Wednesday June 12-18, 2019 Edition

POLITICS Bishop Ikeakor: Nigerian politicians are our greatest enemies

BUSINESS

FG must eliminate fuel subsify

The •P13

VOX POPULI SACRUM

•P19

CRIME 17 illegal petroleum dealers convicted in Asaba

SPORTS Getting Eagles’ final list wasn’t easy- Rohr

racle

•P35

•P34

WEDNESDAY June 12 - 18, 2019

www.oraclenews.ng

ISSN: 2545-5869

Today

VOL.4 No.23 N200

Hopes, fears as National, State Assemblies take off •We will work to maintain NASS

independence – Lawan • Ogundoyin, Ayuba’s election tilts legislative leadership towards youths • Orji, former Abia governor’s son leads Abia House • Ubosi unanimously re-elected Enugu House Speaker

•P2

Serve injustice and be shut down, NANS warns Madonna University From PAMELA EBOH, Awka

T

HE National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has called on the management of Madonna University, Okija, Anambra State to withdraw the case it brought against seven of its students or face the risk of student unrest.

The students, Prince Ezei-

Page 8

•Akwa Ibom: Aniekan-Bassey

•Delta:Sheriff-Oborevwor

•Senator-Ahmed-Lawan

•Bayelsa:Tonye-Isenah

•CRS: John Gaul-Lebo

•Gbajabiamila

mo, Benedict Amaechi, Michael Owhomani, Jonathan Abuno, Blackson Nwokeoma and Nnamdi Opara, were accused of writing against the school on social media.

Announcing a seven-day ultimatum during a protest, the Vice President, National Affairs of NANS, Mr Chidi Ilozobe, said, “we have a

Cont’d on page 2

•Abia : Chinedum-Orji

•Ebonyi: Francis-Nwifuru

•Enugu: Edward Ubosi

•Imo:Chinedu-Offor-KOKO

‘I left my matrimonial home for fear of my life’

2

The Oracle Today Wednesday June 12 -18, 2019

NEWS

Hopes, fears as National, State Assemblies take off

By PAMELA EBOH

W

ITH the inauguration of the National Assembly and State Houses of Assembly by the President and governors respectively, the legislative arms of have effectively taken off for a second term, setting the stage for the Executive to follow suit.

But, even as Nigerians hail the peaceful, rancor-free conduct of the elections for principal officers of these legislative assemblies and hope for the best from their representatives in the coming years, there are fears that the shape of politics to come under the 9th National Assembly and various Houses of Assembly is largely foreboding.

Hopes were set aglow when Oyo State House of Assembly elected 32-year-old lawmaker, Honourable Adebo Edward Ogundoyin of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), as the new Speaker of the House. Plateau State followed suit and elected its Speaker, 33-yearold Abok Ayuba of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

While it might be too hopeful to say that the emergence of youthful leadership was a definite indication of a tilt towards the youth in the Legislature and by extension, political leadership generally, in the country, the trend of election of youthful members of the legislature, however, continued in Kano, Akwa Ibom, Enugu, Delta and a host of other states as the nation witnessed what may pass as the most peaceful, rancor-free election of principal officers of the nation’s legislative assemblies.

KANO In Kano State, the House of Assembly elected Alhaji Abdulaziz Garba Gafasa as Speaker of the 9th Assembly. Gafasa, who represents Ajingi Local Government Area, served as Speaker of the House when Ibrahim Shekarau was governor. The Assembly also elected Engr. Hamisu Ibrahim Cidari, member representing Makoda Local Government in the House, as deputy speaker.

ABIA Engr. Chinedum Orji, eldest son of the former governor of Abia State, Senator Theodore Orji, emerged as the Speaker of the state’s 7th Assembly. Orji, representing Umuahia Central Constituency, emerged unopposed during the inauguration of the House on Monday, June 10. Ifeanyi Uchendu of Ohafia South Constituency was also elected as deputy speaker.

Other elected principal officers included Solomon Akpulonu as Majority Leader, and Abraham Oba of the All Progressive Grand Alliance (APGA) as Minority Leader.

DELTA In Delta, Sheriff Oborevwori was returned as Speaker of the 7th Assembly, while Ochor Ochor of Ukwuani Constituency was elected Deputy Speaker. Renewing his oath of office, Obovwori declared to work harder in the interest of prosperity and development of the state.

KOGI The immediate past Speaker of Kogi 6th Assembly, Prince Matthew Kolawole was re-elected to preside over the newly inaugu-

rated 7th State House of Assembly. Kolawole, who also served as Majority Leader of the House and member representing Kabba -Bunu State Constituency, was elected after the inauguration of the 7th Assembly by the State Governor, Alhaji Yahaya Bello. In his acceptance speech, Kolawole said he would ensure effective legislation for the promotion of good governance in the state.

BAYELSA Mr Tonye Emmanuel Isenah,

representing Kolokuma/Opokuma Constituency I, emerged Speaker of the 6th Assembly in Bayelsa State. Also, Hon. Abraham Ngobere representing Brass Constituency III was elected as Deputy Speaker of the Assembly. In his acceptance speech, the Speaker promised to support the Executive to ensure that Bayelsa is governed well and government delivered on its promises to the people of the state.

OGUN The Deputy Speaker in the 8th Ogun State House of Assembly, Olakunle Oluomo was elected as the new Speaker of the 9th Assembly. Oluomo emerged unopposed as his arch-rival for the seat, Elemide Oludaisi, representing Odeda Constituency, withdrew from the race at the last minute. The Speaker represents Ifo I Constituency. Oludare Kadiri who represents Ijebu North II constituency was elected Deputy Speaker unopposed.

KATSINA In Katsina, both the former speaker and his deputy, Tasiu Musa and Shehu Tafoki, were re-elected.

AKWA IBOM The 7th Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly elected Mr Aniekan Bassey, member representing Uruan State Constituency emerging as the Speaker. Bassey, a returning member, was unanimously elected by the 25 PDP members

Cont’d on page 12

•From left Honorable Barrester Okey Igwe, Mrs Peace Igwe, Prince Dr. Chris Odinaka Igwe Pastor Paul Igwe after the inuguration in Umuahia on Monday

Serve injustice and be shut down, NANS warns Madonna University Cont’d from Pg 1 copy of the charge sheet that was written by the prosecuting counsel. We are here to tell the Inspector General of Police that they were told lies.”

According to him, “one of the students wrote that ‘Good lecturers are scarce; Madonna University Administration should be nice to our lecturers or a good number of them will resign.”

“Is this an offence against the school? We are not in a dictatorship and we are not practicing a totalitarian system where the masses have no voice.

“Students are intellectuals and should be allowed to voice out whenever they feel that things are not going well, especially on our campuses.”

The protesters, bearing placards with various inscriptions were prevented by the police from entering the Federal High Court, Awka.

Addressing journalists, Ilozobe said they were on protest to register their dissatisfaction with the manner the management of Madonna University are treating its members.

According to him, in February, ‘the Police, following a petition by management of Madonna, arrested some graduates of the institution.

“On the petition, they wrote that the students were criminals, cultists and fraudsters, but we know that our members are not fraudsters or cultists.”

He said an investigation into the matter revealed that the petition was only written to secure the arrest of the accused from the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) and their parents.

“Our students are not criminals or kidnappers; they just wrote on different platforms on social media because they have freedom of expression.

“If injustice is done at the Federal High Court against the accused persons, NANS will shut down Madonna University.

“We will make sure that the university’s license is revoked.

We will make sure that the House Committee on Education and Senate Committee on Education, the National Human Rights Commission and the National Universities Commission revoke the license of Madonna University.

“They should be given unconditional bail. We are issuing a seven-day ultimatum to the University that case be withdrawn within seven days from the High Court, or we will mobilise students from all over the country.

Meanwhile, the hearing of the matter at the Federal High Court, Awka on Tuesday was stalled because of the absence of the judge,

Justice Babatunde Quadri.

In an eleven-count charge against the defendants, the Prosecutor, Mr A.N. Obo, said the false publications on social media were injurious to the image of the proprietor and the institution.

The prosecutor said the alleged offences were punishable under sections 27 (1) (b) and 24 (1) (b) of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc) Act, 2015.

In an interview, one of the Defense Counsel, Mr Chinedu Igwe told journalists that hearing on the matter had been slated for July 2.

The Counsel told journalists that the the accused persons, who were arraigned in February, were yet to secure bail due to stringent bail conditions. Some of the conditions of the court are quite stringent to his team hence, they filed an application for variation, which is still pending for determination.

A parent of one of the accused persons, Mr Christopher Onyejekwe appealed to Anambra State Governor Willie Obiano and the Catholic Bishop of Awka Diocese, Most Rev. Paulinus Ezeokafor to come to his rescue.

He said that efforts to secure the sympathy of the proprietor of the institution to forgive the children had yielded no positive response.

Onyejekwe said, “I have approached Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Edeh

to appeal to him since my son was arrested on February 19. The condition he told me was to go and pray the Hail Mary three times, which i did.

“The last time I went there, he said if I like I should bring the President to come and beg him.

“I asked how that was possible.

That was how I stopped going to beg him.

“I am begging the Governor Obiano and the Bishop Ezeokafor to rescue me.

“I am also begging the Catholic Church to intervene. The bishops are talking of insecurity in the country, but their colleague, Fr. Edeh is creating more insecurity.”

He claimed that two parents had died in the course of the matter.

Another parent, Mrs Charity Nnamani said her son had a month to pass out from the NYSC in Asaba when the Police picked him on allegation that he is an armed robber, kidnapper and cultist.

“On Feb. 28, we fulfilled the bail condition of the Federal High Court, Awka. But despite that, my son is languishing in prison. I borrowed money to train him in Madonna University, now, I am borrowing money again to come to court to see my son.

“Please, if you know how to help me, please do.I made effort with my other son to go to Elele to see Fr. Edeh, but they refused me seeing him.”

3

The Oracle Today Wednesday June 12 - 18, 2019

PICTORIAL

Barr Okey Igwe’s Inauguration in Umuahia

•Bar Igwe acknowledging cheers from his supporters

•Prince Dr. Chris Odinaka Igwe addressing guests at the grand reception

•From left Mrs Peace Igwe, Pastor Paul Igwe , Chief Richard Agbadogo Mbanefo and a guest

•From left Bar Chima Mgbeke, Bar Okey Igwe, Prince Dr. Chris Odinaka Igwe, Mrs Peace Igwe, Pastor Paul Igwe

•Bar Igwe with his supporters

•Pastor Paul Igwe addressing the guests at the reception

•Bar Igwe with some of the PDP women

•Bar Igwe with women wing of PDP Umunneochi local government area

4

The Oracle Today Wednesday June 12 - 18, 2019

NEWS ACROSS THE NATION NADECO to Buhari: Convene ethnic nationalities conference now

C

hieftains of the National Democratic Coalition (NADECO) on Monday urged President Muhammadu Buhari to convene an ethnic nationalities conference on the way forward for Nigeria.

The chieftains, including former governor of Lagos State, Chief Ndubuisi Kanu, Chief Amos Akingba and Chief Ayo Opadokun, made the call while addressing newsmen in Lagos.

Opadokun, who read the text of the briefing, entitled: ” NADECO, June 12 and the State of the Nation” said such assembly should be made up of leaders of ethnic groups elected through their cultural modalities of choosing representation, and not government nominees.

“The Nigerian state should accept that Nigeria’s prospect to genuine unity, growth and development can only be a reality if it respects the

popular will being expressed by majority of Nigerians that our country should return to Federal constitutional arrangement.

“This demand is proven by the fact that until the unfortunate military insurrection against democratic government on January 15, 1966, federal and the regional governments were relatively productive and responding creditably to the genuine wishes and aspirations of their peoples.

“Restoration to federalism should not be based on partisan predilection.

“Centralisation of the vital public sectors by various decrees and the appropriations to the central government of all the regional major means of raising resources have crippled the component units since then.

“Most states now depend on the monthly allocations to run their overbloated bureaucracies.

“Nigeria should stop living a lie by calling itself a federation when it is in fact governed centrally under unitarism,” he said.

Opadokun said that the 1960 Independence Constitution, upon which Nigeria secured its independence based on several negotiations, should be the working paper for the consideration, discussion and resolution of the representative assembly, mainly of ethnic nationalities which are the building blocks upon which Nigeria is constructed.

He said NADECO believed that by restoring the concurrent list of items of the 1960 independence constitution back to the states along with the concomitant resources to execute those responsibilities, genuine development could be better pursued throughout Nigeria.

The NADECO chieftain also called

on the government to halt the spate of kidnapping, cattle rustling and herders/farmers conflicts in the country.

Opadokun urged the Nigerian state to formally inaugurate posthumously, Bashorun MKO Abiola as a President of Nigeria and name a National Monument of Consequence after him.

“We reject any attempt to falsely presenting him as a regional hero or icon like by naming the University of Lagos after him or even presenting his matter as if it is mainly of a regional interest.

“In the same vein, Alhaja Kudirat Abiola, the heroine of the June 12 struggle must be given national honour for her martyrdom in the quest for revalidating her husband’s popular mandate and for restoration of democratic governance to Nigeria,” he said.

FG ’ll reward best performing MSMEs nationwide — Presidency F

ederal Government plans to reward industrialists, who have distinguished themselves in the sector in a to promote the growth of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs).

Vice Chairman, MSMEs Awards, Mr Monday Ewans, who made the plan known at a news conference in Abuja on Monday, said that the awards would hold on Aug. 1, 2019.

Ewans added that the awards, which will hold in Abuja, would be cash-backed.

According to him, the awards will be in 12 categories namely: MSME of the Year; Young MSME of the Year; Most Friendly MSME State; Creative Arts; as well as Agriculture and Manufacturing, Others are Excellence in Technology Innovation; Fashion and Style; Leather Works; Furniture and Wood Works; Beauty; Wellness and Cosmetics; as well as NonProfit Service to Humanity.

He listed the criteria for the awards to include: Outstanding Business Concept,; Locally Produced Goods; Use of Local Technology; and Tax Compliance.

“The MSME of the Year will attract a cash price of N2 million and a brand new SUV, while the awardees in the other categories will get N1 million and laptops each.

“The National MSMEs Award is an offshoot of the MSMEs Clinic, which has been held in at least 17 states across the country and the FCT. “The MSME Clinic is a project of the Office of the Vice President, which brings together key government agencies to remove those factors hindering MSME growth and productivity in the country.

“The Clinic is in collaboration with the Bank of Industry, Bank of Agriculture, Standard Organisation of Nigeria, Corporate Affairs Commission, Nigeria Export-Import Bank, and the National Agency for Food, Drug Administration and Control,’’ he said.

•From left: Chief Ayo Opadokun, Ndubuisi Kanu and Amos Akingba at the National Democratic Coalition (NADECO) briefing on June 12 in Lagos, Monday

NJC confirms Onnoghen’s voluntary retirement

ational Judicial Council (NJC) on Monday confirmed PresiN dent Muhammadu Buhari’s ac-

ceptance of voluntary retirement of the former Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Walter Onnoghen.

The council’s Director of Information, Mr Soji Oye, disclosed this in a statement.

“Council held an Emergency Meeting today to take formal note of the acceptance of the voluntary retirement of Hon. Mr. Justice Walter Onnoghen, GCON, as Chief Justice of Nigeria by President Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR. “The President’s acceptance of the retirement is in line with Council’s recommendation to the President on 3rd April, 2019.

“Council at the end of its deliberations, thanked the President for the acceptance which was in the best interest of Nigeria,’’ Oye said.

It would be recalled that the president had suspended Onnoghen on allegation of complexities surrounding his false and nonasset declarations while the Code of Conduct Tribunal (CCT) convicted him of the offences.

Justice Tanko Muhammad was

eventually appointed as Acting CJN to fill in the gap created.

Meanwhile, Buhari has accepted the voluntary retirement from service of Justice Walter Onnoghen as Chief Justice of Nigeria, effective from May 28, 2019.

A statement by the President’s Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Malam Garba Shehu, confirmed this in Abuja on Sunday.

The statement reported the President as thanking Onnoghen for his service to the country and wished him the best of retirement life.

In 2007, Justice Onnoghen played a huge role in 2007 election which saw the Late Umaru Yar’adua as President of Nigeria.

He had a dissenting judgment that annulled the presidential election. His position was however a minority judgment.

After being nominated as the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Nigeria by the Acting President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, he was confirmed by the Senate on March 1, 2017, and sworn in on March 7 Onnoghen’s trials for false assets declaration started when

a petition was filed by the civil rights group at the Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB), alleging that he owned sundry accounts.

Similarly, President Buhari has written the Acting Chief Justice of Nigeria, Hon. Justice Tanko Muhammad, on the appointment of additional five Justices of the Supreme Court of Nigeria.

The President wrote: ‘‘Pursuant to the provisions of Section 230(2) A&B of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended), I am pleased to request that you initiate in earnest the process of appointing additional five Justices of the Supreme Court of Nigeria to make the full complement of 21 Justices as provided by the aforementioned provisions of the Constitution. ‘‘This is in line with the Government’s Agenda of repositioning the Judiciary in general and Supreme Court in particular for greater efficiency, with a view to reducing the backlogs of appeals pending at the Supreme Court. ‘‘Please accept, your Lordship, the assurances of my highest regards.’’

From this year, June 12 is now the nation’s Democracy Day, replacing May 29.

This follows the enactment into law of June 12 as Democracy Day annually in Nigeria.

June 12 is significant in the nation’s history because of the June 12, 1993 election, presumed to have been won by the Late Chief MKO Abiola.

It was adjudged to be Nigeria’s freest and fairest election, but was, however, cancelled by the Gen. Ibrahim Babangida regime.

33yr-old law student emerges Plateau Assembly Speaker A 33-year-old law student, Mr Abok Ayuba, on Monday emerged as Speaker of the Plateau House of Assembly, the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), reports.

Abok, a final year student of the University of Jos, was elected unopposed at the assembly’s inaugural sitting.

The new Speaker, a member of the APC representing Jos East, had been nominated by Ibrahim BabaHassan (Jos North-North/APC). The nomination was seconded by Mrs. Simi Dusu (Jos North-West/PDP).

Also elected was Mr Salleh Shehu (Dengi/APC), as Deputy Speaker.

Shehu, a ranking member, was the deputy speaker in the 8th assembly that was dissolved on June 6, 2019.

In his acceptance speech, Ayuba thanked his colleagues for the massive support and promised not to fail them.

He assured them that his leadership would not discriminate against anyone either on the basis of tribe, religion, gender or political difference.

“As Speaker of this noble assembly, I promise to serve with the fear of God, high sense of responsibility and humility,” he said.

32-year-old Adebo Ogundoyin emerges Oyo Assembly Speaker, Davido celebrates him Also, a 32-year-old member representing Ibarapa East Constituency in the Oyo State House of Assembly, Mr. Adebo Ogundoyin, has emerged Speaker of the House.

Ogundoyin, a second term lawmaker, emerged as the Speaker shortly after the Governor, Mr. Seyi Makinde inaugurated the Assembly on Monday morning.

Ogundoyin came to the 8th Assembly last year after he won the by-election which was held after the death of the former Speaker, Mr. Michael Adeyemo who died on Friday, 27th April 2018.

Ogundoyin, a member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) also won the March 9th House of Assembly election and got elected to the present 9th Assembly.

He emerged unopposed with a unanimous voice vote of the 32 members Assembly.

Adebebo Ogundoyin is one of the sons of the late foremost philanthropist and industrialist, Chief Adeseun Ogundoyin, a native of Eruwa in Oyo State.

He lost his father, Adeseun Ogundoyin, in 1991 as a teenager.

5

The Oracle Today Wednesday June 12 - 18, 2019

NEWS ACROSS THE NATION

NBS to publish corruption survey findings in Sept A n official of National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), Dr Isiaka Olarewaju says the bureau will publish the findings of the ongoing survey on corruption in September.

The survey is the second National Household Survey on Quality and Integrity of Public Services in Nigeria, 2019.

Olarewaju, a Project Director of the Survey, represented the Statistician-General, Dr Yemi Kale, disclosed this while fielding questions from newsmen at a news conference on the Survey on Monday in Abuja.

The Director in Charge of Real Sector and Household Statistics, said that field workers had been deployed and the survey would be completed by the end of June.

“The planning of the survey started since 2018; before we disclosed this while fielding questions from newsmen at a news conference on the Survey on Monday in Abuja.

“This survey is a large one. We have since moved away from analogue to electronic, as we talk to you, we are monitoring those on field.

“We monitor the location of enumerators from the digital address of sample households.

“As soon as the data collection is finished, it will be available within one week, but we need to do data reliability test before releasing the result.

“On or before September, the result will be made public by the

Statistician-General,”he said.

The director said a total of 20 field personnel had been deployed in each state, including the FCT; four teams constituted in each state and a team comprised of one supervisor and four enumerators.

Olarewaju said the survey would allow government and citizens to examine level of progress within the last two years particularly given that the current government has big anti-corruption stance.

“The survey will be vital in providing the necessary indicators for the monitoring and tracking of anti-corruption activities,”he said.

According to him, the objective of the survey will be to collect evidence based information on forms

of corruption affecting the daily life of Nigerian citizens, determine corruption prevalence and prevailing typologies.

The director said it would provide trend analysis of the indicators that could be used to inform relevant policies and track future progress.

“It will ensure international comparability with surveys of similar nature carried out in other countries.

“The survey will also provide data for measuring some relevant Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) indicators,”he said.

Olarewaju said the bureau had formed Technical and Steering Committees to support the coordination of the implementation of the survey.

He said the National Steering Committee was set up to take ownership of the result of the survey and to give directions.

“The committee members comprise officers from the Anti-corruption agencies, law enforcement agencies, relevant ministries, Code of Conduct Bureau and Departments and Civil Society groups (National Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative), among others,”the director said.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the survey is carried out in collaboration with the UN Office on Drugs and Crime and funded by the UK Department for International Development.

NYSC D-G decries dilapidated state of orientation camps

The newly-appointed Director-General of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Brig.- Gen. Shuaibu Ibrahim, Monday, decried the condition orientation camps in some states.and inadequate facilities in others across the country.

Ibrahim said at the ongoing 2019 Batch ‘B’ Pre-Orientation Workshop in Lagos that the camps had become dilapidated, with inadequate facilities.

He said that the NYSC Act placed the responsibility of construction and maintenance of camp facilities on state governments.

He appealed to state governments to provide permanent camps and upgrade facilities for corps members in the affected states as the scheme did not have the mandate to build and rehabilitate camps.

“Permit me to use this forum to remind stakeholders that the NYSC Act puts the responsibility of provision and maintenance of orientation camps on the state governments.

“The NYSC does not have the mandate to construct orientation camps.

“This reminder has become necessary in view of the current dilapidated condition of many orientation camps and the inadequate facilities across the country.

“Therefore, I wish to renew our appeal to the state governments to rise to the occasion by providing permanent camps and upgrading facilities as necessary,” he said.

News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that 36 state coordinators and the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja are currently participating in the technical session of the workshop.

June 12: Buhari assents to Public Holiday Amendment Bill President Muhammadu Buhari on Monday at the Presidential Villa, signed the Public Holidays Act Amendment Bill into law.

Sen. Ita Enang, Senior Special Assistant to the President on National Assembly Matters (Senate) disclosed this to State House correspondents in Abuja.

Enang said that the Act declared June 12 of every year as public holiday and Democracy Day in Nigeria.

“It amends the Public Holidays Act which now removes May 29 of every year as a public holiday and

now makes it June 12, democracy as a public holiday in Nigeria henceforth.

“By this Act, May 29 is no more a Public Holiday,’’ he said.

Buhari had on June 6, 2018, declared June 12 to be the new Democracy Day in commemoration of the democratic election of MKO Abiola on June 12, 1993.

The Federal Government had earlier on Monday declared June 12, as a public holiday, to commemorate the nation’s National Democracy Day.

From left: Governors Kayode Fayemi of Ekiti, Abubakar Atiku Bagudu of Kebbi and Yahaya Bello of Kogi at the Progressive Governors Forum of the All Progressives Congress (APC) which held to endorse Senator Ahmad Lawan and Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila for Senate President and Speaker of the House of Representatives, respectively, at the Kebbi State Government House, Abuja, Monday

JAMB releases more 15,490 UTME results J

oint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has released results of 15,490 more candidates who participated at its April 2019 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME).

The board made the disclosure in a statement signed by its Head of Media and Information, Dr Fabian Benjamin, on Monday in Lagos.

It said that the results released on Saturday were part of the 34,120 it withheld while announcing the re-

18 states to benefit from World Bank projects in 2020 in Nigeria will benefit 1bility8fromstates the Rural Access And MoProject (RAMP), a Word Bank

Programme in Nigeria by 2020.

National Coordinator of the programme, Mr Ubandoma Ularamu, made the disclosure on Monday at the Bid Opening of Second Phase of RAMP-2 held in Yola.

Ularamu said that the third phase of the programme (RAMP3) would involve agriculture value chain to add value to agricultural produce as well as boosting food production in Nigeria.

He said that the selected 18 states with high potential in agricultural production cut across the six geo-political zones in the country.

The coordinator urged contractors who would not make it in the bidding process not to be discouraged as more jobs would be available in the third phase of the programme.

The national coordinator ad-

vised the potential winners to comply with job specification for the benefit of the rural communities.

He assured all the applicants of a transparent process as the World Bank would verify all contractors and apply due diligence before the contracts are awarded.

Ularamu also advised likely successful contractors to ensure speedy completion of the project, adding that the second phase would end in October 2020.

He also said that the funds were available for the execution of the work, emphasising that the quicker it was completed the faster the payment.

The coordinator said that 49 contractors bid for the seven lots which covered 289 kilometres in the state.

Earlier, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Rural Infrastructure and Community Development, Mr Aliyu Tarfa, said that the bidding process would be free from state

government interference.

Tarfa, who is also the Chairman of State Project Implementation Unit (SPIU), gave assurance that the state would fulfill its counterpart contribution obligation, adding that the impact of the programme in the state was tremendous.

In his remark, Mr Musa Tete, State Coordinator of RAMP-2 said that all road projects in the first phase were near completion.

Tete said that the programme had already completed 260 kilometres of roads in the state.

He said that the impact of the programme was felt by all and sundry, pointing out why the bidding process was stiff and competitive.

The first phase of the RAMP started in Nigeria with Kaduna and Cross Rivers States while Adamawa, Enugu, Niger, Osun and Imo benefited from RAMP-2.

All members of the Adamawa State Project Monitoring Committee were in attendance.

lease of 2019 UTME results on May 11.

A total of 1,886,508 candidates registered for the examination, including candidates in foreign centres. Out of this figure, results of only 1,792,719 candidates were released on May 11.

“JAMB had during the release of the 2019 UTME results on Saturday, May 11, stressed that it would further probe the identity and involvement of some candidates who were suspected of being involved in one examination infraction or the other.

“As a result of this, the board has further cleared and released the results of 15,490 candidates in this category.

“This release follows the expert review of the cases in this category of candidates who were requested to upload certain credentials for scrutiny. At the conclusion of the review, these candidates were further classified into five groups,” it said.

It said that in first group were candidates sufficiently innocent.

It said that the second was that of candidates with inconclusive evidence of culpability and were given the benefit of the doubt because of the board’s guiding principles, that it was better to let go many criminals than to punish one innocent person.

The board recently released results of candidates earlier cleared of wrongdoings and also conducted fresh examinations in two centres, Abuja and Otuoke in Bayelsa, where it was convinced of a genuine need to examine 490 candidates who missed the April examination due to communication lapses.

The board said in the statement on Monday that candidates whose up-

loaded evidence necessitated further interrogations had been notified and invited through telephone calls, UTME profiles, SMS and emails to designated centres for further clarification on evidence against them.

“It is in their interest to attend or such evidence will be taken as conclusive.

“There are also those whose culpability has been firmly established, necessitating cancellation of their results,” it said.

According to the board, results of additional 321 candidates have been conclusively cancelled and the affected persons notified.

It said that the other categories of candidates were those who did not heed to advice to upload evidence of their identities vis-a-vis the other impersonators, adding that there were clear evidence of their culpability.

The board said that four additional centres were discovered to have been involved in examination fraud and had been de-listed.

“The board has endured the pains of this tedious exercise in order to sanitise its processes and ensure that only genuine candidates are enrolled into the country’s tertiary education system.

“The board is still deeply saddened by the discovery of clusters of examination syndicates and the depth of their nefarious activities; hence, its commitment to exterminating all forms of examination malpractices.

“The board will continue to deploy cutting-edge technology as well as engage the services of globally-acclaimed experts to ensure that that the sanctity of its examination is protected,” it said.

6

The Oracle Today Wednesday June 12 - 18, 2019

NEWS Enugu Assembly: former Speaker, Ubosi re-elected mmediate past Speaker of the Enugu State House of Assembly, IChief Edward Ubosi has been re-

elected for a second tenure as speaker of the assembly.

This followed a motion moved by a member elect representing Udenu constituency, Mr Ikechukwu Ezeugwu and seconded by the member elect representing Nkanu West constituency, Mr. Iloabuchi Aniagu at the legislatures sitting in Enugu on Monday.

Preceding nomination of the principal officers, Clerk of the House, Dr.Emmanuel Udaya read a letter of proclamation from Gov. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State on the inauguration of the seventh assembly.

According to the letter, Udaya said that the governor issued a proclamation for the seventh Assembly of the Enugu State House of Assembly to be inaugurated on June 10.

He said that the proclamation was based on powers bestowed upon the governor by section 105, subsections 3 of the 1999 constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria as amended.

The clerk said that the governor issued the proclamation letter dated June 6 for the holding of the first session of the seventh assembly.

The letter read, “Whereas it is provided in section 105 subsections 3 of the 1999 constitution as amended, that the person elected as Governor of a State shall have powers to issue a proclamation for the holding of the first session of the state assembly immediately after he is being sworn in.

“In exercise of powers bestowed upon me by section 105 subsections 3 aforementioned, and of all powers enabling me in that behalf, I hereby proclaim that the first session of the seventh assembly shall hold on Monday, June 10,” it stated.

In the same vein, the member elect representing Ezeagu constituency moved a motion that Mr Uche Ugwu member elect for Udi North constituency be nominated as the Deputy Speaker while Paul Nnajiofor of Nkanu West seconded the motion.

Mr Ikechukwu Ezeugwu of Udenu constituency was re-appointed as the Leader of the assembly while Mr Onyinye Ugwu of Enugu South Rural was also reappointed as the deputy leader.

Two female legislators, Jane Eneh representing Awgu South constituency and Ethel Ugwuanyi of Igboeze North 1 constituency were elected Chief Whip and deputy chief whip of the assembly.

In an acceptance speech, Ubosi urged the clerk of the assembly to inform the Chief Judge of the state, Justice Ngozi Emehelu that the seventh assembly had been duly inaugurated and that they were free to send any message to the assembly.

He thanked the governor of the state for the relationship that existed between the just concluded sixth assembly and executive and prayed that it would continue.

Ubosi equally commended his colleagues for finding him worthy to preside over the affairs of the assembly for the next four years.

Rising food costs: Anambra demand price control

A

s the rainy season sets in and farmers going to farm, cost of food items is on the rise in Anambra and environs, even as residents call on governments at all levels to intervene.

The News Agency of Nigerian (NAN) reports on Monday in Awka that buyers and sellers are all feeling the negative impact of the rise in price for food items.

At Eke Awka market, a 50kg bag of local rice sells for N15,000 from its previous amount of N14,000, a 50kg bag of Beans sells for N28,000 from its former

price of N27,000.

A Big bag of Semovita that goes for N2,500 now sells for N2,800, a 10 liter gallon of vegetable oil sells for N3,500 from its previous rate of N3,000.

Also, a big basket of fresh tomatoes now sells for between N16,000 and N19,000 depending on the species as against N10,000 and N12,000 sold in May. Mr Frank Anigbogu, a resident attributed the high costs of food stuff to the planting season as farmers were just beginning to plant crops.

“Every year, when farming

season starts, already harvested crops are being sold at higher rate so it is not new until government wades in through price control,” he said.

Mrs Grace Onwuka, a trader on her part said that cost of transporting their goods from the Northern part of the country is high.

“It is transportation that is our greatest concern, for at times, we pay more than expected in transporting our goods,” she said.

A farmer, Mr Chukwudi Nnakife, complained that activities of herders in the farms had also

discouraged many farmers from planting adding that it had posed serious problems to food security.

Mrs Ify Ndubueze, a businesswoman called on governments at all levels to do all within their power in alleviating their plight.

“Government at all level should build us roads, provide amenities that will help farmers, market women and men.

“Our farmers need irrigation facilities, sellers need affordable market stores built by government for our people to be happy,” she said.

•Chief Operating Officer of Ibom Air, Mr George Uruesi, flanked by the airline’s pilots and crew during the airline’s inaugural flight to the Murtala Muhammed Airport 2, Lagos on Friday

IFAD—VCDP educates Ebonyi farmers on financial literacy

he International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) Tassisted Value Chain Develop-

ment Programme (VCDP) has urged Ebonyi farmers to be financial literate, to improve their businesses.

Rural Institution Gender and Youth Development Officer (RIGYMO) of IFAD-VCDP, Mr Musa Talang, gave the advice on Monday at Ikwo Local Government Area of Ebonyi, at a day training for farmers on financial literacy.

Talang noted that IFAD-VCDP organised the training in realisation of the importance of finance in farmers’ activities, and the need for literacy in their transactions.

“Farmers should know when they are making profits or losses in their businesses right from land preparation to production, pro-

cessing and marketing stages.

“Farmers should know how to engage financial institutions in accessing credits and how to calculate interest rates, in order not to be cheated,” he said.

He urged farmers to always be aware that their equipment and facilities would depreciate and should start planning early on how to maintain or replace them.

“IFAD-VCDP realises that the programme’s lifespan will end one day, and we strive to develop the farmers’ capacities to sustain their business without our interventions,” he said.

IFAD-VCDP State Programme Coordinator (SPC), Mr Sunday Ituma, encouraged farmers to obtain insurance policies to check unforeseen events in their farming activities.

“The earlier farmers see this

step as a necessary investment for their cropping activities, the better for them.

“When a farmer applies two or three per cent of his loan package, the insurance company will offset the cost of damages in case of eventualities,” he said.

Ituma noted that IFAD-VCDP had demonstrated this assertion with its involvement with the Nigerian Agricultural Insurance Corporation (NAIC), which settled costs of damages incurred by farmers over floods on their farmlands.

“Those who are living in floodprone areas and experience flooding during farming seasons would have the insurance companies take care of their worries,” he said.

An International Consultant with IFAD-VCDP and resource person at the training, Mr Michael

Marx, urged farmers to stop accepting flat rates from banks when accessing loans for their farming activities.

“Flat rates are mostly charged by micro finance institutions, irrespective of amounts already repaid by the borrower.

“It increases per unit rate for farmers, leads to higher interest rates, as farmers should insist on calculation of rates on declining balance,” he said.

Mrs Fransisca Anya, the IFADVCDP RIGMO Officer in Ebonyi, noted that the training was for lead farmers, who would in turn train other farmers in their localities.

Mrs Chika Unah, a participant at the training, thanked IFAD—VCDP for the training, and pledged to effectively utilise the knowledge garnered.

7

The Oracle Today Wednesday June 12 - 18, 2019

NEWS

Ihedioha’s vision on environmental management will mitigate disaster in Imo — NEMA N ational Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has said Gov. Emeka Ihedioha’s vision and policies on environmental management will mitigate emergency occurrences in Imo. Head of Imo/Abia Operations Office of NEMA, Mr Evans Ugoh, said this on Monday during a Disaster Management Stakeholders workshop organised by the agency in Owerri.

Gov. Emeka Ihedioha had during this year’s World Environment Day celebration announced a ban of dredging activities at Nworie

River.

Ihedioha also promised to bring back the state natural ecosystem as well as ensure that the state would become the cleanest in Nigeria.

Addressing the stakeholders at the workshop, Ugoh said the governor’s ban formed part of the proactive measures to mitigate emergency in the state.

He further said that Imo was at the risk of a landslide but for the intervention of the governor.

He decried the indiscriminate siting of gas stations within resi-

dential areas in the metropolis, describing it as a “time bomb waiting to explode.”

Ugoh said the disaster management stakeholders decided to embark on a sensitisation roadwark to educate the public on the dangers associated with the gas stations.

He said the stakeholders in their last meeting proposed to send a memo to Imo State House of Assembly to enact a law prohibiting building of gas stations within residential areas.

He said a Trauma Center was

also proposed by the stakeholders to be established in Imo. Ugoh further said that the group was seeking for a stronger partnership with construction companies operating in Imo. The stakeholders in the meeting included representatives of Federal Road Safety Corps, Nigerian Red Cross Society, Nigerian Security and Civil Defense Corps, Fire Service, Nigerian Army.

The theme of the workshop is “Implementing modalities for next level Emergency Management in Imo/Abia.”

Ebonyi CJ frees 26 inmates of Abakaliki Prisons

hief Judge of Ebonyi, Justice Alloy Nwankwo, Monday in C Abakaliki freed 26 awaiting trial

inmates of the Abakaliki prisons in a jail delivery exercise.

A Septuagenerian, Mr John Nomeh accused of alleged defilement of a minor was among the 26 inmates who were granted bail during the exercise.

Chairman of the Committee for the Defence of Human Rights (CDHR), Ebonyi chapter, Mr Emeka Anosike, who filed a bail application on behalf of the accused, said that the 70-year old had been on awaiting trial since June 27, 2018.

He informed the court that the accused had not been arraigned before a court of competent jurisdiction.

He also told the court that the suspect had no case file, adding that information was not filed by the Department of Public Prosecution (DPP) in the case.

He prayed the Chief Judge to discharge the accused for want of prosecution or on the alternative grant him bail.

Mr Isreal Alaobu, the DPP said that the offfence allegedly committed by the accused was punishable under the Child ‘s Right Act of Ebonyi.

“My lord, the offfence the accused allegedly committed is punishable under the Child’s Rights act of Ebonyi.

“We have not filed information on the case because the police have not made the case file available to us and consequently, we are not opposed to the bail application,” Alaobu said.

The Chief Judge, consequently granted the accused bail on ‘self’ recognition.

“The accused who has been on awaiting trial since June 27, 2018 without information filed on the matter and without a case file is hereby granted bail on self-recognition,” he said.

Also, Roseline Nwuguru, a 49-year-old female inmate accused of alleged murder was granted conditional bail.

Nwuguru was detained at the facility since Oct. 16, 2014 and had not attended court.

Other suspects; Chidi Onwe and Solomon Aleke, accused of unlawful possession of fire arm; Sunday Igwe accused of house breaking on awaiting trial for over 18 months, Uche Nwankwo and Chinonso Igwe among other inmates were released.

From left: Governor, Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Mr Godwin Emefiele, Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, and businessman, Dr Oba Otudeko, during the CBN growth consultative roundtable which held at the George Hotel, Ikoyi, Lagos, Friday

The Chief Judge, who addressed newsmen at the end of the exercise, said that he carried out the function under the Criminal Justice Release From Prisons Act. “In doing so, the law under which we are here today is known as, the Criminal Justice Release from Custody Special Provisions Act. “Under that act, the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN) and the Chief Judge of a state have power to enter the prisons within their jurisdictions to conduct hearings in deserving cases.

“Under section 11A, the deserving cases are; that the detention of the person is manifestly unlawful or that the person detained has been in custody whether on remand or otherwise for a period longer than the maximum period he should have served upon conviction.

“It is under this section that the Chief Judge can exercise his

powers by directing the officer in charge of that prison to release such people.

“It is not possible for the Chief Judge to release somebody who has not been convicted already by a court of competent jurisdiction.

“It is also not possible for the Chief Judge to come and open the prisons for all inmates to come out; I don’t think it is within his powers. We were very careful in dealing with cases such as capital offences.

“In capital offences, we prefer the people to go to regular courts; capital offences are armed robbery, murder, rape, kidnapping, cultism among others.

“Today a total of 16 inmates have been outrightly discharged, eight of them were granted bail on conditions while two inmates were granted bail on self-recognition.

“So, a total of 26 inmates or

accused persons have been released from the Abakaliki prisons today,” Nwankwo said.

Controller of Nigerian Prisons Services, Ebonyi Command, Mrs Emelia Oputa, commended the Chief Judge for releasing the inmates, noting that the exercise would decongest the over stretched facility.

She urged the freed inmates to make good use of their new freedom and shun further indulgence in crime or criminality.

“The exercise will make them have a heavy relief and it will also make them feel that they are being remembered.

“I want them to appreciate the gesture, abstain from criminal activities and should go and ‘sin’ no more.

“The exercise will decongest the prisons which has a capacity of of 387 and currently admits 1,179 both convicted and awaiting inmates,” Oputa said.

Enugu Muslim community pledges support for Ugwuanyi

E

nugu State Muslim Community on Sunday called for closer partnership and more support for Gov. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi’s administration toward contributing to the development of the state.

The Chief Imam of Enugu State, Sheik Zulqarnaini Saeed, made the call at the end of a Muslim faithful, stakeholders and Ulamas meeting held at the Islamic Centre, Uwani, Enugu.

Saeed said that the Muslim community would continue to support the peace initiative of the state government.

“The peace initiative by the governor has contributed in no small way to the peaceful co-existence of all religious believers in the state. It is evident even in Muslim settlements.

We will continue to show love to Gov. Ugwuanyi by supporting all his developmental agenda and strive to continue as a community to pray for God’s protection, guidance and uplift of his life.

“The Muslims see the governor as a person with a large and kind heart, who reaches out to everyone irrespective of religion, ethnicity and even political affiliation. The community appreciates his support and gifts of love he extend to us during various Islamic festivities and other acts of kindness to us.

“However, we have an advice to give to the governor. We want to seek closer partnership with the governor so that what he gives to the Muslim faithful would get to all Muslim faithful at the same time without missing anyone.

“We want to have an audience with him and reveal an effective channel of communication, so that every Muslim faithful will be carried along in the programmes of the government.

“So, I will appreciate him if he would channel all he has for the Muslim community through the Imams and Ulamas in the state and not the few people he meets in Central Mosque, Owerri Road, Enugu.

“I sincerely believe if he does this, he will be helping the Muslim community and his government as well,” Saeed said.

The Chief Imam also urged the governor to always give prior notice of his visit to any mosque.

“We appeal to him to always notify us ahead of his visit, so that the Ulamas can mobilise Muslims in various council areas in the state to meet him. Then, he will know that we are so many and appreciate our numerical strength’’, he said.

Alhaji Musa Ani, Secretary-General of Enugu State Muslim Community, called on the government to ensure that the Islamic Centre in Uwani was the central rallying place for all Enugu State Muslim meetings and affairs.

“It would be appreciated if everything concerning government and the Muslim community should be done at the centre, which is the seat of the Muslim Ulamas in the state.

“We, however, thank Gov. Ugwuanyi for his good gestures, especially sponsorship of faithful to pilgrimage and giving us a sense of belonging in the state,’’ Ani said.

Hajiya Halima Ani, the Women Leader of Federation of Muslim Women’s Association of Nigeria (FOMWAN), noted that most Muslims had been complaining of the governor’s largesse not getting to them.

The women leader appealed to the governor to revert to the use of the Islamic Centre at Uwani to reach out to the Muslim community in the state.

8

The Oracle Today Wednesday June 12 - 18, 2019

NEW

Ebonyi NLC impasse:

Nkah’s faction threatens legal action against Wabba

T

he Leonard Nkah-led executive of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) Ebonyi chapter, has threatened to sue the national leadership of NLC if it fails to recognise them as duly elected during the April 25, 2019 delegates’ conference.

The members, through their lawyer, Roy Nwaeze, faulted the national leadership of NLC for recognising the factional leadership produced in the delegates’ conference.

In a letter to the NLC President, Ayuba Wabba, Nwaeze decried the action of the national leadership of NLC in recognising Ikechukwu Nwafor-led faction, rather than resolving the crisis between the two groups.

He said that his clients would go to court if Wabba does not restrain Ikechukwu Nwafor from continuing to function in office in spite of being suspended.

“Members of executive committee of Ebonyi NLC suspended Ikechukwu Nwafor as the Chairperson for refusing to render accounts to them, but you took side with him and refused to recognise the suspension.

“The National Industrial Court held on Nov. 15, 2017 in Suit No. NICN/ABK/01/2017 that the balance of convenience was in favour of Comrade Leo Nkah continuing to hold office as Acting Chairperson of Ebonyi NLC. “We wish to appeal to you to allow peace and labour harmony to reign in Ebonyi by recognising our clients who were duly elected into various positions during the April 25 2019 elections in Ebonyi.

“Except you allow reason and the rule of law to reign, our clients will be compelled to have resort to the court,’’ Nwaeze said.

“Others in Nkah’s executive are: Mbam Emmanuel, Vice Chairman, Ngele Thomson Vice Chairman, Elom David, Treasurer and Chukwuma Onwe, Auditor. Nnaji Joel, Auditor, Okoro Christiana, Ex-Officio and Osim Veronica Ex-Officio.’’

Wabba had in his letter to Ebonyi Governor, David Umahi, dated May 2, forwarded names of officers elected during the April 25 delegates’ conference.

He listed them as: Ikechukwu Nwafor, Chairman, Emmanuel Item, Vice Chairperson, Charles Aneke, Vice Chairperson and Amiara Tobias, Auditor.

Others are Kelechi Nwanchor, Auditor, and Anthony Egwu, Treasurer.

But the governor in his letter accused the NLC national leadership of turning blind eye to the squabble which culminated into factional leadership in the NLC, Ebonyi chapter.

It would be recalled that two congresses took place in the state on April 25, 2019 in which Leonard Nkah and Ikechukwu Nwafor emerged chairmen.

‘I left my matrimonial home for fear of my life’ – Ex-Governor Chime’s wife

T

he estranged wife of former governor Sullivan Chime of Enugu State, Clara, on Monday told an FCT High Court Apo, that she left her matrimonial home for fear of her life.

Clara, made the allegation while being cross-examined by the counsel for the former governor, Paul Onyia, in the petition filed by Chime for the dissolution of their 11-yearold marriage.

Clara informed the court that she met her husband while he was Enu-

gu State governor.

“I bought two vehicles. A a Lexus 570 SUV and a BMW S6 for myself while married to the former governor.

“I did not use his money to buy those vehicles from the allowances I received as the wife of the governor,” she said.

The former governor’s wife also informed that she bought her landed property from the Enugu State Housing Corporation, adding that she paid for it after leaving office.

“I have the title documents of the landed property,” she told the court.

Asked if she was aware that the petitioner ceased to be governor since 2015, Clara said, “I am aware that he ceased to be Enugu State governor on May 29, 2015.”

She, however, disclosed that she did not know how much the former governor earned as pension, saying, “I have no idea of how much he is being paid as pension.”

The former governor’s wife also informed the court that she was in-

volved in oil and gas business, adding that she had been living well despite not receiving maintenance allowance from her husband since 2013 they had been living apart.

She also alleged that her estranged husband has refused to allow her see her only child. ”I only see my child during Church service or social events whenever I am in town,” she said.

After listening to her testimony, Justice Angela Otaluka, adjourned the case until Oct. 14 for adoption of final written addresses.

‘I accept your call to serve’ – Declares Orji, new Abia Speaker

From BONIFACE OKORO, Umuahia Chinedum Orji representing Eencyngr.

Umuahia Central State Constituin the Abia State House of As-

•Akwa Ibom State Governor, Mr. Udom Emmanuel (left) congratulating Elder Effiong Edem Essien after his swearing-in as new Head of Civil Service in an occasion which also saw the oath taking administered by the Governor on new permanent secretaries who include: Mr Effiong Edet Ekpenyong, Mr Inyang Inyang Jameson and Mr Imo Bassey Nkanga

Cleric to head commission on new religious foundations From OZO RAY, Awka uxiliary Bishop of Awka Catholic A Diocese, Most Rev. Jonas Benson Okoye, has been appointed

the chairman of the Commission on New Religious Foundations in Nigeria by the Prefect of the Congregation for the Evangelization of the people, Cardinal Fernando Filoni.

The appointment to head the commission expected to end Religious Foundation Crisis in Nigeria, came sequel to the crisis rocking the various new religious congregations being formed for religious men and women in Nigeria as perceived by the Congregation for the Evangelization of the People, Rome.

Speaking on the appointment yesterday in Awka , Bishop Okoye explained that the Commission, being chaired by him, had been charged by the Congregation for the Evangelization of the People to look critically and investigate religious congregations facing one crisis or the other in Nigeria.

In his words, ‘the Congregation for the Evangelization of the People noticed that there are a lot of crises in the various new religious congregations being formed for religious men and women and asked the commission which I’m heading to look into the area, especially where there are fractions; those with and those without diocesan rites. These investigations will be sent back to the congregation.’

He revealed that the commission was expected to study the reasons for the multiplication of religious congregations in Nigeria, identify

those that followed the proper canonical process, those with diocesan rites and those without diocesan rite, make recommendations based on the investigations, and report back to the Prefect of the Congregation for the Evangelization of the People, Cardinal Fernando Filoni.

‘Actually what we have done so far is to study closely what could be the reasons for the multiplication of religious congregations in Nigeria.

What we tried to do is to do a list of these various new congregations without diocesan rites and those who are with diocesan rites but are not in peace. So what we have tried to do is to look at those who have followed the canonical process for the formation of religious congregations. We are still compiling the list but what we have now already is about 42. ‘ ‘Basically, the commission is not just to investigate, or to cause the closure of these new congregations, but to make proper delineation of those who are following the proper canonical procedure and those who are not, to advise and to recommend those who have all the necessary requirements with due process to the congregation for the evangelization of the people for approval for diocesan rites.’

He maintained that it was important for bishops in various dioceses to look more closely and study the activities of the new religious congregations in their diocese. He beckoned on those who have the intention of forming religious congregations to seek the assistance of a canonist who would guide them

to ensure they followed the proper canonical procedure.

Bishop Okoye stated that it was worrisome for some congregations to have their communities with novitiates here in Nigeria and then have a bishop in Ghana or Cameroon who ordained their candidates. He regretted that the bishop of the Principle See of the place of formation was mostly thrown far apart from the place where the novitiate was staying.

He said it was necessary for congregations in their early stage to pass through some processes which should begin with private association. He disclosed that at the private association, the bishop of the diocese where the congregation existed would begin to see members of the congregation as those doing a nice work in their congregation.

The congregation, according to Bishop Okoye, could be those who had great concern for those in the hospital, education of children, catechetical instructions, among other areas of life.

He explained that the bishop of the dioceses where the congregations existed at some point would give the congregation letter of recommendation and upgrade them to the level of public association while he continued to understudy the activities of the congregation before they formed a committee of a family. He pointed out that the letter of recommendation from the diocesan bishop could only be given if the congregation had distinguished itself in character and had witnessed growth in its numerical strength.

sembly emerged the Speaker of Abia State 7th House of Assembly which was inaugurated Monday by Governor Okezie Ikpeazu.

Rt. Hon. Orji was elected unopposed by the 24-member House in a rancour-free exercise.

In the same vein, Hon. Ifeanyi Uchendu (Ohafia South) was elected the Deputy Speaker unopposed.

Rt. Hon. Orji was elected following his nomination by the member representing Ugwunagbo State Constituency, Munachim Alozie, seconded by the member representing Isiala Ngwa North State Constituency, Ginger Onwusibe.

The Deputy Speaker, Uchendu, was nominated by the member representing Obingwa West, Thomas Nkoro; seconded by the member representing Umuahia South State Constituency, Barrister Jerry Uzosike.

Other Principal Officers that emerged include Solomon Akpulonu (Obingwa East) Majority Leader; Abraham Orba (Aba Central), Minority Leader and Paul Taribo (Ukwa East) Deputy Majority Leader.

Others are Munachim Alozie (Ugwunagbo), Chief Whip; Chukwudi Apugo (Umuahia East), Deputy Whip and Chukwu Chijioke (Bende North),Minority Whip.

In his acceptance speech, Rt. Hon. Orji (popularly called Ikukuoma Abia) said he has accepted the call to serve.

“I stand in humble gratitude to God and to you for the honour you have done to me today by unanimously electing me to serve as the Speaker of the 7th Abia State House of Assembly. I thank you for the rare privilege and I wholeheartedly accept your call to serve,” the new Speaker said.

“I wish to assure you that at all times, I will endeavour to do my best to continue to deserve this confidence and trust that you have so resoundingly reposed in me today.

God being my helper, I will not disappoint you.

I note that a number of us Members of this 7th House were eminently qualified to emerge Speaker of the House but you have chosen me to lead you as first among equals,” he added.

He promised that the 7th Abia House of Assembly would be vibrant and result-oriented.

9

The Oracle Today Wednesday June 12 - 18, 2019

NEWS

Okowa congratulates Oborevwori, Ochor on emergence as Speaker, Deputy

D

elta State Governor, Ifeanyi Okowa, has congratulated the member representing Okpe Constituency, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori and his Ukwuani Constituency counterpart, Hon. Ochor Christopher Ochor on their election as Speaker and Deputy Speaker of the 7th Delta State House of Assembly.

Governor Okowa in a statement in Asaba on Monday lauded members of the 7th Assembly for their choice of Sheriff Oborevwori and Ochor Christopher Ochor as Presiding Officers of the 7th Assembly,

noting that the duo will bring their experience to bear in the discharge of their duties.

The Governor also congratulated other members of the House for their victory at the 2019 polls and urged them to bring their extensive knowledge and understanding of law making to the service of the state.

“As Governor of our dear state, I promise to give my total support to the House and anything that will be required to ensure that you discharge your responsibilities fully without any inconvieniences”.

According to the Governor, members should be proud of their emergence to represent their various constituencies from the teeming population and therefore they are duty bound to work for the overall interest of the State.

“Our people have entrusted us with this special mandate with a resounding victory in the last elections, the least we can do for them is to ensure that we make good laws for the good governance, security of lives and property and ensure service to the people for a Stronger Delta, adding “We need

to understand that as representatives of the people, we must always consult with our constituents who sent us to the House and as messengers that we are, it is expected that we return home often to brief them on our representation”, he said “On behalf of the government and people of Delta State, i congratulate you all on your success at the polls and I wish you God’s help in yet another phase of your continuing service to the good people of Delta State,” the statement added.

Governor’s wife distributes 800,000 insecticidetreated nets in C/River

W

ife of the Governor of Cross River, Dr Linda Ayade, says over 800,000 Long Lasting Insecticide-treated Nets (LLINs) will be distributed to residents of the state.

Ayade said this on Sunday at Ikot Nakanda community in Akpabuyo Local Government Area of the state during the flag off of the LLINs by the state Deputy Governor, Prof. Ivara Esu. Ayade said that the distribution of the nets was to reduce cases of malaria in the state and promote healthy living.

The wife of the governor, who was represented by the immedikwa Ibom House of Assembly ate past Commissioner for Health, on Monday inaugurated its 7th Dr Inyang Asibong, called on resiassembly with Mr Aniekan Bassey dents in the state, especially nurs(Uruan-PDP), emerging as the ing mother’s and pregnant womspeaker. en to visit health centres close to Bassey, a returning member was them for the nets. nominated by Mr Nse Essien (OnAccording to her, over 90 per na-PDP), seconded by Mr Mark cent of residents in Cross River Esset (Nsit Atai-PDP) and unanimously elected by the 25 Peoples were at risk of suffering from maDemocratic Party (PDP) members laria for not using the LLIN. present.

“The proper and consistent use The Clerk of the House, Mrs of LLINs is a sure way to reducing Mandu Umoren had earlier read a malaria deaths and indices by 20 letter of proclamation from Gov. per cent and 50 per cent respecUdom Emmanuel, bringing the 7th tively especially among children Assembly to life in line with proviless than 5 years in the State. sions of Section 105 (3) of the 1999 “More than 90 per cent resiConstitution, as amended. dents in Cross River are at risk of The former deputy speaker in malaria, with everyone suffering the 6th assembly, Mrs Felicia Basat least one bout of it yearly. sey also emerged as the Deputy “Cross River is a state that placSpeaker, Mr Uduak Ududo(Ikot es premium on the health of its Abasi/Eastern Obolo-PDP), nominated Bassey and was seconded •From left: Ekiti State Governor, Dr Kayode Fayemi with MD/CEO Union Bank Plc, Mr Emeka Emuna; during a visit by residents. We are officially flagging off the distribution of LLINs

by Mr Emmanuel Ekpenyong( Ini- the Bank management to the Governor in Ado-Ekiti, Monday across the state today and over PDP).

800,000 residents are expected In his acceptance speech, Basto benefit from it,” she said. sey thanked God for his election Esu, who said that malaria is a as the speaker, and acknowlformer Director-General, ecutive of the Atomic Energy Com- Jaja, Bishop of Niger Delta West killer disease and second to HIV/ edged his party, the PDP and his Nigeria Atomic Energy Com- mission. I have returned to him,’’ Diocese said God alone could in- AIDS and its proven co-relationconstituency for giving him the mission (NAEC), Dr Franklin he said. stitute governments and ordain ship with a wide range of other opportunity to represent them.

Osaisai said his aspiration to leaders, saying that: “those who diseases, calls for global efforts He thanked his colleagues for Osaisai, has formerly declared his reposing confidence in him while interest in contesting the Nov. 16 govern Bayelsa was borne out of aspire to lead must have the right for its elimination. passion for service to the people, motives’’. promising not to disappoint them, Governorship poll in Bayelsa.

While thanking the PresidenAccording to him, it is instructive tial Malaria Initiative, the United he assured that the legislature un- Osaisai, a Nuclear Scientist, especially with the winding down der his watch would run a trans- made the declaration during a of the Gov. Seriake Dickson-led ad- that Osaisai did not forget his hum- State Agency for International Deble beginning because such a trait parent, accountable and resulted church service at St John’s Angli- ministration. can Church in his community, Kol“I aspire to lead the people of has become rare among the elite. velopment, the National Malaria orientated administration.

“If a man will remember and Elimination Program, he called on “We shall operate an open door uama, a coastline community in Bayelsa to consolidate on the Southern Ijaw, Bayelsa, weekend. achievements of Dickson, I do this recognise his humble background members of the public and secupolicy that will welcome constructive criticisms and ensure that de- Speaking during the service knowing that leadership and pow- and chose to take this first step in rity agencies to maximally particithis rural remote setting, it is an pate in the exercise to ensure its cisions are reached with the full entitled: `Solemn Declaration of er only come from God. Interest’ Osaisai, said that he had “I am a firm believer and ben- indication that he will re-enact the success. consent of members.

The Permanent Secretary, Min“Let me assure my colleagues resolved to return to the roots of eficiary of God’s grace. That is the success he made out of his career. reason I have chosen to declare “While it is good to aspire for istry of Health, Dr Joseph Basand people of the state that I will his humble beginning in Church. not take the responsibility placed He recalled that it was the grace my intention from where I had my leadership, it is the motive behind sey, said that 2.4million LLINs the aspiration that counts before worth over N2.3billion have been on me for granted. Let it be of God that took him from a Chor- humble beginning.

“I hope to be fair to all parts of God,’’ he said. shipped into the state by USAID known that we all belong to each ister at the St. John’s Anglican Clergymen, traditional rulers and sent to various distribution other. We all need each other. To Church to the pinnacle of his ca- Bayelsa, I will mobilise the people for development and progress in from Koluama, opinion leaders, points across the 18 local governserve each other by sacrificing for reer. the common good of the people,’’ “God took me from the church my position as the leader,’’ he said. community members and Osaisai’s ment areas of the State. to become the pioneer Chief ExIn his speech, Dr Emmanuel Oko- associates graced the occasion. he said.

Bassey added that 92 per cent of the Nigerian population are at risk, contributing to an 11 per cent CHANGE OF NAME CHANGE OF NAME CHANGE OF NAME CHANGE OF NAME CHANGE OF NAME maternal mortality and 30 per SEFIYA: GLORIA: CHIBUZO: CHINYERE: MARYANN: cent under 5 mortality and 60 per I formerly known as I formerly known as I formerly known as I formerly known as ACHI I formerly known as cent outpatient visits in facilities.

MRS EZE NORAH SEFIYA A ONYEJIFE GLORIA AFAMEFUNA CHIBUZO CHINYERE BENEDETTE. MISS MADUKA A beneficiary, Mrs Comfort now wish to be known and OGECHUKWU now wish EMMANUEL now wish to Now wish to be known as OGOCHUKWU MARYANN Okon, who received a LLINs, addressed as MISS ADAMU to be known as EKWUAZI be known as AFSMEFUNA IKEOTUONYE CHINYERE Now wish to be known and NORAH SEFIYA A. All former GLORIA OGECHUKWU. MICHAEL EMMANUEL. thanked the state government BENEDETTE. All former addressed as MRS NWUDO documents remained valid.

Former documents remain Former documents remain documents remain valid, OGOCHUKWU MARYANN and development partners for General public take note. valid. Banks and General valid. Banks and General Banks and general public All former documents their care and concern for the public take note. public take note. take note. remain valid BANKS and health of residents in the state.

Bassey emerges speaker of 7th Akwa Ibom Assembly

A

NAEC ex-DG, Osaisai joins Bayelsa governorship race

A

10

The Oracle Today Wednesday June 12 -18, 2019

NEWS

Okorocha to Ihedioha: ‘You are yet to get serious’

From COLLINS UGHALAA, Owerri

I

mmediate past governor of Imo State, Owelle Rochas Okorocha, has come down hard on Governor Emeka Ihedioha, saying that he is yet to settle down for the business of governing the state.

In a press release by Okorocha’s Special Adviser on Media, Mr. Sam Onwuemeodo, the former governor said that Ihedioha is still carrying out oversight functions as if he was still in the National Assembly.

“It is important to state and indeed inform the general public that the new Governor of Imo State Chief Emeka Ihedioha has not begun to govern the State as its Chief Executive, looking at his activities

and utterances so far, but embarking on oversight functions as if he is still at the National Assembly where he was, uninterruptedly for 12 years”, said the former Governor.

Okorocha also condemned Governor Ihedioha for setting up committees, saying: “He has also been busy setting up series of committees with at least three committees a day, and has never done any serious thing or taken any serious step or said any serious thing to show that he has actually taken the seat as the governor of the state. And he also seems not to have cared about asking questions.

“In the course of doing over-

sight functions even as governor, he would go to one bad dredging site which he won’t mention where it is, he would send out the photograph just to blackmail his predecessor or he would send out the photograph of one bad toilet they got from somewhere and said it was in the Government House. So petty and unserious all these days.”

Okorocha claimed that he “left more than one thousand verifiable projects behind for him” but that Governor Ihedioha “has never cared to visit any of the projects to show that he has come to work and that he means well. If he could be showing the world one bad toilet we knew they got for Owerri Of-

fice of the PDP when landmark projects are located at various parts of the State waiting for him to come and see them, and know what to do with them, then he hasn’t come for service.

“The International Cargo Airport is ready and was commissioned by the Vice-President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo. Let him visit the place and tell the world what he has seen, and then open it for operations so that the purpose for building such a landmark project can be achieved.

“The Ultra-modern Prison Headquarters and the magnificent Police Headquarters also built by his predecessor and commissioned by the Vice-President need his action.

He should ask the Police to move to such befitting edifice and the prisons people too. The management of the Skyrun Company his predecessor also brought would like him to come and see what God had used Owelle to do for Imo people.

“The 6 new universities, four polytechnics, three colleges of education, the 27 general hospitals, the ultra-modern markets built by the former governor including the Malaysia Market at Obowo are all waiting for him to come and see them and know the level Rochas Okorocha had taken the state to, in terms of development and that would enable him to know what to do.”

Imo professionals in South-South set agenda for Ihedioha From ANIEKAN ANIEKAN, Calabar

A

s the newly elected governor of Imo State, Emeka Ihedioha braces himself for the challenges of governance in the Eastern Heartland, a pressure group, the Imo Professionals in the South-South has set an agenda for the governor.

The pressure group which comprises of Imo State indigenes resident and undertaking various businesses in the SouthSouth region wants the governor to create the necessary linkages so as to tap into their wealth of experience as well as protecting their interests.

Elder Uzorma Osuagwu the Coordinator of the group made this known in Calabar while congratulating the governor on his victory in the polls and assumption of office.

He emphasized that the linkage is imperative as no governor of the state has carried Imo people resident outside the state along and it will be a great credit for him if he reverses the trend.

“While we felicitate with our governor on his recent victory in the Polls, our advice for him is to create a synergy with the people of Imo State residing outside the state because their numbers are enormous.

“For the people to feel his impact is for him to have a linkage between him and a representative of Imo people living outside the state.

“No governor of the state has carried Imo people residing outside along as they usually feel they only lead those in the state and it will be a great credit to him if he creates such linkage as it will be the change the people really need”.

He said the people made a great choice by voting him in to salvage the state emphasizing that Imo people in the SouthSouth have no doubts whatsoever in his capacity to change the narrative of the state and also restore the pride of “Imolites”.

•From left: Engineer Uche Nwiwu of the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) , Engineer Prajo E.Narayanan, DAV-AAKY Nigeria Limited , Engineer Frank Igwe of the NCAA with CEO DAV-AAKY Nigeria Limited, Engineer Ayoola Stephen flanked by Mr. Adamu Malik, Engineer Sabruwa and Mr. Bankole Pius at the award of the Approved Maintenance Organization (AMO) Certificate at the NCAA Annex in Lagos

APGA chieftain urges Igbo representatives in 9th NASS to emulate Umeh From OZO RAY, Awka hieftain of the All Progressive C Grand Alliance (APGA), Chief Rommy Ezeonwuka has eulogised

the performance of Senator Victor Umeh at the Senate Chamber of the 8th National Assembly, noting that the former national chairman of the party who represented Anambra Central Senatorial Zone for about a year made more positive impact on the people of Anambra Central and Ndigbo generally than those who

spent longer time at the parliament.

Speaking on his expectations from the Igbo members of the Senate and House of Representatives in the 9th National Assembly of Nigeria while fielding questions by journalists at an event in Awka, Monday, Ezeonwuka who is a member of the Board of Trustees BoT of APGA fronted Senator Umeh as an example of a super performer in National Assembly, adding that Umeh was hardworking and outspoken on issues of im-

mense political interest, economic interest and security interest to Ndigbo on the floor of the Senate.

“Umeh was hardworking and out spoken in the Senate. I can remember vividly how he spoke against the directive to disarm Vigilante groups in the Southeast issued by the Inspector General of Police, how he spoke on the inclusion of the Southeast in the Railway project, how he spoke on the establishment of Federal College of Education at Aguleri and how he

Awka , the Anambra state capital , also revealed that the agency would introduce electronic advertising basically for aesthetics as well as to generate more revenue for the state government .

Emecheta explained that the State Internal Revenue Service was solely responsible for the collection of revenues but stressed that the advertisement and signage agency was obligated to issue out demand notices as well as ensure that revenues were remitted to government coffers through the board of internal revenue service.

According to him , the agency was currently plotting how it would change the advertising face of Awka , Onitsha , Nnewi , Ekwulobia , Ihiala and some other major cities in the state to ensure that they adhered strictly to the new electronic design the agency was planning to launch shortly stressing that Anambra state

has advanced from analogue to digital advertising .

He said another salient issue the agency would address was to ensure that market men and women paid for their signage. Emecheta stated that the agency won’t compel them to pay to the agency but they can pay to their market unions for onward remittance to the government’s coffers even as he pointed out that the agency would partner the state ministry of trade , commerce and market development to pursue the objective .

The ANSAA boss further disclosed that control mechanisms were being worked out by the agency to ensure that the ad-hoc personnel that would be recruited to collect revenues on obituaries , marriage ceremonies , church banners and so on in the hinterlands, did not engage in shoddy deals to shortchange and subvert government funds.

Anambra advertisement agency to engage adhoc staff for revenue collection From OZO RAY, Awka

T

he Anambra State Signage and Advertisement Agency (ANSAA ) says it will commence recruitment of ad-hoc staff to assist in ensuring that all obituaries , marriage ceremonies , church banas as well as all other advertisement notices are paid for in the villages and communities .

The agency also is currently establishing offices in all the 179 communities of the 21 local government areas in Anambra state to ensure that its presence is established in all the nooks and crannies of the state for proper regulation of advertisement notices, signage and to enable local government information officers synergies with the agency in the realisation of its objective.

Managing Director of the agency Mr. Jude Emecheta who disclosed these developments to our reporter in

fearlessly stood up to defend the cause of Ndigbo and Nigeria in arguing and defending Bills and Motions” he added Continuing, the Ogilisi Igbo observed further that: “Hardly was there any sitting in sitting that Umeh was not seen contributing to the issues of the day by moving and supporting Motions and Bills, as it concerned Anambra Central, Anambra State, Ndigbo and Nigeria in general. On the home front, he brought several meaningful projects and programmes, aimed at adding value to the lives of the good people of his constituency in the name of attracting dividends of democracy back home”.

He gave Senator Umeh a mark of excellent in attracting dividends of democracy back home thus, “he empowered the youth and women with over 30 tricycle known keke NAPEP, a good number of motorcycles, sowing and grinding machines, hair dresser equipments, issued university scholarships to ten students each from the seven Local Government Area that make up Anambra Central and gave N50,000 each to 1000 poor rural women made up of widows and aged mothers and Grandmothers.

“How else can a lawmaker give his people valuable representation, if not by always speaking on their behalf when issues are being discussed and debated, and ensuring that their problems are well articulated and properly channeled?

11

The Oracle Today Wednesday June 12 - 18, 2019

NEWS

Six Imo Assembly lawmakers defect to PDP as House gets acting Clerk

S

ix members of the Imo House of Assembly on Monday dumped their parties for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

The members made the disclosure during the valedictory session of the eighth Imo Assembly in Owerri, the state capital.

The defecting lawmakers include Chiji Collins of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) Isiala Mbano while Mike Iheanetu (Aboh Mbaise), Ukoha Broho (Ezinihitte Mbaise), Vic-

tor Onyewuchi (Owerri West), Ken Agbim (Ahaizu Mbaise) and Lloyd Chukwuemeka (Owerri North) were from Action Alliance (AA).

The members officially submitted a letter expressing their concerted desire to incumbent Speaker, Chinedu Offor noting that they were defecting in the overall interest of the state.

“The movement is in good faith and in our efforts to move the state forward. We thank our numerous

constituents for their continuous support,” the letter read.

In a related development, the Speaker, Offor sworn in Mrs Chinelo Emehara, a lawyer, as acting Clerk of the Imo assembly and charged her to discharge her duties in the overall interest of the state.

It will be recalled that erstwhile clerk of the House, Mr Christian Duru was suspended on June 3 for allegations of misconduct.

Offor however, seized the val-

edictory session to thank House members for their hard work and patriotism since the inauguration of the Assembly on June 11, 2015.

The speaker wished the incoming assembly success while mentioning the achievements of the outgoing assembly to include the presentation of 204 bills.

He further thanked the governor, Mr Emeka Ihedioha for his unbiased support since assuming office on May 29.

AIB accuses Air Peace of not reporting serious incidents

…It’s not true – Onyema

A

ccident Investigation Bureau (AIB) has accused Air Peace of failure to report accidents or serious incidents to the bureau at the exact time the incidents had occurred.

General Manager, Public Affairs, AIB, Mr Tunji Oketunbi, made the disclosure in a statement signed in Lagos on Monday.

Oketunbi recalled that on Wednesday, the bureau received notification from a passenger onboard about a serious incident involving a Boeing 737-300 aircraft with Registration Marks 5N-BUK, belonging to Air Peace.

“It was reported that the said incident occurred on May 15, while the aircraft was on approach to the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos from Port Harcourt.

“The aircraft was said to have experienced a hard landing as it touched down on the runway (18R).

“Upon receipt of the notification, AIB visited the airline office and confirmed the said occurrence.

The Bureau further conducted a damage assessment on the aircraft, which revealed that the aircraft made contact on the runway with the starboard engine cowling, as obvious from various scrapes.

“Others are the scratches and dents, an evidence of tyre scouring on the sidewalls of the No. 4 tyre, as well as bottoming of the main landing gear oleo struts. There was also visible damage to the righthand engine compressor blades,’’ he said.

Oketunbi noted that the aircraft had since been on ground, awaiting implementation of the hard landing inspections recommended by the aircraft manufacturer, the Boeing company.

According to him, this includes an inspection of the right-hand engine pylons and the wing root, due to the heavy impact concerns.

He said further discussions with the airline’s Maintenance Personnel revealed that CFM International, the engine manufacturer, had also been contacted with regard to necessary inspections, to ascertain the serviceability of the starboard engine.

Oketunbi said the nature of the damage suggests that there was a high probability of an accident, as captured in the definition of Serious Incidents in the bureau’s Civil Aviation (Investigation of Air Accidents and Incidents) Regulations,

From right: Delta State Governor, Ifeanyi Okowa with his Edo State counterpart, Mr Godwin Obaseki during a meeting on how to deepen economic ties and improve on the security situation in the two states, which held at the Government House, Asaba, Wednesday

2016.

According to him, an incident involving circumstances indicating that there was a high probability of an accident, and is associated with the operation of an aircraft.

He said of utmost concern was the fact that till date, the bureau had not received any notification of the incident: three weeks after the date of occurrence, contrary to the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) Annex 13 which guides the operations of aircraft accident investigation procedures.

Oketunbi said: “Rather, AIB further to the occurrence, received a submission of a Mandatory Occurrence Report (MOR) subsequently filed at the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) on Friday, which filing was as a direct result of the bureau’s visit to the airline’s office on Thursday.

“An MOR is a Mandatory Occurrence Report that an Operator files after an occurrence to NCAA and it is not a notification to AIB as required by its Regulations.

“Similarly, and in recent times, an aircraft belonging to Air Peace was also involved in a serious incident and the airline willfully failed to comply with the provisions of the bureau’s regulations which provide that: “Subject to paragraph (2) below and regulation 14 where an accident or a serious incident which results in the withdrawal from service of an aircraft occurs in or over Nigeria.

“No person, other than an authorised person, shall have access to the aircraft involved and neither the aircraft nor its contents shall, except under the authority of the AIB Commissioner, be removed or otherwise interfered with.

“Where it is necessary to move aircraft wreckage, mail or cargo, sketches, descriptive notes, and photographs shall be made if possible, of the original positions and condition of the wreckage and any significant impact marks.’’

He noted that precisely, on Dec. 14, 2018, a Boeing 737-300 belonging to the airline, with registration marks 5N-BUO, enroute Akanu Ibiam International Airport, Enugu from Lagos was involved in a serious incident at about 10:44hrs, saying that the information only got to AIB through the social media.

Oketunbi said the airline’s Accountable Manager and Chief Pilot at the material time, were duly warned by the Bureau for noncompliance with the Regulations.

The general manager said based on all the foregoing, it was obvious that Air Peace Management lacks the full understanding of the statutory mandates, functions and procedures of the bureau.

Oketunbi noted that air accidents and serious incidents’ investigations were carried out in accordance with the relevant Laws and Regulations in force, in the interest of safety and with the aim

of forestalling similar occurrences in the future.

“Section 29 of the Civil Aviation Act 2006, which is the Act establishing the bureau, confers the prerogative to determine the classification of an accident or serious incidents on AIB. “All airlines are therefore enjoined to report these occurrences at all times,’’ he said.

However, reacting to the allegation, the Chairman of Air Peace, Allen Onyema said that when the incident happened, the airline reported to the regulatory agency, the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) and also wrote to Boeing and the manufacturer of the aircraft’s engine, CPM International.

“When the incident occurred, we reported it to NCAA. We followed the aircraft manual, which guided us on what to do when such incidents occurred.

“We wrote to Boeing, the aircraft manufacturer and also wrote to the engine manufacturer, CPM International. We also grounded the aircraft.

“We always report any incident to the NCAA and sometimes, you may not know what to report to AIB because the NCAA is the regulatory authority and the Bureau is in charge of accident investigation.

“So when incidents like hard landing happen and you inform NCAA, we feel we have followed the procedure.

NDE to train 600 jobless Abia youths in 7 different skills

N

ational Directorate of Employment (NDE) in Abia on Monday launched the Basic and Advanced National Open Apprenticeship Schemes (NOAS) in the state.

Speaking at the ceremony in Umuahia, the state Coordinator of NDE, Buchi Ojei, said that no fewer than 600 unemployed youths would be trained in various skills under the programme.

The Basic-NOAS is a scheme through which unemployed school leavers are recruited and attached to master craftsmen/women in the informal sector or NDE skills acquisition centres.

This is to ensure that they acquire marketable vocational skills for decent job opportunities, while the Advanced-NOAS is designed for artisans, who graduated from Basic-NOAS. It is aimed at upgrading their skills to higher levels of competence.

Ojei said that the youths would be trained in fashion designing, photo-video production, catering and confectionery, plumbing and fittings, hair-dressing and make-up as well as ICT. She said the three-month training would be held at the NDE training centres in Umuahia, Aba and Arochukwu.

She said that the trainees would be given stipends for transport within the training period.

“The trainees will be settled with tools of the trade and equipment at the programme,” she said, adding that the agency would also monitor their progress.

Also, Mr Yakubu Mani, Director, Vocational Skills Development of NDE, urged the participants to take the training seriously.

Mani, who was represented

by Mrs Agnes Ogbaga, said that the Federal Government had invested so much to check the rate of unemployment in the country.

Miss Obiageri Chimaroke, who spoke on behalf of the trainees, thanked NDE and federal government for the opportunity.

Chimaroke promised that they would take the training seriously.

The ceremony was attended by representatives of the Abia government, National Drug Law Enforcement Agency and the Directorate of State Security in the state, among other dignitaries.

12

The Oracle Today Wednesday June 12 - 18, 2019

HEALTH

Breast cancer: What to do, how to be free

B

REAST cancer is the most common cancer among women, impacting about 2 million women annually and also causes the greatest number of cancer-related deaths among women.

In 2017, the number of women that died from breast cancer was put at 1.7 million. That is approximately 25 per cent of all cancer deaths among women. While breast cancer rates are higher among women in more developed regions, rates are increasing in nearly every region, globally.

Early detection is critical in order to improve on breast cancer outcomes and survival.

There are two early detection strategies for breast cancer: early diagnosis and screening.

Under limited resources settings, with weak health systems where the majority of women are diagnosed in late stages should prioritize early diagnosis programmes based on awareness of early signs and symptoms and prompt referral to diagnosis and treatment.

Below are the laid down awareness and strategic programme for women to start taking care of themselves.

Among the three screening methods, the one a woman can help herself do is the BSE Breast Self Examination. Note: A woman should check her breasts monthly, during the week after her period- probably after the first two days, dry period immediately after the period; after menopause; If you are pregnant or if you are nursing a baby, examine your breasts on a selected date.

Step By Step Breast Self-Examination: Step 1. In the shower:Fingers slide easier over wet skin.

NEWS Cont’d from Pg 2 present.

NASARAWA Members of Nasarawa State House of Assembly re-elected Alhaji Ibrahim Balarabe Abdullahi as Speaker. Abdullahi, representing Umaisha/Ugya State Constituency, was the Speaker of the 5th Assembly now re-elected to lead the 6th Assembly.

BENUE Titus Uba who represents Kyan Constituency in the Benue State House of Assembly was re-elected Speaker of the 9th Assembly. The Assembly was proclaimed on June 3, by Governor Samuel Ortom with a charge to members to carry out their duties effectively for positive impact on the lives of citizens.

The Deputy Speaker, Christopher Adaji, representing Ohimini State Constituency also emerged during the session.

Raise your left arm over the back of your head, then with the flat side of your right hand move gently over left breast in circular motion. Check for any lump, hard knot or thickening.

Then, do the same for the right breast.

Step 2. In front of a mirror:Put your hands on your waist and press down while pushing the shoulders and elbows forward so that the chest muscles are flexed.

Check for any changes. Put your hands at the back of your head and look for dimples or bulges, particularly underneath your breast. Dimples that are symmetrical in each breast are usually harmless.

Step 3. Lying down: Place a pillow under your left shoulder and put your left hand above your head. Examine your breast in a circular motion.

Look for any change in nipple direction, puckering or swelling of the dark skin (areola) surrounding the nipple or orange peel skin. Repeat on the right side. Also, squeeze each nipple gently to check for any discharge. Also examine your armpits.

HEALTH With Dr. JOHN

NWABUEZE •Calls only: +234-8127227226, Email: ogudoben@gmail.com

•Dr. John Nwabueze Calls only: +234-8127227226, Email: ogudoben@gmail.com

Hopes, fears as National, State Assemblies take off

ENUGU The Speaker of Enugu State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Edward Ubosi was re-elected through a unanimous voice by members.

The lawmaker, who represents Enugu East Urban Constituency

What Changes Should One Be Aware Of? 1. You should be aware of a change in size of the breast.

It may be that, one of the breasts has become noticeably larger or lower down.

2. A nipple that has become inverted (pulled in) or changed its position or shape.

3. A rash around the nipple 4. Discharge from one or both nipples.

5. Puckering or dimpling of the breast skin 6. You noticed a swelling under the armpit or around your collarbone (where the lymph nodes or glands are).

7. A lump or thickening in your breast that feels different from the rest of the breast tissue.

8. Constant pain in part of the breast or in armpit.

When you have thoroughly checked yourself following the steps, meet your doctor for confirmation of your observations through CBE- Clinical Breast Examination that should be done by an experienced obstetrician/gynaecologist. After that, referral may be made for further screening, using mammography- a machine that has the ability to detect clinical occults of any possible lesion. If a woman’s lifestyle is properly checked, she might be free from breast cancer in a lifetime. Breast cancer free world is possible, but it begins with you.

How Can I Be Breast Aware?

YOU can be breast aware by simply getting to know how your breasts look and feel normally or not. This means you will notice if there is any change that might be unusual for you. Your breasts will go through many perfectly normal changes during your lifetime. Each month, during the childbearing years, your breasts may become enlarged, tender and lumpy shortly before a period starts. Or you may have lumpy breast throughout your cycle. The important thing is to get to know

EBONYI The Ebonyi State House of Assembly unanimously re-elected Francis Nwafuru representing Izzi West as Speaker. Nwifuru was nominated by Kingsley Ikoro representing Afikpo North and seconded by Oliver Osi of Ivo constituency. Also re-elected for the position of the Deputy Speaker was Obasi Odefa representing Onicha East Constituency.

what is normal for you at different stages of the month or if it is not normal.

in the House, was first elected Speaker in 2015 and led the House till the end of the session without any rancour with colleagues or the executive arm of the State.

In his acceptance speech, Ubosi described Enugu as the most gender-sensitive State in Nigeria and urged other states to copy from her.

He maintained that Enugu was the only State in the federation that has females as Deputy Governor, Chief Judge, Deputy Leader of the House, Chief Whip and Deputy Chief Whip, among others.

The female lawmakers, as announced by the Speaker, include Rt Hon Mary Onyinye Ugwu,

Deputy Leader; Hon Jane Eneh, Chief Whip; and Rt. Hon Ethel Oyibo Ugwuanyi, Deputy Chief Whip of the House, same position that she had held in the 6th Session.

NATIONAL ASSEMBLY THE reportedly compromised election of principal officers of the National Assembly, through some underhand dealings between some ambitious party leaders and desperate, authoritarian government functionaries, has triggered fearful apprehension in the polity that the legislature may just not be able to play any effective checks-andbalance role against the Execu-

tive this time around.

Those who hold the view argue that Senator Umar Lawan who emerged Senate President was practically hand-picked by President Muhammadu Buhari and Ahmed Bola Tinubu, the influential APC leader who has not made any secret about his presidential ambition come 2023, might have signaled that the Red Chamber of the National Assembly will be all but a rubber stamp of the Executive.

Similarly, Femi Gbajabiamila who emerged Speaker of the House of Representatives was also handpicked by Tinubu whose bidding the Speaker is expected to do as and when he is required to.

However, Lawan and Gbajabiamila have pledged to tow non-partisan lines in every effort in order to maintain the independence of the Legislature.

Lawan urged his fellow Senators to eschew partisanship and work with him so they can deliver on their core mandate of making law

POLITICS

13

The Oracle Today Wednesday June 12 - 18, 2019

Why I accepted award from Okorocha –Ohakim Pg 14

‘Ugwuanyi’s government inspiring think-home among Enugu in Diaspora’ Pg 15

Bishop Ikeakor: Nigerian politicians are our greatest enemies THE Anglican Bishop of Amichi Diocese, Right Reverend Ephraim Okechukwu Ikeakor is a man of whose voice sounds tough on the various issues afflicting the Nigerian nation. Presenting his Charge at the Second Session of the Fourth Synod of Amichi Diocese at the Cathedral Church of St. Andrew, Amichi, Nnewi South, the Bishop raised alarm on the Islamization of Nigeria. This to him is plot for an ethnic cleansing being perfected in high places. For him, definitely, Nigeria is sitting on a keg of gun powder. The Bishop is just concerned about the country and just just wishes that things were different. Someone once labeled his sermons, “Lamentations of the Jeremiah of our time.”

He doesn’t only lament, he also has strong ideas of how things can be turned round. He recently spoke to Odogwu Emeka Odogwu State of the Nation Our politicians are becoming our greatest enemies. But one thing is sure, man may have his will, but God must surely have His way.”

As he returned to the Islamization of the nation, he asked the Federal Government to halt the drive of revocation of gun license for legally purchased guns, but move to stop herdsmen from further killings and wasting of innocent blood across Nigeria. The truth is that there is more to the arrangement.

Though we support the war against illegal arms acquisition, the revocation of license for all legally purchased guns is a scheme with an overt agenda. Nigeria needs help.

Nigeria needs prayer. Nigeria needs our collective action. Let leaders from various circles speak out now on how to save our nation.

The Islamization agenda is at an advance stage. The ethnic cleansing agenda is subtly perfected. Truly, we are sitting on a keg of gunpowder.

On the 2019 presidential Polls The 2019 Presidential election left excruciating scars and pains on the psyche and emotions of the populace. The brazenness and unreasonable confidence with which the chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Prof. Yakoub Mahmond postponed the Presidential election is still difficult to grab. To my mind, this is the greatest and most destructive psychological war waged successfully against Nigerians who have travelled far and wide to their remote villages to exercise their franchise with enthusiasm and commitment.

On the Nigeria of Our Dream Traveling around many nations of the world, one begins to wonder when and how our dream of having a morally upright, technologically developed, educationally functional, socially viable and equitable, politically ideological and infrastructurally branded nation shall be realized. No one needs a soothsayer to know that there is absolutely nothing like political ideology in our politicians. No nation makes any headway in

a political atmosphere devoid of robust and sustainable political ideology among the politicians. How can politicians worth the name switch to two or three political parties within one year? What is the interest? When shall the Nigerian voters begin to demand written and well documented manifestos from our politicians? With the crop of politicians and our brand of politics, it is obvious that the nation is going nowhere.

How can Nigeria move forward when we have allowed politicians to turn our Senate into a caucus of former governors. After their eight years of brazen looting of state treasuries they go to the Senate to enjoy.

Almost every former governor translates into a Senator. A former governor on a full pension goes to the Senate to pick up outrageous allowances. Do we think that this is how a nation that wants to catch up with the rest of the world should behave. A nation where politicians get away with everything they do is surely a nation where every citizen gets nothing meaningful from their leaders.

Is Multi-ethnicity a curse or Blessing?

Nigeria is a country endowed and blessed with diverse human and material resources including diverse ethnic consternations and fragmentations. If harnessed properly, this would form the bed rock for our common strength and development. But a situation where the Fulani have been officially elevated and enthroned as a cherished class and others as endangered species calls for sober reflection and critical action.

‘When the President of a multi-ethnic, multi religious and multi-cultural country like Nigeria is busy filling all his appointments with only people from his own region and religion and subjugates others simply explains the parable of Nigeria and the subjugated ethnic group.

Recently, we heard that the Federal Government has resolved to establish a radio station for the Fulani Herdsmen. This they said will be an AM frequency Radio. The Minister of Education, Adamu Adamu said the radio will be strictly on Fulani language. Why then should the Federal Government not

establish such Radio stations for IPOB and Niger Delta agitators? What of the alleged gift of N100 billion to Miyetti Allah from the President? Is it true that Gold was found in commercial quantity in Zamfara State? What has the Federal Government done to make it a national natural resource for the nation like oil in the Niger Delta Region? I am just raising legitimate concerns for every true Nigerian to reflect on. I am only seeking proper interpretation to the parable of Nigeria and the subjugated ethnic group.

Now, the directive to all Nigerians to surrender guns to the police, whether legitimately acquired or otherwise, confuses me. Why this conspiracy? If the Federal Government is honest, what have they done to disarm the Fulani herdsmen with their weapons of mass murder? Is the possession of gun responsible for our dilapidated embarrassing education sector? Is the possession of gun responsible for the inability of the government to provide electricity to Nigerians? What has gun got to do with the infrastructural decay on Federal roads? Will surrendering of gun provide jobs for the teeming unemployed youth in Nigeria?

security agencies in the State. The easiest way to rubbish the achievements and development of the State is to bastardize and frustrate her security. A stitch in time, they say, saves nine.

On Anambra and Governor Obiano There was a successful election for the members of the state House of Assembly.

We congratulate the Governor of Anambra State, Chief Willie Obiano and indeed all Anambraians for that election of the members of the State House of Assembly in March.

We pray that the Honourable members will be focused to function for the good and betterment of the State.

Let me call on the Governor to quickly look into the re-emergence of terrible hoodlums and armed robbers at Upper Iweka axis in Onitsha. I know the enormous human and financial resources the government committed in sanitizing Onitsha in general and Upper Iweka in particular in the area of security.

To allow that effort to be overthrown and ridiculed is nothing but a dangerous retrogression of our dear State. The upsurge of robbery, crime and criminality recently in different parts of Anambra need an urgent attention and action of the Governor and

In the Anglican Church, there is no Clergy without the laity, there is no Church without the Laity. The ordained are chosen from the Laity. Any Church with passive laity is a potential pass-away Church. Any Church without a functional Church Laity is without doubt a malfunctional Church. The Laity are the Church growers, while the Clergy are the Church administrators.

On the theme of the synod The theme of the synod is rediscovering and harnessing the ministry of the laity for holistic and effective church growth in the Anglican Church. We learn in Sunday school and Confirmation Classes that the ministers of the Church are the Laity (Lay person in the Book of Common Prayer), Bishops, Priests and Deacons.

In the recent years, people have come to look at the ordained as more important to the life of the Church than the laity. This is not true at all. The Anglican Church is fully Laity-driven, even though she is Clergy- administered. Even during ordination Service, the examination of Priest starts thus, “Beloved the Church is the family of God, the Body of Christ and the Temple of the Holy Spirit. All Baptized people are called to make Christ known as Saviour and Lord. The emphasis her is on “all baptized people.”

The Laity are the Church financiers, while the Clergy are the Supervisors. The Laity are in greater position to invite people to participate in Church activities. For our Church to be viable both in evangelism and community culture re-orientation, the laity must be involved. The Laity have the responsibility to speak and act with conviction. Sometimes Bishops are more incline to listen to Lay opinion than the words of the Clergy. This is because the Laity will also tell them the straight truth because they are not in his payroll.

14

The Oracle Today Wednesday June 12 - 18, 2019

INTERVIEW You have come under severe attack for accepting an award from your successor, Rochas Okorocha, just before he left office as Imo State governor. Are you not worried about that?

I am not worried at all. To be honest with you, I am touched by the avalanche of criticisms. It is a demonstration of love from my people because if I am not loved, nobody would have been bothered. They would say, Ohakim, you can go to hell. We were over 20 persons that received the award. That mine is the only one raising dusts is understandable and I sincerely appreciate the concern our people have for me. However, my worry is that some of them are criticising me out of ignorance or inability to properly understand what I went through.

As I talk to you, the matter has generated over 7,500 comments in a particular platform on the social media. That is quite interesting. Those commenting are not in a position to understand what I went through. We have a situation where the fellow who shot the gun turned around to be the person extracting the bullets. Many people do not know the humiliation I went through in the hands of those now honouring me. At the height of it, a certain bishop told television camera men at a function to make sure they did not get a shot showing me and him together. There is this recorded tape of a Rev. Father preaching against me somewhere in Ohaji Egbema. Each time I watch that tape, I cry.

Now, the very people who said and did those things to me are recanting and I think I should be human and humble enough to appreciate what they are doing. Of course, I take full cognisance of the fact that some of my political enemies would be pissed off in seeing that public apologies are being extended to me.

What Okorocha did was to publicly acknowledge that he wronged me and is publicly asking for forgiveness. It is a statesmanlike move because not everyone can summon the courage to do what he did. It would be wrong of me to rebuff such a gesture. This is a fellow who removed my official photograph from the gallery where those of all former governors were hung; now inviting me to take me round the same gallery with my photograph there. This is a fellow who publicly accused me of stealing the people’s money, now publicly honouring me with an award. I was publicly disgraced and now I am being honoured publicly.

As far as I am concerned, Okorocha did not act entirely on his own; God spoke and acted through him to get me finally vindicated. In any case, it is not only Okorocha that God has used to vindicate me. It started with two prominent men of God, Archbishop Anthony Obinna and Rev. Fr. Ejike Mbaka. I have received an award from the Owerri Catholic Archdioceses for the work I did while I was governor. Father Mbaka has also publicly declared me innocent of all the lies that were told against me in 2011. He even waxed a record in which I was derided.

When he discovered the truth, he waxed another record praising and exonerating me.

Now, it is Rochas Okorocha. Anybody can say whatever he or she likes but as for me, I am full of praises to God. Don’t you think that those who believe that the state has issues to settle with Okorocha would see you as taking sides with him?

When did they realise that Okorocha has issues with the state? Where were they when I was writing letters and granting interviews, trying to point at certain things he was doing but which were not in the interest of the state. The same people who are now criticising me for accepting the award are the same people that were bashing me for speaking out. They said I should allow Rochas Okorocha to run his own government, that I had done my own. Some even said I mismanaged my own opportunity. Unknown to many, I am still in court with two of Okorocha’s former aides for defamation of character. When they said I lost election in 2011, I became a laughing stock. Okorocha was telling all sorts of lies against me, did anybody defend me? They even said I was using 30 million naira to drink Champaign every day. Did anybody ask questions? Did even you in the media dig into the matter to find out the truth?

Accepting Okorocha’s award does not in any way mean that I have exonerated him of any grievances the people of the state

Why I accepted award from Okorocha - Ohakim A former governor of Imo State, Dr. Ikedi Ohakim, recently accepted the highest award of the Grand Chancellor, Order of Imo (GCOI) from Governor Rochas Okorocha. He has since come under severe criticism in the media for accepting the award from the immediate past Governor. In this interview, he explains why he accepted the award and his take on the newly inaugurated administration in the state and other burning issues. He spoke with COLLINS UGHALAA in Owerri. Excerpts:

•Ohakim might have against him. Ikedi Ohakim is not a law court. I decided to submit myself to the governor’s gestures in order to give the entire state the opportunity to realise that a monumental mistake was made in 2011, in the way I was treated through false accusations; and to learn the necessary lessons from that so that next time, we as a people will not make the same mistake. If I declined the award, there would have been no opportunity for Imo people to know that the same people who accused me wrongly have now recanted. Next time, Imo people will ask questions when another fellow is being castigated.

Many people still wonder why you decided to contest the last governorship election, given the type of result you posted.

What actually happened?

I can tell you that the decision to run in the 2019 Imo governorship election is perhaps one of the best I have ever taken in life. In fact, I consider it as my most courageous decision, because given the desperation of many contestants; I made myself extremely vulnerable to bashing by the numerous candidates. I was the only former governor in that contest and so, the only candidate that had a record on the office of the governor of Imo State. In other words, I was expecting some of the candidates to come out to say,

Ohakim, go and sit down. When you were governor, you stole so, so and so amount of money; you acquired so, so and so area of land, etcetera. I had expected some of my fellow contestants to come out with proof of all the houses I was alleged to have acquired in Owerri and overseas when I was governor. But none of that happened, because those allegations were all false. Recall that I swore to a 35-paragraph affidavit in which I told Imo people that if they found out that any of the allegations against me is true, they should prosecute me. I staked my integrity at the highest level. It has never happened. Nobody could come up with anything. The 2019 governorship election in Imo State was the most rancorous. Candidates and their parties were ruthless and they would not have spared me if they had proof of any wrong doing on my part. The point I am trying to make is that my decision to run was a strategic move to defend my integrity. Forget about the figures posted against my name, that election invariably gave me a clean bill.

What’s your take about the future of Nigeria against the backdrop of heightening fears in the country?

I think the biggest worry is about the growing insecurity. You will agree with me

that in spite of the rhetoric from some federal officials, we cannot claim that we have made any good progress in checking the scourge of insecurity in the country; not even in the fight against Boko Haram. We cannot, sincerely speaking, say that we are winning the war. Outside Boko Haram, the security situation has become worse. Look at what is happening on the Abuja-Kaduna road. For a journey of less than two hours, the chances that you will be kidnapped are over 50 percent. It is like that in several other parts of the country. When you add this to the level of disenchantment that currently prevails among the citizenry especially after the 2019 general elections, you will only but get worried. Look at Zamfara State. Now, look at the political situation in the state today with the recent Supreme Court ruling.

When you combine that with the level of banditry in the state, you can only come to the conclusion that unless the proper steps are taken, the security situation there will get worse. If you combine banditry with political animosity, the result is total chaos.

What measures would you suggest the president takes in this second term to address the challenge?

The president has to immediately re-invent the security architecture of the country, beginning with changing the service chiefs. Tactically, no general is used to fight two wars. The security chiefs that the president has been using in the fight with Boko Haram have done their best but Nigerians believe that a new set has to come. Look at the Police, there seems to be a new lease of life in the force with the coming in of a new Inspector-General. It was a good thing that the president heeded to the clamour for a change in the leadership of the force. The coming in of a new Inspector-General has gingered confidence in the people and with what he has done so far, we are likely to get some desirable results. So, let the president do the same with the heads of the other security outfits particularly the military. Nigerians are looking forward to that.

Beyond that, I think that the president should constitute his cabinet as quickly as possible. Early constitution of a new cabinet will engender confidence in the people and clear doubts among the international community. He is facing a ligation which the rest of the international community is observing with keen interest and as such, he should start early to demonstrate that he is ready to run with the ball.

Having been there before; what advice would you give Governor Emeka Ihedioha?

First, I restate my support for him. He should look at reconciling members of the political elite. I join other well-meaning citizens of the state to appeal to those at the elections tribunal to withdraw their cases.

I have personally met with some of them.

Let them join hands with Ihedioha so that we can revamp the economy of the state.

Imo is in dire need of investments from outside but investors, whether local of foreign, do not go where there are litigations and political uncertainty. As I have said in previous fora, I do not want the new governor to suffer the type of distraction I was faced with because I know the implications. Then, he will look at developing the human capital of the state especially by rebuilding the civil service; then, of course, the economy.

He has to embark on job-creating projects, not edifices that will not be of any economic use.

There has been this war of words between your camp and that of your predecessor, Chief Achike Udenwa. Is it not high time you both draw the curtain?

There is no war. People are taking it for a war but I do not. I have the highest respect for him but unfortunately, handlers and lieutenants who have left the issues to dwell on inanities; they have refused to admit that the matter is that of a serious slip of tongue on the part of their principal. While I commend them for their loyalty to their boss, they should also understand that Imo people are no fools. By refusing to address the issues and contending themselves with the talk about who made who governor, they tend to suggest that the people are not in a position to remember what really happened. He started the fight. So, he can stop it if he wants. I merely defended myself. In any case, I have stopped talking about it. Let them wait for my forthcoming book.

15

The Oracle Today Wednesday June 12 - 18, 2019

INTERVIEW

‘Ugwuanyi’s government inspiring think-home among Enugu in Diaspora’

Who is Godwin Ugwu?

Godwin Ugwu is a native of Ovoko in Igbo-Eze South Local Government Area of Enugu State. I live in Dublin, Ireland. I am an accountant but a transporter in Dublin. I came home to identify with the movement of good governance in Enugu State as being manifested by His Excellency, Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi. I am here to see things for myself and from what I have seen, I am highly impressed with the performance of the governor. And let me quickly say that his reelection for a second term is well deserved and I thank the good people of our State for doing the right thing by r-electing him.

Before we talk about the situation in Enugu, let’s use you as a contact point to look at the feeling of Nigerians in foreign countries over what is happening in Nigeria with regard to the issue of killings here.

What would those of you over there advise the Nigerian authorities to do to address the ugly situation?

Those of us in foreign countries feel so bad about the killings in our home country, Nigeria. Insecurity is the worst challenge that any country can face. Corruption, unemployment and election irregularities are minor compared to insecurity. Insecurity inflicts a whole lot of damage on a country because the image of the country is at stake. Insecurity scares people like tourists and investors away from a country. No country makes progress when people are not comfortable to stay in it. Our friends out there won’t visit us if the news about security is not favourable to their ears.

Some Nigerians are no more comfortable staying in their country. A lot of young Nigerians are suffering over there in Europe, China and so on because they ran away on account of the fact that they were not comfortable with their country. Some died of hunger and starvation in the Sahara desert and high seas while trying to run away from their country. Nigeria is good enough to attract investors from all over the world but no right thinking person can move his business to a country where lives are not safe.

For us in the Diaspora, we advise the Nigerian authorities to buckle up and address the challenges of insecurity and ensure stability and safely of lives and property. Personally, I will advise the authority under President Muhammadu Buharii to consult with Nigerians in Diaspora in this regard. There are great minds of Nigerian background all over Europe and the United States who have made marks in their respective fields of endeavour. There are Nigerian scientists doing great things over there. There are engineers who can be useful in electronic devices, software, hardware, GPS networking and all that. There are scientific devices that can improve social connections of the people and dictate those that are bad and those with criminal intentions. Again, the Nigerian authorities have to work hard to create jobs. In most cases, unemployment gives room for insecurity. Those of us in the Diaspora can also lend helping hands in job creation. What I am saying is that President Muhammadu Buhari should consider it right to reach out to Nigerians in the Diaspora to come home and contribute their quota to the development of their country.

Coming back to Enugu State, what is your impression of Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi’s administration; what are your expectations from his second tenure?

My impression is that Ugwuanyi has done well enough to distinguish Enugu from the rest of Nigeria in terms of performance.

•Dublin-based bizman urges Buhari to connect with Nigerians in Diaspora At a time when news from Nigeria is neither encouraging Nigerians in Diaspora to think home nor foreign investors to come and invest in Nigeria, a Nigerian based in the Ireland Republic City of Dublin, Mr Godwin Ugwu in this interview with The Oracle Today observes that, going by what Enugu State under Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi has to offer, the narrative isn’t all bad. Ugwu, an accountant who is into transportation, spoke on the administration of Governor Ugwuanyi, how what is happening in Nigeria is impacting negatively on the country in foreign lands and the vision of Enugu people in Diaspora for their home State. He spoke with THEO RAYS. Excerpts

•Mr Godwin Ugwu First is that Enugu as I can observe is more peaceful than most of the States in Nigeria.

In Enugu, there is hardly any fight among politicians and some sections of the people unlike other States where politicians and some sections of the people are always fighting for one reason or another. Second, I can also observe that Enugu is okay in terms of security. The police and other security agencies are doing a good job here and we have to appreciate their efforts. Third, Enugu has improved tremendously in terms of road network. When I was driving down to Nsukka, I marvelled at the sight of the solid road network from Opi downward to other parts of Nsukka. My happiness is that the same road network in Nsukka is spread across other parts of the State. Peace, security and good road network are key points of development anywhere in the world.

Ugwuanyi has positively affected them and

the people are happy, a reason they gave him their mandate for a second term. So, what I am saying is that the news from Enugu State is different from other States. And to me and other people of Enugu in the Diaspora, we are inspired to think home. We are inspired to come and support the good governance movement in the State. The second term is a continuation of all in place such as peace, security and good road network. These are the key points of development anywhere in the world. So under the present atmosphere, Enugu is ripe for investors and that is why I said earlier on that those of us in the Diaspora are motivated to think home and we are thinking home.

Now that you are thinking home, what kind of investment would you like to bring down and do you have what it takes to do that?

Experience should be the first port of call. We are ready to come and invest our experience in the system of things in our home State. My experience working in the Republic of Ireland for almost 20 years and which cut across many fields including education, science, accounting and transport had clothed me with a lot of experience which I can always tap from to help humanity and assist my home State to move forward if given the opportunity. Second, some of us in foreign countries are already into politics as members of political parties, some into farming business, communication business here and with the enabling atmosphere more are coming. We have to support the governor and consolidate on the existing atmosphere and see how best we can take advantage of it to improve the lives of our people.

16

The Oracle Today Wednesday June 12 - 18, 2019

ANALYSIS

Yari, Marafa, others: Can APC expel them?

By EHICHIOYA EZOMON

T

he All Progressives Congress (APC) is boiling, thanks to the outcome of the 2019 general election in which it came out with self-induced and inflicted political injuries. In the wake of the 2015 polls, the party had 24 states under its belt. They include Adamawa, Bauchi, Benue, Borno, Edo, Imo, Jigawa, Kaduna, Katsina, Kano, Kebbi, Kogi, Kwara, Lagos, Nasarawa, Niger, Ogun, Ondo, Osun, Oyo, Plateau, Sokoto, Yobe and Zamfara.

The main opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) controlled 11 states of Abia, Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Cross River, Delta, Ebonyi, Ekiti, Enugu, Gombe, Rivers and Taraba, while the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) had one state of Anambra.

However, in the run-up to the 2019 election, there’s a huge quake in the APC, leading to the defection of three states of Benue, Kwara and Sokoto from its column to the opposition.

Thus, the party approached the polls with 21 states, and aimed to regain lost grounds or even surpass its 2015 feat. Actually, it vowed to win “all 29 states” on the ballot in the 2019 election.

But what happened when the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) completed the exercise in March 2019? The APC lost four states of Adamawa, Bauchi, Imo and Oyo to the PDP it had boasted of replacing as Africa’s “largest” political party.

With such a result, it’s doubtful if the APC can equal the 16 years that the PDP lasted in power, talk less of holding sway for 60 years, as the PDP parroted during its rule between 1999 and 2015.

Perhaps, this realization triggered the recrimination sweeping the APC. There’s finger-pointing as to who to hold to account, beginning with pressures on the National Chairman of the APC, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, to resign, for turning a ruling party into a “losing” outfit barely a year in control.

Conversely, the Oshiomhole-led National Working Committee (NWC) is laying the electoral fiasco on the doorsteps of chieftains at the state chapters. The party bigwigs had fought dirty to impose themselves or their cronies during the primaries for the 2019 polls.

Agreed that Oshiomhole, as the commander (not the “Garrison” type of the Obasanjo era) that led the APC to the polls, has a lot of explaining to do, especially about his style of leadership, and the allegation that he threw the primaries for “preferred”aspirants.

But as I had submitted in a series of articles on the 2019 election, the feuds between serving and former governors and ambitious top shots caused the APC its defeat in the governorship and legislative seats in several states.

For instance, how’s it Oshiomhole’s crime the glaring manipulation, or attempts to manipulate the primaries in Zamfara, Rivers,

•Governor Abdul’Aziz Yari Imo and Ogun, to favour the former governors’ “anointed candidates”?

How’s it Oshiomhole’s sin the decamping of Governors Rochas Okorocha and Ibikunle Amosun’s “anointed candidates” to other political parties, and the governors’ declared supports and open campaigns for them against the candidates of the APC? How’s it Oshiomhole’s fault the recourse to the courts by many “aggrieved” APC aspirants, rather than exhausting all channels of redress, as specified in the party constitution?

And how’s it Oshiomhole’s blame for some party leaders, who professed loyalty to, and support for President Muhammadu Buhari, but ignored the president’s plea to sheathe their swords?

These political gladiators didn’t play by democratic tenets, and the APC rules. They also dissed Oshiomhole’s appeals for a levelplaying field, based on the principle of “One man, one vote” that he’s echoed from his days as governor of Edo State.

Notwithstanding, the calls for Oshiomhole’s head shouldn’t be swept under the carpet. Let it follow the rules, as stated in the APC constitution. But the party must also grow the balls to deal with obvious penetrators of anti-activities in the 2019 polls.

The list of recalcitrant stalwarts is long, but the party should begin its disciplinary measures by giving effect to the expulsion process started by its chapter in Zamfara.

That’s to say, the APC should expel former

•Senator Kabiru Marafa

• Comrade Adams Oshiomhole

Governor Abdul’Aziz Yari and Senator Kabiru Marafa, and their accomplices from its fold, as each faction of the chapter demonstrated in the past week.

While the Yari camp has expelled Marafa, former Deputy Governor Ibrahim Wakkala and Rep. Aminu Jaji, the Marafa faction has sacked Yari and the Deputy National Chairman (North) of the APC, Lawali Shuaibu - architect of the current rumpus in the party.

From Zamfara, the party should proceed to Rivers, Imo and Ogun, and sanction former Governor Rotimi Amaechi and Senator Magnus Abe; former Governor Okorocha; and former Governor Amosun.

Not to be spared are members in other states that publicly canvassed, and worked against the interest of the APC and it’s acknowledged candidates in the 2019 polls.

Till the eve of the election, the APC members and supporters in Abia, Benue, Cross River, Delta, Ebonyi, Enugu and Taraba hardly knew the INEC-recognized candidates of the party, as the courts continually switched from “clearing” one candidate to another.

This “confusion,” which engendered voter apathy towards the APC, was the handiwork of members, who took the party-promoted candidates, as per the primaries, to court.

The rank and file of the party, its supporters across the country, and members of the opposition and bystanders knew the APC chieftains that sabotaged the platform’s fortunes at the polls.

So, the hunt for Oshiomhole’s head is a diversionary tactic away from their ignoble role in throwing unmerited “victory” to the PDP in the states.

If the APC is serious on instilling discipline in the system, and enthroning party supremacy, it should activate its statutory responsibility of meting out appropriate sanctions for inappropriate behaviours of members, no matter their positions.

Should the party spare the rod, and use its threats of expulsion in attempts to whip “important and influential” members into line, it might pay additional price in the offseason governorship election in Bayelsa and Kogi in November 2019.

Accordingly, nothing stops the serving or former governor in both states from deploying their powers to “impose” themselves or cronies on the APC members in the poll that has witnessed acrimonious campaigns among the contending forces.

By punishing past misbehaviours, the “big men” in the APC in Bayelsa and Kogi would take notice, and adjust to the new reality of conducting “valid primaries,” as advised by the courts in respect of the Rivers and Zamfara chapters in the 2019 election.

Procrastinating to act firmly and decisively is no alternative. Neither is rewarding misdemeanour with more carrots to the “culprits.” Only a strict adherence to the rules would suffice in the political battles ahead of the APC!

tor, but in another breathe the same government ceded the place to the herdsmen as cattle ranch with all its potentials!

Observers have also said that the state’s development of an airport is not a priority need of Bayelsa State now especially with an international airport in nearby Port Harcourt, Rivers State. A seaport would have made much sense and help to boost the state economy more rapidly analysts argued. Incidentally, a seaport was on the cards –Agge Deep Seaport, but has been left in the ‘cooler’.

According to investment analysts, a seaport would have suited the natural environment of Bayelsa with about 80 percent of the area covered by water,

leaving a paltry 20 percent on land, and then open up other ancillary services that indigenes of the state could engage in more than an airport can do.

The Bayelsa airport with all the controversy it has generated from alleged inflated costs to safety concerns would yet suffer terrible low traffic because of the location of the state. Bayelsa does not offer any exit route to any other state where air travelers can proceed to on landing. It is like a dead end because of the high sea surrounding the state.

Except for chartered flights, airliners may not be easily persuaded to deploy their aircrafts to the state unlike the airports at Asaba and Port Harcourt.

But ocean going vessels would be cruising the high sea making pleasurable voyages in and out of Bayelsa if the sea port was given a priority with all stakeholders smiling to the banks.

It calls for someone who would bring his head down to understudy the peculiar needs and challenges of Bayelsa to move the state forward to ascend the coveted office as governor in the next dispensation in the state.

It is an anathema that whenever there is a slight disruption in the international oil price, or in the production of crude oil in Nigeria, Bayelsa will become easily vulnerable because it has nothing to fall back on.

It’s time to change the narrative.

Bayelsa: The road not travelled... (2)

By CLEM ONYEMAECHI Why would Bayelsa not have a plantain processing factory for instance with the abundance of the food crop in the state?

At every corner of the street in the state are women dealing on roasted plantain and fish (bolle) and they source the product locally from farmers who grow the plantains in the villages. There is hardly any other state in Nigeria where plantain grows like in Bayelsa! Why not diversify into such an area to help the state?

Similar abandonment is the fate of the state owned Bayelsa Palm. Recently it was said that the state government has concessioned the place to a private inves-

17

The Oracle Today Wednesday June 12 - 18, 2019

ANALYSIS

Okorocha does not have any recipe for better governance

By COLLINS UGHALAA

A

T the last National Economic Council meeting, former Governor of Imo State, Rochas Okorocha described the rule of law and due process as “paper work.” Okorocha advised that it be abrogated.

He had said: “One thing I would advise, Mr. Chairman, as I leave, (for that was actually his last attendance at that gathering) that is the only observation I have made in this hallowed chambers, is that it looks to me that there is more emphasis now on paper works than doing the actual thing. I want to appeal that this issue be addressed, even for the incoming governors. And I want to request that in the next NEC, targets should be set. This will help performance.”

It is not clear what the former Governor was really driving at. What does he mean by “that there is more emphasis now on paper works than doing the actual thing.” What is the actual thing?

And what is wrong with paper work?

Is Okorocha at war with due process and people working with set rules and guidelines? We are forced to agree that the former governor has issues with due process, rules of engagement, considering the manner in which he ran Imo in the last eight years.

Today’s world is not a fiefdom where people, like Okorocha, would do as they please. We are in a democracy, in a world where things are done by laid down rules. We are in a world where things are done following certain guidelines. In our present world, there must be basic standards of engagement, at both private level and public level.

A public officer, like a governor, must have basic rules and standards to guide him, and any failure to meet those rules becomes serious infractions.

These rules are not punishments or burdens on public officers. They are protective procedures, preventing those occupying such offices from overreaching themselves while occupying those offices. In the end, these rules preserve society and we live happily ever after. To do otherwise would mean having the intention to overreach oneself or one’s office. This too breeds chaos, leads to corruption and endangers the society.

World history is replete with leaders who overreached themselves and their offices and got themselves on the other side of the line where impunity becomes a motivator. Such leaders, no doubt, were corrupt.

Perhaps Okorocha should be told that those who corruptly enriched themselves in public office are those who do not like working with set standards or rules. Simply put, they are those who do not like the rule of law and due process.

Does Okorocha believe that operating by set standards inhibits performance, instead of otherwise. But if he wants the world to know and adopt his standards, he has to empirically show that he has something better, not by washwash, razzmatazz or braggadocio is wearing broad smiles. The failure of his Fourth Tier Government, or the Community Government Council (CGC) and the State Development Council (SDC) explains clearly that performance is different from sweet talking.

It is perhaps why Okorocha’s criticism of the new government led by Governor Emeka Ihedioha is hurried and at best is in bad faith. People don’t give what they do not have. When it comes to good governance, Okorocha does not have it. He may have broad smiles and oratory, but it is debatable if he has anything to show, or teach another governor. Okorocha is already measuring his achievements with those of Ihedioha, but he fails to understand that he left a broken state behind.

Okorocha still reels in his edifice mentality, consoling himself that brick and mortar projects are what a leader is measured by. Although it is too early to draw comparisons, the point has to be made that Ihedioha is running his own government now and he has been busy this past week working on setting certain things right and finding his bearing as he captains the ship of the state. He has been setting the tone of his government.

The tone of this government is anchored on the rule of law, due process, hard work, honesty, transparency and paper work. This may grind slowly in the eyes of corrupt leaders or those who do not possess the mental capacity to comprehend tedious concepts like due process and the rule of law, but it is the most effective and efficient way to run the affairs of the people.

Ihedioha has done one remarkable thing. On Monday, June 3, he addressed the members-elect of the Imo State House of Assembly during their retreat in Oguta. The Governor requested them to partner with him and help achieve results by legislating on a number of set objectives. This is crucial.

I doubt if the former governor had this kind of outlook. Okorocha’s position is more painful in the light of the fact that this is a man who is gunning for a seat in the Senate. It is hard to think that this man who proposes the abrogation of paper work, due process and the rule of law is the same person who lays claim to the Senate seat of Imo West. The Senate is an arena where committee work and paper work is the norm.

The current press release where Okorocha chided Ihedioha for setting

•Okorocha

•Ihidioha

up committees gives insight into how he ran Imo for eight years. People can now better understand why Imo people pray Okorocha does not even get a pole close to the National Assembly. They can also better understand why Okorocha is uneasy with the committees set up by Ihedioha, because one of the committees is already looking into the books of the state within his eight years reign. Fear has set in already.

Governance is not showmanship. We have seen that style in Okorocha and the outcome is the ruination of the entire state. We prayed for a deviation from that anachronistic pattern. Here we have it, and are happy for it. Okorocha should therefore stop lecturing us on what to do. He just left the government house and he didn’t forget some-

thing there. He should give Ihedioha the space to do the right things, rebuild the state and move the state forward.

Okorocha’s proposition should not be followed by the new government. He may shout himself hoarse but no one should be distracted. He has no example to set in governance, and definitely not someone to emulate. His dislike of the rule of law, due process or paper work is a recipe for corruption, an invitation to a kleptocratic regime. It is an ugly route to surrendering absolute power to people in public office. This is not what Ihedioha stands for.

•Collins Ughalaa could be reached via email: ughalaacollins@gmail.com or via telephone: 07066222944

18

The Oracle Today Wednesday June 12 – June 18, 2019

NEWS Jonathan makes case for strong family values at Leadership Summit

F

ormer President Dr. Goodluck Jonathan has made a case for strong family values as a means of building peace and fostering development in our communities and nations.

The former President stated this on day two of the African Leadership Conference, taking place in Johannesburg, South Africa.

Speaking on peace and family which was the theme for the day’s programme at a ceremony in Soweto, Jonathan said; “The focus of the day’s programme is quite remarkable and germane to what our world needs today. If we must build our world, a suitable world that we all desire, we should first start with building our families. To build a world that will be peaceful and prosperous, we must pay attention to how we are building the family unit. It begins from building the home through very respectable family values.

He said further: “I agree with what Mr. Gwede Mantashe, the Chairman of African National Congress (ANC) and minister of mines and energy who is representing South African President Cyril Ramaphosa said, to

the effect that the World cannot be great except Africa is great. This is because the world cannot afford to leave any of its parts behind, especially an important continent like Africa.

Earlier, the former President who emerged as the chairperson of the International Summit Council for Peace (ISCP), a body made up of mainly African former leaders, which was inaugurated at the conference, also made a case for the strengthening of democratic institutions in Africa.

In a keynote speech titled ‘The Need for Good Governance and Peaceful Electioneering Process in Africa’ the former President noted that the credibility and legitimacy of electoral processes depended on the impartiality and independence of electoral management bodies (EMBs). He therefore urged the African Union to set minimum acceptable standards for appointing key members of EMBs on the continent, as a means of boosting citizen confidence in elections.

He said further: “In many African countries democratic processes

remain fragile because of leadership struggles among politicians. Such struggles mainly driven by ego, do not allow for the deepening of democratic values and the conduct of free and fair elections.

“When leaders encourage impunity in the conduct of elections, they push the aggrieved to desperate limits, which fuels crises and conflicts. That is why some African nations are in turmoil today.

“A leader who truly wishes to serve his people will not impose his will on them. Such a leader will not be tempted to manipulate constitutional processes to either repress opposition or extend his tenure.”

Although multiparty elections have become more regular in Africa, we still lag behind the rest of the world in making democracy work for the electorate. The main reason for this being the ‘winner-take-all’ approach to democracy in Africa.”

The conference had in attendance, government officials, former African Heads of State, clergy and traditional rulers from across Africa.

Excitement as Obosi gets new town union executives

By THEO RAYS

T

he executives of the Obosi Development Union (ODU) and the elite in the community, have been enjoined to promote security and peace in Obosi.

The call was made Tuesday by the traditional ruler of Obosi, Igwe Chidubem Iweka, who is also Chairman, Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), Anambra chapter, Dr. Emma Muonanago during the inauguration of the executives of the ODU at Obosi Town hall, Idemili North Local Government Area of Anambra State.

Speaking at the event, the Igwe, Eze Iweka III stressed that security was the major challenge of the community as he restated the calling on the elite, including retired servicemen from Obosi to help restore peace and security.

He said: “Security is the most important need of Obosi. It is a hard nut to crack but God will make way for you. All the council

Umeh extols virtues of late APGA lawmaker Aniunoh as he is buried

By OLIVER UDEOGU

T

•Former President Goodluck Jonathan

Onitsha Improvement Union elect new President General

By OLIVER UDEOGU

T

he Onitsha Improvement Union (OIU) has elected its President General for the next three years in a keenly contested election held at the palace of the Obi of Onitsha, Igwe Alfred Nnaemeka Achebe.

Delegates from the 36 states of the federation who were duly accredited to vote, elected Sir Andy Bosah as the President General of OIU, the acclaimed oldest town union in the country following its establishment in

1924.

The traditional ruler of Onitsha kingdom, HRH Igwe Alfred Nnaemeka Achebe in his opening remark, told the accredited delegates to vote for candidates of their choice.

The Anambra State Commissioner for Lands and Urban Development, Hon Nnamdi Onukuba said the contest as free and fair, devoid of rancour and hate speech as the contestants and their supporters saw it as a family affair.

He charged Bosah and the

new executive members to lead the people with the fear of God. The Transitional Chairman for Onitsha North Area Council Hon Agha Mba, said “the election lived up to expectations, which is an indication that Onitsha have come of age in Igbo history.

The Council boss lauded the giant strides of the state governor, Willie Obiano in the development of the state. “Our governor’s effort had in no small measure, improved welfare of the traditional institution in the state,” he said.

of Obosi leadership is behind you.

“We need to be courageous.

We don’t need sabotage. We have top ranking serving and nonserving forcemen, professors, Ndi ichie, Age grades, priests that will co-operate to achieve security.”

Iweka urged Obosi residents involved in cultism, fraud, drug peddling, and anti-social activities to embrace legitimate businesses or leave the town, or they would be dealt with.

Dr. Muonago pleaded with the elite to think home and attract developmental initiatives that would benefit the youths as a panacea to crime.

He said: “The elite should look inwards and assist the Obosi kingdom to surmount our security challenges. In fact, that is why I accepted the Ichie stool of my village, to contribute more.

“We need to partake in decision making, know how to engage our youths positively. However, I advise the youths especially land speculators to embrace education or craftsmanship.”

he remains of a member of the Anambra State House of Assembly, Hon. Patrick Aniunoh (Onitsha South 1), have been interred at his home town Umuoji, in the Idemmili North local government area of the state.

The late Aniunoh, 59, died after a protracted illness. He was elected member of the state legislative council, on the platform of the ruling All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) in the state, in 2015.

Former senator (Anambra Central) and chieftain of APGA! Chief Victor Umeh described the deceased as a consummate politician who above all, had the

fear of God in him.

He enjoined family members to bear the loss with fortitude, while commiserating with the APGA leadership in the state.

The Chief Executive Officer of Apams funeral home, Sir Kelvin Chukwumobi in his condolences described Aniunoh as a quintessential personality who will be missed. He commended the state government for giving the deceased lawmaker, a befitting funeral, while consoling members of his immediate and extended families.

At the well attended burial were scores of politicians, lawmakers, political aides to the state governor, captains of industries, clergymen among several others.

Bauchi, FG in partnership to repair flood ravaged road From BONIFACE OKORO, Umuahia

T

he Bauchi State Government is partnering with the Federal Government to construct culverts and rehabilitate part of the Bauchi-Gombe road affected by flood along Lariski village of Kirfi Local Government Area.

The state government says it would also take advantage of the vast arable land resources in

the area to promote dry season farming for overall development of the community and the state.

In a statement made available to The Oracle Todayby the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor (Media), Mukhtar Gidado, the Bauchi State governor, Senator Bala Muhammad, hinted on the partnership after inspecting the collapsed portion of the road reportedly caused by a downpour.

Anambra Police investigate fatal communal clash over land dispute

By ODOGWU EMEKA ODOGWU

T

he Anambra State Police Command have started investigations into the recent communal clash in Ikenga Ogidi community, where a 70 year old man was killed and three others suffered varying degrees of injuries.

The spokesperson of the state Police Command, SP Haruna Mohammed who confirmed the incident, said the command is

investigating the remote cause of the clash between Ikenga Ogidi home town of late literally giant, Prof Chinua Achebe and Umusiome community in Nkpor He said the police are keeping vigilance on the area to forestall a further breakdown of law and order.

Both communities in Idemili North Local Government Areas of the state have been involved in a perennial dispute over a parcel of land, despite a Supreme Court

judgment and the efforts of the state government to settle the dispute.

The latest clash, which occurred last Saturday, claimed the life of a 70-year-old man, Mr. Anthony Okongwu, while three other persons who sustained injuries are in an undisclosed hospital in the state.

The President General of Ikenga Ogidi community, Hon Amaechi Ekume told The Oracle Todaythat he led some elders of the community were attached

when they went to inspect the disputed land, since Umusiome Nkpor people had defied a 1997 Supreme Court judgment to continue to develop the land.

According to him, “we went there without any ill intentions, but we were surprised when suddenly, Umusiome people attacked us. In the course of their shooting, we lost one of our elders and three other people sustained injuries.

“It was not a fight between our community and theirs. We didn’t

go there to fight. Will we go to fight with a 70 year old man? The age of the people went with, especially the deceased is an indication that we were not there for trouble but to inspect the land.”

Ekume regretted that the police could not save his people despite knowing that Umusiome people were trespassing on the land, without recourse to a Supreme Court judgment as well as the effort of the state government to resolve the dispute.

19

BU$IN£SS The Oracle Today Wednesday June 12 June 18, 2019

•Energy

•Finance

•Stock

•Insurance

•Aviation

•e-Platform

FG must eliminate fuel subsidy, others to achieve double-digit growth –Chike-Obi

By KAYODE OGUNWALE

F

or the Nigerian economy to achieve double digit growth, the Executive Vice Chairman, Alpha African Advisory, Mr. Mustafa Chike-Obi, has said federal government must to away with certain subsidies and pay greater attention to security and infrastructure.

According to him, the three subsidies are fuel, foreign exchange and electricity subsidies.

Speaking at an agenda-setting forum for the Buhari’s second term organised by members of the Finance Correspondents Association of Nigeria (FICAN) in Lagos on Monday, he said the various forms of subsidies were hindering other sectors that needs urgent attention, disclosing that the nation economy.

Chike-Obi, who is a former CEO of the Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON), disclosed that rich Nigerians benefit more from fuel subsidy, maintaining that removing electricity subsidy would attract significant investments to the power sector and unlock other opportunities.

Speaking on theme, “Repositioning the Nigerian Economy for sustainable growth”, Chike-Obi explained: “that the best problem to our economy is the three subsidies that is added up to our total revenue.

On fuel subsidy, he said, “the nation economy is losing N1.2 trillion per year. There is hidden figure in that fuel subsidy they do not allow you to see. They allow to buy foreign exchange at N325/ dollar. Who gets the fuel subsidy?

The rich people with six cars are those benefitting from fuel subsidy.

“The average rich person in Ikoyi is getting approximately 100 times a year fuel subsidy than person in Shomolu in Lagos.”

He added that, “everybody deserves to have electricity but you charge electricity based on those who needed it the most in the market price. Most people that uses generator pay N160/

President Muhammadu Buhari Kwh and pays comfortable.

“If you tell these power company that they can sale power at N160/kwh, they will make sure much money that more power will be generated.”

He also expressed concern about Nigeria’s rising debt service ratio, which according to him could be about 70 percent.

“It is almost a guarantee that Nigeria is going to be talking about debt rescheduling soon and we need to start putting our house in order ahead of that,” he said.

Chike-Obi stressed the need for coherent and forward-looking policies to address the myriad of problems confronting Nigeria.

“We are badly in need of good leadership; we need a leader that would map out the strategy and roadmap for economic growth in this country,” he said.

“There is need for coherent monetary and fiscal policies.

For me, the position of a CBN Governor should be a cabinet position and the CBN Governor should always be meeting with the Minister of Finance and the Minister of Budget and Planning

CBN EXCHANGE RATES AS AT JUNE 3, 2019 Currency Buying(NGN) Central(NGN) Selling(NGN) US DOLLAR 305.95 306.45 306.95 POUNDS STERLING 386.3843 387.0157 387.6472 EURO 42.664 343.224 343.784 SWISS FRANC 306.8091 307.3105 307.8119 YEN 2.825 2.8296 2.8343 CFA 0.501 0.511 0.521 WAUA 420.7962 421.4839 422.1716 YUAN/RENMINBI 44.2909 44.3637 44.4366 RIYAL 81.5823 81.7156 81.849 S/AFRICAN RAND 21.0686 21.103 21.1375 DANISH KRONA 45.8751 45.95 46.025 SDR 421.4767 422.1655 422.8543

every two weeks,” he added.

According to the former AMCON CEO, revenue mobilisation is Nigeria’s biggest problem.

In addition, he proposed the creation of a Ministry of Infrastructure.

Explaining why intervention on funds don’t work in Nigeria, Chike-Obi said that intervention funds as a means of boosting access to finance isn’t as efficient as reducing interest rates.

“All these intervention funds, they don’t work. And let me tell you why they don’t work. If you give a man in agriculture an interest rate at 5 percent, you think you are helping him but everything around him is at 26 percent, so, he gets a little bit of relief on his financing, but he doesn’t get reliefs on his supplies, diesel, food, employees, so at the end of the day, those things he gets at 26 percent invades his 5 percent,’ he said while delivering a lecture titled: “Repositioning The Nigerian Economy for Sustainable Growth”.

The lecture, organised

by Finance Correspondence

Association of Nigeria, FICAN in Lagos on Monday was to set economic agenda for the newly inaugurate government in Nigeria.

Chike-Obi said intervention funds also don’t work because “the default rates are as high as default rates of non-intervention funds. So, they don’t work. They are not very efficient”.

According to him, what the economic managers need to do instead, is to provide capital at a reasonable interest rates that work for everyone.

He said: “There must be access to capital at a reasonable price.

With 26 percent interest rate, you cannot do a business successfully.

So, we must find a way to provide interest rate to everybody at a reasonable rate. We must have an interest rate that will support our economy. And it cannot be much higher to the borrower at 12 to 15 percent. Every Nigerian should be able to borrow money at between 12 to 15 percent, so, we must have capital available.”

Nigeria needs ministries of infrastructure, revenue generation Speaking further, he said it was about time Nigeria created ministries of infrastructure and revenue generation, with smart Nigerians heading those ministries to get the economy moving on the right path.

“We need policies and the way to get policies is to get everyone in the room. Wehave a man in Nigeria, his name is Bayo Ogunlesi. runs Global Infrastructure Partners. He owns Gatwick and he owns a pipeline in Italy, and he is there building infrastructure all over the world. Why can’t we get Bayo Ogunlesi to come and be minister of infrastructure?

“We should have a ministry of infrastructure. We should also have a ministry of revenue generation.

And if they (ministries) are too many, we can combine ministries of sports, women affairs etc, into health, education and welfare into one ministry. But revenue generation and (infrastructure) are our biggest problems and we must deal with them immediately,” he said.

•Tourism

Energy

Hard times hit petroleum marketers

P25

Insurance

Firms forecast climate change losses to reach $1trn P27

AVIATION

New Ibom Air commences operations P29

e-Platform

Apple unveils new N2.1m Mac Pro P30 Equity & Capital Market

SEC’s stand on investigation of Oando P31

Stock Market Highlights As At MONDAY JUNE 3, 2019

Summary

ASI DEALS VOLUME VALUE EQUITY CAP BOND CAP ETF CAP

30,928.29 3,850.00 246,091,330.00 N2,817,979,536.21 N13,622,477,916,538.18 N10,914,606,433,681.10 N5,851,500,101.64

Top 5 Trade S/N 1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

Coy FCMB GUARANTY OANDO UACN ZENITHBANK

(By Volume) Value(N) 70,558,374 N112,981,755.37 33,986,838 N1,069,476,403.30 27,145,333 N103,268,852.35 24,334,114 N157,156,741.35 8,843,607 N178,536,673.15

5 Top Gainers

Symbols NESTLE FLOURMILL DANGCEM UPL ACCESS 5 Top Losers

Last Close Current N1450 N1460 N13.6 N14 N199.5 N199.8 N1.8 N1.97 N6.1 N6.25 Last Close Current

SEPLAT JBERGER NASCON ETI GLAXOSMITH

N549.9 N21.85 N16.25 N11.15 N8.5

N500 N19.7 N14.75 N10.05 N7.65

Change 10 0.4 0.3 0.17 0.15 Change

%Change 0.69% 2.94% 0.15% 9.44% 2.46% %Change

-49.9 -2.15 -1.5 -1.1 -0.85

-9.07% -9.84% -9.23% -9.87% -10.00%

The Oracle Today Wednesday June 12 - 18, 2019

ISSN: 2545-5869

The

EDITORIAL

racle www.oraclenews.ng

Today

20

VOX POPULI SACRUM

One Nigeria without the Igbo

W

for them, a hundred contestants emerge. ith the inauguration of the National that Ndigbo are not good politicians. They Everyone claims to be better than anyone Assembly and the election of its princishould no longer expect to get anything else – there is no spirit of compromise. If a pal officers, the leadership of Nigeria’s tangible from the “federal” authorities or Nigerian from the north, for instance, desired central government has now totally excludfrom political activities in Abuja. Their inputs to punish an Igbo, they would use another ed the Igbo of southeast Nigeria. The heads in decisions on things like security and justice Igbo to do the job. The majority of people of all security agencies, the lower and higher in the nation are not expected anymore. Even from every other tribe protect the interests of courts, the legislature, the presidency, the in meetings of the National Council of State, their people first before thinking of Nigeria; juicy federal agencies, and the commanding there will not be an Igbo voice.

Ndigbo are different: the majority see themheights of the economy have been firmly Forced by the necessity of building up their enselves as Nigerians first and do everything to “cleansed” of the Igbo. clave, they should now resort to private capihide their tribal identity. That is why they have It appears this major part of the country whose tal, their entrepreneurs and their scientists in more properties outside Igbo land than in the people championed the cause of independdifferent parts of the world. They should hold five states they have been boxed into through ence from the British and who have been their governors to account, and ensure that an unfair federal structure. driving commercial activities in the country the necessary infrastructure needed to make have been pushed out of Nigeria once again. President Muhammadu Buhari has made Igbo Igbo land conducive for investments is put in marginalisation clearer. Right from his first When something similar happened in the place. Already, the nation’s economy is down – inauguration in 2015, he has disrespected the past, Ndigbo were left with no other option buffeted by foreign debts and terrorism, it will “Federal Character Principle” enshrined in the than to declare a separate state called Biafra. continue to be in recession for a long time to fraudulent Nigerian constitution with impuThe unity that existed among Ndigbo of the come. With the Igbo’s exclusion in the mannity. Nobody has challenged his ethnic bigotry 1960s has obviously evaporated, however. agement of Nigerian institutions, the outcome except in subdued voices and innocuous comThough all the forecasts of Nnamdi Kanu, is fairly predictable. mentaries in the media. Thus unrestrained, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra The Igbo have no culture of begging; it is now Buhari seems set to perform his last act as (IPOB), have finally come to pass, we do time to disregard the monthly federal allocapresident of Nigeria. not advise that Ndigbo should declare their tions from Abuja and work for the benefits of independence once more. This time calls for If the Igbo truly constituted a problem for NigeNdigbo in their homeland. Nigeria is a fraud. ria, it might be necessary to watch non-Igbo introspection: why have they often fared Those who invested in housing and other Nigerians go on with “one Nigeria”. It would so badly within the Nigerian state since landed properties outside Igbo land should be nice to see what progress could be made after the civil war? Why have Ndigbo been now begin to rethink their business strategy. without the Igbo. But the state of the country reduced to an insignificant minority in the An “ultimatum” to leave (similar to the ones in the last four years does not give any hope country the constituted a majority? Is it that given by organised urchins in 2014 and 2017) that Nigeria could make appreciable progress many of them got killed through the war of should be expected anytime, for there is no without the most hardworking, talented and 1967—70? Why are they hated in a country doubt that Ndigbo’s ingenuity and industry are competent people at its driving seat. The they have laboured harder than any other to a source of envy. But a people rejected should country has never been this divided in its build? not reject themselves. Ndigbo, think home!

105-year history. Whither “One Nigeria” even The trouble with Ndigbo has been their failure without the Igbo? to love one another. They can hardly act Our Vision For the Igbo, our advice is this: they should lick like one; it is every man for himself. SelfishTO BE among the top five newspapers in Nitheir wounds quietly. What is deducible from ness could destroy a people! And that is geria and, in due course, the Numero Uno; recent happenings in the political sphere is why, whenever there is a position reserved

to be a newspaper of records that effectively 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.

21

The Oracle Today Wednesday June 12 - 18, 2019

OPINION

Is Nigeria bedeviled by the “ungoverned space” syndrome?

By EJEVIOME ELOHO OTOBO and OSELOKA H. OBAZE

U

ngoverned space is a new concept applied to an old problem, namely the lack of effective government presence in parts or places within its territory. Ungoverned space is a direct reflection of the inability the state to effectively perform its minimal statutory functions: exercise of monopoly of use of force; full territorial control; and provision of basic social services. Many analysts think of ungoverned space in strictly security terms.

In reality, however, ungoverned spaces are also marked typically by significant absence or limited provision of basic social services, making such places vulnerable to the control of criminal networks, radical extremists or other groups that offer alternatives to state authority by addressing, or spearheading agitations against, long held political, economic or social grievances of particular communities. Contrary to popular belief, ungoverned spaces occur as much in a national context as in sub-regional or regional context. Indeed, the so-called ungoverned sub-regional spaces are nothing more than an aggregation of ungoverned national spaces. When such spaces lie in contiguous border areas between countries, it exacerbates the challenges of ungoverned spaces.

Experts have identified six drivers of violent conflicts, which are also pertinent

to ungoverned space. These include lack of quality governance and transparency, ethnic rivalry, religious extremism, mismanagement of land and natural resource, declining economic conditions and proliferation of small arms and light weapons.

Grappling with the manifestation of the ungoverned space syndrome in Nigeria, warrants acknowledging that effectiveness of state presence or lack thereof makes all the difference.

Four clear manifestation of ungoverned space currently pertain to Nigeria. The first is banditry and kidnappings, which have extensively taken hold in various parts of the country. Indeed, besides the well-known kidnap of the Chibok Girls and Dapchi Girls, very few parts of Nigeria are exempt from menace of banditry and kidnappings. The second is terrorism; over time, Boko Haram and its affiliates have successfully plotted and carried out suicide bombings and military-style attacks in Nigeria, notably in the Northeast. Such attacks are aimed at, but are not limited to soft targets like motor parks, churches and mosques, restaurants and schools. Military and other government installations are also targeted. Whatever progress has been made in curtailing Boko Haram’s atrocities is periodically undermined by spasmodic attacks.

The third is herdsmen and farmers clashes. Violent clashes between cattle herders and crop farmers remain a major source of conflict and insecurity in Nigeria. Well over

4000 lives were lost between 2010 and 2019 from herdsmen and farmers clashes.

Whereas the festering clashes are generally attributed to conflict of interests over scarce resource such as land and water, ambiguous policies and inaction on the part of the government are perceived as exacerbating the crisis. The cumulative effect of Boko Haram and herders attacks have led to huge internal displacements, estimated at two million internally displaced persons (IDPs).

The fourth is piracy and militancy. Insecurity within the Niger Delta region and Nigeria’s continental shelf remains a cause for concern due to piracy and militancy. Of the recorded fifty-three incidents of piracy in the Gulf of Guinea in 2016, thirty-four occurred within Nigerian territorial waters.

In 2017, fifty-six mariners were kidnapped off the coasts of the Niger Delta. These numbers exclude foreigners and Nigerians kidnapped for ransom in the oil-rich Niger Delta.

The resort to military response seems to be the preferred intervention method for addressing conflicts in ungoverned spaces.

This choice of force over dialogue overlooks unwittingly, expert warning that “failure to appreciate the way these areas are governed can lead to flawed policy choices.” Yet ungoverned spaces do not occur because of lack of military presence. They persist because of lack of well-functioning institutions that can promote dialogue, fos-

ter reconciliation, adjudicate economic, social and political disputes; and provide basic services to various communities.

This prevailing lacuna explains the paradox of several military operations, for example, Operation Crackdown, Operation Lafiya Dole, Operation Pulo Field, and Operation Crocodile Smile existing alongside pockets of ungoverned spaces. While the military may offer “hard power” security, they are not equipped or trained to undertake or play the “soft power” role that other institutions can provide, including civilian police problem solving duties.

Is Nigeria bedeviled by the “ungoverned space” syndrome? This is no longer a rhetorical question. Ungoverned space does not imply absence of governmental authorities at various levels. Instead, it suggests that various tiers of government are unable to fulfill the full spectrum of state functions.

The manifestations of ungoverned spaces in Nigeria underscore an important fact: a clear nexus exists between the state’s inability to protect and to provide for constituent communities and the emergence of ungoverned spaces in Nigeria.

•Otobo is a Non-Resident Senior Expert at the Global Governance Institute, Brussels.

•Obaze is a public policy expert and Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer Selonnes Consult, Ltd. Awka.

Dear MKO, it’s been a long night but dawn is (not) here

By Chima Christian Dear MKO,

I

write to inform you that June 12 has evolved. “From a commemoration observed by scattered bands of devotees, members of the Abiola family, and human rights activists, confined mainly to the South-West,” as Ayo Olukotun carefully worded it, “June 12 has now mutated into a national observance and symbol of nationhood in the same class with other national holidays, totems and identity markers of statehood.” You already know that you have been awarded the highest national honour the Nigerian state could give. It should be a proud moment. Fists should be up in the air, but they are not. We mark the day with mixed feelings even as we remember the ideals you stood for.

With deep discomfiture I bring to your notice that Nigeria today is the exact opposite of what you envisioned. You had a vision for this country and you communicated that vision so clearly. You wanted to “make Nigeria a better place for all.” Nigerians agreed with you and overwhelmingly gave you their mandate. That dream was aborted. In its place, Nigeria was turned to be a better place for some, or worse still and more realistically so, a worse place for all.

You aspired for Nigerians to transition and “bid farewell to poverty.” That aspiration, like the election, was annulled. And poverty was taken to the next level. Nigeria, yes the very Nigeria you bled and died to liberate, is now the poverty capital of the world. During your famous declaration on that fateful day in 1994, you passionately expressed your concerns; “Our factories are crying for machinery, spare parts and raw materials.

But each day that passes, instead of these economic diseases being cured, they are rather strengthened as an irrational allocation of foreign exchange based on favouritism and corruption becomes the order of the day.” If it is permissible, you need to come and witness the state of our nation.

You were “sickened to see people who have shown little or no personal achievement, either in building up private businesses, or making success of any tangible thing, being placed in charge of the management of our nation’s economy, by rulers who are not accountable to anyone.” You know you could have made that exact remark in 2019 and still be right.

You were worried about the hegemonic few playing “a permanent game of military ‘about turns’.” You cried that “Appeals to their honour as officers and gentlemen of the gallant Nigerian Armed Forces, have fallen on deaf ears. Instead, they have resorted to the tactics of divide and rule, bribery and political perfidy, misinformation and (vile) propaganda. They arrest everyone who disagrees with them.” Today, despite the deafening claims of integrity, it is as if Nigeria consistently “ranks high in matters of dubious distinction.”

You were worried about “the consequences of high inflation, a huge budget deficit and an enormous foreign debt repayment burden, dying industries, high unemployment and a demoralised populace.”

The youths gave you the biggest emotional burden. You wept bitterly about our condition; “Our youths, in particular, can see no hope on the horizon, and many can only dream of escaping from our shores.” As it turned out, you were only weeping about the figurative frying pan; we have been pushed off that frying pan into the fire.

As you saw it in 1994; “A scarcity of books and equipment has rendered our schools into desolate deserts of ignorance.” Well, things have not gotten any better. Several years after, that desert continues to encroach even at a more alarming speed.

In mourning a Nigeria that was not allowed to be, we are not disillusioned. You wouldn’t have been a perfect president.

But, given your worldview, disposition, successes in many areas of life, the little change you wrought through philanthropy, and the meaningful connections you made, you would have been a damn good president of a multi-cultural Nigeria.

Having received the highest chieftaincy title a commoner could get in Yoruba land, you – the Aare Ona Kakanfo of Yoruba land – didn’t yield to the temptation of reducing yourself to an ethnic champion. As proud as you were to be a Yoruba warlord, you fought, bled and died for ordinary Nigerians from all parts of the country. And in so doing, became “an unexpected symbol of democracy” and national unity.

You had people you could trust, and those who could trust you too, from all sides of the ethnic and religious spectra. You surrounded yourself with competent people drawn from all parts of the nation. Little wonder citizens from all parts of the nation felt their interests will be better served with you at the helm of affairs. June 12 should be a crystallization of that national unity you envisioned. But today, we are, for the very first time, marking it as a national holiday even while we observe that since the civil war Nigeria has never been divided as it is presently. The fault lines are there, and very visibly so.

These are some of the issues we look at and ask; “should we be mourning or celebrating?” In trying to answer that question, we draw from the wisdom of ancient Koreans who admonished their wards to “catch not at the shadow, and lose the substance.”

Those in government today say you have been honoured and will be forever remembered. We agree, but struggle to reconcile the fact that they are antithetical to your vision for Nigeria, your ethos and the spirit of the struggle. We give it to them; in the transmutation of June 12, Buhari’s government struck a massive emotional chord. They have caught your shadow. We are more interested in the substance.

Dear MKO, we seek your wisdom, please answer us from the beyond. Should we be pained or joyed that wreathes are today being laid on the tomb of a visionary, on the account of his vision, by people whose actions and utterances are snuffing life out of whatever remained of that vision?

Perhaps, rather than reaching for the emotions of June 12 as they have done, the

Buhari-led government should have asked for a lesson on the ethos you espoused.

The cosmetic display nonetheless, we find it in our hearts to give due credits for the thoughtfulness in bringing to the fore the issues of June 12. After all, it is commonly said in Nigerian street parlance that “all die na die.”

Beloved MKO, as you are celebrated today, we are torn apart by those celestial and immortal words you declared at Epetedo; “It has been a long night.” Sadly, 25 years after, Nigeria remains in twilight: but we still can’t say that “the dawn is here.” With hope, we continue to believe; it is well.

Faithfully yours, Chima Christian •Chima is a research associate at Selonnes Consult, Awka

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 Wednesday June 12 - 18, 2019

22

23

The Oracle Today Wednesday June 12 June 18, 2019

BUSINESS

Rotary announces US$100 million to eradicate polio • Rotary has committed to raising $50 million a year to be matched 2-to-1 by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, amounting to $150 million for polio eradication annually.

R

otary is giving US$100 million in grants to support the global effort to end polio, a vaccine-preventable disease that once paralyzed hundreds of thousands of children each year.

The funding comes as Rotary and its partners in the Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI) address the final—and most pressing— challenges to ending poliovirus transmission, and as Nigeria approaches three years without any reported cases of wild poliovirus, bringing the Africa region closer to polio-free status.

“Routine immunization in high-risk states is helping us prevent new cases of wild polio,” said Dr. Tunji Funsho, chair of Rotary’s Nigeria PolioPlus Committee.

“Although the polio infrastructure has become stronger and allows us to also respond to other serious health concerns, we must remain committed to ensuring the political and financial support necessary to ending polio in Nigeria and around the globe for good.”

While there were only 33 cases of wild poliovirus reported in 2018, the last mile of eradication has proven to be the most difficult. Barriers to eradication--like weak health systems, insecurity, and mobile and remote populations--must be overcome. As long as a single child has polio, all children are at risk, which underscores the need for continued funding and commitment to eradication.

To support polio eradication efforts in endemic countries, Rotary is allocating half the funds it announced today to: Afghanistan ($16.3 million), Nigeria ($10.2 million), and Pakistan ($25.2million).

Additional funding will support efforts to keep

vulnerable countries poliofree: • Chad ($102,395) • Democratic Republic of the Congo ($9.5 million) • Ethiopia ($2.6 million) • Iraq ($6 million) • Kenya ($6.3 million) • Mali ($1.2 million) • Somalia ($1.4 million) • South Sudan ($1.2 million) • Syria ($1.7 million) • Yemen ($2.1 million) The World Health Organization (WHO) will receive $1.3 million to conduct research, and will also receive support for surveillance activities in its Africa ($10.9 million) and Eastern Mediterranean ($4 million) Regions.

Rotary has committed to raising $50 million a year to be matched 2-to-1 by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, amounting to $150 million for polio eradication annually.

Rotary has contributed more than $1.9 billion to fight the disease, including matching funds from the Gates Foundation, and countless volunteer hours since launching its polio eradication program, PolioPlus, in 1985. In 1988, Rotary became a spearheading partner in the Global Polio Eradication Initiative with the World Health Organization, UNICEF, and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

The Gates Foundation later joined. Since the initiative launched, the incidence of polio has plummeted by more than 99.9 percent, from about 350,000 cases in 1988 to 33 cases of wild poliovirus in 2018.

Representative of NNPC GMD and Chief Operating Officer, Gas & Power, Engr. Saidu Mohammed (2nd left), addressing participants at the Annual General Meeting of the Nigerian Gas Marketing Company (NGMC). With him are NNPC Chief Operating Officer, Downstream, Engr. Henry Ikem Obih (left) and other members of the company’s Board of Directors in Abuja Friday.

Marriott International opens second Four Points by Sheraton in Tanzania • The 174-room Four Points by Sheraton Dar es Salaam, New Africa Hotel, features spacious and contemporary rooms including suites

M

arriott International, Inc. has announced the opening of its second Four Points by Sheraton hotel in Tanzania, Four Points by Sheraton Dar es Salaam, New Africa Hotel.

The original New Africa Hotel was built as the official residence of Kaiser Wilhelm II in 1896. It was used as a hospital during World War I before being converted into a hotel during the British Empire.

Sitting at the heart of the central business district of the city, overlooking the Harbour, the hotel has since emerged as a landmark and an integral part of the burgeoning city.

With renovation and rebrand, the hotel has continued to retain its unique charm, while delivering on the brand’s promise to provide what matters most to today’s independent travellers.

“Four Points by Sheraton Dar es Salaam, New Africa Hotel, is a

great addition to our rapidly growing footprint in Africa and further consolidates the brands presence in Tanzania. We are confident that with its blend of stylish comfort and genuine service at a great value, the hotel will meet the rising demand for high-caliber lodging in this fast-growing market and soon emerge as a leading choice among business and leisure travellers,” Alex Kyriakidis, President and Managing Director, Middle East and Africa, Marriott International, said.

Designed for the modern traveller with an emphasis on approachable design, the 174-room Four Points

by Sheraton Dar es Salaam, New Africa Hotel, features spacious and contemporary rooms including suites.

It also offers an all-day dining, a coffee shop and a lounge-bar where guests can experience the brand’s signature Best Brews™ programme and watch their favourite sports.

The hotel also features The Spice Route, a signature restaurant overlooking the Harbour showcasing Pan Asian fine dining.

Other facilities include an outdoor pool and a state-of-the-art fitness centre.

With 1000 square feet of indoor meeting and banquet space spread across 12 flexible meeting rooms, the hotel is an ideal venue for gatherings of any size, including elaborate social events and weddings.

The hotel offers the brand’s defining touches, including the Four Comfort Bed, complimentary bottled water in all rooms, fast and free Wi-Fi throughout the hotel and an energising breakfast with freshly brewed coffee that helps guests start the day right.

“Our vision is to offer an uncomplicated travel experience for both business and leisure.

Perfectly situated in the heart of the city, the hotel is at the epicenter, steeped in history and surrounded by local attractions,” said Siddharth Chaudhry General Manager, Four Points by Sheraton Dar es Salaam, New Africa Hotel. “We look forward to welcoming our guests with the brand’s signature warm and uncomplicated yet comfortable service.”

Four Points has proven to be a global hit with its distinctive identity and ability to meet the increasing demands of the modern, everyday traveler. The brand is experiencing incredible growth momentum having surpassed the 250th hotel milestone globally. Over the past two years in East Africa alone, the brand has opened Four Points by Sheraton Hurlingham, Four Points by Sheraton Nairobi Airport and Four Points by Sheraton Arusha with Four Points

by Sheraton Dar es Salaam becoming the fourth property to open in the region.

Jovadi Jewelry makes a statement at Buckingham Palace • Tiffany Trump wears Jovadi Jewellry to historic Buckingham Palace visit

D

aughter of American President, Tiffany Trump, was spotted wearing a necklace from luxury fashion house, Jovadi Jewellery at the state dinner of the longawaited visit of President Donald to the Buckingham Palace this week in London.

Reportedly styled by Toni

Breiss, the Haute Joaillerie Black Tie, a 61.5carat pear-shaped diamond necklace set in white gold and the 18carat diamond earrings, is said to be part of the exquisite Black Tie collection of the fast-rising brand.

Reacting to the development, the Founder

of Jovadi, Ella Peters, was quoted as saying: “Having Tiffany Trump select our jewellery has been an exciting endorsement of our brand. We know she has a tantalising choice of jewellery from longestablished jewellers to select from and choosing ours really makes us feel

like we are ticking all the right boxes.”

“Jovadi is a couture jewellery brand and home to some splendid collections of jewellery around the globe.

We are also making unprecedented strides in the international market, ensuring that Africa’s

rich natural resources and emerging consumer class are recognised in the process,’’ she added.

This is not the first major endorsement of the brand as its Bergonia Ring was auctioned at the 2018 fundraiser hosted by Prince Albert of Monaco with the proceeds going to

the Prince’s foundation.

More recently, the brand collaborated with Dennis Basso to present its 2019 New York Fashion week collection in February 2019 and was selected by Vogue Portugal to showcase its jewellery for their Special Edition April 2019.

24

The Oracle Today Wednesday June 12 June 18, 2019

BUSINESS

London Stock Exchange hosts Ecobank after triumphant $500m Eurobond issuance Stories By JEROME USHAKANG

T

he London Stock Exchange has recently hosted Ecobank Transnational Incorporated (‘ETI’), to a market opening ceremony to celebrate its successful $500 million Eurobond issuance, and listing of the

Eurobond on the London Stock Exchange (LSE) main market.

The Lomé-based parent company of the Ecobank Group, was hosted by the London Stock Exchange as the bond was oversubscribed with strong demand from international investors in the United Kingdom, United States, Europe, Middle

•CEO, Ecobank, Ade Ayeyemi East, Asia and Africa.

It follows on from Ecobank’s 2017 convertible bond issuance on the International Securities Market.

The five-year senior unsecured notes, which will mature in April 2024, were launched with a coupon interest rate of 9.50 percent per annum payable semi-

annually in arrears.

Commenting on the Bond, the Group Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Ecobank, Ade Ayeyemi, said: “The successful issuance of our inaugural Eurobond on the main London market demonstrates international investors’ approval and confidence in Ecobank’s long-

term strategy and prospects as a strong and sustainable pan-African financial services institution. It also demonstrates the ability of African corporates to access international capital markets.”

Also speaking, Acting Group Chief Finance Officer(CFO) of Ecobank said, “Ecobank places great emphasis on constantly reviewing our capital allocation strategies to ensure that we have the right strategic positioning, competitive advantages, products and resources to increase efficiency and profitability. Our access to international capital markets are part of the mix and enable us to boost our liquidity profile, refinance maturing facilities and strengthen our foundations to ensure long-term sustainable growth and profitability for all our stakeholders.”

Meantime, ETI will use the net proceeds of the placement for general corporate purposes including the refinancing of maturing debt facilities.

Members of the ETI Board and management attended the London Stock Exchange on June 7, 2019 to celebrate the successful issuance of the bond.

Ecobank Transnational Incorporated announced the over subscription of its $50 million bond, issued at 8.25 percent. The bonds will be consolidated and form a single series with the $450 million 9.5 percent issued in April 2019 and due in April 2024.

…Now most admired financial services Brand in Africa

F

ollowing its current financial services status, Ecobank has ascended to the number one position as the Most Admired Financial Services Brand in Africa.

This was the submission of Brand Africa which released the top 100 brands in Africa. Brand Africa also listed Dangote conglomerate, MTN Group and Anbessa shoe of Ethiopia as highly admired brands in different categories. Brand Africa 100 is involved in a pan-African survey and valuation of brands in Africa to create a unique index and ranking for the Best Brands in Africa.

Brand Africa 100 believes that one of the key catalysts for Africa’s growth, competitiveness and reputation lies in developing and growing globally competitive and locally relevant African brands and global brands in Africa.

The brand agency has also announced winners at an event at the Johannesburg Stock Exchange

( JSE), with industry leaders from across Africa, hosted by the JSE in partnership with Geopoll, Kantar and Brand Leadership in their 7th Annual Brand Africa 100: Africa’s Best Brands. Nike, MTN, Dangote, Ecobank and BBC were recognised as the most admired brands on the continent.

In the Most Admired Financial Services Brands category, Ecobank ascended to the #1 position as the Most Admired Financial Services Brand, and Safaricom Mpesa retains its pole position among mobile money brands. 60% of them are made in Africa. The presence of multiple mobile money brands on the list, including Safaricom Mpesa (#13), Orange Money (#18), MTN Mobile Money (#19) and Tigo (#23), underscores the impact of not only Mpesa as the catalyst, but mobile as a key enabler for financial access.

According to the organisers since 2011, the Brand Africa 100 has been surveying and ranking

the most admired brands spontaneously recalled by African consumers.

In a relatively stable Top 100 list, the US sports and fitness mega brand, Nike, retains the overall #1 brand in Africa spontaneously recalled by consumers. South African telecoms brand MTN is the #1 African brand spontaneously recalled brand, while surging Ethiopian brand Anbessa Shoes, at #2, swopped positions with Nigerian conglomerate, Dangote, which is the #3 most admired brand of African of origin.

However, when consumers are prompted to recall the most admired African brand, Dangote retains the #1 position. Overall, African brands faltered to an alltime low 14 percent share of the Top 100 most admired brands in Africa.

Faced with a relentless focus on the African opportunity and investment by non-African brands,

Africa’s share of the most admired brands has been rapidly declining over the past three years from a high of 25percent in 2013/4 to lows of 16 percent in 2015/6, 16 percent in 2016/7 and 17 percent in 2017/8.

Non-African brands have entrenched their positions in Africa, with North American brands, dominated exclusively by United States of America brands (28) percent, leading with a growth of 17 percent versus 2017/8. The strength of USA brands was boosted by the entry and/or re-entry of stalwart American brands such as #71 Levi’s, #91 Chevrolet and Pepsi’s Miranda at #80, who are all among the 20 new entrants.

European brands (41 percent) are up by 2.5 percent and Asian brands (17 percent ) down by 10 percent , round up the continental spread of brands Africans admire.

The Brand Africa 100 rankings are based on a survey among a representative sample of

respondents 18 years and older, conducted in 25 countries across Africa. Covering all African economic regions, collectively these countries account for an estimated 80 percent of the continent’s population and 75 percent of the GDP. In a reconfigured category listing where technology and electronics and telecoms categories were separated and new categories of luxury and personal care were introduced or re-introduced, the Top 100 is dominated by technology and electronic brands (18 percent) and telecoms (7percent ), consumer (non-cyclical) (16 percent), auto manufacturers (11 percent), luxury (10 percent), automobile (11 percent), apparel (8), percent retail (7 percent ), food (4 percent ), nonalcoholic beverages (5 percent), personal care (4 percent), sports & fitness (4 percent) and media (1 percent) categories are the top categories.

Oando’s Saga: share value on downward trend

T

he value of Oando’s share price have been declining since the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) directed the resignation of the affected Board members of Oando Plc over serious infractions such as false disclosures, market abuses, misstatements in financial statements and internal control failures.

Other allegations leveled against Oando’s Board by the apex regulator of the capital market include, capital and corporate governance lapses stemming from poor Board oversight, irregular approval of Directors’ remuneration, unjustified

disbursements to Directors and Management of the company, related party transactions not conducted at arm’s length, amongst others.

The multiplier effect of the allegations and crisis which led to the resignation of two top management staff is still raging but this time on the value of the shares of the company.

Barely one week after, the share price of Oado Plc has declined by 4.76 percent from N4.20 on Friday May 31, 2019 to N4.00 as at the close of trading on Friday June 07, 2019, while the stock only recorded positive movement in one of the trading days during the

period under review with +5.26 percent gain on June 6, 2019.

A review during the period also showed that Year-to-date, Oando shares have underperformed the index. The shares have shed 20 percent Year-To-Date(Y-T-D) compared with the -3.18percent YTD return delivered by the NSEASI. For instance, Oando opened the trading day on Friday May 31,, 2019 with a share price of N4.65 but closed the trading day with a price of N4.2 which represents a decline of 9.68 percent.

Going further and over the one week period, volume traded was heaviest on Monday June 3, 2019.

According to trading statistics, at the end of the Monday trading activities, 27.15 million Ordinary shares exchanged hands in 250 trades as the share price hits its one week lowest point of N3.8 due to increased sell pressure.

With two days of trading on shares of Oando Plc after the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) dismissed the board over allegations of poor corporate governance and management infractions, the Oil & Gas major’s share price dropped by 20% from N4.65 per share on Friday 31 May 2019 to N3.80 per share on Monday 3 May 2019.

Since the development which

saw the appointment of an interim management team headed by Mr. Mutiu Sunmonu, investors have shown weak sentiments towards the purchase of the stocks as it went on the heavy bid at the close of business on Monday June 3, 2019.

There were anxious reactions from market traders who adopted a ‘bearish’ orientation towards trading in the company’s shares with a strong offer to bid ratio, since the news of the SEC decision on Friday, 31, May 2019.

Oando Plc, a leading indigenous energy and exploration company, is listed on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE) with a recent price of 27 South African Rand.

25

The Oracle Today Wednesday June 12 June 18, 2019

ENERGY

Hard times hit petroleum marketers

• Firms diversify as NNPC monopolises market

Stories by SOPURUCHI ONWUKA

M

arketing companies in the Nigerian domestic petroleum industry crumble under poor earnings as the market continuously compress under the full monopoly of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) which currently holds full supply control.

According to players that operate retail facilities and sites downstream of the industry, the market which once experienced boom with massive entry of indigenous major and independent companies is beginning to suffer contraction following low supply volumes that result from stringent import restrictions.

The Oracle Today reports that the Nigerian domestic fuel market where government sponsors subsidy and imposed associated price regulations operates retail price cap that is below open market values.

The system suffered series of subsidy claim scams in which some marketers were alleged to have swindled government of hundreds of billion Naira.

However, the present administration of government which assumed power in 2015 has been unable to pay most of

the outstanding subsidy claims despite strident calls from the marketing groups; but despite restricting imports to the NNPC and subsequent supply cuts, allegation of outrageous subsidy bills have persisted with financial claims from NNPC said to have risen from previous heights of N800 billion per annum to current levels above N1.4 trillion.

Thus, government’s firm control of imports have neither addressed rising subsidy bills nor expanded the market to optimize existing investments and support economic growth through improved fuel supply for private and commercial utilization.

Instead, marketing firms in the industry lament dry and dormant storage facilities, insufficient supplies from NNPC to effectively compete in the market place, thin margins and dwindling income from operations that previously pumped in revenue for shareholders.

Our checks showed that NNPC has prioritized its products allocation in favour of the major marketing companies which have the rare privilege of credit supplies while independent marketers are supposed to pay for their products upfront before allocations is given.

Thus, companies that finance supplies with bank loans start incurring interests on the cost

of funding before getting products to sell. The stringent conditions for product allocation to independent marketers, according to sources in the group, compounds the margin issues in the market as cost of funding plus delays in product delivery erode profit.

Again, both major and independent marketers complain of narrowing margin following introduction of pipeline charges on every litre of petro supplied them.

According to executives of the marketing companies that operate storage depots and fuel retail stations across the country, both fuel supply volumes and retail margins are lean following inability of government to dismantle state monopoly and liberalize the market.

As a result of worsening business adversity, our investigations showed, most of the marketing companies have closed down less viable filling stations and sacked unit workers. Some have completely closed down and dispersed workers following insufficient supply allocation from NNPC and associated low margins that can hardly support operations expenses.

Also, some depot operators that do not have throughput arrangement with NNPC have

also gone out of business.

“From a gross margin allowance of N12 per litre, you pay pipeline charges, you pay equalization charges, you pay for transportation and other charges associated with your operations where you have retail stations across the country. Then, you run your overhead expenses and pay all manner of taxes. At the end of the day you don’t have enough products to sell. How do they want the businesses to survive?” asked a managing director of an independent marketing company.

The marketers take fuel at about N33 per liter from NNPC, bear all the distribution expenses including pipeline charges and sell at N45 per liter as recommended by the PPPRA. The board of the PPPRA which provides the platform for resolution of commercial issues in the market, our findings showed, hardly hosts stakeholders’ meeting anymore.

The members of the board are drawn from all marketing and investment groups in the market, government regulators and the NNPC. Inability of the management of PPRA to host a board meeting is also blamed for delays in addressing uncertainties that challenge commerciality of operations in the market.

Already, the dwindling fortunes of the companies are pulling panic triggers in the money markets where the banks that are exposed to distressed companies battle to recover non-performing loans; and in the capital market where the share prices of some of the oil marketing companies have also plunged to single digit.

Our findings also showed that numerous marketing companies that built their storage facilities and acquired retail sites with funds from the money market face the threat of total liquidation as banks take drastic steps to recover debts from downstream companies that have failed to service their debts.

According to a source in one of the distressed oil marketing companies, the market is rapidly contracting under the prevailing supply monopoly of NNPC as, he said, young and fledgling companies that operate with credit facilities from commercial banks can no longer import fuel or secure adequate supplies to meet their obligations to customers and service providers.

“For the past four years, both the DPR and PPPRA have limited fuel import licences to the NNPC. It is now the NNPC that gives fuel to other marketers in the system;

and what they bring in has never been enough to meet demand at our numerous fuel retail sites,” he said.

He explained that there was no way marketing companies that run suboptimal operations would meet its obligations to financial services providers, explaining that most of the companies that run dry filling stations have issues with banks.

With the loss of sparkle in the downstream market, divestments have been rife. Apart from Total, all multinational oil companies that groomed downstream marketing business in the country have all divested their stakes in Mobil Oil Nigeria Plc, Texaco Nigeria Plc (later Chevron Nigeria Plc), and Agip Nigeria Plc. Even indigenous companies that mopped up assets of the major marketing companies in Nigeria are also in a race to exit the marketing business.

Leading brand, Oando Plc, has sold down its stake in Oando Marketing to Vitol and Helios Investment to now transform the company into the OVH joint venture. Zenon Group which acquired former African Petroleum in keen contest before rebranding it Forte has declared its intention to divest all its interests in the company.

Other companies that remain in the market are currently a shadow of their former selves, with their stock value slumping to record lows at the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE).

In a policy debate on the distress in the downstream fuel market, panel discussants blamed the redundancy at the storage depots on concentration in capacity in Lagos region.

Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Petrolex Limited, Mr. Segun Adebutu, counted cost builders in the market to include multiple taxation, underutilization of waterways and near exclusive use of road trucking for product distribution. He tasked investors in the market to spread the location of depots to other parts of the country for strategic distribution purposes.

He also advised investors in the market to identify gaps and challenges in the operating environment and take commercial advantage in addressing them.

To shore up margins in the market, he advised players in the system to cut staff cost and other charges at depot sites by switching to process automation.

He said Petrolex was driving to achieve 65 percent automation in its operations, and appealed to government to support big ticket investments in industry innovation.

Power sector debts: FG pumps N1.629trn down the drains

P

rocesses activated by the Ministry of Power to directly intervene in the mounting debt crises in the government’s gas-to-power programme will bring total funding surge in the industry to whopping N1.629 trillion or $452 billion without any appreciable improvement or billing relief for electricity consumers.

Unfortunately, the financial infusions may not address the rising debts or resolve more fundamental issues of commercial viability of operations in the programme if the industry is not

deregulated and liberalized.

Under the gas-to-power programme, the gas companies are under obligation to feed power generation companies with credit fuel; the power generation companies are under a commercial arrangement mandated to deliver their volume generation to the Nigeria Bulk Electricity Trading Company (NBET) which allocates consumption loads to the electricity distribution companies for sale.

Financial returns from the market is arranged to flow back

from the electricity distribution companies through NBET to grid operator, generation companies and gas suppliers according to agreed tariff regimes in the system.

The credit supply arrangement among groups involved in the programme is designed to enhance electricity supply to homes and businesses in the country under a tariff modulation arrangement that protects the urban poor and rural consumers from high bills through a cross-subsidization arrangement captured in a staggered tariff order.

However, both electricity companies and the National Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) explain that legacy issues that arise from privatization of government’s assets in the sector as well as unmet government obligations to distribution network operators in the industry continue to cause technical and commercial losses that build debts in the supply chain.

The Oracle Today reports that government is processing fresh N600 billion intervention fund to defray debilitating debts that

threaten commercial survival of huge investments by gas companies, power generating companies and transmission grid operators stringed together in a supply relay that delivers scanty electricity to consumers.

Earlier, government had injected some N238 billion to assist with debts in the power sector; then another N90 billion; N701 billion Payment Assurance Guarantee which elapsed in December last year.

Besides, the huge fund injections and poor service delivery Continues on next page

26

The Oracle Today Wednesday June 12 June 18, 2019

ENERGY NNPC pledges to sponsor Education of Late PENGASSAN Boss’ Children

T

he Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) has expressed its readiness to train the children of the late President of the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSSAN), Comrade Francis Olabode Johnson, to any educational level.

Group Managing Director of the Corporation, Dr. Maikanti Baru, made this commitment when he led top management of the NNPC to condole with the widow of Comrade Johnson at the family house in Kubwa, a satellite town in Abuja.

Baru said the news of the sudden death of FOJ, as he was fondly called, came to the entire Oil and Gas Industry, the NNPC Family and PENGASSAN, as a rude shock.

He described the late PENGASSAN President as a pragmatic leader who was always properly aligned with the direction of management and the entire workforce, adding that it would be very difficult to fill the vacuum that

his death had created.

The NNPC helmsman described late Johnson as an uncommon bridge builder whose wise counsel the Industry would sorely miss, adding that he lived a fulfilled life.

“Comrade Francis Olabode Johnson was not just a union leader but he was a personal friend to me. He was a loyal comrade that reduced industrial friction between management and the workforce to its barest minimum.

FOJ ensured stability in the Oil and Gas Industry that led to optimum productivity for the common good of the nation,” Baru lamented.

He said the late labour leader was always there to give useful counsel to management on how best to avoid industrial dispute, adding that he was a pillar of support to the NNPC, International Oil Companies and the entire value chain of the Industry.

Baru reassured the wife and children that the NNPC would always be there for them at all times and prayed God to grant the late Comrade Johnson eternal rest in His bosom.

Oranto completes Ngassa Seismic in Uganda

A

frican Independent explorer, Oranto Petroleum, says it has successfully completed its seismic data acquisition survey over the Ngassa block located near Uganda’s western border with the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Oranto owned by Chief Arthur Eze of Anambra State declared in a statement that it contracted the UK-based IMC Geophysical Services Ltd to undertake the survey, which began in mid-April and was completed on May 18.

The Ngassa block lies on the eastern banks of Lake Albert, within the villages of Tonya A, Tonya B, Kijjangi, Mbegu, Kaiso and Kyehoro, in Hoima and Kikuube districts.

This block was initially part of Exploration Area 2 licensed to Tullow Uganda Operations Pty Ltd. but reverted to the government after the expiry of Tullow’s appraisal period. As it was held previously by Tullow, the Oranto survey is not the only one to be shot on the acreage. According to reports, a total of 32 seismic surveys have been undertaken in the Albertine Graben and some of those on the Oranto acreage.

Two-thirds of this block is covered by good quality 2D seismic data while the remaining third is covered by 3D seismic data acquired between 2003 and 2008.

The acquired data will be analyzed together with the preexisting 2D and 3D data to better define the north-eastern part of the

Ngassa mega prospect.

“The survey involved the acquisition of 326-line km of offshore 2D seismic data over the Ngassa Contract Areas (on Lake Albert),” said Dozith Abeinomugisha, Director Exploration at the Petroleum Authority of Uganda (PAU). “Conclusion of this exercise represents an important step by the licensee in fulfilling its obligations for the first two-year exploration phase that runs from October 2017 to October 2019.”

Oranto has undertaken other technical studies as part of the exploration work program, including reprocessing of the existing seismic data and petrophysical studies over the Ngassa 1 and 2 wells to evaluate the quality of the reservoir horizons penetrated by these wells. Although the two wells encountered oil and gas, much of this block was not tested, meaning that there was need for additional exploration work to fully assess the potential of the block.

Going forward, the government expects Oranto to process and interpret the acquired data whose results will inform the company’s subsequent activities over the next two years.

“We expect Oranto Petroleum Limited to revert to the PAU by October, 2019, with a detailed work program for drilling at least one exploration well on Lake Albert within the next two years,” said Abeinomugisha.

•Group Managing Director of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), Dr. Maikanti Baru, condoling with the wife and children of late PENGASSAN President, Comrade Francis Olabode Johnson, at his house in Abuja on Monday, 10th June, 2019.

NNPC sells N174.62bn fuel in March • NGMC makes N12bn profit

N

igerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) has declared N174.62 billion income from sale of white products in March 2019.

In its Monthly Financial and Operations Report (MFOR) for March 2019 the corporation stated that the March sales figure is higher than the N168.65 billion recorded in February 2019.

NNPC explained in the document that the total revenue generated from the sale of white products from the period March 2018 to March 2019 stood at N2,780.79 billion, with Premium Motor Spirit, otherwise called petrol contributing about 91.09 per cent or N2,533 billion.

In terms of volume of the total sales by the NNPC Subsidiary, the Petroleum Products Marketing Company (PPMC), in March 2019, the report said a total supply and distribution of 1.36 billion litres of white products was made, compared with 1.33 billion litres of February 2019.

A further products breakdown indicated that the March volume comprised 1.29 billion litres of petrol, 0.023 billion litres of Dual Purpose Kerosene (DPK), and 0.047 billion litres for the diesel component.

Total sale of white products distributed for the period, March 2018 to March 2019, stood at 21.99 billion litres, with petrol accounting for 20.63 billion litres or 93.8 per cent. The report stated that 6.4 billion litres of special products were

sold during the period.

Within the period, 111 pipeline points were vandalized, indicating a 19 per cent drop from the 137 points recorded in February 2019. Ibadan – Ilorin and Benin –Ore axis accounted for 46 per cent of total pulverised points, while breaks in other locations made up the balance.

In the Gas sector, NNPC stated that its subsidiary, Nigerian Gas Marketing Company (NGMC), made a profit after tax of ₦12,476,685,000.00 (twelve billion, four hundred and seventy-six million, six hundred and eighty-five thousand naira) for the year ended 31 December, 2018.

A press release by the Group General Manager, Group Public Affairs Division of NNPC, Mr. Ndu Ughamadu, quoted the corporation’s Group Managing Director, Dr. Maikanti Baru, who is also the Chairman of the NGMC Board of Directors, as saying that the company’s performance was impressive considering the challenges it faced in its operations, notably pipeline vandalism.

The GMD who was represented by the Chief Operating Officer (COO), Gas and Power, Engr. Seidu Mohammed, said the company would do everything to sustain the impressive performance, adding that: “We have to expand our portfolio, we are going into the West African market to position ourselves as the best marketer of gas in the sub region.”

He stated that NGMC had already signed contracts with some companies in the Republic of Benin.

On his part, Managing Director of NGMC, Engr. Mohammad Barau, attributed the company’s impressive performance to the support given to it by the NNPC Management which helped to resolve some of its challenges and motivated the company to embark on an aggressive drive for customers, resulting in increased earnings.

The company’s total revenue for the year 2018 was ₦243.630billion compared to ₦275.162billion for 2017.

The decline in revenue was attributed to the move by the electric power generating companies to purchase gas directly from gas producers since June 2018.

The NGMC is mainly engaged in sourcing, marketing and distribution of natural gas to major industrial users and utility companies in Nigeria and the West Africa sub-region.

Meanwhile, the corporation declared it the MFOR that gas production increased by 15.4per cent at 263.48 billion cubic feet compared to the output in proceeding period of February 2019. This translated to an average daily production of 8,499.58million standard cubic feet of gas per day (mmscfd).

Out of the volume of gas supplied in March 2019, 155.01bcf of gas was commercialized, consisting of 40.35bcf, and 111.66bcf for the domestic and export markets, respectively.

Power sector debts: FG pumps N1.629trn down the drains Continues from previous page that generate disputes in the industry, unrecovered debts in the sector stands above a trillion Naira, and the 11 electricity Distribution companies that jointly owe the money declare loss of capacity in raising the money from the market.

Despite the explanations that appear to paralyze the enforcement hands of NERC, all the investor groups agree that the electricity supply industry must be deregulated to enthrone cost reflective tariff; and all but the electricity distribution companies

also agree that the supply relay be untangled and liberalized for optimum results.

Spokesman of the Association of Nigerian Electricity Distribution Companies (ANED), Mr. Sunday Odutan, has been vehement over the need for government to faithfully discharge all its financial commitments to players in the sector by facilitating payment of electricity bills for its ministries, departments and agencies.

He pointed at the prevailing electricity consumption tariff in the country as too low to support full commercial returns that cover investment recovery plus

margin. He made it clear that the prevailing rate of revenue returns from the market cannot support investments in new capacity and technologies that enhance efficiency.

He has also maintained strident calls on the government which retains some 49 percent stake in the distribution companies to invest more in boosting capacity in the distribution networks to cut the currently high average technical and commercial losses in the chain.

He however opposes other stakeholders on calls for liberalization of the market,

saying it would dismantle already secured market enclaves, endanger huge investments by legacy investors and eliminate incentives for fresh investments if there would be no security of market.

While agreeing with Mr. Odutan on the need for cost reflective electricity tariff in the system, the spokesman of Association of Power Generation Companies (APGC), Mrs Joy Ogaji, listed the malaise in the upstream power sector to range from inadequate gas supplies through limited transmission offtake to low distribution capacity and

debilitating debts.

She said the 12 private power generation companies, excluding the Niger Delta Power Holding Company (NDPHC) currently have installed capacity of over 12,500 megawatts of electricity, available capacity of over 8000 megawatts but limited by infrastructure to ship only 4000 megawatts or one third of installed capacity.

She said the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) which operates the national grid has capacity for only 5000 megawatts, while the 11 distribution companies can only take 4500 megawatts.

27

The Oracle Today Wednesday June 12 June 18, 2019

INSURANCE & PENSION CIIN trains over 27,000 practitioners on quality insurance practices

P

resident, Chartered Insurance Institute of Nigeria (CIIN), Mr Eddie Efekoha, has disclosed that over 27,000 insurance practitioners in the country have benefted from the CIIN manpower development programmes since its establishment.

Efekoha said this in Lagos, as the institute prepares to celebrate its 60 years of operations in the country.

According to Efekoha, the training has enhanced quality service delivery in the insurance industry.

CIIN, which was established in 1959, has the responsibility of determining the standards of knowledge and skills to be attained by persons seeking to become Insurance professionals in Nigeria.

It was founded in 1959 as Insurance Institute of Nigeria until Feb. 26, 1993 when it became Chartered by Decree (now Act) No 22, of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

The CIIN boss posited that the institute has served as a significant platform that grew powerful insurance practitioners that propelled geometric growth in the insurance industry over the years.

According to Efekoha, the institute’s 60th anniversary celebration is scheduled to kick-off from Aug. 2 to Aug. 8, 2019, during which its landmark contributions will be highlighted.

“The anniversary themed ‘Diamond legacies, Driving Growth’, is to acknowledge the Institute’s commitment to its duty as the rallying point for insurance professionals in Nigeria.

“The week-long activities will kick off with a Jumaat prayer, Church service, a charity event and a public lecture. ”It will come to climax with a Gala Night and the launch of the Institute’s compendium chronicling the landmarks of CIIN in the last 60 years,” he said.

Firms forecast climate change losses to reach $1trn Stories by VICTOR NZE

A

n analysis of thousands of corporate disclosures on climate-change risks suggests that companies stand to gain more than they lose, mostly within the next five years.

Some $2.1 trillion worth of potential good news is embedded in those statements, according to CDP, a United Kingdom-based nonprofit that requests information on behalf of a large pool of investors.

Companies that capitalize on a shift to climate friendly products and services or that

find ways to help people adapt to changing conditions could reap massive rewards.

Some 6,900 companies reported to CDP in 2018 on the financial risks posed to them, both directly and indirectly, from climate change. Analysts paid particular attention to respondents from among the largest 500 companies globally.

The $2.1 trillion in benefits is estimated from responses at 225 of those biggest companies.

Meanwhile, companies are failing to disclose sufficient detail about how exposed they are to the potential risks of climate change, a global task force said in a report on

Wednesday.

Many investors have called on companies to provide better communication on how climate change could impact their businesses, amid concerns that assets are being mispriced because the full scale of the risk is not being factored in.

“Given the speed at which changes are needed to limit the rise in the global average temperature — across a wide range of sectors — more companies need to consider the potential impact of climate change and disclose material findings,” the report said.

The Task Force on Climaterelated Financial Disclosures

Executive Director, Business Development, FBNInsurance, Mr. Moruf Apampa; Executive Director, Finance and Admin, FBNInsurance, Mr. Festus Izevbizua; Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, FBNInsurance, Mr. Val Ojumah; FBNInsurance 2018 TRAC Award Winner, Roseline Pius Iyogwoya; Head, Retail, FBNInsurance, Mr. Odinakachi Umekwe; Executive Director, FBN General Insurance, Mr. Tunde Lawanson at FBNInsurance 2018 TRAC Awards presentation ceremony recently held in Warri, Delta State

New risks emerge as shipping losses drop to lowest level in 2018

L

arge shipping losses declined by more than 50% in 2018 from the previous year – their lowest level this century, according to Allianz Global Corporate & Specialty SE’s (AGCS) Safety & Shipping Review 2019.

In 2018, 46 large ships were lost across the globe, down from 98 in the previous year, the report said, noting that this significant decrease was driven by a decline of losses in the global hotspot, South East Asia, as well as weather-related losses halved during a quieter year for hurricanes and typhoons.

AGCS’ annual study analyzes reported shipping losses over 100 gross tons (GT).

Despite the dramatic and encouraging reduction in total losses, the report said, the number of overall reported shipping incidents showed only marginal improvement, declining by less than 1% to 2,698 in 2018.

The report noted that machinery damage is the major cause for such shipping incidents, accounting for more than one-third of the 26,000plus incidents over the past decade

– twice as many as the next highest cause, collision.

Machinery damage is one of the most expensive causes of marine insurance claims, accounting for more than US$1 billion over the past five years, said AGCS, quoting an analysis of 230,961 marine insurance industry claims featuring AGCS and other insurers between July 2013 and July 2018.

“Today’s record low total loss activity is certainly influenced by fortunate circumstances in 2018, but it also underlines the culmination of the long-term improvement of safety in the global shipping industry,” said Baptiste Ossena, global product leader, Hull & Marine Liabilities, AGCS. “Improved ship design, technology, tighter regulation and more robust safety management systems on vessels have also helped to prevent breakdowns and accidents from turning into major losses,” Ossena added. “However, the lack of an overall fall in shipping incidents, heightened political risks to vessel security, complying with 2020 emissions rules and the

growing number of fires on board bring challenges.”

The South China, Indochina, Indonesia and Philippines maritime region remains the top loss location, with one in four – or 12 losses – occurring there, said AGCS. The good news, however, is that this is significantly down from 29 losses reported a year earlier.

The East Mediterranean and Black Sea – with six losses – and the British Isles – with four losses – rank second and third.

Despite signs of improvement, Asia will remain a hotspot for marine claims due to its high level of trade, busy shipping routes and older fleets, although newer infrastructure, better port operations and more up-to-date navigation tools will help to address challenges, the report confirmed.

The loss of 15 cargo ships accounted for one-third of vessels lost around the world in the past year. The most common cause of ship losses continues to be foundering (sinking), which has accounted for over half (551) of the 1,036 vessels lost over the past

decade. In 2018, 30 cases were reported.

Fires continue to generate large losses with 174 reported incidents in 2018 – a trend that has continued into 2019 with a number of recent incidents on container ships and three significant events on car carriers, the report said.

The report said that mis-declared cargo, including incorrect labeling/ packaging of dangerous goods is believed to be the cause of a number of fires at sea.

As on-board fire-fighting capability can be limited, if considerable outside assistance is required, significant damage can occur to the ship before this happens, which greatly increases the size of salvage claims, the report said.

The report went on to say that damaged goods are the most frequent generator of marine insurance claims, accounting for one in five over the five year period between July 2013 and July 2018.

(These statistics are once again provided by an analysis of marine insurance industry claims, said AGCS).

(TCFD), set up by the G20’s Financial Stability Board, found in its report that climate related disclosure had improved since 2016 but only about a quarter of companies disclosed information aligned with more than five of the TCFD’s 11 recommendations.

The TCFD launched a voluntary framework in 2017 that calls on companies to provide climaterelated financial disclosures in their public annual financial filings.

Other recommendations include disclosing metrics companies use to set internal climate targets and describing processes for managing climate-related risks.

The task force published its second status report on Wednesday, showing 785 companies and organizations, with a combined market capitalisation of more than $9.2 trillion, had committed to supporting the TCFD framework, a more than 50% increase from the first status report published in September.

Companies supporting the framework include insurance groups AXA and Aviva, oil majors Royal Dutch Shell and Total and mining companies Anglo American and BHP. Climate scientists said last year that keeping the Earth’s temperature rise to 1.5 degrees Celsius, a level that would stave off the worst effects of climate change, required rapid changes in the way people used energy, eat, lived and traveled.

However, Wednesday’s report said there was only a 3 percent increase from 2016 to 2018 in the number of firms disclosing information on the resilience of their strategies, taking into consideration different climaterelated scenarios, including a 2 degree scenario or lower.

NAIC pays N464m claims in Q1 2019

N

igerian Agricultural Insurance Corporation (NAIC) has paid N464 million claims in the first quarter of 2019 to its insured farmers across the country.

A statement by the firm’s Head, Corporate Affirms, Magdalene Omosimua, noted that the Managing Director/ Chief Executive Officer of the Company, Mrs. Folashade Joseph, posited that prompt payment of claims has always been the cardinal principle of NAIC. “As a responsible player in agric insurance space we, at NAIC, believe prompt payment of claims is the ultimate goal of any insurance business,” she said.

Mrs. Joseph stressed that the Corporation provides insurance cover to all categories of operators, whether small; medium or large scale across the agricultural value chain.

NAIC was established by the Federal Government to shield farmers from the adverse effects of natural disasters.

28

The Oracle Today Wednesday June 12 June 18, 2019

Travel & Hospitality Nigeria, others generated $38bn from tourism in 2018 –UNWTO

N

igeria and other countries in the African continent earned a combined total of $38 billion from tourism in 2018, according to the United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) in its newly-released World Tourism Barometer report.

According to the report, about 67 million tourists visited Africa.

The UNWTO’s World Tourism Barometer also disclosed that international tourism for Europe and Africa grew at equal levels of four per cent for the first quarter of 2019.

This squarely meets the UNWTO’s forecast of three to four per cent for this year.

However, Europe’s stake as the world’s largest tourism region may have contributed to the area’s growth. The report said areas in Southern and Mediterranean Europe, Central and Eastern Europe recorded growth levels of four per cent. In Africa, it said North Africa’s recovery led to 11 per cent of growth.

Remarking, General Secretary of UNWTO, Zurab Pololikashvili, said: “International tourism continues to perform strongly worldwide fueled by a positive economy, increased air capacity and visa facilitation.”

The UNWTO barometer data also shows tourism receipts for Europe reached $571 billion for 713 million arrivals.

It indicated also that tourism has started to pick up after slowing down at the end of 2018 and believes performance for the first three months was a “positive” sign.

Meanwhile, exports generated by international tourism reached USD 1.7 trillion in 2018, a 4 per cent increase in real terms over the previous year, a new report from the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) shows.

For the seventh year in a row, tourism exports grew faster than merchandise exports (+3%), reflecting solid demand for international travel in a generally robust economic environment.

Strong growth in outbound travel from many source markets around the world fuelled revenues from international tourism to reach a total USD 1.7 trillion. This accounts for 29% of global service exports and 7% of overall exports of goods and services. These figures consolidate international tourism among the top five economic sectors in the world, behind chemical manufacturing and the fuel industry but ahead of the food and automotive industries.

“Rather than growing in volume we need to grow in value. We are pleased to see that both emerging and advanced economies around the world are benefiting from rising tourism income,” said Pololikashvili, adding:

Sion Rapson, Director, Global Business, World Travel Awards; General Bitrus Vandos Kwaji, Owner, The Envoy; Dewald Kruger, General Manager, The Envoy Abuja during the just-concluded World Travel Awards Africa & Indian Ocean Gala Ceremony in Mauritius where the hotel won an award, Saturday.

“Revenues from international tourism translate into jobs, entrepreneurship and a better situation for people and local economies, while reducing trade deficits in many countries.”

Total exports from international tourism include USD 1,448 billion in international tourism receipts (visitor spending in destinations) and USD 256 billion in international passenger transport services.

Tourism constitutes a key source of foreign exchange and a major tool for export diversification for many destinations.

WTA 2019 votes The Envoy by Mantis as Nigeria’s ‘Leading City Hotel’

T

he Envoy by Mantis hotel in Abuja has been recognized as Nigeria’s Leading City Hotel 2019 at the just-concluded 26th edition of the annual World Travel Awards which held, last Saturday, in Mauritius.

The 2019 edition of the prestigious World Travel Awards Africa & Indian Ocean Gala Ceremony voted the hotel as it joined the Hilton Hotel in Abuja as two of the hospitality establishments in Nigeria to register in the roll call of awardees at the event.

“The WTA is globally recognized as the most prestigious honours programme in global travel and tourism, and Mantis is very excited about the

accolades that our group and individual Mantis properties have received.

“This is the region’s most prestigious travel and tourism event of the year, and it brought together the leading industry figureheads and VIPs from across Africa and the Indian Ocean for an unrivalled networking experience. It was during this auspicious occasion that The Envoy by Mantis received the awards for Nigeria’s Leading City Hotel 2019.

“Sersirgwe Group is very excited about this Award. We wouldn’t have achieved this feat without the management prowess of our operator, The Mantis Group. We all make a

great team. Well done all,” said BitrusKwaji, Chairman of Sersirgwe Group, owners of the The Envoy by Mantis Abuja.

Continuing, said: “The Envoy

by Mantis has raised the bar for luxury hospitality and personal indulgence in Abuja from the day of its grand opening in March 2018.

“The Envoy stands prestigiously on Diplomatic Drive in the heart of Abuja. Upon the first impression, guests will be delighted by the modern façade, matched perfectly by chic furnishings and advanced technological facilities.

The Envoy is a hotel of the present, for the future, and has been built to operate in support of the environment.”

Ethiopian to commence Lagos-Johannesburg flight via Lome

E

thiopian Airline has stated that it would commence flight to Johannesburg from Lagos via Lome on June 15, 2019 General Manager of Ethiopian Airlines in Nigeria Mrs Firihiewot Mekonnen made this known in an online statement today.

According to her, the flights will operate daily from Lagos via Lome.

Meanwhile, Ethiopian Airline said it would always provide connections for Nigeria football

teams: Super Eagles and Super Falcon, who are participating in the Nations Cup and Female World Cup connections to these host countries of Egypt and France.

This just as the airline said it wish the two teams well at the competition The airline said it is pleased to have served fans of the globally renowned British football teams Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur in their travel to Madrid, where

the teams played for European Champions League final match.

Ethiopian deployed three chartered flights from London, Liverpool and Manchester carrying the fans to Madrid.

ET as it popularly called is also delighted that the supporters of the football teams enjoyed the features of its latest aviation technology aircraft along with the airline’s award-winning customer service and the overall travel experience.

NASA to open int’l space station to tourists from 2020

N

ational Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) says it will open the International Space Station (ISS) for commercial space travel from as early as 2020.

The America international agency said on Friday that this was to allow private astronauts and more extensive commercial research on the orbiting outpost.

“The goal is to grow a very robust space economy led by private companies as the agency works to push its longer-term goals to send humans back to the moon and further into space,’’ NASA officials said at a news conference.

According to officials, the move shows that NASA is willing to let the private sector become more involved in space, including the development of products useful on Earth.

“There’s a lot of excitement in the commercial sector for this,’’ Jeff DeWit, NASA’s chief financial officer, said.

DeWit said the programme would not be a profit-making venture for NASA however would defray some of the agency’s expenses, leaving money available for its goals to return to the moon by 2024 and send humans to Mars after that.

There already are over 50 companies conducting commercial research on the space station.

“The new policy, open only to U.S. commercial companies, will allow the manufacture, production, transport and marketing of commercial goods. It will also allow NASA astronauts to take coordinated action in support of commercial activities,’’ NASA said.

NASA has already collected

recommendations from companies to assess the potential growth of a low-Earth orbit economy and how to best stimulate private demand for commercial human spaceflight.

“Private astronaut missions that will be possible under the new policy will last up to 30 days, and the duties of the private astronauts must fall into the approved commercial and marketing activities outlined in the policy.

“To qualify, commercial and marketing activities must either require microgravity to enable production or development of a commercial application, have a connection to NASA’s mission or support the development of a low-Earth orbit economy,’’ NASA said.

Report says NASA envisions up to two private astronaut missions per year.

“The missions will be privately funded and will use a U.S. spacecraft developed under NASA’s Commercial Crew Programme. But it will be up to the company that develops the mission to determine crew composition and ensure the private astronauts meet NASA’s medical standards and training.

“The ISS, a collaboration among five space agencies representing 15 countries, took 10 years and more than 30 missions to assemble. The first segment of the ISS launched from Russia in 1998. The space station now is approximately the size of a football field and orbits about 400 kilometres above Earth, periodically changing its crew of three to six astronauts.

“It has had a crew since 2000, with crew members from the U.S., Russia, Japan, Canada and Europe.

29

The Oracle Today Wednesday June 12 June 18, 2019

AVIATION New Ibom Air commences operations

Stories by VICTOR NZE

S

equel to obtaining its Air Operator’s Certificate (AOC) from the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), newlycommissioned Ibom Air owned by the Akwa Ibom Government, Friday, operated its maiden flight from Uyo to Lagos.

The airline’s Bombardier CRJ900LR aircraft, which took off from the Obong Victor Attah International Airport in Uyo landed at the Murtala Muhammed Airport 2, Lagos at 1.15 p.m.

It was welcomed with water canon salutation by officers of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) Fire Services.

Remarking at the event, State Governor, Udom Emmanuel said that the airline was a

project designed to enhance the economy and create employment opportunities for Nigerians.

The governor, who was represented by his deputy, Mr Moses Ekpo, said the project was a testament to the vision of rapid industrialisation based on three gateways of land, sea and air into the state.

He, however, called on all Akwa Ibom indigenes to support the project regardless of their political affiliations.

“Finally, let me use this opportunity to appeal to some of our people in the opposition; it is not everything about us that should be coloured by, or be seen through the prism of politics.

“We should learn to separate development from politics. Ibom Air is a huge achievement for us all. When we board these aircraft

to either Lagos or Abuja and back to Uyo, the Cabin Crew will not ask you whether you are a PDP or APC card-carrying member.

“Sponsoring articles in the newspapers aimed at dismissing the great works we have done such as this, or telling the world that Ibom Air will never become a reality, is highly unfortunate and sad. We are better than this,” Emmanuel said.

Earlier, a statement issued by the Senior Special Assistant, Media/Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Ekerete Udoh, Thursday, said the new airline ‘will maintain regular daily flights to both Lagos (MMA2) and Abuja respectively.’

“The aircraft in its fleet (Bombardier CRJ 900) have the distinction of being relatively new, all three, under 10 years old,” he said.

The Ibom Air was launched on February 20 with three aircraft by the former Senate President, Dr Bukola Saraki.

Meanwhile, General Manager, Public Relations, NCAA, Mr Sam Adurogboye, confirmed that the agency has cleared the Ibom Air for commercial operations following the issuance of an AOC by it, earlier Thursday.

Adurogboye said that the airline formally obtained the AOC from the NCAA on June 6.

An AOC is the approval granted by a Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) to an aircraft operator to allow it to use aircraft for commercial purposes.

This requires the operator to have personnel, assets and system in place to ensure the safety of its employees and the general public.

Lufthansa relocates Lagos office, hosts clients, partners

I

n continuation of efforts to offer clients and partners excellent service and maximum satisfaction, Lufthansa German Airlines has relocated its Nigerian head office in Lagos from Victoria Island to Ikoyi.

The German Airline which was formerly located at Plot PC 30, Churchgate Street, 2nd Floor, Churchgate Towers, Victoria Island, is now at the modern state-of-the-art British American Tobacco Building on Olumegbon Road, Off Alfred Rewane Road in Ikoyi poised to offer unrivalled customer experience while providing better proximity to customers.

Speaking on the development during a special event hosting top clients and partners at the new office on Friday, May 31, 2019 Lufthansa Group General Manager Sales, Nigeria and Equatorial Guinea, Adenike Macaulay, reiterated the airline’s commitment to quality and efficient service.

“We have been operating in Nigeria since 1962 and have become renowned for our quality and efficient services which our

Akwa Ibom State Deputy Governor, Mr Moses Ekpo, flanked by cabin crew of the Ibom Air, as well as top government functionaries at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport Domestic Terminal 2 on the occasion of the commissioning of the state-owned airline after its maiden flight from Uyo to Lagos, Friday

customers have come to expect.

I am assuring our clients and partners that we will continue to uphold that fine tradition here at our new office which is open to all,” she said.

Macaulay said the event was an opportunity for the airline to bond and interact with its clients and partners, as well as foster networking opportunities amongst those present. She expressed pride at the cordial relationship between the airline and its stakeholders, particularly

its trade partners, since its debut in the country, and noted that such support has helped the airline to deliver an excellent level of service to her customers.

Mr. Bismarck Rewane MD/CEO Financial Derivatives Company Limited, one of the airline’s long-standing passengers and corporate clients, commended the airline for its diligence, and efficiency: “I have been flying Lufthansa for over 20 years and my experience has been pleasant and delightful. It is a pleasure

to visit Lufthansa in the new ambience and modern office in the up-market Ikoyi location.

Lufthansa is an airline that is really committed to the Nigerian route, and in my mind remains a classy and super well deserving airline,” he said.

Lufthansa German Airlines is Europe’s first Skytrax certified 5-star Airline offering 17 weekly flights from Lagos, Abuja and Port Harcourt via Frankfurt to over 300destinations in over 100 countries around the globe.

SAA gets new CEO, as Jarana resigns

S

outh African Airways (SAA) has appointed its head of operations, Zuks Ramasia, as its acting chief executive.

The firm’s board said this on Friday at a news conference in Johannesburg.

It said that the appointment followed the abrupt resignation last week of Vuyani Jarana after less than two years on the job.

SAA has not made a profit since 2011.

The board said that the airline had a five-year turnaround plan that included: slashing costs and cancelling unprofitable routes.

It also added that it would require a 21.7 billion rand (about 1.5 billion dollars) cash injection from the government.

The board said that the airline also had approached three additional lenders for loan to meet its operating costs.

It added that the SAA was still negotiating with its existing lenders to extend the maturities of its debt that would be due soon.

It would be recalled that barely weeks after revealing turnaround plans as well as route expansion, the Chief Executive Officer of South African Airways (SAA), Mr. Vuyani Jarana resigned from the state-owned airline.

Jarana’s resignation letter to SAA board chairperson Johannes “JB” Magwaza, last Sunday, said the CEO resigned due to uncertainty about funding and how slow decision making processes were delaying the airline’s turnaround strategy.

Jarana according to reports recently raised concerns that legislation was stifling the airline’s competitiveness, making it difficult to compete in the market.

He spoke of restrictions imposed the Public Finance Management Act, which would in some cases require three levels of approval for a matter which required urgent action.

Jarana was appointed chief executive of the embattled national carrier in August 2017.

He left his five-year stint as the chief officer of Vodacom Business, to become the eighth person since 2010 – either a permanent or interim basis – tasked with turning around the fortunes of SAA. Jarana replaced the company’s chief technical officer, Musa Zwane, who was acting in the position since 2015.

Nigerian firm gets NCAA’s NDT AMO certification

T

he Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has issued an Approved Maintenance Organisation (AMO) Certificate to indigenous firm, DAV-AAKY Nigeria Limited based in Lagos to carry out Non Destructive Testing (NDT) so as to ensure aircraft airworthiness and serviceability of aircraft in Nigeria.

With this development, the company is now approved to inspect and carry out Non Destructive Testing on aircraft and aircraft components with specifications covering Eddy Current Testing, Magnetic Testing, Dye Penetrant and Ultrasonic Testing inspection on all types of

aircrafts and aircraft components.

DAV-AAKY Nigeria Limited with AMO/5N/DAV is the first NDT AMO holder of its kind in Nigeria.

Speaking to journalists after a brief AMO certification ceremony, Chief Executive Officer of DAVAAKY Nigeria Limited, Engineer Ayoola Stephen explained that the NDT tests are carried out on aircraft whole or components to detect cracks, corrosion etc on the aircraft or aircraft components.

He also added that the company has trained and competent NDT personnel with certification to EN4179 and/or NAS410 which is internationally recognized. And as a result they can carry out NDT

inspections internationally. The NDT tests are not restricted to aviation as they are carried out in Automobile, Sea, Rail, Oil and Gas industry.

“We carry out NDT inspection on aircraft and its components to ascertain its serviceability. Also, not really on only aircraft, we also carry out inspection on automobile, in the sea, marine, ships bridges and the rest but presently, NCAA has given us an AMO on NDT inspection in aviation and this is the first of its kind in this country,” Ayoola said.

Speaking further, he said, “DAVAAKY Nigeria Limited is approved to offer NDT inspection services.

You don’t need to come to our base

for us to carry out inspection, if your aircraft is in Kaduna, Maiduguri, Port Harcourt, anywhere your aircraft is or anywhere the equipment or part you want us to work on we will come down there and carry out your job which makes it the first mobile NDT service provider in the country.”

He continued, “We are filling a gap and it is a good advantage to our clients, our services make it easier for us to reach you and also for you to reach us, it cut costs to airlines because you don’t need to fly the aircraft down. It reduces a lot of cost for clients who would want to employ the services of DAV-AAKY Nigeria Limited, plus

we are affordable, reliable and efficient.”

On his plans for the future, Ayoola said he envisaged a scenario, where his company would train no fewer than 500 people in the next five to ten years as professionals in the field of NDT are few and far in between.

According to him, “It’s not easy, but we will be the first leading NDT in this country and would train no fewer than 500 staff on NDT to employ a lot of people in the years to come. NDT professionals are no more than 20 well trained in this country and this is sad. I want to see in the next five -ten years’ time we will be having over 500 or 1000 people.”

30

The Oracle Today Wednesday June 12 June 18, 2019

e-Platform

Huawei’s operating system expected to arrive August ...Google warns of safety risks

A

mid the whole trade war between China and the United States authorities, Chinese tech giant, Huawei appears to be on track to release its own operating system as early as August.

Reports now confirm that Huawei will release HongMeng OS in China while the overseas version will be called Oak OS. Huawei consumer business CEO Richard Yu confirmed that the company’s new OS will be ready by this fall.

Previously, Huawei filled a trademark application with the EUIPO (European Union Intellectual Property Office) for the HUAWEI ARK OS, HUAWEI ARK, ARK and ARK OS names.

Now it seems the company is segmenting its approach for its home and away markets.

Meanwhile, Google has reportedly issued a statement to the United States government where it outlines the potential safety risks of Huawei devices running on a new proprietary operating system. Chief among them is the possibility of security breaches given that Huawei devices would not be able to receive security updates directly from Google.

Apple unveils new N2.1m Mac Pro Stories by VICTOR NZE

A

pple has finally unveiled its new machine, the Mac Pro range at the WWDC 2019.

With a design that throws it back to the old “cheese grater” aluminum tower, the new Mac Pro, which starts at $5,999, and the $4,999 (N2,156,925.00) Apple-designed 32-inch Pro Display XDR monitor are quite the pair to soak in.

Apple did not let anyone touch the new Mac Pro, but we got to ogle it from all angles and check out a few demos of the most powerful Mac chewing through Logic audio streams and 8K-resolution Final Cut Pro X projects with ease.

The first thing you should know about the new Mac Pro is that it’s probably not your next machine unless you are the kind of professional who needs the ridiculously powerful

performance it packs.

I mean, it sure would be nice to have a Mac Pro and its beefy Intel Xeon processor with up to 28 cores, up to 1.5 terabytes of RAM, and up to two Radeon Pro Vega II Duo graphics cards (the most powerful graphics card according to Apple), but most people will not need it.

The new Mac Pro and the Pro Display XDR itself are nothing short of overkill, which is exactly what professionals need, not just for today but years down the road.

Seeing the new Mac Pro up close brought back fond memories of the old pre-2013 “trash can” Mac Pro. The original was a gorgeous, sleek aluminum tower with tons of expansion slots.

Comparing the two machines, it’s so obvious they share similar DNA. Both are metal towers with handles on top for easy transport and both come with a boatload of expansion. In other words,

Apple is giving professionals what they really want: a big ol’ box of a computer.

Specs aside, the new Mac Pro and Pro Display XDR can be described in two words: very hole-y. There are holes covering the entire front and back of the Mac Pro’s aluminum chassis and holes all along the backside of the Pro Display XDR. The holes on the front of the Mac Pro allow the three internal impeller fans to push air over all of the computer’s components — the CPU, GPU, memory, storage, etc. — and then release it out the through the back. Apple says the design not only allows the machine to stay cool, but also run virtually silently; the Mac Pro should be as quiet as an iMac Pro. On the top of the Mac Pro is a “D-ring latch” in the center that flips up. Twist it and the entire aluminum chassis can be lifted up to get to the machine’s components.

T

S

even persons were made millionaires in the wellcontested grand finale and raffle draw of the TECNO SPARK Light Up Your Dream 3 courtesy of the smartphone maker, TECNO Nigeria.

At the TECNO Light up your dream 3 competition which started in April as part of the TECNO Spark 3 launch activities, many young Nigerian entrepreneurs with various dreams ranging from business expansion, career, recreational, agriculture to technology, shared their dreams with the hope of winning the one million Naira prize money.

This year, over 16,000 entries were received at the end of the competition. Top 5 entries were selected every week for 5 weeks where the best two were picked weekly via vote by the audience. In all 10 people were selected for the grand finale where they pitched their ideas to a live audience and distinguished panel of judges that included the CEO of 360 Group, Noble Igwe and Nollywood actress, Juliana Olayode, popularly known as Toyo Baby.

Speaking at the well-attended event, Jesse Oguntimehin, PR and Strategic Partnership Manger, TECNO Nigeria, stated that although the initiative was an experiment the brand decided to carry out, over the years, it has been a huge success.

He also said that the initiative was conceived with the intention of making a positive impact on the different local communities in Nigeria by empowering Nigerians, young at heart to achieve their lifelong dreams because TECNO really is for Nigerians.

Vodacom Nigeria trains students on Robotics

Samsung working on 6G networks he 5G networks are still being deployed and there are only a couple of spots in the world where you can access those and only with a handful of 5G devices.

And yet that does not prevent Samsung from looking even further into the future with the sixth-generation mobile network - 6G. On Tuesday, Samsung officially confirmed that it has expanded the existing telecommunications research team to the level of a center after the initial launch of the 5G network.

It is part of the recently formed Advanced Communications Research Center under the Samsung Research company serving as the firm’s main R&D organization in Seoul.

However, apart from the 6G research, Samsung Research is also in charge of artificial intelligence and robotics. Oh, and don’t hold your breath. It will take a lot of years for the next-generation mobile network to go live. In fact it will probably be a good few years until 5G goes mainstream.

Winners emerge as Tecno Nigeria holds ‘Light Up Your Dream 3’

V Some of the winners who emerged at the grand finale and raffle draw of the TECNO SPARK Light Up Your Dream 3 courtesy of the smartphone maker, TECNO Nigeria, recently.

MTN Group unveils AI service for mobile money

M

TN Group on Friday announced the unveiling of Africa’s first Mobile Money (MoMo) Artificial Intelligence (AI) service or “chatbot”.

The MTN Group President and Chief Executive Officer, Rob Shuter, in a statement said that the chatbot went live in Cote d’Ivoire in May and would be rolled out across MTN’s MoMo footprint in the next few months.

According to him, the AI mobile money assistant enables customers to engage in MTN’s MoMo

services, including payments, on various social media platforms such as WhatsApp and Facebook Messenger and via SMS. He said that the service would also be included over time in MTN’s own newlyreleased advanced instant messaging service “Ayoba’’.

He noted that the chatbot is an Artificial Intelligence guide that assists users to navigate MTN’s MoMo services and provide other useful information.

Shuter said that the innovation leveraged messaging and Artificial

Intelligence to drive customer’s engagement and enhance their MTN MoMo experience.

“We are passionate about bringing the power of our mobile money solutions to more than 60 million customers across Africa over the next few years.

“Harnessing modern technologies like Artificial Intelligence can improve in scale, how MTN interacts with customers, enabling the customers to reach us anytime and anywhere, through a variety of channels including social networks and messaging

applications.

“We can also harness the power of Artificial Intelligence to provide our customers with the right answers to their questions at the right time. We are committed to improving financial inclusion with a range of solutions aimed at addressing the needs of various market segments,’’ he said.

Shuter said that while MTN had made great strides in these areas, the management would continue working to deliver their vision for MTN to become one of the largest Fintech players.

odacom Business Nigeria has concluded training on Robotics for secondary school students at the firm’s second edition of Inter-School Robotics Training Workshop in Lagos.

Managing Director, Vodacom Business Nigeria, Wale Odeyemi, said the firm’s aim is to empower the next generation with relevant technical skills that will drive positive change in the Nigerian economy.

He noted that the robotics training is in line with progressing the fourth industrial revolution.

“There has never been a better time to infuse some much needed Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) training in the education sector through the annual Inter-School Robotics Initiative. This initiative further demonstrates Vodacom’s support for education at the grass root level to encourage budding technology experts,” Odeyemi added.

Some of the schools that participated in the one-day workshop included Dansol High School, Avi-Cenna School, Holy Child College, Edgewood College, Adrao International School, Rainbow College, Greensprings International School, D-Ivy College, Halifield College and Chrisland College.

31

The Oracle Today Wednesday June 12 June 18, 2019

EQUITY & Capital Market

By SOPURUCHI ONWUKA and JEROME USHAKANG

T

he muscle flex between Nigeria’s biggest indigenous energy company, Oando Plc, and the capital market regulator, Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) is far from settled as both parties square up at the court with daunting evidences to prove their cases.

SEC which issued a statement early in the week has declared determination to enforce changes in the management of the company, saying the integrity of its regulatory functions on firms listed on the bourse of the Nigeria Stock Exchange (NSE) is at stake.

Consequently, the commission says it would match Messrs Tinubu and co fact for fact at the court where the case involving some of the most powerful business movers in the country are expected to wield strong influences.

At the Federal High Court in Lagos, the Group Chief Executive Officer of Oando Plc, Mr. Wale Tinubu, is challenging a set of severe sanctions slammed on him and his deputy at the company, Mr. Omomafe Boyo.

In a declaration that was highly publicized in a resounding media hype, SEC had ordered Messrs Tinubu and Boyo to step down as the company’s Group CEO and Deputy Group CEO respectively. It also the two oil chiefs from holding public positions for the next five years.

The commission based its sanctions on allegations of serious infractions it cited in the outcome of a forensic audit carried out on the running of the company following petitions filed by some stakeholders in the company.

However, while SEC ordered the two top officials of Oando to step down, it also appointed former Country Chair of Shell Companies in Nigeria, Mr. Mutiu Sumonu to assume leadership of the company pending a general meeting and constitution of new management committee.

The developments assumed fast pace when Messrs Tinubu and Boyo rapidly secured a court injunction to stop the intervention of SEC in the company, alleging that the management of the company was not adequately carried along in the course of investigations and subsequent forensic audit on the company.

The court order has meanwhile halted the installation of interim management and eventual removal of Messrs Tinubu and Boyo respectively from their positions at the company. Yet, anxiety is high over the fate of the company whose share price has taken a steep dive at the NSE. In a statement, SEC declared that its “failure or refusal to act in the face of the serious issues thrown up by the investigations or to reverse its directives would undermine the federal government’s agenda to build strong institutions and promote the transparency and integrity of the Nigerian capital market, especially given that, these are preconditions for attracting foreign investors to the Nigerian capital market.”

In responding to allegations that it conducted shady investigation on the company, the commission stated that management of Oando was sufficiently carried along in the process.

It added that the company was given sufficient opportunity of being

… Oando’s AGM postponed SEC’s stand on investigation of Oando Jerome Ushakang

T

he Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has officially suspended the 2019 Annual General Meeting (AGM) of Oando Plc, earlier scheduled to hold on June 11, 2019.

The Commission in a statement signed by its management cited the Ex-parte Order of the Federal High Court, Ikoyi Lagos as the basis for its decision.

The SEC Nigeria statement reads: “The Securities & Exchange Commission hereby notifies the public that further to the Ex-parte Order of the Federal High Court, Ikoyi Lagos in SUIT NO: FHC/L/CS/910/19 IN MR. JUBRIL ADEWALE TINUBU

NSE e-learning platform to Provide Quality, affordable service

•SEC’s Ag DG, Ms Mary Uduk

T

•Group MD/CEO of Oando Plc, Wale Tinubu

heard before it was penalized, adding that the indicted officials were given various opportunities to defend themselves during the investigation

by SEC and during the forensic Audit

by Deloitte & Touche.

“The attention of the SEC has been drawn to various reports questioning the regulatory authority of the SEC, and insinuating lack of due process in the investigations of Oando Plc. “To put the records straight, the SEC hereby states that fair hearing is a paramount and fundamental principle, which the Commission as a law abiding agency adheres to in all its investigative processes,” it stated in a release.

The commission stated that in the course of the investigations, communications, such as letters and phone calls were exchanged and meetings held between the Commission and Oando Plc, requesting for its comments and explanations on issues relating to the investigations.

SEC added that its findings were communicated to the Group Chief Executive Officer of Oando Plc by a letter dated July 10, 2017.

It added that in the course of conducting the forensic audit, Deloitte & Touche held regular sessions with members of the board and senior management of Oando Plc, and afforded them the opportunity to provide explanations on issues relating to the audit.

The Commission confirmed that Oando Plc was given sufficient opportunity of being heard and accorded several opportunities to rebut the issues revealed by the investigation.

& ANOR V SECURITIES & EXCHANGE COMMISSION & ANOR, the Annual General Meeting of Oando Plc (a company listed on the Nigerian and Johannesburg Stock Exchanges) scheduled to hold at the Zinnia Hall, Eko Hotels and Suites, Plot 1415, Adetokunbo Ademola Street, Victoria Island, Lagos on Tuesday, June 11, 2019 at 10: 00am has been suspended till further notice.”

“Accordingly, the Commission has directed the suspension of the Annual General Meeting of Oando Plc to allow the parties maintain status quo. The Commission states that it will update relevant stakeholders and the public on the outcome of the ongoing litigation.”

It however pointed out that the responses given by Oando Plc were considered unsatisfactory; prompting the decision by the commission to penalize the company and some of the individuals related to it for violations of securities laws.

The Commission said its actions were properly effected pursuant to the provisions of the “Investments & Securities Act (ISA) 2007 and the SEC Rules and Regulations made pursuant to the ISA 2007” the SEC said.

The Commission said these facts have been properly articulated in the court process it filed at the Federal High Court in response to the suit instituted by the Group Chief Executive Officer and Deputy Group Chief Executive officer of Oando Plc.

“The attention of the SEC has been drawn to various reports questioning the regulatory authority of the SEC, and insinuating lack of due process in the investigations of Oando Plc.

he Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) has launched its online learning platform, X-Academy e-learning.

The agency stated that the measure was in a bid to make quality learning accessible and affordable to individuals, corporations and institutions.

The Exchange said the X-Academy e-learning is an innovative online learning platform that offers users ease of access to highly structured and comprehensible self-paced capital market and soft skills learning content, at their convenience.

It provides flexible, interactive and personalized learning that fits the user’s schedule beyond geographical location, NSE stated.

Commenting on the launch of X-Academy e-learning, Chief Human Resource Officer, Ms Pai Gamde, said the NSE, expressed satisfaction at the continued success of X-Academy in providing financial education in Nigeria.

“Since the launch of X-Academy in 2017, we have facilitated over 50 training programmes for over 2,000 individuals. With a carefully curated list of courses led by industry experts within and outside the capital market, X-Academy e-learning will make the training on offer at our brick and mortar X-Academy reach a much wider audience than ever before, thus increasing the number of users and making it more

impactful”. Gamde stressed.

According to her, the launch of X-Academy e-learning will redefine learning experiences, as users can now take control of their learning when and where they need it. This initiative will support our drive to building and sustaining financial literacy, by providing accessible, cost-effective and high-quality learning to our ecosystem. The provision of X-Academy e-learning is surely a breakthrough for us at the Exchange, as we look to give our stakeholders the tools to achieve excellence.

Also, speaking on the launch, Head of Technology Services at the NSE, Mr Abolaji Oyebo said that, “X-Academy e-learning platform is a game changer in capacity building for the Nigerian capital market and the financial market in general.

The platform was designed using the principle of eLearning as an experience, rather than an information source while incorporating new innovative technology that allows asynchronous learning with skill and certification tracking.

“I will like to commend the roles played by Phillips Consulting and Skillsoft, two of the leading global providers of high-quality, innovative outsourcing services as well as cloud-based learning and performance support resources, in the development of the e-learning platform”. He added.

•CEO, Nigerian Stock Exchange, Oscar Onyema

32

The Oracle Today Wednesday June 12 June 18, 2019

MONEY Market Emefiele seeks stronger efforts against global shocks

T

he Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Mr. Godwin Emefiele over the weekend emphasised the need to strengthen efforts over the coming years to stimulate growth and create jobs in critical sectors to insulate the economy from global shocks.

Emefiele said this while giving a welcome address at a consultative roundtable titled, “Going for Growth” with some economic stakeholders in Lagos.

The CBN boss said that leaders and policymakers needed to strengthen their resolve in achieving the goal.

He also said that the move would assist in putting in place unconventional policies that would help insulate the economy from shocks in the global economy.

The CBN governor said in doing that, the CBN had recently been caught in a syndrome termed, ‘The Dilemma of Monetary Policy in Nigeria’.

Emefiele said, “Typically, for a nation to be seen to be prosperous, any citizen of that country will expect macroeconomic indices such as lowinterest rate regime, stable exchange rate regime and robust reserve position, low inflationary environment, as well as an environment of full employment.”

The CBN governor said: “Although we had hoped to achieve a lower level of interest rate, this became impossible given the normalisation of monetary policy in the United States and the over 60 per cent drop in crude oil prices between 2014 and 2016.

“You will agree with me that the consequence of these unfortunate occurrences was a heightened inflationary pressure on the economy and monetary policy had no option but to embark on a regime of tightening

so as to rein inflation.

“We also deployed measures aimed at supporting improved productivity of the Nigerian economy by restricting access to foreign exchange on 43 items that could be produced in the country.

“We have also strengthened our intervention programmes which helped in restarting the flow of credit to critical sectors of the economy.

“As part of our interventions, we introduced the Anchor Borrowers’ Programme; a programme that helped to improve access to credit to Small Holder Farmers through our intervention programmes such as Commercial Agricultural Credit

Scheme and the Real Sector Support Fund.

“We have enabled large agroprocessors and manufacturers expand their operations, thereby supporting our efforts at improving domestic production of goods,’’ Emefiele, however, said in spite of those results which were reassuring, the task of building a stronger economy was far from complete; with the pace of Gross Domestic Product growth remaining fragile and lagging behind the population growth rate of 2.7 percent.

He noted that the country had yet to see a substantial increase in credit to the private sector by the financial institutions.

The Lagos State Governor, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu in his opening remarks, said the state would continue to support the CBN’s drive in ensuring continued economic growth.

Sanwo-Olu said that the state contributes up to 30 per cent of the nation’s GDP, saying that it was important to help unleash the business potential in the country for favourable competition at the global market.

“We are going to do this so that we can become increasingly competitive and innovative. It is important to unleash the potential of the state so as to attract Foreign Direct Investments to the state,” Sanwo-Olu said.

• Adesulu Morakinyo, Technical Project Manager; with Dr. Godwin Efobi, Head, Medical, Hygeia HMO; Oluchi Odimuko, Executive Secretary, Manufacturing Association of Nigeria (MAN); and Jean Robert Thouanel, Head, Technical; Promasidor Nigeria Limited; during Promasidor Risk and Safety Day held at the company’s premises in Lagos.

Ecobank’s fresh $50 million Eurobond oversubscribed by 460%

E

cobank Transnational Incorporated (ETI), the parent company of the Ecobank Group, announced that it had successfully tapped the international capital markets for an additional $50 million in Eurobonds due April 2024.

It said in a statement that the bonds would be consolidated and form a single series with the $450 million 9.5 percent issued in April 2019 and due in April 2024.

“This tap issuance was launched as a RegS 5-year USD denominated senior unsecured bond offering. It was oversubscribed by over 4.6 times. The issue price is 104.915 per cent of the principal amount, reflecting a yield of 8.25 percent, a solid improvement from the yield of 9.75 percent for the initial issue,” ETI said.

According to the statement, the proceeds will be used for ETI’s general corporate purposes and will further strengthen its liquidity.

It said, “The transaction is in line with ETI’s strategic objectives and forms part of the proactive management of its balance sheet to diversify funding sources and extend the average debt maturity profile.

ETI said the bonds had been placed with a broad range of institutional debt investors across Europe and Africa, adding that Standard and Poor’s and Fitch had confirmed credit ratings of B and B-Stable respectively to the issue, in line with ETI’s corporate rating.

The Group Chief Executive Officer, ETI, Mr Ade Ayeyemi, said, “As investor appetite deepens for emerging market offerings, we are positioned to offer the value that global investors seek. Our ability to open Africa to the world makes us a compelling choice.

“We appreciate the trust vested in us in continuing to build a strong independent Africaninstitution a force for economic development in all of our operating markets.”

The acting Group Chief Financial Officer, Mr Ayo Adepoju, said, “The success of this tap, which was more than four times oversubscribed, confirms ETI as an attractive investment for fixed income investors.”

Currency-in-circulation down N272bn YTD in May –CBN

W

ith the nation’s general elections over, latest data by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) shows that currency outside of Nigerian bank vaults continues to shrink, even if gradually. The apex bank reported a slight N46.85 billion or 2.17 percent drop currency-in-circulation month-

on-month across the country as of May 30, 2019.

Currency-in-circulation, representing the value of money outside of bank vaults, as noted on the CBN website, stood at N2.111 trillion as at May 30, 2019, compared to N2.158 trillion in the corresponding period April.

On a year-to-date basis, the apex bank data showed that the value of money circulating across the country dropped by N217.858 billion or 9.35 percent from N2.329 trillion as at December 31, 2018.

Year-on-Year, it dropped by N181.153 trillion or 9.38 percent

from N1.93 trillion on May 30, 2018, and is the lowest since December 31, 2018.

Meanwhile, the apex bank says reserve (base) money jumped to N7.948 trillion from N7.246 trillion, representing a rise of about N701.976 billion or 9.68 percent, out which

total banks’ reserves stood at N5.444 trillion in April, up from N4.748 trillion in March. Of this amount, banks reserves was N5.444 trillion and currency in circulation at N2.158 trillion, compared to prior month’s N4.748 trillion and N2.153 trillion respectively.

IFC, HSBC create first Green Bond Fund focused on real economy issuers in emerging markets

I

nternational Finance Corporation (IFC), a member of the World Bank Group, and HSBC Global Asset Management has announced the creation of the first global green bond fund targeting “real economy” issuers in emerging markets, increasing access to climate finance and promoting the further development of green bond markets.

The Real Economy Green Investment Opportunity (REGIO) Fund is expected to catalyse at least $500 million to $700 million in multilateral and private sector capital to support well-diversified climate-smart investments in developing countries around the

world largely through green bonds issued by non-financial, or real sector, companies.

“This innovative fund will provide new opportunities for an important class of borrowers in green bond markets,” said IFC CEO Philippe Le Houérou. “The capital raised by REGIO will make a vital contribution to the fight against climate change and further promote sustainability-oriented capital markets.”

Non-financial borrowers represent an untapped opportunity in the global green bond market. REGIO will increase access to climate finance for these borrowers by targeting a mix

of manufacturing, agribusiness, services, infrastructure, and subsovereign bonds, in addition to a smaller allocation of financialsector bonds.

Global CEO, HSBC Global Asset Management, Sridhar Chandrasekharan said, IFC will provide a $100 million anchor investment in the fund. HSBC will invest up to $75 million. The fund will have a total life of up to 15 years, including a seven-year investment period.

“HSBC Global Asset Management has deep expertise and experience in investing in global emerging markets and a strong commitment to playing

its part in mobilising capital to deliver on the UN Sustainable Development Goals and transition to a low-carbon global economy.”

REGIO draws on IFC’s leadership in the green bond market as an issuer, investor, and standard setter. Since 2010, IFC has issued 143 green bonds in 16 currencies, totalling over $9 billion.

REGIO aims to attract private capital by helping institutional investors attain their goals of allocating resources to developing economies, while achieving longterm sustainable growth and meeting fiduciary obligations.

In particular, the fund will help address the demand for climate

finance by providing an innovative, sectorally diversified vehicle to investors who currently lack the capability to invest in individual green bond transactions.

A proprietary green impact framework and clear sustainability governance policies will ensure that REGIO adheres to measurable green impact objectives, both for targeted issuers and transparent impact reporting.

To bolster the supply of green bonds issued by real sector borrowers, REGIO’s investment activities will also be complemented by a Technical Assistance Facility, or TAF, managed by IFC.

33

The Oracle Today Wednesday June 12 - 18, 2019 For some time, no building collapsed. Then a four-storey building under construction at Ezenwa

by Ogalaonye Street in Onitsha, Anambra State, collapsed.

My immediate question was: Has the Governor Willie Obiano led government implemented the White Paper on building collapse of 2014 after all the hype associated with it.

The Chairman of the state chapter of the Nigerian Institute of Architects (NIA), Arch Osita P Okafor got in touch with me. He was worried about the non-implementation of the White Paper on building collapses in Anambra?

Why has that committee’s report not implemented since October 13, 2014 when it was gazetted?

What went wrong with the White Paper, five years after? Anyway, Okafor wanted to talk to the media on the recent panel of inquiry by the state government on the collapse of the four-storey in Onitsha.

Government had set up a 10man Panel to investigate the circumstances surrounding the collapse of the building, which occurred on May 17. Five people died and many others were injured.

The panel, headed by the traditional ruler of Uke in Idemili South Local Government Area, Igwe Charles Agballa, has a month to submit a report.

Other members of the panel are Mr Nwabufoe Nwankwo, Secretary, ACP John Obuagbaka, representing the Commissioner of Police, Mr Emeka Ezenwunne Commissioner for Utilities and CSP Chinedu Anigbaoso (CSO to the Governor).

The rest are Mr CY Agupugo (Executive Director, SEMA), Mr Alexander Chukwunwike (Rep. NSE), Mr Afam Afugbuom (Rep. Nigeria Institute of Builders), Mr Alloy Uzor (Rep Nigeria Institute of Town Planners) and Mr Ebosie Ezeoke (Rep. Material Testing Laboratory).

There is no member of the NIA, and they are not taking it lightly.

The Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Prof. Solo Chukwulobelu on behalf of the Governor, said the panel was made up of experts to help in ending the incessant building collapse in the state.

Agballa said he was optimistic that their findings would help in addressing the problem associated with building collapse in the state.

But NIA faulted the inauguration of a panel, saying that hurrying to set up panels on such issues without implementing the recommendations of such other committees amounted to efforts in futility.

The Association simply asked Obiano to implement the White Paper published in 2014.

The latest collapsed building in Onitsha was reportedly designed as a two-storey building before the owner decided to add two more floors. The mishap was a clear indication of a lack of supervision and monitoring by relevant authorities.

Or was an official smiling to the bank rather than do his job?

The state Chairman of the Nigerian Institute of Town Planners, (NITP) Mr Joachim Ulasi was dismayed over people’s failure to obtain building approvals before embarking on projects. He however blamed the collapse on the use of substandard materials, wondering also why builders preferred to patronise quacks in spite of warnings by professional bodies and the government.

Okafor and NIA in Anambra blamed the state government for the recent building collapse i and accused the government of lacking the willpower to implement the recommendations of professionals and stakeholders in the building industry. They asked Obiano to implement the 2014 report on how to avert collapse of more buildings in the state.

At the press conference, Arch Okafor was with a national officer and chairman of Practice Committee of NIA, Arch Ifeanyi Nnaobi, Hon Arch Ifeanyi Okoye, the state Vice

Of collapsed buildings in Anambra and vanishing Government White Paper

In

CORNUCOPIA

By Odogwu Emeka Odogwu Telephone number: 08060750240

E-mail : odogwuchampionawka@yahoo.co.uk

•Anambra State chairman of Nigerian Institute of Architects (NIA) Arc Okafor with other members addressing the media over non inclusion on panel of Inquiry on building collapse

•Onitsha Building Collapse

Chairman, Arch Amobi Nwafor, the state Secretary, Arch Ikpe Okafor, the state PRO. Okafor said: “We wish to state that we are taken aback by the inauguration of the panel without the implementation of recommendation of the former panel set up by the same government on June 9, 2014.

“We, therefore, draw the government’s attention to the implementation of the already published White Paper report on building collapse.

“As a state that prides itself as the light of the nation, Anambra should be able to show an example of the

best international practices.”

He decried state government’s decision of excluding architects on issues of building construction, describing it as “unconventional and unacceptable”.

“These anomalies don’t happen anywhere in the world. What results do they expect after excluding architects, the prime consultants in building projects from the panel dealing with the serious matter as grievous as building collapse?”, Okafor said.

The NIA described the White Paper report as “detailed and

comprehensive,” as the report stressed the need to establish a onestop approval process, which was endorsed by all relevant professionals in the building industry.

Indeed, the White Paper was a solution to the collapse of building.

But why was it left on the shelf?

Members of that committee were Arc Peter Okpala as Chairman, Arc Osita P. Okafor, Engr Cyril M. Anetoh, Engr (Dr) Romanus Ejikeme and Surveyor Charles Agbala. Others were Elder Edmund Mezue, Barrister Fidelis Anyanegbu, SP Rabiu Garba (DPO, Fegge) and Mr S. T. Ikedimma.

The report indicated that although the panel was set to investigate the cause of the collapse of the 4-storey building at St Christopher’s Anglican Church , Old Cemetery Road, Odoakpu Onitsha , several other buildings collapsed in different locations within the state during the period of the panel’s investigation.

The spate of building collapse indicated that the construction industry was facing a crisis, hence the terms of reference of the panel was expanded to include the determination of the causes of the collapse of new structure to enable them come up with necessary recommendations for government to avert future occurrences.

Within the period the panel sat, 9 structures collapsed.

The committee had 9 points of reference including causes of collapse, determining the involvement of relevant professional bodies in the construction of buildings, nature of building materials, determine government agency responsible for approval of the collapsed buildings.

Others were to determine if due process was followed in granting approval, determine how qualified the contractors were and review the building approvals processes and mode of engagement of builders to mention but a few.

This committee discovered that professionals like Architects, Engineers and Builders were not properly involved in the design and construction stages as the people that were involved lacked the competence and provided the kind of services (advisory and material) that rather deceived their client.

The committee discovered that drawings were produced by quacks and signed by professionals who merely endorsed the plan without any consideration for functionality and stability. The original structural plan of some of the buildings indicated something else from the actual structures that collapsed.

The buildings collapsed due to poor construction, over load and wrong use of materials. Masons undertook the construction of the building as contractors without supervision.

Poor placement of rods and poor concrete work indicated lack of technical knowhow and knowledge on the part of the contractors.

There were wrong placement of rods resulting from lack of adequate structural design, and poor supervision contributed to the collapse of some of the buildings.

Some building plans were not submitted for approval to Anambra State Urban Development Board (ASUDEB).

Incidentally, ASUDEB never exercised development control over most of the projects and this vastly contributed to the collapse of some of the buildings.

The same story was obtainable in almost all the sites where buildings collapsed.

The government accepted most of the recommendations of the committee like re-organization of ASUDEB, creation of building control and construction unit, centralized approval of building plans, undertaking of buildings to be signed by professionals, punishment for professionals who engaged in illegality and quacks as well as contractors who designed the collapsed building.

Now, I ask: When shall the White Paper be implemented?

Phone Number: 08060750240 e-mail: odogwuchampionawka@ yahoo.co.uk

34

The Oracle Today Wednesday June 12 -18, 2019

Crime

Police dismantle international arms smuggling syndicate in Oyo Stories by VICTOR NZE

T

he combined team of operatives of the Intelligence Response Unit (IRT), Special Tactical Squad (STS), Police Mobile Force, Counter Terrorism Unit and the Special Forces attached to Operation Puff Adder, last Saturday, paraded a 4-man international arms-smuggling syndicate.

According to a statement by Force Public Relations Officer, Force Headquarters, Abuja, Mr Frank Mba, the criminal gang operates between parts of North African, the Sahel region and West African Countries. A total of 6000 AK47 Live ammunition were recovered from them.

The 4-man syndicate comprising: Ojoomo Olugbenga 45yr- old native of Akure Central, Ondo State; Oladimeji Adeogun, 50yr-old native of Ido LGA of Oyo State; Habib Musibau 24yr-old native of Oluyole council of Oyo State and Thomas Olumuyiwa 54yr-old, native of Adoodo Ota local government area of Ogun State, all male, were arrested at Saki town, on the Nigeria-Benin Republic border in Oyo State.

Investigation revealed that the syndicate specialized in smuggling small arms, light weapons and ammunition from North Africa through the Sahel region and supplying same to their criminal partners - kidnappers, armed robbers, political thugs and other criminal elements – in Nigeria and other West African countries.

In addition, another set of twenty AK-47 rifles, four pump action guns, eleven dane guns, 10 English pistols, two single barrel guns, one set of

…Recover 24 AK-47 rifles, 6000 live ammunition, others

•Force Public Relations Officer, Force Headquarters, Abuja, Mr Frank Mba (second left) taking an inventory of weapons recovered from the 4-man international arms smuggling syndicate arrested in Oyo State, as well as other armed robbery and kidnap suspects paraded by the police in Abuja, Friday

army camouflage uniform and 22 live cartridges were recovered from other criminal gangs in different parts of the country.

A total of 38 suspects were arrested for their different roles in various criminal operations ranging from kidnapping, armed robbery, bandit-

ry and cattle rustling.

Commenting, the Inspector General of Police, Mr Mohammed Adamu, while appreciating the general public for providing useful information to the police, commended his men for this and many other feats even as he re-assured Nigerians

that the force ‘will continually work round the clock along with other security agencies towards ensuring improved border security, control of arms proliferation and combating kidnapping, armed robbery and other violent crimes across the country.’

Kano police arrest 90 suspected criminals

K

ano State Police Command said it arrested 90 suspected criminals in Kano metropolis within the last one week. The Commissioner of Police, Mr Ahmed Iliyasu, made the disclosure while showing the suspects to newsmen at the Bompai Police Headquarters in Kano on Friday.

Iliyasu who said that the suspects were apprehended during the raids on criminal hideouts in parts of the state last Tuesday and Wednesday, explained that it was to check activities of criminally-minded persons that the command raided the hideouts and black spots across the state.

The commissioner said that the suspects were apprehended at Gano area, Dawakin Kudu Local Government Area; Bachirawa quarters, Ungoggo Local Government Area and Emir’s Palace road in Kano Municipal Local Government.

He said that other areas where the suspects were nabbed included Dala, Panshekara, Kwana Hudu and Dakata quarters, all in Kano metropolis, further adding that exhibits recovered from the suspects included 64 knives, scissors, axe, iron cutter, charms, wraps of dried leaves suspected to be Indian hemp and suck-and-die liquid substances.

In addition, the police chief disclosed that the command also arrested two suspects with 14 big sacks of Indian hemp valued at N5 million at Dala quarters in Kano.

He said the suspects were nabbed on Wednesday, at 6 p.m. by a team of policemen attached to Dala Division following a tip-off.

…5 suspected kidnappers, others nabbed in Ebonyi Similarly, he said that the Police while on patrol around Emir’s Palace on Sallah day arrested 25 suspects in connection with the death of one person and causing injuries to some others.

Iliyasu said that items recovered from the suspects were dangerous weapons like knives, cutlasses, sticks, charms, Gariyo and intoxicant drugs.

He said that all the suspects would be charged to court after investigation.

Meanwhile, the Ebonyi Police Command has arrested five suspected kidnappers that abducted one Mr Chigozie Igwe in front of his residence at Goddy Ogbaga Avenue in Abakaliki.

State Commissioner of Police in Ebonyi, Mr Awosola Awotunde, disclosed in Abakaliki on Friday that the victim was kidnapped in his car.

Awotunde who said that operatives of Anti-kidnapping wing of Operation Puff Adder immediately swung into action and the victim was rescued at Ukwuachi along Abakaliki/Enugu express road, also stated that the kidnappers made away with the victim’s Samsung Galaxy Prime Core mobile phone, his Toyota Corolla car and the sum of N2,500.

He added that one Chibueze Opara, 33 years, a suspected member of the gang was arrested on May 19 at Nkwegu Army barrack’s mammy market by operatives of Puff Adder.

According to him, the arrest of Okpara led the police team to Enugu state where the kidnap kingpin and

other members of the gang including Chinedu Okorie, 31 and Chibuzor Onuigbo 30 were arrested.

Others arrested were Agbo Emmanuel, 31 and Taoreed Folawewo, 39. Awotunde explained that the suspects were at different locations in Enugu State.

The CP said that items recovered from the gang include one locally made revolver pistol, two live AK 47 ammunition, one expended, used during the operation and seven different brands of cars.

Awotunde said other cars recovered in the operation include; Toyota Corolla with Registration number, NCA 990 AA, Mercedes Benz S320 with Registration number AQ 01AAA, Toyota Avalon XLE with Registration number ENU 302 EQ and Corolla with Registration number MA 08 APP. Others are Innoson SUV with Registration number NKE 719 EV, Ford Escape with Registration number FGE 415 TN and Honda Odyssey with Registration number ENU 905 RA. The Police boss added that on May 31, one Friday Irem, 30 years old was attacked by a group of suspected cultists/armed bandits who inflicted several machete cuts on him and abandoned him in pool of his own blood.

“Upon receipt of the information, operatives of Operation Puff Adder moved to the scene, rescued the victim and rushed him to the Federal Teaching Hospital, Abakaliki where he

17 illegal petroleum dealers convicted in Asaba Economic and Financial TBeninheCrimesZonal Commission (EFCC), office, last Friday, se-

cured the conviction of 17 illegal oil bunkers before Justice Nnamdi O. Dimgba of the Federal High Court sitting in Asaba Delta State.

The convicts include: Shola Ilurimi, Monday Atie, Mene Endurance, Demeyin Omolere, Olushoji Juwon, Omotehinse John, Aroyo Ade, George Nwafor, Sheriff Prex, Efe Brown, Elijah Ibitoye and Lawal Samuel Olayemi.

Others are: Ganiyu Kabiru ,Balogun Ogooluwa, Agbaje Olokunjuwon, Japhet Onyenibe and Isogun Bode. Each of the defendants was arraigned on a separate one (1) count charge each bordering on illegal dealings in petroleum products.

One of the charges read: “That you Shola Ilurinmi on 19th May 2019 at Escravos, Delta State within the jurisdiction of this honourable court did without lawful authority and appropriate license deal in petroleum product to wit: storage and distribution of over 220,000 litres of Automotive Gas Oil (AGO) in large wooden (Cotonou) Boat and being bunkered into Motor Vessel. SD Waterman and Motor Vessel NIPAL at Escravos contrary to Section 4 (1) of the Petroleum Act Cap P10 Laws of the Federation of Nigeria (Revised Edition) 2004 and punishable under Section 4 (6) of the same Act.” The defendants pleaded guilty to the charge when it was read to them. Based on their guilty plea, the prosecution counsel, Larry Peter Aso urged the court to convict them as contained in the plea bargain agreement.

He also prayed the court that items recovered from the defendants be forfeited to the Federal Government.

However, the defence counsel, P.E. Ejiga pleaded with the court to temper justice with mercy as they were first time offenders who have become remorseful for their actions.

Justice N.O Dimgba convicted and sentenced each of the defendants to six months imprisonment and a fine of two hundred thousand naira.

The sentence commenced from Friday, June 7.

The court also ordered that the prosecution counsel file a separate motion for the forfeiture of items recovered from the convicts.

The convicts road to jail began on May 22, 2019 when the Nigerian Navy Ship Delta, NNS Delta, handed over two motor vessels, MV NIPAL, SD WATERMAN, Large Wooden (Cotonou) Boat and 22 crew members allegedly involved in illegal oil bunkering to the EFCC, Benin Zonal Office for further investigation and possible prosecution.

After thorough investigation, 17 of the suspects found culpable were subsequently charged to court.

was however confirmed dead and his body deposited at the hospital mortuary for autopsy.

“Suspects arrested includes; Itumo Henry, Akoshi Chidera, Anthony Nwite, Onyebuchi Nwokporo, Usulor Sunday, Samuel Ngwuta, Abah Chukwudi, Peter while items recovered are 3 cutlasses and 2 Axes.

“In June, in a reprisal attack by the rival group, one Ifeanyi Alegu was traced and murdered at Onueke. The corpse was also recovered and deposited at the same hospital mortuary and the perpetrators who were later identified to be AYES/Vikings confraternity were arrested,” Awotunde said.

He said that three suspects Uchenna Igwe, Eusebius Chukwu, Augustine Usolor and Sunday Ugama had been arrested in connection with the crime.

He added that Operation Puff Adder while on Stop and Search at Amasiri in Afikpo North Local Government Area along market junction arrested one Ifeanyichukwu Uro, 21 and recovered one locally made pistol.

The CP said the command recovered assorted arms and ammunition including nine locally made long guns; one English-made Beretta pistol, one G.P.M.G riffle mouth, six English pump action, and two locally made pistols among others.

He called on the owners of the recovered vehicles to come forward with genuine proof of ownership to claim them.

•Justice N.O Dimgba

35

The Oracle Today Wednesday June 12 – June 18, 2019

SPORTS

World Cups: BON enters free-to-air deal with FIFA

By MADUABUCHI KALU with agency report

Getting Eagles’ final list wasn’t easy –Rohr

By MADUABUCHI KALU

S

uper Eagles gaffer, Gernot Rohr, has confessed that he had difficulty making up his mind to drop Leicester City striker, Kelechi Iheanacho and Rotherham United defender, Semi Ajayi, from his final squad roster to this year’s Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Egypt.

Rohr disclosed that he eventually took the decision before Saturday’s friendly against Zimbabwe, which ended goalless at Stephen Keshi Stadium, Asaba, it was not a straightforward matter, as many factors had to be taken into consideration.

The Franco-German football tactician, though, hinted that the fact that the Eagles were currently blessed with a

T

plethora of top strikers who are doing very well with their clubs tilted the odds against Iheanacho, who did not start a single match for Leicester during the season in England, while Ajayi fell out on the roll call of top-flight defenders and midfielders Nigeria also has on offer.

The 65-year-old Rohr explained: “It’s not this match alone that will give us a decision on the two players we have to drop “We already had our opinion before the match because we observed them throughout the season and we saw what they did.

“Also all week in the training sessions. We had seven training sessions to see the fitness, confidence of the players.

he Broadcasting Organisations of Nigeria (BON), has signed a free-to-air licensee agreement with the world football governing body, Federation of International Football Association (FIFA), to provide the widest broadcast of the all FIFA competitions on Nigeria’s terrestrial broadcast stations.

The agreement, which includes all FIFA events for this year starting with the ongoing Under-20 World Cup in Poland, where the country’s Flying Eagles have since crashed out.

Remarkably, the broadcast of the Super Falcons’ participation in the Women’s World Cup in France would be delayed following the issue of getting down link of the signal and other challenges.

According to the acting Chairman of BON, Godfrey Ohuabunwa, the Super Falcons remaining matches would be broadcast live should the team progress in the tournament. He, however, maintained that the Under-17 World Cup in Brazil, and the Beach Soccer World Cup in Paraguay, would see BON stations deliver all the matches to the Nigerian audience.

“Nigerian football fans now have the opportunity to watch all FIFA World Cup competitions for free and direct to their homes this year,” Ohuabunwa said as he expressed joy over the broadcast rights acquisition, and called on stakeholders, as well as the private sector to make this venture a rewarding and value laden experience for the growth of both broadcast and the sports industries.

AFCON miss: Aina admonishes Iheanacho, Ajayi ... Says “Miss should not end of world”

By Sab Osuji

O

la Aina, Super Eagles’ Africa Cup of Nations debutant defender, has advised dropped duo of Kelechi Iheanacho and Semi Ajayi not to brood over their exclusion from the party as it is not the end of the World.

Instead, Aina who described the duo as being “unlucky,” urged the Leicester City forward and Rotherham of England defender to use the period to rest well and prepare for the coming season.

“Yes, I spoke to them. I said to them that they were unlucky not going to the Nations Cup. “But that they should hold their heads up, have a very nice break, recharge and be ready for the next season.

“This is only one thing (tournament), there are still more coming up.”

He expressed delight on getting Coach Gernot Rohr’s nod to make his Africa Cup of Nations debut for the Super Eagles.

“I’m happy, very happy, as you can see,” he said, overwhelmed by excitement.

My selection big relief –Moses Simon

By Sab Osuji

S

uper Eagles converted defender, Moses Simon, says he was delighted making the 23-man final squad list for the 2019AFCON holding in Egypt.

It is recalled that Moses missed the 2018 FIFA World Cup finals in Russia due to injury and he is happy that he is able to make the cut for the 2019 AFCON squad.

There was apprehension amongst the players at their Golden Tulip training camp, Asaba, Delta State, before the final list was called.

“What was going through my mind when the list was yet to be called was that, I don’t want to miss the Nations Cup again,” Simon said.

“I’ve really worked hard for a place in the team but

the decision is for the coach to make if he will take me or not.”

Moses has been drafted to the left back role by Gernot Rohr.

This shift in role gives the team more attacking options even as Rohr has been stressing that Simon is a versatile player.

“I can say it (left back) is not my position but I’ve no option than to play there and serve my fatherland.

“I’ll do all my best to make my people proud and happy,” Simon added.

The Levante of Spain forward equally spoke on delight making the Super Eagles 2019 AFCON 23-man team cut.

“First, I must say it was not easy to make the 23-man list. So I’m delighted to be there.

France 2019 WW/Cup: Cristiane’s hat-trick gives Brazil perfect start

B

razil’s Cristiane scored a hat-trick as the former finalists sealed a superb 3-0 victory over women’s World Cup debutants, Jamaica, on Sunday to kick off their campaign in style.

The victory at Stade des Alpes in Grenoble meant Vadao’s side maintained their perfect record in World Cup openers.

The team had snapped a run of nine straight defeats in the lead-up to the tournament since a 2-1 win over Japan, last July.

Cristiane started in place of fellow forward, Marta, who was ruled out of the game with a thigh problem.

She gave Brazil the lead in the 15th minute by meeting

Barcelona midfielder, Andressa’s cross from the left with a header past Jamaica’s goalkeeper, Sydney Schneider.

The South Americans continued to create chances and could have doubled their lead after earning a penalty for handball by Jamaica defender, Allyson Swaby, but Schneider saved Andressa’s tame effort on goal seven minutes before the break.

Cristiane tucked in her second goal from a tight angle following the restart as Andressa provided the assist again.

The 34-year-old completed her hat-trick with a powerful free-kick that rattled the underside of the crossbar and landed in.

Am not obsessed about Federer’s record –Nadal

R

afael Nadal took sole ownership of one record when he claimed a 12th French Open on Sunday, but says matching Roger Federer’s 20 Grand Slams haul will not become an obsession.

The Spaniard once again showed he is invincible on the Parisian clay as he beat Austrian Dominic Thiem 6-3 5-7 6-1 6-1 on his favorite Court Philippe Chatrier.

No other player has won the same Grand Slam title as many times as his dozen at Roland Garros, Sunday’s triumph taking him past Margaret Court’s 11 Australian Open titles.

It was pointed out to the 33-year-old Spaniard a few hours after he walked off court that he is now just two behind 37-year-old Federer’s record haul, with time on his side.

Nadal, however, was content to enjoy the moment.

“Being honest, I am not very worried about this stuff.

No.” Nadal told reporters.

“You can’t be frustrated all the time because the neighbour has a bigger house than you, or a bigger TV or better garden. That’s not the way that I see the life, you know.”

Nadal has suffered more injuries throughout his career than Federer and Serbian world number one Novak Djokovic, who is third on the all-time list of major winners with 15.

Even this season he has been plagued with knee injuries, being forced out of his Indian Wells semi-final with Federer before withdrawing from Miami.

His knees were still bothering him as his happiest hunting season began on the European claycourts he has owned.

“I lost, I think, around 15 or even more Grand Slams in my career for injuries,” Nadal said. “So, it has been difficult.”

36

The Oracle Today Wednesday June 12 – June 18, 2019

SPORTS

EPL:

Moses congratulates Hazard on Madrid move

F

ormer Nigeria international, Victor Moses, has reacted to the departure of Eden Hazard from Chelsea.

Moses and Hazard were teammates before Moses left on loan to Fenerbahce in the January transfer window following his inability to see games in Coach Sarri’s regime.

Hazard arrived Stamford Bridge in June 2012 from Ligue 1 club Lille, while Moses joined the Blues two months later.

Moses congratulated the Belgium star and labelled him a Chelsea legend.

Hazard, 28, scored 110 goals, and won two Premier Leagues, two Europa Leagues, an FA Cup and a League Cup title with Chelsea.

Moses tweeted, “Good luck to my brother @hazardeden10, it was a pleasure playing with you and a true honour for me to be able to have called you my teammate. You will always be a true Chelsea legend. Good luck bro.”

Falcons pledge better showing against Korea

By MADUABUCHI KALU

I

t is no longer news that Nine time African champions, the Super Falcons of Nigeria who are one of the women team representing Africa at the ongoing Federation of International Football Association (FIFA), lost their first group game against Norway but the Thomas Dennerby coached Nigerian women football team have promised to do better in their second encounter against South Korea.

The Nigeria women on Sunday left Reims, France, where they lost 3-0 to Norway in their opening match of this year’s FIFA Women’s World Cup, as the squad flew out to Grenoble, where they will battle South Korea on Wednesday.

Both sides are desperately in need of a win to revive their

qualification hopes after losing their opening matches with the Asians falling 4-0 to hosts France in the tournaments opening game.

A post on social media by the Falcons’ media unit admitted that Saturday’s defeat by Norway was a huge blow to the players’ psyche, but added that they will bounce back stronger after the defeat in Reims occasioned by a sloppy display by the African champions who made promising start before switching off after conceding the first goal.

The post read: “@NGSuper_ Falcons bowed to Norway in its opening @FIFAWWC match on Saturday.

“We’ve moved on and aim to put up a much better showing in our second #FIFAWWC game against South Korea in Grenoble

on Wednesday. #Team9jaStrong #DareToShine #NGA.” Guro Reiten scored in the 17th minute as the Super Falcons failed to deal with a corner kick, and Lisa-Marie Utland made it two 17 minutes later when she flashed a fierce shot past goalkeeper Tochukwu Oluehi from close range.

The Falcons were overwhelmed in the encounter and this showed as defender Osinachi Ohale put the ball into her own net in an attempt to steer the ball away as the Scandinavians again threatened from the left side of the Nigerian defence.

Falcons’ coach, Thomas Dennerby introduced Chinaza Uchendu, Chidinma Okeke and Uchenna Kanu in the second half, with high hopes of doing much better, which they did.

By MADUABUCHI KALU

I

mmediate past Minister of Sports and Youth Development, Mr. Solomon Dalung, has carpeted those who do not like him saying such individual cannot stop his reappointment by President Muhammadu Buhari if that is the will of God for him.

Dalung stated this during an interview with reporters on the crisis in the basketball, athletics and football federations, as well as the Nigeria Football Supporters Club, during his tenure as minister.

When asked to clarify allegations that he had issues with some stakeholders he perceived were working against his reappointment, Dalung replied, “No, there is nobody born of a woman that can stop my appointment if God wants it to be. I am not carried away by such sentiments.”

The Plateau-born lawyer, who insisted that he managed the crisis “effectively” as minister, noted that he was prepared to bring advancement to the sports sector, if reappointed.

“It’s God that gives power.

If He chooses again to give me power, I think I will focus more on consolidating on a very viable grassroots development architecture; I will redirect most of government’s funds to that. The professional athletes will always

12th Africa Games:

Selection of athletes should be merit –Oshodi

By MADUABUCHI KALU

F

ormer vice-president of the Nigeria Judo Federation (NJF), Musa Oshodi, Monday advised the body to be objective in selecting athletes that would represent the country at the forthcoming Africa Games.

The 12th Africa Games will hold from Aug. 19 to Aug. 31 in Rabat, Morocco.

Oshodi told sportswriters that the just-concluded trials organised by the federation should guide the technical team on the calibre of judokas that should be invited to camp ahead of the Games.

It is recalled that the federation held a national trials which held from June 7 to June 9 at the Teslim Balogun Stadium in Lagos.

“The federation should be objective about the athletes that will be in camp and also ensure

AFCON 2019 influenced my Middlesbrough move –Mikel

By SAB OSUJI

Haters can’t stop my reappointment if God wills –Dalung

be compensated for representing the country, but we need to balance things.

“I hope to also de-emphasise the construction of some of the giant sporting infrastructures that we have, as well as align myself with the world by adapting to convertible methods. You can build up a sporting arena, play and still use the venue for another thing. I saw that when we went for the Commonwealth Games (Australia 2018).

“I will try to develop a

workable and encompassing relationship between major sports stakeholders and the federations, including the media. I will also work closely with governors as concurrent legislative partners.

I have travelled throughout this country and found that some states don’t have any stadium.

“Federations will be made to organise programmes in states and embark on specialisation sports, where every state will develop interest in its own sports.”

S

uper Eagles’ captain, John Obi Mikel, has disclosed that his desire to be fit for the 2019 Nations Cup in Egypt was reason he returned to England where he signed a deal with Championship side, Middlesbrough.

The 32-year-old midfielder and Beijing 2008 Olympics silver medalist shocked the footballing world in 2017, when he walked out of his 11 year relationship with Chelsea, opting for a move to Tianjin Teda of China as the Blues refused to extend his contract when it elapsed.

But after only a season in the lucrative Chinese Soccer League, Mikel retraced his career path back to England, signing a shock season long deal with Championship side, Middlesbrough.

The Anambra State born international versatile midfielder

that the athletes are handled by competent coaches.

“The period between now and the Games should be used to finetune the athletes with the aim to enhance their performance for the competition.

“Only those that will make the country proud should make the final list for Morocco,” he said.

Oshodi, who is the Chairman of the Oyo State Judo Association, restated his commitment to always support the athletes when they resume camping.

The Oracle Today Sports reports that the Africa Games, formally known as the All Africa Games is a continental multisports event held every four years and organised by the African Union.

A total of 53 countries will participate in this year’s edition and compete in 23 events at the Games.

has revealed reason he took that decision, saying it was aimed at ensuring he fit for the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations, kicking off in Egypt on June 21.

“I actually decided to return to England with the Nations Cup in mind,” Mikel told Sam Sodje, a former Nigeria defender.

“I wanted to be fit enough. That was why I went to Middlesbrough.

“I appreciate your words of encouragement and concern,” Mikel told Sodje.

Mikel has 86 caps and six goals to his name. He played 16 times for Middlesbrough, scoring once in his mid-season loan spell at the Championship side.

Mikel is unattached going for the Nations Cup assignment for Nigeria.

He had been out of the senior national team set up since after the 2018 World Cup finals in Russia.

37

The Oracle Today Wednesday June 12 – June 18, 2019

SPORTS

AFCON 2019 influenced my Middlesbrough move –Mikel

By SAB OSUJI uper Eagles’ captain, John Obi Mikel, has disclosed that his desire to be fit for the 2019 Nations Cup in Egypt was reason he returned to England where he signed a deal with Championship side, Middlesbrough.

The 32-year-old midfielder and Beijing 2008 Olympics silver medalist shocked the footballing world in 2017, when he walked out of his 11 year relationship with Chelsea, opting for a move to Tianjin Teda of China as the Blues refused to extend his contract when it elapsed.

But after only a season in the lucrative Chinese Soccer League, Mikel retraced his career path back to England, signing a shock season long deal with Championship side, Middlesbrough.

The Anambra State born international versatile midfielder has revealed reason he took that decision, saying it was aimed at ensuring he fit for the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations, kicking off in Egypt on June 21.

“I actually decided to return to England with the Nations Cup in mind,” Mikel told Sam Sodje, a former Nigeria defender.

S Portugal wins inaugural UEFA Nations League title

By MADUABUCHI KALU

F

ive time World Footballer of the Year and former Real Madrid superstar, Cristiano Ronaldo, Sunday led his native Portugal to win the inaugural UEFA’s Nations League competition when a well-crafted goal by Goncalo Guedes gave them a 1-0 win over Netherlands in the final.

Guedes, 22, nutmegged an opponent, exchanged passes with Bernando Silva and then beat goalkeeper Jasper Cillessen with a shot from the edge of the area on the hour.

This made up for his fourth international goal in 17 appearances.

Portugal had only 45 percent of possession but were more dangerous throughout as they added another trophy to the Euro 2016 title.

They won it three years ago with a 1-0 win against hosts France, also under Coach Fernando Santos.

Although the Nations League is of far less importance, the win may have partially made up for Euro 2004 which Portugal hosted and where they were beaten in the final by Greece.

The game took a while to get going but when it did,

Portugal were far more threatening with Bruno Fernandes and Silva involved in almost all their best moves.

Skipper Cristiano Ronaldo was also an ever-present threat.

Fernandes had several efforts on goal in the first half, including one that Cillessen palmed around the post.

There was another which curled just over the bar following some nifty footwork in the penalty area from Silva.

Ronaldo, whose hat-trick against Switzerland on Wednesday took Portugal into the final, had one effort on goal in the first half.

That was when he picked up the ball on the left, cut inside and fizzed a low shot which Cillessen did well to hold.

The Dutch —— who had one day less to recover from their semi-final than Portugal —— failed to muster a shot on target in the first half.

Portugal went straight back on the attack after halftime.

They forced a flurry of corner kicks before the Dutch finally made home goalkeeper Rui Patricio make his first save of the night.

Williams lauds Dalung for doing what others couldn’t do ...Says “he did well for aquatics sports”

By MADUABUCHI KALU

P

resident of the Nigeria Aquatics Federation (NAqF), Babatunde Fatayi Williams has commended the immediate past Minister of Sports and Youth Development, Barrister Solomon Dalung, for trading where others fear to step on.

According to the member of the Lagos Sports Commission, his Federation will eternally be grateful to the former Minister for refurbishing the Olympic size Swimming pool at the National Stadium Surulere which was abandoned for more than twenty years before Dalung mustered the political will to refurbish it and at the same time handed it over to a management that would see to the running of the pool without recourse to the Ministry. William stated this in exclusive interview with Oracle Today Sports.

According to him, Dalung did what other sports ministers could not do in decades by refurbishing the National Stadium Swimming pool which has given his Federation the much needed venue to train swimmers without resorting to going cap in hand begging for

an Olympic size swimming pool for the use of their athletes with its attendant financial implication.

“Well, I would want to X-ray the immediate past Minister of Sports and Youth Development, Hon. Solomon Dalung based on my Federation, the Nigeria Aquatics Federation (NAqF),” Williams began.

“I want to say without any fear or contradiction that Hon. Dalung performed well as far as Aquatics Sports in this country is concerned. Why am I saying that he performed creditably well as far as Aquatics Sports is concerned? This is because for the very first time we saw a sports Minister that has the political; will to trade where other past sports ministers feared to trade.

“It took a Dalung to revive the National Stadium Swimming Pool Surulere-Lagos. The National Stadium Swimming Pool I can tell you was abandoned after it hosted its last tournament in 1996.

“It became an eyesore and nobody wanted to touch it with the longest spoon but Hon. Dalung came and changed all that as he stood his ground that pool must be revived.

I’m impressed with Eagles’ performance against Zimbabwe –Mikel

By MADUABUCHI KALU with Agency Report

R

eturnee Super Eagles’ Captain, Mikel Obi, has expressed satisfaction on the performance of the Super Eagles during a friendly with the Warriors of Zimbabwe at the Stephen Keshi Stadium, Asaba, Delta State.

Mikel stated this at a post-match news conference after the teams had drawn goalless that “the boys have been very fantastic and they have really worked hard to get here.

“The team is a very good blend of players and it is a good thing for the young players to play this game.

“Through the match, you know that they are talented players and we have been able to discover some great talents among them.

“I think the only thing that needs to be done now is to work on them so that they will know when and when not to run with the ball.”

Mikel further noted that he was really motivated by his performance and that of his team mates.

“I am very motivated and if I am not, I will not be here.

“I told the coach that when I am ready I will come back and when I am back, I will give 100 per cent to the team,”’ he added.

Zimbabwe test, good for Eagles –Rohr

By MADUABUCHI KALU uper Eagles’ Manager, Gernot Rohr has declared that the Super Eagles performed well in their preAfrica Cup of Nations friendly against Zimbabwe on Saturday despite the unfavourable weather conditions.

The Super Eagles laboured to a goalless draw at home to the Warriors of Zimbabwe and Rohr has picked out a few positives from the game – the return of Mikel and the clean sheet posted by goalkeeper Daniel Akpeyi.

“There was so much rain but we had to adapt to these conditions and I think it won’t be the same in Egypt normally. It will be dry and hot,” Rohr told reporters at the post-match press conference.

“For the first time in Nigeria, I was cold on the sidelines and I had to jump.

“All the players that played deserve congratulations because it is not easy to play good football in these conditions but they tried. They did well, had opportunities to score a goal, we did not.

S

Oduduru nearly equals Fasuba’s record –athletics’ buff

N

igerian fast-rising sprinter, Divine Oduduru has won words of praise from the director of track and field at Texas State University, USA, Wes Kittley, after the athlete came a split second behind the African 100m record held by compatriot, Olusoji Adetokunbo Fasuba.

Oracle Today Sports reports that Oduduru became the second fastest African ever on Friday, when he got a double at America’s National Collegiate Athletics Association (NCAA) Outdoor Championship at Mike A. Myers Stadium in Austin, Texas, much to the delight of Kittley.

The Texas Tech bufff was all smiles, as Oduduru finished with a personal best, school record, world lead and second best African mark of 9.86 seconds, which was also his third sub-10 race of the season in the 100m.

The Delta State-born sprinter finished the race ahead of Cravon Gillespie in 9.93secs and Hakim Sani Brown, who was third with a Japanese record of 9.97, with Oduduru just outside Fasuba’s African record of 9.85 secs.

Oduduru’s mark is now second in the African all time 100m list as well as second fastest in US collegiate history, making him officially the second fastest African ever behind Fasuba, who ran a slightly faster time of 9.85 seconds 13 years ago in Doha, Qatar.

38

The Oracle Today Wednesday June 12 - 18, 2019

NEWS EXTRA From BONIFACE OKORO, Umuahia

M

ember representing Umunneochi State Constituency, Hon. Barr. Phillip Okey Igwe, says the inauguration of the 7th House of Assembly marks a new dawn in Abia State.

Speaking in an interview with The Oracle Today at the Kolping Society in Umuahia where a reception was organized in his honour shortly after the inauguration of the 7th Abia House of Assembly, Igwe said the House was blessed with members well-equipped to deliver on their mandate.

“Today marks a new dawn in Abia State. I speak for myself and my colleagues,” the lawmaker said, adding that the calibre of members in the Abia 7th House of Assembly were capable of making laws that would take Abia to higher heights.

Igwe assured that the lawmakers would complement the efforts of the governor by making laws that would promote infrastructural development and economic growth of the state.

While contesting for the Umunneochi State constituency seat,

‘New dawn in Abia is here’ – Igwe Igwe had promised to propose a bill that would make the Enyimba Economic City, the most ambitious project of the Governor Okezie Ikpeazu- administration, a long-term economic work plan of the state.

He expressed gratitude to God for making him emerge victorious in the entire electoral process and thanked the people of Umunneochi for reposing their confidence in

him and assured that he would not fail them.

“I fill fulfilled. As you know, elections are run in cycles. It has been over a year now, we went through the primary which was hard fought; went through the general election which was hotly contested and we give all the glory to God who made it possible for us to come out successful,” he said.

Also, the immediate past Transition Committee Chairman of Umunneochi Local Government Area, Barr. Chima Mgbeke, in an interview, expressed optimism that Igwe would perform creditably.

“Okey Igwe is the right man for the job. He may be a first timer but he is more than qualified for the job of lawmaking. He is going to attract development to Umunneochi,”

Mgbeke said.

On the emergence Rt. Hon. Chinedum Orji as the Speaker of the 7th House of Assembly, Mgbeke described it as a good omen that would spark robust debates in the House as well as serve as a catalyst for infrastructural development in the state. “Ikuku is coming to right all the wrongs in the House,” he said.

Let’s work for welfare of Abians, Ikpeazu tells lawmakers From BONIFACE OKORO, Umuahia

A

bia State Governor, Okezie Ikpeazu, has expressed his desire for a harmonious working relationship with the 7th Abia State House of Assembly to enable his administration impact positively on the welfare of the people.

Ikpeazu expressed this desire while congratulating members of the 7th Abia State House of Assembly on their formal inauguration Monday and the emergence of a new leadership of the House.

In a statement issued by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Barr. Onyebuchi Ememanka, Ikpeazu said that he “looks forward to an Executive - Legislative relationship defined by harmony, mutual respect and most importantly, driven by the welfare and collective good of the people of Abia.”

The governor expressed happiness over the emergence of the House leadership by consensus, describing it as sign that the lawmakers were prepared to stay focused and united.

“The Governor notes with deep satisfaction that the inaugural session took place as scheduled and that a new leadership emerged by the consensus of the entire membership which is a clear sign that the legislative arm of the Government of Abia State shall discharge her functions with focus and unity of purpose,” the statement read in part.

According to Ememanka, Ikpeazu formally congratulated the new Speaker of the Abia State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Engr.

Chinedum Orji; his Deputy, Rt. Hon. Ifeanyi Uchendu and other Principal Officers of the Assembly on their emergence.

The Chief Press Secretary said the governor extended his hand of fellowship and that of the entire Executive Arm of Government to the House of Assembly Principal Officers.

•President Muhammadu Buhari (r) received a delegation of the Italian Parliamentary, at the State House in Abuja, Monday

Buhari/Atiku: Rights group decries delay tactics at Presidential poll tribunal

By IBE NWACHUKWU

A

coalition of human rights groups, under the aegis of Southeast Based Coalition of Human Rights & Democracy Organizations (SBCHROs), a coalition of 22 rights and democracy organizations has decried what it termed deliberately and inexcusably snail pace of the proceedings at the on-going 2019 Presidential Poll Tribunal.

The coalition said it was saddening and disappointing that Monday, June 10, 2019 was exactly 19 days after the President of Court of Appeal, PCA Justice Zainab Balkachuwa recused herself from the Presidential Poll Tribunal and ever since then, no proceeding had taken place at the tribunal, thereby compounding the already time constrained or short-lived tribunal, which now has only 98 days to go from Monday.

In an open letter to the Acting Chief Justice of Nigeria, CJN and President of Court of Appeal, PCA, a copy of which was made available to newsmen Monday, in Onitsha, Anambra State, SBCHROs expressed the fear that these snail pace of proceedings at the tribunal were clearly targeted at delaying, derailing and denying justice to someone somewhere.

Reminding the CJN and PCA that they are vicariously and constitutionally responsible for the success or failure of the tribunal, the coalition therefore urged them to get the Presidential Poll Tribunal judges to rewind and do the needful within their self-created time constraints, failure of which will expressly rest all the blames not only in the doorsteps of the judges appointed to handle the 2019 Presidential Poll Tribunal, but also

in the CJN and PCA. According to the coalition, “Your Lordships are aware, the 2019 Presidential Election Tribunal, like others before it, was constitutionally created and given maximum of 180 days to sit or preside over its proceedings and give judgment. Such constitutional mandate was given in consonance with Section 36 (fair hearing) of the 1999 Constitution as amended. This is in full recognition of the hallowed principle of fair hearing or audi alteram partem (let the other side be heard with full ingredients of fair hearing and fair proceedings)”.

“To remedy the possible impediments to the enforcement of this grand principle, a provision was made for issuance of practice directions; all rested in the powers of the President of the Court of Appeal. For details, see subsection 3 of the Sixth Schedule in the Constitution, governed by its Section 285 and Section 145 (2) of the Electoral Act of 2010 as amended”.

“It is also on fresh records that the Hon President of the Court of Appeal was publicly pressured and stopped from breaching the principle of nemo judex in causa sua (trying to be a judge in his or her own case) when she attempted to play the morally and constitutionally disallowed role of creator, appointer, member, chair, regulator and president of the Presidential Election Tribunal (an ad-hoc division of the Court of Appeal); leading to resignation of her membership/chair of the Tribunal on Wednesday, 22nd May 2019”.

“Contrary to its inaugural sitting public promise to speed up the proceedings or preside over same expeditiously, 82 days have gone without anything to show for it,

except snail pace preliminary proceedings”.

This is more so when the overall essence of every court of superior records including the Presidential Poll Tribunal is to ensure, regard to the public interest, the interest of justice, prevention of abuse of legal process and give fair hearing to all the parties or ensure that they are heard with full ingredients of fair hearing and fair proceedings”.

“The wastage in frivolities, irrelevancies and delayed tactics of 82 out of the constitutionally allowed 180 days is not only strongly condemned by our Coalition, but also viewed with strong suspicion that it was a grand design to frustrate the plaintiffs in particular and Nigerians in general as well as to deny them the much awaited justice”.

“If by Section 294 of the 1999 Constitution as amended, every court established under the Constitution including the 2019 Presidential Election Petition Tribunal, created by Sections 285 of the Constitution and 133(a) of the Electoral Act of 2010, is commanded to give its judgment “in writing not later than 90 days after the conclusion of evidence and final addresses”, this Coalition wonders what magic or miracle the Presidential Poll Tribunal will perform, taking into account the hallowed principle of fair hearing, in the remaining 98 days from today, especially when its substantive proceedings are yet to commence”.

“Also, we wonder how many days out of the remaining 98 days the Presidential Poll Tribunal will spend in its proceedings proper before adjoining sine die for its much expected judgment”.

“We further doubt the possibility, within 98 days remaining, of

the plaintiffs and the respondents successfully calling the large number of their witnesses including 400 witnesses lined up by the main opposition petitioners and having them thoroughly examined and cross-examined; not to talk of the Presidential Poll Tribunal members having enough time for in-depth analyses of the oral and paper works before the delivery of their judgment”.

“It is on records, too, that the Presidential Poll Tribunal had made orders against INEC, as per granting the petitioners access to some categories of electoral materials used in the said poll; which INEC was reported to have flouted”.

“As disobedience to every court order has judicial repercussions or consequences including judicially sanctioning the erring bodies or groups or persons and timely exercise by the petitioners of their right of appeal; our question is: what will the petitioners do considering the fact that the Tribunal has deliberately eaten up 82 out of its constitutionally allowed 180 days? What if the Tribunal decides to renew its order(s) or issue fresh ones, what timeframe or period of compliance will be allowed considering the meager 98 days remaining”?

“In case Your Lordships have forgotten, by Sections 239 (1) (a) of the 1999 Constitution and 133(a) of the Electoral Act of 2010, all as amended; the Court of Appeal is empowered to originally determine, in or within and not beyond 180 days or six months from the date of filing of the petition (i.e.

18th March 2019), the judicial outcome of the Presidential Poll. This, the Court of Appeal (Presidential Election Petition Tribunal) does as the “court of first resort”.

39

The Oracle Today Wednesday June 12 - 18, 2019

NEWS EXTRA

Abia Govt releases N6bn for completion of road projects A

bia State Governor, Okezie Ikpeazu has approved the release of N6 billion for the completion of ongoing road projects within the first 100 days of his second term in office.

This is contained in a statement issued by Mr Onyebuchi Ememanka, the Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Monday.

It said the state government was committed to providing basic infrastructure and urged residents to cooperate with the contractors

to enable them meet the deadline.

The statement disclosed that contractors handling major road projects across the state were expect to achieve 75 per cent completion of pending road projects in the next 100 days.

The statement revealed that N1 billion had been released to the contractor handling the Osisioma Flyover Project, as it was expected that the project would be completed within two months.

It noted that construction activi-

ties would resume on Friday in Aba on the Umueze-ABSUTH-Udeagbala and Aba-Owerri roads.

Others include Ohanku road, Osusu road, Eziukwu road, Ururuka road, Emelogu road and Waterside Second Bridge.

The statement added that another N1 billion had been released to the contractor handling the Obikabia road project which cuts across three local government areas of the state.

It said that funds had been released to Arab Contractors for the

completion of the Aba road project in Umuahia, adding that the project will be executed in two phases.

The statement noted that Ohafia township roads, Ohanku road in Aba and Umuopara Ring road in Umuahia South Local Government Area would be inaugurated in the days ahead.

It stated that 1000 units of street lights would be installed at strategic roads in Aba and Umuahia, assuring that plans are underway to commence the implementation of urban renewal initiatives in Abia.

Nnamani restates loyalty to Ugwuanyi F

ormer Enugu State Governor, Chimaroke Nnamani, has expressed loyalty to the Governor of the state, Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi.

Nnamani, who is a Senatorelect, made this known in a statement on Sunday.

The senator-elect said he remained grateful to Ugwuanyi for supporting him through his journey to the Senate.

He said: “I am grateful to my governor for the opportunity to rejig my political career.

“I owe him a lot of gratitude for the opportunity to serve my fatherland.’’

Nnamani, however, distanced himself from any political godfather’s role, stating that “Ugwuanyi is the political leader in practice and Head of the Ebeano political family in Enugu State’’.

He commended Ugwuanyi for the developmental strides in the state and urged him not to rest on his oars in taking the state to an enviable height.

The former governor enjoined politicians and citizens to rally round Ugwuanyi in his commitment to bringing holistic development to the state.

Nnamani further expressed appreciation to other political leaders in the state, including Chief Jim Nwobodo; former President of the Senate, Ken Nnamani; Deputy President of the Senate, Ike Ekweremadu; Sen. Fidelis Okoro and Dr. Okwy Nwodo.

He also commended the efforts of President of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, among others.

On his role as a lawmaker in the 9th National Assembly, Nnamani restated his resolve to serve faithfully for the advancement of the Nigerian project, to engender peace, unity and development.

He said he would do everything within the ambits of law to work for the emancipation of ordinary Nigerians.

He promised that as a senator of the 9th Senate, he would focus on poverty alleviation, employment opportunities, fair and equitable distribution of national resources as well as promoting the manufacturing sector.

•Umahi

Ebonyi 6th Assembly inaugurated as Nwifuru is re-elected Speaker

By CHINEDU NWAFOR Abakaliki

E

•From left: Managing Director FAAN, Capt. Hamisu Rabiu Yadudu who was represented by the Director of Security Services; Group Capt. Usman Abubakar Sadiq (Rtd) receives the Director General Of National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP); Dame Julie Okahdonli who was on an advocacy visit to seek areas of collaboration in the fight against Human trafficking, Monday, at the FAAN Headquarters, Ikeja Lagos

Poverty responsible for social vices – Moghalu

2

019 Presidential Candidate of Young People’s Party (YPP), Prof. Kingsley Moghalu, the has identified poverty as the major cause of social vices in the country.

He made the remark while presenting a paper at a one-day programme organised by a Kanobased NGO, Ra’ayi Initiative for Hu-

•Moghalu

man Development (RIHD) in Kano on Sunday.

Moghalu spoke on: Northern Nigeria’s Prosperity in the 21st Centuary: The Imperative of Social and Economic Transformation.

He stressed the need for the government to take proactive measures through the implementation of various intervention programmes meant for improving living conditions of the masses.

“Ninety two million Nigerians are living in extreme poverty out of which 67 per cent of the number is in the north,” he said.

According to him, there are many other reasons identified as responsible for the socio-economic challenges bedevilling the country.

He said the alarming growing number of out-of-school children as well as the Almajiri system must be addressed to reverse the ugly trend for the development of the region and the country.

“Almajiri children is a system that has to be remodelled.

“Moreso half of girls in the the north are not going to school. So all these problems have to be addressed if the country is to move

forward,” he said.

Moghalu, who was a Deputy Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), said there was also need to give priority attention to human development to enhance the living standard of Nigerians.

He also called on the government to address the lingering security challenges for the social and economic growth and development in the country.

Earlier, the Chairman of the occasion and former Kano State Commissioner for Finance, Prof. Kabiru Dandago, said the lecture was organised to engage discussion on problems affecting the north in particular and the country at large with a view to proffering solutions.

He called on members of the organisation to join hands with its leadership in order to come up with suggestion that would address the prevailing socio-economic challenges in the country.

Prominent personalities including a former Minister of Foreign Affairs, Dr Nuruddeen Mohammed, attended the lecture held at the Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital (AKTH).

bonyi State Governor, David Umahi, has inaugurated the state’s 6th Assembly with Rt. Hon. Francis Nwifuru re-elected as the Speaker.

Also re-elected is the Deputy Speaker, Hon. Odefa Obasi, who is a fourth term Lawmaker.

Meanwhile,two Members-elect were excluded from the inauguration over failure to submit their certificates of return and Asset declaration forms.

They are Hon. Victor Aleke representing Ebonyi North West state constituency who is returning the second time and a first timer, Hon. Chinedu Awo, representing Ohaukwu North.

Although, Sources said their exclusion was a punishment for opposing the return of Nwifuru as Speaker; a claim yet to be independently verified by our Reporter.

But prior to the inuaguraton of the 6th Assembly, rumors were rif that Hon. Aleke had pushed to replace Nwifuru as Speaker.

Nwifuru, a third term lawmaker, represents Izzi west constituency, a sister constituency to Ebonyi North West constituency which Aleke represents.

The Clerk of the House, Mrs. Patricia Anasi presided over the sitting and swore-in the Speaker and the Deputy Speaker after they were elected unopposed by the Lawmakers.

Other Principal officers of the House emerged as follows : Hon. Victor Chukwu--Leader of the House (Ezza North West), Kingsley Ikoro—Deputy Leader (Afikpo North West), Humphrey Nwuruku---Chief Whip (Ikwo North) and Benjamin Ezeoma--Deputy Chief Whip (Ebonyi North West).

In his acceptance speech, the new Speaker lauded the transparency of the election of the principal officers and promised speedy passage of bills.

He solicited the cooperation of the members of the House for robust lawmaking and development of the state.

Nwifuru promised to uphold transparency and accountability in the leadership of the Assembly assuring that the welfare of the members will be his utmost priority.

WEDNESDAY June 12 - 18, 2019

The

www.oraclenews.ng

40

racle Today

VOX POPULI SACRUM

ISSN: 2545-5869

Bridges over phantom lakes

O

nce again, unscrupulous politicians are beating the drums of secession.

It’s not new. Whenever the political atmosphere seems charged, one potent way of extracting concessions from the other side is to play the ethnic or religious card.

Reputable academics, professionals and politicians have been implicated in this crime of creating phantom lakes and rivers.

While it may be true that the nation is divided, it’s also true that this division exists only in the minds and thinking of the political elite. Ordinary Nigerians –the silent majority – are not worried about the stereotyped classifications of people of other tribes and religions as good or bad. I have listened to conversations in which people of the southeast praised the humility and kindness of their brothers in the north. Several villages in the north are populated by Igbo people who speak and dress like their hosts. And Segun Nweze born and bred in Ibadan does not really understand the gospel of separation he occasionally hears on the radio or reads on social media. So do Abdullahi Momoh, James Abubakar and Chuwang Agbese.

By now, the number of Nigerians bearing cross-cultural names must have risen to millions.

The real threat to the nation’s existence (not the nation’s unity), however, has been poverty. It is the mass poverty and ignorance in the country today that have enabled these disgruntled politicians to ply their trade openly. That’s why the UN report that Nigeria has 13.5 million street kids or the World Poverty Clock which says it has 92 million poor people should worry all patriots.

And the trend of schools yearly churning out more than a million youths who have no hope of finding jobs or being employable should cause all right-thinking leaders sleepless nights. Wrong education and its collapse partly inspired Boko Haram – Western edu-

•Nigerians in Libya return

Aniebo

Nwamu cation is forbidden. The “bandits” and cattle herders from Niger, Mali, Libya and other countries are those fleeing climate change.

As I said, the occasional threats of secession have been creations of the political class. The ordinary people recruited to fight and die in the civil war of the late 1960s, for instance, did not even understand why they had to fight and kill their brothers. Most were brainwashed to fight the “enemy” they did not know. Politicians also threatened secession during the June 12 struggle.

Those who predicted that Nigeria would not survive the annulment of the presidential election of 1993 are still in politics. Some of those prophets of doom are today envisaging “disintegration”, unless they received political appointments. It’s all politics!

Nigeria’s greatness lies in its unity in diversity. Regardless of the messages of hate we read daily, ordinary Nigerians love one another. The two major religions, both of which took roots from the Middle East, canvass love and peace. So, anybody using religion as an excuse to hate other people must be fake. Often, those who discriminate against adherents of other religions are poor, ignorant or malicious politicians. I’m sure that, if jobs had been available for many and the nation’s economy was prospering,

only a few Nigerians would have been interested in knowing what goes on in Aso Rock or the state government houses. Just as in the United States: Americans have greater interest in the weather than in what Trump and Congress are doing. When people are busy, when they can feed themselves and their families, they care little about what political parties and politicians are doing or saying.

Several times in this space, I have recounted the dreams of Nigeria’s founding fathers, and the frustrations of those of them that lived up to the 1990s. All that the present politicians are doing is climb to fame and riches using the names of these founding fathers. On campaign grounds, they keep mentioning Azikiwe, Sardauna Bello, Awolowo, Tarka, Aminu Kano and others. You even see these sages’ photos on campaign posters.

But one thing today’s politicians cannot do is live by the examples of our heroes past.

To win independence for Nigeria, Zik (who spoke Hausa, Yoruba and Igbo fluently) knew he could not fight alone. Until he died in 1996, he never stopped giving the credit for Nigeria’s independence to all his teammates. He often decried the lack of unity and the quest for material things among the leaders that succeeded them. I wonder what

Zik’s generation would be discussing on the other side, seeing what we‘ve got today.

Our real heroes are these leaders of the First Republic and earlier. It was in their era that tribes were noticeable; it’s not like today that almost everyone speaks dogo turenchi – in fact, languages like Igbo are vanishing because “enlightened” parents do not speak the “ancient” language to their children.

Yet, our founding fathers got along very well with one another. The famous exchange between Zik and Bello – “Let’s forget/understand our differences” – was a mirror of true nationalists at their best.

Apart from speaking the three languages, Zik also gave his children Yoruba and Hausa names. He was not alone: We know the famous mathematician that gave birth to a former MD of AMCON, Mustafa ChikeObi. I have read and heard how Sardauna travelled to Ilorin in 1962 to congratulate the emeritus Catholic archbishop of Abuja, John Cardinal Onaiyekan, when he excelled in the WASC of that year.

The inter-ethnic marriages of three and four generations ago – like between the parents of (retired general and later senator) Ike Omar Sanda Nwachukwu, between Yoruba and Tiv, between Angas and Fulani – show that ethnicity was never an issue. More than a century ago, Fulani nomads settled in Ibagwa in present-day Enugu State. Their progeny today speak not just Igbo but the Ibagwa dialect; you cannot distinguish Fulani from Igbo except that the former worship mainly in mosques. It’s the same story in parts of Kwara State where you find Fulani that cannot speak Hausa or Fulani anymore but speak Yoruba fluently. I have no better way of describing these full-blooded Nigerians than “bridge builders of modern Nigeria”.

It is hoped that attachment to tribe or religion will disappear from this blessed land in the nearest future. They can only make us miserable. There is more than enough for everybody to enjoy in Nigeria – a nation blessed with human and mineral resources.

Greed and selfishness have not allowed us to enjoy these bounties.

Until we enthrone good conduct like selflessness and honesty, we will keep lamenting the state of the nation. It’s not enough to agitate for “resource control”, “power shift” or “our turn to rule”. Even if all the oil in the Niger Delta were left for Niger Deltans alone, poverty and squalor would persist in the area. Cows, rams and goats reared in the north-west, and the yams, onions, ginger and groundnuts cultivated in the north-central and north-east contribute more to the nation’s GDP than oil. Similarly, if presidents of northern extraction remained in power for 100 more years, the poverty and hopelessness in the area won’t disappear.

Only when people of conscience begin to use the human and material resources we have for the benefit of all shall Nigeria witness peace and prosperity. Nobody is suffering today because of the sins of people from another tribe. Let those with wisdom understand the game of the selfish elite. We need each other.

•Nwamu, an entrepreneur, is the CEO of Eyeway.ng. +234-8054100220 (SMS/ WhatsApp only)

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.