24052019 = May 29: Tribunal declines to stop Buhari’s inauguration

May 29: Katsina 

cancels inauguration 

ceremony over 

bandits’ attacks, 

killings 

WHY NOT: 

12 

Police 

New PIGB 

Council 

passed as 

14 

Reps align Patito's Gang, the 

confirms 

with Buhari’s risks and close 

IGP Adamu 

35 observation brushes with death 

By Pat Utomi -- Pgs. 22&23 

Finance Ministry set to automate import duty exemption process 

19 

** 

VOL. 26: NO. 63817 FRIDAY, MAY 24, 2019 

May 29: 

Tribunal declines to stop 

Buhari’s inauguration 

•Says HDP's petition lacks merit 

SUSPECTED KIDNAPPERS IN BORNO... 

Suspected kidnappers paraded by the police in Maiduguri, in front of confiscated goods such as weapons, medicine, phones 

and other items. AFP 

FULANISATION: 

We’re behind Obasanjo 

STORY 

ON 

PAGE 5 

Oshodi- 

Apapa 

Expressway: 

Truck 

owners to 

begin 

vehicles' 

removal 

today 

10 

Mr & Mrs 

—Christian Elders 

•Southern, Middle Belt leaders kick against setting up of Fulani radio 

Police rescue 6 Unscrupulous elements Blame FG for any 

Edo girl sold out to tarnish my imminent strike ASUU 

image — ATIKU 9 tells Nigerians 9 

thrice for N1.8m 

DONU 17 36 

COLUMNISTS OWEI LAKEMFA 31 

AZU 

8

2 — Vanguard, FRIDAY, MAY 24, 2019

Vanguard, FRIDAY, MAY 24, 2019 — 3


vanguardnews @vanguardnews @vanguardnews 

Vanguard, FRIDAY, MAY 24, 2019 — 5 

POCKET CARTOON 

Valedictory NEC Meeting— From left: Minister of Budget and National 

Planning, Sen Udoma Udo Udoma; Secretary to the Government of the 

Federation, Mr Boss Mustapoha; CBN Governor, Godwin Emefiele and Vice 

President Yemi Osinbajo during a valedictory National Economic Council 

Meeting at the Presidential Vila, Abuja, yesterday. Photo: Abayomi Adeshida. 

May 29: Tribunal declines to 

stop Buhari’s inauguration 

By Ikechukwu 

Nnochiri 

A Presidential 

BUJA—The 

Election Petition Tribunal 

sitting in Abuja has 

declined to issue an 

interim injunction to stop 

the Acting Chief Justice of 

Nigeria, CJN, Justice 

Tanko Muhammad, from 

swearing-in President 

Muhammadu Buhari on 

May 29, pending the 

determination of issues 

surrounding his reelection. 

A four-man panel of 

Justices of the tribunal 

which is conducting its 

proceedings at the Court 

of Appeal Headquarters 

in Abuja, dismissed the 

motion filed by the Hope 

Democratic Party, HDP. 

The tribunal, in a ruling 

delivered by Justice 

Joseph Ikyegh, held that 

the motion that sought to 

abort President Buhari’s 

inauguration lacked 

merit. 

The panel took the 

position late Wednesday, 

shortly after President of 

the Court of Appeal, 

Justice Zainab 

Bulkachuwa, announced 

her decision to recuse 

herself from further 

presiding over petitions 

against President Buhari. 

HDP and its candidate, 

Chief Ambrose Owuru, 

are among petitioners 

challenging the 

declaration of President 

Buhari as winner of the 

February 23 presidential 

election. 

In their petition marked 

CA/ PEPC/001/2019, the 

party, urged the tribunal 

to nullify the outcome of 

the election and order a 

fresh poll. 

Owuru, who secured a 

total of 1,663 in the 

presidential election, 

insisted that the election 

was not conducted in 

compliance with the 

Electoral Act. 

Though the tribunal had 

yet to commence fullblown 

hearing on the 

petition, the party filed an 

ex-parte motion for a court 

order to stop President 

Buhari from being swornin 

for a second term on 

May 29. 

Specifically, the party 

and its candidate, in the 

motion, asked the tribunal 

to stop the Acting CJN 

from administering any 

oath on President Buhari 

at the expiration of his 

current term, pending the 

determination of the 

petition. 

The petition 

The petitioners further 

applied for an order of the 

tribunal to restrain 

President Buhari from 

presenting himself to be 

sworn-in until “the 

question as to whether he 

has been validly elected”, 

is determined. 

The motion was 

predicated on section 

1(2), 6(6), 139, 239 of the 

1999 Constitution, as 

amended, as well as on 

sections 26(4) (5), 138(1) 

(b) of the Electoral Act, 

2010, as amended. 

Cited as 1st to 3rd 

Respondents in the matter 

were President Buhari, 

the Independent National 

Electoral Commission, 

INEC, and the All 

Progressives Congress, 

APC. 

The two principal 

prayers in the motion on 

notice, dated May 9, 

read: “An order of this 

honourable court 

restraining the 1st 

respondent herein from 

presenting himself on 

May 29, 2019 or any other 

date for swearing in or 

inauguration ceremony or 

taking the oath of 

allegiance or office as the 

President of the Federal 

Republic of Nigeria, 

pending 

the 

determination of this 

Petition and the question 

as to whether he has been 

validly elected as 

challenged and pending 

before the court. 

“An order of this 

honourable court 

restraining the Chief 

Justice of Nigeria or any 

other Justice in that stead 

from swearing in, 

administering the oath of 

allegiance and oath of 

office or participating in 

the inauguration 

ceremony on May 29, 209 

or any other date to swear 

in the 1st respondent as 

the President of the 

Federal Republic of 

Nigeria pending the 

determination of this 

petition contesting the 

validity of the substituted 

and questioned 

presidential election of 

February 23, 2019.” 

Enumerating grounds 

upon which they filed the 

motion, the HPD and its 

candidate who secured a 

total of 1,663 in the 

presidential election, 

contended that it would 

be legally inappropriate 

to allow President Buhari 

to assume office on the 

basis of an election that he 

did not validly win. 

The petitioners said: “A 

restraining order by this 

court is appropriate to 

preserve the subject 

matter of this petition and 

prevent the 1st 

Respondent from foisting 

a fait accompli and state 

of hopelessness on the 

court and render the 

election petition before 

the court nugatory. 

“The law is settled that 

once the question of the 

validity of election of any 

person is challenged as to 

whether he is validly 

elected or not, the person 

is not competent to take 

office or assume the seat 

of power. See section 139 

and 239 of the 1999 

constitution, Nwobodo Vs. 

Onoh (1981),1 Sc p.97, 

and also Collins Obih V 

Sam Mbakwe (1984) 

1SCNLR 192, 202 and 

203. 

“The Constitution of the 

Federal Republic of 

Nigeria prohibits and 

forbids that Nigeria or 

any part thereof be 

governed or taken over by 

any person or group of 

persons except in 

accordance with the 

provisions of the 

constitution. See section 

1(2) of the 1999 

constitution, as 

amended.” 

The petitioners, through 

their lawyer, Mr. Oliver 

Eya, noted that pleadings 

had been concluded 

between parties in the 

petition they lodged 

against the presidential 

election fixed for pre-trial 

hearing session. 

“In spite of the 

pendency and scheduled 

hearing of this petition 

over the invalidity of the 

questioned substituted 

Continues on Page 49 

By Bose Adelaja,Yinka Latona, 

Dickson Omobola, Tolulope Oke, 

Chiamaka Uba, Erinfolami 

Abdulkudus& Janet Somoye 

What could be responsible for upsurge in suicide cases? (2) 

Some people think 

suicide is the only 

way out when they face 

life-threatening 

challenges, when it 

seems all hope is lost. 

When such suffering is 

at the peak and they get 

tired of the whole 

craziness in the country, 

they think death is the 

only option and they 

commit suicide. 

-Ogunsola Olabimpe 

Student 

Hopelessness 

is 

responsible for 

suicide. But before men 

become hopeless, they 

had lost faith in all 

things. The Bible says 

that “faith is the 

substance of things 

hoped for, the evidence of 

things not seen.” And 

woe to men who believe 

in nothing; this is often 

suicidal. Suicide is 

usually a solace only for 

people who, having 

reached a state of shock 

in life, have no hope left 

to carry on. 

- William Jimoh 

Some people decide to 

take their lives as a 

result of socio-economic 

challenges, peer 

pressure and inferiority 

complex. They think they 

cannot overcome a 

particular issue hence, 

they resort to 

suicide. Some people 

from broken homes due 

to loneliness, abuse and 

inability to achieve their 

ambitions think of suicide 

-Adewale Adeleke 

Commentator 

People who take 

their life through 

suicide suffer from 

disillusionment, 

uncertainty, betrayal 

among others. 

However, suicide is not 

the solution to one’s 

problems or any of 

life’s challenges. 

-Enang God’swill. 

Analyst 

I 

think most people 

decide to commit 

suicide as a result of 

personal life challenges 

which they think they 

c a n n o t 

overcome. However, it 

is unfortunate that 

suicide that was not 

rampant in African 

setting is now what 

some people see as a 

way out of life’s 

challenges. 

- Ogunshola Yetunde 

Student 

Lack of knowledge 

about life is one of the 

reasons a person would 

commit suicide. We have 

to realise that one is born 

alone and that we have to 

strive as individuals to 

achieve the best in life 

with or without the 

assistance 

of 

others. Suicide is not an 

escape from life’s 

uncertainties. 

-Akinlolu Oluseun 

Corps member

6—Vanguard, FRIDAY, MAY 24, 2019 

Girl, 17, dumps her 9-month-old baby in well 

By Perez Brisibe 

U GHELLI—THE 

discovery of a ninemonth-old 

baby allegedly 

thrown into a well by her 

teenage mother caused 

pandemonium, yesterday, in 

Ekuigbo community, Ughelli 

North Local Government 

Policeman 

tells court how 

he met 

17-yr-old boy in 

pool of blood 

:Vanguard 

News 

Area of Delta State. 

The 17-year-old mother, 

identified as Eguonor Joseph, 

according to local sources, 

allegedly dropped her baby, 

Harrison Joseph, inside a well in 

the community at about 5a.m., but 

the remains of the baby were 

discovered at about 1:50p.m. by 

persons who had gone to fetch 

:@vanguardnews :@vanguardnews NEWS HOTLINES: 08052867023, 08052867058 

water from the well. 

An eyewitness, who simply 

gave his name as Maureen 

Akpedafe, said: “When the 

baby was brought out from 

the well, he was identified as 

Eguonor’s son. 

“A mob materialised, went 

to her house and almost 

lynched her before she was 

rescued by the Police who 

subsequently arrested her.” 

A senior security source at 

the Ughelli Area Command 

confirmed the incident, 

adding that the mother was 

arrested after the incident 

was reported, while the 

remains of the baby has 

been deposited in the 

mortuary. 

The source, who spoke on 

condition of anonymity, said: 

“When the matter was reported 

at the Command, a team of 

policemen was drafted to the 

scene of the incident where 

the corpse of the baby was 

recovered and the mother 

arrested.” 

SERGEANT Alufailu 

Peter, yesterday, told an 

FCT High Court that he saw 

the body of the deceased 17- 

year-old boy, allegedly 

stabbed to death by Rukayat 

Abdulkareem, in a pool of 

blood on his bed. 

The Police charged 

Abdulkareem with alleged 

murder of a 200 level student 

of the University of Abuja. 

Peter, who was crossexamined 

by the defence 

counsel, Emmanual Ejiofor, 

told the court that the 

defendant was arrested by a 

vigilante group, guarding 

the street in Kubwa village 

and handed over to the 

nearest Police outpost on 

January11, 2018. 

Asked if he picked up the 

knife that was allegedly used 

to stab the late 17-year-old 

boy from the house or from 

the defendant, he said he 

picked it up from the house. 

Ejiofor referred to pictures 

Peter took of the deceased’s 

sister with a hand injury and 

asked Peter if he could 

determine by looking at the 

picture if her injury was a 

knife stab or a bruise. 

Peter, in response, said 

he could not tell from the 

picture if the deceased’s 

sister’s injury was a stab or 

a bruise. 

His words: “I did not 

carry out forensic 

investigation. I picked up 

the knife from the crime 

scene at the deceased’s 

home.” 

Justice Kezziah 

Ogbonnaya, however, 

adjourned the matter until 

October 8 and October 10 

for continuation of hearing. 

The Police alleged that the 

defendant reportedly left 

her matrimonial home at 

Gauraka town, trailed her 

husband, Usman, to his 

lover’s house at Gbazango 

Pipeline, Kubwa, at about 

10 p.m. 

The defendant got into a 

fight with the deceased, a 

son to the defendant’s 

husband’s alleged lover and 

allegedly stabbed him to 

death. 

Part of the truck transit park constructed by Nigeria Ports Authority, NPA, flooded, yesderday. PHOTO: Godfrey Bivbere. 

Police rescue Edo girl sold thrice for N1.8m 

By Alemma Aliu 

BENIN—ONE of the children 

stolen by their father’s tenants 

June last year in Utesi village, Ovia 

North-East Local Government Area 

of Edo State has been rescued by 

operatives of Edo State Police 

Command. 

Recall that Christabel Omokpia 

and her sister, Amanda, were stolen 

from Utesi village by two female 

tenants of their father in June last 

year. 

They were left in the care of the 

tenants, Mary and Rose, who 

disappeared with the children to 

unknown destination. 

Christabel, rescued in Enugu was 

said to have been sold for N450,000 

initially by the tenants before she 

was later sold for N500,000 to one 

Ogechi Favour, who also sold her 

for N850,000 to one Anioke 

Augustine in Enugu State. 

The Police said Anioke, who 

claimed to have adopted her, did 

not pass through due process 

before adopting the child. 

A relative of Christabel, 

identified as Beauty, said the 

family was happy to get her back 

but was worried that Christabel 

could not recognise her parents 

again. 

The victim was said to have 

been reunited with her family 

Wednesday night. 

Spokesman for Edo Police 

Command, DSP Chidi Nwabuzor, 

said the order of the Police 

Commissioner, Danmallam 

Abubakar, for the rescue of 

Christabel and her sister took police 

operatives from Benin, Edo State, 

to Delta State, to Anambra, 

River, Imo and finally Enugu 

State. 

He said four suspects earlier 

THE inability of Mr. 

Olujonwo Obasanjo, son of 

former President, Chief 

Olusegun Obasanjo, to serve his 

estranged wife a copy of their 

divorce petition has stalled the 

proceedings at an Ikeja High 

Court in Lagos. 

Mrs Temitope Obasanjo (nee 

Adebutu), is Olujonwo’s 

estranged wife and daughter of 

popular Premier Lotto magnate, 

Sir Kessington Adebutu, alias 

Baba Ijebu. 

During yesterday’s 

proceedings, counsel to the 

petitioner, Ms Omo Omofoma, 

told the court that the court bailiff 

had made several attempts to 

serve the defendant to no avail. 

“It is quite unfortunate that we 

have yet to serve the respondent 

(Temitope). 

She said: “The sheriff of this 

honourable court has made 

several attempts to serve the 

respondent the petition without 

success. 

“I have with me a motion ex 

parte for substituted service 

dated May 18.” 

Omofoma informed the court 

that the defendant was not 

resident in Lagos, but lives and 

worked in Ogun. 

She said the bailiff was 

informed that the defendant 

arrested in connection with 

the missing children were 

already in prisons in Ondo 

and Edo states. 

occasionally visited the Lagos 

residence which was given as 

address for service by the 

petitioner. 

The counsel noted that 

Olujonwo was not aware of any 

alternative address to serve the 

court documents to his 

estranged wife. 

The judge's advice 

Responding to the 

submission, Justice Adebisi 

Akinlade said that the petitioner 

could not claim to be unaware 

of how and where his wife 

could be contacted by the 

court. 

His words: “Olujonwo 

cannot tell me that he does 

not know where she stays; 

they courted for some time. 

They had a highly publicised 

wedding which was viewed 

nationally 

and 

internationally. 

“They have been separated 

since 2017 and by June next 

month it will be two years 

since they separated which 

is longer than the actual 

marriage. 

“The parties can narrow 

down their issues and part 

amicably and prevent the 

press from feeding on this 

case. Let them go their separate 

On the whereabouts of 

Amanda, DSP Nwabuzor said 

the Police would do its best to 

rescue her. 

Obasanjo's divorce suit: Inability to serve 

petition to estranged wife stalls proceedings 

ways without generating 

unnecessary publicity.” 

The judge further noted that 

other means of service like an 

alternative address and courier 

service should be explored by 

the petitioner. 

Akinlade adjourned the case 

till September 18 for further 

mention. 

Recall that Olujonwo and 

Temitope wedded in 2017 amidst 

fanfare which attracted the 

‘creme de la creme’ of the 

society, but the marriage, 

however, came to a halt a few 

months later. 

Pre-wedding brouhaha 

Weeks leading to the wedding, 

Olujonwo’s mother, Mrs Taiwo 

Obasanjo had filed a suit at an 

Ikeja High Court, seeking the 

postponement of the wedding of 

her son to Temitope. 

According to her, she had 

received various warnings and 

prophecies from men of God that 

her son should not be involved in 

any elaborate celebration before 

his 34th birthday which was June 

1, 2017. 

Justice Lateefa Okunnu, in a 

ruling, dismissed the suit on 

grounds that the court lacked 

jurisdiction to hear it because 

Olujonwo, then 33, was an adult.

Vanguard, FRIDAY, MAY 24, 2019—7 

... with Emma'nKen (08163121378) 

What we want to know is the brand 

of phone Ogbonna and Tonto use 

Members of Edo civil society organisations protesting estimated billing and Electricity Theft Bill 

recently passed by Edo State House, in Benin City, yesterday. PHOTO: Barnabas Uzosike. 

Kidnappers want N10m for 

abducted Kaduna choristers 

By Ben Agande 

THE kidnappers of 15 

choristers from a church in 

Kaduna State last Saturday, have 

allegedly demanded a ransom of 

N10 million from leaders of the 

church as well family members of 

the victims for their release. 

Sources told Vanguard that 

negotiation is still ongoing and no 

By Davies Iheamnachor 

PORT 

HARCOURT—A 

middle-aged man, identified 

as Chima Jonah, has been 

reported killed and beheaded in 

Rivers State by unknown persons. 

The victim was killed and his 

head decapitated in the presence 

of his wife at Rumuekini 

community, Obio/Akpor Local 

Government Area of the state. 

The incident, according to a 

community source who pleaded 

anonymity, happened around 

11p.m., Wednesday night. 

The source noted that the killers 

had put off the victim’s power 

generator “and when he went out 

to check why the generator went 

off, he was shot.” 

He added: “The incident is 

shocking. Last night Chima was 

outside with his brothers and 

By Etop Ekanem 

UGHELLI—RESIDENTS of 

Emadaja community in Udu 

Local Government Area of Delta 

State are now living in fear over 

the community's leadership crisis, 

which has led to breach of the 

peace. 

In a statement by Mr. H. Jedje 

of Gija Ruling House and Pa 

Dijalatie John, Koko Ruling 

House, during the Esomorho 

family meeting at Udu monarch 

palace recently, the indigenes 

maintained that the community 

has been plagued with chaos and 

violence due to the installation of 

one candidate as Chairman of the 

community by Udu Local 

amount has been offered by families 

of the victims. 

Security source speaks 

A security source in the state 

informed Vanguard that “we are 

keeping tabs on the incident and 

aware that a ransom of N10 million 

has been demanded.” 

The source declined further 

comments because of the sensitive 

friends at a sit-out joint on the 

School Road. 

“Later, around 11p.m., we heard 

that he was inside when the killers 

came. The boys went to his power 

generator that was on and closed 

his fuel tap. 

“When he noticed that his 

generator’s sound had changed he 

went outside to find out what 

happened. 

“Immediately he came out, the 

boys shot him. But he ran back into 

Government Chairman, Brown 

Jite, while the community has 

given an order to Esomorho family 

to produced the chairman of the 

community. 

According to them, ”during a 

meeting by the community leaders 

and elders of Iwhreni quarter, 

which comprises three families— 

Eni, Ovierhi and Esomorho— to 

nominate a chairman to lead 

Emadaja community, the entire 

Esomorho family presented 

Evang Emmanuel Jedje for the 

position. 

“While waiting for the inauguration, 

the Udu council chairman 

went ahead to install another person 

as the community chairman, 

which is unacceptable to us.” 

nature of the case. 

Recall that the kidnappers 

killed one person and abducted 

13 others in different parts of 

Kaduna State last Saturday. 

Among those kidnapped 

were a pastor and his daughter 

as well as 11 other persons who 

were abducted during a choir 

rehearsal at ECWA Church, 

Dankade. 

Gunmen shoot, behead one in Rivers 

Tension in Emadaja over leadership tussle 

the house. The boys followed 

him, killed him and cut off his 

head.” 

The source also called on the 

state government and the Police 

in the state to put more effort 

into providing security to the 

people of the state. 

The Public Relations Officer, 

Rivers State Police Command, 

DSP Nnamdi Omoni, said 

Police were not aware of the 

incident. 

I've stolen 10 cars by posing 

as applicant—Suspect 

By Victor Arjiromanus & 

Adetutu Ajetumobi 

OPERATIVES of the Special 

Anti-Robbery Squad, SARS, 

Lagos State Police Command, have 

arrested a suspect who had 

been masquerading as an 

applicant to steal vehicles from 

car dealers in Lagos. 

The suspect, Ade Segun, 

confessed to have so far stolen 

10 vehicles from different 

companies, barely one month 

after being employed. 

Commissioner of Police, 

Lagos State Police Command, 

CP Zubairu Muaizu, who 

paraded the suspect before 

journalists yesterday, explained 

that a complaint was received 

last December on the suspect’s 

modus oparandi. 

When approached, Segun 

confessed to committing the 

crime, begging to be forgiven. 

He said: “I have stolen about 

10 different cars from different 

companies. Whenever I seek for 

job from any company, my 

intention was to monitor their 

operations. 

“After mastering it, I would 

begin to make my plans to steal 

a vehicle. I am very sorry.” 

A very faithful friend. They never 

forget you no matter how long 

Longitude, Latitude and Longinus


:Vanguard News :@vanguardnews :@vanguardnews NEWS HOTLINES: 08052867023, 08052867058 

By Dapo 

Akinrefon, Sam 

Eyoboka & 

Olayinka Ajayi 

NATIONAL Christian 

Elders Forum, NCEF, 

and Nobel laureate, Prof. 

Wole Soyinka, have thrown 

their weight behind Chief 

Olusegun Obasanjo’s call 

for an end to insecurity in 

the country. 

While NCEF agreed 

with the former president 

that Boko Haram and 

herdsmen activities have 

become a tool to Fulanise 

West Africa and Islamise 

Africa, Soyinka said the 

country was undergoing 

horrendous descent to the 

abyss. 

This is even as Southern 

and Middle Belt leaders 

kicked against plans by the 

Federal Government to 

float a Fulani radio station 

that would broadcast only 

in Fulfude. 

The NCEF insisted that 

the Federal Government 

had not done enough to 

convince people that it has 

no Fulanisation agenda 

and to Islamise the country 

through Jihad. 

Obasanjo had in a 

keynote address at the 

Cathedral Church of St. 

Paul’s Anglican Church, in 

Oleh, the administrative 

capital of Isoko South 

Local Government Area of 

Delta State, warned 

against plot to Fulanise 

West Africa and Islamise 

Africa through Boko 

Haram exploits. 

We’re hundred 

percent behind 

Obasanjo 

—Christian Elders 

Reacting in a telephone 

interview, yesterday, 

chairman of the forum, Elder 

Solomon Asemota, SAN, 

said: “We are behind Chief 

Olusegun Obasanjo one 

hundred per cent on his 

comments that Boko Haram 

insurgency and herdsmen 

crisis had become an 

agenda to ‘Fulanise’ West 

Africa and ‘Islamise’ Africa.” 

Asemota said his group, 

which comprises retired 

professionals from different 

fields of human endeavour, 

including very senior army 

generals such as former 

Defence Minister, Gen. 

Theophilus Danjuma (retd), 

has actually done a position 

paper on the issue to two 

former Heads of State for 

them to arrest the drift of the 

nation. 

The group said: “We wrote 

to former Head of State, 

Gen. Yakubu Gowon (retd) 

and former President 

Olusegun Obasanjo 

because we are convinced 

that unless there is genuine 

reconciliation over two 

conflicting ideologies in the 

country, the current security 

challenges will not only 

continue, but will also 

escalate because we are at 

war with ourselves 

unnecessarily. 

“Again, I say we support 

President Obasanjo 

hundred percent. In fact, I 

am of the feeling that he 

made the statement after 

reading the letter I sent to 

him on the issue. He 

understands that the current 

government is promoting 

Sharia ideology, which is at 

variance with democratic 

norms. 

“Anybody who does not 

understand what we are 

saying should visit our 

website and see for him/her 

self the agenda this 

government is pursuing. 

What is baffling though is the 

fact that two eminent 

Christian leaders (names 

withheld) are the ones 

promoting the Islamic cause. 

Where are the Muslims?” 

He recalled the group’s 

recent statement, entitled: 

“Jihad in Nigeria: Burying 

The Head in Sand,” where 

it was compelled to defend 

its earlier release, entitled 

“Correct Assessment of 

Situation in Nigeria,” which 

has generated a great deal 

of debate among some 

Nigerian Muslim leaders 

who have denied the reality 

of an ongoing Jihad in 

Nigeria, and clarified certain 

misconceptions in the 

interest of peace and 

development of Nigeria. 

Urges leaders to 

tread softly 

After reviewing unfolding 

events across the country, the 

eminent Christian elders 

called on Nigerian leaders 

to tread softly to avoid a 

pending implosion, insisting 

that the real problem was that 

a Jihad had been launched 

in Nigeria. 

It also contended that 

Islamists that have been 

interfering in the governance 

of the country, using 

“Taqiyya” (approved 

deception) as “Stealth/ 

Civilisation Jihad,” Boko 

Haram and herdsmen as 

violent Jihad, were relentless 

in their pursuit of eradicating 

democracy in Nigeria. 

It said: “The objective of the 

Islamists (political Islam) is 

to supplant the constitution 

of Nigeria with Sharia 

ideology as the source of 

legislation in the nation. 

‘’The conflict between 

democracy as national 

ideology and Sharia as a 

usurping ideology is 

responsible for the crisis 

unfolding in Nigeria. The 

nation is in the throes of 

Jihad.” 

Nigeria moving 

dangerously close 

to national red line 

Noting that Nigeria was 

moving dangerously close to 

a national “red line” where 

truth was now being 

criminalised as “hate 

speech,” NCEF said it was 

committed to the unity of 

Nigeria, contending that the 

duty of the leadership of the 

nation was to ensure that this 

unity was not sacrificed on 

the altar of sectarian interests 

and biases. 

It noted: “The NCEF is 

fully aware of the seriousness 

of these issues and wishes 

to share this information for 

the consideration of serious 

minds desirous of providing 

solutions to the myriad of 

problems confronting 

Nigeria. 

“The NCEF has taken on 

this onerous task, not for the 

interest of the present 

Christian elders, most of 

whom are in the boarding 

President Buhari 

Fulanisation: We’re hundred percent 

behind Obasanjo —Christian Elders 

•Soyinka berates FG over Obasanjo’s message 

•Says Nigeria undergoing horrendous descent to the abyss 

•Southern, Middle Belt leaders kick against Fulani radio 

lounge to eternity, but in the 

interest of the coming 

generations.” 

NCEF challenges 

Muslim leaders 

The NCEF challenged 

Muslim leaders denying the 

existence of a Jihad in the 

country to clarify certain 

pronouncements over the 

issue, including a 

declaration by Boko Haram 

leader, Abubakar Shekau, in 

one of his videos in 2012 that 

the war they were 

prosecuting was not political 

but religious. 

The group quoted Shekau 

as saying: “It is between 

Muslims and unbelievers 

(arna). It will stop when 

Islamic religion is the 

determinant in governance 

in Nigeria or, in the 

alternative, when all fighters 

are annihilated and no one 

is left to continue the fight. 

“I warn all Muslims at this 

juncture that any Muslim 

who assists an unbeliever in 

this war should consider 

himself an unbeliever and 

should consider himself 

dead.’’ 

‘’If this statement is not a 

declaration of Jihad, could 

Muslim leaders explain 

what this means?” the group 

said. 

Soyinka berates FG 

over Obasanjo’s 

message 

Meanwhile, Nobel 

laureate, Professor Wole 

Soyinka, has thrown his 

weight behind President 

Obasanjo’s concern over the 

insecurity fuelled by Boko 

Haram, herdsmen and 

bandits in the country. 

Speaking at the United 

Bank for Africa, UBA, 

symposium tagged: "Africa’s 

history redefined: Our past, 

a path to the future, Soyinka 

said there was nothing 

wrong with the former 

president’s statement that 

Boko Haram and herdsmen 

have become a tool for 

Fulanisation of West Africa 

and Islamisation of Africa. 

He said: ‘’I see that the 

government is not happy 

with the statement made by 

former President Obasanjo. 

Now, everybody knows me 

and Obasanjo, and at the 

same time, I think we should 

be very careful not to be too 

dismissive or even abrasive. 

‘’Obasanjo was calling for 

a meeting of stakeholders to 

tackle some of the very 

serious aspects of social 

malaise this country is 

undergoing. He was talking 

about kidnapping, talking 

about youth suicide and 

stating that it is about time, 

Nigrians across board, 

irrespective of ideology, 

polity, religion, sit down and 

tackle these issues 

immediately; and I will 

suggest that even more 

immediate. 

Nigeria 

undergoing 

horrendous 

descent to the 

abyss 

‘’This country is 

undergoing a horrendous 

descent into the abyss 

spiritually, morally, the 

whole system. We are 

watching a huge mass of 

people descend into a state 

of brutishness, the like of 

which we have not 

experienced in this country. 

"And so, if you go into the 

streets and you say Africa 

must unite, what the man in 

the street is going to say is 

Mr. Leader, will you get my 

people out of the 

kidnappers’ den first and 

then, I will come and talk to 

you about unity.’’ 

Soyinka also disclosed 

that the issue of Boko Haram 

was being discussed at the 

British Parliament and 

wondered if Nigeria and 

Africa should ask Britain to 

suspend the discussion to 

allow the continent 

Prof. Soyinka 

surrender to Boko Haram in 

the name of unity. 

‘’Right now, let me be real, 

the issue of Boko Haram is 

being debated in the 

Parliament in England; right 

now, as we are speaking. 

Well, should we just go to 

them and say don’t worry, 

we are being united; and all 

we have to do is surrender 

to Boko Haram,’’ Soyinka 

stated. 

He noted that while having 

unity and common 

language was important, it 

has to be particularised to 

each nation’s condition and 

realities. 

Southern, Middle 

Belt leaders kick 

against Fulani 

radio 

Also, yesterday, Southern 

and Middle Belt Leaders 

Forum faulted the plan to set 

up a radio station for 

herdsmen to broadcast in 

Fulfude. 

In a statement by Yinka 

Odumakin (South-West), 

Prof Chigozie Ogbu (South- 

East), Senator Bassey 

Henshaw (South-South) 

and Dr Isuwa Dogo (Middle 

Belt), the leaders faulted the 

move, saying “it smacks of 

hypocrisy and deception.” 

The forum said it received 

with rude shock the 

announcement of plan to set 

up an AM radio station for 

herdsmen to broadcast in 

Fulfude. 

Minister of Education, 

Adamu Adamu, had 

confirmed the acquisition of 

the licence in Abuja, 

Tuesday, saying the radio 

service will operate on 

frequency of 720KHz, and 

will be strictly on Fulani 

language. 

He disclosed that plans 

were underway to secure 

funds for procurement and 

installation of requisite 

transmission equipment for 

the successful take-off of the 

radio station. 

He added that the station 

was part of the peacebuilding 

efforts of the 

government to address 

herders-farmers clashes. 

Also, the Executive 

Secretary, National 

Commission for Nomadic 

Education, NCNE, Prof. 

Bashir Usman, had 

explained that some veteran 

Hausa broadcasters had 

been contacted to develop 

programmes for the station. 

The Southern, Middle Belt 

leaders’ statement read: “The 

announcement came at a 

time the Federal 

Government has been acting 

as the information arm of 

Boko Haram and herdsmen 

by using the correct 

interpretation of the groups 

activities as attempt to 

'Fulanise' Nigeria. 

“We totally reject this 

insensitive decision of the 

government on the following 

fundamental grounds: 

“It smacks of hypocrisy and 

deception for a government 

that has in the last four years 

denied responsibility on 

behalf of the herdsmen for 

crimes they even owned up 

to, to now tell us it wants to 

set up a radio for them to 

address the same issues. 

“Section 55 of the 1999 

Constitution recognises 

English,Yoruba, Hausa and 

Igbo as languages in which 

the official business of the 

National Assembly can be 

conducted. There was no 

mention of Fulani, which is 

not a language most 

northerners even 

understand. 

‘’Will it also set up radio 

stations for the officially 

recognised languages and 

the over 250 languages 

spoken in different parts of 

Nigeria? 

“We fear seriously that the 

proposed radio will become 

a weapon of spreading hate 

propaganda against other 

nationalities in Nigeria, 

given the kid gloves 

treatment with which the 

Buhari administration has 

handled the killings of 

thousands of Nigerians in 

the last four years. "


Blame FG for any imminent 

strike, ASUU tells Nigerians 

By Joseph Erunke 

A BUJA—THE 

Academic Staff Union 

of Universities, ASUU, has 

said the Federal 

Government should be 

blamed for any further 

disruption of academic 

activities in the nation’s 

public universities, accusing 

it of failing to abide by the 

agreement reached with 

the union during the last 

strike. 

ASUU President, 

Professor Biodun 

Ogunyemi, who stated this 

at a briefing in Abuja, 

yesterday, spoke against the 

backdrop of a statement 

credited to the Minister of 

Education, Mallam Adamu 

Adamu, that government 

has approved N25 billion 

Earned Academic 

Allowance. 

Noting that the union had 

been on the trail of the said 

amount since February with 

no result, Ogunyemi 

faulted the attitude of leader 

of the Federal Government 

negotiating team, Wale 

Babalakin, saying he lacked 

the disposition and humility 

needed to effectively carry 

out successful negotiation. 

Recall that the Federal 

Government had, on 

Tuesday, announced the 

approval of N25 billion as 


Allowance. 

Insisting that government 

had not shown commitment 

to implement the 2019 

Memorandum of Action, 

HEALTH TIPS 

By Sola Ogundipe 

Coping with heavy 

sweating 

THERE are simple steps 

to help reduce heavy 

sweating and boost your 

comfort level, whether at 

the gym, on the job, 

anywhere you go. 

The right clothes can 

make a big difference if you 

tend to sweat a lot. Look for 

clothing with high cotton 

content. For instance, white 

will show more sweat, but 

it won’t be very visible on 

other colours or on prints 

or patterns. 

For men, wearing an 

under shirt can help soak 

up some of the sweat. 

Women could wear an 

absorbent camisole top or 

dress shields. 

Choose clothes with a 

loose weave, such as 

linens. Avoid silk because 

it makes you feel hotter. 

Pocket a handkerchief. If 

you keep one in your pocket 

or purse, you can wipe off 

excess sweat quickly before 

you need to shake hands. 

MoA, Ogunyemi said the 

N25 billion was meant to be 

a part-payment of the 


Allowances, which should 

have been released between 

February 15 and 28, 2019, 

as agreed. 

He said: “Since 

information on the amounts 

mentioned in the media 

went round, ASUU has 

been inundated with 

enquiries on the union’s 

perspective to the story. 

“Reaching an agreement 

with the Federal 

Government has often been 

a frustrating journey for our 

union. It is often marked 

with protests, strikes and 

requires a conscious and 

focused engagement. 

‘’The 2001 agreement, 

which gave birth to the 2009 

agreement, was not an 

exemption. The exception 

here is the personality 

leading the government 

negotiation team. 

“The current leadership of 

the government team clearly 

lacks the academic 

disposition and humility 

needed to undertake such 

task. 

“Our members enjoy their 

work and hate to see any 

disruption in the smooth 

running of our universities. 

"However, the level of 

frustration occasioned by the 

lackadaisical attitude of the 

government towards meeting 

the terms of the 2019 

Memorandum of Action that 

was freely signed with our 

union is increasingly 

becoming unbearable." 

Buy ‘’breathable” shoes 

that will reduce sweat, and 

it’s important, especially if 

your feet are generally 

sweaty. 

Eating certain foods, such 

as hot peppers, can affect 

the amount of sweat you 

produce. Eating other 

foods, including onions and 

garlic, can make your sweat 

smell worse. 

Switch to higher-strength 

deodorants and 

antiperspirants. Some are 

prescription only, but you 

can also get higher strength 

products over the counter. 

Apply deodorants at the 

best time, although most 

will work best at night. The 

active ingredient has to go 

down into the sweat duct 

and clog it. If you apply it 

in the morning, when 

sweat volume is typically 

higher, it washes off. 

Applying deodorant at 

night also reduces the 

chance of skin irritations 

and will keep you using it 

more regularly. 

MEETING: President Muhammadu Buhari (right) and Governor Aminu Masari of Katsina 

State during a meeting over recent security challenges in the state, at State House, Abuja. 

Unscrupulous elements out to 

Times’ 

tarnish my image —Atiku 

By Dirisu 

Yakubu 

ABUJA— Presidential 

candidate of Peoples 

Democratic Party, PDP, in 

the 2019 election and 

former Vice President, 

Atiku Abubakar, has raised 

an alarm of an alleged plot 

by anti-democratic forces to 

tarnish his reputation. 

In a statement signed by 

his media adviser, Paul Ibe, 

in Abuja, yesterday, Atiku 

said it was becoming clear 

that some elements have 

made themselves available 

for use against him. 

The statement read: “We 

wish to blow the whistle as 

an early warning alert of 

the grandiose scheme 

being put together by some 

unscrupulous elements 

aimed at jeopardizing the 

reputation of His 

Excellency, Atiku 

Abubakar, in the coming 

days and weeks. 

“By the merit of what is 

beginning to unfold, there 

are plans to create some 

upset across the country 

whereby alleged 

perpetrators of such crimes 

will engage in phantom 

names dropping of Atiku 

Abubakar and some senior 

personalities in Peoples 

Democratic Party. 

“Already, we are abreast 

of some other plans to plant 

fictitious stories in some 

mushroom media outlets 

aimed at discrediting Atiku 

and his political party, the 

PDP. 

“It, therefore, becomes 

preponderant that we alert 

the public of this demonic 

plan and to say that it will 

be imprudent to 

compromise the peace and 

security of Nigerians in 

order to score a cheap 

political goal. 

“Towards this end, and for 

the umpteenth time, we call 

on the Federal 

Government to be awake to 

its responsibilities of 

providing security and 

ensuring peace, and to 

desist from actions and 

utterances that are capable 

of exposing our fault lines. 

“It is very unsettling that 

senior administration 

officials, especially those 

who are the mouthpiece of 

government, will make 

reckless but calculated 

comments to tarnish the 

image of Atiku Abubakar 

and government will sit idly 

on it. 

“With the conclusion 

reached by Premium 

investigative 

reporting that there is no 

evidence to back the claim 

by Lai Mohammed that the 

opposition was planning to 

upstage the government, 

we demand that the 

Information Minister 

should be arrested for 

raising false alarm and an 

apology rendered to Atiku 

Abubakar and PDP.” 

Telecom operators demand executive 

order on infrastructure vandalism, 

double taxation 

By Prince 

Osuagwu, Hi-tech 

Editor 

TELECOM operators in 

the country and other 

professionals in the 

Information and 

Communications Technology, 

ICT, industry, yesterday, 

called on the Federal 

Government to issue 

executive order against 

vandalism of telecom 

infrastructure, double 

taxation and regulation in the 

sector to properly harness the 

developmental potential of 

ICT in nation building. 

The call was made as 

Nigerian Communications 

Commission, NCC, flagged 

of Nigerian telecom 

leadership summit in Lagos. 

The summit, according to 

NCC, is meant to restructure 

and reposition Nigerian 

telecom industry to 

accommodate current 

realities that shape world 

economies. 

The theme of the 2019 

edition of this summit is: 

‘Repositioning the Nigerian 

Telecom Industry for the 

Future: Prospects and 

Challenges.' 

Challenging the 

government on the travails of 

the industry, Chairman of 

Association of Licensed 

Telecom Operators of 

Nigeria, ALTON, Gbenga 

Adebayo, said the only way 

to have a telecom industry 

that would become the 

backbone of the economy, was 

for President Muhammadu 

Buhari to pronounce 

executive order on telecom 

infrastructure to forestall 

incessant vandalism by 

urchins and facility shut 

down by all manner of state 

and local government 

agencies. 

Adebayo said these have 

hampered telecom activities 

and diverted revenue that 

should have ordinarily 

accrued to the Federal 

Government. 

Also corroborating him was 

former Minister of 

Communications Technology 

Omobola Johnson. 

According to Johnson, 

“during my time as minister, 

there is hardly any state I 

didn't travel to have meetings 

with the governors on how to 

have harmonious 

relationship with the telecom 

operators. 

"However, it appeared that 

after the meetings, the 

governors reneged on 

everything we agreed and 

continued to fix arbitrary 

levies and charges on 

operators. For me, I think time 

has come when the approach 

should change. 

However, Vice President 

Yemi Osinbajo promised that 


would take a look at certain 

decisions taken in the past to 

see if some amendments 

could bring the desired 

change. 

Osinbajo, represented by 

Special Adviser to President 

Buhari on Political Affairs, 

Senator Babafemi Ojudu, 

said the Federal Government 

was displeased with the 

lingering issues of ‘Right of 

Way,’ saying it had become a 

huge encumbrance to 

broadband infrastructure 

deployment across the 

country. 

Osinbajo’s message read in 

part: “Today, in virtually all 

aspects of human life, 

telecommunications have 

become indispensible. 

“In Nigeria, we have 

experienced positive impact 

of that contributions of the 

telecom industry in our 

economy. The contributions of 

this industry to the national 

Gross Domestic Product has 

continued to grow, with the 

last quarter of 2019, 

indicating 10.1 per cent. 

"This sector contributed an 

impressive N1.9 trillion, in the 

fourth quarter of 2018, a clear 

indicator, that the sector is one 

of the goose that lays the 

golden egg of our economy, 

and, therefore, must be 

encouraged, protected, 

sustained and projected."

10 — VANGUARD, FRIDAY, MAY 24, 2019 

By Victor Young, Evelyn 

Usman, Kingsley 

Adegboye, Olasunkanmi 

Akoni, Godfrey Bivbere 

& Ebuka Oko 

L AGOS—FOLLOWING 

President Muhammadu 

Buhari’s directive to clear Apapa 

gridlock within two weeks, truck 

owners will commence removal 

of their vehicles from the roads, 

today. 

A source, who attended a 

meeting between the Vice 

President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajoled 

taskforce and stakeholders in 

the maritime sector, yesterday, in 

Lagos, said the trucks would be 

relocated to 53 private trailer 

parks in Lagos. 

Similarly, another stakeholders’ 

meeting is scheduled to hold in 

Lagos today at 10 am. The 

meeting is expected to hammer 

out a workable compliance 

template. 

President-General of Maritime 

Workers Union of Nigeria, 

MWUN, Adewale Adeyanju, told 

Vanguard that every stakeholder 

was anxious to ensure that the 

Presidential Directive was 


NEWS HOTLINES 

018773962, 

08052867058 

Oshodi/Apapa Expressway: Truck owners begin vehicles' 

removal today •Osinbajo to report compliance to Buhari 

implemented immediately 

because of the suffering the 

development has caused the 

public. 

Adeyanju disclosed that the 

meeting would take place at the 

Nigerian Ports Authority, NPA, 

multi-purpose Hall at 10 am. 

He said: “This order must be 

obeyed and implemented to the 

letter because we have been 

going through hell since last 

November when the crisis was 

worsened by the takeover of the 

Apapa-Oshodi expressway and 

the access roads to the ports. We 

have been exposed to all manner 

of risks and dangers leading to 

loss of lives and properties.” 

He said stakeholders expected 

at today’s meeting include 

Association of Maritime Truck 

Owners, AMATO; Association of 

Nigerian Licensed Customs 

Agents, ANLCA; Nigerian 

Association of Road Transport 

Owners, NARTO; National 

Association of Government 

Approved Freight Forwarders, 

NAGAFF; Container Truck 

Owners Association 

of Nigeria, COTOAN; Nigerian 

Ports Authority, NPA; Nigerian 

Shippers Council, NSC; 

Nigerian 

Maritime 

Administration and Safety 

Agency, NIMASA; Nigeria 

Customs Service, NCS; and 

Nigeria Union of Petroleum and 

Natural Gas Workers, NUPENG, 

through its Petroleum Tanker 

Drivers, PTD, branch. 

Meanwhile, Vanguard 

gathered that there was a meeting 

of truck owners, NARTO, 

NUPENG among other unions 

with the Presidential taskforce, 

yesterday, in Lagos. 

At the meeting, Container 

Truck Owners Association 

of Nigeria, COTOAN, promised 

that by this evening, most of the 

containerised trucks would leave 

the road to private parks where 

they would stay until the drivers 

are called in. 

There are about 53 of such parks 

in the state. 

Holding bay facilities unultilised 

Meanwhile, despite the 

Federal Government’s directive 

for the clearance of truckers and 

•We didn't grant approval for temporary park under Marine Bridge—LASG 

•We're ready to remove trucks, trailers —LASTMA 

TRAFFIC SNARL: The ever-present traffic snarl that has turned the Oshodi - Apapa Expressway to hell for commuters. 

tankers from the Oshodi-Apapa 

port access road, both ends of the 

road leading to the port in Apapa 

were still blocked, yesterday 

evening. 

This is even as two truck 

terminals belonging to the NPA 

and Federal Ministry of Works 

and Housing are still un-ultilised 

by the truckers. 

Both facilities were under lock 

and key, yesterday. 

The NPA truck terminal, located 

at Lilypond Terminal close to 

Ijora, was recently commissioned 

by the authority. 

However, truckers have refused 

to use the facility. 

The truck holding bay facility at 

the Tin-Can Island second gate 

was constructed by the Federal 

Ministry of Works and Housing 

but it is yet to be put to use as a 

result of non-completion of the 

shore protection work. 

Despite assurances that the 

shore protection work would be 

completed before the end of last 

month and be put to use, the 

facility is uncompleted. 

President of AMATO, Remi 

O g u n g b e m i , 

told Vanguard that it was not 

true that his members were not 

using the Lilypond facility but 

stressed that it is only a waiting 

point before the trucks move to 

the port. 

Ogungbemi said: “We have 

started using the transit park at 

Lilypond. Truck drivers leave their 

park and move to the transit park 

until they are called in to load at 

the port.” 

On why the trucks are still 

parked on the road, he said they 

would start moving out as from 

yesterday evening. 

He stressed that the new 

directive would succeed because 

stakeholders are willing to cooperate 

with the presidential 

committee to make it work. 

On his part, General Manager, 

Corporate and Strategic 

Communications Division, 

Adams Jatto, told Vanguard that 

the committee was meeting with 

stakeholders to find the best way 

to tackle the traffic gridlock along 

the port access road. 

He said a call up system put in 

place by the authority and the 

creation of the transit park at 

Lilypond will help the committee 

achieve its goal. 

NPA opens LilyPond park 

Meanwhile, the Federal 

Controller of Works in Lagos 

State, Adedamola Kuti, has said 

that the truck park constructed by 

the Federal Government at Tin 

Can to accommodate trucks 

waiting to load goods at the ports 

will not be opened to trucks for 

now as some issues on the park 

are still being tidied up. 

However, he claimed that the 

NPA has opened LilyPond Park 

to accommodate some of the 

trucks and tankers that will be 

removed from Apapa-Oshodi 

Expressway. 

He added that truck and tanker 

owners have holding bays for 

their trucks and tankers, pointing 

out that it is expected that the 

trucks and tankers will go back to 

their respective holding bays. 

Shippers’ Council, NPA pledge 

assistance 

The Nigerian Shippers Council, 

NSC made available to Vanguard 

noted that the Council and the 

NPA were ready to assist in the 

implementation of the 

Presidential Order issued to truck 

drivers to vacate ports’ access 

roads within 72 hours. 

Chairman of Presidential Task 

Force on Apapa gridlock is Vice 

President Yemi Osinbajo. 

The statement read: “Osinbajo, 

who made the call in a meeting 

held at the NSC’s Headquarters, 

in Lagos yesterday, was 

represented by Mr. Kayode 

Opeifa. 

“He maintained that the Task 

Force was set up by the 

Presidency to proffer lasting 

solutions to the perennial traffic 

in Apapa and its environs within 

two weeks.” 

According to him, the new 

directive mandates the immediate 

removal of all trucks from ports 

access roads. Nigerian Shippers’ 

Council and Nigerian Ports 

Authority are key agencies that 

will assist the realisation and 

urged NSC and NPA to rally 

round the task force. 

He also expressed readiness to 

engage the law enforcement 

agencies to ensure compliance 

with the Federal Government's 

directive, adding that “any truck 

driver that violates the 

Presidential Order will face the 

music." 

The Executive Secretary and 

Chief Executive Officer, Nigerian 

Shippers’ Council, Mr. Hassan 

Bello expressed the agency’s 

readiness to give the Task Force 

the necessary assistance. 

Bello, who was represented by 

the Director, Legal Services of the 

Council, Mr. Samuel Vongtau, 

expressed optimism that the 

committee will address anomalies 

that characterise Apapa ports’ 

access roads. 

Also speaking, the Director, 

Inland Transport Services, DITS, 

Mr. Akintunde Makinde, said the 

Federal Government has 

commenced moves to engage 

trains for the movement of 

containers to the hinterland which 

will assist to address the ports’ 

congestion. 

The meeting was attended by 

Nigerian Ports Authority, NPA, 

Nigerian Shippers’ Council, 

NSC, Nigeria Police Force, Lagos 

State Government, National 

Association of Road Transport 

Owners, NARTO, Presidential 

Enabling Business Council, 

PEBEC, Lagos State Traffic 

Management Authority, 

LASTMA, Federal Road Safety 

Corp, FRSC, and Apapa GRA 

Residents Association. 

We’re ready to remove trucks, 

trailers — LASTMA 

Meanwhile, 24 hours after the 

presidential directive to clear all 

trucks from Apapa and environs, 

the Lagos State Government, 

yesterday, denounced claims by 

some highly placed politicians, 

owners and drivers of 

articulated vehicles that the 

state had permitted them to 

park under the Marine Bridge, 

Ijora and other adjoining areas 

in Apapa. 

The agency also expressed 

readiness to team up with other 

agencies to enforce the removal 

order of trucks from Apapa road 

and environs. 

Reacting to the directive, 

General Manager of LASTMA, 

Wale Musa, said: “We have 

been working underground to 

manage traffic in Apapa before 

the directive. We already have 

300 men to be deployed. All the 

stakeholders have agreed to 

work with us. 

“Our men are ready to ensure 

that Apapa is free because it's a 

Presidential Directive. Also, we 

will ensure that every vehicle 

that does not have call up, will 

not be allowed access on the 

road. We are appealing to 

operators to comply voluntarily 

to avoid compulsory 

enforcement at the expiration of 

the 72 hours.” 

No temporary park under 

Marine Bridge — LASG 

Secretary to the State 

Government, Mr. Tunji Bello 

said In a statement by that it 

has not created any temporary 

park under the Marine Bridge, 

or anywhere in Apapa and Ijora 

to accommodate articulated 

trucks, saying any truck found 

in the prohibited areas forthwith 

would be towed. 

He stated that the state was 

fully in support of the 

President's and will do 

everything possible to ensure 

its effectiveness. 

“The State Government has not 

given any approval or permit to 

any politician, individuals, 

owners, no matter how highly 

placed or corporate bodies to park 

articulated vehicles under the 

Marine Bridge, Ijora, other 

bridges or the major roads and 

setbacks in Apapa”, he said.

Tonto Dikeh calls out 2face, 

Annie Idibia, IK Ogbonna, others 

...warns them to stay away from her new man 


… as 

Daniella 

Okeke 

reveals what 

Tonto Dikeh 

did for her 

years ago 

•Stories by Juliet Ebirim 

Controversial 

Nollywood actress, 

Tonto Dikeh has 

called out some entertainers to 

stay away from her new man. 

The actress took to Instagram 

to reveal that she’s in a new 

relationship, warning fellow 

entertainers to stay away from 

her new man. She asked them 

to desist from begging him 

money. The daring mother of 

one threatened to expose their 

“gay asses” if they go against 

her wishes. 

Tonto went on to specifically 

name a number of entertainers 

including IK Ogbonna, 2face 

Idibia, Annie Idibia, Eniola, 

Praise, Toyin, Juliet Ibrahim 

among others. She warned 

them and threatened to 

disgrace and beat them up if 

they cross her. 

She wrote: “Dear Nollywood 

and music industry, 

I am in a new 

relationship now 

and to God, if I see 

anyone of you 

begging him 

money, begging him 

Ebube Nwagbo is 

Camosunate brand 

ambassador 

I 

n commemoration 

of World Malaria 

Day, Geneith 

Pharmaceutical 

Nigeria Limited has 

announced Nollywood 

star and movie 

producer, Ebube 

Nwagbo as 

Camosunate Brand 

Ambassador. 

A press statement 

signed by the 

company’s Assistant 

General Manager, 

Sales and Marketing, 

Emeka Nwachukwu, 

quoted Nwagbo as 

describing 

Camosunate as 

‘menace to malaria and 

salvation to malaria 

sufferers.’ 

Nwagbo said: "I am 

proud to be the 

Ambassador of the best 

malaria brand 

currently in the 

market. Camosunate is 

the way to go in 

fighting the scourge of 

malaria.” 

to sponsor your shows or movies… I 

will mess you up and your whole 

life!! Idiots. Na if I find una beg abi. I 

will expose all your gay asses and 

the females to go!! I will disgrace 

your future! Ik Ogbonna, Annie, 

2face, Eniola, Praise, Juju, Toyin and 

co be warned I truly dont want 

problem!! But I will beat you up,if you 

can beat me get ready!!” 

I was left looking 

like a fowl 

– Ifu Ennada shares 

passport office 

experience 

Big Brother Naija ex-housemate, 

Ifu Ennada, has shared some 

tips to follow for easy renewal 

of passport in Nigeria.“Using her 

experience as an example, Ifu Ennada 

shared some Nigerian passport renewal starter park for 

women. “No Eye Lashes – If you have semi permanent 

lashes on they’ll cut them off or send you back if you 

can’t pull them off yourself…but my celebrity status 

saved me, even though I still took them off. I was left 

looking like a fowl with all that make-up and no 

eyelashes to complement it. No Coloured Hair – 

They’ll simply send you back or ask you to remove 

your wig. You get to choose.“No 

Fancy Natural Hair Style – I did 

a medium rise mohawk with 

my natural hair which 

didn’t cover my face in 

anwyay, but I was asked to 

flatten it. Again my 

popularity helped in 

some way. Bottomline – if 

you’re trying to renew 

your Nigerian passport 

or get one, go there with 

your best Deeper Life 

look. That kind of 

appearance makes them fall 

in love. This is based on my 

experience at the Ikoyi 

Passport office today. ” 

she wrote. 

Nollywood actress, Daniella 

Okeke has revealed why she 

holds her colleague, Tonto 

Dikeh in high regard. Both actresses 

took to their Instagram pages recently 

to share pictures and videos from their 

reunion after eight years of meeting 

each other. 

Tonto Dikeh wrote, “Look who I found, 

it’s been 8 years of not seeing this beauty 

@daniellaokeke, great catching up” 

Daniella also shared a video with the 

caption, “This babe right here housed 

me in Lagos for two years without 

collecting a dime from me. She is still 

the most craziest and nicest person I 

have ever known. Looking back after all 

these years, all we can say is thank you 

God. We are older and wiser.” 

I suffered serious 

depression for years 

- Sonia Ogbonna 

Actor IK Ogbonna’s 

wife, Sonia Ogbonna 

has revealed that she 

battled with depression for 

years, but has since emerged 

victorious from the 

experience. Sonia who is 

rumoured to have walked out 

of her marriage to the 

Nollywood hunk, said she is 

now leaving her best life and 

she has never felt so good. 

Her words : “I fixed myself 

up so damn well! To think 

I suffered from serious 

depression for years and to 

be at the place of love, light 

and peace that I know today 

is magnificent. Nothing 

more priceless than a 

journey of awakening and 

light…Here is a confession: 

in my entire life, I never felt 

this good and I am very 

aware, it is just a 

beginning!”


Imo 2019 inauguration c'ttee 

announces programme 

IMO State inauguration 

planning and handover 

committee has announced 

the programme lined up for 

the swearing-in of the 

governor-elect, Emeka 

Ihedioha, and his deputy, 

Gerald Irona. 

According to the 

p r o g r a m m e , 

Interdenominational 

church service will hold on 

May 26 at Grasshopper’s 

International Handball 

Stadium, Owerri, Imo State 

at noon. 

On May 26, art exhibition 

will take place at Ahiajoku 

Convention Centre, at 11 

am, while a novelty football 

match is slated for 4 pm at 

Dan Anyiam Stadium, 

Owerri. 

On May 28, inaugural 

lecture will take place at 

Ahiajoku Convention 

Centre, Owerri, at 10 am 

and at 2 pm, the same day, 

Mega youth concert will 

hold at Grasshopper’s 

International Handball 

Stadium, Owerri. 

Swearing-in of the 

governor-elect and his 

deputy will take place at 

Dan Anyiam Stadium, 

Owerri, at 9 am on May 29, 

Slice of date can save you 

from hell fire 

WHO amongst you is 

fasting today? Abu 

Bakr said: I am. He (again) 

said: Who amongst you 

followed a funeral 

procession today? Abu 

Bakr said: I did. He (the 

Prophet) again said: Who 

amongst you served food to 

the needy? Abu Bakr said: 

I did. He (again) said: Who 

amongst you has today 

visited the sick? Abu Bakr 

said: I did. Thereupon 

Allah's Messenger (s.a.w) 

said: Anyone in whom 

(these good deeds) are 

combined will certainly 

enter paradise. Allah has 

assigned to us the season 

of goodness in which the 

rewards for good deeds are 

not only in multiple folds 

but also the bad ones are 

bloated out. 

That is one of the hadiths 

of Prophet Muhammad 

(Peace and blessings of 

Allah be upon him). 

It is a time of good deeds. 

It is a period of giving in 

charity, it is a season of love 

and sharing. Remember 

those who have no 

opportunity to get this full 

reward out of natural 

design, ponder over the 

blessings of Allah over you 

and reflect on the possibility 

of missing these rewards. 

Fear Allah. 

If you don’t have the fear 

of Allah, your fasting might 

while state banquet holds 

at Ahiajoku Convention 

Centre, Owerri, at 6 pm. 

I’m not here 

to steal 

— Dokubo 

S 

PECIAL Adviser to the 

President on Niger 

Delta Affairs and 

Coordinator of Presidential 

Amnesty Programme, Prof. 

Charles Dokubo, has said 

he was not in office to steal. 

He spoke with senior 

journalists in Abuja, 

yesterday. 

According to him, those 

accusing him of corruption 

were doing so out of 

ignorance of his 

background and to tarnish 

his reputation, which he 

earned over several 

decades as an 

academician. 

He said: “I didn’t come 

here to steal. Th amnesty 

money is not my money." 

not achieve the divine 

purpose because it is meant 

to take away some bad acts 

from you, purify you and 

draw you closer to Allah. 

Giving our time and 

resources for the sake of 

Allah during the month 

will be a great effort 

towards reaching the 

immediate precinct of Allah. 

We can gain enormous 

closeness to Allah with our 

day and night ibadaah. 

We were created to 

worship Allah alone. 

Worshiping Him must 

come with utmost piety. In 

fact, every act of worship 

must be laced with piety. 

Fasting is not only about 

abstinence from food and 

drink, but also going closer 

to Allah; by doing what will 

bring you closer to Him as 

well as shunning those 

things that will vitiate your 

fast and render the whole 

exercise useless. 

Come to think of it, what 

is the need to deny yourself 

from the food and pleasure 

of life, feeling the pangs of 

hunger and yet with the 

availability of food or the 

means to get same, you 

chose to fast only to be 

rendered useless. 

Remember also another 

hadith: “Protect yourselves 

against hell even if it be 

with a slice of a date.” 

Make the best use of the 

season. 

WORKSHOP: From left, Public Affairs Manager (Lagos/West), Nigerian Bottling Company 

(NBC), Ifeoma Okoye; Director, Employment Generation, Ministry of Youth and Sports, 

Abdulhakeem Ashimi; Public Affairs and Communication Director, Ekuma Eze; External 

Communications Manager, Olatomiwa Akande, and Programme Facilitator, Sam Obafemi, all of 

Nigerian Bottling Company Limited, during the Youth Empowerment Workshop organised by the 

company, in Abeokuta Ogun State. 

Oil spills: Bayelsa communities accuse 

DPR, NOSDRA of alleged complicity 

•Demand clean-up, compensation 

By Samuel 

Oyadongha 

YENAGOA—OIL spill 

impacted communities 

in Bayelsa State have 

accused Department of 

Petroleum Resources, DPR, 

and National Oil Spills 

Detection and Response 

Agency, NOSDRA, of 

alleged connivance with oil 

multinationals in the 

destruction of their 

environment. 

The four communities that 

suffered devastating oil 

spills, namely Babragbene, 

Lasukugbene and 

Oyeregbene in Southern 

Ijaw and Mbikiba in Brass 

Local Government Areas of 

the state made the 

accusation, Wednesday, 

during a town hall meeting 

with members of the 

Bayelsa State Oil and 

Environmental 

Commission, BSOEC, at 

Oyeregbene community. 

The commission led by 

the Archbishop of York in 

the United Kingdom, Dr. 

John Sentamu, is on a factfinding 

tour of oil spill and 

environmentally degraded 

communities in the state. 

The communities, which 

demanded a clean-up of 

their land and waterways 

as well as payment of 

compensation by the oil 

multinationals operating in 

their area, said federal 

agencies, DPR and 

NOSDRA, were biased in 

favour of the international 

oil companies, IOCs, 

whenever spills occur. 

They claimed that the 

Joint Investigation and 

Verification Reports were 

not always representative of 

the actual spills that destroy 

their source of livelihood. 

President of Ijaw 

Association of Oil and Gas 

Producing Communities, 

Yabrou Tou, who spoke on 

behalf of the aggrieved 

communities, decried the 

total neglect of host 

communities by the oil 

multinationals despite 

series of appeals to them on 

the effect of the spills on 

their environment. 

He recalled how he was 

dragged before a court in 

Abuja for reporting one of 

the IOCs to Nigeria Human 

Rights Commission for 

refusing to clean up a spill 

that occurred from its 

facility. 

Tou said the incident, 

which occurred in 2015 at 

an oil rig, spilled its 

contents for six months nonstop. 

He said: “The oil firm 

refused to pay 

compensation after initially 

accepting responsibility for 

the damage to the 

environment, saying it 

occurred on their Right of 

Way, ROW. 

“The spills recurred in 

2018 with the company 

initially accepting 

responsibility but later 

reneged on its promise to 

pay compensation because, 

according to them, 

members of the 

communities tampered 

with their facilities at the 

spill sites.” 

New PIGB passed as Reps align with 

Buhari’s observations 

By Emman 

Ovuakporie 

ABUJA—THE House of 

Representatives, 

yesterday, passed 

Petroleum Industry 

Governance Bill, PIGB, for 

the second time, after 

considering President 

Muhammadu Buhari’s 

observations. 

The lawmakers at plenary 

passed the oldest bill in 

parliament after removing 

the provisions Buhari 

disagreed with. 

It said the decision to 

withdraw the affected 

clauses in the bill was 

because the president’s 

observations were 

germane for the smooth 

operations of the bills. 

Buhari had rejected the 

much anticipated bill, citing 

constitutional reasons. 

The proposed law, which 

Anglican Church urges Buhari, 

govs to keep campaign promises 

By Jimitota 

Onoyume 

WARRI—AS winners of 

the presidential and 

governorship elections 

prepare to take their oath of 

office on May 29, they have 

been told to abide by their 

campaign promises to the 

electorate. 

Bishop of the Diocese of 

Warri Anglican Communion, 

Rt Rev Christian Ide, made 

the appeal in his Bishop’s 

Charge at the first session of 

the 13th synod of the Diocese 

at the Cathedral Church of 

St Andrew, Okere-Warri, 

Delta State, stressing that 

politicians should not take 

Nigerians for a ride as they 

were voted into various 

political offices on account of 

their campaign promises. 

He lamented the killings 

and violence that 

characterised the general 

election in parts of the 

country, adding that the 

Federal Government should 

take urgent steps to avert a 

repeat of the ugly experience 

in future elections. 

was conceived to liberalise 

the governance structure of 

Nigeria’s oil industry, is one 

of the four bills in which the 

omnibus Petroleum 

Industry Bill, PIB, was 

broken into parts by the 

legislature after over 19 

years spanning four 

legislative sessions. 

Meanwhile, the House 

also ordered the apex bank, 

the Central Bank of 

Nigeria, CBN, to sanction 

16 commercial banks for 

withholding N1.6 bn stamp 

duty. 

It also asked the apex 

bank to ensure the banks 

pay the outstanding stamp 

duty revenue together with 

interests. 

The lawmakers made the 

call, yesterday, after 

adopting the report of the 

Ad-hoc Committee which 

investigated the nonremittance 

of the stamp 

duties.

Vanguard, FRIDAY, MAY 24 , 2019—13 

Plaintiff in Kwara gov-elect 

certificate saga discontinues case 

By Demola 

Akinyemi 

ILORIN—A member of the 

Peoples Democratic Party, 

PDP, Adekunle Abraham, 

plaintiff, who dragged the 

Kwara State governor-elect 

Alhaji Abdulrahman 

Abdulrazaq, to court over the 

authenticity of the West 

African Examinations Council, 

WAEC, certificate he 

submitted to INEC has 

expressed his intention to 

discontinue with the suit. 

He stated this in a notice 

of discontinuance of Suit 

KWS/73/2019 he submitted to 

court yesterday saying “I 

hereby wholly discontinue” 

the case against the 

defendant.” 

Consequently, the Kwara 

State High Court is to strike 

out the suit seeking to 

disqualify the state Governorelect 

AbdulRahman 

AbdulRazaq at the request of 

the petitioner. 

The application dated May 

21, 2019 filed May 22, 2019. 

According to the letter , 

Abraham did not state any 

reason for the sudden decision 

to terminate the case. 

Vanguard however, 

gathered that the decision was 

predicated on the filing of the 

official confirmation of 

AbdulRazaq’s WAEC 

certificate in the respondent’s 

proof of evidence. 

The confirmation was sent by 

the examination body through 

the legal team that had earlier 

applied for same. 

A source said “Not only this, 

the Governor-elect’s legal 

team has also filed a number 

of depositions that proved 

Abraham’s claim that WAEC 

doesn’t issue certificate with 

initials to be false. The 

depositions contain a number 

of certificates with initials and 

within the years the Governorelect 

left secondary school.” 

Glo adds 950,000 new 

subscribers as Nigeria’s internet 

users rise to 116m 

DATA GRANDMASTERS, 

Globacom, has added 

950,000 to its data subscriber 

base, according to the latest sector 

figures posted on the website of 

the industry watchman, the 

Nigerian Communications 

Commission (NCC). 

According to the new statistics, 

Globacom maintained its 

position as the preferred data 

service provider in the country 

as it took its internet subscription 

in March to 28,436,386, from 

the 27,486,271 it recorded in 

February, 2019. 

MTN and Airtel also moved up 

in terms of data subscription, 

according to the published data 

of internet subscribers for the 

month of March 2019. MTN 

added 13,552 subscribers, while 

Airtel added 351,657 new internet 

users. 

9mobile on its part recorded 

a loss of 166,542 users in March 

2019. 

With the latest statistics, the 

total internet users in Nigeria 

now stands as 115,938,225 in 

March from 114,725,357 

recorded in February. This 

indicates an increase of 1,212,868 

new subscribers in one month, 

with Globacom alone having over 

78% of the growth. 

Fulfill your promise of constructing 

resettlement homes for herdsmen 

victims, Benue govt appeals to FG 

By Peter Duru 

MAKURDI—BENUE State 

government, yesterday 

appealed to the federal 

government to fulfill its promise 

of constructing resettlement 

homes for displaced victims of 

herdsmen attacks in parts of the 

state to enable the Internally 

Displaced Persons, IDPs, in the 

state to return to their ancestral 

home. 

The Executive Secretary of the 

State Emergency Management 

Agency, SEMA, Emmanuel Shio, 

made the appeal while flagging 

off another round of distribution 

of food and other items to IDPs 

camps in Logo, Makurdi, Guma, 

Gwer West and Kwande local 

government areas of the state. 

Shio who lamented the 

continued stay of IDPs in camps 

across the state said, “It is a major 

concern for the state government 

and SEMA that the IDPs are still 

in camps. We are appealing to the 

federal government to honour its 

promise to rebuild the 

infrastructure destroyed by 

herdsmen in Benue communities 

because without rebuilding it 

these people will have nowhere 

to go to. 

“Although Governor Samuel 

Ortom has continued to dialogue 

with the federal government and 

he has continued to appeal to the 

President to intensify efforts 

towards addressing the 

challenge of insurgency and 

insecurity particularly in the rural 

areas. That is another major 

reason some IDPs are still in the 

camps. Some places are still not 

safe; there are still pockets of 

attacks. So even when some of 

these IDPs try to go back to check 

if their places are safe so as to go 

back, they meet attacks and then 

run back to the camps again. 

“I have cried out about this so 

many times whenever I have the 

opportunity to do so. We are all 

witnesses to the fact that the 

President through his Vice, Prof. 

Yomi Osinbajo came to Benue and 

promised the construction of 

resettlement homes in Guma, 

Logo, Agatu and Makurdi which 

were badly affected by herdsmen 

incursions. He also talked about 

the sum of N10billion that would 

be provided for that purpose but 

up till now we have not seen any 

of that and the burden of catering 

for the IDPs is quite huge and 

overwhelming.” 

Kogi West: Adeyemi battles Dino, tenders 

PVC lists indicating over-voting in two LGAs 

By Boluwaji Obahopo 

LOKOJA—SENATOR Smart 

Adeyemi has closed his case 

before the National/House of 

Assembly Election Tribunal where 

he challenged the 

pronouncement of Senator Dino 

Melaye as the winner of Kogi West 

Court issues bench warrant on ex Gov Babangida 

Aliyu, Nasko 

By Wole Mosadomi 

MINNA—A Federal High 

Court sitting in Minna, 

Niger State, has issued a 

bench warrant on former 

Governor of the state, Dr 

Muazu Aliyu, for failing to 

appear before it. 

Similarly, the court also 

issued bench warrant on 

People’s Democratic Party 

governorship candidate in the 

last general elections, Alhaji 

Umar Mohammed Nasko, for 

the same offence. 

The presiding Judge, 

Justice Aminu Bappa Aliyu, 

Sources within the company 

said that Globacom’s increase in 

data subscription could be 

attributed to the network’s 

continued improvement in its data 

services. 

“The company has the widest 

4G LTE coverage in the country, 

and the technology ensures more 

reliable and faster internet usage 

experience. Globacom also has 

the most attractive data plans in 

the market, with packages that 

appeal to both high and low data 

users, “ the source said. 

Globacom had been on a steady 

positive growth path for several 

months. In the month of 

November 2018, the network 

ramped up a massive 1,691,133 

customers within one month to 

gross 43,273,188 subscribers by 

the end of that month from the 

41,582,055 it had in October 2018. 

This further increased to 

45,255,297 in December 2018 and 

45,603,638 in January 2019. And 

in February 2019, the company 

emerged the highest gainer of 

new telecom subscribers. 

The February data on the 

website of NCC, showed that 

Globacom gained 400,879 to 

lead the gainers’ table that month. 

said the warrant became 

necessary for failure of the 

duo to honour hearing notices 

served them. 

Aliyu is standing trial 

alongside a former 

commissioner of Environment, 

Nasko, on 8-count charge of 

criminal conspiracy and money 

laundering. 

The offences are contrary to 

section 18(a) of the money 

laundering Act, 2011 as 

amended and punishable 

under section 15(3) of same 

Act. 

The two are accused of 

laundering ecological funds of 

SUMMIT: From left—Segun Ogunsanya, MD/CEO, Airtel Nigeria; Mr Ferdinand Moolman, CEO, 

MTN Nigeria; Mr Babatunde Fowler, Executive Chairman, Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS); 

Funke Opeke, CEO, Main One Cable Company; Babafemi Ojudu, representing Vice President Yemi 

Osinbajo; Umar Garba Danbatta, excutive Vice Chairman/CEO, Nigerian Communications Commission 

(NCC); Senator Olabiyi Durojaiye, Board Chairman, NCC, and Mrs Omobola Johnson, former 

minister of communication technology, at the Nigerian Telecom Leadership Summit, with the theme 

“Repositioning the Nigerian Telecom Industry for the Future Prospects and Challenges’ in Lagos, 

yesterday. PHOTO: AKEEM SALAU 

over N1.940billion released by 

the Federal Government to the 

state in 2014. 

Justice Bappa’s predecessor, 

Justice Yelim Bogoro, had 

months ago granted the duo 

bail after meeting the 

obligations. 

However, Justice Bappa 

revoked the bail and ordered 

them to appear before it which 

the duo failed. 

However, Counsel to Aliyu, 

Ayodele Oladeji sent letter 

requesting for adjournment of 

the case. 

The Court fixed next Monday 

for the rearrangement of both 

former Governor and Nasko. 

2019 senatorial election. 

Counsel to Adeyemi, Chief 

Toyin Adeniyi before closing his 

case, called on three witnesses; 

Senator Smart Adeyemi (Star 

witness); The Director General 

Adeyemi Campaign 

Organization, Mr. Adoga Ibrahim 

and the Kogi West Zonal 

Chairman of APC, Mr. Ropo 

Asala who were also cross 

examined by the respondents 

counsel. 

A former Chairman of the 

Senate Committee on Federal 

Capital Territory, Senator 

Adeyemi has tendered the 

certified copies of the lists of 

Permanent Voters Cards for two 

local government areas to the 

Kogi National Assembly/ State 

Assembly Election Tribunal where 

alleged over-voting took place 

during the Senatorial poll. 

The PVCs of the local 

governments tendered are those 

of Ijumu and Lokoja. 

Adeyemi, who is battling 

Senator Dino Melaye at the 

tribunal for Kogi West Senatorial 

District, also submitted a court 

judgment which ordered the 

Independent National Electoral 

Commission, INEC, to collate 

results in Kabba, which is the 

headquarters of the district. 

Although the court judgment on 

Kabba was secured by Dino 

ahead of the 2019 poll, INEC 

collated and announced the 

results in Lokoja in defiance of 

the court order. 

Adeyemi’s team, led by Chief 

Anthony alongside Dapo Otitoju, 

engaged the Peoples Democratic 

Party(PDP) and Melaye’s 

counsel,(O. Jolaawo and 

Olowookere) at the tribunal on 

two issues bordering on the 

admission of the Federal High 

Court ruling and acceptance of 

the lists of PVCs. 

Adeyemi’s legal team said: 

“The argument centered on the 

admissibility or otherwise of the 

ruling of the Federal High Court, 

Lokoja procured by the 1st 

respondent as to whether to 

collate the senatorial district 

results in Lokoja or in Kabba 

which is the senatorial district 

headquarters. 

“Not collating and announcing 

the February 23rd National 

Assembly election results of Kogi 

West Senatorial District in Kabba, 

the senatorial headquarters 

amounted to a breach of not just 

the ruling of the Federal High 

Court, Lokoja but the 1999 

Constitution.


AWARD: NGE disowns Foundation 

for Transparency and Accountability 

THE Nigerian Guild of 

Editors, NGE, has 

distanced itself from an 

award and issuance of 

certificates to some people 

by Foundation for 

Transparency and 

Accountability, a Non- 

Governmental 

Organisation on May 10, 

2019. 

NGE in a statement by its 

General Secretary, Mary 

Atolagbe said: “The 

attention of the Nigerian 

Guild 

of 

Editors (NGE) has been 

drawn to an award and 

issuance of Certificates to 

some people by Foundation 

for Transparency and 

Accountability, a Non 

Governmental 

Organisation, in 

collaboration with Nigeria 

Guild of Editors, on 10th 

May, 2019. 

“The Nigerian Guild of 

Editors, NGE, the 

umbrella professional body 

for the leadership of print, 

broadcast and online media 

in Nigeria has no affiliation 

with the Foundation for 


Accountability and the 

purported Nigeria Guild of 

Editors. 


Editors hereby dissociates 

itself from the Foundation 

and the purported award 


on the 10th of May, 2019. 


Editors is not in any way 

privy to the foundation’s 

activities and does not know 

or recognise the 

Foundation for 


Accountability. 

The Guild has never had 

any collaboration with the 

non-governmental 

organisation and does not 

in any way intend to 

engage in any dealings 

whatsoever with the 

organisation. 

“The Guild hereby 

informs the Nigerian public 

that, in its almost six 

decades of existence as a 

professional body of leaders 

in the Nigerian media, it 

does not give awards 

and has never given award 

to any individual, 

corporate, government or 

public entities.” 

NEWS HOTLINES 

018773962, 

08052867058 

Govs’ll criticise FG constructively, says new 

•Buhari, APC congratulate new NGF Chairman 

NGF chair, Fayemi 

By Henry Umoru 

A elected BUJA—NEWLY 

Chairman 

Nigeria Governors’ Forum, 

NGF, Governor Kayode 

Fayemi of Ekiti State 

yesterday said yesterday 

governors would not shy 

away from criticizing the 

Federal Government and 

the 

Presidency 

constructively. 

This came as President 

Muhammadu Buhari and 

the All Progressives 

Congress, APC, 

congratulated Fayemi for his 

election on Wednesday in 

Abuja. 

Governor Kayode Fayemi 

of Ekiti State emerged as the 

new chairman of Nigeria 

Governors’ Forum, NGF, 

Wednesday night to serve a 

three year term from June 

2019-2021. 

Fayemi, who was elected 

through consensus, was 

nominated by Kaduna State 

governor, Malam Nasir Elrufai, 

and was seconded by 

Delta State governor, 

Ifeanyi Okowa. 

Sokoto State governor, 

Aminu Tambuwal, was also 

elected the new deputy 

chairman of the forum, and 

was nominated by Lagos 

State governor, Akinwunmi 

Ambode. He was seconded 

by Ondo State governor, 

Rotimi Akeredolu. 

Addressing journalists 

after the meeting, NGF 

forum chairman, Abdulaziz 

Yari, said the new leaders 

emerged through 

consensus and were 

unanimously elected by the 

36 state governors. 

Fayemi, in his acceptance 

speech, said as state chief 

executive officers, 

Police Council confirms IGP Adamu 

By Johnbosco 

Agbakwuru 

ABUJA—THE Police 

Council yesterday 

confirmed the appointment 

of Mohammed Adamu as 

the substantive Inspector 

General of Police, IGP. 

His confirmation was 

done after the meeting of 

the Police Council which 

was presided over by 


Buhari at the Council 

Chamber, Presidential Villa, 

Abuja. 

Adamu was appointed 

January 15, 2019 on the 

acting capacity at the 

expiration of the tenure of 

the former IGP Ibrahim 

Idris after the mandatory 

retirement age of 60 years. 

Speaking to State House 

correspondents after his 

confirmation, Adamu 

promised to re-organize the 

Police Force for efficiency to 

face issues of banditry, 

kidnapping, insurgency 

and general insecurity 

across the country 

squarely. 

Adamu said he had 

briefed the council on the 

security situation in the 

country and the efforts the 

force was making in 

addressing the situation, 

noting that he was ready to 

confront the situation 

headlong. 

He said after he made 

presentations on the 

strategies he had put in 

place to address the security 

challenges in the country to 

the council, he was 

confirmed as the IGP. 

He said: “I was ushered 

in and I briefed the council 

on the security situation in 

the country and the efforts 

we are putting in place or 

have put in place to address 

the 

security 

challenges. After the 

presentation, I was 

confirmed as the IGP.” 

Adamu said his 

confirmation by the Police 

Council was a huge task to 

governors would strive to 

lobby, engage and use all 

means within the ambit of 

the law to influence policies. 

On his vision for the future 

as NGF chairman, Fayemi 

said among others: “As we 

celebrate the past, we also 

look to the future with hope 

and faith. 

‘’We look to a future in 

which the NGF would 

continue to advance our 

goals and objectives as a 

unified platform – where the 

leadership continues to be 

accountable; where every 

governor continues to have 

an equal voice, and where 

the democratic principles of 

broad-based consultation 

and consensus building are 

practiced in reaching key 

decisions. We look forward 

to an NGF that would 

continue to build on the very 

cordial relationship we have 

with the Presidency and 

.Adamu. 

the entire force to put in 

more energy in helping to 

address the security 

situation in the country. 

According to him, “what 

it means for us is that we 

have been given a huge 

task to make sure that we 

provide security within the 

country and make the 

country crime-free, which 

means that we have to redouble 

our efforts. 

Whatever strategy we have 

put in place, we have to look 

at it, and re-strategize day 

in day out to ensure that 

insecurity in the country is 

at the barest minimum. 

“We have to look at our 

strategy and re-strategize 

and also look at our 

personnel to re-organize 

the way our system is 

structured, identify the right 

personnel in the right 

places to have them do the 

job. So, it requires restrategizing 

for us to be 

able to dig deep into what 

is happening in the North 

West so as to deal with the 

situation squarely.'' 

Customers win N59m in Access Bank’s 

DiamondXtra savings scheme 

ACCESS Bank Plc has 

rewarded 1,016 

customers with over N59 

million in its DiamondXtra 

season 11 first quarterly 

draw. 

Mrs Nnenna Chukwu 

was the winner of the star 

prize, winning N100,000 per 

month for 20 years in the 

salary for life category. 

Others are Nwoko 

Chibuikem, Aliyu Umar and 

Adewale Adekoya. 

Mrs Chukwu, who could 

not contain her excitement, 

said she opened the 

DiamondXtra account a long 

time ago and was not 

expecting to win in the 

savings scheme, while also 

thanking the bank for 

providing the opportunity for 

her to save and win at the 

same time. 

Speaking during the prize 

presentation in Lagos, 

Executive Director, Retail 

Banking, Access Bank Plc, 

Victor Etuokwu, said the 

DiamondXtra initiative is 

the bank’s little way of 

other arms of government at 

all levels, but would not 

shirk in our responsibility to 

constructively criticise, 

engage, lobby, and 

invariably use all means 

within the ambit of the law 

to influence the nature of 

laws and policies so that 

they have greater positive 

impact on the citizenry, and 

lead to greater peace and 

harmony in our great 

country.'' 

Buhari congratulates 

Fayemi 

Meanwhile, President 

Muhammadu Buhari has 

congratulated Mr. Fayemi 

on his emergence as the 

Chairman of NGF. 

The President, in a 

statement by Femi Adesina, 

his Special Adviser on 

Media and Publicity said 

Fayemi’s choice by 

consensus indicated the 

degree of confidence in him 

by his colleagues. 

He urged the new 

chairman to see the election 

as a unique opportunity to 

forge a harmonious and 

fruitful working relationship 

with the Federal 

Government and other tiers 

of government. 

“The focal objective of the 

Nigeria Governors’ Forum 

at all times ought to be the 

higher interest of the people 

of this country above 

partisan, political, religious 

or regional differences,” he 

said. 

Buhari said the Federal 

Government would 

continue to support the 

Forum in its laudable 

objectives. 

NGF under Fayemi will 

support Buhari — APC 

Similarly, APC while 

congratulating Fayemi, said 

NGF under Fayemi will 

support President 

Muhammadu Buhari’s 

administration in delivering 

good governance to 

Nigerians. 

Malam Lanre Issa-Onilu, 

APC National Publicity 

Secretary, said NGF’s 

unanimous election of 

Fayemi on Wednesday 

night to lead it till 2021 was 

indeed a right choice. 

He said: “We are confident 

that NGF under Fayemi’s 

leadership will continue in 

this best practice by 

cooperating with the 


Buhari-led administration in 

delivering on the change 

agenda for Nigerians.” 

creating, adding value and 

meeting the needs of its 

customers as well as 

rewarding them for their 

patronage. 

He said the bank is 

committed to rewarding its 

shareholders for their 

patronage, adding that 

''DiamondXtra is the best 

banking product in the 

country at the moment. 

“This is the 11th edition 

and the product has been 

rewarding Nigerians and it 

is something that we think 

is important as every little 

thing you do helps.''


FG to take reading culture campaign to motor parks, schools 

By Chinedu Adonu 

ENUGU—THE Federal 

Government through 

the National Library 

Commission, has 

concluded plans to take the 

campaign for mass literacy 

and revival of reading 

culture to motor parks, 

hospitals and schools across 

the country. 

National 

Librarian, 

Professor Lenrie Aina, 

made this known during 

the 2019 readership 

promotion campaign on the 

theme: Reviving moribund 

culture of reading in 

Nigeria for sustainable 

national development, in 

Enugu. 

He disclosed that the 

campaign, over the years, 

was focused on children 

and youths in primary and 

secondary schools by way 

of sensitising, informing 

and educating them on 

reading culture. 

Professor Aina, who was 

represented by Mr. Odigba 

Abel, disclosed that this 

year’s campaign would be 

taken to motor parks across 

the nation. 

According to him, “today, 

the readership promotion 

campaign is also simultaneously 

taking place in 

Imo, Plateau and Abia. 

“The objectives of the 

campaign are to encourage 

reading among Nigerians 

by way of promoting 

availability of good reading 

materials to Nigerians and 

collectively seeking 

solution to address 

identified obstacles to 

reading culture in 

Nigeria.” 

The Vice Presidential candidate of Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Mr. Peter Obi (2nd right), presenting a 

cheque of N1 million to Msgr Luke Anameze(right) in support of the Catholic Visitation Hospital at Umuchu. 

With them are the hospital manager, Fr. Joseph Nwiloh (2nd left) and Professor Stella Okunna (left). 

Certificate of Return: Court halts 

proceedings on Okorocha’s suit 

By Ikechukwu 

Nnochiri 

A BUJA—GOVERNOR 

Rochas Okorocha of 

Imo State, on Wednesday, 

suffered a set-back in his 

bid to compel the 

Independent National 

Electoral Commission, 

INEC, to issue him a 

Certificate of Return as the 

Senator- elect for Imo West 

Senatorial District. 

The Federal High Court 

in Abuja suspended further 

proceedings on the suit he 

lodged against the electoral 

body, to await the outcome 

of an appeal that was filed 

by the senatorial candidate 

of All Progressive Grand 

Alliance, APGA, in the 

election, Chief Osita 

Izunaso. 

Justice Okon Abang, who 

adjourned further 

proceedings in the matter 

before him, said he 

received affidavit of fact 

dated May 20, which 

Izunaso who is the third 

defendant in the matter, 

filed to notify the court of 

the pendency of his appeal. 

Izunaso had gone before 

the appellate court to 

challenge the decision of 

the high court to assume 

jurisdiction over the case 

Okorocha brought before it. 

In his six grounds of 

appeal, Izunaso contended 

that the high court was 

wrong when it exercised 

jurisdiction to join Peoples 

Democratic Party, PDP, as a 

defendant in the suit. 

He argued that the court 

ought to have first 

determined whether or not 

it had any jurisdiction to 

entertain Okorocha’s case, 

before it proceeded to join 

other interested parties to 

the suit. 

Besides, it is the case of 

the appellant that the trial 

court misdirected itself in 

law by assuming 

jurisdiction after the same 

court made a finding that a 

court cannot proceed in the 

face of preliminary 

objections challenging its 

jurisdiction. 

He argued that Justice 

Abang erred in law and 

misapplied the principles 

in the decision of Inakoju 

v. Adeleke (2007) LPELR- 

1510 (SC) and order 29 

(1)(a) of the Federal High 

Court Civil Procedure rules 

2009, which dealt with a 

situation where a court is 

faced with the issue of 

determining a challenge of 

its jurisdiction and the 

hearing of the substantive 

suit. 

The appellant accordingly 

urged the Court of Appeal 

to allow his appeal and set 

aside the ruling of the trial 

court made on May 8, 

2019. 

Meanwhile, before 

further proceedings was 

suspended in the matter, 

Okorocha, through his 

lawyer, Mr. Kehinde 

Ogunwumiju(SAN), 

alleged a deliberate 

attempt by Izunaso and 

others to frustrate his case. 

Enugu ex-legislators lament 20 yrs salaries, allowances arrears 

By Dennis Agbo 

ENUGU— MEMBERS 

of the Second session 

of Enugu State House of 

Assembly, who served 

between 1999 and 2003 

have lamented unpaid 

salaries and allowances 

being owed them for 20 

years. 

They said their members 

were dying out of poverty 

whereas their legitimate 

entitlements were being 

held by the same 

government they served 

faithfully. 

The surviving members 

made the lamentation 

yesterday, on the floor of the 

House of Assembly during 

a valedictory session for one 

of the members of the 2nd 

Assembly, Uchenna Ekete, 

who died recently. 

Speaking on the grounds 

of tribute to the departed 

member, Hyacinth Nsude, 

who represented Igboetiti 

West state constituency, 

recalled that another 

member of the same Second 

Assembly, Linus Ali, died 

as a result of financial 

incapability. 

He said: “These people 

would have lived if they 

had money to take care of 

their medical bills. We, 

some of the members that 

are still alive are begging 

Enugu State government 

to please pay us our salaries 

and allowances so that we 

can live. 

“At this moment, our 

colleagues are talking 

about pension in other 

states but here we are, still 

pleading to be paid salaries 

and allowances owed for 20 

years.” 

For C. C. Orjiokpara of the 

same session: “Our salaries 

were seized by the then 

administration. Now, we 

are detained after discharge 

from hospitals because we 

can’t pay our bills.” 

Others, in their speeches, 

described late Ekete as a 

defender of democracy and 

human rights. 

Professor Charles Igwe 

emerges 15th UNN VC 

By Ikechukwu 

Odu 

N SUKKA—THE 

contest for the 15th 

Vice Chancellor of the 

University of Nigeria, 

Nsukka, UNN, has 

ended with the 

emergence of Professor 

Charles Igwe. 

Igwe, who jostled for 

the position with 64 other 

professors, emerged the 

best after screening by 

UNN's Governing 

Council. 

Confirming the 

development, the 

Deputy Registrar of the 

Governing Council, 

Charles Ebizie, said 

Professor James 

By Chinonso 

Alozie 

O WERRI— 

MINISTER of 

Science and Technology, 

Ogbonnaya Onu, has 

promised that 

the Agricultural 

Machinery and 

Development Institute, 

in Aboh Mbaise Local 

Government Area of Imo 

State, started in 2012, 

will be completed soon. 

Vanguard learned 

that part of the problem 

of the delay of the project 

was due to lack of funds, 

which was discovered 

during the minister’s 

visit to the location of the 

project. 

Onu added that the 

institute when 

completed, would serve 

as a place for designing 

and producing 

Ogbonna came second, 

while Professor Cyprain 

Onyeji took the third 

position. He described the 

processes that produced 

Igwe as free and fair. 

While speaking to 

Vanguard, representative 

of the Ministry of 

Education in the Council, 

Ozordi Nwokoye, said: 

“The UNN Council of 

Senate constituted the 

selection team and 

following due process, 

Professor Charles Igwe 

emerged the best and he 

was duly appointed.” 

Asked how he feels over 

his appointment, Igwe 

exclaimed “I am so happy. 

My God has done it 

again.” 

Imo Agric Devt Institute 'll 

be completed—Minister 

Fayemi 'll do well as 

NGF chair— Ohakim 

By Chinonso 

Alozie 

O WERRI—THE 

immediate past 

governor of Imo State, 

Ikedi Ohakim, yesterday, 

said he's very sure the 

newly-elected chairman 

of Nigeria Governors’ 

Forum, NGF, Kayode 

Fayemi, has what it 

takes to succeed in 

leading other 

governors. 

Ohakim, whose 

commendation came 

through his Chief Press 

Secretary, Collins 

Ughala in Owerri, 

added that his conviction 

is that Fayemi has a 

“strong character and 

impeccable integrity.” 

He said among other 

things that he offered 

agricultural machines. 

According to the 

Minister, “at some point, 

we were number one 

importer of rice. That 

situation obviously was 

unacceptable. But today, 

we are doing well, we are 

importing very little and 

we are producing so much 

of rice. 

“Though we are still 

going to produce more, we 

need to mechanise our 

agriculture; we need to 

bring in a lot of 

technology so our 

agricultural processes 

need to be very 

competitive. 

“If we do not bring the 

appropriate technology, it 

will be very difficult for us 

to remain very competitive 

and whatever 

achievement we make in 

productivity, we will not be 

able to sustain it. 

prayers to Fayemi’s 

leadership and advised 

him to work with the 

federal government to end 

the plethora of challenges 

facing Nigerians. 

He said: “I join other 

well meaning Nigerians 

in congratulating my 

friend, Governor Kayode 

Fayemi of Ekiti State on his 

emergence as the new 

chairman of the Nigerian 

Governors Forum, NGF. 

“His emergence is good 

for Nigerians. I have no 

doubt that he will bring his 

vast experience to bear in 

the performance of the 

functions of his new office, 

and he will succeed. 

“I will liaise with his 

colleagues on the best way 

to address the various 

challenges faced by the 

component states.”


CONFERENCE: From left— Director, Operations, Bridge Gap Consult, Ms. Mosunmola Obembe, GMD, 

Afromedia Plc, Mr. Femi Olaiya, Founder, Farmshoppe, Mrs. Mosunmola Umoru and Ohimai Atafo, during the 

Games of Business conference in Lagos. Photo: Akeem Salau. 

Senate passes bill to change Yaba Tech to 

City varsity 

By Olasunkanmi 

Akoni 

ABUJA—THE Senate 

has passed a bill to 

convert the Yaba College of 

Technology, YABATECH, to 

City University of 

Technology. 

Senator Gbenga Ashafa, 

representing Lagos East 

Senatorial district, who 

sponsored the bill, led the 

debates on the bill and the 

Federal Polytechnic 

Iwerekun, Ibeju-Lekki 

Establishment bill. 

The City University 

Establishment bill seeks to 

convert the Yaba College of 

Technology, Yaba, Lagos to 

a University, while the 

Federal Polytechnic 

Iwereun Ibeju-Lekki bill 

seeks to establish a 

Polytechnic in Ibeju-Lekki 

area of Lagos State. 

Ashafa, in his 

contribution stated that if 

Nigeria aims to become 

one of the world’s leading 

economies, Nigeria must be 

ready to adjust and position 

its educational institutions. 

Ashafa said: “I am 

personally excited by the 

prospect of transforming 

this polytechnic to a 

University of Technology 

because it will motivate both 

students and academic staff 

just as it will upgrade its 

facilities and enhance its 

capability to achieve its 

objectives. 

•As Ashafa makes case for educational devt 

“If Nigeria as planned 

should aim to become one 

of the world’s leading 

economies as currently 

being pursued by 

Warri/Uvwie Area Devt Law to boost 

infrastructure devt —Oghenesivbe 

By Elizabeth 

Uwandu 

WARRI—THE Warri/ 

Uvwie and environ 

Special Area Development 

Law is a deliberate effort of 

government, crafted to 

speed up huge 

infrastructural development 

in line with Gov. Okowa's 

administration second 

tenure "Stronger Delta" 

socioeconomic remodeling 

agenda. 

Executive Assistant to 

Governor Ifeanyi Okowa on 

Communications, Dr Fred 

Oghenesivbe, in a 

statement commended the 

visionary leadership of the 

Governor, for his leadership 

ingenuity as can be seen 

from this administration's 

genuine commitment 

towards the speedy overall 

development of the three 

senatorial districts in the 

state. 

He noted that Warri/ 

Uvwie and environs 

deserved prime focus in 


as a result of its huge 

commercial activities and as 

government, we must be 

ready to adjust and position 

our educational institutions 

so that its products are 

geared for the technological 

host communities for crude 

oil exploration and key 

stakeholders in revenue 

generation like other 

communities across the 

state. 

Oghenesivbe, a member 

of the Nigerian Institute of 

International Affairs, NIIA, 

further disclosed that 

development of Warri/ 

Uvwie and environs will 

provide jobs for both skilled 

and unskilled labourers 

thereby advancing the 

prosperity of the people in 

the area and beyond in 

terms of specialised 

services, increased 

Old girls association 

tasks alma mata on 

study 

By Alemma Aliu 

BENIN CITY—OLD 

girls of Presentation 

National High School, 

PNHS, Ugbekun near 

Benin City, has urged the 

students to take 

responsibility for their lives, 

just as they were 

admonished to study and 

ensure they discover their 

talents to make them develop 

and be responsible 

citizens of the country. 

Speaking to the students 

when the set of 

1994 donated 12 water 

heaters to the school, the 

set’s spokesperson, Mrs 

Adesua Okofu said they 

were giving back to the 

school because of what 

they gained while in the 

school. 

She said "Make your 

decisions and always 

move forward. Forget the 

sad times quickly and 

enjoy the happy times 

challenges inherent in such 

projections. Our educational 

authorities are moving to revamp 

our institutions for these 

objectives.” 

commercial activities and 

good roads network for 

transportation of raw and 

finished products in and out 

of the area. 

He said: "Warri, Uvwie 

and environs shall soon be 

transformed into an 

enviable area expected of 

modern cities through 

government deliberate 

efforts to facilitate 


which will in turn jack up 

result oriented commercial 

activities and restore 

superlative night life and in 

the same token promote 

tourism." 

slowly, along the way, 

take courage with you so 

that you are not halted. 

"High School captured 

a truly unique time in 

life. One starts school as 

a child, and leaves as a 

young woman. It's the 

expectation that the 

education you received 

and the values you have 

internalized up till this 

point will have prepared 

you not just for higher 

education, but also for 

life. The people you have 

around you now - 

classmates, students and 

staff." 

"During your youth the 

vitality and impact of 

community can be hard 

to fully appreciate, but 

the truth is that no 

person was ever raised 

without a community. 

This is why it is 

important to get into the 

habit of giving back, no 

matter how little you 

have." 

Oil slumps 5%, U.S. crude at its 

cheapest since March 

OIL prices plunged about 5 percent yester 

day, with U.S. crude at its lowest since March, as 

trade tensions dampened the demand outlook, putting 

the crude benchmarks on course for their biggest daily 

and weekly falls in six months. 

World shares were deep in the red as concerns grew 

the China-U.S. trade conflict was fast turning into a technology 

cold war between the world’s two largest economies. 

“Again, we’re seeing the effect of worries about the trade 

issue on demand,” said Gene McGillian, Vice President 

at Tradition Energy in Stamford, Connecticut. Funds and 

money managers who had built up long positions are 

“heading to the exits” as trade concerns dim the demand 

outlook, he said. 

Brent crude futures, the international benchmark, hit a 

session low of $67.53 per barrel, trading down $3.15, or 

4.5 percent, at $67.84. 

Meanwhile, U.S. West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude 

futures were down by $3.21, or 5.2 percent, at $58.19 per 

barrel. The contract earlier fell to a session low of $57.92, 

the lowest since March 15. 

British Airways to resume Pakistan 

flights next week after a decade 

BRITISH Airways, BA, will resume flights to 

Pakistan next week a decade after it suspended 

operations following a major hotel bombing, becoming 

the first Western airline to restart flights to the South 

Asian country. 

BA halted service to Pakistan in the wake of the 2008 

Marriott Hotel bombing in the capital Islamabad that 

took place during a period of devastating Islamist militant 

violence in Pakistan. 

Security has since improved, with militant attacks sharply 

down in the mainly Muslim country of 208 million 

people, reviving Pakistan as a destination for tourist and 

investors. 

“The final touches are coming together for the airline’s 

return ahead of the first flight on Sunday June 2,” British 

Airways said in a statement. It will launch a three-perweek 

service to London Heathrow, it said. 

US, China exchange barbs over 

Huawei as trade tensions flare 

UNITED States and China had a heated 

exchange yesterday, with U.S. Secretary of State 

Mike Pompeo accusing the chief executive of Huawei 

Technologies of lying about his company’s ties to the 

communist government and Beijing saying Washington 

must end its “wrong actions” if it wants trade talks to 

continue. 

The United States placed Huawei Technologies Co Ltd 

on a trade blacklist last week, effectively banning U.S. 

firms from doing business with the world’s largest telecom 

network gear maker and escalating a trade battle 

between the world’s two biggest economies. 

World shares fell sharply yesterday as concerns grew 

that the China-U.S. trade conflict was fast turning into a 

technology cold war. 

Pompeo told CNBC the chief executive of China’s 

Huawei Technologies was lying about his company’s lack 

of ties to the Beijing government, and he believed more 

U.S. companies would cut ties with the tech giant. 

“The company is deeply tied not only to China but to 

the Chinese Communist Party. And that connectivity, the 

existence of those connections puts American information 

that crosses those networks at risk,” Pompeo told 

CNBC in an interview. 

Zambia to undertake regular audits 

at all mines — Minister 

ZAMBIAN Mines Minister Richard Musukwa 

said the government will undertake regular audits 

at all mines to avoid any repeat of the issues at Vedanta 

unit Konkola Copper Mines (KCM), which the country 

said breached the terms of its licence. 

A high court order this week named a Zambian law 

firm as the liquidator to oversee KCM, a move that has 

whipped up concerns among the mining community about 

rising resource nationalism in Africa. 

Musukwa said the government’s action at KCM “should 

not be misconstrued as nationalisation”. 

Some stories credited to Reuters


destructive enemities. 

If more Naija leaders shared 

their benign, intelligent and 

mature mindsets, our country 

might be in much better shape! 

I didn’t know at the time that 

Dickson and Fayemi would 

soon be honoured by 

colleagues who shared my 

high opinion of them; and I 

(forgive my smugness!) felt 

like a particularly good judge 

of character when they were 

both singled out a couple of 

days ago. 

Leadership 

batons 

ON Friday April 12, I 

told Vanguard readers 

that I’d recently travelled to 

Rwanda - to attend a 

conference for African Chief 

Executives; and I praised, as 

follows, some of the Nigerian 

VIPs who spoke at this event, 

including Bayelsa State 

Governor, Mr. Seriake 

Dickson, and Dr. Kayode 

Fayemi, the Governor of Ekiti 

State:- 

[They] spoke very 

eloquently and provided me 

and other members of their 

audiences with valuable 

learning experiences. 

Reader responses 

ON a number of occasions 

over the years, I have 

quoted white people who do not 

see black folks in a lofty light. 

Last week, I quoted Lord 

Lugard, the colonial Governor- 

General, who accused us of 

various shortcomings…and 

Julian Van Abele, an American 

student who feels that most of 

the world’s achievements boil 

down to the achievements of 

white males. 

Here are some of the 

responses I received from 

Vanguard readers: 

Nosike Uduezue 

 

Re: A white colonial’s 

opinion of us 

You have in the past posted 

what the former president of 

South Africa, P. W. Botha, said 

about Africans: “We have 

demonstrated that we are 

superior to the blacks in a 

thousand ways. 

The Republic of South Africa 

has not been created by wishful 

thinking. We have created at 

the expense of intelligence, 

sweat and blood. We do not 

pretend like other whites that 

we like blacks. 

The fact that blacks look like 

human beings does not 

necessarily make them 

•L-r: Ekiti State governor Kayode Fayemi and Bayelsa State governor, Seriake Dickson, in 

Rwanda, jointly holding a copy of a magazine in which Dickson’s performance was praised 

Deserved victories 

And, by the way, I and many 

other Nigerian and non- 

Nigerian onlookers were 

especially impressed by the 

fact that though Fayemi (APC) 

and Dickson (PDP) belong to 

different political parties that 

had just emerged from 

bruising electoral battles back 

reasonable human beings. 

Hedgehogs are not 

porcupines, lizards are not 

crocodiles simply because they 

look alike. If God wanted us to 

If Africans wish to 

be taken seriously 

they have to work 

harder and stay 

back in their 

respective 

countries and stop 

trooping to Europe 

and America where 

the whites have 

worked hard to 

make their own 

countries 

comfortable 

be equal to the blacks he would 

have created us of uniform 

colour and intellect but he 

created us differently. The 

blacks cannot rule themselves, 

give them guns and they will 

kill each other. 

They are good at nothing else 

but making noise, dancing, 

marrying many wives and 

home, they related to each 

other very warmly and 

cerebrally in Rwanda. 

Of course, they couldn’t 

possibly agree on every topic. 

But they focussed on the 

bigger picture, rather than on 

petty rivalries, thereby 

proving themselves to be well 

indulging in sex. Let us all 

accept that the black man is the 

symbol of poverty, mental 

inferiority, laziness, and 

emotional incompetence and 

that the white man was created 

to rule the black man and that 

the black man is a creature 

which lacks foresight,” and you 

wanted Vanguard readers to 

comment. I did not comment but 

I made copies and distributed 

to some persons. Majority of 

the people that I 

sampled…agreed with Botha. 

They said it was brutal but it 

was a fact and that Africans 

must do serious introspection. 

Now you have come up with 

what Lugard and Von Abele 

said. Several readers who 

commented [on the Vanguard 

website] were abusive and I 

feel sorry for the black man 

because we lie to ourselves 

and are hypocritical and cannot 

even engage in honest 

intelligent debate. 

I agree with Lugard. I also 

feel that if Africans wish to be 

taken seriously they have to 

work harder and stay back in 

their respective countries and 

stop trooping to Europe and 

America where the whites have 

worked hard to make their own 

countries comfortable… 

…I also agree with Von Abele 

brought-up, civilized 

gentlemen who prioritise 

collective development issues. 

The likes of Fayemi and 

Dickson remind and teach us, 

by avoiding avoidable 

rancour, that it is not necessary 

for political differences of 

opinion to become bitter and 

that whites are superior in the 

meantime until Africans prove 

otherwise. 

From Ifeka Okonkwo 

(ifekaokonkwo@yahoo.com) 

Donu, I feel so sad that the 

march to greatness of our 

country by our selfless 

founding fathers, was halted by 

the military on January 

15,1966. 

Since the end of the Nigerian 

Civil War on January 15, 1970, 

all those who had been at the 

helm of the affairs of our 

country, instead of harnessing 

our abundant natural resources 

to make our country fully 

developed like the Asian 

Tigers, or Dubai, have 

regrettably brought our country 

down on her knees and our 

present quagmire, due to their 

insatiable greed, lack of 

foresight and acquisition of 

obsence wealth from our 

common till! 

The views expressed by Lord 

Fredrick Lugard and Julian Van 

Abele, are true of the calamity 

that has befallen our country in 

the hands of our clueless ruling 

class since the demise of the 

first republic. 

If the whites had managed 

our resources during the oil 

boom years till date, our 

country could have been fully 

On Wednesday night, 

Fayemi’s peers (Dickson 

included) decided that he 

should take over from Alhaji 

Abdulaziz Yari of Zamfara as 

Chairman of the all-party 

Nigeria Governors’ Forum. 

Almost simultaneously - also 

on Wednesday night - 

Dickson’s peers decided that 

he should collect the 

leadership baton from Alhaji 

Ibrahim Dankwambo, the 

soon-to-depart Governor of 

Gombe, and henceforth head 

the PDP Governors’ Forum. 

Congrats galore to two 

charismatic men of substance; 

I confidently predict that the 

fora they are chairing - and the 

nation as a whole - will benefit 

enormously from their 

stewardships. 

developed like the first world 

countries and not the world’s 

capital of the poorest of the 

poor! 

This is a country that is going 

bankrupt and heavily in debt, 

but is still foolishly practising 

the expensive presidential 

system of government that pays 

our politicians the highest 

salaries and allowances in the 

whole world. 

I weep for our country, as I 

see no end to our sufferings in 

the midst of plenty with our 

present crop of selfish 

politicians who are only 

thinking about who will be the 

presiding officers of National 

Assembly and the 2023 general 

elections and not how to better 

our lot and most importantly 

how to tackle the worsening 

unprecedented general 

insecurity of lives and property 

we are going through now, in 

our hapless country! 

Responses 

To 

Donzol2002@Yahoo.co.uk Or 

To 0802 747 6458 Or 0811 675 

9752. Please kindly note that 

unless you specifically request 

anonymity, your email or text 

message may be published 

with your name and contact 

details attached.

18 — Vanguard, FRIDAY, MAY 24, 2019 

WHEN an individual or a family is 

bored of staying indoors and needs a 

quiet place to sit, stare and meditate, 

but does not want to go too far away 

from their immediate environment, the 

answer is a public garden, a recreation 

ground, or what is called municipal 

park in developed countries. 

Researches have proved that 

recreation, sports, arts appreciation 

and outdoor pursuits reduce selfdestructive 

and anti-social behaviours 

which have recently reared their ugly 

heads among us in the spate of 

suicides. 

Recreation in parks build strong 

families, healthy communities, and 

improve the quality of life of residents. 

According to a study conducted for 

the California Outdoor Recreation 

Planning Programme, CORPP, 

published in 2005 by California State 

Parks, recreation reduces obesity, 

diminishes risks of chronic disease, 

heart disease, diabetes, cancer and 

Need for municipal recreational parks 

osteoporosis; boosts immune system, 

and increases life expectancy. 

Mentally, recreation and parks reduce 

depression, relieve stress, improve 

quality of life, promote self-esteem, 

personal and spiritual growth, and life 

satisfaction. 

The benefits of recreation associated 

with parks are indeed limitless. 

Our traditional African societies must 

have learned all these by intuition, 

which informed their policy to reserve 

open spaces called village squares 

where individuals could go and mingle 

with others. 

No doubt, this is part of the reasons 

our forebears lived longer and happier 

than many of us do now. 

Today, those entrusted with the 

responsibility of planning our urban 

environments have almost completely 

excluded community parks in the plans. 

Not long ago in Lagos, a nongovernmental 

organisation, NGO, had 

tried to save a large open space in a 

local community which had served as 

a park for decades. Residents used to 

go there in the evening to unwind while 

little children played around. 

As soon as a tarred road was built 

across the community and the value of 

landed property skyrocketed, “owners” 

of the land started selling it off. 

The NGO did everything it could to 

raise money (including approaching 

the local government) in order to pay 

off the owners and reserve the space 

to continue to serve the community as 

a park, but no one was interested. 

Today, that open sandy space has been 

crowded by haphazardly-built houses. 

It is sad, that even at national level, 

there are only about eight national 

parks in Nigeria in spite of the fact that 

those parks are far removed from our 

immediate local communities, thus 

denying the people of their abovenamed 

benefits. 

We have built up most of the open 

spaces created by the British colonial 

masters and replaced them with 

meaningless junk concrete structures. 

We need as many community parks 

as possible. 

This is an urgent assignment for the 

National Parks Governing Board and 

relevant agencies at states and local 

government levels. 

OPINION 

Dealing with rising wave of suicide 

By Tayo Ogunbiyi 

RECENT happenings across the 

country show that there is an 

alarming upsurge in suicide cases. Usually, 

Nigerians are considered lovers of life and 

as such would never contemplate suicide 

for whatever reason. But recent occurrences 

in the country have since changed that. 

Experts have affirmed that this current 

situation might not be unconnected with 

prevalence of depression among 

Nigerians. The Medilexicon’s Medical 

Dictionary depicts depression as medical 

conditions that disrupt a person’s thinking, 

feeling, mood, ability to relate to others 

and daily functioning. 

Depression is more than just a feeling of 

being sad or moody for a few days. 

Symptoms of depression include feeling 

sad or empty, loss of interest in favourite 

activities, over eating, or not wanting to 

eat at all, not being able to sleep or sleeping 

too much, fatigue, feeling of hopelessness, 

irritation, anxiety, guilt, aches, pains, 

thought of death or suicide, erratic or 

changed behaviour, loneliness, 

desperation, among others. It can also lead 

to marital troubles as depression victims 

find it very hard adjusting to family values 

and ethics. 

Causes of depression are complex and 

vary, depending on the particular disorder 

and individuals. Genetics, drugs, loss, 

disease or injury, neurocognitive and 

psychological mechanisms, and life 

experiences, society and culture, can all 

contribute to depression in people. The 

most common view, however, is that 

depression tends to result from genetic 

vulnerabilities and environmental stressors 

that combine to trigger disorder. 

From all indications, the nation’s tough 

economic situation has increased the 

number of citizens who run the risk of 

clinical depression. Reports indicate that 

the rate of marital break ups has increased, 

while matrimonial violence occasioned by 

economic woes has equally multiplied 

significantly even as more men now 

abscond from home to escape growing 

economic responsibilities. 

Thus, we now have more women who 

are over burdened with excruciating 

domestic pressures. Cases of pronounced 

mental health condition have also 

increased. Along major cities in the 

country, you are likely to come across clean 

and beautifully dressed compatriots who 

talk and walk alone, actually without any 

destination in mind. This, to medical 

workers is a vital sign of depressioninduced 

insanity, which if not quickly 

attended to could lead to serious psychiatric 

condition. 

Obviously, if depression is not properly 

addressed, it could culminate in suicide. 

Suicide is almost a strange occurrence in 

our clime as Nigerians are, perhaps, the 

most optimistic set of people on earth. The 

resilience of a typical Nigerian as well as 

his dynamic spiritual fortitude makes 

suicide the least of his 

contemplations. Recent events have, 

however, altered this entire hypothesis. So, 

Nigerians are not, after all, immune from 

suicide. 

Depression could also result into mental 

illness. Mental illnesses are medical 

conditions that disrupt a person’s thinking, 

feeling, mood, ability to relate to others 

and daily functioning. Mental illnesses 

cannot be overcome through “will power” 

and are not related to a person’s 

“character” or intelligence. This illness falls 

along a continuum of severity. 

The causes of mental illness are complex 

and vary according to the particular 

disorder and individuals. Genetics, early 

Not managing mental health 

in the workplace has a huge 

impact on individuals and is 

equally bad for business 

development, drugs, a loss of family 

member, disease or injury, neurocognitive 

and psychological mechanisms, and life 

experiences, society and culture, can all 

contribute to the development or 

progression of different mental disorders 

in people. 

The most common, view, however, is that 

mental disorder tends to result from genetic 

vulnerabilities and environmental stressors 

combining to cause patterns of dysfunction 

or trigger disorder. Signs of mental health 

condition include erratic or changed 

behaviour, depression, loneliness, 

desperation, among others. 

No matter how seemingly the effects of 

mental health issues are, whether it is 

depression, epilepsy, dementia, alcohol 

dependence or death, they can be 

managed effectively with the affected 

individual living a reasonably normal life. 

Not managing mental health in the 

workplace has a huge impact on 

individuals and is equally bad for business 

too, with an estimated annual cost to 

employers of over 25 billion pounds. 

Recent survey indicates 40 per cent of 

employers view workers with mental 

health conditions as a significant risk while 

42 percent of employers are still 

underestimating the relevance of mental 

health in their workplace. 

Given the negative perception from 

employers, many applicants may feel that 

it is in their best interest not to disclose 

their mental conditions. Today, 73 percent 

of work places across the globe still have 

no formal mental health policy. 

To stem current tide of depression, 

mental illness and suicide across the 

country, the Federal Government must 

make concerted efforts to fix the 

economy. The National Assembly should 

be more involved in activities that would 

make our economy to become buoyant 

again. 

State governments should look inward 

to develop their local economies while faith 

based organisations, NGOs, the media and 

relevant government agencies should be 

resolute on the futility of suicide. At family 

level, more channels of communication 

should be opened. Emotional healing 

occurs whenever a problem is shared. 

•Ogunbiyi is of the Lagos State Ministry 

of Information and Strategy, Alausa, Ikeja

Finance ministry set to automate import duty 

exemption processes 

CURRENCY BUYING SELLING 

US DOLLAR 

POUNDS 

EURO 

FRANC 

YEN 

CFA 

WAUA 

RENMINBI 

RIYAL 

SDR 

DANISH 

RAND 

By Michael Eboh 

THE Ministry of Finance, yes 

terday said it has received 

clearance from the Infrastructure 

Concession Regulatory Commission, 

ICRC, for its proposed Import 

Duty Exemption Certificate, IDEC, 

project. 

A statement from the ministry said 

it received the Full Business Case 

Certificate of Compliance for the 

IDEC project as part of the Federal 

Government’s commitment to 

blocking leakages and improve the 

revenue base of the country. 

The Finance Minister, Ms Zainab 

Ahmed, was quoted as saying that 

an IDEC portal would be set up to 

help the Federal Government control, 

track and monitor the import 

duty exemption certificate that it 

issues, monitor the performance of 

the beneficiary companies and interface 

the IDEC system with the 

Nigeria Customs Service. 

She added, however, that the Finance 

ministry would have to get 

the approval of the Federal Executive 

Council before engaging the 

Public Private Partnership, PPP, 

model for the implementation of the 

project. 

Director-General of ICRC, Engr. 

Chidi Izuwah, noted that the IDEC 

project would enable the country 

cut the huge revenue losses attributable 

to manual process to the tune 

of over N2 trillion. 

He said, “The statement in the 

minister’s letter that the non implementation 

of this project caused a 

revenue loss of N2.5 trillion in 2017 

and N2.1 trillion in 2018, we considered 

this a national revenue 

emergency and we gave it the 

needed attention and turned it 

around very quickly.” 

Izuwah further noted that the 

Federal Ministry of Finance under 

Section 12 of the ICRC Act is required 

to supervise this project and 

ensure that government realises 

full value and the interest of government 

protected. 

He added, however, that the 

ICRC, under Section 10 of its Act, 

was required to collaborate with the 

$93.30 1.55 

2,429.00 -16.00 

$11.64 0.02 

$67.17 -3.82 

$57.52 -3.90 

305.9 306.4 306.9 

386.627 387.259 387.8909 

340.7726 341.3296 341.8866 

303.5023 303.9984 304.4945 

2.7802 2.7847 2.7892 

0.5018 0.5118 0.5218 

420.819 421.5069 422.1947 

44.2139 44.2866 44.3593 

81.5646 81.698 81.8313 

421.4996 422.1886 422.8775 

45.6159 45.6904 45.765 

. 21.1596 21.1942 21.2288 

CBN Exchange rate as at 23/05/2019 

From left: Alex Goma, Director of Strategy & External Relations, PZ Cussons Nigeria Plc; Abiola 

Laseinde, Company Secretary/Head, Corporate Services, PZ Cussons Nigeria Plc; Oscar N. 

Onyema, Chief Executive Officer, The Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE); Christos Giannopoulos, 

Chief Executive Officer, PZ Cussons Nigeria Plc; Mrs Elizabeth Ebi, Non-Executive Director, PZ 

Cussons Nigeria Plc; Joyce Folake Coker, Group Human resources Director, PZ Cussons 

Nigeria Plc and Pedro Barreto, Chief Finance Officer, PZ Cussons Nigeria Plc during a Closing 

Gong Ceremony to commemorate the company’s 120 years anniversary at the Exchange. 

Federal Ministry of Finance and 

regularly inspect the project and 

ensure that both the public and the 

private sectors are in compliance 

with the agreements entered into. 

He appealed to the finance minister 

to assist the ICRC and the 

Presidential Initiative on Continuous 

Audit, PICA, finalise discussions 

concerning the Special Concession 

Account, which, according 

to him, would be a huge opportunity 

to increase the revenue that is 

available to the government and 

block leakages. 

Speaking in the same vein, Permanent 

Secretary, Special Duties 


in the Ministry of Finance, Dr. 

Muhammad Dikwa, noted that the 

whole process, which started in 

2008, had attained a landmark feat 

in 2019, while he urged directors 

and staff of the Ministry of Finance 

to take full advantage of the portal 

to ensure that every leakage is 

blocked. 

FG assures investors on development of 

special economic zones 

By Yinka Kolawole 

THE Federal Government has assured strategic 

investment partners and advisers on the Nigeria 

Special Economic Zone Investment Company Limited 

(NSEZCO) of its commitment to the development of 

special economic zones (SEZs) across the country, adding 

that NSEZCO is on course to raise $500m for SEZs. 

NSEZCO is a special purpose vehicle set up by the 

Federal Government of Nigeria to facilitate Public Private 

Partnerships with development finance institutions 

and other investors, to develop SEZs across the country. 

Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo gave 

the assurance at a meeting with representatives 

of the investment partners of NSEZCO, 

including the African Export-Import Bank 

(Afreximbank), Bank of Industry (BoI), Nigerian 

Sovereign Investment Authority 

(NSIA), Africa Finance Corporation (AFC), 

African Development Bank (AfDB) and the 

legal advisers, Aluko & Oyebode. 

A statement by Laolu Akande, Media aide 

to the Vice President, made available to Vanguard 

yesterday, said the Osinbajo assured 

the investors of the federal government’s readiness 

to offer all required support to complete 

their investments in the company. According 

to the statement, the vision and plan of the 

Buhari Administration is to make Nigeria the 

pre-eminent manufacturing hub in Sub-Saharan 

Africa and a major exporter of manufactured 

products. 

Osinbajo reiterated the government’s commitment 

to Project MINE (Made in Nigeria 

for Exports), a Presidential Priority Intervention 

project, using SEZs to achieve the objectives 

of boosting manufacturing’s share of 

GDP to 20%, generating $30billion in annual 

export earnings and creating 1.5 million new 

jobs in the export-oriented manufacturing 

value chain. 

“The project is fundamental for us as 

industrialisation is a major pillar of our Economy 

Recovery and Growth Plan (ERGP),” the statement 

quoted Osinbajo. 

The Attorney-General of the Federation, Abubakar 

Malami, who was also at the meeting, informed the 

investors that the recent investigation into the affairs 

of NSEZCO was to establish the integrity of 

the federal government and the propriety of its actions 

in the light of the negative perceptions created 

in the media. 

Earlier in his remark, Minister of Industry, Trade 

& Investment, Okechukwu Enelamah, said from all 

indications, NSEZCO remains on course to raise 

$500million for investment in SEZs in Nigeria. 

SEC, NSE streamline process to 

encourage more listings 

By Nkiruka Nnorom 

IN a move to encourage more companies to list 

on the Nigerian Stock Exchange, NSE, Securities 

and Exchange Commission, SEC, and the 

NSE have said they are streamlining the listing 

approval process to ensure that it is more efficient 

and cost effective. 

The streamlined process, which will come into 

effect on June 1, 2019, is aimed at reducing the 

regulatory burden on issuers by eliminating duplication 

of processes between SEC and NSE, reducing 

the time to market for the issuance and 

listing of securities and ultimately driving more 

listing on the Exchange. 

SEC said in a notice that with the streamlined 

processes, the Commission and NSE will carry out 

joint site visits of companies intending to get listed 

following the registration of their securities with 

SEC. 

Consequently, some offer documents such as 

Vending Agreement, Underwriting Agreement, 

Trust Deed and ISPO, identified to be strictly within 

Counterfeiting 

major challenge 

plaguing 

lubricant 

industry 

— GM 11Plc 

By Prince Okafor 

T 

HE General Manager 

Lubes, 11Plc, Umesh 

Malik, has said that counterfeit 

lubricant remains the 

greatest challenge plaguing 

the lubricant industry in Nigeria. 

Malik said this, yesterday, 

as the company officially unveiled 

its Mobil Super 1000 

and 2000 peel and win promo 

2.0 in Lagos, targeted at rewarding 

its customers across 

the country. 

Speaking during the launch, 

Malik said: “The biggest challenge 

facing the lubricant industry 

in Nigeria is the influx 

of counterfeit lubricant in the 

market. This is a serious menace 

in the nation’s market. At 

Mobil, we will continue to 

ensure that our customers get 

the highest performance product 

available to them. We will 

always continue to upgrade 

our product performance.” 

Also commenting on the 

challenge of adulterated lubricants 

in the country, the 

company’s Automotive and 

Distributor Business Manager, 

Seun Oke said: “Part of what 

we are doing is that we want 

to ensure that people return 

gallons to our stations to ensure 

they are registered for the 

promo. A number of those 

bottles out there are what 

people pick and reuse for 

adulterated products. 

“Apart from this, we are also 

putting a process in place to 

ensure that our gallons have 

super seal on them. This super 

seal cap which we did not 

have on our product before 

covers the gallon and that way 

people can no longer open the 

cap with ease unlike what we 

have in the past. 

“We are also working with 

Consumer Protection Council, 

CPC, Standard Organisation 

of Nigeria, SON, and other 

relevant agencies, to see how 

we can curb the advent of 

adulterated products in the 

country.” 

the jurisdiction of SEC are to be 

submitted only to SEC. Also, the 

Exchange will rely on SEC for 

approval of offer documents such 

as the Prospectus. 

Mr. Isiyaku Bala Tilde, Ag. Executive 

Commissioner Operations, 

SEC, said: “Streamlining 

the issuance process with the listing 

process of NSE is a major milestone 

for the Commission in its 

quest to create an enabling environment 

capable of attracting new 

listings. One of our core values is 

leading by example, and we hope 

that other stakeholders will also 

look inward to explore similar initiatives, 

which will ensure quick 

time to market of securities in our 

market. We have no doubt that the 

streamlined process will enhance 

the competitiveness of the Nigerian 

capital market as a global investment 

destination.”


Mobilising Nigeria's human and natural resources 

for national development and stability 

By Olusegun Obasanjo 

Preamble 

1. Let me begin by saying 

that it is quite an honour for me 

to be chosen to give the keynote 

address at this most distinguished 

gathering of the people 

of God. Before continuing, 

please permit me to commend 

and congratulate Yourlordship 

the Bishop of Oleh 

Diocese, Rt. Rev. (DR.)John U. 

Aruakpor, the clergy, and, 

indeed, the entire laity of the 

Diocese for sustaining the timehonoured 

tradition of and 

requirement for annual synods. 

As all of us are well 

aware, synods such as this affords 

us all including the bishop, 

the clergy and the laity the 

opportunity, under the guidance 

of the Holy Spirit, to rejuvenate 

our relationship with 

Almighty God by reviewing the 

events and activities of the diocese 

over the previous year, and 

then map out the events for the 

coming year. I sincerely pray 

that by the time the synod ends, 

the aims and objectives for 

which it was called would have 

been realised a hundredfold. 

2. Your lordship, it is gladdening 

to note that the Church 

in Nigeria has continued to provide 

not only for the spiritual 

growth of the people, but also, 

for the overall physical wellbeing 

and welfare of Nigerians 

generally. The church has continued 

to play a very critical role 

in the overall growth and development 

of the country. It 

has continued, in the face of 

daunting challenges, to mould 

opinions, make critical interventions, 

and influence policies 

and general directions of the 

various tiers of governments in 

Nigeria. A clear testimony to 

this ennobling role of the 

church can be seen from the 

topic you have asked me to 

speak on, which is: Mobilising 

Nigeria’s Human and Natural 

Resources for National Development 

and Stability. Yes, the 

main mission of the Church is 

salvation of the soul but without 

ignoring the physical, mental 

and the general social wellbeing 

of humankind. Jesus 

said, “I come that they may have 

life and have it to the full”, John 

10:10 (NIV). This topic is, to 

me, very apt, particularly as our 

dear country Nigeria keeps 

seeking for ways and means of 

overcoming the developmental 

challenges that confront it. I say 

this because, when closely examined, 

it can be seen that the 

topic is prescriptive, as against 

the general norm nowadays 

which tend to dwell only on the 

ills that afflict us as a peopleand 

they are many and consequently 

end up with only criticisms. 

But I must also hasten 

to say that criticism particularly 

objective criticism is good 

and important for development 

and growth and generally for 

human development. I, therefore, 

once more, commend Your 

lordship and the brains behind 

the Synod for deciding on this 

approach whose ultimate output 

would be recommendations 

on how to deal with the multifarious 

developmental challenges 

confronting Nigeria. 

3. Accordingly, within the 

next 60 minutes or thereabout, 

I am going to try to complement 

your efforts by attempting to 

•Obasanjo 

look at the topic in some detail, 

and in so doing, share with you 

my views, ideas and experiences 

on how to mobilise the country’s 

immense human and natural 

resources in such a way as 

to facilitate Nigeria’s overall 

national development and stability. 

4. To do the above, I am going 

to first look at the topic as a 

whole and try to break it down 

into its various components for 

ease of understanding by the 

audience. I will then, briefly 

explain some of the more 

important terms associated with 

the topic. Next, I will try to look 

at the ‘Nigeria Project’. This 

will entail trying to find out what 

the nation Nigeria is all about. 

I think that it is very pertinent 

and, indeed, apt to interrogate 

the notion of this entity called 

Nigeria, since, without doing so, 

could equate to building on a 

weak foundation! 

This topic is, to 

me, very apt, particularly 

as our dear 

country Nigeria 

keeps seeking for 

ways and means of 

overcoming the developmental 

challenges 

that confront 

it 

5. Closely allied with the 

interrogation of the concept of 

the Nigeria Project will be an 

examination of those human 

and natural resources which it 

has pleased God to bless 

Nigeria with, and, of course, the 

ways and means to mobilise 

them to promote the country’s 

development and stability. 

6. Next, we will try to look at 

the core issues surrounding 

Nigeria’s 

National 

Development. We will start by 

first establishing the facets and 

parameters of national development, 

and then trace its 

historical evolution as a national 

development tool in Nigeria. 

Continuing, we will compare 

the state of Nigeria’s national 

development with those of 

some other countries of the 

world. In my opinion, one 

very good way of doing this is 

to consider the concept referred 

to as the Human Development 

Index (HDI). We will look at 

some of the issues that go into 

the compilation of the index, 

with a view to seeing how our 

dear country fares in them. 

7. After this, I will then come 

to the meat of my address, 

which is how to mobilise the 

country’s human and natural 

resources to engendersecurity 

and stability of the polity and 

promote overall national economic 

and social development 

and growth. 

8. All these will lead us 

naturally to an examination of 

some of those challenges that 

have debarred us from 

achieving our goals as a nation, 

politically, economically and 

socially. 

9. We will finally end by 

proffering right way forward 

and I will point at possible grave 

danger of moving knowingly or 

unknowingly on the wrong way. 

The Topic 

10. Let us now start by 

looking at the topic to try and 

break it down into its component 

parts (for ease of understanding). 

As given, the topic 

is: Mobilising Nigeria’s Human 

and Natural Resources for National 

Development and Stability. 

11. The first word in this topic 

is the action verb ‘mobilise’, and 

it is saying that we need to do 

something. Specifically, it is 

saying we need to ‘mobilise’: 

which is to put together to make 

ready, but mobilise what? 

12. The answer forms the 

second segment of the topic, 

which is: Nigeria’s Human and 

NaturalResources, which then 

leads us to the third and final 

segment, which can also be 

framed as another question as 

follows: for what purpose? For 

National Development and 

Stability. So, taking as a whole, 

the topic wants us to discuss 

how to mobilise Nigeria’s 

human and natural resources 

for the purpose of achieving the 

country’s Development and 

Stability and I will add growth 

and progress just for emphasis. 

Explanation of some key 

concepts 

13. Looking at the topic, the 

first term that I believe we all 

must be clear about is Mobilise 

(or Mobilising). Within the 

context of the topic, what do we 

mean by Mobilising? 

14. The Merriam-Webster 

Dictionary of English language 

lists several meanings and 

usages of the word ‘mobilise’. 

However, for our purposes in 

this address, we go with the one 

which tells us that the word is 

the same as:to marshal, to bring 

together, to prepare (something 

such as power, force, wealth, 

etc.) for action, especially of a 

vigorous nature. In other words, 

we are looking at ways to 

marshal, to bring together or to 

prepare Nigeria’s abundant 

human and material 

resourcesin such a way as to 

realisethe essence, the rationale, 

or the raison d’êtreor main 

objective of government, in other 

words, the welfare and security 

of the people. Of course, 

the welfare and security of the 

people is, to a large extent, synonymous 

with national development 

and stability. 

Stability 

15. Stability as a word also 

features in the topic. Referring 

once more to the Merriam- 

Webster dictionary, we are told 

that stability is: the quality, 

state, or degree of being stable, 

such as the strength to stand 

and endure: firmness – against 

or in the face of upheavals 

(social, political, and economic) 

and natural and man-made 

disasters. 

16. With regards to our 

country Nigeria and for the 

purposes of this address, we are 

concerned with how to ensure 

that the Nigerian Polity (i.e., the 

State as a whole) is stable by 

efficiently mobilising and harnessing 

our human and natural 

resources to achieve the 

purpose of governance – welfare 

and well-being of the citizenry. 

National Development 

17. Next, is National 

Development, or simply put, 

Development. So, what do we 

mean by Development? According 

to Wikipedia, Development 

is the process in which 

someone or something grows or 

changes and becomes more 

advanced. From this, I want to 

believe that everything that is 

created by God and has life 

need to grow and develop; 

whether it is we collectively as 

a people and as a nation Nigeria, 

or as individual human 

beings.In other words, growth 

and development are positive 

attributes. Anything God creates 

needs to grow and develop. 

To drive the point home, we 

must emphasise that the opposite 

of growth or development 

is to decrease, to diminish, to 

reduce or to become stunted. 

Later on in this address, we 

shall look at the state or status 

of Nigeria, especially as it was 

in 1960 when we gained independence, 

and compare it with 

what it is presently, to see the 

extent of growth as a nation or 

lack of it. 

18. Explaining further, 

Wikipedia continued by telling 

us that Development is a 

process that creates growth, 

progress, positive change or the 

addition of physical, economic, 

environmental, social and demographic 

components. It further 

added that for any nation, 

the ultimate goal of development 

is a rise in the level and 

quality of life of the population, 

and the creation or expansion 

of local and regional income 

and employment opportunities 

and choices, without damaging 

the resources of the environment. 

Development is visible 

and useful, not necessarily immediately, 

and includes an aspect 

of quality change and the 

creation of conditions for a continuation 

of that change. Development 

cannot be static. 

Changed Notion of 

Development 

19. Until the last two or three 

decades of the last century 

(especially while the Cold War 

was still on), when nations 

talked about national 

development, the emphasis 

was more on the growth of the 

economy (or economic growth 

as measured by GDP per capita), 

that is infrastructure, industrial 

output and growth, etc. 

Except for the western nations 

perhaps, very rarely did the 

welfare and wellbeing of the 

individual citizen come into 

reckoning. In fact, in some jurisdictions, 

the citizens themselves 

counted more as means 

of production, which explains 

the historical listing of population 

as one of the elements of 

national power. Human beings 

were expendable commodities 

in the quest for greatness – that 

can be reduced to a single dimension 

as economic creatures. 

Hence, GDP growth 

matters more than the welfare 

and well-being of the people. 

20. However, following the 

collapse of the former Soviet 

Union and the end of the Cold 

War in 1990, there emerged a 

changed notion of the concept 

of development which now 

holds that people must be at the 

centre of all development: in 

other words, the central focus 

of all development efforts (or 

national development) must be 

to ensure the advancement of 

human flourishing and 

expanding the richness of 

human life. According to this 

new thinking, the end point of 

any developmental thinking or 

process must be the welfare 

and wellbeing of people 

themselves. Development, 

therefore, is for all the people, 

about all the people, for all the 

people and by all. This implies 

that no aspect of the development 

of any nation must 

be seen as an end in itself, but 

rather, as a means to acquiring 

human wellbeing and welfare. 

From this, the United Nations 

Development Programme 

(UNDP) espoused the concept 

of Human Development as the 

ultimate goal of National Development. 

In short, from 1990 

onwards, the new paradigm of 

national development championed 

by the UNDP is called the 

human development approach 

– which emphasises enlarging 

people’s freedoms, choices and 

opportunities rather than economic 

growth. This has inspired 

and informed solutions and 

policies across the world, including, 

supposedly and I 

emphasise supposedly, our own 

dear country Nigeria. 

The Human Development 

Index (HDI) 

21. Accordingly, the body 

(UNDP) defines human 

development as “the process of 

enlarging people’s choices,” 

said choices allowing them to 

“lead a long and healthy life, 

to be educated, to enjoy a 

decent standard of living,” as 

well as “political freedom, other 

guaranteed human rights and 

various ingredients of selfrespect. 

By 1990, the UNDP’s 

Human Development Report 

published the first Human 

Development Index (HDI) as a 

comprehensive annual tool for 

the measurement of human 

development in various nations 

of the world. The index is a 

summary measure of average 

achievement in key dimensions 

of human development i.e., a 

long and healthy life as 

measured by life expectancy at 

birth, being educated which is 

Continues on page 21 

C 

M 

Y

Mobilising Nigeria's human and natural resources 

for national development and stability 

Continued from Page 20 

measured by an education index 

(calculated using mean 

years of schooling and expected 

years of schooling), and ability 

to achieve a decent standard of 

living calculated on a nation’s 

Gross National Income (GNI) 

per capita. 

Nigeria's Human 

Development Since 1960 

22. Now, having established 

the fact that the end product of 

every aspect of any nation’s 

national development agenda 

(be it GDP growth, industrial 

output, power output, 

infrastructural growth, 

agricultural advancement, etc) 

is the enhancement of human 

development of the people, we 

must now proceed to see how 

Nigeria, or, rather, Nigerians 

have fared since the country 

gained independence in 1960. 

For emphasis, it needs to be 

restated that irrespective of the 

level of growth in GDP and 

industry, infrastructural 

development, military prowess 

and power, even advancement 

in science and technology (all 

of which constitute indices of 

National Development), the 

now agreed ultimate indicator 

of any nation’s progress or 

development is in the 

advancement of human 

flourishing and expanding the 

richness of human life – i.e., 

how healthy and long one lives, 

and how happy, contented and 

fulfilled you are. All we are 

saying is that even if we have 

sent people into or conquered 

space, even if we have fastmoving 

trains, built ten-lane 

expressways linking all of our 

cities and towns, acquired or 

developed all the trappings of 

modernity, however in spite of 

these, the people themselves 

live a short and brutish life, then 

all the so-called development is 

superficial and nonsensical. 

This, in short, is the new 

paradigm of national 

development, and should be the 

focus of this gathering and any 

group of Nigerian citizenry as 

far as development is 

concerned. 

Classification of the World on 

the Basis of Human 

Development 

23. By 1960, as it is today (and 

for historical reasons beyond the 

scope of this gathering), the 

nations of the world have 

always been classified into four 

categories as follows: highly 

developed(corresponding to 

highly industrialised), 

developed (industrialised), 

moderately developed, and 

under-developed (but to make 

it sound less offensive, 

developing). In terms of human 

development, these correspond 

to nations of very high human 

development (with very high 

HDI), nations of high human 

development (with high HDI), 

nations of medium human 

development (with moderate 

HDI), and lastly, nations of low 

human development with low 

HDI. 

24. Specifically, and 

according to the UNDP 

standard of measurement, 

peoples living in nations with 

very high HDI have, on the 

average, a life expectancy 

(LExp) of 79.5 years; those with 

high HDI have LExp of 75; 

•Obasanjo 

those with medium HDI, a 

LExp of 69.9, while the LExp 

of those with low HDI is 60.8 

years. By the way, the UNDP 

tells us that life expectancy (at 

birth) indicates the number of 

years a new-born infant would 

live if prevailing patterns of 

mortality at the time of its birth 

were to stay the same 

throughout its life. It is a simple 

statistic indicating the level and 

quality of healthcare in any 

given country, the level of 

sanitation, and the provision of 

care for the elderly. 

25. So the question now is: 

following this definition and 

classification, where was 

Nigeria by 1960, and where are 

we now – 58 years down the 

line? What was the average life 

expectancy of Nigeriansby 

1960? 

26. By 1960 and having just 

gained our independence, 

Nigeria was classified as an 

These maritime 

endowments are 

great assets that if 

adequately mobilised 

can lead to 

wealth and subsequently 

improvement 

of the human 

capital 

underdeveloped (or developing) 

country with very low HDI 

and anequally low LExp of just 

37 years! However, just last 

month in April, the Acting 

Chairman of the National Population 

Commission, Alhaji 

Hassan Bashir, while delivering 

Nigeria’s statement at the 

52nd Session of the United 

Nations Commission on Population 

and Development in New 

York, informed the world that 

Nigeria’s average life expectancy 

has now increased to 52.2 

years which puts us below low 

human development index of 

60.8 years. To adequately appreciate 

whether this represents 

advancement or not, we must 

see how a few other countries 

have fared over the same period. 

We have moved down from 

53 years which we were in 

2015. We were only better 

than Chad and every other 

country was better than us. 

And at 52.6 years, Chad is better 

than us today at 52.2 years. 

Selected Nations’ Life 

Expectancy 1960 – 2018 

1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2010 

2015 2018 

1. Nigeria 37 41 45.3 45.9 46.3 

50.8 53 52.2 

2. Ghana 45.8 49.3 52.2 56.8 57 

60.9 62.4 

3. Benin 37.3 42.2 47.2 53.8 53.8 

59.2 57.6 

4. Niger 35 35.9 39 43.5 49.9 

56.8 59.7 

5. Chad 38 41.3 44.7 47 47.6 

50.2 52.6 

6. Cameroon 41.5 46.1 51.3 52.2 

50 55.4 57.6 

7. Gambia 32 37.8 46.3 52.2 

55.9 59.6 61 

8. Liberia 34.7 39.8 46 47.2 52.4 

59.6 62 

9. Kenya 46.3 52.2 57.8 57.5 51.8 

62.9 66.7 

10. India 41.2 47.7 53.8 57.9 

62.6 66.6 68.3 

11. UK 70.9 71.9 73.6 75.7 

77.8 80.4 81.4 

12. South Korea 53 61.1 66.1 71.7 

76 81.9 81.9 

27. From the above table, it 

can be seen that apart from 

Chad, Nigeria has the lowest 

life expectancy amongst its 

other three immediate neighbours. 

In fact, on the life expectancy 

index published by the 

WHO, Nigeria placed 177 out 

of 183 countries and territories 

surveyed. This means that in 

the whole wide world, Nigeria 

is only better than six countries 

in terms of early death or short 

life span! 

28. In its 2018 edition 

published just last October, the 

UNDP was in a jubilant and 

triumphant mood in celebrating 

what it said was its 30 decades 

of PROGRESS in Human 

Development across the globe. 

Its happiness derived from the 

fact that ‘even though the global 

population increased from 5 

billion to 7.5 billion between 

1990 and 2017, the number of 

people in low human 

development (with average life 

expectancy of 60.8 years) fell 

from 3 billion to 926 million (i.e. 

from 60 percent of the global 

population to 12 percent), and 

the number of people in high 

and very high human 

development more than tripled, 

from 2.8 billion to 3.8 billion (or 

from 24 percent of the global 

population to 51 percent). This 

is certainly cheering news for 

the global body whose efforts 

have led to such dramatic 

improvement in human 

development across the world. 

It is also cheering news for the 

many nations and territories 

across the world whose 

governments harkened to the 

advice of the UNDPand adopted 

measures and policies that 

helped uplift the quality of life 

of their peoples. 

29. While the rest of the world 

are celebrating this 

improvement in human 

happiness and human quality, 

it is appropriate to ask where 

Nigeria fits into this scale of 

advancement in human 

development. My lord Bishop, 

distinguished audience, 

without belabouring the issue, 

the summary of the state of 

human development in Nigeria 

over the past 30 years or even 

since independence in 1960 can 

be summarised by that CNN 


headline news of 26 June 2018 

and which proclaims as follows: 

‘’Nigeria overtakes India in 

extreme poverty ranking”. 

Explaining further, the news 

outlet said: ‘’Nigeria has 

overtaken India as the country 

with the largest number of 

people living in extreme 

poverty, with an estimated 87 

million Nigerians, or around 

half of the country’s population, 

thought to be living on less than 

$1.90 a day. The findings, 

based on a projection by the 

World Poverty Clock and 

compiled by Brookings 

Institute, show that more than 

643 million people across the 

world live in extreme poverty, 

with Africans accounting for 

about two-thirds of the total 

number”. When this is 

juxtaposed with the fact about 

962 million people in the world 

now are grouped under the low 

human development index with 

average life expectancy of 60.8 

years, which is even far higher 

than the average of 52.2 for 

Nigeria, then the abysmal state 

of this here become obvious. To 

further compound the 

depressing picture of life and 

living here in Nigeria, the 

Global Peace Index (GPI) 2018 

(a publication of the Institute for 

Peace), which ranks nations of 

the world according to their 

level of peacefulness, places 

Nigeria at the 148th position out 

of 163. In sub-Saharan Africa, 

Nigeria places 40th out of 44, 

more peaceful only than CAR, 

DRC, Somalia and South 

Sudan. According to the GPI, 

all of our neighbours are more 

peaceful than Nigeria: Niger 

and Cameroon are ranked 33rd 

and 34th respectively, Sierra 

Leone is ranked 3rd, Ghana 5th, 

while Liberia is ranked 11th. 

30. My lord Bishop, 

distinguished audience, having 

seen the totality of the practical 

side of Nigeria’s national 

development as summarised by 

the very low average life 

expectancy (or life span) of the 

average Nigerian, we must 

now turn our attention at what 

needs to be done to improve the 

situation. This entails 

mobilising the nation’s human 

and natural resources to ensure 

improvement in the quality of 

life of Nigerians. But first, what 

are these human and natural 

resources? 

Nigeria's Human Resources 

31. According to the World 

Population Review, Nigeria is 

currently the 7th most populous 

nation in the world. With a 

median of 18.3 years, the 

country’s population as on 14 

April 2019 was199,915,717. I 

say 200 million. At the current 

growth rate, in six years’ time, 

i.e., by 2025, Nigeria will 

become the 4th most populous 

nation in the world with an 

estimated population of 

233,691,888. 

32. Of the country’s present 

population and according to the 

CIA World Fact Book, those 

aged 0-14 years constitute 

42.45%; those between 15-24 

years make up 19.81%; while 

those in the age bracket of 25- 

54 years are 30.44%; the ones 

between ages 55-64 years make 

up 4.04%, those 65 years and 

over constitute 3.26% of the 

entire population. From this, it 

can be seen that those within 

the most economically active or 

working-age range (15 – 64 

years of age)constitute about 

54.29 % of the population, 

which is relatively high. The 

question now is: what 

percentage of this group are 

actively employed? 

33. With regards to being 

actively employed, Nigeria’s 

National Bureau of Statistics 

(NBS) stated in its Labour Force 

Statistics released on 19 

December 2018 that 23.1 percent 

(i.e. 24,370,500) of the work 

force is unemployed by end of 

September 2018. 

Frightening high! 

Literacy Rate 

34. Of Nigeria’s entire 

population, about 59.9 percent 

are literate (i.e. can read and 

write in a particular language). 

Let us take it for 60 per cent. 

Males constitute about 69.2 % 

of this figure while the 

percentage for females is 49.7%. 

With this literacy rate, Nigeria, 

as in other fields of human 

development, ranks a lowly 144 

of 162 on the global literacy 

index. To compound matters, 

Nigeria also has the dubious 

reputation as the country in the 

world with the highest number 

of out-of-school children. The 

Federal Ministry of Education 

estimates these to be about 10.5 

million but others put real 

figure at about 13 million. 

35. The summary of this brief 

survey of Nigeria’s human 

resources is that, although it is 

huge, a good percentage is 

unproductive to the extent of 

positively contributing to 

positive, great and economic 

and social development and 

growth and the enhancement of 

human life in general. 

Education is the most important 

and most potent instrument of 

development for an individual 

and for the society. And where 

they cannot contribute 

positively, they then contribute 

negatively or at best not at all, 

hence Boko Haram, 

kidnappings, armed robbery, 

bandits, terrorists, human 

trafficking, and other organised 

crimes and all the well-known 

ills and misconduct and other 

crimes that currently plague our 

nation. The challenge that 

confronts us all now is how to 

arrest this slide into negativity 

due to lack of properly 

empowering 40 per cent of our 

population for development. 

And more importantly today, 

how do we prevent external 

influence and impact like ISIS 

that are dislodged from Iraq and 

Syria and are taking comfortable 

haven in Sahel Africa and 

linking up with Boko Haram? 

Nigeria's Natural Resources 

36. Nigeria’s total 

geographical size is 923,768 

square km, with land area of 

910,768 square km and water 

constituting13,000 square km. 

Given the countries huge 

population, this land size is 

considered to be relatively 

small. Unlike its immediate 

neighbours to the north, 

Nigeria is a maritime nation 

with a coastline measuring 853 

kilometres, territorial sea of 12 

nautical miles (nm), exclusive 

economic zone of 200 nm, and 

a continental shelf of 200 metres 

depth or to the depth of 

exploitation. These maritime 

endowments are great assets 

that if adequately mobilised can 

lead to wealth and 

subsequently improvement of 

the human capital. What today, 

they call blue economy. But 

we should ask ourselves, how 

much attention have we paid to 

blue economy other than for oil 

and gas? 

Continues tomorrow 

A Keynote Address delivered 

by former President 

Obasanjo at the 2019 Synod 

of the Church of Nigeria (Anglican 

Communion), Oleh Diocese, 

Isoko, Delta State, May 

18, 2019


Edited by 

OSA MBONU-AMADI 

08070524223 

osaamadi@yahoo.com 

Patito’s Gang, the 

risks and close 

brushes with death 

YESTERDAY... 

Pat Utomi explained the philosophy behind his creation of the 

erstwhile popular Patito’s Gang, a TV program on NTA which 

many Nigerians looked forward to. Today, he tells the challenges 

he encountered keeping the incisive program on air, the risks he 

took, and many close brushes he had with death: 

HOW to create a new 

moral tribe of citizens 

with a social and political 

consciousness of the freeborn, 

in human solidarity and 

encouraging of the work ethic, 

the spirit of enterprise and the 

principle of subsidiarity or the 

decentralization of authority 

to levels closest to the people 

would be a two-decade 

enterprise I would persevere 

on. 

The Delta decision was in 

some ways a chance to give 

teeth to ideas. But the trouble 

with the hijack of politics by 

people who close out the 

democratic process through 

political party control is that 

the issues had to be 

submerged below the process, 

which they forge and form as 

they go along. 

Today it will be Direct 

Primaries, tomorrow it will be 

Indirect, and the third day it 

would be a combination of 

both or a Consensus decision 

by Party bosses. 

A few months later I created 

a 90 minutes Television talk 

Show. It had seven segments 

from the core that gave the 

show its name. 

There was a panel of quicktalking 

people passionately 

taking on a current subject 

either from politics, the 

economy or the society. The 

style of the segment borrowed 

experience in major TV 

markets in the US who had 

come to Nigeria as part of a 

team to restructure the 

Nigeria Television Authority. 

But the commercial model for 

the show was challenged. Not 

only did we have to produce 

the show at very high cost, we 

also had to pay the television 

stations to air it. 

That was the model in 

Nigeria. Absurd as it may 

seem, the reality was that 

instead of being paid by the 

stations for purchase of 

content, the producer paid the 

station to air the content it cost 

him much to produce. The 

logic was that he was free to 

attract advertising and profit 

from the difference between 

his cost and revenues. 

The day after the first 

episode aired, the pioneer 

Director-General of the 

Nigerian Television Authority, 

NTA, Vincent Maduka, saw 

me at the Hilton in Abuja. He 

was full of praise for the 

programme content and 

quality of production but 

warned that we could not 

sustain the programme. The 

level of quality, in his view, 

was too ambitious; it was not 

sustainable, he thought. 

I had faith that it would 

attract eyeballs and that a 

model dependent on 

advertising revenues would 

To be fully honest, I am also driven by guilt; 

I feel guilty that if I had made a different 

choice in 1998, Nigeria may not be in the 

disaster zone where it is currently domiciled 

some elements from Capital 

Gang and McLaughlin mid 

Co in Washington DC in the 

United States. A third 

segment was a Vox pop from 

the street on the subject of the 

episode. 

The final segment took the 

form of a parliament in which 

the 20 to 30 participants who 

were younger people, often 

undergraduates, vented on 

the issues. 

The show would capture the 

imagination of the nation. I 

was host and executive 

producer. We aimed for world 

class quality. The director was 

an American of long 

keep it going. Besides, the 

object was the promotion of 

the common good and I could 

not see why it could not attract 

patronage on its own merit. 

That expectation lasted only 

until after the third episode. I 

got a call from my old friend 

and banking mogul, Jim Ovia. 

He was calling to 

congratulate me on the show. 

I seized the opportunity to tell 

him we would be banking on 

him for advert support. 

He paused for a moment 

and responded with candour, 

“You know you guys are so 

candid on that show. I would 

not want someone in 

government to think I am the 

one sponsoring you. Just let 

me know when the subject is 

sports and I will pay twice as 

much.” Patito’s Gang would 

be a financially crippling 

initiative, but I refused to give 

up and 19 years on Patito’s 

Gang is still on air every 

week. 

It had gone from 90 minutes, 

to 60 minutes and then 30 

minutes, shedding all the 

other segments but for the 

core panel borrowed from 

McLaughlin & Co and 

Capital Gang in the United 

States and the Vox Pop 

segment. 

Had I invested the personal 

fortune I spent keeping it on 

air, I could have been a fairly 

well-off person. But I made a 

choice on the social purpose 

for the investment. This was 

impact investing. Better that 

the kitchen of ideas, was out 

there, in the public space, 

than that I fly around in a 

private jet. 

It was a choice I made 

willingly at the cost I was 

willing to incur without it 

bordering on my primary 

commitment to giving my 

family a decent roof over their 

heads and my children a 

decent education. 

Many times, though, that 

willingness to sacrifice for 

what I like to think is the 

common good, actually came 

close to crossing from the 

hen’s contribution to 

breakfast, to the pigs. 

As the joke goes about the 

conversation between the hen 

and pig regarding their 

commitment: The hen who 

was complaining about her 

high-level commitment to 

breakfast with all those eggs 

men eat, was reminded by the 

pig that for him to supply 

bacon, his death was 

acquirement. So, she was 

making a partial 

commitment while he was 

making a total commitment. 

The struggle for social 

justice in Nigeria has claimed 

many heroes. A good number 

of them perished in 

automobile mishaps on 

Nigerian roads as they ran 

around to rally the people. 

The civil rights activist, Chidi 

7, 2005 and escaping at 

least two assassination 

attempts as authoritarian 

regimes tried to silence 

voices of dissent, I should 

have had enough reasons to 

gently step aside and avoid 

the kind of troubles that come 

from running in a wild 

territory like Delta State. 

Instead, my desire to make a 

difference made me overlook 

all the past problems and I 

asked to myself: why not, who 

will save us if we do not risk 

it all? 

To be fully honest, I am also 

driven by guilt. I feel guilty 

that if I had made a different 

choice in 1998, Nigeria may 

not be in the disaster zone 

where it is currently 

domiciled. 

One unspoken truth about 

why I am motivated to fight 

for real change is the guilt I 

feel for current reality. I like 

to take responsibility for the 

mess Nigeria has become. It 

is guilt from omission rather 

than commission – it is an 

offence all the same. 

This sin goes back to the 

days of euphoria when the 

military beat a hasty retreat 

following the death of Chief 

Moshood Kashimawo Abiola 

whose victory in the 

presidential election of 1993 

brought out the soldier in 

some of us, and the maximum 

ruler, General Sani Abacha, 

Jim Ovia was calling to congratulate me on 

the show; I seized the opportunity to tell him 

we would be banking on him for advert 

support; He paused for a moment and 

responded with candour, “You know you guys 

are so candid on that show; I would not want 

someone in government to think I am the one 

sponsoring you 

Ubani and Festus Iyayi in the 

University Teachers Union 

Movement, ASUU are some 

examples. I had a few closecalls 

in my various crisscrossings 

across Nigeria. 

The 2018 Delta campaigns 

when I criss-crossed the state 

into remote nooks and cranny 

of the badly maintained roads 

in the State is worthy of note. 

They were risks I managed 

with faith in the goal of the 

reasons I accepted to run. 

But I was always mindful 

that I had been in an accident 

that nearly claimed my life on 

one of those roads years 

before. 

My life leading up to 2017/ 

2018 experienced several 

near-death events, from a 

1991 auto crash near Asaba 

where I arrived the operating 

theatre in a state of shock 

with no observable breathing 

or evident pulse, to two nearplane 

crashes, one of which 

was two burst tyres at takeoff, 

escaping a terrorist bomb 

on the London Underground 

near Edgware Road on July 

who held Abiola captive, 

showed he was ready for a 

fight. 

In some ways my group 

and I could take some of the 

credit for the military 

becoming uncomfortable with 

staying on in power. Our 

campaign as concerned 

professionals and my own 

personal lead on the public 

lecture circuit, weekly 

newspaper columns and 

television appearances had 

earned me the prize of 

various assassination 

attempts and the great 

survivor label. 

When the Abdulsalami 

Abubakar military council 

decided to withdraw, we 

called a meeting to discuss a 

way forward. At that meeting, 

Waziri Mohammed proposed 

that we found a political party 

and implement the ideas that 

we had been propagating in 

those advertorials that we 

published so frequently and 

which ultimately upset the 

Abacha government. The 

Continues on page 23


Edited by 

OSA MBONU-AMADI 

08070524223 

osaamadi@yahoo.com 

Patito’s Gang, the 

risks and close 

brushes with death 

Continues from page 22 

group chose to debate the 

matter. 

In the end it was agreed that 

the traditional political class 

whose direction for the country 

was truncated when the 

military intervention in 

December 1983 took place 

should be preferred, lest we 

be seen as opportunists that 

came to do citizens-duty but 

got caught the “greed bug.” 

One of those who did not 

agree with the position which 

I had supported, was Donald 

Duke. He quietly told me he 

was going to build a platform 

to shape Cross River State. 

With two others, he 

successfully took over. 

It did not take long for many 

of us to realise that we had 

made a big mistake. First, the 

traditional politicians with 

some sense of service and 

compassion for the people had 

been reluctant to engage 

believing the military was just 

making a tactical retreat and 

would find some excuse to 

return in a not too distant 

future so they refused to 

participate. This left the room 

for the money-bag sponsors of 

the politicians just out of 

military uniform, cult boys 

who did not fear to dare, and 

many who had nothing to lose, 

to enter the political arena. 

Even General Obasanjo 

could not run things without 

plenty of damage. To make 

things worse, oil prices went 

through the roof from a crash 

into single digits in 1998 to 

triple digits. The new lords of 

the manor simply pillaged the 

resources flowing in and used 

money to erect barriers against 

entry into politics. 

The downhill journey since 

then has been a burden on my 

and columns. At times it was 

a lonely struggle. At other 

times many joined in. 

When this burden came to a 

head, I agreed to run for 

President in 2007 in order to 

reset the agenda. One of those 

that reacted to that choice was 

Chief Ayo Adebanjo, the 

untiring Awolowo faithful. He 

was the one, who on the edge 

of his 90th birthday, crisscrossed 

the country 

canvassing a restructuring of 

the federation to return to the 

agreement reached by the 

independence fathers of the 

nation which had been altered 

under military rule. Chief 

Adebanjo had through the 

years tried to persuade me that 

a transition from activist to 

being a politician was 

necessary if one wanted to 

make significant impact and 

leave a lasting legacy. He 

seized the moment and 

pressed home the point. 

How can we save Nigeria, I 

asked? His response was let’s 

mobilise people into a 

movement of progressives and 

with a party at the heart of that 

movement, find a way forward 

for Nigeria. In the meantime, 

Chief Anthony Enahoro, the 

veteran nationalist, had called 

me to a meeting during which 

he urged that I take active part 

in fashioning a movement of 

progressives. 

Chief Enahoro died not too 

long after and the movement 

was formed. The Social 

Democratic mega movement 

would, under the guidance of 

Chief Olu Falae, become the 

Social Democratic Mega 

party. For reasons best known 

to the party elders, I was 

chosen to be chairman of the 

party whilst I was out of the 

country. In a similar manner, 

Chief Adebanjo never gave up on trying 

to let me know the challenge in trusting 

the Tinubu group; he kept pointing to 

Tinubu’s obsession with self-interest and 

his challenged ethics 

conscience so that when in the 

exercise of best short-term 

self-interest, I am better off 

staving away from the 

political arena, while 

leveraging my reputation to 

make a personal fortune in 

business, I have often 

challenged the status quo. 

This has been either from civil 

society initiative, as a socalled 

public intellectual, on 

the lecture circuit, or from the 

media through Patito’s Gang 

and my frequent op-ed pieces 

I was also picked to be the 

presidential candidate whilst 

away from the country. My 

choice, I was informed by 

Wale Okunniyi, the chief foot 

soldier, was because it was 

thought that I was the least 

divisive of the potential 

candidates and one most likely 

to put self aside in forgoing 

the choice of a consensus 

candidate amongst all the 

presidential candidates. 

The lasting lesson, for me, 

was the motives behind my 

inability to bring together the 

original Yoruba leaders, Awo 

champions, with the former 

Governor of Lagos State, Bola 

Ahmed Tinubu. I had tried to 

encourage Chief Falae and 

Tinubu to cooperate and work 

together and then create a 

new Pan Nigerian Coalition. 

In the end, I argued that size 

mattered and that since 

Tinubu had more of the 

leaders in the south-west with 

him, I would continue to water 

my relationship with his 

group while deepening the 

effort to bring the groups 

together. Chief Adebanjo 

never gave up on trying to let 

me know the challenge in 

trusting the Tinubu group. He 

kept pointing to Tinubu’s 

obsession with self-interest 

and his challenged ethics. 

How best to discharge the 

burden of guilt that all of this 

effort may have been 

unnecessary, if I simply voted 

for those that wanted the 

concerned professionals to 

step into the fray in 1998 and 

show the way continued to 

define me. With the benefit of 

hindsight, it may have been a 

better track because I was 

close enough to former Vice- 

President Alex Ekwueme who 

led the G34 that would 

ultimately birth the Peoples 

Democratic Party, PDP. 

On many occasions, I still 

ponder on what path the 

country could have travelled 

had the kind of quality in the 

concerned professionals’ 

group been the principal 

organisers of a party in which 

Alex Ekwueme, an 

enlightened leader, was 

candidate for president in 

1999. But would the 

champions of state capture 

who installed Obasanjo have 

accepted such? 

I guess the answer will keep 

blowing in the wind, but the 

guilt was steady in me. The 

why not, in response to the 

question of why run, was 

partly about that guilt. In the 

end I was glad I said ‘why not’ 

because I could not have 

found out how rotten the apple 

was and how close Nigeria is 

to a criminal hijack of the 

political parties by the three 

gangs of actors. These are, 

those in the enterprise of 

transacting around public 

office for material gain; the 

cultists who have bullying as 

their way and hope to 

intimidate others; and the new 

fascists whose high comes 

from total domination of 

others. For the last group to 

oppress others probably 

provides an Adrenaline surge. 

Their ways were emerging as 

the norm in politics. 

All of these groups pose 

grave and present danger to 

the democratic process in 

Nigeria. 

The danger they constitute 

comes significantly from the 

sense of entitlement that they 

have developed from the 

imposition of their will on 

others and dominating them. 

This new fascism is palpable 

in their loss of sense of shame 

regarding their inability to 

serve well those in whose 

name they exercise this 

entitlement. 

My not feeling any 

discomfort at the gale-storm I 

ran into into in choosing to run 

rather than keep my personal 

peace flows largely from my 

belief that the time has come 

to confront this shameless 

group. They take up public 

office, pay themselves 

obnoxious amounts of money 

directly and indirectly. These 

public officials through all 

kinds of spurious allowances, 

in the name of elected and 

appointed agents of tens of 

millions of people who inhabit 

arguably the most miserable 

place to live on this planet 

earth, appropriate for 

protocols for their comfort 

monies that will amaze 

leaders of truly wealthy 

nations and then turn a deaf 

ear to discuss them. 

It is ranked the second most 

terrible country for open 

defecation in the world, with 

all kinds of attendant health 

consequences, it is a country 

that has now overtaken India 

as the biggest collection of the 

absolute poor on earth 

according to the 2018 study of 

the Brookings Institution. 

This is coupled with a 

terrible laggard position on all 

Sustainable Development 

Goals of the United Nations 

whilst earning significant 

revenues from oil. I had had 

enough of Nigeria’s elite. And 

a broader canvas to confront 

was attractive. This power elite 

is clearly an embarrassment to 

the human community. 

That they feel no shame 

running around in multicar 

motorcades and squandering 

resources that could help 

millions escape misery, on 

I was glad I said ‘why not’ because I could not 

have found out how rotten the apple was and how 

close Nigeria is to a criminal hijack of the political 

parties by the three gangs of actors. These are, 

those in the enterprise of transacting around 

public office for material gain; the cultists who 

have bullying as their way and hope to intimidate 

others; and the new fascists whose high comes 

from total domination of others 

foreign traps from which they 

seem to learn nothing, 

qualifies them for public scorn. 

Confronting the impunity with 

which they use the system to 

frustrate anybody they think is 

not a brigand like themselves 

or available to be used to 

further compound the 

beggarly conditions of the 

people, suggest a duty on the 

part of patriots that are still 

left, to challenge them and 

help the people find their 

voice. 

TOMORROW... 

Pat Utomi continues 

profiling the disgusting 

characters, the criminals 

who rule us by tricks. He 

tells sordid tales about 

their weird and fetish 

lifestyles and how those 

lifestyles diminish our 

own quality of life.




By Theodore Opara 

Kia storms small SUV 

market segment 

KIA Motors has revealed 

the first image of its small 

SUV. Due to be revealed fully 

in the summer, the new vehicle 

possesses the space and 

capabilities of a traditional 

SUV in a compact package. 

With a modern and urbane 

design, inspired by the 2019 

Kia SP Signature Concept, the 

SUV will stand apart from rivals 

by matching the unique 

preferences and needs of the 

millennial generation. The 

robust design character of a 

traditional SUV coexists with 

sophisticated exterior design 

details such as its long hood, a 

strong, sophisticated character 

line on the front bumper, and 

sharp lines pressed into the 

bodywork. Its strong shoulder 

line, matched with a glasshouse 

which tapers towards the rear 

of the car, as well as rear 

bumper with a metallic muffler 

effect, lends the compact SUV 

an air of understated sportiness. 

The new compact SUV brings 

a sense of luxury to its exterior 

design with LED headlamps 

which extend over the radiator 

grille. The lamps feature a 

three-dimensional light 

graphic and a highly technical 

diamond pattern at their 

trailing edges. The design is 

also echoed in the rear LED 

lamps. 

Byung Chul Juh, Head of Kia 

Styling at Kia Motors Corporation, 

comments: “We have created a car 

which stands out everywhere, 

from the city to the countryside. 

Its robust yet sporty design, will 

be matched by a wide range of 

features and technologies that are 

universally suited to younger 

buyers in markets around the 

world. Our new small SUV is a 

proposition that no other car in its 

class will match.” 

By adding a new global small 

SUV to its line-up, Kia Motors is 

extending its range of SUVs to 

fulfill the needs of customers in 

every region. Kia’s first global 

small SUV, the new model will go 

on sale in Korea in the second half 

of 2019, with sales in other regions 

to follow soon after. 

Bonny Way wins Mercedes Benz Most Outstanding Customer award 

ONE of Nigeria’s frontrunning 

luxury bus companies, 

Bonny Way Motors 

Nigeria Limited, has been honoured 

with the Most Outstanding 

Customer for its consistent 

patronage of Marcopolo buses 

•Auto Alternative Nigeria Ltd MD and Marcopolo representative in 

Nigeria, Chris Okeke, presenting award of the ‘Most Outstanding 

Customer’ to the Chairman of Bonny Way Motors, Chief Boniface 

Nwachukwu, right, in Lekki, Lagos. With them are second from left, 

Mirko Plath, Managing Director, Weststar Associates Ltd., Mercedes- 

Benz Representatives in Nigeria, and a Weststar staff. 

Elizade JAC boosts CSR with mechanics, technicians partnership 

FOLLOWING 

the 

acceptance of JAC auto 

brand in Nigeria, Elizade Autoland 

exclusive distributor for 

JAC passenger cars, SUVs 

(Sports Utility Vehicles), buses 

and light trucks, has launched 

a Corporate Social 

Responsibility initiative aimed 

at giving back to mechanics and 

technicians. Aside the training 

and networking opportunities 

offered the technicians and 

mechanics, they were handed 

overall workshop apparels and 

tool boxes stocked with some 

basic tools to enable them carry 

out their work effectively. 

Speaking on the initiative, the 

Managing Director of Elizade 

•Kia small SUV. 

•Auto mechanics and technicians at the Elizade Autoland training in Lagos. 

Autoland, Mr. Demola Ade-Ojo 

stated that his company 

appreciates the importance of 

mechanics in the auto industry. 

He said: "Mechanics are to automobiles 

what doctors are to 

human beings. They take care 

of the cars when they are faulty 

and make sure that the owner 

enjoys peace of mind. If they are 

built on Mercedes-Benz chassis, 

and for contributing to the 

development of the country’s 

long distance passenger transportation. 

The award was one of the highpoints 

of the recent official presentation 

of the new Paradiso 

1350 luxury bus at the head 

office of the authorised representative 

of Mercedes-Benz in 

Nigeria, Weststar Associates 

Limited, in Lekki, Lagos. The 

new model Paradiso is powered 

by a Mercedes-Benz engine and 

built on the three-pointed star’s 

O 500 RSD 2436/30 chassis. 

At the event, the management 

of Weststar Associates Limited, 

and the official representative of 

Marcopolo in the country, Auto 

Alternative Nigeria Limited, 

described the Chairman of 

Bonny Way Motors Nigeria Limited, 

Chief Boniface Nwachukwu, 

as a brand loyalist who has 

purchased many units of Marcoplo/Mercedes-Benz 

buses 

over the years. 

Presenting the Most Outstanding 

Customer award to Chief 

Nwachukwu, the Managing Directors 

of Weststar Associates 

and Auto Alternative, Mirko 

not well trained, it tells on the 

car and the owner will suffer the 

consequences. This is why we 

cherish the training of our 

mechanics in Elizade Autoland. 

“The mechanics partnership 

is a corporate social responsibility 

initiative. The mechanics 

are the most unrecognised 

groups and Nigerians depend 

on them, we decided to do 

something to make them look 

professional. So we called them 

together, offered professional 

training to them in a serene 

environment, and also gave 

them overall workshop kits and 

tool boxes with some tools.” 

Speaking on the JAC brand, 

Ade-Ojo explained that “when 

you have a very good product 

with good design and pocketfriendly 

price, the customers will 

appreciate. We want to get more 

Nigerians to trust the JAC 

brand. They already trust 

Elizade, and they are 

beginning to trust the JAC 

brand.” 

The Managing Director 

Plath and Chris Okeke, respectively, 

disclosed that Bonny Way 

Motors was the first company to 

place an order for the new Paradiso 

1350 being launched that day. 

This was also evident on the 

unit on display at the presentation 

which had ‘Bonny Way 

Motors Nigeria Limited’ written 

at the front end below the windshield. 

Both Mirko Plath and 

Chris Okeke, appreciated the 

luxury bus operators for preferring 

the buses built on Mercedes- 

Benz chassis. 

The duo who jointly presented 

the award plaques bearing 

the legendary Mercedes-Benz 

three-pointed star symbol, described 

the relationship with 

the transporters as excellent. 

Bonny Way Motors was particularly 

commended for always 

leading the way in terms of 

going for the Marcopolo buses 

driven by Mercedes engines 

and drive-trains. 

added that: “At JAC, we are not 

just selling cars, we follow the 

process end to end and we are 

happy with all the testimonials 

we keep getting from our 

satisfied clients.” 

He said all the models of the 

JAC brand stood the test of time 

as more and more corporate 

bodies, government agencies 

and individuals are buying the 

vehicles across the country. 

Demola Ade-Ojo who is an 

experienced auto personality, 

added that his company offers 

total auto solution to customers 

as beyond sales, it offers 

quality after-sales in terms of 

spares and servicing, 

financing and suitable 

vehicles to fit the different 

terrains of the country. 

Though the JAC brand is still 

being embraced by more and 

more customers across the 

country, Elizade Autoland has 

already distributed the 

vehicles to some key 

establishments like Mobil, 

Flourmills, Nestle, Guinness, 

among others.



Vanguard, FRIDAY, MAY 24, 2019 — 29

End of term: Okowa’s rural agenda 

30 —Vanguard, FRIDAY, MAY 24, 2019 

excites Deltans 

By Nelson Egware 

A 

vivid assessment of the 

four-year development 

trajectory of Governor Ifeanyi 

Okowa’s administration in 

Delta State, suggests a clear 

and systematic departure 

from the past when most major 

achievements were concentrated 

in the urban areas. 

During his inauguration on 

Gov. Okowa 

May 29, 2015, Gov. Okowa Obomkpa road and the Ukwunzu 

road in Aniocha North 

in his inaugural address, told 

the good people of Delta State Local Government Area, 

that his administration will which were hitherto, marred 

“pay a special attention to rural 

development because ma- 

and a nightmare for the peo- 

by serious setbacks in the past 

jority of our people live in the ple of the area. 

rural areas”. 

The administration has also 

In an explicit commitment completed the long stretch of 

to rural development, Okowa Umunede-Otolokpo-Uteemphasized 

that his administration 

will open up the rural mili-Umutu Road in Ika 

Okpu-Ekuku-Agbor-Nde- 

areas, create more urban centres, 

develop fresh economic wa West and Ukwuani local 

North East, Ika South, Ndok- 

opportunities and reduce pressure 

on urban cities to boost constructed to decongest the 

government areas, which were 

socio-economic expansion area for easy movement of traffic 

and give rural dwellers a sense 

of belonging by equipping Ȯther massive road projects 

and modernizing some satellite 

towns. 

so far by the Okowa-led ad- 

completed and inaugurated 

To actualize this, the governor, 

as an ingenious leader and ised Jesse Township Road, the 

ministration include: dual- 

a man who keeps to his promises 

awarded Kefas Road in 

Oleh as well as the Ozanogogo-Alisimie 

Road in Ika 

South Local Government 

Area. 

Okowa’s administration 

in 

Four years down the line in 

the saddle, one is impressed 

to note that Governor 

the last four 

Okowa’s administration in years,has fulfilled 

virtually all 

spite of the adverse effects of 

the economic recession in the 

country has been able to the promises as 

record remarkable feats in contained in his 

line with his SMART Agenda 

to entrench prosperity for all inaugural address 

and is also 

Deltans, ensure good governance, 

peace and security as 

well as alleviate the sufferings in full flight fulfilling 

other peo- 

of the people. 

Policy thrust of the administration 

programmes 

ple-oriented 

The policy thrust of the administration 

has remained Jesse Boboroku Road in Ethiope 

West Local Government 

grassroots-oriented, focusing 

on developing the rural communities 

through concentra- 

Olubor/Ekwuoma Road in 

Area as well as the Owerretion 

of massive infrastructural 

development in the most re- 

recently commissioned Old 

Ika North East LGA and the 

mote and neglected areas Lagos Asaba Road Agbor, the 

across the state’s 25 councils. Owa-Eke Owa-Alero Road. 

Okowa’s recent visit to The Amekpa/Afiesere/Ofuoma 

road linking Ughelli 

Oboghoro in Warri North Local 

Government Area and North and Ethiope East, Old 

Burutu in Burutu Local Government 

Area to personally ko North and Isoko South as 

Ozoro Oleh Road linking Iso- 

commission road projects and well as the Owhelogbo Abbi 

Housing Estate in the riverine 

communties, is a clear ev- 

Ndokwa West and the duali- 

road linking Isoko North and 

idence of his commitment to sation of Amukpe Sapele 

rural development. This has Road are some of the Governor’s 

achievments on rural 

indeed, endeared him to the 

masses, as a caring and popular 

leader. 

On the Beneku River, 

road construction. 

This is also evident in the Okowa has awarded contract 

over 357 road projects awarded 

across the state’s 25 Local bridge to link the oil rich 

for the construction of a 

Government Areas. While Kwale and Beneku community 

in Ndokwa East LGA, 

some of the projects have been 

completed and inaugurated, which will connect over 10 adjoining 

communities to their 

others are at the advanced 

stage of completion. headquarters, Aboh, and save 

It is, therefore, worthy of note the people of the areas the 

that Okowa’s administration pains of having to pass 

in the last four years, despite through other Local Government 

Areas to be able to ac- 

the harsh economic climate 

in the country, has fulfilled virtually 

all the promises as con- 

For the people of the affected 

cess the council headquarters. 

tained in his inaugural address 

and is also in full flight maneuver the river through a 

communities who hitherto 

fulfilling other people-oriented 

programmes scattered all true and a heart full of grati- 

pontoon, it is a dream come 

over the state. 

tude to Gov. Okowa for coming 

to their rescue when it mat- 

For instance, the state government 

has completed and tered most. 

inaugurated the intractable For the people of Ovwor- 

Issele-Uku Idumu-Ogo Olomu and Effurun-Otor in 

C 

M 

Y 

Ughelli South Local Government 

Area, their joy knew no 

bounds when Governor 

Okowa awarded the construction 

of a road and bridge to 

link both communities which 

hitherto travelled long distances 

through Ughelli North 

LGA to be able to access each 

other. Concrete work has been 

completed while the earthwork 

(linkage) is at the final 

stage. 

As testified by Ex-Mend 

Leader, Freedom Adowei, 

“Under Okowa, riverine communities 

across the state have 

been receiving government 

attention more than ever, with 

some transforming into visible 

living communities” he 

said, adding “If you go round 

you will see how the governor 

is being commended for the 

construction of roads in riverine 

communities such as the 

Okerenkoko Road in Gbaramatu 

Kingdom, Warri South- 

West, Sokebolou/Obotobo 

Road in Ogulagha Kingdom, 

Burutu Township concrete 

road pavement and others, all 

within Burutu Local Government 

Area of the state, as well 

as other parts of the riverine 

Delta.” 

Spreading projects 

across rural areas 

During the Commissioning 

of the Aviara/Araya/Okpare/ 

Okpawa road, Irri College/ 

Uzere road and the Owhelogbo 

Abbi Road in Isoko South 

and Isoko North Local Government 

Areas, the Council 

Chairmen Hon Itiako Ikpokpo 

and Hon Emmanuel Egbabor 

both thanked the Governor 

for not restricting developments 

to the urban areas. 

In their separate speeches, they 

both commended Governor 

Okowa’s administration for 

not restricting his development 

programmes to cities 

but, spreading projects across 

rural areas in the state. 

The Esama of Ukpedi Kingdom, 

Ughelli South local government 

area, Olorogun Okiemute 

Okwagbe, also commended 

Governor Ifeanyi 

Okowa, for the awarding and 

construction of the Ekakpamre/Okwagbe 

communities 

road project and Owhahwa/Otu,-Jeremi 

Road. He noted 

that what Governor Okowa 

did was in fulfilment of his 

electoral promises to Deltans 

in general and Okwagbe 

community in particular, describing 

Governor Okowa as 

a detribalised leader with a 

vision to make Delta truly 

great. 

The Odogwu of Okpanam, 

Chief Peter Dunkwu (JP), 

equally commended the efforts 

and tireless enthusiasm 

of the Commissioner for Information, 

Chief Patrick Ukah 

in ensuring the accelerated development 

of Okpanam community, 

urging him not to relent 

in this direction for the overall 

benefit of the community. 

He said that the community 

shall remain grateful and supportive 

of the Okowa administration 

because of the government’s 

active involvement and 

developmental strides in Okpanam, 

especially in the issues 

of Madonna School for Children 

with Special Needs, Okpanam, 

Oruchi Comprehensive 

Secondary School, Okpanam 

High School as well as the 

road constructions in the various 

parts of the community and 

its environs, which are currently 

ongoing and for everybody 

to see. 

Father Madubuko: A man of science 

and conscience @72 

TRIBUTE 

By Fr. George Adimike 

HARDLY does a tribute begin with a ‘mea 

culpa’ yet it is fitting that this begins 

with a confession of failure and repentance. I 

must confess our failure as the students of this 

sage for not getting out his thoughts for the 

next generation. Thought of this nature is 

hardly inconsistent with historical reality 

whereby the ideas of great sages and thinkers 

were made available to posterity by their 

students. Plato relative to Socrates is an 

obvious example. 

The only justifiable alibi about the 

Madubuko’s is that his former students do 

articulate his thought and theology across the 

length and breadth of the local Church, which 

has its foundation in Onitsha, stretching from 

Mamfe to Nsukka, Calabar through Port 

Harcourt to Abakaliki. His past students 

embody his thought and theology; nevertheless, 

this alibi neither excuses nor suffices. 

This effort is only a hymn of gratitude to 

God from whose grace we have a person so 

human, priestly and godly as Father Lawrence 

Madubuko. He is never afraid of living the 

embodied existence or being found in human 

form with all its gifts and responsibilities, gains 

and pains, strengths and weaknesses. He lives 

this embodied existence, the sacramental life 

that manifests the goodness and glory of God, 

in an earthenware vessel with dignity and 

grace. His life is a sacramentality that signifies 

and embodies the hope of salvation, and 

actively lives it. 

Though he is not an orator, one cannot but 

be amazed and consumed in the wonder of 

the depth of his insight, and sagacious way of 

its delivery that outclasses oratory. Listening 

to him takes one up in wonder and 

contemplation - into a thought that only 

contemplates thought, and makes the 

superficiality of eloquence evident. The 

profundity of his thought is well balanced with 

the prodigious simplicity of his life. You can 

only give testimony in gratitude to God for an 

excellent gift of this priest, prophet and 

professor, Monsignor Madubuko. 

The Sage: The agelessness of his emotion 

and his intellectual pre-eminence combine to 

accentuate his sagacity. Fr Lawrence delivers 

the truth without diminishing its forthrightness 

and potency. He transforms silence into power, 

w h i c h 

eventually sorts 

out disputations 

and echoes the 

wisdom of his 

stand within the 

limits of human 

perfection. His 

silence proves a 

resounding echo 

of words that 

one ignores to 

his peril. What 

he restrains in 

words, 

he 

Madubuko 

deserves to be 

celebrated as an 

oracle of iconic 

proportion, which 

he is because he 

allowed grace to 

keep winning in 

his life 

compensates in 

the depth of his ideas. Economy of words, deep 

thoughts! That’s Madubuko. 

Simple parsing of madubuko corresponds 

to maduka, and finds its meaning in 

Chukwuka! It is stunningly striking that 

Monsignor believes that madu-bu-uko 

precisely because his fundamental 

anthropology is maduka. His anthropology is 

not only theocentric but also rooted in Christ. 

Man is theo-logical, and truly defined in Christ. 

No wonder he connects divine truths with the 

sacramental experience of man, because of 

the continuity of Christian mystery with the 

divine economy. As such, he teaches the 

mysteries from the anthropological 

continuities and Christological 

discontinuities. Consequently, the novelty of 

Christianity shines out as discontinuity in 

continuity. The profundity of what he professes 

and the depth of his thoughts compensate for 

his economy of words. 

The Sacerdos: Father Madubuko has lived 

his life nursing the wounded humanity, 

mediating the comfort of God to the harassed, 

desolated, dislocated, the wounded and the 

deprived people, as he traverses the paths of 

history and exists in a web of existence in the 

rhythm of time. He applies the healing balm 

of consolation and fatherly support, the 

Rev. Fr. Lawrence Madubuko 

sanctifying oil of the priestly benediction, and 

redeeming medicine of brotherly correction 

and encouragement. He understands when it 

seems difficult to do so, and chastises when it 

feels odd but, above all, supporting and 

encouraging, with an iconic capacity for 

equanimity. His ability to maintain emotional 

equilibrium even in the face of provocative 

circumstances gives him out as a legendary 

elder. His priestly disposition puts agelessness 

to his youth and his priesthood. 

The Scholar: Monsignor Madubuko’s 

teaching requires attention, but once 

understood, it is difficult to forget. His greatness 

runs on the profundity and durability of the 

knowledge he impacts. Madubuko’s 

pedagogy undoubtedly is centred on the 

human person. This anthropological angle 

contributed to his consciousness of the learning 

subject whom he places at the centre of all 

learning experience. This ability to treat one 

and each as a person, hence, a learning subject 

helps him to realize the plurality of human 

experience as a result of each person’s history 

of grace so that even if united ontologically in 

identity, humanity is distinctly expressed. 

This knowledge and wisdom guide his 

pedagogy and engagement with worship. 

Because of the ontological and anthropological 

constitution, there is a possibility of the unity 

of faith, cult and ethics but on account of the 

plurality of the existential, he appreciates 

legitimate and healthy diversities and also 

nurtures them. 

Testimony of a 

life of beatitude 

Man is at the centre of worship as a flock of 

Christ, a brother of Christ and as a subject of 

Christ, hence in all worship, Christ exercises 

three modes of the same act of which man is 

substantially implicated. 

The Man Madubuko: This piece is not 

beatificatory, rather it is a testimony of a life of 

beatitude. I make no pretence that he made 

perfect decisions in every circumstance; 

otherwise, he would be an angel. Saints either 

made mistakes in decisions or their 

implementation or both, yet saints are so called 

because grace always triumphs in them. In 

him, the profundity of a believer who is well 

rooted in faith and the soil trumps all 

superficialities. His deep sense of sobriety 

liquidates inanities of life of their allures. Faith 

and love norm his life. 

Disciplined, yet very compassionate, 

Madubuko not only appreciates the reality of 

humanity’s squandered sonship but is fully 

aware that the gratuitous mercy of the Father 

already compensates it. Hence, he lives the 

Christian fraternity. He lives the informed 

brotherhood, which in part, is an expression of 

the reconstructed family of God. No wonder, 

he lives for the Eucharist, the sacred meal of 

encounter that builds communion, which 

entails sacrifice and presence of mutually 

additive parity. He embodies the priestly 

mysticism of John, the sagacious prophetic 

mission of Paul and the personalized authority 

of an elder-leader of Peter. 

Praising a creature is ultimately praising his 

Creator. I am convinced that Madubuko 

deserves to be celebrated as an oracle of iconic 

proportion, which he is because he allowed 

grace to keep winning in his life. I am privileged 

to have passed through him. It’s Thursday, 23rd 

May!!! Happy birthday, Monsignor Lawrence 

Nwafor Madubuko! 72 Hearty Cheers to the 

Holy Sage! 

•Fr Adimike wrote from Rome, via 

illuminatugozie@gmail.com

Aregbesola, Africa Day 

and Pan-Africanism 

AS a primary school pupil in 

1970, I was transferred to 

read Standard One at the Edward 

Wilmot Blyden primary school. 

Before its erasure, it occupied the 

corner piece between Broad 

Street and Oil Mill Street on 

Lagos Island. Nobody taught us 

about him. 

It was in adulthood that I came 

to know that the school was 

named after one of the greatest 

men the Black race ever 

produced. With European 

colonialism in full swing, Blyden 

(1832-1912) campaigned that 

Africa must unite. 

To achieve this, he argued that 

there was the need to return the 

diaspora to the continent. He 

came out to Liberia in 1850 where 

he authored books like: A Voice 

From Bleeding Africa (1856); A 

Vindication of the African Race; 

Being a Brief Examination of the 

Arguments in Favour of African 

Inferiority (1862); Africa for the 

Africans (1872); and Christianity, 

Islam and the Negro Race (1887). 

Although it was treason as far as 

the colonialists were concerned, 

but Blyden and other 

conscientious Africans were 

already agitating for selfgovernment. 

These were the 

pioneers that gave life to Pan- 

Africanism. 

The African people and Africa 

had been enslaved, brutalized, 

looted, dehumanized, balkanized 

and colonized, but the emerging 

pan-Africanists were not weighed 

down by this reality; they were 

prophets who saw the future and 

spread the gospel. 

The colonialists had suppressed 

African history and civilization 

including the fact that Western 

philosophy, education and 

civilization were derived from 

Africa; they had even decreed that 

we had no history and were in 

fact, inferior beings. But the 

writings of people like Oludah 

Equiano (1745-1797) had 

shattered such nonsense. 

The Pan-Africanist Movement 

taught Africans to unite and 

uphold their dignity, and 

fundamental human rights 

including the right to govern 

themselves. The pioneer pan- 

Africanists inspired men like 

Martin Robinson Delany who 

coined the phrase "Africa for 

Africans." 

This slogan was later 

popularized by Marcus Garvey. 

He held that: “A people without 

the knowledge of their past 

history, origin and culture is like 

a tree without roots.” Garvey told 

the Black people: “We are going 

to emancipate ourselves from 

mental slavery, for though others 

may free the body, none but 

ourselves can free the mind.” 

Whereas in 1884/85, thirteen 

European countries and the 

United States had gathered in 

Berlin to butcher and parcel out 

Africa as a booty, barely fifty five 

years later, the pan-Africanists 

convened the first Pan-African 

Conference which held in London. 

The spirit behind this 1900 

conference was Henry Sylvester 

Williams. Follow up conferences 

were organized by W.E.B. Du Bois. 

Although we were not taught 

about Blyden in primary school, 

but we were taught about another 

great pan-Africanist, Dr. James 

Kwegyir Aggrey from Ghana. 

We memorized his famous 

statement: "I am proud of my 

colour, whoever is not proud of 

his colour is not fit to live." He 

mentored Kwame Nkrumah, 

perhaps the greatest all-round 

leader Africa has ever produced. 

The second Nkrumah mentor was 

Nnamdi Azikiwe the Nigerian 

pan-Africanist whose advocacy 

A number of us 

who were students 

in the late 1970s 

and early 1980s 

owe people like 

Aregbesola our 

political and pan- 

Africanist 

consciousness 

frightened the British colonialists 

so much that they could not trust 

him returning to Nigeria, so he 

berthed in Accra where he ran The 

African Morning Post. 

Nkrumah said the articles 

written in the newspaper by 

Azikiwe had fired his enthusiasm 

for nationalist struggles so much 

that he decided to follow his 

footsteps. It was Azikiwe who 

encouraged Nkrumah to leave his 

teaching job for further studies in 

America. 

Nkrumah who had said the 

independence of Ghana was 

meaningless without the 

independence of all Africa, had 

argued in 1956 that the task of 


Send Opinions & Letters to: 

opinions1234@yahoo.com 

African liberators cannot be done 

“until the last vestiges of 

colonialism have been swept 

from Africa” He championed not 

just the establishment of the 

Organisation of Africa Unity 

(now the African Union) but also 

argued that the best option for the 

continent is a union government 

which: “should be in charge of 

economic development, defence 

and foreign policy, while other 

government functions would 

continue to be discharged by the 

existing states grouped, in federal 

fashion, within a gigantic central 

political organization." 

The May 25, 1963 date the 

OAU was established has become 

known as Africa Day. Like 

Nkrumah, generations of African 

youths were mentored and taught 

to think not just about their 

individual countries but the entire 

continent and diaspora. 

Many of these radical pan- 

Africanists were scattered across 

Nigeria. Having influenced the 

General Murtala Muhammed 

government in 1975 to adopt a 

pan-Africanist foreign policy 

with Africa as its centre piece, 

these radicals influenced streams 

of Nigerian students. 

The Ahmadu Bello University, 

ABU, and Bayero University 

Kano had radicals like Bala 

Usman and Patrick Wilmot. But 

they produced more radical 

graduates like Yahya Hashim, 

Rauf Mustapha, Ntiem Kungwai 

and Jibril “Jibo” Ibrahim who 

mentored lots of students. They 

saw the country as one platform, 

and their influence spread 

across. 

The radical couple, Edwin and 

Bene Madunagu had moved from 

the University of Lagos to the 

University of Calabar where they 

mentored lots of students. 

University of Benin and its 

students were mentored by people 

like the trade unionist and 

dramatist, Jonathan Ihonde and 

Festus Iyayi the management 

lecturer and novelist, and there 

was T.U Nwala in Nsukka. 

The University of Ife (now OAU) 

I attended had a large tribe of 

radical lecturers led by Dr. Segun 

Osoba who mentored 

generations. Another centre was 

Ibadan where there were lecturers 

for whom, to paraphrase Nelson 

Mandela, the struggle was their 

life. They included Ola Oni, 

Omafumi Onoge and Bade 

Onimode. Comrade Laoye Sanda 

was also mentoring students in 

The Polytechnic, Ibadan. 

When in 1978, the campuses in 

the country erupted with student 

protests, the government 

descended on Ibadan and flushed 

out all these lecturers. However, 

their mentees rose to their defence 

so strongly that they were recalled 

to their jobs. 

One of such mentees was Rauf 

Aregbesola, an Engineering 

student who two years earlier, had 

been admitted into The 

Polytechnic. He was speaker of the 

students parliament, a leader of 

the Marxist Youth Movement and 

president of the Black Nationalist 

Movement, BNM. 

He mentored my 

contemporaries in the movement 

including the unforgettable 

Kunle Bakare and human rights 

lawyer, Femi Aborishade. The 

influence of Aregbesola and other 

pan-Africanists in Ibadan also 

spread to other campuses 

including Ife. 

Comrade Ola Oni had in the 

Second Republic broken from the 

mainstream radical movement to 

advocate that revolutionaries 

should participate in electoral 

politics. This was known as 

entryism. 

Aregbesola has been the most 

successful of that concept’s 

advocates; he has spent two terms 

as the governor of Osun State. A 

number of us who were students 

in the late 1970s and early 1980s 

owe people like Aregbesola our 

political and pan-Africanist 

consciousness. 

Coincidentally, he was, like the 

OAU/AU, born on May 25. So 

tomorrow, as the Africa Day is 

celebrated, so will Aregbesola’s 

birthday. Congratulations. 

Protecting sanctity, image of House in choice of presiding officers 

By Abdulmalik Ahmed 

AS the countdown to the election 

of presiding and principal 

officers of the ninth National Assembly 

winds down, the jostling, political 

maneouvering and horse trading has 

intensified among the key players 

seeking one office or the other in the 

Senate and House of Representatives. 

While the mid-night meetings of the 

various caucuses are going on, one 

hopes that contenders for the various 

offices and their backers are not 

oblivious of the now famous “banana 

peel” in the National Assembly when 

the sack and election of presiding 

officers became commonplace, 

especially during the tenure of former 

President Olusegun Obasanjo. 

From the sack of the first speaker of 

the House, Salisu Buhari, to the 

impeachment of then Senate president, 

Evan(s) Enwerem, to Sen. Chuba 

Okadigbo et al, one singular thread 

ran through their brief stay as 

presiding officers: they carried what 

can be termed as excess luggage, 

meaning that they had something in 

the past that haunted them in the future 

when they thought they had reached 

the epoch of their political career. 

It is, therefore, wise in counselling 

those throwing up their hats into the 

race for the speakership of the ninth 

House of Representatives to stop and 

examine their past, to see if there is 

anything that can become an albatross 

to their ambition. Rather than the 

House being bogged down and 

enmeshed in a leadership crisis so 

early in the day because of the sordid 

details of the private life of a speaker, 

it would be advisable for such a 

contender to throw in the towel in the 

national interest. 

Anyone holding the number four 

position in this country, ought to be 

spotless like a lamb and shouldn’t be 

someone who will attract odium and 

ridicule to the position locally and 

internationally. The world is a global 

village and there is little or nothing 

that is happening in any particular 

nation in the globe that goes unnoticed 

by the international community. 

Two things may likely happen if the 

ninth House of Representatives elects 

as speaker, someone with a crooked 

past. First, is that he would be held 

hostage by a cabal in the House who 

will ensure he dances to their tune as 

a reward for keeping him in office or 

secondly, he becomes a stooge of the 

executive, rather than protecting the 

independence of the legislature. Both 

ways, the nation suffers. 

Therefore, it’s important and crucial 

that the sanctity of the three arms of 

government be protected not only by 

the other two arms of government, but 

by the National Assembly members 

themselves. A weak and compromised 

National Assembly will be ineffective 

in ensuing good governance and in 

promoting the fight against corruption 

There is a time when a man 

aspiring for something he has 

yearned for in years, concludes 

that it’s better to put such 

interest in abeyance in the 

overall interest of the bigger 

community 

when its principal officers are 

themselves guilty of corruption. It will 

also be unable to discharge its role of 

check-mating the other arms of 

government. 

Caution is the advice to returning 

and in-coming House of 

Representatives members. In spite of 

party loyalty, they must look at all the 

issues relating to the election of 

presiding and principal officers 

dispassionately and view the bigger 

picture in terms of the likelihood that 

they choose a leader whose global 

image is smeared, the integrity of the 

institution of the legislature and the 

image the outside world have of the 

country. 

The nation can but hope that with the 

issues of insecurity, killings, 

kidnappings, decaying infrastructure 

and the economic challenges plaguing 

the nation, we are not further dragged 

downhill by those who put their 

personal interests far and above the 

national interest. There is a time when 

a man aspiring for something he has 

yearned for in years, concludes that 

it’s better to put such interest in 

abeyance in the overall interest of the 

bigger community. 

The time for such a man to take such 

a path is now and who knows, posterity 

will judge him kindly. The contest for 

the speaker of the House of 

Representatives, in my opinion mustn’t 

be a do or die affair. The greatest of 

men is he who sacrifices his ambition 

or interest for the fate of others. The 

sanctity of the House of 

Representatives as the House of the 

people is too great to be sacrificed on 

the altar of politics and personal 

ambitions. 

•Ahmed, a public affairs analyst, wrote 

from Abuja



N331m fraud: Court convicts ex-Ag NIMASA MD 

By Innocent Anaba 

LAGOS—A Federal 

High Court sitting in 

Lagos, yesterday, convicted 

former acting Managing 

Director of Nigerian 

Maritime Administration 

and Safety Agency, 

NIMASA, Mr. Callistus 

Obi, charged with unlawful 

conversion and theft of the 

sum of N331 million. 

The court also convicted 

one Dismass Aloo, a 

Personal Assistant to the 

former Director-General of 

NIMASA, Dr. Patrick 

Akpolobokemi and two 

companies owned by Obi, 

Grand Pact Limited and 

Global Sea Investment 

Limited. 

Trial judge, Justice 

Cecilia Olatoregun handed 

down the conviction in her 

judgment in the case, 

yesterday. 

Obi, a lawyer and other 

convicts were charged 

before the court by the 

Economic and Financial 

Crimes Commission, 

EFCC, for conspiracy, 

unlawful conversion and 

theft of the sum of N331m 

belonging to NIMASA. 

They were accused of 

committing the offences 

between January 6, 2014 

and May 30, 2015, in 

Lagos. 

The offences according to 

the prosecution are contrary 

to punishable under 

Sections 15 and 18(a) of the 

Money Laundering 

Prohibitions (Amendment) 

Act, 2012 

The convicts had pleaded 

not guilty to all the charges 

when they were first 

arraigned before the court 

on April 12, 2016 and 

equally admitted to bail in 

the sum of N5 million with 

two sureties each in like 

sum. 

During the trial of the 

crime against the convicts, 

EFCC through its lawyer, 

Rotimi Oyedepo, called 

eight witnesses as well as 

tendered several 

documents which were 

admitted as exhibits. 

Delivering judgment 

yesterday, Justice 

Olatoregun held that the 

prosecution through its 

witnesses’ overwhelming 

evidence was able to 

establishe the offence of 

unlawful conversion 

against the Obi and Adoo. 

NEWS HOTLINES 

018773962, 

08052867058 

Kolokolo community protests neglect by 

firm 

K OLOKOLO 

community in 

Edo State has continued 

its protest over what it 

called perenial neglect 

by Sahara Energy 

Resources Limited, 

operator of Oziengbe 

South field flow station. 

The community 

lamented that despite 

g l a r i n g 

underdevelopment that 

has been the lot of the 

area for ages, Sahara 

Energy Resource has 

continued to ignore the 

community in the 

scheme of things, in 

spite of the great 

financial benefits 

accruing to the company 

as a result of its economic 

activities. 

The demands of the 

community, in a 

statement made available 

to journalists reads in 

part: ''Sahara must 

comply with the existing 

(MOU) in respect of 

employment of indigenes 

on skilled and unskilled 

labour; Infrastructural 

development; Skills 

acquisition training for 

our teeming youths; 

award of contracts to 

indigenous contractors 

of Kolokolo community 

and awards of 

scholarships for our 

children at when due; 

Provision of farming 

equipment for our 

people.'' 

Others are: ''Paying the 

entitlements of Kolokolo 

community in the newly 

commenced drilling 

operations that is 

ongoing; that the 

Kolokolo community must 

be fully recognised and 

rewarded as a host 

community.'' 

The statement added 

that ''We also demand for 

our CLO and we make 

haste to say that as a 

peaceful community, we 

ready to exhaust every 

possible avenues of 

dialogue.''

Vanguard, FRIDAY, MAY 24 , 2019 — 33 


MEETING: From left; 

Mr Tony Agenmonmen, 

President and Chairman 

of Council, National 

Institute of Marketing of 

Nigeria, [NIMN]; Prince 

Femi Olyewole, 2nd Vice 

President of NIMN and 

Mr Sidney Ogodo, 

Registrar/Secretary to 

Council NIMN during 

the 9th Annual General 

Meeting of National 

Institute of Marketing of 

Nigeria in Port 

Harcourt. Photo: 

Nwankpa Chijioke. 

Suspected herdsmen release female 

victim after collecting N1m ransom 

By Perez Brisibe 

U D GHELLI— 

E T A I L S 

emerged yesterday of how 

suspected herdsmen, 

Monday shot a man 

identified as Olu Kofi on 

the neck at Ubulu-Uku 

community of Aniocha 

Local Government Area of 

Delta State, abducted his 

wife, Isioma and collected 

the sum of N1 million as 

ransom for her release. 

The incident happened 

the same day a chief from 

the community identified as 

Chikwe Ojinji was 

reportedly killed in his farm 

by the suspected 

herdsmen. 

Giving details of the 

abduction of the lady, a 

family member told 

Vanguard that the 

hoodlums had earlier 

demanded the sum of N10 

million for her release, but 

later accepted N1 million 

ransom. 

The source who spoke 

on condition of 

anonymity, said: “Olu 

drove in company of his 

wife and a third occupant 

in his Toyota car when the 

hoodlums opened fire on 

the car and he was hit on 

the neck. 

“However, in an attempt 

to escape from the 

Edo students give Obaseki 72 hours ultimatum 

By Gabriel 

Enogholase & 

Alemma Aliu 

B ENIN—NIGERIAN 

Students and Youth 

Association, NISAYA, Edo 

State council has given 72 

hours to the state 

government to address its 

members on the challenges 

facing the state owned 

tertiary institutions. 

The students also want 

the government to set up a 

committee that would 

look into the challenges 

and proffer solutions to 

By Onozure Dania 

PEOPLES Democratic 

Party, PDP, chieftain 

and a former 

governorship aspirant in 

2007, Chief Sunny 

Onuesoke has disclosed 

that Governor Ifeanyi’s 

Okowa’s development 

end the problems. 

They insisted that if their 

demands were not met 

within the time frame, “We 

shall not hesitate to mobilise 

the over 1.4 million 

Nigerian students across 

the State and South - South 

zone in condemnation of 

the poor state of tertiary 

institutions and students’ 

welfare in Edo State.” 

NISAYA, at press 

conference by its state 

Chairman, Osamudiamen 

Ogbidi in Benin City, called 

on the state government to 

repeal the law 

establishing Tayo Akpata 

‘Okowa'll surpass past performance’ 

strides 

and 

empowerment 

disposition in his first 

term are but a litmus 

test, as Deltans will 

surely get 10 times more 

of his past performance 

Late Madam Dudun for burial 

MADAM Omasan 

Dudun of Jakpa 

town, Warri North LGA, 

Delta State, who died 

recently will be buried 

today. She was 100. 

Service of songs held 

yesterday at Kosini Street, 

Warri. Interment is at 

Orioke Big Warri. 

Reception/entertainment 

follows at Ikengbuwa 

primary school opposite 

Olu of Warri Palace, Warri. 

She is survived by 

children, grandchildren 

and relations, among them, 

Supol Humphrey Kweku. 

Late Madam Dudun 

University of Education. 

The group said, “If the 

government is interested 

in a degree awarding 

institution, the College 

of Education, Ekiadolor 

should be upgraded to a 

dual mode status or 

affiliated to a state 

owned University like 

Ambrose Alli University, 

Ekpoma to be able to 

award degrees.” 

They condemned the 

continuous closure of the 

College of Education, 

Ekiadolor, College of 

Agriculture Iguoriakhi, 

School of Nursing Benin 

with his re-election. 

He said, “In preparation 

to launch his second term 

development stride, 

Okowa signed six bills into 

law, and one of the bills 

which has now become law 

is the Warri/Uvwie and 

Environs Special Area 

Development Agency bill. 

“With this bill, Warri and 

its environs will see rapid 

development and growth 

for the betterment of their 

people. 

“I want to assure our 

people and Deltans to 

expect more dividends of 

democracy from our 

workaholic governor, 

Okowa in his second term. 

In the first tenure, he came 

in during the economic 

recession yet he was able 

to achieve a lot for Deltans. 

He was able to take the 

state to where we are today. 

hoodlums in company of 

her husband and the third 

occupant, the woman was 

caught and taken away by 

the herdsmen who later 

made contact with the 

family and demanded N10 

million ransom. 

“After much negotiation, 

a ransom of N1million 

was agreed upon, paid 

and the woman was 

eventually released on 

Monday about 8p.m.” 

and the non take off of 

the Tayo Akpata University 

of Education four years 

after its establishment. 

The students also 

appealed to the 

government to commence 

the process of paying 

bursary allowances to 

indigenes of the state just 

as they called on the 

government to compel the 

Edo State Oil and Gas 

Producing Areas 

Development Commission 

to pay bursary or 

scholarship to students of 

oil producing local 

government areas. 

So I know he is going to do 

more this time around.” 

He maintained that 

Okowa remains a hero, 

considering the fact that his 

achievements cut across 

the three senatorial districts 

of the state and beyond. 

The PDP chieftain 

pointed out that the 

governor’s astute style of 

leadership coupled with his 

prudent management of 

resources had placed the 

state in an enviable 

position, adding that he has 

delivered the dividends of 

democracy not only through 

infrastructural 

development to the masses, 

but also through health-care 

delivery by way of free 

medical care to Deltans, 

quality education, 

construction of good road 

network and provision of 

security among others. 

Ex-DELSU VC warns against evil 

of globalisation 

By Festus Ahon 

AVice SABA—FORMER 

Chancellor of 

Delta State University, 

DELSU, Abraka, Prof Uvie 

Igun has warned Nigerian 

leaders against adapting 

globalisation without 

jettison the bad aspect of it. 

Delivering the third 

Distinguished Lecture of 

Edwin Clark University, 

Kiagbodo, Delta State on 

Globalisation And The 

Coming Age Of Legalised 

Lawlessness: A Focus On 

Societal Foundation 

Values And Ethics, Igun 

said that Nigerian leaders 

must choose and adapt the 

technology of globalisation, 

but reject it’s evil. 

He said: “In order to do 

so, Nigerian leaders must 

be proactive and sharpen 

strategies of adaptation 

without 

being 

overwhelmed as some 

African countries are 

already being ‘held’. The 

very recent pressure from 

the US for Nigeria to 

legalise same sex marriage 

or forgo US aid, is a lesson 

to the point.” 

Insisting that the idea of 

developing a society 

without God was a descent 

into the darkness of 

legalised lawlessness, he 

said the ongoing process of 

globalisation would 

inexorably lead to 

development worldwide, 

and age of legalised 

lawlessness built on the 

Western derived ethical 

foundations of secular 

individualism. 

Igun said: “And 

recognising that the 

technological dimensions 

of globalisation is neutral, 

and desirable, developing 

nations must carefully 

choose their responses. 

Rapid transmission of 

cultural ideas and images, 

cultures of different 

countries and diverse 

people are being brought 

daily into contact at rates 

unprecedented in human 

history.” 

Earlier in his remarks, 

Vice Chancellor of Edwin 

Clark University, Prof T.O. 

Olagbemiro, said the 

University was founded on 

Christian principles and 

values with focus on 

imparting academic and 

moral values that would 

give students the desired 

guidance in areas of 

entrepreneurship, selfreliance 

and selfemployment 

graduation. 

Appoint Ndokwa descent as 

minister, group begs Buhari 

By Ochuko Akuopha 

KWALE—A 

group, 

Ndokwa Study 

Group, has urged President 

Mohammadu Buhari, to 

appoint an Ndokwa descent 

as minister from Delta State 

in his second term in office. 

It lamented that that no 

Ndokwa indigene has “Ever 

held the position of a 

Minister in the Federal 

Executive Council since the 

amalgamation of Nigeria in 

1914, despite the 

abundance of eminent 

personalities of Ndokwa 

extraction who have 

distinguished themselves in 

virtually all fields of human 

endeavour.” 

The group, in a statement 

by its President Dr. Norris 

Ovili and Secretary, Mr 

Azubuike Uti, noted that the 

Ndokwa nation had 

contributed greatly to the 

upon 

economic development of 

the country, decrying that 

the people have nothing to 

show for their contribution 

in terms of federal 

infrastructure. 

Urging the Federal 

Government to address 

what it described as the 

agelong neglect, the group 

reiterated that the peaceful 

disposition of the Ndokwa 

people was being 

undermined by successive 

governments. 

It appealed to Buhari to 

reverse the ugly trend by 

ensuring that the coastal 

road network from Oko in 

Oshimili South Local 

Government Area to Okpai 

to Aboh to Onyah to Asaba- 

Ase to Patani in Patani Local 

Government Area was 

constructed without 

further delay as a way of 

boosting economic 

activities in the area. 

Foundation to provide free medical 

service in Edo community 

THE 

Imalu 

Airiemhionkha 

Ebhoaye Memorial 

Foundation is to provide 

free medical services to no 

fewer than 1,000 persons in 

Igueben Local Government 

Area of Edo State under the 

foundation’s free medical 

care for 12 months. 

Chief Frederick 

Airiemhionkha, founder of 

the Foundation, disclosed 

this in Igueben, Igueben 

council of the state while 

speaking with journalists. 

He said, “The Foundation 

was established to continue 

with my late mother’s 

legacy of preaching the 

gospel of Jesus Christ as 

well as rendering 

humanitarian services. 

“The free medical care 

was designed to assist poor 

Igueben citizens, especially 

residents, who do not have 

the means to access medical 

care in order to improve 

their standard of living. 

“We have an 

understanding with 

integrated insurance 

scheme and Igueben 

General hospital, we have 

professionals in various 

fields and let me also 

disclose to you that this 

programme has been on 

ground and hundreds of 

persons have enjoyed 

this scheme.''


N80m worth of fake polish 

destroyed in Anambra 

By Vincent 

Ujumadu 

AWKA—NO fewer 

than 500,000 tins of 

imported fake Kiwi polish 

with market value of about 

N80 million were 

yesterday, burnt to ashes 

in Awka following an 

order of the Federal High 

Court sitting in Awka. 

The presiding judge, 

Justice I. B. Gafai, gave the 

go ahead for the 

destruction of the products 

following a judgment 

obtained by owners of Kiwi 

patent, AC Johnson and 

Sons Incorporated 

through a Nigerian 

company, ASCO 

Investments Limited. 

Counsel to ASCO 

Investments, Mr. Tagbo 

Anieto, who accompanied 

officials of AC Johnson 

and ASCO to the 

destruction site at the Agu 

Awka area of the Anambra 

State capital, explained 

FG trains 45 youths 

in mechatronics 

By Chinedu 

Adonu 

ENUGU—MORE than 

45 youths, including 

graduates, are currently 

undergoing N-Power 

automobile training in 

Enugu. 

They will be trained on 

mechatronics, which is a 

modern way of repairing 

motor vehicles using 

computer to detect 

electrical and mechanical 

faults instead of guess 

work or what is popularly 

known as trial-and-error. 

According to the MD/ 

CEO, Chibueze Motors, 

Mr. Friday Okoro, where 

the training is taking 

place, the programme will 

last for three months plus 

By Chinonso 

Alozie 

O WERRI—NIGERIA 

Customs Service, 

NCS, yesterday, revealed 

that it has commenced 

online auctioning of some 

of the seized items in its 

custody. 

Auctioning of the items, 

which included exotic cars 

as well as contraband 

goods will last for a month 

and holds every Monday 

and Wednesday, according 

to the Controller of 

Federal Operations Unit, 

FOU, Owerri, Kayode 

Olusemire. 

Olusemire said: 

“Interested members of 

that the fake products 

were confiscated from 

the warehouses of an 

unnamed company and 

some businessmen in 

Onitsha. 

According to Anieto, 

his clients got an order 

to invade suspected 

markets to identify the 

products and confiscate 

them, adding that the 

existence of the fake 

products undermined 

the quality which Kiwi 

was known for all over 

the world. 

Chairman/Managing 

Director of ASCO 

Investments, Chief Sam 

Anyanwutaku, commended 

the court for giving 

the order, describing as 

painful, a situation 

whereby some 

unscrupulous 

businessmen imported 

counterfeit products of an 

existing brand, thereby 

rendering genuine 

businessmen bankrupt. 

a nine-month industrial 

training in automobile 

firms. 

Okoro, who is the 

facilitator of the training, 

explained that the 

programme is designed 

for 45 people but that 

many people are itching 

to be part of the 

programme because of 

the benefits accruing to 

it. 

He also explained that 


mapped out seven skills 

acquisition programmes 

that include agro-tech, 

automobile, carpentry, 

electrical installation, 

masonry and tiling, 

plumbing and pipe 

fitting as well as 

hospitality. 

Customs begins auction 

of seized items in Imo 

the public can log into the 

internet—app.trade.ng/ 

eauction and select any 

of the items listed on the 

purchase list. 

“Among items to be 

auctioned electronically 

are Rolls Royce cars, 

Mercedes, Toyota, other 

brands and other 

intercepted goods. 

“The recourse to online 

sales of seized goods is 

to make the process as 

transparent as 

possible. 

“The latest seizures are 

eight exotic cars worth 

N161 million; 1,000,572 

bags of rice worth N31 

million and spices with 

foreign names.” 

Okorocha urged to free patients held hostage over hospital bills 

By Chidi 

Nkwopara 

O 

W E R R I — 

GOVERNOR 

Rochas Okorocha of Imo 

State has been urged to 

ensure the immediate 

release of numerous 

patients held hostage in the 

state government-owned 

hospitals over inability to 

pay their medical bills. 

Former governorship 

candidate of African Action 

Congress, AAC, Mrs. 

By Chimaobi 

Nwaiwu 

NNEWI—A total of four 

people lost their lives 

in the ill-fated four-storey 

building that collapsed at 

Ezenwa Street by 

Ogalonye Junction, 

Onitsha, while three people 

were rescued. 

This was disclosed by the 

rescue team of the Nigerian 

Society of Engineers, NSE, 

Onitsha branch, led by its 

chairman, Engineer 

Aniekwena Victor, who is 

also a member of Council 

of Regulation of 

Engineering in Nigeria, 

COREN. 

He said three people 

were rescued on 

Wednesday evening, while 

a dismembered body and 

another body were brought 

out from the rubbles 

Wednesday night, while 

the other two were brought 

out yesterday at about 

12p.m. 

However, the developer 

who is a legal practitioner 

(name withheld) was yet to 

show up at the scene of the 

incident as he is said to be 

in great pains following the 

incident. 

Chidi Omeogu-Ogbuta, 

made the call yesterday in 

a public memo she sent to 

Okorocha. 

She said: “In Imo State 

University Teaching 

Hospital, Orlu, there are 

numerous patients held 

hostage for several weeks 

in the hospital due to nonpayment 

of hospital bills 

and thus subjected to 

emotional abuse and 

forcibly separated from their 

families.” 

She said a one-year old 

As at 9.30a.m. yesterday, 

when Vanguard visited the 

scene, the rescue operation 

was still ongoing but no 

government official was 

sited, just as the officials of 

the Nigerian Red Cross 

Society Anambra State 

have left the scene. 

The two bodies identified 

as that of Julius from 

Aguleri, Anambra East 

Local Government; and 

James from Enugu State 

By Vincent 

Ujumadu 

A WKA—ANAMBRA 

State Police Command 

has arrested a 33-year-old 

pastor, Chijioke, and one 

Emeka for allegedly 

kidnapping an 11-year-old 

boy at Awkuzu in Oyi Local 

Government Area of the 

state. 

The suspects, who also 

hailed from Awkuzu, 

allegedly kidnapped the 

boy whose name was not 

given, at Umuobi village in 

the community. 

An indigene of Awkuzu 

baby was admitted 

November 21, 2018, treated 

and discharged December 

6, 2018, but “the mother 

and child from Ideato 

North Local Government 

Area of the state have 

been detained for about 

six weeks in the midst of 

other sick children, 

exposing the child to reinfection.” 

Apart from this little 

child, the lady also said 

she noticed “a backlog of 

discharged patients held 

brought out at about 

11.30a.m. from the 

collapsed building, were 

still covered with tapoline 

where they were dropped 

as there was no vehicle to 

take them to the mortuary, 

sparking angry reaction 

from sympathisers. 

However, a blue Volvo 

salon car was later 

brought at exactly 

1.27p.m. to take the 

corpses to the mortuary 

said yesterday that the 

pastor and his accomplice 

forced the boy into the 

pastor’s vehicle's boot and 

drove off, but luck ran out 

on them as they were later 

caught. 

Police Public Relations 

Officer, Anambra State, Mr. 

Haruna Mohammed, who 

confirmed the incident, said 

the pastor was arrested with 

his accomplice while trying 

to flee with their victim. 

According to him, the 

victim was rescued in good 

condition and had been 

handed over to his mother. 

He said: “Police 

hostage for weeks. 

“These patients include 

men/fathers in the 

Orthopaedic Unit who are 

the breadwinners of their 

families but kept jobless 

and hostage, and their 

families hungry and 

angry. 

“The most distressing 

part of this horrible attitude 

is that similar scenario of 

illegal detention of patients 

playing out in other 

government hospitals 

throughout the state.” 

DEXNOVA: From left—Executive Director, Engr. Olusegun Olaniyan; MD/CEO, Mr. Adewole Oriade; 

Chairman, Pastor Ituah Ighodalo; Director, Mr. Olusegun Oshinowo; Company Secretary/Legal Adviser, 

Maduka Onwukeme, and Legal Counsel, Oza Enwonode, all of Dexnova Consulting Ltd., at the inaugural 

meeting of the firm's Board of Directors. 

Death toll in Onitsha 

building collapse rises to 4 

after their relations 

identified them. 

Aniekwena told 

newsmen: “When we got 

the distress call that there 

was a collapsed building, 

we contacted some of our 

colleagues who are 

residing around, we also 

got calls from the 

government and we 

rushed down to the scene 

and found that some people 

were trapped.” 

Pastor, one other nabbed over 

kidnap of 11-yr-old boy in Anambra 

operatives attached to the 

command’s Special Anti- 

Robbery Squad, 

SARS, arrested one 

Pastor Chijioke and 

Emeka all of Awkuzu in 

Oyi Local Government 

Area of Anambra State. 

“Suspects had at about 

4:30p.m., Wednesday, 

allegedly abducted one 

Ikechukwu, aged 11 at 

Awkuzu Umoubi and 

bundled him inside their 

vehicle boot.” 

Haruna said the case was 

being investigated, adding 

that they would be charged 

to court after investigation.



AWARD: From left, Chukwuma Nwanze, Executive Director; Mary Okona, winner, 

Outstanding Staff award; Akinwande Ademosu, MD/CEO; Lilian Ohiarieku, Head, Private 

Sector Business, and Achia Tor-Agbidye, Divisional Head, Customer Experience and 

Corporate Communications, all of Credit Direct Limited during the presentation of cars to 

six outstanding staff. 

Banditry: Food insecurity looms, if... 

—Masari 

By Bashir Bello 

KATSINA— Governor 

Aminu Masari of 

Katsina State has warned of 

food insecurity, if the 

problem of insecurity 

bedevilling the state 

persists. 

Masari spoke when he 

received a delegation from 

Defence Headquarters, 

Abuja, who was in the state 

on a fact-finding mission 

over attacks and killings in 

the state. 

It will be recalled that 

armed bandits, Tuesday, 

attacked three villages in 

three local government 

areas of Batsari, Danmusa 

and Faskari, killing 34 

persons, mostly farmers 

working on their farmlands. 

The governor, represented 

by his deputy, Mannir 

Yakubu, appealed to the 


urgently find a lasting 

solution to the menace to 

enable farmers go back to 

their farmlands, particularly 

as the rainy season is fast 

approaching. 

According to him, “As we 

all know, rainy season is 

already on, our people 

need to go and plant crops 

in their farmlands. If we do 

not get them back into their 

farmlands, there will be 

problem of food insecurity. 

"If the situation is not 

handled urgently, forest will 

not be accessible by farmers 

in this rainy season.There 

is urgent need to bring back 

peace in the state. The call 

has become imperative in 

view of the recent banditry 

attacks the state has 

suffered. 

“When we came in, we did 

our best to make the state 

peaceful, but Katsina is not 

an island, it is bounded by 

other unsecured places like 

Zamfara and Kaduna states. 

“So, the relative peace we 

are enjoying was 

jeopardised by insecurity in 

our neighbouring states, 

then gradually all the efforts 

we have made, were to no 

avail.” 

Earlier, the leader of the 

team, Major-General B. I. 

Ahonotu, who represented 

the Chief of Defence Staff, 

Gen. Abayomi Olonisakin, 

commiserated with the state 

government over the loss. 

“It is pathetic, horrifying 

and terrible, but we are 

doing everything possible to 

NDDC: Ijaw communities 

protest non inclusion of 

bridges in road project 

By Onozure 

Dania 

THE Ijaw communities 

of Toru-Tubegbe, Bolou- 

Tubegbe and Tamo-Tubegbe 

in Burutu Local Government 

Area of Delta State, 

yesterday, protested against 

the alleged plan by Niger 

Delta Development 

Commission, NDDC, not to 

provide bridges in 

communities’ road project, 

which they said will deny 

them access to other 

communities. 

The protest, which 

commenced in the early 

hours of yesterday, saw 

hundreds of youths, men, 

women and leaders from 

various communities 

carrying placards with 

inscriptions such as “NDDC 

tell Setraco to give us our 

bridge”, “NDDC, we have 

lost many people at the 

culvert, Setraco ,where is our 

bridges,” among others. 

The protesters said the spot 

where the culvert was 

constructed is a direct access 

road for communities in area 

to take their fish to the 

neighbouring towns to sell, 

warning that they would 

resist every plan by NDDC’s 

contractor to deny them the 

major link road to outside 

communities. 

save the situation. We were 

in the state for fact-finding 

mission to find out exactly 

what is happening and 

report back,”Ahonotu said. 

Human rights lawyer urges US Congress to 

grant first Chibok girl graduate citizenship 

By Sam Eyoboka 

A 

UNITED States-based 

human rights lawyer, 

Mr. Emmanuel Ogebe, has 

urged the US Congress to 

grant the first Chibok 

schoolgirl graduate the 

country’s citizenship. 

On Friday, May 17, 2019, 

one of the 276 schoolgirls 

abducted by terrorists in 

Nigeria in 2014, that sparked 

global outrage and ignited 

the #bringbackourgirls 

campaign, Palmatah Mutah, 

earned an associate degree 

from a community college in 

the United States of America. 

The 23-year-old Mutah, 

who escaped that fateful 

April night by jumping out 

of a Boko Haram truck, 

became the first escapee 

Chibok girl in the world to 

obtain an associate degree 

from an institution abroad. 

In a letter to the American 

Congress, Ogebe who leads 

US-Nigeria Law Group, 

said: “This amazing feat of 

defying terror and attaining 

success in a new country is 

the reason why I am writing 

to you today to kindly 

introduce a bill to confer 

upon Ms. Palmatah Mutah, 

American citizenship/ 

residency. 

"Granting her US 

citizenship/residency will 

mitigate the high risk and 

cost of returning to Nigeria 

for visa renewals. Ms. Mutah 

has been a worthy 

ambassador of girl child 

education, courage against 

terror and especially of her 

still missing 112 classmates. 

“The government of 

Nigeria got over $25 million 

because of the Chibok 

incident but didn’t send her 

to America. The US 

government didn’t spend 

one dime on her. Rather, she 

had to pay the US 

government visa renewal 

fees and fly abroad at great 

cost to renew her student 

visa. 

“US citizenship/residency 

will also help her be eligible 

for lower in-state tuition, 

college loans and grants. 

Right now she is restricted 

in her ability to work in the 

US. In addition to the costs, 

the risk of travelling back to 

Nigeria for her is high. This 

weekend as she was 

graduating in the US, Boko 

Haram terrorists attacked her 

county/LGA in Nigeria 

again." 

Some of the communities’ 

leaders, Chief Benson 

Zenebor, Pastor Disi Samson 

Boloudcremone and Mr 

Lucky Kurogha said in the 

road map, which the 

NDDC’s contractor, Setraco 

Construction Company has, 

there are three spots for 

bridges, noting that the 

company was denying the 

bridges because they want 

to reduce expenses and 

make more profits. 

Meanwhile, NDDC 

Director of Project, Samuel 

Adjogbe, while reacting to 

the development, said there 

was no reason for the protest 

as they had met with the 

community and Setraco and 

directed Setraco to come up 

with a sample of the bridge 

for approval, adding that the 

culvert was temporal. 

Kwara speakership: I’m still in the race, 

Popoola insists 

By Demola 

Akinyemi 

ILORIN—THE 

reelected 

member of 

Kwara State House of 

Assembly representing 

Balogun/Ojomu in Offa 

Local Government Area, 

Saheed Popoola, has 

denied reports that he is no 

May 29: Katsina cancels 

inauguration ceremony over 

bandit attacks, killings 

By Bashir Bello 

Speakership: Member-elect, 

Waive, drums support for 

Gbajabiamila, Wase 


ASABA—THE House 

of Representative 

member-elect for Ughelli 

North/Ughelli South/Udu 

Federal constituency, 

Francis Waive, has called 

on members-elect in the 

9th National Assembly to 

support and vote for Mr 

Femi Gbajabiamila and 

Ahmed Wase as Speaker 

and Deputy Speaker of 

the House come June 7, 

2019. 

Waive, who is the Vice 

Chairman (South) of All 


APC, in a statement 

charged members-elect to 

look out for competence 

and character while 

making the choice of the 

leadership of the House. 

He said: “Major 

longer in the race for the 

speakership office. 

Popoola in statement in 

Ilorin, urged members of 

the public, particularly his 

supporters, to ignore the 

reports because it was done 

in bad faith. 

Popoola said: “The reports 

that I’m no longer in 

speakership race for the 

ninth Kwara House of 

KATSINA - The Kat 

sina State government 

has cancelled all 

activities lined up for the 

May 29th inauguration 

ceremony in the state. 

The Secretary to the 

State Government, SGS 

and Chairman, transition 

committee, Dr. Mustapha 

Inuwa who disclosed 

this yesterday, 

said the cancellation was 

due to the incessant attacks 

by armed bandits in 

parts of the state which 

left many dead and several 

others injured and 

homeless. 

Dr. Inuwa said the only 

the mandatory activity 

was the swearing-in of 

the Governor and the 

Deputy Governor-elect 

as enshrined in section 

185 (1) of the 1999 constitution 

of the Federal 

Republic of Nigeria. 

According to him, 

“Katsina State government 

has cancelled all 

activities lined-up for the 

inauguration ceremony 

of the new administration 

in the state. The decision 

to a low key celebration 

was taken following 

the unfortunate incessant 

attacks by armed bandits 

in some areas of the 

state which led to the 

death of many people and 

left several others injured 

and homeless. 

“To this end, all activities 

that are usually organized 

for the event have 

been cancelled except the 

mandatory swearing-in of 

the Governor and the 

Deputy Governor-elect as 

enshrined in section 185 

(1) of the 1999 constitution 

of the Federal Republic of 

Nigeria. 

“The decision was to also 

commensurate with the 

families and other people 

who lose their loved ones 

or property as the result of 

these dastardly acts of the 

bandits. The government 

of the state once appeals 

to all law abiding citizens 

to continue to remain calm 

as all hands are on deck 

to restore normalcy in the 

state and bring the culprits 

to justice.” 

Dr. Inuwa however appealed 

to the people to use 

the month of Ramadan to 

intensify prayers for peace 

and stability to reign in the 

state and country at large. 

consideration in choosing 

the leadership of the 

House in the 9th National 

Assembly should be 

competence, experience 

and broadmindedness, 

rather than religious or 

ethnic consideration. 

“I think we should 

choose our leaders based 

on their character and 

experience if we must get 

it right in the 9th National 

Assembly, rather than 

reduce the race to religious 

or ethnic one. At the 

National Assembly, we 

should be thinking of what 

binds us together as 

Nigeria, and not what 

divides us as a nation. 

“Gbajabiamila and Wase 

cumulatively have over 20 

years experience in the 

House of Representatives 

and they are competent." 

Assembly is absolute 

falsehood, complete wickedness 

and irresponsible 

journalism. I have paid my 

dues in Kwara politics and 

everybody knows it. I’m 

the only high ranking lawmaker 

among others, with 

cognate experience in legislative 

business. That is 

what is required by the 

house order."


Wike, the GOC and oil bunkering 

COMPARISON between 

public conduct elsewhere 

and what obtains in Nigeria can 

sometimes be awkward, especially 

because it can be mistaken to 

suggest that we can’t be up to any 

good. That’s not only incorrect, 

such moral equivalence is unfair 

to millions of Nigerians who are 

doing their damn best in their quiet 

spaces. 

But two stories last week 

reported within twenty-four hours 

of each other were too striking to 

escape comparison. The first was 

a story about Commodore Nick 

Cooke-Priest, captain of HMS 

Queen Elizabeth, the iconic 

aircraft carrier of the Royal Navy. 

Cooke-Priest was removed from 

his command for an offence that 

you’ll have to read the story twice 

to believe, if you’re - well - a 

Nigerian. The poor captain who 

was appointed to his prestigious 

job in October had formed the 

habit of using his official car for 

personal trips. 

The frequency or nature of the 

personal trips was not disclosed; 

but if he were a Nigerian officer, 

for example, the trips might have 

included but certainly not limited 

to things like, school runs, market 

runs for Madam, and nocturnal 

visits to his girlfriends, not to 

mention occasional second-degree 

unauthorized use by the officer’s 

driver for “kabukabu”. 

But nothing was said about the 

nature of Cooke-Priest’s visits. 

What was reported was that the 

captain, after nearly 30 years of 

sterling service, was removed last 

week and promptly reassigned, 

“following reports that he misused 

an official car for personal trips.” 

The report, quoting a source in 

the Royal Navy, continued, “While 

the offence may appear relatively 

minor, it was felt that his position 

had become untenable and that the 

commanding officer must be 

beyond reproach.” 

Drama in the house 

I was tempted to laugh in 

Ikwerre a day later when I read 

the other story from Port Harcourt, 

Rivers State. It was not really a 

story. It was the video of Governor 

Nyesom Wike receiving members 

of the Joint Task Force Operation, 

Delta Safe, who came on courtesy 

to the Government House. 

Wike told the leader of the Force, 

Rear Admiral Akinjide Akinrinade, 

and his delegation that the 

General Officer Commanding the 

Sixth Division of the Nigerian 

Army, Major General Jamil 

Sarhem, was not just a security 

threat, but that he was also 

businessman, a bunkering kingpin, 

in army uniform desperate for 

cash to fund his ambition to 

become the next Army chief. 

He accused Sarhem of routinely 

leaking security reports and 

wondered what his visitor, the JTF 

commander, would do if his men 

came across bunkering squads 

backed by the GOC. Of course, it 

might appear incongruous to 

compare Cooke-Priest’s case of 

misuse of official car with the 

allegations of leaking and 

bunkering levelled against 

Sarhem, for at least two reasons: 

one, the facts of the former’s case 

have been established and action 

taken against him on that basis, 

whereas the allegations against 

Sarhem have been denied and 

remain only that - mere 

allegations. 

Two, the back story in Sarhem’s 

case - his spectacular fallout with 

Wike before the governorship 

election - could suggest that the 

governor might just be out for his 

pound of flesh. 

Now, this is exactly the sort of 

equivocation which partly 

explains why Nigeria has passed 

being a joke, and why serious 

countries, tired of making us a 

laughing stock, simply ignore us. 

We cannot keep making excuses 

for - in fact keep expecting - lower 

standards of performance from 

public officers and hope to be taken 

seriously. 

The motive question 

Whatever Wike’s motive for 

making those serious allegations, 

the Army is not helping itself or 

the accused officer by attempting 

to sweep the matter under the 

carpet of politics, or by simply 

saying as its spokesperson in Port 

Harcourt did, that Wike must first 

show proof. The Army must first 

show that it understands the 

seriousness of the allegations. 

If the governor said on public 

television that the GOC routinely 

leaks security information and is 

involved in oil bunkering - which 

If the governor said 

on public television 

that the GOC routinely 

leaks security 

information and is 

involved in oil 

bunkering - which is a 

serious economic 

crime - the Army 

cannot, and should 

not, simply let the 

matter slide 

is a serious economic crime - the 

Army cannot, and should not, 

simply let the matter slide. 

The startled and embarrassed 

looks on the faces of the JTF 

commander and his delegation as 

Wike spoke last week only told part 

of the story. The potential damage 

to the Army’s reputation from 

silence or a muffled, dismissive 

response, will, of course, be far 

more difficult to gauge. But if 

nothing is done, as may well be the 

case, the impact would be 

corrosive. Six years ago, 

The Financial Times reported that 

pipeline oil theft from well heads 

and bunkering in the Niger Delta 

was costing the country about 

$1billion monthly. Such thefts, 

which led the Jonathan 

administration to sideline the 

military and instead, paid 

militants to guard pipelines, had 

led to a 17 per cent drop in oil sales 

or the loss of 

400,000 barrels per 

day. 

The FT report 

quoted former 

presidential 

adviser, Patrick 

Dele Cole, as 

saying, “It’s not 

only the loss to the 

treasury that is 

worrying him and 

others, but the way 

bunkering is 

i n f e c t i n g 

government at all 

levels, with senior 

military and political figures 

staking out a leading role.” The 

tale of oil bunkering in the Niger 

Delta is a fascinating one. 

Criminal gangs and small-time 

peddlers pirated the bunkering 

franchise from the oil companies. 

As the illegality grew and became 

a serious economic threat, the 

military was deployed. 

At first, they acted as if they were 

in the service of the country, but 

over time, they have become 

embroiled in the money and 

politics of the region, making them 

hardly distinguishable from the 

gangs and politicians they are 

supposed to contain. Wike has only 

added flesh to the dry bones in 

Cole’s statement. 

The Army could have genuine 

reasons to dislike Wike’s politics 

or resent being entangled by the 

governor’s rough and tumble style. 

His zero-sum, street-fighter 

approach and huge ego will hardly 

endear him to anyone one who 

believes in due process and 

propriety. 

If he was your rational kind of 

guy he would not wait for the JTF’s 

courtesy visit and public TV 

cameras to report a serious security 

breach to an officer who is 

apparently of the same rank with 

the accused. Wike just can’t get over 

drama and sensationalism. 

Baby and bath water 

But that does not justify throwing 

out the baby with the bath water. 

Wike’s statement was not for the 

benefit of the visiting JTF 

commander. It was to get the 

attention of Rotimi Amaechi, his 

political rival in Abuja; the Army 

chief, and through them, President 

Muhammadu Buhari. Whatever 

the governor’s motive, however, 

the statement is serious enough for 

the Army to empanel an 

investigation. 

If six years ago, Cole (an 

Abonnema man) fingered top 

military brass and politicians in 

oil bunkering and now the 

governor, an Ikwerre man, is 

naming names, it has become a 

matter that demands no less 

attention than that given by the 

Royal Navy to Cooke-Priest’s 

misuse of his official car. 

It’s not about Wike or his 

tantrums. It’s about the integrity 

of the Army, the reputation of the 

officer accused, and the 

unfortunate impression that you 

have to rob your way to the post of 

Army chief. 

The only thing worse than what 

Wike said is any attempt by the 

Army to gloss over it. It should 

immediately empanel an 

investigation and invite Wike, the 

accuser, to assist the Army to get to 

the bottom of the matter in the 

interest of the Force, the GOC and 

the long-suffering people of the 

Niger Delta, whose backyard has 

become the playground of wolves 

dressed in sheep’s clothing. 

We don’t need any lessons from 

the unfortunate episode of Cooke- 

Priest and his official car to do the 

right thing.The GOC should be 

beyond reproach and we don’t 

need the Royal Navy to tell us that. 

NITDA registers 138,060 .ng 

domains, engages MDAs on e-Gov 

implementation 

By Emmanuel Elebeke 

ABUJA—NATIONAL Infor 

mation Technology Development 

Agency, NITDA says it has 

registered a total of 138,060 .ng 

domains as at 29th April, 2019. 

The director general of NIT- 

DA, DR. Isa Ibarahim Pantami 

made the disclosure on Thursday 

at a capacity building for 

strengthening resilience of e- 

government initiatives organised 

by the agency in Abuja 

Ḣe said from the figure, 2,274 

domain names registered 

are.gov.ng, while 278 are.mil.ng. 

According to him, a total number 

of.gov.ng and.mil.ng domains registration 

from inception of the initiative 

till October 2016 when he took 

over the leadership of the agency 

were 1,856, which implies that 418 

new domains were registered between 

November 2016 and April 

2019, signifying a percentage increase 

of 18.3%. 

“The total number of registered .ng 


ASABA—OUTGOING Com 

missioner for Urban Renewal 

in Delta State, Chief Jullius 

Takeme, yesterday said the ministry 

would be given a boost in the 

second tenure of Dr Ifeanyi 

Okowa to enable it achieve the 

core mandate of its creation. 

Takeme who disclosed this today 

while addressing the management 

and staff of the ministry 

ahead of the handover ceremony, 

said the Governor is determined 

to open up more space for 

development in the state. 

He explained that there would 

be a renewed vigor in the area of 

urban renewal, explaining that 

the Governor has indicated interest 

to grow all sectors of the state 

economy. 

The Commissioner stressed that 

the ministry of Urban Renewal 

would not be left out in the new 

order geared towards building a 

greater and more prosperous Del- 

domains from inception till date 

stands at 138,060 as at April 29,2019. 

From this number, 2,274 are.gov.ng, 

while 278 are.mil.ng. 

“It is worthy to note that the total 

number of.gov.ng and .mil.ng domains 

registration from inception till 

October 2016 were 1,856. This 

means that 418 new domains were 

registered between November 2016 

and April 2019 which signifies a 

percentage increase of 18.3%.” 

Dr. Pantami explained that the 

workshop was a continuation of previews 

exercise aimed at ensuring 

that decision makers at all levels 

are duly engaged for our collective 

visioning and coordination of 

strategy and lesson learning. 

The workshop he said aimed at reducing 

the number of failed ICT 

projects in government service delivery; 

improving citizen’s access to 

government information and ease of 

doing business; promoting efficiency, 

transparency and convenience of 

government services and enhancing 

national security use of digital identity. 

Urban renewal’ll get a boost in 

Okowa’s second term — Takeme 

ta State. 

Takeme paid glowing tributes to 

Dr Ifeanyi Okowa for given him 

the opportunity to serve the state 

as Commissioner and member of 

the State Executive Council as 

well as his colleagues for their 

support. 

He also commended the Permanent 

Secretary, management 

and staff of the ministry for their 

dedication to duties and friendly 

dispositions during his short stay 

in the ministry. 

He said: “I will like to express 

my heartfelt gratitude and very 

sincere appreciation to His Excellency, 

Dr Ifeanyi Okowa for his 

foresight in establishing the ministry 

of Urban Renewal. 

“The creation of the ministry of 

Urban Renewal in 2015 is not only 

visionary but a proof of his purposeful 

drive to visibly and pragmatically 

transform the lives of 

Deltans and the face of Urban 

centers across the state. 

Kokodiagbene obeys Okowa, vacates 

Chevron’s flow station 

By Etop Ekanem 

K COMMUNITY, OKODIAGBENE 

Warri 

South-West Local Government 

Area of Delta State, yesterday, 

listened to a plea by 

Governor Ifeanyi Okowa, who 

was represented by his deputy, 

Kingsley Otuaro, and 

promised to vacate, forthwith, 

the Otunana flow station it 

earlier determined to occupy 

till demands were met. 

Otuaro, who chairs Delta 

State Advocacy Committee 

Against Vandalism of Oil and 

Gas Facilities, made the plea 

at a peace meeting with 

Chevron Nigeria Limited and 

community leaders of Egbema 

and Gbaramatu kingdoms 

in Governor’s Office 

Annex, Warri. 

“I want to appeal to Kokodiagbene 

community to 

please oblige us a re-opening 

of the flow station. What we 

now need afterwards is strategic 

engagement to be able 

to achieve demands of the oil 

bearing communities. 

“We’ll have to set up a platform 

for dialogue with all 

stakeholders in attendance. 

We’ll have to look into these 

employment and infrastructure 

demands one after the 

other and benchmark each 

on possibilities and delivery 

timelines to make headway 

and all of these will require 

time and patience”, Otuaro 

pleaded, adding that he 

hopes “the first meeting will 

kick off by May 31 2019.” 

Chevron’s representative, 

Mr Brikin Esimaje, however 

said the oil company was 

open to dialogue on the demands 

of the community. 

Chairman of protesting 

Kokodiagbene community 

in Gbaramatu Kingdom, Mr 

Uyadongha Poweide, had 

earlier listed demands of his 

community to include electricity, 

pipe-borne water, cottage 

hospital, foreshore protection, 

conversion of casual 

workers to permanent staff, 

royalty for land acquisition 

among others. The community 

chairman said his people 

had shut down and occupied 

the Otunana flow station 

due to CNL’s adamance 

to their demands.





Sanwo-Olu unveils first three months 

strategic plans 

•I will form my cabinet within 60 days 

•We expect a Lagosian to be our speaker 

By Olasunkanmi 

Akoni 

LAGOS—BARELY six 

days to the handingover 

of administration to 

another, Lagos State 

Governor-elect, Babajide 

Sanwo-Olu, yesterday, 

rolled out his strategic 

plans to be embarked upon 

by his administration in the 

first three months of 

assumption. 

Sanwo-Olu, however, 

said that he was yet to 

receive full details on both 

completed and on-going 

projects to be inherited from 

outgoing administration of 

Governor Akinwunmi 

Ambode. 

The governor-elect, who 

is billed to take over the 

rein of power from Ambode 

next week Wednesday, at 

a ceremony taking place at 

Tafawa Balewa Square, 

TBS, made the remarks at 

an interactive session with 

Trans-Forcados-Pipeline fire outbreak occurred in 

Kantu community——Eyiangho 

TPipeline, RANS-FORCADOS- 

TFP, fire 

incident of May 19, 2019 

happened in Kantu 

community in Gbaramatu 

kingdom along the 

Chanomi creek in Warri 

South-West Council area of 

Delta State. 

Speaking exclusively to 

Vanguard at his Warri 

residence, 

Community 

Kantu 

Trust 

media at Ikoyi, Lagos 

Island. 

“We will be a listening 

government. In the next 90 

days we are hoping to have 

a working government. 

That means, all the cabinet 

and major appointments 

that we need to have we 

will have them running 

quickly. We will engage real 

professionals to be working 

in the cabinet. We will not 

be lacking in ideas and 

Lagosians will be happy 

with our cabinet and we are 

expecting a Lagosian to be 

our speaker at the House 

of Assembly to see reason 

with us. It is not political but 

a need and a point of 

requirement of a place 

where all of us believe that 

its a home to all of us and 

the number speaks it and a 

value man will see it and 

do it well, it helps all of us 

as Nigerians in general 

and Lagosians in particular. 

“We should begin to see 

Chairman, Comrade Felix 

Odetsuli Eyiangho said: 

“The fire outbreak occurred 

on our land in Warri South- 

West Council area of Delta 

State and not anywhere in 

Burutu Local Government 

Council area as purported 

by some people. 

“The General Manager 

Heritage Energy 

Operational Services 

Limited, HEOSL, operators 

huge solutions in our traffic 

management scheme that 

will include those we 

would have solved and 

others we will still be 

practically working on. 

“In the first three months 

we would have rolled out 

loads of waste management 

bags where people will see 

as sorting will start from 

individual households 

kitchen so that when you 

bring them out, with a work 

in progress with Public 

Sector Participants, PSPs, 

and we would have made 

some capital expenses in 

terms of procurement of 

wheel compactor trucks 

among others. That will take 

awhile for it to come fully 

alive. 

Apapa solution 

“Also, the solution on 

Apapa gridlock will be 

given priority and believing 

that we would have solved 

it. But sustenance will be 

the issue, if we are not 

careful. That you will not 

see them coming in and out 

but on a sustainable basis, 

it will cost us some money 

to put onboard. These are 

things we hope to achieve. 

Group issues 7-day ultimatum to Edo Govt to 

open 5-star Benin Central hospital 

BENIN 

CITY— 

TALAKAWA Parliament 

, a non political 

organization in Edo State 

has given the Edo State 

government a 7-day 

ultimatum to open the 5- 

star Benin Central hospital 

built by the administration 

of former governor Adams 

Oshiomhole or its members 

will embark on hunger 

strike until it heed to their 

demand. 

It would be recalled that 

the hospital which was 

commissioned by President 

Muhammadu Buhari in 

November 7th, 2016, has 

been under lock and key 

despite the fact that all the 

equipment needed for the 

take off of the hospital were 

purchased by Oshiomhole. 

Addressing journalists in 

Benin 

City 

yesterday,President of the 

group,Marxist Kola 

Edokpayi and Wilson 

Imasuen 

Secretary General, noted 

that it was strange for the 

hospital to still remain 

under lock and key after the 

state government 

expended over N4billion of 

tax payers money to 

establish the hospital which 

was geared towards 

helping the health situation 

of the people. 

“So we are still confused 

that the hospital is yet to be 

opened despite the fact that 

Oshiomhole handed over 

to another APC led 

administration in the state. 

Besides, when Oshiomhole 

was governor, Obaseki was 

head of the state Economic 

Team therefore he was part 

of the decision to build the 

hospital. So why has they 

decided to lock it up while 

we continue to suffer in 

terms of health care? 

“There is no way 

Governor Godwin Obaseki 

can distant himself from the 

5 Star Central Hospital, the 

Benin Water Storm Project, 

the Water Fountain at 

Museum Ground at Ring 

Road when tax payers 

money was used for 

theprojects and even the 

Governor campaigned with 

the projects he is trying to 

demonize today.Edo group 

issues 7-day ultimatum to 

Edo Govt to open 5-star 

Benin Central hospital. 

BENIN CITY-THE 

Talakawa Parliament , a non 

political organization in 

Edo State has given the Edo 

State government a 7-day 

ultimatum to open the 5- 

star Benin Central hospital 

built by the administration 

of former governor Adams 

Oshiomhole or its members 

will embark on hunger 

strike until it heed to their 

demand. 

DIBAN kicks against under-age drinking 

LAGOS—IN ITS bid to 

curb underage and 

excessive drinking in the 

country, the Distillers and 

Blenders Association of 

Nigeria (DIBAN) under 

the auspices of the 

Manufacturers Association 

of Nigeria (MAN) has 

stepped up its advocacy 

campaigns to promote 

responsible consumption of 

NEWS HOTLINES: 

08052867023, 08052867058 

alcoholic beverages while 

discouraging its sale to 

users below the age of 18. 

DIBAN Chairman Patrick 

I. Anegbe, said the 

association, representing 

one of the oldest and 

thriving indigenous 

industries in Nigeria, had 

taken up the advocacy as 

a Corporate Social 

Responsibility through 

outdoor messaging on 

Billboards, Mass Transit 

Buses and radio 

campaigns to sensitize 

consumers about the 

dangers of excessive 

alcohol consumption and 

advocating moderation. 

Some of the campaign 

themes include: “Drink 

moderately”, “Health is 

Wealth”, “Enjoy life to the 

fullest” and “Don’t mix”. 

of the facility, Sylvester 

Okoh who had earlier 

confirmed the incident to 

newsmen in Warri can also 

confirm that the incident 

occurred on Kantu 

community land in Warri 

South-West not Burutu as 

reported by some national 

dailies. We, therefore, urge 

all the relevant authorities 

to know the right people to 

discuss with so as to avoid 

confusion and unwarranted 

altercations”.

Who will enforce 

presidential directive on 

evacuation of trucks in 

Apapa? 

A PPARENTLY 

disturbed by the albatross 

that the perennial gridlock around 

the Lagos Ports, especially the 

traffic congestion in Apapa, has 

become, the Presidency has at 

last taken the bull by the horn 

in its bid to find a lasting 

solution to the intractable 

problem. To this effect, it had on 

Wednesday issued a 72-hour 

ultimatum to truck and tanker 

operators to vacate the Port 

Access Roads in that axis. 

According to a directive from 

the Presidency, a Presidential 

Task Force chaired by the Vice 

President has been established 

to ensure that the order is 

carried out. 

One should expect that 

government action in this 

regard, is sure to elicit sighs of 

relief from motorists and other 

road users in the trucksbesieged 

area. It is an area often 

described as an axis of 

unending traffic nightmare and 

suffering. 

But with the benefit of past 

government interventions that 

failed woefully to achieve the 

objective of ending the siege of 

trucks and tankers in the area, 

there are strong misgivings that 

this latest move may only 

achieve limited or no solution. 

Indeed, before now several 

intermittent interventions by the 

Federal Government, the Lagos 

State government and some 

private stakeholders had 

provided a ray of hope for an 

end to the confusion arising 

from the traffic gridlock in 

Apapa and environs. 

Traffic 

gridlock 

Unfortunately this 

government/stakeholders 

partnership to find a lasting 

solution to the lingering 

problem consistently failed to 

achieve its objective. 

In the light of this, the 

question now is: Who will 

enforce the Presidential 

directive? 

Recall that last July the 

Oshodi-Apapa Expressway was 

invaded and seized by 5000 

trucks which totally paralysed 

traffic in the area with attendant 

untold suffering for motorists, 

commuters and other road 

users. 

And following public outcry, 

the Vice President had made an 

unscheduled visit to the area to 

assess the situation after which 

he directed relevant 

government agencies to 

immediately embark on the 

decongestion of the popular 

road. He had also immediately 

set up a task force to carry out 

the order. Vanguard had 

followed up with a report which 

NEWS HOTLINES: 

08052867023, 08052867058 

NEWS ANAL 

ALYSIS 

By Mike Ebonugwo 

put the number of tankers and 

container-laden trucks illegally 

parked in Apapa and other parts 

of Lagos at over 12,337 after onthe-spot 

counting of these 

heavy-duty vehicles. 

Although Osinbajo’s 

evacuation order was promptly 

carried out as the relevant 

security agencies moved into 

action by forcefully removing 

several trucks off the road, but 

the relief was short-lived. 

This is because not quite 

long after, the entire stretch of 

the road within that axis, 

including the inner roads 

within Apapa and environs, 

What 

guarantee is 

there that a task 

force made up of 

operatives of the 

same security 

agencies will 

perform any 

better this time 

around? 

was again invaded and seized 

by another armada of heavyduty 

vehicles. The situation 

has remained so ever since. 

This is because, in spite of 

repeated warnings by 

chairman of the Joint Task 

Force, Rear Admiral Okon 

Eyo, the drivers of these trucks 

have continued to park 

illegally on roads and bridges 

within the Apapa axis and 

even beyond. 

Different observers have 

attributed the situation to a 

conflict of interest among the 

different security agencies 

such as the army, navy, police 

that make up the task force, 

with some of them alleging 

that truck drivers only resort 

to parking indiscriminately 

after bribing security agents 

on duty at any particular time. 

The allegation is that once a 

certain amount of money has 

been paid by the drivers, the 

security agents look the other 

way, while trucks are parked 

illegally, thus obstructing or 

disrupting the flow of traffic in 

the process. 

The feeling is that since past 

directives had repeatedly been 

enforced in the breach, what 

guarantee is there that a task 

force made up of operatives of 

the same security agencies will 

perform any better this time 

around? 


EU citizens angry at being denied voting 

rights in UK 

HUNDREDS of EU citizens 

trying to cast their vote for 

the European Parliament elections 

in the United Kingdom on Friday 

have been turned away because of 

administrative mistakes, a campaign 

group said. 

Britain was not supposed to be 

taking part in the elections for the 

European Parliament as it was due 

to leave the bloc on March 29. 

However, the rejection of the divorce 

deal that Prime Minister 

Theresa May struck with Brussels 

meant Brexit was delayed until 

October, requiring the vote to go 

ahead. 

Large numbers of EU nationals 

recounted on Twitter how they had 

arrived at polling stations to find 

their names had been crossed off 

the list of eligible voters, saying officials 

had failed to deal with the 

necessary forms in time. 

“I’m an EU citizen and registered 

to vote in time, but apparently my 

form saying that I was going to vote 

in the UK didn’t arrive before the 

deadline,” said Ana Clara Paniago. 

The UK’s election watchdog said 

if an EU citizen wanted to vote in 

Britain rather than their home state, 

they had to transfer their right to 

do so 12 days ahead of the poll. 

“We understand the frustration of 

some citizens of other EU member 

states, resident in the UK, who 

have been finding they are unable 

to vote today when they wish to do 

so,” the Electoral Commission said 

in a statement. 

“The very short notice from the 

government of the UK’s participation 

in these elections impacted on 

the time available for awareness of 

this process amongst citizens, and 

for citizens to complete the process.” 

The 3million group, which campaigns 

in Britain on behalf of EU 

citizens from the bloc’s other 27 

member states, said it had been 

contacted by hundreds of angry 

people who had been turned away 

when they tried to vote. 

Iran vows no surrender even if 

bombed by enemies 

IRAN will not surrender to US 

pressure and will never abandon 

its goals even if it is attacked, 

President Hassan Rouhani said on 

Thursday. 

Earlier in the day, Iran’s top military 

chief said the standoff between 

Tehran and Washington 

was a “clash of wills”, warning any 

enemy “adventurism” would meet 

a crushing response, the semi-official 

Fars news agency reported. 

Tensions are festering between 

the two countries after Washington 

sent more military hardware 

to the Middle East in a show of 

force against what US officials say 

are Iranian threats to its troops and 

interests in the region. 

After pulling out of Iran’s 2015 

nuclear deal with world powers, 

US President Donald Trump restored 

punishing American sanctions 

on Iran last year and tightened 

them this month, ordering 

all countries to halt imports of Iranian 

oil or face sanctions of their 

own. 

“More than one year after the 

imposition of these severe sanctions, 

our people have not bowed 

to pressures despite facing difficulties 

in their lives,” Rouhani was 

quoted by the state news agency 

IRNA as saying. 

Another 195 Nigerians return from Libya 

THE National Emergency 

Management Agency, 

NEMA, has received another 

batch of 195 stranded Nigerians 

from Libya. 

Idris Muhammed, Coordinator, 

Lagos Territorial Office, NEMA, 

who confirmed the development 

to journalists on Thursday in Ikeja, 

said this was the largest batch 

of voluntary returnees since the 

exercise began in April 2017. 

Mr Muhammed said the Nigerians 

arrived at the Cargo Wing 

of the Murtala Muhammed International 

Airport, Ikeja at 8.20 

p.m. on Wednesday aboard a 

chartered Al Buraq Air aircraft 

with registration number 5A- 

DMG SEB. 

He disclosed that they were the 

69th batch of returnees brought 

back by the International Organisation 

for Migration (IOM) and 

the European Union (EU) under 

the Assisted Voluntary Returnees 

(AVR) Programme. 

According to him, after profiling, 

the breakdown of the new 

returnees shows that they comprise 

of 71 female adults, 25 female 

children and 17 female infants. 

UN demands support for Cameroonian refugees 

By Ike Uchechukwu 

THE United Nations High 

Commission for Refugees, 

UNHCR, has appealed to security 

agencies in Cross River 

State to see the ‘refugees identity 

card’ as a valid means of identification 

and freedom of movement. 

Mr. Antonio Canhandula, the 

Commissions Country Representative 

to Nigeria and ECOWAS, 

stated this yesterday in Calabar 

during a courtesy call on the 

state Commissioner for International 

Development , Mr Francis 

Etta. 

Canhandula said the appeal 

became necessary following the 

attitude of some security agencies 

whenever they come across 

some Cameroonian refugees. 

Jammeh ordered execution of nine Nigerians in Gambia 

—Falana 

FEMI Falana, a senior ad 

vocate of Nigeria (SAN), 

says Yahya Jammeh, ousted 

Gambian president, ordered 

the execution of 50 persons, including 

nine Nigerians, in 

2005. 

In a statement yesterday, 

the human rights lawyer said 

his law firm had been able to 

BJP President Amit Shah and Indian Prime Minister Narendra 

Modi react after the election results in New Delhi, 

India, yesterday. 

identify Omozemoje Paul 

Enagameh as one of the Nigerians 

killed by the Jammeh 

regime. 

Following Jammeh’s removal, 

the Human Rights 

Watch and TRIAL International 

had revealed that a 

paramilitary unit controlled 

by Jammeh summarily executed 

Nigerians, Ghanaians 

and other West African migrants 

in July 2005.Gambian 

officials had told Human 

Rights Watch that the migrants, 

who were bound for 

Europe were suspected of being 

mercenaries intent on 

overthrowing Jammeh.They 

were murdered after being 

detained.

• 

42—Vanguard 

Vanguard, FRIDAY, MAY 24, , 2019 

BY HAROON-ISHOLA 

BALOGUN 

Various speakers at the Lekki 

Muslim Ummah, LEMU 

Quarterly Da'wah Workshop have 

offered several tips to avoid 

depression and other challenges 

of mental health. 

The Chief Imam of LEMU, 

Shaykh Ridwan Jamiu, Dr. Idowu 

Malomo, a foremost Psychiatrist 

and former Medical Director of 

Yaba Psychiatric Hospital; Hajia 

(Dr.) Mashudat Bello- 

AbdulMojeed, a Public Health 

Physician, Consultant 

Psychiatrist, as well as Barrister 

Habeeb Lawal, gave an insight into 

“Prophetic Medicine Solutions to 

Mental Health Issues”, adding 

that healthy living and stress-free 

lifestyles could help to maintain 

good mental health. 

The quarterly dawah of LEMU, 

a regular programme of Lekki 

Muslims was themed: Mental 

Health and Your faith, held 

recently in Lekki, Lagos. 

Shaykh Jamiu in his paper urged 

Muslims to always adopt a healthy 

lifestyle, never do harm to people, 

be loving and family-oriented; live 

life as it comes; be happy and keep 

good company. 

Quoting from the Holy Quran, 

Imam Jamiu said: “You who 

believe, intoxicants and gambling, 

idolatrous practices, and [divining 

with] arrows are repugnant acts – 

Satan’s doing – shun them so that 

you may prosper,’ Q5:90. 

“Do not kill yourselves; Allah is 

merciful to you,’ (Q4:29). 

‘Do not contribute to your 

destruction with your own hand, 

but do good, for Allah loves those 

who do good,’ (Q2:195). 

Dr Mashudat Bello- 

AbdulMojeed said mental health 

issue is common and rapidly 

increasing in recent times, ranging 

from anxiety to depression, drugs 

to alcoholism, internet and social 

network adversities, to 

dysfunctional family. Others 

Ramadan 19, 1440 A.H. 

Imam, exper 

xperts ts offer er tips against depression, 

mental health challenges 

•As Lekki Muslims hold dawah 

according to her, are increasing 

rate of violence, materialistic 

youth, body image issues and lifelong 

disabilities. 

“There is no time to waste in 

mitigating the consequences of 

mental health issues among 

adolescents/youths and the 

future leaders. Responding to the 

needs of the youth in an ever 

changing world of advanced 

technology/modernisation is 

everybody’s responsibility, 

Muslims in particular. 

Earlier, LEMU President, Alhaji 

Kamoru Omotosho said the rate 

of depression and other mental 

health challenges in the country 

is becoming alarming, adding that 

all hands must be on deck to 

reverse the situation. 

“This workshop is our own way 

of creating further awareness 

about the need for paying 

adequate attention to the mental 

health of Nigerians 

“The theme of today’s workshop, 

By Monsuru Olowoopejo 

IN order to maximize the 

blessing of Ramadan, 

Lagos Secretariat Community 

Central Mosque, LSCCM has 

tasked Muslims to imbibe the 

culture of generosity without 

limiting it to faith. 

The LSCCM Chairman, Dr. 

Tajudeen Afolabi, who gave the task 

at the yearly Ramadan lecture held 

in Ikeja recently, explained that the 

month was not set aside for fasting 

alone but to extend kindness to 

others which Islam preaches. 

“The month of Ramadan is the 

most sacred month of the year in 

Islamic calendar and Muslims 

should endeavour to fast, abstain 

from pleasures while engaging in 

other meritorious services that 

raise their status in the sight of 

Mental Health and Your Faith, 

could not have come at a better 

time. While Nigeria is in a 

depressive situation, courtesy of 

the growing economic malaise, 

intractable insecurity and other 

social maladies bedeviling her, 

various studies (including the 

recent one conducted by the 

World Bank) have revealed that 

no fewer than 22 per cent of 

Nigerians are suffering from chronic 

depression. Many are also being 

confronted by other mental health 

challenges. 

“If anything, the growing rate of 

suicide, homicide, drug addiction 

and other repercussions of 

depression in the country, lends 

credence to the worrisome mental 

health statistics. 

“Indications are that the 

situation might get worse over 

time if the socio-economic 

condition of the country remains 

debilitating, and no affirmative 

action is taken by the government 

to improve the mental health and 

general well-being of the citizenry. 

Ramadan: Lagos Secretariat Central 

Mosque tasks Muslims on charity 

Allah; and extend generosity to all.” 

Earlier, the guest speaker, Sheikh 

Habeebulah Agbabiaka, whose 

lecture was titled: Family life and 

leadership: Islamic perspectives, 

stressed that a model Islamic 

family must adhere strictly to 

Prophetic guidance. 

The cleric argued that the head of 

the family must possess good 

leadership qualities and also 

understand leadership roles in Islam 

in order to attain the desired success. 

“In every Muslim home, there 

must be a leader, which is the 

husband. Assisted by his wife, they 

must have the required knowledge 

of Islam so that they can instill its 

teaching in their children which 

would afford them the opportunity 

to achieve the ultimate success of 

this world and the hereafter.” 

BARKA JUMAH 

Goodness to humanity 

Life can only be perpetually joyous by the 

extension of your own goodness to humanity. 

At Ramadan, tiredness and hunger curb our 

ego but expand our humbleness. Hunger and 

prayers elicit true introspection and revision 

of our relationships with others; until we 

abandon fresh and needless arguments. 

Experiencing maturity and wisdom is the 

crowning glory of Ramadan. We accept being 

happy together than to be right alone! 

As we maintain the sanctity of our values, 

so do we honour Allah by doing good that 

teach us how to care for, and love one another. 

May we all by Allah's grace gain joyous 

satisfaction in life, and be happy together, 

forevermore. Happy jumat. Be Ramadan 

strong! ' —Dr Adewale Adeeyo, OON 

Islamic clerics blame politicians over 

negative messages on social media 

By Aliyu Dangida, Dutse 

FAMOUS Islamic scholars have blamed politicians over 

the increased spread of hate speeches and the circulation 

of fake news in the country. 

At the Ramadan lecture organised by the Nigerian Television 

Authority, NTA Dutse, Jigawa State, in conjunction with the 

Federal University Dutse, FUD with the theme: The spread of 

fake news and hate speech: the position of Islam, the guest 

speaker, Dr. Abubakar Sani Birnin Kudu said the social media 

is an influential platform that has become the strongest tool 

utilised by people to cause mischief in the society. 

Dr Abubakar who is also the Chief Imam of Dutse Central 

Mosque added that the global clamour for freedom of speech 

and freedom of expression is being utilised negatively such 

that everyone interprets freedom in a manner that suits him 

and gives him the chance to generate and spread his kind of 

misinformation.” 

He stated that “the abuse of this freedom is the subject of 

discussion all over the globe as it affects politics, religion, 

socio-economic life, ethnicity etc.”, adding that: “Lies are made 

to appear as normal decent and true stories.” 

He noted with dismay that hostile and hateful comments 

dominate the social media while dangerous messages 

spreading like wild fire have become the order of the day. 

The representative of the Jigawa State Governor, Alhaji Bala 

Ibrahim Mamser also blamed the proliferation of independent 

media houses that condone the perpetrators of such vice by 

giving them the platform to air their perceived freedom of 

expression views. 

He said the National Communication Commission, NCC in 

conjunction with the Nigerian Broadcasting Commission, NBC 

must clamp down on any defaulting media house or media 

platform used in the propagation of either hate or fake news 

to serve as a deterrent to others. 

Also at the event, the Vice-Chancellor of FUD, Prof. Fatima 

Batul Mukhtar admonished the NTA to propagate more, the 

message against hate speech. 

*From left: The Chief Imam of Lekki Central Mosque, Shaykh Ridwan Jamiu, 

former Medical Director, Yaba Psychiatric Hospital, Dr. Idowu Malomo, and 

the President of the Lekki Muslim Ummah, LEMU, Dr. Kamoru Omotosho at 

the LEMU Quarterly Da'wah Workshop held in Lekki, Lagos, recently. 

*From left: Senior Consultant, Psychiatrist and Guest Lecturer, Dr. Mashudat 

Bello-Mojeed, Consultant Physician, Dr. Ganiya Oyeleke, Alhaja Rihanat 

Olagunju, and Amirah of the Lekki Muslim Ummah, LEMU, Alhaja Sharifah 

Andu at the LEMU Quarterly Da'wah Workshop held in Lekki, Lagos, recently.

THREE airlines have 

been approved by the 

Presidency for 2019 Hajj 

operations. They are Max Air 

Limited, Medview Airlines Plc, 

and FlyNas of Saudi Arabia. 

During an Airlift Signing 

Agreement held Monday, 

20th May, 2019 at the Nigerian 

Hajj Commission’s Head Office, 

Sokoto House, Abuja, the 

Chairman of the Commission, 

Barrister Abdullahi Mukhtar 

Muhammad enjoined the 

approved air carriers to 

discharge their responsibilities 

diligently to pilgrims who are 

sole sponsors of the contract 

for the airlift. Therefore, they 

owe Almighty Allah, the 

pilgrims, and the Commission 

a moral responsibility to serve 

to the best of their abilities. 

While declaring that there is 

no room for failure in the Hajj 

exercise, the NAHCON 

helmsman, Barrister 

Muhammad charged the 

airline operators to liaise with 

the necessary security 

agencies in ensuring safety and 

security of pilgrims under the 

best possible comfortable 

manner. They were reminded 

that intending pilgrims are 

international travellers; 

therefore, they must be 

accorded same standard and 

quality service as any 

international client. 

The chairman reiterated that 

the desire of any pilgrim after 

the Hajj exercise is early return 

to the country along with their 

luggage and Zamzam water; 

hence, they must not 

compromise on the standard 

set by the Commission on 

luggage dispatch. 

Similarly, the carriers must 

scrutinise their staff to 

guarantee that only honest 

persons are assigned tasks of 

dealing with pilgrims so as to 

avoid being compromised by 

Ramadan 19, 1440 A.H. 

Pilgrims are sponsors of your contract, NAHCON 

boss tells approved airlines 

•Signs airlift agreement with three coys 

•Medview gets 14.1%, Max Air 51% of total pilgrims 

•Flynas to airlift Lagos, six other states, FCT 

miscreants. 

Barrister Mukhtar tasked them 

to review past operations and 

address observed lapses as a 

team. 

In his acceptance speech, Chief 

Munir Bankole, Chief Executive 

Officer of Medview Airlines 

thanked the Commission and 

declared their total commitment 

to the dutiful discharge of the 

task ahead whose significance 

they all are well aware of. He 

prayed to God for a hitch-free 

2019 Hajj exercise. 

Also present at the signing 

agreement are representatives 

of Max Air led by CEO, Alhaji 

Bashir B. Mangal and 

representatives of FlyNas in 

Lagos umrah pilgrims depart t for 

Madinah 

THE Umrah pilgrims from 

Lagos State, Wednesday 

left Murtala Muhammed Airport 

for the Holy land, in Saudi 

Arabia for the lesser hajj rites. 

The pilgrims were conveyed 

by two air carriers – Etihad and 

Emirate, departing 9am and 

12noon respectively. 

The Board Secretary, Mr. 

Ishola Rahman who before their 

departure briefed the 

management team of the Lagos 

State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare 

Board on the calendar for this 

year's lesser hajj operation, 

added that adequate information 

regarding the rites had been 

passed to the pilgrims. 

“We have taken time out to 

organise a one day seminar for 

the pilgrims where all the dos 

and don’ts of Umrah had been 

taught and to ensure that no one 

falls victim of the laws of the holy 

land.” 

The Chairman of the Board, Dr. 

person of Yasser Ajlan and 

others who flew in from Saudi 

Arabia. 

Meanwhile, Max Air has been 

allocated 51.00% slot for 

pilgrims airlift from Adamawa, 

Bauchi, Benue, Borno, Gombe, 

Jigawa, Kano, Katsina, Kwara, 

Nasarawa, Niger, Plateau, 

Taraba and Kogi. 

Medview has a 14.00% 

allocation of pilgrims from 

Akwa Ibom, Cross River, Delta, 

Ebonyi, Ekiti, Enugu, Kaduna, 

Ogun, Ondo, Yobe, Abia, Imo, 

Anambra, Bayelsa, Rivers and 

Armed Forces. Flynas is 

charged with transportation of 

35.00% of pilgrims from 

Sokoto, Oyo, Osun, Edo, Kebbi, 

Lagos and Zamfara states and 

the FCT. 

Tajudeen Yusuf warned 

pilgrims against all banned and 

contraband items and 

cautioned them against excess 

luggage pointing out that 

pilgrims are only entitled to 

two 23 kg bags with 10kg hand 

luggage. 

Dr. Tajudeen urged the 

pilgrims to keep their property 

and travelling document safe. 

He also analysed the major 

differences between Umrah 

and Hajj, adding that both 

provide opportunity for spiritual 

prayers, requests and 

thanksgiving at the most 

respected Islamic nation in the 

world. 

The board Chairman further 

enjoined the pilgrims to pray 

for the Lagos State Government, 

both incumbent and incoming. 

The pilgrims are expected 

back to the country on June 6 

or 7, 2019. 

"Vanguard, 

FRIDAY MAY 24, 2019—43 

NAHCON’s successful walk 

through hajj fare mine 

BY MOUSA UBANDAWAKI 

When the Saudi Arabia Government announced the introduction 

of new taxes in December 2018, only very few people were left 

with the notion that there would be an increment in 2019 Hajj fare. 

As the saying goes, when Saudi sneezes, all the Muslim world 

catches cold,especially when it’s a matter concerning Hajj. Thus, the 

Muslim global community rose up in protest against the move, which 

would not only affect the locals but also the ripple effect it would have 

on cost of services. 

And before anyone could say Jack Robinson, the Kingdom through 

the Ministry of Hajj, announced increment in the cost of transportation 

services to the Hajjis thereby giving credence to the notion that the 

cost of Hajj will go up. 

Many countries have decried the Saudi Government approach to 

exploring Hajj and Umrah, both religious obligations of Muslims, for 

commercial purposes. They viewed the idea as an attempt to cut down 

the number of pilgrims making it to Hajj, thereby making it impossible 

for an average Muslim to perform his /her religious duties. 

One of the backlashes of the Saudi decision was the protest march 

in Cameroon where the country’s Islamic Association denounced the 

increase in Hajj expense in the country. It took the intervention of the 

country’s Minister of Territorial Administration, Paul Atanga to pacify 

and assuage the concerns of the Muslims in the country explaining 

that the cause of the increase in the nation’s Hajj fare was due to Saudi 

Government's increase cost of transportation from 360 to 650 Riyal. 

In Nigeria, even long before the the announcement of the 2019 Hajj 

fare, rumours and speculations were rife that there would be 

astronomical increase in the Hajj fare. In fact, there were already 

mounting storm that intending pilgrims would pay through their noses. 

This, perhaps, might have explained why some unscrupulous social 

media platforms posted an outrageous figure of N1.8 million (One 

million, eight hundred thousand Naira) as 2019 Hajj fare even when 

the Commission had not deliberated or concluded on the Hajj package. 

This fake leak exposes one thing: to cause disaffection among the 

Muslims against both the Commission and Government. Fortunately, 

it missed the mark as the Commission was not only able to retain last 

year’s fare but in some cases, reduced the price considerably. 

How then was the Commission able to achieve that feat in spite of 

the prevailing price increment in Saudi or what was the magic? 

One of the devices used by the Commission which has since proven 

to be a master stroke is upholding the tactics of negotiating directly 

with the landlords instead of through proxies. The second is signing a 

pre-contract agreement with service providers before the Hajj season 

kicks off which can be likened to putting a hot knife in butter. 

It should be pointed out that the Commission's Technical or 

NegotiatingTeam in collaboration with with the state's Chief Executive 

Secretaries met with Makkah Landlords. The nine-member committee 

headed by Alhaji Yusuf Adebayo Ibrahim, the Commissioner in 

charge of Policy/Personnel Management and Finance, PPMF, 

negotiated the accommodation rate for 32 states in Makkah where it 

succeeded in getting lower rates for 28 states and retained the old 

rates for three states. 

The team recorded the same feat in Madina where it was also able to 

persuade the accommodation providers, Al-Andalus Company, Elyas 

Company and Al-Zuhdy , to suspend the implementation of the service 

charge, thereby giving the Commission a leverage to pay the same as 

last year. Thus while the Cameroonian Government has agreed to 

subsidize its pilgrims to ameliorate the effects of the imposition of 

service tax and hike in transportation,the National Hajj Commission 

of Nigeria employed its ingenuity to mitigate the spiral effect on the 

Hajj fare. Similarly, the Commission's approach to engaging the 

airlines on a long-term contract to lock down the airline has also paid 

off. It ensured that the airlines and the Commission maintained the 

status quo against the backdrop of no shock increase in cost of service in 

the Aviation industry. The upholding of the status quo had helped to 

stabilise the fare to the consternation of many Nigerians especially the 

cynics and critiques of the Commission who were ready to pounce on 

the announcement of Hajj fare above what was paid last year even 

when it was crystal clear that such hike was not from the Commission. 

Now with states announcing their fare for 2019 Hajj, pilgrims can 

heave a sigh of relief and be well pleased that the Commission has 

been able to mitigate the spiralling cost of Hajj fare and thus, able to 

take the knife off the throat of many state governors some of who would 

have been forced to cough out additional money to augment the cost of 

Hajj in their respective states at this austere time. 

Ubandawaki is of Information and Publication Unit of NAHCON, Abuja. 

*Cross section of the Al-manar Women Association, AMWA, at the 13th Annual Ramadan Lecture in 

Kaduna recently. PHOTOS: OLU AJAYI 

Ikhwatul-Islam society holds memorial 

Ramadan lecture 

IKHWATUL- 

Islam 

Society of Nigeria held 

Ramadan lecture in memory of 

its late President, Alhaji Ismail 

Adesumbo Ileyemi who died 

on April 10, 2018. 

The lecture which took place 

at Olorunsogo Central Mosque, 

Agege Motor Road, Mushin 

last Sunday, was delivered by 

the Chief Imam, Federal High 

Court, Lagos, Sheikh Ismail 

Abdul Quadri Shiginy with the 

topic: Enduring Charity; An 

Islamic Prescription for Poverty 

Alleviation.


BRIEFING: From 

left; Leader of the 

Transition Committee 

of the Oyo State 

governor-elect, 

Senator Hosea 

Agboola; Chairman of 

the Joint Committee/ 

Secretary to the State 

Government, Mr 

Olalekan Alli and 

member of the 

committee/Special 

Adviser on Efficiency 

to the Governor, Dr 

Isaac Ayandele at a 

press conference to 

herald the transition 

activities in the 

governor's office, 

Ibadan yesterday. 

Police launch 

Operation Puff 

Adder in Lagos 

By Victor Arjiromanus & 

Adetutu Ajetumobi 

LAGOS—THE Lagos State 

Police Command, yesterday, 

launched Operation Puff Adder 

in the state with a view to 

combating robbery, kidnapping, 

and other crime related activities. 

Addressing journalists at the 

Command headquarters, 

yesterday, the Commissioner of 

Police, Mr. Zubairu Muazu, 

explained that the operation was 

aimed at reclaiming the public 

space that has been taken over 

by criminals. 

He said that the operatives 

were charged to ensure zero 

tolerance to all forms of 

criminality and deal decisively 

with criminal elements in Lagos 

State. 

The Police boss, however, urged 

officers, involved in the operation, 

to discharge their duties within 

the ambits of the law. 

Muazu said: “Today marks 

another milestone in the history 

of policing in Lagos State. We are 

here to witness a renewed vigour 

and determination of the 

Command to tackle the security 

challenges confronting our dear 

state. Of great concern are cases 

of cultism, traffic robbery, youth 

gangsterism and murder. 

“We are launching the special 

operation introduced by the 

Inspector General of Police, 

Mohammed Adamu Abubakar. 

“Tough times await those who 

choose the path of crime in the 

state. We will take the battle to 

their doorstep. With the support 

of the good people of Lagos 

state, we will rid the state off 

criminal elements." 

:Vanguard 

News 

:@vanguardnews :@vanguardnews NEWS HOTLINES: 08052867023, 08052867058 

Unpaid Pension: Govs use LG funds as 

pocket money, S’West pensioners allege 

•Threaten legal action against governors 

By Dayo Johnson 

AKURE — RETIREES in the 

South West geo-political 

zone, under the auspices of the 

Nigeria Union of Pensioners, 

NUP, yesterday, threatened to 

drag the 36 state governors to 

court over their failure to pay 

accumulated arrears of gratuities 

and pension in the country. 

They blamed failure of the state 

governors to pay their gratuities 

and pension regularly on “the 

reckless spending on 

humongous salaries and 

….As NLC gives Oyo govt 24-hour ultimatum on 

workers’ welfare 

By Ola Ajayi 

IBADAN — SIX days to the 

swearing-in of a new 

administration in Oyo State, 

leadership of the Nigeria 

Labour Congress, NLC, in the 

state has given the state 

government a 24-hour 

ultimatum to meet its numerous 

demands; else members of the 

union will down tools. 

It said the 24-hour ultimatum 

will lapse by12am on Friday 

after which the union will 

embark on strike. 

The state chairman, Mr. Bayo 

Titilola-Sodo, who expressed 

the union’s approval of the 

recent initiative by the Federal 

Government on the Nigeria 

Financial Intelligence Unit on 

court on 18 counts charge of 

conspiracy, unlawful enrichment, 

retention of proceeds crime and 

money laundering. 

The defendants are standing 

trial before Justice Rilwan 

Aikawa. 

They were re-arraigned on 

May 15, and had both pleaded 

not guilty to all the charges. The 

court granted them bail in the sum 

of N10million each, with two 

sureties in like sum. 

At the resumed hearing in the 

allowances of political office 

holders.” 

They promised to approach the 

court “in the next two months to 

test the provisions of the 1999 

Constitution (as amended) if it is 

lawful or not to owe them their 

entitlements.” 

Addressing newsmen at the end 

of their zonal meeting in Akure, 

the South West Zonal Chairman 

of NUP, Chief Ayo Kumapayi and 

the spokesperson Olusegun 

Abatan said the court option was 

to compel them to pay. 

Kumapayi said: “The legal 

action became imperative in view 

local government allocations, 

said without mincing words that 

no governor should complain 

about not being able to pay the 

newly approved minimum 

wage of N30,000. 

A statement jointly signed by 

the NLC secretary, Mohammed 

Ibrahim and the secretary of 

Joint Negotiating Council, 

Lukman Balogun, noted that 

immediate payment of at least 

one month salary arrears to 

affected local government 

workers could make the union 

rescind its decision on the 

strike. 

The statement reads: “The 

state government should pay 

the remaining arrears of salary 

to health workers under the 

umbrella of JOHESU and 

immediate enhancement of 

security within the state 

ALLEGED FRAUD: Ofili-Ajumogobia’s trial adjourned till May 31 

By Innocent Anaba 

LAGOS — A Federal High 

Court sitting in Lagos, 

yesterday, adjourned till May 31, 

for hearing of a motion by 

embattled judge of the Federal 

High Court, Justice Rita Ofili- 

Ajumogobia, challenging her trial 

before the court. 

The Economic and Financial 

Crimes Commission, EFCC, 

charged Ofili-Ajumogobia and 

Godwin Obla, SAN, before the 

matter, yesterday, Chief Robert 

Clarke, SAN, who appeared for 

the first defendant, informed the 

court of a preliminary objection 

challenging the court’s 

jurisdiction to entertain the 

charge against Ajumogobia had 

been filed. 

Counsel argued that the first 

defendant had not being 

dismissed as a judge of the 

Federal High Court since there 

were no gazette evidencing her 

said dismissal. 

of the rising cases of sick and 

dead 

pensioners 

unceremoniously as a result of 

unpaid entitlements by the state 

governments of Ogun, Lagos, 

Ekiti, Oyo, Osun and Ondo as 

well as other parts of the country. 

“Humongous salaries and 

allowances of public office holders 

especially senators and House 

Representatives members who 

take home N13million and 

N14million monthly need to be 

reviewed, how can those people 

wbe collecting such huge money 

in a country where 80% are 

battling to meet daily meal.” 

hospital, at ring road, Ibadan. 

“If all the above demands are 

not met within 24 hours, the 

leadership of all union in the 

Public Service in Oyo State 

shall not be able to guarantee 

industrial peace and harmony 

in the state with effect from 

May 24, 2019.” 

LAGOS — THE Lagos State 

government, yesterday, said 

that no Non-Governmental 

Organisation, NGO, was 

engaged in the recent vaccination 

against polio campaign in the 

state. 

It described as untrue reports 

that an unidentified NGO has 

been going round public schools 

to undermine the just-concluded 

programme by administering 

vaccines that could compromise 

the health of pupils. 

It said the Lagos State Primary 

Health Care Board, LSPHCB, 

vaccination campaign was carried 

out by the National Primary 

Health Care Development 

Agency, NPHCDA, Lagos State 

Ministry of Health and LSPHCB, 

in partnership with the World 

Health Organisation (WHO), 

United Nations Children Fund 

(UNICEF), CDC-AFENET and 

Rotary International. 

In a statement by the 

Permanent Secretary, LSPHCB, 

Fulanisation agenda: 

Obasanjo spoke 

the minds of 

Southerners 

— BODE GEORGE 

By Dapo Akinrefon 

L Deputy 

AGOS—FORMER 

National 

Chairman of the Peoples 

Democratic Party, PDP, Chief 

Olabode George, yesterday, 

said those castigating former 

President Olusegun Obasanjo 

over insecurity in the country 

are blinded by the perks of 

positions they currently enjoy. 

Addressing newsmen at his 

Ikoyi office, George said 

suggestions that Obasanjo hates 

the Fulani people is false, stating 

that the former President handed 

over to a Fulani man in 1979 

against the expectations of his 

Yoruba kinsmen, who felt he 

should have handed over to late 

Chief Obafemi Awolowo. 

Describing the statement 

credited to the former Governor 

of Jigawa State, Alhaji Sule 

Lamido, that Obasanjo should 

not turn himself into a bigot 

because of his ‘disagreement’ 

with the current administration, 

George said Lamido erred with 

such statements against his 

former boss. 

George said: “Things have 

never been this bad in this 

country and the way that we are 

going about it is creating 

unnecessary division. 

“What is our problem as 

Nigerians? When Obasanjo left 

office as military head of state in 

1979, a lot of Yoruba people 

blacklisted him saying he should 

have handed over to Pa Awolowo 

instead of a Fulani man. There 

was no name that he was not 

called but Obasanjo is a 

straightforward person. 

“Recently, Obasanjo made a 

comment as an observation that 

things are not going right in this 

country. The incursion of 

herdsmen is disturbing and he 

spoke the mind of many 

southerners especially farmers. 

He is also a farmer and a lot 

of farmers are complaining 

bitterly that their farms are 

being ravaged." 

Polio vaccination: LASG debunks 

allegations of sabotage 

Dr. Tayo Lawal, said: “As a state, 

we laud the contributions of these 

development and supporting 

partners as well as NGOs who 

have over time through their 

various volunteering efforts 

helped to maintain a ‘polio-free 

status’ for the State and have 

continued to intensify advocacy 

and awareness against the 

childhood killer disease by 

putting vast resources into this 

noble cause.” 

Restating government’s 

commitment to sustain 

partnership with well-meaning 

organisations, development 

partners and NGOs to kick out 

polio, Dr. Lawal assured that 

another round of polio 

vaccination campaigns will hold 

in June and July with the support 

of the implementation partners. 

He said: “In fact, WHO 

recommends that all children 

below the age of five years get 

this vaccine for protection 

against polio.”


Ramadan season is a time 

of spiritual exercise that no 

doubt has its many health 

benefits. The least benefit 

according the saying that your 

digestive engine will rest and 

thank God for at least 28 days in 

a year. 

Information available to 

Homemakers confirms the many 

health benefits of fasting. From 

increased weight loss, to better 

brain function and many others. 

It is also said that fasting may 

improve blood sugar control, 

which could be especially useful 

for those at risk of diabetes. 

Fasting can help decrease levels 

of inflammation and help promote 

better health. It is also one of the 

most effective ways to reduce your 

risk of heart disease. 

Fasting may also help relieve 

inflammation, it could also aid in 

preventing neurodegenerative 

disorders. 

Fasting was found to be more 

effective than calorie restriction at 

increasing fat loss while 

simultaneously preserving 

muscle tissue. It could naturally 

increase Human Growth 

Hormone, HGH levels which is 

a type of protein hormone that is 

central to many aspects of your 

health. 

Fasting is said also to be effective 

in increasing longevity and 

survival rates and may benefit the 

treatment and prevention of 

cancer. 

However, despite the long list 

of possible health benefits 

associated with fasting, it may only 

benefit your family if as 

homemakers you carefully plan 

and inculcate nutritious diet and 

healthy lifestyle this season. 

Have well balanced meals 

Make sure each of the two 

meals include complex carbs, 

high fiber food and protein rich 

foods. These well balanced meals 

will help you replenish your 

energy. 

Drink plenty of fluids. You can 

also do this by eating water dense 

fruits or soups. The goal is to 

consume the equivalent of 8 cups 

of water to avoid dehydration. 

Cut down on processed foods 

and those with refined carbs such 

as sugar and white flour. They 

don’t have much nutrients and 

will not give you the energy and 

nutrition your body 

craves. 

Break your fast with dates and 

water. It is said that an average 

serving of dates has 31 grams of 

Ramadan Season: Your family 

health, your priority 

carbs. This will give you the right 

amount of energy after a long day 

of fasting. Dates have high levels 

of fiber for digestion, and are 

packed with potassium, 

magnesium and Vitamin B. 

Aside dates that is available 

everywhere, Watermelon, 

pawpaw, cucumber, banana are 

good for your family body system 

this season. Avoid buying too 

many at a go because of 

preservation and for the reason of 

hike in prices. You may not need 

to eat it as full meal if you are not 

vegetarian. Just make sure each 

member of your family has a 

portion while breaking the fast or 

at the start of the fast in the 

morning. 

Despite health 

benefits associated 

with fasting, it may 

only benefit your 

family if as 

homemakers you 

plan and inculcate 

healthy lifestyle this 

season 

LASCOPA launches surveillance on unwholesome, 

expired products 

... urges consumers to do a proper check on products before purchase 

As part of efforts to 

eliminate the display and 

sale of unwholesome products 

particularly at the various major 

stores in the State, the Lagos 

State Consumer Protection 

Agency (LASCOPA) has 

commenced aggressive 

inspection of products in 

supermarkets. 

The inspection team was led 

by the General Manager of 

LASCOPA Mrs. Kemi 

Olugbode with the monitoring 

of outlets of supermarkets in 

Lagos. 

In the course of the exercise, 

the team discovered some 

expired butter, fruits and 

vegetables displayed with other 

products on sale in stores in 

Victoria Island and Adeniran 

Ogunsanya in Surulere and 

immediately swung into action 

by ensuring the immediate 

removal of the products and also 

sealing the shelves containing 

the expired products. 

According to the General 

Manager, the inspection 

became imperative following 

complaints by consumers that 

some major supermarkets and 

retail stores are selling expired 

products. 

She stressed that display and 

sale of expired or unwholesome 

products are unacceptable in the 

State, adding that LASCOPA 

would not hesitate to take 

necessary actions against 

violators of its regulatory law. 

The General Manager listed 

the functions of the Agency to 

include ensuring that consumers 

are protected from the purchase 

of all forms of unwholesome 

products and also get redress 

from infringements. 

She urged consumers to do a 

proper check on products and 

get the right information before 

making purchases while also 

urging them to report any sales 

outlets or supermarkets that 

indulge in the sale of 

unwholesome or expired 

products. 

CONSUMER WATCH A place that makes you plan ahead 

Items Prices Items 

Prices 

Items Prices 

Basket of Tomatoes N15,000 - N17,000 

A bag of Pepper (Rodo) N15,000 - N17,000 

A bag of Long pepper N15,000 - N17,000 

A bag of Onions (white) N12,000 - N14, 000 

A bag of Onions (Red) N9, 000 - N11, 000 

50kg of long grain Rice N16,000 - N16,500 

A derica of long grain Rice N250 - N300 

50kg of short grain Rice. N15,000 - N15,500 

A derica of short grain Rice N250 

A crate of eggs N1,000 - N1,100 

A bag of Olotu beans N14,000 - N38,000 

A bag of Oloyin N15,000 - N20,000 

A bag of Yam Flour (Elubo) N63, 000 - N69,000 

A bag of Garri (Yellow) N5,000 - N8,000 

A paint bucket 

N400 

A bag of Ijebu Gari N5,000 - N8,000 

A paint bucket 

N500 

25 Litres of Vegetable Oil N10,500 - N11, 000 

10Litres N5,500 - N6000 

25 Litres of Palm Oil N9,000 - N9,500 

5Litres of Palm Oil N1,900 - N2,000 

Salt N50 - N200 

Noodles- 70g N1,900 - N2,200 

Spaghetti (1packet) N180 - N200 

Macaroni(1packet) N180 - N200 

Semovita (10kg) N2,800 - N3,000 

Pampers (cartons of 8) N3,400 

Seasonings N100 - N500 

Tomato paste (2,200g) N1200 - N1500 

Tomato paste (Medium) N550 - N700 

Tomato paste(small) 

N150-N350 

Tomato sachet (a roll) 

N230 

Pack of toilet roll (48pieces) N1500-N1,800 

A Satchet of milk 

N25-N50 

A Sachet of beverage 

N40-N50 

Toothpaste 

N50-N300 

5 Litres of Kerosine N1,100 

12.5kg. Cooking gas N3, 700 

Yam (1 tuber). N400- N1,000 

Ugu Leaf (a bundle) N3, 000 – N4, 000 

A dozen of tied Ugu Leaf N7,50, 

Moin-Moin Leaf (a dozen) N800-1,000, 

1 pack- N150 

Carton Titus ice Fish N19,000 

1 Carton of Kote ice fish N14,500 

1 Carton of Sawa iced Fish N10, 000, 1Kg-N600


CLEMENT 

My name was written as 

Wnowi Osondu Clement, 

instead of my correct name, 

Anowi Osondu Clement. 

Former documents remain 

valid. General public please 

take note. 

UGWU 

I, formerly known as Ugwu 

Virginia .C., now wish to be 

known as Ezeora Virginia .C. 



take note. 

UDOKA 

I, formerly known as Miss 

Cindy Collins Udoka, now 

wish to be known as Mrs. 

Cindy Emmanuel Okon. 



take note. 

PETERS 

My name was written as Peters 

Taiwo Odebiyi, instead of Peter 

Taiwo Odebunmi Odebiyi, my 

new and complete name. All 

former documents remain 

valid. First Bank Plc, NIMC 

and general public please take 

note. 

OWOLABI 

This is to hereby notify Access 

bank and General public that 

the name Safiriyu Owolabi and 

Owolabi Safiriyu Olatunde 

refer to one and the same me. 

All documents remain valid. 

General public please take 

note. 

OPARA 

I, formerly known as Opara 

Nkeiru Eberechi, now wish to 

be known as Nwanorue 

Eberechi Nkeiru Odinakachi. 

All former documents remain 

valid. General public should 

please take note. 

ONWUZURIKE 


Onwuzurike Jacinta, now 


Nwankwo Jacinta. All former 

documents remain valid. 


note. 

OGBU 


Ogbu Caroline Nsarum, now 


Philip-Ede Caroline Nsarum. 


valid, general public please. 

IDOROYEN 

This is to certify that 

Frankokon Mercy Idoroyen, 

Frankokon Mercy Idoroyen 

and Frank Idoroyen Mercy is 

one and the same person, now 

wish to be known as Miss Frank 

Idoroyen Mercy. Former 


Banks,NYSC and general public 

take note 

EKWALE 


Ekwale 

Lauretta 

Emruobowasa, now wish to be 

known as Mrs. Ufuoma Disi 

Lauretta Emruobowasa. All 



take note. 

IBEZIM 

I, formerly known as Ibezim 

Ndubuisi Peter, now wish to 

be known as Albert Ndubuisi 

Peter. Former documents 

remain valid. General public 


AGYEWO 

I, formerly known as Abah 

Agyewo Isaac, now wish to 

remove Agyewo, to be known 

as Abah Isaac. Former 



note. 

AVIL 

I, formerly known as Gerald 

Avil Onuwa, now wish to be 

known as Onuwa Gerald 

Madu. Former documents 

remain valid. Access Bank 

and general public please take 

note. 

IYANDA-OSHODI 

I, formerly addressed as 

Iyanda-Oshodi Raheemat 

Feyisara, now wish to be 

known as Iyanda Feyisara 

Niniola. All former documents 

remain valid. GTB and the 

general public to take note. 

TORIOLA 


Toriola Olamide Gloria, now 

wish to be known as Mrs 

Muritala Olamide Gloria. All 



take note. 

ADETUNJI 


Adetunji Oluwatosin 

Moyosola, now wish to be 

known as Mrs Famodile 

Oluwatosin Moyosola. All 




OSABOHIEN 

I, formerly known as 

Osabohien Mabel Dumebi, 

now wish to be known as 

Akowa Mabel Dumebi. All 



take note. 

OKORONKWO 


Okoronkwo Kelechi 

Christian, now wish to be 

known as Sampson Christian 

Kelechi . All former 

documents remain valid, 

general public please. 

OKEWU 

I, formerly known as Okewu 

Giftedhearted Patrick, now 

wish to be known as Enaturu 

Giftedhearted Patrick. All 



take note. 

OSINANNA 

I, formerly known as Ebirim 

Godspower Daniel Osinanna, 


Ebirim Daniel Chukwudi. All 



take note. 

AKEEB 


Akeeb Waliyat Oluwatosin, 


Mrs. Adefiranye Waliyat 

Oluwatosin. Former 



note. 

OKONKWO 


Melody Adaeze Okonkwo, 


Mrs. Melody Adaeze Ofoha. 


valid. Banks, concerned 

institutions and general public 


NWANKWO 

I, formerly known as Nwankwo 

Ogechi Eucharia, now wish to be 

known as Ugoala Ogechi Eucharia. 

My BVN registration with 

Diamond/Access Bank Plc and all 

documents bearing my former name 

remain valid. Diamond/Access Bank 

and general public please take note. 

NWOSU 


Obianuju Uchenna Nwosu, 


Mrs Obianuju Uchenna 

Nwaozoh. Former documents 

remain valid. Banks 

and General public take note. 

OKOYE 

I, formerly known as Okoye 

Chinenye Grace, now wish to 

be known as Okonkwor 

Chinenye Grace. All former 



note. 

UKHUREBOR 


Ukhurebor Isaac Ekata, now 

wish to be known as Abel 

Isaac Ekata. All former 



note. 

TAYLOR 

I, formerly known as Alero 

Blessing Taylor, now wish to 

be known as Alero Blessing 

Ijeghede. All former 



note. 

OKON 


Okon Dorcas Itohowo 

Anietie, now wish to be 

known as Mrs. Arhagba 

Dorcas Itohowo 

Ogheneochuko . All former 

documents remains valid, 

general public please. 

ERIENO 


Erieno Orezimena Victory, 


Mrs. Morka Orezimena 

Victory. All former 



note. 

ONYEKA 


Onyeka Hannah Evuline, now 


Onyeka Hannah Akpelu. All 



take note. 

TAKURE 


Toritseju Oluwafunmilola 

Takure, now wish to be 

known as Mrs. Toritseju 

Oluwafunmilola Oyor. 



take note. 

RAFAT 

I, formerly known as Usman 

Arinola Rafat, now wish to 

be known as Arinola Olajide 

Usman. Former documents 



ANIZOBA 


Anizoba Ifeyinwa Jacinta, 


Mrs Ibe Ifeyinwa Jacinta. All 



take note. 

LAWAL OD 


Rukayat Oluwakemi Lawal, 

now wish to be known as Mrs 

Rukayat Oluwakemi Fashina. 



take note. 

OKELE 


Okele Linda Jennifer, now 


Onyenwe Linda Jennifer. All 




EBHOHIMEN 


Augustina Osose 

Ebhohimen, now wish to be 

known as Augustina Osose 

Isesele. All former documents 



YOUNGE 

I, formerly known as Younge 

David, now wish to be known 

as Olaniyi Younge David. All 



take note. 

ONYEDINMA 


Onyedinma Joy Chizaram, 


Anaba Livingjoy Chizaram. 


valid, general public please. 

UGBOKA 


Marvis Efemena Ugboka, 


Mrs. Marvis Efemena Edafe- 

Eligbo. All former documents 



UWAZURUONYE 


Ifeoma Rita Uwazuruonye, 


Mrs Ifeoma Rita Opara. All 



take note. 

ADEBOYE 


Adeboye Fasilat Rebecca, 


Mrs. Lawal Fasilat Rebecca. 



take note. 

AGWONIGHO 

I, formerly known as Agwonigho 

Victoria Oghenekome, Gomenti 

Victoria Oghenekome, Gomenti- 

Kingsley Victoria Oghenekome, now 

wish to be known as Mrs. Okele 

Victoria Oghenekome. Former 

documents remain valid. General 

public please take note. 

ADEJOH 


Adejoh Ruth, now wish to be 

known as Mrs Ewere 

Solomon Ruth. All former 



note. 

ANYANWU 


Anyanwu Ngozi, now wish 

to be known as Abiakalam 

Ngozi Jennifer. All former 

documents remains valid, Eco 

bank PLC and general public 


NNEJI 

I, formerly known as Nneji 

Uchenna Patrick, now wish 

to be known as Okoro 

Uchenna Patrick. All former 


General public should please 

take note. 

NNAMDI 

I, formerly known as Nnamdi 

Ugochukwu Goodluck, now 

wish to be known as Nnadi 

Ugochukwu Goodluck. All 



take note. 

IKWENU 


Ikwenu Erica Evewero, now 


Mukoro Erica Evewero. All 


valid. General public take 

note. 

BRAID 

My name was wrongly 

captured in my BVN as Braid 

Ibinabo. My correct name is 

Braide Ibinabo Mac. All 

former documents remains 

valid, Banks and general 

public please. 

NOBERT 

I, formerly known as Agom 

Opone Nobert, now wish to 

be known as Augustine 

Chukwumah Agom. All 



take note. 

OGUNSUYI 


Ngozi Isiriosa Ogunsuyi, now 


Ngozi Isiriosa Aibangbee. All 



take note. 

UBADINMA 


Ubadinma Oluchi Roseline, 


Mrs. Uzochukwu Oluchi 

Roseline. Former documents 



EJINDU 


Amarachi Agwu Ejindu, now 


Amarachi Jombo Nwaogburu. 



take note. 

NGOR 

I, formerly known as Ngor 

Ewere Solomon, now wish to 

be known as Solomon Ewere- 

Ngozi. All former documents 



UCHE 


Uche 

Prisca 

Ekenechukwu, now wish to 

be known as Mrs. Chigbo 

Prisca Ekenechukwu. All 



take note. 

IKPA 

I, formerly known as Miss Ikpa 

Vivian Ezinne Chioma, now 

wish to be known as Mrs Kalu 

Vivian Ezinne Chioma. All 




OWODUNNI-BANJO 


Owodunni-Banjo Adenike 

Oluwatoyin, now wish to be 

known as Owodunni Adenike 

Oluwatoyin. All former 



note. 

ONUOHA 


Miss Ogechi Joy Onuoha, 


Mrs. Ogechi Joy Sunday. All 


valid, general public please 

take note. 

STELLA 

I, formerly known as Stella 

Oritsegbubemi Stella and/or 

Okpoziakpo Stella, now wish 

to be known as Okpoziakpo 

Gbubemi Stella. All former 

documents remain valid, 

general public please take note. 

AKUSU 


Akusu 

Dymphna 

Oghenevwaire, now wish to be 

known as Mrs. Odogwu 

Dymphna Oghenevwaire. All 



take note. 

AGI 


Agi Loveth Ehi, now wish to 

be known as Mrs Egga Loveth 

Ehi. All former documents 

remain valid. All constituted 

Authority and the general 

public please take note.

OSAZON 

I, formerly known as Osazon 

Lucky, now wish to be 

known as Lucky Avakporie 

Osauzou. All former 



note. 

AKINBODE 


Akinbode Omolola Joy, now 

wish to be known as 

Raymond-Ataiku Omolola 

Joy. All former documents 



IHEGBU 


Ihegbu Princess Eziada, now 


Nwachukwu Princess 

Eziada. All former 



note. 

SHARTA 


Sharta Esther Emojevwe, 


Mrs Igboanusi Esther 

Emojevwe. All former 



note. 

ONWUMELU 

I, formerly known and 

addressed as Miss Uchenna 

Elizabeth Onwumelu, now 

wish to be known and addressed 

as Mrs. Uchenna Elizabeth 

Orji. All former documents 



CHOKOR 


addressed as Miss Bella Nkem 

Chokor, now wish to be 

known and addressed as Mrs. 

Bella Nkem Chijindu. All 



take note. 

ELE 


Esther John Ele, now wish 

to be known as Mrs Esther 

Oshioke. All former 



note. 

NJOKU 

I, formerly known as Nkiruka 

Njoku, now wish to be 

known as Nkiruka Peace Paul 

Ohia. All former documents 



UDJE 


Udje Otesiri Sherley, now 


Ogheneririe Otesiri Sherley. 



take note. 

OKORO 


Debbie Grace Okoro, now 


Debbie Grace Okoro-Imitini. 



take note. 

EKEAMAKA 


addressed as Miss Nkem Esther 

Ekeamaka, now wish to be 

known and addressed as 

Mrs. Nkem Esther Egwu. All 



take note. 

URERIGHO 


addressed as Miss Urerigho 

Eloho Gracious, now wish to 

be known and addressed as 

Mrs. Hopeson Eloho Gracious. 



take note. 

CHANGE OF NAME 

NZE-AHAMEFULE IZ EBIRERI AKOMOLAFE 

ONWUKAIKE JACKSON 

I, formerly known as Nze- I, formerly known as Ebireri I, formerly known as I, formerly known as I, formerly known as Miss 

Ahamefule Meekness Oghenekevwe Faith, now Akomolafe Omowumi- Onwukaike John Chinoso, Jackson Imaobong Sylvester, 

Chioma, now wish to be wish to be known as Ogbebor 

Bukola, now wish to be known now wish to be known as now wish to be known as 

as Olufemi Omowumi Bukola. Ofora John Chinoso. All 

known as Oguike Meekness Kevwe Faith. Former 

Mrs Enyenihi Imaobong 

All former documents remain former documents remain 

Chioma. Former documents documents remain valid. 

Henry. All former documents 

valid. General public, banks and valid. General public, banks and 

remain valid. General public General public please take all concerned institutions 


all concerned institutions 


note. 

should please take note. should please take note. please take note. 

UBA 

EZEOGU 

SOKIPIR 

I, formerly known as Miss Uba 

Angela Uchechukwu, now wish 

to be known as Mrs. Okii 

Angela Uchechukwu. All 



take note. 

We, formerly known as EZEOGU FAMILY namely; Ezeogu Virginia Ahunna, Ezeogu Chibuzor 

Kingsley, Ezeogu Ifeanyichukwu Henry, Ezeogu Okechukwu Nkemakolam, Ezeogu Onyinyechi 

Gift, Ezeogu Chinaecherem Favour, now wish to be known as OHAJIANYA FAMILY namely; 

Ohajianya Virginia Ahunna, Ohajianya Chibuzor Kingsley, Ohajianya Ifeanyichukwu Henry, 

Ohajianya Okechukwu Nkemakolam, Ohajianya Onyinyechi Gift, Ohajianya Chinaecherem 

Favour. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note. 

AICHIE 


Francisca Jonathan Aichie, 


Mrs. Francisca Mark. All 


valid. The general public 


OLADIPO 


Oladipo Oluwatoyin 

Olatayo, now wish to be 

known as Mrs Oyinlade 

Oluwatoyin Olatayo. All 



take note. 

AGUPUGO 


Agupugo Chikodili Perpetua, 


Mrs. Nwachukwu Chikodili 

Perpetua. All documents 



TOJU 

I, formerly known as Toritseju 

Peter, now wish to be known 

as Toju Peter. Henceforth, all 


valid general public and to 

whom it may concern please 

take note. 

ADIGWE 


addressed as Miss Adigwe 

Chinye Joan, now wish to be 


Mrs. Ikedje Chinye Joan. All 



take note. 

NWAUZOR 


addressed as Miss Ethel Isioma 

Nwauzor, now wish to be 


Mrs. Ethel Isioma Frank 

White. All former documents 



LYNZOE 


addressed as Oseh Lynzoe, 

now wish to be known and 

addressed as Oseh Davidson. 



take note. 

DIYI 

EGBO 

I, formerly known and I, formerly known and 

addressed as Augustine Chiedu addressed as Chekwube 

Diyi, now wish to be known Samuel Egbo, now wish to be 

and addressed as Gbemudu known and addressed 

Chiedu Augustine. All former as Nnanna Samuel Egbo. All 

documents remain valid. former documents remain 

General public please take valid. General public please 

note. 

take note. 

PHILIP 

I known as Ufomadu David Chinedum wish to change my wife and children’s surname to Ufomadu- 

Philip as follows: 

Former Ufomadu Philip Ogochukwu is now Ufomadu-Philip Ogochukwu Onyenikue, Former Philip 

Chikadibia Great is now Ufomadu-Philip Chikadibia Great, Former Philip Ebubechukwu Praise is now 

Ufomadu-Philip Ebubechukwu Praise, Former Philip Chukwuebuka Wisdom is now Ufomadu-Philip 

Chukwuebuka Wisdom, Former Philip Akuchi Valeria is now Ufomadu-Philip Akuchi Valeria. Former 

documents remain valid. All concerned Authorities and the General Public to please take note. 

MBA 


Mba Chinenye Adline, now 


Obetta Chinenye Adline. All 




UBANI 


Ezinne Precious Ubani, now 


Ezinne Precious Adimchinobi 

Onyenso. All former 



note. 

OLUMBA 


Olumba Chinemerem Gladys, 


Mrs. Unamba Chinemerem 

Gladys. All documents 



NWANERI 

I, formerly known as Nwaneri 

Ugonna Juliet, now wish to 

be known as Anyanwu 

Ugonna Juliet. All former 

documents remain valid. The 

general public should please 

take note. 

OFOTOKUN 


addressed as Miss Ofotokun 

Ejiro, now wish to be known 

and addressed as Mrs. 

Ejiroghene Loveth 

Eghwrudje. All former 


General public please take note. 

IGWEH 

I formerly known and 

addressed as Miss Igweh 

Ifeanyi Esther, now wish to be 

known and addressed as Mrs. 

Esther Ifeanyi Ofili. All former 



note. 

EJEJE 

This is to confirm that Ejeje 

Alex Sunday and Ejeje Aboli 

Andrew refer to the same 

person. I now wish to be known 

and addressed as Ejeje Aboli 

Andrew. All former documents 



CHINONSO 


Jane Nwaimo Chinonso, now 


Ugwushie Jane Chinonso. All 



should please take note. 

I, formerly known as Sokipir 

Endurance, now wish to be 

known as endurance Eyefian 

Ediri. Former documents 



OSILIKI 

I, formerly known as Martha 

Osiliki, now wish to be 

known as Akin Martha 

(Mrs). All former documents 

remain valid. Banks, 

Embassy and general public 


UGWU 


Chidiebere Florence Ugwu, now 


Chidiebere Florence Agboeze. 


valid. EBSU and the general 

public please take note. 

AMADI 


Amadi Onyekachi Virginia, 


Mrs. Ibe Onyekachi Virginia. 

All documents remain valid. 


note. 

NWACHUKWU 


Diana Adaku Nwachukwu, now 

wish to be known as Mrs Diana 

Adaku Ekeh. All former 


Federal Polytechnics Nekede 

and the general public should 


UMUAKPOR 


addressed as Miss Umuakpor 

kindness Oghenewoma, now 

wish to be known and addressed 

as Mrs. Ugboro Kindness 

Oghenewoma. All former 



note. 

EZEANI 


addressed as Ezeani Esther 

Chisom, now wish to be known 

and addressed as Ezeh Esther 

Chisom. All former documents 



ONOSIOWHO 


Faith Omeriowa Onosiowho, 

now wish to be known as Mrs 

Faith Omeriowa Abinuwa. All 


valid. The general public is to 

please take note accordingly. 

CH 

FOR ADVERT PLACEMENT VISIT TRINITY MALL, BESIDE ZENITH BANK BALOGUN BUS 

STOP, OBAFEMI AWOLOWO WAY, IKEJA, 

SPACE FOR 

OR MURPHIS PLAZA, SANUSI FAFUNWA STREET, VICTORIA ISLAND LAGOS 


SALE 

Uba emerges 

new ANCO 

president 

THE Association of 

Nigeria Courier Operators, 

ANCO has elected 

new executives to run its 

affairs for the next four 

years. 

The former General Secretary, 

Okey Uba was 

elected as the president, 

while Jumoke Imasuen 

was elected Vice President; 

Tolu Omamadaga, 

General Secretary; Toyin 

AdeOjo, Treasurer; Ranti 

Shobande, Publicity Secretary, 

Mojisola Rufai- 

Lariba, Financial Secretary 

and Siyanbola Oladapo, 

ex-officio member. 

Uba said his four-point 

roadmap include professionalism 

and human resources 

development; 

Identification and organisation 

of firms in the industry; 

harmony amongst industry 

operators and 

stakeholders and the actualisation 

of government 

policy on ease of doing 

business. 

Uba said: “In all economies, 

the courier and logistics 

industry remains 

the fulcrum of business. It 

is therefore a major responsibility 

of government 

at all levels and the industry 

practitioners to ensure 

the positive development 

of this all important sector 

of the economy.” 

The immediate past President, 

Siyanbola Oladapo, 

expressed appreciation to 

all for his successful tenure 

and paid special tribute to 

the Post-Master General, 

Bisi Adegbuyi for doing so 

much for the sector. 

Unitech seeks 

court approval 

to wind up oil 

firm over debt 

LAGOS—A local Oil 

and Gas Service 

Company, Unitech Drilling, 

has approached the 

Federal High Court, 

Ikoyi, seeking a declaration 

to wind up of the 

operations of Walter 

Smith Petroman Oil 

Limited. 

The presiding judge, 

Justice Oluremi Oguntoyinbo 

of the Federal 

High Court, Ikoyi adjourned 

the suit to May 

10, 2019, for ruling and 

determination of the 

case. 

However, the court did 

not sit, as the judge was 

unavailable. 

Walter Smith is challenging 

the competence 

and jurisdiction of the 

Federal High Court to 

hear and entertain the 

suit. 

Unitech stated that 

Walter Smith engaged 

its services for the provision 

of directional 

drilling and measurement 

while drilling between 

2015 and 2016. 

Four oil wells were 

drilled at Izombe field in 

Imo State, with the last 

delivered to Walter 

Smith in March, 2016.


May 29: Tribunal 

declines to stop 

Buhari’s inauguration 

Continues from Page 5 

presidential election and 

return of the 1st 

Respondent of February 

23, 2019, for reason of noncompliance 

and violation 

of the provisions of the 

Electoral Act 2010, the 1st 

Respondent is frantically 

making preparation to be 

sworn in and inaugurated 

on the 29th of May 2019, 

inviting the Chief Justice 

of Nigeria and the 

public,” the petitioners 

added. 

In a 21-paragraphed 

affidavit deposed to by 

one Anwal Abdullahi, the 

petitioners insisted that 

the February 23 

presidential poll was 

invalid for reason of noncompliance 

and violation 

of the Electoral Act 

involving the undue 

postponement of election 

from February 16 it was 

previously slated. 

The petitioners alleged 

that INEC “selfsabotaged” 

itself and 

shifted the election, 

thereby, “giving way for 

the people’s controlled 

affirmative referendum 

election validating the 1st 

petitioner endorsed 50 

million majority votes 

threat”. 

They told the tribunal 

that President Buhari has 

continued to make hasty 

preparations to be sworn 

in for a second term, 

regardless of the 

unresolved question of 

the invalidity of the 

election and return at the 

questioned substituted 

election of February 23. 

“The Petitioner/ 

Applicants’ case remains 

that the 1st Respondent 

could not have been 

declared and returned as 

elected and cannot be 

validly elected or 

returned in the 

circumstances of an 

undue postponed election 

and non-compliance and 

violation with the 

provisions of the Electoral 

Act and the 1999 

constitution of the Federal 

Republic of Nigeria. 

“That if the 1st 

Respondent is sworn in 

on May 29, 2019, he will 

By Elizabeth Adegbesan 

THE naira, yesterday, appreciated to N360.52 

in the Investors and Exporters (I&E) window. 

Data from FMDQ showed that the indicative 

exchange rate for the I&E window dropped to 

N360.52 per dollar yesterday from N360.80 per dollar 

on Wednesday, translating to 28 kobo appreciation 

for the naira. 

The volume of dollars (turnover) traded on the 

window yesterday rose by 370 percent to $342.66 

million from $ 72.95 million traded on Wednesday. 

However, the naira remained stable at N359.5 in 

the parallel market. 


take control of 

government of Nigeria 

and commence to act as 

President, to the 

prejudice of the 

Petitioners/Applicants 

and foist a fait accompli 

on the court and render 

nugatory its proceeding 

and outcome and unduly 

influence the polity and 

undermine the authority 

of this honourable court. 

“That the 1st 

Respondent will suffer no 

prejudice, damage or 

irreparable loss if he is 

not sworn in until the 

conclusion of the petition 

before this honourable 

court. 

“That no amount of 

damages can 

compensate the 

Petitioners/Applicants 

and the poor majority 

constituents desirous of 

the validation of their 

affirmative referendum as 

held on the February 

Naira appreciates to 

N360.52/$ in I&E window 

16th, 2019, scheduled 

presidential election for a 

welfare state, to end 

poverty in the land in a 

transitional government 

arrangement thereof. 

“That the end of justice 

will be served in 

preserving the status quo 

by restraining the 1st 

Respondent and 

preventing the wastages 

and dangers in swearing 

in a person whose 

election will be annulled,” 

the petitioners added. 

Meanwhile, President 

Buhari had through his 


lead counsel, Chief Wole 

Olanipekun, SAN, asked 

the tribunal to dismiss the 

motion for being grossly 

incompetent. 

Olanipekun noted that 

the petitioners focused 

their case on a 

referendum they claimed 

Don’t spend your life sleeping outside power, 

Osinbajo advises outgoing govs 

By Johnbosco 

Agbakwuru 

ABUJA —VICE 

President Yemi Osinbajo 

has advised outgoing 

governors to make good 

use of the experiences and 

opportunity they had while 

in office, and not see their 

exit from power as an 

opportunity to run personal 

businesses or sleep for long 

hours, in the interest of 

common people. 

Osinbajo, who gave the 

advice in his remarks at the 

valedictory session of the 

National Economic 

Council, at the Council 

Chamber, Presidential 

Villa, Abuja, yesterday, told 

the governors to deploy the 

opportunity of the period to 

further serve the country in 

various capacities, using 

their influence as former 

governors to contribute to 

healthcare and education. 

According to him, donor 

agencies will be glad to 

work with ex-governors, 

especially those with track 

records of healthcare 

provision and other 

humanitarian needs. 

He said: “I advise that you 

should use your influence 

and reach to the advantage 

of Nigerian people. You 

have seen and heard for 

yourselves the enormity of 

our national problems. Very 

few people have the 

advantage to see closely as 

we do on the issues that 

concern our country, the 

issues that even concern our 

different states. 

“We, here, have that 

unique advantage. So I 

think that we can help in 

one way or the other; we can 

do something in our states 

and other states in a way of 

advocacy or action on 

education and healthcare in 

particular and jobs. 

“I think it is important for 

those of us who have had the 

benefit of all of these 

experience and leadership 

not to now settle down to a 

life of business or perhaps of 

enjoyment or sleeping for 

eight hours. I need this time 

for action.” 

The privilege to 

serve 

The vice-president, who 

thanked the governors for 

the encomiums showered 

on him by various speakers 

at the meeting, noted that of 

Nigeria’s huge population 

of about 200 million, only 74 

persons, including the 

president, vice-president, 

36 governors and their 

deputies, were given the 

responsibilities of 

formulating policies and 

executing projects meant to 

serve the huge populace. 

While canvassing more 

commitment of the 

governors to better the lots 

of the citizenry, the vicepresident 

noted that in a 

matter of years, the 

population of Nigeria 

would double, pointing out 

that the country depended 

heavily on the elite for 

survival. 

He said having led their 

various states for some 

years, the governors do not 

need anyone to advise 

them any longer on the 

imperative of unity or 

security of lives and 

property, emphasising that 

the main priority of citizens 

was availability of food and 

water on their tables. 

However, the vicepresident 

lamented that 

most people dissipate 

energy to stoke the embers 

of disunity and ethnicity, 

advising the governors to 

openly condemn those who 

engage in such acts and 

resist them because the 

country does not belong to 

them alone. 

He reiterated the need for 

the outgoing governors to 

be challenged by the 

enormity of problems at 

stake and consequently 

use their influence as 

former governors to 

contribute to continued 

efforts to address such 

problems. 

Osinbajo added: “In the 

next few years, our 

population will double, with 

the attendant challenges of 

jobs, education, health care, 

security and infrastructure. 

Every nation that has 

moved its people from 

misery to prosperity has 

depended heavily, in fact, 

almost completely on the 

political elite. 

‘’Our people have 

nowhere else to look or to 

go, it is as they say, at the 

collective table that the bulk 

stops. 

Govs react 

Speaking at the meeting, 

outgoing chairman of the 

Nigeria Governors’ Forum 

and governor of Zamfara 

NEWS HOTLINES 

018773962, 

08052867058 

PROTEST—Commercial Motorcyclists protesting over alleged beating of their member by police at 

Kaduna-Lokoja Expressway, Zuba in Abuja, yesterday. Photos: NAN. 

State, Abdulaziz Yari, 

commended the vicepresident 

for his sterling 

leadership in the last four 

years. 

While advising the 

council on the need to work 

hard, block leakages in the 

system and take proactive 

measures to expand the 

size of the economy, Yari 

commended the federal 

government which he said 

had done well in the 

agricultural sector, with 

N200 billion spent since 

2015. 

He, however, said if N2 

trillion can be spent on oil 

development every year, 

much more needed to be 

spent to shore up growth in 

agriculture, warning that if 

Nigeria failed to plan for 

the future, the country 

would be sitting on a time 

bomb and that the 

aftermath would be 

catastrophic in the next few 

years. 

He said: “I will say, yes 

government has done 

tremendously well in terms 

of expanding the economy 

through agriculture by 

spending over N200 billion 

through the anchor 

borrowers programme, but 

we need to do more 

because we all agree that 

agriculture is the mainstay 

of this economy. 

“It provides over 80 per 

cent of the employment. So, 

if N2 trillion can be spent 

yearly on oil development 

we need to increase our 

spending on agriculture 

too. With what we are 

seeing as governors, 

especially from the zone 

where I come from, the rate 

of population growth, if 

nothing is done to address 

it, I am afraid Mr. Chairman, 

we are sitting on a time 

bomb. And that’s the truth.’’ 

Speaking on behalf of 

South-West governors, 

INEC conducted on 

February 23. 

He said so far as his 

client was concerned, 

what held on that date 

was a free, fair and 

credible presidential 

election and not a 

referendum. 

Lagos State governor, 

Akinwumi Ambode, who 

recalled the challenges 

facing the states when 

NEC came into being in 

2015, narrated how 27 states 

could not pay workers’ 

salaries. 

According to him, this led 

to the decision to seek 

bailout funds for states from 

the federal government, 

which was promptly 

approved by President 

Muhammadu Buhari. 

Describing the vicepresident 

as tolerant, 

friendly, accommodating 

and a stickler for good 

governance and 

accountability, Ambode 

advised the next NEC to 

address the issue of power 

and steel, saying doing so 

will go a long way to reflate 

the economy. 

Also speaking on behalf of 

South-East governors, Imo 

State governor and 

Chairman of the All 


APC, Owelle Rochas 

Okorocha, suggested the 

need to set target as 

performance benchmark. 

He said where there was 

no target, most people 

would not feel motivated to 

perform, noting that the 

trend among governors 

over the years had always 

been that some performed 

well, another overperformed, 

while others 

under-performed. 

While speaking on behalf 

of North-West governors, 

Kaduna State governor, 

Malam Nasir el-Rufai, 

commended the vicepresident 

for providing the 

right direction to the 

council. 

He, however, noted that 

whereas lots of decisions 

were taken in various NEC 

meetings held so far, a 

number of them had not 

been implemented.

50 — Vanguard, FRIDAY MAY 24, 2019 

IHEDIOHA: Why 

expectations ‘re 

high in Imo 

By Chidi Nkwopara 

HE outcome of the 2019 

Tgovernorship election in 

Imo State, was not as a result 

of any magical incantation. The 

people rose to resist what they 

perceived as “unconscionable 

political calculations of 

Governor Rochas Okorocha” 

who wanted his son-in-law, 

Uche Nwosu, to succeed him. 

Chief Emeka Ihedioha’s 

victory on the platform of the 

People Democratic Party, PDP, 

is the result of the majority of 

the people’s resolve to assert 

their will on who should 

govern the state. 

With the political battle 

fought and won,the next 

question is how Ihedioha will 

meet the people’s 

expectations. Chief Ihedioha 

himself, is aware of this, not 

minding that feelers point 

towards his going to inherit 

not just an empty treasury, but 

also a huge debt profile. 

At the last check, Ihedioha 

realized that the state’s 

human capital development 

has been severely stunted in 

the past eight years. Imo State 

University, which was ranked 

first among state owned 

universities in Nigeria and 

ninth in overall country ranking 

by 2005, is currently ranked 

16th and 58th respectively, in 

the 2018 ranking by the 

National Universities 

Commission, NUC, and has 

sadly lost accreditation in 

Medicine and allied subjects. 

The health sector appears to 

be in total decay, as only the 

General Hospital, Umuguma, 

is functional in the entire 

state. At the last count also, 

only 54 medical doctors, four 

consultants in Obstetrics, 

Gynaecology, Paediatric 

Surgery and Family Medicine, 

nine Pharmacists, seven 

Laboratory Technicians 172 

nurses were on the payroll. 

Imo does not have a 

Radiographer 

or 

Physiotherapist in the entire 

health system. 

Now, compare the above 

figures with that of the 

Federal Medical Centre, 

Owerri that parades 120 

consultants, 240 Resident 

Doctors, 50 Pharmacists, 

seven Radiologists, 14 

Physiotherapists and 700 

Nurses. 

Ihedioha’s mission, like he 

has promised Imo people, “is 

to reposition and transform 

Imo into a modern ecosystem 

•Ihedioha 

The people rightly 

expects Chief 

Ihedioha to not only 

return the State 

Library close to its 

former glory, but to 

also massively train, 

reorient and motivate 

existing teachers, as 

well as recruit new 

ones, especially in the 

areas of Science and 

Technology 

Gbajabiamila’s Speakership is an idea 

its time has come, says Tunji-Ojo 

IN less than three weeks 

from now, the 9th National 

Assembly will be inaugurated. 

What are your expectations? 

I expect significant and positive 

impacts of legislation on 

the lives of all Nigerians. I 

expect that the 9th Assembly 

will be a National Assembly 

that will do the biding of the 

common Nigerians and not 

one that exists to do the biding 

of any individual or group 

of persons. A legislature that 

will at all times prioritize the 

yearnings and aspirations of 

the citizens and conduct itself 

with distinctions and uphold 

best practices. 

On the leadership configuration 

of the 9th Assembly 

Majority of the elected members 

of the House of Representatives 

are on the side of Hon. 

Femi Gbajabiamila. It is no 

news that I, and a vast majority 

of the elected members are on 

the side of Gbajabiamila. 

Gbajabiamila is a fellow with 

the right capacity and 

pedigree. He has what it 

takes. He is a veteran in the 

game, a distinct personality 

whose moral and leadership 

credentials are outstanding. 

The adoption of Gbajabiamila 

and Hon. Ahmed Wase from 

Plateau State as running mate 

Tunji-Ojo 

in the 9th Assembly will bring 

great rewards to Nigerians. 

Wase as running mate is 

another seasoned legislator 

with profound credentials 

whose standing will go a long 

way in complementing the 

leadership prowess of Gbajabiamila. 

We are rooting for 

Gbajabiamila in the best interest 

of Nigerians, in the best 

interests of the citizenry and 

with him steering the ship of 

the 9th Assembly, Nigerians 

can be sure of effective, responsive 

and responsible legislative 

arm of government 

that is sure to complement the 

good efforts of the executive 

arm of government under the 

leadership of President Muhammadu 

Buhari. 

On allegation that he and 

members of his group were 

bribed at a meeting they had 

recently with Gbajabiamila 

It is unfortunate that such 

ridiculous allegation could 

spring up from anywhere. It 

is quite unfortunate and sad 

that any person in his right 

senses would choose to fabricate 

and propagate such disdain 

for whatever reason. 

With all sense of modesty, it 

is the basest I have heard in 

a long time that elected members 

of the House of Representatives 

were bribed with 

iPhone to support a candidate 

for the leadership of the 

House. The fact is one of us, 

elected member who is involved 

in telecommunication 

bought and gave to each 

member of the group since we 

agreed on the need for a 

phone with some level of 

sophistry to enable a more effective 

interaction. The calibre 

of personalities aboard are not 

those who fall for anything. 

And it would interest you to 

know that the membership of 

our group cut across. In the 

group, we have members 

elected on different political 

platforms working together to 

achieve this noble pursuit. 

for education, agriculture, 

industry, tourism, culture, 

sports, entertainment, human 

capital development, science 

and technology.” 

To realize this mission, it 

appears that his approach 

would be holistic and he has 

repeatedly told the electorate 

so, in different fora. 

The experience of Imo people 

under Okorocha’s eight-year 

administration, was a plethora 

of disrespect for the rule of law, 

transparency and 

accountability in the conduct of 

government business. The 

people are therefore, expecting 

that all these sad commentaries 

will change in the new 

dispensation. 

The restoration of the dignity 

and role of traditional 

institutions, strict observance of 

the principle of separation of 

powers of the three arms of 

government, are also part of the 

people’s expectations. 

Although Okorocha brands 

himself as the “senior advocate 

of the masses and the grand 

master of free education”, the 

people have not stopped 

wondering why he destroyed 

the State Library that was close 

to the reading public and built 

a church that was not Catholic, 

Anglican or Pentecostal, in its 

place. The people rightly 

expects Chief Ihedioha to not 

only return the State Library 

close to its former glory, but to 

also massively train, reorient 

and motivate existing teachers, 

as well as recruit new ones, 

especially in the areas of 

Science and Technology. 

A United States of Americabased 

attorney, Mr. Stanley 

Ozuzu, opined that “if the new 

administration drastically 

reduce the teacher/student 

ratio, provide grant-in-aid to 

churches, voluntary agencies 

and private investors, they will 

help in upgrading educational 

standards in Imo, like it 

happened in Anambra State.” 

Ozuzu lamented that “part of 

why the education standard in 

the state has abysmally gone 

low, is because the outgoing 

administration did not properly 

prioritized its policies and 

programmes in the sector.” 

He called for adequate 

subvention to the state owned 

tertiary institutions, as well as 

establish new technical and 

trade schools and equip the old 

ones. 

The outgoing administration 

promised to build industries 

and factories, with a view to 

create jobs and drastically 

reduce the high level of 

unemployment in the state. 

This promise was largely 

observed in the breach. 

Ihedioha realizes the 

enormity of of youths 

joblessness and its attendant 

evils. He therefore plans to 

empower 15 youths per year, 

from each of the 305 wards, for 

specific skills acquisition 

training that will amount to 

4,575 entrepreneurs each year. 

He also promised to create an 

ICT Innovation Hub in the state 

capital, to empower Imo youths 

and products of schools, to play 

active roles software and Apps 

development opportunity 

space. There is no doubt that if 

fully realized, Imo youths will 

be very active players in the 

digital economy. 

Much as these are capable of 

reducing unemployment in the 

state, the people no doubt, 

expect that Ihedioha will 

aggressively pursue 

investment drives within and 

outside the country, to attract 

industrialists to establish in the 

27 local councils that have 

comparative and competitive 

advantage. 

Roads across the state are 

death traps. Public water 

supply also remained comatose 

in the past eight years. All the 

solar powered water schemes, 

which Okorocha inherited from 

the Chief Ikedi Ohakim 

administration remained 

moribund for eight years. 

All the people interviewed 

were unanimously of the view 

that Ihedioha must resuscitate 

water supply schemes in the 

state, develop all the strategic 

roads in the Owerri Master 

Plan, collaborate with the 


complete the dualization of the 

arterial roads linking the 

capital city of Owerri, as well 

as collaborate with the Federal 

Government to fast track the 

completion of the NIPP Power 

Generating Plant, Egbema. 

The people equally have 

legitimate demands in 

agriculture, housing and urban 

development, public service, 

peace and security, the 

vulnerable group, tourism, 

culture, entertainment, 

Diaspora initiatives, trade and 

commerce, spirts and women 

development, health care and 

a host of other areas. 

How Ihedioha will handle the 

huge debt profile of the state, 

is another area of concern to the 

people. A peep into the Civil 

Litigations Department of the 

State Ministry of Justice, leaves 

mind boggling judgement 

debts, apparently waiting for 

Ihedioha to settle. The same is 

also true about salaries, 

pensions and contractual 

obligations. 

It is sad to note that the Dan 

Anyiam Stadium Complex and 

Grasshoppers International 

Stadium are shadows of their 

former selves. While nobody 

hears about the state’s allconquering 

Grasshoppers 

International Handball Club, 

the Heartland Football Club, 

have been forced to play their 

home matches at Okigwe 

Stadium 

The stress and huge loss of 

revenue to the Club have 

remained issues to be tackled. 

Currently, Ihedioha has sent 

in workers to reshape the Dan 

Anyiam venue for his 

inauguration on May 29. 

T

YOUR LUCK TODAY 

By Joshua Adeyemo Phone 08056180139 

GEMINI: You will need to re-examine both your 

personal ideas and advice given to you by others. Be 

family minded. 

CANCER Proviided you don’t allow others to mislead 

you, things will not go wrong. The more willing 

you are to take the initiative the better for you. Take 

your love life more seriously. 

LEO: Although you will need to be as secretive as 

you can, your success will attract others’ attention to 

you to the betterment of your cause. Be ambitious. 

VIRGO: People who are more influential than you 

will be willing to support your cause but you will 

need to make the necessary move. The more self 

assertive you are, the better. 

LIBRA: Challenges of yesterday will today bring 

you good opportunities along your career/business 

lines to the betterment of your finances. Seek supporters 

of other people. 

L E I S U R E 

TAKE HEART — ELLA RANDLE 

“Let your faith and light carry other people through their 

tough times. Inspire others to do better always.” -Take Heart 

Quotes- 

Give when your heart tells you to give. And be willing and open 

to receive too. 

Remember, life is about how you allow your light shine through 

your actions to others. 

You are different from others, be patient with them. Go ahead and 

make your plans and work towards it, but know that a higher power 

determines your every step. Ella Randle 

TERROR MUDA in “Never say goodbye” 


SAYINGS OF 

OUR PEOPLE 

Wealth, if you 

use it, comes 

to an end; 

learning, if 

you use it, 

increases. ~ 

Swahili proverb 

By Kola Fayemi 

SCORPIO: Think of the best way to improve on 

your working pattern in order to enhance your career 

prospects if you listen to your creative self, things 

will work out fine for you. Be more loving. 

SAGITTARIUS: Success is boldly printed on your 

cards today. Think of both immediate and far future 

while you are savouring goodies offered you by mother 

nature. 

CAPRICORN: You should not have it tough while 

trying to win the needed supports of others. Take 

good advice from some of your friends who are creatively 

gifted. 

AQUARIUS: Your creativity quotient is enhanced 

today and if you demonstrate this within your working 

arena, you’ll earn success and consolidate on 

your recent progress. 

DUDU in “ROLLING HOT” By A.O. OLAIDE 

PISCES: It is important you don’t take things for 

granted. Watch carefully what you agree to do. 

ARIES: Those of you who are more enterprising 

will have much to show for your efforts. The more 

cooperative you are the better for you.. Don’t neglect 

love. 

TAURUS: Better than yesterday. Others will be 

willing to give you the needed co-operation both at 

home and within your working arena. 

ASTROLOGICAL COUNSELLING 

ASTROLOGICAL COUNSELLING 

Send your date e and place of birth th to the Astr 

trological 

Counselling, P.M.B 100 

007, 7, Apapa, Lagos 

Dear Joshua, 

I am a regular reader of your work since you 

were with The Punch Newspapers. I want you to 

please tell me my lucky dates and dates to beware 

for the next three Months (June to August this 

year (2019). More ink to your pen. 

Olala, Ogun. 

Dear Olala, 

On your lucky dates try to maximise your gains 

on one hand and or the other hand, try your best 

possible to avoid trouble and/or loss during those 

dates to beware of. But take note that there is 

nothing to worry about concerning dates to 

beware of because, they are mere warnings. 

However the lucky dates are for real. 

Important days 

YOUR LUCKY DATES-JUNE TO AUGUST 2019 

June – 2*, 7*, 16* 20, 25 & 30. 

July – 4, 11, 13***, 17, 21** & 26. 

August – 1***, 10, 14, 23 & 28. 

DATES TO BEWARE OF JUNE TO AUGUST, 

2019. 

June– 18 

July– 1 

August– 6. 

File: YOUR LUCK TODAY MONDAY MAY 20, 

2019 

14/05/19 

VIRGINIA 

HOME & ABROAD 

dadadekola@yahoo.com 

By Lawrence Akapa


Poland 2019: 

Flying Eagles go 

for Qatar’s jugular 

Two –time runners up, the Flying Eagles 

will today go all out for the three points 

when they confront Qatar to the pitch of 

the 15,300 –capacity Tychy Stadium in the 

opening match of Group D of the 2019 

FIFA U20 World Cup finals, according to 

team captain Ikouwem Udoh Utin. 

“It is a big match for us, as every other 

match in this competition. We know the 

importance of picking up the three points 

in our first match, which is why we are 

determined to go all out. 

“Taking the first three points will help 

us plan our approach better for the 

remaining matches in the group phase, 

and also boost our confidence,” Utin said 

at the team’s Vienna House Hotel in 

Katowice on Thursday. The team will leave 

their hotel in Katowice for the short drive 

to Tychy on Friday. 

Today’s game kicks off at 5pm Nigeria 

time. The second match of Group D, 

between Ukraine and USA, will begin at 

7.30pm Nigeria time. 

Coach Paul Aigbogun and his assistants 

have somewhat calibrated a new 

ensemble, leaving out half of the squad 

members from the Africa U20 Cup of 

Nations in Niger Republic in February, 

where the team earned the ticket to 

Poland, and infusing a number of exciting 

talent in midfield and attacking realms. 

While the choice for the number one shirt 

is between Detan Ogundare and Olawale 

Oremade (who was custodian in Niger), 

Valentine Ozornwafor and Igoh Ogbu are 

likely to keep their spots in central 

defence. Captain Ikouwem Utin would be 

at left back while Jamil Muhammad could 

be at right back. 

In the midfield, much attention will be 

on the England –based duo Nnamdi 

Ofoborh and Ayotomiwa Dele-Bashiru, as 

well as AC Perugia of Italy’s former junior 

Rivers, Bayelsa 

emerge male, 

female champions 

of Equatorial 

Conference 

By Jacob Ajom 

The fairy tale run of Cross River State 

male and female teams in the Nestle 

Milo Secondary Schools Basketball 

championship came to an end in the final 

of the Equatorial Conference concluded 

Wednesday, at the Nnamdi Azikiwe 

Stadium, Enugu. 

Rivers state, represented by Brilliant 

Secondary School, Port Harcourt beat 

FAAN Secondary School Calabar, 

representing Cross River State by a single 

point to emerge champions in the boys 

category. The epic final ended 42-41 in 

favour of the Rivers State team. 

Earlier, St Jude’s Girls Secondary School, 

Amarata, Bayelsa State outclassed and 

outscored their Cross River State 

counterparts, The girls final was an easy 

win for the Bayelsa team as the girls from 

Calabar did not put up any resistance to 

the quick passing game of the national 

defending champions who won 31-13. 

Coach of the losing side, Omini Arikpo 

said he did not expect his girls would 

outplay Bayelsa. “They played their 

superiors. Remember, Bayelsa are the 

defending national champions and our 

inexperience was very evident,” he said. 

The boys final was another thriller which 

kept spectators on the edges of their seats. 

Rivers took off to a flying start scoring 

six points before CRS replied with their 

first two points. With their physical 

presence and intense play the boys from 

Calabar overtook their opponents and 

ended at 11-10 to win the first quarter. 

international 

Kingsley Michael. 

In this sector also are 

home –based 

professionals Effiom 

Maxwell and Aniekeme 

Okon, who are rapid raiders 

on their day. 

Dele-Bashiru, of England 

champions Manchester City has 

already been tipped by world football – 

ruling body, FIFA, as one of the players 

from whom much is expected in Poland. 

At the fore, Nigeria has a cosmopolitan 

flavour with England –based Chinonso 

Emeka, Norway –based Jerome Adams, 

Czech Republic –based Tijani 

Muhammed, Sweden –based Henry Offia 

and home –based Success Makanjuola 

vying for available spots. 

Aigbogun said that the group is aware 

of the pedigree of Nigeria at the FIFA U20 

World Cup and cannot afford to underperform. 

Victor 

Osimhen 

bagged a brace 

for Sporting 

Charleroi in their 

2-1 road win 

against Kortrijk 

at the 

Guldensporenstadion 

on Wednesday 

e v e n i n g , 

cancelling out 

•Osimhen Imoh Ezekiel’s 

opener in the first half 

before netting the 

game- winner nine minutes after 

the restart. 

Following his brace in what could be his final 

game as a Sporting Charleroi player, the 

Wolfsburg loanee took his tally for the season 

to 18 goals from 33 appearances, and is the 

highest rated Nigerian player in the European 

Golden Shoe rankings with 27 points. 

Osimhen has scored one goal more than FC 

Former Nigeria U20 team coach John Obuh has 

warned the current Flying Eagles team not to 

underrate any of their group opponents at the FIFA 

U20 World Cup in Poland. 

The Flying Eagles will face Qatar in their opening 

game, today. 

“I don’t want them to see any of the countries as nonfootballing 

nations but I just want them to be careful 

because football at this level (U20) is won from the 

first game,” Obuh said. 

“Once you are able to tidy up your first game, and 

“We 

have a tough 

history to match. Silver medals on 

two occasions and bronze medals once, 

and a number of quarter final 

appearances. That’s why we must start 

very well, by taking the points against 

Qatar and then march on with confidence 

and self assurance. 

“We are flying the flag of nearly 200 

million Nigerians, as well as that of the 

African continent. We have put a lot of 

work into building a squad that will make 

Nigeria and Africa proud.” 

Race for Nigerian golden shoe: 

Osimhen leads Onuachu, Onyekuru 

Midtjylland’s Paul Onuachu, who is 

the second highest rated Nigerian 

player with 25.5 points. 

The Danish-based striker has one 

final chance to overtake Osimhen 

in the Golden Shoe rankings, on 

Sunday when the 2018 champions 

host Esbjerg. 

Osimhen and Onuachu are 

followed by Galatasaray’s Henry 

Onyekuru and FC Luzern’s 

Blessing Eleke who have sent the 

ball into the back of the net 14 and 

13 times respectively this season. 

Though Galatasaray and Luzern 

have one more game to play in their 

respective leagues, it is mission 

impossible for the duo in their bid 

to surpass Osimhen’s goal tally. 

Trabzonspor’s Anthony 

Nwakaeme and FC Zurich’s 

Stephen Odey are joint fifth with 

22.5 points, having scored ten goals 

each. 

Be wary of Qatar, USA, Obuh warns Flying Eagles 

Nigeria’s foremost oil and 

gas company, AITEO has 

been included on the long list 

of organisations and 

individuals earmarked for 

honours in the maiden Fund 

Raising and Awards Night of 

the Super Eagles Supporters 

Club billed for today, at the 

Sheraton Hotel and Towers, 

Bank Anthony Way, Ikeja. 

A statement from the 

secretariat of the Super Eagles 

Supporters Club Thursday said, 

“In view of AITEO’s enormous 

FIFA U-20 World Cup: 

Adepoju tips Nigeria 

to go far 

then your second game, you should have at least 

been able to qualify from your group to the second 

stage already. 

“The USA of my time, when I used to play them, 

I beat them. Anyhow, as far as I am concerned, there 

has been a big improvement in the United States 

Youth soccer so we should not look at them as a 

non-footballing nation but as a footballing nation. 

“Qatar is the same thing. Having ceded the World 

Cup [2022] to them, they are preparing to meet the 

standards that are expected of them. I am very sure 

that they would be coming out very strong too. 

Former Nigeria international, Mutiu Adepoju 

believes the National U20 team, the Flying 

Eagles have quite a journey ahead of them at 

the FIFA U-20 World Cup in Poland. 

After a fourth place at the U20 AFCON 

earlier this year, the Paul Aigbogun side 

earned a ticket to the world stage and were 

drawn in Group D against Qatar, Ukraine 

and USA. 

They will begin their hunt for the 

country’s first title in the age-grade 

tournament against Qatar at the Tychy 

Stadium today. 

Following an intensive three-week training 

camp in Germany, which featured a defeat to 

Saudi Arabia, Adepoju assessed the Flying 

Eagles’ readiness to take on the world. 

“They have prepared well but it is very difficult 

to predict the stage they will get to because the 

other countries are coming with the aim to win 

the trophy,” Adepoju said. 

“The level of preparation and understanding 

between the players will be very important. 

“Having seen the squad list and with the 

preparation they were given, I believe that they 

will go far, but I can’t say if we can win it.” 

Nigeria’s best outing at the U-20 World Cup 

was in 1989 and 2005, when they finished as 

runners-up behind Portugal and Argentina, 

respectively. 

•John 

Super Eagles Supporters Club Fund Raising and Awards Night: 

AITEO, Ethiopian Airlines, others on honours list 

•Okumagba 

•Flying Eagles 

European Golden Shoe rankings (Nigerian players only) 

1) Victor Osimhen - 18 goals - 27 points 

2) Paul Onuachu - 17 goals - 25.5 points 

3) Henry Onyekuru - 14 goals - 21 points 

4) Blessing Eleke - 13 goals - 19.5 points 

5) Anthony Nwakaeme - 10 goals - 15 points 

6) Stephen Odey - 10 goals - 15 points 

contributions to the development 

of football in the country and Africa 

in general, we had no choice than 

to include the company among the 

leading award receipients on the 

night.” 

National Chairman of the Super 

Eagles Supporters Club, Prince 

Vincent Okumagba said the 

Executive Vice President of AITEO, 

Mr Francis Peters will be present 

to receive the awards on behalf of 

the company. “They[AITEO] have 

done so much in renergising the 

sports sector, particularly football. 

U20 World Cup : 

Senegal's Sagna 

breaks Odiaka's 

34-year-old record 

S 

enegal striker Amadou Sagna has 

broken Monday Odiaka's record for 

the fastest goal scored in the history of the 

U20 World Cup in the ongoing game against 

Tahiti at the Lublin Stadium, Lublin. 

The Cayor Foot starlet needed only 9.6 

seconds to open the scoring, breaking the 

record that former Flying Eagles striker, 

Monday Odiaka had held for 34 years. 

Odiaka, then on the books of African 

Continental Bank FC, scored after 14 

seconds as Nigeria began their campaign 

at the 1985 FIFA U20 World Cup with a 2-0 

win against Canada at the Dinamo Stadium 

in Minsk. 

The Flying Eagles finished third in the 

tournament held in the old Soviet Union, 

with Odiaka finding the net on three 

occasions. 

Sagna has bagged the first hat-trick of the 

2019 FIFA U20 World Cup, scoring again 

in the 29th and 50th minute to give Senegal 

a 3-0 victory. 

The Flying Eagles will face Qatar in their 

opening game in Tychy today at 5pm. 

You can’t talk of Nigerian football 

without mention of the company. 

They have taken over the 

sponsorship of the NFF and CAF 

annual awards and also the FA 

Cup.” 

Also included on the list 

awardees are Ethiopian Airlines, 

ADRON HOMES and YETKEM. 

A top official of the Super 

Eagles Supporters Club told this 

reporter that the Oba of Lagos, 

Rilwan Akiolu will be the royal 

father of the day.

Conte adds 

Victor Moses 

to his Inter 

Milan wishlist 

The future of Kylian 

Mbappe and Neymar 

has been placed under 

intensifying scrutiny amid 

reports the duo have fallen 

out after losing the French 

Cup final. 

According to Sport, Neymar's 

criticism of the 

'young people' in PSG 

squad upset the 20-yearold 

Mbappe, who felt it referrred 

to him. Mbappe 

had just been sent off in the 

French Cup final defeat on 

penalties by Rennes. 

Antonio Conte has 

reportedly added 

Chelsea loanee 

Victor Moses to his Inter 

Milan wishlist ahead of his 

expected move to the San 

Siro at the end of the season. 

The 49-year-old former 

Chelsea manager is set to 

take charge of the Serie A 

outfit following their final 

fixture of the 2018-19 campaign 

at the weekend. 

Conte is lining up targets 

he hopes to bring in this 

summer and ex-Blues winger 

Moses is a player he is 

keen on, according to 

FCInterNews.it. 

The pair worked together 

for Conte's two years at Stamford 

Bridge from 2016 and 

Moses played an important 

role in Chelsea lifting the Premier 

League trophy during 

the 2016-17 campaign. 

Moses, whose current contract 

at Chelsea is set to expire 

in June 2021, could reportedly 

move to Italy for 

£11million. 

Following the introduction 

of Maurizio Sarri into the 

Blues hotseat last summer 

the 28-year-old played just 

a small number of games 

before being sent out on an 

18-month loan to Turkish 

side Fenerbahce. 

He has made 13 appearances 

and scored three goals 

since his January switch. 

Fenerbahce's final clash of 

the campaign takes place on 

Sunday evening. 

Inter could appoint Conte 

as early as next week with 

Luciano Spalletti expected 

to leave. 

Neymar, Mbappe fall out 

•Real Madrid ready to swoop for either striker 

Chelsea 

consider 

Tuchel as 

Sarri's replacement 

Paris Saint-Germain 

boss Thomas Tuchel 

is in contention to succeed 

Maurizio Sarri as Chelsea's 

next manager. 

Chelsea are expected to 

make an announcement 

on the future of Sarri after 

next week's Europa 

League final showdown 

with Arsenal. 

The Italian has struggled 

to win over supporters 

and, despite potentially 

winning silverware in his 

first campaign at the helm, 

he has been widely tipped 

Real Madrid are reportedly 

keeping a close eye on 

how things unfold and are 

prepared to make a move for 

whichever of the two strikers 

decides they must leave 

the Parc des Princes. 

Mbappe placed his own 

PSG future in doubt on Sunday 

when he collected the 

Ligue 1 Player of the Year 

award. 

Mbappe said: 'This is a 

very important moment for 

me, I am arriving at maybe 

the first or second turning 

to make way in the summer. 

Chelsea have a few replacements 

in mind should 

they part company with 

Sarri. 

Iconic midfielder Frank 

Lampard, who has impressed 

in his debut season 

at Derby County, departing 

Juventus boss 

Massimiliano Allegri and 

PSG chief Tuchel are said 

to have been lined up. 

point in my career. 

'I have learned so much 

here, and I feel it's maybe 

the time to have more responsibility. 

'Maybe at PSG, that 

would give me great pleasure, 

or maybe elsewhere 

for a new project.' 

The pair both moved to 

PSG in the summer of 2017 

with Neymar costing 

£198m and Mbappe eventually 

costing £166m after 

an initial season-long 

loan. 

Manchester 

City 

board member Alberto 

Galassi has rubbished 

reports that Pep 

Guardiola will leave the 

club to become the new Juventus 

manager. 

Galassi, a lawyer who was 

appointed to the Blues' 

board in 2012, says he and 

Juventus board member 

Pavel Nedved are in agreement 

that speculation over 

Guardiola's future at City is 

baseless. 

Guardiola has led City to 

five major trophies in three 

seasons at the club but reports 

in Italy claimed he 

would succeed Max Allegri 

at the Italian champions. 

But Galassi says speculation 

over Guardiola's future 

is a non-issue."As a Manchester 

City board member, 

I was surprised to read such 

nonsense," he told Sky Italia. 

Former Arsenal goal 

keeper David Seaman 

says his old club 

should not play Petr Cech 

in the Europa League final. 

The 37-year-old is retiring 

at the end of the season, 

meaning the final 

against his former club 

Chelsea will be his last 

game. 

While he has been backup 

to Bernd Leno in the 

Premier League this season, 

Cech has started regularly 

in the Europa 

League and is expected to 

play in Baku.“Cech's likely 

starting role against 

Azerbaijan's ambassador 

slams Mkhitaryan 

A zerbaijan's 

ambassador 

to the UK has accused 

Henrikh 

Mkhitaryan of 

'trying to make a 

political statement' 

by missing 

next week's Europa 

League final. 

The eagerly 

anticipated all- 

English clash in 

Baku descended 

into farce this 

week when Arsenal 

announced they 

would not be taking 

Mkhitaryan to play 

Chelsea due to safety 

concerns. 

Cech should not play 

in Europa League 

final—Seaman 

Chelsea on Wednesday 

also comes on the back of 

the news he is set to return 

to his former club as a 

sporting director in the 

summer. 

Seaman, who wore the 

gloves for Arsenal for 13 

years, told Sky Sports 

News: "My only thing is 

that Arsenal really need 

this; they need this more 

than Chelsea. 

"They need to get into 

the Champions League 

and I'm always for playing 

your strongest team. That 

means Leno, but I'm sure 

Cech will play because it's 

his last ever game." 

Guardiola not joining Juve—Man City 

"He's our coach and he 

wants to stay with us. He 

can't understand why his 

insistence [that he is staying 

at City] hasn't been listed 

to. They [the reports] are 

lies." 

Asked about the course of 

action City have taken to 

clarify Guardiola's future, 

Galassi said: "The first 

thing a serious club does in 

a case like this is contact 

the other club. 

The Armenian's safety 

was in doubt because 

of the dispute 

between his country 

and the host nation 

and, despite receiving 

assurances aimed at 

allaying those fears, 

Mkhitaryan chose not 

to travel to Baku following 

discussions 

with the club and his 

family. 

Ambassador Tahir 

Taghizadeh has 

claimed that Mkhitaryan's 

decision not to 

play despite those 

safety guarantees 

means he has made a 

political decision rather 

than a personal one. 

Leicester 

City favourites 

to sign 

Robben 

Leicester City have been 

installed as favourites 

to sign Arjen Robben on a 

free transfer following a 

flurry of bets placed with 

bookmakers. 

Robben will leave Bayern 

upon the expiry of his contract 

this summer and his 

final appearance could 

come in the German Cup 

final this weekend against 

RB Leipzig. 

Leicester are 2/1 favourites 

with oddschecker to be 

his next destination, ahead 

of his former club in Holland, 

PSV Eindhoven. 

Earlier in May, Robben 

said he could even retire 

upon leaving Bayern. 

'It is an option, but I don't 

know whether it will happen,' 

Robben was quoted as 

saying by the BBC. 

'It is not an easy decision 

to make. If you decide that 

you are going to keep playing, 

you have to find a place 

where everything is just 

right, not just in terms of 

football but also for my family. 

I'll love to play in MLS one day after 

Man City career— Sterling 

RAHEEM 

STER 

LING has revealed 

he wants to play football 

in America at some stage 

in his career. 

Manchester City star 

Sterling says he has been 

impressed by the growth 

of football in the States 

over the past few years. 

And the England star, 

24, says he likes the US 

so much he is keen to 

play in the MLS at some 


Europa League final 

stage in his career. 

Speaking at a Wall Stree 

Journal conference in 

New York, Sterling said: 

"English football has 

grown massively over 

here. It wasn't like that in 

the past, and it'll continue 

to get bigger. 

"I was surprised even 

just popping out to the 

shops and being recognised 

by one or two people. 

I didn't expect that 

over here. 

"This is a country I 

would, one day, love to be 

able to come to. Your 

weather is a lot better 

than ours. 

"Hopefully one day I 

can have my family over 

here." 

Sterling is enjoying a 

short break after helping 

City seal the domestic 

treble with a hat-trick in 

the FA Cup final thrashing 

of Watford.



Vanguard, FRIDAY, MAY 24, 2019 

TODAY’S PUZZLE 

Sudoku 

FRIDAY’S ANSWER 

TODAY’S CROSSWORD 

QUICK CROSSWORD 

THURSDAY’S SOLUTION 

Crossword 

1 Hazard (4) 

3 Insensibility (8) 

9 Not deep (7) 

10 Debate (5) 

11 Tender (5) 

12 Missive (6) 

14 Season of growth (6) 

16 Wax light (6) 

19 Husband or wife (6) 

21 Worth (5) 

24 Star sign, the Ram (5) 

26 Break (8) 

27 Outhouse (4) 

Down 

1 Answer (8) 

2 Personnel (5) 

4 Ailing (6) 

5 Explosion (5) 

6 Intellectual (7) 

7 Observed (4) 

8 Old two-shilling coin (6) 

13 Beaten (8) 

15 Facsimile (7) 

17 Period before Christmas 

(6) 

18 Underground room (6) 

20 Distressed (5) 

22 Blood-sucking worm (5) 

23 Young cow (4) 

How to Play Sudoku 

Place a number (1-9) in each blank cell. (No line can have two 

of the same number). 

Each row (nine lines from left to right), column, (also nine lines 

from top to bottom) and 3 X 3 block within a bold block (nine 

blocks) contains number from 1 through 9. This means that no 

number can appear twice in any block, column or row. 

No mathematics is involved – no adding, subtraction, division or 

multiplication, just plain logic and your imagination. 

Printed and Published by VANGUARD MEDIA LIMITED, Vanguard Avenue, Kirikiri-Canal, P.M.B.1007, Apapa. Phone: Newsroom: 018773962. Deputy Editor: 01-4548355. Advert Hotline: 

08027767834; 01-4544821. Abuja office: 7, Dambata Close, Area 7, Garki, 09-2921024. Ikeja office: 73, Awolowo Way. V.I. Office: Murplus Plaza, 27, Sanusi Fafunwa Street. Asaba: 21, Anwai 

Road. Benin City: 4E, Arusa Street. Port Harcourt: 50, Ikwerre Road; Warri: 102, Efurun-Sapele Road. Advert: advertproduction@yahoo.com; E-mail: editor@vanguardngr.com, 

news@vanguardngr.com, letters@vanguardngr.com. Website: www.vanguardngr.com (ISSN 0794-652X) Editor: EZE ANABA. Phone: 01-4548355. All correspondence to P.M.B. 1007, Apapa Lagos.

24052019 = May 29: Tribunal declines to stop Buhari’s inauguration

Create successful ePaper yourself

Delete template?

Save as template?