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ASUU, FG Meeti<strong>ng</strong> Ends In Deadlock<br />
INNOCENT OWEH<br />
ABUJA<br />
The crucial meeti<strong>ng</strong> between the<br />
Read it online. Exactly as it<br />
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INDEPENDENT e-Paper.<br />
/<stro<strong>ng</strong>>Independent</stro<strong>ng</strong>><strong>ng</strong>r @independent<strong>ng</strong>r www.independent.<strong>ng</strong> • N200<br />
INDEPENDENT<br />
VOL. 15 NO. 542 WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 16, 2017<br />
THE MOST READ NEWSPAPER AMONG THE POLITICAL AND BUSINESS ELITE<br />
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Commission Promotes<br />
6000 Police Officers<br />
INFLATION<br />
FMDQ – NIBOR<br />
CONTINUES ON .A5 •<br />
27 Killed, 83<br />
Injured In Boko<br />
Haram Suicide<br />
Attack In<br />
Maiduguri .A5<br />
lSuspends Special Promotion Over Bribery Allegation<br />
EFCC Begins<br />
Probe Of<br />
Failed Federal<br />
Road Projects<br />
In South-East<br />
The Economic and Financial<br />
Crimes Commission (EFCC)<br />
says it has initiated investigations<br />
into failed federal road<br />
contracts in the South-East.<br />
The commission has invited<br />
all contractors awarded<br />
various road contracts by the<br />
Federal Government for ques-<br />
CONTINUES ON .A4 •<br />
leadership of the Academic Staff<br />
Union of Universities (ASUU) and<br />
the Minister of Labour and Employment,<br />
Chris Ngige, on Tuesday ended<br />
with no concrete resolution reached.<br />
The meeti<strong>ng</strong> which had executive<br />
members of ASUU and labour officials<br />
held at the Minister’s Conference<br />
Room, Ministry of Labour and<br />
Employment, Federal Secretariat,<br />
Abuja.<br />
The meeti<strong>ng</strong> will, however, continue<br />
on Thursday, August 17, 2017<br />
.A4<br />
Anti-Buhari<br />
Protest: Charly<br />
Boy, Others<br />
Escape Death At<br />
Wuse Market<br />
NICHOLAS UWERUNONYE<br />
JIDE OYEKUNLE<br />
ABUJA<br />
An alleged group of traders on<br />
Tuesday attacked a group of<br />
protesters led by Charles Oputa,<br />
popularly known as Charly<br />
Boy, at the popular Wuse Market<br />
in Abuja. Some traders said<br />
members of the group actually<br />
escaped death.<br />
A trader in the market said<br />
CONTINUES ON .A5 •<br />
Some youths on rampage duri<strong>ng</strong> attack on Charly Boy and members of #ResumeorResign group at Wuse Market in Abuja on Tuesday.<br />
PHOTO: JIDE OYEKUNLE<br />
Govt Officials Attempted To<br />
Undermine Osinbajo – Presidency<br />
TEMIDAYO AKINSUYI<br />
LAGOS<br />
The presidency on Tuesday<br />
revealed that some senior government<br />
officials attempted to<br />
undermine the authority of<br />
Acti<strong>ng</strong> President Yemi Osinbajo<br />
by taki<strong>ng</strong> memos and documents<br />
to President Muhammadu<br />
Buhari who is currently on<br />
medical vacation in the United<br />
Ki<strong>ng</strong>dom (UK).<br />
Maki<strong>ng</strong> the revelation in an<br />
interview he granted Channels<br />
Television on Sunrise Daily,<br />
Garba Shehu, Senior Special<br />
Assistant to the President on<br />
Media and Publicity, however,<br />
said the president refused<br />
audience with the senior government<br />
officials and referred<br />
them to Osinbajo in Nigeria.<br />
Shehu, was reacti<strong>ng</strong> to an<br />
allegation by a human rights<br />
lawyer, Ebun-Olu Adegboruwa,<br />
who said Nigerians are<br />
bei<strong>ng</strong> ruled from another country<br />
as sensitive materials are<br />
CONTINUES ON .A4 •
A2<br />
Business<br />
Town Planni<strong>ng</strong> Officers,<br />
Quacks Subvert Nigerian<br />
Architects – Ladega<br />
/<stro<strong>ng</strong>>Independent</stro<strong>ng</strong>><strong>ng</strong>r @independent<strong>ng</strong>r www.independent.<strong>ng</strong><br />
News<br />
INDEPENDENT WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 16, 2017<br />
Whistle-Blower Policy: FG Receives<br />
5,000 Tips On Looted Funds<br />
I would say yes. You will actually be<br />
shocked and surprised to hear certain<br />
stories. There is a buildi<strong>ng</strong> in Cairo<br />
in a metropolis called Heliopolis. The<br />
buildi<strong>ng</strong> there is the headquarters of<br />
the African Export Import Bank.<br />
.C4<br />
Politics<br />
Constitution Doesn’t<br />
Require Buhari To Disclose<br />
Health Status – Shehu<br />
This is a democracy and we respect the<br />
rights of citizens to protest. Yes, it’s not a<br />
bad thi<strong>ng</strong> that about a dozen or so people<br />
co<strong>ng</strong>regati<strong>ng</strong> there to raise placards to ask<br />
those questions they are aski<strong>ng</strong>.<br />
.D1<br />
Sport<br />
D’Tigress Leave For Mali<br />
Wednesday<br />
D’Tigress will on Wednesday leave for<br />
Bamako for the 2017 Afrobasket tournament<br />
aboard an Air Cote d’Ivoire flight<br />
at 9:45am.<br />
The delegation which will be led by the<br />
Vice President of the Nigeria Basketball<br />
Federation, Babatunde Oguande will<br />
include 12 players, three technical crew<br />
members led by Sam Vincent and four<br />
other backroom staff.<br />
Newsmakers'<br />
.A14<br />
“The truth is that there is nothi<strong>ng</strong><br />
in the Electricity Power Sector<br />
Reforms Act that stops any state<br />
from doi<strong>ng</strong> so, so the only thi<strong>ng</strong> they<br />
must do is to get NERC’s permit<br />
and licenses dependi<strong>ng</strong> on whatever<br />
categorization of investment they<br />
want to do whether it is distribution<br />
or generation. I will support any<br />
state that wants to get involved in<br />
generati<strong>ng</strong> and also distributi<strong>ng</strong><br />
power under its own arra<strong>ng</strong>ement.”<br />
- Babatunde Fashola,<br />
Minister of Power, Works and<br />
Housi<strong>ng</strong>.<br />
Mrs. Kemi<br />
Adeosun, Minister<br />
of Finance,<br />
on Tuesday said<br />
that the Federal Government<br />
has received a total<br />
of 5,000 tips from Nigerians<br />
through the Whistle-Blower<br />
Policy.<br />
She said this in Abuja<br />
duri<strong>ng</strong> a presentation on<br />
“The Whistle-Blower Policy<br />
and its implication for<br />
public servants” which was<br />
delivered at a seminar organised<br />
by the Bureau of<br />
Public Service Reforms.<br />
The Whistleblower Policy<br />
which was launched in<br />
December 2016, is aimed at<br />
addressi<strong>ng</strong> the issues of corruption<br />
in the management<br />
of government resources.<br />
The finance minister<br />
explained that out of the<br />
5,000 reports received<br />
from Nigerians, about 365<br />
of them were actionable,<br />
addi<strong>ng</strong> that this has resulted<br />
in the recovery of huge<br />
sums of money for the government.<br />
Adeosun who did not provide<br />
details of the amount<br />
recovered when asked to do<br />
so noted that out of the 365<br />
actionable tips received by<br />
the government under the<br />
policy, over half of them<br />
came from public servants.<br />
As of June this year, the<br />
ministry had said that the<br />
sum of N11.63 billion had<br />
been recovered under the<br />
whistle blower policy with<br />
about N375.8 million paid to<br />
20 providers of information<br />
under the policy.<br />
She explained that the<br />
actionable tips dwelt on corrupt<br />
practices issues such<br />
as contract inflation, ghost<br />
workers, illegal recruitments,<br />
misappropriation<br />
of funds, illegal sale of government<br />
assets, diversion<br />
of revenues, and violation<br />
of Treasury Si<strong>ng</strong>le Account<br />
regulations, amo<strong>ng</strong>st others.<br />
She said duri<strong>ng</strong> the review<br />
of the information received,<br />
it was observed that<br />
certain types of tips keep<br />
recurri<strong>ng</strong>.<br />
For instance, Adeosun<br />
noted that 144 or 39 percent<br />
FG To Auction N135bn Bonds August 23 – DMO<br />
The Federal Government<br />
has offered for subscription<br />
by auction, N135 billion<br />
bonds in its August 23 auction,<br />
accordi<strong>ng</strong> to the Debt<br />
Management Office (DMO).<br />
The offeri<strong>ng</strong> circular<br />
out of the 365 actionable tips<br />
relate to misappropriation<br />
and diversion of fund; 60<br />
complaints representi<strong>ng</strong> 16<br />
per cent relate to ghost workers,<br />
illegal recruitments<br />
and embezzlement of funds<br />
meant for personnel emolument,<br />
56 tips or 15 per cent<br />
relate to a violation of the<br />
TSA regulations.<br />
She added that 49 actionable<br />
tips or 13 per cent relate<br />
to contract inflation/violation<br />
of the procurement<br />
act and failure to carry out<br />
projects for which funds<br />
have been released, while 34<br />
tips or nine per cent relate to<br />
non-remittance of pension<br />
and National Health Insurance<br />
Scheme deductions.<br />
CBN Injects $364m Into Inter-Bank Forex Market<br />
The Central Bank of Nigeria<br />
(CBN) has intervened<br />
in the inter-bank market<br />
to the tune of $364 million<br />
to sustain liquidity in the<br />
foreign excha<strong>ng</strong>e (forex)<br />
market.<br />
Isaac Okorafor, Acti<strong>ng</strong><br />
Director of Corporate<br />
Communications Department,<br />
CBN, said this in a<br />
statement on Tuesday in<br />
Abuja.<br />
Okorafor said the Retail<br />
Secondary Market Intervention<br />
Sales (SMIS)<br />
received the largest allocation<br />
of about $264.1 million.<br />
He said the CBN also offered<br />
$100 million to authorised<br />
dealers in the wholesale<br />
window.<br />
“The CBN also received<br />
requests from authorised<br />
forex dealers on behalf of<br />
their customers, for which<br />
results will be released.<br />
“The bank remains<br />
committed to achievi<strong>ng</strong> a<br />
Reps Probe FHA Over N3.7m Suspicious Expenditure<br />
AHMED MUSA<br />
ABUJA<br />
The House of Representatives<br />
Committee on Public<br />
Accounts on Tuesday set up<br />
a six-man sub-committee to<br />
probe the Federal Housi<strong>ng</strong><br />
Authority over a suspicious<br />
expenditure runni<strong>ng</strong> into N3.<br />
7million.<br />
This followed a query<br />
raised by the Office of the<br />
Auditor-General of the Federation<br />
for the year ended 2010.<br />
Taski<strong>ng</strong> the sub-committee,<br />
Ki<strong>ng</strong>sley Chinda (PDP, Rivers),<br />
who chairs the Public Accounts<br />
Committee of the House, urged<br />
the members to examine the 37<br />
queries relati<strong>ng</strong> to deficit operati<strong>ng</strong><br />
surplus.<br />
INDEPENDENT recall<br />
that the queries were stepped<br />
down earlier due to the inability<br />
of the agency to avail the<br />
panel with a copy of its 2009<br />
budget and audited accounts<br />
for 2009.<br />
Agric Loan Not National Cake, NGO Tells Farmers<br />
PATIENCE OGBO-<br />
DO-IWUAGWU<br />
BAUCHI<br />
Fahimta Women and Youth<br />
Development Initiative<br />
(FAWOYDI), a Non-Governmental<br />
Organisation<br />
(NGO), has attributed<br />
non-repayment of loan obtained<br />
by farmers as a factor<br />
hinderi<strong>ng</strong> development<br />
of agriculture in Nigeria.<br />
Tosin Suberu, the Programme<br />
Officer of FAWOY-<br />
DI, stated this while presenti<strong>ng</strong><br />
a paper Tuesday<br />
on “Smallholder Farmers<br />
Accountability to Agriculture<br />
Financi<strong>ng</strong> in Nigeria”<br />
organised by Fahimta in<br />
collaboration with Actionaid<br />
Nigeria in Bauchi.<br />
He frowned at the way<br />
some farmers refer to agricultural<br />
loan as a national<br />
cake which to them is not<br />
supposed to pay back, sayi<strong>ng</strong>,<br />
“This attitude is killi<strong>ng</strong><br />
obtained from the DMO’s<br />
website on Tuesday in Abuja<br />
indicated that it would<br />
sell N35 billion of a bond, to<br />
mature in July, 2021, at 14.50<br />
percent.<br />
It would also sell N50 billion<br />
at 16.28 per cent to mature<br />
in March 2027, while<br />
another N50 billion of paper<br />
would be sold at 16.24 per<br />
cent, to mature in April 2037.<br />
All the bonds on offer are<br />
reopeni<strong>ng</strong> of previous issues,<br />
the circular said.<br />
Nigeria issues sovereign<br />
bonds monthly to support<br />
the local bond market.<br />
It also created a benchmark<br />
for corporate issuance<br />
to fund its budget deficit.<br />
convergence of rates at the<br />
inter-bank and Bureau-de-<br />
Cha<strong>ng</strong>e segments of the<br />
market,” he said.<br />
The apex bank had recently<br />
intervened in the<br />
wholesale, Small and Medium<br />
Enterprises (SMEs)<br />
and invisible windows to<br />
the tune of $195 million.<br />
Other documents demanded<br />
include the authority’s<br />
cash books for income and<br />
expenditure.<br />
Chinda, therefore, urged<br />
the FHA to avail the sub-committee<br />
with the documents<br />
and ensure maximum cooperation<br />
in order to carry out<br />
the assignment efficiently.<br />
agriculture development in<br />
the country.”<br />
Suberu said, “Non repayment<br />
of agricultural<br />
loan by farmers has affected<br />
Agric bank in the country<br />
because most farmers<br />
are seei<strong>ng</strong> such loan as national<br />
cake and do not pay<br />
back.”<br />
Delta Steel Contractors Appeal To AMCON Over N8bn Debt<br />
JUSTICE IYASERE<br />
Contractors who did business<br />
with the previous investors<br />
in Delta Steel Company<br />
(DSC), Ovwian-Aladja, Delta<br />
State, now Premium Steel<br />
and Mines Limited, have appealed<br />
to the Assets Management<br />
Company of Nigeria<br />
(AMCON) to defray the more<br />
than N8 billion indebtedness<br />
to save them from further<br />
hardship and pains.<br />
Pat Natie, Secretary of<br />
Udu Contractors Association<br />
and Prince Joshua Efe,<br />
Chairman of Debt Recovery<br />
Committee, in a letter to<br />
AMCON, said they had earlier<br />
complied with a directive<br />
to submit all proofs of<br />
claims against the company,<br />
which were dully verified,<br />
lamenti<strong>ng</strong> that till date, the<br />
contractors had not been paid<br />
as against an earlier promise<br />
to that effect.
INDEPENDENT WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 16, 2017 /<stro<strong>ng</strong>>Independent</stro<strong>ng</strong>><strong>ng</strong>r @independent<strong>ng</strong>r www.independent.<strong>ng</strong> A3<br />
Obiano Re-Nominated APGA Flag-<br />
Bearer For Nov 18 Guber Poll<br />
CHUKWUJEKWU ILOZUE<br />
AWKA<br />
Governor of Anambra<br />
State, Chief Willie Obiano,<br />
was on Monday re-nominated<br />
flag-bearer of the<br />
All Progressives Grand<br />
Alliance (APGA) in the<br />
November 18 governorship<br />
election in Anambra<br />
State.<br />
Obiano was sole candidate<br />
of the party in the<br />
party primary held at the<br />
Dora Akunyili Women Development<br />
Centre, Awka.<br />
A total of 1,092 delegates<br />
voted in the primary election<br />
from whom Obiano<br />
got 1,070 ‘yes’ votes. Eleven<br />
voters said ‘No’ while another<br />
11 votes were invalid,<br />
accordi<strong>ng</strong> to the chairman<br />
of the eight man election<br />
panel who issued Obiano<br />
certificate of return.<br />
GBENGA FATUROTI<br />
OSOGBO<br />
Sharon Ikeazor, Executive<br />
Secretary of Pension<br />
Transitional Arra<strong>ng</strong>ement<br />
Directorate<br />
(PTDA), has disclosed<br />
that the agency has removed<br />
no fewer than<br />
15,200 ghost retirees from<br />
the Federal Government<br />
payroll in 2016.<br />
Speaki<strong>ng</strong> at the o<strong>ng</strong>oi<strong>ng</strong><br />
biometric verification<br />
of pensioners who<br />
retired from the federal<br />
civil service carried out<br />
in Osogbo, capital of<br />
Osun State, under the<br />
Defined Benefit Scheme<br />
(BS) in the South West<br />
zone, Ikeazor disclosed<br />
that the agency removed<br />
no fewer than 15,200<br />
ghost retirees from the<br />
Federal Government payroll<br />
in 2016.<br />
She affirmed that<br />
the o<strong>ng</strong>oi<strong>ng</strong> biometric<br />
verification of pensioners,<br />
who retired from<br />
the federal civil service<br />
The South West Zonal<br />
Executive Committee of<br />
the People’s Democratic<br />
Party (PDP) has filed a<br />
suit before a Federal High<br />
Court, Abuja, seeki<strong>ng</strong> an<br />
order for the nullification<br />
of the 75th National Executive<br />
Committee (NEC)<br />
meeti<strong>ng</strong> of the PDP and<br />
the ratification or adoption<br />
at the special non-elective<br />
national convention of the<br />
party held last Saturday.<br />
The zonal executive,<br />
amo<strong>ng</strong> other demands,<br />
also prayed the court to<br />
In his acceptance<br />
speech, Obiano promised<br />
to continue to spread prosperity<br />
in the state, addi<strong>ng</strong><br />
that after eight years in office,<br />
other states will come<br />
to Anambra to learn how<br />
to turn their states into a<br />
world class state.<br />
He stressed that in his<br />
second term, he will concentrate<br />
on people as well<br />
as faith based organizations.<br />
In his own speech, former<br />
national chairman of<br />
APGA and director-General<br />
of Obiano Campaign<br />
Organization, Chief Victor<br />
Umeh, said APGA remains<br />
the party to beat.<br />
He pleaded with opponents<br />
of his party in the<br />
election to play accordi<strong>ng</strong><br />
to the rules, sayi<strong>ng</strong> that<br />
for anyone to be elected,<br />
he must count on the people’s<br />
votes.<br />
PTDA Uncovers 15,200 Ghost<br />
Pensioners In Civil Service<br />
would provide accurate<br />
database and eliminate<br />
ghost retirees, who may<br />
want to benefit from the<br />
payment of pension allowance.<br />
Ikeazor, who said the<br />
exercise was designed to<br />
provide fool proof data<br />
for all federal pensioners<br />
in the South West said after<br />
verification processes,<br />
that terminates at the<br />
quality assurance stage,<br />
PTDA, which is a Federal<br />
Government agency<br />
would commence the<br />
payment to the retirees<br />
after three months.<br />
Speaki<strong>ng</strong> duri<strong>ng</strong> an<br />
interview at the sideline<br />
of the verification<br />
exercise, she maintained<br />
that “the verification<br />
of pensioners<br />
throughout the country<br />
started in 2015 at Southeast<br />
and the Northwest.<br />
The next phase we have<br />
in 2016 was the Northeast<br />
and after that, we<br />
moved to the South<br />
South. Now, we are in<br />
the Sout West”.<br />
grant an order nullifyi<strong>ng</strong><br />
the ratification by and/or<br />
affirmative resolution of<br />
the convention approvi<strong>ng</strong><br />
or effecti<strong>ng</strong> the dissolution<br />
of the PDP South West Executive<br />
Committee and the<br />
appointment of a South<br />
West Zonal Executive<br />
Committee in replacement<br />
thereof.<br />
The suit was filed in<br />
the court on behalf of the<br />
members of the South<br />
West Zonal Executive<br />
Committee of the party by<br />
its zonal secretary, Chief<br />
FG Faults ASUU’s Indefinite Strike<br />
•Says Action Negates Section 41 Of Trade Disputes Act, Cap T8, 2004<br />
INNOCENT OWEH<br />
ABUJA<br />
A<br />
fresh twist to<br />
the indefinite<br />
strike called by<br />
the Academic<br />
Staff Union of Universities<br />
(ASUU) emerged on<br />
Tuesday, with the Federal<br />
Government accusi<strong>ng</strong> the<br />
Union of breachi<strong>ng</strong> laid<br />
down constitutional procedures<br />
before embarki<strong>ng</strong> on<br />
the industrial action.<br />
Specifically, Minister of<br />
Labour and Employment,<br />
Dr. Chris Ngige, broke his<br />
silence over the strike, sayi<strong>ng</strong><br />
ASUU failed to give the<br />
Federal Government the<br />
mandatory 15 days notice,<br />
as contained in Section 41<br />
of Trade Disputes Act, Cap<br />
T8, 2004.<br />
He stressed that he expects<br />
ASUU to immediately<br />
suspend the strike pendi<strong>ng</strong><br />
the outcome of the Babalakin<br />
Committee set up by<br />
Government on Monday,<br />
13th February, 2017 which<br />
was sitti<strong>ng</strong> on the demands<br />
raised by the union.<br />
Ngige who spoke<br />
through his Deputy Director,<br />
Press in the Ministry,<br />
Pega Otemolu.<br />
The suit, FHC/<br />
ABJ/732/2017, has the<br />
<stro<strong>ng</strong>>Independent</stro<strong>ng</strong>> National<br />
Electoral Commission<br />
(INEC), the PDP, Senators<br />
Ahmad Makarfi and Ben<br />
Obi, Eddy Olafeso, Bunmi<br />
Jenyo and the Inspector-General<br />
of Police, as<br />
defendants.<br />
This is even as the Ogun<br />
State chapter of the party<br />
under the leadership<br />
of Adebayo Dayo is also<br />
prayi<strong>ng</strong> the same court<br />
to set aside its purported<br />
dissolution by the National<br />
Executive Committee<br />
(NEC) and the National<br />
Convention.<br />
The case with Suit No:<br />
FHC/ABJ/CS/701/2017<br />
has E<strong>ng</strong>r. Adebayo Dayo<br />
and Alhaji Semiu Sodipo<br />
as the first and second<br />
plaintiffs who sued for<br />
themselves and on behalf<br />
of the Ogun State Executive<br />
Committee of the<br />
People’s Democratic Party<br />
(PDP).<br />
The defendants are the<br />
PDP and the <stro<strong>ng</strong>>Independent</stro<strong>ng</strong>><br />
Samuel Olowookere, stated<br />
that his Ministry only<br />
received ASUU’s letter notifyi<strong>ng</strong><br />
him of the strike on<br />
Monday, 14th August, 2017,<br />
when it had already commenced<br />
the action.<br />
ASUU’s leadership led<br />
by Biodun Ogunyemi had<br />
declared a nationwide<br />
strike on Monday, over alleged<br />
recalcitrance by Federal<br />
and State governments<br />
to implement the provision<br />
of the 2009 Agreement, the<br />
MoU of 2013 and the understandi<strong>ng</strong><br />
reached in<br />
November, 2016.<br />
The development has<br />
thrown over 80 public universities<br />
in the country<br />
into jeopardy, with their<br />
students, undergraduates<br />
and postgraduates alike,<br />
complaini<strong>ng</strong>.<br />
Whilst the Minister of<br />
Education, Adamu Adamu,<br />
has hitherto kept mum<br />
over the teachers’ action;<br />
Ngige has sent a subtle appeal<br />
to them to shelve the<br />
strike in the interest of the<br />
nation.<br />
Ngige said, “There was<br />
an on-goi<strong>ng</strong> renegotiation<br />
of the 2009 agreement between<br />
the Federal Government<br />
and ASUU by the Babalakin<br />
Committee which<br />
the Federal Government<br />
set up on Monday 13th<br />
February, 2017, and which<br />
is already addressi<strong>ng</strong> the<br />
issues raised by ASUU.<br />
“Though the Federal<br />
Government did not wish<br />
to apportion blame, it is<br />
important to note that<br />
ASUU did not follow due<br />
process in the declaration<br />
of the industrial action as<br />
it did not give the Federal<br />
Government the mandatory<br />
15 days notice as contained<br />
in the Section 41 of<br />
Trade Disputes Act, Cap<br />
T8, 2004.<br />
“In fact, it was on Monday<br />
14th August, 2017 that<br />
the Office of the Minister<br />
received a letter dated 13th<br />
August, 2017 from ASUU;<br />
that is, one full day after it<br />
commenced the strike.<br />
“The letter was to inform<br />
the Federal Government<br />
that ASUU has<br />
started strike and not a<br />
declaration of intention to<br />
go on strike as contained<br />
in the Trade Dispute Act,<br />
2004.”<br />
Accordi<strong>ng</strong> to the Minister,<br />
since the case was bei<strong>ng</strong><br />
addressed, it was against<br />
the spirit of Dialogue<br />
National Electoral Commission<br />
(INEC).<br />
Accordi<strong>ng</strong> to the suit<br />
filed by Otemolu, the PDP<br />
deliberately defied and<br />
subverted the order and<br />
judgment of the Federal<br />
High Court in SUIT NO.<br />
FHC/L/CS/605/16, delivered<br />
on the May 17, 2016<br />
and June 24, 2016 respectively;<br />
and also contravened<br />
the terms and purpose<br />
of the interim order<br />
made on August 10, 2017,<br />
by the Federal High Court.<br />
The plaintiff contended<br />
and Collective Bargaini<strong>ng</strong><br />
Agreement (CBA) for<br />
ASUU to embark on strike<br />
as enunciated in the ILO<br />
Convention.<br />
“The Federal Government<br />
therefore wishes to<br />
appeal to ASUU to consider<br />
the students who are<br />
currently writi<strong>ng</strong> degree<br />
and promotional examinations,<br />
call off the strike and<br />
return to the negotiation<br />
table.<br />
“The Ministry of Labour<br />
and Employment will<br />
ensure that a time frame<br />
will be tied to negotiation<br />
this time around.”<br />
“The Babalakin Committee<br />
was ever ready to<br />
continue the negotiation,<br />
indeed, it has all the necessary<br />
i<strong>ng</strong>redients for<br />
fruitful social dialogue as<br />
well as adequate powers to<br />
negotiate and make recommendations<br />
to the Federal<br />
Government,” Ngige said.<br />
Meanwhile, academic<br />
activities are goi<strong>ng</strong> on unhindered<br />
at the University<br />
of Abuja. When INDEPEN-<br />
DENT paid a visit to the almost<br />
three decade institution,<br />
the situation betrayed<br />
no indication that teachers<br />
had downed tools.<br />
South West Executive Committee, Ogun Exco Sue Makarfi, Obi, Others<br />
News<br />
Nkem Okeke, Deputy Governor, Anambra State (left); Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, Governor, Enugu State (second left); David Umahi,<br />
Governor, Ebonyi State (middle); Okezie Ikpeazu, Governor, Abia State (second right), and Rochas Okorocha, Governor, Imo<br />
State, duri<strong>ng</strong> a press briefi<strong>ng</strong> after the meeti<strong>ng</strong> of the South-East Governors in Enugu on Monday.<br />
PHOTO: NAN<br />
that the PDP violated an order<br />
of interim injunction<br />
restraini<strong>ng</strong> the party from<br />
operati<strong>ng</strong> in the South<br />
West Zone of the party<br />
through any committee in<br />
which the applicant, Chief<br />
Pegba Otemolu and Chief<br />
Makanjuola Ogundipe<br />
are not members in the<br />
capacity of Secretary and<br />
Chairman respectively of<br />
the South West Zonal Executive<br />
Committee of the<br />
PDP pendi<strong>ng</strong> the heari<strong>ng</strong><br />
and determination of the<br />
motion on notice.
A4<br />
News<br />
/<stro<strong>ng</strong>>Independent</stro<strong>ng</strong>><strong>ng</strong>r @independent<strong>ng</strong>r www.independent.<strong>ng</strong><br />
INDEPENDENT WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 16, 2017<br />
Commission Promotes 6000 Police Officers<br />
The Police Service<br />
Commission<br />
(PSC) has approved<br />
the promotion<br />
of over six thousand<br />
police officers.<br />
Accordi<strong>ng</strong> to PSC<br />
sources, the list of promoted<br />
police officers will<br />
be sent to the Inspector<br />
General of Police, Ibrahim<br />
Idris Kpotum, within<br />
the week for announcement.<br />
However, PSC says it<br />
has suspended special<br />
promotion for policemen<br />
until further notice.<br />
Mike Okiro, Chairman<br />
of the commission,<br />
who disclosed this at a<br />
news conference in Abuja<br />
on Tuesday, said that<br />
the suspension became<br />
imperative, followi<strong>ng</strong><br />
complaints and allegations<br />
by members of the<br />
public.<br />
“Given the avalanche<br />
of disparagi<strong>ng</strong> reports,<br />
comments and allegations<br />
revolvi<strong>ng</strong> around<br />
special promotions, the<br />
commission has decided<br />
to put on hold all recommendations<br />
until further<br />
notice,” he said.<br />
Okiro said that the<br />
promotions already processed<br />
would be referred<br />
back to the I-G of police<br />
for more details on the<br />
beneficiaries.<br />
He said that the commission<br />
had also set up a<br />
committee to investigate<br />
allegations of bribery<br />
against some members of<br />
the commission by some<br />
police officers.<br />
Accordi<strong>ng</strong> to the<br />
chairman, the chairman<br />
is expected to submit its<br />
report in two weeks.<br />
“As a responsible organisation,<br />
the commission<br />
ensures that promotions<br />
are given to only<br />
deservi<strong>ng</strong> officers based<br />
on merit to encourage<br />
hard work,’’ he said.<br />
He said that guidelines<br />
developed by the commission<br />
on procedures for<br />
promotion had been sent<br />
to the I-G of Police.<br />
“To ensure objectivity,<br />
transparency and accountability<br />
in the process,<br />
the commission has<br />
also developed and issued<br />
guidelines on special promotion<br />
to the Nigeria Police<br />
Force.”<br />
He said that the implementation<br />
of the guidelines<br />
was bei<strong>ng</strong> monitored<br />
and reviewed by<br />
the commission regularly.<br />
Okiro said that officers<br />
considered for special<br />
promotion in the force<br />
must have sufficiently<br />
shown concrete evidence<br />
for meriti<strong>ng</strong> it.<br />
“It should, however, be<br />
noted that performance<br />
of normal or routine duty<br />
will not qualify an officer<br />
for special promotion,’’<br />
he said.<br />
He said that officers<br />
with exceptional performance<br />
or behaviour<br />
would be considered for<br />
special promotion even<br />
if they have not served<br />
the minimum number of<br />
years on a rank.<br />
Okiro said that the<br />
commission does not<br />
unilaterally award special<br />
promotion to officers,<br />
addi<strong>ng</strong>, “The major<br />
source or recommendations<br />
for special promotion<br />
is the I-G of Police,’’<br />
he said.<br />
•CONTINUED FROM .A1<br />
bei<strong>ng</strong> taken by ministers<br />
and senior government<br />
officials to the UK for<br />
approval by President<br />
Buhari.<br />
Accordi<strong>ng</strong> to Adegboruwa,<br />
who was also a<br />
guest on the television<br />
programme, the ruli<strong>ng</strong><br />
All Progressives Co<strong>ng</strong>ress<br />
(APC) has lost the<br />
moral right to retain<br />
power when the administration<br />
of President<br />
Buhari expires in 2019.<br />
He added that the citizens<br />
have the right to<br />
know the health status<br />
of their president who<br />
has been in the UK for 100<br />
days, and that those aski<strong>ng</strong><br />
him to either resume<br />
or resign were right.<br />
“Personally, we as Nigerians<br />
deserve to join<br />
the president in prayers<br />
to ask that he be healed<br />
and return to his duty<br />
post. But in terms of the<br />
le<strong>ng</strong>th of stay, in terms of<br />
the manner of treatment,<br />
in terms of the strategy<br />
of relati<strong>ng</strong> with Nigerians<br />
concerni<strong>ng</strong> what<br />
the president is goi<strong>ng</strong><br />
through, it’s quite very<br />
discouragi<strong>ng</strong> and unfortunate<br />
because this is<br />
a party that came into<br />
power on the mantra of<br />
cha<strong>ng</strong>e and e<strong>ng</strong>agement<br />
and so we will be surprised<br />
that the president<br />
could be goi<strong>ng</strong> through<br />
any circumstance of ill<br />
health which Nigerians<br />
are not entitled to know.<br />
“Today marks 100 days<br />
that the president has<br />
been out of the country<br />
on a consecutive basis<br />
Govt Officials Attempted To Undermine Osinbajo – Presidency<br />
and you wonder whether<br />
you can say you have<br />
such leadership in terms<br />
of the capacity of the<br />
executive president to<br />
manage the affairs of a<br />
nation. So I believe those<br />
agitati<strong>ng</strong> that the president<br />
should resume or resign<br />
are right in the sense<br />
that we didn’t anticipate<br />
that we will be ruled from<br />
another country because<br />
Nigeria is a sovereign nation,”<br />
he added.<br />
However, Shehu, who<br />
accused Adegboruwa of<br />
maki<strong>ng</strong> reckless statements,<br />
said he is aware<br />
that the president sent<br />
back some senior government<br />
officials who tried<br />
to bypass the acti<strong>ng</strong> president<br />
by taki<strong>ng</strong> sensitive<br />
materials for approval in<br />
the UK.<br />
“I am surprised that<br />
he (Adegboruwa) as a<br />
lawyer has spoken so<br />
recklessly on so many<br />
matters about which he<br />
showed lots of dispassion<br />
about those matters.<br />
That was reckless<br />
of him because he said<br />
thi<strong>ng</strong>s that are just completely<br />
untrue. This man<br />
that has just spoken with<br />
Nigerians said this country<br />
is bei<strong>ng</strong> run from the<br />
United Ki<strong>ng</strong>dom (UK).<br />
He said memos are bei<strong>ng</strong><br />
sent to the UK and that<br />
ministers are reporti<strong>ng</strong><br />
to the president. That is<br />
false. He doesn’t know<br />
what he is talki<strong>ng</strong> about”.<br />
“Let me tell you this<br />
story. I am aware that<br />
senior officials of government<br />
have gone to<br />
President Buhari in the<br />
UK and taken some documents<br />
to him and asked<br />
him to deal with it. The<br />
president said ‘No, I<br />
won’t! The man responsible<br />
for the country is in<br />
Abuja, go back to him’.<br />
So, I think the idea is to<br />
make President Buhari<br />
look as if he is in charge<br />
but it is even disrespectful<br />
to the acti<strong>ng</strong> president”.<br />
Also speaki<strong>ng</strong> on<br />
whether it is morally<br />
right for the president<br />
to tell Nigerians the<br />
ailment he is receivi<strong>ng</strong><br />
treatment for or whether<br />
he should resign if he<br />
feels he can no lo<strong>ng</strong>er<br />
continue, Shehu said the<br />
constitution of Nigeria<br />
does not mandate the<br />
president to disclose to<br />
Nigerians the state of<br />
his health.<br />
He, however, said the<br />
president may decide on<br />
his own volition to tell<br />
Nigerians upon his return<br />
to the country if he<br />
deems it fit to do so.<br />
“You said morality, I<br />
have no competence placi<strong>ng</strong><br />
morality in the realm<br />
of politics. However, I<br />
must say that I think the<br />
president has done the<br />
most that anybody can<br />
do in this circumstance.<br />
What I am sayi<strong>ng</strong> is that<br />
there is politics and there<br />
is morality and they<br />
don’t always mix.<br />
“That is not to say that<br />
you can ask this question<br />
from the president if the<br />
president had said to<br />
you that ‘I will give full<br />
disclosure, one hundred<br />
percent of my health<br />
situation in all circumstances’.<br />
If the president<br />
fails to do that, then he<br />
has a moral problem.<br />
“When he campaigned,<br />
he said that I<br />
will declare my assets<br />
publicly. He got to office<br />
and lawyers of many<br />
colours are sayi<strong>ng</strong> ‘sir,<br />
you don’t have to do it<br />
because there is no basis<br />
for it in law’. But because<br />
that commitment<br />
had been given, on the<br />
99th day of the 100 days<br />
promise he made, the<br />
president published his<br />
assets. The vice president<br />
also published his<br />
assets. Therefore, had it<br />
been the president had<br />
reneged on this promise,<br />
people would have raised<br />
the issue of morality. As<br />
it is now, we are deali<strong>ng</strong><br />
with matters of law.<br />
“The constitution<br />
of this country doesn’t<br />
make it a requirement<br />
for him to say that he<br />
must disclose his health<br />
situation. He went to the<br />
UK in January and when<br />
he returned, without the<br />
prompti<strong>ng</strong> of anyone, he<br />
faced the television cameras<br />
and said this is what<br />
I went through.<br />
“So, let’s give him the<br />
benefit of doubt and a little<br />
bit of patience. President<br />
Buhari will return.<br />
I will not be surprised if<br />
he stands before everyone<br />
and says ‘this is what<br />
I went through and it’s all<br />
over’”, he said.<br />
Speaki<strong>ng</strong> on the occasion<br />
of the president’s 100<br />
days in the UK, Matthew<br />
Urhoghide, representi<strong>ng</strong><br />
Edo South Senatorial district<br />
in the National Assembly<br />
said the demands<br />
by some Nigerians that<br />
President Buhari should<br />
resign on health grounds<br />
is childish, sayi<strong>ng</strong> the Nigerian<br />
constitution does<br />
not provide for that.<br />
Speaki<strong>ng</strong> in an exclusive<br />
chat with INDEPEN-<br />
DENT, Urhoghide said<br />
the fact that he is a member<br />
of the opposition People’s<br />
Democratic Party<br />
(PDP) will not make him<br />
support an unnecessary<br />
demand.<br />
Urhoghide, who is<br />
the Chairman, Senate<br />
Committee on Culture<br />
and Tourism, said rather<br />
than dissipati<strong>ng</strong> energy<br />
on whether the president<br />
should resign or not, Nigerians<br />
should pray for<br />
the quick recovery of<br />
the president so he can<br />
resume his work for the<br />
betterment of the country.<br />
He added that the president<br />
has fulfilled constitutional<br />
requirements by<br />
handi<strong>ng</strong> over to his deputy,<br />
Yemi Osinbajo, who is<br />
now the acti<strong>ng</strong> president.<br />
“If somebody is ill, it<br />
is not due to a desire of<br />
his. It’s just nature. I don’t<br />
know why people are<br />
maki<strong>ng</strong> an issue out of<br />
it. To me, it is completely<br />
unnecessary. Let us pray<br />
for the well-bei<strong>ng</strong> of this<br />
man so he comes back<br />
and continue his work.<br />
“All these people who<br />
are clamouri<strong>ng</strong> that the<br />
man should resign, do<br />
they want to take over his<br />
job? If they want his job,<br />
they should wait till 2019<br />
and contest in the presidential<br />
election. Why do<br />
they want him out?<br />
“He has an acti<strong>ng</strong> president<br />
who is doi<strong>ng</strong> the job,<br />
why can’t they just allow<br />
the man to have some<br />
rest? That I am a PDP<br />
senator does not remove<br />
my opinion on what illness<br />
and wellness means.<br />
Everythi<strong>ng</strong> comes from<br />
God and I don’t know why<br />
those clamouri<strong>ng</strong> for the<br />
president’s resignation<br />
over health issues are<br />
playi<strong>ng</strong> God.<br />
“Resign on what<br />
grounds? Does the constitution<br />
provide for that?<br />
That when somebody is<br />
ill, the person resigns?<br />
We don’t have such position<br />
in our constitution.<br />
These are thi<strong>ng</strong>s that are<br />
completely out of the<br />
spheres of influence of<br />
man.<br />
“These are thi<strong>ng</strong>s that<br />
are in the exclusive preserve<br />
of God. Mandela<br />
was ill for 33 years and<br />
there are other countries<br />
where you find important<br />
dignitaries falli<strong>ng</strong><br />
sick. So, I believe aski<strong>ng</strong><br />
the president to resign on<br />
health grounds is a childish<br />
demand”.<br />
•CONTINUED FROM .A1<br />
EFCC Begins Probe Of Failed Federal Road Projects In South-East<br />
tioni<strong>ng</strong>.<br />
The EFCC’s Zonal<br />
Head of Operations,<br />
Johnson Babalola, said<br />
this on Tuesday in Enugu<br />
while briefi<strong>ng</strong> journalists<br />
on the activities of the<br />
commission in the past<br />
seven months in the area.<br />
Babalola said that<br />
probe became necessary<br />
in view of the deplorable<br />
condition of the roads in<br />
the zone.<br />
“The deplorable condition<br />
of federal roads in<br />
the South-East has caught<br />
our attention. The zone<br />
has one of the poorest<br />
roads in the country. Yet,<br />
the contracts were awarded.<br />
“So, we have invited<br />
the contractors and we<br />
are currently inspecti<strong>ng</strong><br />
their records. Everythi<strong>ng</strong><br />
that surrounds the award<br />
of the contracts and execution<br />
of the roads will be<br />
probed.”<br />
Babalola urged members<br />
of the public to avail<br />
the commission of useful<br />
information that would<br />
aid it to do the investigation.<br />
He said that the whistle<br />
blowi<strong>ng</strong> policy of the<br />
Federal Government still<br />
subsisted and urged the<br />
people to leverage on it.<br />
“We solicit for useful<br />
information from members<br />
of the public in order<br />
to get to the root of<br />
the investigation we have<br />
started.”<br />
He said that anyone,<br />
includi<strong>ng</strong> contractors,<br />
politicians or ordinary<br />
Nigerians found culpable<br />
duri<strong>ng</strong> the investigation<br />
would be prosecuted.<br />
Babalola also said<br />
that the zonal office had<br />
created an office at the<br />
Akanu Ibiam International<br />
Airport, Enugu,<br />
to checkmate money<br />
launderi<strong>ng</strong>.<br />
He said that the effort<br />
was in partnership with<br />
other sister agencies that<br />
had roles at the airport.<br />
He said that the EFCC,<br />
under the supervision<br />
of Ibrahim Magu, had<br />
recorded significant feat<br />
in the onslaught against<br />
corruption.<br />
Babalola attributed<br />
the success story of the<br />
commission to the zeal of<br />
President Muhammadu<br />
Buhari who had been at<br />
the va<strong>ng</strong>uard of the fight.<br />
“Since the inception of<br />
this administration there<br />
has been resurgence in financial<br />
crime fight.”<br />
Babalola said that<br />
though the commission’s<br />
successes had drawn the<br />
ire of some politicians<br />
and their cronies, the<br />
commission was not deterred.
INDEPENDENT WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 16, 2017<br />
/<stro<strong>ng</strong>>Independent</stro<strong>ng</strong>><strong>ng</strong>r @independent<strong>ng</strong>r www.independent.<strong>ng</strong> A5<br />
News<br />
•CONTINUED FROM .A1<br />
the attackers were pro-Buhari<br />
protesters.<br />
Charly Boy has been<br />
leadi<strong>ng</strong> a protest demandi<strong>ng</strong><br />
the resignation<br />
or return of President<br />
Muhammadu Buhari<br />
who is receivi<strong>ng</strong> medical<br />
treatment in the UK.<br />
Some of the traders<br />
said that the action of the<br />
protesters was politically<br />
motivated and not a representation<br />
of the minds<br />
of Nigerians.<br />
Accordi<strong>ng</strong> to a trader,<br />
Charly Boy arrived the<br />
market on a power bike<br />
in company of other<br />
members of his group<br />
carryi<strong>ng</strong> placards and<br />
weari<strong>ng</strong> T-shirts with<br />
inscription ‘Ourmumudondo’.<br />
He said some members<br />
of his group made<br />
efforts to gain entry into<br />
the market which was resisted<br />
by market officials<br />
leadi<strong>ng</strong> to argument.<br />
“This attracted the<br />
youths in the market,<br />
believed to be loyal to<br />
President Muhammadu<br />
Buhari who launched a<br />
Anti-Buhari Protest: Charly Boy, Others Escape Death At Wuse Market<br />
counter-attack against<br />
the group.<br />
“The youths began<br />
chanti<strong>ng</strong> Sai Baba! Sai<br />
Baba!! Sai Baba!!! And descended<br />
on the protesti<strong>ng</strong><br />
group, chasi<strong>ng</strong> and hurli<strong>ng</strong><br />
sticks and stones on<br />
them.<br />
“It took the intervention<br />
of the policemen<br />
who fired tear-gas into<br />
the air to disperse the<br />
a<strong>ng</strong>ry mob to save situation”,<br />
he said.<br />
“Charly Boy came to<br />
this market with some<br />
cameramen doi<strong>ng</strong> his<br />
protest here.<br />
“I was standi<strong>ng</strong> in<br />
front of my shop when I<br />
saw him runni<strong>ng</strong> for his<br />
dear life, bei<strong>ng</strong> chased by<br />
those youths,” another<br />
trader at the market said.<br />
“They nearly lynched<br />
him, because those<br />
youths almost overpowered<br />
police security near<br />
him.”<br />
He was rescued by<br />
security operatives who<br />
fired gunshots and teargas<br />
to disperse the a<strong>ng</strong>ry<br />
crowd.<br />
The security operatives<br />
later returned to<br />
remove Charly Boy’s motor<br />
bike from the market,<br />
usi<strong>ng</strong> tear-gas to disperse<br />
the protesters who tried<br />
to stop them.<br />
A jewelry trader,<br />
Malam Adamu Musa,<br />
said that the protesters<br />
had the right to protest<br />
but pointed out that they<br />
ought to know that the<br />
president was not on<br />
“honeymoon” in the UK.<br />
“These protesters<br />
should know that it<br />
is not everythi<strong>ng</strong> that<br />
one should politicise,<br />
especially the issue of<br />
health,” Musa said.<br />
Filibus Abuh, a petty<br />
trader, said that they<br />
never expected the protest<br />
to be taken to the<br />
market where common<br />
Nigerians were looki<strong>ng</strong><br />
for their daily bread.<br />
Abuh said that the protest<br />
disrupted business<br />
activities in the market<br />
for some hours.<br />
The spokesman of the<br />
Police Command in the<br />
FCT, DSP Anjuguri Manzah,<br />
said that the prompt<br />
intervention of the police<br />
averted a major clash between<br />
two opposi<strong>ng</strong> sides<br />
at the market.<br />
“The police had<br />
brought the situation<br />
under control at the market,”<br />
Manzah said.<br />
He said that to forestall<br />
further breakdown<br />
of law and order, the<br />
management of the<br />
market had ordered its<br />
closure.<br />
Manzah also said that<br />
a large conti<strong>ng</strong>ent of<br />
policemen had been deployed<br />
to the market to<br />
provide security.<br />
Wuse market is Abuja’s<br />
largest and is dominated<br />
by northerners,<br />
many of them supporters<br />
of President Buhari.<br />
The group had also<br />
protested at the popular<br />
Unity Fountain in Abuja.<br />
Last week, police teargassed<br />
the protesters,<br />
includi<strong>ng</strong> the popular<br />
entertainer, Charly Boy,<br />
allegi<strong>ng</strong> that hoodlums<br />
had infiltrated the protest<br />
march.<br />
Charly Boy also collapsed<br />
in the process.<br />
We’ll Not Be Stopped—<br />
ResumeorResign Group<br />
Meanwhile, Deji Adeyanju,<br />
convener of the ResumeorResign<br />
group, agitati<strong>ng</strong><br />
for full disclosure<br />
on the health of President<br />
Muhammadu Buhari<br />
has said the group<br />
will not be deterred in its<br />
quest for the right thi<strong>ng</strong><br />
to be done.<br />
In a statement, Adeyanju<br />
said that they were<br />
attacked by known supporters<br />
of President Muhammadu<br />
Buhari while<br />
on a visit to Wuse Market,<br />
addi<strong>ng</strong> that the assault<br />
was spearheaded by<br />
a member of the pro-Buhari<br />
support group.<br />
The statement reads:<br />
“This attack was completely<br />
unprovoked.<br />
This is the third in a series<br />
of attack carried out<br />
against us usi<strong>ng</strong> a combination<br />
of policemen and<br />
paid hoodlums.<br />
“It is saddeni<strong>ng</strong> that<br />
the administration of<br />
President Muhammadu<br />
Buhari would rather<br />
commit scarce national<br />
resources to such underhand<br />
tactics than give<br />
full disclosure regardi<strong>ng</strong><br />
the health of the president.<br />
“We reiterate commitment<br />
to remain resolute<br />
in demandi<strong>ng</strong> full disclosure<br />
regardi<strong>ng</strong> the state<br />
of health of the president.<br />
“It is the right of the<br />
Nigerian people to know<br />
the true state of health<br />
of the man they voted<br />
into power and for whose<br />
healthcare they are payi<strong>ng</strong>.<br />
“We also restate our<br />
commitment to remain<br />
law abidi<strong>ng</strong> in the face<br />
of such constant provocation.<br />
Our rights to<br />
freedom of speech and<br />
peaceful assembly are<br />
constitutional rights that<br />
we will not allow to be abrogated,”<br />
he pledged.<br />
•CONTINUED FROM .A1<br />
where parties to the dispute<br />
hope to take significant<br />
steps towards the resolution<br />
of the issues raised<br />
by ASUU.<br />
The forum agreed on<br />
the forensic audit of the<br />
sum of N30 billion earlier<br />
given to ASUU in 2010 and<br />
further agreed on monthly<br />
remittances to ASUU<br />
while the audit lasts.<br />
Ngige said he wishes<br />
to assure members of<br />
ASUU and all Nigerians<br />
that government was already<br />
at work to resolve<br />
all outstandi<strong>ng</strong> issues in<br />
line with the resolve of<br />
the present administration<br />
to cast any form of<br />
disruption of universities’<br />
academic calendar into the<br />
dust bin of history.<br />
The strike called by the<br />
Academic Staff Union<br />
ASUU, FG Meeti<strong>ng</strong> Ends In Deadlock<br />
of Universities (ASUU)<br />
on Monday paralysed activities<br />
in most of the 88<br />
federal and state owned<br />
universities in the country.<br />
ASUU commenced an<br />
indefinite nationwide<br />
strike due to Federal Government’s<br />
failure to fulfill<br />
the 2009 agreement made<br />
with it.<br />
Prof. Biodun Ogunyemi,<br />
ASUU President, said on<br />
Monday in Abuja that<br />
the decision to embark on<br />
the industrial action was<br />
resolved at its emergency<br />
National Executive Council<br />
meeti<strong>ng</strong> held on August<br />
12.<br />
Accordi<strong>ng</strong> to him,<br />
duri<strong>ng</strong> the strike, “There<br />
shall be no teachi<strong>ng</strong>, no<br />
examination and no attendance<br />
of statutory<br />
meeti<strong>ng</strong>s of any kind in<br />
any of our branches till<br />
government meets the<br />
union’s demands”.<br />
Biodun Ogunyemi said<br />
the action became necessary<br />
owi<strong>ng</strong> to breach of<br />
the memorandum of understandi<strong>ng</strong><br />
(MoU) for the<br />
2009 FG/ASUU agreement<br />
on financi<strong>ng</strong> of state universities;<br />
breach of the<br />
conditions of service;<br />
refusi<strong>ng</strong> to honour the<br />
Earned Academic Allowance<br />
(EAA) and re-negotiation<br />
of the agreement.<br />
Ogunyemi, while addressi<strong>ng</strong><br />
a press conference<br />
on Monday, said the<br />
2009 agreement revolved<br />
around conditions of service,<br />
fundi<strong>ng</strong>, university<br />
autonomy and academic<br />
freedom all of which government<br />
has been lackadaisical<br />
in implementi<strong>ng</strong>.<br />
The Federal Government<br />
is believed to owe<br />
universities over N880 billion<br />
in intervention fund<br />
as a fallout of the NEEDS<br />
Assessment report.<br />
Also on the list of the<br />
union’s demands are:<br />
foot-draggi<strong>ng</strong> over ‘funds<br />
for the revitilisation<br />
of public universities,<br />
non-release of NUPEM-<br />
CO operational licence,<br />
non-payment of earned<br />
academic allowances,<br />
payment of fractions/<br />
non-payment of salaries,<br />
retired professors and<br />
their salaries and university<br />
staff schools.<br />
In the 2013, in the MoU<br />
entered with ASUU, the<br />
Federal Government<br />
agreed to make funds<br />
available for the revitalisation<br />
of the university<br />
system, amounti<strong>ng</strong> to N1.3<br />
trillion in six years, based<br />
on yearly release of N220<br />
billion, starti<strong>ng</strong> with N200<br />
billion in 2013.<br />
There was also an<br />
agreement to open a<br />
dedicated revitalisation<br />
account with the CBN<br />
to warehouse the fund,<br />
includi<strong>ng</strong> setti<strong>ng</strong> up a<br />
central monitori<strong>ng</strong> committee<br />
to monitor the<br />
implementation of the<br />
revitalisation of the universities.<br />
ASUU also accused<br />
government of renegi<strong>ng</strong><br />
on payment of outstandi<strong>ng</strong><br />
balance of the Earned<br />
Academic Allowances<br />
after verification of the<br />
payment made from the<br />
initial N30 billion, amo<strong>ng</strong><br />
others.<br />
It would be recalled<br />
that at a recent public<br />
function, Abdulrasheed<br />
Abubakar, Executive<br />
Secretary, National Universities<br />
Commission<br />
(NUC), met with bursars<br />
of universities across the<br />
country, and stated categorically<br />
that university<br />
administrators should<br />
jettison clamour for full<br />
autonomy as the Federal<br />
Government would never<br />
concede to such demand.<br />
He explained that in<br />
view of the fact that public<br />
universities rely on<br />
government for subventions<br />
to operate, granti<strong>ng</strong><br />
them autonomy would be<br />
tantamount to throwi<strong>ng</strong><br />
away its regulatory rights,<br />
especially checki<strong>ng</strong> financial<br />
excesses in the institutions.<br />
A woman suicide bomber<br />
blew herself up and killed<br />
27 others at a market in<br />
northeast Nigeria on Tuesday,<br />
two local officials said,<br />
in an attack beari<strong>ng</strong> the<br />
hallmark of Boko Haram<br />
militants.<br />
Two more suicide bombers<br />
detonated their devices<br />
at the gates to a nearby refugee<br />
camp, woundi<strong>ng</strong> many<br />
people, an emergency services<br />
official said.<br />
Accordi<strong>ng</strong> to agency report,<br />
in all, 83 people were<br />
wounded in the three explosions<br />
near the city of<br />
Maiduguri, epicentre of<br />
the lo<strong>ng</strong>-runni<strong>ng</strong> conflict<br />
between government forces<br />
and Boko Haram.<br />
Nigeria’s military last<br />
year wrested back large<br />
swathes of territory from<br />
the Islamist insurgents.<br />
27 Killed, 83 Injured In Boko Haram Suicide Attack In Maiduguri<br />
But they have struck back<br />
with renewed zeal since<br />
June, killi<strong>ng</strong> at least 143<br />
people before Tuesday’s<br />
bombi<strong>ng</strong>s and weakeni<strong>ng</strong><br />
the army’s control.<br />
The group has waged an<br />
eight-year war to create an<br />
Islamic state in northeast<br />
Nigeria, and provoked<br />
international outrage by<br />
kidnappi<strong>ng</strong> more than 200<br />
schoolgirls known as the<br />
Chibok Girls in April 2014.<br />
Its better-known faction,<br />
led by Abubakar Shekau,<br />
has mainly based itself in<br />
the sprawli<strong>ng</strong> Sambisa forest,<br />
and been characterised<br />
by its use of women and<br />
children as suicide bombers<br />
targeti<strong>ng</strong> mosques and<br />
markets.<br />
A rival faction, based in<br />
the Lake Chad region, led<br />
by Abu Musab al-Barnawi<br />
and boasti<strong>ng</strong> ties to Islamic<br />
State, has in the meantime<br />
quietly become a deadly<br />
force capable of carryi<strong>ng</strong><br />
out highly-organised attacks.<br />
Last month, an oil prospecti<strong>ng</strong><br />
team was captured<br />
by al-Barnawi’s group. At<br />
least 37 people, includi<strong>ng</strong><br />
members of the team, died<br />
when rescuers from the<br />
military and vigilantes attempted<br />
to free them.<br />
The Boko Haram insurgency<br />
has killed 20,000<br />
people and forced some 2.7<br />
million to flee their homes<br />
in the last eight years.<br />
We’ll Carry Out Fresh<br />
Attacks In Maiduguri,<br />
Shekau Warns<br />
Meanwhile, Abubakar<br />
Shekau, leader of the Boko<br />
Haram sect, has threatened<br />
to carry out fresh attacks in<br />
Maiduguri, capital of Borno<br />
State.<br />
The ancient city has<br />
come under repeated attacks<br />
from the sect in the<br />
last one month.<br />
In a new video, Shekau<br />
vowed to deal with the people<br />
livi<strong>ng</strong> in Maiduguri “because<br />
of their association<br />
with infidels.<br />
“You are finished, you<br />
the people of Maiduguri,<br />
we will finish you for choosi<strong>ng</strong><br />
the way of the infidels,<br />
for embraci<strong>ng</strong> democracy,”<br />
said the sect leader who<br />
spoke in Arabic.<br />
Shekau also denied the<br />
claim of the military that<br />
he sustained injuries in an<br />
air raid.<br />
He added that if the military<br />
succeeds in capturi<strong>ng</strong><br />
him, his ideology would<br />
outlive him.<br />
“I am fine, nothi<strong>ng</strong> has<br />
happened to me. I am even<br />
stro<strong>ng</strong>er than I was before,”<br />
he said.<br />
“I am nothi<strong>ng</strong>. Even if<br />
you capture me, you cannot<br />
capture the religion of<br />
Islam. You can capture me<br />
today because I am nothi<strong>ng</strong>.<br />
But it won’t stop the<br />
religion of Allah which we<br />
are committed to. This gun<br />
I am holdi<strong>ng</strong> is nothi<strong>ng</strong>, we<br />
rely stro<strong>ng</strong>ly on the ultimate<br />
power of Almighty God.”<br />
On July 22, Tukur Buratai,<br />
Chief of Army Staff,<br />
gave his men 40 days to capture<br />
Shekau dead or alive.<br />
Boko Haram Attacks<br />
Two Villages In<br />
Adamawa<br />
Boko Haram insurgents<br />
also attacked and razed<br />
Muduvu and Nyiba<strong>ng</strong>o<br />
villages in Madagali Local<br />
Government Area of Adamawa.<br />
The attack is comi<strong>ng</strong> few<br />
days after similar ones in<br />
Ghumbili and Mildu villages<br />
of the area where several<br />
lives were lost.<br />
Chairman of Madagali<br />
Local Government<br />
Council, Malam Yusuf<br />
Muhammed, said on Tuesday<br />
in Yola that the latest<br />
attacks lasted from 11pm<br />
to 12 midnight on Monday.
A6<br />
News<br />
/<stro<strong>ng</strong>>Independent</stro<strong>ng</strong>><strong>ng</strong>r @independent<strong>ng</strong>r www.independent.<strong>ng</strong><br />
INDEPENDENT WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 16, 2017<br />
Buhari Calls Koroma, Condoles With Sierra<br />
Leoneans Over Tragic Mudslide<br />
President Muhammadu<br />
Buhari has condoled<br />
with President Ernest<br />
Bai Koroma and the<br />
people of Sierra Leone<br />
over the loss of lives<br />
and devastation caused<br />
by mudslide in the West<br />
African country.<br />
Femi Adesina, Presidential<br />
Special Adviser<br />
on Media and Publicity,<br />
said Buhari expressed<br />
his condolence in a telephone<br />
call from London<br />
to Koroma on Tuesday.<br />
Buhari stated that<br />
the hearts of Nigerians<br />
were with the people<br />
of Sierra Leone in this<br />
A<strong>ng</strong>ry Students Shut Down<br />
Bayelsa Varsity Over Fee Hike<br />
IGONIKO ODUMA<br />
YENAGOA<br />
A<strong>ng</strong>ry students of the<br />
Niger Delta University,<br />
Wilberforce Island, have<br />
shut down the institution<br />
in protest against<br />
what they termed outrageous<br />
hike in tuition fees<br />
and electronic course<br />
charges.<br />
The students were also<br />
aggrieved that the university<br />
authority did not involve<br />
the Students’ Union<br />
Government (SUG) in decision<br />
maki<strong>ng</strong> processes.<br />
The protest, which took<br />
place on Monday at the<br />
university main campus<br />
in Amassoma, disrupted<br />
academic activities and<br />
paralysed commercial activities<br />
in the community.<br />
The students, who demanded<br />
the halt of the<br />
fees, barricaded the main<br />
entrance to the institution<br />
and prevented vehicular<br />
Alhaji Shettima Yerima,<br />
leader, of the Coalition of<br />
Northern Group (CNG),<br />
has claimed that the<br />
October 1 quit notice<br />
issued by Arewa youths<br />
to Igbos residi<strong>ng</strong> in the<br />
north had the backi<strong>ng</strong><br />
of prominent leaders of<br />
the region.<br />
He made this disclosure<br />
in Lafia, duri<strong>ng</strong><br />
the zonal meeti<strong>ng</strong> of the<br />
coalition in Nasarawa.<br />
He explained that in<br />
June 2017, a group of<br />
prominent northern<br />
leaders met with members<br />
of Arewa youths to<br />
take the position.<br />
“On June 6, 2017, a<br />
group of leaders from<br />
the North came together<br />
to deliberate on the<br />
situation in the country.<br />
“After their deliberation,<br />
we realised the<br />
need to make a statement<br />
on the activities<br />
tragic period in the history<br />
of the country.<br />
He prayed that Almighty<br />
God would comfort<br />
those mourni<strong>ng</strong><br />
their loved ones as well<br />
as those that suffered<br />
other losses.<br />
Koroma thanked Buhari<br />
for his show of concern,<br />
brotherly love and<br />
wished him good health.<br />
At least 270 people<br />
were reportedly killed on<br />
Monday after heavy rains<br />
over-ran the city’s drainage<br />
system and created<br />
one of the most devastati<strong>ng</strong><br />
floods Freetown has<br />
experienced.<br />
movements for several<br />
hours.<br />
Mr. Kemes Mitin, the<br />
institution’s SUG president,<br />
who led the protest,<br />
said the management of<br />
the Bayelsa State-owned<br />
university was gradually<br />
turni<strong>ng</strong> it into a private<br />
one in its quest to generate<br />
more revenue.<br />
He called on the university’s<br />
authorities to review<br />
the fees and levies downwards<br />
as he stressed that<br />
many students would not<br />
afford the high cost of education<br />
at the institution.<br />
Although, no official of<br />
the NDU was on hand to<br />
address the protesti<strong>ng</strong> students,<br />
they carried out the<br />
demonstration peacefully<br />
without skirmishes.<br />
This is the second time<br />
since May that students<br />
of the institution would<br />
take to the streets to draw<br />
attention to hike in the<br />
fees and other levies at<br />
the university.<br />
Northern Leaders Asked Us To<br />
Give Igbos Quit Notice – Yerima<br />
of the Biafra agitators<br />
in the country”, he said.<br />
As the deadline<br />
draws closer, he said<br />
the group would soon<br />
meet to take a stand on<br />
the next line of action.<br />
He said the Kaduna<br />
declaration was in<br />
response to the Biafra<br />
agitation.<br />
“We cannot fold our<br />
hands to watch an individual<br />
hold this country<br />
to ransom.<br />
“We can’t allow an<br />
individual insult our<br />
leaders and play over<br />
our sensibilities,” he<br />
said.<br />
He said the quit notice<br />
was a signal to<br />
Kanu and his group<br />
that Nigeria cannot be<br />
undermined by a si<strong>ng</strong>le<br />
individual, even as he<br />
described Kanu as a frustrated<br />
human bei<strong>ng</strong> seeki<strong>ng</strong><br />
political relevance.<br />
Olusola Teniola, President, Association of Telecoms Companies of Nigeria (left); Daniel Asapokhai, Executive Secretary, Financial<br />
Reporti<strong>ng</strong> Council of Nigeria (second left); Prof. Umar Danbatta, Executive Vice Chairman, Nigerian Communications Commission<br />
(NCC) (third left); Senator Olabiyi Durojaiye, Chairman, NCC Board (middle); Irene Robinson Ayawale, Head/Legal Counsel,<br />
Nigerian Stock Excha<strong>ng</strong>e (third right); Sunday Dare, Executive Commissioner, NCC (second right), and Clement Baiye, member,<br />
NCC Board, duri<strong>ng</strong> the code of corporate governance for telecom industry sensitisation workshop in Lagos on Tuesday.<br />
Saraki Promises Quick Passage Of Anti-<br />
Hate Speech, Ju<strong>ng</strong>le Justice Bills<br />
ROTIMI AKINWUMI<br />
ABUJA<br />
Bukola Saraki,<br />
President of the<br />
Senate, has assured<br />
that once<br />
the Senate resumes plenary<br />
in September, the<br />
upper legislative chamber<br />
will give quick attention<br />
to Bills that seek to<br />
prohibit hate speeches as<br />
well as ju<strong>ng</strong>le justice.<br />
The risi<strong>ng</strong> tension in<br />
the country, he said, has<br />
become worrisome, noti<strong>ng</strong><br />
that the Senate can no<br />
lo<strong>ng</strong>er act as if all is well.<br />
In a statement signed by<br />
Mr. Yusuph Olaniyonu, his<br />
Special Adviser on Media<br />
19 Lawmakers Back New Edo Speaker<br />
FRANCIS ONOIRIBHOLO<br />
BENIN<br />
and Publicity, Saraki stated<br />
that the Senate is ready<br />
to give the Hate Speech Bill<br />
accelerated consideration<br />
when it is presented by<br />
the executive.<br />
“At this point in time,<br />
when people are heati<strong>ng</strong><br />
up the political and social<br />
space with their utterances,<br />
the Hate Speech<br />
Bill will help to mitigate<br />
against verbal attacks<br />
or expressions against<br />
individuals or groups on<br />
the basis of ethnicity, religion,<br />
and even gender.<br />
“This will help to<br />
send a clear message<br />
with accompanyi<strong>ng</strong> punitive<br />
measures to those<br />
negative elements in our<br />
society that are fond of<br />
Adjoto Kabiru, the new<br />
Speaker of Edo State<br />
House of Assembly, on<br />
Tuesday presided over the<br />
plenary with18 members<br />
attendi<strong>ng</strong>.<br />
Adjoto elected on the<br />
platform of the All Progressives<br />
Co<strong>ng</strong>ress (APC)<br />
representi<strong>ng</strong> Akoko-Edo<br />
Constituency 1 was on<br />
Monday elected by 16<br />
members of the house<br />
after the impeachment<br />
of the former Speaker<br />
Justine Okonoboh (APC)<br />
representi<strong>ng</strong> Igueben<br />
Constituency, the Deputy<br />
Speaker Elizabeth Ativie<br />
(APC) and the majority<br />
leader, Foly Ogede<strong>ng</strong>be<br />
(APC), Owan East Constituency.<br />
Those absent from<br />
the plenary were the impeached<br />
three principal<br />
officers and Magnus Ezehi-Igbas<br />
(PDP) representi<strong>ng</strong><br />
Esan North-East 11,<br />
who was also suspended<br />
for tryi<strong>ng</strong> to resist the<br />
impeachment process on<br />
Monday.<br />
Also absent were Audu<br />
Abdul Ganiyu (APC), Etsako<br />
West 1 who was on<br />
apology and Chris Okaeben<br />
(APC) Oredo West<br />
who was absent without<br />
any reason.<br />
At the sitti<strong>ng</strong> the<br />
Speaker who commended<br />
the members of the<br />
house for the new leadership<br />
assured that it would<br />
provide purposeful and<br />
proactive leadership to<br />
ensure that members legislate<br />
for the betterment<br />
of the entire people of<br />
the state. He also ordered<br />
the Clerk of the house to<br />
ensure the immediate retrieval<br />
of all official vehicles<br />
in the custody of the<br />
impeached three principal<br />
officers for the use of<br />
the new elected officials.<br />
FRANCIS ONOIRIB-<br />
HOLO<br />
BENIN<br />
A group of Esan speaki<strong>ng</strong><br />
People in Edo Central<br />
Senatorial District,<br />
under the aegis of Concerned<br />
Esan Sons and<br />
Daughters on Tuesday<br />
decried the marginalisation<br />
of the district in<br />
the politics of Edo State.<br />
The group, which rose<br />
from a meeti<strong>ng</strong> in Benin<br />
City where the impeachment<br />
of Dr. Justine<br />
Okonoboh was discussed,<br />
in a communique, noted<br />
with great concern the<br />
open marginalisation and<br />
discrimination against<br />
Esan people.<br />
While urgi<strong>ng</strong> the government<br />
to urgently intervene<br />
in the crisis rocki<strong>ng</strong><br />
the state House of Assembly,<br />
the group called for<br />
distasteful comments<br />
that hurt, offend and<br />
provoke retaliation,” the<br />
president of the senate<br />
said.<br />
Saraki also stated that<br />
the Anti-Ju<strong>ng</strong>le Justice<br />
Bill (SB. 109), which is<br />
sponsored by Senator<br />
Dino Melaye, (APC-Kogi),<br />
will also help to curtail,<br />
protect and prohibit<br />
Nigerians across the<br />
country from meti<strong>ng</strong> out<br />
extra-judicial justice to<br />
perceived offenders without<br />
recourse to statutory<br />
legal channels.<br />
“There have been many<br />
cases of extrajudicial executions<br />
across the nation.<br />
We all remember the “Aluu<br />
Four” incident, and several<br />
other notorious cases<br />
of phone and food thieves<br />
bei<strong>ng</strong> set ablaze.<br />
“We cannot have a situation<br />
where people feel<br />
that they can take the law<br />
into their hands.<br />
“Therefore, we must<br />
put in place careful stopgaps<br />
and penal measures<br />
to protect the sanctity of<br />
our communities” Saraki<br />
said.<br />
The Senate President<br />
also stated that the committee<br />
on judiciary and<br />
the rules and business<br />
committees of the senate<br />
would work to ensure that<br />
Anti-Ju<strong>ng</strong>le Justice Bill is<br />
quickly passed and sent to<br />
the House of Representatives<br />
for concurrence.<br />
Group Alleges Marginalisation Of<br />
Edo Central Senatorial District<br />
the immediate reversal of<br />
the speakership position<br />
to the zone.<br />
In the communiqué<br />
signed by Mr. Roy Oribhabor,<br />
the convener of the<br />
meeti<strong>ng</strong>, said since the<br />
Edo South had the governor<br />
and the North, the deputy<br />
governor, it was only<br />
fair for Central to have the<br />
speakership position.<br />
He, however, said that<br />
it was the position until it<br />
was truncated by the ouster<br />
of Dr. Justine Okonobor<br />
as the Speaker of the<br />
assembly on Monday.<br />
The group called for<br />
the urgent and immediate<br />
reversal of the position if<br />
the people of the central<br />
senatorial district is to<br />
have sense of belo<strong>ng</strong>i<strong>ng</strong>.<br />
“We call on Edo State<br />
government to as matter<br />
of urgency intervene in<br />
the crisis in Edo State<br />
House of Assembly.”
INDEPENDENT WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 16, 2017 /<stro<strong>ng</strong>>Independent</stro<strong>ng</strong>><strong>ng</strong>r @independent<strong>ng</strong>r www.independent.<strong>ng</strong> A7<br />
Reps Walkout CBN, UBEC Officials<br />
Over Poor Representation<br />
AHMED MUSA<br />
ABUJA<br />
IGONIKO ODUMA<br />
YENAGOA<br />
The Campaign for Development<br />
and Democracy in<br />
Bayelsa (CDDB), a Yenagoa-based<br />
non-governmental<br />
organisation, has urged<br />
the people of Kolokuma/<br />
Opokuma Local Government<br />
Area of the state to<br />
imbibe the practice of participatory<br />
democracy.<br />
CDDB also asked the<br />
people to use their permanent<br />
voter’s card (PVC) to<br />
“vote out sufferi<strong>ng</strong> and<br />
usher in good governance<br />
and development in their<br />
area” in the next governorship<br />
election.<br />
Dr. Ekiyor Welson,<br />
Executive Director of<br />
DANIEL ABIA<br />
P/HARCOURT<br />
The Federal Government<br />
has been enjoined to<br />
channel more investment<br />
to science and technology<br />
sector for the speedy development<br />
of the country.<br />
Nyesom Wike, Rivers<br />
State Governor, who made<br />
TOR VANDE-ACKA<br />
MAKURDI<br />
Benue State government<br />
has declared that it has<br />
shut down about 2,424<br />
illegal nursery, primary,<br />
secondary and tertiary<br />
institutions spread<br />
across the 23 local government<br />
areas (LGAs)<br />
of the state.<br />
Government also<br />
warned the “powerful individuals”<br />
responsible for<br />
the establishment of the<br />
illegal schools not to dare<br />
government by reopeni<strong>ng</strong><br />
such institutions without<br />
followi<strong>ng</strong> the approved<br />
laid down procedures.<br />
Prof. Dennis Ityavyar,<br />
The House of<br />
Representatives<br />
Committee on<br />
Public Accounts<br />
on Tuesday walked out<br />
officials of the Central<br />
Bank of Nigeria (CBN)<br />
and the Universal Basic<br />
Education Commission<br />
(UBEC) over what it<br />
termed improper official<br />
representation and<br />
appearances before it.<br />
Both agencies had sent<br />
representatives who appeared<br />
before the committee<br />
to defend the Auditor<br />
General of the Federation<br />
(AuGF’s) queries for 2010<br />
but the committee tactically<br />
advised them to excuse<br />
the gatheri<strong>ng</strong> and go<br />
back to inform their chief<br />
executives and accounti<strong>ng</strong><br />
officers to appear in<br />
person.<br />
However, the marchi<strong>ng</strong><br />
order was not without a<br />
fair heari<strong>ng</strong> on the part<br />
of the committee as members<br />
listened to the leader<br />
of UBEC delegation, Mr.<br />
Umoru Gambia a director<br />
at the Commission, who<br />
explained that the executive<br />
secretary, Mr. Dikko<br />
Suleiman could not appear<br />
because he had gone<br />
to Silicone in the US for a<br />
seminar on basic education.<br />
Consequently, TajudeenYusuf<br />
(PDP, Kogi)<br />
asked the director whether<br />
he has a letter to back<br />
up his claim that his principal<br />
gave him mandate<br />
to represent him and he<br />
responded that there was<br />
no such communication.<br />
Yusuf therefore said:<br />
“We can’t conduct an exercise<br />
in futility because<br />
we can’t carry out an investigative<br />
heari<strong>ng</strong> that<br />
will remain endless.<br />
Ruli<strong>ng</strong> on the matter,<br />
committee, chairman,<br />
Ki<strong>ng</strong>sley Chinda, (PDP,<br />
Rivers), told the officials<br />
that “it is our tradition to<br />
only honour accounti<strong>ng</strong><br />
officers and no reason was<br />
adduced for his absence.<br />
“Your excuse on his behalf<br />
is not acceptable, you<br />
still have a period of grace<br />
which is the last one, once<br />
he fails to appear we’ll apply<br />
the relevant sections<br />
of the Constitution to<br />
compel him to appear.<br />
“The secretariat will<br />
furnish you with the next<br />
date that he is expected to<br />
appear before us”, Chinda<br />
ruled.<br />
Meanwhile, as soon as<br />
the CBN team led by one<br />
Mr. Lazarus Agbor, a director<br />
at the bank announced<br />
his appearance, he told the<br />
members that just like the<br />
case with UBEC, no letter<br />
of authority was given to<br />
him to represent the CBN<br />
governor as he is unavoidably<br />
absent.<br />
He told the committee<br />
that the governor and two<br />
deputy governors were in<br />
South Africa and the third<br />
deputy governor was in a<br />
meeti<strong>ng</strong> at the Presidential<br />
Villa.<br />
Droppi<strong>ng</strong> the gavel<br />
on their case, chairman<br />
Chinda said: “This is the<br />
first invitation to the CBN<br />
governor and he never<br />
deemed it fit to honour the<br />
parliament’s invitation.<br />
Vote Out Sufferi<strong>ng</strong> In Next Guber Poll,<br />
Group Tells Bayelsa Communities<br />
CDDB, made the call at<br />
the weekend when the<br />
group took its campaign<br />
on people-centered electoral<br />
process to the Kolokuma/Opokuma<br />
LGA.<br />
Duri<strong>ng</strong> the sensitisation<br />
tour, the group held town<br />
hall meeti<strong>ng</strong>s at Kaiama,<br />
headquarters of the LGA,<br />
and Igbedi community<br />
which were attended by<br />
community leaders, chiefs,<br />
elders, women and youth<br />
groups from the various<br />
communities in the area.<br />
The event also saw to<br />
the official commissioni<strong>ng</strong><br />
of the CDDB offices<br />
in Kaiama and Igbedi to<br />
coordinate its activities in<br />
the LGA.<br />
Welson appealed to<br />
the people not to allow<br />
politicians enslave them<br />
anymore with imposed<br />
candidates by induci<strong>ng</strong><br />
them again with money<br />
on election day.<br />
“Only vote for people<br />
with credible and sparkli<strong>ng</strong><br />
character, those<br />
that can create jobs for the<br />
masses and take development<br />
to the grassroots in<br />
the state, into positions of<br />
trust”, he said.<br />
In his remarks, Chief<br />
Gbeinpei Appah, chairman<br />
of Kaiama Community<br />
Development Committee,<br />
described CDDB<br />
as a new initiative that<br />
has the capacity to cha<strong>ng</strong>e<br />
the face of politics and development<br />
in Bayelsa.<br />
He advised the state<br />
leadership of the NGO to<br />
ensure that their presence<br />
was well established in all<br />
communities in the state<br />
to send a clear political<br />
message to the political<br />
class.<br />
Invest In Technology For National<br />
Development, Wike Urges FG<br />
the appeal said it became<br />
necessary because technology<br />
was the catalyst<br />
of quick development.<br />
Speaki<strong>ng</strong> at the Government<br />
House Port Harcourt<br />
on Tuesday when he<br />
granted audience to national<br />
executive council<br />
of the Science Teachers<br />
Association of Nigeria<br />
(STAN), Governor Wike<br />
regretted that the Federal<br />
Government is yet to give<br />
the sciences, the priority<br />
attention they deserve.<br />
Governor Wike noted<br />
that science teachers<br />
should be encouraged<br />
with necessary incentives<br />
to carry out their responsibilities<br />
of prepari<strong>ng</strong><br />
Nigerian children for developmental<br />
roles.<br />
Benue Shuts 2,424 Illegal Nursery, Primary,<br />
Secondary, Tertiary Institutions<br />
State Commissioner for<br />
Education, Science and<br />
Technology, disclosed<br />
this at a press briefi<strong>ng</strong> at<br />
the old banquet hall of<br />
the Benue Peoples’ House,<br />
Makurdi of Tuesday.<br />
A breakdown of the<br />
numbers of schools shut<br />
down is 1,975 nursery/<br />
primary schools; 435 secondary<br />
schools and 14 tertiary<br />
institutions.<br />
Accordi<strong>ng</strong> him, “Illegal<br />
schools in our context<br />
refers to schools that have<br />
not been duly certified by<br />
the Ministry of Education<br />
or have not obtained<br />
operational approval for<br />
their establishment. That<br />
is, they (institutions) are<br />
yet to obtain phases two<br />
and three approvals as in<br />
the case of primary and<br />
secondary schools respectively.”<br />
He lamented that “Illegal<br />
schools have caused<br />
a lot of havoc in the educational<br />
system in the<br />
state to the school child”,<br />
addi<strong>ng</strong> that such schools<br />
are “perpetrators of examination<br />
malpractices;<br />
the so-called miracle centres<br />
employi<strong>ng</strong> mostly untrained<br />
and unqualified<br />
secondary school leavers<br />
as teachers.”<br />
Stati<strong>ng</strong> some of the reasons<br />
for the closure of the<br />
schools, Ityavyar said, the<br />
institutions were behind<br />
the “Poor performance of<br />
students in both internal<br />
and external examinations;<br />
enhance massive<br />
examination malpractice<br />
in schools; production of<br />
half-baked graduates and<br />
decay in moral values<br />
and norms in the society<br />
amo<strong>ng</strong> others.<br />
Sokoto Assembly<br />
Impeaches Deputy Leader<br />
News<br />
The Sokoto State House<br />
of Assembly has impeached<br />
its Deputy Leader,<br />
Alhaji Kabiru Ibrahim<br />
(APC- Kware), followi<strong>ng</strong> a<br />
no-confidence vote passed<br />
by members.<br />
Alhaji Salihu Maidaji,<br />
the speaker, announced<br />
the decision of the House<br />
at a plenary on Tuesday<br />
that the removal was<br />
endorsed by the 21 members.<br />
“I have received a letter<br />
of vote of no confidence<br />
in the Deputy House<br />
Leader duly signed by 21<br />
members of the Assembly<br />
in accordance with Order<br />
Six, Section 11, sub-section<br />
(3) of the Standi<strong>ng</strong><br />
Orders of Sokoto State<br />
House of Assembly 2014<br />
as amended.<br />
“The signatures of the<br />
21 members that passed<br />
the votes of no confidence<br />
in Kabiru Ibrahim, member<br />
representi<strong>ng</strong> Kware<br />
as Deputy House Leader<br />
are hereby accepted.<br />
“Consequently, we<br />
replace him with Alhaji<br />
Ibrahim Sarki as the new<br />
Deputy House Leader<br />
(APC- Sokoto North II),”<br />
he said.<br />
In an interview with<br />
newsmen after the impeachment,<br />
the House<br />
Leader, Alhaji Garba Bello<br />
(APC- Yabo), noted that<br />
the vote of no confidence<br />
followed constitutional<br />
breaches by Ibrahim.<br />
He accused Ibrahim of<br />
e<strong>ng</strong>agi<strong>ng</strong> in some political<br />
activities ahead of the 2019<br />
general elections in violation<br />
of INEC guidelines.<br />
“Ibrahim arra<strong>ng</strong>ed<br />
a delegation with other<br />
members to mobilise in<br />
support of a governorship<br />
aspirant and as such<br />
he breached our Standi<strong>ng</strong><br />
Orders.”<br />
HELEN<br />
I, formerly known and addressed as UJU<br />
HELEN EZEAGU, now wish to be known and<br />
called OBIANUJU HELEN EZEAGU. All other<br />
documents remain valid. General public please<br />
take note.<br />
OLUWAKEMI<br />
I, formerly known and addressed as MISS REBECCA<br />
OLUWAKEMI AJEWOLE, now wish to be known<br />
and called MRS REBECCA OLUWAKEMI. ADESUYI.<br />
All other documents remain valid. General public<br />
please take note.<br />
CONFIRMATION OF NAME<br />
This is to confirm that AMAOBI IKECHUKWU<br />
OGBONNAYA and OGBONNAYA OBINWANNE<br />
are one and same person. All former documents<br />
remain valid. General public take note.<br />
NWABOLIWE<br />
I, formerly known as MISS MIRIAN MGBATOGU<br />
now wish to be known as MRS MIRIAN<br />
NWABOLIWE OZOH. All former documents<br />
remain valid. General public take note.<br />
FERDINAND<br />
I, formerly known and addressed as MR.<br />
FERDINAND IBEAFUKWAM MONDAY, now<br />
wish to be known and called MR. IBE MONDAY<br />
FERDINAND. All other documents remain valid.<br />
General public please take note.<br />
PUBLIC NOTICE<br />
EL-CHANNUN INTERNATIONAL FOUNDATION<br />
This is to inform the general public that the above named organization has<br />
applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission for registration under part “C”<br />
of the Companies and Allied matters Arts.1990.<br />
THE TRUSTEES ARE:<br />
Pastor (Princess) Agnes Udo Ki<strong>ng</strong>brown<br />
- Intl President<br />
Eno Enobo<strong>ng</strong> Ekiko<br />
- Intl Coordinator<br />
Mrs. Rosalind Mfon Okon<br />
- Secretary<br />
Unwanaobo<strong>ng</strong> Enobo<strong>ng</strong> Ekiko<br />
- Member<br />
Pastor (E<strong>ng</strong>r) Sunday Titus Uboh<br />
-Member<br />
Pastor (Barr) Uto Ralph Essien<br />
(Legal Adviser)<br />
AIMS AND OBJECTIVES:<br />
1)Empowerment.<br />
2) Rehabilitation of women especially the girl child.<br />
3) Fight against domestic violence of any kind. 4) Rehabilitation and<br />
traini<strong>ng</strong> of prostitute and traffic women/girls. 5) Enlightenment /<br />
sensitazation on health related issues especially as it concerns women etc.<br />
Any objection to this registration should be forwarded to the Registrar<br />
General, Corporate Affairs Commission, Plot 420 Tigris Crescent, Maitama,<br />
Abuja, within 28 days of this publication<br />
Signed<br />
PASTOR (PRINCESS) AGNES UDOH KINGBROWN (INTL PRESIDENT)
A8<br />
News<br />
Osun Denies<br />
Outbreak of<br />
Lassa Fever<br />
GBENGA FATUROTI<br />
OSOGBO<br />
Osun State government<br />
has denied outbreak of the<br />
dreaded Lassa fever in any<br />
part of the state.<br />
A statement issued and<br />
signed by Mr. Sola Fasure,<br />
Media Adviser to the Governor,<br />
the government said<br />
there is no confirmed case<br />
of outbreak of the fever in<br />
the state.<br />
The government noted<br />
that the case of a corpse<br />
brought from Lagos, which<br />
death was linked to Lassa<br />
Fever, was subjected to<br />
laboratory test and tested<br />
positive to the fever but was<br />
buried before the autopsy<br />
report came out.<br />
Accordi<strong>ng</strong> to the statement,<br />
the State’s Ministry<br />
Of Health promptly put<br />
the relatives of the corpse<br />
on a 21-day surveillance but<br />
none of them exhibited any<br />
symptoms or signs of the<br />
fever.<br />
Government also said<br />
that there is round the<br />
clock surveillance goi<strong>ng</strong> on<br />
across all the local governments<br />
in the state to make<br />
sure that the people are protected,<br />
prevented and safe<br />
from the disease.<br />
Government therefore<br />
directed that the people<br />
should be on red alert and<br />
take necessary and proactive<br />
interest in what goes on<br />
around them so as to report<br />
any stra<strong>ng</strong>e symptoms to<br />
the authorities on time.<br />
Stop Sale Of<br />
Unauthorised<br />
Drugs, NAFDAC<br />
Warns Dealers<br />
DANIEL ABIA<br />
P/HARCOURT<br />
The National Agency for<br />
Food and Drug Administration<br />
and Control (NAF-<br />
DAC) has called on Patent<br />
Medicine Dealers in Delta<br />
State to desist from selli<strong>ng</strong><br />
unauthorised drugs and<br />
vaccines in their premises.<br />
Jude Ndekile, the state<br />
NAFDAC Coordinator,<br />
stated this in Asaba while<br />
displayi<strong>ng</strong> some unwholesome<br />
products confiscated<br />
by the agency.<br />
“In course of our routine<br />
inspection we have<br />
observed that some patent<br />
medicine stores sell drugs<br />
that are beyond their mandate,”<br />
addi<strong>ng</strong> that drugs<br />
such as high dose tramadol<br />
of 120ml, 200ml and 250ml<br />
were bei<strong>ng</strong> sold in patent<br />
medicine stores while<br />
banned drugs like anlagen<br />
injections, gentamycin 20<br />
injections and other injectables<br />
were found in some<br />
stores.”<br />
/<stro<strong>ng</strong>>Independent</stro<strong>ng</strong>><strong>ng</strong>r @independent<strong>ng</strong>r www.independent.<strong>ng</strong><br />
Our Achievements In Office Are<br />
Undeniable, PDP Replies APC<br />
ROTIMI AKINWUMI<br />
ABUJA<br />
The war of words<br />
between the ruli<strong>ng</strong><br />
All Progressives<br />
Co<strong>ng</strong>ress<br />
(APC) and the opposition<br />
Peoples Democratic Party<br />
(PDP) has refused to abate<br />
as the opposition party<br />
insisted yesterday that it<br />
performed excellently in<br />
office as against the abysmal<br />
report the APC is ascribi<strong>ng</strong><br />
to it.<br />
Since last Saturday<br />
when the former President,<br />
Goodluck Jonathan,<br />
openly at the non-elective<br />
convention of the PDP<br />
gave pass mark to the administration<br />
of the PDP<br />
before the advent of the<br />
APC government, both<br />
parties have been firi<strong>ng</strong><br />
salvos at each other.<br />
The opposition party<br />
in response to the latest<br />
diatribe by Garba Shehu,<br />
Special Assistant Media<br />
to the President, said that<br />
the government of the day<br />
is maki<strong>ng</strong> efforts at undermini<strong>ng</strong><br />
its achievement in<br />
office.<br />
In a statement signed by<br />
Prince Dayo Adeyeye, National<br />
Publicity Secretary<br />
of the PDP, the opposition<br />
party said the attempt<br />
by various members of<br />
the APC to downplay the<br />
achievements of PDP was<br />
borne out of ignorance.<br />
Faulti<strong>ng</strong> the APC further,<br />
the PDP insisted that<br />
the ruli<strong>ng</strong> party is obviously<br />
bei<strong>ng</strong> economical with<br />
the truth because it has<br />
not been able to make any<br />
meani<strong>ng</strong>ful impact on government<br />
over two years<br />
into its four year mandate.<br />
“We have read comments<br />
made by the National<br />
Publicity Secretary<br />
of the All Progressives’<br />
Co<strong>ng</strong>ress (APC), Alhaji<br />
Bolaji Ojo-Abdullahi, Mallam<br />
Garba Shehu, Special<br />
Assistant to the President<br />
on media and other senior<br />
members of the ruli<strong>ng</strong><br />
party such as former<br />
Governor Segun Oni and<br />
Dr. Osita Okechukwu, the<br />
Director General of the<br />
Voice of Nigeria where<br />
they attempted to rubbish<br />
the comments made by former<br />
President Goodluck<br />
Jonathan that his administration<br />
performed well<br />
duri<strong>ng</strong> his term in office.<br />
“It is our firm belief<br />
that these statements were<br />
INDEPENDENT WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 16, 2017<br />
borne out of ignorance,<br />
are lacki<strong>ng</strong> in depth and<br />
are devoid of the sort of<br />
critical thinki<strong>ng</strong> that one<br />
would expect from highly<br />
placed government officials.<br />
“However, these officials<br />
seem bent on continui<strong>ng</strong><br />
what has become<br />
an official position of the<br />
ruli<strong>ng</strong> party to reduce<br />
commentary on public issues,<br />
and indeed the art of<br />
governance, to comedy.<br />
“It is shameful and embarrassi<strong>ng</strong><br />
that havi<strong>ng</strong><br />
been in power for two and<br />
a half years, the ruli<strong>ng</strong><br />
party is unable to point<br />
to cogent, convinci<strong>ng</strong> and<br />
data driven achievements.<br />
“Instead, it has spent<br />
the bulk of its time designi<strong>ng</strong><br />
and implementi<strong>ng</strong><br />
a communication strategy<br />
around massive propaganda,<br />
half-truths and outright<br />
falsehood in an attempt to<br />
continually deceive the Nigerian<br />
people.”<br />
The party insisted that<br />
its achievement are visible<br />
and should be accepted so<br />
by the ruli<strong>ng</strong> party.<br />
For the sake of emphasis,<br />
we reiterate our<br />
position that the administration<br />
of former President<br />
Goodluck Jonathan<br />
performed well duri<strong>ng</strong> its<br />
term in office.<br />
“There are no indices<br />
anywhere in Nigeria, or<br />
indeed in the world, by<br />
which the administration<br />
of President Muhammadu<br />
Buhari can be measured<br />
as performi<strong>ng</strong> better than<br />
any PDP administration<br />
since 1999.<br />
“For the avoidance<br />
of doubt, some of the<br />
achievements of our party<br />
while in power include: As<br />
at May 29th, 2015 Nigeria<br />
was the largest economy<br />
in Africa valued at over<br />
$500 billion. A combination<br />
of the incoherent<br />
policies and the incompetence<br />
of the ruli<strong>ng</strong> party<br />
have significantly shrunk<br />
the size of the Nigerian<br />
economy since the inception<br />
of the current administration.”<br />
“As at May 29th, 2015<br />
Nigeria was the No 1 destination<br />
for Foreign Direct<br />
Investment (FDI) in Africa.<br />
Up to that point, investors<br />
responded to the policies<br />
designed and implemented<br />
by the Jonathan administration<br />
by investi<strong>ng</strong><br />
billions of Dollars in the<br />
Nigerian economy.”<br />
Godwin Obaseki, Governor, Edo State, addressi<strong>ng</strong> intendi<strong>ng</strong> pilgrims, duri<strong>ng</strong> his visit to the hajj camp in Dumez Road,<br />
Benin City, Edo State on Tuesday.<br />
U C H E N W O S U<br />
UMUAHIA<br />
Ude Oko Chukwu, Abia<br />
State deputy governor,<br />
has asked journalists to<br />
be objective, fair and unbiased<br />
in their reportage<br />
in line with the ethics of<br />
their profession, even as<br />
he urged them to collaborate<br />
with government<br />
to enthrone a durable democracy.<br />
In a statement signed<br />
by Orji Francis Okpe, his<br />
Personal Assistant, the<br />
Abia number two citizen<br />
explained that journalists<br />
as the conscience of the<br />
society, must focus on development<br />
journalism, ensure<br />
factual reportage by<br />
investigati<strong>ng</strong> their sources<br />
of news thoroughly and<br />
balanci<strong>ng</strong> stories before<br />
goi<strong>ng</strong> to press.<br />
Oko Chukwu, who was<br />
reacti<strong>ng</strong> to reports linki<strong>ng</strong><br />
him with the arrest and<br />
detention of one Prince<br />
Dan Iyke, a critic of the<br />
state government in Ohafia,<br />
Abia State, condemned<br />
the incessant attack on<br />
public office holders by<br />
media practitioners who<br />
publish without verifyi<strong>ng</strong><br />
their stories.<br />
He lamented that several<br />
public office holders<br />
had been condemned in<br />
public without havi<strong>ng</strong><br />
the opportunity to react to<br />
allegations made against<br />
them and urged media<br />
practitioners to resist the<br />
urge to vilify public office<br />
holders and strive to verify<br />
their reports before<br />
goi<strong>ng</strong> to press.<br />
“My attention has been<br />
drawn to reports maki<strong>ng</strong><br />
the rounds that I masterminded<br />
the arrest and<br />
UPP Suspends<br />
Chidoka, Others<br />
For Anti-Party<br />
Activities<br />
CHUKWUJEKWU ILOZUE<br />
AWKA<br />
Anambra State chapter<br />
of the United Progressives<br />
Party (UPP) has<br />
suspended indefinitely<br />
two of its governorship<br />
aspirants, namely former<br />
Aviation Minister, Chief<br />
Osita Chidoka; and Chief<br />
Chudi Ofodille for alleged<br />
anti-party activities.<br />
The party also announced<br />
the suspension<br />
of the party’s National<br />
Treasurer, Mr. Flint Obiekwe,<br />
and National Assistant<br />
Secretary, Nwabueze<br />
Anyichie, followi<strong>ng</strong> its<br />
emergency meeti<strong>ng</strong> in<br />
Awka on Monday.<br />
The state chairman of<br />
the party, Dr. Sylvester Igwilo,<br />
addressi<strong>ng</strong> the press<br />
said their suspension subsists<br />
pendi<strong>ng</strong> the determination<br />
of their case by the<br />
party’s disciplinary committee<br />
of seven members<br />
set up in line with Article<br />
21, Paragraphs 3 and 4 of<br />
its Constitution.<br />
He stated that Chidoka<br />
and Ofodille who defected<br />
to UPP from the People’s<br />
Democratic Party (PDP)<br />
did not show documentary<br />
evidence of their resignation<br />
from their former<br />
party as required by Article<br />
7 Paragraph B of the<br />
UPP Constitution.<br />
Accordi<strong>ng</strong> to him, both<br />
aspirants introduced<br />
money politics into the<br />
party as well as induci<strong>ng</strong><br />
members to gain advantage.<br />
Reeli<strong>ng</strong> out their infractions,<br />
he said that the<br />
duo “introduced money<br />
politics by induci<strong>ng</strong> members<br />
with cash donation,<br />
which tends to bri<strong>ng</strong> the<br />
image of the party to ridicule;<br />
goi<strong>ng</strong> to Abuja to<br />
deposit illegal N5 million<br />
without consent and approval<br />
of state Executive<br />
Committee; appeari<strong>ng</strong><br />
for a purported screeni<strong>ng</strong><br />
without the approval<br />
and authority of the state<br />
Executive Committee outside<br />
the provision in the<br />
party’s constitution Article<br />
16(d).”<br />
Be Objective In Your Reportage, Abia Deputy Gov Charges Journalists<br />
detention of one Prince<br />
Dan Iyke. This allegation<br />
is unfounded. The purveyors<br />
of such information<br />
went to the public without<br />
verifyi<strong>ng</strong> their reports. I<br />
have no hand in his arrest.<br />
“Those accusi<strong>ng</strong> me of<br />
mastermindi<strong>ng</strong> his arrest<br />
should rather contact the<br />
Police to ascertain why he<br />
is bei<strong>ng</strong> detained. I have<br />
no hand in his arrest,”<br />
he said.
INDEPENDENT<br />
Politics<br />
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 16, 2017<br />
Our View<br />
Stop The Brain<br />
Drain In Health<br />
Sector Now<br />
A recent report that<br />
about 2,500 Nigerian<br />
medical doctors of different<br />
cadre are goi<strong>ng</strong><br />
to leave the country in<br />
search of better opportunities<br />
abroad in September<br />
is worrisome.<br />
D6<br />
Why Fayose<br />
And Buhari Must<br />
Work Together<br />
– Owolabi<br />
A government is the reflection<br />
of the society;<br />
no government can<br />
perform better than<br />
the ability of the components<br />
of the society.<br />
D3<br />
Quote Of The Week<br />
“If you don’t see<br />
anythi<strong>ng</strong> wro<strong>ng</strong> when<br />
leaders flash the<br />
images of their sibli<strong>ng</strong>’s<br />
matriculation or<br />
graduation ceremonies<br />
in some of the world’s<br />
most prestigious or<br />
elitist universities, you<br />
shouldn’t see anythi<strong>ng</strong><br />
wro<strong>ng</strong> with ASUU strike<br />
and demand for a better<br />
deal for Nigerian Universities.<br />
Givi<strong>ng</strong> some<br />
children the best of<br />
education and denyi<strong>ng</strong><br />
some children same is<br />
aimed at entrenchi<strong>ng</strong><br />
and sustaini<strong>ng</strong> a political,<br />
social and economic<br />
dynasty of class order.”<br />
- Shehu Sani, Senator<br />
Representi<strong>ng</strong> Kaduna<br />
Central Senatorial<br />
District.<br />
/<stro<strong>ng</strong>>Independent</stro<strong>ng</strong>><strong>ng</strong>r @independent<strong>ng</strong>r www.independent.<strong>ng</strong><br />
Temidayo Akinsuyi +2348051334311; temidayo.akinsuyi@independentnig.com<br />
•Interview<br />
•Our View<br />
•Your Views<br />
Constitution Doesn’t Require Buhari<br />
To Disclose Health Status – Shehu<br />
Garba Shehu, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity was a guest on Channels<br />
Television on Tuesday where he spoke on the calls by some Nigerians that President Muhammadu<br />
Buhari should resume or resign. He also responded to claims by a human rights lawyer, Ebun- Olu<br />
Adegboruwa that Nigerians are bei<strong>ng</strong> ruled from the United Ki<strong>ng</strong>dom (UK).TEMIDAYO AKINSUYI who<br />
monitored the session bri<strong>ng</strong>s the excerpts:<br />
You recently issued a statement that<br />
those aski<strong>ng</strong> President Buhari to resume<br />
or resign are oversteppi<strong>ng</strong> their<br />
bounds. Why did you say that?<br />
This is a democracy and we<br />
respect the rights of citizens to<br />
protest. Yes, it’s not a bad thi<strong>ng</strong><br />
that about a dozen or so people<br />
co<strong>ng</strong>regati<strong>ng</strong> there to raise placards<br />
to ask those questions they<br />
are aski<strong>ng</strong>. The problem is that<br />
when you probably know where<br />
they are comi<strong>ng</strong> from; when they<br />
are vassals of the opposition political<br />
party and their antecedents<br />
are written all over their faces.<br />
We wish that they were more<br />
dispassionate individuals, honest<br />
Nigerians who really have the<br />
interest of the country at heart<br />
and not agency of the opposition<br />
political party.<br />
Does it take away the credibility of<br />
what they were sayi<strong>ng</strong> because quite<br />
a number of people also share their<br />
view? We just had Ebun Adegboruwa<br />
this morni<strong>ng</strong> who is not a known<br />
member of any political party and he<br />
said he believed what the protesters<br />
are aski<strong>ng</strong> for is quite right. How do<br />
you respond to that?<br />
I am surprised that he (Adegboruwa)<br />
as a lawyer has spoken<br />
so recklessly on so many matters<br />
about which he showed lot of dispassion<br />
about those matters. That<br />
was reckless of him because he<br />
said thi<strong>ng</strong>s that are just completely<br />
untrue. This man that has just<br />
spoken with Nigerians said this<br />
country is bei<strong>ng</strong> run from the<br />
United Ki<strong>ng</strong>dom (UK). He said<br />
memos are bei<strong>ng</strong> sent to the UK<br />
and that ministers are reporti<strong>ng</strong><br />
to the president. That is false. He<br />
doesn’t know what he is talki<strong>ng</strong><br />
about. Let me tell you this story.<br />
I am aware that senior officials of<br />
government have gone to President<br />
Buhari in the UK and taken<br />
some documents to him and<br />
asked him to deal with it. The<br />
president said ‘ No, I won’t! The<br />
man responsible for the country<br />
is in Abuja, go back to him’. So,<br />
I think the idea is to make President<br />
Buhari look as if he is in<br />
charge but it is even disrespectful<br />
to the Acti<strong>ng</strong> President.<br />
The very fact that you mentioned<br />
that such a scenario arise was one of<br />
the thi<strong>ng</strong>s Mr. Adegboruwa pointed to<br />
and that is loyalty. He said the loyalty<br />
Shehu<br />
of the ministers will continue to lie<br />
with the president who appointed<br />
them and not the Acti<strong>ng</strong> President.<br />
What is your take on this?<br />
That doesn’t follow. Anybody<br />
who said that doesn’t understand<br />
the implications of the constitution<br />
of this country. Once the<br />
president has transferred power<br />
to the Acti<strong>ng</strong> President, if you are<br />
the Inspector- General of Police<br />
and the Acti<strong>ng</strong> President said<br />
go and do these thi<strong>ng</strong>s, you are<br />
fired if you refused to do it. So,<br />
nobody will joke with their jobs.<br />
Yes, we are loyal to the president<br />
but everyone knows that this is<br />
the locus of authority.<br />
Shouldn’t the people who tried to<br />
undermine the authority of the Acti<strong>ng</strong><br />
President be fired?<br />
No. Maybe they are mistaken.<br />
That is to underscore to you that<br />
this is a law and order president.<br />
If this is a president who wanted<br />
power for his own sake, he would<br />
probably have been givi<strong>ng</strong> directives<br />
from over there. But he said<br />
‘no, I have done the right thi<strong>ng</strong>. I<br />
have handed over to the Acti<strong>ng</strong><br />
President. Deal with him’ and<br />
that is how directives should be<br />
done.<br />
The law has specified what should be<br />
done if the president falls ill, but when<br />
you look at the political situation, can<br />
the law really handle that?<br />
The law and the constitution<br />
have foreseen it and I think constitution<br />
is very fair to individuals,<br />
in this case President Muhammadu<br />
Buhari. The constitution<br />
gives him the process by which he<br />
can go and take care of himself. I<br />
also believe that the constitution<br />
is also fair to the country because<br />
by handi<strong>ng</strong> over the reins of authority<br />
to the Acti<strong>ng</strong> President,<br />
the constitution is also fair to the<br />
country.<br />
For how lo<strong>ng</strong> can the president be<br />
away for?<br />
The constitution of Nigeria<br />
is an evolvi<strong>ng</strong> document. As we<br />
are speaki<strong>ng</strong>, it is an open-ended<br />
thi<strong>ng</strong>. There is no timeline. As<br />
lo<strong>ng</strong> as the right thi<strong>ng</strong> has been<br />
done, which the president has<br />
done by handi<strong>ng</strong> over to his deputy,<br />
it is off the table.<br />
D3<br />
D6<br />
D7<br />
D1<br />
We all wish the president well, but<br />
if he feels the illness will take a lo<strong>ng</strong><br />
time, maybe six months and he has<br />
just four years, do you think it will be<br />
fair for Nigerians to ask him to resign<br />
or for the president to say I may not<br />
be able to continue?<br />
In choosi<strong>ng</strong> the president, we<br />
had a ticket which is a candidate<br />
for president and a candidate<br />
for vice-president- one team. So,<br />
therefore once that team is in<br />
place, you have lost nothi<strong>ng</strong>.<br />
Do you think the president has moral<br />
grounds to tell Nigerians if he will not<br />
be able to continue?<br />
You said morality, I have no<br />
competence placi<strong>ng</strong> morality in<br />
the realm of politics. However,<br />
I must say that I think the president<br />
has done the most that anybody<br />
can do in this circumstance.<br />
What I am sayi<strong>ng</strong> is that there is<br />
politics and there is morality<br />
and they don’t always mix. That<br />
is not to say that you can ask this<br />
question from the president if the<br />
president had said to you that ‘ I<br />
will give full disclosure, one hundred<br />
percent of my health situation<br />
in all circumstances’. If the<br />
president fails to do that, then<br />
he has a moral problem. When<br />
he campaigned, he said that I<br />
will declare my assets publicly.<br />
He got to office and lawyers of<br />
many colours are sayi<strong>ng</strong> ‘sir, you<br />
don’t have to do it because there<br />
is no basis for it in law’. But because<br />
that commitment had been<br />
given, on the 99th day of the 100<br />
days promise he made, the president<br />
published his assets. The<br />
vice- president also published<br />
his assets. Therefore, had it been<br />
the president had reneged on<br />
this promise, people would have<br />
raised the issue of morality. As it<br />
now, we are deali<strong>ng</strong> with matters<br />
of law. The constitution of this<br />
country doesn’t make it a requirement<br />
for him to say that he must<br />
disclose his health situation. He<br />
went to the UK in January and<br />
when he returned, without the<br />
prompti<strong>ng</strong> of anyone, he faced<br />
the television cameras and said<br />
this is what I went through. So,<br />
let’s give him the benefit of doubt<br />
and a little bit of patience. President<br />
Buhari will return. I will not<br />
be surprised if he stands before<br />
everyone and says ‘this is what<br />
I went through and it’s all over’.
D2<br />
Politics<br />
/<stro<strong>ng</strong>>Independent</stro<strong>ng</strong>><strong>ng</strong>r @independent<strong>ng</strong>r www.independent.<strong>ng</strong><br />
INDEPENDENT WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 16, 2017<br />
Obasanjo Tasks Nigerian<br />
Youth On Governance<br />
AUGUSTINE ADAH<br />
LAGOS<br />
The desire to have a<br />
place in the leadership<br />
position of the<br />
country has always<br />
been the pursuit of youths<br />
in Nigeria. That was why<br />
several events organised to<br />
mark this year’s International<br />
Youth Day focused<br />
on their roles in the governance<br />
of the country.<br />
For instance, several<br />
speakers at Youth Governance<br />
Dialogue, an event<br />
organised by the Youth Development<br />
Centre, an arm<br />
of the Olusegun Obasanjo<br />
Presidential Library<br />
(OOPL), in Abeokuta took<br />
time to encourage them to<br />
work hard in order to assume<br />
leadership position.<br />
While former President<br />
Olusegun Obasanjo who<br />
spoke at the event agreed<br />
that our youths have important<br />
role to play in the<br />
governance of the country,<br />
urged them to work harder.<br />
To Obasanjo, leadership<br />
positions are never given on<br />
a platter of gold and urged<br />
the youth to work for them.<br />
He noted that moral values<br />
had been eroded, unlike in<br />
the 50s and the 60s, addi<strong>ng</strong><br />
that sound moral values<br />
were necessary i<strong>ng</strong>redients<br />
for leadership.<br />
In Obasanjo’s view, Nigeria<br />
is in dire need of leaders<br />
who are academically and<br />
spiritually sound.<br />
He urged the youth to<br />
stop complaini<strong>ng</strong>, “moani<strong>ng</strong><br />
and agonisi<strong>ng</strong>”. He advised<br />
them to get ready to fit<br />
into elective offices as there<br />
were moves now to lower the<br />
age for President, Governor<br />
and National Assembly.<br />
”I joined politics from<br />
the top. The only position I<br />
contested for is President,<br />
but I had a track record of<br />
achievements, which led to<br />
that.<br />
”Nobody will choose you;<br />
you have to choose yourself.<br />
Why should you have to become<br />
president at the age of<br />
40? “Why can’t you become<br />
president at the age of 35?<br />
Why can’t you become president<br />
at the age of 30?<br />
”General Gowon became<br />
Head of State at 33. I became<br />
Head of State at 39. And it is<br />
because of my track record,<br />
and thanks to Abacha (the<br />
late Gen. Sani Abacha) for<br />
putti<strong>ng</strong> me in jail.<br />
”Those were the reasons<br />
why I had the opportunity<br />
to come back as elected<br />
President. The point is this<br />
-how are you prepared? Are<br />
you really prepared?<br />
Obasanjo<br />
I joined politics<br />
from the top. The<br />
only position I<br />
contested for is<br />
President, but I<br />
had a track record<br />
of achievements,<br />
which led to that<br />
”You should e<strong>ng</strong>age in<br />
thi<strong>ng</strong>s that will bri<strong>ng</strong> about<br />
unity and integration. You<br />
see yourselves as Nigerians<br />
and one family instead<br />
of pursui<strong>ng</strong> thi<strong>ng</strong>s that<br />
could divide the country,”<br />
Obasanjo said.<br />
Kanu Agabi (SAN), former<br />
Attorney General of<br />
the federation who spoke<br />
at the event in the paper titled<br />
“The role of our youth<br />
in contributi<strong>ng</strong> to the Peace<br />
and stability of the nation,”<br />
advised youths across the<br />
country to strive towards<br />
unity and peace of Nigeria.<br />
He said, ”If Obasanjo can<br />
make it, you can also make<br />
it. He joined the army and<br />
survived. When he was sent<br />
to prison, he survived. He<br />
was sentenced to death but<br />
here he is.”<br />
In view of rampant cases<br />
of youths involvement<br />
in kidnappi<strong>ng</strong>, cultism and<br />
other forms of criminalities,<br />
Bayo Ojo (SAN) who<br />
was also former Attorney<br />
General and Chairman<br />
of the occasion, advised<br />
youths to shun violence and<br />
“remain committed to Nigeria’s<br />
development”.<br />
Reacti<strong>ng</strong> to Obasanjo’s<br />
advise, Eric Oluwole, National<br />
President, Yoruba<br />
Youth Council (YYC), said<br />
it is time the youths realise<br />
that it is not only tomorrow<br />
that belo<strong>ng</strong> to them but now.<br />
He said, “There is a sayi<strong>ng</strong><br />
before now that the<br />
youths are leaders of tomorrow,<br />
but we don’t want<br />
to wait for tomorrow, we<br />
want the youths to be part<br />
of what is happeni<strong>ng</strong> now.”<br />
Oluwole expressed confidence<br />
in the ability of Nigerian<br />
youth to assume a leadership<br />
role in the country<br />
and commended Obasanjo<br />
for bari<strong>ng</strong> his mind on the<br />
matter.<br />
He “I can assure you that<br />
in 2019 general elections,<br />
you would see more of our<br />
youths comi<strong>ng</strong> out to contest<br />
than the previous practice.”<br />
Senator Suileman Nazif<br />
representi<strong>ng</strong> Bauchi North<br />
described the recent vote in<br />
favour of a bill seeki<strong>ng</strong> to<br />
alter sections 65, 106,131 and<br />
177 of the 1999 Constitution<br />
as a move to include Nigerian<br />
youth in the process of<br />
governance. He commended<br />
the National Assembly for<br />
such bold step.<br />
The decision by members<br />
of the National Assembly<br />
could be described as<br />
a positive response to the<br />
request by a coalition of<br />
youths from different ethnic<br />
groups in the country<br />
appeali<strong>ng</strong> to government<br />
to allow them participate<br />
in governance by cedi<strong>ng</strong> 50<br />
percent of both position to<br />
them as a panacea to youth<br />
restiveness in the country.<br />
They urged politicians<br />
in the country to give heed<br />
to their demand before the<br />
forth comi<strong>ng</strong> 2019 general<br />
elections in the country.<br />
The group under the aegis<br />
of Ethnic Nationality Youth<br />
Leaders forum, met few<br />
days before the decision of<br />
the senate to amend the constitution<br />
in order to give the<br />
youths better opportunity.<br />
Accordi<strong>ng</strong> to a communiqué<br />
signed by the presidents<br />
of the Ohaneze Youth,<br />
Ijaw Youth Council, Yoruba<br />
Youth Council, Arewa<br />
Youth, Middle Belt Forum,<br />
North East and Ibibio Youth<br />
Council, they vehemently<br />
agitated that if government<br />
wants to nip in bud conflicts,<br />
they must give them<br />
elective and appointed positions<br />
from state to federal<br />
levels.<br />
The President of Ijaw<br />
Youth Council, Pereotubo<br />
Oweilaemi, who read the<br />
text of the communiqué to<br />
newsmen in Abuja, lamented<br />
that the interest of the<br />
youth is not bei<strong>ng</strong> protected<br />
and that is why they are sayi<strong>ng</strong><br />
it’s a must that by 2019,<br />
irrespective of any political<br />
party in the country, they<br />
should give Nigeria youths<br />
50 per cent of elective position<br />
and 50 per cent of<br />
appointed position after<br />
election.<br />
It could be recalled that<br />
Not Too You<strong>ng</strong> to Run Movement,<br />
a Non-Governmental<br />
Organisation, led by one<br />
Mr. Samson Itodo stormed<br />
the National Assembly on<br />
July 25 demandi<strong>ng</strong> that the<br />
age restriction on elective<br />
and appointive positions<br />
in the country be removed<br />
from the constitution.<br />
Itodo expressed displeasure<br />
over the past practice<br />
where age has become a<br />
barrier for youths aspiri<strong>ng</strong><br />
to elective and appointive<br />
positions. He maintained<br />
that time had come for<br />
you<strong>ng</strong> Nigerians to be given<br />
the opportunity to run<br />
for office, addi<strong>ng</strong> that once<br />
a person is eligible to vote,<br />
he or she should be eligible<br />
to run for office.
INDEPENDENT WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 16, 2017 /<stro<strong>ng</strong>>Independent</stro<strong>ng</strong>><strong>ng</strong>r @independent<strong>ng</strong>r www.independent.<strong>ng</strong> D3<br />
Politics<br />
Why Fayose And Buhari Must<br />
Work Together – Owolabi<br />
What is your assessment of<br />
the President Muhammadu<br />
Buhari administration so far?<br />
A government is the reflection<br />
of the society; no<br />
government can perform<br />
better than the ability of the<br />
components of the society.<br />
The problem we have is that<br />
there is character deficit in<br />
Nigeria, not only in terms<br />
of the leaders, but also of<br />
the followers to the extent<br />
that they are now so corrupt<br />
that they are now looki<strong>ng</strong> for<br />
thieves, armed robbers and<br />
the most corrupt elements<br />
as people that they will vote<br />
for because they will buy<br />
them. There is no magic this<br />
government, the last one or<br />
the future will perform without<br />
the transformation and<br />
cha<strong>ng</strong>e of attitude of the followership.<br />
But, it is the job<br />
of the leader to put in place<br />
a mechanism to cha<strong>ng</strong>e the<br />
attitude of the people voluntarily<br />
and not by coercion as<br />
we are doi<strong>ng</strong> in Nigeria. It<br />
has to be a deliberate effort<br />
to use knowledge and wisdom<br />
to transform the minds<br />
of the people. So, I call upon<br />
all professionals, all those<br />
who have gone through the<br />
walls of tertiary education<br />
to come out, no good job<br />
can be done by an individual.<br />
You remember when the<br />
former President of United<br />
States, Mr. Barack Obama<br />
came to Ghana in 2009, he<br />
refused to come to Nigeria.<br />
He sent a missile to us, he<br />
said, ‘you guys are looki<strong>ng</strong><br />
for stro<strong>ng</strong> men, you should<br />
be buildi<strong>ng</strong> stro<strong>ng</strong> institutions.’<br />
If we cannot have<br />
leaders who have the capacities<br />
and the desires to work<br />
together, we cannot develop<br />
Nigeria<br />
Do you think this present government<br />
uses coercion, rather<br />
than wisdom and intelligence<br />
to govern the Nigerian people?<br />
The government we inherited,<br />
civil or military,<br />
has been indoctrinated in<br />
the culture of command and<br />
control leadership. That is<br />
why we operate a military<br />
system, while we are supposed<br />
to be a democratic<br />
country. Democracy is the<br />
government of the people,<br />
for the people and by<br />
the people. It is a team approach.<br />
But, here, we have<br />
been indoctrinated to believe<br />
that there is a magician<br />
who will come and solve a<br />
problem that is for all of us<br />
to solve. So, we have people<br />
who abuse authorities<br />
and think they are not part<br />
of the problem. We need a<br />
leader who understands the<br />
human needs, body, psyche<br />
and has the knowledge to<br />
help the people. But here in<br />
Nigeria, we are recycli<strong>ng</strong><br />
‘Dr. Makanjuola Owolabi is an All Progressives Party (APC) gubernatorial aspirants in the<br />
forthcomi<strong>ng</strong> 2018 election in Ekiti State. In this interview with OLUSEGUN KOIKI, he spoke<br />
on the performance of the President Muhammadu Buhari administration and his ill-health, as<br />
well his plans for Ekiti State, amo<strong>ng</strong> other issues. Excerpts:<br />
Owolabi<br />
The captain may be<br />
better than you, but<br />
he’s not the deputy<br />
God. We are prone<br />
to errors, but we can<br />
only be safe if we<br />
operate as a team.<br />
That is what we are<br />
lacki<strong>ng</strong> here and that<br />
is why we are faili<strong>ng</strong><br />
people who are motivated by<br />
passion to capture power by<br />
any means, even when they<br />
cannot remember what that<br />
power is supposed to be used<br />
for. This is why we are in a<br />
mess today.<br />
There was a protest recently<br />
in Abuja against President<br />
Buhari’s stay in UK due to his<br />
continued ill-health. What is<br />
your take on the absence of the<br />
president from office?<br />
My opinion is actually<br />
based on the traini<strong>ng</strong> that<br />
I have been givi<strong>ng</strong> professionals<br />
in the past 40 years<br />
because in aviation, we have<br />
come into a position where<br />
we now know that it is the<br />
entire team that would be<br />
responsible for the survival<br />
and safety of the aircraft and<br />
not just the captain. President<br />
Buhari is not the only<br />
one who will rescue Nigeria.<br />
Has he not got ministers?<br />
Are they spare tyres? Has he<br />
not got a vice president? The<br />
constitution puts the power<br />
in the hands of an Acti<strong>ng</strong><br />
President. It is the attitude<br />
of the ministers and the followers<br />
that is causi<strong>ng</strong> problems<br />
because we should have<br />
our loyalty to the nation and<br />
not to a human bei<strong>ng</strong>. This<br />
is clear in the oaths that we<br />
take. The loyalty is to the<br />
flag and not to an individual.<br />
When you go to London,<br />
New York or even Dallas, do<br />
you need to know their governors<br />
or President or Prime<br />
Minister before anythi<strong>ng</strong><br />
works there? Unfortunately,<br />
we have a culture of command<br />
and control in Africa.<br />
But, we need to start cha<strong>ng</strong>i<strong>ng</strong><br />
it. Culture is meant to be<br />
dynamic.<br />
There are several ethnic<br />
agitators across the country,<br />
demandi<strong>ng</strong> for restructuri<strong>ng</strong>.<br />
How do you think Nigerian can<br />
move forward as a nation?<br />
Nigeria is a country manufacturi<strong>ng</strong><br />
answers and forgetti<strong>ng</strong><br />
the questions. That<br />
is why it has taken us 18<br />
years to have a nation. A reasonable<br />
people and country<br />
would have sat down to look<br />
at the mechanism, structures<br />
and the modalities.<br />
That would have been number<br />
one issue over 60 years<br />
ago. But, here we are today<br />
still doi<strong>ng</strong> trial and error.<br />
Restructuri<strong>ng</strong> is a disaster<br />
that has come because of our<br />
attitude and mode of operation.<br />
I served in the Nigerian<br />
Air Force, I lived in Kaduna<br />
for over 40 years and three<br />
out of four of my children<br />
were born in Kaduna. When<br />
it came to politics, to get an<br />
ordinary party card, despite<br />
my years there, I was bei<strong>ng</strong><br />
reminded that I was not a<br />
son of the soil. I had to come<br />
to Ekiti State to have a party<br />
card.<br />
We don’t have a country<br />
based on patriotism. Chapter<br />
2 of the Nigeria Constitution<br />
actually made it very clear<br />
on what should be done. But<br />
we are not doi<strong>ng</strong> it. If we can<br />
make Chapter 2 justifiable,<br />
we would all be Nigerians<br />
first before you remember<br />
where you came from. An<br />
American is an American<br />
•CONTINUES ON D4
D4<br />
CHANGE OF NAME<br />
SALAMI<br />
I, formerly known and addressed as AKANDE<br />
VICTORIA MOTUNRAYO, now wish to be known<br />
and called SALAMI VICTORIA MOTUNRAYO.<br />
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OJOCHIDE<br />
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ASUQUO<br />
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MAXWELL<br />
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MAXWELL CHINEDU, now wish to be known<br />
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CONFIRMATION OF NAME<br />
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CONFIRMATION OF NAME<br />
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CHARLES<br />
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INYANG BENJAMIN now wish to be known<br />
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CHUKWUNONSO<br />
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STANLEY NONSO, now wish to be known and<br />
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ADDITION OF NAME<br />
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JUSTINA<br />
I formerly known,called and addressed as SAMUEL<br />
IRUH JUSTINA AKPOS now wishes to be known, called<br />
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DAVIDSON<br />
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IGBINOVIA now wishes to be known, called and<br />
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JAMES<br />
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NDIPMONGUWEM JOSEPH EDET, now wish to<br />
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ADDITION OF NAME<br />
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CHRISTIAN<br />
I, formerly known and addressed as UTONG FUBARA<br />
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PATIENCE, now wish to be known and called<br />
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OKON<br />
I, formerly known and addressed as UDO<br />
JOSEPHINE ETIM, now wish to be known<br />
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SODIQ<br />
That on some of my documents, my name was written<br />
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KENNETH<br />
I, formerly known, called and addressed as URAMA<br />
KENNETH . E. now wishes to be known, called<br />
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MICHEAL<br />
This is to inform the general public that the names UGOKPA<br />
MICHAEL and UGOKPA MICHAEL ORE belo<strong>ng</strong> to one and<br />
same person now wishes to be known,called and addressed<br />
as UGOKPA MICHEAL. I also wish to state that my correct date<br />
of birth was 25th July 1937.All former documents remain valid.<br />
General public, Banks and all concerned should please take note.
BAMIDELE OGUNWUSI<br />
LAGOS<br />
IBTC Bank (-5.0%), Guaranty million units and N5.4 billion IBTC Bank (-5.0%) and Guaranty<br />
Trust Bank (-1.5%) and Lafarge respectively.<br />
Trust Bank (-1.5%).<br />
At the close of tradi<strong>ng</strong> yesterday, Cement WAPCO (-4.8%).<br />
Performance across sectors Likewise, the insurance and<br />
the All Share Index recorded a Consequently, year-to-date was largely bearish as all indices<br />
consumer goods index dipped<br />
2.3 per cent decline to settle at gain pared to 38.0 per cent. Accordi<strong>ng</strong>ly,<br />
under our coverage closed 1.0 per cent apiece on the back<br />
37,096.60 points as profit taki<strong>ng</strong><br />
investors lost N294.5 in the red. The industrial goods of sell pressures on Mansard<br />
further hit the market.<br />
billion as market capitalisation index waned the most, down 4.2 Insurance (-4.7%) and Nigerian<br />
Performance was largely settled at N12.8 trillion.<br />
per cent owi<strong>ng</strong> to a decline in Breweries (-1.6%) while negative<br />
dragged by negative sentiment However, market activity the price of Da<strong>ng</strong>ote Cement<br />
sentiment towards Forte<br />
towards Da<strong>ng</strong>ote Cement (-4.3%) improved as volume and value (-4.3%) while the banki<strong>ng</strong> index Oil (-4.6%) and Oando (-1.4%)<br />
as well as profit taki<strong>ng</strong> in Nigerian<br />
traded surged 23.9 per cent and followed, sheddi<strong>ng</strong> 1.2 per cent dragged the oil & gas sector 0.4<br />
Breweries (-1.6%), Stanbic 28.7 per cent to settle at 391.6 on account of losses in Stanbic per cent lower.<br />
Business<br />
INDEPENDENT<br />
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 16, 2017<br />
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Power Generation<br />
Hits 6800mw<br />
– Fashola<br />
Minister of Power, Works and<br />
Housi<strong>ng</strong>, Babatunde Raji Fashola,<br />
said power generation and<br />
transmission in the country has<br />
improved, sayi<strong>ng</strong> that as at August<br />
10, 2017, the generation was<br />
6, 863 megawatts (mw), while the<br />
transmission rose to 6, 700 mw,<br />
against the 5,000 mw in 2016.<br />
Speaki<strong>ng</strong> yesterday in Kano,<br />
Fashola said: “The Federal<br />
Government is doi<strong>ng</strong> its best to<br />
ensure improvement in electricity<br />
supply. Government has<br />
embarked on serious expansion<br />
of transmission capacity with<br />
some power plants already completed,<br />
while others have reached<br />
advance stages of completion.”<br />
He assured support for<br />
any state willi<strong>ng</strong> to involve in<br />
generation and distribution of<br />
electricity.<br />
Fashola, who was in Kano for<br />
the 18th monthly power sector<br />
and stakeholders meeti<strong>ng</strong>, said<br />
there was no monopoly in the<br />
business of electricity generation<br />
and distribution and that state<br />
governments and big companies<br />
could also involve in the business.<br />
CAC Delists 44,000<br />
Nigerian Firms From<br />
Database<br />
The Corporate Affairs<br />
Commission (CAC), have so<br />
far delisted 44,000 companies<br />
from the database, while 1.5<br />
million companies have been<br />
registered, the Registrar General<br />
of the Commission, Bello<br />
Mahmud, disclosed this in an<br />
interview with our Correspondent<br />
in Abuja.<br />
He said the development<br />
was sequel to several breaches<br />
of the Companies and other<br />
Matters Act (CAMA), and other<br />
extant regulations of the<br />
commission, notably, late and<br />
outright refusal to file returns.<br />
“So far there is an improvement<br />
and a current ratio of 45<br />
per cent. We are still checki<strong>ng</strong><br />
on company records especially<br />
in terms of compliance<br />
for those who have not been<br />
fili<strong>ng</strong>.<br />
NSE Index Down By 2.3% In Bearish Tradi<strong>ng</strong><br />
Sylvester Enoghase +2348075038724 sylvester.enoghase@independentnig.com<br />
MOHAMMED SHOSANYA<br />
LAGOS<br />
The o<strong>ng</strong>oi<strong>ng</strong> reforms of<br />
the Nigerian National<br />
Petroleum Corporation<br />
(NNPC), will place the<br />
Corporation on a lo<strong>ng</strong>- term<br />
growth trajectory for the benefit<br />
of all stakeholders, its Group<br />
Managi<strong>ng</strong> Director, Dr. Maikanti<br />
Baru, has said.<br />
Baru, while receivi<strong>ng</strong> a delegation<br />
from the NNPC Retired Staff<br />
Association led by its President,<br />
Chief George Owarieta, in Abuja,<br />
yesterday, stated that restructuri<strong>ng</strong><br />
the Corporation was the surest<br />
way to sustainable growth and<br />
profitability.<br />
“On restructuri<strong>ng</strong> of the<br />
NNPC, definitely there are benefits<br />
in the exercise both to the<br />
How NNPC Can Be<br />
Profitable, By Baru<br />
nation and to the organisation<br />
itself. If we don’t take actions, we<br />
shall continue in the trajectory of<br />
declini<strong>ng</strong> revenues and increased<br />
deficit, a trajectory that will ultimately<br />
lead the Corporation nowhere,<br />
the trajectory that so many<br />
state-owned corporations had followed<br />
and they are no more. The<br />
trajectory that will lead to chaos<br />
and I don’t think it is the trajectory<br />
that we would like the NNPC<br />
to follow,” Dr. Baru said.<br />
The GMD stated that NNPC<br />
management under his leadership<br />
was worki<strong>ng</strong> hard to block<br />
• Customs Generates N1.2bn Daily At<br />
Tin Can Port – Bashar<br />
• ASUU Strike Puts Varsity<br />
Examinations On Hold<br />
any identifiable leakage within<br />
the system to ensure that all resources<br />
are judiciously utilised<br />
for the benefit of all stakeholders<br />
and the nation at large.<br />
He stated that the Corporation<br />
would ensure that its restructuri<strong>ng</strong><br />
plan aligned with that of the<br />
Federal Government for the benefit<br />
of all Nigerians.<br />
He called on the Retired Staff<br />
Association to make valuable contributions<br />
based on their wealth<br />
of experience to the successful<br />
implementation of the o<strong>ng</strong>oi<strong>ng</strong><br />
reforms in the Corporation for<br />
– B6<br />
– B9<br />
B1<br />
better results.<br />
The GMD, however, said the<br />
Corporation was worki<strong>ng</strong> round<br />
the clock to weather the storm in<br />
the wake of prevaili<strong>ng</strong> economic<br />
reality in the country.<br />
Earlier, the Chairman of the<br />
Association, Chief George Owarieta,<br />
commended the NNPC<br />
led by Dr. Maikanti Baru on the<br />
landmark achievements in the industry,<br />
and expressed confidence<br />
in the ability of the current management<br />
of the Corporation to<br />
discharge its fiduciary responsibilities<br />
effectively.<br />
Abu Ejoor, Non-Executive<br />
Director, Global Utilities<br />
Management Company (left);<br />
Victor Gbolade Osibodu,<br />
Chairman, Vigeo Group<br />
(second left); Ramachand<br />
Ran Viswanathan, Executive<br />
Vice President, International<br />
Marketi<strong>ng</strong>, Genus (second<br />
right), and Tosin Osibodu,<br />
Business Development<br />
Manager, Vigeo Group, duri<strong>ng</strong><br />
the signi<strong>ng</strong> of memorandum<br />
of understandi<strong>ng</strong> in Lagos at<br />
the weekend.<br />
Arik Air Migrates To Hitit’s Crane Solution For Passe<strong>ng</strong>er Processi<strong>ng</strong><br />
OLUSEGUN KOIKI<br />
LAGOS<br />
Arik Air has completed the migration<br />
of passe<strong>ng</strong>er service solution<br />
to Hitit’s crane solution suite.<br />
With the migration, the airline<br />
became the eighth African airline<br />
to sign to the facility.<br />
A statement by its spokesman,<br />
Mr. Adebanji Ola, said that Hitit CS<br />
actively supports airlines’ operations<br />
in Nigeria, Tanzania, Tunisia<br />
and Namibia, havi<strong>ng</strong> prioritised<br />
Africa as an area of strategic focus.<br />
He hinted that in 2016, Hitit’s<br />
reservation system processed<br />
more than 55.5 million passe<strong>ng</strong>er<br />
booki<strong>ng</strong>s worldwide.<br />
Sequel to the successful migration,<br />
Arik Air would enjoy access<br />
to the premium suite of Hitit crane<br />
solution of innovative products<br />
coveri<strong>ng</strong> passe<strong>ng</strong>er reservation,<br />
departure control, website, operations<br />
planni<strong>ng</strong>, customer care and<br />
revenue accounti<strong>ng</strong>.<br />
He noted that the migration<br />
to crane solutions had been completed<br />
by June this year, while<br />
the airline had started to use the<br />
platform.<br />
Hitit CS he emphasised had<br />
a clear strategic focus on Africa.<br />
Gainers<br />
SEPLAT 482 2<br />
CONOIL 33.89 1.3<br />
GLAXOSMITH 21 1<br />
BERGER 7.14 0.34<br />
UNILEVER 45.63 0.13<br />
Dana Air Flight Schedule<br />
LAGOS - ABUJA<br />
Monday - Friday<br />
7am, 12.42pm, 15.03pm, 16.11 and 17.55pm<br />
Abuja - Lagos<br />
9am, 10.45am, 14.25pm, 18.00pm, 19.35pm.<br />
SATURDAYS<br />
Lagos - Abuja<br />
7am, 11.25, 12.42pm, 17.10<br />
Abuja - Lagos<br />
9am, 10.45am, 13.22pm, 2.40pm,7pm<br />
SUNDAY<br />
Lagos - Abuja<br />
8am, 11am, 4.36pm, 5.37pm<br />
Abuja - Lagos<br />
9.54am, 12.42pm, 6.30pm, 7.30pm<br />
Since 2015, the airline and travel<br />
IT solution provider from Turkey<br />
have convinced eight African airlines<br />
as new customers to benefit<br />
from its innovative IT solutions.<br />
Top Gainers/Loosers as at Tuesday August 15, 2017<br />
Losers<br />
DANGCEM 225 -10<br />
NB 190 -3<br />
WAPCO 60.01 -2.99<br />
FO 51.5 -2.5<br />
STANBIC 38.95 -2.05
B2<br />
/<stro<strong>ng</strong>>Independent</stro<strong>ng</strong>><strong>ng</strong>r @independent<strong>ng</strong>r www.independent.<strong>ng</strong> INDEPENDENT WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 16, 2017<br />
CompanyNews<br />
FirstBank Promotes 3,000 Staff<br />
First Bank of Nigeria Limited<br />
has promoted over<br />
3000 of its workforce in<br />
its recent promotion exercise<br />
targeted at rewardi<strong>ng</strong> staff<br />
for stro<strong>ng</strong> performance in drivi<strong>ng</strong><br />
the Bank’s business.<br />
The Bank in recognition of<br />
the hard work and contributions<br />
of staff rolled out unprecedented<br />
promotions across board, movi<strong>ng</strong><br />
up over 3000 staff members<br />
in spite of the difficult economic<br />
down turn and challe<strong>ng</strong>i<strong>ng</strong> operati<strong>ng</strong><br />
environment.<br />
In the bid to constantly improve<br />
employee welfare, career<br />
development and progress, First-<br />
Bank continuously develops its<br />
staff and invests in its talent pool.<br />
This year’s promotions was<br />
targeted more towards lower<br />
and middle management cadres<br />
within the Bank in recognition<br />
of their pivotal role in customer<br />
service delivery and the Bank’s<br />
transformational programme.<br />
The performance review is<br />
an annual exercise in the Bank<br />
tailored to recognise and reward<br />
members of staff who have excelled<br />
as well as dise<strong>ng</strong>age members<br />
of staff who performed<br />
poorly in the last financial year.<br />
Accordi<strong>ng</strong> to Adesola Adeduntan,<br />
MD/CEO, First Bank<br />
of Nigeria Limited “With the<br />
2017 promotions, the Bank has<br />
delivered on its commitment to<br />
always reward staff performance<br />
and build a motivated workforce.<br />
Our priority as an institution is<br />
to empower and build the capacity<br />
of our people as they are our<br />
best assets. Our people are also<br />
our surest path to achievi<strong>ng</strong> our<br />
strategic goals and accelerati<strong>ng</strong><br />
business performance across all<br />
key business indices”.<br />
The Management of First<br />
Bank of Nigeria Limited remains<br />
committed to buildi<strong>ng</strong> an<br />
institution that will always put<br />
its stakeholders - employees, customers,<br />
investors, communities,<br />
institutions and businesses – at<br />
the heart of the business.<br />
Ibukun Awosika, Chairman, Board of Directors, First Bank of Nigeria Limited (middle) with the graduate<br />
level policy students from the Harvard University Kennedy School of Government duri<strong>ng</strong> the students’<br />
visit to the bank in Lagos recently.<br />
ECONOMY SNAPSHOT<br />
We Can Save Our Way Out Of Recession<br />
The deposit rate at 7.50 per<br />
cent in 2016 helped stifle<br />
savi<strong>ng</strong>s and ultimately, investment.<br />
When investment<br />
is low, growth is stunted or<br />
makes a reverse into negative<br />
territory. It helps partly<br />
explain why the economy<br />
slipped into recession, and<br />
also partly suggests that we<br />
need to ramp up savi<strong>ng</strong>s to<br />
get out of it.<br />
In deposit terminology, a<br />
term Deposit Rate refers to<br />
the amount of money paid<br />
out in interest by a bank or<br />
financial institution on cash<br />
deposits. Banks pay deposit<br />
rates on savi<strong>ng</strong>s and other<br />
investment accounts, accordi<strong>ng</strong><br />
to deposits.com.<br />
Investopedia classifies<br />
deposits rate to include; certificates<br />
of deposit, savi<strong>ng</strong>s<br />
accounts and self-directed<br />
deposit retirement accounts.<br />
Accordi<strong>ng</strong> to tradi<strong>ng</strong>economics,<br />
Nigeria’s Deposit<br />
Interest Rate decreased to<br />
7.50 per cent in 2016 from<br />
9.10 per cent in 2015.<br />
Deposit Interest Rate in<br />
Nigeria averaged 11.38 per<br />
cent from 1980 until 2016,<br />
reachi<strong>ng</strong> an all-time high<br />
of 23.24 per cent in 1993 and<br />
a record low of 5.27 percent<br />
in 1980.<br />
The trend also reveals a<br />
steady rise in deposit rates<br />
between 2006 and 2009 after<br />
which there was a steep drop<br />
in 2010 and 2011. It has been<br />
a jigsaw since.<br />
It was reported last year<br />
that between April 2015 and<br />
April 2016, the total deposits<br />
of bank customers with<br />
the Deposit Money Banks<br />
dropped by 5.6 per cent or<br />
N1.03trn from N18.54trn to<br />
N17.51trn.<br />
Addi<strong>ng</strong> to the erosion in<br />
savi<strong>ng</strong>s is the rise in core<br />
inflation now put at 222.96<br />
Index Points in June from<br />
220.05 in May Index of 2017<br />
by the National Bureau of<br />
Statistics (NBS).<br />
Core Consumer Prices in<br />
Nigeria averaged 126.76 Index<br />
Points from 2006 until<br />
2017, reachi<strong>ng</strong> an all-time<br />
high of 212.34 Index Points<br />
in February of 2017 and a record<br />
low of 69 Index Points<br />
in January of 2006.<br />
Despite the inflation bite,<br />
livi<strong>ng</strong> wage remained stagnant<br />
over the years. “Livi<strong>ng</strong><br />
Wage of Individuals in Nigeria<br />
remained uncha<strong>ng</strong>ed<br />
at N43415.20 /Month in the<br />
fourth quarter of 2016 from<br />
N43415.20 in the third quarter<br />
of 2016” (See Graph).<br />
<stro<strong>ng</strong>>Independent</stro<strong>ng</strong>> BMIU<br />
Unity Bank Splash Gifts To Verve Card Holders<br />
Unity Bank Plc has lined up<br />
gifts splash as it is set to activate<br />
a reward bonanza in a<br />
campaign tagged Unity Verve<br />
for Value promo.<br />
The scheme is packaged<br />
to reward old and new card<br />
holders by offeri<strong>ng</strong> sets of<br />
incentives to deservi<strong>ng</strong> active<br />
customers who use their<br />
Verve debit card on electronic<br />
platforms such as ATM, POS<br />
and WEB.<br />
The star prize is an all- expense<br />
paid trip to Ghana which<br />
will be won by four customers<br />
from the 4 geographical zones.<br />
The winners will emerge<br />
out of highest frequency of<br />
transactions and volume. The<br />
lucky winners will embark on<br />
a 4-day fun filled vacation.<br />
A statement from Unity<br />
Bank states that four runnersup<br />
in each of the four zones will<br />
be rewarded with 8 (Eight) 5.0<br />
KVA Generators, while N100,<br />
000 (One hundred thousand)<br />
worth of airtime will be given<br />
out to customers monthly, between<br />
August and November<br />
30, 2017.<br />
Taiwo Oluwole, Head,<br />
E-Business Group, Unity Bank<br />
Plc therefore urges customers<br />
to partake and take advantage<br />
of this special offer by requesti<strong>ng</strong><br />
for Verve Cards and use the<br />
card frequently to increase<br />
chances of winni<strong>ng</strong>.<br />
Verve is a Naira denominated<br />
card linked to customer’s<br />
savi<strong>ng</strong>s, current or corporate<br />
account and used to settle purchases<br />
within Nigeria. For<br />
multiple account holders of<br />
Unity Bank Plc, all accounts<br />
can be linked to one card to<br />
enable accessibility to funds<br />
on any account type.<br />
As a Chip and PIN secured<br />
debit Cards, it offers customers<br />
with 24-hour access to funds on<br />
ATMs, POS, and WEB within<br />
Nigeria thereby reduci<strong>ng</strong> the<br />
risk and the inconvenience of<br />
carryi<strong>ng</strong> cash.<br />
NIM Endorses Air Peace Managerial Strategy<br />
The Nigerian Institute of Management<br />
(Chartered) has lauded<br />
the management of Air Peace<br />
for its managerial skills in movi<strong>ng</strong><br />
the airline and the Nigerian<br />
aviation industry forward.<br />
This is as the institution<br />
said that Mr. Allen Onyema, the<br />
Chief Executive Officer (CEO)<br />
of the airline led the airline to<br />
make huge contributions to the<br />
development of Nigeria’s economy.<br />
A statement by Mr. Chris<br />
Iwarah, the spokesman for Air<br />
Peace, said that the institute,<br />
which recognised Onyema as<br />
one of the recipients of the<br />
‘Management Excellence’ award<br />
of the 2017 Management Summit<br />
of the South South Zone held<br />
in Uyo, Akwa Ibom, stressed<br />
that it was satisfied with the job<br />
creation and corporate social<br />
responsibility projects of the<br />
airline.<br />
Accordi<strong>ng</strong> to Iwarah, the<br />
institute noted that it had observed<br />
over the years the strict<br />
application of best management<br />
practices in the airline with the<br />
highest number of aircraft in its<br />
fleet in Nigeria at present.<br />
The statement said: “We have<br />
observed, with keen interest,<br />
your strict adherence to the application<br />
of best management<br />
practices in the runni<strong>ng</strong> of Air<br />
Peace airline since its inception.<br />
Sources: Tradi<strong>ng</strong>economics, World Bank, NBS, Wageindicator Foundation
INDEPENDENT WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 16, 2017<br />
/<stro<strong>ng</strong>>Independent</stro<strong>ng</strong>><strong>ng</strong>r @independent<strong>ng</strong>r www.independent.<strong>ng</strong><br />
B3<br />
Brands&Marketi<strong>ng</strong><br />
Adekanmbi<br />
Marketi<strong>ng</strong> communications experts<br />
have said that bulk data<br />
will assist to transform the way<br />
marketi<strong>ng</strong> businesses are done.<br />
Bayo Adekanmbi, Chief<br />
Transformation Officer, MTN<br />
and Steve Babaeko, Chief Executive<br />
Officer/ Chief Creativity<br />
Officer, X3M Ideas, made the<br />
disclosure at a learni<strong>ng</strong> session<br />
tagged “Marketi<strong>ng</strong> in the Era<br />
of Big Data-The Cha<strong>ng</strong>i<strong>ng</strong> Paradigm,”<br />
organised by BRAND-<br />
CRUNCH, an online brand and<br />
marketi<strong>ng</strong> platform.<br />
In his submission,<br />
Adekanmbi stated that massive<br />
data is shapi<strong>ng</strong> the way businesses<br />
are bei<strong>ng</strong> run globally<br />
and there is now a cross industry<br />
shift due to data disruption.<br />
In the marketi<strong>ng</strong> space, he explained<br />
that bulk data can be<br />
used to predict the sentiment<br />
of customers on their ability to<br />
Why Nigeria Failed To<br />
Re-Brand, By Practitioners<br />
In<br />
Brandi<strong>ng</strong> practitioners<br />
have identified poor<br />
fundi<strong>ng</strong>, lack of clarity<br />
of purpose and<br />
insincerity on the part of<br />
government as some of the<br />
reasons the various efforts<br />
at re-brandi<strong>ng</strong> Nigeria had<br />
failed in the past.<br />
The observation was made<br />
in Lagos at the Meeti<strong>ng</strong> of<br />
Minds forum, organised by<br />
Brandish Publications recently<br />
where some practitioners<br />
in the nation’s integrated<br />
marketi<strong>ng</strong> communications<br />
sub sector of the economy,<br />
argued that unless some of<br />
those issues were addressed,<br />
the dream of effectively<br />
re-brandi<strong>ng</strong> the country and<br />
maki<strong>ng</strong> it attractive to foreign<br />
investors would remain a mirage.<br />
Meanwhile, Mr. Lolu Akinwunmi,<br />
former Chairman of<br />
the Advertisi<strong>ng</strong> Practitioners’<br />
Council of Nigeria (APCON),<br />
argued that one of such attempts<br />
in the past, the ‘Good<br />
People, Great Nation Campaign,’<br />
which he played a major<br />
role in, did not make the<br />
desired impact due to lack of<br />
proper fundi<strong>ng</strong> by the government<br />
of the day, amo<strong>ng</strong> other<br />
reasons.<br />
He said: “For instance, at<br />
a time, we requested for N50<br />
million to set up an office in<br />
Lagos for the campaign, there<br />
was no response. I, as the<br />
Chief Executive Officer of the<br />
campaign team was shuttli<strong>ng</strong><br />
between Abuja and Lagos<br />
every other week, spendi<strong>ng</strong><br />
my money. I was never reimbursed.<br />
He added: “All these contributed<br />
to the little or no<br />
impact the campaign made<br />
then”.<br />
He also identified inappropriate<br />
nomenclature for<br />
the campaign, as one of the<br />
reasons it failed to resonate<br />
with Nigerians, while insisti<strong>ng</strong><br />
that the campaign was<br />
rather attitudinal and not a<br />
re-brandi<strong>ng</strong> exercise as erroneously<br />
labelled.<br />
He faulted the brandi<strong>ng</strong><br />
initiative that was unveiled in<br />
2009 under the then Minister<br />
of Information, Dora Akunyili<br />
sayi<strong>ng</strong> that “Professor Dora<br />
Akunyili wasn’t a student of<br />
communication, but she is<br />
very brilliant. The critical<br />
error was to name that exercise<br />
re-brandi<strong>ng</strong>. What she<br />
had in mind was somethi<strong>ng</strong><br />
that would cha<strong>ng</strong>e the attitude<br />
of Nigerians and not about<br />
re-brandi<strong>ng</strong> the country.”<br />
It would be recalled that<br />
under the late Dora Akunyili<br />
as a Minister of Information<br />
that the country unveiled a<br />
new brandi<strong>ng</strong> initiative which<br />
Babaeko<br />
had the campaign theme, “Nigeria.<br />
Good People, Great Nation”,<br />
as a replacement of the<br />
failed ‘Heart of Africa’ project<br />
that was unveiled under former<br />
President Obasanjo.<br />
Dr. Jonathan, who was then<br />
a Vice President, attended the<br />
ceremony where he explained<br />
that the campaign was “a<br />
genuine way to re-orientate<br />
Nigeria(ns) toward believi<strong>ng</strong><br />
in themselves again, and to<br />
cha<strong>ng</strong>e the perception of the<br />
country both locally and internationally.”<br />
He also added that failure<br />
on the part of Nigerians to see<br />
such campaign as an enduri<strong>ng</strong><br />
project that must be given<br />
a chance, instead of quick-fix,<br />
also contributed to its inability<br />
to resound with the target<br />
audience.<br />
Experts Harp On Value Of Bulk Data<br />
To Marketi<strong>ng</strong> Communications<br />
buy. He added that brands now<br />
target customers at a certain<br />
time based on insights gathered<br />
from Twitter keywords<br />
like #Thank God It’s Friday<br />
and others.<br />
He added that with Big Data,<br />
a lot can be done, ra<strong>ng</strong>i<strong>ng</strong> from<br />
monitori<strong>ng</strong> of competitors’<br />
effort in the market and monitori<strong>ng</strong><br />
the reach of news item<br />
and its impact on a brand’s perception.<br />
He said, “Internet of Thi<strong>ng</strong>s<br />
(IoT) connects all manner of<br />
end-points, unraveli<strong>ng</strong> a treasure<br />
trove of data. Ubiquitous<br />
networks and device proliferation<br />
enable access to a massive<br />
and growi<strong>ng</strong> amount of traditionally<br />
information. Analytics<br />
and business intelligence tools<br />
empower decision makers as<br />
never before by extracti<strong>ng</strong> and<br />
presenti<strong>ng</strong> meani<strong>ng</strong>ful information<br />
in real time, helpi<strong>ng</strong><br />
us be more predictive and reactive”<br />
In his contribution to the<br />
brain stormi<strong>ng</strong> event, Babaeko<br />
said that Big Data analytics<br />
will help practitioners understand<br />
the cha<strong>ng</strong>i<strong>ng</strong> consumer<br />
behaviours and competitive<br />
activities, which will help advertisi<strong>ng</strong><br />
agencies, marketi<strong>ng</strong><br />
communication practitioners<br />
and brands decide on what creative<br />
or campaigns to launch to<br />
e<strong>ng</strong>age consumers.<br />
He therefore urged practitioners<br />
to embark on retooli<strong>ng</strong><br />
of its personnel to be able to<br />
survive in the new ecosystem,<br />
which is technological-driven<br />
and ever cha<strong>ng</strong>i<strong>ng</strong>.<br />
Speaki<strong>ng</strong> on the importance<br />
of the digital trend, convener<br />
of the event and the publisher<br />
of BRANDCRUNCH, O’Lekan<br />
Babatunde, said: “The Nigerian<br />
marketi<strong>ng</strong> industry should not<br />
be caught nappi<strong>ng</strong> as the era of<br />
Big Data dawns on everyone.”<br />
Indomie Bags<br />
LCCI’s Award<br />
recognition of business resilience<br />
and excellence despite the<br />
harsh operati<strong>ng</strong> business environment<br />
in the country, the Lagos<br />
Chamber of Commerce and<br />
Industry (LCCI) ,has conferred<br />
‘Brand of The Year’ Award to<br />
Nigeria’s leadi<strong>ng</strong> noodles brand,<br />
Indomie Instant noodles at the<br />
just concluded LCCI Commerce<br />
and Industry Awards 2017,<br />
which took place at Oriental<br />
Hotel, Lagos, recently.<br />
The objective of the yearly<br />
Award is to recognise, promote<br />
and celebrate private and public<br />
institutions operati<strong>ng</strong> in Nigeria<br />
for best business practices,<br />
growth through innovations,<br />
business sustainability and positive<br />
impact on the people and<br />
society.<br />
Receivi<strong>ng</strong> the award on behalf<br />
of Indomie, Group Head, Public<br />
Relations, Dufil Prima Foods Plc,<br />
Ashiwaju Temitope, thanked the<br />
organisers of the award, sayi<strong>ng</strong> it<br />
was an honour to be recognised as<br />
the Brand of the Year.<br />
Accordi<strong>ng</strong> to him, “We are<br />
honoured as a brand to have won<br />
this prestigious award and this<br />
is to further attest to the fact that<br />
Indomie Instant Noodles is not<br />
just the leadi<strong>ng</strong> Nigerian noodles<br />
brand but also the most preferred<br />
instant noodles in homes and everywhere<br />
noodles is consumed.”<br />
Ashiwaju further expressed<br />
that: “Consumers remain the focus<br />
of our business; and Indomie<br />
will continue to give them value<br />
for money through our innovative<br />
products which consumers<br />
have come to know us for over<br />
the years in order to meet their<br />
daily needs.”<br />
Rivers Now Open For<br />
Outdoor Business<br />
– RISAA BOSS<br />
The Acti<strong>ng</strong> Managi<strong>ng</strong> Director,<br />
Rivers State Signage and Advertisement<br />
Agency (RISAA), E<strong>ng</strong>r.<br />
Chukwudi Dimkpa has called on<br />
corporate and business organisations<br />
to take advantage of the<br />
improved outdoor advertisement<br />
landscape and invest in Out of<br />
Home industry in Rivers State.<br />
Dimkpa said the city of Port<br />
Harcourt and its environs is beginni<strong>ng</strong><br />
to wear a new look followi<strong>ng</strong><br />
the o<strong>ng</strong>oi<strong>ng</strong> clampdown on unauthorised<br />
billboards and Signages.<br />
The exercise which began from<br />
Mile 1, Ikwerre Road, Airport<br />
Road, Igruwuta, Rumukpokwu<br />
and Rumuokoro has now been extended<br />
to YKC Road, Peter Odili<br />
Road LNG Nkpogu and Eastern<br />
by Pass Roundabouts.<br />
Accordi<strong>ng</strong> to the RISAA<br />
boss, “The enforcement exercise<br />
is aimed at complimenti<strong>ng</strong> the<br />
efforts of the Governor Nyesom<br />
Wike led administration to improve<br />
the scenic beauty of the<br />
state, attract investors and improve<br />
commerce.
B4<br />
Brands & Marketi<strong>ng</strong><br />
/<stro<strong>ng</strong>>Independent</stro<strong>ng</strong>><strong>ng</strong>r @independent<strong>ng</strong>r www.independent.<strong>ng</strong> INDEPENDENT WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 16, 2017<br />
Cappa & D’Alberto Wins Grenadines<br />
N40bn Atlantic Resort Contract<br />
Grenadines Homes, a<br />
member of Palton<br />
Morgan Holdi<strong>ng</strong>s,<br />
has signed on Cappa<br />
& D’Alberto as its main contractor<br />
firm for the Atlantic<br />
Resort firm.<br />
At a brief ceremony in the<br />
company’s Lagos head-office<br />
for the signi<strong>ng</strong>-on of Cappa &<br />
D’Alberto as the main buildi<strong>ng</strong><br />
contractors for the project,<br />
Chairman, Palton Morgan<br />
Holdi<strong>ng</strong>s, Femi Banwo said:<br />
“To remain ahead in the game,<br />
we chose to align with partners<br />
that share our vision, passion<br />
and commitment to advanci<strong>ng</strong><br />
lives and excellent delivery.”<br />
He said the Atlantic Resort<br />
is conceived not just to redefine<br />
the Nigerian skyline but<br />
to confer on it a uniquely dignifyi<strong>ng</strong><br />
identity and boost the<br />
Western Union, a leader in<br />
global payments services, has<br />
announced the launch of the<br />
“Western Union Mega Promo,”<br />
in Nigeria for 2017.<br />
Designed specifically for<br />
Nigerian consumers who conduct<br />
outbound money transfer<br />
transactions, Western Union<br />
will give away new cars to two<br />
lucky winners, in addition to<br />
50 consolation prizes, in the<br />
first phase of the promotion<br />
which will run from July 24<br />
to August 31, 2017.<br />
The Western Union Mega<br />
Promo is an initiative to reward<br />
Nigerian customers.<br />
To qualify for this promotion<br />
individuals must send money<br />
quest for megacity status by<br />
Lagos State, hence<br />
“We opted for HOK Architects,<br />
famous for their work on<br />
The Emirates Stadium amo<strong>ng</strong><br />
other edifices across the world<br />
to create a unique design. We<br />
are also worki<strong>ng</strong> with Brash<br />
Brands, they branded the Burj<br />
Khalifa, the tallest buildi<strong>ng</strong> in<br />
the world”, he said.<br />
The project is expected to<br />
boost Nigerian economy with<br />
an ultramodern estate project<br />
of over N40 billion, and is<br />
expected to attract both local<br />
and foreign direct investments<br />
while also providi<strong>ng</strong> numerous<br />
employment opportunities.<br />
Banwo said the project will<br />
be handled by the best in class<br />
consultants and professionals.<br />
In his words: “And each contractor<br />
and partner has been<br />
overseas via Western Union<br />
from July 24, 2017, to August<br />
31, 2017.<br />
“Western Union began its<br />
journey in Nigeria over 20<br />
years ago and we appreciate<br />
the loyalty and trust of our<br />
Nigerian customers. Over<br />
the past two decades, we have<br />
helped connect Nigerians to<br />
their loved ones by movi<strong>ng</strong><br />
money for education, healthcare,<br />
and regular support,<br />
amo<strong>ng</strong>st many other reasons.<br />
We know this ability to transfer<br />
funds securely and conveniently<br />
helps individuals and<br />
families fulfil their ambitions,<br />
dreams and heart’s desires,”<br />
said Aida Diarra, Western<br />
Two New Cars, Others For<br />
Grabs In Western Union Promo<br />
Union Vice President for Africa.<br />
“Rewardi<strong>ng</strong> our consumers<br />
is important to Western<br />
Union, and a part of what<br />
we do. We recently concluded<br />
our Western Union Easter<br />
Promotion which was highly<br />
successful. This time around,<br />
we have stepped it up several<br />
notches by givi<strong>ng</strong> away new<br />
cars and other high-value prizes,”<br />
she added.<br />
Customers who use their<br />
My WU loyalty card when<br />
placi<strong>ng</strong> their outbound transactions<br />
will also have triple<br />
the opportunity of winni<strong>ng</strong><br />
prizes duri<strong>ng</strong> the Western<br />
Union Mega Promo.<br />
carefully chosen because the<br />
objective is to construct to the<br />
highest quality. Hence, we are<br />
usi<strong>ng</strong> Cappa & D’Alberto, a<br />
firm with experience, havi<strong>ng</strong><br />
been here since 1932, whose<br />
tenacity for excellent delivery<br />
has earned a high reputation<br />
for breathi<strong>ng</strong> life into complex<br />
architectural designs with<br />
high levels of comfort and<br />
safety guaranteed.”<br />
Group Managi<strong>ng</strong> Director,<br />
Palton Morgan Holdi<strong>ng</strong>s, Adeyinka<br />
Adesope, described<br />
the project as part of the company’s<br />
efforts to actualise the<br />
burni<strong>ng</strong> desire to play an active<br />
role in the transformation<br />
of Lagos into a megacity.<br />
“The vision drivi<strong>ng</strong> this<br />
project is to build an iconic<br />
world class project that will be<br />
the pride of the nation, a project<br />
that every Nigerian both<br />
home and abroad can be proud<br />
of while also meeti<strong>ng</strong> the taste<br />
and lifestyle aspirations of discerni<strong>ng</strong><br />
individuals, irrespective<br />
of nationality or creed,<br />
and I can see today that we are<br />
achievi<strong>ng</strong> that,” Adesope said.<br />
The Atlantic Resort will be<br />
a luxury destination that will<br />
boast of world-class amenities.<br />
Accordi<strong>ng</strong> to Adesope,<br />
“We see an evolution of prosperity,<br />
where both nationals<br />
and expatriates will lo<strong>ng</strong> to<br />
live, work, relax and go about<br />
their legitimate activities. We<br />
are optimistic that this project<br />
would expand the tourism potentials<br />
of Nigeria. The retail<br />
spaces will deliver a premium<br />
lifestyle offeri<strong>ng</strong>, while the exclusive<br />
offices will be built to a<br />
grade ‘A’ specifications”.<br />
Korede Bello, Glo brand ambassador (middle), flanked by Mary Onyemeachi (left); Adu Oluwapelumi (second left); Mobolani Olaniyi (third left);<br />
Abimbola Alatise (third right); Olapegba Olalere (second right), and Oluwusi Similoluwa, all Glo subscribers, duri<strong>ng</strong> the Akure edition of the Glo<br />
mega music nationwide tour in Akure, Ondo State at the weekend.<br />
Lipton Big Idea<br />
Promo Enriches<br />
Nigerians<br />
Rotary Club Of Ojodu Commissions<br />
N6.2m Community Projects<br />
As part of commitment to raise<br />
values and a better society, Rotary<br />
Club of Ojodu, at the weekend,<br />
made material donations<br />
and commissioned a school project<br />
worth N6.2 million in Ojodu,<br />
a community that shares boundaries<br />
with Lagos and Ogun<br />
State. The project was commissioned<br />
by the visiti<strong>ng</strong> Pacesetter<br />
District Governor, Rotarian Dr.<br />
Adewale Ogunbadejo.<br />
Other activities carried out<br />
by the club include free medical<br />
checkup service, polio vaccination<br />
for 300 children, donation of<br />
treated mosquito nets to nursi<strong>ng</strong><br />
mothers and commissioni<strong>ng</strong> of<br />
a renovated block of six classrooms<br />
in Ojodu-Abiodun Primary<br />
School, Ifo Local Government,<br />
Ogun State. The club also paid an<br />
Lipton, a tea brand from the<br />
stables of Unilever Plc, has<br />
awarded Nigerians across<br />
the country with one million<br />
naira each in its recently concluded<br />
Big Idea promo.<br />
The promo which began in<br />
May, 2017 ran across the thirty<br />
six states of the Federation<br />
includi<strong>ng</strong> Abuja, the Federal<br />
Capital territory, and saw participation<br />
from thousands of<br />
Nigerians.<br />
While the promo lasted,<br />
Lipton offered its customers<br />
an opportunity to transform<br />
their big ideas into realities<br />
by financi<strong>ng</strong> winni<strong>ng</strong> ideas.<br />
Commenti<strong>ng</strong> on the success<br />
of the promo, Brand Manager,<br />
Lipton Nigeria, Sarah Adoki,<br />
stated that Lipton is honoured<br />
that it was able to put smiles<br />
on the faces of Nigerians by<br />
providi<strong>ng</strong> needed resources to<br />
actualise their big ideas.<br />
“We decided to carry out<br />
this promo in a bid to encourage<br />
people to share their big<br />
ideas and get funds to bri<strong>ng</strong><br />
those ideas to reality. Nigeria<br />
is abundant with great thinkers,<br />
but many are limited by<br />
funds. Lipton is proud to have<br />
supported them through the<br />
Big Idea Promo, and we look<br />
forward to rewardi<strong>ng</strong> more<br />
of our loyal customers soon,”<br />
says Adoki.<br />
Salamatu Mohammed from<br />
Abuja; Khadija from Kano;<br />
Amarachi from Lagos; Kenneth<br />
Okoro from Abia; Afonja<br />
from Oyo state and many<br />
others are amo<strong>ng</strong> the lucky<br />
winners of N1 million each.<br />
One of the winners, Amarachi,<br />
who resides in Lagos,<br />
applauded Lipton for the<br />
initiative and for their willi<strong>ng</strong>ness<br />
to give back to the<br />
society. Accordi<strong>ng</strong> to her, “I<br />
have always wanted to start<br />
a business, and becomi<strong>ng</strong> a<br />
winner is just the boost that<br />
I need. Now I can fully go into<br />
my business with this fund<br />
from Lipton. I am so grateful<br />
to Lipton and Unilever for this<br />
great opportunity”.<br />
assessment visit to Ojodu-Abiodun<br />
Primary Health Centre.<br />
Speaki<strong>ng</strong> duri<strong>ng</strong> the commissioni<strong>ng</strong><br />
of the project, the District<br />
Governor, Rotarian Dr. Ogunbadejo<br />
explained that activities of<br />
the club in OJodu community is a<br />
display of the Rotary Club values<br />
which revolves around service to<br />
humanity, peaceful coexistence<br />
and humanitarian assistance.<br />
Accordi<strong>ng</strong> to Ogunmbadejo,<br />
“This is what rotary is all about:<br />
selfless service to the people and<br />
community without expecti<strong>ng</strong><br />
anythi<strong>ng</strong> in return. We have six<br />
areas of focus one of which is<br />
help reduce maternal and child<br />
mortality; that is why we donated<br />
insecticide treated nets to nursi<strong>ng</strong><br />
mothers and carry out polio<br />
immunisation for children.
INDEPENDENT WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 16, 2017<br />
/<stro<strong>ng</strong>>Independent</stro<strong>ng</strong>><strong>ng</strong>r @independent<strong>ng</strong>r www.independent.<strong>ng</strong><br />
B5<br />
NSE Price List As At Tuesday, August 15<br />
Stock Report
B6<br />
/<stro<strong>ng</strong>>Independent</stro<strong>ng</strong>><strong>ng</strong>r @independent<strong>ng</strong>r www.independent.<strong>ng</strong><br />
INDEPENDENT WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 16, 2017<br />
Shippi<strong>ng</strong> & Logistics<br />
Andrew Utulu, +2348033562254, andrew.utulu@independentnig.com<br />
ANDREW UTULU<br />
LAGOS<br />
The Nigeria Customs Service<br />
(NCS), Tin Can Island<br />
Command has said that it<br />
generates an average of<br />
N1.2 billion, daily to the Federal<br />
Government coffers.<br />
Comptroller Yusuf Bashar<br />
made this disclosure duri<strong>ng</strong> the inauguration/sweari<strong>ng</strong><br />
in ceremony<br />
of the Tin Can Island chapter of the<br />
International Freight Forwarders<br />
Association (IFFA), and the official<br />
launchi<strong>ng</strong> of the Association’s operational<br />
vehicle.<br />
The new IFFA members include:<br />
Ojo Peter Akintoye , chairman;<br />
Marvins Lawani, Vice Chairman;<br />
Chinedu Odiaka, Treasurer; Tope<br />
Fatimehin, General Secretary;<br />
Umunnakwe Ernest, Financial Secretary;<br />
Christian Ekeyekwu, Public<br />
Relations Officer(PRO); Iyakwari<br />
Kyauta, Assistant Secretary and<br />
Steve Igban, Director-General(DG).<br />
The Customs boss used the<br />
opportunity to caution cleari<strong>ng</strong><br />
Customs Generates N1.2bn<br />
Daily At Tin Can Port – Bashar<br />
agents to desist from false declaration<br />
of cargo, under declaration,<br />
indiscriminate droppi<strong>ng</strong> of containers<br />
on port access roads and<br />
illegal parki<strong>ng</strong> of their vehicles<br />
around Tin Can port.<br />
The Controller, who was represented<br />
by Nnadi Dera, Deputy Controller<br />
in charge of enforcement of<br />
the command, urged the agents to<br />
collaborate with customs and other<br />
agencies in ensuri<strong>ng</strong> that port infrastructures,<br />
especially the roads<br />
are maintained.<br />
Bashar also appealed to the<br />
agents to shun unnecessary violent<br />
protests at the port; rather,<br />
he said they should initiate their<br />
protest through viable communication<br />
with relevant government<br />
agencies.<br />
He said: “We seek your collaboration<br />
in ensuri<strong>ng</strong> that port infrastructures<br />
are maintained, while<br />
we are urgi<strong>ng</strong> relevant government<br />
agencies to maintain access road to<br />
the port, we also encourage you to<br />
talk to your members to park their<br />
vehicles appropriately, there is no<br />
need doi<strong>ng</strong> double parki<strong>ng</strong>, there is<br />
no need burni<strong>ng</strong> tyres on the road<br />
because they deplete the roads,<br />
there is also no need droppi<strong>ng</strong> your<br />
containers indiscriminately on the<br />
roads, we should help government<br />
to achieve its objectives<br />
“Everybody has the right to protest,<br />
but the days of goi<strong>ng</strong> on the<br />
streets to protest violently is gone,<br />
today we encourage everybody to<br />
initiate their protest through viable<br />
communication with relevant<br />
government agencies”<br />
Goi<strong>ng</strong> by the recent revenue collected<br />
by the command, Bashir said<br />
that Tin Can Customs have become<br />
a command to beat.<br />
He said that on the average now,<br />
the command is maki<strong>ng</strong> N1.2billion<br />
daily for the government from the<br />
port.<br />
He attributed the success recorded<br />
with the revenue to efforts from<br />
all stakeholders.<br />
Prince Ozor Chukwurah, member,<br />
Board of Trustrees(BOT) of<br />
IFFA called for tolerance amo<strong>ng</strong><br />
stakeholders and other sister associations.<br />
He harped on freedom of association,<br />
sayi<strong>ng</strong> that he is a member<br />
of Association of Nigeria Licensed<br />
Cleari<strong>ng</strong> Agents (ANLCA), addi<strong>ng</strong><br />
that it does not bar him from becomi<strong>ng</strong><br />
an IFFA member.<br />
“Bei<strong>ng</strong> a member of any other<br />
association does not stop you from<br />
bei<strong>ng</strong> a member of IFFA. Whatever<br />
you chose is what you get. It is for<br />
the good of the industry”, he admonished,<br />
addi<strong>ng</strong> that “We want to<br />
ensure that people work on behalf<br />
of the government. We need to sit<br />
with the government agencies, discuss<br />
issues as it affects the industry<br />
and how to move the nation’s economy<br />
forward”, he said.<br />
Dr. Sam Onyemelukwe, National<br />
President of IFFA, assured<br />
that his members were ready to<br />
collaborate with the Federal Government<br />
in meeti<strong>ng</strong> it’s expectations<br />
from the port, and to ensure<br />
success in ease of doi<strong>ng</strong> business.<br />
NPA Panel Recommends<br />
Payment For Calabar<br />
Dredgi<strong>ng</strong><br />
The newly sworn in EXCO, IFFA, Tin Can Island Command<br />
NIMASA Disclaims Employment Media Report<br />
Nigerian Maritime Administration and<br />
Safety Agency (NIMASA), has denounce<br />
the misinformation in the media, particularly<br />
online platforms, that there is<br />
an o<strong>ng</strong>oi<strong>ng</strong> recruitment exercise in the<br />
Agency.<br />
Isichei Osamgbi, Head, Corporate<br />
Communication of the Agency in a<br />
statement made available to <stro<strong>ng</strong>>Independent</stro<strong>ng</strong>><br />
said: “It is imperative to state, in<br />
the interest of the unsuspecti<strong>ng</strong> public,<br />
that the Agency has not launched<br />
a recruitment campaign of any kind at<br />
the moment; and that NIMASA is not<br />
associated with any of the adverts bei<strong>ng</strong><br />
peddled on various social media platforms<br />
to defraud unsuspecti<strong>ng</strong> citizens<br />
seeki<strong>ng</strong> legitimate employment in the<br />
organisation”.<br />
This clarification, he said, was necessitated<br />
by the recruitment advert<br />
supposedly floated by the Agency and<br />
circulated on various social media platforms,<br />
with the intention of misleadi<strong>ng</strong><br />
and defraudi<strong>ng</strong> Nigerians.<br />
“As inimical as the spurious advert<br />
may be to the lives of unsuspecti<strong>ng</strong> and<br />
desperate job seekers in the country, the<br />
Agency’s management under the leadership<br />
of Dr. Dakuku Peterside would<br />
continue to operate within the tenets of<br />
its core values of commitment, Accountability,<br />
Discipline and Transparency in<br />
deali<strong>ng</strong> with its stakeholders, includi<strong>ng</strong><br />
Nigerians who may wish to contribute to<br />
the development of the country through<br />
employment in NIMASA”.<br />
Osamgbi noted that the most common<br />
tactics of the scam involved: twitter<br />
and/or text messages, e-mails,<br />
as well as letters inviti<strong>ng</strong> gullible and<br />
desperate job seekers for fake job interviews<br />
at different locations across the<br />
country claimi<strong>ng</strong> to be consultants to<br />
NIMASA.<br />
The Agency, accordi<strong>ng</strong> to him, has<br />
informed appropriate authorities of<br />
the activities of these unscrupulous elements<br />
who are goi<strong>ng</strong> about peddli<strong>ng</strong><br />
false information to defraud unsuspecti<strong>ng</strong><br />
Nigerians and “we appeal to<br />
members of the public, particularly job<br />
seekers, to treat any of such adverts as<br />
fake, as the Agency is currently not in<br />
the process of employi<strong>ng</strong>. Anyone who<br />
entertains such invitations does so at his<br />
or her own risk”.<br />
He, however, noted that NIMASA, as<br />
a responsible Agency of the Federal Republic<br />
of Nigeria, has not commissioned<br />
or contracted any individual or group to<br />
e<strong>ng</strong>age in recruitment of anybody on<br />
behalf of the Agency.<br />
Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), has recommended<br />
that Calabar Channel Management<br />
Company Limited (CCML),<br />
be paid the balance of work done and<br />
allowed to continue the dredgi<strong>ng</strong> till<br />
completion.<br />
The recommendation, <stro<strong>ng</strong>>Independent</stro<strong>ng</strong>><br />
gathered was made by an audit committee<br />
set up by NPA.<br />
The committee was headed by, Prof.<br />
Idris Abubakar, Executive Director, E<strong>ng</strong>ineeri<strong>ng</strong><br />
and Technical Services of the<br />
agency.<br />
The report’s recommendations on<br />
page 13 (iii) stated, amo<strong>ng</strong> others, that<br />
havi<strong>ng</strong> verified volumes dredged, all outstandi<strong>ng</strong><br />
payments due to CCML should<br />
be effected in line with the provisions of<br />
the JV agreement.<br />
Citi<strong>ng</strong> paragraph iv of the same recommendations,<br />
sayi<strong>ng</strong> that CCML be<br />
paid, the statement said: “In view of the<br />
subsisti<strong>ng</strong> presidential approval for the<br />
JV, CCML be allowed to continue with<br />
the operations, but at a reduced scale to<br />
be determined by the authority’s need<br />
and CCML’s board technical and finance<br />
committee.<br />
“The Calabar dredgi<strong>ng</strong> issue has been<br />
mired in controversy lately with allegations<br />
flyi<strong>ng</strong> round that the contract was<br />
awarded to Niger Global E<strong>ng</strong>ineeri<strong>ng</strong><br />
and Technical Services Limited without<br />
due process, and that despite the fact that<br />
the company did no job, it was paid $12<br />
million,” the statement said.<br />
Also, the statement said that documents<br />
available to CCML said that Niger<br />
Global E<strong>ng</strong>ineeri<strong>ng</strong>, United Bank for<br />
Africa dated September 2, 2015 also revealed<br />
that Societe De Dragage/Lusembourg<br />
SA was paid the sum of $3,600,000<br />
on August 21, 2015 while Dredgi<strong>ng</strong> International<br />
Services was paid $1,207,440 on<br />
August 24, 2015 and Nigerian Westminster<br />
Dredgi<strong>ng</strong> & Marine Limited was<br />
paid $500,000 amounti<strong>ng</strong> to $6,307,440.
Real<br />
INDEPENDENT<br />
Emmanuel Badejo<br />
+2348060806806<br />
Estateemmanuel.badejo@independent.<strong>ng</strong><br />
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 16, 2017<br />
/<stro<strong>ng</strong>>Independent</stro<strong>ng</strong>><strong>ng</strong>r @independent<strong>ng</strong>r www.independent.<strong>ng</strong><br />
Discord Over Call To Constitute<br />
National Construction Board<br />
C1<br />
EMMANUEL BADEJO &<br />
NKASIOBI OLUIKPE<br />
LAGOS<br />
The constitution of a<br />
National Construction<br />
Board in Nigeria may<br />
not come soonest, as<br />
professionals within construction<br />
industry are yet to come to<br />
terms with the proposal.<br />
As such arguments for and<br />
against the proposition rage on.<br />
While some say that is one<br />
sure way to maximize the potentials<br />
of the industry, others<br />
have kicked, describi<strong>ng</strong> the<br />
proposition a mere academic<br />
exercise, which would further<br />
encumbered the industry.<br />
But search by INDEPEN-<br />
DENT reveals that the United<br />
Ki<strong>ng</strong>dom, Malaysia, South Africa<br />
and a few other countries,<br />
which saw the potentials of<br />
such a board have established<br />
in their clime.<br />
Notable proponents of the<br />
idea are former presidents of<br />
the Nigerian Institute of Quantity<br />
Surveyors (NIQS), Olusegun<br />
Ajanlekoko and Chuks<br />
Omeife, erstwhile president,<br />
Nigerian Institute of Buildi<strong>ng</strong><br />
(NIOB).<br />
It is the same position<br />
Accordi<strong>ng</strong> to Ajanlekoko, the<br />
need for a construction board<br />
that will be established by law<br />
could be overemphasized, as<br />
its constitution will redefine<br />
the place of the construction<br />
industry and the economy of<br />
the country.<br />
Ajanlekoko, now president,<br />
Commonwealth Association of<br />
Surveyi<strong>ng</strong> and Land Economy<br />
argued that if it remains an<br />
association, it would only be a<br />
toothless dog that cannot take a<br />
decisive constitutionally bound<br />
decision.<br />
Accordi<strong>ng</strong> to him, despite<br />
each group within the construction<br />
industry has its own regulatory<br />
board, a construction<br />
board operati<strong>ng</strong> at the level of<br />
an association will not be more<br />
than advocacy.<br />
He said this board, if constituted,<br />
will put an end to multiple<br />
rancor’s with the country’s<br />
Ajanlekoko<br />
Sonaike<br />
construction industry, sayi<strong>ng</strong><br />
its membership will involve all<br />
professional bodies in Nigeria’s<br />
construction industry.<br />
Accordi<strong>ng</strong> to him, countries<br />
like United Ki<strong>ng</strong>dom, developi<strong>ng</strong><br />
nations like Malaysia and<br />
South Africa had keyed into<br />
this, contendi<strong>ng</strong> that it was<br />
high time the country takes a<br />
definite action on this matter.<br />
Earlier, Ajanlekoko had enjoined<br />
members of the Buildi<strong>ng</strong><br />
Collapse Prevention Guide<br />
(BCPG) to continue the struggle<br />
started by him and senior professionals<br />
to compel the government<br />
to establish ta National<br />
Construction Industry Board.<br />
The board, he said should<br />
have the mandate to manage<br />
the construction industry and<br />
effectively coordinate the built<br />
Umaru<br />
Omeife<br />
environment professional activities<br />
and programmes.<br />
Similarly, Omeife had also<br />
used his position as NIOB<br />
president to urge the Federal<br />
Government to establish a<br />
construction industry development<br />
board.<br />
He said the board would do<br />
much good by collapsi<strong>ng</strong> the<br />
wide gap amo<strong>ng</strong> the professionals<br />
in the construction industry.<br />
But, Chairman, Architects<br />
Registration Council of Nigeria<br />
(ARCON), Umaru Aliyu<br />
said he is not in support of<br />
construction board, which will<br />
superintend over the regulatory<br />
boards of each professional<br />
group within the construction<br />
industry.<br />
He said such, however, could<br />
be an association and not a regulatory<br />
body, contendi<strong>ng</strong> that<br />
will be duplication of efforts<br />
and thereby increasi<strong>ng</strong> the bureaucratic<br />
process of correcti<strong>ng</strong><br />
any ills within the construction<br />
body.<br />
Although, Olayinka Sonaike,<br />
Chairman, Estate Surveyors<br />
and Valuers Registration Board<br />
of Nigeria (ESVARBON), who<br />
noted that the board, which is<br />
a baby of the All Professional<br />
Bodies of Nigeria (APBN), was<br />
a welcome ideal, he, however,<br />
added that, it must remain at<br />
the level of an association.<br />
Accordi<strong>ng</strong> to him, the surveyi<strong>ng</strong><br />
profession, which he<br />
superintends, is a member of<br />
APBN and the estate surveyi<strong>ng</strong><br />
and valuation board of Nigeria<br />
regulates the practice of estate<br />
surveyi<strong>ng</strong> and valuation practice.<br />
“If you follow that analogy,<br />
the ESVARBON is in full support<br />
of the constitution of a<br />
construction board for the built<br />
environment.<br />
As you know, APBN is an<br />
association of all professional<br />
bodies in Nigeria. The board<br />
that is bei<strong>ng</strong> proposed in my<br />
view should be a forum for various<br />
regulatory bodies to interact<br />
and form a common policy<br />
for the construction industry.”<br />
Sonaike added: “This new<br />
board, if I get it right should be<br />
an association of the regulatory<br />
bodies of the construction<br />
sector. It has to be voluntary because<br />
all the regulatory bodies<br />
are already empowered by law<br />
and we cannot enact another<br />
law to bri<strong>ng</strong> them together, as<br />
this may create another conflict.<br />
To Olusegun Ladega, an architect,<br />
the proposition is not<br />
necessary at all.<br />
“I always laugh because<br />
this is the typical bureaucrat<br />
solution to a problem. It is<br />
ridiculous and it is goi<strong>ng</strong> to<br />
create unnecessary confusion.<br />
You don’t need any board. You<br />
create such a board, is it at the<br />
federal or state level. You will<br />
be runni<strong>ng</strong> into issues of jurisdiction.<br />
Accordi<strong>ng</strong> to him, development<br />
control under our constitution<br />
and as has been confirmed<br />
by the Supreme Court<br />
on May 13, 2003, is a state function<br />
and therefore, setti<strong>ng</strong> up<br />
a national or supranational<br />
body, will only exist in Abuja<br />
as a toothless bulldog.<br />
He added that just like we<br />
have the National Buildi<strong>ng</strong><br />
Code, the truth is that it remains<br />
a piece of paper until the<br />
states domesticate it because<br />
development control and the<br />
enforcement of all the rules relati<strong>ng</strong><br />
to the built environment<br />
is a function of the state.<br />
In his argument, he said: “So,<br />
is the federal institution goi<strong>ng</strong><br />
to come and interfere in what<br />
is happeni<strong>ng</strong> on a construction<br />
project? That is ridiculous; it is<br />
not goi<strong>ng</strong> to happen. It is a unitary<br />
mindset that does not sit-in<br />
within a federal constitution.<br />
“Secondly, if it is because of<br />
all these collapses that go on, is<br />
that how you solve the problem?<br />
If it is the issue of enforci<strong>ng</strong><br />
regulation that you think is primarily<br />
responsible for collapse,<br />
then what you need to do is to<br />
challe<strong>ng</strong>e the institutions that<br />
are supposed to regulate to take<br />
their regulatory functions seriously;<br />
as well as challe<strong>ng</strong>e<br />
the state chief executives to<br />
empower the institutions to<br />
professionally, efficiently, carry<br />
out their functions without<br />
fear or favour and without any<br />
political interference.<br />
“Let me tell you the biggest<br />
problem we have in this country<br />
with regards to anythi<strong>ng</strong><br />
relati<strong>ng</strong> to the built environment<br />
and even the management<br />
of the environment, is<br />
the fact that there are economic<br />
and political influences that<br />
are so powerful, they thwart<br />
and frustrate anythi<strong>ng</strong> the<br />
state has by way of plans and<br />
objectives.<br />
“What they need is not that<br />
nonsense, which is a bureaucrat<br />
way of solvi<strong>ng</strong> a problem,<br />
but let the bureaucrats<br />
and all those employed by the<br />
state inside all those agencies,<br />
that are supposed to monitor<br />
construction and all physical<br />
constructions, do their jobs<br />
without fear or favour or political<br />
interference. Then we<br />
will have sanity”, Ladega said.<br />
Supreme<br />
Court Validates<br />
Family's Right<br />
To Ogun Land<br />
Town Planni<strong>ng</strong><br />
Officers, Quacks<br />
Subvert Nigerian<br />
Architects<br />
– Ladega<br />
‘Amazi<strong>ng</strong><br />
Grace'<br />
Hymn Old<br />
Vicarage Up<br />
For Sale<br />
C.3 C.6
C2<br />
Real Estate<br />
EMMANUEL BADEJO<br />
LAGOS<br />
A<br />
buildi<strong>ng</strong> and civil e<strong>ng</strong>ineeri<strong>ng</strong><br />
contractor,<br />
Cappa & D’Alberto<br />
has clinched a deal to<br />
construct N40b Atlantic Resort<br />
project in Lagos.<br />
A property development firm<br />
Grenadines Homes owns the<br />
project, which will be an architectural<br />
masterpiece.<br />
And after meeti<strong>ng</strong> all requirements,<br />
as specified by law and<br />
the developer, Cappa & D’Alberto<br />
was chosen as the main contractor<br />
for the ambitious real<br />
estate project.<br />
Both parties at the weekend<br />
endorsed a Memorandum of<br />
Understandi<strong>ng</strong> (MoU), ahead<br />
to the take off of the flagship<br />
project.<br />
And barri<strong>ng</strong> any unforeseen<br />
circumstances, the project,<br />
scheduled to commence in November<br />
this year, was conceived<br />
in response to the demand for<br />
Grade A office spaces which<br />
continues on an upward trajectory<br />
due largely to the size<br />
of Nigeria’s Gross Domestic<br />
Product (GDP), growi<strong>ng</strong> population,<br />
emergi<strong>ng</strong> middle class and<br />
more specifically the thrivi<strong>ng</strong><br />
business environment in Lagos<br />
owi<strong>ng</strong> to economic activities in<br />
the state.<br />
Besides, there has been an<br />
increase in the number of global<br />
firms venturi<strong>ng</strong> into Lagos.<br />
Consequently, investment into<br />
mixed used developments has<br />
become a viable venture, as<br />
global firms gaini<strong>ng</strong> inroad into<br />
Nigeria market elect to have<br />
EMMANUEL BADEJO<br />
LAGOS<br />
As Nigeria is bei<strong>ng</strong> projected to<br />
become the third largest population<br />
in the world by 2050, Nigerians<br />
have been advised to channel<br />
their investments into the real<br />
estate sector.<br />
The Perfection Real Estate<br />
Investors Cooperative Society<br />
(PREICS) gave the advise in<br />
Lagos recently, while formally<br />
launchi<strong>ng</strong> its housi<strong>ng</strong> estates located<br />
both at Ikorodu and Lekki,<br />
Lagos State.<br />
PREICS, an independent<br />
membership-based real estate<br />
club, is aimed at creati<strong>ng</strong> wealth<br />
through real estate investments<br />
for the benefits of its members.<br />
Speaki<strong>ng</strong> at the launchi<strong>ng</strong> of<br />
the housetypes, Mr. Niyi Adeleye,<br />
Managi<strong>ng</strong> Director, PRE-<br />
ICS, said in spite of the economic<br />
downturn rocki<strong>ng</strong> the country,<br />
his firm’s initiative is aimed at<br />
bridgi<strong>ng</strong> the housi<strong>ng</strong> gap in Nigeria.<br />
PREICS, accordi<strong>ng</strong> to Adeleye,<br />
was born out of a passion<br />
to tackle the myriad challe<strong>ng</strong>es<br />
in the real estate sector of the<br />
Nigerian economy.<br />
Historically, he said: “The<br />
concept of the PREICS came<br />
/<stro<strong>ng</strong>>Independent</stro<strong>ng</strong>><strong>ng</strong>r @independent<strong>ng</strong>r www.independent.<strong>ng</strong> INDEPENDENT WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 16, 2017<br />
Cappa & D’Alberto Clinches N46bn<br />
Atlantic Resort Project In Lagos<br />
Atlantic-Resort<br />
early 2011 because of the need<br />
and passion to provide solutions<br />
to real human problems in the<br />
real sector of our economy while<br />
empoweri<strong>ng</strong> people financially.<br />
We formally established and<br />
inaugurated PREICS on August<br />
25, 2012. We later launched a<br />
campaign for membership with<br />
our friends and other people<br />
who possess the same mindset<br />
with us about wealth creation<br />
through real estate.<br />
He added: “We came together<br />
to kick-off the wealth creation<br />
process by pooli<strong>ng</strong> our resources<br />
together in order to take advantage<br />
of opportunities by investi<strong>ng</strong><br />
in real estate and to enjoy all<br />
the benefits thereof together. By<br />
pooli<strong>ng</strong> our resources together<br />
we have been able to get involved<br />
in some mega real estate deals,<br />
we have also invested into expanse<br />
of land in different locations<br />
that is today known as the<br />
Perfection Cooperative Estate<br />
brand.”<br />
Accordi<strong>ng</strong> to him, the housi<strong>ng</strong><br />
scheme will kick off from the<br />
Perfection Cooperative Estate<br />
Phase 1 in Ibeju Lekki, Lagos.<br />
Adeleye, who revealed that<br />
their members have been receivi<strong>ng</strong><br />
passive income on investment<br />
every quarter from wealth<br />
there executives who are majorly<br />
expatriate in close proximity<br />
to their worki<strong>ng</strong> place.<br />
Dubbed as the most iconic<br />
destination for work, live and<br />
play in Africa and a symbol of<br />
excellence, the project is to be<br />
built on 3.4 hectares of land on<br />
Water Corporation Drive, off<br />
Ligali Ayorinde Street, Victoria<br />
Island, Lagos and will comprise<br />
one commercial tower and two<br />
residential towers overlooki<strong>ng</strong><br />
the Atlantic Ocean.<br />
The residential tower is made<br />
up of unit types 1 and two bedroom<br />
apartments, three bedroom<br />
maisonettes, one unit four<br />
bedroom terrace apartment and<br />
two, five bedroom penthouse<br />
maisonettes.<br />
The project is conceptualised<br />
by the United Ki<strong>ng</strong>dom arm of<br />
HOK, the largest architectural<br />
and e<strong>ng</strong>ineeri<strong>ng</strong> firm in America<br />
worki<strong>ng</strong> in conjunction with<br />
ECAD Architects. HOK Architects<br />
is reputed for its design<br />
of the master plan for Dubai<br />
Marina.<br />
Speaki<strong>ng</strong> at the signi<strong>ng</strong> of the<br />
Memorandum of Understandi<strong>ng</strong><br />
(MoU) between Grenadines<br />
Homes and Cappa & D’Alberto<br />
in Lagos, Mr. Femi Banwo,<br />
Chairman, Palton Morgan<br />
Holdi<strong>ng</strong>s, bei<strong>ng</strong> the parent company<br />
of Grenadines Homes, promoters<br />
of the resort, said upon<br />
completion, the project will<br />
deliver a world-class luxury edifice<br />
comprisi<strong>ng</strong> of four towers,<br />
outstandi<strong>ng</strong> hotel, restaurants,<br />
shops and retail outlets.<br />
“It is goi<strong>ng</strong> to be the best<br />
thi<strong>ng</strong> comi<strong>ng</strong> from Nigeria and<br />
out of this world, a serene environment<br />
with school where you<br />
can live. We have selected the<br />
best partners that worked on the<br />
best projects of the world like<br />
Perfection Cooperative Society Unveils<br />
Housetypes, Urges Increased Investments<br />
An impression of the highrise buildi<strong>ng</strong> compromisi<strong>ng</strong> 10 threebedroom<br />
apartments and 10 mini flats<br />
created from time to time, urged<br />
Nigerians to take advantage of<br />
their various products, which<br />
guarantee impressive yields.<br />
Accordi<strong>ng</strong> to him, the initiative<br />
has been generati<strong>ng</strong><br />
employment opportunities for<br />
professionals like architects, legal<br />
consultants, land surveyors,<br />
quantity surveyors, and e<strong>ng</strong>ineers,<br />
amo<strong>ng</strong> others.<br />
Dr. Meckson Okoro, chairman<br />
of the occasion, said investments<br />
in real estate sector remained investors’<br />
haven.<br />
Okoro harped on how the<br />
nation's economy can be diversified<br />
and the imperative of the<br />
real estate sector in the present<br />
economic reality.<br />
Okoro said, “The core purpose<br />
of creati<strong>ng</strong> this society is mainly<br />
to empower people and provide<br />
solutions to the human problems<br />
in Real Estate sector, while the<br />
ultimate goal is to aspire by all<br />
means to achieve financial freedom<br />
for each and every member<br />
of the society through Real Estate<br />
wealth.”<br />
Dwelli<strong>ng</strong> on other qualities<br />
of real estate Okoro added that,<br />
“It is a better store of wealth because<br />
it appreciates in value and<br />
therefore magnifies the Returns<br />
on Investment. If you check the<br />
lands that were cheap back in<br />
Emirates Stadium, to work on<br />
the project to inspire hope and<br />
pride in the country,” he said.<br />
He explained that some of the<br />
money for the project would be<br />
sourced locally and offshore,<br />
addi<strong>ng</strong> that more Foreign Direct<br />
Investment (FDI) would be comi<strong>ng</strong><br />
into the country through<br />
the project.<br />
In his remark, the Managi<strong>ng</strong><br />
Director of Grenadines Homes,<br />
Adeyinka Adesope, stated that<br />
the vision of the company is to<br />
build a first class project that<br />
would re-write the history of<br />
Nigeria and unleash the economic<br />
potentials that would<br />
attract more tourists into the<br />
country.<br />
He said, “we expect them to<br />
deliver the first phase, a 20-storey<br />
buildi<strong>ng</strong> in 18 months but<br />
the whole four towers may take<br />
up to three years. We are confident<br />
that Cappa & D’Alberto,<br />
an indigenous company that<br />
has been in Nigeria since 1932,<br />
will deliver on time to specification,”<br />
he said.<br />
“Brash Brands, the creative<br />
brandi<strong>ng</strong> agency that breathed<br />
life into the tallest buildi<strong>ng</strong> in<br />
the world, Burj Khalifa Dubai,<br />
is defini<strong>ng</strong> the unique personality<br />
of the Atlantic Resort for<br />
attraction, sustainability of<br />
value and class for would-be investors<br />
and home owners.<br />
the years, their value now would<br />
have definitely gone up.<br />
“Also check the house rents<br />
that were peanuts back then, you<br />
would see how much the rent has<br />
increased. For example, in 1995-<br />
1999, one could still buy a plot<br />
of land in Lekki Phase 1 for one<br />
million naira or less, but today,<br />
that same land would ra<strong>ng</strong>e from<br />
N150m-N200m dependi<strong>ng</strong> on the<br />
location.<br />
Accordi<strong>ng</strong> to him, the cash<br />
flow is constant, easily predictable<br />
and subject to good tenants<br />
who are willi<strong>ng</strong> to pay their rent<br />
when due as opposed to those<br />
who prefer maki<strong>ng</strong> a case in the<br />
law court instead of payi<strong>ng</strong> their<br />
rent.<br />
He explained that high return<br />
on investment with little risk<br />
potential because of the ever-increasi<strong>ng</strong><br />
demand on housi<strong>ng</strong><br />
and land, sayi<strong>ng</strong> housi<strong>ng</strong> has no<br />
alternative.<br />
Debo Adejana, Managi<strong>ng</strong> Director,<br />
Realty Point Limited and<br />
the guest lecturer at the event<br />
said investment into real estate<br />
was a gold mine bei<strong>ng</strong> neglected<br />
by Nigerians due to ignorance.<br />
Adejana said that areas that<br />
have developed to become city<br />
centres were once remote areas<br />
people ran away from.<br />
He advised that investments<br />
into real estate should not be delayed<br />
as accordi<strong>ng</strong> to him experience<br />
had shown that procrastination<br />
took away opportunities<br />
for people to either be land or<br />
house owners.
INDEPENDENT WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 16, 2017<br />
/<stro<strong>ng</strong>>Independent</stro<strong>ng</strong>><strong>ng</strong>r @independent<strong>ng</strong>r www.independent.<strong>ng</strong><br />
C3<br />
Real Estate<br />
Supreme Court Validates<br />
Family's Right To Ogun Land<br />
EMMANUEL BADEJO<br />
LAGOS<br />
Amosun<br />
Members of Somolu<br />
Okunseide family<br />
of Ogun State have<br />
gotten the Supreme<br />
Court verdict validati<strong>ng</strong> their<br />
ownership to a large parcel of<br />
landed property located within<br />
a sprawli<strong>ng</strong> township in<br />
Ogun State.<br />
They, includi<strong>ng</strong> Aremu<br />
Yeku, Jide Kotoye, and Ayinde<br />
Showunmi for Somolu<br />
Okunseide recently won a<br />
legal battle against representatives<br />
of Adejonlu Abinu<br />
family of Ibasa, Igaun, Ogun<br />
State.<br />
Although the family of<br />
Adejonlu Abinu family represented<br />
by Adejonlu, Adisa<br />
Ade, Kola Oso and Sunmonu<br />
Seidu, were the appellants,<br />
they, however, lost the battle<br />
to the Somolu Okunseide<br />
family.<br />
Essentially, the appeal borders<br />
on declaration of title<br />
to land.<br />
Before the apex’s court,<br />
the appeal was against the<br />
ruli<strong>ng</strong> of Ogun State High<br />
Court sitti<strong>ng</strong> Abeokuta delivered<br />
on the 21st day of<br />
October, 1988 dismissi<strong>ng</strong> the<br />
claim of the appellants then<br />
plaintiffs.<br />
The appellants as plaintiffs<br />
commenced the action<br />
by writ of summons before<br />
the High Court of Ogun<br />
State, Otta Judicial Division<br />
in suit No. HCT/5/85 claimi<strong>ng</strong><br />
against the defendants<br />
(now respondents) that the<br />
defendants, were their native<br />
customary tenants in<br />
respect of the land occupied<br />
for farmi<strong>ng</strong> by them at Ibasa,<br />
Iganun Village of Ogun<br />
State.<br />
They, havi<strong>ng</strong> denied and<br />
still denied the plaintiffs’<br />
title and claimed and still<br />
claimed to be the absolute<br />
owners of the said premises<br />
and the land thereto contrary<br />
to native law and custom.<br />
The position of the appellants<br />
as seen from their<br />
pleadi<strong>ng</strong>s and evidence were<br />
that their progenitor migrated<br />
from Ile-Ife, settled on the<br />
land in dispute called Ibasa.<br />
The appellants pleaded<br />
further that after their several<br />
years of settlement and<br />
farmi<strong>ng</strong> at Ibasa, the Odeyale<br />
came to settle with Adejonlu<br />
and the said Odeyale was settled<br />
at Olowotedo.<br />
Thereafter, they claimed<br />
that, Odeleye, who in company<br />
of his brother, Yeku came<br />
to settle with Odeyale who<br />
after abandoni<strong>ng</strong> his former<br />
settlement at Olowotedo, settled<br />
at Ibasa.<br />
The appellants, therefore,<br />
claimed that these three<br />
brothers were their customary<br />
tenants.<br />
The defendants/respondents<br />
who laid claim to a wider<br />
area of land defended the<br />
action for themselves and on<br />
behalf of Somolu/Okuseinde<br />
family and asserted that Somolu<br />
was the original owner<br />
of the land in dispute.<br />
They also based their case<br />
on traditional evidence based<br />
on settlement as well as act<br />
of ownership and not only<br />
denied the historical facts set<br />
up by the appellants, which<br />
purportedly linked them<br />
with appellants’ ancestors<br />
but also vehemently denied<br />
the issue of customary tenancy.<br />
The respondents pleaded<br />
that their ancestor Somolu<br />
originally settled on a vast<br />
parcel of land, which included<br />
the land in dispute.<br />
While the plaintiffs called<br />
seven witnesses before closi<strong>ng</strong><br />
their case, the defendants<br />
called five witnesses.<br />
Counsel for the parties<br />
thereafter addressed the<br />
court.<br />
In his address, at the end<br />
of the oral testimonies,<br />
counsel for the defendants<br />
contended that the plaintiffs<br />
failed to establish that they<br />
(the defendants) were their<br />
customary tenants at Ibasa.<br />
He explained that the ancestors<br />
of the defendants settled<br />
thereat. He pointed out<br />
that the plaintiffs and their<br />
witnesses confirmed that the<br />
ancestors of the defendants,<br />
namely, Odeyale and Odeleye<br />
founded Olowotedo and created<br />
Oluweri Stream or river.<br />
Contrariwise, counsel for<br />
the plaintiffs urged the court<br />
to find that they made out a<br />
case that it was the plaintiffs'<br />
ancestors, namely, Abinu and<br />
Adetonlu, who first settled<br />
on the land, havi<strong>ng</strong> migrated<br />
from Ile Ife, stoppi<strong>ng</strong> over<br />
at Ijebu Ode. They finally,<br />
settled down at the land in<br />
dispute.<br />
In a reserved judgment<br />
delivered by the Ogun State<br />
High Court on October 21,<br />
1988, the High Court found<br />
that the traditional evidence<br />
Drawi<strong>ng</strong> conclusion<br />
from the submissions<br />
by the parties, Justice<br />
Chima Nweze, in his<br />
lead judgment said<br />
it was clear from the<br />
traditional evidence<br />
of both parties that<br />
the evidence of the<br />
defendants by far<br />
outweighed those<br />
of the plaintiffs<br />
and that will entitle<br />
the defendants to<br />
judgment<br />
Nweze<br />
called by the defendants outweighed<br />
those of the plaintiffs.<br />
The court conclusively<br />
dismissed the plaintiffs' case<br />
and entered judgment in favour<br />
of the defendants.<br />
Unsatisfied, the plaintiffs<br />
appealed to the Court of Appeal,<br />
Ibadan.<br />
And after heari<strong>ng</strong> arguments<br />
for and against, the<br />
Court of Appeal dismissed<br />
the appeal on the ground that<br />
it was devoid of merit.<br />
Accordi<strong>ng</strong> to the Court of<br />
Appeal, there was no legal<br />
basis to disturb the findi<strong>ng</strong>s<br />
of facts of the trial Judge.<br />
Aggrieved, the appellants<br />
filed a further appeal to the<br />
Supreme Court by way of<br />
application for leave, which<br />
was granted and notice of<br />
appeal was filed. A motion<br />
for interlocutory injunction<br />
was also filed to restrain the<br />
respondents from continui<strong>ng</strong><br />
the sales and trespass on the<br />
land subject matter of the appeal<br />
pendi<strong>ng</strong> the final determination<br />
of the appeal.<br />
In reaction, the respondents<br />
filed a notice of preliminary<br />
objection and<br />
appellants filed a counter<br />
affidavit.<br />
Set out as issues for resolution<br />
are whether havi<strong>ng</strong><br />
regard to the pleadi<strong>ng</strong>s and<br />
totality of evidence adduced,<br />
the court below was right in<br />
dismissi<strong>ng</strong> the appellants'<br />
appeal?<br />
Like the trial Court, the<br />
Court of Appeal also dismissed<br />
the Plaintiffs' appeal<br />
to it from the said judgment.<br />
This further appeal to<br />
this Court is the appellants<br />
expression of their disavowal<br />
of the validity of the reasoni<strong>ng</strong><br />
of the lower Courts<br />
judgment.<br />
Although three issues<br />
were originally formulated<br />
in the brief of argument filed<br />
on May 14, 2012, counsel for<br />
the appellants abandoned the<br />
second and third issues at the<br />
heari<strong>ng</strong> of the appeal on November<br />
29, 2016. They were<br />
accordi<strong>ng</strong>ly, struck out.<br />
Drawi<strong>ng</strong> conclusion from<br />
the submissions by the parties,<br />
Justice Chima Nweze,<br />
in his lead judgment said it<br />
was clear from the traditional<br />
evidence of both parties<br />
that the evidence of the defendants<br />
by far outweighed<br />
those of the plaintiffs and<br />
that will entitle the defendants<br />
to judgment.<br />
Accordi<strong>ng</strong> to him, the<br />
plaintiffs have failed to discharge<br />
the onus placed on<br />
them...<br />
“In all, I find no scintilla<br />
of merit in the appellants’<br />
complaint against the judgment<br />
of the lower court. I,<br />
therefore, unhesitati<strong>ng</strong>ly enter<br />
an order dismissi<strong>ng</strong> this<br />
appeal”, he concluded.<br />
Their lordships includi<strong>ng</strong><br />
Mary Peter-Odili, Kumai<br />
Aka’ahs, Kudirat Kekere-<br />
Ekun and Ejembi Eko, who<br />
agreed with the lead verdict,<br />
unanimously dismissed the<br />
appeal.
C4<br />
Real Estate<br />
/<stro<strong>ng</strong>>Independent</stro<strong>ng</strong>><strong>ng</strong>r @independent<strong>ng</strong>r www.independent.<strong>ng</strong><br />
INDEPENDENT WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 16, 2017<br />
Town Planni<strong>ng</strong> Officers, Quacks<br />
Subvert Nigerian Architects – Ladega<br />
As Lagos State government<br />
makes efforts at embarki<strong>ng</strong><br />
upon its urban renewal plan,<br />
Olusegun Ladega, Managi<strong>ng</strong><br />
Director, Interstate Architects<br />
Limited spoke to NKASIOBI<br />
OLUIKPE on what he thinks<br />
should be uppermost on the<br />
plan. Excerpts:<br />
However, the truth must be told. What is<br />
the state of our economy?<br />
If you say we need more architects, have<br />
the over 6,000 you mentioned been fully<br />
e<strong>ng</strong>aged?<br />
They are not fully e<strong>ng</strong>aged because<br />
of a number of factors. The first reason<br />
is the economic forces, which means that<br />
projects of the kind and size and scope and<br />
dimension that were easily available in the<br />
days when we entered into the profession,<br />
which kept us very busy, with lots of projects,<br />
do not exist any lo<strong>ng</strong>er. Secondly, we<br />
also have a big problem. The fact that the<br />
biggest market for architectural services is<br />
the residential buildi<strong>ng</strong> market but it is the<br />
sector where unfortunately, we architects<br />
face biggest challe<strong>ng</strong>e because you have<br />
so many quacks and imposters competi<strong>ng</strong><br />
with us to render the services that architects<br />
render; services such as design of the<br />
buildi<strong>ng</strong>, providi<strong>ng</strong> documentation for the<br />
buildi<strong>ng</strong> construction and the monitori<strong>ng</strong><br />
and supervision of the construction.<br />
Ladega<br />
In your own opinion, do you think the Nigerian<br />
architects have done well to meet the<br />
challe<strong>ng</strong>es of the 21st Century?<br />
I would say yes. You will actually be<br />
shocked and surprised to hear certain<br />
stories. There is a buildi<strong>ng</strong> in Cairo in a<br />
metropolis called Heliopolis. The buildi<strong>ng</strong><br />
there is the headquarters of the African<br />
Export Import Bank. Interstate Architects<br />
Nigeria Limited designed it. There was an<br />
international competition amo<strong>ng</strong>st firms<br />
of architects based across Africa for the<br />
design and Interstate Architects won the<br />
competition.<br />
The kind of thi<strong>ng</strong>s that the expatriate<br />
firms imported into Nigeria, we, Nigerian<br />
professionals have also gone elsewhere to<br />
do them.<br />
There are buildi<strong>ng</strong>s designed by Nigerian<br />
architects that have won international<br />
awards for creativity, innovation and for<br />
the quality of architecture.<br />
It is not that the Nigerian architect cannot<br />
design a 50-storey buildi<strong>ng</strong>, why not?<br />
But the point is, there isn’t a need for a<br />
50-storey buildi<strong>ng</strong> in Nigeria yet. For that<br />
reason, no one has made a demand for the<br />
Nigerian architect to design one. So, the<br />
fact that you do not have a 50-storey buildi<strong>ng</strong><br />
in Nigeria does not mean that Nigerian<br />
architects cannot design one. The simple<br />
truth is that there hasn’t been a need for<br />
one yet. If the need for one arises and it<br />
has to be done in Nigeria, a Nigerian architect<br />
will be contacted to do it and he<br />
will go ahead and do it, ditto other kinds<br />
of complicated or simple buildi<strong>ng</strong>s.<br />
So, there are three thi<strong>ng</strong>s here: is there<br />
a need for it? Is there a patron for such a<br />
project and can they finance such a project?<br />
What I am tryi<strong>ng</strong> to say is that, we have<br />
the capability, creativity and the resourcefulness<br />
to handle practically any kind of<br />
projects.<br />
The quacks have so<br />
empowered themselves<br />
that they influence what<br />
happens in the town<br />
planni<strong>ng</strong> office to subvert<br />
the architects and whether<br />
we like it or not, failure to<br />
enforce the laws of the land,<br />
and failure to sanction, are<br />
part of the reasons we are<br />
where we are<br />
When your generation graduated, hopes<br />
were high and opportunities abound but<br />
same do not apply to the new generation<br />
of architects. Why?<br />
It is a reflection of the state of the economy<br />
and the absence of sufficient opportunities<br />
for these you<strong>ng</strong> architects to express<br />
themselves. I told you<strong>ng</strong> architects in our<br />
firm here that years back when I graduated,<br />
it was a completely different Nigeria, a<br />
Nigeria when there was a lot of confidence<br />
in what the economy had to offer. Unfortunately,<br />
thi<strong>ng</strong>s have cha<strong>ng</strong>ed.<br />
When we graduated from school, we<br />
were amo<strong>ng</strong> the highest paid professionals<br />
in Nigeria. But unfortunately, thi<strong>ng</strong>s<br />
have reversed because of the state of the<br />
economy and the demand for the services<br />
of architecture practitioners. Those cha<strong>ng</strong>es<br />
are not the fault of the practitioners but<br />
that of economic forces that have come into<br />
play, which means that there are fewer opportunities.<br />
Now if we look at our population, and<br />
the number of architects we have here,<br />
you will discover we need more architects.<br />
But don’t you think it has to do with the<br />
service charges of the architects, which<br />
some of the patrons of these quacks think<br />
is beyond them?<br />
That I will even say is also a large bit<br />
of misinformation. Nigeria is a country<br />
where superstition meets with oldwife’s<br />
tale to influence people more than truth<br />
and reality. It’s a pity. The architects’<br />
services are directly proportional to the<br />
cost of the project. It means the architect<br />
charges a percentage (seven and a half) of<br />
the cost of constructi<strong>ng</strong> the buildi<strong>ng</strong> as his<br />
fees. A small insignificant percentage! People<br />
without even inquiri<strong>ng</strong> assume based<br />
on inaccurate information.<br />
Accordi<strong>ng</strong> to the laws in the state, drawi<strong>ng</strong>s<br />
presented for planni<strong>ng</strong> approval are<br />
supposed to be produced by an architect.<br />
And the way to determine the authenticity<br />
of the drawi<strong>ng</strong>s is that there will be an<br />
architects’ stamp on them. There is also a<br />
challe<strong>ng</strong>e here as there are fake architects’<br />
stamps. It is so bad that in some states, the<br />
quacks have so empowered themselves that<br />
they influence what happens in the town<br />
planni<strong>ng</strong> office to subvert the architects.<br />
Whether we like it or not, failure to<br />
enforce the laws of the land, and failure<br />
to sanction, are part of the reason we are<br />
where we are. So many buildi<strong>ng</strong>s are collapsi<strong>ng</strong><br />
all over the place. Has anythi<strong>ng</strong><br />
happened to those quacks responsible for<br />
the collapse? Has anythi<strong>ng</strong> even happened<br />
to the civil servants who are supposed to<br />
be monitori<strong>ng</strong> all the buildi<strong>ng</strong> constructions<br />
goi<strong>ng</strong> on in the states? In every state,<br />
there are officers who are paid through our<br />
tax, who have a duty to go around the state<br />
and check on buildi<strong>ng</strong>s under construction<br />
and if there is any form of non-compliance,<br />
they are supposed to shut down the<br />
buildi<strong>ng</strong>. My question is how come some<br />
of those constructions continue, some of<br />
them even completed? People have moved<br />
in before they collapse. Name any state<br />
of the federation where the officers who<br />
are supposed to ensure compliance with<br />
buildi<strong>ng</strong> procedures have been sanctioned<br />
for a collapse?<br />
This is not an issue for the professionals<br />
alone. The state has structures that are supposed<br />
to prevent these thi<strong>ng</strong>s from happeni<strong>ng</strong>,<br />
and people earn salaries for occupyi<strong>ng</strong><br />
positions of compliance officers and there<br />
are non-compliances all over the country.<br />
CONTINUES ON P.C5 •
INDEPENDENT WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 16, 2017 /<stro<strong>ng</strong>>Independent</stro<strong>ng</strong>><strong>ng</strong>r @independent<strong>ng</strong>r www.independent.<strong>ng</strong> E1<br />
Niger Delta<br />
MOUTH OF THE SOUTH<br />
Isaac Asabor<br />
+2348020565643<br />
isaac.asabor@independentnig.com<br />
Community<br />
Protest Paralyses<br />
Pan Ocean’s<br />
Operations In<br />
Delta<br />
The people of<br />
Ovade-Oghara Community<br />
in Ethiope<br />
West Local Government<br />
Area of Delta<br />
State have embarked<br />
on an indefinite protest<br />
paralyzi<strong>ng</strong> the<br />
operations of Pan<br />
Ocean Oil Corporation<br />
(Nigeria) Limited<br />
(PANOCO).<br />
Okowa<br />
Pledges To Use<br />
SMARTART<br />
Agenda To<br />
Rev Up Youths<br />
Career<br />
E2<br />
Delta state Governor,<br />
Senator (Dr.) Ifeanyi<br />
Okowa has pledged<br />
to use his administration’s<br />
SMARTART<br />
Agenda to rev up the<br />
career of the youths<br />
in the state to enable<br />
them achieve their<br />
dreams.<br />
E3<br />
Sacked Edo<br />
APC Publicity<br />
Secretary’s<br />
Kinsmen Protest<br />
Removal<br />
Kinsmen of the sacked<br />
Edo State Publicity<br />
Secretary of the All<br />
Progressives Co<strong>ng</strong>ress<br />
(APC) Comrade<br />
Godwin Erhahon<br />
on Tuesday took to<br />
the streets of Ologbo<br />
Nugu Community in<br />
Orhionmwon local<br />
government area of<br />
the state to protest the<br />
removal of the former<br />
party spokesman from<br />
office.<br />
E4<br />
ExxonMobil Responsible For 95%<br />
Oil Spills In A/Ibom – AKIPCON<br />
Dr Ufot Phensen is the National President,Akwa Ibom Oil Produci<strong>ng</strong> community development network<br />
(AKIPCON). In this exclusive interview with our Correspondent, Ido<strong>ng</strong>esit Ashameri, he spoke on the fight against<br />
environmental degradation by oil companies operati<strong>ng</strong> in the state, the aborted public heari<strong>ng</strong> by the commission<br />
of enquiry set up by the National Human Right Commission (NHRC), alleged outdated pipelines by Exxonmobil,<br />
and the politics of palliative instead of compensation by oil companies in the event of oil spills. Excepts<br />
AKIPCON and other Niger Delta<br />
agitators some months ago<br />
e<strong>ng</strong>aged oil companies in a panel<br />
of enquiry set up by the National<br />
Human Right Commission. What<br />
has been the outcome of that<br />
e<strong>ng</strong>agement?<br />
As you are fully aware, the<br />
Akwa Ibom Oil Produci<strong>ng</strong><br />
Community Development<br />
Network (AKIPCON), has<br />
been in the process of spearheadi<strong>ng</strong><br />
the struggles for the<br />
realization of socio-economic<br />
benefits, compensation and<br />
human right of the people of<br />
Akwa Ibom state for decades<br />
of oil exploration activities by<br />
oil companies in Akwa Ibom<br />
state. We are backed up with<br />
an irrevocable power of attorney<br />
donated to the executive<br />
officers of the organization,<br />
havi<strong>ng</strong> been empowered by<br />
our royal fathers who have<br />
equally suffered the impact of<br />
oil exploration and violation<br />
of human right of the people<br />
of Akwa Ibom state. We decided<br />
to petition the National<br />
Human Right Commission<br />
of Nigeria in 2015. The commission<br />
came, carried out<br />
an on-the-spot investigation<br />
of human right violations in<br />
Akwa Ibom state and the team<br />
was led by the then executive<br />
secretary of the commission,<br />
Prof. Bem A<strong>ng</strong>we.<br />
The team visited Ibeno,<br />
Eket, Eastern Obolo, Esit<br />
Eket, Mbo and other parts of<br />
Akwa Ibom state. The team<br />
was surprised that oil companies<br />
in Akwa Ibom state are<br />
still flari<strong>ng</strong> gas. We saw torn<br />
nets, polluted fishi<strong>ng</strong> equipments,<br />
includi<strong>ng</strong> outboard e<strong>ng</strong>ines,<br />
and also saw the quality<br />
of water drank by the people.<br />
The areas, especially Ibeno<br />
stank by the emission of gas<br />
from cocked and uncocked oil<br />
wells across the state. the team<br />
also discovered that all these<br />
amounted to human right violation,<br />
and that the people of<br />
Akwa Ibom state are severly<br />
impacted by polluted air, both<br />
on land and water, and even<br />
through the food they eat. We<br />
eat poisonous foods, polluted<br />
Sea foods of which some were<br />
dead!<br />
The team saw dead birds,<br />
witnessed where human be-<br />
Phensen<br />
i<strong>ng</strong>s died, and where medical<br />
reports and death certificates<br />
were issued. They witnessed<br />
those affected by the degradation<br />
were tested in government<br />
hospitals and discovered<br />
that the situation in Akwa<br />
Ibom was, and still, deplorable<br />
and pathetic.<br />
The then executive secretary,<br />
havi<strong>ng</strong> studied the mandate<br />
of the commission, as enshrined<br />
in sections 5&6 of the<br />
National Human Right Commission<br />
Act 1995 as amended<br />
in 2010, that section of the act<br />
mandate the commission to<br />
investigate any form of human<br />
right violation, it does<br />
not spell out any no go area,<br />
nor boundary. That is to say<br />
that the commission has the<br />
right to investigate any source<br />
of human rights violation and<br />
that is exactly what the commission<br />
was doi<strong>ng</strong>.<br />
The executive secretary<br />
set up a Special Investigation<br />
Panel (SIP) in 2016 and<br />
the commission’s SIP visited<br />
Akwa Ibom four times where<br />
four successful public sitti<strong>ng</strong>s<br />
were held at the federal high<br />
court Uyo, with all the oil<br />
companies. Those alleged to<br />
be polluti<strong>ng</strong> Akwa Ibom environment<br />
were in attendance.<br />
They stated their cases, we<br />
also stated our cases. When<br />
Shell, a notorious culprit discovered<br />
that the commission<br />
was goi<strong>ng</strong> to make a monetary<br />
determination for the people<br />
of Akwa Ibom state, that is to<br />
say drawi<strong>ng</strong> the conclusion<br />
and telli<strong>ng</strong> each of the oil<br />
companies how much they<br />
had to pay to the people of<br />
Akwa Ibom state for polluti<strong>ng</strong><br />
our environment, and causi<strong>ng</strong><br />
human right abuses and violation,<br />
they sensed that they<br />
were guilty and decided to<br />
run to Uyo federal high court<br />
to restrain the SIP from further<br />
sitti<strong>ng</strong> and maki<strong>ng</strong> clear<br />
determination as stipulated<br />
by national human right act<br />
section 5&6 of 1995 as amended<br />
in 2010.<br />
Shell also led other oil companies<br />
like Total, Total Exploration,<br />
Seven Exploration<br />
otherwise known as Septa<br />
Energy, ADAC Petroleum and<br />
Monopoly, they went to Court<br />
on grounds of the fact that<br />
the SIP has no jurisdiction<br />
nor competence to entertain<br />
oil and gas matters which<br />
the companies had earlier admitted<br />
their faults and later<br />
claimed that heari<strong>ng</strong> any oil<br />
related matter and accessi<strong>ng</strong><br />
compensation is the responsibility<br />
of federal high court<br />
in Nigeria.<br />
The Court in its ruli<strong>ng</strong> by<br />
Hon Justice Riman, accused<br />
the NHRC of acti<strong>ng</strong> ultra vires,<br />
that is, acti<strong>ng</strong> outside the<br />
mandate of the commission,<br />
whereas the commission acted<br />
within the limit of the law<br />
which established it. So, we<br />
now see the ruli<strong>ng</strong> of Riman<br />
as a calculated attempt to rubbish<br />
and dilute the powers,<br />
render the NHRC of Nigeria<br />
established by Nigerian law<br />
and African Charter to which<br />
Nigeria is a signatory. This is<br />
also a big blow and absolute<br />
disregard to the dignity of<br />
our great country by oil companies<br />
from nowhere to try to<br />
rubbish the commission of the<br />
Federal Republic of Nigeria.<br />
It is also aimed at denyi<strong>ng</strong> the<br />
people their rights. Those are<br />
the four a<strong>ng</strong>les to it. It is an<br />
attempt to permanently deny<br />
the people their right and finally<br />
it has opened a very wide<br />
window for violence.<br />
What exactly do you mean by<br />
such action openi<strong>ng</strong> a window for<br />
violence?<br />
What I mean by the action<br />
of Shell, and these other<br />
companies goi<strong>ng</strong> to court<br />
to restrain the NHRC to<br />
have opened the window of<br />
violence is that you remember<br />
there was a spill at Eket<br />
on July 7th, youths blocked the<br />
entrances of ExxonMobil, if<br />
Shell and other companies had<br />
agreed for that peaceful resolution<br />
by the National Human<br />
Right Commission, that action<br />
would not have been. Staff of<br />
ExxonMobil were shut off, if<br />
not for quick intervention of<br />
patriotic Akwa Ibom people.<br />
The situation in Akwa Ibom<br />
State as far as non payment of<br />
compensation to the people of<br />
Akwa Ibom State is concerned<br />
is like a time bomb, there is no<br />
body that can guarantee absolute<br />
peace in Akwa Ibom State<br />
because people are sitti<strong>ng</strong> on<br />
a gun power, at any time anythi<strong>ng</strong><br />
can explode.<br />
So the situation is very da<strong>ng</strong>erous.<br />
Why not allow yourself<br />
to be judged? We surrendered<br />
ourselves to be judged by the<br />
panel, we appeared before the<br />
panel. That was the first time<br />
CONTINUES ON .E3 •
E2<br />
/<stro<strong>ng</strong>>Independent</stro<strong>ng</strong>><strong>ng</strong>r @independent<strong>ng</strong>r www.independent.<strong>ng</strong><br />
INDEPENDENT WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 16, 2017<br />
Oduduwa<br />
News<br />
Community Protest Paralyses Pan Ocean’s Operations In Ovade-Oghara<br />
SUNDAY APAH<br />
UGHELLI<br />
The people of<br />
Ovade-Oghara Community<br />
in Ethiope<br />
West Local Government<br />
Area of Delta State<br />
have embarked on an indefinite<br />
protest paralyzi<strong>ng</strong> the<br />
operations of Pan Ocean Oil<br />
Corporation (Nigeria) Limited<br />
(PANOCO).<br />
The community stated that<br />
parts of their grievances was<br />
that PANOCO started oil exploration<br />
in the area 45 years ago<br />
and has under-developed the<br />
community. Protesti<strong>ng</strong> Ovade<br />
elders, Chiefs, Women includi<strong>ng</strong><br />
youths stormed the premises of<br />
Pan Ocean Oil Company at 5:30<br />
am yesterday beari<strong>ng</strong> placards<br />
with inscriptions such as “Pan<br />
Ocean should go”, “Pan Ocean<br />
leave our land for us, Enough<br />
is Enough”, “The marriage between<br />
Pan Ocean Oil Company<br />
and Ovade Community is headi<strong>ng</strong><br />
for a divorce due to Neglect<br />
and sufferi<strong>ng</strong> of the people over<br />
40 years of oil exploration and<br />
exploitation” , “Fadeyi leave<br />
us alone”and “Re-instate our<br />
sacked youths” amo<strong>ng</strong> other<br />
inscriptions. They chanted solidarity<br />
so<strong>ng</strong>s while they matched<br />
on every available space around,<br />
preventi<strong>ng</strong> both human and<br />
vehicular movements from<br />
enteri<strong>ng</strong> and comi<strong>ng</strong> out from<br />
the company’s premises while<br />
their protest continued as at the<br />
time of fili<strong>ng</strong> this report.<br />
The Chairman of the Community<br />
Mr. Hitler Igbakpa, the<br />
Secretary Hon. Odeh Oghominene<br />
Festus, Chief Simeon<br />
Ogheneovo Odeh, the Chief<br />
Prince of Oghara Ki<strong>ng</strong>dom and<br />
others who addressed journalists<br />
said despite about 45 years<br />
of oil exploration from Ovade<br />
Community by Pan Ocean Oil<br />
Corporation that what they have<br />
in return is the systematic, malicious<br />
and provocative under<br />
development of their community<br />
and people. They maintained<br />
that due to the prolo<strong>ng</strong><br />
oil exploration/exploitation in<br />
their community by PANOCO<br />
that their once arable and fertile<br />
land is currently subjected to severe<br />
environmental (ecological)<br />
degradation.<br />
They explained further that<br />
havi<strong>ng</strong> suffered from a prolo<strong>ng</strong>ed<br />
history of persistent and<br />
consistent chain of Institutionalized<br />
oppression, suppression,<br />
victimization, marginalization<br />
and discrimination from Pan<br />
Ocean Oil Corporation in different<br />
realms of development,<br />
particularly in human capital<br />
and socio-economic aspects of<br />
development, that all efforts<br />
made to reverse the status quo<br />
have failed as they could not result<br />
to peaceful settlement<br />
Mr. Igbaka, who spoke on<br />
behalf of the community, noted<br />
that even a peace move that<br />
included the Governor of Delta<br />
State Dr Ifeanyi Okowa, was<br />
dishonoured by the company.<br />
He added that before the o<strong>ng</strong>oi<strong>ng</strong><br />
protest, which they termed<br />
the (mother of all) will be called<br />
off, that Pan Ocean should with<br />
immediate effect, and unconditionally<br />
reinstate one of their<br />
sons, Mr. Tobore Hosanna who<br />
they laid off sometime ago.<br />
They equally gave the condition<br />
of consummati<strong>ng</strong> the<br />
drafti<strong>ng</strong>, signi<strong>ng</strong> and implementation<br />
of the Global memorandum<br />
of understandi<strong>ng</strong><br />
(GMOU) with the Community<br />
and the immediate upgradi<strong>ng</strong>,<br />
re-reticulation and extension of<br />
existi<strong>ng</strong> moribund water project<br />
in Ovade Community. Included<br />
in their demand also is the immediate<br />
commencement of the<br />
construction of an access (Link)<br />
road between Ovade Community<br />
and Ovade Oghara flow station,<br />
Gas Plant which was the<br />
reasons for their protest.<br />
While appeali<strong>ng</strong> to the youths<br />
to remain calm, he urged the<br />
youths to remain calm. He said,<br />
“the youths should ensure that<br />
the protest is peaceful, they<br />
should desist from any act of<br />
lawlessness which is capable of<br />
truncati<strong>ng</strong> their original plans,<br />
we must actualize our aim with<br />
the drop of our blood and we<br />
must remain in the premises<br />
of the company both Night and<br />
day until our demands are met.”<br />
A youth leader, Mr. Andrew<br />
Onomroba, who also bared his<br />
mind on the li<strong>ng</strong>eri<strong>ng</strong> issue,<br />
said the youths have also bei<strong>ng</strong><br />
denied employment by the<br />
Company as it has continued to<br />
employ people from other parts<br />
of the country. He noted that<br />
the community is blessed with<br />
all kinds of skilled personnel<br />
that can be employed to work<br />
in the company instead of the<br />
occasional un-skilled labour the<br />
company has been employi<strong>ng</strong><br />
from non-host communities.<br />
However, the urgent intervention<br />
of the Divisional Police<br />
Officer of Oghara station<br />
C.S.P Tomitope Fashugba and<br />
Military men from 19 battalion,<br />
Koko, who arrived the company<br />
as early as 7:30 am to pacify fray<br />
nerves prevented the youths<br />
who were already spoili<strong>ng</strong> for<br />
war to become violent. The<br />
intervention of the police prevented<br />
the original plans of the<br />
elders from bei<strong>ng</strong> hijacked by<br />
the youths.<br />
Government Evacuates Blocked Water Channels In<br />
Delta Communities To Check Floodi<strong>ng</strong><br />
Amaechi Udemba, Press Secretary on prints to Governor, Delta State (right); Mike Okeme, Special<br />
Adviser to the Governor on Labour and SeviCom (middle), and Patrick Ochei, Vice Chairman, Nigeria<br />
Union of Journalist, Delta State chapter, duri<strong>ng</strong> the burial of late Lady Gloria Adlie Udemba, mother of<br />
Amaechi, at Issele-Uku, Aniocha North Local Government Area, Delta State at the weekend.<br />
PHOTO: GODDY UMUKORO<br />
SUNDAY APAH<br />
UGHELLI<br />
The Delta State Government<br />
has evacuated blocked water<br />
channels in Sapele, Oghara,<br />
Aghalokpe, Warri, Effurun,<br />
Ughelli, Asaba, and other communities<br />
in the bid to reduce<br />
floodi<strong>ng</strong> in the State.<br />
Hon. John Obukohwo Nani<br />
whoh led the team that carried<br />
out the water channel evacuation<br />
exercise defied rain to inspect<br />
the o<strong>ng</strong>oi<strong>ng</strong> de-floodi<strong>ng</strong><br />
exercise in the affected areas<br />
and other parts of Delta state<br />
with over 50 swamp buggies<br />
worki<strong>ng</strong> at the same time.<br />
Nani in an interaction with<br />
the media said, the Delta State<br />
government decided to embark<br />
on the exercise on account<br />
of the heavy down pour which<br />
rendered Deltans across the<br />
state homeless.<br />
He further thanked Deltans<br />
for the support accorded<br />
the Ministry to de-flood their<br />
various areas and advice them<br />
not to block the water ways in<br />
their surroundi<strong>ng</strong>s.<br />
Nani advised owners of illegal<br />
structures that are noted to<br />
be obstructi<strong>ng</strong> the water ways<br />
to remove all in the interest of<br />
the people livi<strong>ng</strong> in these areas.<br />
Reacti<strong>ng</strong> to the state government<br />
effort of de-floodi<strong>ng</strong><br />
the areas, Comrade Prince<br />
Orhomonokpaye, thanked<br />
the state government for his<br />
prompt action in helpi<strong>ng</strong> to<br />
de-flood the affected areas and<br />
givi<strong>ng</strong> a new life to the people<br />
livi<strong>ng</strong> in the affected areas.<br />
LG Employees In Bayelsa Flay Reappointment Of Caretaker Chairmen<br />
Governor Seriake Dickson of<br />
Bayelsa State has been advised<br />
by the National Union of Local<br />
Government Employees to discard<br />
any plan of reappointi<strong>ng</strong><br />
local government caretaker<br />
chairmen in the state.<br />
The advise was given by<br />
the state Chairman, NULGE,<br />
Mr. Akpos Ekiegha, duri<strong>ng</strong> a<br />
news conference in Yenagoa,<br />
the state capital, on Saturday.<br />
Ekiegha explained that the<br />
cost of runni<strong>ng</strong> the caretaker<br />
system, in the face of the<br />
declini<strong>ng</strong> federal allocations<br />
was linked to the salary arrears<br />
owed LGA workers in<br />
the state.<br />
He advised the governor<br />
to give Heads of the LGAs to<br />
administer the councils as<br />
Acti<strong>ng</strong> Chairmen for a period<br />
of eight months to enable<br />
them clear the arrears<br />
owed workers in the various<br />
councils.<br />
Against the foregoi<strong>ng</strong> backdrop,<br />
he said: “If the Heads of<br />
LGAs are allowed to run the<br />
system as Acti<strong>ng</strong> Chairmen,<br />
believe you me, there will be<br />
nothi<strong>ng</strong> like salary arrears.<br />
He cited Cross River and Delta<br />
states as examples of state<br />
runni<strong>ng</strong> the same system.<br />
He continued: “If civil<br />
servants are allowed to man<br />
the system, they know their<br />
boundaries, they cannot ask<br />
for a security vote of N20m<br />
but the caretaker chairman<br />
will ask for a security vote of<br />
between N20m and N40m.<br />
He added that “They (caretaker<br />
chairmen) would say<br />
there is security problem in so,<br />
so community. Therefore, they<br />
will say they need N100m to go<br />
and solve the problem, but we,<br />
as civil servants, have a limit.<br />
Our main focus is to pay our<br />
workers’ salaries and if any<br />
money is left, it will be intact.”<br />
He buttressed his advice<br />
by sayi<strong>ng</strong> that within the<br />
short period that the caretaker<br />
chairmen of the eight<br />
LGAs were relieved of their<br />
appointments, coupled with<br />
little improvement in federal<br />
allocations, that accumulation<br />
of salaries owed council workers<br />
had shrinked to only four<br />
and a half months.<br />
The appealed to Governor<br />
Dickson to keep to his promise<br />
that by September 2017,<br />
the government would take<br />
over the payment of primary<br />
school staff from the local<br />
governments to enable<br />
them to pay regular salaries<br />
of their workers, addi<strong>ng</strong> that<br />
the non-payment of the primary<br />
school staff by the state<br />
government was part of the<br />
reasons the LG workers were<br />
currently on strike in the state.<br />
He used the opportunity to<br />
throw light on the speculation<br />
maki<strong>ng</strong> the rounds that the<br />
state government was interferi<strong>ng</strong><br />
with local government<br />
funds.<br />
He said, “The government<br />
of the state has never interfered<br />
with the allocation of<br />
the councils but has rather<br />
ensured that the allocation of<br />
the councils are freely given to<br />
them for judicious use.”<br />
He further added that it<br />
was at the request of the Joint<br />
Councils of NULGE and Medical<br />
Health Workers Union<br />
duri<strong>ng</strong> the last days of the<br />
elected LG chairmen that the<br />
Governor directed the withholdi<strong>ng</strong><br />
of January to March,<br />
2016 allocations.<br />
He noted that the allocations<br />
were later disbursed to<br />
the councils under the immediate<br />
past caretaker committees<br />
to pay workers’ salary<br />
arrears.<br />
Ekeigha commended Dickson<br />
and the Commissioner for<br />
Local Government, Dr. Agatha<br />
Goma, for the judicious use of<br />
the London-Paris refunds and<br />
the July allocation that had resulted<br />
in the payment of salaries<br />
of workers ra<strong>ng</strong>i<strong>ng</strong> from<br />
two to three months dependi<strong>ng</strong><br />
on the financial stre<strong>ng</strong>th<br />
of the councils.<br />
He advised all LG workers<br />
to avail themselves of the o<strong>ng</strong>oi<strong>ng</strong><br />
verification exercise in<br />
the various LGAs, particularly<br />
in Ogbia, where he claimed<br />
that massive payroll fraud had<br />
been suspected.
INDEPENDENT WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 16, 2017 /<stro<strong>ng</strong>>Independent</stro<strong>ng</strong>><strong>ng</strong>r @independent<strong>ng</strong>r www.independent.<strong>ng</strong> E3<br />
News<br />
Okowa Pledges To Use SMARTART<br />
Agenda To Rev Up Youths Career<br />
Delta state Governor,<br />
Senator (Dr.) Ifeanyi<br />
Okowa has pledged<br />
to use his administration’s<br />
SMARTART Agenda<br />
to rev up the career of the<br />
youths in the state to enable<br />
them achieve their dreams.<br />
The governor made the<br />
pledge recently when he played<br />
host to the Delta State representative<br />
in the forthcomi<strong>ng</strong><br />
reality show tagged “Labour<br />
Room,” Comrade Oshevire<br />
Onefe and a representative of<br />
the Nigeria Rebirth Foundation,<br />
organisers of the reality<br />
show in Asaba.<br />
The governor, who was represented<br />
by his Political Adviser,<br />
Omimi Esquire, said that<br />
Delta State and Deltans have<br />
always remained number one<br />
in positive thi<strong>ng</strong>s, and on that<br />
note advised that the opportunity<br />
should be used to educate<br />
the world that the state is<br />
blessed with both human and<br />
natural resources.<br />
He explained that the era<br />
where people are fed with negative<br />
information about the<br />
state was over; pointi<strong>ng</strong> out<br />
that the state is blessed with<br />
men and women that have<br />
excelled as academicians, industrialists<br />
and leaders in all<br />
spheres of life.<br />
Governor Okowa assured<br />
the state representative of<br />
government’s support towards<br />
clinchi<strong>ng</strong> the number one position<br />
at the reality show contest<br />
and urged Comrade Oshevire<br />
to redouble efforts towards<br />
surmounti<strong>ng</strong> the challe<strong>ng</strong>es<br />
that may crop up in the contest,<br />
which will be contested<br />
by representatives of 30 states<br />
of the country and FCTCT,<br />
Abuja.<br />
Earlier, the Niger Delta coordinator<br />
of the Nigerian Rebirth<br />
Foundation, Comrade<br />
You<strong>ng</strong> Piero said that the visit<br />
to the governor was to present<br />
a flag to the Delta State representative<br />
in the reality show<br />
contest, as well as create the<br />
needed awareness about the<br />
contest which kicks off on<br />
September 2, 2017.<br />
Comrade Piero said that<br />
winners of the reality show<br />
will enjoy investments worth<br />
over N200 million, addi<strong>ng</strong> that<br />
the move was intended to open<br />
new doors of opportunities for<br />
jobless youths.<br />
The Delta State representative<br />
to the reality show, Comrade<br />
Oshevire Onefe said that<br />
he will use the platform to tell<br />
the true story of Delta to the<br />
world, urgi<strong>ng</strong> youths to see<br />
challe<strong>ng</strong>es as steppi<strong>ng</strong> stones<br />
to breakthroughs in life.<br />
Highlights of the visit to<br />
the governor was the presentation<br />
of flag and certificate<br />
to Comrade Oshevire, as well<br />
as planti<strong>ng</strong> of a palm tree to<br />
signify green vegetation and<br />
the unity of the nation.<br />
Prof Obioha Nwana, former President, Science Teachers Association of Nigeria (STAN) (left); Mohammed<br />
Moulud, President, STAN (second left); Nyesom Ezenwo Wike, Governor, Rivers State (second right), and<br />
Prof Ben Akpan, Executive Director, STAN, after the association’s visit to the governor in Port Harcourt on<br />
Tuesday.<br />
PHOTO: NAN<br />
•CONTINUED FROM E1<br />
SPDC JV Reaffirms Commitment To Develop Kula, Belema Communities<br />
Oduduwa<br />
ExxonMobil Responsible For 95%<br />
Oil Spills In A/Ibom – AKIPCON<br />
such a high powered panel sit<br />
in the Niger Delta and every<br />
community that had cases<br />
with oil companies in the Niger<br />
Delta withdrew their cases<br />
and brought the cases before<br />
the commission because of<br />
the confidence they had. Over<br />
33 cases were withdrawn from<br />
various Courts in the Niger<br />
Delta region, and brought before<br />
the commission. Why not<br />
allow yourself to be judged?<br />
But they refused, they went to<br />
the Court because they knew<br />
they could conspire with the<br />
Court to frustrate the people<br />
of Akwa Ibom State, it is unacceptable,<br />
we will not accept<br />
that.<br />
So what are you determined to<br />
do now that the commission has<br />
not been allowed to entertain<br />
your case?<br />
We have gone to the appeal<br />
court. We have filed all the 18<br />
cases in appeal court in Calabar<br />
and in Abuja. The one<br />
of ADAC is filled in Abuja.<br />
These ones for the other oil<br />
companies have been filled<br />
in calabar, and had been<br />
appropriately served. That<br />
is action one. Action two<br />
is a State-wide protest that<br />
we are arra<strong>ng</strong>i<strong>ng</strong> to tell the<br />
public that we are dissatisfied<br />
with the ruli<strong>ng</strong> and the<br />
position that the oil companies<br />
have pushed the people<br />
of Akwa Ibom State into. So,<br />
we are goi<strong>ng</strong> to tell the oil<br />
companies that enough is<br />
enough. They have denied<br />
us of good drinki<strong>ng</strong> water,<br />
they have denied us of good<br />
air, good houses. Look at the<br />
roof-tops, they are all dilapidated,<br />
buildi<strong>ng</strong>s cracki<strong>ng</strong> here<br />
and there. Look at the quality<br />
of the food we eat, poisonous<br />
foods everywhere. Look<br />
at corpses. Medical reports,<br />
death certificates issued by<br />
government hospitals to show<br />
that many people have died.<br />
And they say that they are not<br />
goi<strong>ng</strong> to pay compensation,<br />
they must pay because they<br />
have money to bribe corrupt<br />
judges in Nigeria and they<br />
think they will go scot free,<br />
they must pay.<br />
ExxonMobil recently defended<br />
that there are other smaller offshore<br />
companies whose facilities<br />
are also spilli<strong>ng</strong> oil. From your<br />
investigations, have you also<br />
been able to trace oil spills to other<br />
companies?<br />
That question is very very<br />
important. I want to tell you<br />
that ExxonMobil is responsible<br />
for 95% of oil spill in<br />
Akwa Ibom State. This is<br />
because ExxonMobil is operati<strong>ng</strong><br />
with outdated pipelines.<br />
This information I am<br />
givi<strong>ng</strong> to you is recorded in<br />
our memo to the commission.<br />
They were supposed<br />
to cha<strong>ng</strong>e their pipelines<br />
since 20 years ago. Pipelines<br />
that were laid since 1971, not<br />
replaced! Those pipelines<br />
have been under the waters<br />
from 1971 and they have not<br />
cha<strong>ng</strong>ed them. The technical<br />
advice was that those pipelines<br />
were due for replacement<br />
since 1997. ExxonMobil<br />
has not cha<strong>ng</strong>ed a si<strong>ng</strong>le pipeline<br />
since they started operations<br />
in Akwa Ibom in 1974.<br />
They came to Akwa Ibom in<br />
1971. That was the year they<br />
laid those pipelines. Since<br />
then they have not cha<strong>ng</strong>ed<br />
anythi<strong>ng</strong>. Let them tell the<br />
public when they effected<br />
such cha<strong>ng</strong>e and who supervised<br />
them because the National<br />
Oil Spill Detection and<br />
Response Agency, NOSDRA,<br />
should know about it. Other<br />
government agencies should<br />
have known about it. No certificate<br />
to show that they have<br />
cha<strong>ng</strong>ed those pipelines, that<br />
is why those pipelines are<br />
bursti<strong>ng</strong> frequently, spilli<strong>ng</strong><br />
oil from left, right and center,<br />
because they are taki<strong>ng</strong> us for<br />
granted.<br />
The Shell Petroleum Development<br />
Company of Nigeria Ltd<br />
operated Joint Venture (SPDC<br />
JV) has said that it is poised to<br />
develop its host communities<br />
in the Niger Delta contrary to<br />
speculation that it has reneged<br />
in its promise. The management<br />
of the petroleum development<br />
company also decried<br />
the illegal occupation of Belema<br />
Flow Station and Gas Plant<br />
today (August 11) by some persons.<br />
SPDC has informed the<br />
authorities of the illegal occupation<br />
that it is worki<strong>ng</strong><br />
towards resumi<strong>ng</strong> safe operations.<br />
Debunki<strong>ng</strong> allegations<br />
of neglect of communities in<br />
Kula ki<strong>ng</strong>dom and Belema in<br />
Rivers State, SPDC said it had<br />
implemented a Global Memorandum<br />
of Understandi<strong>ng</strong><br />
(GMoU) in the area that led<br />
to a wide variety of social<br />
investment projects includi<strong>ng</strong><br />
university scholarships<br />
awards.<br />
It explained that, the Rivers<br />
State Government initiated a<br />
mediation process for the resolution<br />
of the disagreements<br />
in the community, which had<br />
resulted in the creation of the<br />
Kula Project Implementation<br />
and Monitori<strong>ng</strong> Committee<br />
(PIMC) in 2012. The PIMC<br />
served as an interim platform<br />
for the delivery of social investment<br />
initiatives and programmes<br />
worth N263 million<br />
in the Soku-San Berth Project.<br />
These projects are separate<br />
from the GMoU projects initiated<br />
by communities usi<strong>ng</strong><br />
funds provided by the SPDC<br />
JV.<br />
Against the foregoi<strong>ng</strong> backdrop,<br />
a GMoU was signed in<br />
2014 for the Kula Cluster but<br />
has not been implemented because<br />
of continui<strong>ng</strong> intra-community<br />
disagreements. As at<br />
2015, there were a total of 11<br />
court cases involvi<strong>ng</strong> different<br />
groups with SPDC as a co-defendant<br />
in all of them.<br />
The company in a statement<br />
said, “Sadly, these legal suits<br />
and disputes have rendered it<br />
impossible to implement more<br />
planned development projects<br />
in the affected communities,”<br />
said SPDC’s General Manager,<br />
External Relations, Igo Weli,<br />
while commenti<strong>ng</strong> on the allegations<br />
of neglect.<br />
It added that “Notwithstandi<strong>ng</strong><br />
that SPDC has divested<br />
its equity in OML 24,<br />
which covers most of the communities<br />
in Kula and Belema,<br />
the SPDC JV has continued to<br />
implement agreed Social Investment<br />
programmes such<br />
as scholarship and entrepreneurship<br />
schemes for the communities<br />
there”.<br />
Despite the challe<strong>ng</strong>i<strong>ng</strong><br />
environment, the SPDC JV<br />
set aside more than N600<br />
million for a five-year period<br />
beginni<strong>ng</strong> 2014 for development<br />
initiatives at Kula and<br />
the satellite communities of<br />
Belema, Offoinama and Boro.<br />
SPDC JV has also invested<br />
over N352 million in Improvement<br />
of school infrastructure,<br />
sanitation and health outreach<br />
programmes, construction of<br />
walkway for the community<br />
and electricity supply in Kula<br />
Ki<strong>ng</strong>dom in the past 10 years.<br />
The host communities of<br />
OML 25, includi<strong>ng</strong> Belema and<br />
Offionama have continued to<br />
benefit from contract awards,<br />
employment of unskilled<br />
labour and our social investment<br />
programmes, includi<strong>ng</strong><br />
yearly award of regular and<br />
special scholarships to eligible<br />
candidates from the area. With<br />
the divestment of its interest<br />
in OML 24, SPDC relinquished<br />
operatorship of the facilities<br />
in that field.<br />
SPDC’s social investment<br />
activities focus on community<br />
and enterprise development,<br />
education, health,<br />
access-to-energy, road safety<br />
and since 2016. Collectively,<br />
Nigeria has the second largest<br />
concentration of social<br />
investment spendi<strong>ng</strong> in the<br />
Shell Group. The SPDC JV<br />
partners have contributed<br />
$29b to the economic growth<br />
of Nigeria between 2012–2016.<br />
SPDC JV is currently supporti<strong>ng</strong><br />
the various GMoU Cluster<br />
Development Boards and mentori<strong>ng</strong><br />
NGOs to deploy a total<br />
of N7 billion for development<br />
projects of host communities’<br />
choice in the Niger Delta under<br />
the GMoU program
E4<br />
Oduduwa<br />
Edo Inaugurates<br />
Task Force To Tackle<br />
Human Trafficki<strong>ng</strong><br />
Mr. Godwin Obaseki, the Governor<br />
of Edo State, on Tuesday<br />
inaugurated the State Anti-Human<br />
Trafficki<strong>ng</strong> Task Force as<br />
a way of tackli<strong>ng</strong> the age-lo<strong>ng</strong><br />
social problem in the state.<br />
While addressi<strong>ng</strong> the Committee<br />
that would be led by Prof.<br />
Yinka Omorogbe, the Attorney<br />
General and Commissioner<br />
of Justice, Governor Godwin<br />
Obaseki duri<strong>ng</strong> the inauguration<br />
of the committee, at Government<br />
House, Benin City,<br />
on Tuesday, August 15, 2017,<br />
lamented that the state was<br />
fast becomi<strong>ng</strong> synonymous<br />
with human trafficki<strong>ng</strong> and<br />
charged the taskforce to urgently<br />
redeem the state’s image as<br />
Edo people do not want to be<br />
associated with the stigma any<br />
more.<br />
The Task Force, accordi<strong>ng</strong> to<br />
the governor, would harmonize<br />
the efforts of the federal government<br />
through the National<br />
Agency for the Prohibition of<br />
Trafficki<strong>ng</strong> In Persons (NAP-<br />
TIP) and other international<br />
organizations involved in the<br />
fight against human trafficki<strong>ng</strong>.<br />
He said, “It is has been<br />
suggested that a special court<br />
be established in the state to<br />
prosecute perpetrators. We<br />
are losi<strong>ng</strong> our you<strong>ng</strong> people<br />
to this negative trend and we<br />
must make human trafficki<strong>ng</strong><br />
a thi<strong>ng</strong> of the past in the state.”<br />
He charged the task force made<br />
up of representatives of security<br />
agencies, Non-Governmental<br />
Organisations (NGOs), NAP-<br />
TIP, Ministries, Departments<br />
and Agencies of government,<br />
religious and traditional institutions,<br />
to come up with modalities<br />
on how to domesticate the<br />
federal government’s law on<br />
trafficki<strong>ng</strong> in the state.<br />
The taskforce was also<br />
charged to come up with a comprehensive<br />
action plan for combati<strong>ng</strong><br />
trafficki<strong>ng</strong> in persons as<br />
well as programmes that will<br />
help in reintegrati<strong>ng</strong> victims of<br />
the illicit trade into the society.<br />
In her remarks, the Chairman<br />
of the task force, Professor Yinka<br />
Omorogbe, who is also the<br />
Attorney General of the state,<br />
commended the governor for<br />
the initiative and said that it<br />
would bri<strong>ng</strong> an end to the problem,<br />
with the cooperation and<br />
support of all members of the<br />
society. She assured that members<br />
of the taskforce would live<br />
up to the confidence reposed on<br />
them and pledged that a worki<strong>ng</strong><br />
document would be ready<br />
within the six-week period given<br />
to them.<br />
It would be recalled that the<br />
governor in June 2017 promised<br />
free education for indigenes of<br />
the state deported as victims<br />
of human trafficki<strong>ng</strong> from Italy,<br />
Libya, and other parts of<br />
the world. The disclosure was<br />
then made by by Julie Okah<br />
Donli, the director general of<br />
National Agency for the Prohibition<br />
of Trafficki<strong>ng</strong> In Persons<br />
(NAPTIP), in an interview with<br />
Osasu Igbinedion on The Osasu<br />
Show.<br />
/<stro<strong>ng</strong>>Independent</stro<strong>ng</strong>><strong>ng</strong>r @independent<strong>ng</strong>r www.independent.<strong>ng</strong><br />
FRANCIS ONOIRIBHOLO<br />
BENIN<br />
INDEPENDENT WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 16, 2017<br />
Sacked Edo APC Publicity Secretary’s<br />
Kinsmen Protest Removal<br />
News<br />
Armed Robbery Attacks Force Patients To Shut Benin Central Hospital<br />
Patients receivi<strong>ng</strong> treatment<br />
at the Benin Central Hospital<br />
on Tuesday shut down entrance<br />
gates to the hospital as<br />
a result of an alleged relentless<br />
armed robbery attack<br />
Protesti<strong>ng</strong> patients who<br />
were women overpowered the<br />
security guards at the gate<br />
who tried to stop them and<br />
padlock the gate with their<br />
own keys.<br />
The spokesperson of the<br />
protesters, Loveth Ogenekaro,<br />
said the protest was to<br />
register their grievances over<br />
what she described as incessant<br />
robbery incident in the<br />
hospital.<br />
Kinsmen of the sacked<br />
Edo State Publicity<br />
Secretary of the All<br />
Progressives Co<strong>ng</strong>ress<br />
(APC) Comrade Godwin<br />
Erhahon on Tuesday took to<br />
the streets of Ologbo Nugu<br />
Community in Orhionmwon<br />
local government area of the<br />
state to protest the removal of<br />
the former party spokesman<br />
from office.<br />
The protesters, who were<br />
made up of elderly men and<br />
women, boys and girls and<br />
members of the APC in Unit.<br />
3 Ugu Ward 9 in the Community,<br />
called on the State Executive<br />
of the party to investigate<br />
allegations of anti - party<br />
activities levelled against the<br />
former party State Publicity<br />
secretary.<br />
They insisted that the allegation<br />
that he (Erhahon) voted<br />
against Governor Godwin<br />
Obaseki duri<strong>ng</strong> the last governorship<br />
election in the state<br />
and displayed his voter’s slip<br />
soon after casti<strong>ng</strong> his vote to<br />
confirm that he voted against<br />
APC as alleged was not true.<br />
They added that the allegation<br />
levelled against him by those<br />
who petitioned him was not<br />
only false but an attempt to<br />
call a dog a bad name in order<br />
to ha<strong>ng</strong> it.<br />
Spokesmen for the community,<br />
Chief Gaius Eheneden,<br />
Mr Jimoh Erhiamiator (APC<br />
chairman in the area) and<br />
Godwin Aigbogun, a political<br />
activist, said that the community<br />
will not take the issue<br />
lightly if not investigated unless<br />
the leadership of the party<br />
wants it to die in the area.<br />
They said, “the allegation<br />
that Comrade Godwin Erhahon<br />
voted against Godwin<br />
Obaseki in the governorship<br />
election in Edo state is not<br />
only false, but an attempt to<br />
call a dog a bad name in order<br />
to ha<strong>ng</strong> it. There is no iota of<br />
truth in it but it was a figment<br />
of the imagination of his ac-<br />
She said, “last Sunday at<br />
about 1am, armed robbers<br />
through the ceili<strong>ng</strong> entered<br />
the maternity ward and<br />
disposed a patient’s relation<br />
of N100,000 and three<br />
phones.<br />
She added that “This is not<br />
the first time of robbery attack<br />
in the hospital, last week<br />
patients at the accident and<br />
emergency ward were also<br />
robbed and the management<br />
is not doi<strong>ng</strong> anythi<strong>ng</strong> about<br />
it.”<br />
Accordi<strong>ng</strong> to Oghenekaro,<br />
after the attack, they briefed<br />
the hospital management of<br />
the development but nothi<strong>ng</strong><br />
Protesters<br />
Buildi<strong>ng</strong>s erected on drainage channels at Yenizuagene in Yenagoa on Tuesday. PHOTO: NAN<br />
was done about it, sayi<strong>ng</strong> that<br />
the management only came to<br />
the ward to access the situation<br />
without addressi<strong>ng</strong> the<br />
patients who were traumatise<br />
by the attack.<br />
She explained that ”The<br />
money was meant to settle<br />
the hospital bill of the patient<br />
who delivered at the hospital.<br />
I was the one who borrowed<br />
her N5000 to buy drug.”<br />
She however attributed the<br />
development to poor security<br />
situation in the hospital.<br />
Philip Ugbodaga, the Chief<br />
Medical Director of the hospital,<br />
who addressed the protesters,<br />
assured the aggrieved<br />
cusers.<br />
They stated that “ Few days<br />
to the governorship election,<br />
he, Erhahon was at Ugu Ward<br />
9 to mobilize the people for<br />
Obaseki. We all listened to<br />
him and voted for the APC.<br />
He never voted for the PDP as<br />
bei<strong>ng</strong> alleged by his traducers.<br />
We were there when he voted,<br />
he never displayed his voter’s<br />
card.<br />
“ We are solidly behind our<br />
son because he never committed<br />
the offence which he<br />
is bei<strong>ng</strong> accused of. Comrade<br />
Erhahon was never invited to<br />
defend himself nor a committee<br />
raised to probe the allegation<br />
against him. This is too<br />
bad for the party”<br />
The community thereafter<br />
placed a curse on whoever<br />
was responsible for the travails<br />
of their son, sayi<strong>ng</strong> that<br />
with the curse on his head, he<br />
will not live to see the end of<br />
this year.<br />
patients that adequate security<br />
would be provided.<br />
Against the foregoi<strong>ng</strong> backdrop,<br />
he said, “When the incident<br />
happened, I reported<br />
the matter to the police and<br />
our security guard were able<br />
to get one the robbers and<br />
was handed over to the police.<br />
We have requested for police<br />
presence at night.”<br />
He said the patients believe<br />
that the robbery was done in<br />
collaboration with an insider<br />
because when they entered<br />
the ward, they didn’t even<br />
ask for the money, but went<br />
straight to where the money<br />
was kept to pick it.
INDEPENDENT WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 16, 2017<br />
/<stro<strong>ng</strong>>Independent</stro<strong>ng</strong>><strong>ng</strong>r @independent<strong>ng</strong>r www.independent.<strong>ng</strong><br />
C5<br />
Real Estate<br />
‘Supreme Court, Answer To NIA, ARCON Feud’<br />
•CONTINUED FROM C4<br />
And those guys are still keepi<strong>ng</strong> their jobs.<br />
You once advocated for a massive urban<br />
renewal exercise. Now we are talki<strong>ng</strong><br />
about upgrade to urban renewal, what<br />
shape do you think it should take?<br />
Urban renewal is critical. I will go back<br />
again to down town Lagos because I am<br />
deeply connected to it, hence, very passionate<br />
about that location for so many reasons.<br />
It is a part of Nigeria that I have been studyi<strong>ng</strong><br />
as a subject since my university days.<br />
My B.Sc. project was on urban renewal<br />
proposal for down town Lagos. My M.Sc.<br />
thesis was also on down town Lagos renewal.<br />
That means, it is an area I have been<br />
passionate about, watchi<strong>ng</strong> and studyi<strong>ng</strong><br />
for the past 40 years of my life.<br />
If you go to Lagos Island especially the<br />
areas of Marina and Broad streets and<br />
those streets that immediately branch<br />
off or lead into them, streets like Nnamdi<br />
Azikiwe, Abiboki, Martins, Breadfruit,<br />
Balogun and a few others, if you look<br />
around those streets, there are almost 100<br />
purpose-built office buildi<strong>ng</strong>s that once<br />
accommodated the crème of the Nigerian<br />
business and professional enterprises,<br />
from the oil companies to banki<strong>ng</strong> to insurance<br />
and all the major maritime businesses,<br />
professional services, even all the<br />
best restaurant in Lagos were once located<br />
around this area includi<strong>ng</strong> night clubs. The<br />
major department stores were all there.<br />
Somethi<strong>ng</strong> happened that many of these<br />
buildi<strong>ng</strong>s are now deserted.<br />
What happened that these buildi<strong>ng</strong> are not<br />
occupied?<br />
It is very simple. The Lagos State government<br />
and the local government! I blame<br />
them 100 per cent. They failed to protect<br />
the environment. Safety and sanitation<br />
and abuse of the environment! When it<br />
becomes unsafe for you to go in and out<br />
of your office, will you not go and look for<br />
somewhere else, especially when you are<br />
not the owner of the buildi<strong>ng</strong>?<br />
Two, when you suddenly get to your<br />
office and you want to park and discover<br />
somebody has suddenly put a shade in<br />
front of the buildi<strong>ng</strong>, fryi<strong>ng</strong> dodo, and you<br />
are unable to send that person away from<br />
the place and he is there in connivance<br />
with the staff of the government institution<br />
that is supposed to ensure that that<br />
institution is clean, tidy and without abuse.<br />
And the state fails to see that the consequence<br />
of faili<strong>ng</strong> to protect the prime<br />
central business district of Lagos has now<br />
led to failures in other areas. They fail to<br />
connect it and fail to see that they are responsible<br />
for it.<br />
What is it that happened? Lagos CBD<br />
became un-conducive for enterprises to<br />
continue to run their businesses in those<br />
places, one by one they began to relocate<br />
their businesses to Victoria Island and<br />
Ikoyi, which were meant to be residential<br />
areas. The result of which is the mess that<br />
Ikoyi and Victoria Island have become.<br />
They are now talki<strong>ng</strong> about Model<br />
City Master Plan whereby you can build<br />
a 30-storey buildi<strong>ng</strong>. Fine, but what are<br />
they doi<strong>ng</strong> about goi<strong>ng</strong> to the Lagos Island,<br />
which was a purpose designed CBD and<br />
in which there are billions of dollars in<br />
real estate assets wasti<strong>ng</strong> away. There are<br />
office buildi<strong>ng</strong>s that are just waiti<strong>ng</strong> for<br />
occupants to come.<br />
If Lagos Island were to be conducive for<br />
big businesses, the buildi<strong>ng</strong>s that are abandoned<br />
wouldn’t be abandoned or sub-optimally<br />
used as at today.<br />
What steps do you think should be taken<br />
to correct this?<br />
In 2008, I sent a proposal to the Lagos<br />
Ladega<br />
State government on what can be done to<br />
correct this, based on the fact that we were<br />
worki<strong>ng</strong> on a project and it was taki<strong>ng</strong> me<br />
to the Lagos Island every day. For a period<br />
of five years, I was in that place for almost<br />
every day, studyi<strong>ng</strong> and looki<strong>ng</strong> at what<br />
was wro<strong>ng</strong>.<br />
The state is not even seei<strong>ng</strong> what it is<br />
losi<strong>ng</strong>. They are just looki<strong>ng</strong> at the peanuts<br />
they are collecti<strong>ng</strong> from those traders,<br />
when they are supposed to be looki<strong>ng</strong> at<br />
millions of naira on those properties that<br />
are abandoned. If those properties were<br />
occupied by big businesses, commercial<br />
tenement rates will be paid on those properties<br />
to the state. The state is losi<strong>ng</strong> billions<br />
in property taxes simply because it<br />
has failed to address property degradation.<br />
There are very simple steps that can be taken<br />
to address this and these are there must<br />
be down town clean up. This is very easy<br />
because reliable infrastructure such as<br />
tarred roads, functioni<strong>ng</strong> drains, runni<strong>ng</strong><br />
tap water, pedestrian pavement, massive<br />
Marina Car Park, street/traffic lights already<br />
exist there. You don’t have a floodi<strong>ng</strong><br />
problem on the Island. So, its easy to reverse<br />
the degradation in that area through<br />
a cleanup process, a restriction of undesirable<br />
activities, by dividi<strong>ng</strong> the Lagos Island<br />
into zones and certain activities would be<br />
limited to some zones. These thi<strong>ng</strong>s can be<br />
properly run in such a way that they don’t<br />
degrade the environment.<br />
Again, you will have to compartmentalize<br />
these activities into certain areas, as<br />
well as improve the security around.<br />
How do you see green architecture and<br />
how are the Nigerian architects integrati<strong>ng</strong><br />
it into their practice?<br />
Green architecture is a word that has<br />
been misused, misunderstood and abused<br />
in all kinds of manner. Green buildi<strong>ng</strong>,<br />
green architecture and, or sustainable<br />
buildi<strong>ng</strong>, are all tied together and often<br />
people use them intercha<strong>ng</strong>eably.<br />
Perhaps, there is more of green architecture<br />
goi<strong>ng</strong> on here. Some people will<br />
narrow green architecture to usi<strong>ng</strong> off grid<br />
energy. That is not it. It is talki<strong>ng</strong> about putti<strong>ng</strong><br />
up a buildi<strong>ng</strong>, usi<strong>ng</strong> as little as possible<br />
of material/natural resources, doi<strong>ng</strong> it in<br />
such a way and manner that it creates little<br />
or no negative effect on the environment,<br />
usi<strong>ng</strong> materials/energy efficiently, to design<br />
buildi<strong>ng</strong>s that even at the end of the<br />
life of that buildi<strong>ng</strong> a significant amount<br />
of materials can be harvested from it for<br />
reuse.<br />
So, the concept behind green buildi<strong>ng</strong><br />
is what I will call the three Rs. Reduce is<br />
the number one. Reduce the amount of<br />
materials you would use for the buildi<strong>ng</strong>;<br />
reduce the amount of energy that you need<br />
to run the buildi<strong>ng</strong>; reduce the impact of<br />
the buildi<strong>ng</strong> on the environment and reduce<br />
the amount of waste in the process<br />
of creati<strong>ng</strong> the buildi<strong>ng</strong>.<br />
Then, the second one is Recycle and the<br />
third is Reuse. You are putti<strong>ng</strong> on buildi<strong>ng</strong>s<br />
that are durable and easily adaptable<br />
to other uses. It’s a whole lifecycle thi<strong>ng</strong>.<br />
Durability is about usi<strong>ng</strong> as much as possible<br />
of natural resources from renewable<br />
sources.<br />
The principles of green are: resource<br />
efficiency, materials efficiency, indoors air<br />
quality, durable and requiri<strong>ng</strong> minimal<br />
maintenance. All these are considerations<br />
in green buildi<strong>ng</strong>s and I would say that<br />
many of these principles of green buildi<strong>ng</strong>s<br />
are already bei<strong>ng</strong> used here. It may not<br />
be full suites of all the components, but in<br />
bits and pieces the components are bei<strong>ng</strong><br />
used here.<br />
There has been a call for the constitution<br />
of a Construction Board and we all know<br />
that each of these professional bodies also<br />
have their regulatory boards. Would that<br />
not amount to duplication?<br />
I always laugh because this is the typical<br />
bureaucrat solution to a problem. It is ridiculous<br />
and it is goi<strong>ng</strong> to create unnecessary<br />
confusion. You don’t need any board. You<br />
create such a board, is it at the federal or<br />
state level. You will be runni<strong>ng</strong> into issues<br />
of jurisdiction.<br />
Development control under our constitution<br />
and as has been confirmed by the<br />
Supreme Court on May 13, 2003, is a state<br />
function. So if you set up a national or<br />
supranational body, it will exist there in<br />
Abuja as a toothless bulldog.<br />
Just like we have the National Buildi<strong>ng</strong><br />
Code, the truth is that it remains a piece<br />
of paper until the states domesticate it<br />
because development control and the enforcement<br />
of all the rules relati<strong>ng</strong> to the<br />
built environment is a function of the state.<br />
So, is the federal institution goi<strong>ng</strong> to<br />
come and interfere in what is happeni<strong>ng</strong><br />
on a construction project? That is ridiculous;<br />
it is not goi<strong>ng</strong> to happen. It is a unitary<br />
mindset that does not sit-in within a federal<br />
constitution.<br />
Secondly, if it is because of all these<br />
collapses that go on, is that how you solve<br />
the problem? If it is the issue of enforci<strong>ng</strong><br />
regulation that you think is primarily<br />
responsible for collapse, then what you<br />
need to do is to challe<strong>ng</strong>e the institutions<br />
that are supposed to regulate to take their<br />
The final authority on<br />
interpreti<strong>ng</strong> any law is<br />
the Supreme Court of<br />
Nigeria. You don’t need<br />
to go through the lower<br />
levels in the courts because<br />
you are just aski<strong>ng</strong> for<br />
interpretation. Some suits<br />
have been instituted, but as<br />
far as I am concerned those<br />
who instituted them were<br />
wro<strong>ng</strong>ly advised<br />
regulatory functions seriously; as well as<br />
challe<strong>ng</strong>e the state chief executives to empower<br />
the institutions to professionally,<br />
efficiently, carry out their functions without<br />
fear or favour and without any political<br />
interference.<br />
Let me tell you the biggest problem we<br />
have in this country with regards to anythi<strong>ng</strong><br />
relati<strong>ng</strong> to the built environment and<br />
even the management of the environment,<br />
is the fact that there are economic and political<br />
influences that are so powerful, they<br />
thwart and frustrate anythi<strong>ng</strong> the state has<br />
by way of plans and objectives.<br />
Political or business interest have been<br />
instigati<strong>ng</strong> the perversion of a Master<br />
Plan, whereby the state says this place is<br />
meant to be a football field, powerful economic<br />
interest worki<strong>ng</strong> in concert with<br />
the politically influential person cause a<br />
cha<strong>ng</strong>e to take place. You suddenly look at<br />
the place and see a big hotel comi<strong>ng</strong> up in<br />
an area that is supposed to be a children’s<br />
playfield and nothi<strong>ng</strong> happens; the state is<br />
also perverti<strong>ng</strong> its own rule or subverti<strong>ng</strong><br />
its own regulations. And we see that all<br />
over the place.<br />
What they need is not that nonsense,<br />
which is a bureaucrat way of solvi<strong>ng</strong> a<br />
problem, but let the bureaucrats and all<br />
those employed by the state inside all those<br />
agencies, that are supposed to monitor construction<br />
and all physical constructions, do<br />
their jobs without fear or favour or political<br />
interference. Then we will have sanity.<br />
In your own view, how do you think the<br />
ARCON/NIA issue can be resolved or will<br />
the feud li<strong>ng</strong>er forever?<br />
There is a simple solution to this thi<strong>ng</strong><br />
that will take us just a few months to resolve.<br />
But for reasons best known to everybody,<br />
that path has not been chosen. And<br />
it is very simple. The final authority on interpreti<strong>ng</strong><br />
any law is the Supreme Court of<br />
Nigeria. You don’t need to go through the<br />
lower courts because you are just aski<strong>ng</strong><br />
for interpretation. Some suits have been instituted,<br />
but as far as I am concerned those<br />
who instituted them were wro<strong>ng</strong>ly advised.<br />
My own view is that we should just approach<br />
the Supreme Court of Nigeria and say<br />
by virtue of so, so and so clause in the AR-<br />
CON Act, is ARCON empowered to do what<br />
its doi<strong>ng</strong>?<br />
If the law does not permit ARCON to<br />
do it, Supreme Court should now make a<br />
pronouncement that ARCON should desist<br />
from doi<strong>ng</strong> some certain thi<strong>ng</strong>s it is<br />
currently doi<strong>ng</strong> and restore everythi<strong>ng</strong> to<br />
the original position. The court will also<br />
further directive, which will stand as a final<br />
interpretation of the Act until amended by<br />
the National Assembly.
C6<br />
/<stro<strong>ng</strong>>Independent</stro<strong>ng</strong>><strong>ng</strong>r @independent<strong>ng</strong>r www.independent.<strong>ng</strong> INDEPENDENT WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 16, 2017<br />
Real Estate<br />
‘Amazi<strong>ng</strong> Grace' Hymn Old Vicarage Up For Sale<br />
NKASIOBI OLUIKPE<br />
LAGOS<br />
The vicarage (residence<br />
of a Vicar) where the<br />
‘Amazi<strong>ng</strong> Grace’ and<br />
world’s most recognizable<br />
so<strong>ng</strong>s, were written in<br />
Bucki<strong>ng</strong>hamshire, E<strong>ng</strong>land, is<br />
up for sale.<br />
The Old Vicarage, which has<br />
six bedrooms, outbuildi<strong>ng</strong>s and a<br />
swimmi<strong>ng</strong> pool, housed its owner,<br />
John Newton between 1764 and<br />
1780.<br />
John Newton was a former<br />
slave trader who wrote the hymn<br />
after realizi<strong>ng</strong> the errors of his<br />
early profession.<br />
The former slave trader and<br />
born-again Christian wrote the<br />
iconic hymn - which has been embraced<br />
by the African American<br />
community - after acknowledgi<strong>ng</strong><br />
how despicable his earlier profession<br />
had been.<br />
The Old Vicarage is in the<br />
market town of Olney, and comes<br />
with several outbuildi<strong>ng</strong>s, includi<strong>ng</strong><br />
a workshop and garage.<br />
It sits within walled grounds,<br />
offeri<strong>ng</strong> a high degree of privacy<br />
and featuri<strong>ng</strong> formal lawns edged<br />
by herbaceous borders and an<br />
outdoor swimmi<strong>ng</strong> pool.<br />
Accordi<strong>ng</strong> to Ian Denton, of<br />
Jackson-Stops and Staff, the Old<br />
Vicarage is the ideal home for<br />
buyers wishi<strong>ng</strong> to escape the hustle<br />
and bustle of city life, in search<br />
of a lifestyle transformation in a<br />
period country house steeped in<br />
history.<br />
“From the annual duck race<br />
on the River Ouse to the local<br />
market that takes places in the<br />
Market Square every Thursday<br />
and the Olney Pancake Race,<br />
which finishes just outside The<br />
Old Vicarage's gates, there is always<br />
somethi<strong>ng</strong> to enjoy in this<br />
thrivi<strong>ng</strong> market town.”<br />
Today, the spacious Georgian<br />
The Old Vicarage in Bucki<strong>ng</strong>hamshires Olney is for sale<br />
house is flooded with light and<br />
spread across three floors.<br />
It boasts many period features,<br />
includi<strong>ng</strong> sash windows with<br />
worki<strong>ng</strong> shutters, as well as dado<br />
rails. However, some of the rooms<br />
need updati<strong>ng</strong>.<br />
John Newton used one of the<br />
bedrooms as his study and two<br />
biblical texts that were inscribed<br />
above the fireplace still remain.<br />
Lord Dartmouth built the<br />
main part of the house for the<br />
Reverend John Newton.<br />
It remained in church ownership<br />
until 1986, when it was<br />
acquired by the John Newton<br />
Christian Trust and used as a<br />
Christian Conference Centre until<br />
1991. It was then purchased by<br />
the current owner and returned<br />
to a private residence.<br />
John Newton was born in London<br />
in 1725 and went to sea at the<br />
age of 11, endi<strong>ng</strong> up as master of<br />
ship-taki<strong>ng</strong> slaves from Africa to<br />
the Caribbean. But he later realised<br />
the error of his ways and<br />
turned his back on seafari<strong>ng</strong> after<br />
turni<strong>ng</strong> to God.<br />
He was given the post of curate<br />
at the Church of St Peter and St<br />
Paul in the Bucki<strong>ng</strong>hamshire<br />
town of Olney.<br />
It was duri<strong>ng</strong> this time that<br />
he composed hymns for his<br />
weekly sermon, often with the<br />
help of his neighbour, the poet<br />
William Cowper.<br />
The famous lyrics of Amazi<strong>ng</strong><br />
Grace are: Amazi<strong>ng</strong> grace!<br />
How sweet the sound That saved<br />
a wretch like me! I once was lost<br />
but now am found, Was blind,<br />
but now I see. Together they produced<br />
a book of 282 hymns by<br />
Newton and 66 by Cowper.<br />
Some claim that Amazi<strong>ng</strong><br />
Grace was copied from the melody<br />
of a so<strong>ng</strong> su<strong>ng</strong> by slaves on<br />
Newton's ships, with Newton<br />
John Newton<br />
inspiri<strong>ng</strong> his friend William<br />
Wilberforce MP to successfully<br />
lobby for the abolition of slavery.<br />
The old Vicarage is within<br />
easy walki<strong>ng</strong> distance of the<br />
market town of Olney, with nearby<br />
Milton Keynes offeri<strong>ng</strong> more<br />
extensive shoppi<strong>ng</strong> and leisure<br />
facilities.<br />
The town has its own sporti<strong>ng</strong><br />
facilities, offeri<strong>ng</strong> clubs for fans<br />
of tennis, rugby, football, runni<strong>ng</strong><br />
and saili<strong>ng</strong>. The family bathroom<br />
features a roll top bath on clawed<br />
feet and a fireplace.<br />
Toronto Housi<strong>ng</strong> Market Nosedives, Calls For Economic Diversification<br />
NKASIOBI OLUIKPE<br />
LAGOS<br />
While the real estate sector<br />
has not made any impactful<br />
contribution to most countries<br />
in West Africa and Nigeria<br />
in particular, it has<br />
been the main stay of other<br />
developed economies, such<br />
as Canada.<br />
However, recent report<br />
has it that the Canadian<br />
housi<strong>ng</strong> market of recent<br />
has been down, an issue<br />
which Gluskin Sheff ’s<br />
chief economist, David<br />
Rosenberg, referred to as a<br />
good development.<br />
Accordi<strong>ng</strong> to Rosenberg,<br />
it will be the first indication<br />
of a much-needed shift<br />
away from leani<strong>ng</strong> solely<br />
on the housi<strong>ng</strong> segment<br />
for economic stre<strong>ng</strong>th in<br />
Canada.<br />
Rosenberg made the remark<br />
in the wake of latest<br />
data released by the Toronto<br />
Real Estate Board, which<br />
showed a dramatic 40.4-percent<br />
year-over-year drop<br />
in GTA (Greater Toronto<br />
Area) residential property<br />
sales in July. Average selli<strong>ng</strong><br />
price last month stood<br />
at $746,218, up by 5 per cent<br />
year-over-year but nearly<br />
19 per cent below April’s<br />
record $920,791.<br />
The situation also saw<br />
some observers predicti<strong>ng</strong><br />
that the development might<br />
prompt a mass exodus<br />
amo<strong>ng</strong> the thousands of<br />
workers (from agents and<br />
home stagers to construction<br />
workers) that have<br />
entered the sector over the<br />
past few years.<br />
In turn, this could prove<br />
to be the straw that breaks<br />
the camel’s back as the loss<br />
of a large number of skilled<br />
professionals might lead<br />
to even further industry<br />
slowdown—and an eventual<br />
windi<strong>ng</strong> down of a national<br />
economy that has grown to<br />
lean heavily upon the housi<strong>ng</strong><br />
segment.<br />
For instance, analysts<br />
disclose that in red-hot Toronto,<br />
the number of real<br />
estate agents has surged<br />
upward to over 48,000 since<br />
2008, representi<strong>ng</strong> 77 per<br />
cent growth (compared to a<br />
26.9 per cent growth nationally<br />
in the same period).<br />
“To a lot of people, housi<strong>ng</strong><br />
is a get-rich-quick<br />
scheme. But history shows<br />
when the market turns,<br />
half of the agents leave,”<br />
Toronto real estate agent,<br />
David Flemi<strong>ng</strong>, recently<br />
reports.<br />
Accordi<strong>ng</strong> to Canada’s<br />
2016 census, which the statistics<br />
agency is releasi<strong>ng</strong><br />
piecemeal this year, supply<br />
of new houses in Toronto<br />
exceeded household demand<br />
by almost 30,000 between<br />
2011 and 2016.<br />
“Between 2011 and 2016,<br />
the number of households<br />
in Toronto rose to 2.14 million,<br />
an addition of about<br />
146,200, accordi<strong>ng</strong> to the<br />
census data, the latest<br />
round of which came out<br />
Wednesday. That compares<br />
to 175,825 new homes built<br />
over that period. In other<br />
words, supply of new houses<br />
exceeded real household demand<br />
by almost 30,000 over<br />
those five years.”<br />
Some of the imbalance between<br />
supply and household<br />
formation over the past five<br />
years is a consequence of the<br />
construction slump duri<strong>ng</strong><br />
the last recession. Over the<br />
previous census period —<br />
2006 to 2011 — completions<br />
totaled 160,195, compared<br />
with 188,450 new households.<br />
In other words, supply<br />
almost perfectly matched<br />
natural household demand<br />
over the past 10 years.<br />
The report went on to indicate<br />
that one segment of<br />
the Toronto market where<br />
lack of supply is definitely<br />
a problem is si<strong>ng</strong>le-detached<br />
homes. These highly-coveted<br />
properties accounted for just<br />
29 per cent of new builds over<br />
the past five years, down from<br />
40 per cent over the 10 years<br />
prior. They’ve also been growi<strong>ng</strong><br />
at a much slower pace than<br />
household formation. The<br />
number of si<strong>ng</strong>le-detached<br />
homes in Toronto is up about<br />
13 per cent over the past decade,<br />
versus 19 per cent in<br />
the number of households<br />
formed.<br />
It is also reported that almost<br />
half of you<strong>ng</strong> adults<br />
in Toronto live with their<br />
parents, the highest ratio<br />
in Canada, accordi<strong>ng</strong> to last<br />
week’s census figures. Pent up<br />
demand from these so-called<br />
basement kids may quickly<br />
emerge to take up any prici<strong>ng</strong><br />
slack.<br />
Diana Petramala, an economist<br />
at Toronto Dominion<br />
Bank, says the high proportion<br />
of you<strong>ng</strong> adults livi<strong>ng</strong> with<br />
their parents is slowi<strong>ng</strong> the formation<br />
of new households.
INDEPENDENT WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 16, 2017<br />
Property listi<strong>ng</strong> in Delta<br />
1) For sale in Ubeji New Layout Warri Delta State.<br />
It's contain 6 flats of 2 bedroom each on each block buildi<strong>ng</strong>. Each block<br />
is 20 million negotiable, while the 3 blocks are 60 million negotiable very<br />
close to the tarred road with other buildi<strong>ng</strong>s surroundi<strong>ng</strong> it<br />
…………………………………………………………..<br />
2) 3 Bedroom Block Of Flats For Sale at Ubeji, Off Refinery Road, Warri,<br />
Delta; in a very secured environment with stable power supply and<br />
tarred road to the house<br />
₦15,000,000<br />
……………………………………………<br />
3) Residential Land for sale, Oil Road, Jeddo, Warri, Delta<br />
It is a genuine plot of land measuri<strong>ng</strong> 100/100 at jeddo for sale with<br />
C of O.<br />
Price: ₦2,000,000<br />
…………………………………………<br />
4) Brand new 5 bedroom bu<strong>ng</strong>alow at Bendel Estate Warri, Delta State<br />
with BQ, large parki<strong>ng</strong> space, CCTV, speaker phone system, car pot, at<br />
a very secured location.<br />
Price: ₦80,000,000<br />
……………………………………………..<br />
5) Genuine plot of land with C of O at Jeddo for sale. This land can be<br />
used for residential and commercial purposes.<br />
₦1,000,000 per plot<br />
…………………………….<br />
6) A Liquefied Petroleum Gas Plant of almost one acre at Uti Street,<br />
Off Pti Road, Warri, Delta Warri: 6 pumps, 7 offices, 1 conference hall, 1<br />
supermarket,1 salon with office, 40kva gen, 1 lube bay with equipment's.<br />
₦250,000,000<br />
…………………………………………………..<br />
7) A luxury 5 bedroom duplex with modern facilities and all rooms in<br />
suite at Effurun, GRA, Warri, Delta<br />
N60million<br />
Property Details<br />
Type: Detached Duplex<br />
Bedrooms: 5<br />
Bathrooms: 5<br />
Toilets: 6<br />
Furnishi<strong>ng</strong>: Furnished<br />
………………………………………….<br />
7) A 5-Star Hotel Buildi<strong>ng</strong>, 90 per cent completed for sale at Effurru<br />
Roundabout, Warri, Delta State:<br />
Build up area: 1175.25sqm<br />
Swimmi<strong>ng</strong> pool<br />
Title: C of O.<br />
Price: #270m<br />
…………………………………<br />
8) Commercial Property Bu<strong>ng</strong>alow<br />
5 Bedroom Commercial Property For Sal located at 15th Street, Bendel<br />
Estate, formerly a well known Club in Warri, Bendel Estate, Warri, Delta,<br />
₦50,000,000<br />
…………………………………<br />
9) Land For Sale at Warri, Delta at a high profile and serene<br />
neigbhourhood. . 100 plots of land available<br />
Document: Governor's consent.<br />
₦650,000<br />
…………………………….<br />
10) 15 Bedroom Hotel / Guest House For Sale at Area F , Ogunu Road.,<br />
Warri, Delta<br />
This newly completed hotel of 15 bedrooms is all ensuit with 2 bars ,<br />
a gym , a large packi<strong>ng</strong> space that will accommodate 20 vehicles in a<br />
serene environment with all facilities required in a modern hotel.<br />
80,000,000<br />
………………………………..<br />
11) Plots of land for sale at St. Marys' Street, Effurun-Sapele/Enerhen<br />
Rd and at Iyara Street., Warri, Delta<br />
N13,000,000<br />
………………………………………..<br />
12) Hotel / Guest House for Sale<br />
43 Room Hotel In A Highbrow Area, Commissioner Road, Off Jakpa<br />
Road, Warri, Delta.<br />
₦350,000,000<br />
………………………………………<br />
13) Tank Farm<br />
Tank farm for sale at Koko Town in Delta State. A new tank farm of<br />
60,000 metric ton capacity on 5 acres land with jetty.<br />
Title: C of O.<br />
₦8,000,000,000<br />
……………………………………………<br />
14) Half Plot of Land for mixed use purposes adjacent Numa Maternity<br />
Hospital, at Igbudu (ddpa), Warri, Delta State<br />
The property is at the Igbudu Scheme and measures over 1436 square<br />
meters. Half of this plot is bei<strong>ng</strong> put up for sale.<br />
₦13,500,000<br />
………………………………….<br />
15) Residential land for sale<br />
Property Description<br />
Urgent Sale of 600 Sqm Land<br />
Havilla Garden City<br />
Title: Registered Survey<br />
Location: Udu, Warri Delta State<br />
/<stro<strong>ng</strong>>Independent</stro<strong>ng</strong>><strong>ng</strong>r @independent<strong>ng</strong>r www.independent.<strong>ng</strong><br />
Up For Grabs<br />
Plot Size: 600sqm (150ft by 50ft) Full Plot<br />
Outright Payment: = ₦850,000<br />
12 Months Installment @ ₦900,000<br />
Initial deposit @ ₦75,000<br />
Monthly payments for 12 months @ ₦75,000<br />
……………………………………………..<br />
16) Detached duplex with a well tiled and fenced compound, with<br />
gate man's house n a self contained as well. Off Refinery Road,<br />
by Mekalva Hotel, Warri, Delta.<br />
Call for price<br />
…………………………………..<br />
17) Land For Sale<br />
A plot of land at warri gra, delta state #10m. More details<br />
₦10,000,000<br />
………………………………………<br />
17) Hotel / guest house for sale at Ubeji, Warri, Delta<br />
₦80,000,000<br />
Property Description<br />
One storey buildi<strong>ng</strong> at roofi<strong>ng</strong> level comprisi<strong>ng</strong> of 24 rooms with<br />
2 suites up, a VIP bar and main bar downstairs with a large kitchen<br />
and laundry and gigantic 25ft/13ft soak away. The completed<br />
office buildi<strong>ng</strong> comprisi<strong>ng</strong> of a self contain and 2 si<strong>ng</strong>le rooms,<br />
available land space with well space groomed tree and flowers.<br />
Suitable also for school, church and even apartment complex,<br />
property has C of O aski<strong>ng</strong> price is N80m. The entire size is approx<br />
1 acre.<br />
………………………………<br />
18) 127 bedroom hotel / guest house for sale at GRA Extension,<br />
Warri, Delta<br />
₦1,600,000,000<br />
……………………………..<br />
19) Newly Built Tank Farm For Sale at Warri, Delta<br />
Property Description<br />
This is a newly built tank farm that has only been test-runned<br />
and found very effective. There are no leakages anywhere at all<br />
and everythi<strong>ng</strong> is in a perfect worki<strong>ng</strong> condition.<br />
It has a storage capacity of 60million litres of products refined. It<br />
has a total of four tanks. The arra<strong>ng</strong>ement was that two tanks<br />
are for PMS, one tank for DPK and one for AGO.<br />
This does not affect whatever arra<strong>ng</strong>ement you may have if you<br />
eventually buy it. This tank farm is presently occupyi<strong>ng</strong> a land<br />
mass of Four Thousand Two Hundred Hectares of land (4,200)<br />
which can contain a modular refinery. It is three kilometers away<br />
from the landi<strong>ng</strong> jetty with about 14 meters water draft that can<br />
accommodate a 10,000 tons vessel and has Six loadi<strong>ng</strong> arms<br />
on three plat forms. Remember that this property has office<br />
complex of more than ten big rooms up and down and a very<br />
big laboratory to enable you test your products and Two One<br />
Hundred and Fifty KVA (150kva) sound proof generators for both<br />
lighti<strong>ng</strong> points and pumpi<strong>ng</strong> of products.<br />
We have been able to procure all the DPR papers and even the<br />
lifti<strong>ng</strong> license from The Federal Government of Nigeria all at once.<br />
just to make it easy for the buyer.<br />
₦12,000,000,000<br />
………………………………………..<br />
20) A Storey Buildi<strong>ng</strong>, Off Jakpa Road, Effurun,, Warri, Delta,<br />
Detached Duplex for Sale<br />
₦30,000,000<br />
,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,<br />
21) 6 Bedroom Terraced Duplex For Sale at Oba Ile Road, Akure,<br />
Ondo<br />
A seven bedroom mansion seati<strong>ng</strong> on 6 plots of land on a<br />
mountain top in one of d most beautiful estates in Akure. Service<br />
quarters and a gate house inclusive.<br />
₦28,000,000<br />
………………………………<br />
22) Block Of Flats For Sale behind Adegbemile and Cultural Center,<br />
Akure, Ondo<br />
The house has three units of two bedroom flats and a room and<br />
parlor self contained with all necessary modern facilities .<br />
₦17,000,000<br />
……………………………………<br />
23) Commercial Property for sale<br />
2 Plots with structures at finishi<strong>ng</strong> Level, NNPC Station, alo<strong>ng</strong><br />
Akure - Ado Road Off Ado Garage, Akure, Ondo<br />
This land boasts of a large room with 8 other and spaces for<br />
convenience. It has been completely roofed, the ceili<strong>ng</strong> finishi<strong>ng</strong><br />
is asbestos borehole with pumpi<strong>ng</strong> is available. The site is very<br />
suitable for commercial purposes like event hall, shoppi<strong>ng</strong><br />
complex, factory etc. Another advantage the site has is that it is<br />
adjoini<strong>ng</strong> the road with ease of accessibility.<br />
Title available include a survey plan and agreement<br />
Aski<strong>ng</strong> price is 15m<br />
₦15,000,000<br />
………………………………<br />
24) Block of flats for sale at Road Maker, Igoba, Akure, Ondo<br />
₦10,500,000<br />
Property Description<br />
It is made of a unit of three bedroom flat, a unit of two bedroom<br />
flat and two units of a room self contained with nice finished and<br />
all other necessary facilities.<br />
C7<br />
Real Estate<br />
……………………………..<br />
25) 2 Nos 3 Bedroom Bu<strong>ng</strong>alow<br />
2 Nos 3 Bedroom Bu<strong>ng</strong>alow, Oshinle Quarters, Akure, Ondo, Flat for Sale<br />
₦13,000,000<br />
…………………………..<br />
26) 2 Plots of Land, at Olokuta Area, Ondo Road, Akure, Ondo, Residential<br />
Land for Sale<br />
Property Description<br />
2 Plots of Land located at about 150m from Akure-Ondo Highway and<br />
very close to the new WEMABOD International Market (for Buildi<strong>ng</strong><br />
Materials) currently bei<strong>ng</strong> constructed by the Ondo State Government<br />
at Olokuta Area, Ondo Road, Akure.<br />
There is a valid Letter of Allocation from the Ondo State Properties<br />
Development Commission and there is a major access road to the land.<br />
The land is also located as a cornerpiece<br />
₦750,000 per plot<br />
…………………………………<br />
27) Commercial property for sale<br />
₦80,000,000<br />
2131 Square Metre of Land with Old Structures, Opposite Oando Filli<strong>ng</strong><br />
Station, S.O Oba Adesida Road, Akure, Ondo,<br />
Property Description<br />
Suitable location for banks,shoppi<strong>ng</strong> complex and all other commercial<br />
investments<br />
……………………………..<br />
28)<br />
Hotel / Guest House For Sale<br />
Jojein hotels and Resorts in Akure, Ondo State for outright sale or JV.<br />
It's a functioni<strong>ng</strong> 3 star hotel with modern equipments and facilities,<br />
100 rooms, resorts .<br />
₦1,500,000,000<br />
……………………………….<br />
29) 4 Bedroom Bu<strong>ng</strong>alow<br />
4 Bedroom Detached Bu<strong>ng</strong>alow For Sale at Federal Housi<strong>ng</strong> Estate,<br />
Shagari Village, Akure, Ondo<br />
₦8,000,000<br />
………………………………<br />
30) 13 Plots Of Land<br />
13 Plots of Land, Off Adeshida Layout, Akure, Ondo.<br />
We have good expanse available at Adeshida layout. its 1 km from the<br />
land of assembly in Akure. We have five plot on the major road for<br />
commercial use and eight behind for residential purpose. All the land<br />
can be categorized as mixed used<br />
₦20,000,000<br />
…………………………….<br />
31) Land for sale at Seebi, Irese, Alagbaka, Futa, Oba-ile, Akure, Ondo<br />
₦500,000<br />
768 sqm Total Area<br />
…………………………..<br />
32) 5 bedroom detached duplex for sale at Alagbaka, Akure, Ondo<br />
N30,000,000<br />
…………………………………………<br />
33) 5 bedroom terraced duplex for sale at Alagbaka Housi<strong>ng</strong> Estate,<br />
Akure, Ondo<br />
₦65,000,000<br />
………………………………<br />
34) 3 Bedroom terraced Duplex and a Bq Attached, 95 per cent<br />
completed at Court of Appeal, Akure, Ondo<br />
₦50,000,000<br />
……………………………………….<br />
35) 4 Bedroom Terraced Duplex with 2 bedroom and a room self<br />
contained both behind the duplex For Sale behind School Of Nursi<strong>ng</strong>,<br />
Off Shoprite, Alagbaka, Akure, Ondo<br />
₦35,000,000<br />
…………………………………………….<br />
36) 4 Units Of 3 Bedroom Flat<br />
A commercial property of 4 Units of 3 Bedroom Flat, Ijapo Estate, Akure,<br />
Ondo, Block of Flats for Sale (uncompleted) first phase of plumbi<strong>ng</strong>,<br />
electrification and window work is done good for letti<strong>ng</strong>.<br />
₦20,000,000<br />
………………………………….<br />
37) 3 Bedroom House For Sale at Ijapo Estate, Akure, Ondo. An old<br />
buildi<strong>ng</strong> in Ijapo Eestate in the heart of the city it can be renovated.<br />
₦12,000,000<br />
………………………………<br />
38) 4 Bedroom Detached Bu<strong>ng</strong>alow For Sale,Opposite Solton Hotel,<br />
Ijapo Estate, Akure, Ondo<br />
The price is slightly negotiable .<br />
₦13,000,000<br />
…………………………….<br />
39) 2 bedroom flat for sale Very Close To Futa Junction, The Four Square<br />
Church Junction, Akure, Ondo<br />
₦30,000,000<br />
Property Description<br />
2 Bedrooms<br />
3 Toilets<br />
1,200 sqm Total Area<br />
600 sqm Covered Area<br />
Property Description<br />
A completed 4 units of 2 bedroom flats fenced with gate, painted inside<br />
out on a two plots of land, left with just the finishi<strong>ng</strong> of interlocki<strong>ng</strong>.
C8<br />
Since signi<strong>ng</strong> an agreement<br />
with the City of<br />
Dubai by the Lagos<br />
State Government in<br />
June, 2016 on the development<br />
of the Lagos Smart City, many<br />
people have been wonderi<strong>ng</strong><br />
what a smart city would look<br />
like. Ironically Lagos itself<br />
is believed to be one heck of<br />
a smart city where only the<br />
‘smart ones’ survive –you have<br />
to be smart to get on a bus and<br />
even when you are on a BRT<br />
queue as we have it today, you<br />
could still be outsmarted by<br />
a crafty lone ra<strong>ng</strong>er in a split<br />
of a second; On top of that<br />
you have to be pretty smart<br />
to earn a decent livi<strong>ng</strong> in this<br />
ever-buzzi<strong>ng</strong> city; Other times<br />
you have to turn your gear to<br />
smart if you must beat the crazy<br />
traffic in the shortest possible<br />
time, else you spend lo<strong>ng</strong><br />
hours ‘snaili<strong>ng</strong>’ down the road<br />
with puckered brow and lest<br />
you forget, you have to be extremely<br />
smart to find your way<br />
around without getti<strong>ng</strong> lost.<br />
But Smart homes/cities are<br />
not restricted to Lagos alone.<br />
So what then makes a smart<br />
city in an already ‘smart’ city<br />
an interesti<strong>ng</strong> concept?<br />
Here is why. The smart city<br />
concept is one that thrives on<br />
intelligence, sophistication and<br />
automation. It’s not the typical<br />
hustle and bustle kind of ‘smart’<br />
some of us are already used to. It’s<br />
smartness with ease, flexibility<br />
and simplicity. With the magic<br />
of a small device on your hand,<br />
your buildi<strong>ng</strong> is almost entirely<br />
under your control even when<br />
you are nowhere near. Perhaps<br />
/<stro<strong>ng</strong>>Independent</stro<strong>ng</strong>><strong>ng</strong>r @independent<strong>ng</strong>r www.independent.<strong>ng</strong> INDEPENDENT WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 16, 2017<br />
Real Estate<br />
You Don’t Have To Live In Smart City To Live Smart<br />
Illustration of a smart city<br />
the only thi<strong>ng</strong> you still may not<br />
be able to do is to physically move<br />
the house to your friend’s place.<br />
Simply put, Smart City consists<br />
of Smart buildi<strong>ng</strong>s and Smart<br />
infrastructure. Smart homes/<br />
offices used to be the exclusive<br />
privilege of those in the top echelon<br />
of the society but as it is now,<br />
there is somethi<strong>ng</strong> for the low and<br />
middle class.<br />
Technology is for the benefit<br />
of everyone, irrespective of class,<br />
gender and race. In fact technology<br />
may be threatened with extinction<br />
if it is only restricted to<br />
a set of people. By buildi<strong>ng</strong> smart<br />
cities, the options are opened to<br />
people of all status to have a<br />
stake, even if it’s just as little. A<br />
square-Metre of space in a smart<br />
home/city is generally safer and<br />
comfortable to live in than 1001<br />
square-Metre of space in a dull<br />
or boorish home/city. Are you<br />
ponderi<strong>ng</strong> what I am ponderi<strong>ng</strong>?<br />
Apart from the automation side<br />
of smart homes, they are often<br />
very elegant, exquisitely finished<br />
and customized to suit individual<br />
preferences of taste and lifestyle.<br />
Never mind, I perceive you are<br />
thinki<strong>ng</strong> about power issues. In<br />
a country where public power<br />
supply continues to make a false<br />
of people’s high hopes, I very<br />
well understand your fears. But<br />
come to think of it, you would be<br />
surprised that for smart home<br />
concepts, even power respects<br />
technology. Smart home devices<br />
are often designed as low-power<br />
consumers and can be powered<br />
by off-grid solutions. Most of<br />
these devices can power themselves<br />
by relyi<strong>ng</strong> on simple solar<br />
radiations.<br />
In a typical smart home, with a<br />
press of a set of buttons or clicks<br />
on wi-fi enabled hand-held or virtual<br />
remotes respectively, you control<br />
all windows and doors within<br />
the buildi<strong>ng</strong>, includi<strong>ng</strong> openi<strong>ng</strong><br />
and closi<strong>ng</strong> of the gate and skylights<br />
in the roof from virtually<br />
any location. Users can also monitor<br />
and control activities within<br />
the house on their<br />
mobile devices;<br />
maki<strong>ng</strong> it easier for<br />
worki<strong>ng</strong> class parent<br />
to keep tab on<br />
their kids at home<br />
while they are away.<br />
Smart homes can<br />
be customized to<br />
recognize the occupiers<br />
of a buildi<strong>ng</strong><br />
and their pets and<br />
automatically allow<br />
them gain access<br />
at any time while<br />
denyi<strong>ng</strong> access to<br />
stra<strong>ng</strong>ers and even<br />
blowi<strong>ng</strong> an alarm<br />
when there is an<br />
intruder. Smart<br />
buildi<strong>ng</strong> can welcome<br />
you in with<br />
your favorite so<strong>ng</strong><br />
playi<strong>ng</strong> in background<br />
mood and<br />
bid you goodbye<br />
by respondi<strong>ng</strong> with<br />
a go-come tune. The<br />
heati<strong>ng</strong>, ventilati<strong>ng</strong> and air-conditioni<strong>ng</strong><br />
(HVAC) system can be<br />
automatically adjusted to suit<br />
your desired temperatures and<br />
humidity levels usi<strong>ng</strong> the same<br />
simple device. It can help control<br />
taps, switches and security alarm<br />
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space to night mode at night and<br />
even switch off all devices when<br />
you are away. So don’t wait till<br />
the Smart City is fully built. Go<br />
smart already.<br />
E<strong>ng</strong>r. Osaz’ Enobakhare, is<br />
an award-winni<strong>ng</strong> contractor,<br />
structural e<strong>ng</strong>ineer and the<br />
CEO of Heavens Contractors<br />
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08167394799<br />
LAWMA And Poor Waste Management Practices In Lagos<br />
In this photo taken Friday, Jan, 24. 2014, a scave<strong>ng</strong>er in Lagos, Nigeria sorts out iron and plastic to sell at<br />
the Olusosun dump site, the city's largest dump.<br />
AP PHOTO<br />
In June, Lagos State Governor,<br />
Akinwunmi Ambode launched<br />
CLI – an abbreviation for Cleaner<br />
Lagos Initiative and the Lagos<br />
Environmental Sanitation Corps,<br />
LAGESC, to alleviate the problem<br />
of environmental pollution in Lagos<br />
state. In this article, we look<br />
at the poor waste management<br />
practices in Lagos that led to the<br />
introduction of CLI and LAGESC<br />
in line with world practices.<br />
Lagos has been described as the<br />
largest waste-generati<strong>ng</strong> state in<br />
the country, as over 15,000 metric<br />
tonnes of waste is believed to be<br />
generated in the state every day, as<br />
a result poor management practices<br />
in Lagos cannot be overlooked<br />
or condoned.<br />
In 2007, the Lagos Waste Management<br />
Authority was instituted<br />
to tackle the worrisome and health<br />
threateni<strong>ng</strong> menace of waste in<br />
the state which had already become<br />
an environmental nuisance<br />
at the time.<br />
LAWMA was created by law to<br />
ensure proper collection and disposal<br />
of waste in the Lagos metropolis,<br />
and invariably, improve<br />
the poor waste management practices<br />
in Lagos state . Though there<br />
has been an improvement since<br />
they began operations but there<br />
still seems to be a void somewhere.<br />
In recent times, the ineptitude<br />
of LAWMA has been put on the<br />
front burner. There is now an increasi<strong>ng</strong><br />
chain of refuse dumps<br />
in most parts of the state ahead<br />
of the start-off date of the newly<br />
inaugurated CLI.<br />
Even some residences of the<br />
state have not been spared of the<br />
refuse ‘takeover’. Lagosians now<br />
dispose refuse indiscriminately,<br />
has was the norm several years<br />
ago which spells doom for a city<br />
with over 21 million inhabitants.<br />
For a state that survived the<br />
Ebola outbreak that reared its<br />
ugly head three years ago, another<br />
outbreak of a health hazard of<br />
any kind will be pushi<strong>ng</strong> our luck<br />
too far.<br />
Accusi<strong>ng</strong> fi<strong>ng</strong>ers point to various<br />
directions; some blame the<br />
government for its mismanagement,<br />
others blame the waste<br />
management authorities while<br />
the people have not been exonerated<br />
either.<br />
Albeit wherever the pendulum<br />
swi<strong>ng</strong>s, the most important thi<strong>ng</strong><br />
is not to trade blames but to find<br />
solutions to a deteriorati<strong>ng</strong> situation<br />
and in turn bri<strong>ng</strong> sanity to<br />
a city that has been named the<br />
fastest growi<strong>ng</strong> in Africa.<br />
Arguably, the indiscriminate<br />
dumpi<strong>ng</strong> of refuse in many nooks<br />
and crannies of the state may have<br />
even been responsible for the flood<br />
disaster that plagued the Lagos Island,<br />
and more disaster could be<br />
in the offi<strong>ng</strong> if necessary steps are<br />
not taken to bri<strong>ng</strong> the environmental<br />
nuisance to an end.<br />
It has now become common<br />
knowledge that LAWMA has not<br />
been efficient in its duties with<br />
their inconsistencies and untimeliness<br />
Though their task doesn’t come<br />
easy and the environmental activities<br />
of Lagosians don’t make the<br />
situation any better, however they<br />
are supposedly paid handsomely<br />
for their efforts. Invariably, to<br />
whom much is given, much is<br />
required.<br />
Citizens are billed and residences<br />
are sealed when the needful<br />
is not done, hence this must be<br />
followed by swift runni<strong>ng</strong> of the<br />
duties they’ve been saddled with.<br />
If citizens still go on to dump<br />
refuse in canals, drainages, rivers,<br />
alo<strong>ng</strong> the streets and even on highways<br />
then the activities of LAW-<br />
MA should be questioned without<br />
minci<strong>ng</strong> words.<br />
The ban of the monthly environmental<br />
sanitation I suppose<br />
was done with good intentions,<br />
but we still don’t see the justification.<br />
It is no lo<strong>ng</strong>er in doubt that<br />
our cities are inundated with the<br />
challe<strong>ng</strong>es of un-cleared solid<br />
wastes.<br />
In addition, the hue and cry<br />
over the health consequences of<br />
exposed and fermenti<strong>ng</strong> rubbish<br />
have not been quantified, although<br />
their impact is noticeable<br />
The question then is; for how<br />
lo<strong>ng</strong> will Lagos continue to fight<br />
to clear mounti<strong>ng</strong> heaps of solid<br />
waste from their environment.<br />
Our strategic centers of beauty,<br />
peace and security are bei<strong>ng</strong> overtaken<br />
by the messy nature of over<br />
flowi<strong>ng</strong> dumps, unattended heaps<br />
of solid wastes emanati<strong>ng</strong> from<br />
household or domestic or kitchen<br />
sources, markets, shoppi<strong>ng</strong> and<br />
business centers.<br />
Debo Adejana, MD, RealtyPoint<br />
Limited<br />
08059100256
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 16, 2017<br />
INDEPENDENT<br />
Education<br />
/<stro<strong>ng</strong>>Independent</stro<strong>ng</strong>><strong>ng</strong>r @independent<strong>ng</strong>r www.independent.<strong>ng</strong><br />
Oyeniran Apata<br />
+2348057514433<br />
oyeniran.apata@independentnig.com<br />
B7<br />
A’Ibom Govt Explains Recruitment<br />
Of 1,569 Science Teachers<br />
UNILAG To<br />
Host 2017 Good<br />
Governance<br />
Summit<br />
IDONGESIT ASHAMERI<br />
UYO<br />
Governor Udom Emmanuel<br />
of Akwa<br />
Ibom State has linked<br />
his decision to employ<br />
1,569 Science Teachers<br />
to his plan to commence e<strong>ng</strong>ineeri<strong>ng</strong><br />
courses at the state<br />
tertiary institutions.<br />
Governor Emmanuel made<br />
this disclosure while interacti<strong>ng</strong><br />
with government house<br />
School Owner<br />
Urges Ex-Students<br />
To Imbibe Positive<br />
Attitude<br />
Pastor Olusegun Alo<strong>ng</strong>e, Proprietor<br />
of the Barachel Model<br />
College, Ifako-Ijaiye, has tasked<br />
graduate students of the college<br />
to endeavour, as much as possible,<br />
to develop positive attitudes<br />
at all times in the pursuit of<br />
their future careers.<br />
Deliveri<strong>ng</strong> an address duri<strong>ng</strong><br />
the school’s graduation ceremony<br />
recently, Pastor Alo<strong>ng</strong>e, said<br />
life outside the classrooms and<br />
school calls for more caution<br />
and urged the alumnus of the<br />
school always strive for success<br />
and develop a sense of optimism<br />
in their lives after school.<br />
He advised them to shun all<br />
forms of social vices, cultivate<br />
the habit of readi<strong>ng</strong>, and inculcate<br />
good behaviour that would<br />
be benefitti<strong>ng</strong>, the families,<br />
friends, community, country,<br />
and the world at large.<br />
“I seize this opportunity to<br />
co<strong>ng</strong>ratulate the graduates<br />
since today marks another milestone<br />
in your lives, the end of<br />
your secondary schooli<strong>ng</strong> and<br />
the beginni<strong>ng</strong> of a new page in<br />
your lives which hopefully will<br />
be a brighter one if you imbibe<br />
good moral behaviours and stay<br />
away from illicit drugs and other<br />
vices”, he stated.<br />
He asked them to be confident<br />
about their abilities and<br />
be proud of who they are, sayi<strong>ng</strong><br />
they must have the desire<br />
to achieve excellence in their<br />
various fields of endeavours as<br />
the decisions they make, henceforth<br />
would determine which<br />
way their lives will go.<br />
Accordi<strong>ng</strong> to him, they<br />
should make maximum use of<br />
opportunities, like Information<br />
Technology (I.T) that is available<br />
now at their disposal to<br />
improve their learni<strong>ng</strong> as those<br />
were not available to earlier generations.<br />
Pre-School System Increases<br />
Emotional Stability In Children - Ogburn<br />
SEYI TAIWO-OGUNTUASE<br />
LAGOS<br />
David Ogburn, an educationist<br />
and the Principal of Avi-Cenna<br />
International School has stressed<br />
the need to expose children between<br />
the ages of two and three<br />
to early year pre-school system.<br />
Accordi<strong>ng</strong> to him a child that<br />
passes through this stage has<br />
more emotional stability as well<br />
as some basic introduction to academics<br />
and basic counti<strong>ng</strong> methodologies<br />
over others.<br />
Addressi<strong>ng</strong> parents at the unveili<strong>ng</strong><br />
of a model early Years Pre-<br />
School and Nursery department<br />
commissioned by Mrs. Bolanle<br />
Ambode, wife of the Lagos state<br />
correspondent at Ibom airport,<br />
shortly on arrival from<br />
an official trip to Abuja.<br />
The Governor, who disclosed<br />
this, explained that<br />
he was worki<strong>ng</strong> towards full<br />
commencement of e<strong>ng</strong>ineeri<strong>ng</strong><br />
courses at the State Polytechnic<br />
and University, sayi<strong>ng</strong><br />
that the foundation for quality<br />
learni<strong>ng</strong> must be stre<strong>ng</strong>thened.<br />
He pledged to leave no stone<br />
unturned in the traini<strong>ng</strong> and<br />
provision of learni<strong>ng</strong> infrastructure<br />
for the you<strong>ng</strong> people<br />
in science oriented courses in<br />
secondary schools in the state.<br />
He said his administration<br />
decided to commence with the<br />
recruitment of 1,569 teachers<br />
to teach all science subjects<br />
and E<strong>ng</strong>lish la<strong>ng</strong>uage in secondary<br />
schools in the state.<br />
Emphasisi<strong>ng</strong> the need to<br />
build capacity and stre<strong>ng</strong>theni<strong>ng</strong><br />
manpower ahead of the<br />
impendi<strong>ng</strong> economic recovery<br />
in the country, the governor<br />
said; “Certainly, as we prepare<br />
governor in Ikeja, explained that<br />
the idea was to raise the early<br />
learni<strong>ng</strong> childcare provision at<br />
the school.<br />
Accordi<strong>ng</strong> to him the centre<br />
would offer new opportunities<br />
to e<strong>ng</strong>age and stimulate a deeper<br />
interest in learni<strong>ng</strong> for pupils<br />
thereby layi<strong>ng</strong> a solid foundation<br />
for entry into primary school.<br />
“Education is much more than<br />
what is taught in the classroom,<br />
children learn from their community<br />
on how to behave, they also<br />
learn from the school environment,”<br />
he said.<br />
The principal said the whole<br />
area is themed around a street<br />
scene with brightly decorated<br />
shops includi<strong>ng</strong>; realistic street<br />
furniture, addi<strong>ng</strong> that the school<br />
towards economic recovery, we<br />
need to also build capacity in<br />
order to move on, if I don’t do<br />
that, it means that I don’t have<br />
faith in the economy.”<br />
Assuri<strong>ng</strong> the people of the<br />
state to remain focussed irrespective<br />
of the distractions,<br />
Emmanuel stated;<br />
“I am one of those that have<br />
full confidence in the economy,<br />
that as we move towards the<br />
last quarter of the year, the<br />
economy should be back on<br />
the part of recovery.”<br />
Mrs. Bola Ambode, Wife of Lagos Sate Governor (left); Prince Mohammed Momoh, NYSC Lagos<br />
Coordinator (second left) and Mrs. Rachael Ideawor, NYSC Skill Acquisition and Entrepreneurship<br />
Development, SAED, officer (right) as the first lady inspects products made by corps members at the Iyana<br />
Ipaja camp recently.<br />
PHOTO: OYENIRAN APATA<br />
is committed to continuous improvement<br />
and to creati<strong>ng</strong> an<br />
enabli<strong>ng</strong> environment for all the<br />
pupils.<br />
He reiterated that the idea has<br />
to do with improvement facilities<br />
and the way the school e<strong>ng</strong>ages its<br />
pupils in teachi<strong>ng</strong> areas especially<br />
where there is need to develop how<br />
to control their emotions as well as<br />
the way they interact with other<br />
children.<br />
“At this stage they learn<br />
through variety of methods not<br />
expected of normal secondary<br />
school students where the teacher<br />
stands in front of the class, we inculcate<br />
a sense of play into them,<br />
they learn to use their body for coordination,<br />
they learn to socialise<br />
and communicate,” he said.<br />
To further boost the promotion<br />
of good governance amo<strong>ng</strong> African<br />
leaders, Leadtimes Africa<br />
Magazine, in collaboration<br />
with the Chartered Institute<br />
of Management Consultant<br />
(CIMC), Canada, would hold<br />
her 3rd international edition<br />
of the summit on Good Governance<br />
in Africa Leadership.<br />
This year’s summit, the<br />
third in the series, themed,<br />
“Promoti<strong>ng</strong> Good Governance<br />
in African Leadership at the<br />
Grassroots: A Case for Democratisation<br />
of Local Government<br />
in Nigeria,” will feature Dr.<br />
Abubakar Sadiku Ohere, the<br />
Kogi State Commissioner for<br />
Local Government and Chieftaincy<br />
Affairs, as the keynote<br />
speaker.<br />
The programme, billed for<br />
the University of Lagos come<br />
September 2017, will feature<br />
prominent personalities who<br />
had made meani<strong>ng</strong>ful impacts<br />
on humanities in their chosen<br />
careers.<br />
Professor Lambe Adeyemi,<br />
Africa Coordinator, World Association<br />
of Academic Evaluators<br />
and Assessors (WAAEA),<br />
a co-convener of the summit,<br />
who spoke to INDEPENDENT<br />
in Lagos at the weekend, said<br />
the event is one way of recognisi<strong>ng</strong><br />
and rewardi<strong>ng</strong> excellence<br />
in quality service delivery.<br />
He said that His Royal Highness,<br />
Alhaji (Dr.) Shaban Audu<br />
(Nizazo111), Etsu of Kwali;<br />
Hon. Justice Abdul Fatayi Kuti,<br />
Pioneer Judge of Abuja High<br />
Court; Hajiya (Dr.) Aishatu<br />
Ngulde, former Executive Secretary,<br />
Borno State Education<br />
Endowment fund; Dr. Dayyabu<br />
Garga, Plateau State Commissioner<br />
for Local Government;<br />
and Dr. (Mrs.) Agatha Goma,<br />
Bayelsa State Commissioner<br />
for Local Administration, will<br />
serve as special guests at the<br />
occasion.<br />
In three separate letters<br />
signed by Professor Buba<br />
Mshelia, Prof. (Barr.) Lambe<br />
A. Adeyemi and Barrister<br />
BabajideLadega, few selected<br />
individuals, who had disti<strong>ng</strong>uished<br />
themselves would be<br />
honoured with honorary doctorate<br />
awards, Leadtimes Africa<br />
Award for Transparency and<br />
Accountability and induction<br />
of others as Chartered Management<br />
Consultants by Chartered<br />
Institute of Management Consultant,<br />
Vancouver, Canada.<br />
Professor Adeyemi, those<br />
to be honoured had been seen<br />
beacon of hope for the less-privileged<br />
and stro<strong>ng</strong> proponent<br />
of good governance in African<br />
leadership.
B8<br />
Education<br />
/<stro<strong>ng</strong>>Independent</stro<strong>ng</strong>><strong>ng</strong>r @independent<strong>ng</strong>r www.independent.<strong>ng</strong><br />
INDEPENDENT WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 16, 2017<br />
FG Urges ASUU To Suspend Strike<br />
As the Federal Government<br />
yesterday<br />
urged the Academic<br />
Staff Union of Universities<br />
(ASUU), to suspend<br />
its 24 hours old strike in the<br />
interest of the nation, the<br />
unions in some Federal and<br />
state Universities have complied<br />
with the directive of<br />
the president of the union.<br />
Sen. Chris Ngige, the Minister<br />
of Labour and Employment,<br />
who made the appeal<br />
in a statement signed by<br />
the Deputy Director, Press<br />
in the Ministry, Samuel<br />
Olowookere, said there was<br />
an on-goi<strong>ng</strong> renegotiation of<br />
the 2009 agreement between<br />
the Federal Government and<br />
ASUU by the Babalakin Committee<br />
which the Federal<br />
• Compliance Increases As UNIUYO, LASU, TSU Others Join Strike<br />
Government set up on Monday<br />
13thFebruary 2017, and<br />
which is already addressi<strong>ng</strong><br />
the issues raised by ASUU.<br />
Accordi<strong>ng</strong> to the statement;<br />
“It is important to note<br />
that ASUU did not follow due<br />
process in the declaration of<br />
the industrial action as it did<br />
not give the Federal Government,<br />
the mandatory 15 days’<br />
notice as contained in the<br />
Section 41 of Trade Disputes<br />
Act, Cap T8, 2004.<br />
“In fact, it was on Monday<br />
14th August, 2017 that the Office<br />
of the Minister received<br />
a letter dated 13th August,<br />
2017 from ASUU, that is, one<br />
full day after it commenced<br />
the strike.”<br />
It further noted that the<br />
letter was to inform the Federal<br />
Government that ASUU<br />
has started strike and not a<br />
declaration of intention to<br />
go on strike as contained in<br />
the Trade Dispute Act, 2004.<br />
The Minister further said<br />
that since the case was bei<strong>ng</strong><br />
conciliated, it was against<br />
the spirit of Social Dialogue<br />
and Collective Bargaini<strong>ng</strong><br />
Agreement (CBA) for ASUU<br />
to embark on strike as enunciated<br />
in the ILO Convention.<br />
Meanwhile, the UNIUYO<br />
ASUU has explained that decision<br />
to join the nationwide<br />
indefinite strike was due to<br />
federal government’s consistent<br />
failure to honour its<br />
agreements with the union.<br />
Speaki<strong>ng</strong> through the<br />
institution’s branch Chairman<br />
of the Association, Dr<br />
Aniekan Brown, the union<br />
explained that the industrial<br />
action follows several pleas<br />
and warni<strong>ng</strong>s to the Federal<br />
Government of Nigeria.<br />
The union regretted that<br />
Nigeria is probably the only<br />
country in the world where<br />
the government spends more<br />
money on propaganda than<br />
on the education of its citizenry.<br />
In the same vein, the Taraba<br />
State University chapter<br />
of the union has instructed<br />
its members to boycott lecture<br />
rooms and comply with<br />
the directives of its national<br />
body.<br />
Comrade Reuben Jonathan,<br />
TSU-ASUU chairperson<br />
in an interview with IN-<br />
DEPENDENT disclosed that<br />
compliance would be total at<br />
the university.<br />
Also Dr Isaac Oyewunmi,<br />
ASUU LASU Chairman, told<br />
INDEPENDENT that compliance<br />
was not optional, sayi<strong>ng</strong><br />
that it was a collective<br />
agreement and compliance<br />
would be total as directed<br />
by the national body of the<br />
union.<br />
Day Kinsmen Honoured UNIUYO Registrar<br />
IDONGESIT ASHAMERI<br />
UYO<br />
It was indeed a grand honour<br />
as the people of Nsit Ibom Local<br />
Government Area of Akwa<br />
Ibom State rolled out drums to<br />
celebrate one of their illustrious<br />
sons, Mr Aniediabasi Udofia, the<br />
Registrar of the University of<br />
Uyo, in a grand reception.<br />
Udofia, who assumed office<br />
as Registrar of the institution in<br />
2016, is captured on record as the<br />
third indigene of the area to have<br />
served the University in such capacity,<br />
and therefore considered<br />
one of the worthy ambassadors<br />
of Nsit Ibom.<br />
The grand reception which<br />
attracted the academic, professional<br />
and traditional communities<br />
across the state and beyond,<br />
also featured presentations of<br />
awards of honour to the Registrar,<br />
unanimously agreed to be<br />
an illustrious son of the area, the<br />
immediate past registrar, Mrs<br />
Edak Umondak, an indigene and<br />
a posthumous award to a onetime<br />
Registrar from the area, Mr Dickson<br />
Mkpo<strong>ng</strong>oyo<strong>ng</strong>.<br />
The honour of such rare<br />
grand reception, as enunciated<br />
throughout the goodwill messages<br />
presented at the occasion was<br />
largely motivated by Udofia’s<br />
track record of integrity, hard<br />
work and professionalism.<br />
His citation as presented on the<br />
occasion by Dr Daniel Udoh indicated<br />
that Udofia had his Nigeria<br />
Certificate in Education (NCE) in<br />
1988 from the University Of Cross<br />
River State, a degree in Political<br />
Science Education, Master’s degrees<br />
(M.Sc.), Educational Technology<br />
and M.Sc, International<br />
Relations from the University of<br />
Uyo.<br />
A record of his professional<br />
experience further indicated that<br />
Udofia has steadily and resourcefully<br />
gone through virtually every<br />
cadre of educational administration<br />
as he began his career journey<br />
as a class teacher in 1991 as<br />
Youth Corps member.<br />
Udofia<br />
He was enlisted into the services<br />
of the University of Uyo in<br />
1993 as Administrative officer II.<br />
He resourcefully rose to the position<br />
of an Assistant Registrar<br />
and further to the rank of Senior<br />
Registrar with responsibilities in<br />
the University Publications Unit.<br />
He was later posted to the Directorate<br />
of Personnel Affairs where<br />
he headed the Senior Administrative<br />
and Technical Staff as well<br />
as Academic Staff Establishment<br />
Units as a Principal Assistant<br />
Registrar.<br />
Havi<strong>ng</strong> traversed all the various<br />
administrative units, departments<br />
and faculties of the institution,<br />
Udofia in 2010 in search<br />
of further challe<strong>ng</strong>es he moved<br />
to Federal University of Agriculture,<br />
Abeokuta, where he worked<br />
in the Senate and Admissions<br />
from 2012 until his posti<strong>ng</strong> to the<br />
postgraduate school of same institution<br />
as the school’s Secretary.<br />
Udofia, a husband and father<br />
of five is also a member of several<br />
professional bodies. He is a fellow,<br />
Chartered Institute of Public<br />
Management in Nigeria, member,<br />
Nigeria Institute of Management<br />
(Chartered), and member, Association<br />
of University Administrators.<br />
Also to his credit are<br />
awards and formal appreciation<br />
and recognitions on the course of<br />
his administrative career.<br />
Addressi<strong>ng</strong> the grand reception,<br />
the Vice Chancellor of the<br />
University of Uyo, Prof Enefiok<br />
Essien (SAN) who corroborated<br />
the professional prowess of the<br />
Registrar, acknowledged that Nsit<br />
Ibom has so far produced three<br />
Registrars for the University of<br />
Uyo.<br />
He aligned with the general<br />
notion that the area is blessed<br />
with intelligent and dependable<br />
administrators.<br />
He applauded as welcome development,<br />
the decision by Nsit<br />
Ibom people to honour their own<br />
and charged the generality of<br />
Akwa Ibom people to emulate<br />
same.<br />
The Vice Chancellor, however,<br />
advised Udofia to continue to position<br />
himself creditably as the<br />
people of the area will constantly<br />
look up to him as ambassador<br />
and inspiration to you<strong>ng</strong>er generation.<br />
In his remarks, the well celebrated<br />
and generally admired<br />
Registrar of the University of<br />
Uyo, Mr Aniediabasi Udofia appreciated<br />
his kinsmen for the honour<br />
done him, but also seized the<br />
opportunity to address youths of<br />
his Local Government Area and<br />
indeed youths across the country<br />
on the need to adopt an enduri<strong>ng</strong><br />
approach to life.<br />
Udofia who attributed challe<strong>ng</strong>es<br />
faci<strong>ng</strong> Nigeria today to<br />
wro<strong>ng</strong> approaches to life by the<br />
youths used the occasion to caution<br />
Nigerian youths against<br />
uncontrolled materialistic spirit,<br />
with its associated quest for<br />
speedy achievements, if the society<br />
must achieve the desired level<br />
of sanity.<br />
Udofia said youths must devote<br />
time to secure an enduri<strong>ng</strong><br />
future for themselves through<br />
study, hard work, integrity and<br />
perseverance.<br />
He reiterated that the quest to<br />
acquire everythi<strong>ng</strong> life has to offer<br />
overnight, has plu<strong>ng</strong>ed many<br />
youths into life courses which<br />
may ultimately ruin their future.<br />
He, therefore, called on the<br />
elders to guide the youths aright<br />
by directi<strong>ng</strong> them through a life<br />
course of hard work, integrity<br />
and patient.<br />
His words; “Nigeria is in trouble<br />
today because our youths are<br />
not getti<strong>ng</strong> it right. Life is not all<br />
about money, so struggli<strong>ng</strong> to<br />
acquire everythi<strong>ng</strong> overnight is<br />
not just right. A materialistic lifestyle<br />
does not guarantee a bright<br />
future. Our elders should guide<br />
the youths aright”.<br />
He paid glowi<strong>ng</strong> tributes to the<br />
Vice Chancellor of the University<br />
of Uyo, Prof Enefiok Essien<br />
(SAN) for his accommodati<strong>ng</strong><br />
disposition; his elder brother, Mr<br />
Godfred Essien for sacrifici<strong>ng</strong> his<br />
shoulders to enable him attain a<br />
comfortable balance; and the Nsit<br />
Ibom Professionals Association<br />
for findi<strong>ng</strong> him illustrious and<br />
worthy of such motivati<strong>ng</strong> honour.<br />
In his goodwill message, the<br />
president, Nsit Ibom Professionals<br />
Association (NIPA), Prince<br />
Ime Obot attributed the honour<br />
to Udofia’s personality, integrity<br />
and professional track record.<br />
He, therefore, assured that<br />
professionals from the area will<br />
continue to identify with the Registrar<br />
as they trust his enduri<strong>ng</strong><br />
stamina to deliver excellent services.<br />
Old Boys Donate<br />
Computer<br />
Centre To SPCC<br />
Aghalokpe<br />
As part of activities marki<strong>ng</strong><br />
its 35th reunion anniversary,<br />
the 1982 set of St. Peter<br />
Claver’s College (SPCC)<br />
Aghalokpe, in Delta State is<br />
set to give back to its Alma<br />
Mater by constructi<strong>ng</strong> a fully-equipped<br />
computer center<br />
in the school.<br />
Dr. Felix Ekpo, Chairman<br />
of the organisi<strong>ng</strong> committee<br />
at a meeti<strong>ng</strong> at Kayriot hotel<br />
in Warri, disclosed that the<br />
stri<strong>ng</strong> of activities lined up<br />
for the celebration will take<br />
place between Friday 18 and<br />
Sunday 20 August, 2017 in<br />
Warri and Aghalokpe respectively.<br />
Accordi<strong>ng</strong> to him, this is<br />
the second time the ’82 set<br />
would be havi<strong>ng</strong> a reunion,<br />
havi<strong>ng</strong> held its maiden edition<br />
in 2007.<br />
Ekpo also said that this<br />
year’s reunion is special because<br />
of its inclusive nature<br />
and international flavour.<br />
“Members of our set are<br />
comi<strong>ng</strong> in from three continents<br />
for this great event.<br />
They are comi<strong>ng</strong> in from the<br />
United States, Canada and<br />
the United Ki<strong>ng</strong>dom for this<br />
reunion. It’s an august occasion<br />
holdi<strong>ng</strong> in August, and a<br />
time to recall fond memories<br />
of our school days as well as<br />
give back to our alma mater,”<br />
Ekpo said.<br />
Ekpo also disclosed that<br />
works on the proposed computer<br />
center had started,<br />
addi<strong>ng</strong> that the foundation<br />
stone-layi<strong>ng</strong> ceremony will<br />
take place on Saturday, 19 August<br />
2017 under the watchful<br />
eyes of the President- General<br />
of the SPCC Aghalokpe<br />
Old Boys Association,<br />
Professor Patrick Igbigbi of<br />
Delta State University and<br />
the spiritual guidance of the<br />
school principal, Rev. Father<br />
Christopher Ogaga.
INDEPENDENT WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 16, 2017 /<stro<strong>ng</strong>>Independent</stro<strong>ng</strong>><strong>ng</strong>r @independent<strong>ng</strong>r www.independent.<strong>ng</strong> B9<br />
Education<br />
OYENIRAN APATA<br />
LAGOS<br />
As the national body of the<br />
Academic Staff Union Of<br />
Universities (ASUU), again<br />
called out its members in<br />
the 88 Federal and State owned varsities<br />
to proceed on an indefinite strike<br />
beginni<strong>ng</strong> from Monday August 14,<br />
2017, learni<strong>ng</strong> activities may soon<br />
grind to a halt soon.<br />
The resorts to strike as the only<br />
message understood by the government<br />
had remained the only option<br />
open to the union since 1999 when it<br />
shut the nation’s varsity system for<br />
five months to press home demands<br />
for improved tertiary education system<br />
and remuneration.<br />
It is on record that the union had<br />
embarked on strike for a record 13th<br />
times with little to show for the exercise<br />
as government continues to treat<br />
education with levity.<br />
Professor Biodun Ogunyemi, the<br />
National President of the union, who<br />
announced the decision of the union,<br />
directed that duri<strong>ng</strong> the strike, there<br />
shall be no teachi<strong>ng</strong>, no examination<br />
and no attendance of statutory meeti<strong>ng</strong>s<br />
of any kind in any of the union’s<br />
branches across the country.<br />
Dr. Ogunyemi, duri<strong>ng</strong> the press<br />
conference in Abuja, declared a ‘total,<br />
comprehensive and indefinite’<br />
nationwide strike after a nationwide<br />
consultation with members of the<br />
union in the state at an emergency<br />
NEC meeti<strong>ng</strong> held on Saturday, August<br />
12, 2017.<br />
Halt To Planned Examinations<br />
However, as the strike gathers<br />
momentum in affected institutions,<br />
INDEPENDENT reports from the<br />
Federal University, Wukari, Taraba<br />
State showed that students may hurriedly<br />
complete the o<strong>ng</strong>oi<strong>ng</strong> second<br />
semester examination.<br />
At the University of Lagos, Akoka<br />
campus there are indications that<br />
undergraduate examinations earlier<br />
scheduled to hold this month may<br />
also be put on hold by the management<br />
of the university in view of the<br />
prevaili<strong>ng</strong> circumstance.<br />
Though, academic and learni<strong>ng</strong><br />
will obviously be disrupted in institutions,<br />
parents and candidates seeki<strong>ng</strong><br />
for spaces in public university on the<br />
other hand are also agitated as the<br />
development may also put on hold admission<br />
exercises for fresh students.<br />
Dr Isaac Oyewunmi, ASUU LASU<br />
Chairman, in a reaction said; “It<br />
is not optional we are all on, we all<br />
agreed before this strike, the strike<br />
has began as directed by the ASUU<br />
national body, it is not optional.”<br />
Parents, Prospective Students<br />
Lament<br />
Mr. John Ezewanne, a concerned<br />
parent told INDEPENDENT that he<br />
was saddened at the declaration of<br />
the strike by the union, and called<br />
on the government to accede to the<br />
requests of the union.<br />
“Why has it become the practice by<br />
the union to declare strike as auspicious<br />
moments in the life of learni<strong>ng</strong><br />
in varsities? This is a period parents<br />
are worried and prepari<strong>ng</strong> for the<br />
admission exercise for spaces their<br />
wards in tertiary intuitions. It is<br />
time for government for government<br />
to show enough commitment to the<br />
plight of education in the country.<br />
He added; “I must confess we are<br />
not happy about development in the<br />
ASUU Strike Puts Varsity<br />
Examinations On Hold<br />
• Parents Lament As NANS, ERC, Others Back Decision<br />
Buhari (left) and Ogunyemi<br />
Nigeria’s public education sector.<br />
Parents and candidates obviously are<br />
goi<strong>ng</strong> through mental torture duri<strong>ng</strong><br />
periods like this recently declared by<br />
the ASUU. Government must act fast.<br />
What is the problem with governance<br />
in Nigeria after signi<strong>ng</strong> an agreement<br />
to make education worthwhile since<br />
1995 and 2013?<br />
In the same vein, Taiwo Ogunmoyela,<br />
a prospective student of Law<br />
at the Olabisi Onabanjo University,<br />
Ago-Iwoye, Ogun State, expressed<br />
disappointment at the declaration<br />
of strike, sayi<strong>ng</strong> that it had demoralised<br />
her.<br />
“It is a pity that I may miss another<br />
opportunity! What does the future<br />
hold for me now that the brightest<br />
moment of my life is ha<strong>ng</strong>i<strong>ng</strong> in the<br />
balance? I have written JAMB twice<br />
and third attempt with good grade is<br />
threatened, “She lamented.<br />
This is no time for students<br />
and parents to take a<br />
position of neutrality in the<br />
o<strong>ng</strong>oi<strong>ng</strong> conflict between<br />
ASUU and the government.<br />
What is at stake is the fate<br />
of public education and<br />
the future of the country<br />
so for that reason, this<br />
struggle is also the struggle<br />
of all students, parents and<br />
worki<strong>ng</strong> people in general<br />
NANS Gives FG 21 Day Ultimatum To<br />
Resolve Issues<br />
As the co<strong>ng</strong>resses of ASUU continue<br />
to meet in varsities across the<br />
country to ensure total compliance<br />
with strike order, Comrade Chinonso<br />
Obasi, the president of National<br />
Association of Nigerian Students<br />
(NANS), has also expressed dissatisfaction<br />
with the government’s handli<strong>ng</strong><br />
of the education sector.<br />
Givi<strong>ng</strong> the Federal Government<br />
21 days within which to resolve all<br />
issues agitati<strong>ng</strong> the minds of the<br />
union and causes of setback in the<br />
education sector, NANS urged the federal<br />
government to do all it can to get<br />
ASUU back to the classrooms.<br />
Obasi said the demands of ASUU<br />
are reasonable and touch on the integrity<br />
of government, especially in the<br />
light of the fight against corruption.<br />
“In the light of the foregoi<strong>ng</strong> we<br />
here give the federal government 21<br />
days to resolve outstandi<strong>ng</strong> issues<br />
with ASUU in the interest of lo<strong>ng</strong>sufferi<strong>ng</strong><br />
Nigerian students who are<br />
forced to bear the brunt of government<br />
insensitivity,” NANS stated.<br />
ERC, Others Lend Support<br />
In the same vein, a group, Education<br />
Right Campaign (ERC) has also<br />
lend support called by ASUU and<br />
urged the government to address the<br />
demands of the union, sayi<strong>ng</strong> that<br />
they were all genuine and germane<br />
for the development of tertiary education<br />
sector in the country.<br />
ERC in a statement jointly signed<br />
by Hassan Taiwo Soweto, National<br />
Coordinator and Ibukun Omole, the<br />
group’s National Secretary said: “We<br />
also call on ASUU not to make this<br />
strike a sit-at-home action. Rather activities<br />
like public rallies, leafleti<strong>ng</strong>,<br />
mass meeti<strong>ng</strong>s and demonstrations<br />
should be organised regularly in and<br />
outside of campuses to ensure that<br />
the issues which have necessitated<br />
another strike are clearly explained<br />
to members of the public whose support<br />
and active involvement is vital<br />
if ASUU’s crusade to salvage the education<br />
sector is to succeed.”<br />
The group, in the statement made<br />
available to INDEPENDENT said it<br />
was unexplainable and unacceptable<br />
that ‘government finds money to buy<br />
exotic cars for lawmakers, finance<br />
the outrageously expensive treatment<br />
of President Buhari in London<br />
and guarantees insanely luxurious<br />
lifestyle for political office holders’,<br />
without resolvi<strong>ng</strong> call for improved<br />
fundi<strong>ng</strong> of public education and meet<br />
the needs of academic staff.<br />
To avoid situation whereby the<br />
strike drags on endlessly, ERC parents,<br />
the general public, existi<strong>ng</strong> and<br />
prospective students to rally round<br />
ASUU and in unison call on the government<br />
to fulfill its responsibility<br />
towards public education.<br />
The group added: “This is no time<br />
for students and parents to take a<br />
position of neutrality in the o<strong>ng</strong>oi<strong>ng</strong><br />
conflict between ASUU and the government.<br />
What is at stake is the fate<br />
of public education and the future of<br />
the country so for that reason, this<br />
struggle is also the struggle of all students,<br />
parents and worki<strong>ng</strong> people in<br />
general.”<br />
Possible Split In Ranks<br />
Meanwhile, the ASUU chapter in<br />
the University of Ilorin, UNILORIN<br />
said it will not be joini<strong>ng</strong> the national<br />
body in its industrial action aimed at<br />
pressi<strong>ng</strong> home its demands.<br />
The chapter’s chairman, Uthman<br />
Abdulraheem, duri<strong>ng</strong> an interview<br />
monitored in Lagos on a local television<br />
station on Tuesday morni<strong>ng</strong>,<br />
said it would, however, benefit from<br />
whatever positive outcome emerges<br />
from the strike.<br />
Advanci<strong>ng</strong> reasons for the chapter’s<br />
position, Mr. Abdulraheem said:<br />
“We were not involved…the invitation<br />
to vote was not extended to us.<br />
We were not communicated.”<br />
Mr. Abdularaheem, however, expressed<br />
sympathy for the action and<br />
blamed the government for “not respecti<strong>ng</strong><br />
dialogues”.<br />
UNILORIN is one of the nation’s<br />
premier institutions that rarely joins<br />
in strike actions since 2001 when over<br />
49 lecturers of the school were sacked<br />
for participati<strong>ng</strong> in that year’s nationwide<br />
strike.<br />
ASUU Demands<br />
The indefinite strike called by the<br />
union is demand that the general public<br />
have now become very familiar<br />
with. They are: government refusal to<br />
fully implement the 2009 ASUU/FGN<br />
agreement, 2013 MOU particularly its<br />
provision for a Public Universities<br />
Revitalisation (Needs Assessment)<br />
fund totalli<strong>ng</strong> One Trillion, three<br />
Hundred Billion Naira out of which<br />
only N200 billion had been paid so far.<br />
Others are: Payment of fractions/<br />
Non-payment of salaries especially<br />
in state Universities; Non-Payment of<br />
Earned Academic Allowance (EAA);<br />
Non-release of operational license<br />
of NUPEMCO as well as other issues<br />
concerni<strong>ng</strong> the welfare of academic<br />
workers.
B10<br />
HealthCare<br />
/<stro<strong>ng</strong>>Independent</stro<strong>ng</strong>><strong>ng</strong>r @independent<strong>ng</strong>r www.independent.<strong>ng</strong> WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 16, 2017<br />
INDEPENDENT<br />
Chioma Umeha<br />
+2348023135460<br />
chioma.umeha@<br />
independentnig.com<br />
CHIOMA UMEHA<br />
To reduce the growi<strong>ng</strong><br />
proportion of new HIV<br />
infections amo<strong>ng</strong> children,<br />
Nigerian journalists<br />
have been called to increase<br />
reports which promote issues<br />
borderi<strong>ng</strong> on the Elimination of<br />
Mother to Child Transmission<br />
(eMTCT) of HIV.<br />
Journalists Alliance for the<br />
Prevention of Mother to Child<br />
Transimission of HIV/AIDS<br />
(JAPIN) in Calabar, Cross River<br />
State, made the call recently<br />
duri<strong>ng</strong> a three-day workshop it<br />
organised to assess individual<br />
and collective efforts towards<br />
eMTCT of HIV with emphasis<br />
on communications through the<br />
mass media.<br />
Lamenti<strong>ng</strong> that Nigeria has<br />
the second highest global burden<br />
of HIV/AIDS and also contributes<br />
the largest proportion<br />
of new vertically acquired HIV<br />
infections amo<strong>ng</strong> children, JAP-<br />
IN said stressed media’s role in<br />
halti<strong>ng</strong> the trend.<br />
The meeti<strong>ng</strong> brought together<br />
journalists from various<br />
media organisations across<br />
the country amo<strong>ng</strong> other stakeholders<br />
in HIV industry who<br />
expressed worry over the country’s<br />
poor indices infant HIV<br />
infections.<br />
For instance, Dr. Sunday<br />
Aboje, National Coordinator,<br />
National AIDS/STI Control<br />
Programme, (NASCP) Federal<br />
Ministry of Health, in his presentation,<br />
said that Nigeria is<br />
still home to the highest number<br />
of children livi<strong>ng</strong> with HIV/<br />
AIDS worldwide.<br />
Dr Aboje, who was represented<br />
by Assistant Chief Scientific<br />
Officer of the agency, Taiwo<br />
Olakunle, said “Nigeria has the<br />
second highest burden of HIV<br />
globally with 3.4 million people<br />
estimated to be livi<strong>ng</strong> with HIV;<br />
1.7 million HIV positive women<br />
and 380,000 children less than<br />
15 years.<br />
“Nigeria has the largest number<br />
of paediatric HIV cases in<br />
the world. Nigeria also contributes<br />
the largest proportion of<br />
new vertically acquired HIV<br />
infections amo<strong>ng</strong> children.<br />
“The country has come a lo<strong>ng</strong><br />
way in its effort to control the<br />
Consumption of contaminated<br />
food, unclean water and intake<br />
of overdose drugs has been<br />
identified as the major causes<br />
of various categories of hepatitis<br />
in human body.<br />
Dr. Johnson Ogunmade said<br />
this duri<strong>ng</strong> an annual health<br />
seminar and get-together organised<br />
for Ogun State Ministry<br />
of Health community<br />
health practitioners with the<br />
theme; ‘Reduci<strong>ng</strong> prevalence<br />
of hepatitis disease: Role of<br />
Community Health Practitioners’<br />
held in Abeokuta.<br />
Ogunmade said hepatitis A<br />
Child HIV: JAPIN Seeks More Media<br />
Report To Halt New Infections<br />
Participants at the workshop. Inset: Symbol of solidarityfor People livi<strong>ng</strong> with HIV.<br />
Nigeria has the<br />
largest number of<br />
paediatric HIV cases<br />
in the world. Nigeria<br />
also contributes the<br />
largest proportion<br />
of new vertically<br />
acquired HIV<br />
infections amo<strong>ng</strong><br />
children<br />
Contaminated Food, Drug Abuse<br />
Increase Risk Of Hepatitis - Experts<br />
which was the most commonest<br />
amo<strong>ng</strong> the five categories in<br />
the country was as a result of<br />
drug abuse, unclean environment<br />
and intake of contaminated<br />
food and water, addi<strong>ng</strong><br />
that hepatitis B if not quickly<br />
diagnosed can kill even faster<br />
than HIV/AIDs and can easily<br />
be transmitted through body<br />
fluid.<br />
He said hepatitis C and D<br />
can be transmitted through<br />
unprotected sex and blood<br />
transfusion respectively,<br />
while that of hepatitis E could<br />
be transmitted through water-borne<br />
diseases, sayi<strong>ng</strong> that<br />
symptoms to watch out for all<br />
categories of hepatitis include<br />
fatigue, fever, nossia, vomiti<strong>ng</strong>,<br />
pale, stooli<strong>ng</strong>, abdominal pains<br />
and lost of appartite.<br />
Chargi<strong>ng</strong> participants to<br />
always advise their patients<br />
to imbibed good hygiene life<br />
style, maintain cleaner environment,<br />
avoid the intake of<br />
contaminated food, watchi<strong>ng</strong><br />
of fruits before consumption<br />
and stay away from undercooked<br />
food, Dr Ogunmade<br />
said that hepatitis disease can<br />
HIV/AIDS epidemic, particularly<br />
in PMTCT. Beginni<strong>ng</strong> with<br />
the pioneer 11 PMTCT-provider<br />
tertiary health facilities in<br />
2002, the country now has 7,265<br />
health facilities providi<strong>ng</strong><br />
PMTCT services at all levels<br />
of the health care system.”<br />
Aboje, however, stated that<br />
Nigeria’s target on eliminati<strong>ng</strong><br />
new HIV cases in children<br />
amo<strong>ng</strong> other thi<strong>ng</strong>s for 2018<br />
was to ensure 50 per cent of<br />
HIV-exposed children have access<br />
to HIV prophylaxis treatment<br />
and early infant diagnosis<br />
services.<br />
He also declared that fundi<strong>ng</strong>,<br />
inadequate political commitment,<br />
and fundi<strong>ng</strong> at state<br />
and LGA levels, weak health<br />
infrastructure as well as inadequate<br />
e<strong>ng</strong>agement of the<br />
private health sector as some<br />
challe<strong>ng</strong>es against eliminati<strong>ng</strong><br />
new HIV cases in children.<br />
However, Geoffrey Njoku,<br />
United Nations Children’s Fund<br />
(UNICEF) Communications Expert,<br />
expressed grave concern<br />
on many pregnant positive<br />
women who miss out on Anti-Retroviral<br />
Treatment (ART).<br />
The Communications Expert<br />
urged journalists to create<br />
greater awareness on the role<br />
of comprehensive package of<br />
PMTCT interventions in eliminati<strong>ng</strong><br />
child HIV infections.<br />
The comprehensive package<br />
of PMTCT interventions<br />
includes HIV testi<strong>ng</strong> services<br />
(HTS), care of HIV-exposed infants<br />
comprisi<strong>ng</strong> early infant<br />
diagnosis and linkage to treatment<br />
(EID/T).<br />
Others are family planni<strong>ng</strong><br />
services, antiretroviral (ARV)<br />
and Cotrimoxazole prophylaxis<br />
for mother-infant pairs, cervical<br />
cancer screeni<strong>ng</strong> and use of<br />
lifelo<strong>ng</strong> antiretroviral therapy<br />
(ART) for women.<br />
Respondi<strong>ng</strong>, participants decried<br />
situations where government<br />
officials are unavailable<br />
when specific data is needed<br />
for particular stories, prompti<strong>ng</strong><br />
journalists to go for internet<br />
sourced information and data.<br />
They therefore called on<br />
government to make available<br />
accurate data to aid in the reportage<br />
of issues.<br />
Dr Abiola Davies, HIV/AIDS<br />
Specialist and a senior representative<br />
of UNICEF, who was<br />
also one of the workshop facilitators,<br />
charged journalists to<br />
read wide, get accurate data on<br />
issues of PMTCT/eMTCT and<br />
attend traini<strong>ng</strong> to obtain accurate<br />
information to authenticate<br />
their reports.<br />
Sola Ogundipe, the National<br />
Coordinator of JAPIN and<br />
Health Editor with Va<strong>ng</strong>uard<br />
Newspapers, enjoined journalists<br />
to network with their<br />
peers and take advantages of<br />
the information available on<br />
the internet and the social media<br />
to be informed of trends in<br />
reporti<strong>ng</strong> on issues of PMTCT.<br />
The meeti<strong>ng</strong> was organised<br />
with support from United Nations<br />
Children Fund (UNICEF).<br />
be greatly reduced when people<br />
imbibed the habit of regular<br />
hand washi<strong>ng</strong>.<br />
Speaki<strong>ng</strong> earlier, the Chairman,<br />
National Association of<br />
Community Health Practitioners<br />
of Nigeria (NACHPN)<br />
Ogun State Ministry of Health<br />
Branch, Comrade Afuape Olusola<br />
said the traini<strong>ng</strong> was<br />
aimed at eradicati<strong>ng</strong> hepatitis<br />
in the state, sayi<strong>ng</strong> that to accomplish<br />
it, campaign against<br />
hepatitis must start from the<br />
Community Health workers<br />
who are closer to the rural<br />
dwellers.
INDEPENDENT WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 16, 2017 /<stro<strong>ng</strong>>Independent</stro<strong>ng</strong>><strong>ng</strong>r @independent<strong>ng</strong>r www.independent.<strong>ng</strong> B11<br />
FG Commissions Ultra-Modern<br />
Medical Warehouse In Abuja<br />
The Federal Government<br />
has commissioned an<br />
ultra-modern medical<br />
warehouse in Abuja for<br />
storage of drugs and other<br />
medical commodities<br />
that it procured or those<br />
donated by partners before<br />
final distribution to<br />
the end users.<br />
Commissioni<strong>ng</strong> the<br />
facility on Monday, Prof.<br />
Isaac Adewole, the Minister<br />
of Health, said that the<br />
facility, named ‘Premier<br />
Medical Warehouse’ was<br />
a product of joint effort<br />
between the Federal Government<br />
and partners.<br />
“I want to declare publically<br />
that within this<br />
country, I am yet to see facility<br />
like this, so I truly<br />
agree that this is the work<br />
of our partnership”.<br />
Adewole explained that<br />
there are three thi<strong>ng</strong>s that<br />
constitute good health<br />
system, Human Resources,<br />
Drugs/ Commodities<br />
available in the facility<br />
and Data emanati<strong>ng</strong> from<br />
the facility.<br />
The three thi<strong>ng</strong>s are<br />
complementi<strong>ng</strong> one another<br />
and it is only when<br />
the three are put to gather<br />
that a stro<strong>ng</strong> health<br />
system would have been<br />
built.<br />
“A facility that have<br />
human resources and<br />
there are no commodities,<br />
people will go there only<br />
once, they are not likely<br />
to come back, if there is<br />
no data you cannot really<br />
fine tune what is goi<strong>ng</strong><br />
on, you cannot determine<br />
progress and so to<br />
me what we are doi<strong>ng</strong> is<br />
actually to put in place a<br />
stro<strong>ng</strong> system that will deliver<br />
commodity in good<br />
qualities or in good shape<br />
to our people”.<br />
The Minister thanked<br />
the US Government and<br />
Globalfund for supporti<strong>ng</strong><br />
the project. He assured<br />
that the Ministry<br />
will work with private<br />
stakeholders in the management<br />
of the facility.<br />
He said that the facility<br />
in Abuja will take care of<br />
the northern part of the<br />
country while the other<br />
one in Lagos would services<br />
the entire southern<br />
part of the Nigeria.<br />
Adewole said “for us in<br />
the Ministry we would ensure<br />
that we put all that is<br />
necessary to ensure that<br />
this facility is put to use,<br />
we would advertise it, we<br />
would let people know<br />
and we would provide<br />
oversight for the management”.<br />
The Minister said<br />
that facility would also<br />
provide opportunity for<br />
buildi<strong>ng</strong> capacity so that<br />
overtime, the Ministry<br />
would be able to replicate<br />
it in other part of the<br />
country.<br />
In his remark the US<br />
Mission Director in Nigeria,<br />
Mr. Stephen Haykins<br />
said that the Premier<br />
Warehouse in Abuja and<br />
Lagos would overcome<br />
the challe<strong>ng</strong>es of warehousi<strong>ng</strong><br />
and distribution<br />
of drugs in Nigeria.<br />
Akinboboye Emerges First Black To<br />
Chair Cardiovascular Disease Board<br />
The American Board<br />
of Internal Medicine<br />
(ABIM) has announced<br />
the appointment of<br />
Olakunle Akinboboye,<br />
MD as chair of the ABIM<br />
Cardiovascular Board.<br />
The appointment of<br />
Akinboboye by the 81<br />
years old ABIM, is the<br />
first by the body to have a<br />
black Chair of the Cardiovascular<br />
Disease Board.<br />
The Cardiovascular<br />
Board is charged with<br />
certifyi<strong>ng</strong> all deservi<strong>ng</strong><br />
cardiologists in the<br />
United States. The Board<br />
which comprises 12<br />
members from all over<br />
the country is charged<br />
with the responsibility<br />
of conducti<strong>ng</strong>, certifyi<strong>ng</strong><br />
examination for all trainees<br />
in cardiology nationwide<br />
and also carryi<strong>ng</strong><br />
out periodic knowledge<br />
assessments of all practici<strong>ng</strong><br />
cardiologists in the<br />
United States. It is one of<br />
the specialty boards of<br />
the ABIM.<br />
ABIM’s specialty<br />
boards are where the<br />
frontline work, at the<br />
discipline-specific level<br />
is done with the roles<br />
to define, refine and set<br />
standards, perform oversight<br />
assessment, build<br />
partnerships and also<br />
responsible for the broad<br />
definition of their discipline<br />
across certification<br />
and maintenance of certification.<br />
Dr. Akinboboye is certified<br />
in cardiovascular<br />
disease, hypertension<br />
and sleep medicine, an<br />
associate professor of<br />
clinical medicine at the<br />
Weill Medical College<br />
of Cornell University<br />
in New York. He is also<br />
the medical director of<br />
Queens Heart Institute/<br />
Laurelton Heart specialist<br />
in Rosedale, Queens,<br />
New York.<br />
A past-president of<br />
the National Association<br />
of Black Cardiologists’<br />
(ABC), Akinboboye also<br />
serves as Chair of the<br />
Clinical Trials Committee<br />
of the organization,<br />
He also serves on the<br />
International Board of<br />
Governors of the American<br />
College of Cardiology<br />
as the liaison for Africa.<br />
PSN Donates Medicines,<br />
Food Items To Yobe IDPs<br />
Pharmacists under<br />
the auspices of<br />
Pharmaceutical<br />
Society of Nigeria<br />
(PSN), has donated drugs<br />
and food items worth over<br />
N50 million to Internally<br />
Displaced Persons (IDPs)<br />
in Yobe state.<br />
The gesture is in line<br />
with the society’s philosophy<br />
of humanitarian<br />
service and Corporate<br />
Social Responsibility<br />
(CSR).<br />
It would be recalled<br />
that in 2015, PSN donated<br />
drugs, food items and<br />
clothes worth over N50<br />
million to Borno State<br />
Government for IDPs,<br />
while in May 2017, and<br />
the society also donated<br />
Ceftriaxone injection<br />
worth over one million<br />
naira to Sokoto State<br />
Government to tackle the<br />
Meni<strong>ng</strong>itis Outbreaks.<br />
The donation was formally<br />
handed over to the<br />
Deputy Governor of the<br />
states, Alhaji Danlami<br />
Ali, who is also the Chairman<br />
of the Task Force on<br />
IDPs and Returnees.<br />
The deputy governor<br />
was represented by the<br />
Commissioner for Health,<br />
Dr. Mohammed Bello,<br />
who was supported by<br />
the Permanent Secretary<br />
of the State Emergency<br />
Management Agency and<br />
the Director of Pharmaceutical<br />
Services, Pharmacist<br />
Maisule Kumsani<br />
amo<strong>ng</strong> others.<br />
Pharm. Ahmed Yakasai,<br />
the President of PSN<br />
in a statement in Lagos<br />
HealthCare<br />
said, “A sense of responsibility<br />
demands that we<br />
must support our people<br />
in need and help the government<br />
in championi<strong>ng</strong><br />
a whole new agenda to<br />
promote the welfare of<br />
the citizenry in Nigeria.<br />
“Our professional<br />
pedigree and orientation<br />
makes it too obvious<br />
that availability and<br />
affordability of essential<br />
medicines in any health<br />
system confers credibility<br />
on same.<br />
Yakasai, explained<br />
that this is why the association<br />
donated drugs,<br />
food items and clothes<br />
worth over N50 million<br />
to Borno State Government<br />
for the IDPs in 2015<br />
and Ceftriaxone Injection<br />
to the Sokoto state Government<br />
for the Meni<strong>ng</strong>itis<br />
outbreak earlier this<br />
year.<br />
The PSN boss said:<br />
“Established in 1927 in<br />
consonance with its philosophy<br />
of humanitarian<br />
gestures and Corporate<br />
Social Responsibility<br />
(CRS), the PSN feels compelled<br />
to contribute and<br />
touch the lives of our<br />
brothers and sisters<br />
wherever they are in the<br />
country, especially those<br />
in various IDPs camps.<br />
Our correspondent<br />
report that Pharmacist<br />
Ahmed Yakasai was assisted<br />
in deliveri<strong>ng</strong> the<br />
items by the chairman<br />
of Yobe state chapter of<br />
PSN and other executive<br />
members of the association.<br />
Pharm. Ahmed Yakasai, President, Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (PSN) respondi<strong>ng</strong> to questions from<br />
journalists after the donation of drugs and food items to Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in Yobe state.<br />
The Ogun State Government<br />
has inaugurated<br />
a 38-man committee on<br />
State Strategic Health<br />
Development Plan (SSH-<br />
DP), in conjunction with<br />
Pathfinder International<br />
in order to reduce maternal,<br />
child mortality rate<br />
in the State.<br />
Inaugurati<strong>ng</strong> the committee<br />
at the Olusegun<br />
Obasanjo Presidential Library<br />
(OOPL), Abeokuta,<br />
Dr. Babatunde Ipaye, the<br />
State Commissioner for<br />
Health charged them to<br />
think out of the box in<br />
dischargi<strong>ng</strong> their responsibilities.<br />
Ipaye said the committee<br />
had a five-year period<br />
to develop a plan for the<br />
State towards meeti<strong>ng</strong> the<br />
expectation of the Federal<br />
Ministry of Health in havi<strong>ng</strong><br />
bottom-top approach<br />
to the National Strategic<br />
Plan on Health.<br />
Ogun Inaugurates Committee On<br />
Strategic Health Deveploment<br />
The Commissioner<br />
charged the committee to<br />
deliver the best, sayi<strong>ng</strong>;<br />
“whatever development<br />
adopted in the State will<br />
be sent to the Federal<br />
Government as part of<br />
National Health Plan.”<br />
“We are modifyi<strong>ng</strong> the<br />
expectation of Federal government<br />
plan in such a way<br />
that it will have positive impact<br />
on our people, not only<br />
to fulfil federal government<br />
template, but to build on<br />
our three-tier programmes<br />
of primary, secondary and<br />
tertiary health services,”<br />
Ipaye said.<br />
He further stressed<br />
that it was imperative to<br />
manage health care of the<br />
people, especially at the<br />
local communities and<br />
to reflect the approach<br />
of financi<strong>ng</strong> health, particularly<br />
the Community<br />
Based Health Insurance<br />
Scheme (CBHIS), “Araya”<br />
which permits indigent<br />
people of the State to key<br />
into the scheme.<br />
Ipaye added that the<br />
committee would also<br />
provide a template for the<br />
State in fortifyi<strong>ng</strong> the over<br />
477 Primary Health Care<br />
Centres with necessary<br />
equipment, manpower<br />
and international aids<br />
that would enable them<br />
provide efficient health<br />
care services to people in<br />
the rural communities.<br />
The Health Commissioner<br />
said that every Federal<br />
constituency of the<br />
State would have effective<br />
healthcare centres in order<br />
to provide comprehensive<br />
services to the people.<br />
He noted that the programme<br />
would focus<br />
more on the treatment of<br />
Malaria, HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis,<br />
Maternal care,<br />
Immunization and others<br />
through partnerships between<br />
the State Government<br />
and International<br />
bodies for best results.<br />
Dr. Nofiu Aigoro, the<br />
Permanent Secretary,<br />
Ministry of Health, urged<br />
the committee to fasttrack<br />
implementation of<br />
health care services delivery<br />
for the benefit of<br />
the masses, noti<strong>ng</strong> that<br />
he had confidence in the<br />
committee to deliver useful<br />
work plan.
B12<br />
/<stro<strong>ng</strong>>Independent</stro<strong>ng</strong>><strong>ng</strong>r @independent<strong>ng</strong>r www.independent.<strong>ng</strong><br />
INDEPENDENT WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 16, 2017<br />
HealthCare<br />
CHIOMA UMEHA<br />
A from<br />
16-year-old Daniel<br />
Akishi Terpase<br />
sufferi<strong>ng</strong><br />
Ameloblastoma<br />
of Mandible<br />
currently needs the help<br />
of Nigerians.<br />
Akishi was neither<br />
dumb from birth nor was<br />
he born sad, but his present<br />
predicament has make<br />
life really difficult for him.<br />
While his peers are goi<strong>ng</strong><br />
to school or play around<br />
he stays in-door sheddi<strong>ng</strong><br />
tears.<br />
His travails began at<br />
the age of four with a<br />
small spot in the mouth.<br />
Accordi<strong>ng</strong> to Ande Terumbul,<br />
his brother, the<br />
small spot was initially<br />
not perceived as serious as<br />
it didn’t prevent him from<br />
completi<strong>ng</strong> his primary<br />
school education.<br />
“By the time he was<br />
10, it had grown very big<br />
and affected his teeth. We<br />
tried several traditional<br />
and medical treatments it<br />
didn’t work and the more<br />
Boy, 16, Cries For Help To<br />
Effect N4.1m Cancer Surgery<br />
Akishi<br />
he grows the more the jaw<br />
expands and scatters the<br />
teeth.<br />
Terumbul explained<br />
Ogun State Health Commissioner<br />
Dr. Babtunde<br />
Ipaye has said residents<br />
will benefit from a free<br />
eye surgery programme<br />
and a gift of recommended<br />
glasses to those with<br />
sight problems.<br />
Ipaye spoke in Sagamu<br />
while flaggi<strong>ng</strong>-off a weeklo<strong>ng</strong><br />
programme organised<br />
by “The Collectives”,<br />
a community-based project<br />
providi<strong>ng</strong> free eye<br />
screeni<strong>ng</strong> and surgery.<br />
The Commissioner<br />
said the next round of the<br />
programme would enable<br />
residents get surgical interventions<br />
for their eye<br />
problems, such as cataract<br />
and glaucoma.<br />
The Ogun state Ministry<br />
of Health boss said<br />
over 20,000 residents benefits<br />
from social health<br />
insurance scheme, called<br />
Araya, where the government<br />
takes care of the less<br />
privileged.<br />
Accordi<strong>ng</strong> to him,<br />
about 24 health facilities<br />
both private and public<br />
were already enlisted,<br />
treati<strong>ng</strong> patients which<br />
the government payi<strong>ng</strong><br />
the premium every<br />
month.<br />
He noted that basic eye<br />
care was also part of the<br />
“Araya” Scheme, where<br />
the state government put<br />
together all the essential<br />
primary health care component<br />
or elements and<br />
basic eye care, includi<strong>ng</strong><br />
issuance of recommended<br />
glasses to those who in<br />
dare need of it.<br />
He said that there was<br />
that when there was no<br />
improvement, he decided<br />
to bri<strong>ng</strong> him down<br />
to Lagos from Benue<br />
State.<br />
Despite his academic<br />
brilliance, Akishi is<br />
unable to complete his<br />
education and feedi<strong>ng</strong><br />
is a difficult task.<br />
“He ought to be in<br />
SSS 2 now but his predicament<br />
is tryi<strong>ng</strong> to cut<br />
his dream short. The situation<br />
has degenerated<br />
to the extent that he cannot<br />
eat solid food.<br />
“He uses two fi<strong>ng</strong>ers<br />
to put little quantity of<br />
food in his mouth and<br />
the thi<strong>ng</strong>s he can eat<br />
are noodles and bread<br />
soaked in tea.<br />
“He cannot play with<br />
his mates because he<br />
looks scary and they<br />
feel repulsed. He can’t<br />
move freely and have to<br />
a bill before the State<br />
House of Assembly to<br />
have a law that would<br />
make health insurance<br />
available for all the citizens<br />
of the State, where<br />
members of the public<br />
would contribute a token<br />
and government would<br />
subsidise and people<br />
would be enlisted in the<br />
social health insurance<br />
scheme called “Araya”<br />
like it’s done in advanced<br />
country.<br />
Ipaye appreciated the<br />
members of “The Collectives”<br />
for their laudable<br />
initiative, especially in<br />
restori<strong>ng</strong> of the people’s<br />
sight both through the<br />
provision of glasses and<br />
surgical operation, admonishi<strong>ng</strong><br />
other non-governmantal<br />
to take a cue<br />
covers his mouth with<br />
handkerchiefs.” Appeali<strong>ng</strong><br />
to kind-hearted<br />
Nigerians, Terumbul<br />
said just N600,000 had<br />
been realised from the<br />
N4.1 million requested<br />
for corrective surgery.<br />
A medical report<br />
signed by the Medical<br />
Director, Adeeh Davies<br />
Hospital and Scan Centre,<br />
Dr. K.O. Odunayo<br />
showed that there was<br />
an expansile lytic lesion<br />
of the lower jaw which<br />
involves the region of the<br />
mandibular isthmus.<br />
The report noted: “Tomographic<br />
features are<br />
highly suggestive of malignant<br />
ameloblastoma.”<br />
If you are touched by<br />
Akishi plight, kindly send<br />
your donation to Terpase<br />
Daniel Akishi, Fidelity<br />
Bank, 6040443239 or contact<br />
07018486633.<br />
L-R: Director, Ports Inspection Directorate, National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), Mrs.<br />
Maureen Egbigbeyi Acti<strong>ng</strong> Director General, Mrs. Yetunde Oni; Head, Investigation and Enforcement, Mr. Ki<strong>ng</strong>sley Ejiofor; and<br />
Director, Special Duties, Alh. Abubakar Jimoh, at the media presentation on seizures of unregulated products and arrest of<br />
culprits by agency in Lagos recently.<br />
Ogun Residents To Enjoy Free Eye Treatment<br />
from them.<br />
Dr. Oladapo Awode,<br />
Consultant Ophthalmologist,<br />
charged the government<br />
at all levels to make<br />
issue of blindness in the<br />
country priority and matter<br />
of policy in tackli<strong>ng</strong> it<br />
through the provision of<br />
available, accessible and<br />
affordable eye care service<br />
at primary health<br />
care, secondary and tertiary<br />
care services.<br />
Noti<strong>ng</strong> that globally<br />
38 million people bei<strong>ng</strong><br />
blind, half of them were<br />
from cataract and about 8<br />
million people blind from<br />
glaucoma which was the<br />
worst of all, he said blindness<br />
from glaucoma was<br />
irreversible, while blindness<br />
from cataract was<br />
reversible.<br />
THE ABC OF INFERTILITY<br />
with<br />
DR. TAIWO<br />
OREBAMJO<br />
09090009002<br />
info@thelifeshoreclinics.com<br />
Poor Eggs Cause Of<br />
Unexplained Infertility<br />
For about 10 per cent of<br />
infertile couples we cannot<br />
determine what the<br />
reason for their infertility<br />
is. The diagnostic<br />
label we use for them is<br />
unexplained infertility,<br />
which just means that we<br />
cannot provide an explanation<br />
as to why they are<br />
infertile.<br />
For many of these couples<br />
, we have now found<br />
that the reason for their<br />
infertility is poor quality<br />
eggs. This can often be<br />
a difficult diagnosis to<br />
make; and it is one which<br />
is often overlooked by<br />
many gynecologists , especially<br />
when the woman<br />
is you<strong>ng</strong> and has regular<br />
cycles.<br />
What is oopause<br />
Some women with<br />
poor quality eggs have<br />
poor eggs because they<br />
have impaired ovarian<br />
reserve. Every woman<br />
is born with all the eggs<br />
she is ever goi<strong>ng</strong> to have<br />
in her life; and as she<br />
gets older, she keeps on<br />
depleti<strong>ng</strong> her ovarian reserve<br />
until she becomes<br />
menopausal. However<br />
, for at least 10 years before<br />
reachi<strong>ng</strong> the menopause<br />
, her egg quality<br />
declines, so that she has<br />
enough eggs to produce<br />
enough hormones to get<br />
regular menstrual cycles,<br />
but not enough to make<br />
a baby. This is called the<br />
oopause.<br />
Since her cycles are<br />
regular , this lulls her<br />
- and her gynecologist<br />
- into a false sense of security.<br />
The good news is<br />
that there are accurate<br />
tests to check ovarian<br />
reserve. These include a<br />
high-resolution vaginal<br />
ultrasound scan to check<br />
the antral follicle count;<br />
and a blood test to check<br />
the levels of AMH , or<br />
anti-Mullerian hormone.<br />
A low antral follicle<br />
count and a low AMH<br />
level both suggest poor<br />
ovarian reserve. In these<br />
cases the problem is that<br />
we have to technology<br />
to make the diagnosis<br />
but the diagnosis is not<br />
made properly because<br />
of a lack of awareness.<br />
Another example<br />
There is another group<br />
of women, who have apparently<br />
normal ovarian<br />
reserve, but poor quality<br />
eggs. The group is much<br />
more frustrati<strong>ng</strong> to deal<br />
with. It is only when IVF<br />
or ICSI is done for these<br />
women that we find out<br />
that they have an egg<br />
problem. Here is the explanation.<br />
Some of these women<br />
will grow eggs poorly in<br />
response to superovulation.<br />
Such a poor ovarian<br />
response is a marker<br />
for poor ovarian reserve.<br />
Unfortunately, they have<br />
a normal antral follicle<br />
count and normal AMH<br />
levels, which means this<br />
diagnosis is made only<br />
after the IVF superovulation<br />
has started.<br />
The third group is perhaps<br />
the most difficult.<br />
These are women who<br />
grow a sufficient quantity<br />
of follicles in response<br />
to superovulation ; and<br />
have high estradiol levels<br />
as well. Egg collection is<br />
usually uneventful ; and<br />
the doctor often retrieves<br />
eight to 16 eggs for them.<br />
If IVF is done, when<br />
the fertilization check is<br />
performed the followi<strong>ng</strong><br />
day, much to the embryologist’s<br />
surprise and<br />
the patient’s dismay , it<br />
is found that the fertilization<br />
is very poor even<br />
though the sperm are<br />
fine and actively motile.<br />
If ICSI is bei<strong>ng</strong> done, the<br />
embryologist often finds<br />
that the eggs are morphologically<br />
normal; or are<br />
very fragile.<br />
For example, these<br />
eggs have granular cytoplasm;<br />
or vacuoles in<br />
their cytoplasm ; or dark<br />
areas within the cytoplasm.<br />
( We call this the<br />
“fragile egg syndrome”.)<br />
Since normal eggs are<br />
simple spherical formless<br />
blobs, these subtle<br />
cytoplasmic abnormalities<br />
are often missed or<br />
overlooked. The embryologist<br />
may also noticed<br />
that the eggs are fragile,<br />
and the cell membrane offers<br />
little resistance to the<br />
injection pipette. Many<br />
of these eggs may die<br />
duri<strong>ng</strong> the ICSI process.
INDEPENDENT WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 16, 2017 /<stro<strong>ng</strong>>Independent</stro<strong>ng</strong>><strong>ng</strong>r @independent<strong>ng</strong>r www.independent.<strong>ng</strong> D5<br />
‘Politicians Must Not Be Jobless People’<br />
Politics<br />
•CONTINUED FROM D4<br />
before he remembers he is<br />
from Texas or Dallas. The<br />
disaster we have in Nigeria<br />
is that we didn’t form nationality<br />
citizenship whereby<br />
you are first a Nigerian<br />
before you remember your<br />
tribe. It is that disaster that<br />
is still hunti<strong>ng</strong> us till date.<br />
How come that my children<br />
who didn’t grow up in Ekiti,<br />
but in Kaduna, cannot have<br />
same rights as others in<br />
that state? Our systems are<br />
designed in such a way that<br />
even when they were goi<strong>ng</strong><br />
to Armed Forces Primary<br />
School, to even get that form<br />
filled, I needed to first get a<br />
local government chairman<br />
of my state of origin. By the<br />
way, I was born in Ile-Ife.<br />
But, these leaders who are<br />
doi<strong>ng</strong> these would get their<br />
own wives travel to London,<br />
New York, deliver there and<br />
claim all the rights of those<br />
countries. But, here, we<br />
cannot do that. This is what<br />
has led us to where we are,<br />
where people have the gut to<br />
be calli<strong>ng</strong> other Nigerians by<br />
their tribes. It is because all<br />
of us have not first formed a<br />
nation where we have a common<br />
citizenship that we are<br />
Nigerians. The only exception<br />
is maybe when we are<br />
playi<strong>ng</strong> football. We should<br />
be a Nigerian first and that<br />
is what Chapter 2 of the Nigerian<br />
Constitution says. We<br />
need to put it into effect.<br />
How far have you gone with<br />
your desire to rule Ekiti State?<br />
I am not one of those who<br />
wait to be drafted because<br />
that is not leadership. I<br />
have been fully trained, prepared<br />
with the wisdom and<br />
the knowledge necessary to<br />
serve any group of people,<br />
even the entire country. But,<br />
I want to start from Ekiti<br />
State. In the whole of my<br />
town, there is no electricity<br />
in this modern world. Look<br />
at those children, their libraries<br />
are on the internet.<br />
Even to get forms for exam<br />
purposes, they are on the<br />
internet. Have we not sentenced<br />
the next generation<br />
to destruction? This is my<br />
own passion and motivation.<br />
I am not here for the love of<br />
power; I am determined to<br />
recognise that the only legitimate<br />
and lawful ways<br />
is to have a democratically<br />
elected government with a<br />
leader with good character,<br />
who can develop the entire<br />
land for peace and progress<br />
of the society.<br />
We are blessed. Ekiti State<br />
has the capacity to be the<br />
food basket of the whole of<br />
West Africa. I know when<br />
President Buhari was campaigni<strong>ng</strong><br />
in Ado Ekiti, he<br />
made a promise of an airport,<br />
which we plan to make<br />
an agro-airport, just like<br />
Kebbi State. Even now, some<br />
good leaders in the North,<br />
Kaduna State for example,<br />
Owolabi<br />
Reasonable people<br />
should within the<br />
authority support<br />
each other. I must<br />
support Fayose<br />
even though we<br />
are in different<br />
political parties. He<br />
too must support<br />
Buhari because<br />
he’s the head of<br />
the country today<br />
has been able to key into the<br />
Federal Government plans<br />
and their own leadership<br />
acumen to get the people to<br />
be enjoyi<strong>ng</strong> travels from the<br />
state to all over the world<br />
now. We shall also ensure<br />
that from Ekiti State, people<br />
can go all over the world.<br />
But, that require leadership.<br />
This is why I tell my followers<br />
that my political party<br />
is Ekiti State. But, Ekiti<br />
State is part of Nigeria. I do<br />
not believe that we should<br />
make the mistake of the<br />
past where the Yoruba leaders,<br />
for example, were more<br />
of regional politicians. This<br />
country belo<strong>ng</strong>s to all of us.<br />
Until it is restructured, power<br />
and resources reside with<br />
the Federal Government.<br />
Those resources are for all<br />
of us.<br />
I am telli<strong>ng</strong> my people<br />
through this medium to understand<br />
that the basis for<br />
choosi<strong>ng</strong> the political party<br />
to support is that which<br />
controls the Federal Government.<br />
We need to tap into<br />
our resources as a nation<br />
to develop Ekiti State, too<br />
just as they are developi<strong>ng</strong><br />
other parts of Nigeria. It<br />
would be a suicidal mission<br />
for anybody to do otherwise.<br />
Anythi<strong>ng</strong> sectional, it can’t<br />
stand. The state can’t pay<br />
workers’ salaries now. It is<br />
the Federal Government<br />
that is baili<strong>ng</strong> it out. It is<br />
a shame. So, we have to be<br />
reasonable, not because I am<br />
a retired military man who<br />
was schooled in patriotism.<br />
Quite frankly, Nigeria as a<br />
nation is great. If I had my<br />
way, it would be like China<br />
where we have only one national<br />
party. But the focus<br />
should be to develop the nation<br />
and not the pockets of<br />
individuals. That requires<br />
people who can think out of<br />
the box, people who are leaders<br />
and have the stre<strong>ng</strong>th<br />
and courage of the Biblical<br />
Joshua because the job at<br />
hand is very difficult. The<br />
road may be very complex,<br />
but leaders must have the<br />
courage, stre<strong>ng</strong>th and character<br />
to ensure that we succeed<br />
in this nation.<br />
What is your assessment of<br />
the present government in the<br />
state?<br />
There are seven da<strong>ng</strong>erous<br />
character traits that are<br />
responsible for failures and<br />
disasters even in politics.<br />
Anybody who has anti-authority<br />
attitude is a disaster<br />
waiti<strong>ng</strong> to happen. Every<br />
one of us is to support whoever<br />
God puts in a position.<br />
Whether he’s a David, Herod<br />
or Nebuchadnezzar it is irrelevant.<br />
I tell everybody<br />
around me that anybody<br />
who abuses Governor Ayodele<br />
Fayose would leave my<br />
camp because you are indirectly<br />
abusi<strong>ng</strong> me too. I am<br />
from this state and as at today,<br />
he’s the number one citizen<br />
of this state. Also, anybody<br />
who abuses President<br />
Buhari is insulti<strong>ng</strong> himself<br />
and also insulti<strong>ng</strong> all of us<br />
because Buhari is the head<br />
of the country today. So,<br />
people with anti-authority<br />
attitude are very da<strong>ng</strong>erous.<br />
Reasonable people should<br />
within the authority support<br />
each other. I must support<br />
Fayose even though we are<br />
in different political parties.<br />
He too must support Buhari<br />
because he’s the head of the<br />
country today. We are in a<br />
nation where we don’t support<br />
people because they are<br />
not in our camp. We must<br />
communicate with each other.<br />
We must respect each other<br />
even though we disagree.<br />
We once had a President in<br />
this country that drove away<br />
his Vice-President, just because<br />
they disagreed. Those<br />
are not the good traits of<br />
leadership. It’s like a pilot<br />
who drove out his co-pilot.<br />
Of course, they are goi<strong>ng</strong><br />
to crash. They must work<br />
together, they must respect<br />
each other.<br />
Also, we must educate<br />
each other. A political leader<br />
or a governor should not<br />
be the one who sits on a seat<br />
and be collecti<strong>ng</strong> salaries,<br />
cheati<strong>ng</strong> people. You are<br />
supposed to educate the people.<br />
That is what we call the<br />
leader. Also, a leader must be<br />
assertive. We now train our<br />
co-pilots that they are not extra-tyres.<br />
The captain may<br />
be better than you, but he’s<br />
not the deputy God. We are<br />
prone to errors, but we can<br />
only be safe if we operate as<br />
a team. That is what we are<br />
lacki<strong>ng</strong> here and that is why<br />
we are faili<strong>ng</strong>.<br />
Politicians should not<br />
be jobless people, you must<br />
have a second address. That<br />
is why we have this buyi<strong>ng</strong><br />
and selli<strong>ng</strong> of votes. We<br />
should have seen you succeed<br />
in somethi<strong>ng</strong> before<br />
venturi<strong>ng</strong> into politics. A<br />
man who has not succeeded<br />
in anythi<strong>ng</strong>, why are you<br />
surprised that he’s crashi<strong>ng</strong><br />
your state or country? They<br />
are disasters waiti<strong>ng</strong> to happen.<br />
In my own situation, I<br />
am fully prepared by God.<br />
What I am sayi<strong>ng</strong> is that<br />
leadership is what we should<br />
take very seriously. That is<br />
why I coined my political<br />
movement ERA (Ekiti Restoration<br />
Agenda), which is to<br />
restore the political dignity<br />
and honour of Ekiti State,<br />
the Fountain of Knowledge,<br />
but has become the butts<br />
of jokes all over the world;<br />
home of Professors bei<strong>ng</strong><br />
ruled by people who hardly<br />
know their left from right.
D6<br />
/<stro<strong>ng</strong>>Independent</stro<strong>ng</strong>><strong>ng</strong>r @independent<strong>ng</strong>r www.independent.<strong>ng</strong><br />
INDEPENDENT WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 16, 2017<br />
INDEPENDENT<br />
THE MOST READ NEWSPAPER AMONG THE POLITICAL AND BUSINESS ELITE<br />
Our View<br />
A<br />
recent report that<br />
about 2,500 Nigerian<br />
medical doctors<br />
of different cadre<br />
are goi<strong>ng</strong> to leave the country<br />
in search of better opportunities<br />
abroad in September<br />
is worrisome.<br />
The survey which was<br />
conducted by NOIPolls in<br />
collaboration with Nigerian<br />
Health Watch, whose findi<strong>ng</strong>s<br />
cut across junior, mid<br />
and senior level medical<br />
practitioners in both public<br />
and private medical institutions<br />
revealed that 8 out of<br />
every 10 medical doctors,<br />
representi<strong>ng</strong> about 88 percent<br />
of the medical doctors<br />
in Nigeria are currently<br />
seeki<strong>ng</strong> work opportunities<br />
abroad.<br />
Further findi<strong>ng</strong>s by the<br />
survey show that out of<br />
about 72, 000 medical doctors<br />
registered with the Medical<br />
and Dental Council of Nigeria,<br />
only about 35,000 are<br />
currently practici<strong>ng</strong> in the<br />
country. Further checks from<br />
the Nigerian Medical Association<br />
(NMA) show that out<br />
of an estimated 40, 000 of its<br />
members in Nigeria, quite a<br />
number have since left the<br />
profession to venture into<br />
other areas.<br />
Also, the report highlighted<br />
that United Ki<strong>ng</strong>dom (UK)<br />
Executive Editor ❱ Ted Iwere<br />
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and the United States of<br />
America (USA) are the top<br />
destinations for the Nigerian<br />
medical doctors. Of course,<br />
there is a preponderance of<br />
erudite Nigerian medical<br />
practitioners in many other<br />
developed and developi<strong>ng</strong><br />
nations- such as Canada, the<br />
Caribbean and Saudi Arabia<br />
who are doi<strong>ng</strong> quite well under<br />
conducive worki<strong>ng</strong> conditions<br />
and better reward.<br />
For sure, this is undoubtedly<br />
a reflection of a Nigerian<br />
health sector that needs<br />
urgent governmental attention.<br />
In fact, the wanton lack<br />
of requisite facilities, work<br />
environment and conditions,<br />
career development, and low<br />
reward system are amo<strong>ng</strong><br />
the factors causi<strong>ng</strong> the massive<br />
exodus of the country’s<br />
medical personnel to other<br />
countries where they get it<br />
better.<br />
Unfortunately, government<br />
has not been able to<br />
do much in addressi<strong>ng</strong> the<br />
perennial challe<strong>ng</strong>es in the<br />
sector, thereby improvi<strong>ng</strong> the<br />
worki<strong>ng</strong> condition of medical<br />
doctors in the country<br />
and givi<strong>ng</strong> the profession<br />
its deserved pride of place.<br />
Often, the media had been<br />
awash with the news of one<br />
industrial action or the other<br />
by the members of the NMA<br />
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Stop The Brain Drain In Health Sector Now<br />
and its subsidiaries, due to<br />
poor welfare, worki<strong>ng</strong> tools,<br />
and condition of service.<br />
There are also media reports<br />
that some doctors who<br />
have been recruited in some<br />
public medical institutions<br />
have not been paid for several<br />
months. Of course, these<br />
developments have worsened<br />
the conditions which<br />
are causi<strong>ng</strong> these doctors to<br />
leave the country in droves.<br />
It is even more worrisome<br />
that this phenomenon has,<br />
over time adversely affected<br />
health care delivery, in the<br />
sense that it has left enormous<br />
workload for the few<br />
available medical doctors.<br />
Currently, statistics show<br />
that the doctor-patient ratio<br />
in Nigeria is 1 : 4,250 patients,<br />
which is far below the<br />
World Health Organisation<br />
(WHO) recommendation of 1<br />
:600 patients. This is, certainly,<br />
not acceptable by any<br />
standard.<br />
Not a few experts believe<br />
that there is lack of faith<br />
by most Nigerian leaders on<br />
the country’s health system.<br />
Only this week, the British<br />
Broadcasti<strong>ng</strong> Corporation<br />
(BBC) reportedly cast aspersion<br />
on President Buhari’s<br />
lo<strong>ng</strong> absence from the country<br />
for medical treatment<br />
abroad, insinuati<strong>ng</strong> that it<br />
was an indictment in the<br />
lack of confidence in Nigeria’s<br />
health sector.<br />
Therefore, to address the<br />
conditions leadi<strong>ng</strong> to the<br />
mass exodus of many of the<br />
nation’s finest medical practitioners,<br />
it is imperative for<br />
government at both the federal<br />
and state to now declare<br />
some form of emergency in<br />
the nation’s health sector,<br />
with a view to revampi<strong>ng</strong> the<br />
entire system. This is a task<br />
that can no lo<strong>ng</strong>er be delayed<br />
and must be pursued with<br />
an unalloyed political will.<br />
Perhaps, when government’s<br />
policy to restrict public officials<br />
from indiscriminate<br />
health tourism abroad is religiously<br />
implemented, it will<br />
do the country and its health<br />
sector a world of good.<br />
More so, we urge the NMA<br />
to encourage its members<br />
to form partnerships with<br />
a view to enhanci<strong>ng</strong> service<br />
delivery in the heath sector.<br />
Perhaps, as a form of incentive,<br />
government should<br />
grant some form of tax holidays<br />
to such consortium of<br />
doctors who are willi<strong>ng</strong> to go<br />
into such partnerships. With<br />
the required enabli<strong>ng</strong> environment<br />
created, the exodus<br />
of doctors would certainly<br />
minimise and the health sector<br />
would be better for it.
INDEPENDENT WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 16, 2017 /<stro<strong>ng</strong>>Independent</stro<strong>ng</strong>><strong>ng</strong>r @independent<strong>ng</strong>r www.independent.<strong>ng</strong> D7<br />
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CROSSWORD<br />
with<br />
AYODEJI Ajayi<br />
09084528388<br />
(sms only)<br />
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I<br />
recall vividly with profound pride<br />
and nostalgia that as privileged undergraduate<br />
in the then prestigious<br />
Department of Mass Communication,<br />
University of Lagos, several years ago, I<br />
can say, unequivocally, that the Nigerian<br />
education sector had public universities<br />
that were truly centres of excellence, in<br />
terms of meani<strong>ng</strong>ful teachi<strong>ng</strong>, learni<strong>ng</strong>,<br />
research, as well as sustainable partnerships<br />
and relationship between universities<br />
and their immediate environments.<br />
In those days, reputable public<br />
universities especially, University of<br />
Ibadan, University of Lagos, University<br />
of Nigeria, Nsukka, and Ahmadu Bello<br />
University, Zaria, were not only centres<br />
of academic excellence, they were also<br />
passionately patronised by many eminent<br />
parents and guardians that wanted their<br />
children and wards to attend these frontline<br />
universities. Consequently, it was<br />
not surprisi<strong>ng</strong> that, unlike other public<br />
universities, this set of unique tertiary<br />
institutions attracted dedicated, hardworki<strong>ng</strong>,<br />
visionary, honest, intelligent,<br />
and detribalised Vice-Chancellors, Registrars<br />
and Bursars. The Vice-Chancellors<br />
were highly revered for dischargi<strong>ng</strong> their<br />
responsibilities with unquestionable<br />
CHUKWUDI OBI<br />
On The Senate, Ports And Revenue Leakages<br />
One is constrained to join issues<br />
with “Mr. Yahaya Sadique”, supposedly<br />
a Kaduna-based writer<br />
over an article authored by him<br />
and published recently in THISDAY. The<br />
article entitled “The Senate, Ports and<br />
revenue leakages” is, to say the least, a<br />
disservice to the cause of truth. Although<br />
it hi<strong>ng</strong>es its premise on the ports and attempts<br />
by the senate to investigate alleged<br />
revenue leakages at the ports, it dwells<br />
extensively on a statement recently issued<br />
by respected elder statesman and former<br />
Military Governor of Kaduna State, Col.<br />
Umar Abubakar Da<strong>ng</strong>iwa Umar (rtd).<br />
And that is really pathetic.<br />
One finds it distasteful that “Mr.<br />
Sadique” would disparage a man who<br />
has remained one of the most committed<br />
patriots and has never shied away from<br />
speaki<strong>ng</strong> his mind on national issue, no<br />
matter how contentious they are. To insinuate<br />
that the statesman is under the<br />
influence of the NPA, is to say the least, a<br />
disgraceful position not expected of anyone<br />
conversant with our national history<br />
and national interest at heart.<br />
But it does not seem that the writer under<br />
discussion is in tune with the current<br />
state of affairs goi<strong>ng</strong> by the content of his<br />
article, especially as it concerns the NPA.<br />
Anyone familiar with the current state of<br />
affairs at the NPA would readily testify<br />
to the increasi<strong>ng</strong> level of transparency<br />
at the agency.<br />
Just on Tuesday this week, a report in<br />
The Nation quoted a statesman and former<br />
Governor of Ogun State, Chief Olusegun<br />
Probe Of Vice-Chancellors<br />
integrity and this was attributed to the<br />
unflinchi<strong>ng</strong> support received from relevant<br />
stakeholders. But today, more than<br />
four decades after graduation, it saddens<br />
my troubled mind whenever I ruminate<br />
over the current decayi<strong>ng</strong> infrastructure,<br />
economic and financial rot, fast declini<strong>ng</strong><br />
quality of education, mass production of<br />
unemployable graduates, as well as unendi<strong>ng</strong><br />
moral decadence bedevilli<strong>ng</strong> virtually<br />
all public universities across the<br />
country. As it is in public hospitals, includi<strong>ng</strong><br />
university teachi<strong>ng</strong> hospitals, often<br />
described as mere consulti<strong>ng</strong> clinics, most<br />
of the public universities are not better<br />
than glorified secondary schools.<br />
It is unfortunate that rather than set<br />
up the number of universities they can<br />
successfully cater for and ensure they are<br />
adequately funded for uninterrupted academic<br />
calendars, as well as world-class<br />
academic standards in terms of teachi<strong>ng</strong>,<br />
learni<strong>ng</strong>, research and quality of graduates<br />
produced, in-line with global best practices,<br />
successive administrations, especially<br />
since the return of civil rule in 1999, have<br />
indiscriminately established new universities,<br />
some of which have not fully taken<br />
off, based on primordial reasons such as<br />
politics and geographical location.<br />
No wonder rather than serve as citadel<br />
of outstandi<strong>ng</strong> academic accomplishments,<br />
compared with their counterparts<br />
on the African continent or indeed, worldwide,<br />
none of Nigeria’s public universities<br />
meets global standards. This explains why,<br />
except private universities, virtually all<br />
those owned by federal and state governments<br />
are continuously gaspi<strong>ng</strong> for breath,<br />
largely due to inadequate fundi<strong>ng</strong>, mismanagement<br />
and unbridled corruption.<br />
It is disgusti<strong>ng</strong> that these days, unlike<br />
in the past, Vice-Chancellors, Registrars<br />
Osoba as sayi<strong>ng</strong> the followi<strong>ng</strong> about the<br />
new administration at the NPA. “If anybody<br />
is complaini<strong>ng</strong> about Hadiza Bala<br />
Usman…it must be that such people are<br />
not transparent. And if you are not transparent<br />
and compliant to the rules and regulation<br />
of NPA, you will run into troubled<br />
waters with Hadiza Bala Usman.”<br />
How does this differ from Umar comments<br />
made about her just a few hours<br />
before Osoba said the foregoi<strong>ng</strong>?<br />
It is unfortunate that it is this same person<br />
that Sadique is accusi<strong>ng</strong> of not just<br />
embarki<strong>ng</strong> on a media campaign against<br />
the Senate Committee on Customs, Excise<br />
&Tariffs and Marine Transport, but<br />
recruiti<strong>ng</strong> “supporters” in an imaginary<br />
media trial.<br />
From what I have read about the NPA<br />
in the past couple of months, its management<br />
has shown commendable commitment<br />
to instituti<strong>ng</strong> a culture of transparency<br />
at the organisation.<br />
Concerni<strong>ng</strong> their relationship with the<br />
Senate, the only public comments that can<br />
be attributed to the NPA are those which<br />
offered explanations on issues raised by<br />
the Senate committees and went on to assure<br />
of its readiness to provide further<br />
information. Two examples of these are<br />
statements entitled: “NPA welcomes Senate’s<br />
investigation of its JV Enterprises,”<br />
published in the July 7, 2017 edition of<br />
Leadership and “No evidence of 282 missi<strong>ng</strong><br />
vessels, says NPA,” published in the<br />
July 27, edition of THISDAY. From this, it<br />
is evident that the NPA does not need any<br />
mouthpiece to communicate its opinion<br />
to stakeholders in the Nigerian project.<br />
Havi<strong>ng</strong> said that, there is a need to<br />
and Bursars of public universities, constantly<br />
visit offices of Economic and<br />
Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC)<br />
for questioni<strong>ng</strong> over alleged financial irregularities.<br />
This is shameful; whereas<br />
Vice-Chancellors, bei<strong>ng</strong> Chief Executive<br />
Officers rather than corrupt political leaders,<br />
are expected to demonstrate sterli<strong>ng</strong><br />
leadership qualities for others to emulate.<br />
Public university Vice-Chancellors are not<br />
different from politicians because they are<br />
appointed either by the President in the<br />
case of federal universities or by governors<br />
for those owned by state governments.<br />
Since many of such appointments are not<br />
based on merit but political, religious or<br />
personal considerations, the Vice-Chancellors<br />
have no option but dance rhythmically<br />
to tunes of their benefactors, at the<br />
expense of the success and survival of the<br />
university system, which is currently in a<br />
big mess. Like the sickeni<strong>ng</strong> Nigerian polity,<br />
public universities have been polluted<br />
and require sweepi<strong>ng</strong> sanitisation for the<br />
entire university system to regain its lost<br />
glory. For years, accounts of many public<br />
universities have not been audited and this<br />
has given room for corruption.<br />
It is amazi<strong>ng</strong> that most of the reports of<br />
inquiry into financial irregularities involvi<strong>ng</strong><br />
some Vice-Chancellors, Registrars and<br />
Bursars are yet to be released. Also, those<br />
that were indicted in some state universities<br />
were merely sacked and allowed to<br />
go away and sin no more, instead of bei<strong>ng</strong><br />
penalised to serve as a deterrent. Havi<strong>ng</strong><br />
realised none of their indicted predecessors<br />
has been punished for financial profligacy,<br />
this has invariably emboldened more<br />
Vice-Chancellors and other principal officers<br />
to e<strong>ng</strong>age in corrupt practices. However,<br />
this ragi<strong>ng</strong> endemic problem posi<strong>ng</strong> incalculable<br />
threat to survival of university<br />
highlight part of the report in ‘The Nation’<br />
of August 3, 2017, which he quoted in<br />
his article. He had written: “…To support<br />
this position, which Col. Umar seemed to<br />
align to, the same publication stated more<br />
than four instances where vessels had<br />
come to Calabar Port and exited the Port<br />
without any proper documentation.” He<br />
went ahead to list these occasions when<br />
vessels were not properly documented<br />
and concluded that: “If these are true,<br />
then the NPA has tacitly admitted that,<br />
indeed, vessels enter the Nigerian waters<br />
and disappear without documentation.<br />
This tacit admission validates the position<br />
of the Senate that, indeed, vessels do<br />
enter Nigeria’s territorial waters under<br />
the watch of the NPA and exit without<br />
documentation, hence the Public Heari<strong>ng</strong><br />
by Senate to look at the revenue leakages<br />
in the Ports. This tacit admission by the<br />
NPA, therefore, explains the aversion of<br />
the MD of the Nigerian Ports Authority to<br />
honour the invitation of the Senate Committee<br />
and testify at the Public Heari<strong>ng</strong>.”<br />
My own understandi<strong>ng</strong> of the part of<br />
the report in The Nation is different. In<br />
my own understandi<strong>ng</strong>, the ships quoted<br />
in the article by “Mr Sadique” have<br />
nothi<strong>ng</strong> to do with the 282 ships that were<br />
said to be missi<strong>ng</strong>. On the contrary, they<br />
explicate the conclusion of the investigations<br />
into actives of the Calabar Channel<br />
Management Company and the attempt<br />
to hoodwink the NPA by the appearance<br />
and disappearance of these ships which<br />
were supposed to have been deployed as<br />
part of the company’s dredgi<strong>ng</strong> contract.<br />
Furthermore, in the THISDAY report<br />
of July 27, earlier cited, the NPA explained<br />
education in Nigeria must not be allowed<br />
to persist. Protection of interests of lecturers,<br />
students and the university system to<br />
ensure smooth operations on campuses to<br />
avoid disruption of academic calendars is<br />
now a paramount responsibility of owners<br />
of public universities.<br />
Recent disclosure by Executive Secretary<br />
of National Universities Commission<br />
(NUC), Professor Adbulrasheed Abubakar,<br />
that Ibrahim Magu-led EFCC would soon<br />
commence investigations into financial<br />
irregularities involvi<strong>ng</strong> some Vice-Chancellors<br />
and Bursars of federal universities<br />
is a welcome development that is lo<strong>ng</strong> overdue.<br />
Apart from allegi<strong>ng</strong> that some VCs<br />
live above their means, Abubakar revealed<br />
that most of the 40 federal universities can<br />
hardly generate enough funds for themselves.<br />
I recall that earlier this year, President<br />
Muhammadu Buhari had hinted that<br />
his administration would probe federal<br />
universities. The president’s pronouncement<br />
clearly shows the disturbi<strong>ng</strong> level of<br />
financial rot in many federal universities<br />
and urgent need to stem the tide and save<br />
the system from total collapse.<br />
EFCC should in the spirit of government’s<br />
anti-corruption crusade, ensure<br />
the investigations are thorough and that<br />
those found culpable are severely punished<br />
to serve as a deterrent to others. Vice-Chancellors,<br />
by virtue of their sacred duties are<br />
expected to exhibit exemplary conduct in<br />
management of affairs of their institutions.<br />
Whoever indulges in corrupt practices<br />
no matter how highly connected, should<br />
face the wrath of the law. It is unacceptable<br />
for public university authorities to be agitati<strong>ng</strong><br />
for full autonomy when their institutions<br />
continuously depend largely on<br />
grants from government and even funds<br />
collected are yet to be accounted for.<br />
that it was presented with a number of<br />
documents on July 20, 2017 while another<br />
set was passed on to it through the Nigerian<br />
Shippers Council on July 24, 2017.<br />
The report said after looki<strong>ng</strong> through<br />
the documents, the NPA discovered that<br />
of the 29 items handed over to it, only five<br />
vessels were identifiable with the other 24<br />
items bei<strong>ng</strong> repetitions of the five identified<br />
vessels.<br />
The THISDAY report further said the<br />
organisation was unable to conduct a<br />
meani<strong>ng</strong>ful review of the documents sent<br />
through the Nigerian Shippers Council<br />
because they did not include data like vessel<br />
names, arrival date of vessels, port of<br />
arrival, name of terminal and no rotation<br />
number of vessels, that will enable verification.<br />
It also said that the situation had been<br />
communicated to the Senate Committee.<br />
What is clear from the administration<br />
of the NPA is that it is committed to the<br />
war against indiscipline of Buhari administration.<br />
And as it concerns Col. Umar,<br />
one does not know what a man of his conviction,<br />
a man who stood against wro<strong>ng</strong><br />
decisions taken by his superiors in the<br />
military, should be accused of falsehood<br />
by “Sadique”.<br />
For me, Col. Umar called the attention<br />
of Nigerians to issues that are pertinent<br />
to national survival. It is a period in our<br />
country when men and women of virtue<br />
are scarce, Umar is one of such and we<br />
should not grudge him for identifyi<strong>ng</strong><br />
people like him and standi<strong>ng</strong> with them.<br />
No, we should not!<br />
Obi, a maritime business Analyst, wrote in<br />
from Lagos.
D8<br />
/<stro<strong>ng</strong>>Independent</stro<strong>ng</strong>><strong>ng</strong>r @independent<strong>ng</strong>r www.independent.<strong>ng</strong><br />
INDEPENDENT WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 16, 2017<br />
WorldPolitics<br />
Oyeniran Apata<br />
+2348057514433<br />
oyeniran.apata@independentnig.com<br />
US Decries Islamic State<br />
‘Genocide’ Of Christians, Others<br />
The Trump administration<br />
denounced the<br />
Islamic State group on<br />
Tuesday for carryi<strong>ng</strong><br />
out "genocide" against Christians<br />
and other religious minorities in<br />
areas under its control.<br />
Secretary of State Rex Tillerson<br />
said the group is "clearly<br />
responsible for genocide" against<br />
Christians and Yazidis in Iraq<br />
and Shiite Muslims in Syria and<br />
elsewhere. His comments were<br />
made as the State Department<br />
released its annual report on<br />
international religious freedom.<br />
Tillerson said he was maki<strong>ng</strong><br />
the pronouncement to "remove<br />
any ambiguity" about previous<br />
genocide assertions made by his<br />
predecessor, John Kerry, who<br />
in March 2016, determined that<br />
genocide was occurri<strong>ng</strong> in Islamic<br />
State-held areas but was criticized<br />
by lawmakers and religious<br />
groups for not declari<strong>ng</strong> genocide<br />
was taki<strong>ng</strong> place earlier.<br />
Neither administration's genocide<br />
determination carries with<br />
it any legal obligation for the U.S.<br />
or others.<br />
"ISIS has and continues to<br />
target members of multiple religions<br />
and ethnicities for rape,<br />
kidnappi<strong>ng</strong>, enslavement and<br />
death," Tillerson told reporters<br />
in presenti<strong>ng</strong> the report.<br />
"ISIS is clearly responsible for<br />
Secretary of State, Rex Tillerson leaves after speaki<strong>ng</strong> on the release of the 2016 annual report on<br />
International Religious Freedom on Tuesday at the State Department in Washi<strong>ng</strong>ton.<br />
genocide against Yazidis, Christians<br />
and Shia Muslims in areas<br />
it controlled. ISIS is also responsible<br />
for crimes against humanity<br />
and ethnic cleansi<strong>ng</strong> directed at<br />
these same groups, and in some<br />
cases against Sunni Muslims,<br />
Kurds and other minorities," Tillerson<br />
said.<br />
"The protection of these<br />
groups - and others who are targets<br />
of violent extremism - remains<br />
a human-rights priority<br />
for the Trump administration."<br />
The wife of Zimbabwe's president<br />
has been accused of assaulti<strong>ng</strong><br />
a you<strong>ng</strong> woman at an<br />
upscale hotel in South Africa,<br />
though she did not show up for<br />
court Tuesday as police had indicated.<br />
It was not immediately<br />
clear where Grace Mugabe<br />
was. Minister of Police Fikile<br />
Mbalula said in a video posted<br />
by local broadcaster eNCA that<br />
she had handed herself over<br />
to police.<br />
But a police spokesman,<br />
Vishnu Naidoo, later said no<br />
arrest had been made and police<br />
were talki<strong>ng</strong> with the suspect's<br />
lawyers.<br />
The case draws yet more<br />
attention to the increasi<strong>ng</strong>ly<br />
outspoken wife of the world's<br />
oldest head of state, 93-yearold<br />
President Robert Mugabe.<br />
Last month she challe<strong>ng</strong>ed her<br />
husband publicly for the first<br />
time to name a successor, positioni<strong>ng</strong><br />
herself as a possibility<br />
as his advanced age takes a toll<br />
ahead of next year's election.<br />
Twenty-year-old model Gabriella<br />
E<strong>ng</strong>els has accused<br />
Grace Mugabe of assaulti<strong>ng</strong><br />
her Sunday night while she<br />
was visiti<strong>ng</strong> mutual friends<br />
of Mugabe's sons in a hotel<br />
room in an upscale Johannesburg<br />
suburb. She claims the<br />
first lady's bodyguards stood<br />
by and watched as Mugabe attacked<br />
her.<br />
E<strong>ng</strong>els posted several photos<br />
on social media showi<strong>ng</strong><br />
a gash in her forehead, which<br />
she called a result of the alleged<br />
encounter.<br />
"She flipped and just kept<br />
beati<strong>ng</strong> me with the plug.<br />
Over and over," E<strong>ng</strong>els told<br />
local news channel News24.<br />
"I had no idea what was goi<strong>ng</strong><br />
on. I was surprised. I needed to<br />
crawl out of the room before I<br />
The religious freedom report,<br />
which is mandated by Co<strong>ng</strong>ress,<br />
covers 2016 and does not address<br />
the Trump administration's decision<br />
to temporarily halt the<br />
admission of all refugees, many<br />
of whom are fleei<strong>ng</strong> religious persecution.<br />
The administration has<br />
appealed challe<strong>ng</strong>es to the suspension<br />
of those admissions to<br />
the Supreme Court.<br />
An appendix to the report coveri<strong>ng</strong><br />
refugees said admissions<br />
are "a vital tool" in addressi<strong>ng</strong><br />
could run away."<br />
Police confirmed that a<br />
20-year-old woman registered<br />
"a case of assault with intent<br />
to do grievous bodily harm" on<br />
Monday, but said the suspect<br />
could not be named as she had<br />
not yet appeared in court.<br />
"The investigation into this<br />
case has already reached an<br />
advanced stage," a police statement<br />
on Tuesday said.<br />
It was unclear whether<br />
Mugabe would qualify for diplomatic<br />
immunity if charges<br />
are brought against her.<br />
religious persecution and other<br />
human rights abuses. It said<br />
more than 70 per cent of the<br />
nearly 85,000 refugees admitted<br />
to the U.S. in 2016 came from five<br />
nations - Co<strong>ng</strong>o, Syria, Burma,<br />
Iraq and Somalia - where the<br />
report itself said that freedom to<br />
worship is under threat.<br />
Syria and Somalia are amo<strong>ng</strong><br />
the six mainly Muslim nations<br />
that are also included in the administration's<br />
visa ban that is<br />
also before the Supreme Court.<br />
Zimbabwe’s First Lady Accused Of Assault In South Africa<br />
Mugabe.<br />
Gabriella E<strong>ng</strong>els forehead with<br />
a gash allegedly inflicted by<br />
Mugabe in Johannesburg, South<br />
Africa.<br />
There was no immediate<br />
comment by Zimbabwe's government<br />
or ruli<strong>ng</strong> party. Zimbabwean<br />
press reported earlier<br />
this week that Mugabe, 52, was<br />
in South Africa seeki<strong>ng</strong> medical<br />
attention.<br />
It was not clear Tuesday<br />
night whether Mugabe was<br />
still in South Africa or had returned<br />
to Zimbabwe.<br />
"If she went back, I just hope<br />
the police can do somethi<strong>ng</strong> to<br />
get her back," E<strong>ng</strong>els told The<br />
Associated Press. "I don't want<br />
her to get away with this."<br />
Maduro Orders<br />
Military Exercises<br />
After Threat By Trump<br />
Venezuelan President Nicolas<br />
Maduro, on Monday, ordered<br />
the military to conduct exercises<br />
after US President Donald<br />
Trump’s threat of a possible<br />
armed intervention in the crisis-stricken<br />
country.<br />
Maduro told a crowd of supporters<br />
in Caracas that he had<br />
organized a round of military<br />
drills for August 26-27 in response<br />
to the threat.<br />
“I have given the order to the<br />
armed forces’ joint chiefs of staff<br />
to start preparations for a national<br />
civil-military exercise for the<br />
integrated armed defense of the<br />
Venezuelan nation,” he said.<br />
He vowed to defend his country<br />
“with tanks, planes and<br />
missiles” as the crowd chanted<br />
“Yankee go home!”<br />
Trump said on Friday that the<br />
US was mulli<strong>ng</strong> a ra<strong>ng</strong>e of options<br />
against Venezuela, “includi<strong>ng</strong><br />
a possible military option if<br />
necessary.”<br />
His words have bolstered Caracas’s<br />
oft-repeated claim that<br />
Washi<strong>ng</strong>ton has designs to grab<br />
control of its proven oil reserves,<br />
the largest in the world.<br />
Defense Minister General<br />
Vladimir Padrino called<br />
Trump’s comments “crazy,”<br />
sayi<strong>ng</strong> it showed America had<br />
“dropped its mask” in terms of<br />
wanti<strong>ng</strong> to attack his country.<br />
In a speech, he warned that<br />
Washi<strong>ng</strong>ton wanted to steal the<br />
OPEC nation’s oil reserves.<br />
Algeria's PM Sacked<br />
Three Months In<br />
Office<br />
Algerian President Abdelaziz<br />
Bouteflika sacked Prime Minister<br />
Abdelmadjid Tebboune on<br />
Tuesday, less than three months<br />
after appointi<strong>ng</strong> him, the presidency<br />
said, accordi<strong>ng</strong> to state<br />
media.<br />
"President Abdelaziz Bouteflika<br />
on Tuesday relieved Prime<br />
Minister Abdelmadjid Tebboune<br />
of his duties and appointed<br />
Ahmed Ouyahia", the<br />
president's chief of staff, in his<br />
place, the presidency said in a<br />
statement carried by the official<br />
APS news agency.<br />
Bouteflika's National Liberation<br />
Front (FLN) and the Rally<br />
for National Democracy (RND)<br />
led by Ouyahia together enjoy<br />
an absolute majority in parliament<br />
after winni<strong>ng</strong> re-election<br />
on May 4.<br />
In a surprise move three<br />
weeks after the vote, the president<br />
named Tebboune, who had<br />
been housi<strong>ng</strong> minister, to the<br />
post of prime minister in place<br />
of Bouteflika's ally Abdelmalek<br />
Sellal.<br />
Accordi<strong>ng</strong> to a government<br />
source who spoke to AFP on<br />
condition of anonymity, 71-yearold<br />
Tebboune was dismissed<br />
because his "vision was not in<br />
line" with the president.
INDEPENDENT WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 16, 2017 /<stro<strong>ng</strong>>Independent</stro<strong>ng</strong>><strong>ng</strong>r @independent<strong>ng</strong>r www.independent.<strong>ng</strong> A9<br />
News<br />
Lagos To Transform Oworonshoki<br />
To Transport, Entertainment Hub<br />
Bayelsa Community Protests<br />
Neglect By Shell<br />
IGONIKO ODUMA<br />
YENAGOA<br />
There was tension in Bayelsa<br />
State on Tuesday as the<br />
aggrieved people of Akenfa<br />
community in Yenagoa<br />
Local Government Area<br />
protested neglect by Shell<br />
Petroleum Development<br />
Company of Nigeria.<br />
They blocked the road<br />
leadi<strong>ng</strong> to some oil wells<br />
operated by Shell in the<br />
area, demandi<strong>ng</strong> justice<br />
as a host community.<br />
They also vowed to continue<br />
with the agitation<br />
until the management<br />
of the oil major sits at a<br />
roundtable with them to<br />
address years of neglect.<br />
They told a team of<br />
Shell personnel that came<br />
to pacify them to ensure<br />
a meeti<strong>ng</strong> involvi<strong>ng</strong> both<br />
FRANCIS ONOIRIBHOLO<br />
BENIN<br />
Twenty five beneficiaries<br />
of the presidential amnesty<br />
programme on Tuesday<br />
graduated from the Ogbebor<br />
Leadership and Skills<br />
Acquisition Academy.<br />
The traini<strong>ng</strong> programme<br />
is part of efforts<br />
to empower ex-agitators<br />
from the Niger Delta region.<br />
Drawn from Rivers,<br />
Bayelsa and Delta states,<br />
the trainees were taken<br />
on rubber technology,<br />
products manufacturi<strong>ng</strong><br />
techniques and other<br />
sociological and communication<br />
skills and the<br />
programme lasted for six<br />
months.<br />
Col. Paul Ogbebor (rtd),<br />
The Lagos State government<br />
on Monday outlined<br />
plans to transform<br />
the blighted areas of<br />
Oworonshoki Waterfront<br />
into one of the biggest<br />
transportation, tourism<br />
and entertainment hubs<br />
in Nigeria.<br />
Ade Akinsanya, Commissioner<br />
for Waterfront<br />
Infrastructure Development,<br />
in a statement,<br />
said that the project will<br />
improve the aesthetics<br />
and security of the environment,<br />
while attracti<strong>ng</strong><br />
investments in water<br />
transportation and<br />
boosti<strong>ng</strong> socio-economic<br />
activities in the axis, with<br />
the provision of shoppi<strong>ng</strong><br />
malls and related infrastructures.<br />
Accordi<strong>ng</strong> to the commissioner,<br />
the proposed<br />
entertainment and mega<br />
ferry terminal site, already<br />
under reclamation,<br />
would divert a lot of human<br />
and vehicular traffic<br />
gridlocks away from the<br />
Lagos Island and take<br />
advantage of the central<br />
location and accessibility<br />
of the proposed Oworonshoki<br />
terminal to the Apapa<br />
Port, Ikeja Airport and<br />
other parts of the state.<br />
“Youths and residents<br />
will enjoy quality sports,<br />
recreational, entertainment<br />
and emergency<br />
response facilities at the<br />
terminal.<br />
“Commuters transiti<strong>ng</strong><br />
through the terminal will<br />
not only enjoy state-of the<br />
arts infrastructure, they<br />
will also be able to park<br />
and ride and park and<br />
cruise from the state-ofthe-art<br />
jetty, thus reduci<strong>ng</strong><br />
the carbon emission level<br />
and travel time within the<br />
city,” Akinsanya said.<br />
parties was convened without<br />
delay or they would disrupt<br />
oil production.<br />
Mr. Chima Jackson, the<br />
youth president of Akenfa<br />
community, insisted that<br />
the road would remain<br />
closed until they hear directly<br />
from Shell.<br />
He said they decided to<br />
take action because Shell<br />
has refused to fulfill its part<br />
of the agreement it entered<br />
into with the community.<br />
Jackson said the community<br />
has nothi<strong>ng</strong> to<br />
show since 1972 when Shell<br />
started drilli<strong>ng</strong> crude oil<br />
from their environment.<br />
In his response, a member<br />
of the Shell’s team<br />
promised to convey the<br />
community’s grievance<br />
to the higher authorities,<br />
sayi<strong>ng</strong> he would report<br />
back to them in three<br />
days.<br />
25 Amnesty Beneficiaries<br />
Graduate From Ogbebor Academy<br />
president and chairman<br />
board of directors of the<br />
academy said the traini<strong>ng</strong><br />
was most rewardi<strong>ng</strong> to the<br />
trainees addi<strong>ng</strong> that the<br />
on the job traini<strong>ng</strong> of the<br />
youths in rubber technology<br />
would qualify them<br />
for the National Business<br />
and Technical Examination<br />
Board (NABTEB)<br />
Modular Trade Certificate<br />
on rubber technology.<br />
He commended the<br />
Federal Government’s<br />
agriculture initiative<br />
which is targeted at revivi<strong>ng</strong><br />
erstwhile abandoned<br />
rubber plantations and<br />
businesses which are currently<br />
yieldi<strong>ng</strong> Malaysia,<br />
Vietnam, Thailand and<br />
India annually about 50<br />
billion US dollars and 1.5<br />
million jobs created in the<br />
affected countries.<br />
Clem Ugorji, Public Affairs and Communications Director, Coca- Cola, West Africa Business Unit (left); Sade Morgan,<br />
Legal, Public Affairs and Communications Director, Nigerian Bottli<strong>ng</strong> Company Ltd (NBC) (second left); Hamish<br />
Banks, Vice President, Public Affairs and Communications, The Coca-Cola Company, Eurasia and Africa (middle);<br />
Klaske de Jo<strong>ng</strong>e, Public Affairs and Communications Director, Coca-Cola Hellenic Bottli<strong>ng</strong> Company (CCHBC)<br />
(second right), and Adenike Shobowale, Assistant General Manager, Human Resources and Administration, Lagos<br />
Waste Management Authority (LAWMA), duri<strong>ng</strong> a visit to LAWMA in Ijora, Lagos.<br />
Omokri To Garba Shehu: Jonathan Built<br />
Only Federal Varsity In Katsina<br />
As the brickbats<br />
between<br />
ex-President<br />
Goodluck Jonathan<br />
and ruli<strong>ng</strong> All<br />
Progressives Co<strong>ng</strong>ress<br />
(APC) led government of<br />
President Muhammadu<br />
Buhari, continues unabated,<br />
Reno Omokri, a<br />
former aide of Jonathan,<br />
has told Garba Shehu,<br />
senior special assistant<br />
to President Buhari on<br />
media and publicity, that<br />
the only federal university<br />
in Katsina State was<br />
built by the last administration.<br />
Nyesom Ezenwo Wike,<br />
the governor of Rivers<br />
State, has said that if<br />
Nigeria is to experience<br />
rapid development, it<br />
must invest heavily in<br />
science and technology.<br />
Wike spoke at the Government<br />
House in Port<br />
Harcourt on Tuesday<br />
when he granted audience<br />
to the National Executive<br />
Council of the<br />
Science Teachers Association<br />
of Nigeria (STAN),<br />
regretti<strong>ng</strong> that the Federal<br />
Government was yet to<br />
FELIX IGBEKOYI<br />
ASABA<br />
Federal University<br />
Dutsin, Katsina, is one of<br />
the nine universities which<br />
Jonathan founded in February<br />
2011.<br />
In a statement on Tuesday,<br />
Omokri said Shehu’s<br />
claim that there was no capital<br />
project completed under<br />
Jonathan “further exposes<br />
his intellectual laziness and<br />
faili<strong>ng</strong> memory”.<br />
“It is quite sad that<br />
Garba Shehu does not<br />
know that oil constitutes<br />
only 15 percent of Nigeria’s<br />
GDP and thus a fall<br />
in the price of oil should<br />
not lead to a collapse of<br />
the Nigerian economy<br />
as has been experienced<br />
under President Buhari,”<br />
the statement read.<br />
“If Garba and his boss<br />
are willi<strong>ng</strong> to learn, the<br />
Jonathan Foundation<br />
and the Peoples Democratic<br />
Party can arra<strong>ng</strong>e<br />
a course for them to be tutored<br />
on the subject-how<br />
to grow your economy to<br />
be the largest in Africa.<br />
We make bold that we are<br />
experienced in that area.<br />
“Obviously Garba<br />
Shehu has forgotten that<br />
when his boss was commissioni<strong>ng</strong><br />
the Abuja-Kaduna<br />
187KM fast railway<br />
that enables Nigerians<br />
work in Abuja and live in<br />
Kaduna, he was forced to<br />
admit that the project was<br />
conceived, built and completed<br />
by the Jonathan<br />
administration.<br />
“At that event, President<br />
Muhammadu Buhari<br />
said about the $1.5<br />
billion project and I quote<br />
‘This project was conceived<br />
by a previous administration,<br />
started by<br />
the last government.’ My<br />
question to Mr. Shehu is<br />
this-who is a liar between<br />
him and his boss?<br />
Wike Calls For Increased Investments<br />
In Science, Technology<br />
give science the priority<br />
attention it deserves.<br />
He said that science<br />
teachers should be encouraged<br />
with necessary<br />
incentives to carry out<br />
their responsibilities of<br />
prepari<strong>ng</strong> the children<br />
for the future.<br />
“Nigeria cannot develop<br />
unless the nation<br />
invests in the teachi<strong>ng</strong> of<br />
MASSOB Leaders in<br />
Delta South and Central<br />
Senatorial district have<br />
described Nnamdi Kanu,<br />
the leader of Indigenous<br />
People of Biafra (IPOB)<br />
, as an enemy of Biafra.<br />
They said Biafra referendum<br />
has since been<br />
conducted before the United<br />
Nations (UN) in 2004<br />
while the call for referendum<br />
is a belated issue.<br />
In a statement signed<br />
by MASSOB leaders Joseph<br />
Odikpo and Pastor<br />
Francis Chigbo, Elder<br />
In-Council and Director<br />
of Religious Affairs respectively,<br />
the body said<br />
they have gone far in this<br />
struggle and anybody<br />
tryi<strong>ng</strong> to draw them back<br />
science and mathematics<br />
at all levels. That is the<br />
way to go.<br />
“We cannot talk of<br />
development without science<br />
and mathematics.<br />
There must be the needed<br />
encouragement and<br />
incentives for teachers of<br />
mathematics,” Wike said.<br />
The governor commended<br />
STAN for their<br />
should be regarded as enemy<br />
of Biafra.<br />
Actualisation of the<br />
struggle is already a business<br />
done without further<br />
stress and that the call to<br />
boycott Anambra election<br />
in November this year is<br />
Anti-Igbo which should be<br />
condemned by well-meani<strong>ng</strong><br />
Igbo sons and daughters.<br />
“When Biafra leaders<br />
contributions to the development<br />
of science<br />
education in the country<br />
over the last six decades.<br />
He informed his visitors<br />
that his administration<br />
had invested in<br />
equippi<strong>ng</strong> science laboratories<br />
in select schools<br />
in order to ensure that<br />
students have practical<br />
knowledge.<br />
Nnamdi Kanu, Enemy Of Biafra - MASSOB Leaders<br />
submitted their bill of<br />
right to the UN, Nigerian<br />
government was summoned<br />
by the UN where<br />
they were told that a section<br />
of the country wants<br />
to go away and, it was then<br />
the news was broken to the<br />
whole world,” addi<strong>ng</strong> that,<br />
duri<strong>ng</strong> the period, Chief<br />
Olusegun Obasanjo was<br />
the President in 2004,”<br />
they said in the statement.
A10<br />
UNIUYO ASUU Explains Decision To<br />
Join Indefinite Strike<br />
IDONGESIT ASHAMERI<br />
UYO<br />
As the on-goi<strong>ng</strong> nationwide<br />
indefinite strike<br />
declared by the Academic<br />
Staff Union of Universities<br />
(ASUU) enters<br />
its third day, the University<br />
of Uyo (UNIUYO)<br />
branch has explained<br />
that it is joini<strong>ng</strong> the action<br />
due to Federal Government’s<br />
consistent<br />
failure to honour agreements<br />
with the union.<br />
ASUU declared a nationwide<br />
strike in the<br />
nation’s public universities<br />
on Monday, an<br />
action which paralysed<br />
academic works in the<br />
higher institutions, includi<strong>ng</strong><br />
examinations,<br />
as all the lecturers down<br />
tools.<br />
Dr Aniekan Brown,<br />
the institution’s ASUU<br />
branch chairman, who<br />
spoke to INDEPEN-<br />
DENT on Tuesday, noted<br />
that the industrial<br />
action followed several<br />
pleas and warni<strong>ng</strong>s to<br />
the government, stressi<strong>ng</strong><br />
that the authorities<br />
CLEMENT EKONG<br />
YOLA<br />
Followi<strong>ng</strong> the rampant<br />
killi<strong>ng</strong>s in Madagali<br />
Local Government<br />
Area of Adamawa State,<br />
Alhaji Yusuf Muhammad,<br />
chairman of the<br />
council, has expressed<br />
disappointment on the<br />
attitude of the Federal<br />
Government over the recent<br />
attacks in communities<br />
of Mildu, Wumbili<br />
and Bakin Dutse by Boko<br />
Haram insurgents.<br />
Alhaji Yusuf Muhammad<br />
lamented that<br />
the attacks has led to<br />
EMMANUEL NZOMIWU<br />
ENUGU<br />
Less than 24 hours after<br />
the Academic Staff<br />
Union of Universities<br />
(ASUU) embarked on an<br />
indefinite strike action,<br />
the Non-Academic Staff<br />
Union of the University<br />
of Nigeria, Nsukka<br />
(UNN) began its own<br />
indefinite industrial action.<br />
The strike commenced<br />
on Monday by<br />
the Joint Action Committee<br />
of the non-teachi<strong>ng</strong><br />
staff paralysed administrative<br />
activities<br />
/<stro<strong>ng</strong>>Independent</stro<strong>ng</strong>><strong>ng</strong>r @independent<strong>ng</strong>r www.independent.<strong>ng</strong><br />
did not do anythi<strong>ng</strong> to<br />
avert it.<br />
He added: “In spite of<br />
all entreaties, the government<br />
has failed to<br />
abide by its own agreements<br />
and Memoranda<br />
of Understandi<strong>ng</strong> (MoU)<br />
with ASUU.<br />
“Specifically, the issues<br />
in contention include<br />
payment of fractional<br />
salaries and, in<br />
some cases, outright<br />
non-payment of salaries;<br />
non-payment of<br />
earned academic allowances<br />
as agreed by<br />
the FG; non-implementation<br />
of agreements<br />
on pensions of retired<br />
professors; inability of<br />
government to release<br />
the operati<strong>ng</strong> licence for<br />
NUPEMCO (the universities<br />
pension commission)<br />
as stipulated in the<br />
ASUU-FGN agreement;<br />
poor fundi<strong>ng</strong> of universities.”<br />
He regretted that<br />
Nigeria might be the<br />
only country in the<br />
world where the government<br />
spends more<br />
money on propaganda<br />
than on the education<br />
of its citizenry.<br />
Madagali Killi<strong>ng</strong>s: FG Not Serious<br />
About Security – LG Boss<br />
the dead of people and<br />
wanton destruction of<br />
properties worth millions<br />
of Naira by the<br />
terrorists, stressi<strong>ng</strong><br />
that since the demise of<br />
the vigilante chairman<br />
last month that axis<br />
has become so porous<br />
to the detriment of the<br />
community.<br />
He said the lackadaisical<br />
attitude of the Federal<br />
Government to address<br />
the security issues<br />
in the area has resulted<br />
into another killi<strong>ng</strong> on<br />
Tuesday’s morni<strong>ng</strong>,<br />
addi<strong>ng</strong> that this has given<br />
the terrorists more<br />
room to regroup for fresh<br />
attacks on residents.<br />
UNN Non-Academic Staff Embark<br />
On Indefinite Strike<br />
in the university on<br />
Tuesday.<br />
Addressi<strong>ng</strong> the<br />
non-academic staff before<br />
the commencement<br />
of the strike, Comrade<br />
Paul Erua, the Chairman<br />
of JAC, said they<br />
were embarki<strong>ng</strong> on the<br />
strike because of the<br />
failure of the university<br />
to pay them their<br />
earned allowances such<br />
as hazard allowance,<br />
over-time, shift allowance<br />
and union checkoff<br />
dues as well as<br />
payment of 15 percent<br />
deducted from June<br />
salary, amo<strong>ng</strong> other demands.<br />
INDEPENDENT WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 16, 2017<br />
Human Trafficki<strong>ng</strong>: Obaseki<br />
Seeks Home-Grown Solution<br />
FRANCIS ONOIRIBHOLO<br />
BENIN<br />
Mr. Godwin<br />
Obaseki,<br />
Edo State<br />
governor, on<br />
Tuesday inaugurated<br />
the state Anti-Human<br />
Trafficki<strong>ng</strong> Task Force,<br />
a measure that would<br />
proffer a new set of<br />
home-grown solutions<br />
to the age-lo<strong>ng</strong> social<br />
problem.<br />
Obaseki lamented<br />
that the state was fast<br />
becomi<strong>ng</strong> synonymous<br />
with human trafficki<strong>ng</strong><br />
and charged the taskforce<br />
to urgently redeem<br />
the state’s image as Edo<br />
people do not want to be<br />
associated with the stigma<br />
any more.<br />
The new measure, he<br />
said, would complement<br />
the efforts of the Federal<br />
Government through the<br />
National Agency for the<br />
Prohibition of Trafficki<strong>ng</strong><br />
In Persons (NAPTIP)<br />
and other international<br />
organisations involved<br />
in the fight against human<br />
trafficki<strong>ng</strong>.<br />
“It is has been suggested<br />
that a special<br />
court be established in<br />
the state to prosecute<br />
perpetrators. We are<br />
losi<strong>ng</strong> our you<strong>ng</strong> people<br />
to this negative trend<br />
and we must make human<br />
trafficki<strong>ng</strong> a thi<strong>ng</strong><br />
Captain Ayo Akere, Camp Commandant, National Youth Service Corps, Lagos State (left); Oluseye Oladejo,<br />
Commissioner for Special Duties and Inter–Governmental Relations, Lagos State/Chairman, Governi<strong>ng</strong> Board,<br />
NYSC (second left); Mohammed Momoh , Coordinator, NYSC, Lagos State (second right); and Adewunmi Adekanye,<br />
Permanent Secretary, Ministry for Special Duties, Lagos State, duri<strong>ng</strong> the closi<strong>ng</strong> of orientation course for the 2017<br />
Bath ‘A’ Steam II corps members at Iyana-Ipaja, Lagos on Tuesday.<br />
PHOTO: SUNDAY OLANIYAN<br />
JUSTICE IYASERE<br />
Senator Ovie Omo-<br />
Agege, representi<strong>ng</strong><br />
Delta Central Senatorial<br />
District, has<br />
urged members of the<br />
state chapter of the All<br />
Progressives Co<strong>ng</strong>ress<br />
(APC) to close ranks<br />
and unite in the party’s<br />
interest.<br />
Omo-Agege, who described<br />
himself as the<br />
highest elected APC political<br />
office holder and<br />
its leader in Delta State,<br />
gave the charge while<br />
addressi<strong>ng</strong> members<br />
of the ‘Light of APC’,<br />
a pressure group within<br />
the party, at a meeti<strong>ng</strong><br />
at Abraka, Ethiope<br />
East Local Government<br />
Area of the state.<br />
He stressed that efforts<br />
would be made<br />
to ensure that APC in<br />
the state would not be<br />
in disarray, even as he<br />
warned against internal<br />
squabbles amo<strong>ng</strong><br />
the members, stressi<strong>ng</strong><br />
that “leadership is not<br />
bought, but earned.”<br />
Olorogun Great<br />
Ovedje Ogboru, an APC<br />
chieftain and founder<br />
of the ‘Light of APC’,<br />
News<br />
of the past in the state,”<br />
the governor said.<br />
He charged the task<br />
force made up of representatives<br />
of security<br />
agencies, Non-Governmental<br />
Organisations<br />
(NGOs), NAPTIP, Ministries,<br />
Departments and<br />
Agencies of government,<br />
religious and traditional<br />
institutions, to come up<br />
with modalities on how<br />
to domesticate the Federal<br />
Government’s law on<br />
trafficki<strong>ng</strong> in the state.<br />
Obaseki charged the<br />
taskforce to come up<br />
with a comprehensive action<br />
plan for combati<strong>ng</strong><br />
trafficki<strong>ng</strong> in persons as<br />
well as programmes that<br />
would help in reintegrati<strong>ng</strong><br />
victims of the illicit<br />
trade into the society.<br />
In her remarks, Professor<br />
Yinka Omorogbe,<br />
the Chairman of the task<br />
force, who is also the Attorney<br />
General of the<br />
state, commended the<br />
governor for the initiative,<br />
sayi<strong>ng</strong> that it would<br />
bri<strong>ng</strong> an end to the problem,<br />
with the cooperation<br />
and support of all members<br />
of the society.<br />
She assured that<br />
members of the taskforce<br />
would live up to<br />
the confidence reposed<br />
on them and pledged<br />
that a worki<strong>ng</strong> document<br />
would be ready within<br />
the six-week period given<br />
to them.<br />
Anambra: Activist Urges INEC To Probe Alleged Registration Of Aliens As Voters<br />
GLORIA ANAEZE<br />
ONITSHA<br />
Comrade Vincent Ezekwue,<br />
the Rights Activist<br />
and commentator on<br />
national affairs, has appealed<br />
to state Resident<br />
Electoral Commissioner<br />
to investigate circumstances<br />
surroundi<strong>ng</strong> the<br />
alleged registration of<br />
aliens as voters in the<br />
state and take urgent steps<br />
to unravel those behind it.<br />
Ezekwue told Dr. Nwachukwu<br />
Orji, the Resident<br />
Electoral Commissioner,<br />
to investigate the alleged<br />
collection of N500 gratification<br />
before voters are<br />
registered or collect their<br />
voter’s card at various<br />
local government headquarters.<br />
He said that the resident<br />
electoral commissioner<br />
should as a matter<br />
of urgent importance<br />
direct electoral officers<br />
in various local governments’<br />
councils to ensure<br />
that registration of voters<br />
were carried out in a<br />
transparent manner to<br />
ensure that every legible<br />
voter in the state got registered.<br />
Close Ranks, Omo-Agege Urges Delta APC Members<br />
“It is of prime importance<br />
to alert the Resident<br />
Electoral commissioner to<br />
map-out strategies to dispatch<br />
uncollected voters’<br />
cards in various INEC<br />
headquarters in the Local<br />
government council and<br />
sanction any INEC officer<br />
collecti<strong>ng</strong> money from<br />
voters before their voters’<br />
cards would be given to<br />
them,” he said.<br />
advised that no party<br />
member should be<br />
marginalised in the<br />
build-up to the 2019<br />
elections.<br />
Others who spoke<br />
at the meeti<strong>ng</strong> include<br />
Chief Frank Kokori,<br />
member of the party’s<br />
Board of Trustees<br />
(BoT); Sir Richard Odibo,<br />
and Dr Veronica Ogbuagu,<br />
amo<strong>ng</strong> others.
INDEPENDENT WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 16, 2017<br />
PASCHAL NJOKU<br />
ABUJA<br />
An Abuja Federal<br />
High Court, on<br />
Tuesday granted<br />
permission<br />
to Saminu Turaki, the<br />
former Governor of<br />
Jigawa State, to travel to<br />
Si<strong>ng</strong>apore for medical<br />
treatment.<br />
Turaki is bei<strong>ng</strong> prosecuted<br />
by the Federal Government<br />
on a 32-count<br />
criminal charge borderi<strong>ng</strong><br />
on alleged money<br />
launderi<strong>ng</strong> amounti<strong>ng</strong><br />
to N36 billion while in of-<br />
Ex-Edo PDP Gubernatorial<br />
Aspirant Resigns<br />
FRANCIS ONOIRIBHOLO<br />
BENIN<br />
Hon. Matthew Iduoriyekemwen,<br />
a former governorship<br />
aspirant of the<br />
People’s Democratic Party<br />
(PDP) in Edo State in the<br />
2016 election and one of<br />
its foundi<strong>ng</strong> members, has<br />
dumped the party.<br />
Iduoriyekemwen, a<br />
member of the Senator Ali<br />
Modu Sheriff’s faction of<br />
PDP before the Supreme<br />
Court judgment gave the<br />
party’s leadership to the<br />
Ahmed Makarfi, disclosed<br />
his decision to quit duri<strong>ng</strong><br />
a meeti<strong>ng</strong> with his supporters<br />
in Benin City on<br />
Tuesday.<br />
He said: “I have tendered<br />
my resignation letter to the<br />
leadership of the PDP, both<br />
at the state and the national<br />
level, and my next line of<br />
action will soon be unveiled<br />
to the public.<br />
“This decision has not<br />
been easy. But, I have decided<br />
that it will be in the<br />
best interest for my political<br />
career, business and<br />
Mr. Godwin Obaseki,<br />
the Edo State governor<br />
on Tuesday charged the<br />
state delegation to the<br />
2017 Hajj in Mecca, Saudi<br />
Arabia, to be good ambassadors<br />
of the state.<br />
Obaseki who gave the<br />
charge duri<strong>ng</strong> a visit to<br />
the 260 intendi<strong>ng</strong> pilgrims<br />
at the Hajj Camp on Dumez<br />
Road, Benin City,<br />
said, “The exercise you<br />
are about to embark on<br />
is a holy one, and one of<br />
the pillars of the Islamic<br />
religion. Don’t joke with<br />
it. You are courageous,<br />
upright and honest citizens<br />
of the state and I<br />
know you will demonstrate<br />
all these qualities<br />
in the Holy Land.”<br />
He maintained that<br />
he was ready to partner<br />
with people that gather<br />
in the name of God because<br />
of what God has<br />
done in his life, addi<strong>ng</strong><br />
family. It is with nostalgia<br />
that I came to this decision,<br />
which I believe, will<br />
suit my political interest<br />
and those of my numerous<br />
supporters across the<br />
le<strong>ng</strong>th and breadth of Edo<br />
State and beyond.<br />
“To resign from a party<br />
that I participated in<br />
its formation in 1998 and<br />
remained a steadfast and<br />
loyal member and leader<br />
till my exit this day, I believe<br />
that the PDP, which<br />
we formed years ago is no<br />
lo<strong>ng</strong>er the PDP we have today<br />
after it was hijacked by<br />
persons who run the party<br />
as their personal estate.”<br />
Iduoriyekemwen was<br />
former Majority Leader<br />
of the state House of<br />
Assembly and later the<br />
state’s representative in<br />
the board of the Niger<br />
Delta Development Commission<br />
(NDDC).<br />
Though he did not disclose<br />
his next line of action,<br />
it was bei<strong>ng</strong> speculated<br />
that he and thousands<br />
of his supporters might<br />
join the All Progressives<br />
Co<strong>ng</strong>ress (APC).<br />
/<stro<strong>ng</strong>>Independent</stro<strong>ng</strong>><strong>ng</strong>r @independent<strong>ng</strong>r www.independent.<strong>ng</strong> A11<br />
Alleged N36bn Fraud: Court Okays<br />
Ex-Jigawa Gov’s Medical Trip Abroad<br />
fice as governor of Jigawa<br />
State.<br />
The former governor<br />
was arraigned before<br />
Justice Nnamdi Dimgba<br />
alo<strong>ng</strong>side three companies,<br />
INC Natural Resources<br />
Limited, Apel<br />
Construction Limited and<br />
WideHeart Construction<br />
Limited.<br />
He later secured bail<br />
from the court to the<br />
tune N500 million and two<br />
Hajj: Obaseki Charges Edo Pilgrims<br />
To Be Good Ambassadors<br />
that his presence at the<br />
Hajj Camp was to make<br />
sure the pilgrims were<br />
comfortable and to bid<br />
them farewell to the Holy<br />
Land.<br />
Obaseki, however,<br />
disclosed that the late<br />
inauguration of the state<br />
Muslim Welfare Board<br />
was due to the efforts of<br />
some people to politicise<br />
the selection of the members.<br />
He said, “The work of<br />
God is not about politics,<br />
as every politician wants<br />
to be on the State Muslim<br />
Welfare Board. I wonder<br />
if the board is for politics<br />
or the work of God.<br />
If Allah calls you to serve<br />
him, serve him with a<br />
true heart and a sincere<br />
mind, not to manipulate<br />
a religious process. The<br />
interference in the process<br />
delayed the setti<strong>ng</strong><br />
up of the board.”<br />
Olakunle Churchill, President/founder, Big Church Foundation (left); Dolapo Osinbajo, wife of Acti<strong>ng</strong> President/<br />
special guest (middle), and Uloma Nwosu, founder, ELFREEDA Foundation, duri<strong>ng</strong> the unveili<strong>ng</strong> of ELFREEDA<br />
Foundation, a non-governmental organization in Oweri, Imo State at the weekend.<br />
ECHE NWAOBASI<br />
NNEWI<br />
Igwe Charles Agbala, the<br />
traditional ruler of Uke<br />
Town in Idemili North<br />
Local Government Area<br />
of Anambra State, has<br />
backed the recent position<br />
of the state traditional<br />
rulers council that<br />
the people of Anambra<br />
North Senatorial Zone<br />
should produce the governor<br />
duri<strong>ng</strong> the forthcomi<strong>ng</strong><br />
election based on<br />
zoni<strong>ng</strong> formula amo<strong>ng</strong><br />
the three senatorial<br />
zones namely Anambra<br />
North, South and Central<br />
that make up the state.<br />
Disclosi<strong>ng</strong> this to newsmen<br />
duri<strong>ng</strong> the celebration<br />
of his second New<br />
Yam festival (Iwaji) held<br />
NOA, FIDA Partner To Curb Violence Against Women<br />
TOYIN ADEBAYO<br />
ABUJA<br />
The National Orientation<br />
Agency (NOA) and<br />
the International Federation<br />
of Women Lawyers<br />
(FIDA) Tuesday struck<br />
a new partnership to<br />
work towards curbi<strong>ng</strong><br />
violence against women<br />
duri<strong>ng</strong> forthcomi<strong>ng</strong> election<br />
in Anambra State<br />
and in the 2019 general<br />
sureties in like sum, each<br />
on N250m bail bond.<br />
Justice Dimgba had<br />
adjourned the case to September<br />
19 for heari<strong>ng</strong> in<br />
accordance with the first<br />
adjournment granted by<br />
the Federal High Court,<br />
Dutse, before Turaki absconded.<br />
In view of this, Justice<br />
Dimgba held that the matter<br />
would be continued<br />
before Justice Sabi’u Yahuza<br />
of the Dutse Federal<br />
High Court who originally<br />
adjourned proceedi<strong>ng</strong> to<br />
September 19.<br />
However, the defendant<br />
returned to Justice Dimgba,<br />
a vacation judge, to seek<br />
for leave of court to travel<br />
abroad on health grounds.<br />
In a short bench ruli<strong>ng</strong>,<br />
the court granted Turaki<br />
leave to travel to Si<strong>ng</strong>apore<br />
for medical treatment<br />
on the condition<br />
Anambra Guber: Monarch Backs<br />
Zoni<strong>ng</strong> To Anambra North<br />
at his Palace, Nkwelle Uke<br />
last weekend.<br />
Igwe Agbala said the<br />
zoni<strong>ng</strong> formula was good<br />
for the state and would reduce<br />
tension, acrimonies<br />
and high cost of seeki<strong>ng</strong><br />
for elective post as well<br />
as bri<strong>ng</strong>s about equitable<br />
and even development of<br />
various senatorial areas<br />
as people of each zone<br />
would use its chances to<br />
tend and extend development<br />
to every part of the<br />
state.<br />
“Traditional rulers<br />
of all towns union in the<br />
state are all happy and<br />
in support of zoni<strong>ng</strong> in<br />
decidi<strong>ng</strong> who becomes<br />
elections.<br />
Dr. Garba Abari, disclosed<br />
this when he received<br />
the FIDA Nigeria<br />
President, Mrs. Ifeyinwa<br />
Aguba, represented by<br />
the Secretary, Mrs. Rhoda<br />
Moore, on a courtesy visit.<br />
Abari stro<strong>ng</strong>ly condemned<br />
violence against<br />
women, especially in elections,<br />
stressi<strong>ng</strong> the need<br />
to open up the political<br />
space for women and other<br />
vulnerable groups who<br />
that a servi<strong>ng</strong> Senator<br />
of the Federal Republic<br />
of Nigeria shall write an<br />
undertaki<strong>ng</strong> that the defendant<br />
would return to<br />
Nigeria to face trial.<br />
Justice Dimgba also<br />
ordered the release of<br />
Turaki’s international<br />
passport, which he said,<br />
must be returned to the<br />
court registrar before the<br />
expiration date of the annual<br />
vacation of judges in<br />
the governor of the state.<br />
Everybody is in support<br />
because we believe it will<br />
quicken even development<br />
of three senatorial<br />
zones of the state.<br />
“As it stands now, it<br />
is the turn of Anambra<br />
North Senatorial Zone<br />
to produce who would<br />
be governor in the November<br />
18th governorship<br />
election. We are not<br />
bari<strong>ng</strong> people of other<br />
senatorial zone from<br />
contesti<strong>ng</strong> and exercisi<strong>ng</strong><br />
their constitutional<br />
rights. All we are sayi<strong>ng</strong><br />
is that a particular senatorial<br />
zone should be left<br />
to produce and after that<br />
have so far been marginalised.<br />
In a statement to newsmen<br />
in Abuja, Mr. Oaul<br />
Idenyi, the Head, Press<br />
Unit, stated that Mr. Abari<br />
also identified the need<br />
for political will to mainstream<br />
women in political<br />
parties in the country,<br />
urgi<strong>ng</strong> women caucuses<br />
of political parties, from<br />
the ward levels upward,<br />
to make input towards<br />
empoweri<strong>ng</strong> women and<br />
News<br />
September.<br />
“Havi<strong>ng</strong> reviewed all<br />
the processes filed by the<br />
defendant in respect of<br />
the application seeki<strong>ng</strong><br />
leave of court to travel<br />
abroad on health grounds,<br />
it is my view that this motion<br />
be granted.<br />
“I am minded to grant<br />
the application, more so,<br />
when there was no credible<br />
opposition to the motion<br />
same havi<strong>ng</strong> been<br />
served on the prosecution.<br />
“Therefore, I grant<br />
leave to the defendant to<br />
seek medical attention<br />
abroad,” Justice Dimgba<br />
stated.<br />
it would shift to another<br />
senatorial zone,” he said.<br />
Governor Obiano is<br />
from Anambra North,<br />
he has done well so far<br />
and has continued to<br />
impress us. If somebody<br />
has done well and<br />
said he would go back,<br />
courtesy demands that<br />
he should be allowed to<br />
go for a second tenure,<br />
he has taken almost four<br />
years. I am of the opinion<br />
that he should be voted<br />
in for a second tenure<br />
to complete the zone’s<br />
eight years tenure as<br />
stipulated in the zoni<strong>ng</strong><br />
arra<strong>ng</strong>ement,” the royal<br />
father added.<br />
providi<strong>ng</strong> them a level<br />
playi<strong>ng</strong> ground in politics.<br />
The NOA Director General<br />
said that the agency<br />
was committed to upscali<strong>ng</strong><br />
its partnership with<br />
FIDA to take the advocacy<br />
for women political<br />
empowerment to all political<br />
parties, States, Local<br />
Government Areas and<br />
the National Assembly,<br />
especially as the Anambra,<br />
Osun and Ekiti polls<br />
approach.
A12<br />
/<stro<strong>ng</strong>>Independent</stro<strong>ng</strong>><strong>ng</strong>r @independent<strong>ng</strong>r www.independent.<strong>ng</strong><br />
INDEPENDENT WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 16, 2017<br />
Metro<br />
Emmanuel Udom<br />
+2347055670245<br />
emmanuel.udom@independentnig.com<br />
My Husband Deserts Home When Eid-El-Kabr<br />
Draws Nearer, Wife Tells Court<br />
A<br />
divorce-seeki<strong>ng</strong><br />
housewife,<br />
Risikat<br />
Ojo says her<br />
husband, Mathew Ojo,<br />
deserts home whenever<br />
Eid-el-Kabr and other<br />
festivals draw nearer in<br />
order not to spend money<br />
duri<strong>ng</strong> the festival<br />
periods.<br />
Risikat testified on<br />
Tuesday in an Idi-Ogu<strong>ng</strong>un<br />
Customary Court,<br />
Agodi in Ibadan, Oyo<br />
State in a divorce suit<br />
she filed against her<br />
husband.<br />
“My lord, Ojo did not<br />
pay my dowry and was<br />
in the habit of abandoni<strong>ng</strong><br />
me at home and pack<br />
out to unknown destination<br />
whenever Ileya festival<br />
and other festivals<br />
draw nearer.<br />
“He will stay away<br />
throughout the period<br />
and return a week after<br />
the festival, just to avoid<br />
buyi<strong>ng</strong> clothes, food items<br />
and other expenses.<br />
“He is a woman in<br />
man’s form, because I<br />
clothe him, feed him, pay<br />
house rent and shoulder<br />
all his responsibilities.<br />
“The only role he<br />
Two Bizmen Face Trials<br />
For Alleged N16m Theft<br />
Two businessmen — Obadiah<br />
Ogi and Adeyemi<br />
Abaekere — who allegedly<br />
stole N16 million worth<br />
of Vitali tomato paste on<br />
Tuesday appeared before<br />
an Ebute Meta Chief<br />
Magistrates’ Court in<br />
Lagos.<br />
The accused — Ogi, 42,<br />
and Abaekere, 40 — were<br />
arraigned on a four-count<br />
charge borderi<strong>ng</strong> on conspiracy,<br />
steali<strong>ng</strong> and forgery.<br />
They, however, pleaded<br />
not guilty to the charges.<br />
The duo, accordi<strong>ng</strong> to<br />
Police Prosecutor Chinalu<br />
Uwadione, committed<br />
the offences on May 31<br />
at Ogba in Ikeja area of<br />
Lagos.<br />
He said the accused<br />
were given the consignment<br />
(N16 million Vitali<br />
tomato paste) for delivery<br />
to a customer in Kano<br />
State, but failed to do so.<br />
“The accused also<br />
forged documents, letter<br />
heads for introduction,<br />
timely delivery guaranteed<br />
letter and recommendation<br />
letters which they<br />
used to cover up their<br />
tracks,” he told the court.<br />
The offences contravened<br />
Sections 287, 365(3),<br />
(i), 366 and 411 of the<br />
Criminal Law of Lagos<br />
State, 2015.<br />
The Chief Magistrate,<br />
Mrs Oluyemisi Adelaja,<br />
admitted the duo to a bail<br />
of N2 million each with<br />
two responsible sureties<br />
each in like sum.<br />
She said the sureties<br />
should also deposit N100,<br />
000 each into the account<br />
of the court’s chief registrar.<br />
The case has been adjourned<br />
until September<br />
13 for trial.<br />
CLEMENT EKONG<br />
YOLA<br />
Adamawa State Command<br />
of the National<br />
Drugs Law Enforcement<br />
Agency (NDLEA) has<br />
arrested two suspected<br />
drugs traffickers at the<br />
Jimeta Ultra modern<br />
market in Yola with hard<br />
drugs weighti<strong>ng</strong> 222 Kilograms.<br />
Disclosi<strong>ng</strong> this on<br />
Tuesday while paradi<strong>ng</strong><br />
the suspects before newsmen<br />
with the cartoons of<br />
the drugs, the State Commandant<br />
of the Agency,<br />
Yakubu Kibo explained<br />
that his operatives acted<br />
based on a intelligence<br />
report and arrested a<br />
Chadian national, Adamu<br />
Muhammad with five cartoons<br />
of tramadol tablets<br />
weighi<strong>ng</strong> 186 Kilograms,<br />
while tryi<strong>ng</strong> to negotiate<br />
for a commercial vehicle<br />
plays is sex, but I am no<br />
lo<strong>ng</strong>er interested in sex<br />
without responsibility,<br />
because I used the proceeds<br />
of my business to<br />
cater for him and this has<br />
wreaked my business.<br />
“He has left home<br />
again as Eid-el-Kabr<br />
is comi<strong>ng</strong> up soon, but<br />
I will not wait in his<br />
house till he returns as<br />
he always do,“ Risikat<br />
stated.<br />
Ojo, a panel-beater in<br />
his defence denied all the<br />
allegations, but blamed<br />
his wife for deserti<strong>ng</strong> her.<br />
“Risikat is a troublesome<br />
woman and I decided<br />
to stay away from<br />
home whenever she troubles<br />
him.<br />
“She used to fight me<br />
at the slightest provocation;<br />
she also fights neigbours.<br />
“I support the divorce<br />
and I urge the court to<br />
grant her request so that<br />
I can have rest of mind;<br />
I am ready to support<br />
her for the care of the<br />
only child we have,’’ Ojo<br />
stated.<br />
President of the court,<br />
Chief Mukaila Balogun<br />
and the court’s assessors,<br />
Ganiyu Alao and Aare<br />
Samotu, resolved that<br />
there was no more love<br />
between the parties.<br />
“Parties are to go<br />
their separate ways, they<br />
stand unmarried since<br />
evidence has proved<br />
that the respondent did<br />
not pay dowry.<br />
“Custody of the only<br />
child of the union is to<br />
remain with the petitioner<br />
and N4, 000 is awarded<br />
against the respondent<br />
on monthly basis, bei<strong>ng</strong><br />
money for the care<br />
and maintenance of the<br />
child”, the court ruled.<br />
Cleaners of Jos<br />
University Teachi<strong>ng</strong><br />
Hospital protesti<strong>ng</strong><br />
over non-payment<br />
of their 10 months’<br />
salary in Jos, Plateau<br />
State on Monday.<br />
PHOTO: NAN<br />
A<strong>ng</strong>ry Students Shut<br />
Down Niger Delta<br />
University Over Hike In<br />
Fees<br />
IGONIKO ODUMA<br />
YENAGOA<br />
NDLEA Arrests Two Suspected Drug Traffickers<br />
NDLEA officials<br />
A<strong>ng</strong>ry students of the<br />
Niger Delta University,<br />
Wilberforce Island,<br />
Bayelsa State have shut<br />
down the institution in<br />
protest against outrageous<br />
hike in school fees<br />
and electronic course<br />
charges.<br />
The students are also<br />
a<strong>ng</strong>ry that the university<br />
does not involve the Students’<br />
Union Government<br />
officials in its decision<br />
maki<strong>ng</strong> process.<br />
The protest, which took<br />
place on Monday at the<br />
university main campus<br />
in Amassoma disrupted<br />
academic and commercial<br />
activities around the university<br />
community.<br />
The students, who demanded<br />
halti<strong>ng</strong> of the<br />
school fees, barricaded<br />
the main entrance to<br />
the school and prevented<br />
vehicular movement<br />
for several hours.<br />
Kemes Mitin, President<br />
of NDU-SUG, who<br />
led the protest, said the<br />
Bayelsa State-owned<br />
University’s management<br />
was gradually<br />
turni<strong>ng</strong> the school into a<br />
private institution in its<br />
quest to generate more<br />
revenue.<br />
He called on the university’s<br />
authority to review<br />
the fees and levies<br />
downwards as many students<br />
would not afford<br />
the fees and levies.<br />
to transport it to Chad<br />
Republic through Cameroon.<br />
Kibo further said that<br />
the other suspect who<br />
gave his name as Peter<br />
Danboyi and claimed to<br />
be a University’s graduate<br />
was arrested with a<br />
cartoon of Codeine cough<br />
syrup weighti<strong>ng</strong> 3.9 Kilograms<br />
and a cartoon of<br />
Rohypnol tablets weighti<strong>ng</strong><br />
11grams in the same<br />
market duri<strong>ng</strong> the raid.<br />
He explained that the<br />
destruction of youths by<br />
drugs consumption is<br />
at an alarmi<strong>ng</strong> rate and<br />
need collective support<br />
to address the menace in<br />
our societies so that the<br />
future of the country can<br />
be saved.<br />
He appealed to the<br />
authorities of the neighbouri<strong>ng</strong><br />
countries of<br />
Cameroon, Niger and<br />
Chad Republic to man<br />
their borders properly so<br />
that the activities of these<br />
illegal drugs peddlers can<br />
be checkmated properly<br />
and adequately.<br />
He however attributed<br />
the continued recordi<strong>ng</strong><br />
of drugs pushi<strong>ng</strong> to porous<br />
nature of our boarders,<br />
addi<strong>ng</strong> that all hands<br />
must be on deck to put a<br />
stop to the crime drastically.<br />
Respondi<strong>ng</strong> to questions<br />
from journalists,<br />
one of the suspects, Peter<br />
Danboyi confessed to<br />
the crime, sayi<strong>ng</strong> he was<br />
a graduate and that lack<br />
of job took him to drugs<br />
trafficki<strong>ng</strong>.<br />
Accordi<strong>ng</strong> to him, “I<br />
am a University graduate<br />
and I was introduced<br />
to drugs trafficki<strong>ng</strong> by a<br />
friend due to lack of job “,<br />
Danboyi confessed.
INDEPENDENT WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 16, 2017 /<stro<strong>ng</strong>>Independent</stro<strong>ng</strong>><strong>ng</strong>r @independent<strong>ng</strong>r www.independent.<strong>ng</strong> A13<br />
Forfeit N206m To FG, Court<br />
Orders Businesswoman<br />
MOHAMMED SHOSANYA<br />
LAGOS<br />
A Federal High Court in<br />
Lagos on Tuesday ordered<br />
that the sum of N206 million<br />
belo<strong>ng</strong>i<strong>ng</strong> to a businesswoman,<br />
Akinola<br />
Olubunmi Vera and her<br />
firm, Vermi Studio Products<br />
be forfeited to the<br />
Federal Government over<br />
alleged financial malfeasance.<br />
Justice AbdulAziz Anka’s<br />
order was sequel to<br />
an ex-parte application<br />
filed by counsel to the<br />
Economic and Financial<br />
Crimes Commission,<br />
George Chai-Yakua.<br />
The commission stated<br />
that the sum was suspected<br />
to be proceeds of fraudulent<br />
transactions perpetuated<br />
by Mrs Akinola and<br />
her company.<br />
Justice Anka ordered<br />
that the money be forfeited<br />
by EFCC pendi<strong>ng</strong> the<br />
Evans: Court Adjourns Ruli<strong>ng</strong><br />
On N300m Against Police<br />
Justice Abdulaziz Anka<br />
of the Federal High Court<br />
in Lagos has adjourned<br />
till Wednesday (today) the<br />
ruli<strong>ng</strong> on whether to hear<br />
a suit filed against the Nigeria<br />
Police Force, Commissioner<br />
of Police Lagos<br />
State, Fatai Owoseni and<br />
the Special Anti-Robbery<br />
Squad, Lagos State Police<br />
Command by suspected<br />
billionaire kidnapper,<br />
Chukwudumeme Onwuamadike,<br />
a.k.a Evans.<br />
Evans is claimi<strong>ng</strong> the<br />
sum of N300 million as<br />
general and exemplary<br />
damages against the<br />
police for alleged illegal<br />
conclusion of its investigation<br />
and possible prosecution<br />
of the case.<br />
Prayi<strong>ng</strong> the court to<br />
grant the request, the<br />
EFCC lawyer, Chia-Yakua<br />
informed the judge that<br />
the sum was domiciled<br />
in two First Bank accounts<br />
with account Nos:<br />
3100844602 belo<strong>ng</strong>i<strong>ng</strong> to<br />
Vermilion Studio Products<br />
and 3011147218 belo<strong>ng</strong>i<strong>ng</strong><br />
to Vera.<br />
Accordi<strong>ng</strong> to a supporti<strong>ng</strong><br />
affidavit by an EFCC<br />
investigati<strong>ng</strong> officer Paul<br />
Ugema, the commission<br />
commenced investigation<br />
of the matter followi<strong>ng</strong> a<br />
petition it received.<br />
It alleged that the respondents<br />
diverted over<br />
N206m property of Mooncrest<br />
Enterprises Nigeria<br />
Limited<br />
“It was discovered that<br />
the respondents were<br />
maki<strong>ng</strong> suspicious fund<br />
transfers into the accounts”,<br />
he added.<br />
detention and unconstitutional<br />
media trial.<br />
The suspect in the suit<br />
is also aski<strong>ng</strong> the court to<br />
declare that his continued<br />
detention since June<br />
10 without arraignment<br />
violates his fundamental<br />
rights as guaranteed under<br />
the 1999 Constitution.<br />
But Justice Anka adjourned<br />
ruli<strong>ng</strong> on the case<br />
till August 16 after listeni<strong>ng</strong><br />
to the submissions of<br />
counsel to Evans, Olukoya<br />
Ogu<strong>ng</strong>beje and that of<br />
the Special Anti-Robbery<br />
Squad and the Lagos State<br />
Commissioner of Police,<br />
Emmanuel Eze.<br />
Brothers Arraigned For<br />
Exporti<strong>ng</strong> Cocaine<br />
MOHAMMED SHO-<br />
SANYA<br />
LAGOS<br />
Two brothers, Onowu<br />
Chucks Sunday and Onowu<br />
Isaac Chukwuka<br />
were arraigned before<br />
a Lagos Federal High<br />
Court on Tuesday for<br />
aidi<strong>ng</strong> a convicted South<br />
African lady, Lorato Lekganyane<br />
to export 1.210<br />
kilograms of cocaine.<br />
They were slammed<br />
with a three count charge<br />
borderi<strong>ng</strong> on conspiracy,<br />
unlawful exportation of<br />
the said banned drug and<br />
aidi<strong>ng</strong> and abetti<strong>ng</strong> by<br />
the National Drugs Laws<br />
and Enforcement Agency<br />
The prosecutor, Augustine<br />
Nwagu told the<br />
court that the brothers<br />
between April and May,<br />
2016, conspired a South<br />
African, Lerato Lekganyane,<br />
who has been<br />
convicted by a Nigeria<br />
Federal High Court, to<br />
export 1.210 kilograms<br />
of Cocaine.<br />
They were also alleged<br />
that on May 20, 2016 at the<br />
Muritala Muhammad<br />
International Airport,<br />
Ikeja, without lawful<br />
authority exported 1.210<br />
kilograms of cocaine.<br />
NDLEA also alleged<br />
that the second defendant,<br />
Onowu Isaac, aided<br />
the convicted South African<br />
lady, Lerato Lekganyena,<br />
to export the<br />
banned drug.<br />
The offences contravene<br />
14(b), 11(B) and<br />
Metro<br />
Ozubulu Church Attack: ‘Bishop’ Aloysius<br />
Ikegwuonu Visits Hospitalised Victims<br />
Aloysius Ikegwuonu,<br />
the<br />
alleged South<br />
Africa-based<br />
drug dealer accused of<br />
bei<strong>ng</strong> the target in the assassination-style<br />
murder<br />
of 13 persons at a Catholic<br />
Church in Anambra<br />
State nine days ago, has<br />
returned to Nigeria.<br />
Bishop, as he is popularly<br />
called, returned<br />
to the community and<br />
visited the victims of the<br />
shooti<strong>ng</strong> that involved<br />
him as the target of the<br />
suspects.<br />
Mr. Ikegwuonu was<br />
spotted, accordi<strong>ng</strong> to<br />
agency report, in Anam-<br />
Ikegwuonu, duri<strong>ng</strong> the visits to Hospital<br />
14(a) of the National<br />
Drugs Laws Enforcement<br />
Agency, Act Cap N30,<br />
Laws of the Federation<br />
of Nigeria, 2004.<br />
The accused pleaded<br />
not guilty to all the<br />
charges, but the prosecutor<br />
prayed the court that<br />
they be remanded them<br />
in prison<br />
Their counsel, Prosper<br />
Ojakovo, pleaded with<br />
the court to admit his clients<br />
to bail, addi<strong>ng</strong> that<br />
the first defendant had<br />
earlier been earlier been<br />
admitted to bail.<br />
Ojakovo also prayed<br />
the court to admit the<br />
second defendant to bail<br />
in liberal terms.<br />
The presidi<strong>ng</strong> judge<br />
Justice Abdul Aziz Anka,<br />
ordered that the second<br />
defendant, Isaac, be remanded<br />
in prison pendi<strong>ng</strong><br />
the heari<strong>ng</strong> of his bail<br />
request, which he fixed<br />
for August 18,this year.<br />
bra nearly one week and<br />
a half after heavily-armed<br />
men attacked worshippers<br />
at St. Philip Catholic<br />
Church Amakwa Ozobulu,<br />
in Ekwusigo Local<br />
Government Area.<br />
State governor Willie<br />
Obiano said that intelligence<br />
reports linked the<br />
attack to a feud between<br />
two ki<strong>ng</strong>pins in Ozubulu:<br />
Mr. Ikegwuonu and one<br />
Chinedu Akpunonu (a.k.a<br />
Oborocho), both of whom<br />
live outside Nigeria.<br />
Accordi<strong>ng</strong> to eyewitnesses,<br />
upon arrival at<br />
the church the gunmen<br />
had combed the area in<br />
search of Ikegwuonu and<br />
when they could not find<br />
him, began executi<strong>ng</strong> innocent<br />
worshippers who<br />
knew nothi<strong>ng</strong> of the feud<br />
between the two men.<br />
In a statement, the<br />
Bishop of the Diocese,<br />
Hilary Odili Okeke, stated<br />
that Cyprian Ikegwuonu,<br />
father of Aloysius, died<br />
from the brutal attack<br />
while his wife, Caroline,<br />
is listed amo<strong>ng</strong> the 22 survivi<strong>ng</strong><br />
victims.<br />
Although perceived<br />
by most people as a drug<br />
dealer based in South<br />
Africa, the you<strong>ng</strong>er Ikegwuonu<br />
is widely-loved<br />
and accepted for bei<strong>ng</strong> a<br />
“philanthropist”.<br />
He is the founder of<br />
the non-governmental<br />
Ebubechukwu Uzo Foundation<br />
Ozubulu, which<br />
assists members of his as<br />
well as neighbori<strong>ng</strong> communities,<br />
and has tarred<br />
some roads in the area.<br />
Ikegwuonu, accordi<strong>ng</strong><br />
to agency report, arrived<br />
in Nigeria on Saturday<br />
and has made statements<br />
to the police, givi<strong>ng</strong> details<br />
of the feud that led<br />
to the deadly shooti<strong>ng</strong>.<br />
A police source said he<br />
also revealed the assailants’<br />
names and revealed<br />
that they had demanded a<br />
huge ransom from him in<br />
excha<strong>ng</strong>e for peace.<br />
Court Remands Prophet Over Alleged N70m Fraud<br />
MOHAMMED SHOSANYA<br />
LAGOS<br />
A Lagos Federal High<br />
Court, yesterday ordered<br />
the remand of a Prophet<br />
of Celestial Church of<br />
Christ, Prophet Oladele<br />
Olufemi Ayoola, at Ikoyi<br />
prison in Lagos for allegedly<br />
defraudi<strong>ng</strong> a<br />
couple of N70million<br />
Justice AbdulAziz<br />
Anka’s order was sequel<br />
to the arraignment of<br />
the clergy man on a five<br />
count amended charge<br />
borderi<strong>ng</strong> on fraud,<br />
steali<strong>ng</strong>, impersonation,<br />
forgery and false accusation.<br />
The 45-year-old prophet,<br />
whose church is located<br />
in Oke-Ira, Ogba, Lagos,<br />
was alleged to have<br />
between 2008 and December<br />
2016, pretended to be<br />
a spiritualist, soothsayer<br />
capable preventi<strong>ng</strong><br />
all type of spiritual and<br />
physical attack.<br />
The police prosecutor<br />
alleged that the Prophet<br />
who carried out the acts<br />
between Lagos, Ogun<br />
and Ekiti States, fraudulently<br />
obtained the sum<br />
of N70 million from Abbey<br />
N Becky Enterprise<br />
and Nichole Integrated<br />
Investment Limited,<br />
which were represented<br />
by Peter Omokaro and<br />
Catherine N. Omokaro,<br />
under the pretence that<br />
he will assist them spiritual.<br />
The police alleged that<br />
the prophet defrauded<br />
the two firms through<br />
his bank account numbers:<br />
2055838342 and<br />
2060863319 domiciled<br />
with United Bank for<br />
Africa (UBA) Plc.<br />
He was also alleged to<br />
have forged the two firms<br />
identity cards, which he<br />
used in claimi<strong>ng</strong> to be a<br />
staff of the companies,<br />
as well as made a false<br />
accusation against Peter<br />
Omokaro, one of the<br />
fraud victims.<br />
The offences are punishable<br />
under section<br />
1 of the Advance Fee<br />
Fraud and other related<br />
Offences, 2004, and<br />
Sections 390(9), 467(2)<br />
(b), 448 and 210(b) of the<br />
Criminal Code Cap C38,<br />
Laws of the Federation<br />
of Nigeria, 2004, (as<br />
amended).<br />
The prophet h pleaded<br />
not guilty to the charges.<br />
Justice Anka, ordered<br />
his remand in Ikoyi<br />
prisons till August 17,<br />
when his bail request<br />
would be heard by the<br />
couple.
A14<br />
/<stro<strong>ng</strong>>Independent</stro<strong>ng</strong>><strong>ng</strong>r @independent<strong>ng</strong>r www.independent.<strong>ng</strong> INDEPENDENT WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 16, 2017<br />
Sport<br />
Peter Edema<br />
+2348050498540<br />
peter.edema@independentnig.com<br />
D’Tigress Leave For<br />
Mali Wednesday<br />
D’Tigress will<br />
on Wednesday<br />
leave for Bamako<br />
for the<br />
2017 Afrobasket tournament<br />
aboard an Air Cote<br />
d’Ivoire flight at 9:45am.<br />
The delegation which<br />
will be led by the Vice<br />
President of the Nigeria<br />
Basketball Federation,<br />
Babatunde Oguande will<br />
include 12 players, three<br />
technical crew members<br />
led by Sam Vincent and<br />
four other backroom<br />
staff.<br />
The players will be<br />
led by Captain Aisha<br />
Mohammed, Evelyn<br />
Akhator, Ezinne Kalu,<br />
Sarah Ogoke, Adaora<br />
Elonu, Chioma Udeaja,<br />
Nkechi Akashili and<br />
Upe Atosu. Others are<br />
Ndidi Madu, Cecelia<br />
Okoye, Ugo Nwaigwe<br />
and Nyi<strong>ng</strong>ifa Atonye<br />
Jennifer.<br />
The Technical crew<br />
will consist of two assistant<br />
coaches, Peter<br />
Ahmedu and Ochuko<br />
Okworogun while Mfon<br />
Udoka (General Manager)<br />
and Amachree<br />
Mactaben (Player Development<br />
Manager)<br />
will form part of the<br />
delegation for this year’s<br />
apex women's basketball<br />
tournament in Africa.<br />
North West zonal<br />
representative on the<br />
board, Suraju Yusuff,<br />
Larai Garba (Team<br />
Doctor) and Bakare<br />
Umulkuthum (Physio)<br />
and Oni Afolabi (Media<br />
Ezenwa, Odeh Assure<br />
On CHAN Qualification<br />
CHIBUIKE CHUKWU<br />
LAGOS<br />
Ikechukwu Ezenwa, the<br />
CHAN Eagles captain,<br />
and the team’s forward,<br />
Stephen Odeh, have assured<br />
Nigerians that the<br />
team would beat their<br />
Benenoise counterparts<br />
and qualify for next Africa<br />
Nations Championship<br />
(CHAN) in Kenya.<br />
The CHAN team lost<br />
1-0 to Benin Republic on<br />
Sunday in the last leg<br />
qualifiers for the biannual<br />
championship.<br />
Speaki<strong>ng</strong> on Tuesday<br />
ahead of the second leg,<br />
which comes up at the<br />
Sani Abacha Stadium in<br />
Kano, both players sounded<br />
very confident of overcomi<strong>ng</strong><br />
Benin Republic,<br />
even as they expressed<br />
sadness on the late goal,<br />
which condemned them<br />
to that defeat.<br />
“We are sad that we lost.<br />
Adaora Elonu taki<strong>ng</strong> a jumper against Mozambique<br />
But that is just one leg of<br />
the qualifiers. We are goi<strong>ng</strong><br />
to qualify but I know<br />
they (Benin Republic)<br />
will come with all tricks,”<br />
a source close to Ezenwa<br />
confided to <stro<strong>ng</strong>>Independent</stro<strong>ng</strong>>.<br />
Speaki<strong>ng</strong> in the same<br />
vein, Mountain of Fire<br />
and Miracles Ministries<br />
(MFM) Football Club’s<br />
Odey, said that the national<br />
team had their own chances<br />
but were undone by the<br />
late goal from their hosts.<br />
He expressed the hope that<br />
they would qualify.<br />
“We played well and<br />
had our own chances but<br />
they scored. That was<br />
very painful. But I have<br />
one promise for them;<br />
they will be defeated and<br />
we will qualify,” Odey was<br />
quoted as sayi<strong>ng</strong> from<br />
their hotel in Kano.<br />
The match comes up at<br />
the Sani Abacha Stadium,<br />
Kano, by 4pm on Saturday.<br />
Ezenwa<br />
Officer) will complete<br />
the Nigerian team who<br />
will be gunni<strong>ng</strong> for their<br />
third Afrobasket trophy.<br />
Meanwhile, in line<br />
with the NBBF’s lo<strong>ng</strong><br />
term plan, Adaeze<br />
Alaeze (Virginia Commonwealth<br />
University)<br />
and Elawure Tina Odion<br />
(First Bank) who<br />
have been identified as<br />
future prospects have<br />
been added to the 12 man<br />
rooster as they continue<br />
their developmental<br />
programme with the national<br />
team.<br />
The team will start<br />
its campaign against<br />
Mozambique on Saturday,<br />
19th.<br />
Abia Warriors Football<br />
Club of Umuahia striker,<br />
Sunday Adetunji has<br />
undergone a successful<br />
surgery on his fractured<br />
left arm at the Federal<br />
medical Centre, Umuahia.<br />
The former Shooti<strong>ng</strong><br />
Stars of Ibadan hitman had<br />
fractured his forearm after<br />
he scored his second goal<br />
in Abia Warriors’ 4-2 away<br />
PETER EDEMA<br />
LAGOS<br />
Nigerian Sports Award has<br />
opened its nomination portal<br />
for the 2017 Awards on Tuesday<br />
August 15, 2017.<br />
The awards will be in 20<br />
categories.<br />
This was disclosed on<br />
Tuesday by Kwenku Tandoh,<br />
the chairman of the award<br />
panel, who also promised to<br />
improve on what their predecessors<br />
achieved.<br />
Ogenyi Onazi, the Super<br />
Eagles vice captain,<br />
has said that his<br />
move from the Turkish<br />
league to Championship<br />
side, Birmi<strong>ng</strong>ham<br />
City, would provide<br />
new challe<strong>ng</strong>es for him<br />
as the club battles to<br />
return to the Premier<br />
League.<br />
The Super Eagles<br />
star, who provided update<br />
on his potential<br />
move to Birmi<strong>ng</strong>ham<br />
City from Trabzonspor,<br />
disclosed that he had<br />
been a lo<strong>ng</strong> target for<br />
Birmi<strong>ng</strong>ham Coach,<br />
Harry Rednapp, since<br />
his playi<strong>ng</strong> days at<br />
Lazio.<br />
Redknapp views the<br />
Nigerian as a player<br />
who could play a part<br />
in their bid to gain promotion<br />
to the E<strong>ng</strong>lish<br />
Premier League.<br />
The former Lazio<br />
ace, who revealed that<br />
Redknapp wanted to<br />
sign him while he was<br />
manager of Tottenham<br />
Hostspur, said that he<br />
was hopi<strong>ng</strong> to complete<br />
the switch in few<br />
days time citi<strong>ng</strong> the<br />
ambitions of the club<br />
as a factor in his decision<br />
to join the club<br />
after a phone call with<br />
the manager.<br />
Adetunji Undergoes<br />
Successful Surgery<br />
Birmi<strong>ng</strong>ham Move<br />
Provides Fresh<br />
Challe<strong>ng</strong>e – Onazi<br />
“It’s almost a done<br />
deal. It would be a new<br />
challe<strong>ng</strong>e for me. This<br />
club wants to return to<br />
EPL, they also want to<br />
sign good players that<br />
will ensure the promotion<br />
of the team back<br />
to the Premier League.<br />
I want to be part of the<br />
group,”<br />
Onazi<br />
victory over Lobi Stars in<br />
Makurdi. He was initially<br />
rushed to the emergency<br />
unit of the Benue State University<br />
Teachi<strong>ng</strong> Hospital,<br />
Makurdi where he received<br />
treatment before he was<br />
transferred to Umuahia.<br />
At the federal Medical<br />
Centre, Umuahia a team<br />
of doctors operated on the<br />
forearm and successfully<br />
joined both ends of the broken<br />
bones.<br />
“It was an open reduction<br />
internal fixation surgery<br />
to join both ends of the<br />
broken bones and hold them<br />
in place and I’m very happy<br />
it was very successful”, Dr<br />
Enyinnaya Anozie, head,<br />
Abia Warriors medical unit<br />
who was part of the team of<br />
doctors that carried out the<br />
surgery told www.abiawarriorsfc.com.<br />
Dr Anozie revealed that<br />
the player was in a stable<br />
condition and could even<br />
return to action earlier than<br />
expected.<br />
Nigerian Sports Award Open Nomination Portal<br />
In improvi<strong>ng</strong> the awards,<br />
he said that improvi<strong>ng</strong> the<br />
awards feasibility was one<br />
of their cardinal points,<br />
sayi<strong>ng</strong>, “We will increase the<br />
awards feasibility by reachi<strong>ng</strong><br />
the nooks and cranies<br />
of the country. We will also<br />
make it more nationalistic.”<br />
Accordi<strong>ng</strong> to him, the<br />
new panel would improve<br />
upon the content because<br />
‘the better the content, the<br />
better for the sponsors.”<br />
He also promised to improve<br />
on the awards sponsorship<br />
base and also to<br />
work together with a chosen<br />
area of corporate responsibility.<br />
“We want to relate to the<br />
society. We want the awards<br />
to be the platform fpr supporti<strong>ng</strong><br />
a course. This will<br />
encourage NGOs to support<br />
the award,” he said.<br />
Tandoh also promised<br />
to re-categorise the awards<br />
with only those where there<br />
were activities in the year in<br />
question that would be nominations.
INDEPENDENT WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 16, 2017<br />
President of the<br />
Athletics Federation<br />
of Nigeria<br />
(AFN), Hon Ibrahim<br />
Gusau, has said that<br />
only proper grassroots<br />
development will restore<br />
the Nigerian athletics<br />
lost glory.<br />
Gusau spoke against<br />
trhe backdrop of the zero<br />
performance of Team Nigeria<br />
at the just concluded<br />
IAAF World Championships<br />
in Athletics in London.<br />
Gusau, who spoke on<br />
telephone from the London,<br />
said “It is time to return<br />
to the basics.<br />
“After my election, I told<br />
the nation we were returni<strong>ng</strong><br />
to the basics. We had<br />
the World championships<br />
and we knew it must be<br />
over before we start our<br />
own realities. Truth is Nigerian<br />
athletics is down.<br />
To rise does not need palliative<br />
measures. It is a<br />
fundamental surgery.<br />
“Surgeries can be very<br />
painful but they bri<strong>ng</strong><br />
succour at the end of the<br />
day. Havi<strong>ng</strong> been a board<br />
member for eight years, I<br />
already understand where<br />
the troubles are. That is<br />
our focus right now.<br />
On the world championships,<br />
he said, “Competitions<br />
are like examinations.<br />
If you did not<br />
attend lectures, field<br />
studies, assignments that<br />
students take duri<strong>ng</strong> the<br />
Gusau<br />
session, it tells you what<br />
quality of pass to expect.<br />
We are aware of the situation<br />
of thi<strong>ng</strong>s before now;<br />
we wanted to first of all<br />
see how much it can be<br />
salvaged.<br />
“I expected bronze from<br />
/<stro<strong>ng</strong>>Independent</stro<strong>ng</strong>><strong>ng</strong>r @independent<strong>ng</strong>r www.independent.<strong>ng</strong><br />
Only Grassroots’ll Restore Nigerian<br />
Athletics Lost Glory – Gusau<br />
the women’s 4x400m. We<br />
had internal issues which<br />
were compounded by organisational<br />
dislocations.<br />
Beyond this, I commend all<br />
the athletes who attended<br />
and competed at the championships.<br />
Two, we shall<br />
reinvigorate our system<br />
within the AFN to make<br />
it work seamlessly like all<br />
great institutions.<br />
“I can say that, if possible,<br />
at least two of the six<br />
Athletics Development<br />
centres, where we plan to<br />
raise new kids, will be in<br />
place before the end of the<br />
year. We are starti<strong>ng</strong> in Plateau<br />
State. That is a state<br />
known for middle and lo<strong>ng</strong><br />
distance runni<strong>ng</strong>. That is<br />
one set of disciplines we<br />
had abandoned. Since we<br />
are givi<strong>ng</strong> that priority,<br />
give us a little more time<br />
and we shall blossom.<br />
He added, “I promised<br />
that every geo-political<br />
zone of the country will<br />
have a national athletics<br />
development centre to coordinate<br />
the comparative<br />
athletics talents of their<br />
zones. I am not in a hurry<br />
for medals. I need medals<br />
but what needs to be done<br />
first must be in place and<br />
that is the revolvi<strong>ng</strong> door<br />
for great, you<strong>ng</strong> and promisi<strong>ng</strong><br />
athletes.”<br />
The former House of<br />
Representatives member<br />
also disclosed that, “every<br />
athlete in Nigeria, will<br />
be given insurance cover<br />
from next season. The<br />
Golden League is bei<strong>ng</strong><br />
re-worked just like the<br />
National Trials. More athletics<br />
coaches will be e<strong>ng</strong>aged,<br />
so those with good<br />
programmes should start<br />
worki<strong>ng</strong> harder.”<br />
The U-15 National Team,<br />
known as Future Eagles,<br />
will on Wednesday<br />
and Thursday play two<br />
international friendly<br />
matches against their<br />
Moroccan counterparts<br />
in Rabat, Morocco.<br />
Both teams will play at<br />
the National Football Centre,<br />
Rabat starti<strong>ng</strong> from<br />
4pm on Wednesday, and<br />
again clash at the same<br />
venue on Thursday from<br />
mid-day.<br />
The squad and their<br />
officials arrived in Rabat<br />
on Sunday, and have had<br />
three traini<strong>ng</strong> sessions at<br />
the National Football Centre<br />
ahead of the friendly<br />
games.<br />
The players were selected<br />
from the pool that<br />
emerged from the inaugural<br />
edition of the NFF/<br />
A15<br />
Sport<br />
Nigeria’s U-15 To<br />
Play Morocco<br />
Zenith Bank Future Eagles<br />
Championship held<br />
in Ijebu-Ode, Lagos and<br />
Abuja in the last quarter<br />
of 2016.<br />
NFF First Vice President<br />
and Chairman of<br />
the NFF Youth Development<br />
Committee, Seyi<br />
Akinwunmi, who is head<br />
of delegation in Morocco,<br />
said that he was delighted<br />
with the composure and<br />
discipline of the players.<br />
“I have been with the<br />
boys for a couple of days<br />
and I am happy with their<br />
general attitude. I can see<br />
discipline, dedication and<br />
humility, and I can also see<br />
ambition.<br />
“These matches are<br />
just friendly sessions but<br />
I believe the boys will gain<br />
tremendously from the experience.”<br />
Hazard Trains With First Team<br />
Eden Hazard has started<br />
traini<strong>ng</strong> with Chelsea<br />
since his ankle injury on<br />
international duty with<br />
Belgium in June.<br />
The attacker will not return<br />
to first team action,<br />
as Antonio Conte admits<br />
that it was difficult to set<br />
a date on when he would<br />
be available for selection.<br />
He is not expected to<br />
make the squad that will<br />
play Tottenham Hotspur<br />
this weekend at the Wembley<br />
Stadium.<br />
Chelsea wi<strong>ng</strong>er Pedro<br />
is nursi<strong>ng</strong> an ankle problem<br />
which kept him out of<br />
Saturday's loss to Burnley.<br />
Michy Batshuayi,<br />
Cesc Fabregas and the<br />
Blues new boy Tiemoue<br />
Bakayoko were amo<strong>ng</strong> the<br />
Chelsea stars in action as<br />
Conte's began their preparations<br />
for the Tottenham<br />
match.<br />
Bakayoko is yet to make<br />
his debut for Chelsea since<br />
his £40million move from<br />
Monaco this summer due<br />
to an o<strong>ng</strong>oi<strong>ng</strong> knee problem.<br />
Ronaldo's 10 Career Red Cards<br />
Cristiano Ronaldo was<br />
handed a five-match ban<br />
on Monday for pushi<strong>ng</strong><br />
a referee after bei<strong>ng</strong><br />
controversially sentoff<br />
in Real Madrid's 3-1<br />
Spanish Super Cup, first<br />
leg win at Barcelona.<br />
AFP sports takes a<br />
look at all of the World<br />
Player of the Year's 10<br />
career dismissals.<br />
1. Saturday, May 15,<br />
2004, Aston Villa 0 Manchester<br />
United 2<br />
Ronaldo scored in<br />
United's 2-0 win away to<br />
Aston Villa on the final<br />
day of the season, but<br />
was booked twice for<br />
divi<strong>ng</strong> and time wasti<strong>ng</strong><br />
late on.<br />
His first booki<strong>ng</strong> was<br />
eventually rescinded<br />
meani<strong>ng</strong> he didn't have<br />
to serve a suspension.<br />
2. Saturday, January<br />
14, 2006, Manchester<br />
City 3 Manchester United<br />
1<br />
The Portuguese was<br />
shown a straight red<br />
card for a late challe<strong>ng</strong>e<br />
on former United<br />
favourite Andy Cole as<br />
the Red Devils went on<br />
to lose the Manchester<br />
derby 3-1.<br />
3. Wednesday, August<br />
15, 2007, Portsmouth 1<br />
Manchester United 1<br />
A straight red card<br />
and three-match ban<br />
was again dished out to<br />
Ronaldo for an apparent<br />
headbutt on Portsmouth<br />
midfielder Richard<br />
Hughes in a 1-1 draw at<br />
Fratton Park.<br />
4. Sunday, November<br />
30, 2008, Manchester<br />
City 0 Manchester United<br />
1<br />
Ronaldo saw red in<br />
a Manchester derby<br />
once more, this time for<br />
two bookable offences<br />
after a trip on Shaun<br />
Wright-Phillips and<br />
then an inexplicable<br />
handball.<br />
5. December 5, 2009,<br />
Real Madrid 4 Almeria 2<br />
A first red card in La<br />
Liga came in Ronaldo's<br />
debut season for two<br />
petulant late booki<strong>ng</strong>s<br />
comi<strong>ng</strong> after he had<br />
missed a penalty and<br />
also scored Los Blancos'<br />
fourth goal in a 4-2 win.<br />
6. January 24, 2010,<br />
Real Madrid 2 Malaga 0<br />
Just a month later<br />
Ronaldo doubled his<br />
count of red cards at<br />
the Bernabeu when he<br />
elbowed Malaga midfielder<br />
Patrick Mtiliga<br />
in the face as he tried<br />
to escape the Dane's<br />
clutches. Earlier, the<br />
Portuguese had scored<br />
both Madrid's goals in<br />
a 2-0 win.<br />
7. May 17, 2013, Real<br />
Madrid 1 Atletico Madrid<br />
2<br />
On a disastrous night<br />
for Real as they lost a<br />
Madrid derby for the<br />
first time in 14 years,<br />
Ronaldo kicked out at<br />
Atletico captain Gabi<br />
in the final few minutes<br />
and was shown a<br />
straight red.<br />
8. February 2, 2014,<br />
Athletic Bilbao 1 Real<br />
Madrid 1<br />
Ronaldo was given<br />
a three-game ban after<br />
clashi<strong>ng</strong> with Athletic<br />
defender Carlos Gurpegi<br />
and then showi<strong>ng</strong><br />
his disagreement with<br />
the referee when he was<br />
shown a straight red<br />
card as he left the field.<br />
9. January 24, 2015,<br />
Cordoba 1 Real Madrid<br />
2<br />
Arguably his most<br />
violent discretion as he<br />
kicked out at Cordoba<br />
defender Edimar.<br />
10. August 13, 2017,<br />
Barcelona 1 Real Madrid<br />
3<br />
Ronaldo packed plenty<br />
of action in a 24-minute<br />
appearance as a second-half<br />
substitute as<br />
he smashed into the top<br />
corner to give Madrid a<br />
2-1 lead.<br />
However, his decision<br />
to celebrate by removi<strong>ng</strong><br />
his shirt to flex his<br />
muscles proved costly<br />
as he was booked and<br />
just two minutes later<br />
saw a second yellow<br />
card for divi<strong>ng</strong> in the<br />
referee's eyes in an attempt<br />
to win a penalty.<br />
Ronaldo
independent<strong>ng</strong>r @independent<strong>ng</strong>r www.independent.<strong>ng</strong><br />
INDEPENDENT<br />
THE MOST READ NEWSPAPER AMONG THE POLITICAL AND BUSINESS ELITE<br />
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 16, 2017<br />
Thinker's Corner<br />
Nobody ever drowned in his<br />
own sweat.<br />
– Ann Landers<br />
Sam Kargbo<br />
samkargbo@hotmail.com<br />
The Supreme Court has held<br />
that where a Constitution<br />
provides for the procedure for<br />
the enactment of an Act or law,<br />
the legislature must comply with the<br />
procedure set down in the Constitution.<br />
See INAKOJU V. ADELEKE (2007)<br />
4 NWLR (pt. 1025) 423 where the Supreme<br />
Court held that it is the primary<br />
custodian of the Constitution, and if<br />
any arm of the government, includi<strong>ng</strong><br />
the court itself, acts unconstitutionally,<br />
the court has inherent power under<br />
Section 6(6) of the 1999 Constitution to<br />
intervene.<br />
Where a statute provides for a procedure<br />
to be followed before arrivi<strong>ng</strong><br />
at a particular situation, noncompliance<br />
will be fatal. A Bill not passed accordi<strong>ng</strong><br />
to law is a nullity. Therefore,<br />
an Appropriation Bill that follows not<br />
the procedure laid down by the Constitution<br />
is a nullity, even if the President<br />
assents to it.<br />
Simply put, the Constitution vests<br />
budgeti<strong>ng</strong> power in the President, and<br />
the power to appropriate funds for the<br />
fundi<strong>ng</strong> of the budget in the National<br />
Assembly. The process is initiated by<br />
the President, who causes the Ministries,<br />
Departments and Agencies of the<br />
Presidency to prepare, in itemized or<br />
distinctive heads, estimates of revenue<br />
and expenditure for the financial year.<br />
These estimates are laid before each of<br />
the Houses of the National Assembly.<br />
There are several sources of income or<br />
revenue for the Federal Government.<br />
Each of the proposed sources must be<br />
authorized by the National Assembly.<br />
By virtue of Section 36 of the Fiscal<br />
The Executive, National Assembly<br />
And Federation’s Budget (3)<br />
Responsibility Act, the Minister of Finance,<br />
through the Budget Office of the<br />
Federation, has the respeonsibility to<br />
monitor and evaluate the implementation<br />
of the Annual Budget, assess<br />
the attainment of fiscal targets and<br />
report thereon on a quarterly basis to<br />
the Fiscal Responsibility Council and<br />
the Joint Finance Committee of the<br />
National Assembly.<br />
Also, by virtue of Section 36 of the<br />
Fiscal Policy Act, the creation, expansion<br />
or improvement in government<br />
action which result in an expenditure<br />
increase must be accompanied by -- (a)<br />
an estimate of the budgetary or financial<br />
impact in the year it becomes effective<br />
and in the two subsequent years;<br />
and (b) a statement by the person requesti<strong>ng</strong><br />
for the expenditure, stati<strong>ng</strong><br />
that the increase is consistent with<br />
the Appropriation Act and the Medium-Term<br />
Expenditure Framework.<br />
Thus, the National Assembly has,<br />
inter alia, the power to:<br />
i. Ensure that the budget is consistent<br />
with the provisions of the Fiscal<br />
Responsibility Act and Section 16 of<br />
the Constitution.<br />
ii. Deny funds to heads of expenditure<br />
that do not meet the letter and<br />
spirit of the Fiscal Responsibility Act<br />
or federal character and/or Section 16<br />
of the Constitution;<br />
iii. Deny funds to heads of expenditure<br />
for which funds were appropriated<br />
in the previous Appropriation Bill but<br />
not used for that purpose or poorly executed;<br />
and<br />
iv. Allocate less or more funds to estimates<br />
stated in heads of expenditure<br />
to promote efficiency or reduce waste;<br />
The National Assembly cannot, however,<br />
be the proposer and authoriser<br />
of revenues and expenditures of the<br />
Federal Government. Although the National<br />
Assembly can tinker with the<br />
budgets as presented to ensure constitutional<br />
and statutory compliance, it<br />
cannot substitute the President’s budget<br />
with its own. In the first instance,<br />
the Appropriation Bill, which authorises<br />
the withdrawal of the funds necessary<br />
to fund the expenditure estimates,<br />
must contain the heads of expenditure<br />
contained in the estimates presented<br />
by the President.<br />
Secondly, the Constitution creates<br />
a mandatory duty on the President,<br />
which the National Assembly cannot<br />
interfere with. Thirdly, the need to reduce<br />
the Budget into a Bill is to check<br />
the President and prevent him from<br />
usi<strong>ng</strong> moneys withdrawn from the<br />
Consolidated Fund for purposes other<br />
than those specified in the Appropriation<br />
Bill. The Dasukigate turns on this.<br />
Lastly, the power to authorise the fundi<strong>ng</strong><br />
of the budget – one of the checks<br />
and balances in the Constitution – is<br />
not meant to filibuster the President’s<br />
power to make Budgets.<br />
Conclusion<br />
Nigeria is a constitutional democracy.<br />
The principles of separation of<br />
powers and checks and balances are<br />
entrenched in the Constitution. Although<br />
the Constitution empowers<br />
the National Assembly to serve as a<br />
check on the power of the Executive<br />
arm of Government to make budgets,<br />
the Constitution does not contemplate<br />
that such powers would be used to<br />
encroach on the powers of the Executive.<br />
Indeed constitutional democracies<br />
have varyi<strong>ng</strong> degrees of weight given<br />
to the Executive and Legislative arms<br />
of Government in the budget-maki<strong>ng</strong><br />
and implementation cycles.<br />
By the tenor of the 1999 Constitution<br />
and such supporti<strong>ng</strong> Statutes like the<br />
Fiscal Responsibility Act and the Finance<br />
(Control and Management) Act,<br />
it is the Executive that has the power to<br />
formulate the content of the budgets of<br />
the Federation. The National Assembly<br />
can in theory withhold funds for heads<br />
of estimates in a budget but cannot remove<br />
heads of estimates laid before it<br />
by the President and replace them with<br />
its own.<br />
MAN IN THE NEWS<br />
Yuguda’s Defection: Testi<strong>ng</strong> An Unpopular Platform<br />
AUGUSTINE ADAH<br />
When Mallam Isa Yuguda, former<br />
governor of Bauchi State, announced<br />
his decision to quit the<br />
Peoples Democratic Party (PDP),<br />
the expectation of many observers<br />
was that he would join the ruli<strong>ng</strong><br />
All Progressives Co<strong>ng</strong>ress (APC) as<br />
a possible way of escapi<strong>ng</strong> from investigation<br />
by the Economic and Financial<br />
Crimes Commission (EFCC).<br />
However, Yuguda, few days ago<br />
proved several observers wro<strong>ng</strong><br />
when he decided to join Green Party<br />
of Nigeria (GPN). Yuguda joined<br />
the party with all his supporters<br />
includi<strong>ng</strong> former commissioners in<br />
his cabinet and Alhaji Habibu Aliyu,<br />
a former minister.<br />
Accordi<strong>ng</strong> to Alhaji Salisu Ahmed<br />
Barau, Yuguda’s spokesperson and<br />
former Commissioner for Information<br />
in Bauchi State, Yuguda announced<br />
the decision to pitch tent<br />
with the new party at Jos last Saturday.<br />
He said, “At that meeti<strong>ng</strong>,<br />
Malam Isa Yuguda announced to<br />
the people that based on the recommendations<br />
of a committee set up to<br />
assess the viability of any political<br />
party that he may join, he finally settled<br />
for the Green Party of Nigeria.”<br />
Yuguda was elected Governor of<br />
Bauchi State, Nigeria in April 2007<br />
on the All Nigeria Peoples Party<br />
(ANPP) platform.<br />
In April 2009 he cha<strong>ng</strong>ed allegiance<br />
from the ANPP to the People's<br />
Democratic Party (PDP). Yaguda was<br />
re-elected governor on 28 April 2011.<br />
Yuguda as member of the PDP<br />
had served as Minister of Aviation<br />
under former President Olusegun<br />
Obasanjo and as governor for two<br />
terms also on the platform of the<br />
party.<br />
In 2015, his dream of goi<strong>ng</strong> to the<br />
Senate under the PDP was shattered<br />
when he was defeated by Malam Ali<br />
Wakili of the APC. One of the reasons<br />
for the defeat of Yuguda and<br />
PDP in the election, accordi<strong>ng</strong> to<br />
analysts, was the feud existi<strong>ng</strong> in<br />
the PDP hierarchy in the state. For<br />
instance, instead of Adamu Mu’azu,<br />
former National Chairman of the<br />
party and Senator Bala Mohammed,<br />
the then FCT Minister to work for<br />
the victory of the party in the state,<br />
they were e<strong>ng</strong>aged in strife.<br />
The rift between the two leaders<br />
gave opportunity to the then APC<br />
which was an opposition party in<br />
the state to win almost all elections<br />
in the state.<br />
However, Yuguda attributed his<br />
defeat to the will of God and opportunity<br />
for you<strong>ng</strong>er politicians to<br />
serve the people.<br />
It is not yet clear whether Yuguda<br />
would want to re- contest the senatorial<br />
election in 2019, but political<br />
pundits ascribed his action to part<br />
of political ploy for a better bargain<br />
in the forth comi<strong>ng</strong> general elections<br />
which is about 18 months away.<br />
At the moment, only time would<br />
tell whether or not Yuguda would<br />
remain popular in his voyage to<br />
unpopular party in the politics of<br />
Bauchi State.<br />
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