanliness in all the state markets, while ensuring that all tolls derivable from markets, and acrruable to the state government are judiciously paid into government treasury.

He charged the executive with the responsibility of conducting election into the ASMATA leadership whenever government asked them to do so, adding that they will be collectively or individually relieved of their positions if found guilty of connivance or stealing government fund. Explaining the reconstitution of ASMATA, Madubuko said that the state inaugurated the association during the Dr. Chris Ngige administration. Along the line, the association that would have united trader was abolished and replaced by AMATAS, which was there for the past 12 years. According to the commissioner, “at the end of the tenure of the former President General of the PG of AMATAS, they were not able to conduct election or constitute new leadership, and the market body was marred by crisis. When the government stepped in, AMATAS told government that they were an NGO and would not entertain outsiders interfering in their affairs, and they went to court to claim that government had no affairs in AMATAS. “The government did not want to go to court with anybody, so we decided to revive ASMATA as an umbrella body for markets and traders in the state.” A patron of ASMATA, Chief Romney Ezeonwuka, said the new body will focus on restoring the integrity of doing business in Anambra. He claimed that under AMATAS, market leadership allowed touts to infiltrate markets, chasing customers away; but said that under the new leadership, the ease of doing business in Anambra will be restored. The leader of Nnewi zone and also President General of Nnewi Market Associations, Chief Edward Muozom, said that he would redouble his efforts especially in raising revenue from the markets for the state.

ongoing at the moment and this statement could only be a way of testing the waters. They might have been on it, perhaps, a long time ago,” Nwokocha said. Police supervises every vigilance group A former commissioner of police, FCT, Abuja, Lawrence Alobi, explains that, “you cannot establish vigilance group in that manner. Vigilante are supposed to be organised and supervised by the Police, to avoid abuse. However, internal security lies in the hands of the Police and I am certain that the Nigerian Police is capable to provide adequate internal security in the entire South East. In view of the current apprehension, I urge the Police to beef up security in the South East. I also advise citizens of the South East to be calm and not to work with rumours and insinuations. The Police should also up their community Policing mechanism in view of the prevailing alleged threat, fear and insinuations. There are laid down official rules for everything, including establishment of vigilante. Vigilante are not even supposed to carry firearms; Pump Action is prohibited firearm and any civilian that possess it, does so illegally.

Anambra moves to sanitize toll collection in markets From OGE ONYEANUSI, Nnewi he Anmabra State Governor, TMarket Willie Obiano has approved for Chairmen in the State to

•Okezie Ikpeazu

Okezie swears in TC chairmen, reappoints Info Commissioner From BONIFACE OKORO, Umuahia THE Abia State Governor Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu has sworn in chairmen and deputies of the Transition Committees in 17 local government areas. Sworn alongside the chairmen at the Michael Okpara Auditorium, Umuahia, was the commissioner for information, Chief John Okiyi Kalu who was reappointed because of his performance. The governor urged the appointees to be diligent in discharge of their duties as he explained that he reappointed Kalu due to his outstanding commitment towards realizing the objectives of the administration and urged him not to relent. “Once again you have been appointed because of your service to the local government and Abia, we expect you to correct the mis-

takes you have made,” the governor said. He charged the local government administrators to be open to suggestions and constructive criticisms, warning that government would not tolerate incompetence in service delivery. “We expect you to face the business of governance and administration because your activities are central and pivotal to the well-being of the people, and we shall have zero tolerance for corruption, ineptitude, insensitivity and dereliction of duty,” Ikpeazu said. Kalu pledged to “double my commitment in serving Abia people,” as he thanked the governor for finding him worthy of reappointment. The Transition Committee Chairman for Bende Local Government Area, Chief Paul Onyegbu, promised that the committees will serve the needs of Abia people.

collect tolls and same remit to the government coffers through the Anambra Integrated Development Strategy(ANIDS) numbers. The Commissioner for Trade, Commerce and Wealth Creation, Dr Christian Madubuko, anounced this at Onitsha while interacting with the executives of Onitsha South Shop Owners Traders Association. According to him, the state government has vowed to deal decisively with ilegal revenue agents. He said that meeting with the Chairmen and Secretaries of the Association will aid him to identify their needs in the bid to get it solved. The Commissioner noted that it is the duty of both the traders and state government to rid the Market of illegal toll collectors. He said: “All hands must be on deck to fight this ugly situation in all markets where what is supposed to be accruable to the state government is going into private coffers.” He warned that the State Government will not close its eyes to any one caught collecting illegal revenue without the approval of the government. He therefore appealed to the Chairmen to sit up and go to the Board of Internal Revenue to register and collect their ANIDS number for their payment. The meeting, which was the first of its kind for the chairmen, afforded the traders an opportunity to bare their minds on the incessant extortion and intimidation by the revenue collectors in Onitsha. The President-General of the Onitsha South Shop Owners, Chief Eric Uwaoma said the meeting with the commissioner has eased the plight of the traders.

MONDAY June 24 - 30, 2019

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June 12, Ndigbo and Soyinka’s red herring I

decided not to write on this year’s June 12 Democracy Day having written two articles, back to back, on it last year. On June 13, 2018, I lauded President Muhammadu Buhari in this column for taking the bold initiative of “honouring Abiola with Grand Commander of the Federal Republic (GCFR), Nigeria’s highest award, and declaring June 12 Democracy Day.” “Some have queried the president’s motive. My answer is simple. Whatever informed the decision, it was the right thing to do. And if in doing what is right, he is reaping some political capital, so be it,” I concluded the article, titled, June 12: I still remember. A week later, worried by the ethnic tint of the celebrations, I wondered whether Buhari’s action had gravitated from its essence – the symbolism of righting a historic wrong – to a celebration of Yoruba triumphalism. June 12: Celebration of Yoruba triumphalism or righting historical wrong? Besides, in the one year since Buhari’s declaration, we have had a general election whose outcome eviscerated the very idea of democracy, thus violating the spirit of June 12 – a repudiation of the country’s primordial fault-lines of ethnicity, religion and prebendalism. June 12 was about free and fair election. It was about the right of the people to choose their leaders without let or hindrance. It was about inclusiveness. It was against bigotry, prejudice and ethnic profiling. It was about merit. Moshood Abiola’s Social Democratic Party (SDP) had a Muslim-Muslim ticket, with Babagana Kingibe on the ballot. Yet, it didn’t matter. Abiola defeated his opponent, Bashir Tofa, of the National Republican Convention (NRC) in his home state of Kano. It didn’t matter to Ndigbo that their illustrious son, Sylvester Ugo, a Christian and former governor of the defunct Central Bank of Biafra, was on the NRC ticket, majority of them voted for Abiola. So, any election to be used in celebrating this electoral feat must encapsulate its spirit, otherwise it will lend credence to Olu Fasan’s assertion in his Vanguard column last week that: “Due to the empty symbolism of the president’s decision and its crass politicisation, June 12 only gives Nigerians another public holiday. Beyond that, it signifies nothing meaningful.” The 2019 general elections were unarguably the worst since 1999, the very antithesis of whatever June 12 represents. The joint Nigeria International Election Observation Mission of the National Democratic Institute (NDI) and the International Republican Institute (IRI) on June 18 gave a damning verdict of the polls in Abuja. “The 2019 general elections fell significantly short of standards set in 2015. Citizens’ confidence in elections was shaken,” said Daniel Twining, IRI President. “Election stakeholders should take concrete steps to address the concerns of citizens with regard to the polls in order to rekindle their faith in the power and possibility of credible elections,” said the two United Statesbased organisations that have been involved in Nigerian elections since 1999. Wole Soyinka There was nothing, therefore, to write about the June 12 debauchery in the name of celebrating democracy; or so I thought until I read Wole Soyinka’s article, “A democracy day primer.” Inimitably, he lamented, just like everybody else, that “this year’s recall of an uplifting day in the year 1993 comes up against a background of its most shameful disavowal: the 2019 elections – still under judicial contestation – an event that would be more accurately described

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Ikechukwu

Amaechi

•Professor Wole Soyinka

as an exercise in body count rather than ballot count,” because the poll epitomised Nigeria’s “final descent into the abyss of human degradation,” and “reflected a pattern of savagery and abandonment of human sensibilities that have eaten away the sheerest sense of community in the nation.” But his potshot at Ndigbo in the same article is cynical, objectionable and beyond the pale. It was unwarranted. Soyinka lured himself into a conspiracy theory, insinuating that some people took the Democracy Day celebrations as an opportunity to jeer at, and vilify, the Yoruba. He found that unconscionable and lamented that some are trying to reduce the June 12 struggle to that of an ethnic project, calling such an inclination “a depressing travesty of the realities, a denial of the existence of a nation’s collective sense of justice and its tenacity in pursuit of that objective.” But Soyinka should take a look at the mirror and the face(s) of those who cynically appropriated the struggle to the exclusion of every other people will gawp at him. They will be familiar faces because they are his kinsmen. Pretending otherwise is a disservice to his age-long reputation as a fervent purveyor of truth. Conscience,

to borrow an axiom, is an open wound which only truth can heal. Ethnic caviling is a non-starter. Soyinka should know better than anyone else. So, I find it difficult to understand the point he was trying to make when he wrote: “After the annulment, I recall that, when we tried to mobilise opposition to that sadistic impostor, fanatic voices of ethnic irredentism informed us bluntly, verbally and in print, that the Yoruba should go and solve their problems themselves, since we had let them down in the lead-up to the Biafran War of Secession, and should seek no collaboration from that side of the Niger.” Can’t Soyinka and his ilk for once leave Ndigbo out of Nigeria’s self-inflicted lesions? That claim is nauseating, ridiculous and very unfortunate coming from him. Just as it is condescending when he wrote that, “It is gratifying, therefore – and here we come to some cheering news! – that this tendency has become a source of concern to many of the leaders of that former secessionist state.” Assuming, without conceding, that Soyinka tried, as he claimed, to mobilise opposition against Babangida’s monkeyshines and was rebuffed by the Igbo, who would blame them after their experience in the 1960s?

The crisis that heralded the “Wild-wild West and “operation wetie” phenomena and precipitated the genocide against them was a battle for political supremacy between the North and the West. It had nothing to do with Ndigbo. Yet, when the chips were down, they were used as canon fodders, brutally massacred in their millions, using starvation as “legitimate weapon of war.” To ensure a complete decimation – physically and economically – those who survived the genocide were stripped of their hard-earned wealth by giving them a paltry 20 pounds each. Yet, Ndigbo were at the forefront of the battle to revalidate the annulled June 12 election. Soyinka knows that. So, why this malevolent narrative? Ibrahim Babangida didn’t hand over to an Igbo. Soyinka’s kinsman headed the Interim National Government (ING). The annulment had the backing of Yoruba monarchs even when Igbo royals rebuffed Babangida’s attempt to inveigle them into accepting the malady. Rather than sheltering under treacherous sophistry, Soyinka should take a cue from Abiola’s son, Kola, and reveal the identities of these Igbo irredentists. Penultimate week, Kola told Nigerians his own June 12 story in an interview with the Sun newspaper. Most of the major actors who betrayed the cause, including those masquerading today as pro-democracy aficionados but only became converts and joined the National Democratic Coalition (NADECO) when Sani Abacha refused giving them political positions in his government, are Yoruba, not Igbo. And Kola said that much. He named the two-faced political jobbers. Soyinka knows that Igbo patriots like Ndubuisi Kanu, Ebitu Ukiwe, Ralph Obioha, et al, were NADECO’s driving force. Perhaps, he is referring to the role played by Arthur Nzeribe of the Association for Better Nigeria (ABN) infamy. But how about Abimbola Davies? Is Soyinka claiming to be unaware of the fact that for every Uche Chukwumerije in the June 12 saga, there was an Ebenezer Babatope? For every Sani Abacha, there was an Oladipo Diya. It will be selective amnesia for him to claim not to know that for every Alani Akinrinade, there was an Ndubuisi Kanu who co-founded NADECO; for every Beko Ransome-Kuti, there were Olisa Agbakoba, Chima Ubani, Chidi Odinkalu, et al.; for every Kunle Ajibade who was imprisoned on trumped up charges, there were Chris Anyanwu, who nearly went blind in prison and Ben Charles Obi, who didn’t survive his prison ordeal. Is Soyinka claiming to be unaware of Ralph Obioha, a man born into wealth but who gave everything up for the sake of June 12? Obioha’s African Trust Bank, Safari Brewery, vegetable oil company, cement company were destroyed by the military. Unlike some of his Yoruba compatriots who used the public till to rehabilitate themselves, Obioha is yet to recover. He may never recover. Who remembers him today? If Soyinka was not on a mischievous voyage for whatever reason, he would be appealing to his friend, Buhari, to honour Humphrey Nwosu, the man who delivered the freest and fairest election in the annals of Nigeria’s electoral politics, as he honoured Abiola, Kingibe and Gani Fawehinmi. Soyinka knows those who betrayed June 12. If he follows the evidence, it will lead him inexorably to his own neck of the woods and not to the South East. To pretend otherwise is sheer red herring.

The Oracle Today is published by The Oracle Newspapers Limited. Head Office: 116 Awka Road, Onitsha. Lagos Office: 25 Remi Fani-Kayode Street, GRA Ikeja. Abuja Office: 1st Floor, Plateau House, Central Business District, Abuja, FCT. ISSN: 2545-5869 Email: oracletoday2016@yahoo.com, Twitter: @oraclenews.ng Facebook: oraclenews.ng@facebook.com Website: www.oraclenews.ng Advert hot lines: 09078310060, 09061836916. Editor: FELIX OGUEJIOFOR ABUGU.