Tuesday 14th February 2017 by THISDAY Newspapers Ltd

T H I S D AY • TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 14, 2017

STARTERS

FG Declares Emergency in Port NEWS Harcourt over Air Pollution

Two-Minute Briefing

Shuts down asphalt processing plant

Adedayo Ak nwa e n Abu a The federa government yesterday dec ared an emergency over the a r po ut on n Port Harcourt the R vers State cap ta wh e an nvest gat on s ongo ng to determ ne the cause of the th ck b ack smoke that has enve oped the c ty for days The government a so ssued a not ce to temporar y shut down an aspha t process ng p ant n Port Harcourt wh ch has been be ch ng out th ck smoke from ts factory to br ng the s tuat on under contro A statement ssued yesterday by Ms Efe Ovuakpor e of the Federa M n stry of Env ronment sa d that the po ut on wh ch usua y man fests n the form of soot has been ev dent for more than e ght weeks n Port Harcourt and has great y mpacted on the a r qua ty n the c ty and ts env rons She sa d “In order to urgent y address the a r po ut on n Port Harcourt and ts env rons the Federa M n stry of Env ronment has dec ared the a r po ut on n Port Harcourt an emergency s tuat on and has subsequent y ssued a not ce to temporar y shut down an aspha t process ng p ant n the c ty that s be ch ng out th ck smoke from ts operat ons “Th s s necessary to br ng the s tuat on under contro wh e an nvest gat on s ongo ng to determ ne the cause of the po ut on “Aware of the attendant negat ve effects of th s menace on soc o-econom c act v t es hea th and the env ronmenta mpact the federa government took a bo d step by ra y ng a ma or stakeho ders wh ch nc udes the R vers State M n stry of

Env ronment the Federa M n stry of Hea th and the peop e of R vers State to find a ast ng so ut on to arrest the ug y trend “The deve opment ed to the c osure of the p ant by the R vers State Government” The m n stry exp a ned that the sources of po ut on n the c ty were d ffuse and anthropogen c n nature (man-made) as the pre m nary ana ys s of the soot samp es had nd cated that the prob em was as a resu t of open a r and ncomp ete combust on of hydrocarbons burn ng of waste and vegetat on burn ng of tyres

aspha t process ng and ega art sana refinery operat ons It urged the pub c to rema n ca m and take adequate measures to protect themse ves by adher ng to the hea th gu de nes that wou d be ssued by the hea th author t es It a so urged res dents of Port Harcourt to a ways ensure that the r w ndows and doors are firm y shut when necessary wh e assur ng them that the government wou d cont nue to work ass duous y to protect ts c t zens and the env ronment from any form of po ut on

government He sa d there was no reason nfrastructure bu t n the reg on cou d not be compared to nfrastructure bu t n o -produc ng commun t es anywhere n the wor d He prom sed that coa powered refiner es and ssues surround ng the construct on of petrochem ca p ants wou d be ooked nto by the government He sa d the federa government was nterested n the cont nuat on of the

amnesty programme “We must recomm t to mak ng the N ger De ta reg on a v brant econom c zone ” Os nba o sa d add ng that the government ntended to use sma and med um bus nesses to dr ve and create emp oyment and st mu ate growth n the area “I have made notes I have stened carefu y th s w be a beg nn ng that w change the narrat ve of the N ger De ta ” Os nba o prom sed

Equal Partners in the Game Women are not s ack ng n the mu t task ng department e ther and are gett ng bo der by the day W th the var ous office affa rs go ng on n corporate N ger a Va ent ne s Day w defin te y be affected Take Margaret 35 banker marr ed w th two boys who has severa extramar ta affa rs Constant y comp a n ng of a bor ng sexua fe at home Margaret s a ways on the ook out for the next steamy sexua encounter and Va ent ne s Day s no except on Margaret br ngs home the bacon and be eves she deserves whatever fun she can get outs de She spends t me w th her boyfr end n the office dur ng the day and ret res to her bor ng husband

at n ght Kem Ashefon founder of Kem Ashefon Love Haven B ogspot and a re at onsh p expert s of the op n on that the c t a sons are not r ght and too much emot on and energy are wasted on a day that shou d offer so much ove and nt macy That be ng sa d she adv ses “If you want to sp t your t me between mu t p e partners then you re go ng to have to take the re ns firm y when p ann ng the day for both of them ” “Start the day off w th hav ng brunch w th your s gn ficant other and en oy ng a cockta w th number two ater that n ght Make sure to eave yourse f p enty of t me between dates though so you can regenerate for your second one ” she warns Ashefon a so recommends not squeez ng n a th rd s de k ck as you d

be so exhausted and stressed that you wou dn t en oy any of them And another one don t get them a the same th ng Ser ous y ust don t “Wh e t may be eas er to shop for one g ft for a and resort to mass merchand s ng ” po nts out Ashefon “the downs de however s the off chance of them find ng out and fee ng ke they ust got a mass b ast ove etter s h gher than f you got four spec a th ngs for each person ” It a sounds exhaust ng doesn t t? Truth be to d s for anyone to tru y en oy St Va ent ne s Day fide ty to one partner s the surest way of show ng ove apprec at on and respect for one s partner Va ent ne s Day s on y one of 365 days n a year so the best adv se to those w th s gn ficant others s to make the most of th s spec a day by mak ng t memorab e Happy Va ent ne s Day Everyone

TRUMP CALLS BUHAR S GN F ES READ NESS TO HELP N GER A W TH WEAPONS TO COMBAT TERROR SM won the U S e ect on and the second t me after he assumed office Ades na sa d the phone conversat on was at the request of the Amer can pres dent He a so sa d the conversat on between the two pres dents was cord a He sa d Trump commended Buhar for rescu ng 24 Ch bok g r s He sa d Buhar congratu ated Trump

on h s e ect on as pres dent of the Un ted States and on the appo ntment of h s cab net Ades na sa d “The two eaders d scussed ways to mprove cooperat on n the fight aga nst terror sm through the prov s on of necessary equ pment “Pres dent Trump encouraged Buhar to keep up the good work he s do ng and a so commended h m for the efforts made n rescu ng

24 of the Ch bok g r s and the str des be ng taken by the N ger an m tary” The statement sa d Trump assured the N ger an pres dent of the US read ness to cut a new dea n he p ng N ger a n terms of m tary weapons to combat terror sm “Trump a so nv ted Pres dent Buhar to Wash ngton at a mutua y conven ent date ” the statement added

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power sector operators’ meeting which was “A deadline of hosted The federal government February 28, 2017, Disco as its Olorunsogoby Ibadan was issued to receive yesterday gave seven substation, submissions “TCN announced that Osogboof the 11 electricity contained this. It Ede line is explained that on MDA debts from distribution Discos companies (Discos) the Minister of Power, fully completed, national grid. February 17, which are yet Works and 2017, was set and and is awaiting Housing, Mr. The minister to another 3,000MW. completion deadline for submission as a the Babatunde records of the submit accurate was has also connected substation of commended at hand to oversee Fashola, and managemen of audited According Ibadan energisation. owed to them debts allegedly t accounts,” The communiqu the meeting. communiqu This substation for Distribution CompanyElectricity would have to him, the country the be completed e was provided is Departments by its Ministries, to THISDA been generating e stated. (IBEDC) and in 12 months. to for the progress Y in Abuja and It stated that the the company 6,000MW if the gas pipelines over 15 days to turn Agencies(MDAs), other The has recorded stated that acting President, MD, Transmission Services issues in their records safe. were Yemi Osinbajo in improving Provider (TSP) also noted verification. for included discussed at the meeting is their the completion distribution assets and communities currently engaging of a the impact of “That sabotage Though it did not urged the in the Niger Delta transformer vandalism company to debt problem, has also created project address state what would of gas pipelines on the be its next line shortfall in power country’s lasting their concerns and find to Bussa, and announced in New progress to communicate the expectation, power generation, of action if the the governor a that solution to the the sector’s poor Discos revenue fail to heed its request, of the in recovery and therefore, shortfall challenges of substation should be ready the state, local government energising in because consumers however explained the government some profile and completion of pipeline vandalism which for traditional chairmen, six weeks following it transmission that only four rulers and community- more resistant to projects by the led to severe limitations said has pre-commissioning Discos -Abuja, payment when are based organisation Ikeja, Yola, and of the Transmission Company in don’t power they generation. tests. have s, Ibadan, (TCN). have submitted “TCN also reported of Nigeria company’s customers.who are the too and electricity, and I will be their debts records, On the efforts progress you will be too. the following they are being and “Let the local “The meeting projects in the on And we verified by it. see that they to stabilise the by the government (IBEDC) people be part also noted the host the handover pay more Eko, Enugu, governance region: Abeokuta-Ig taken to steps of power and maintenance is more stable. when the boora- process; Kaduna, Kano, Port Harcourt, Jos, (currentlyaddress the liquidity issues sector, the communiqu of the Lanlate 132KV DC Of course, and Benin Discos, e said they will also there are issues line, Odogunyan the inauguration limiting the functioning noted, have not develop it the sector), also at the retail ownership for of the new substation and transmission of responded to the assets when an end – metering, and its call underwaythrough the work currently commissioners of the line, are involved for their MDAs estimated bills. Nigerian Iseyintransmission substation debt Electricity Regulatory to identify, verify in its delivery they Now, the reason why in they will The 11 Discos records. as so and MDA that well I pay Commission have debts as (NERC), and to Discos, as projects in Ago-Iwoye,transmission he said. ensure the safe-keeping,’’ through this is just to reiterategone claimed that the have consistently debts government’s MDAs and generation well as gas an interim the appointment of Gamo-Ogbo all of us have that Benin-Akure were owing them Managing Director an debts. Speaking yesterday moso and Magboro.”, “It was the problems understanding of for electricity services billions of naira for Ibadan noted that Abuja, Ikeja, the TCN to reform the Meanwhile, Fashola and all of in Ibadan, Oyo State, at the company has stated 12th Power Sector different roles to play us have that the over the years. rendered to them compliedand Yola Disco have for a more robust service in solving those problems,” to the pipelinessabotage of gas assets and Stakeholders’ meeting, industry were with data requirement A communiqu Fashola explained. two of the the Ibadan Electricity hosted by has decommissi s, efforts of e on the outcome and verification of their “You will see oned the governmen recent power generating of the 12th edition Distribution submission has begun to act. that government of the monthly is underway on a first plants and Company (IBEDC), Fashola On project completion,t on this. their ability come first The vice president, generation would serve basis. said to provide it said: 3,000 have been boosted representing the president, megawatts of additional above the going round current 3,500-3,800M power to the is those the pipelines were back to W if communities, engagingNiger Delta deliver them more

Osinbajo, Obasa njo, Others Pay Tribute to Murta la Muhammed

Cont’d from

Shettima blames Sheriff for Boko Haram’s deadly activities

pg 43

Ogheneuvede Ohwovoriole in Abuja

KEEPING THE MEMORY OF MURTALA MOHA MMED

ALIVE…

EDITORIAL

MESSAGE F

ROM THE PROTESTS

a good of hunger and deprivations, one. But in Nigeria deserve the in their statemenmore and the protester people of s said as much t: “Nigerians economic challeng are es and do not facing difficult Our standard see any also disappoi s of living have worsene end in sight. nted in the d ineffective fight lack of transparand we are ency and an against corruptio that made a n in a fight campaign. The against corruption government a has not been change that Nigerian key pillar of its s were promised delivered and a road map to the destination desired is yet to be communicated. This is not about ad-hoc programmes sound-bites.” or While we commend the acting dent for displayinpresiattempt by g uncommon law enforcem maturity, rights of the ent agents to peo abridge the

Last week, the panel set by the Inspector General of Police (IG), Ibrahim Idris, to probe the crises that characterised the rerun legislative elections in Rivers State last December, submitted its report. At an elaborate ceremony at the Force Headquarters in Abuja... Page 16

POLITICS

T H I S D AY

EXECUT

• TUESDAY , FEBRUARY

14, 2017

Group Politic s Editor Olawa le Olaleye Email wale.o laleye@thisda ylive.com 0811675981 9 SMS ONLY

VE BRIE FING Rivers Police Report and the The panel set Litany of Qu Rivers State, up by the police to inves estions last week subm tigate the viole Iriekpen write nce that itted its repor t, leaving more

rocked questions thanthe rerun elections in answers. Davi dson

ast week, the panel set by the Inspector General of Police (IG), Ibrahim Idris, that characteris to probe the crises tive elections ed the rerun legislain Rivers State December, submitted last an elaborate its report. At ceremony at the in Abuja, the panel which Force Headquarters December 22, was inaugurate 2016, in its the state governme report, alleged d on that nt bribed officials Independent of the (INEC) with National Electoral Commissi on favour of the N360 million to rig the candidates of polls in Party (PDP). the Peoples Democratic The panel, the Nigeria which comprised 12 officers Police Force of Department of State Servicesand three from the recovered N111.3mill (DSS), stated that it ion from who confessed to have received23 INEC officials, the state governme the money from nt officials the rerun polls to manipulat dismissed policein the state. It also indicted e misuse of arms operatives for misconduc six t and the provisions during the polls, contrary of Force Order to The officers – 237. ex-Inspector Governor Nyesome Peter Ekpo, Eyong Victor, Oguni Goodluck, ex-Sgts. Wike Ezekiel and Orji Nwoke, Tanko Akor Okpe extreme. – had been by the Force. Never in the dismissed The errant operatives annals of infamy seen Police IG, Ibrahim have stormed have we the Port Harcourt were said to the a vital state security institution Idris Secretariat lowest depths City Council descend to Why didn’t the police and of blackmail mention or who killed as the election results prevented the movemen and arrest those the officers? of Emouha t of case. Nigeria Police Force has criminality tive and politically appropriate The first anger The Rivers collation centre polling unit to the State Governme done in this Chairman of those who -motivated comprehensive the Nigeria in disobedien designated by and cannot listened nt challenges of the panel, ce to senior and relied INEC financially Police to show be Damian Okoro, to the a credible Force’s inadequate officers upon to provide Speaking during proof that induced any was the electoral panacea to curbing the presentatio present. the Police chairman, DCP official of INEC.Wike deploying 28,000 provision of security the menace malpractices despite the Damian Okoro, n, the panel transactionhave bank records of its personnel of Do number in the committee established conclusions of the purported added that of soldiers, and a large s between of the report country. He said the electoral air force, cases of misconduc Governor Wike to indict certain defence officers some electoral are predeterm officers? and the one t against persons. ined to maintain navy and civil officers and agents, who, While While law and order state due mainly law enforceme according to in elections noting that the December nt recommenthe people of the state to obvious partisansh him, allowed to be compromi Recall that after did not have dations of the await the themselves sed ip. the in only the PDP 10, 2016 polls, pant, Ezinwo their line society worry about AGF, many Receiving the as particisaid: “There analysts Room groups commonly a coalition of civil including the content report, the IG of duties. they saw it findings and of known as Situation said the the law enforcemewere other parties, coming. Somethe report because called authored a damning by the outcome warded to the recommendations would panel’s why the INEC nt the “ugly undemocr report on what Attorney General of the police agencies. Going officials were have also asked by be for- did it only (AGF), Abubakar atic” roles played investigation, the not paraded? the PDP that the money of the Federation Why which police and military. it is did the wrong Malami, for police and signifying that have the same bank adding that The organisati implemen is an umbrella both rappers, all the N111millio on in a very the APC, all conducted things. The of indicted would the INEC officials and tation, one bank? decent and n came from society groups, lamented over 70 registered civil themselves Why others in be prosecuted lawful manner! words, the that despite 28,000 police “I see no reason N1000 notes? were all the denomina . police were deploying personnel and tions Do all the 23 not involved In other snatching, as operate one lead to the beheadingwhy a rerun election a large contingent INEC officials of military, the poll in ballot bank? will was still flawed. of our officers, did not kill widely recorded and came hard on there to do If indeed there innocent persons reported; who their lawful was a bribe, of neutrality INEC for what it called It also not attempt the report will duties. I believe were that bribed? was it only the and the APC to subvert in the elections. Didn’t any its lack their go a long way did PDP that Congress individuals Others wondered favour in some the electoral process to put an end (APC) candidateof the All Progressives where the panel got the seeing election in to INEC places.” N111millio the state We will take On his or member bribe official? appropriate as a do-or-die affair. any had a INEC Resident Electoral n from when Transparen part, the President than the life Was the bribe more important with the law actions in conjunctio of Network few days to Commissioner cy, Equity and officer of the of DSP Mohamm for the n his orderly, Fairness, Dr. Steve Nwofor, in order to ed Alkali and nobody would know election disclosed that Kemakolam who were killed put an end federation, the AGF, the officials report against described the conclusion to and electoral during the polls? for the polls until to be used s in the violence in most of the abuse Government the PDP and the Rivers this country.” “We are only the day of the election? Naturally, as State malicious and not only hasty but mischievou been recovered hearing now that money first to react the state government was the politically-motivated has from s, trained outsidefrom electoral officers the report as to the allegations. It the report, it . He said that were described a and brought was obvious have so degenerat angels. How questions in charade, saying the unanswere that the police can you bribe in silently like the ed. document d know? Governor Ezenwo “It a man you were In any don’t ful is unfortunate and embarrassi Nyesom Wike the reason wrong duringcase, the APC did not do refused to be that the police of the anything the elections? authority will ngly disgraceand indeed state is a PDP-contr described the part of the investigation. state Knowing want Nigerians claim by the It olled state, couldn’tthat the an election the world to believe been possible financially induced police panel also them, that day in that the APC it have of that it officials the PDP? Didn’t defamatory Rivers State this country the governme in bribed more and reckless. of INEC as shameful, gave bribe nt can break into the bible say that before than officials connected to INEC or The state other you obvious with first bind the a strongman’s house, and CommuniCommissioner for Informatio that the police the election. It is very you cations, Dr. or the APC-led happened in strongman? Wasn’t that must government challenged Austin Tam-Georg n would need the federal Rivers State?” what reasons e, Emeh, National Nyesom Wike police to prove that to find some to vent their Governor President of queried Nneka they anger on Wike, other the December bribed INEC workers Mostly, observers are out to decimate Women on whom Top. him were the report as they have Tam-George, 10, 2016 legislative rerun to rig unbeatable. did not say shocked to see that in a statement, found polls. anything about Mohammed police to prosecute “If they don’t also challenged Alkali and his show DSP against the gruesomely officers indicted and imprison the corruption; they it in the so-called fight killed during orderly, who were electoral do so insecurity. We if the bribe the polls, wondering describing the by the panel without was thought the in the fight against police delay, selective of the officers. more important than injustice He stated: “The investigation as dubious. After the elections,the lives now see fight against corruption will stop as attention alleged that Government it in all areas, but we can has been drawn of the Rivers State the suspect it was the police want no more borders. Akali and images of heaps to the melodrama orderly was who beheaded the us to believe So tic gave bribe day alongside arrested on by the so-calledof cash, circulated in that only if any, the election is sponsor, the his colleagues and their the rerun electionspolice panel of inquirymedia arrant nonsense,and the APC did not? PDP This into and the in Rivers State Power. But former state Commissi alleged government 10, 2016. According on an stops chasing earlier the federal oner to the police, December to their release.order from above allegedly for for them as of money were the heaps that report shadows the better It was further led Nwafor is dead on was after the given to officials‘evidence’ of bribes alleged that emphasised. arrival,” allegedly illegal release they committed Governor, Nyesomof INEC by the Rivers However, because of the suspects it the heinous that anything the report no arrest has “We consider Wike, during the rerun State crime. Till did not about polls. the allegations panel refused been made. But deliberatel date, its stakeholde the ruling party, the APC say as shameful, of the rs have refused to comment defamatory y, the what and alleged suspects on this because and reckless police many called to comment in the on from the APC. are believed to have the But one is clear reckoned is a skewed report. from the report, come were It is for this wrong with reason, a public the rerun pollsa lot of things both parties Iheanyi Ezinwo, affairs in Rivers have analysts, described the the tendency as The difference report as selecfor mischief. for mischief. , of course, is their propensity

FEATURES Foreign Languages under the Spotlight

Naturally, governmenthe state the first to t was react to the allega described tions. It a charade, the report as unansweresaying the d questions in the docum the reason ent were Governor Ezenwo Nyeso m Wike of the state refus ed to be part investigatiof the on. It also described the claim by the police panel that it financially officials of induced INEC as shameful, defamatory and reckless

FEATURES

gn L ngu g und

Inside ns dethec the classrooms assroomsofaCommun of a Community ty I Primary School on the outskirts of Lagos, conversations between students are held inYoruba and a smattering of English phrases.The instructors, too, deliver their lessons with a composite of the two languages. Page 18

BUSINESS Osinbajo: FG Will Rescue Power Sector

TheVice President, Prof.Yemi Osinbajo has said the federal government would work out strategies that would help Nigeria’s electricity market come out of its current operational challenges, especially the financial troubles threatening its growth. Page 21

n.iriekpen@this

attacks on gas pipelines

Ejiofor Alike in Lagos and Chineme Okafor in Abuja

POLITICS Rivers Police Report and the Litany of Questions

R vers State Governor Nyesom W ke

TUESDAY FEBRUAR Y 14, 2017 •

Email davidso

Saudi Arabia Cuts Oil Outp ut, Shale Oil Problem Remains a

The recent rash of protests on both sides of the governance divide was healthy. First it underlined the increasing awareness of the people that they have a right to express themselves and to be heard. Page 15

WHAT MANNER OF VALENTINE FOR THE POLYAMOROUS IN NIGERIA

work and traffic snar s to en oy the day w th madam

NEWS

Discos Giv News Editor Davidson Iriekpe en 15 Days n to Submit Ac Verifiable Re curate, cords on MD Fashola: Nige A Debts ria loses 3,000 MW to

‘Managing the Boko Haram in Borno State: Crisis The acting President, lessons for a Experiences and Prof. Yemi multi-party, Osinbajo, has said what Nigeria ethnic and multi-religiou multineeds is a new s Nigeria’, Governor Kashim nation where Shettima of Borno and women are prepared men State alleged that Ali to the national enterprise first. put his predecessor, Modu Sheriff, He stated this hands of Boko played into the Haram insurgents. while paying yesterday in Abuja He blamed tributes to the legacies of the late Head Sheriff of State, General mismanaging the situation for Murtala Muhamme led to the rise that of Boko Haram the 2017 Murtala d, during insurgency. Memorial Lecture. Muhammed According to The event was restrained myself him, “I have organised by from blaming Murtala Muhammed the the previous Foundation government (MMF), a for the non-governmental emergence of Boko organisation, Haram, but the fact of the founded on matter is that ideals of the the Modu Ali late head of Sheriff, the states. Osinbajo, who allowed his ego former governor, to stand in the guest of honour,was the special of a dispute spoke to an between the army way L-R: Acting President audience, which and Olusegun Yemi had in attendance, followers of Mohammed diplomats, corporate Obasanjo (rtd.); Osinbajo; Chairman, Board Yusuf. “Ali Modu Sheriff and Vice Chairman, of Trustees, chieftains, leading politicians, mismanaged Muhammed Memorial Board of Trustees, Murtala Muhammed Lecture in Abuja...yest religious leaders, the crisis by ignoring the entrepreneurs, Murtala Mohammed Foundation and former situation, and he played erday philanthropists into the Nigerian president, Foundation, Mrs. other major stakeholders and insurgents.” Shettima hands of the Gen. Ajoke Muhammed in the that humanitarian , at Murtala former President,also alleged sector. “What we Goodluck Godwin Omoigui Jonathan, did not understand Nigeria where need is a new Boko the Haram crisis until are prepared men and women March 2013. The to enterprise first. put the national intenseBoko Haram crisis became echoed by the As it has been re- began in 2011 when Jonathan A top Organisation of the Petroleum earlier speakers, his term as president. Exporting is what Murtala Oil prices pared this Countries (OPEC) He said conspiracy member and after the release an earlier decline Reuters for,” the acting Muhammed lived as – theories oil producer, such Boko Haram of the report, trading president stated. calculation based Saudi above Arabia, Chief Olusegun $56 a barrel. on the countries by the northerners being sponsored its crudehas made a large cut Obasanjo, OPEC’s cut OPEC figures. in is supporting to destabilise the including Algeria, oil output in succeeded late The January to Muhammed in who government encumbered support prices expectations the market, but Agency International Energy Iraq, the United Arab EmiratesIran, and doubles office, from that the move as chairman taking proactive Jonathan helping boost and lessen a glut, (IEA) Venezuela and last week lead to a revival of the end to Board of Trustees will measures to compliance with the crisis. in U.S. shale drilling compliance at 90 per estimated than estimatedOPEC were higher group’s supply-redu the Murtala Muhammed(BoT) of the cent, calling by the secondary that a record. ction deal to having limited the rally. ”I think before sources. a record high Foundation, commended While of more than President Jonathan’s Saudi Arabia his 90 per OPEC Russia and 10 other nonOPEC his leadership predecessor for he didn’t fact-finding mission, cent. countries signed it made an even told OPEC that monitor uses two sets of data to qualities. understand The OPEC is output – figures bigger cut than Obasanjo, who the Boko curbing its output cut, OPEC in the report up to the estimated by Haram provided raised its reducing the secondary sources, by each country and 2017 non-OPEC to the setting was instrumental he said. crisis until March 2013,” by about 1.2 million barrels by secondary up the foundation, supply sources, January output day (bpd) from per 120,000 said: “When by more media. which include industry January bpd and now forecast by than 700,000 The governor the idea of keeping sees growth bpd said Boko Haram and 10 other non-OPEC 1 Russia of 240,000 he recent Murtala Muhammed bpd – lower than to 9.748 million disputes This is a legacy of old had inflicted bpd. rashdamages producers agreed of protests legacies was over real production conceived, we “The expected of about on$9both sidesto cut half as much. the OPEC deal. called for under billion governan did not know of the on the North-east, levels. With demand Supply from ce divide that are good support higher prices it will grow but how for OPEC The report said Firstititwould it has grown under crude oil in healthy. members with the 11 OPEC with take concerted andwas for underline production the good leadership 2017 marginal supply, producers all OPEC production targets d the increasin effort to under rebuild the region. members, including by to average 32.14 also expected awarenes of Mrs. Aisha particularly the deal fell g in United States Oyebode.” s of the people million bpd, exempted cutThe governor tight plays,” bpd last month, to 29.888 million OPEC the that they a right further implored the 890,000 Nigeria and Libya, fell by report indicates there will While delivering to express according to figures report said, using have Nigerians be zero bpd to 32.14 average surplus from no themselv the keynote to secondary another allow term address at the million be heard. themselves es and for shale. sources that OPEC if OPEC to be used bpd. output While Saudi Arabia to event with the Even uses formore steady. Last month’s keeps various them: Still, in January, positive told sectionalwas to monitor its output. OPEC President interests. report the reductions of a large drop in output, OPEC pointed to a 985,000-bpd published Vice the data Yemi Osinbajo figures provided by other in its monthly by the 11 OPEC members ’s response surplus. reportto In its report, are on the streets the Abuja protester yesterday. OPEC producers supply with OPEC targets to the s: “To those amounted to gave no protesting the 93 per picture.group gave a more mixed compliance figure. Reuters cent compliance who those who are economic situation saw an , according to earlier version a of the secondaryship, we hear not, but feel the pain of and Production levels economic hardyou”. reported by source figures last week that put compliance at As sound-b 92 per cent. ites go, that a season was

EDITORIAL Message from The Protests

OSINBAJO FG SECURES $1BN FROM SHELL TO DEVELOP NIGER DELTA n a few days “Tra n ng of 2 000 women from four oca government areas n greenhouse shr mp pou try farm ng for empowerment w commence soon “Env ronmenta remed at on s mportant throughout the ent re reg on ” Os nba o sa d He sa d that fears be ng expressed that these pro ects wou d be abandoned shou d not be enterta ned as they were not be ng hand ed a one by the federa

Discos Given 15 Days to Submit Accurate, Verifiable Records on MDA Debts The federal government yesterday gave seven of the 11 electricity distribution companies (Discos) which are yet to submit accurate records of the debts allegedly owed to them by its Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), 15 days to turn in their records for verification. Page 40

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Quick Takes

OVH Energ

OVH Energy y Graduates Mechanics tion of over Marketing recently celebrated the company’s 200 mechanics from the third editiongraduaOleum Academy completion of the of an intensive initiative following providing professio successfu three nal mechanic month course aimed l to become s with the at automobile necessary skills technicians. The training offers participa including in-class nts instruction diverse learning mediums diagnosis, on subjects electromotive comprising Inaugurated and worksho auto academy wasin Lagos with just 100 p management. mechanics, conceived investment the by Oleum OVH and skills developm energy as bridging the ent programm a corporate e targeted at auto-repair skills gap amongst mechanic industry. s in the Nigerian The initiative in 2016, with has since grown and was mechanics from launched nationwid onboard. Uyo, Abuja e and Ibadan Commenting coming Lubes, OVH on the purpose of the Energy goal with Oleum Marketing Ltd, training, the Head of L-R: Divisiona academy was Lilian Ikokwu said: blue-collar “Our Joshua Yakubu;l Head, Retail Bank, Fidelity to create a workforce well-qualified who demands, by Obaro Odeghe; Executive Director, SharedBank, Richard Madebo; providing the are able to meet local remain relevant industry tools Millions ‘ promo,and Head Lagos Office, Services/Products, Deputy Director, Head, in the dynamic and resources required Fidelity Bank, National Lottery Lagos in Lagos...recently auto maintena to Chijioke Ugochukw Office, Consumer Regulatory Commiss nce industry.” Sale of Petrob u; Regional Bank Protection Council, ion, Durugo Head, Fidelity ras A Brazilian Nwakuche, at federal court Unit Suspended Bank, the Fidelity billion sale Bank ‘Get alert at the weekend of in suspende gas pipeline state-controlled Petróleo SUNDAY ADIGUN Brasileiro SA’s d $5.2 Brookfield unit to a group of investors natural Asset Managem led by Canada’s In a documen ent Inc . t seen by Reuters, ruled the transactio the Sergipe Chineme Okafor state-base be halted because n, which was to in Abuja be closed within d court of discrepan proceeded weeks, ENERG Y cies in the The Vice President with way Petrobras Petrobras said the sale. the financial , Prof. Yemi Osinbajo has later on Friday viability of He about the court’s sector to encourag the Osinbajo that it had government said the federal presentclaimed that though decision been the explained would work e private popriate judicial governme informed investmen and that it that: “The strategies that would out troubled power nt took over a efficiency ts, improved energy federal government it would appeal. measures” regardingplanned to take “apof Nigeria Nigeria’s help of operation sector with lots (FGN) and the case, indicatin electricity The sale of for all,” said access to power plan’, ‘power sector recovery al challenge market were come out of g the Osinbajo s that seeks to identify its (Nova Transpornatural gas transport preventing The Vice President . tional challenge current opera- it ation its progress, implement sustainabl and tadora do would however stated that Petrobras’ s, especially a dedicated Sudeste), wassystem, called NTS e measures financial troubles 2015-2016 divestitu to resolve the the team the main item financial threatening measures to revive it. initiate up in his office has been set in the re program its growth. of power sector. shortfalls me. to study the “The sector Auto CEOs was exposed troubles of the power Osinbajo made Bank is currently The World Want Fuel Rules to severe sector and The chief executive appropriately assisting the challenge a recent two-day the pledge at respect Federal Reviewed s of 18 major units have power sector to market s with the governm advise him and together Government to conference automakers put liquidity, forex requirem this plan.” organised and their US decision by urged President Donald steps needed ent on remedial ents for National Assembly by the participa the “As in fuel efficiency Obama administrationTrump to revisit nts, Discos market The team, he this regards. ment, a responsible governin Abuja, that through a collection rules through to lock in and it is importan said, a In a letter vehicle 2025. t we pay which include set of measures, for commercial losses, funding able to create a web has been our electricity sent late transmission Friday and portal with chief executive bills. My power Recovery Plan’ a ‘Power Sector gas infrastructure, daily briefing on the viewed by debts owed operational team is responsible for Reuters, being developed Fiat Chrysler s of General Motors by the governm by Gencos, and data of the electricity collating data from Automobiles Co, Ford Motor the each distributi American executive market company ent with the vandalism of gas to engender NV, Co, World Bank, pipelines on transpare Let me assure s at Toyota along with the top on , Honda Motor was confidentthe government governm you that this. operators’ activities and ncy in FGN ministriedebts owed by Co, Hyundai Motor Corp, Volkswag North and others it would soon dealings and s, departme with the public. ent, from the en Motor Co , pull the electricity urged Trump nts agencies in get go, has been Nissan Motor AG thousands to reverse order for While Co from the woods. market out address working diligently of to strategies listing some of the to settle our debts and FGN On Jan. 13, jobs could be at risk. the decision, warning these develop the also the governm the prime end challenges with planned Agency finalizedhead of the U.S. Environm ent mechanissustainable payment goal of ensuring to adopt to ental Protectio ms for future efficiency rules a determination get the sector through n bills,” that the instituted by its troubles, should be locked then President landmark fuel in through Continued Barack part of his on page 22 administration’s 2025, a bid to maintainObama As part of a key a 2012 regulatio climate legacy. 2018 whether n, EPA had emission rules to modify the 2022-2025 to decide by April model year than 50 miles requiring average fleet-wide vehicle Ejiofor Alike per gallon efficiency of agency in Novembe through more r moved up a “midterm review.” automakers ENERG Y The the timetable Oil and gas could meet The auto CEO the 2025 standard for proposing He noted default in the companies that 28 that the plans to s. deduction review “without letter asked Trump remittance and of the conduct a forensic audit provided a window forum NCDF Advisory to of one per “personal focus prejudging the outcome”reopen the midterm for all efficient covered entities Committee cent of recoverindustry to track the value for to understan and governance of contracts United States on steps to strengthe and praised Trump’s d and of the fund executed in they NCDF due payments on the the channels for paying n the economy and your commitm the held by some the one trust creating confidence percent NCDF in the of the oil and upstream sector ent to jobs companie and of industry to The NCDF in our sector.” was establishe s. before the audit, the Board henceforth, gas industry will, by “The Board stakeholders. adding Section 104 T H I S D AY opened up of the Nigeriand there were no exemptio that the Fund from participabe disqualified Oil • TUESDA Y, FEBRUA & Gas Industry ting in tenders for players in the ns for from for new contracts, RY 14, 2017 Content upstream sector. 2013, based utilisation the Nigerian Development (NOGICD He charged Content Developm proved operating on the apof 2010 and companies ) ent and provides that Act make the remittanc to segmente model Monitoring per cent of one NCDF Board (NCDMB d 70 per cent that e has announce TSAA accountto the Fund to financing of the ) upstream every contract in the “If the governm d. the Central sector of the with ent does Speaking in Bank of Nigeria interventions and Commercial Nigeria (CBN) Oil and Gas not Lagos resolve at 30 per cent a recent deducted industry shall stakeholders’ stressing that the for Developm be NCDMB forum on interest and issue of Nigerian Content the into the at source and paid does not operate an account and activities ental initiatives carried Fund. any commerc in Board result is that forex, the Fund (NCDF) Development ial bank. on behalf of out by the Wabote stated if remittanc markete Wabote the industry. es, the companie Executive Secretary rs Under go down, the that explained that s were defaultinsome NCDMB focused the tions, Commercial intervenMr. Simbi Wabote of NCDMB, their go down” banks will the Fund was the early g in in collection deduction also unveiled leveraged s, putting in years to provide 30 on contracts and remittance the per place operating model cent Partial they executed . for utilisa- Guarantee to commerci Chief Executiv tion of the fund, al banks e establishing the Oil and Compan Officer of Mainland

FIDELITY GET ALERT IN MILL IONS

PROMO

Osinbajo: FG Will Rescue Power Sector

PROPERTY Imperial International Business City to

Nigerian Con Defaulting Content Fund: FG to Disqualify tractors

Cost about $300m The first earthworks have started at the evolving Imperal Internationl Business City on the shorelines of the Lagos Lagoon and the city's development will last for five years. Dredging and shoreline protection works have started at the prime city that is being built on 200 hectares of land. Page 28

PROPERTY & ENVIRONM ENT

Imperial Int ernational Bu siness

The promoters Lagoon, are of Imperial City, a new work and live-in certain that inves as sustainable and green, is tors will reap a 100 per centcommunity, evolving on being built at the shores of returns on their he first earthworks a cost the Lago Continue y Limited, investment. d onof pageabout sold at N75,000 Mr. have started 22 Chris Igwe $300 at the metres, The city, conce s per million. Benn evolving Imperial Akioye said. square ived ett Oghifo repor “Right now, International Busi- But we do not have any left. ness City on in March ts and April the may shorelines we open

City to Cost about $300m

some Lagos Lagoon of the The residential areas.” development and the city’s medium zone has low, will last for and high years. Dredging five and all facilities density areas and shoreline protection are planned with an eye works have started Akioye at the prime for the future, built on 200 city that is being infrastrucsaid. “The kind hectares of of ture we are land. there The city’s development will last for putting being promoted is years; underground 40 to 50 through a joint venture arrangem drainage, waterways. ent between The HRM, Oba best technolog will use the Saheed Ademola Elegushi city flood-free. y to make the and Channeld Resources We rill are actually dredging at Ltd. 2 metres to At the end metres 2.5 of the day, cost of developin the are not above sea level. So, we g the city will going to have come close flooding problem. to $300 million, We are going said the Managing to have shoreline protection Director Channeldrill . The roads Resources Ltd, of are going to be Femi Akioye, built to suitable Mr. for sport at the cars. presentation of the as the first It is conceived city media in Victoria project to the eco-friend self-sustaining ly smart recently. Imperial Island, Lagos, city business that will be Internation Director, Business City al He said thebuilt in Africa.” ManagingMarine Projects, Royal neighbourhoodis situated in the are Haskoning reason they Director of DHV, Mr. Ronald building water Channeldri of Lekki Phase I. There are ll Resources Stive; Associate ways was Chief Executive Officer, because three Ltd, Mr. Femi Kedari Capital Director, Marine of DEME Group, to IIBC presently; access roads Lagoon “the city is on Akioye; representa Limited, Mrs. Dept, Royal Mr. Stefaan the tive of the Ife Fashola; Van Velthoven, through Lekki Freedom road smart and we are building Elegushi Royal Haskoning DHV, Mr. Geert and General at the presentati Phase 1 (Lekki and for the family, Mr. Third Roundabo on of the project Manager, Dredging Internation future. Wa- ment officially began Benson Evboren;Hendriks; terway transporta in August ut); Kunsenla to the media last year and Group al Services Road by 4th tion is in Victoria that the promoters gives us an opportunit to open up Island, Lagos… Nigeria Limited, part Lagos State going are hinging Lekki Epe highRoundabout of are y to build for the future. recently and the success optics cable; To do Saheed Ademola way; and Oba the working very closely we the project on cloud enabled the position of have to build smart, this, you Commun with government Elegushi Road by spare supermar of to build ication Netherlan you on this such Lagos as the commercia that within green to keep have smart city/house network and engineerin ds; Infrastruc l hub of healthy,” Nigeria and ket before the city you Jakande. Another ture people for West Africa can take infrastructure your boat g consultant he said. access road willing subscriber and on s – Mott be constructe Macdonaldto and join through the waterway the increasing investmen There d will be through United Kingdom; s; Mini the the Lekki-Epe ts on security would be central marina and water Femi Okunu going to have Lagoon. We are axis of the state. park; Mini and Master and town in the city Gulf by Jakande course; The sewage roundabout Gensler associates Plannerand a big Elegushi Royal Perimeter shopping mall, treatment and managem in family, 6-Star he – United and the first First Smart Shopping Fencing; Kingdom The city is the future. will be centralent plant.” There thesaid have “permission . split into zones. Mall in from would hotel in Africa, which Africa; cloud-enab The low density Lagos State supply of At for cooking be built by spy-eyed security led 24 hours were, the presentation last residential area and this wouldgas to extend their Government investors. has different week foreign piped plot Kingdom be the Lagoon a central security connected to gushi a representative of the The city will 800sqms and sizes: 650sqms, Also, to individual homes. to roads Elehave Royal family, center; Private waterfront 1000sqms electricity by 200 way; with walk and bicycle Data center; and Mr. Benson commercial Evboren; the in the city hectares. world waterways and mix-use ; but would be gas-powe “We have have larger and lakes hospital & recovery class Ronald Stive, contractors, Mr. started building within the city; plot sizes. Thezones would be complemered and but within Director, resort Projects, undergrou density residentia it is going low solar-pow nted by nd Zone. a dedicated Healthcar Royal HaskoningMarine to take until drainage; sewage l plots were 2031. The advantage ered e The project treatment DHV; water and Consultants Mr. Geert Hendriks, He said the electricity. that we water treatment; and contractor Associate city’s develop- have is that we Director, Marine plant; independ s are: Dredging are Company building Dept, Royal city from the ent gas Haskoning a electricity - Dredging scratch and DHV; Internaand cooking fired tional Limitedthis piped Executive Officer, Group Chief to every house; gas engineer and Belgium; Marine Limited, Mrs. Kedari Capital reclamatio fibre sultantsRoyal Haskoningn con- Mr. Stefaan Ife Fashola; and Van Velthoven DHV- DEME. of

1004Residents Brown Wate RemoveCommittee for r, Declining InfrastructureServing Fine and Coun Network 2017 try to Hold Real Estat e Leaders’

Bennett Oghifo

had over-staye Most home which expiredd their tenure, January owners and residents of 1004 Estate on January 2016 30, management returning the Lagos have in Victoria Island, was this year. The committe Every year of the Estate also indicted e to concern at expressed grave increase for arbitrary 1004 estates ltd., the of events brings its share session the disobediand its peculiar ence is Economic in the state gradual decline without in electricity challenges tariff order by HORA of the Court and Real Estate Outlook which might there, since of infrastructure transparenconsultation; lack culminated the unprepare 2017. Industry types, emerging choice take some residents cy and accountabi of electricity supply in the Estate’s d by surprise. leaders, high net-worth locations, forcefully stopped financing strategy Experts predicted being poorly viduals, investors, indifor developers the facilities very bad water supply; lity; managed by manager, 1004 Nigeria’s 2016 recession IG4 Power provision of developers and preferred payment and ited. and its impact and industry experts unbefitting administering Estate Ltd., from dren’s The vast Majority Limplans. The breakfast on the succeedin chilwill discussing the playground of the session is Some residentsit. in the estate. residents agreed that economy withbe designed for developers The past year g year. The concerned view said for about the estate was better six months , invesNigeria’s most was, arguably, for to providing a road-mapa tors, high net-worth residents also called 1004 Estate managed under optimising individuals, the removal members of now, after some power recent times. challenging in estate Ltd, before strategic real private wealth managers, of a were the House opportunities It, therefore, ers and Residents forcefully prevented they Own- Power supply company, management asset behoves the IG4 managing in 2017. top executives Limited, which Key Associatio financially (HORA) set real estate and to deliberate the facilities. from savvy Review discussion will allegedly investors’ up a managem n belongs to a be; ly prepare One of the frontline committee to and overview resident of Fine and Country trust. economic for manage facilitiesent estate, for what the Engineer economy from of the residents, trends that West Africa the estate, the they called Tony Ogunkoya in exorbitan largely impact 2016 to date; started operations will demanded t charges in Nigeria various sectors Pricing review and in the estate quality of service per in general accountability , who of N100 projections; in 2008, and has since has kilowatt. and Strategic and, the real processes in in Recently, house declined. sector in particular estate opportun the estate, said all residents also The concerned was investment the pacesetting leaderbecome owners he residents of disappointed premium real called in the ities . The real and solution estate sector the estate, at the turn times. Professor in challenging with estate market, of the Estatefor dis- of events, particularl tagged themselve who of significance is of paramount Keynote a plethora Pat. Utomi, Board managem Trustees (BOT), y with the s ‘Concerne of awards the as Residents of to ent committe the safest store it is, perhaps, expert Speaker, will proffer its credit. The organisatio and on 1004’, removed d the members that e, and of insight this executive members of partnered wealth. the board the immediate led to the dissolutio on the economy In light of with banks n has and ly vacate office. to of that committe of House like ZeOwners and n nith, Access, Country West this, Fine and estatehow it impacts the The Residents Asso- residents have inaugurat real to deliver First and Diamond, Africa, a global According to e. sector. ciation (HORA), real estate brand, eight-man caretaker Ogunkoya, ed an question on mandates Okonjo, CEO Whilst Mrs. Udo a committe “The specialising charged with . With Fine is committee e providing that of accounta vision which would and Country in West Africa , ability. premium real be in office of the facilitiesthe maintenance days.Prior They and host speaker, class real estateto be a worldservice through estate firm and to the appointmefor 60 we had to told us lies and exceptional will be offering an operator’s market leader The committeein the estate. marketing and a remove nt of have perspective , they said was HORA and 1G4 Power removed because inaugurated them. We international in each of the on strategic in the upper professionalism estate Limited, the destinations real which quartile of opportunities state of infrastruc of the poor by facility was being managed committee, which a caretaker in market, is holding it operates, the in 2017. 1004 Estate will be in Fine and by providing ture in office for 60 estate and unsurpass Limited. its Annual Real Estate Leadership days. In that besides, the But sentation willCountry’s pre- novative ed quality service, they court following a Lagos High days from now, we about 60 Network inbreakfast Gold focus on products and real estate injunction will session at unique delivered in elections to put in place hold overview for the investment opportuni Radisson Blu the year, another the management a diagnosis ties, on the 22ndAnchorage Hotel, opportunit committee.” of market and Country West Africa Fine a unique blend ies, strategic offers 2017. The theme of February, of profiling of intelligent purchasers, of the breakfast and pricing point creative marketing metrics, market-dr to iven product properties on a local, market regional, National and International level.

INTERNATIONAL Pakistan: Deadly Bomb Blast Rips through Lahore Rally Apowerful bomb blast on Monday ripped through a protest in the Pakistani city of Lahore, killing at least 11 people and wounding dozens, according to officials. The explosion went off in Lahore’s busy Mall Road during a rally attended by hundreds of pharmacists protesting against a new government law outside the provincial assembly building. Page 38

SPORTS Cameroon Targets P CameroonTargets Picking ck ng Four Po Points nts off Eagles Reigning African Champions, the Indomitable Lions of Cameroon are hoping they can pick at least four points off Nigeria’s Super Eagles when both teams clash in crunch 2018World Cup qualifiers starting 2018Wor dCupqua f ersstart ng inn August. Page 47

INTERNATIO

Pakistan: Deadl NAL y Bomb Blast Rip Lahore Rally s through

TUESDAY FEBRUAR Y 14, 2017 • T

email:foreigndesk@

A powerful bomb ripped through blast on Monday responsibility Pakistani city a protest in the also woundedfor the attack, which powerful explosive of at least 30 at least 11 people Lahore, killing including device,” Al media personnel people, Jazeera’s Kamal struggle against dozens, according and wounding the protest. Hyder, covering from its to the blast site in reporting for the soul of grasp and a fight The explosion officials. Lahore, said. Pakistan,” he Witnesses told Several said went off in in a statement. Lahore’s busy the blast occurred Al Jazeera that scene afterambulances arrived at the Mall “We have the blast, near the a rally attended Road during assembly building when Punjab forces cordoned off while security against the fought this fight by hundreds pharmacists protesting of bomber the area on Mall terrorists among on a motorcycle a suicide Road, one of Lahore’s us, and will against a new government rammed “The road has main arteries. it until we continue to fight law outside the into a police vehicle. Two provincial assembly liberate our people senior off; been sealed police officials were right of this cancer Jamaat-ul-Ahrar, building. and avenge those in the explosion. reportedly killed evacuating now ambulances are who the wounded, Taliban-linked armed a Pakistani and also for have laid down their lives “The explosion the police group, claimed us.” several kilometres. was heard for gathered and security forces have at large numbers Lahore, in eastern It was a very around was Pakistan, the assembly buidling,” the site of an Easter Hyder said. Nawaz Sharif, Pakistan’s prime bombing that killed more Day minister, condemned than the attack and people in a public park last 70 vowed to step year. Jamaat-ul-Ahrar up the fight against armed groups claimed responsibility in the country. The Syrian government for that attack, “Terrorism isn’t well as for as signalled on Monday that it Our story has beena novelty for us. in Quetta a bombing at a hospital was to prisoner swaps ready to agree that killed one of constant with rebel groups, August last year. 74 people in a confidence-building measure that might help both attend peace talks.sides prepare to The government ready” for such is “continuously an exchange with rebel groups, “particularly in framework of the efforts being made for the coming meeting in Astana”, a news flash on the state-run Ikhbariya TV Al station said, citing an official source. Al Jazeera’s Andrew Simmons, reporting from the Gaziantep along Turkish city of the Syrian border, said it was “difficult to know how significant this is because there have been prisoner swaps Russia, Turkey in the past”. created a trilateraland Iran - who enforce the fragile mechanism to last month in ceasefire in Syria Astana - are set meet again in to the later this week. Kazakh capital The Kazakh foreign over the weekend ministry said government and that the Syrian had been invitedrebel delegations to attend the meetings, set for February 15-16. The meetings originally aimed in Astana were the truce in Syria, at consolidating in the fighting a nationwide halt established late December that in has steadily fallen apart over the past The Astana talks month. to pave the way were also meant towards peace negotiations Geneva, tentatively set to begin on February 20. “Originally, the was going to be thought was this get the ceasefire a final attempt to up in advance really tightened of but now there the Geneva talks, are it could be more suggestions that than that ... that there is some sort on the table that of peace deal for Geneva ... might have legs [it’s] said Simmons. not clear yet,” The Syrian government has conducted prisoner exchanges in the past with rebel groups a wide range of under the auspices of the Syrian Red the Internation Crescent and al Committee of the Red Cross.

Canada’s Trudea u Arrives in Washington to Meet with Trump

TUESDAYSPO RTS

This month, in a rare move, the Syrian governmen t and rebel groups dozens of female swapped prisoners and hostages, some of them with their children, in Hama province in northwester n Syria. Syria’s main body approved, opposition a new delegation on Sunday, to take part in Geneva talks later this month, which includes blocs that haveRussian-backed of the armed been critical insurrectio against Syrian President Basharn al-Assad.

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