21022020

ATTACK ON 

ODILI'S HOUSE: 

Sylva blasts Wike 

•Probe attack on 

Justice Odili, 

Falana tells IGP 

11 

35 

Sack 

10 

service 

chiefs now, 

Emir Jokolo 

tells Buhari 

Discordant 

tunes over 

flight diversions 

FG secures $1.46bn to complete Ajaokuta Mills 

24 

Insecurity: 

Buhari won’t 

resign, says 

Lai 

8 

Mohammed 

19 

VOL. 27: NO. 64010 FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 21, 2020 

Fathers of Almajiri children 

should be arrested 

10 

– SULTAN, SANUSI, OONI 

•Irresponsible fathers deserve punishment — Sultan of Sokoto 

•We're scared to leave office without meeting expectations of 

Nigerians — Aisha Buhari 

REPOSITIONING THE MUSLIM FAMILY FOR NATIONAL DEVELOPMENT... 

NDDC: 

Cooperate 

with 33 

forensic 

auditors, 

FG directs 

IMC 

members 

From left: The First Lady, Hajia Aisha Buhari; President Muhammadu Buhari; Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Saád Abubakar; Ooni of 

Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi Ojaja II; Governor Yahya Bello of Kogi State; Etsu Nupe, Alhai Yahya Abubakar and the 

Shehu Borno, Shehu Abubakar Ibn Umar Garbai El-Kanemi, singing the national anthem during the opening ceremony of the 

National Conference on "Repositioning The Muslim Family for National Development", organised through a collaborative efforts 

by the Office of the First Lady and the Nigerian Supreme Council of Islamic Affairs at the State House Conference Centre, Aso 

Villa, Abuja, yesterday. Photo: Abayomi Adeshida. 

INSECURITY: 

10 feared dead 

in Edo 

cult killings 

5 

It's time to 

revisit 2014 

confab report on 

security 

— GAMBARI 

9 

10 

Reps ask Buhari to 

appoint 8 S-Court Justices 

FG demands reversal of 

visa restriction policy by US 

OWEI LAKEMFA 31 CONVERSATION WITH AZU 36 

10 

Naira 

appreciates 

to N364.38/ 

$ in I&E 

window 41 

Mr & Mrs

2 —Vanguard 

Vanguard, FRIDAY,FEBRUARY 21, , 2020

"Vanguard, 

FRIDAY FEBRUARY 21, 2020 — 3

4 —Vanguard 


vanguardnews @vanguardnews @vanguardnews 

Vanguard, FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 21, 2020 — 5 

POCKET CARTOON 

OSOBA, ABIODUN AT ASO VILLA—From left: Ogun State Governor, 

Prince Dapo Abiodun; President Muhammadu Buhari and APC Chieftain and 

former Ogun State Governor, Aremo Olusegun Osoba, at the State House, 

Abuja, yesterday. 

10 feared dead in 

Edo cult killings 

•Hunger looms in Urhoboland 

•Curtail activities of rampaging 

herdsmen, UPU tells security agencies 

By Festus Ahon, 

Brisibe Perez & 

Ozioruva Aliu 

BENIN CITY— No 

fewer than 10 

persons were, yesterday, 

killed in Benin City, Edo 

State, as rival cult groups, 

Aye and Eiye 

confraternities, engaged 

in reprisal attacks. 

The fight heightened 

tension in the affected 

areas, as fear gripped 

residents. 

This came on a day the 

ninth victim of herdsmen 

attack on farmers at 

Uwheru kingdom in 

Ughelli North Local 

Government Area of Delta 

State, passed on at Delta 

State University Teaching 

Hospital, DELSUTH, 

where he had been 

receiving treatment for 

gunshot wound sustained 

in the attack. 

This is even as Urhobo 

Economic and Investment 

Group, UEIG, yesterday 

warned that if urgent 

actions were not taken by 

Delta and federal 

governments to curb 

excesses of the herders, 

the people of Urhobo 

nation might be left with 

no option but to defend 

themselves by any means 

necessary. 

The killings in Edo, it 

was gathered, was 

triggered by the one year 

memorial of two kingpins 

of the two rival cult 

groups, identified as 

Africa, said to be the 

leader of Aye and John 

Terry, leader of the Eiye 

group. 

Both cult leaders were 

killed in clashes between 

the two groups late 2018 

and early 2019. 

The battle grounds 

included Osemwende 

Street junction at Murtala 

Muhammed Way; Esigie 

Street junction at Murtala 

Muhammed Way; and St. 

Saviour Road, MM Way, 

by Osa Market. 

Others were killed near 

Edo State Property 

Development Authority, 

EDPA, along Sakponba 

Road; Isiuwa Street, 

opposite St. Saviour 

Road, near Ohuoba 

Primary School, Nomayo 

junction; Aifuwa and 

Three House area, along 

Upper Sakponba. 

An eyewitness told 

Vanguard that over 30 

persons hid in his shop at 

Three House junction to 

avoid being hit by stray 

bullet, as cult boys shot 

sporadically. 

It was gathered that 

some suspects arrested in 

connection with last 

year’s cult killings, 

especially the killing of 

the two leaders, were 

released last month. 

Vanguard learned that 

the renewed clash 

resulted in indiscriminate 

arrests by the police but 

when contacted, the 

Police Public Relations 

Officer, Chidi Nwabuzor, 

said he was expecting 

detailed briefing on the 

killings. 

‘’The police as an 

institution, have a right to 

randomly arrest people 

within the vicinity of 

crime, screen them and 

release those found 

innocent,’’ he said. 

In Auchi, also in Edo 

State, some suspected 

members of the Vikings 

clashed with members of 

Aye Confraternity, leaving 

many of the boys with 

various degrees of 

injuries. 

Another cult group, 

Maphites, also clashed 

with another rival cult 

group at the University 

town of Ekpoma. 

Reacting to the clashes, 

the Director General, 

Legends Anti-violence 

Foundation, Kadiri 

Christopher, in a 

statement, called on 

youths to be reasonable 

and wise in their choice 

of company and the 

associations they keep. 

He called on the Edo 

State governor, Godwin 

Obaseki, to assist civil 

society groups in efforts to 

stamp out cultism from 

the state. 

Edo state 

government 

condemns 

renewed cult 

clash 

Reacting yesterday, Edo 

State government 

condemned the hike in 

cult-related killings in the 

state, cautioning that 

government would not 

condone any act of 

violence or exploits of 

delinquent youths to 

cause mayhem in the 

state. 

A statement by the 

Special Adviser to the 

Governor on Media and 

Communication Strategy, 

Mr. Crusoe Osagie, said 

it had become expedient 

to sound a note of warning 

to anyone disrupting 

public peace and safety, 

saying security agencies 

would spare no resources 

in bringing violators to 

book. 

“We are working closely 

with the Nigerian Police 

Force and other relevant 

security agencies in the 

state to arrest the rise in 

cult clashes. We assure 

that these clashes will be 

contained,’’ he said. 

He cautioned parents to 

keep a close eye on their 

children and monitor their 

whereabouts, so they 

would not be used to do 

the bidding of desperate 

persons. 

9th Uhweru victim dies 

In Delta State, the ninth 

victim who was reported 

to have been rescued 

from herdsmen attack at 

Uhweru kingdom last 

Saturday by a team made 

of the police, army and 

representatives of the 

community, died late 

Wednesday after a long 

battle with gunshot 

wounds sustained during 

Continues on Page 41 

N35m Camry 2020 model for NASS (2) 

By Bose Adelaja, 

Olayinka Latona 

& Rose Chukwu 

Considering the state 

of things in Nigeria, 

this is a really wasteful 

plan and it will only 

demonstrate the height of 

selfishness and 

unproductiveness on the 

part of the NASS 

members. Obviously, 

the funds for the cars are 

available. These funds can 

be used for other 

productive sectors which 

can better the lives of 

people 

-Tanimola Femi 

Corps Member 

Excluding the fact 

that it is a waste of 

money, let them 

encourage local 

manufacturers and buy 

made in Nigeria car. 

Innoson Motors is there. 

That is the way to boost 

our economy. We should 

start buying our home 

made products, and it 

starts with the leaders. 

The is a total waste of 

scarce fund. 

-Dahunsi Olabode 

Student 

This not fair and 

totally absurd! 

Nigeria is going through 

a lot now and some 

people are thinking of 

buying cars worth that 

amount? There is no 

justification for such 

lavish spending going 

by the level of 

depression the country 

is into. This is a purely 

selfish agenda. 

-Olaniyan Temiloluwa 

Linguist 

I 

am still thinking 

about this but I even 

wonder why the plan by 

the NASS to purchase 

400 Camry 2020 model at 

N35m each for members 

is in the news because I 

know they spend more 

and all of this is just a 

show. To me, it is just a 

total waste. For them, it 

is never about the 

country but about their 

pockets 

-Acher Yakubu 

Event Manager 

The problem in this 

country is misplaced 

priority and we neglect the 

basic necessities. What 

happens to empowering 

the youths, building good 

roads and investing in 

stable electricity? Nigeriamade 

vehicles were 

suggested for this same 

people and they rejected it; 

at least, the money would 

circulate in our economy 

-Adebayo Adelayo 

HR Personnel 

It is unacceptable! 

Poverty, unemployment 

and insecurity are pervasive 

in Nigeria; over 80% of 

Nigerians cannot afford two 

meals a day. Instead of the 

NASS to seek solutions to 

these problems, they want 

to spend N35 m on a car for 

each one of them. I don’t 

think this is the time to bring 

up such proposal, people 

are crying and dying every 

day. 

-Muhammed Bakare 

Lecturer

6 — Vanguard, FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 21, 2020 

Delta IPMAN 

burns illegal 

petroleum 

products 

boats 

By Innocent Anaba 

THE anti-bunkering team 

of the Independent 

Petroleum Marketers 

Association of Nigeria, 

IPMAN, in collaboration 

with soldiers of the 19 

Battalion, Koko Barracks, 

Warri North LGA, Delta 

State, have destroyed four 

large boats, recently caught 

loaded with smuggled 

crude oil and Petroleum byproducts, 

in the Benin and 

Escravos rivers, in the state. 

Head of the state’s 

IPMAN Anti-bunkering 

unit, Wilfred Elebiri, who 

led the operation, said the 

boats were caught during 

their three days operation 

to sanitise the coastal areas 

and waterways across the 

state of all forms of oil theft, 

adding “We will continue 

the operations with all 

vigour until no form of oil 

theft is found in Delta State. 

“We acted on intelligence 

reports during the first two 

days of the operation and 

after exploring a great 

measure of the coastal 

areas and waterways in 

Benin and Escravos rivers 

and we found various 

hideouts and locations 

where activities of 

petroleum products 

stealing and smuggling are 

carried out and on the third 

day we synergized with 

soldiers of the Nigeria 

Army, 19 Battalion, Koko, 

and we burnt four large 

loaded boats. 

“We want to warn all those 

who engage in illegal 

petroleum products 

bunkering to steer clear 

from Delta state. We are 

fully ready and willing to 

deal with them any time any 

day. Illegal oil bunkering 

activities in Delta State’s 

coastal areas and 

waterways is highly 

prohibited.” 

Pandemonium, as SARS operatives chasing 

Yahoo boys shoot 2 traders in Ogun 

The victims 

By James Ogunnaike 

A BEOKUTA—Business 

activities were, yesterday, 

disrupted at the popular Olomore 

market in Abeokuta, the Ogun State 

capital for about three hours 

following alleged injuries inflicted 

on two traders by operatives of the 

Special Anti-Robbery Squad, 

SARS, who were chasing some 

boys suspected to be Yahoo boys. 

The traders alleged that the SARS 

operatives chased some Yahoo 

Kidnappers abduct 4 Civil 

Defence officers in Kogi 

By Boluwaji 

Obahopo 

LOKOJA —Four officers of 

Nigeria Security and Civil 

Defence Corps, NSCDC, Kogi 

State were, yesterday, 

kidnapped in Kogi by 

gunmen. 

A source said the five officers 

were travelling in an official 

vehicle on their way to Benue 

State for promotional 

examinations when they were 

abducted around Ajegwu 

Junction on Itobe - Anyigba 

highway. 

He added that one of the 

officers from Ibaji LGA escaped 

while they were being 

marched into the bush. 

He said the abductors have 

also 

established 

communication with families 

asking for N30 million 

ransom. 

It would be recalled that 11 

persons were abducted on the 

same spot on Monday, while 

six persons, including a Law 

School student were on 

Sunday kidnapped on 

Obajana Kabba road. 

Meanwhile, the 

commandant of the state 

command, Mr Peter Maigeri, 

when contacted feigned 

ignorance of the abduction. 

boys into the direction of the market 

and fired at them as they escaped 

but the bullets hit two of the traders. 

An eye witness, who identified 

himself as Nasir Abiola Sani, said: 

"Around 10 a.m, eight SARS 

officers, suspected to be from the 

Lafenwa Divisional Police 

Headquarters, stormed the popular 

market in an unmarked Sienna 

Toyota vehicle as the pepper and 

tomatoes traders were offloading 

their goods. 

"The officers, who were chasing 

Yahoo boys, later accosted the 

victims, one Musa Adamu and 

another, simply identified as Awwal, 

where they were counting money 

meant for the payment of their 

goods. 

"The officers dragged the victims 

on the ground, shot them and left 

the scene with three other traders. 

While Adamu was shot in the head 

and left critically injured, Awwal was 

shot twice in the leg." 

Angered by the police’s action, 

hundreds of people, comprising 

Some victims of a fatal auto crash along Onicha- 

Ugbo-Asaba expressway rescued by the convoy of the 

Senate President, yesterday. 

Hausa and Yoruba traders, took to 

the Brewery-Olomore-Ita Oshin 

axis of the Lagos-Abeokuta 

expressway, blocking the road with 

planks and made bonfire. 

The victims were rushed to a 

nearby private hospital, Bisted 

Hospital, but were later referred to 

the Federal Medical Centre, 

FMC. 

The situation further degenerated 

when the protesters, armed with 

sticks,stones and other harmful 

objects attacked the police officers, 

chanting "barawo" (thieves), forcing 

the officers to run for their dear 

lives. 

Vehicles damaged 

Several vehicles were damaged 

as motorists and passers-by 

scampered for safety. 

Chairman of the pepper and 

tomato sellers association, Alhaji 

Ishaku Nuya, who spoke with 

journalists, demanded justice for 

his colleagues, saying the 

perpetrators of the act must be 

fished out and face the full wrath 

of the law. 

He said the only way the traders 

could be pacified was if the officers, 

who shot the traders ,were brought 

to justice to serve as a deterrent to 

other triggers happy police officers. 

It took the joint efforts of men of 

the State Police Command and 

officers of Nigerian Security and 

Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC, 

over an hour before the protesters 

were pacified. 

The appeal 

The appeal of the Deputy 

Commissioner of Police in charge 

of Criminal Investigation 

Department, CID, DC Abass, who 

led his men to the scene to pacify 

the protesters that the perpetrators 

would be brought to justice fell on 

deaf ears as the protesters kept on 

shouting, “No more SARS.” 

The police boss said: “We respect 

the agitations of the protesters. If 

not, we won’t be here, if we do not 

respect them, we would have used 

tear gas to disperse them. 

“The issue has gone beyond 

using force on them, we don’t want 

to escalate it any further that is why 

we are engaging them in dialogue. 

We are pacifying them. 

“What they (protesters) need from 

us is the assurance that justice will 

be done. Once we are able to 

convince them that justice will be 

done, we will get a very good 

result."

Vanguard, FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 21, 2020 —7 

UNILAG ex-lecturer jailed 21 years for 

raping 18-yr-old admission seeker 

By Henry Ojelu 

ALagos High Court sitting in 

Ikeja, yesterday, sentenced Dr 

Afeez Akin Baruwa, an ex-lecturer 

of the University of Lagos, 

UNILAG, to 21 years in prison for 

raping an 18-year-old admission 

seeker (name withheld). 

The convict, a 45-year-old father 

of two and former part-time lecturer 

in the Department of Accounting in 

UNILAG, was convicted and 

sentenced on a count charge of 

rape. 

According to the prosecution team 

led by Yhaqub G. Oshoala, the 

former lecturer raped the teenager 

at 9.25 a.m. on July 23, 2015, in 

Room 8, at the Faculty of Business 

Administration Annex building, 

UNILAG. 

Oshoala, the Director of the 

Directorate of Public Prosecution, 

DPP, had told the court that the 

convict, who was a friend of the 

teenager’s father, was requested by 

the man to help his daughter to 

secure admission into the institution. 

The prosecutor added that the 

rape occurred when she (the victim) 

was in Baruwa’s office to make 

arrangements for her admission into 

the university. 

The prosecution, however, closed 

its case against the former lecturer 

on January 23, 2018, after calling 

four witnesses, including the victim, 

her father, a medical doctor and the 

investigating Police officer. 

Baruwa testified solely in his 

defence on May 31, 2018, on the 

claims that he had consensual 

sexual intercourse with the 

teenager. 

The convict had testified, in his 

evidence, that the complainant was 

his girlfriend and that she seduced 

him in his office on the day the 

Dr Afeez Akin Baruwa 

alleged offence occurred. 

The offence of rape violates 

Section 258 of the Criminal Law of 

Justice, Laws of Lagos State 2011. 

However, while delivering 

judgement, yesterday, Justice 

Oyefeso said: “The defendant, 

who appears to be first time 

offenders, clearly understood the 

gravity of the offences and the 

consequences of his action. 

“I find that the prosecution was 

able to prove beyond a reasonable 

doubt all the elements needed to 

prove that the defendant is guilty 

as charged. 

“I hereby find you, Afeez Akin 

Baruwa, guilty of the charge of 

rape. The offence committed 

against this lady is a violation of 

her chastity. It is an offence to her 

family. It is an offence to the 

community at large. 

“This is a maximum sentence of 

life imprisonment without stating 

a minimum. I hereby, sentence you 

to 21 years imprisonment.” 

Man defiles two daughters in Kaduna, as 

el-Rufai, wife, NGOs intervene 

By Ibrahim Hassan 

A 

Customs officer, Mohammed 

Isa Saleh, who allegedly had 

carnal knowledge of his under-aged 

daughters in Kaduna State will soon 

be prosecuted as the state 

government has shown interest in 

the case. 

An Imam, Said Muhammad Al- 

Masiri, in Kaduna, who confirmed 

the defilement of the two girls, 

accused the police of alleged 

complicity in the matter. 

He said a Kaduna-based judge 

also ordered for the arrest of some 

“good Samaritans“who tried to assist 

the mother of the children, allegedly 

defiled by the father. 

Al-Masiri said: “He had sex with 

the girls front and back, their vaginas 

and anus are damaged. I gave their 

mother N10,000 and she took the 

girls to the hospital. The doctor 

examined the girls and confirmed 

they were defiled. But she said they 

were not infected with HIV.” 

According to a VOA Hausa report, 

the Kaduna State government has 

intervened in the matter. 

Several other organisations had 

also indicated willingness to help in 

prosecuting “Mohammed Isa Saleh, 

a Customs officer “ who allegedly 

had carnal knowledge of his 

underaged daughters. 

Governor Nasiru el-Rufa’i of 

Kaduna State and one of his wives, 

a lawyer, had waded into the matter 

by asking the appropriate judicial 

organ to handle the matter. 

The VOA Hausa report 

monitored by journalists in 

Kaduna, yesterday, said the 

underaged daughters needed 

urgent counselling and therapy as 

they have become wild and could 

easily be aroused by the opposite 

sex. 

Attempt to reach the lawyer of the 

accused, Baba Ibi Esq. was not 

successful. 

We make N40,000 daily from 

extorting motorists, Okada riders, fake 

soldier, police confess 

By Olasunkanmi 

Akoni & Bose Adelaja 

TWO suspects arrested by 

operatives of the Lagos State 

Environmental and Special 

Offences (Enforcement) Unit 

Taskforce) for impersonating security 

officers have revealed how they 

make at least N40,000 daily from the 

illegal operation before they were 

arrested. 

The suspects, Monday Job, 

impersonated a Police officer using 

his commercial motorcycle, 

popularly called, Okada, along 

Oshodi axis, while Rasak Oloyede, 

paraded himself as an Army officer 

using his commercial bus for 

fraudulent acts along Lagos- 

Abeokuta Expressway. 

In his statement, Job, who hails 

from Akwa Ibom State, confessed 

that he bought the uniform from a 

Police officer, who was deployed 

from Lagos to the northern part of 

the country for N7,000. 

He said he had since been using 

the uniform to carry out an illegal 

arrest and extort money from cyclists 

plying restricted routes along Lagos- 

Abeokuta expressway. 

“I was hawking before I joined 

Okada business over a year ago and 

I have been wearing this Police 

uniform to arrest and extort Okada 

riders and making at least N30,000 

to N35,000 daily, “he added. 

The second suspect, Oloyede, who 

impersonated a sergeant in the 

Nigerian Army, said he has been 

using the uniform he got from a 

dismissed Army officer to escape 

checkpoints on roads by traffic officers. 

He also claimed to be using the 

uniform to extort money from 

motorists and making a daily average 

collection of N25,000 to N40,000 

whenever his Volkswagen 

commercial bus, with the registration 

number BDG149 XK, had 

mechanical faults. 

... with Emma'nKen (08163121378) 

Then trek more, probably to your 

village 

Bros, please search yourself! 

Tell them the secret of being a 

good person!


President Buhari. 

INSECURITY: Buhari won’t resign, 

says Lai Mohammed 

•Slams Amnesty International for 

attacking military over terrorists 

By Soni Daniel, 

Northern Region Editor 

A BUJA—THE 

Minister of Information 

and Culture, Alhaji Lai 

Mohammed, said yesterday that 

President Muhammadu Buhari 

would not resign over the 

growing insecurity in the country. 

He spoke against the backdrop 

of calls by the opposition on the 

President to resign. 

The minister, who addressed 

the media on contemporary 

events in the country, frowned 

on the antics being adopted by 

some unnamed Nigerians to 

create tension in the land and 

cast aspersions on the leadership 

of the country. 

Among the issues, which the 

minister drew Nigerians’ 

attention to were rising fake news 

about the President and his 

officials; security agencies; 

diversion of flights by foreign 

airlines to neighbouring counties 

and the $500 million loan Nigeria 

is seeking from China to digitalise 

its television facilities. 

The minister argued that while 

the country was facing security 

challenges, Nigerians must also 

acknowledge the fact that the 

threats were being tackled by the 

federal government and slammed 

those calling on the President to 

thrown in the towel for being 

unreasonable and economical 

with the truth. 

The minister said: “The 

country is facing security 

challenges, and the challenges 

are being tackled headlong. 

However, there have been some 

red herrings in recent times, 

including those calling for the 

resignation of Mr. President or 

the sack of the security chiefs. I 

just want to say that the 

government, which has provided 

and continues to provide the 

military and the security agencies 

with the wherewithal, believes in 

their ability to tackle insecurity. 

“These challenges will be 

successfully tackled. I will 

however advise all 

commentators, especially political 

and religious leaders, to be very 

careful at this time not to 

aggravate the situation with 

incendiary comments, comments 

that cash in on our religious, 

ethnic and political fault lines to 

further divide us. 

“The kinds of comments that 

have been attributed to some 

leaders, especially religious 

leaders, are incendiary and 

reckless. Leaders should be part 

of solutions to problems, rather 

than aggravating situations. 

“To those asking Mr. President 

to resign, I wish to say this: Mr. 

President will not resign. He has 

the overwhelming mandate of 

Nigerians to preside over the 

affairs of the country till the 

expiration of his tenure in May 

2023,” Mohammed said. 

The Minister also renewed the 

resolve of the administration to 

cut down the wave of fake news 

and hate speeches arising from 

uncontrolled use of the social 

media space in the country, 

saying no nation that values its 

peace, security and stability 

would allow an irresponsible use 

of the social media. 

Mohammed announced that 

he had already made contacts 

with representatives of Google 

and Facebook, with a view to 

taking concrete steps to sanitise 

the social media, adding that a 

stakeholders’ committee to 

recommend the way forward for 

the project would be inaugurated 

on March 2 this year. 

FG upgrades navigational aids 

at Lagos, Abuja, Port Harcourt, 

Asaba, Kano airports 

The minister also rebutted 

claims by some Nigerians that 

the federal government did not 

buy and install modern 

navigational aids at the Murtala 

Mohammed International 

Airport in Lagos, thereby forcing 

some airlines to divert their flights 

to other airports within and 

outside Nigeria. 

While regretting the 

inconvenience caused air 

travelers as a result of the 

installation of the aids and the 

diversion of flights to other 

airports, the minister explained 

that the job had now been 

completed and the two runways 

in MMIA Lagos reopened. 

According to the minister, the 

federal government deliberately 

set out to cater for the safety and 

security of passengers by 

procuring and installing top-ofthe 

range Category 111 

instrument Landing System, 

which allows pilots to land even 

with zero visibility instead of the 

current Category 11 ILS in Lagos, 

Abuja, Kano, Port Harcourt and 

STATE OF THE NATION 

Lai Mohammed. 

•FG contacts Google, Facebook, 

moves to regulate social media, 

cut hate speech, fake news 

•MMA runways calibrated, reopened 

Asaba airports in a bid to reduce 

flight disruptions during bad 

weather. 

Mohammed said: ”Some 

commentators have alleged that 

perhaps the CAT III ILS was not 

bought or installed in Lagos and 

Abuja. This is not true. The 

equipment was indeed procured 

and installed in both airports. But 

for the hitch I referred to earlier, 

there would have been no 

disruptions at the MMA. 

Accusation of ineptitude against 

aviation officials is misplaced. 

Otherwise, the Abuja CAT III ILS 

would not have been working 

perfectly now. 

“The weather phenomenon 

that reduced visibility at the 

International wing of the MMA 

is not unique to Nigeria. As some 

flights were being diverted from 

the Lagos airport, over 200 flights 

were either being diverted or 

cancelled at Heathrow in 

London. I am happy to announce 

that the two runways at the 

airport in Lagos have now been 

calibrated for CAT III ILS and 

NOTAM sent out,” he said. 

Stop giving succour to Boko 

Haram against military, Minister 

slams Amnesty International 

Mohammed also berated 

Amnesty International for 

providing succour to Boko Haram 

terrorists by accusing the 

Nigerian military of razing villages 

in the north and illegally 

detaining the villagers under the 

course of fighting the terrorists, 

describing the allegation as a ploy 

to weaken the military who are 

putting their lives on the line to 

fight for Nigeria. 

He said: “I am aware that the 

Defence Headquarters has 

responded appropriately to this 

accusation.The military denied 

razing down villages and 

detaining locals unlawfully; that 

it does not employ arson as an 

operational tactic; and that 

looting and burning of villages is 

the style of Boko Haram 

Terrorists. 

“I will like to add that in carrying 

out their duties, Amnesty 

International should not cast 

themselves in the league of Boko 

Haram and ISWAP terrorists. 

“They should stop the growing 

practice of constantly attacking 

the military and casting them as 

the bad guys, when all they are 

doing is putting their lives on the 

line to fight terrorists who have 

no respect for the sanctity of life, 

who willfully go after women and 

children, who attack houses of 

worship without respect or 

allegiance to any religion. 

“Amnesty International should 

stop providing succour for 

terrorists by attributing their 

atrocities to our troops. Our 

soldiers, who are defending the 

country, are guided by extant 

rules of engagement and 

operational codes of conduct. 

They should not be made to look 

like the aggressors here,” the 

minister warned. 

$500m Chinese loan not for 

NTA alone 

The minister cleared the air on 

the $500 million loan being 

requested from China by the 

Ministry, saying that it was not 

solely meant for the Nigerian 

Television Authority, NTA, but for 

many other media-related 

projects and programmes across 

the country. 

According to him, the money, 

when sourced, will be used 

effectively for the construction of 

the headquarters complex and 

transmission network for 

integrated television services, a 

major component of the 

country’s digital switch over 

project, a media city in 

Ikorodu and acquisition of a 

digital movie production centre 

and a media city training 

academy, among others. 

Rehabilitation of Boko Haram 

suspects troubling — CAN 

ABUJA—THE Christian 

Association of Nigeria, 

CAN, has described as troubling 

federal government’s 

rehabilitation of Boko Haram 

suspects. 

Samson Ayokunle, CAN 

President, who spoke at a news 

conference in Abuja to mark the 

second year of Leah Sharibu’s 

abduction, also said it was a 

shame that despite Nigeria’s 

military forces, the killings in the 

country were yet to abate. 

He said the de-radicalisation 

and empowerment of repentant 

insurgents by the federal 

government is suspicious. 

“The setting free of so-called 

ex-Boko Haram terrorists under 

de-radicalisation, rehabilitation, 

empowerment of the arrested 

terrorists by the federal 

government is rather troubling 

and suspicious,” he said. 

“What is the guarantee that the 

freed ex-terrorists would not 

return to Sambisa forest and pick 

up their arms against innocent 

Nigerians?” 

A church service and a march 

was also held to mark her 

abduction. 

JTF lied over invasion of Bayelsa 

community, IPDI insists 

By Samuel Oyadongha 

& Emem Idio 

Y People’s ENAGOA—IJAW 

Development 

Initiative, IPDI, has dismissed as 

untrue claims by the Joint Task 

Force in the Niger Delta, code 

named Operation Delta Safe, that 

its operatives did not invade 

Letugbene community in 

Ekeremor Local Government 

Area of Bayelsa State, 

threatening to sue the military 

for the damage inflicted on a 

defenceless civilian settlement. 

In a statement signed by its 

National President, Austin 

Ozobo, in Yenagoa, yesterday, 

the IPDI described as most 

unfortunate the denial by the 

JTF, lamenting that aside from the 

houses burnt down, no fewer 

than 10 fishing huts used by 

women were tagged militant 

camps and razed by the troops. 

Ozobo said: “The military lied, 

it burnt Letugbene community 

and other 10 poor women fishing 

huts. It reported that the huts 

are militant camps. It is a lie, the 

huts are not militant camps but 

ancient small fishing settlements 

Sharibu was abducted 

alongside other girls from Girls 

Technical College, Dapchi, Yobe 

state, on February 19, 2018. 

The girls who were captured 

were subsequently released, 

except for five who reportedly died 

in captivity, but Sharibu was held 

back for “refusing to renounce 

her faith”. 

Represented by Caleb Ahima, 

CAN vice-president, Ayokunle 

said more blood is being shed 

under the administration of 

President Muhammadu Buhari. 

“The development is a shame 

and there is a cloud of confusion 

that hangs over the nation and 

the people that are governing 

this nation are not doing the right 

thing,” he said. 

“We are sure of one thing. We 

cannot doubt that the 

government knows what is 

happening. Looking at the fact 

that we are a nation, we have 

the air force, the navy, we have 

the soldiers, we have the 

weapons, but what is happening 

in this nation? 

“We call on the federal 

government again that we are 

getting to a point of anarchy.'' 

...Threatens to sue military for war crimes 

belonging to women of 

Letugbene community. The 

fishing settlements are not 

militant camps. 

“We will petition the 

international community and 

possibly sue the military for war 

crime in no distance time for 

international sanction. 

“If the burning was not carried 

out by the military, the military 

should tell the world who invaded 

and burnt down over 15 houses 

in Letugbene community and 

that of the fishing settlements. 

‘’We are adults and not kids that 

will frame stories against the hard 

earned reputation of Nigerian 

military. The entire Letugbene 

community witnessed the 

invasion of the community with 

their gun boats and arrested 

fifteen innocent villagers who 

could not escape at the point of 

the invasion. 

“Though eight have been 

released from military cell in Tunu 

flow station and seven are still in 

the military custody in Tunu flow 

station, another two that were 

whisked away by the military after 

being brutalised, are nowhere to 

be found till now. 

Senate plans national agency for ex-Boko Haram 

insurgents 

By Henry Umoru 

A Senate BUJA—THE 

has begun 

moves to establish a national 

agency that would be saddled 

with, among others, the 

responsibility of educating, 

rehabilitating, de-radicalization 

and integration of ex- Boko 

Haram insurgents. 

The bill is coming amid protest 

against the reintegration of 

members of the Boko Haram sect 

into the society. 

The bill, titled “National 

Agency for the Education, 

Rehabilitation, De- radicalization 

and Integration of repentant 

Insurgents in Nigeria, was 

read for the first time 

yesterday at plenary. 

Sponsored by former governor 

of Yobe State, Senator Ibrahim 

Gaidam, All Progressives 

Congress, APC, Yobe East, the 

bill, if passed into law, would put in 

place a legal framework for 

amnesty for Boko Haram 

insurgents who have engaged in 

massive killings and wanton 

destruction of property, especially 

in the North East geopolitical 

zone of the country. 

According to the sponsor, the 

bill is aimed at providing avenue 

for rehabilitating, de-radicalizing, 

educating and reintegrating the 

defectors, repentant and detained 

members of the insurgent group 

to make them useful members of 

the society. 

Senator Gaidam said that the 

agency will also provide avenue 

for reconciliation and promote 

national security. 

The agency is also aimed at 

providing an-open-door and 

encouragement for other 

members of the group who are 

still engaged in the insurgency 

to abandon the group, especially 

in the face of the military pressure. 

The agency will also give the 

government an opportunity to 

derive insider-information about 

the insurgence group for greater 

understanding of the group and 

its inner workings. 

According to the Bill, gaining 

greater understanding of the 

insurgents will enable 

govermnent address the 

immediate concerns of violence 

and study the need for deradicalization 

effort to improve the 

process of de-radicalization.

•MARITIME ACTION PLAN: From left, Dr. Felicia Chinwe-Mogo, Head, Marine Environment 

Management Department, NIMASA; Dr. Dakuku Peterside, Director General, NIMASA; Dr. 

Sokoonte Davies, Johnson Oghuma, Chairman, House Committee on Environment; Linda Ikeazor, 

Chairman, House Committee on Marine Transport and Mrs. Sharon Ikeazor, Minister of State for 

Environment, during the Maritime Action plan for marine litter and plastic management held in Lagos, 

yesterday. Photo: Kehinde Shonola. 

INSECURITY: It’s time to revisit 2014 

confab report — GAMBARI 

By Dirisu Yakubu 

ABUJA— FORMER 

Minister of External 

Affairs, Ambassador Ibrahim 

Gambari, has said Nigeria 

must revisit the 2014 

National Conference report 

to effectively checkmate the 

spate of killings and security 

challenges across the 

country. 

The former minister made 

this suggestions yesterday 

in Abuja during a public 

lecture, titled “Development 

Resolution: Overcoming 

Global Conflicts and 

their Local Interactions,” 

organised by Ubuntu Centre 

for African Peace building 

in collaboration with 

West African Network for 

Peace building, WANEP, 

and Savannah Centre for 

Diplomacy, Democracy and 

Development, SCDDD. 

He said: “There is lack of 

confidence in the current 

arrangement; the evidence 

is that people are being 

killed every day. There 

were recommendations at 

Relief 

HEALTH 

for stuffy 

TIPS 

nose 

Diabetes 

IF you are diabetic, you need 

to choose healthier carbohydrates. 

Choose the healthier 

foods that contain carbohydrates 

and be aware of your portion sizes. 

Healthy sources of carbohydrate 

include whole grains like 

brown rice, whole oats, fruit, vegetables, 

pulses such as chickpeas, 

beans and lentils. 

Cut down on foods low in fibre 

such as white bread, white rice 

and highly processed cereals. Eat 

less salt. Eating lots of salt can 

increase your risk of high blood 

pressure which in turn increases 

risk of heart diseases and stroke. 

Eat smaller portions of meat 

and avoid red and processed meat 

like ham, bacon, sausages, beef 

and lamb. Go with pulses such 

as beans and lentils, eggs, fish, 

poultry like chicken and turkey. 

By Sola Ogundipe 

It’s always a good thing aim to 

eat more at meal times and have 

them as snacks if you’re hungry. 

This can help you get the 

vitamins, minerals and fibre your 

body needs every day to help 

keep you healthy. 

Whole fruit is good if you have 

diabetes. Fruits contain natural 

sugar. This is different to the 

added sugar (also known as free 

sugars) that are in things like 

chocolate, biscuits and cakes. 

Choose healthy fats like in 

unsalted nuts, seeds, avocados, 

oily fish, olive oil, rapeseed oil and 

sunflower oil. It’s still a good idea 

to cut down on using oils in 

general, so try to grill, steam or 

bake foods instead. 

Avoid sugar. If you want a 

snack, choose yoghurts, unsalted 

nuts, seeds, fruits and vegetables 

instead of crisps, chips, biscuits 

and chocolates. 

STATE OF THE NATION 

the 2014 National Conference. 

We better go and look 

at it and see how we can 

have a structure that will 

take up to the local, the 

state and to the national 

police that will work together 

and not one at the expense 

of the other.” 

Gambari argued that localisation 

of the security 

apparatus was paramount, 

stressing that unless Nigeria 

localised its security apparatus 

and architecture, 

security challenges would 

continue to pose a threat. 

While contending that 

that the cooperation of local 

communities would go 

a long in tackling extremism, 

he said “You need intelligence 

and to get it, 

you need to become 

friends and partners of the 

local community, but when 

there are human rights violations, 

you are afraid of 

the security; you can’t get 

that kind of cooperation. 

“Even if you have peace, 

you can’t eat peace. 

Peace is a necessary condition 

but not a sufficient condition 

for development, because 

you must have a 

means of livelihood. 

Delivering the lecture, 

Mr. Marek Hrubec, Director, 

Centre of Global Studies, 

Institute of Philosophy, 

Czech Academy of Sciences, 

spoke extensively on the 

four eras of independence 

and called on Africa to develop 

own-grown model to 

tackle its challenges. 

Hrubec informed that the 

Chinese model was attractive 

because it transformed 

infrastructure and lifted 

millions out of poverty, 

stressing that Africa needed 

its own model governed 

by its own experiences, 

goals and objectives. 


Again, kidnappers strike in Kogi, abducts 

4 Civil Defence officers 

*Gov Bello not to blame for insecurity resurgence in Kogi - Govt 

By Boluwaji 

Obahopo 

LOKOJA - Four officers 

of the Nigeria Security 

and Civil Defense Corps, 

NSCDC, Kogi State were 

yesterday kidnapped in 

Kogi by unknown gunmen. 

The officers were said to 

be on their way to Benue 

State to attend promotion 

examinations. 

Family source to one of the 

kidnapped victims, said the 

five officers were travelling 

on an official vehicle when 

they were abducted around 

Ajegwu Junction on Itobe - 

Anyigba highway. 

He added that one of the 

officers from Ibaji LGA escaped, 

while they were being 

marched into the bush. 

He said the abductors 

have also established communication 

with families 

asking for N30 million ransom. 

It would be recalled that 

11 persons were abducted 

at the same spot on Monday, 

while six persons, including 

a law school student, 

was on Sunday kidnapped 

on Obajana Kabba 

road. 

Meanwhile, the commandant 

of the state command, 

Mr. Peter Samuel 

Maigeri, when contacted, 

feigned ignorance of the 

abduction. 

Meanwhile, Kogi State 

government has called on 

people of the state to stop 

blaming Governor Yahaya 

Bello for the insecurity in 

the state. 

The Commissioner for 

Information, Mr. Kingsley 

Fanwo, who made the 

clarification yesterday in 

Lokoja, spoke against the 

backdrop of Okun Development 

Association’s position 

that the worsening security 

situation in the state 

was due to Governor Bello’s 

open invitation to 

herdsmen into the state last 

year. 

Fanwo said: “The Governor 

has invested heavily 

on security with both facilities 

and man power as well 

as deploying technology to 

fight crime. 

“The position of the Okun 

JOS — THE Plateau 

State Police Command 

has arrested five suspects 

in connection with cattle rustling 

and armed robbery 

even as the Command recovered 

18 cows, 12 goats, 

stolen handsets and a locally 

made pistol from the 

suspects. 

The suspected cow rustlers 

practice their illicit 

trade at the Jengre area of 

Bassa Local Government 

Area of the State while two 

separate gangs of suspected 

armed robbers operate 

at Gindiri district of 

Mangu local government 

area of the State and Benue 

State respectively. 

A statement issued yesterday 

in Jos by the State Police 

Public Relations Officer, 

PPRO, ASP Ubah Gabriel 

explained the activities of 

the suspect thus: 

“Acting on a tip off, a combined 

team of Police operatives 

attached to Jengre Division, 

Anti kidnapping 

Unit (AKU) and Yan Bula 

Hunters group of Jengre 

Area on the 17/02/2020 at 

about 2.30pm, arrested one 

Halidu Idris ‘m’ of Radi Village 

Bassa LGA who is a 

member of a notorious gang 

of cattle rustlers operating 

Development Association, 

ODA, doesn’t capture the 

real picture of efforts and 

actions of the Governor at 

combating crimes in our 

society. Criminality doesn’t 

recognize tribe or race. The 

effect of it affects all. It is no 

time for the blame game but 

conscious action at restoring 

confidence in the security 

architecture of the state. 

“Yesterday, the State Executive 

Council approved 

the procurement of modern 

security equipment to effectively 

police the entire Kogi 

State and those equipment 

will be delivered soon. 

When delivered, criminal 

acts like kidnapping and 

armed robbery will be effectively 

stamped out. 

Nigeria needs assistance in Hi-Tech to address 

insecurity, Lawan tells Finland govt 

By Henry Umoru 

ABUJA — PRESIDENT 

of the Senate, Senator 

Ahmad Lawan, yesterday 

told the Finland government 

that Nigeria was going 

through serious security 

challenges including 

kidnapping, armed banditry 

that require the application 

of technology to 

overcome. 

Lawan who spoke in 

Abuja when the Ambassador 

of Finland in Nigeria, 

Dr.Jyrki Pulkkinen, paid 

him a courtesy visit in his 

office, said, “As you know, 

Nigeria is battling with so 

Suspected cow rustlers, 

armed robbers nabbed in 

Plateau 

many issues of insecurity. 

We have the insurgency, 

banditry, kidnapping and 

many other things. 

“The best way to go is to 

deploy technology. Even 

though at the beginning, it 

may be a little bit expensive 

but in the long run, it pays off 

better. We believe that with 

you as our friend, you can find 

appropriate technology for 

our armed forces and the police 

to fight the challenges that 

we face.” 

He called on the government 

and people of Finland 

to collaborate with Nigeria in 

the area of Hi- Technology 

within Jengre and its environs 

who led the team to their 

hide out at Radi Village. 

“On sighting the police, the 

gang members who already 

laid ambush, opened fire on 

the operatives. As a result of 

the gun duel, one of the 

gang members was shot 

dead while another of the 

members identified as 

Yakubu Soja and five others 

took to their heels. Exhibit 

recovered at the scene include, 

18 cows, 12 goats, 

Army green uniform trouser 

and some seeds suspected 

to be Indian hemp. Effort is 

in top gear with a view to 

arresting the said Yakubu 

Soja and his cohorts. 

“In another development, 

a case of armed robbery attack 

was reported in Benue 

State Police Command on 

08/02/2020 where a Hummer 

Hiace bus with registration 

number BKB 180 SA was 

intercepted by men of the 

underworld along Otukpo/ 

Taraku road and 262 new 

handsets were catered away. 

“Immediately information 

reached the Plateau State 

Police Command of the 

armed robbery case, our operative 

were placed on alert 

and intelligent team swung 

into action which led to the 

arrest of three suspects 

namely, Oche Idoko, John 

Abah and Emmanuel 

Onyibo all ‘m’ of Otukpo, 

Benue State in a black Toyota 

Corolla car with registration 

number LSD 34 DN along 

Ahmadu Bello Way, Jos on 

18/02/2020 at about 5.30pm. 

“During search, seven of 

the stolen handsets were recovered 

from the suspects. 

The suspects who confessed 

to the commission of the 

crime will soon be transferred 

to Benue State Police Command.” 

He added that, “On the 14/ 

02/2020 at about 2.09pm 

while acting on credible information 

that one Kabiru 

Jibrin ‘m’ of Sabon Barki, 

Gindiri District of Mangu 

LGA trespassed into student’s 

hostel at College of 

Education, Gindiri and 

robbed them of their handsets, 

a team of Policemen 

were mobilized to the scene 

where the suspect was arrested 

with one locally made 

pistol. 

and trade, recalling that Finland 

and Nigeria had gone 

a long way in terms of the diplomatic 

relationship since 

about 1963, and that since 

then, Nigeria and Finland 

had been friends. 

Lawan said, “there is something 

that we know about you. 

And that is to collaborate the 

Hi-Tech country that you are. 

Nigeria today is looking for 

Hi-Tech. In fact, recently the 

Ministry of Communications 

was renamed as Ministry of 

Communications and Digital 

Economy. That is to emphasize 

the need for Nigeria to 

go the Hi-Tech way as well.

C 

M 

Y 

K 


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

NATIONAL 

CONFERENCE 

From left: Emir of 

Kano, Mohammed 

Sanusi II; President 

Muhammadu Buhari; 

Sultan of Sokoto, 

Alhaji Saa’ad Abubakar 

(III) and Ooni of Ife, 

Oba Adeyeye 

Ogunwusi, during a 

National Conference 

on repositioning the 

MuslimFamily for 

National Development 

organized by Nigerian 

Council for Islamic 

Affairs in conjunction 

with office of the First 

Lady in Abuja 

yesterday. 

Fathers of Almajiri children should be 

arrested – Sultan, Sanusi, Ooni 

•Irresponsible fathers deserve punishment — Sultan of Sokoto 

•We're scared to leave office without meeting expectations of 

Nigerians — Aisha Buhari 

By Johnbosco 

Agbakwuru 

THE Emir of Kano, Mo 

hammed Sanusi, and 

Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye 

Enitan Ogunwusi, said 

yesterday that parents of Almajiri 

children should be 

arrested and not their children, 

for constituting a nuisance 

to the society. Sanusi 

also called for enactment of 

laws by state governments 

to tackle injustices in marriages. 

Sanusi spoke as the Sultan 

of Sokoto, Muhammadu 

Sa’ad Abubakar, said government 

and the courts 

would answer to Allah for 

refusing to grant justice. 

This is even as the First 

Lady, Dr. Aisha Muhammadu 

Buhari, said her husband’s 

government was 

scared to leave office without 

meeting the expectations 

of Nigerians. 

They all spoke at the 

Joint National Conference 

of Nigerian Supreme 

Council for Islamic Affairs, 

NSCIA, and Future Assured 

Initiative on Repositioning 

the Muslim Family 

for National Development, 

at the Banquet Hall of State 

House, Abuja 

Future Assured Initiative 

is a pet project of the First 

Lady, Aisha Buhari. 

In his remarks, Sanusi 

said everyday wives were 

complaining about their 

husbands who claimed 

their rights but abandon 

their responsibilities of marriage. 

He also said that 

women complained being 

divorced, with their husbands 

not taking care of the 

children and those children 

ending up on the streets, 

doing drugs, political thuggery 

and violent extremism. 

He said: ‘’There was no 

law that talks about consent 

in marriage, the rights of 

wives and husbands, domestic 

violence, rights of 

women divorced, the responsibilities 

of husbands 

under divorce situations. If 

a child is found on the 

streets, it’s the father that is 

responsible and can the 

state hold him accountable? 

These are Shariah and they 

are all more important than 

cutting off the hand of a 

thief.” 

Asking rhetorically whether 

men could marry and 

have children without any 

responsibilities, the Emir 

said: “The reason Allah 

send His Prophets is that 

there should be justice in 

this world. Justice in our relationship 

with our maker 

and in our relationship with 

our fellow human beings. 

“Justice means that everyone 

is given his rights. If 

a man takes the privilege 

of being the head of the 

family, he takes the responsibilities 

of being the provider 

of the family. You cannot 

take that privilege and 

abandon the responsibilities. 

“Is it a fact that a father 

has the right to force his 

daughter into a loveless 

marriage? That you have 

the rights to batter your 

wife? You have the right to 

have children and push 

them to the streets to beg? 

That when you divorce your 

wife, you ask her and her 

children to pack and go back 

to her father’s house and 

that is the end? 

“I can spend 100 years 

saying that it is wrong and 

un-Islamic for a man to beat 

his wife, but it is the governor 

and the State House of 

Assembly that should pass 

the law, it is the Courts and 

the Police that will make 

sure that the woman gets 

justice. The Scholars and 

Emirs cannot do that. 

“It is only the governors 

who can pass the laws to 

say that when a man divorces 

his wife, it is his responsibilities 

to provide for 

the children, it is the courts 

and security system that will 

enforce. “ So, the problem 

is these groups of human 

beings are those who will 

stand to answer to Allah if 

there is no justice. 

‘’Traditional and religious 

leaders have an obligation 

to ask for justice, but those 

with the political powers 

have an obligation to put in 

place the processes that will 

make sure that these justices 

are complied with.” 

Concurring with Emir 

Sanusi, the Ooni of Ife, 

Enitan-Ogunwusi, said: “It 

is not only about roads, we 

have to give (Almajiri) that 

exposure, that orientation 

and let them know that 

they have a very solid impact 

to make in nation 

building. 

“It is very important for us 

not to just pray to God alone. 

If you pray to God and do 

nothing to back it up, it is 

tantamount to destroying a 

particular country. Its about 

what value you are providing. 

It is very important for 

all these people you are 

calling social menace for 

the country. 

•Irresponsible fathers 

deserve punishment 

— Sultan of Sokoto 

On his part, the Sultan of 

Sokoto, Muhammadu 

Sa’ad Abubakar, said: “ 

Nigeria of over 200 million 

people, there is no way we 

can divide ourselves. The 

conference was designed to 

bring every one together. 

“We are not short of recommendations 

and resolutions, 

what we lack is implementation. 

Give marching 

orders to the governors 

to implement resolutions 

reached, you have the big 

stick as the Commander-in- 

Chief, chiefly command 

well . No body will come 

and solve this problem for 

us. No matter how big a person 

is, he is not bigger than 

Nigeria. Drugs, broken 

marriages, why is there so 

much divorce among Nigerians. 

Let’s see how we can 

implement some of these 

programs. We are always 

with you and will continue 

to support you.’’ 

On the role of fathers, he 

said: “We do know what 

the problems are, husbands 

not taking their responsibilities, 

and children ending 

on the streets .The problems 

are there are irresponsible 

fathers. 

“12 states of the north 

declared that they have 

adopted the Sharia. No 

laws on consent in marriage, 

responsibilities of 

husbands in a divorce situation. 

“Where did you get it that 

you are allowed to have 

children and abandon them 

to beg? You are allowed to 

marry wife number one, 

number two, number three 

and leave them hungry, 

who gave you that right? 

The verse that say you can 

marry four wives at the end 

says “ the Prophet ask us to 

pray against severity of trials. 

“What is meat by severity 

of trials is to have a very 

large family and little money. 

If you are too poor to feed 

your children, then go out 

and beg, and not send your 

children to do the begging. 

“We are hoping that we 

stop treating Almajiri as 

criminals. When you see 

one on the street, ask him 

or her where is your father? 

so, go and arrest the father, 

not the boy, because the father 

is responsible for the 

problem, not the child.” 

•We're scared to leave 

office without meeting 

expectations of Nigerians 

— Aisha 

In her remarks, the First 

Lady, Dr. Aisha Muhammadu 

Buhari, said the 

present administration was 

scared to leave office without 

meeting the expectations of 

Nigerians. 

While expressing fears that 

failure to meet their expectations 

of Nigerians will not 

augur well for the country, Dr. 

Aisha Buhari said: “We are 

scared to leave here to meet 

them without meeting up with 

some of their (Almajiri) expectations. 

Though we are not 

going to meet up with all their 

expectations, but at least we’d 

do our best to see that we’ve 

done the basic one’s. That is, 

keeping the Almajiries off 

the streets. 

Sack service chiefs now, 

Emir Jokolo tells Buhari 

By Ibrahim Hassan 

THE Emir of Gwandu, 

Major Mustapha Jokolo, 

retd, has thrown his weight 

behind calls on President 

Muhammadu Buhari to sack the 

service chiefs, following their inability 

to deal with the growing insecurity 

in the country, 

Jokolo, who spoke in an 

interview monitored in Kaduna 

yesterday, also decried the frequent 

clashes among Presidency 

officials. 

The monarch, who served as 

ADC to Buhari when he was 

military head of state, said in saner 

climes, the service chiefs would 

have been sacked by now, especially 

considering the deteriorating 

security situation in the 

country. 

According to him, those who 

think the removal of the service 

chiefs will cause tension in the 

country are ignorant of world 

military history. On the clashes 

among Presidency officials, Jokolo 

said this couldn’t have happened 

during a military regime, 

adding that every officer respected 

one another’s roles and avoided 

overlaps. 

He said: ‘’The misunderstanding 

among them is borne out of 

greed and selfishness. President 

Buhari brought them to assist him 

in different roles, why then should 

there be any conflict of roles?But 

whenever any among them 

encroaches into the other’s 

territory, there will be problem.’’ 

We’ll support efforts to develop 

mining industry by private 

sector — FG 

THE Minister of State for 

Mines and Steel Development, 

Dr. Ikechukwu Ogah has restated the 

commitment of the Federal 

Government to maximize the 

potentials of the mining sector as the 

government intensifies efforts to 

collaborate with the private 

organisations to develop the sector. 

The Minister made this comment 

during a courtesy visit to the 

Management of Lafarge Africa Plc. at 

the company’s plant in Ewekoro, Ogun 

State. 

After conducting a tour of the 

facilities at the plant, 

Ogah commended the company on its 

impacts in the mining sector and its 

adherence to international 

best practices in quarry operations. 

Ogah promised that the government 

would continue to work at providing 

an enabling environment for operators 

within the industry by creating 

effective policies. 

Speaking on the activities of illegal 

miners within the industry, the 

Minister said the government is not 

relenting in its effort at ensuring such 

activities are reduced to the barest 

minimum with an intention to totally 

eradicate illegal mining in the country. 

“The Federal Government is doing 

a lot to attract investment into the 

mining sector. Incentives are being 

given to miners to bring them into the 

country. Our focus is on improving the 

ease of doing business index with 

emphasis on collection of licenses, 

provision of accurate data on available 

mineral resources in Nigeria, as well 

as proper guidance”, he said. 

In her remarks, the Company 

Secretary and General Counsel at 

Lafarge Africa Plc., Mrs. Adewunmi 

Alode while welcoming the Minister 

said Lafarge is very delighted at 

working closely with the Ministry to 

achieve meaningful development in 

the mining industry in Nigeria. She 

stated that the visit was an opportunity 

for the Company to showcase its 

facilities, while also demonstrating its 

willingness to support the economic 

development agenda of the 

government. 

“Our strategy in Lafarge Africa 

is premised on our vision of 

Building for Growth. We have a 

robust projection to drive growth 

and development within the 

extractive industry while availing 

more opportunities for Nigerians 

to build sustainably. We welcome 

the plans of the federal 

government to diversify the 

Nigerian economy. This provides 

more options for sustainable 

development. Our 

commitment remains investing 

in human and capital resources 

that would aid in creating 

employment and improve 

living standards across the 

nation and doing things 

sustainably.” 

The Acting Plant Manager at 

the Ewekoro plant, Engr. Adamu 

Mohammed while conducting 

the team around the 

plant explained that the 

Company makes a deliberate 

effort at ensuring the safety of its 

staff and others within its 

operating communities. 

FG demands reversal of visa 

restriction policy by US 

By Omeiza Ajayi 

ABUJA — THE Federal 

Government has called on 

the United States of America to 

consider the long standing 

relationship between the two 

countries and reverse its Visa restrictions 

on Nigeria. 

The call was contained in a 

statement issued by the Director, 

Press and Public Relations of in 

the Ministry of Interior, Mohammed 

Manga yesterday in Abuja. 

According to the statement, the 

Minister of Interior, Ogbeni Rauf 

Aregbesola, made the call while 

receiving the American Ambassador 

to Nigeria, Her Excellency, 

Mary Beth Leonard and her team. 

He said; “the Government of 

Nigeria believes that the 

cooperation with the United 

States of America will help address 

Immigration and Consular issues 

in control of persons seeking to 

enter both countries through issuance 

of visa, passport and other 

travel documents.” 

The Minister said as the 

Chairman, Presidential 

Committee on the Citizen Data 

Management and 

Harmonization, he was bold to 

say that Nigeria has complied 

with most of the issues of concern 

raised by America, including, but 

not limited to the uploading of 

over 700 Stolen/Lost Passports on 

the Nigeria Immigration Service’s 

Database,’ saying Nigeria is not 

a pariah nation. 

He said he believed Nigeria is 

too important an ally of America 

to deserve such a sanction, adding 

that the country should be commended 

rather than sanctioned.


:Vanguard 

News 

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

DISCUSSION: From left—Unesco Regional Director, Y. D. O. Yao; UN Residents & Humanitarian 

Coordinator, Edward Kallon; Initiator, Eradication of Malaria in Africa, Prince Ned 

Nwoko, and Project Coordinator, Chukwuebuka Anyaduba, during the United Nations collaboration 

to end the scourge of Malaria in Africa, yesterday. 

Amotekun Corps: Lagos Assemby amends 

LNSC Law, commits bill to c’ttee 

By Ebunoluwa 

Sessou 

LAGOS—LAGOS State 

House of Assembly, on 

Thursday, committed the 

Bill for a Law to establish 

the State Security outfit, 

“Amotekun” Corps, 2020 to 

the House Committee on 

Information, Publicity, 

Security and Strategy and 

report back to the House 

sine die. 

The House, however, 

fixed a public hearing on 

the Bill, entitled “a House 

of Assembly Bill No. 5 

Lagos 

State 

Neighbourhood Safety 

Corps, LNSC, Amendment 

Bill 2020 And for 

Connected Purposes” for 

L 

A G O S — 

CONSTITUTIONAL 

Lawyer and human rights 

activist, Femi Falana has 

urged the Inspector 

General of Police, IGP, 

Mohammed Adamu to 

investigate an alleged 

unlawful invasion on the 

residence of Justice Mary 

Peter-Odili in Abuja, with 

a view to bringing the 

culprits to book. 

Falana, in a statement, 

released on Thursday, 

maintained that upon 

conclusion of the 

investigation the report 

should be forwarded to the 

Attorney-General of the 

Federation, Abubakar 

Malami, in order to charge 

the demonstrators with 

criminal trespass contrary to 

section 349 of the Penal 

Code applicable in the 

Federal Capital Territory. 

Recall that on Tuesday, a 

group of demonstrators 

....Holds public hearing, Monday 

Monday February, 24th, 

2020. 

Speaker of the House, 

Mr. Mudashiru Obasa, at 

the plenary, subsequently, 

committed the bill to the 

House Committee, headed 

by Mr. Tunde Braimoh, for 

public hearing. 

The Clerk of the House, 

Mr. Azeez Sanni had 

informed the House that he 

received a letter from the 

state’s Commissioner for 

Justice, Moyosore 

Onigbanjo on Wednesday, 

February 19, 2020 on the 

amendment of the LNSC. 

The Bill was 

subsequently, read first and 

second times at the plenary. 

The Majority Leader of 

the House, Mr. Sanai 

Agunbiade, Ikorodu 1, said 

that the Bill is an executive 

bill, but predicated on the 

private member bill that 

established LNSC, which 

he said has been working 

well. 

Agunbiade added, “It is 

meant to energise and 

strengthen the security that 

we have in Lagos State 

based on the challenges in 

the state and in the South 

West. 

“It tries to create a unit out 

of the LNSC to be referred 

to as “Amotekun” Corps to 

take charge of security in 

certain areas such as: in the 

Probe attack on Justice Odili, Falana 

tells IGP 

were said to have invaded 

the residence of Peter-Odili 

in Abuja and “thereby 

infringed on her 

Ladyship’s fundamental 

right to privacy guaranteed 

by section 37 of the 

Constitution of Nigeria.” 

The demonstrators were 

reported to have protested 

the judgment delivered by 

the Supreme Court in 

respect of the Bayelsa 

Governorship pre-election 

case presided over by 

Justice Peter-Odili. 

Falana said, “Never in 

the history of this country 

has a Justice of the 

Supreme Court been 

subjected to such 

embarrassment over his or 

her decision. 

“This unfortunate 

incident would not reared 

its ugly head if the full 

weight of the law had been 

allowed to descend on the 

gang of miscreants who 

invaded the Ekiti State 

High Court and beat up a 

Judge on September 23, 

2014 and the armed 

security operatives who 

invaded the Abuja Judicial 

Division of the Federal 

High Court on December 

6 last year in a desperate 

bid to arrest Mr. Omoyele 

Sowore. 

“However, since All 

Progressives Congress, 

APC, and People’s 

Democratic Party, PDP, 

have accused each other of 

sponsoring the protest, the 

Inspector General of Police 

should conduct an 

investigation into the 

incident." 

Falana contended that 

since the right of Nigerian 

Judges to decide cases 

without fear or favour is an 

integral part of judicial 

independence guaranteed 

by section 36 (1) of the 

Constitution, “the National 

Judicial Council should 

take up the invasion of 

Justice Mary Peter-Odili’s 

official residence with 

President Buhari. On its 

part, the Nigerian Bar 

Association should follow up the 

investigation and prosecution of 

the invaders.” 

forest, highway and other 

places to protect us against 

hoodlums, cattle rustling 

and others. 

“It will have a commander 

and Amotekun Corps 

would bear arms with the 

permission of the police. 

They will cooperate with 

other security platforms in 

Ondo, Oyo, Ogun, Ekiti 

and Osun States,” he said. 

The Majority Leader 

stressed that LNSC has a 

clause that will provide for 

Amotekun. 

In his contribution, Mr. 

Oluyinka Ogundimu, 

(Agege 2), while 

supporting the Bill, 

commended the foresight of 

the Lagos State House of 

Assembly on the security of 

the state. 

Ogundimu stated that the 

law covers wider areas and made 

internal security a priority. 

He called for local content in 

the bill, adding that they needed 

people with native intelligence, 

and that whoever would be 

appointed as the Head of the unit 

should be approved by the 

House. 

By Olasunkami Akoni 

LAGOS—LAGOS State 

Government, on 

Thursday, inaugurated a 

new Food Market at 

Agbalata, in the Badagry 

Local Government Area of 

the state, in order to 

promote the structuring of 

agricultural produce 

marketing for traceability 

and quality assurance. 

The Special Adviser to the 

Governor on Agriculture, 

Ms. Abisola Olusanya, who 

inaugurated the market, 

explained that the new 

FADADA Food Market 

would also promote 

availability of wholesome 

Septuagenarian, 3 others 

arraigned over N4.9m property 

damage 

By Onozure Dania 

L 

A G O S — A 

septuagenerian, 

Nosiru Akolemobasi and 

three others have been 

arraigned in Lagos 

Magistrate Court sitting in 

Igbosere, over alleged 

malicious damage of 

property and fence valued 

at N4,950,000. 

The accused 

Akolemobasi, 70, alongside 

Otunba Gbenga Kuti, 69, 

Jamiu Aro, 66 and Sanni 

Yusuf, 53, were arraigned 

before Magistrate, A. 

O.Alogba were ordered to 

be remanded at the 

Nigeria Correctional 

Services, NSC, pending 

when they are able to 

perfect their bail conditions. 

The defendants, whose 

residential address was not 

given, are facing a five 

count charge, bordering on 

conspiracy, unlawful and 

malicious damage and 

breach of peace preferred 

against them by the police. 

The Prosecutor Anthony 

Ihehime, told the court that 

the defendants and others 

at large, conspired among 

themselves to commit the 

alleged offences. 

Ihehime said that the 

incident took place on 

December 21, 2019, along 

Kasolori village, Itamaga 

Obafemi road, Adele 

Ikorodu Lagos. 

He said that the 

defendants willfully and 

maliciously damaged the 

fence and property of one 

Regun Keyoola family, with 

a caterpillar. 

The prosecutor also 

alleged that the defendants 

damaged the fence and 

property of one Olajide 

Saheed, valued N2, 

750,000. 

“The defendants also 

damaged the fence and 

property of one Omotayo 

Festus Olaitan, valued 

N2.2million, with a 

caterpillar,” he said. 

Osun: Oyetola raises 11-man 

team to review education policies 

By Shina 

Abubakar 

TO improve the quality 

of education in Osun, 

the state government has 

raised an 11-man 

committee to review some 

of its policies to drive 

development in the sector. 

The 11-man committee is 

chaired by Professor Olu 

Aina, former Registrar/ 

Chief Executive, National 

Business and Technical 

Examinations Board, 

NABTEB. 

Others are General Alani 

Akinrinade (retd), Prof 

Yemisi Obilade, Harvardtrained 

educationist and 

former Vice Chancelor of 

Tai Solarin University of 

Education, Prof Pai 

Obanya, Professor Ibidapo 

Obe, Dr Iyi Uwadiae, Prof 

5-yr Roadmap: Sanwo-Olu inaugurates food mart 

in Badagry 

food to the populace at 

affordable prices, as well as 

create farm gate price 

advantage for the populace 

through the elimination of 

middlemen. 

She noted that the market, 

which was a product of a 

collaborative effort with 

multilateral agencies, 

especially the World Bank 

and the Federal 

Government, would also 

reduce post harvest losses, 

whilst giving optimum 

returns to farmers for their 

efforts. 

According to Olusanya: 

“The Market, which is 

solely for agricultural 

produce and value added 

products, would also get 

food vendors off the streets, 

Adeyemi, Mr. Akinropo 

Emmanuel, Mrs, M. O. 

Aluko-Olokun, Mr. Wakeel 

Ayinde and Mr. Folorunso 

Alao. 

Osun State Governor, 

Adegboyega Oyetola, 

raised the committee after 

opening a two-day 

Roundtable Summit to 

review some of the extant 

policies on education in the 

state, with a view to 

strengthening the sector. 

Governor Oyetola, who 

was represented by his 

Deputy, Mr. Benedict 

Alabi, disclosed that the 

roundtable is in furtherance 

of the Oyetola 

administration’s promise to 

run an all-inclusive 

government that is based 

on the people’s yearnings 

and needs. 

stressing that the state government 

would continue to 

be innovative at making 

resident household food 

secure, while creating 

wealth and employment 

opportunities through the 

process. 

“There is no gain saying 

that Lagos is indeed a 

MARKET PLACE for 

Nigeria and Sub-Sahara 

African. The State 

Government has 

developed a number of 

initiatives to optimize the 

use of available land and regulate 

the potentials within the 

agricultural space for the benefits 

of all. To springboard these 

developments, the state has 

produced a 5-year road map (2020 

- 2025) for sustainable and 

inclusive agricultural growth 

strategy with citizens at the core."



COURTESY VISIT: Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike (middle), Deputy Governor Ipalibo 

Harry Banigo (2nd right), Deputy Speaker of Rivers State House of Assembly, Ehie Edison (2nd left), 

Majority Whip of Rivers State House of Assembly, Major Jack during a Courtesy Visit by the leadership 

of One Million Youths for New Rivers State at the Government House, Port Harcourt, yesterday. 

APC asks S'Court to reverse its judgement 

sacking Lyon as governor 

• Eremieoyo asks police to investigation allegation 

By Ikechukwu 

Nnochiri & Omeiza 

Ajayi 

ABUJA — THE All Pro 

gressives Congress, 

APC, yesterday, asked the 

Supreme Court to set-aside 

its February 13, 2020, judgment 

that sacked its candidate, 

David Lyon, as the 

validly elected governor of 

Bayelsa State. 

This came as the deputy 

governorship candidate of 

the APC in the Bayelsa governorship 

election, Sen. 

Biobarakuma Eremienyo 

has said he never forged 

any of his certificates and 

called on the police to investigation 

the allegation. 

The party, in the application 

before the apex court 

by Chief Wole Olanipekun, 

SAN, and Prince Lateef 

Fagbemi, SAN, maintained 

that the apex court denied 

it fair hearing when it disqualified 

Lyon and invalidated 

his victory in the governorship 

election that held 

in Bayelsa State on November 

16, 2019. 

It contended that the Justice 

Mary Odili-led sevenman 

panel of Justices of the 

Supreme Court gave a 

"wrong" legal interpretation 

that was executed by the 

Independent National 

Electoral Commission, 

INEC. 

APC is further contending 

that the apex court, in 

its judgment, misinterpreted 

the November 12, 2019 

judgment of the Federal 

High Court, Abuja, which 

it affirmed to disqualify 

Lyon and his deputy, Eremieoyo. 

In the lead judgment that 

was delivered by Justice 

Ejembi Eko, the apex court 

reinstated the November 

12, 2019, judgment of the 

Federal High Court, Abuja 

that disqualified Degi- 

Eremieoyo from participating 

in the governorship poll 

after it found him guilty of 

perjury. 

It held that since Eremieoyo 

shared a joint ticket 

with Lyon, his disqualification, 

vitiated their nomination 

by the APC, and 

their eventual emergence 

as governor and deputy 

governor-elect, respectively. 

Justice Eko held that the 

Court of Appeal, Abuja, 

erred in law when it cleared 

Eremieoyo to participate in 

the election on the premise 

that the allegation that he 

supplied false particulars to 

INEC, was not proved. 

However, in the application 

file yesterday, APC, 

argued that the Supreme 

Court acted without jurisdiction 

and denied it fair 

hearing when it proceeded 

to disqualify its governorship 

candidate even 

though the Federal High 

Court, in the judgment by 

Justice Ekwo, which the 

apex court affirmed, refused 

the plaintiffs' prayer 

to disqualify Lyon. 

Meanwhile, Eremienyo, 

who addressed newsmen 

in Abuja, said "The 

event to my disqualification 

is distressing and 

traumatized to me personally 

and of course a 

greater trauma, inflicted 

on my party, the governorship 

candidate and 

the good people of Bayelsa, 

who signified their 

choice of who should be 

their governor and deputy 

governor. 

"I therefore, call on the 

relevant authorities especially 

the Nigerian Police 

to conduct a serious and 

thorough investigation 

into the names appearing 

in the said certificates 

and the certificates 

themselves, and make 

the outcome of their investigation 

public," he 

added. 

Edo politician file N100m suit against Obaseki, 

IGP over ban on rallies 

BENIN CITY — EDO 

State politician, Mr 

Emankhu Addeh, has 

dragged the Edo State 

governor and Inspector 

General of Police, Mohammed 

Adamu, before a 

Federal High Court sitting 

in Abuja, challenging 

the ban on all political 

activities in the state. 

He is also demanding 

as aggravated damages, 

the sum of N100million 

from the respondents, 

jointly and severally, for the 

unlawful restriction of applicant’s 

fundamental 

rights to associate freely. 

Addeh from Esan North 


Edo State, is further asking 

the court to declare that the 

respondents statement or 

declaration or proclamation 

that they have a total and 

complete ban on all political 

rallies, demonstrations 

and/or procession in part of 

Edo State, is unlawful and 

a violation of applicant’s 

fundamental rights as enshrined 

on the section 40 

of the Constitution of the 

Federal Republic of Nigeria 

1999 and ARTICLE 11 

Rivers State remains my top priority — Wike 

PORT HARCOURT — 

GOVERNOR Nyesom 

Wike of Rivers State, has 

reiterated his commitment 

to the development of the 

state, saying that Rivers 

State remains his top priority 

at all time. 

Speaking during a courtesy 

visit by the leadership of 

One Million Youths for New 

Rivers State at Government 

House, Port Harcourt, yesterday, 

Wike noted that he 

was working to place Rivers 

State at the top. 

He said: "My commitment 

is to Rivers State. My focus 

is on whatever will make 

of African Charter on Human 

and People’s Rights 

(Ratification And Enforcement) 

Act Cap A9 LFN 

2004. 

He further wants the 

court to declare that the respondent’s 

acts enforcing 

the said total and complete 

Rivers State to be a leader 

amongst the comity of 

states. 

"We are working to have a 

positive impact on the lives 

of the people of Rivers 

State. To make sure that we 

have to protect the interest 

of Rivers State." 

The governor noted that his 

commitment to Rivers State 

was beyond political consideration. 

"No party is above the interest 

of Rivers State. Any 

party without the interest of 

Rivers State, will not have 

any connection with me. 

That does not mean that I 

ban on political rallies, demonstrations 

and/or procession 

in any part of Edo 

State, is unlawful and a violation 

of applicant’s fundamental 

rights as enshrined 

on Section 40 of the 

Constitution of the Federal 

Republic of Nigeria 1999. 

don't have the interest of my 

party, but Rivers State is 

paramount." 

Wike assured youths that 

many of them will be captured 

in the next set of appointments 

by his administration. 

He charged the youths to 

remain loyal and not allow 

busy body politicians mislead 

them. 

"Loyalty by the stomach is 

not full loyalty. I urge you 

to remain faithful to the 

state. Don't allow busy body 

politicians to make you do 

what you are not supposed 

to do," he said. 

More Cameroonian refugees 

flood into C'River, 

Commissioner laments 

By Emma Una 

CALABAR — AS more 

Cameroonians refugees 

flood into Cross River 

State to add to the over 

20,000 already in the state, 

Dr Beta Edu, the State 

Health Commissioner in 

the state has cried out for 

help. 

Dr Edu who visited the 

12 camps in Ogoja housing 

the refugees, lamented 

the plight of the children 

and the poor living condition 

in the camps. 

"Over 10,000 children out 

of school, thousands of families 

live in small brick 

rooms with very poor ventilation, 

some in waterproof 

rooms while water and sanitation 

is a big challenge, 

feeding is another challenge, 

no hope for the future 

as it is bleak," Edu said 

She said the state though 

has been doing its best but 

its resources are overstretched 

and accordingly, 

called for assistance from 

government and humanitarian 

organisations. 

"Whoever has a hand in 

this for the sake of over 

10,000 innocent children 

should drop his ego, sheath 

swords and let peace be 

restored. Cross River State 

is overstretched, our social 

amenities, hospitals, 

schools and even the host 

communities feel the impact." 

She said refugees, particularly 

children were dying 

daily from avoidable diseases, 

such as malnutrition, 

diarrhea, heat and called for 

a fast resolution of the conflict 

in the Southern part of 

that country so that the refugees 

can return home. 

"My welcome to the camp 

at Ogoja was that of a sick 

dying child, we had to rush 

her to Primary Health Care 

Centre Adagbon to save 

her life." 

The commissioner along 

with her team carried out 

immunisation of the children 

in the camps while 

calling on the refugees to 

maintain personal hygiene 

and environmental cleanliness. 

Gov Diri appoints SSG, Chief 

of Staff, others 

By Samuel 

Oyadongha 

YENAGOA — GOV 

ERNOR Douye Diri 

of Bayelsa State, has approved 

the appointment 

of four principal officers 

for his administration. 

Diri, in a statement by 

his acting Chief Press Secretary, 

Mr Daniel Alabrah, 

named the new 

appointees to include a 

former Speaker of the 

state House of Assembly, 

Mr. Konbowei Benson, 

from Southern Ijaw Local 

Government Area, who 

will serve as Secretary to 

the State Government, 

SSG and Chief Benson 

CJ urges implementation of 

reform in criminal justice act 

By Jimitota 

Onoyume 

WARRI — CHIEF 

Judge of Delta 

State, Justice Marshal 

Umukoro has called on 

states to implement the reform 

in the Administration 

of Criminal Justice Act 

2015, domesticated in the 

state since 2017. 

He made the appeal at a 

training workshop on Implementation 

of Administration 

of Criminal Justice 

Act for Judges, Magistrates 

and Prosecutors organised 

by the Institute of Advanced 

Legal Studies in 

Asaba, capital of the state. 

Agadaga, a former governorship 

aspirant on the 

platform of the People's 

Democratic Party, PDP, as 

Chief of Staff, Government 

House. 

Chief Agadaga is from 

Ogbia council of the state. 

Others are Peter Akpe, 

an indigene of Ebedebiri, 

Sagbama council, to serve 

as Deputy Chief of Staff, 

Government House and 

Mr Irorodamie Komonibo 

as Principal Secretary. 

Komonibo is from Odi in 

Kolokuma-Opokuma 

council. 

"The appointments are 

with immediate effect," 

said the statement. 

He said implementation 

of the Act would bring out 

the beauty in it, adding that 

lack of vehicles, for magistrates 

to regularly visit Police 

stations to assess situation 

of suspects, lack of 

digital cameras for Police to 

record confessional statement 

of suspects among 

others were part of problems 

affecting smooth implementation 

of the reform 

in several states. 

The Chief Judge who was 

Chief host and Chairman 

of the discussion session 

said, the state had sent judicial 

officers and others on 

training since domestication 

of the Act in the state.


By Peter Duru 

M AKURDI—THE 

Chairman of the 

Benue Investment and 

Property Company, BIPC, 

Chief Mike Mku, has 

dragged the Minister of 

Special Duties and Inter- 

Governmental Affairs, 

Senator George Akume, 

before the Tiv Area 

Traditional Council, for 

alleged physical and 

violent assault. 

Chief Mku who made this 

known yesterday in a 

statement in Makurdi, 

noted that it was not in his 


VISIT: From left—Oyo State Governor, Engr Seyi Makinde; Commissioner for Agriculture, Muyiwa 

Oyekunle; Deputy General Manager, AGRITED Nigeria Ltd., Moty Ganon, and Executive Assistant 

to the Governor on Investment, Segun Ogunwuyi, during the governor's visit to AGRITED in 

Fiditi. 

Alleged physical assault: Akume dragged 

before Tiv Area Traditional Council 

•You were the aggressor —Sen Akume 

character to be associated 

with controversies but 

lamented that he was 

constrained to take action 

on the matter. 

But reacting, the Special 

Adviser to the Minister on 

Media, Dr. Mku Aondona 

said: “What happened at 

that event was that the 

Minister went to the 

wedding and thought it 

necessary to greet and 

extend pleasantries with 

the dignitaries present. 

When he went to the table 

Mku was sitting with other 

dignitaries, he greeted 

every person on the table 

and when he attempted to 

greet Mku he rebuffed 

him. Somehow Mku was 

angry and the Minister 

wanted to find out why he 

rebuffed him. 

“And of course Mku was 

more of the aggressor and 

the minister walked away 

from where he was. So there 

was nothing of such. If at 

all there was such then Mku 

was the aggressor. The 

minister is too honorable to 

do that. Moreover he was 

Nigeria has no data on migration 

—ILO 

By Victor Young 

L AGOS—THE 

International Labour 

Organisation, ILO, 

yesterday in Lagos, 

stressed the importance of 

statistics to migration, 

saying member countries 

must have reliable labour 

statistics for effective 

implementation of the 

relevant labour migration 

policies, laws and 

certification programmes 

with ILO’s convention. 

Director of ILO Country 

Office for Nigeria, Ghana, 

Liberia, Sierra Leone and 

Liaison Office for 

ECOWAS, Mr. Dennis 

Zulu who spoke at a three 

three-day capacity building 

workshop on, ‘’Labour 

Migration Statistics in 

Nigeria’’, informed that, 

timely and reliable labour 

statistics remained an 

essential requirement for 

evidence-based policymaking 

in any given 

society. 

Represented by ILO’s 

National Project 

Coordinator, Mr Augustine 

Erameh, , Zulu noted that 

it was essential to produce 

reliable and timely labour 

statistics for research and 

information, contending 

that there was the need to 

produce sound evidencebased 

policy-making for the 

residents and migrants in 

a given country. 

He said ‘’Accurate and 

current statistics are 

necessary to describe and 

analyse prevalence, 

determinants and 

consequences of labour 

migration in the country. 

"As an evolving 

phenomenon, labour 

migration continues to 

remain a feature of modern 

day labour markets that 

requires stakeholders 

participation to facilitate 

development and 

implementation of effective 

governance frameworks. 

Globally, millions of 

migrants leave their country 

of origin in search for better 

employment opportunities. 

A better understanding of 

the phenomenon through 

evidence based lenses will 

go a long way to address 

challenges associated with 

irregular migratory flow of 

labour migrants,’’ Zulu 

said. 

On his part, ILO’s Head 

of Statistics Department, 

Geneva, Switzerland, Mr 

Mustapha Ozel, said, 

among others, noted that 

there was no information 

about Nigeria concerning 

migration on ILO’s website, 

saying the workshop was 

important as Nigeria was 

about to rectify convention 

160 on international 

standards on labour 

statistics. 

According to him 

‘’Nigeria will disseminate 

data according to the 

international regulation. 

This is the first workshop 

in the country and is a very 

huge progress. In 2018, 

International conference of 

labour statisticians which 

gathers every five years, 

adopted a guideline 

concerning International 

labour migration statistics, 

and the guidelines brings 

standards, concepts and 

finishing for data 

comparable,’’ 

at the event as the 

President’s representative.” 

But narrating his ordeal, 

Chief Mku said, among 

others; “Senator Akume 

physically and violently 

assaulted me at the 

wedding of the son to Tor 

Tiv, HRM Professor James 

Ortese Ayatse last Saturday 

in Makurdi. The incident 

took place where I and a 

number of other illustrious 

Tiv sons sat at the wedding 

reception. The Minister 

had approached our table 

and we all stood to 

exchange pleasantries with 

him, and one after the other 

he shook hands with and 

even hugged some of those 

my table mates. 

“However, when he got 

to me and I made to shake 

hands with him, he 

abruptly shoved me 

violently in the chest almost 

knocking me over 

backwards. In shock I 

protested and asked him 

why he behaved so, but he 

proceeded to order his 

security orderly to take me 

out of his sight as he angrily 

waged a finger in my face 

prompting the security man 

to move towards me. 

By Aliyu Dangida 

D UTSE—JIGAWA 

State government has 

secured a loan of over $37 

million (USD) from the 

Islamic Development 

Bank, IDB, for 

implementation of 

integrated rural agricultural 

development projects in the 

state. 

Governor Muhammad 

Badaru Abubakar, who 

announced this at the 

launch of the programme 

Exam malpractice: Adamawa 

state poly sacks 4 lecturers 

By Umar Yusuf 

Y OLA—THE 

management of the 

Adamawa State 

Polytechnic, Yola, has 

terminated the 

appointment of four of its 

lecturers over alleged 

examination malpractices 

especially alteration of 

examinations results. 

The affected lecturers 

(names withheld) were 

alleged to have been 

involved in examination 

results alterations and 

award of fake results to 

students who did not sit for 

the exams. 

A statement by the 

No Lassa fever in Niger, govt 

declares 

By Wole 

Mosadomi 

M INNA—NIGER 

State Government, 

yesterday dismissed 

insinuation of outbreak of 

Lasa Fever in the state, 

insisting that there was no 

case of Lassa Fever 

recorded in the state. 

This came as the state 

government announced 

immediate reintroduction of 

the monthly sanitation 

cancelled by the immediate 

past administration. 

Briefing newsmen after 

the weekly State Executive 

Council, SEC, meeting, 

Commissioner for Health 

and Hospital Services, Dr 

Muhammad Sidi, said 

“There had been no single 

case of Lassa Fever 

recorded in Niger State 

because government has 

taken steps to guard 

against it. 

“Sensitization on the 

causes of the diseases is 

ongoing in all nooks and 

crannies of the state and 

disease surveillance 

centres have been put in 

place with free drugs for 

treatment and prevention of 

the disease. Already, 500 

dozens and 200 dozens of 

preventive and treatment 

drugs have been procured 

and my Ministry is always 

in touch with the National 

Polytechnic Information 

and Public Relations 

Officer, Albert Matila, said 

the management took the 

decision to terminate their 

appointment at its 140th 

meeting on Wednesday 

19th February, 2020". 

According to the release, 

the management 

considered the report of the 

Committee earlier set up to 

verify the results following 

complaints of alterations 

from some lecturers. 

They were alleged to 

have tampered with 727 

candidates' results in 21 

courses and also gave fake 

results to some students 

who did not write the 

examination. 

...reintroduces monthly sanitation 

Disease Control Centre for 

any eventuality.” 

The commissioner 

informed that the state was 

on the right path of making 

health facilities affordable 

and accessible to the people 

of the state through the 

ministry’s annual 

operational plan of 

Strategic Development 

Plan of Niger state. 

Dr Sidi pointed out that 

the state was currently rated 

as first in the North Central 

and third in Nigeria as the 

state had paid all its 

counterpart funds with 

Bill Melinda Gate who 

signed the MOU in 

October 10, 2017 while 

waiting for their counter 

payment for the 

programme. 

On his part, 

Commissioner for 

Environment, Tanko 

Zakar who announced 

the reintroduction of the 

Sanitation and fixed for 

the last Saturday of every 

month, said the step was 

to ensure cleanliness and 

curb outbreak of diseases 

He explained that 

movement of people 

would be restricted from 

7am to 10am, noting that 

the exercise would be 

flagged off on 29th 

February, 2020 by the 

state governor. 

Jigawa secures $37.7m loan from IDB for agric devt 

at State Agricultural and 

Rural Development 

Agency, JARDA, said the 

projects would provide 

direct and indirect jobs to 

more than two million in the 

state through establishment 

of 6,000 hectares of land for 

irrigation scheme of both 

dry and rainy seasons. 

The Governor explained 

that the project would 

support a number of areas 

in the agricultural sector, 

such as irrigation, fishing, 

rearing, infrastructural 

development of land, loan 

to farmers, construction of 

feeder roads, and 

construction of markets and 

demarcation of cattle routes 

among others. 

He explained that the 

present administration had 

introduced policy and 

programmes aimed at 

improving agricultural 

production since 

assumption of office in 2015. 

“My administration has 

invested heavily on 

agriculture and will continue to 

inject more funds,” he vowed.


By Dayo Johnson 

ONDO—ONDO State 

Government, 

yesterday, assured persons 

and communities, whose 

landed property, farmlands 

or means of livelihood 

would be affected by the 

construction of Port of Ondo 

project of adequate 

compensation and 

relocation to comfortable 

sites. 

Governor Rotimi 

Akeredolu made the 

promise, while addressing 

stakeholders, including 

royal fathers, prominent 

leaders of the affected 

communities, project 

consultants and some 

maritime experts with top 

government officials. 

Akeredolu met with the 

critical stakeholders to seek 

their buy-in to actualise the 

:Vanguard News 

Ondo N500bn port: Akeredolu 

assures compensation for 

displaced persons, communities 

Port of Ondo project. 

Noting that "The Deep 

Seaport and the Industrial 

City Project will bring a 

massive inflow of 

investment into the South 

of Ondo in general, but 

more specifically to the 

affected areas of Ugbo and 

Mahin" the governor called 

for concerted efforts adding 

that the stakeholders' 

meeting is a statutory 

requirement needed to 

complete all the strategic 

conditions for getting a 

Deep Seaport License by 

Ondo State from the 

Federal Government. 

Port of Ondo, according 

to Governor Akeredolu, is 

undoubtedly the much 

needed key to unlock the 

socio-economic potentials of 

the areas, as over N500 

billion investment inflows 

will come with the project. 

Makinde approves payment 

of allowance to ORTMA 

officers 

By Adeola Badru 

I B A D A N — 

GOVERNOR Seyi 

Makinde of Oyo State has 

approved the immediate 

payment of Responsibility 

Allowance (RA) to officers 

of the State Road Traffic 

Management Agency 

(ORTMA) to serve as 

motivation to members of 

the paramilitary outfit across 

the state. 

Responsibility Allowance 

THE Ijesha Traditional 

Council of Osun State 

has called on government 

and stakeholders to call the 

paramount ruler, Adimula 

Oba Gabriel Adekunle 

Aromolaran II, to order to 

prevent anarchy in the 

community. 

Making the call, Obanla 

of Ijeshaland, Dr. 

Oyekanmi Ogedengbe, 

insisted that Ijeshaland 

might not witness any 

meaningful progress 

except the Owa-obokun is 

called to order as the Owa- 

Obokun's behaviour seems 

to be beyond government's 

control. 

His words: "Owa-Obokun 

says he is above the 

government and when 

Rauf Aregbesola instituted 

a panel of enquiry to touch 

on several issues 

pertaining to the 

complaints, traditional 

stool's anomalies and 

various misdemeanours of 

Owa-Obokun, he boastfully 

proclaimed that the report 

is a benefit that is being 

derived by any government 

agency that engages in 

certain tasks beyond their 

normal assignment and the 

stipulated working hours for 

workers in the state civil 

service. 

The Director-General of 

the agency in the state, Dr. 

Akin Fagbemi disclosed 

this to newsmen in his 

office, yesterday, describing 

the governor's gesture as a 

positive development that 

would serve as incentives 

to spur the officers to do 

more. 

Ijesha Traditional Council wants 

monarch called to order 

will never see the light of 

the day and that was exactly 

what happened.” 

Attempts to reach the 

Owa-obokun for his side of 

the story proved abortive at 

press time although his PRO, 

Elder Olatunbosun assured that 

the paramount ruler will provide 

a response to the accusations. 

:@vanguardnews 

@vanguardnews 

NEWS HOTLINES 

018773962, 

08052867058 

EDUCATION POLICY REVIEW: From left—Emeritus Professor, Institute of Education, University of 

Ibadan, Professor Pai Obanya; Osun State Commissioner for Information and Civic Orientation, 

Mrs. Funke Egbemode; her Ministry of Education counterpart, Folorunso Bamisayemi; Chief of 

Staff to Osun State Governor, Dr. Charles Akinola; Professor Olu Aina, and Osun State Deputy 

Governor, Benedict Alabi, during a two-day policy review round-table summit on some extant 

policies in Osun education sector, yesterday. 

47.5m Nigerians engage in open 

defecation —FG 

By Rotimi 

Ojomoyela 

ADO EKITI—THE 

Federal Government, 

yesterday, revealed that no 

fewer than 47.5 million 

Nigerians still engage in 

open defecation. 

The Minister of Water 

Resources, Engr Suleiman 

Adamu, gave the startling 

revelation in Ado-Ekiti 

during the launching of the 

Open Defecation Free, 

ODF, Roadmap and flag off 

of clean Nigeria, Use the 

Mimiko buries mum today 


O NDO—MADAM 

Muinat Mosekonla 

Mimiko, the 88-year-old 

late mother of former 

Governor of Ondo State, Dr 

Olusegun Mimiko, will be 

buried today. 

She died on December 14, 

2019, at her residence in 

Ondo. 

The former Governor's 

Special Assistant on 

Media, John Paul Akinduro 

in a statement in Akure said 

that the funeral activities for 

Mama Muinat Mimiko 

began, yesterday with a 

night of tributes at the Oba 

toilet campaign. 

Adamu said the Federal 

Government won’t allow 

the unhealthy habit to 

constitute a global 

embarrassment to the 

nation. 

This is just as the 

Governor of Ekiti State, Dr. 

Kayode Fayemi , ordered 

immediate enforcement of 

operation one house one 

toilet policy in the state for 

sustainable hygiene and 

improved health status of 

Ekiti residents. No fewer 

than 1.4 million of Ekiti 

TRAFFIC LAW: NUPENG floors 

Ogun TRACE 

•Ekiti to enforce one toilet per house 

population engage in open 

defecation 

Fayemi said Ekiti had 

keyed into the Water 

Sanitation and Hygiene, 

WASH, programme of the 

Federal Government, 

adding that the state 

government would 

spendN9.6 billion on the 

programme, which will be 

done in partnership with 

corporate bodies, 

traditional institutions and 

other critical stakeholders. 

At the campaign tagged: 

"Making Ekiti State ODF 

•Court orders TRACE to refund money collected from union, member 


collected from the National Ogun State Traffic 

AN Ogun State High Union of Petroleum and Compliance and 

Court sitting in Natural Gas Workers of Enforcement Corps 

Sagamu, has ordered Nigeria, as levies on (TRACE) (2) Attorney 

Ogun State Traffic Federal highways. General of Ogun State and 

Compliance and Justice N. I . Agbelu, said Ogun State Government. 

Enforcement Corps, that the detention and The claimant said that his 

TRACE, to refund towing of the applicant’s truck was apprehended on 

N210,000, illegally Truck with registration No: November 7, 2017, at 8am, 

GKB 139 XA on the Federal he and his truck were 

Highway by TRACE, arrested by the agents of 

officers or agents were TRACE and different levies 

Adesanoye Civic Centre, unlawful and ultra vires of and penalties were 

in Ondo city. 

the law that established the slammed on the claimant 

An interdenominational traffic compliance and ranging from towing fees of 

service will hold today at enforcement corps. N150,000, enlightenment 

the same venue. 

The court held that fees of N1,000 and a fine of 

Akinduro added that the TRACE, under the Federal N50,000, respectively. 

reception will be held at St. Highway Act had no power He said he was driving 

Joseph's College along to arrest and detain his truck with Registration 

Ondo-Ife road in Ondo city. vehicles/trucks on the Number: GKB 139 XA 

Speaking about her Federal Highway except along Ogere within 

mother's death, Mimiko with the leave of the Ibadan/Lagos 

said "it is indescribable Minister of Transportation. Expressway and the truck 

waking up the day after my Nigeria Union of developed mechanical 

mother died and realizing Petroleum and Natural Gas fault, he parked the truck 

I am actually without a Workers of Nigeria, off the Express Road, and 

mother again. It was NUPENG, through a was fixing the propeller of 

daunting and one could member Asimiyu Ganiyu, the truck, when he was 

only appreciate the finality had through an originating arrested and the various 

of death after losing one’s Summon filed a suit, in Suit fees were slammed on 

dearest mother. 

No: HCS/320/17, against him. 

By 2022", the wife of the 

Governor, Erelu Bisi 

Fayemi, was decorated as 

WASH Ambassador, while 

the traditional rulers were 

made champions of the 

policy in their domains. 

The Minister applauded 

Governor Fayemi for setting 

a target that is three years 

ahead the national 

schedule for ODF, 

describing this as a clear 

demonstration of 

commitment to make the 

country regain its respect 

globally. 

"Available statistics 

revealed that over 47.5 

million Nigerians engage 

in this unhygienic act. 

"Knowing that a 

sustainable management of 

water will make our 

sanitation, the FG under 

President Muhammadu 

Buhari declared 

emergency in WASH in 

2018 and we are taking 

steps to address the 

challenges in the sector. 

"We are also not unaware 

that the national action 

against open defecation 

requires private sector, Civil 

society Organisations, 

government at all levels to 

take it to zero level. This is 

critical to us as a 

government because we 

have to provide the political 

will and public financing to 

fight the menace and bring 

down the practice. 

"We want to assure you 

that my Ministry will 

support you in ensuring 

that you hit your target of 

making Ekiti achieve ODF 

status in 2022. 

"The FG through the 

National Disapra 

Commission is planning to 

raise a sum of one billion 

dollars from Nigerians in 

Diaspora to fund WASH 

programmes."

Vanguard, FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 21, 2020—15 

MEETING: From left, Members of Creative, Hospitality and Tourism Group, National 

Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture, NACCIMA: Alhaji Muhammed 

Saharawiji; Chairman, Chief S.P. Phillips; Secretary, Ms Bimbo Balogun; and other members, 

Mr Olawale Oyero and Mr Fawale Abass after the inaugural meeting of NACCIMA 's 

Creative, Hospitality and Tourism Group, in Lagos, yesterday. 

Imo: Okorocha to appear before 

judicial commission March 5 

By Chidi 

Nkwopara 

OWERRI—Barring any 

unforeseen 

circumstance, former 

governor of Imo State, 

Senator Rochas Okorocha, 

will mount the witness box 

on March 5, 2020, to give 

evidence in the ongoing 

Judicial Commission of 

Inquiry on Contract Awards. 

When the matter, JUD/ 

CICA/2m/2020, came up 

yesterday, Mr. Callistus 

Osondu, a lawyer, who stood 

in for Okorocha, explained 

his client’s absence at the 

commission. 

“We were only informed 

about this matter yesterday 

(Wednesday). I appeal to this 

honourable commission to 

grant us a very short 

adjournment, to enable us 

prepare the witness,” 

Osondu said. 

Before adjourning the 

matter to March 5, 2020, 

Justice Benjamin Iheka 

reminded Okorocha’s 

counsel that “this is not a 

regular court and we are 

limited by time.” 

Startling revelations, 

however, emerged when the 

former Commissioner of 

Health, Dr. Mrs. Angela 

Uwakwem, gave evidence 

from the witness box. 

Ex-Health 

commissioner 

testifies 

“I know about 

Somtochukwu Hospital, 

situated at the demolished 

Ekeukwu Owerri Market. I 

also know of Mother and 

Child Specialist Hospital, 

located in the demolished 

New Market. From what I 

saw on ground, at the 

Somtochukwu Hospital, I will 

be surprised that N3.9 billion 

was spent on it,” Uwakwem 

said. 

When asked to assess the 

Mother and Child Specialist 

Hospital, the former Health 

Commissioner said: “I am not 

a valuer to know whether the 

stage it reached justified the 

N1.4 billion paid out on it.” 

Answering a question on 

whether there was truly, a 

memo from Government 

House, directing that work on 

the fencing and landscaping 

of the General Hospital, Abo- 

Umulolo, Okigwe, should be 

done by direct labour, 

Uwakwem said: “There was 

no such memo but a verbal 

instruction from the 

governor.” 

She affirmed being aware 

that the fencing and 

landscaping of Okigwe 

General Hospital went for 

N15 million and N7 million 

respectively. 

Her words: “For the 

General Hospital, Okigwe, a 

total of N50 million was spent, 

out of the approved sum of 

N55 million, for the 

completion of the hospital. I 

came on board and inherited 

the projects. I did not find out 

who the contractors were. 

There was no handover from 

my predecessor, Ngozi 

Njoku." 

She is expected to return to 

the witness box February 26, 

2020, for continuation of the 

interrogation. 

Alleged N525bn fraud: Hoodlums 

disrupt protest in Umuahia 

By Ugochukwu 

Alaribe & Eric 

Ugbor 

U protest 

MUAHIA—The 

march 

convened by a group, Abia 

Coalition Against 

Corruption, ACACA, over the 

alleged N525 billion fraud 

against a former governor, 

Senator Theodore Orji and 

his son, Chinedum Orji, was 

yesterday disrupted by 

hoodlums in Umuahia. 

The group had scheduled 

the protest marches to hold 

simultaneously at the 

Federal Capital Territory, 

Abuja and Umuahia. 

The conveners are 

demanding that the former 

governor and his son, who is 

currently the Speaker of the 

state House of Assembly, 

should step down to allow the 

Economic and Financial 

Crimes Commission, EFCC, 

conclude investigations 

against them. 

Sources told Vanguard that 

the conveners had, as early 

as 8am, converged at 

Okpara Square, Umuahia, 

but were attacked by 

hoodlums who were said to 

be against the protest. 

Co-convener of the group, 

Emperor Ogbonna, a lawyer, 

was said to have been 

assaulted and was later 

arrested by the Police who 

accused him of organising an 

illegal protest. 

The action of the hoodlums 

brought the protest to an 

abrupt end as none of the 

members of the group were 

seen at the venue. 

The protesters had planned 

to march from Okpara Square 

to the Abia State Government 

House and the state House 

of Assembly. 

In an interview with 

journalists, the co-convener 

of the group said he arrived 

the venue and met with 

hoodlums who had taken 

over the area. 

He lamented that the 

hoodlums started beating him 

as soon as one of them 

recognised him. 

In his words: “The 

hoodlums took over the 

venue, smoking all sorts of 

substances. We had arrived 

and started organising our 

members when one of the 

hoodlums recognised me 

and beckoned on others. 

"They tore my clothes, stole 

my money and handsets. 

They only fled when 

policemen started firing into 

the air. The Police later 

arrested me. After meeting 

with the Area Commander, 

Umuahia , I was taken to the 

Commissioner of Police who 

ordered my release after few 

hours.” 

However, Abia State 

Commissioner of Police, Mr. 

Ene Okon said the command 

did not give any letter 

concerning the protest. 

The CP said that the protest 

was disrupted when two 

groups who were in support 

and against the protest 

clashed. 

Anambra community faults media report, says 

there's peace in Ugbene 

STAKEHOLDERS in 

Ugbene community, 

Awka North local council of 

Anambra State, have picked 

holes in a media report (not 

Vanguard) that there is crisis 

in the community. 

To the contrary, they said 

there is peace and love for the 

progress and development of 

their community. 

The stakeholders led by the 

President-General of the 

community, Chief Emmanuel 

Nwude, made their views 

known after an emergency 

meeting to review the media 

report. They said the false 

report was sponsored by 

people they described as 

detractors of the peace and 

progress of the community. 

The stakeholders included 

youth organisations and the 

entire Umuada group. 

The stakeholders said what 

the detractors of the progress 

in Ugbene referred to as 

tension in the community was 

laughable and unimaginable, 

Ignore propaganda on 

killing of Igbo —Army 

By Chinonso 

Alozie 

OWERRI—THE 34 

Artillery Brigade, 

Obinze, in Owerri, Imo State, 

yesterday, cautioned rumour 

mongers to stop immediately 

from spreading the falsehood 

of killing of Igbo people. 

The Army in Owerri, 

through a statement signed 

by Lieutenant 

Commander Iliyazu Rijua, 

reacted to the said 

misinformation, adding that 

it was aimed at discrediting 

the army and the current 

administration. 

The army insisted that their 

primary aim was to protect 

lives and property of the 

people of Imo State and 

Nigeria in general. 

According to Rijua, “It has 

come to the notice of the 

Headquarters of the 34 

Artillery Brigade, Obinze in 

referring to them as aliens 

to happenings in Ugbene 

community. 

They maintained that due 

process for conducting the 

Igweship election by the town 

union was observed to the 

latter, as the PG announced 

on October 19, 2019 that the 

election would hold on 

October 26, and on that day, 

government and security 

organisations monitored the 

election. 

Owerri, that there is an audio 

propaganda going round in 

the social media by 

unidentified persons, that 


Buhari had directed the 

military to start killing and 

bombing innocent citizens. 

This is baseless and aimed 

at discrediting the image of 

the Nigerian Army and the 

current administration. 

“The constitutional 

mandate of the Nigerian 

Army is to protect lives, 

property and defend the 

country from external 

aggression and not to 

engage in any form of extrajudicial 

killings. 

“The general public is 

required to disregard this 

misleading information in the 

social media and go about 

their normal businesses. It 

was the work of criminal 

elements that was bent on 

causing chaos in the system.” 

Ohanaeze, PDP leaders hail 

Ugwuanyi on participatory 

democracy 

THE leadership of the 

Igbo apex organisation, 

Ohanaeze Ndigbo in 

Enugu State, yesterday, 

joined stakeholders of 

Peoples Democratic Party, 

PDP, in applauding 

Governor Ifeanyi 

Ugwuanyi for his peace 

and good governance 

initiatives and inclusive 

leadership style, which 

have entrenched 

participatory democracy in 

the state. 

Speaking during the PDP 

state flag-off of the 

Chairmanship Campaign 

in Ikem, headquarters of 

Isi-Uzo Local Government 

Area, ahead of the February 

Feb. 29 LG elections in the 

state, the state chairman of 

Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Chief 

Alex Ogbonna, who led a 

delegation of the 

organisation to witness the 

event, said they were 

impressed with the good 

works of Gov. Ugwuanyi in 

the state. 

Ogbonna added that the 

governor’s penchant for 

peace and deep 

commitment to participatory 

democracy through wider 

consultation and 

consensus building, were 

responsible for the existing 

peace and security in the 

state. 

He maintained that the 

governor’s uncommon 

leadership style also 

ensured the peace that 

exists in the state Assembly, 

describing the governor as 

a rare leader who does not 

segregate or hold grudges 

against anybody. 

They added that all the village 

chairmen congratulated 

the Igwe-elect, Chief 

Sampson Mkpuora 

Chimakwa, a Lagos-based 

furniture manufacturer and 

one-time President-General 

of Ugbene Town Union, who 

was crowned as Ezu-Ukwu 

II of Ugbene-Akodu, by the 

kingmakers led by the oldest 

man in the community, Ozo 

Aaron Agumadu who is also 

the head of Ozo Title Society.

16—Vanguard, FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 21, 2020 

AWARD: From left— 

Prince Olufemi 

Oyewole, 2nd Vice 

President, NIMN; Mr 

Seni Adetu, Guest 

Speaker; Mr Tony 

Agenmonmen, 

President and Chairman 

of Council, National 

Institute of Marketing 

of Nigeria, NIMN, and 

Mr Amaechi Okobi, 

Fellow of the Institute, 

at the National Institute 

of Marketing of Nigeria 

Fellows' Dinner and 

Awards Night in Lagos. 

Close ranks to save Nigeria from disintegration, 

OMPALAN urges Presidential aides 

By Emmanuel 

Elebeke 

ABUJA—ELDERS of 

the nation under the 

aegis of Oil and Solid 

Mineral Producing Area 

Landlords’ Association of 

Nigeria, OMPALAN, have 

called on senior aides of 

President Buhari to bury 

their hatchet and present a 

common front in order to 

salvage the country from 

the menace of terrorism, 

corruption and all forms of 

lawlessness. 

The leaders expressed 

concern for the deteriorating 

security situation in the 

country and called for urgent 

action to address the 

ugly trend before it collapses 

the country. 

The OMPALAN leaders, 

who met in Abuja to 

appraise the security 

situation in the country and 

plan for a national workshop 

tagged: OMPALAN 

Forum for Peace and Unity 

in Nigeria, said that the 

workshop is aimed at drumming 

support for the rule 

of law and continued peace 

and unity of the nation. 

The workshop according 

to them, will hold in the 

peaceful Imo State capital 

of Owerri. 

The President of the 

association, Bishop Azogu 

further warned aides of 

President Buhari to live 

above board and function 

within the ambit of their 

assigned duties, saying 

they must show open 

concern for the insecurity 

plaguing the nation that 

has claimed so many lives. 

Earlier in his address to 

the meeting which was 

attended by eminent Nigerians 

from the six geopolitical 

zones of the country, 

Bishop Azogu said: "The clamour 

for regional security to 

curb recurring incidents of security 

breaches across the 

country is gaining traction by 

the day. OMPALAN is rattled 

by the crescendo of crime wave 

across the Country. 

"We also share in the expressed 

concern by leaders of 

the various geopolitical zones 

that Governors of member 

states should ramp up effort to 

safeguard life and property in 

their various states." 

Edo APC crisis: High Court dismisses forgery suit 

against lawmaker-elect 

By Ozioruva Aliu 

BEIN 

CITY—THE 

Federal High Court 

sitting in Benin city and 

presided over by Hon. 

Justice M G. Umar has 

dismissed a certificate 

forgery suit filed by Nosa 

Victor Omoregie of the 

Peoples Democratic Party 

(PDP) against Hon. Dumez 

Ugiagbe of the All 

Progressive Congress, 

APC. 

Both parties had 

contested the 9th March, 

2019 House of Assembly 

elections to represent Ovia 

Sapele Rotary 9141 donates books to schools, 

empowers widows 

By Festus Ahon & 

Paul Olayemi 

SAPELE—THE Rotary 

Club of Sapele, Delta 

North East Constituency I 

and Ugiagbe was declared 

winner by the Independent 

Natiomal Electoral 

Commission (INEC). 

But Omoregie had approached 

the Federal High 

Court in Suit No FHC/B/CS 

and had amongst other 

prayers urged the court to 

declare that the defendant 

was not qualified to contest 

the said election haven allegedly 

tendered a forged / 

fake West African Senior 

School Certificate to INEC 

and to ultimately declare 

that he be sworn in being 

State, Sapele Gateway 9141 

has empowered widows, 

donating books to Primary 

school pupils, wrappers 

the first runner up in the 

election. 

However, Hon. Dumez 

Ugiagbe had by a Motion 

on Notice challenged the 

jurisdiction of the court 

filed by his Counsel Paul 

Osarenkhoe Esq. leading 

E.O. Oviosu Esq. and 

urged the court to dismiss 

the suit having failed to 

deliver it's Judgment 

within 180 days as 

provided for by Section 285 

(10) of the 1999 

Constitution 4th alteration 

No. 21. 

Upon argument on both sides 

and baby first wears to 100 

pregnant women. 

President of Sapele Gateway, 

Rotarian Austin Atiti, while 

speaking at the maiden visit of 

the District Governor of Delta, 

Edo, Rivers, and Bayelsa, 

Rotarian Nze Anizor and his 

wife, Clara Anizor, at the 

weekend stated that the 

empowerment of the less 

privileged remains the focus of 

the club, assuring that Rotary 

will continue to touch lives. 

“Rotary are encouraged to 

touch the lives of those who are 

really in need, indigents in our 

immediate environment" 

Rotarian Atiti said, adding that 

the Rotary Foundation will not 

stop promoting peace and 

supporting projects. 

Speaking at the presentation 

of ten thousand naira to the 

widows at the Sapele Local 

Government Council 

Secretariat, the District 

Governor Rotarian Anizor said 

empowering women, especially 

the Court in a considered Ruling 

upheld the arguments of Paul 

Osarenkhoe Esq learned counsel 

for the Applicant and dismissed the 

claim against Hon Dumez 

Ugiagbe in it's entirety. 

Osarenkhoe told Vanguard 

yesterday that “this is a matter in 

which there was allegation of 

certificate forgery and the claimant 

was asking for declaration that 

there was forgery. 

“They called two witnesses and 

they were cross examined: one 

from INEC and one from WAEC, 

subsequently we filed an 

application stating that the court 

has lost jurisdiction to continue to 

entertain the matter haven failed 

to deliver judgment and we asked 

that the case be dismissed." 

widows, at such level would 

help alleviate poverty. 

He explained that the members 

decided to present the cash gift 

themselves because "when 

Rotarians see widows, especially 

those who do not have anybody 

to assist them, they are moved" 

Earlier the District Governor 

who paid a courtesy call on the 

Sapele Local Government 

Chairman, Hon Eugene 

Inoaghan, described him as a 

performing Chairman whose 

arrays of people oriented projects 

was legendary, stating that the 

club will continue to partner the 

Local Government Council into 

putting smiles on the face of Sapele 

residents, while advising them to 

give the Chairman support in his 

quest to make Sapele great again. 

Inoaghan who thanked the 

District Governor, Sapele Gateway 

President and it's members 

promised to continue to work 

seamlessly on an existing 

relationship with a view to take it 

higher. 

Microsoft to invest $1.1 billion 

in Mexico over next five years 

MICROSOFT (MSFT.O) Chief Executive Satya 

Nadella said the technology giant will invest $1.1 

billion in Mexico over the next five years, according to 

a promotional video released by the Mexican 

government on Thursday. 

Nadella said the investment is “focused on expanding 

access to digital technology for people and organizations 

across the country.” 

Microsoft will build a new data center to deliver “client 

services to help every organization to really get an 

advantage and drive digital transformation,” added 

Nadella, who met with Mexican President Andres 

Manuel Lopez Obrador last year. 

The U.S. company will also invest in training labs and 

skills programs, Nadella said. 

Morgan charts course with 

$13 bn E*Trade deal 

MORGAN Stanley (MS.N) said on Thursday 

it would buy discount brokerage E*Trade 

Financial Corp (ETFC.O) in a stock deal worth about 

$13 billion, the biggest acquisition by a Wall Street 

bank since the 2008-2009 financial crisis.Part of 

a broader consolidation in the discount brokerage 

sector, the move will add breadth to Morgan 

Stanley’s wealth management unit, a business that 

Chief Executive Officer James Gorman has been 

trying to build out to insulate the bank from weak 

periods for trading and investment banking. 

Egypt’s economy to become sixth 

strongest in the world by 2030 

ECONOMIST Talal Abu Ghazaleh, Chairman 

of Talal Abu-Ghazaleh International 

Organization, said that Egypt’s economy is set to 

become the sixth strongest in the world by the year 

2030, during an interview with Russia Today (RT) 

on Monday, February 17. 

Highlighting a US study, Ghazaleh pointed out 

that Egypt will follow close behind the globe’s major 

economies in 2030, such as China, India, the 

United States, Russia and Indonesia. 

The well-known economist said that countries 

with large populations of young people, such China 

and Egypt, are considered among the strongest 

economically in the world, particularly in light of 

the current era, which has been defined by new 

technology and related advancements. 

Gold tops $1,600 as 

virus fuels growth fears 

FEARS that the coronavirus could be a disaster 

for the global economy and a drumbeat of 

speculation over central-bank stimulus are driving 

another rally in precious metals. 

Gold surpassed $1,600 an ounce this week and is 

closing in on a seven-year high. 

Palladium climbed for a sixth day in the spot 

market, extending its record-breaking rally.“Gold 

is continuing to resist the firm U.S. dollar and 

appears to remain in good demand as a safe haven 

because of the Covid-19 virus,” Daniel Briesemann, 

an analyst at Commerzbank AG analyst, said in a 

note. “The madness on the palladium market 

continues.” 

IFest launches new platform to grow 

Nigeria's economy 

A 

pan-African platform, Innovation Festival, 

(IFest) has launched in Nigeria an 

empowerment platform to harness talents that will 

advance the course of humanity and address the 

societal problems and challenges facing Africa in 

some critical sectors. 

IFest, in its inaugural edition themed: "Exploring 

the possibilities of innovation", is powered by 

Maxxconnection, an experiential marketing 

company. The platform which was launched in Lagos 

to the media, government officials, corporate 

organisations and other critical stakeholders across 

Africa. 

Introducing IFest, the Chairman of IFest , Prince 

Dapo Adelegan stated that said, "IFest is an 

empowerment platform created to showcase and 

incubate African talents/ideas and to harness those 

talents to full potential while solving our societal 

issues. 

"Africans are talented and it is evident in the way 

and manner African youths have been able to 

advance the course in other western countries.

Vanguard, FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 21, 2020 — 17


IT has been years since President 

Muhammadu Buhari came under 

intense pressure to get rid of the 

current crop of Service Chiefs: 

General Gabriel Olonishakin, Chief of 

Defence Staff; Lt-General Tukur 

Buratai, Chief of Army Staff; Vice 

Admiral Ekwe Ibok-Ette Ibas, Chief 

of Naval Staff; and Air Marshall 

Sadique Abubakar, Chief of Air Staff. 

The obvious reason is that the 

security situation in the country has 

worsened under their watch. 

Though the Boko Haram Islamist 

insurgency in the North East suffered 

initial setbacks which the Minister of 

Information, Lai Mohammed, 

infamously described as a “technical 

defeat”, they have made a resurgence 

and are relentlessly targeting the 

retake of Maiduguri. 

The Islamic State in West Africa, 

ISWA, has firmed up its foothold in 

the Lake Chad area. 

Criminal herdsmen have spread 

Service Chiefs are very dispensable 

their terrorist cells throughout the 

country. Unfortunately, the Nigerian 

armed forces and intelligence community 

do not even recognise them 

for the terrorists that they are, let alone 

facing them. If anything, all efforts 

by embattled states and communities 

around the country to protect 

themselves have met with vehement 

hostility from the authorities. 

The so-called bandits destabilising 

many parts of the North-West and 

Niger State have grown bolder by the 

day in spite of the stick-and-carrot 

measures to contain them. The 

highways across the country are no 

longer safe as criminals lay siege and 

cart travellers off into the bush for 

ransom. 

Even President Buhari’s own state, 

community and family members have 

been severally targeted. The people 

who were appointed to fix our security 

challenges (the most outstanding item 

in the President’s Three-Point 

Agenda) have failed woefully. What 

is the point of keeping them on the 

job? 

The consistent agitation by a crosssection 

of Nigerians for the sack of 

the Service Chiefs is an indirect 

indictment of President Buhari for his 

failure to fulfill his pledge to “lead 

from the front” as a retired general 

in the fight to protect the territorial 

integrity of Nigeria and its people. 

Security analysts believe that the 

spate of sabotages and dwindling 

willingness to face enemies are 

fallouts of disillusionment within our 

fighting forces due to stagnation, 

corruption and lack of adequate 

equipment. 

They also believe that this service 

team has run out of ideas and we need 

new people with fresh ideas and 

renewed vigour. 

We disagree with the notion that you 

do not make necessary changes in the 

middle of a war. During the civil war, 

General Gowon withdrew Major 

Benjamin Adekunle and replaced him 

with Lt-Col Olusegun Obasanjo who 

successfully ended the war. 

These Service Chiefs are very 

dispensable. Nigerians have lost faith 

in them. They should go. 

By EMEKA ORAETOKA 

THE news that the Commissioner of 

Police in Lagos State, Hakeem 

Odumosu, had given a seven-day ultimatum 

to owners of unregistered vehicles to comply 

with the law has brought hope of safety to 

millions of Lagosians in view of criminality 

perpetrated by men in unregistered or 

covered vehicle number plates. In particular, 

security watchers in Lagos State will be 

happy with the latest order on covering of 

vehicle number plates by motorists, a policy 

that was introduced by the former Inspector 

General of Police, Sir Mike Okiro, but 

abandoned by successive IGPs. 

The reintroduction of policy on proper 

vehicle identification by the Lagos State 

Commissioner of Police has, once again, 

shown that the state police leadership is 

committed to policy continuation. Policy 

somersault has always been the bane of 

Nigeria. The three tiers of government in 

the country have their fair share of the 

problem. From local to state and federal 

governments, the sad story of policy 

somersault is common. 

Currently, one vital policy successful police 

leaderships at Louis Edet House have 

jettisoned, since Okiro left office, is the 

policy of compulsory enforcement of 

affixing registered number plates on 

vehicles for purpose of proper identification 

and security, irrespective of personalities 

involved. 

The law provides that every vehicle in 

Nigeria must have registered number plate 

affixed in proper places on the vehicle. Today 

in Nigeria, personalities and establishments 

have made mockery of the law as they go 

about with vehicles without number plate, 

covered number, fake number or no number 

at all. 

Reports had it that when Okiro was the 

IGP, a bullion van knocked and killed a 

woman in Lagos and since the van had no 

registered number plate, tracing and 

tracking it became impossible. As a result 

of that incident, Okiro issued the order that 

all vehicles, especially those belonging to 

government establishments and officials, 

must have the number plates displayed in 

the appropriate places, and two weeks was 

given for everybody to comply. 

Compliance to the order was total, 

although few highly placed individuals and 

establishments flouted the order and got 

reprimanded. For instance, report had it that 

an escort vehicle belonging to the Bayelsa 

State government was impounded for 

covering its number plate position on the 

vehicle. Even at the Abuja airport, Okiro 

impounded the escort vehicle belonging to 

Nigerian Immigration Service, for the same 

offence of plate number covering. 

It took the intervention of the Comptroller 

General of Immigration then for the release 

of the vehicle, with a promise to affix the 

plate number. 

A senior police officer who came for a 

meeting at force headquarters had his 

vehicle detained for the reason that the plate 

number of his official vehicle was covered 

with a pouch. In a nutshell, the era of IGP 

Okiro witnessed obedience to the law that 

every vehicle on Nigerian roads moving 

with registered plate number affixed in 

appropriate places on the vehicle. 

However, revisionism set in upon the 

departure of Sir Mike Okiro. Nobody cared 

about plate number again, especially in 

government establishments. The worst form 

OPINION 

Lagos State Police Command and vehicle number plates 

of manifestation of the consequence of 

revisionism occurred on June 16, 2011 when 

Louis Edet was bombed. On the day Force 

Headquarters was attacked, the bombers 

trailed the then Inspector-General of Police, 

Hafiz Ringim, to his Maitama residence 

with a Volkswagen car that has no plate 

number in appropriate places. 

Report has it that Ringim asked the 

august visitor to follow him to his office. At 

the force headquarters, the same un–platenumbered 

car made it to the IGP’s car park 

unstopped. What saved the force 

headquarters building from collapse was 

IGP Mohammed should 

consider the re-introduction 

of plate number display on 

every vehicle in Nigeria 

that the eagle-eyed traffic warden in charge 

of vehicular movement in the building asked 

the un-numbered car to park away from the 

IGs’s car. As soon as he moved the car few 

meters away from the official car of the IG, 

the bomb exploded. Information has it that 

when Okiro was the IG of Police, he created 

the existing car park for the IG and 

stationed a traffic warden there to enforce 

order. The traffic warden on duty on that 

fateful day died in the course of leading the 

bomber away from the IG’s car park. It 

would have been catastrophic for the Police 

as an institution if Okiro had not created 

that car park and taken steps to ensure 

compliance; that only the IG’s car must be 

seen in the park. 

It is rather disheartening that in the 

Federal Capital Territory, FCT, most of the 

vehicles belonging to the Special Anti- 

Send Opinions & Letters to: 

opinions1234@yahoo.com 

robbery Squad, SARS, are even the worst 

culprits in offence of non-compliance with 

plate number display. Some high ranking 

Police officers are also in the habit of plate 

numbers covering on their vehicles. Even in 

the FCT now, the number of vehicles without 

plate number has increased. The dangerous 

implication of this trend of plate numbers 

covering with pouch or outright removal by 

officials of government establishments is 

that it could be exploited by criminal 

elements to perpetrate evil in the country. 

Now that the Lagos State Police 

Command has boldly but courageously 

taken the lead in bringing back this lifesaving 

policy, other state commands should 

follow suit. Hear the police commissioner’s 

unassailable reason for the order: “This 

enforcement becomes necessary 

considering the fact that criminal elements 

in recent past have devised means of 

operating with such vehicles to attack 

unsuspecting members of the public without 

any trace. 

A recent example was a case that occurred 

at Allen Avenue, Ikeja, where an operator of 

bureau de change was attacked, robbed and 

murdered by a criminal gang that used an 

unregistered vehicle, making it difficult for 

detectives to track the vehicle”. 

Consequently, this writer will like to appeal 

to the Inspector-General of Police, Abubakar 

Adamu Mohammed, to consider the reintroduction 

of plate number display on 

every vehicle in Nigeria as was the case in 

Okiro’s era. This will surely go a long way 

in improving the general security situation 

in Nigeria. It will also add value to what 

many Nigerians have identified as Adamu’s 

Progressive Policing Phenomenon, PPP, that 

has defined his leadership model of the 

Police. 

•Oraetoka, an Information Management 

Consultant & Researcher, wrote from Abuja

FG secures $1.46bn to complete 

Ajaokuta Mills 

CURRENCY BUYING SELLING 

US DOLLAR 

POUNDS 

EURO 

FRANC 

YEN 

CFA 

WAUA 

RENMINBI 

RIYAL 

SDR 

DANISH 

RAND 

$ 105.75 -1.05 

$2,925.00 0.00 

$15.45 -0.13 

$59.70 0.58 

$54.22 0.93 

306 306.5 307 

393.9138 394.5575 395.2011 

330.3576 330.8974 331.4372 

311.197 311.7055 312.214 

2.7341 2.7386 2.743 

0.4846 0.4946 0.5046 

416.8783 417.5594 418.2406 

43.5628 43.6344 43.706 

81.5804 81.7137 81.847 

418.9912 419.6761 420.3609 

44.6687 44.7417 44.8147 

20.2739 20.307 20.3402 

CBN Exchange rate as at 20/02/2020 

By Emma Ujah, Abuja Bureau 

Chief & Gabriel Ewepu 

The federal government has 

secured about $1.46 billion for 

the completion of the Ajaokuta 

Steel Mills in Ajaokuta, Kogi 

State. 

The development signifies 

what could become an effective 

end to the over 40 year-delay in 

the completion of the multi-billion 

dollar project. 

Minister of Mining and Steel 

Development, Arc. 

Olamilekan Adegbite, disclosed 

this in an interview with Vanguard 

in Abuja. 

Adegbite said that the Russian 

Export Centre and the African 

Export-Import Bank 

(Afreximbank) had agreed to provide 

the funds. 

According to him, the Russians 

who built the mills (under the 

then Soviet Union) were not only 

offering money but would also be 

the ones to complete it under an 

agreement that would serve as a 

game-changer for the company 

and the nation’s steel industry. 

His words: “The beauty of it 

is that we got funding - the Russian 

Export Centre which is akin 

to what is called EXIM Bank in 

other countries, pledged a sum 

of $460 million towards this 

project, while Afreximbank which 

is the bank in which we are also 

shareholders, also pledged a billion 

dollars.” 

The minister said that, once 

operational, the Ajaokuta Steel 

Complex would turn Nigeria into 

an industrial nation. 

He stated: “Ajaokuta is just 

waiting to catapult us into the 

industrial era. Nigeria is not 

industrialised because virtually 

in the production of simple 

implements, complicated tools, 

vehicles, and aircraft parts you 

need steel. 

“We have not been able to 

manufacture those things because 

we do not have steel. We 

need to produce liquid steel which 

can now be manipulated into 

many other things. Once you produce 

liquid steel, you can do anything 

you want with it, you can 

alloy it - that is add some metals 

because you want to have some 

benefits from that alloy. You can 

change it to flat sheets, which of 

course goes to form other shapes, 

and then you can start making 

body parts for cars. That is why 

everybody is excited about it.” 

Adegbite disclosed that work 

had been going on between 

Nigerian experts and their Russian 

counterparts with a view 

to coming up with a mutually 

beneficial agreement between 

the two parties. 

He said: “A lot of works have 

been going on. It is not something 

we can go to the public 

about. We have set up some 

local bodies in the ministry with 


experts from Ajaokuta itself, the ministry, 

and some people outside who 

have knowledge about Ajaokuta, including 

former staff. They have been 

working. We have been exchanging 

correspondences, technical details, 

local contents, and all that. 

“There is a meeting that is coming 

up in Cairo, and the Russians and 

the Nigerian team will meet there. 

This meeting is to crystallise everything 

and then we go into the memorandum 

of understanding (MoU). 

Once this is done, we will move 

faster.” 

From left: Director General, Nigeria Institute of Advance studies, Prof. Muhammed Tawfiq 

Ladan; DG, NIMASA, Dr. Dakuku Peterside; Representative of Chief of Naval Staff, Real 

Admiral Murtala Mormoni Bashir; Executive Director, Maritime Labour and Cabotage Services, 

NIMASA, Mr Gambo Ahmed and Executive Director, Finance and Administration, 

NIMASA, Dr. Bashir Jamoh during the Opening Ceremony of the 9th Strategic Admiralty 

Law Seminar for Judges by NIMASA held in Lagos 

Inlaks expands to East Africa to boost digital 

transformation 

By Juliet Umeh 

Information Technology Systems 

Integrator, Inlaks, said it has 

expanded operations into East Africa 

for business growth and digital 

transformation in financial 

institutions. 

The company said its 

new regional branch is 

currently situated in 

Nairobi, Kenya. 

Managing Director, 

Inlaks Africa Operations, 

Mr. Femi Adeoti, said the 

move is to enable the 

company add value to 

relevant sectors in East 

Africa. 

He stated: “Apart from 

employment opportunities 

opened to skilled 

population in the region, 

this move will accelerate 

digital transformation in 

Africa. It has always been 

our commitment to serve 

the African community to 

the best of our capacity. 

Our vision remains to be 

the foremost ICT and infrastructure 

service provider 

in Sub-Saharan Africa. 

We look forward to 

establishing more regional 

branches in other 

locations in Africa.” 

Also, Country General Manager, 

East Africa, Edna 

Kirmuwa, believes that with 

a well-established operation in 

Nairobi, it would be easier for 

the company to extend their 

services to neighbouring countries. 

Kirmuwa said: “As a major 

distributor of Hyosung ATM 

brands and Temenos banking 

software in Africa, our base in 

Kenya would definitely yield an exponential 

growth and a remarkable 

digital transformation for financial 

organisations we service. 

“As of today, Inlaks has also sealed 

deals on data centre infrastructure 

management solutions with top 

organisations in Ethiopia and Kenya. 

Operations in Nairobi will uphold 

the brand’s reputation of providing 

services that satisfy clients’ demands.” 

Declining purchasing power hinders manufacturing 

growth — Guinness 

By Peter Egwuatu 

The declining consumer 

purchasing power has 

been identified as one of 

the factors militating 

against the growth of the 

manufacturing sector in 

the country. 

Managing Director/Chief 

Executive Officer, 

Guinness Nigeria Plc, 

Baker Magunda, who disclosed 

this during a facility 

tour of the company’s 

factory in Lagos, said, “We 

are making progress in our 

industry in this country, 

but one of the problems we 

are facing in recent time is 

the issue of low purchasing 

power of the people 

Lagos tax 

boss denies 

existence of 

multiple 

taxation 

By Naomi Uzor 

Contrary to popular belief, the 

Lagos State Internal Revenue 

Service (LIRS), yesterday, said that 

Nigeria, and by extension Lagos 

State, does not have multiple taxation, 

but multiplicity of interface between 

taxable entities and tax authorities. 

Chairman, LIRS, Mr. Hamzat 

Subair, stated this at the February 

breakfast meeting of the Nigerian- 

American Chamber of Commerce 

(NACC), tagged “Tax and Revenue 

Generation: The Lagos State Approach”. 

He said: “What appears to be the 

most common regulatory challenge 

businesses and business owners encounter 

is perceived multiplicity of 

taxation. Multiplicity of taxes occurs 

when a tax base (or a single taxable 

income) is subjected to tax more than 

once either by the same tax authority 

or more than one tax authority.” 

Subair who was represented by 

Director, Informal Sector, LIRS, 

Mr.Tola Saraki said the essence of 

taxation is to generate revenue from 

citizens and businesses to sustain state 

finances and develop infrastructure 

which is useful and beneficial to all 

citizens, adding that refusal or failure 

to pay is unlawful because tax is 

a product of extant statutes. 

“The most common source of Internally 

Generated Revenue (IGR) 

in all countries is taxation. However, 

not every national government has 

been able to effectively exploit this 

great opportunity of revenue generation. 

Some have argued that the tax 

rate can affect how a business owner 

structures a company when it is created 

because taxation tends to reduce 

the overall profit of business,” he 

added. 

Subair said continued implementation 

of reforms and adoption of international 

best practices in tax administration 

will reduce cost of voluntary 

compliance which will impact 

positively Nigeria’s ratings on the 

Ease of Paying Taxes Index and ultimately 

the Ease of Doing Business 

Index 

President, NACC, Otunba Toyin 

Akomolafe, noted that governments 

all over the world require revenue to 

augment the spending needs to 

maintain an adequate level of public 

investment and social services. He 

added that though taxation may not 

be the most important source of revenue 

to the government in terms of 

the magnitude of revenue derivable 

from taxation, taxation is the most important 

source of revenue to the government, 

from the point of view of 

certainty, and consistency of taxation. 

which in turn affects our turnover. 

When turnover is reduced 

it will definitely affect profitability. 

“If inflation is rising, the purchasing 

power of the people 

drops. So there is multiplier effect 

to the economy. The rate at 

which people consume will be affected 

and that has been the bane 

in our industry especially the 

brewery sector. 

“However, for Guinness, we 

have been resilient to the economic 

situation and applying different 

strategies to ensure we 

create value even beyond brewery.” 

He further disclosed that the 

increase in tax is also affecting 

the growth of the manufacturing 

sector as cost of production is affected. 

“The energy that we use 

we produce and even transportation 

and clearance of goods 

from the ports are cost-consuming,” 

he noted. 

During the factory tour, 

Magunda explained that giving 

the various challenges in 

the country, the company has 

diversified to various brands of 

drinks. 

He said: “The diverse, quality 

brands that we produce have 

broken barriers and united 

people of various cultures and 

creeds in celebration and unity 

of purpose. They have forged 

new friendships and connections 

and kept true to our brand 

promise of celebrating life every 

day and everywhere.”


Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Chief Timipre Sylva presenting Oil Service Company 

of the Year 2020 award to Obi Uzu, Managing Director/Chief Executive, Global Process & 

Pipeline Services Limited (GPPSL) at the Nigeria International Petroleum Summit (NIPS) held 

in Abuja recently. 

FG moves to enforce anti-piracy law 

*As Nigeria leads Africa in marine waste 

By Yinka Kolawole & Godwin 

Oritse 

THE Federal Government 

has commenced moves to 

ensure enforcement of the newly 

enacted anti piracy law as part 

of efforts to stem criminality on 

Nigerian waters. 

Revealing this at the annual 

Strategic Admiralty Law Seminar 

for Judges put together by 

the Nigerian Institute of Advanced 

Legal Studies (NIALS) 

and Nigerian Maritime Administration 

and Safety Agency, 

NIMASA, yesterday in Lagos, 

Director-General, NIMASA 

Dr. Dakuku Peterside, also disclosed 

that Nigeria is currently 

leading Africa in the generation 

of marine waste, which trend 

NIMASA is now set to curb. 

Speaking at the opening ceremony, 

Peterside, alongside the 

Director General of NIALS, Prof. 

Mohammed Tawfiq Ladan, 

emphasised the need for unencumbered 

implementation of the 

law. They called for cooperation 

among the enforcement agencies, 

stressing that stringent 

penalties await maritime criminals 

in the country. 

Peterside stated: “With the 

world’s waters accounting for 

over 80 per cent of transportation 

requirements in the global 

trading supply chain network 

across established international 

routes and trade lanes, the 

threats of piracy, armed robbery 

at sea and other maritime 

crimes have been an issue of 

global concern. 

“The Gulf of Guinea, sadly, had 

been at the epicentre of maritime 

security discussions globally, 

given the incidents recorded 

in the region. The challenge 

of maritime insecurity in 

the region had been further 

compounded by a deficit of legislation 

to address the challenge.” 

Meanwhile, Peterside, speaking 

at the launch of the Maritime 

Action Plan on Marine Litter 

and Plastic management in 

Nigeria, lamented that Nigeria 

is currently leading Africa in 

the volume of marine waste generated 

and mismanaged, and 

called for immediate action to 

stop the trend. 

According to Peterside, a recent 

report in September 2019 by the 

Voice of America, VOA, shows 

that Nigeria generates an estimated 

32 million tons of solid 

Emma Ujah, Abuja Bureau 

Chief & Chris Ochayi 

MAINSTREAM Energy 

Solutions Limited 

(MESL) has signed 32 million 

Euros (about N12. 55 billion) 

deal with Andritz Hydro Austria, 

for the rehabilitation of Unit 

2G6 of the Jebba Power Plant. 

Managing Director, MESL, 

Engr. Lamu Audu, disclosed 

this at the agreement signing 

ceremony in Abuja on Wednesday, 

adding that when completed 

2G6 would add 96.4 MW 

and take total available capacity 

of both Jebba and Kainji 

Power Plants to 1, 098 MW. 

He said: “The rehabilitation of 

Jebba Unit 2G6 with an additional 

96.4MW is a giant leap 

in our Capacity Recovery 

Programme, as this will further 

increase our total available capacity 

to 1,098.4MW. The 

project is scheduled to be completed 

by the second quarter of 

waste per year, one of the 

highest in Africa. 

Of that figure, he noted plastic 

constitutes 2.5 million tons, 

a development that poses a 

great danger to the environment 

and particularly our marine 

ecosystem. 

He stated: “The challenges of 

Marine Litter and Plastic pollution 

are multiple, and include 

threat to food security, 

threat to economic activities, 

navigational hazard, water 

safety, threat to ecosystem, 

harmful effects on marine life 

and bio-diversity among others.” 

Mainstream seals N12.6bn deal for 

Jebba power plant rehabilitation 

2022 and will be undertaken at 

a cost of approximately 32 million 

Euros to be financed 

through commercial loans.” 

The rehabilitation, he noted, 

would be handled by Andritz 

Hydro of Austria, the Original 

Equipment Manufacturers 

(OEMs) of all the generating 

units at Jebba HPP. 

In his remarks, Director General, 

Bureau of Pubic Enterprise 

(BPE), Mr. Alex Okoh, 

said the signing for the rehabilitation 

deal was another giant 

stride by MESL aimed the 

deepening power sector development. 

Okoh stated: “I want to express 

our deep pleasure to be 

part of this historic occasion. I 

would like to say that MESL 

remains a very important positive 

testimony of the power sector 

reform and privatisation in 

Nigeria.” 

FIRS seeks Lagos support to 

hit N8.5trn revenue target 

THE Federal Inland Rev 

enue Service, FIRS, is 

seeking cooperation of the 

Lagos Inland Revenue Service, 

LIRS, to realise its N8.5 

trillion revenue target to fund 

the 2020 budget. 

Executive Chairman, FIRS, 

Muhammed Nami, who made 

this known during a courtesy 

visit to Governor of Lagos 

State, Babajide Sanwo-Olu at 

Ikeja, had described as “unusual” 

the target by President 

Muhammadu Buhari. 

He stated: “Some of the multinational 

companies in Nigeria, 

some of them as far back 

as 2011 was the last time they 

declared their profit and debt 

taxes in Nigeria. We are of the 

view that with you being their 

host and our internal revenue 

on ground we should be able 

to map out strategy on how to 

tackle these issues. 

“These are companies that 

most of their products are consumed 

daily in our houses but 

they will come here, do business, 

go back to their country 

and leave us with huge responsibility 

of providing security 

for their businesses and infrastructure 

which they will use 

to provide an atmosphere to 

operate optimally. 

“We are all aware that to 

fund the budgetary require- 

THE Lagos State Employ 

ment Trust Fund 

(LSETF), in part 

nership with the United 

States African Development 

Foundation (USADF), has 

awarded grants to 11 Vocational 

Training Centres (VTCs) 

under the LSETF-USADF Employability 

Programme. 

The grant signing ceremony 

is a follow-up to the Memorandum 

of Understanding 

(MoU) signed by LSETF and 

USADF in May 2019, whereby 

$10 million is equally facilitated 

by both agencies to provide 

globally competitive, industry 

and trade relevant skills 

to 15,000 youth in Lagos State 

over the next five years (3,000 

each year) - equipping them 

to take advantage of employment 

and entrepreneurship 

opportunities. 

At the ceremony, Lagos State 

Commissioner for Wealth Creation 

and Employment, Mrs. 

Yetunde Arobieke said: “We 

are here to take deliberate 

steps to fulfill our promise to 

our young and productive 

population with the award of 

grants to 11 Vocational Training 

Centres (VTCs). 

“We hope that beyond the 

total number of youth who will 

benefit from this programme, 

many others will be inspired 

to embrace self-development 

based on the positive impact 

of this initiative, which includes 

the increase in market 

By Olasunkanmi Akoni 

Youth empowerment: LSETF, 

USADF give grants to 11 

vocational training centres 

By Yinka Kolawole 

ment, the President has 

given us an unusual target of 

N8.5 trillion to collect. We feel 

this is a huge task in view of 

the fact that the tax average to 

GDP in Africa is as huge as 17 

per cent. In Nigeria which is 

the largest economy, it is just 

6 per cent tax ratio to GDP. It 

becomes a challenge also that 

the second largest economy in 

Africa has a tax ratio to GDP 

in the region of 27 to 28 per 

cent. 

“We want to request that the 

internal revenue in Lagos 

State share certain information 

with us so that we can collaborate 

in not only generating 

income for the country but also 

building capacity for the staff 

of FIRS and LIRS. 

“We feel without this collaboration 

we hardly can generate 

this N8.5 trillion that we have 

been instructed to collect by 

the president.” 

Meanwhile, Sanwo-Olu has 

expressed his administration’s 

readiness to collaborate with 

FIRS to move tax administration 

forward in the country. 

Receiving the FIRS delegation, 

Sanwo-Olu commended 

President Buhari for approving 

tax exemptions on some 

category of businesses, goods 

and services. 

attractiveness to gain access 

to employment, create jobs 

and generate income. This 

strategy aligns with Lagos 

State’s vision of providing opportunities 

for young people 

to thrive, soar, and break frontiers.” 

In his remarks, Mr. C.D. 

Glin, President and Chief Executive 

Officer, USADF said: 

“It is essential that the investment 

USADF makes in Nigeria, 

alongside partners such 

as LSETF, to address youth 

unemployment prioritize entrepreneurship, 

job creation 

and placement, and income 

generation.” 

Speaking on behalf of the 

Acting Executive Secretary, 

LSETF, Mrs. Teju Abisoye, 

Director, Finance and Corporate 

Services, Mr Rahman 

Akinwonmi, said the Board of 

Trustees is optimistic about 

the initiative’s impact as it 

aligns with the strategic direction 

of the Fund. 

The 11 awarded VTCs include 

Field of Skills and 

Dreams Academy, Intermarc 

Consulting, LoftyInc Allied 

Partners Limited, Decke Vocational 

Academy Limited, 

HoneyTreat Trade Academy, 

Mods Salon/Body Refinement 

Limited, House of Tara 

International, Universal 

Learn Direct Academy 

(UDLA), AGDC Employability 

and Enterprise Limited, 

OSC College of Fashion, and 

Jenniez School of African Interior 

Design.


22 —Vanguard 


"Vanguard, 

FRIDAY FEBRUARY 21, 2020 — 23

24 —Vanguard, FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 21, 2020 

•Category 2 and Category 3 of the Instrument landing system...recalibrated at the Murtala Muhammed Airport, Lagos 

Discordant tunes over 

flight diversions 

•Safety concerns over weather to blame´— Airlines 

•Airlines should have diverted to Abuja — Minister 

•Installation of Category 3 Instrument Landing System in progress — Ministry 

By LAWANI MIKAIRU 

THAT Muritala Muhammed 

International Airport, Lagos has been 

experiencing low visibility due to the 

prevailing harmattan haze is no longer news. 

This is because the inclement weather is an 

annual occurrence and predictable. Indeed, 

most countries in the sub-Sahara region are 

plagued by annual harmattan haze which 

affect clear visibility for flight operations. 

But presently in contention is the dust raised 

by foreign airlines diverting their flights to 

Accra,Ghana and leaving 1500 of their 

Nigerian passengers stranded there. The 

concerned airlines said safety concerns over 

adverse weather informed their decision. 

For instance, in their advisory sent to the 

affected passengers, British Airways said :“We 

would like to sincerely apologise for the 

disruption to your journey to Lagos. Due to 

adverse weather at the airport, we were 

unable to safely land into Lagos Airport. We 

regret to inform you that due to the operational 

constraints, we have had to cancel this flight. 

We recommend you make your own travel 

arrangements to Lagos as we are unable to 

operate safely in the coming days.” 

Flight delays and 

cancellations 

Given the safety concerns over inclement 

weather, question is what efforts are the 

aviation authorities and other agencies 

making to remedy the situation and make sure 

that flights can land at even zero visibility. 

Recall the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority, 

NCAA, had earlier cautioned pilots, airline 

operators and other stakeholders to exercise 

restraints as the harmattan season approaches 

with its dust haze and were asked to adopt 

safety measures. 

The Regulatory Agency issued an Advisory 

Circular: NCAA-AEROMET-28 on November 

12, 2019 alerting pilots of the hazards 

associated with dust haze. 

Talking about the dust haze, the circular 

said: “It is a dry and dusty wind that blows 

south from the Sahara across Nigeria which 

is expected to persist till March 2020.” 

The regulator also sent out an appeal to 

passengers for their understanding over the 

prevailing flight delays and cancellations 

experienced in airports across the country due 

to the adverse weather situation. 

The appeal was contained in a release 

issued by NCAA on February 13, 2020. The 

release read: “As issued by the Nigerian 

Meteorological Agency in its Seasonal Rainfall 

Prediction Bulletin-2019, the cessation of the 

rainy season was predicted from mid-October 

(in the Northern part) to early December, 2019 

(in the Southern part).With the issuance of 

this circular, Advisory Circular: NCAA – 

AEROMET 27 dated March 26, 2019 is 

accordingly cancelled. 

“Pilots and operators are, therefore, directed 

to note the following hazards and operational 

problems forthwith in the interest of safety: 

Air-to-ground visibility may be considerably 

reduced due to dust haze; Aerodrome visibility 

may fall below the prescribed operating 

minima and in severe conditions, dust haze 

can blot out runways, markers and airfield 

lightings over wide areas making visual 

navigation extremely difficult or impossible”. 

It further said: “All pilots shall obtain 

adequate departure, en-route, destination and 

alternate aerodromes weather information and 

briefing from the aerodrome meteorological 

office prior to flight operations; and operators 

shall ensure that necessary measures are put 

in place to cushion the effects of flight delays 

or cancellations on their passengers. While 

passengers must be informed of any 

development concerning their flights well 

ahead of time by the Airlines”. 

The Aviation Minister, Senator Hadi Sirika, 

had earlier outlined plans by the Federal 

Government to mitigate any adverse effect the 

expected dust haze will have on flight 

operations. Last month, a calibration aircraft 

was received by the minister to commence 

the calibration and upgrade of the Cat11 

instrument at the Lagos airport. 

Unfortunately, the inclement weather 

started while the process of replacing the 

old Category 2 Instrument Landing 

Systems with the newly procured 

Category 3 system that allows for the 

lowest visibility landing was ongoing. 

A statement by Director, Public Affairs, 

Ministry of Aviation, James Odaudu said: 

“While these developments, (flight 

diversions) are greatly regretted, we wish 

to let the public know that the authorities 

at the Murtala Muhammed International 

Airport in Lagos were in the process of 

replacing the old Category 2 Instrument 

Landing Systems with the newly 

procured Category 3 system that allows 

for the lowest visibility landing. 

“The procurement of the Category 3 

Instrument landing System is in 

pursuance of the desire of the Federal 

Government to ensure the safety of air 

passengers by ensuring that airplanes 

can land with almost zero visibility. We 

wish to assure the public and the airlines, 

that efforts are on to return the system to 

full working condition and that normalcy 

of operations will be re-established in due 

course”. 

The good news is that Nigerian Airspace 

Management Agency, NAMA, has 

restarted the calibration of Category 2 and 

category 3 of Instrument Landing System, 

ILS, of both 18R and 18L of the Murtala 

Muhammed Airport Lagos on Tuesday. 

To be calibrated is the glide slope as every 

other component is said to be working 

perfectly. 

The Managing Director, NAMA, 

Captain Fola Akinkuotu has reportedly 

been working with the installation 

engineers sometimes leaving the site as 

late as 2.00 a.m. Asked why he is working 

so late in the night, Captain Akinkuotu 

replied: “This job has to be done well, 

quickly and efficiently. Time is no longer 

on our side. 

“The calibration will be done with the newly 

acquired calibration $8.5 million calibration 

airplane which would help to bring down the cost 

of hiring foreign firms to assist the country in 

calibrating her navigational aids.” 

The crew to operate the aircraft were said to 

have arrived the country on British Airways, 

Tuesday, to begin the calibration of equipment 

Nigerian Airspace 

Management Agency 

has restarted the 

calibration of 

Category 2 and 

category 3 of 

Instrument Landing 

System, ILS, of both 

18R and 18L of the 

Murtala Muhammed 

Airport Lagos 

on the two Lagos 

airport runways. 

The Federal 

Government 

hired experts in 

calibration with 

the newly 

acquired plane. 

Aviation 

stakeholders 

condemned the 

diversion of 

flights to another 

country by 

foreign airlines 

stating that the 

Nnamdi Azikiwe 

International 

Airport, Abuja could have conveniently handled 

those flights as Qatar Airways diverted its own 

Lagos bound flights to Abuja. 

Speaking about the diversion, Senator Hadi 

Sirika said:“On the diversion of incoming 

international flights to neighbouring countries, 

we wish to reiterate that the decisions are purely 

those of the airlines which we have no control 

over. However, it should be noted that those 

flights could, and should have been rerouted to 

the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport Abuja 

which is shorter or equidistant from Lagos to the 

foreign airports to which some of the flights have 

been diverted. 

“In recognition of Abuja as an alternate airport, 

Qatar airlines has applied to divert its flights to 

the Nnamdi Azikiwe International airport, to 

which the minister granted immediate approval. 

It is left to be seen why some others decided to 

divert to another country.”


By Theodore Opara 

Nissan-Stallion put smiles on 

orphans' faces 

NOT many organisations 

remember the very less 

privileged in the society. The 

feeling is usually that this class 

of people have nothing to offer 

but some have taken it as a 

point of duty to put smiles on 

the less privileged children at 

their own expense without 

making noise about it. 

Stallion Group of Companies 

is one of such companies who 

had through their various 

companies given to the less 

privileged in the society. 

Stallion represents renowned 

auto companies like Hyundai, 

Honda, Nissan, Porsche, Audi, 

VW, etc. It has never failed to 

give back to the society at one 

time or the other. The Group 

has given so much to schools 

and orphanage homes 

through the companies they 

represent. 

Recently, Nissan-Stallion 

Motors took an orphanage 

home to watch a movie at 

Silverbird Galeria and the 

children were excited to be at 

such a place just like children 

of the privileged. It was a 

memorable occasioned for the 

kids who were given a five star 

treatment at the event. Guided 

by the vision of enriching 

people's lives, Nissan Nigeria 

sets out to give a “fun day the 

movies” experience to the 

children of motherless babies 

- Home and Vigilant Heart 

Orphanage. Both of these 

homes render exemplary 

service towards providing care 

for orphans and abandoned 

and underprivileged children 

in Lagos. 

Around 70 children from the 

charitable causes were taken 

along with 

their care givers to watch Dr. 

Dolittle and the children's 

enthusiasm was electric. The 

children were also made to watch 

short movies on road safety 

norms. This is one of the many 

activities that Nissan Stallion 

Group commit to carry out this 

year to inculcate safe driving 

culture in the young minds. 

Emir of Gwandu admonishes FRSC on overloading, extortion 

THE Federal Road Safety 

Corps has been 

challenged to address the 

issue of vehicle overloading 

and extortion on the nation’s 

highways. 

Emir of Gwandu and 

Chairman, Kebbi State Council 

of Chiefs, Maj. Gen. 

Muhammed Iliyasu Bashir, 

CFR, mni, gave the advice 

while receiving the FRSC 

Zone 10 Commander in 

charge of Sokoto, Kebbi and 

Zamfara states ACM Kayode 

Olagunju, PhD, in his palace 

in Birni Kebbi. 

The traditional ruler 

observed that people no longer 

place high values on sanctity 

of lives and that is why they 

allowed themselves to be 

overloaded in vehicles and 

packed with animals. He noted 

that some were being 

transported in vehicle trunks 

and atop of unstable loads on 

vehicles. These of course had 

led to many deaths and 

injuries. 

He noted efforts of the FRSC 

but stressed that the Corps 

should do more to tackle the 

issue promising further 

collaboration of the Emirate 

Council in public 

enlightenment. He called on 

the Corps to raise its 

enforcement and prosecution 

of violators and that the 

Emirate Council would 

always lend its support. 

The royal father also called 

on the Corps and other 

security agencies to identify 

the bad eggs extorting 

motorists in the system and 

flush them out. He would 

want the positive image of the 

Corps protected by 

continually sanitizing the 

system. He also admonished 

all security agencies to ensure 

only fit and people of good 

characters are recruited. 

Dr Bashir also noted that the 

ban on motorcycle operations 

in Lagos has led to the influx 

of many of the operators into 

the state stressing that many 

of the motorcycles were not 

registered. He enjoined the 

FRSC to ensure proper 

registration of the bikes and 

licensing of the riders for 

safety and security reasons. 

Earlier, the Zonal 

Commanding Officer, ACM 

Kayode Olagunju, 

appreciated the support of the 

Emir and traditional 

institutions in Kebbi state. He 

thanked the Emir for always 

keying into the programmes 

of the Corps aimed at 

reducing fatalities and 

injuries on the highways. 

He craved further 

collaboration in addressing 

overloading in the state while 

briefing the Emirate Council 

on FRSC efforts. He also 

informed that vehicles 

including motorcycles with 

old number plates as well as 

those not properly registered 

were being impounded. Dr 

Olagunju also told the royal 

father the focus of the FRSC 

management to ensure 

discipline of his personnel. 

He promised that the Corps 

would not relent in its goal of 

ensuring compliance with 

traffic laws for improved road 

safety records in the Zone. 

The ZCO was accompanied 

to the Palace by the Kebbi 

State Sector Commander 

Corps Commander Ebenezer 

Asaniyan, fsi and other Senior 

officers from the Command. 

Striking new 718 GTS models hit 

the road 

L-r: ACM 

Kayode 

Olagunju, 

PhD, mni, 

His Royal 

Highness, 

Maj Gen 

(Dr) 

Muhammed 

Iliyasu 

Bashir, 

CFR, Emir 

of Gwandu, 

Chairman 

Kebbi State 

Council of 

Chiefs; and 

Zonal 

Commander 

FRSC 

Sokoto, CC 

Ebenezer 

Asaniyan, 

fsi, Sector 

Commader 

Kebbi, 

during the 

visit 

PORSCHE is adding two 

distinctively sporty and 

high specification models to its 

mid-engine sports car range: the 

718 Cayman GTS 4.0 and the 718 

Boxster GTS 4.0. The new twoseaters 

are powered by the same 

four-litre, six-cylinder boxer 

engine that is used in the 718 

Spyder and the 718 Cayman 

GT4. When combined with the 

manual six-speed transmission 

and sports exhaust system, the 

latest additions to Porsche’s GTS 

line-up produce 400 hp (294 

kW), resulting in an exhilarating 

driving experience. 

The models complete a sprint 

to 100 km/h in 4.5 seconds and 

have a top speed of 293 km/h. 

Thanks to the standard Porsche 

Active Suspension Management 

(PASM) sports suspension, as 

well as a 20 millimetre lower ride 

height and Porsche Torque 

Vectoring (PTV) with mechanical 

limited slip rear differential, this 

new generation of GTS models 

achieve a remarkable balancing 

act between dynamic handling 

and everyday comfort. Alongside 

the standard Sport Chrono 

package which emphasises the 

athletic nature of the new midengine 

models, black contrasting 

design elements and a dark 

Alcantara® interior showcase 

typical features of GTS sports 

cars. 

Similar to the 718 Spyder and 

718 Cayman GT4, the powerful 

four-litre engine in the new 

models is characterised by 

exceptional efficiency. Adaptive 

cylinder control that alternately 

switches off one of the two 

cylinder banks at low loads, direct 

fuel injection with piezo injectors 

and a variable intake system also 

contribute to the car’s efficiency.

26 —Vanguard 

Vanguard, FRIDAY,FEBRUARY 21, , 2020 

Jumada Thanni 8, 1441 A.H. 

Islamic rulings on outbreak of 

Coronavirus 

In the name of Allah, Most 

Merciful, Bestower of Mercy 

Dear brothers and sisters, in 

recent days, health professionals 

around the world have become 

increasingly concerned with the 

spread of dangerous infectious 

diseases. Outbreaks of swine flu, 

avian (bird) flu, severe acute 

respiratory syndrome (SARS), 

and very recently coronavirus 

and lassa fever have meant that 

infectious diseases have taken on 

a global context and are now on 

the agenda of world leaders and 

health policy makers alike. In 

developed and developing 

countries, health officials are 

focusing on infectious disease 

research and linking it to policymaking 

and infrastructure. 

The scope of infectious diseases 

is progressively more challenged 

by globalisation. Easy and 

frequent air travel allows diseases 

to spread rapidly between 

communities and countries. 

Infectious disease control will 

continue to be confronted by 21st 

century issues including global 

warming, conflict, famine, 

overpopulation, deforestation, 

and bio-terrorism. 

Due to ongoing media attention, 

most of us are aware of the dangers 

associated with swine flu and bird 

flu and in 2003 -2004 the world 

held its collective breath when 

8,098 people became sick with 

SARS, before the global outbreak 

was contained. These diseases 

have led to renewed interest in 

infectious diseases by the public; 

however, Gideon Informatics, the 

world’s leading global infectious 

disease database, has tracked and 

documented more than 20 major 

infectious diseases since 1972. 

Some basic measures are 

appropriate when trying to 

control the spread of any or all 

infectious diseases. These include 

meticulous hand washing, 

covering the mouth when 

sneezing or coughing, proper 

disposal of tissues, staying at home 

and away from public places, and 

in extreme cases such as 

Coronavirus, Lassa fever and 

SARS, quarantine. In the series of 

my sermons entitled Health in 

Islam, I explained in some detail 

that Islam is a religion concerned 

with creating a community of 

healthy believers. 

Islam is a holistic belief system 

and it takes into account the 

physical, mental, emotional, and 

spiritual well being of individuals 

and societies. Although care of the 

individual is important, 

safeguarding communities, 

including its weakest members, is 

of paramount importance. More 

than 1400 years ago, Prophet 

Muhammad (Peace be upon him) 

was teaching his followers hygiene 

practices that are still applicable 

in the 21st century. 

From the Hadiths of Prophet 

Muhammad (Peace be upon him), 

we find evidence that clearly 

indicates Islam’s stance on 

coughing and sneezing openly. 

Prophet Muhammad (Peace be 

upon him) instructed the believers 

to cover their faces when sneezing. 

[See Mustadrak of Imam Hakim] 

The most obvious effect of 

sneezing and coughing without 

covering the mouth is the 

spread of airborne bacteria and 

viruses, in addition, droplets 

invisible to the naked eye, may 

fall onto surfaces or other 

people. 

According to the Centre for 

Disease Control in the USA, the 

virus that causes Coronavirus 

and SARS is thought to be 

transmitted most readily by 

respiratory droplets produced 

when an infected person coughs 

or sneezes. What is known as 

droplet spread can happen 

when droplets from the cough 

or sneeze of an infected person 

are propelled a short distance 

(up to 3 feet) through the air and 

deposited on the mucous 

membranes of the mouth, 

nose, or eyes of persons who are 

nearby. The virus also can 

spread when a person touches 

a surface or object 

contaminated with infectious 

droplets and then touches his 

or her mouth, nose, or eye. The 

Coronavirus or SARS viruses 

might spread more broadly 

through the air (airborne 

spread). 

Islam is referred to as the 

religion of cleanliness. Allah the 

Almighty says: 

“Truly, Allah loves those 

who turn unto Him in 

repentance and loves 

those who purify 

themselves.” [Qur’an, 

2:222] 

In the Hadiths of our beloved 


upon him), cleanliness is 

mentioned as half of faith, 

therefore, it is important to keep 

the body fresh and clean, and 

Islam insists on several 

practices to facilitate this. The 

private parts are washed after 

using the toilet and Muslims 

must pay particular attention to 

being clean before praying. 

They wash their hands, faces, 

(including rinsing the mouth 

and nose) arms and feet, a 

minimum of five times per day. 


upon him) insisted that the 

believers wash their hands, 

before praying, before and after 

eating. [See Sunan of Imam Abu 

Dawud]; and upon waking up in 

the morning. [See Sahih of 

Imam Al-Bukhari] 

When trying to stop the 

spread of any type of virus 

(coronavirus or lassa) and 

influenza, including swine flu 

and bird flu, the first line of 

defence is frequent hand 

washing. Both the World Health 

Organisation and CDC 

recommend the following 

precautions: Cover your nose 

and mouth with a tissue when 

you cough or sneeze and 

dispose of the tissue in the trash 

after use. Wash your hands often 

with soap and water, especially 

after you cough or sneeze. 

Avoid touching your eyes, 

nose, or mouth, germs spread 

that way. Cover your food 

properly. Kill and drive away all 

rats from your home. Stay home 

if you get sick. CDC recommends 

that you stay home from work 

or school and limit contact with 

others to keep from infecting 

them. 

Infection control in Islam 

includes isolation and 

quarantine. Prophet 

Muhammad (Peace be upon 

him) instituted strategies that are 

today implemented by public 

health authorities. He 

commanded his followers not to 

travel to places known to be 

afflicted with illness and he 

advised those in the 

contaminated areas or 

communities not to leave and 

spread the disease further afield. 

“If you hear that there is a 

plague in a land, do not enter it; 

and if it (plague) visits a land while 

you are therein, do not go out of 

it.” [See Sahihs of Imams Al- 

Bukhari and Muslim] 

Imams Al-Bukhari and Muslim 

also narrated that Usamah Ibn 

Zaid (may Allah be pleased with 

him) said: The Messenger of Allah 

(Peace be upon him) said: 

“The plague is a calamity (or a 

punishment) that was sent upon 

the Children of Israel, or upon 

those who came before you. If 

you hear of it in some land, do 

not go there, and if it breaks out 

in a land where you are, do not 

leave, fleeing from it.” 

It was said that what is meant 

by the word ta‘un (translated 

here as plague) is a specific 

disease that is known to the 

scholars and doctors. It was also 

said that it refers to any 

widespread disease (epidemic) 

that leads to the death of many 

people. 

He (Peace be upon him) also 

counseled ill people not to visit 

healthy people. 

During the worldwide outbreak 

of diseases, quarantine officials 

arranged for appropriate medical 

assistance, which sometimes 

included medical isolation and 

restricted travel movements. 

Read futher online: 

www.vanguardngr.com 

BARKA JUMAH 

Love and faith 

Love and faith needs to be balanced. The proof of 

having triumphed and truly lived a joyous life is to 

never speak ill of others. 

Pray hard. Forever lean on Allah. Do good always, 

and never waver. 

May Allah gift to you and all yours a grand life 

without bitterness. Happy Jumat. 

— Dr. Adewale Adeeyo, OON 

Muslim NIKKAH 

SoulMates 

Do you seek a Muslim life partner? 

Are you a Muslim? Are you searching for a soulmate for 

marriage? Send your profile as published below, contact 

telephone, and photo, to isholaism@gmail.com or on whatsapp 

08036688535. Names and contact numbers will not be published. 

Profile 277: A Muslim male, 33, working with private 

organisation in Nassarawa state, searching for Muslim lady 

from any part Nigeria or outside between 22-30 of age. She 

must have good Islamic knowledge, business oriented and 

be ready for marriage. 

Profile 278: A male Muslim, 34, from South-south based 

in Asaba, wants a Muslim lady between 27-30 years of age. 

She must be able to relocate. 

Profile 279: A male Muslim, 40, from South West, based 

in Lagos wants a Muslimah, not more than 35. She must be a 

graduate and ready for marriage. 

Profile 280: A Muslimah, 40, civil servant, based in Abuja 

divorced without kids, needs a God-fearing Muslim for 

marriage. Preferably, divorced or widower with kids. 

Profile 281: A Muslim male, 50, employed, based in Lagos 

needs a Muslim lady between ages 30 to 35 years, divorced 

with not more than one child or single and ready for marriage. 

NAHCON:Hassan Hassan swings into action, 

takes on fir 

irst offshore assignment 

THE National Hajj Commission of Nigeria has constituted a team 

of staff to proceed on the first official assignment to be carried 

out by the fourth NAHCON board. It is a pre Hajj team to make 

necessary accommodation and feeding arrangements for the 2020 

Hajj. 

Inaugurating the team on Wednesday 19th February 2020, 

NAHCON Chairman/CEO Alhaji Zikrullah Kunle Hassan, enjoined 

members of the team to dedicate their time and efforts, as well as 

examine all prospects of ensuring that Hajj fare goes down this year, 

and hopefully goes further down next year. He emphasised that 

dedication is instrumental in addressing the issue of Hajj fare 

reduction, a promise he made during screening of the board and one 

he is determined to keep. He called on the members to carry out this 

assignment without compromising quality or standard of 

accommodation nor feeding. Therefore they must focus on getting 

good houses for the pilgrims and insist on decent meals from caterers. 

The Chairman assured that the task is not going to be easy but one 

they must do avoiding temptation, compromise and lure of 

surrender. In his address to the team, Commissioner Operations, 

Alhaji Abdullahi Magari Hardawa assured the Chairman of all 

members’ commitment to meet expectations of the CEO and other 

Muslims to see that Hajj fare is reduced. He also tasked members of 

the pre-Hajj team to make good bargains that will enable pilgrims to 

embark on Hajj with relative ease and get value for their money. 

The team, which will be led by Chairman, Alhaji Zikrullah has the 

three permanent Commissioners among the delegation, senior 

management staff, staff from relevant departments and Pharmist 

Zainab Ujudud Sheriff on the list. Pharm Sheriff will inspect likely 

locations to site Nigerian clinics as well as ascertain that all conditions 

set by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for setting up clinics by 

participating countries are met. 

Members of a police sanitation team spraying disinfectant as a preventive 

measure against the spread of the Covid-19 coronavirus in Bozhou, in China’s 

eastern Anhui province. Photo by STR/AFP via Getty Images

"Vanguard, 

FRIDAY FEBRUARY 21, 2020 — 27 

Salute to an Achiever 

By Fatima Sanda Usara 

Jumada Thanni 8, 1441 A.H. 

New Nigeria begins with you, 

Amir Alatoye tells Ahmadi elders 

MEMBERS of the Majlis 

Ansarullah Ahmadiyya 

Nigeria (Elders Forum of Ahmadiyya 

Muslim Community) have been 

charged to continually preach, uphold 

and display the beautiful teachings of 

Islam, thereby becoming change 

agents for a new Nigeria. 

The Amir (National President) of the 

Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama’at Nigeria, 

Alhaj (Barr.) Alatoye Folorunso Azeez 

gave the admonition at the 21st 

Annual National Workshop of the 

Elders Forum held at the Jamia 

Ahmadiyya, Owode Road, Ilaro, 

Ogun State recently. 

Barrister Alatoye who expressed his 

displeasure over the state of affairs in 

the country in respect to moral 

decadence and human degradation 

believed members of the Muslim 

organization, especially the elderly 

ones have a huge role to play, to right 

all the wrongs in the country, starting 

from the home front. 

He requested the elderly members 

to set the ball rolling by taking proper 

care of the family members’ needed 

provisions – food, clothing, and 

shelter, thereby building a solid family 

structure and by extension building a 

sane society devoid of social ills. 

The Amir emphasized the need for 

the members to reform themselves 

internally and change the value 

system before striving to reform the 

society. 

“The annual workshop is an avenue 

to reinvigorate and reposition 

ourselves morally and materially, 

going forward. As elderly members 

of the Jama’at, we have a huge role to 

play for a better Nigeria. Remember 

we are the fathers to the mothers, 

youths, and children. We cannot 

vindicate ourselves from the social 

vices in the country. We must all 

wake up from our slumber and 

change the history of the 

country. 

“As fathers, we should 

overlook so many things as long 

as they do not violate Islamic 

principles. I receive whole lot of 

complaints on fathers and these 

are disheartening and pathetic. 

Let us display good behaviours 

to our family members, 

especially our wives. Our 

behaviours should be exemplary 

to others. Let us live above board. 

“As Ahmadis, let us start a 

process of value change through 

the seeking of Allah’s assistance. 

We should take a lead in 

reforming society. So many people 

have lost faith in the Country. As 

Ahmadi Muslims, we should never 

lose faith. We should work, preach 

and pray for our leaders so that there 

will be value change. It is not by 

physical force but through moral 

and spiritual force. Escalating 

immoral and violent acts through 

religious and ethnic lines should be 

totally discouraged. 

“Meanwhile, we do not have a 

monopoly of claiming superiority 

over others. We are all equal before 

Almighty God. On the overall, 

members of Majlis Ansarullah stand 

at a very strategic position to change 

the course of happenings in the 

country positively.” 

From left: The National leader, Majlis Ansarullah 

Ahmadiyya Nigeria (Elders' Forum) Alhaji (Engr.) 

Abdul Waheed Akanji Adeoye, Amir Ahmadiyya 

Muslim Jamaat, Nigeria, Alhaji (Barr.) Alatoye 

Folorunso Azeez and Naib Amir (Deputy National 

President) Finance & Administration Alhaji 

Mufadhil Bankole during21st Annual National 

Workshop of the Elders Forum held at the Jamia 

Ahmadiyya, Ilaro, Ogun State recently. 

From left: Nasarawa State Governor, Engr. Abdullahi Sule; Amir Ahmadiyya Muslim 

Jama'at Nigeria, Alhaji (Barrister) Alatoye Folorunso Azeez; former National 

President, Nigeria Labour Congress, Alhaji Hassan Sunmonu; former Assistant 

Director, First Bank Nigeria, Dr. Yaqeen Habeeb; Naib Amir,Tabligh and Tajneed, Dr. 

Busari Lateef and Naib Amir Finance and Administration, Alhaji Mufadhil Bankole, 

during a courtesy visit to Nasarawa State Governor in Lafia Nasarawa State. 

On the 24th of May 

2015, the baton of 

leadership of National 

Hajj Commission of 

Nigeria, NAHCON, 

changed hands from 

those of the gentle but 

devoted Mallam Musa 

Bello, to those of the firm 

and unapologetic 

Barrister Abdullahi 

Mukhtar Muhammad. 

They had one thing in 

common, to salvage the 

Muslims’ annual 

pilgrimage from Nigeria 

to Saudi Arabia from its 

embarrassing nadir to a 

peak where Nigerian 

pilgrims would be 

reckoned with prestige 

in the holy land, travel 

with high dignity and 

return with high esteem, 

not like paupers. After 

four years in command, 

is Abdullahi leaving the Commission where he met it? 

For starters, Barrister Mukhtar received the baton of NAHCON leadership 

at a time when it was obvious a tactical retreat in leadership approach was 

demanded. This was apparent since his predecessor’s courteously persuasive 

style did not deter those violating essential Hajj arrangements from doing so. 

Being an old school in the Nigeria-styled Hajj system, Abdullahi Mukhtar’s 

first task upon assumption of office was to draw a definite line between what 

was and what should be. Undoubtedly, it costs an overdose of courage and 

defiance to insist on what should be. Thirdly such a stance charges one not to 

veer as well because unforgiving hawks are always lurking for an opportunity 

to hit. Mukhtar combined all. He steered the policy unit of the Commission to 

formulate policies that would safeguard smooth Hajj experience for the 

pilgrims. He dared the consequences empowering staff towards hounding all 

concerned for strict obedience to the reforms. It did not matter to him whether 

it was a staff, friend or fiendish foe that contravened the rule, consequences 

must follow. Yes, sanity was restored, but not without a price. For those who 

understand, they know Barr. Mukhtar was not fighting a selfish war. They 

know that he goes out of his way to get things done and would identify with 

those willing to walk the talk with him. He is a leader who always carries a plan 

‘B’ in his kitty as preclude to failure. 

Did he deliver? Without going far, this writer will dwell on only one year’s 

plans set by the former Chairman and what was achieved by the end of the 

2018- 2019 target. This writer recalled during that year’s post Hajj meeting 

with NAHCON management staff where the ex-Chairman outlined 10 targets 

he wished to accomplish within the period. They were staff training and 

welfare, Hajj Savings Scheme, Hajj Development Levy project, reforms in 

Makkah accommodation feeding and transportation, renovation of Metro 

Plaza now Hajj House, technical foundation of Hajj Training Institute and one 

other item that escaped this writer. 

Taking staff training for instance, this received a boost. In 2019, all levels of 

staff received various capacity training totalling over 40. From Abuja, Benin, 

Cairo to Zaria and more; from aviation matters to broadcasting, crowd control 

and dealing with stress, economic, financial and hospitality coaching; from 

managerial to operational, head of the fourth NAHCON board explored 

every legitimate chance to make the trainings happen. He took the extra 

trouble of reaching out to multinational corporations and financial institutions 

such as the Islamic Development Bank for these trainings to materialise. 

Staff welfare took a new meaning, a first of its kind. Whether they appreciate 

that or not, there is no denying the extent the former Chairman went to get 

the feat actualized for own benefit. 

Barr Mukhtar does not confine himself to what government can do for the 

Commission. Due to these extra channels he often hunts for, the Hajj training 

institute is a dream awaiting government’s blessings to sail. As he informed 

the fourth board during handing over, funding for the institute is safely in the 

accounts; funds starting from construction to furnishing have been 100% 

sourced for the institute to role. 

Because he is an achiever, failure is not an option. I recall during the last Hajj 

when the Commission ran into a dilemma majorly caused by a slight hitch 

from the Enugu airport. About 196 pilgrims from the South-South were 

stranded and closure of Jeddah airport was just a matter of hours. There was 

an aircraft on its way back to Nigeria to convey NAHCON operational staff 

overseeing the airlift from Nigeria. Instruction was sent out to the NAHCON 

staff to suspend their scheduled journey in favour of the pilgrims left behind. 

But that was not where the problem laid, it was on how to transport the South- 

South pilgrims to Abuja in good time. The logistics of flying them to Abuja was 

not captured in NAHCON’s budget and would be too expensive to be charged 

the pilgrims neither the state’s board. The option was to transport them by 

night bus to cut cost, and run the risk of Jeddah airport closure. While this 

option was being debated, only the Almighty knows how the NAHCON Boss 

and Chief Ibrahim Eziene, the South-East Commissioner on NAHCON’s board 

did it. Maybe they used their personal funds, maybe their connections, maybe 

they sought for good Samaritans, how ever he did it, the pilgrims were flown 

to Abuja by air on board two chartered aircrafts without a dime released by 

NAHCON. Glory to the Almighty, the Commission airlifted all its pilgrims 

ahead of closure of Jeddah airport. NAHCON staff, whose bags were already 

packed, stayed back with chin in palms, waiting to know, whether they would 

make it to Saudi pre Arafat, or make it post Arafat. Fortunately, the NAHCON 

Boss talked up the Saudi airspace authorities and they obliged. FlyNas, a 

Saudi Arabian airline with a home advantage was then given clearance to 

land into its country’s airspace few hours after airport closure with NAHCON 

staff, at no extra cost on the Commission. This is the meaning of Barr. Mukhar 

going out of his way to get things done. 

If Barr Mukhtar is to be assessed based on his 2018-2019 target, one would 

gladly award him 8/10. May the Almighty continue to guide and bless his 

future endeavours. May the Controller of hearts give him the strength to 

continue being unapologetic on the side of appropriateness. 

May the Almighty keep the new board guided. 

Usara is with the Public Affairs Unit,


Unending royal battle 

in Iwoland 

By Shina Abubakar 

O 

SOGBO—IN 

Yorubaland, one of 

the most revered 

authorities is the traditional 

institution. 

This is because traditional 

rulers are deemed to be the 

second in command to the 

deities. However, some of the 

deputies to the gods have 

thrown caution to the winds 

and engaged in a royal 

rumble. 

Royal boxing ring 

The Oluwo of Iwoland, Oba 

Abdulrosheed Akanbi, was 

alleged to have lost his 

temperament when a fellow 

monarch, Oluwo claimed to be 

a junior, the Agbowu of 

Ogbaagbaa, Oba Dhikurulahi 

Akinropo interjected while he 

was speaking during a peace 

meeting at the instance of the 

Assistant Inspector General of 

Police in charge of Zone XI, 

Bashir Makama, last week. 

The Oluwo allegedly 

descended on Oba Akinropo 

and dealt some blows on the 

Agbowu. 

The injured monarch had to 

be taken to a hospital for 

treatment. 

Genesis 

Sometimes in October 2019, 

the Oluwo had written a 

petition to the AIG’s office after 

several parley meetings to 

caution members of Iwo 

Traditional Council, comprising 

of about 35 monarchs, failed to 

yield the expected result. 

The former AIG, Leye Oyebade, 

summoned all the stakeholders 

and pleaded with them to find a 

common ground to resolve their 

differences and direct efforts to 

ensure that peace does not 

elude the communities for 

whatever reason. 

Several other meetings at the 

Council Secretariat of Iwo 

EMPOWERMENT: 

•Agbowu of Ogbaagbaa 

local council was disrupted 

allegedly by miscreants from 

Iwo. 

In a bid to solve the royal 

crisis, the new AIG summoned 

another meeting, this time, with 

the Osun State Commissioner for 

Local Government and 

Chieftaincy Affairs and the 

representative of the 

Commissioner for Lands, the 

Chairman, Iwo local 

government, Raji Kamoru in 

attendance. 

But rather than allow civility to 

reign, the Oluwo, according to 

the Olu of Ile-Ogbo, Oba 

Habeeb Adetoyese, allegedly 

scuttled the entire proceedings. 

Oba Adetoyese said: “We held 

a meeting sometimes in August 

in Iwo, but he (Oluwo) disrupted 

the meeting, he came with thugs 

and everybody returned to their 

domains. 

“When that meeting failed, 

another date was fixed for 

Friday, (last week). At the 

gathering, he alleged that we, 

the other monarchs in the area, 

were selling his land, including 

•Oba Adewale of Iwoland 

I, Olu of Ile-Ogbo, Agbowu of 

Ogbagba, Onigege of Gege. But 

I responded that I am selling Ile- 

Ogbo’s land not Iwo’s lands ditto 

other monarchs. 

“After Oluwo had told his own 

respective domain have rights to 

their lands without having to 

seek consent from the Oluwo. He 

was interjected by the Oluwo, 

accusing him of disrespect. 

“While the Oluwo was speaking, 

he descended on Agbowu, 

punching him severally before 

he was rescued by the AIG.” 

How Oluwo attacked 

me—Akinropo 

When Vanguard trailed 

Agbowu to the Trauma Centre 

of the state specialist hospital 

last Friday, he could not speak 

to journalists as doctors were 

attending to a scratch on his 

cheek before he was placed 

on observation. 

Narrating his experience the 

following day, Oba Akinropo 

said he was bewildered with 

the attack on him by the 

Oluwo. 

“I could not believe it. I 

never had the premonition 

that Oluwo could physically 

assault me being a monarch. 

As a traditional ruler, I cannot 

engage in acts that could be 

said to be public misconduct. 

That explained why I held my 

peace when I was being 

attacked and besides, I was 

surprised that Oluwo would 

pounce on me such that it 

required efforts of security 

operatives in the office of the 

AIG to rescue me from his 

hold”, Akinropo said. 

Meanwhile, princes in Iwo, 

stated that the Agbowu and 

other monarchs transgressed 

against the stool of Oluwo. 

Prince Abolusode Adebayo 

alleged that the monarchs 

and the others had agreed at 

traditional council meetings 

held last August to stop 

indiscriminate selling of lands 

in Iwoland. 

Adebayo said: “All the 

monarchs under the Iwo 

Traditional council had, during 

their August 2019 meeting here 

at Oluwo’s palace, agreed to stop 

selling lands indiscriminately. 

They also agreed that the Oluwo 

would be appending his 

signature to any land they 

intend to sell before it could be 

valid for sale. Also, they agreed 

to append Iwo as part of the their 

titles. For example, Onigege 

would no longer bear Onigege 

of Igege land but Onigege of 

Igege Iwo. They also agreed to 

include Iwo in the signpost of 

any 

government 

establishment in their 

respective domains, such as 

school, healthcare centres.” 

Sale of land 

However, a copy of the 

minutes of the meeting 

obtained by Vanguard showed 

that the Oluwo appealed to the 

20 youths in Ondo given equipment worth over N1m 


AKURE—-EQUIPMENT, worth 

over a million naira were given 

out to 20 apprentices in Ondo State 

by a philanthropist and owner of 

Bolakomo Ventures, Prince Adekunle 

Adeya and wife Princess Olubola 

Akomolafe Adeya in a bid to empower 

them. 

After six months of training at their 

facilities, the couple handed over the 

equipment to the apprentices at a 

ceremony in Akure, Ondo State. 

Sewing machines and hairdressing 

kits were given to the apprentices of 

the school of fashion and hairdressing 

school. 

Speaking at the ceremony, Prince 

Adeya said the empowerment was to 

give back to the society. 

Adeya said the venture is a hub for 

all manner of hospitality facilities 

ranging from Hotel accommodation, 

Car mart and Hire, Eatery, Hair 

Dressing Training School, Fashion 

school, Bar and Life club in Akure. 

He pointed out that he is “a 

consistent advocate of poverty 

alleviation, a firm believer in 

supporting the efforts of government 

in job creation.” 

Adeya said: “60 people enrolled for 

the training in July 2019, despite the 

fact that the training was free, only 20 

I could not believe it. I 

never had the 

premonition that Oluwo 

could physically assault 

me being a monarch. As 

a traditional ruler, I 

cannot engage in acts 

that could be said to be 

public misconduct. 

side of the story, Oba Akinropo 

was recognised to speak on the 

alleged land grabbing levelled 

against him. While defending 

himself, he said monarchs in their 

people stayed till the end of the 

training that lasted for six months.” 

He commended the apprentices for 

their doggedness and encouraged 

them to be shining light to others. 

Adeya said that training would 

commence next month for 50 new 

trainees and asked the people to start 

registering. 

He called on Nigerians who are 

well-to-do to always remember 

others in the society who are less 

privileged. 

The wife, Princess Olubola, 

admonished the apprentices to also 

embrace the spirit of giving to others 

who might need their support. 

monarchs to agree to the terms 

claimed by the prince to which 

none of the monarch present 

commented on. 

It reads in part: “The 

President of the Council also 

preached for unity among the 

community that made-up of 

Iwo Land, that each 

Community in Iwo Land 

should be able to Identity and 

addressed themselves as Iwo 

and to emulate towns in 

Ibadan, when putting up a 

sign post such as Erunmu 

Ibadan, Lagelu Ibadan, 

should do same in Iwo to 

witness rapid development as 

seen in Erunmu that associate 

with Ibadan adding that in unity 

we stand and divided will fall, 

he added that he is not asking 

each community not to 

promulgate their own town 

which they given but to see 

themselves and to be addressed 

as Iwo”. 

The document, under its 

General Matter also reads: “His 

Imperial Majesty, Oba Abdul- 

Rasheed Adewale Akanbi, 

Oluwo of Iwoland Implored 

council members to get his 

signature while selling land 

more than 10 Acres in Iwo Land 

that getting the signature, is not 

purposely because of money but 

as the consenting Authority in 

Iwoland. It will also make the 

deal have an edge whenever 

there is dispute over the land 

at the court and added that a 

letter will be communicated to 

the Ministry at Osogbo and 

Boundary Commission to that 

effect and the council 

unanimously, resolved “that 

selling of land more than 10 

Acres must have the signature 

of the consenting authority, 

the Oluwo of Iwoland to make 

the deal legitimate.” 

Reacting to agreement to 

attach Iwo to their titles, 

Onigege of Igege, Oba 

Kazeem Oyediran said no one 

signed any agreement to that 

effect. 

According to him, the Oluwo 

was only giving directives 

which no one either consented 

to or commented on. 

He insisted that the land 

matter was also a lone 

decision by Oba Akanbi. 

Fisticuffs 

unfortunate—Iwo 

Board of Trustees 

Meanwhile the Iwo Board of 

Trustee described the fisticuff 

between the two monarchs as 

unfortunate, unpleasant and 

avoidable. 

A statement by its Chairman 

and Secretary, Dr. Oluremi 

Atanda and Alhaji Tayo Giwa 

charged the state government 

to investigate the remote cause 

of the crisis with a view to 

finding lasting solution. 

The board, however, urged 

the state traditional council to 

wade into the matter. 

Protest and counter protest 

However, monarchs and 

residents of Ayedire and Olaoluwa 

local government areas 

have asked the state 

government to create a 

separate traditional council for 

monarchs in the area in the 

interest of peace. 

Chief Raphael Akanmu said 

they have no problem with the 

people of Iwo, whom they 

believe are peaceful and 

loving but the present Oluwo 

is capable of truncating the 

peaceful co-existense that 

existed in the communities for 

centuries with his actions.


The return of Auxiliary to Oyo politics 

By Ola Ajayi 

IBADAN—THE return of a 

former Chairman of the 

banned National Union of 

Road Transport Workers, 

NURTW, in Oyo State, Alhaji 

Lamidi Mukaila aka 

Auxiliary which was 

occasioned by his 

inauguration as the head of 

a disciplinary committee of 

motor park managers by the 

State government, has no 

doubt rustled some feathers 

among commercial drivers in 

the state. 

While his supporters 

embraced his return with 

open arms, a larger 

percentage of them see his 

return as another invitation 

to violence, which had 

hitherto characterized the 

drivers’ union. 

Some people, who hailed 

Governor Seyi Makinde on 

the decision, noted that the 

union which is seen as a 

goldmine for boosting the 

Internally Generated 

Revenue, IGR, argued that 

Auxiliary, who has been in the 

saddle of drivers’ union for 

ages, would know how best 

to generate funds for the 

government. 

In the administrations of 

late Lamidi Adesina, Rashidi 

Ladoja and Adebayo Alao- 

Akala, the fear of the dreaded 

union was the beginning of 

wisdom. 

The union had some 

Napoleonic leaders like, 

Alhaji Lateef Akinsola, aka 

Tokyo, Alhaji Lateef Salako 

aka Eleweomo and Lamidi 

Mukaila aka Auxiliary whose 

sneezes would make people 

of the state to shiver. 

Tokyo was edged out by the 

administration of Alao-Akala 

when he was caught 

fraternising with the 

opposition. Information had 

Land grabbers terrorise Soka residents in Ibadan 

By Ola Ajayi 

IBADAN—SIX years ago, when 

the news of Soka kidnappers’ 

den in Ibadan, Oyo State, rent the 

air, the mere mention of the name 

Soka still evokes memories of 

horror and fear in the residents of 

the city. 

Just as the people are trying to 

put the ugly incident behind them, 

a fresh crisis erupted from the 

area. 

This time it is not about 

kidnapping or using people for 

rituals because the place has been 

transformed to a habitable 

environment where no fewer than 

Gov. Seyi Makinde 

it then that he had been 

bought over by the 

opposition to be used against 

the then incumbent. 

Like a coup d’état, he was 

yanked off and replaced by 

Eleweomo, his deputy. 

The same fate befell 

Eleweomo when he was 

hacked to death during an 

election. 

The union dominated the 

political space like a colossus 

unleashing terror on 

whoever did not share their 

political inclination then. 

But, during the last 

administration led by 

Senator Abiola Ajimobi, the 

union was put where it 

belonged. 

Except for the bloody clash 

at Iwo road interchange 

which led to the killing of a 

medical student from 

Ahmadu Bello University, 

50,000 people are residents. 

The former governor of the state, 

Senator Abiola Ajimobi had 

ensured the transformation of the 

area. 

Since the state government 

demolished the building where 

kidnap victims were kept, there 

has been relative peace until 

Tuesday when another incident 

happened there. This time around, 

it is land grabbers who have 

turned the residents of the area to 

money spinning machines that 

has once again brought the place 

to the fore. 

According to information 

gathered, the land grabbers, who 

EDITOR: Dayo Johnson (08033509763) 

Deputy Editor: Dapo Akinrefon 

08023844928 (sms only) 

CORRESPONDENTS: 

Ola Ajayi 

Ibadan 

Dare Fasube 

(Photo) 

Rotimi Ojomoyela 

Ekiti 

Monsuru Olowoopejo Lagos 

Adeola Badru 

Ibadan 

Shina Abubakar 

Osogbo 

James Ogunnaike 

Abeokuta 

the blood thirstiness and 

wanton destruction of 

property that became the 

hallmark of the union was at 

While his supporters 

embraced his return 

with open arms, a larger 

percentage of them see 

his return as another 

invitation to violence, 

which had hitherto 

characterized the 


its lowest ebb. 

The reign of Tokyo 

Despite the fact that the 

National Industrial Court 

were identified as Ayelamole and 

Olatunji, have severally been a 

thorn in the flesh of the residents 

of the area. 

Jimoh Amusa, who lives in the 

area, said the two men always 

trouble them by their insatiable 

quest for money. 

Amusa said: “Even though, all 

the people here have paid fully for 

the lands on which they built, 

these hoodlums still come here 

from time to time to ask for more 

money. Anytime, they need money, 

the next place they would come is 

Soka. 

“In other saner climes, land 

owners look away from the 

property they have sold. It is not 

the same here. You pay and pay. 

But, we are fed up and that’s why 

we resisted them this afternoon.” 

Thinking that they would have 

a field day to perpetrate their 

illegal demand, the land grabbers 

again swopped on Soka but they 

met stiff resistance by hundreds 

of youths. 

For fear of being overpowered, 

residents in the area contacted 

Chief Sunday Adeyemo also 

known as Igboho, and his friend, 

Babatunde Arowolo for help. 

Igboho is an Oyo State indigene 

who most politicians in the state 

and outside want to endear 

themselves to. He is a ‘lion’ in 

battle. 

delivered judgment in favour 

of the then ousted chairman, 

Alhaji Lateef Akinsola aka 

Tokyo, all his pleas to be 

reinstated were rebuffed by 

Senator Ajimobi. 

To ensure that peace 

reigned in the state, Tokyo 

was made to sign an 

undertaking by the police. 

Vanguard was reliably 

informed that the state 

government then knew there 

were factions within the 

NURTW and if any of the 

factions was recognized, 

others could start fanning 

embers of violence. 

It was one of the crises that 

led to detention and eventual 

prosecution of Auxiliary who 

was, thereafter, kept in a 

correctional centre for about 

seven years. 

Auxiliary’s sojourn to the 

palace 

So, when Governor 

Makinde banned the 

NURTW, the action was 

widely applauded. 

Then, suddenly the 

announcement that brought 

back Auxiliary was made. 

The fear of Auxiliary 

Apparently aware of the 

intention of the Governor 

Makinde-led administration, 

some forces within the 

NURTW had warned that 

they would not accept 

Auxiliary as the head of the 

park managers. 

The state government had 

denied this but still went 

ahead to appoint him. 

Since the announcement of 

Auxiliary as leader of a 

disciplinary committee, there 

has been palpable tension in 

the state particularly in 

Ibadan. 

Unlike the past, motorists, 

traders and residents of Iwo 

road now sleep with one eye 

closed. 

The peace in the city is now 

like that of a graveyard. 

As soon as he appeared at the 

scene, the land grabbers escaped. 

Igboho, who was flanked by 

Alhaji Babatunde Arowolo said: 

“What is it that the masses have 

done wrong? Is it because they 

don’t have money? Don’t ever 

come to this community again. 

This is the sixth time you would 

disturb these innocent people. 

Countless number of masses died 

as a result of the actions of the 

hoodlums. 

“Enough is enough. If you don’t 

want to cause crisis”, he said 

angrily. 

Residents recount 

ordeal 

A resident of the area also 

corroborated what Igboho had 

said earlier, noting that “This will 

be the sixth time the residents 

will pay for the land after many 

court verdicts in their favour. ” 

As for Mrs. Oloruntoba Apeke, 

a trader in the area, she said she 

had to abandon her wares to 

escape from the surging crowd 

who were chasing the land 

grabbers as they tried to escape 

from the youths. 

When Vanguard called the Oyo 

State Police Public Relations 

Officer, SP Gbenga Fadeyi, he said, 

he was yet to receive report from 

the area. 

The following day, he was 

inaugurated by the state 

government, Auxiliary, with 

his supporters marched 

through Iwo road. 

On hearing that Auxiliary 

was around, several 

hundreds of people ran 

helter-skelter even though 

the man was going calmly 

among the crowd. 

The march by Auxiliary 

and his men, many believe, 

was to make a statement 

that they are now in control 

and their opponents should 

beware. 

Many residents, who had 

received Governor Makinde 

with open arms on his 

assumption of office, have 

taken exception to this move 

when they have 

retrospective look at violent 

activities of the Union in the 

past. 

According to some of them, 

the governor obviously got 

this wrong. 

They believe that the 

action is tantamount to 

rupturing the peace of the 

state noting that whatever 

the agreement between 

Auxiliary and the governor, 

the governor should have 

‘paid’ him back in another 

way. 

“With this action, we won’t 

be surprised if thuggery and 

hooliganism, which had been 

in the cooler all these years, 

resurface. Will other factions 

look on?” 

“It is true that the governor 

banned NURTW in the state. 

But, by this singular move, 

he has rubbished the ban. 

What’s in a name?” 

“I just hope residents in 

the state don’t regret this. It 

is certainly an ill wind that 

will blow nobody good. 

These people, the moment 

you give them a yard, they 

take a mile”. 

“We have started living in 

fear already because we 

don’t know what will be the 

reactions of other factions in 

NURTW. We are sitting on a 

keg of gunpowder which can 

blow off anytime”. 

“Those who advised the 

governor on this have 

misfired. Considering 

boosting the IGR without 

taking cognizance of the 

security implications will 

surely backfire.” 

Many people are saying 

the governor took the 

decision in preparation for 

his second term in office. 

Meanwhile, NURTW in 

other states has advised the 

governor to rescind his 

decision and unban the 


No need for panic 

—Oyo Police 

The Oyo State police 

command has, since the 

inauguration, been allaying 

the fears of the people and 

warning drivers who want to 

foment trouble to have a 

rethink as it would deal 

decisively with any trouble 

maker. 

Reacting to the visit of 

Auxiliary to Iwo road few 

days ago, the State Police 

Public Relations Officer, SP 

Gbenga Fadeyi, said people 

were just panicking 

unnecessarily adding that 

the man was peaceful in his 

conduct at the park.


THE Rice Farmers 

Association of Nigeria 

(RIFAN) Kano State chapter, 

has called on Gov. Abdullahi 

Ganduje to construct more 

earth dams to boost irrigation 

activities across the 44 Local opportunity to engage in dry 

Government Areas of the season farming after the rains 

state. 

to keep them busy 

The Secretary, Alhaji Ado throughout the year. 

Hassan, who made the call in “RIFAN, as an association, 

Kano, said establishing more will appreciate if the State 

earth dams across the state Government would come in, 

would give many farmers, in the areas of establishing 

especially in rural areas, the earth dams and water 

Kano rice farmers seek more earth dams 

•To boost irrigation 

channels to reduce the number 

of water pumping machines 

that are used for irrigation 

farming. 

“The cost of production will 

also be reduced to the 

minimum, regarding the 

amount of money being spent 

to power the machines as well 

as the money for 

maintenance,” he said. 

He advised that the earth 

dams be established in Local 

Government Areas without 

irrigation site, such as Gaya. 

“The Gaya area has a vast 

land where such dams can be 

constructed to reserve water 

for irrigation farming activities 

or other purposes,” Hassan 

said. 

Hassan said the majority of 

farmers ended up going to 

Fadama or waterlogged areas 

where they end up having 

their rice flooded, due to 

shortage of appropriate land 

for rice cultivation. 

He advised farmers in the 

state to embrace dry season 

farming to boost food 

production and enhance their 

socio-economic status. 

NIRSAL targets land bank to 

boost agribusiness 

By Providence Adeyinka 

NIGERIA Incentivebased 

Risk-Sharing 

System for 

Agricultural Lending, 

NIRSAL Plc, has disclosed 

plans to create Land banks 

across the country to further 

boost agribusiness. 

Managing Director/Chief 

Executive, NIRSAL, Mr Aliyu 

Abdulhameed, disclosed this 

at the Ecobank Agribusiness 

Summit organized in 

partnership with Vanguard 

Media Limited last week with 

the theme: “Unlocking 

Productivity and Investment 

Opportunities across 

Nigeria’s Agribusiness Value 

Chain.” 

He said that Landbank 

would be achieved if high net 

worth individuals in Nigeria 

would give out their land 

space of over 20 thousand 

hectares for agricultural 

purpose. 

Abdulhameed explained 

that land banks can be 

managed by land developers 

who would clear and parcel 

out the land to farmers for 

productivity, while the owners 

get their regular income 

between 25 to 30 years. 

He stated: “House is a dead 

asset but the farm can produce 

yearly for life if the soil texture 

can be maintained. We intend 

to create land banks of five, 

ten or 20 thousand hectares. 

The land would be made 

available by high net worth 

individuals in Nigeria. 

Agric is not a hobby, it is a 

business, land can be handed 

over to the land bank to 

handle for 20 to30 years and 

the owner would get a steady 

income from the land 

developer who would clear 

the land and parcel it out, put 

irrigation and have 

productivity going on. 

“Every Nigerian would 

benefit from it. Give your land 

and make money. To de-risk 

agriculture in Nigeria, you 

got to leverage the latest 

technology of geo-mapping 

infrastructure and 

comprehensive mechanized 

agriculture, he said. 

Speaking further, he said 

that the modern-day 

agricultural financing is not 

Agric finance but financing 

agribusiness, saying: “Every 

commodity we produce in 

Nigeria can be broken into 

the business. You cannot do 

successful agriculture without 

financing the upstream, 

midstream and downstream. 

“We have land, but a large 

part of the arable land we have 

is a dead asset, so you cannot 

convince Ecobank to put N70 

billion into a dead asset, you 

have to bring life to that land 

as a dead asset. 

By 2025 it has been 

estimated that Africa is going 

to import up to $110 billion 

worth of food feed and fibre. 

Incidentally, we have just 

found the AfCTA which makes 

this market available to 

Nigeria if we could do it right. 

He added “Across the world, 

due to rapid population 

growth, it is understood that 

the entire food and 

agribusiness industry in the 

world is worth $5 trillion. 

We in Africa can convert 

those things into 

Minister of State for Agriculture, Mustapha Baba Shehuri (2nd left); Mr Patrick Akinwuntan 

MD Ecobank (2nd left) at an exhibition stand at the Ecobank Agribusiness Summit organized 

in partnership with Vanguard Media Limited last week . 

The Edo State Government has said it will provide support 

to farmers in the state to cultivate rice, maize, soya beans 

and cassava on 10,000 hectares of farmland across the state, 

as part of a commitment to boost food security and create 

wealth for farmers. 

Special Adviser to the Governor on Agriculture, Forestry 

and Food Security Programme, Joe Okogie, who disclosed 

this in Benin City, reassured that the state government will 

in the 2020 farming season, support farmers across the three 

senatorial districts. 

Okogie noted that the Governor Godwin Obaseki-led 

administration has continually assisted farmers to go into 

commercial-scale farming to fortify the industrial base in the 

state, noting, “What we have done is to assist farmers to 

convert from subsistence to commercial agriculture. The 

opportunities for us to take. If 

we can get it right, we can 

supply Brazil and Argentina, 

starting from being 

commodities to consumption 

centres of the world, the 

factors of production are in 

our favour. The modern-day 

financing agriculture is not 

financing agriculture but 

financing agribusiness.” 

Abdulhameed noted that 

Africa hope in agriculture lies 

with the small-holder farmers, 

“all our activities must reflect 

smallholder farmers because 

that is where the hope of 

Africa lies. Corporate 

agriculture would not work for 

us, otherwise, you would find 

a small island of prosperity is 

surrounded by a huge sea of 

poverty. 

“NIRSAL is trying to ensure 

every state capital in Nigeria 

with a taste for fresh foods 

and vegetables, there is a 

controlled environment for 

agriculture. Control 

environment to chill fresh 

food, imagine young people 

across the country having 

greenhouses for vegetable 

products in the country a day 

and serving the market. That 

is the future for young people. 

Agribusiness is driven by 

technology. 

He added “Our young 

people must be able to study 

agribusiness and be able to 

do project management to be 

able to deliver on projects. 

That way it is easy for us to 

get the money. 

“Finance capital can enable 

a lot of things to be acquired; 

we don’t have to wait all our 

life to acquire these things. 

Technology has no border, 

equipment capital has no 

border, brain capital has no 

border. 

Edo farmers to cultivate rice, maize, others on 10,000 hectares 

farmers are happy about this development. We have also 

improved the food security programme in the state. We were 

able to harvest over 200 metric tons of rice paddy in the last 

year. 

The governor’ aide added that the state government will 

continue to provide enabling environment to encourage 

private investors to participate in the state’s agriculture 

sector, adding, “What we intend to do is provide the enabling 

environment that will enable private investors to come to the 

state to set up their business. 

“We are hoping to attract other investors who will come to 

build a mill a capacity to undertake the rice paddy we are 

producing. The only integrated mill we have is agro-tech in 

Ugboha, a private sector-led initiative. We will continue to 

encourage farmers in the state to keep producing.”

Solidarity with the Chinese on 

the Coronavirus frontline 

LI WENLIANG, 34 was 

a 

n 

ophthalmologist at Wuhan 

Central Hospital, China. In 

December 2019, he noticed 

seven cases of a virus that he 

thought looked like Sars. The 

victims were said to come from 

the Huanan Seafood Market in 

Wuhan. Then he slowly 

realised that this virus was a 

strange one. 

On December 30, he posted 

a message on a doctors' chat 

group warning them that: “A 

new coronavirus infection has 

been confirmed and its type is 

being identified. Inform all 

family and relatives to be on 

guard.” He advised they wear 

protective clothing to avoid 

infection. Skeptical authorities 

thought he was raising a false 

alarm and the Public Security 

Bureau gave him a letter 

which read: "We solemnly warn 

you: If you keep being 

stubborn, with such 

impertinence, and continue 

this illegal activity, you will be 

brought to justice…" 

Despite his conviction, Li 

Wenliang like a good soldier 

never abandoned his duty 

post. The virus was also 

cunning and ruthless; there 

was no way to tell where it was 

and how it could be detected. 

Just a week after he was 

warned, he treated a woman 

with glaucoma unaware she 

had been infected. So in spite 

of his early awareness and 

warning, the young doctor 

caught the virus. On January 

10, he began coughing, next 

day, he had fever. As the 

authorities became conscious 

that Li had been right and 

started to fight the unknown 

enemy, they apologised to 

him. But it was too late for him. 

His parents were also affected. 

On January 20, China 

declared the outbreak of the 

virus and an emergency. 

After several tests for the 

coronavirus came back 

negative, the one on January 

30, was positive. Li posted: 

"Today nucleic acid testing 

came back with a positive 

result, the dust has settled, 

finally diagnosed." The young 

medical general leading the 

war against the virus fell in 

battle. So did many of his 

medical colleagues, including 

Dr. Liu Zhiming, Director of 

the Wuchang Hospital. That 

was how Coronavirus (Covid- 

19) stole into our lives virtually 

undetected and throwing the 

entire world into panic and a 

frenzy to find a cure and a 

vaccine. 

Now, China is a factory 

ceaselessly running to 

lubricate the human economy. 

So, its slow down by the 

Coronavirus is not just a 

Chinese challenge, but a 

worldwide one. With its 20 

percent slice of the human 

population, the country 

effectively takes care of 1.35 

billion people, especially in 

meeting basic human needs. 

In terms of humanity’s fight 

against poverty, China alone, 

according to the World Bank, 

has lifted over 850 million 

human beings out of poverty 

with the poverty rate in the 

country falling from 88 percent 

in 1981 to 0.7 percent in 2015. 

Also, given its increasing 

centrality in world economy, 

there is no way China slows 

down that the world will not 

do the same. If China were to 

grind to a halt, many parts of 

the universe will be adversely 

affected. In other words, China 

China is our first, 

and perhaps, most 

effective line of 

defence against the 

Coronavirus, it is in in 

our collective 

interests to assist it 

focus on the fight 

rather than carry out 

vile, potentially 

destructive 

propaganda against 

that country 

has become a vital organ of the 

human anatomy. So no part of 

the world should rejoice about 

the Coronavirus as its negative 

effects on the phenomenal 

Chinese economic 

development will not translate 

to sustainable advantage. 

In fact, humanity should be 

grateful to China for its 

decisive interventions to 

contain the virus, including its 

unprecedented lockdown of 

towns and cities and measures 

which affected about 500 

How justifiable is US visa ban on Nigerians? 

By SULE YA’U SULE 

THE travel restrictions imposed on 

Nigerians by US President 

Donald Trump came to Nigerians as a 

big surprise considering the mutually 

beneficial relationship existing 

between both countries as well as 

documented enlightened contribution 

of the Nigerian community to the US 

economy and society. 

One point overlooked, however, is 

that the statement titled: ‘Proclamation 

on Improving Enhanced Vetting 

Capabilities and Processes for 

Detecting Attempted Entry’, issued by 

the White House on January 31, 2020, 

may have indirectly acknowledged the 

improved security features and 

authenticity of Nigeria’s newly 

introduced e-passport. 

The US travel restrictions do not affect 

student visas, temporary visitor visas, 

and processing travel documents for 

refugee asylum seekers. 

Nigerians with a valid immigrant 

visa or on their way to the United 

States with an immigrant visa will not 

be affected or denied entry as a result 

of the ban. 

It must, therefore, be understood that 

the US travel restrictions have 

indirectly validated the high security 

value of our e-passport, hence there is 

no ban on genuine Nigerian passport 

holders travelling to the US. 

This may not be unconnected with 

the improved features on the new 

travel document which have 

strengthened its security value and 

made it impossible to be faked, 

counterfeited, transferred to an 

authorised user who might pose a 

security threat to a third-party country. 

Strengthened by enhanced 25 new 

security features which include the 

engraving of a holder’s National 

Identity Number, NIN, the new 

Nigerian e-passport assists rather than 

hinder at-risk countries in their fight 

against terror. 

Another key feature of the e-passport 

is that the important data page comes 

in polycarbonate technology that 

eliminates damage, and not laminated 

like the previous one. Thanks to this 

new feature, fraudulent persons will 

find it harder to alter personal 

information, including changing a 

photograph on the Nigerian passport. 

Another important feature is the 

Multi Laser Image, MLC, which 

captures the primary and secondary 


Send Opinions & Letters to: 

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million people. I am not sure 

any country in the world can 

match the supersonic speed 

with which China built two 

completely new hospitals; the 

1,000-bed Huoshenshan and 

1,600-bed Leishenshan 

hospitals within twelve days to 

cater for the Coronavirus 

victims. As the Xinhua News 

Agency described the feat, it 

was: "Mission impossible made 

possible." 

In another such move, the 

China Construction First 

Group decided to convert 

within six days, an industrial 

building in Beijing into a 

factory that can churn out 

250,000 masks daily to meet 

the high demands. The factory 

is expected to become 

operational from tomorrow. 

The country also converted 

exhibition centres and sports 

halls into makeshift medical 

sites in its determined effort to 

control, then conquer the virus. 

The origin of the Coronavirus 

(Covid-19) has not been 

ascertained. There are 

unverified claims that it 

originated from the alleged 

Chinese habit of eating 

anything on land, in the waters 

and in the sky. For this, some 

unverified and derisive videos 

have been posted. There are 

also conspiracy theories that 

the virus is some biological 

warfare against China or even 

emanating from the country 

itself. Whatever be the origins, 

what should be clear to all 

humanity is that the world has 

become so globalised that what 

affects a section of humanity 

cannot but spread to other 

humans. Constantly 

increasing figures show that 

the virus has affected some 

74,850 Chinese, including 

about 3,000 medical workers 

with 2004 deaths mostly in the 

Hubei province and Wuhan, its 

image of a passport holder. This 

heightened tamper-proof feature gives 

the passport double-safety uniqueness 

and dissuades attempts to duplicate or 

forge it. It also comes in a higher 

quality material than the previous one. 

With zero vulnerability, Nigeria’s 

new e-passport which became officially 

available from March 2019 and which 

meet ICAO standards has become 

The US travel restrictions 

have indirectly validated the 

high security value of our e- 

passport, hence there is no 

ban on genuine Nigerian 

passport holders travelling to 

the US 

Nigeria’s best brand product. 

The White House statement restates 

the strategic relationship between 

Nigeria and the United States in the 

fight against terrorism, the new e- 

passport regime introduced as part of 

audacious reforms by the Nigeria 

Immigration Service, NIS, under the 

leadership of CGI Muhammad 

Babandade, presents an opportunity 

capital. 

There is the possibility that 

the virus after waning in China 

might like a devastating 

hurricane make landfall in 

other parts of the world. So, a 

concerted and collective 

human response to Covid-19 

such as the one the World 

Health Organisation, WHO, is 

coordinating, is required. 

What we are witnessing is an 

unprecedented human 

calamity which like HIV/AIDS 

endangers the entire 

humanity, and like the latter, 

we need to collectively fight a 

common enemy. In this, we 

need to discourage the 

pharmaceutical giants whose 

voracious and insatiable 

appetite for profit can lead to 

the pricing of drugs out of the 

reach of the poor, or poor 

nations as it did with the HIV/ 

AIDS pandemic. 

China is our first, and 

perhaps, most effective line of 

defence against the 

Coronavirus; it is in in our 

collective interests to assist it 

focus on the fight rather than 

carry out vile, potentially 

destructive propaganda 

against that country because 

the virus is bias-free and 

ideologically-blind. In one of 

the earliest campaigns against 

that country that went virile, it 

was claimed that China was 

seeking the approval of the 

courts to kill over 20,000 

Coronavirus patients as a way 

of checking the virus! 

There are positive signs that 

the virus will soon be defeated 

given lower rates of infection 

in China and about 14,000 

previous victims fully 

recovered. In Africa, the WHO 

announced that the previously 

confirmed victim in Egypt is 

recovering fast with latest tests 

showing he is "no longer 

carrying the virus". A world 

united will defeat Covid-19 

sooner than later. 

for stronger collaboration in the 

identity-management and informationsharing 

requirements of the US 

Government. 

Just like the US government, the 

Buhari administration is determined to 

close all loopholes in sharing terrorist, 

criminal, or identity information, which 

poses a threat to national security and 

public safety. The desire of the US 

government for ‘sufficient 

improvements in Nigeria’s information 

sharing and immigration screening 

and vetting’ will be boosted by the new 

e-passport which meets all the security 

standards of those countries which 

enjoy a stronger information-sharing 

partnership with the US. 

The commitment by the Nigeria 

Immigration Service to the Nigerian 

public to ensuring that neither the e- 

passport’s extraordinary security 

features nor its availability would be 

compromised is very reassuring. 

“The new Nigerian Passport is the 

face of the new Nigeria. Its advanced 

technological and enhanced security 

features as well as ease of 

procurement, are consistent with 

international best practices,” NIS said 

in its statement. 

•DR. Ya’u Sule, a public affairs analyst, 

wrote from Kano


YOUR LUCK TODAY 

By Joshua Adeyemo Phone 08056180139 

PISCES (Feb 19 – Mar 19) Martial Mars in ambitious Capricorn 

gets good support from unusual Uranus in monetary Taurus. 

Back your financial plans with action and rightly expect success. 

ARIES ( Mar 21 – Apr 19) MONEY is the major language many 

people around you will understand presently, so you too should 

encourage your personal financial advancement. 

TAURUS ( Apr 20 – May 20) Your Star is money, with positive 

support from winning Mars in your fellow Earth Star sign, if you 

back your financial plans with positive action, you will win. Then 

serious minded lovers travelling for love today will experience excitement 

and pleasure. 

GEMINI (May 21 – June 20) Your working pattern will be improved 

on. And those of you who are more enterprising will equally 

have genuine reason to smile. Your sex appeal is truly strong now. 

CANCER (June 21 – July 22) It is better you listen to and take your 

tried and trusted friends seriously, especially if their persuasion is 

about your love life. Think of the future. 

LEO (Jul 23 – Aug 22) As the saying goes ‘’nothing good comes 

easy” you will operate under pressure at work but luckily for you, 

success’ll crown your efforts. Be more loving today. 

L E I S U R E 

TAKE HEART — ELLA RANDLE 

Learn from yesterday, live for today, hope 

for tomorrow. The important thing is not to 

stop questioning. — Albert Einstein- 

Keep the emblems of hope alive. Do not let 

the light of hope go out, life shrinks to mere 

existence, something far less than life was 

meant to be. Nothing is permanent. Things 

changes and we hope for the better. 

— Ella Randle- 

TERROR MUDA in “Never say goodbye” 

SAYINGS OF 

OUR PEOPLE 

An ugly child of 

your own is 

more to you 

than a beautiful 

one belonging 

to your 

neighbor. 

~Ganda Proverb 

By Kola Fayemi 

VIRGO (Aug 23 – Sept 22) Easy success possible for many of you 

to the extend that some of you may become somehow less ambitious. 

But this is the right time for you to be very push-full. 

LIBRA (Sept 23 – Oct 22) Much depends on your desire, you 

will either uproot the tree of discord within your home or plant fast 

growing one the opposite way. Reason with your spouse. 

SCORPIO (Oct 23 – Nov 21) Opportunity to capitalize on 

progress made yesterday will come unmasked, failure to seize it 

will be your fault. Put your new ideas down (written) on papers. 

SAGITTARIUS (Nov 22 – Dec21) Those of you willing to take 

good advice from your tried and trusted friends will have genuine 

cause to smile broadly at the end the day. Be loving. 

CAPRICORN (Dec 22 – Jan 19)All eyes are on you. That is why 

you must not give an inch of your space to non serious minded ones 

trying to impose either themselves or their bad ideas on you. 

AQUARIUS (Jan 20 – Feb 18) Atmosphere around you will 

make it possible to win very important race today. If money is your 

major concern, you are in for a good day. Secret lovers may smile. 

DUDU in “ROLLING HOT” By A.O.OLAIDE 

ASTROLOGICAL ASTROLOGICAL COUNSELLING 

COUNSELLING 

Send your date and place of birth to the Astr 

trological 

Counselling, P.M.B 100 

007, Apapa, Lagos 

HOW WERE MY PLANETS LINED UP? 

Dear Joshua, 

I was born on August 1, 1967. I have read many books on horoscope 

and Astrology. Thus I understand little about the subject – Astrology. 

Kindly let me know how the planets lined up when I was born. And 

Which day of week I was born 

Aliu Muhktar .Kano 

Dear Muhktar, 

What space permits as I gave them hereunder will be of help. 

However try not to mix what you don’t fully understand. 

HOROSCOPE DATA/PLANETARY PLACEMENT 

DATE OF BIRTH=TUESDAY AUGUST 1, 1967. 

SUN SIGN = LEO ;SUN IN 8TH DEGREE OF LEO***** 

MOON SIGN = GEMINI ;MOON IN 11TH DEGREE OF 

GEMINI 

STALLION SIGN = VIRGO 

MERCURY IN 18TH DEGREE OF CANCER 

VENUS IN 12TH DEGREE OFVIRGO*** 

MARS IN 6TH DEGREE OF SCORPIO 

JUPITER IN 13TH DEGREE OF LEO***** 

SATURN IN 12TH DEGREE OF ARIES 

URANUS IN 21ST DEGREE OFVIRGO *** 

NEPTUNE IN 21ST DEGREE OF SCORPIO 

PLUTO IN 18TH DEGREE OF VIRGO*** 

NORTH NODE IN 2ND DEGREE OF TAURUS. 

SOUTH NODE IN 2ND DEGREE OF SCORPIO 

NUMBERS OF PLANET HOSTED BY GROUP OF STAR SIGNS 

(ACCORDING TO QUALITY & ELEMENTS) ARE; 

CARDINAL=2,FIXED=4,UTABLE=4 

FIRE=2,EARTH=3,AIR=1,WATER=3. 

PUSH-FULL INFLUENCE=40% 

NON-PUSH-FULL INFLUENCE=60% 

FINAL DISPOSITOR (PLANET AT HOME) = AUTHORITY 

LOVING SUN 

ANALYSIS OF THE HOROSCOPE DATA/PLANETARY PLACE- 

MENT 

Sixty percentage of non-push-full influence in your Astrological 

data indicates a typical gentle man who some people may be willing 

to take for granted. Yes you are a complete gentle man. However the 

urge for freedom in your inner self will influence you to exhibit aggression 

if and when any body try to curtail your freedom. One important 

talent of yours is reliable LEADERSHIP QUALITY. 

Balance in the distribution of heavenly bodies across Zodiacal constellations 

pointed to you as a man with balanced personality. As your 

natal Sun (your conscious being/inner-self) Moon (emotional being/ 

sub-conscious self) and Stallion in Leo, Gemini and Virgo respectively 

are indications that you are mainly a Leo and partly a Gemini/ 

Virgo born person; meaning that basic characteristics of these three 

Star Signs are highly pronounced in your inner self. 

VIRGINIA 

dadadekola@yahoo.com 

HOME & ABROAD 

By Lawrence Akapa



LAUNCHING: From Left — Chief Financial Officer, Phillips Oki; Ag. Managing Director, Stephane Beuvelet 

and Ag. Director, Marketing, Layi Onafowokan during the media launch of 9mobile's 4G LTE roll-out in 

16 cities held at the telco's head office in Lagos, yesterday. Photo: Kehinde Gbadamosi . 

NDDC: Cooperate with forensic auditors 

— FG directs IMC members 

• Buhari not happy with your activities, Pondei tells N’Delta youths 

By Chris Ochayi, 

Egufe Yafugborhi 

ABUJA — THE Federal 

Government has directed 

members of the enlarged 

Interim Management Committee, 

IMC, of Niger Delta 

Development Commission, 

NDDC, to cooperate 

with forensic auditors in the 

course of probing the activities 

of the commission 

Minister of Niger Delta 

Affairs, Senator Godswill 

Akpabio, who gave the directive, 

during the inauguration 

of the five members 

of the Committee headed 

by Prof Kemebradikumo 

Pondei, the new acting 

Chairman, challenged the 

committee to inject new 

blood into the commission 

for better service delivery. 

Recall that President 

Muhammadu Buhari on 

Wednesday approved the 

enlargement of the Interim 

IMC of NDDC from three 

to five. 

Members of the committee 

are Pondei, who replaced 

Joi Nunieh; Chief 

Ibanga Etang, acting Executive 

Director, Finance and 

Administration; Dr Cairo 

Ojougboh, acting Executive 

Director, Projects; Mrs 

Caroline Nagbo, and Cecilia 

Akintomide, members. 

Akpabio said change was 

inevitable in a commission 

like the NDDC. 

According to Akpabio, 

“The story of NDDC in the 

last 19 years has not been 

so rosy. The NDDC, we believe 

could have achieved 

more. You have a stunted 

child who could have been 

a six-footer. We need to find 

out the reason why the 

child could not grow. Is it 

that the child was not given 

enough nourishment? 

“And then the country is 

looking at the fact that a lot 

of money had gone into the 

NDDC but we could not 

see commensurate result. I 

am not saying this to deride 

any particular person. 

I am not saying this to bring 

down anybody. I am not 

saying this to make a political 

point. I say this from 

the point of truism. 

“I am a Niger Deltan and 

I believe in the Niger Delta. 

God has put us in the 

Niger Delta to make a difference. 

I had the opportunity 

of being a governor in 

the Niger Delta state and I 

left my mark behind. Nobody 

can deny that there 

was an uncommon transformation 

of Akwa Ibom State. 

“I will like to see the 

NDDC build specialist hospitals 

and provide light to 

communities in darkness. I 

will like to see NDDC support 

industrialization and 

food sufficiency in the Niger 

Delta. These things are 

possible, it is a question of 

commitment. 

“I want to thank President 

Buhari for the interest 

he has shown in the Niger 

Delta region. That is why 

he ordered the forensic audit 

of the commission. As 

soon as the forensic auditor 

was appointed, there 

was need to inject new 

blood into the Interim Management 

Committee. The 

NDDC must change and 

we will all work together to 

achieve that.” 

He advised the interim 

committee members to 

work as a team to achieve 

the goal set for them by 

President Buhari. 

He said as the Minister 

of Niger Delta Affairs, he 

was not interested in running 

the NDDC but would 

be interested in how the 

NDDC was run. 

In his remarks, Minister 

of State for Niger Delta Affairs, 

Senator Omotayo Alasoadura 

emphasized the 

need for a synergy between 

the ministry and the commission. 

Meanwhile, Pondei, yesterday, 

informed youths of 

Niger Delta that President 

Buhari was unhappy with 

some of their activities in 

the region. 

Pondei who addressed a 

section of the region’s 

youths, who visited him at 

the NDDC Headquarters in 

Port Harcourt, Rivers State, 

however, did not list the 

said vexed activities of the 

youth the President was 

unhappy about. 

He said,, “You must organise 

yourselves and be 

ready to work hard. President 

Buhari’s administration 

is not happy about 

some of the activities of 

youths in the region. I encourage 

all of you to organise 

yourselves and be 

ready to work together. 

“We want to make sure 

development trickles down 

to every community in the 

Niger Delta. For that to happen, 

we need to work together. 

I urge you to sit up 

and share ideas with us on 

ways we can do things differently. 

“Let us come together to 

ensure NDDC is known for 

progress. We want a situation 

where in the next 10 

years, you will be proud to 

say you are from the Niger 

Delta. So, let us stop all the 

fighting and other social 

vices because we are the 

ones killing ourselves. Let 

us try to do things differently.” 

A'Ibom govt shuts down school over students crisis 

• Places 34 students on indefinite suspension 

By Chioma 

Onuegbu 

UYO — AKWA Ibom 

State Government has 

shuts down Government 

Technical College, Ewet, in 

Uyo, the state capital, following 

the riot by the students 

on Wednesday that 

led to destruction of property 

and inflicted injuries on 

many people. 

The state Commissioner 

for Education, Prof. Nse 

Essien in a statement yes- 

terday, in Uyo, urged the 

students to vacate the 

school premises with immediate 

effect. 

Essien lamented that in 

the last couple of days, students 

of the college had 

taken laws into their 

hands and resorted in 

wanton destruction of 

property and inflicted injuries 

on members of 

staff, the police and members 

of the public. 

He added, "As I speak 

the Divisional Police Officer, 

DPO, is in a critical 

condition in the hospital 

as a result of injuries sustained 

in an effort to quell 

the student unrest. A 

member of staff of the college 

is undergoing a surgical 

operation on his left 

eye while another has 

also been seriously injured. 

"Several other members 

of staff and general public 

also sustained varying 

degree of injuries and several 

windscreens of vehicles 

were smashed as a 

result of the street fight 

which has become a trademark 

of the college. 

"Government Technical 

College, Ewet is hereby 

shutdown immediately 

and all the students are 

advised to vacate the 

school premises with immediate 

effect. Staff of the 

College are however, advised 

to continue to report 

for duty.‘‘ 

Bill for amendment of FUPRE 

Act passes 2nd reading 

NDDC: 3 Delta communities 

protest abandonment of 9.7km 

road 

By Festus Ahon 

ASABA — THE people 

of Egodor, Agodorbri, 

and Bikora communities in 

Burutu Local Government 

Area, Delta State, have protested 

the abandonment of 

their 9.7 kilometres road 

project awarded about 17 

years ago by the Niger 

Delta Development Commission, 

NDDC. 

The protesters with placards 

bearing inscription 

such as, "NDDC We Are 

Suffering, Come and Do 

Our Road," "NDDC Please 

Tell The Contractor to Come 

Back to Site and Continue 

Our Road," among others, 

called on the management 

of the commission to prevail 

on the contractor to return 

to site and continue 

work on the road. 

Speaking on behalf of 

communities, the youth 


EFFURUN — A bill for 

an act to amend the 

Federal University of Petroleum 

Resources, Effurun 

(Establishment) Act, 2017 

has passed through second 

reading in the House of 

Representatives. 

The bill was sponsored by 

Mr Efe Afe, representing 

Sapele, Okpe, Uvwei Federal 

Constituency of Delta 

State in the House. 

The bill seeks to domicile 

the Federal University of 

Petroleum, Effurun in the 

Ministry of Petroleum Resources 

as against Ministry 

of Education as contained 

in the principle Act. 

Leading debate on the 

amendment, Afe said the 

proposed amendment, 

when passed into law will 

help the university focus on 

its core mandate of providing 

solutions to the oil and 

gas industry. 

Afe, said the benefit of the 

amendment bill amongst 

others is that, it would afford 

the university the privilege 

of attracting superlative 

man power and expatriates 

to build internal capacity, 

make commerce the 

exchange and collaborative 

programmes, where experienced 

hands in the petroleum 

industry will take up 

practical courses, as students 

are sent at intervals 

to the field for first hand 

practical exercise. The bill 

will also enhance the funding 

of the university 

through the Petroleum 

Trust Development Fund, 

PTDF, and other agencies 

that have direct bearing on 

the oil and gas industry as 

envisioned in the principal 

act. 

leader of Edogor community, 

Mr Blessing Atiki, 

said: "The road was first 

awarded in 2000 to Godiani, 

who did the clearing 

of the bush and later it was 

re-rewarded in 2003 to 

Bekam. Bekam abandoned 

it since 2011, but President 

Muhammadu Buhari has 

said that all NDDC contractors 

should go back to site 

and they have not come 

back to site. This road was 

awarded alongside with 

that of Ayagah/Egbadame 

Road and Ayagah has been 

completed and this one has 

been abandoned since 

2011. 

"About eight years ago, 

the three communities 

chairmen, that of Bikora, 

Egodor and Agodorbri 

made a formal complaint to 

the then Chairman of 

NDDC and he said they 

were going to act on it, but 

till now, nothing has been 

done.‘‘ 

NBM donates N.4 million items to 

inmates of Warri Custodian Centre 

By Jimitota 

Onoyume 

WARRI — A group, 

NBM of Africa, has 

donated items valued at 

N400,000 to Warri Custodian 

Centre (formerly known 

as Okere Prison) in Warri, 

Delta State. 

Flanked by Chairman of 

the body in the state, Prince 

Ochuko Oyoroko, Olorogun 

Reginald Asiuwhu, 

Zonal Office in Charge, 

OC, Legal and Pippa 

Ochuko, member Legal 

Committee, National OC 

Legal Forum of the body 

Chief Kelvin Agbroko said, 

the welfare visit was a way 

to identify with thee inmates. 

He enjoined the inmates 

to take advantage of the 

correctional programmes 

offered by the Nigeria Correctional 

Service to be properly 

rehabilitated. 

He said they should 

know that they can still contribute 

meaningfully to society 

when they are released, 

adding that the 

NBM was ready to offer 

probono (free) legal services 

to inmates in need. 

Items donated include 

water dispenser, noodles, 

toiletries, confectioneries. 

The Forum also undertook 

to take up cases of some 

indigent inmates.

34—Vanguard, FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 21, 2020 

VISIT: From left, Mohammed Umar, Coordinator, Legal Services, Nigerian Content 

Development and Monitoring Board, NCDMB; Seni Adio, SAN, Chairman, Nigerian Bar 

Association-Section on Business Law, NBA-SBL; Simbi Wabote, Executive Secretary, NCDMB; 

Chinyere Okorocha, Treasurer, NBA-SBL; Ayuli Jamide, Vice Chairman, NBA-SBL, and Sam 

Aiboni, Council member, NBA-SBL, during a courtesy visit by the NBA-SBL council members 

to NCDMB to discuss a partnership towards the development of legal services in Nigeria, in 

Lagos, yesterday. 

Imo financially distressed, educationally 

backward — Uzodinma 

•Begs Buhari to refund N32bn spent on federal roads 

By Johnbosco 

Agbakwuru 

AHope BUJA—GOVERNOR 

Uzodinma of Imo 

State, yesterday, declared 

that the state was financially 

distressed and educationally 

backward. 

Uzodinma, who was 

declared governor by 

Supreme Court January 14 

this year said infrastructure 

in the state, especially roads, 

were in bad shape. 

Speaking to State House 

correspondents after meeting 

behind closed doors with 


Buhari at the Presidential 

Villa, Abuja, he said the 

essence of the meeting was 

to ask for the president’s 

intervention on critical areas 

in the state and a refund of 

money used by the previous 

administration to repair 

federal roads, which was 

about N32 billion. 

Uzodinma said the state 

was in dire need of financial 

intervention from the Federal 

Government with its 

insolvent situation currently. 

According to him, “I came 

to discuss with the President 

on some critical areas. Imo 

State, you know, is not 

solvent. Imo State is 

financially distressed: the 

roads are bad, security 

situation is rough, education 

is backward and there are a 

lot of things to do and we don’t 

have the money. 

“So, I have come to request 

the kind intervention of Mr. 

President to at least refund 

some monies spent on some 

of the federal roads in Imo 

State before my arrival so that 

we can address these 

pressing issues like pension 

and salary arears, so that we 

can recover the people first 

before we begin to talk of 

infrastructure.” 

Asked how much he was 

looking at, he said: “ The 

consultants are still working 

but so far, we have computed 

the monies in the 

neighbourhood of N32 billion 

and in my first application to 

Mr. President, I articulated 

those ones that will have prior 

approval and a total sum of 

N12 billion has been recorded 

and I have submitted the 

request and in his 

magnanimity, he has assured 

me that he will look into it. “ 

Also asked what difference 

the financial intervention 

would make in the state, he 

said: “Well, a journey of one 

thousand miles starts with 

one step. Wherever it can take 

us to, it will be a lift even if for 

palliative purposes. 

“Whatever we will be able 

to achieve with whatever 

intervention given to us by 

Mr. President, it does not 

necessarily mean that all 

those monies owed to us will 

be given to us. 

“ There are so many other 

ways the Federal 

Government is intervening in 

critical situations we find 

ourselves in Imo State.” 

On whether corruption was 

responsible for the state of 

hopelessness, he said he 

would look into what led the 

state into the pitiable 

condition. 

“If I begin to look into what 

led into the situation we have 

in Imo now, I will be spending 

economic times and it will 

amount to waste. 

“But however, whatever 

may be the case, we will be 

prudent in the way we 

manage whatever will be 

given to us in terms of 

intervention.” 

Educationally 

backward 

On why he said the state 

was educationally backward 

when the administration of 

Rochas Okorocha made 

much strides in education 

and offered free education, he 

said it was not yet time to talk 

about the previous 

administrations. 

“ Today is not for me to 

begin to discuss the activities 

of past administrations, a time 

will come when we shall 

discuss in a very holistic 

manner that you will get 

every information you need,” 

he said. 

To improve 

economic base 

On what he was going to 

do in the state to improve the 

economic base of the state, he 

said: ”It is good to be a 

creative thinker as a leader. I 

will look into how to make my 

Internally Generated 

Revenue, IGR.. We will look 

for the peculiarities on 

ground and do those things 

that will not be over tasking 

the citizens for the purposes 

of raising money. 

“We will do what will be a 

win win situation between 

the government and the 

people of Imo State in such a 

manner that those who are 

paying the money will not 

suffer from the harsh 

environment. They will be 

willing to support the 

government and government 

also will not be losing monies." 

Please don’t give us unfit monarch, 

Anambra community begs Obiano 

By Vincent 

Ujumadu 

AWKA—HUNDREDS of 

indigenes of Isulo in 

Orumba South Local 

Government Area of 

Anambra States, yesterday, 

stormed the Government 

House in Awka and pleaded 

with Governor Willie Obiano 

not to issue certificate of 

recognition to someone who, 

according to them, is not fit to 

be their traditional ruler. 

The protesters, who were 

led by a 95 year-old man, 

Chief Anthony Maduafor, 

said they were taken aback 

when information filtered into 

the community that the 

governor was planning to 

issue a certificate of 

recognition to someone who 

was not the choice of the 

people of Isulo. 

The nanogenarian told 

reporters that he had to lead 

the protest because things 

were getting out of hand in 

his community as a result of 

the alleged governor’s move. 

He said: “I decided to come 

because we heard that 

Governor Obiano plans to 

issue a staff of office to 

someone who is not from the 

right village for the throne. 

He is also not fit to hold any 

position in the community 

according to our 

constitution.” 

The protesters weilded 

placards some of which read 

the man to be sworn in is 

not their Igwe -elect. ‘This 

person cannot rule Isulo’ and 

‘Don't issue any certificate of 

recognition to him’, among 

others. 

Speaking on behalf of the 

community, Mr. Innocent 

Ugbasoro, who is the 

chairman of Isulo Town 

Union, lamented that despite 

a letter written to the state 

government opposing the 

move, Maduka was still 

being considered for the 

throne of the community. 

He said : “We wrote to the 

commissioner for local 

government and chieftaincy 

matters over the plan to 

install Maduka as the 

traditional ruler of our 

community. 

“We are here to hear from 

the government officials if 

they are truly supporting 

someone who is our brother 

and who we know very well 

that he is not fit to take over 

as the monarch of Isulo.” 

An official of the state 

government, Mr. Henry 

Nwasike, who addressed the 

protesters commended their 

peaceful protest and 

promised that their message 

would be forwarded to 

Governor Obiano. 

Enugu LG poll: Group applauds 

Ugwuanyi, donates 160 branded 

T-shirts to PDP 

By Chinenyeh 

Ozor 

ENUGU State solidarity 

group under the aegis of 

Uzo-Uwani Solidarity Forum, 

has applauded Governor 

Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi for the 

peaceful conduct of Peoples 


primary election and 

donated over 160 branded 

PDP T-shirts for the 

forthcoming February 29 local 

government elections across 

the 17 council areas of the 

state. 

The Uzo-Uwani group 

made the donation of the T- 

shirts in Nsukka, in support 

of the chairmanship 

candidate of the council area, 

Chukwudi Nnadozie. 

Coordinator of the group, 

Oliver Ajogwu, while 

presenting the branded T- 

shirts, said it was in 

appreciation of the peaceful 

conduct of the primary 

elections and the dynamic 

Internet addiction can 

cause mental illness 

— Consultant Psychiatrist 

By Anayo Okoli 

E causes NUGU—SOME 

of illness have 

been linked to internet 

addition, drug addiction, 

pornography, alcohol 

addiction, cigarette smoking 

and gaming, among others. 

According to a consultant 

psychiatrist at the Federal 

Neuropsychiatric Hospital, 

Enugu, Dr. Nok Obayi, 

consumption of drugs such 

as Indian hemp and 

tramadol can cause mental 

illness. 

Obayi, who spoke at a 

symposium organised by the 

Association of Catholic 

Medical Practitioners of 

Nigeria, ACMPN, Enugu 

State chapter, warned 

Nigerians against 

consequences of being 

involved in drug and internet 

Idjerhe youths pass confidence 

vote on Okowa, Nani 

PRESIDENT 

and 

members of Idjerhe 

Youth Council, IYC, have 

passed a vote of confidence 

on Governor Ifeanyi Okowa 

of Delta State and John Nani, 

Delta State Oil Producing 

Area Development 

C o m m i s s i o n , 

DESOPADEC, Director of 

Finance, who is an indigene 

of the area, for transforming 

the community with 

developmental projects. 

President of IYC, Mr 

Osiebe Francis and his 

spokesman, Mr Samuel 

Omamogho, told Vanguard 

after their monthly meeting 

at IYC secretariat that “the 

governor has done well for 

Idjerhe Kingdom and it is 

our turn to commend his 

efforts. 

"Since assumption of office, 

they have effected massive 

approach of the state governor 

on even distribution of 

social amenities, roads network 

and human capital 

development that compelled 

the group to throw their 

weight behind the PDP's 

choice of candidate for the 

council area, in synergy with 

the state government point 

programmes and policies. 

Ajogwu noted that the 

group would take the 

campaign to the grassroots to 

ensure that every community 

in the council area identifies 

with the PDP candidates for 

an overwhelming victory at 

the polls. 

“It is our collective resolve 

to ensure that developmental 

programmes are taken to the 

hinterlands for the benefits of 

the people of the area. The 

people supported and 

appreciated developmental 

projects of the state governor 

and the choice of Nnadozie 

couldn’t have come at better 

time than now,” he said. 

addiction as they could have 

long psychological effect. 

In his paper, entitled, 

“Addictions and mental 

illness: An overview,” Obayi 

said: “If you watch anyone 

involved in internet or drug 

addiction closely, you will 

notice that his behaviour is 

changing and it is not normal 

and that is a strong signal of 

mental illness.” 

He therefore, advised 

those affected to change their 

life style and carry out 

periodic physical exercise as 

well as avoid stress and 

consumption of illicit drugs 

such as India hemp. 

He warned that 

“depression is a major cause 

of suicide. Any behaviour 

that is not in conformity with 

society should be reported 

for close monitoring.” 

transformation with lots of 

projects in the area some of 

which have been completed 

and commissioned while 

others are ongoing.” 

Francis listed some of the 

developmental projects 

executed by the governor in 

the kingdom to include 

“Jesse town dual 

carriageway from Benin/ 

Sapele road to the town and 

renovation of Okuedejor road 

with drainage from the round 

about to the Grammar school. 

The president while 

thanking the governor for 

appointing their son, Nani, 

as Director of Finance at 

DESOPADEC, appealed to 

the governor to call security 

operatives who are in the 

habit of brutalising and 

arresting innocent citizens of 

the kingdom without any 

cause to order.



VISITS: From left — Head Marketing and Corporate Communications FBN Holdings, Mr Tunde Lawanson; 

Oyo State Chairman Share Holders Association, Mr Bukunmi Ogunwale; Company Secretary, FBN 

Holdings, Mr Seye Kosoko; South West Zonal Chairman Share Holders Association , Mr Eric Akinduro 

and Head Investors Relations FBN Holdings, Mr Tolu Oluwole during the thank you visits of FBN Holdings 

to members of South West Shareholders Association in Ibadan, yesterday. Photo: Dare Fasube. 

Count me out of protests at Odili's 

residence — Sylva 

By Samuel 

Oyadongha 

Y ENAGOA—MINIS 

TER of State for Petroleum, 

Chief Timiepere 

Sylva, has distanced himself 

from the recent protest 

at the Abuja residence of 

Odilis over the Supreme 

Court sacking of Chief David 

Lyon of the All Progressive 

Congress, APC, as the 

governor-elect of Bayelsa 

State. 

Sylva was reacting to a 

statement by Governor 

Nyesom Wike of Rivers 

State that himself (Sylva) 

and the National Chairman 

Kano unveils $95m Agro-pastoral project 

By Bashir Bello & 

Abdulmumin 

Murtala 

KANO — GOVERNOR 

Abdullahi Ganduje of 

Kano State, yesterday unveiled 

a $95 million Kano 

State Agro-Pastoral Development 

project, KSADP, 

partly financed by the Islamic 

Development Bank , 

IDB and the Life and Livelihoods 

Funds, LLF.. 

Speaking at the project’s 

start-up workshop in Kano, 

of the APC, Adams Oshiomhole, 

were behind the 

protests in front of former 

Governor Peter Odili and 

Justice Mary Odili’s 

house. 

Sylva in a statement, said 

"I returned on February 19, 

2020, from an official engagement 

abroad to read 

Governor Wike’s statement: 

to the effect that Oshiomhole 

and I were responsible 

for protests in front of 

the Odili’s house. 

"There is no truth in that 

strange claim. Wike should 

know in what high esteem 

I hold Dr Peter and Justice 

Mary Odili whom I have 

Ganduje said “The KSADP 

will provide the much 

needed solution to farmerherder 

conflicts, unfettered 

nomadism as well as enhance 

the development of 

pastoral communities. I 

want to believe that it is only 

project such as this one that 

can curb famers-herders 

clashes and security risks, 

improve farm yields, accelerate 

livestock production 

through adoption of modern 

best practices to gener- 

known and worked with 

long before Wike came into 

the picture. It will not occur 

to me to malign the person 

and image of people I 

hold up as role models. 

"I hope Wike or those 

working with him have 

not organised this protest 

with the intention of 

hanging it on our necks 

to incense the Supreme 

Court towards us, knowing 

that we intend to approach 

the Supreme Court again. 

"What Wike is doing is 

akin to deciding a matter 

bordering on criminality by 

way of originating summons 

where the issues 

have not been investigated 

and the accused given 

an opportunity to defend 

ally improve the economic 

potentials of our small holder 

farmers. 

“The project will improve 

the capacity of our herdsmen 

to produce and process 

more milk and pave 

way for quality beef production. 

We are of the belief 

that because of the security 

implication of nomadic 

life style such as 

farmer-herders clashes and 

the fact that the old system 

of cattle rearing is more 

DESOPADEC: Delta govt told to review oil 

production quantum 

By Ochuko Akuopha 

KWALE — STAL 

WART of the Peoples 

Democratic Party, 

PDP, in Delta State, Mr 

Daniel Ogiriki, yesterday, 

told the state government 

to address injustice 

being suffered by 

the Ndokwa nation over 

the non review of oil production 

quantum used in 

determining the sharing 

formula for the ethnic 

groups which make up 

the Delta State Oil Producing 

Areas Development 

Commission, 

DESOPADEC. 

Ogiriki, in a statement, 

said the state government 

"was quick to include 

Ika nation into 

DESOPADEC but kept 

mute on the issue of the 

quantum review. So is 

Governor Ifeanyi Okowa 

telling Deltans that his 

own Ika nation currently 

has zero sharing formula 

in DESOPADEC? 

"When DESOPADEC 

was set up in 2006, the 

production from the numerous 

marginal fields 

in Ndokwa nation was 

not included in the production 

quantum that 

was used in determining 

the sharing formula for 

the commission. 

"It will be recalled that 

the license for the marginal 

fields were awarded 

in year 2005 by the 

Federal Government. At 

the time that DESOPA- 

DEC was set up in 2006, 

these marginal fields 

were yet to start production 

and as such were not 

included in the calculation 

of the production 

quantum in DESOPA- 

DEC. 

himself. Why will a governor 

hasten to conclusions? 

If this is not adding salt to 

injury, what is it? 

"I have been so numbed 

by the events of February 

13, that I could not even 

contemplate any other 

course of action than to approach 

the Supreme Court 

again. I am a man of peace 

and would not support any 

action that can cause a 

breach of the peace. 

"I have had several encounters 

with the Supreme 

Court since 2012. I have 

never, at any time, attempted 

to protest their judgment. 

You know how difficult 

it is for an old dog to 

learn new tricks. Why will 

I now?” 

cultural than economical, 

things must change.” 

“We decided to create 

Rural Grazing Area, RUGA 

settlements in our forests 

such as Dansoshiya and 

with the help of this IDB 

supported Project, we are 

going to make them fullfledged 

grazing reserves. 

I understand that through 

this project, the Dawanau 

International grains market, 

the largest grains market 

in West Africa will be upgraded 

through the provision 

of essential infrastructure 

that will help in 

improving its status as a 

foremost market. This is in 

consonance with our desire 

to promote food crop 

marketing and market access 

for our farmers.” 

Speaking, the Manager, 

Islamic Development 

Bank, Regional Hub of 

Abuja, Mr. Mayoro 

Niang, explained that 

“This five year project will 

contribute to poverty reduction 

and to strengthen 

food and nutrition security 

of vulnerable population 

in Kano state 

through sustainable development 

of livestock 

and crop selected value 

chains.” 

Edo 2020: PDP loses 

leader, members in 

Akoko-Edo 

By Ozioruva Aliu 

BENIN CITY — 

AHEAD of the governorship 

election in Edo 

State and seque to the crisis 

that rocked the ward and 

local government congresses 

of the Peoples Democratic 

Party, PDP, in Akoko-Edo 


the state, its House of Representatives 

candidate in 

the 2019 general elections, 

Oladele Bankole-Balogun 

yesterday, announced that 

he was stepping down his 

participation in the activities 

of the party because the 

party was disunited. 

But the state Publicity 

Secretary of the party, Chris 

Nehikhare said, despite the 

Garuba is dead 

Aformer Chairman, Edo 

State Civil Service 

Commission, Mr. Olu 

Garuba, 76, is dead. He 

died on February 6th 2020 

at Benin Edo State after a 

brief illness aged 76 years. 

Garuba was an old student 

of University of Ibadan 

where he graduated in Sociology. 

He joined the civil service 

in 1970 and rose through 

the ranks and was appointed 

Sole Administrator of 

Orhionwon LGA in 1984. 

Garuba was later appointed 

permanent Secretary in 

1981 and Sectary of Edo 

challenges, the PDP had 

the brightest chance of winning 

back the state and that 

he expected all hands to be 

on deck to jointly reposition 

the party to win the next 

governorship election. 

Bankole-Balogun who 

announced his stepping 

down after meeting with his 

supporters at the PDP secretariat 

in Igarra, headquarters 

of the council, said 

“The truth of the matter is 

that in politics, some of us 

have to hold the moral 

high ground, we are in 

politics for the public good. 

The PDP has been in opposition 

for so long and 

it is not sensible for it to put 

its house in order in a structured 

and democratic manner 

that everybody will be 

happy with. ‘‘ 

Federal Polytechnic Bill: Ereyitomi 

assures constituents of speedy 

passage 

THE 

member 

representing Warri 

Federal Constituency in 

the House of 

Representatives, Hon. 

Thomas Ereyitomi has 

assured his constituents on 

his commitment to the 

realization of the 

establishment of Federal 

Polytechnic, Koko in Warri 

North Local Government 

Area Delta state. 

The lawmaker gave the 

assurance Yesterday in 

Abuja when a bill for an Act 

to Establish Federal 

Polytechnic Koko in order 

to provide for Equity and 

access to tertiary Education 

in the country experienced 

some delay in House due 

Pa Etuwewe for burial 

Activities marking the 

burial rites of Pa Isaac 

Etuwewe, 90, of Bateren 

town in Warri South-West 

to an executive session 

which took most of the 

legislative business of the 

day. 

The Federal Polytechnic 

Koko Bill will also give 

provisions 

for 

comprehensive,due 

management and 

administration and other 

related matters, the bill 

which was slated to be 

considered by the 

committee of the Whole 

was postponed to next 

week. 

Ereyitomi retirateted his 

commitment to the 

establishment of the koko 

polytechnic while urging 

the people to be hopeful as 

the House consider the 

reports. 

LGA, Delta state will start 

today at No. 47, Atuwatse 

11 Way, behind Omagbite 

Supper Market, Koko 

beach, Koko, Delta State. 

Social reception of guests 

follows immediately while 

thanksgiving service takes 

place on Sunday, 29th February 

@New Birth Baptist 

church, Koko beach. He is 

survived by children grandchildren 

and in-laws including 

Lagos based legal 

icon, Martins Okpaleke. 

State Government. Upon 

his retirement from service, 

he was appointed 

Chairman, Edo State 

Civil Service Commission 

1999 – 2004. 

Burial arrangements 

will be announced by his 

family. He is survived by 

his wife, Abuyuwa Garuba, 

Children, several 

family members and numerous 

friends.

36— Vanguard, FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 21, 2020 

What has the Supreme Court done? 

NOT a few politicians are beginning to 

have second thoughts about what may 

be the sure path to electoral success in future. 

The traditional model, which was godfather 

plus moneybags, and then crisscrossing the 

country squawking like fowls with broken 

beaks, appears to be old school and in rapid 

decline. 

After Hope Uzodinma’s unexpected 

installation as Imo State governor and Douye 

Diri’s dramatic emergence as Bayelsa State 

governor, both following rulings by the 

Supreme Court, politicians must be asking 

themselves whether it would not be more 

productive to stop canvassing voters, and 

instead, just take their campaigns to judges. 

Sure, Reverend Father Ejike Mbaka’s 

prophecy about Imo cannot be forgotten in a 

hurry. If Mbaka calls a number of politicians 

once, they will answer twice - swiftly and most 

reverentially, too. 

Yet, if these politicians needed just one last 

sacrifice to save themselves, they would keep 

the larger portion for the Supreme Court, 

whose rulings so far, especially in recent preelection 

matters, have been by far the most 

consequential since the 2019 general elections. 

A significant section of public opinion, 

including passionate comments by lawyers, 

has expressed concern about the increasing 

degree of involvement of the courts in election 

matters. 

They argue that, however, well-meaning and 

inevitable the process, more court involvement 

will further erode voter confidence and create 

the unfortunate impression that it doesn’t 

matter who voters choose on the ballot, the 

courts will, in the end, override their choice. 

Why bother when you can find a prophet who 

can tell you the future; or failing that, courts 

that would almost certainly decide the final 

outcome? 

Naming the dog… 

Is the problem really with the courts - or in 

the particular controversial instances, with the 

Supreme Court? Is there anything to suggest 

that the Supreme 

Court is, willy-nilly, 

inserting itself into 

the ballot, as is 

widely feared, and 

usurping voters by 

doing so? Concerns 

that the court could 

be needlessly 

embroiled in politics 

cannot be dismissed, 

but in the cases at 

hand – that is in Imo 

Is there anything 

to suggest that the 

Supreme Court is, 

willy-nilly, 

inserting itself into 

the ballot, as is 

widely feared, 

and usurping 

voters by doing 

so? 

and Bayelsa - it is not 

the court, but the politicians that have invited 

this misery upon themselves and the country. 

It’s convenient for politicians to pass the buck 

or for them to incite public opinion against 

the court. If they inspect the face in the mirror 

a bit more closely, however, they would find 

that it not only looks like them, feels like them 

and clowns like them, it’s their spitting image 

writ large. 

Since the parties have conveniently forgotten 

the crime scene, it might be useful to take them 

back there, where it all began. Today’s harvest 

was the deadly seed sown during the party 

primaries of virtually all the political parties, 

but especially the dominant ones – the All 

Progressives Congress, APC, and the Peoples 

Democratic Party, PDP. After plunging the 

hatchet in each other’s backs in desperate 

attempts for party flag, they have forgotten so 

quickly and so shamelessly, that they also left 

the messy splinters for the courts to extract. 

And now, it hurts like hell. 

The parties made the rules about who was fit 

to contest and who wasn’t all right, and in some 

cases, they even advertised the rules in 

newspapers ahead of the party primaries.Yet, 

in a widespread infection of impunity that 

showed that they were simply incapable of 

following their own rules, candidates’ names 

were swapped at the last minute, others were 

muscled out by 

vested interests, 

and total 

strangers imposed 

out of spite, selfservice 

and a 

conviction that 

nothing would 

happen. Well, as 

they say in my part 

of Lagos, 10 is 

happening. 

Again, that word 

Impunity – that fundamental problem which 

cost the PDP its hold on power after 19 years - 

reared its head vigorously in the primaries of 

the two main parties and the consequence is 

what we’re living with today. The ghosts of the 

pre-election shenanigans have come back to 

haunt the parties. The Chairman of the 

Independent National Electoral Commission, 

INEC, Professor Mahmood Yakubu, once 

said that a significant milestone in activities 

of the commission was the reduction in election 

litigations, with fewer court-ordered elections 

in the last five years. 

Yet, INEC still has grounds to cover, 

especially as it now seems from the case of the 

Bayelsa APC deputy governorship candidate 

that the parties can no longer be trusted even 

to vet their candidates properly, a 

responsibility placed squarely on them by the 

electoral law. 

It is concerning that the courts are being 

dragged more and more into electoral 

disputes; it is concerning that in spite of earlier 

amendments, the present electoral law still 

allows disputes to linger on months after 

elections have ended, with serious 

consequences for public confidence and the 

treasury; it is also concerning that nearly one 

year after the last general elections the country 

still appears to be in campaign mode. 

But we should not, for a single moment, fail 

to put the blame where it lies squarely: the 

failure of the political parties to do right, even 

by their own rules! 

Unfortunately, this vital point is missing in 

the rush by those currently at a disadvantage 

to find scapegoats and spill blood; and lost in 

the euphoria by those at an advantage in a bid 

to secure their position and just move on. Add 

to this, the obsession about 2023, which 

appears to have come before its time, and you’ll 

understand why the use of term “political 

fever” is an understatement. 

Will the parties pause, take a long, hard look 

at themselves and try, for once, to do things 

properly? At one level, that would be asking 

too much. When all the hue and cry about the 

Supreme Court ruling subsides and the 

tantrums fade, politicians will still find a place 

in the system to fit in nicely. 

What is the incentive for politicians in the 

Imo State House of Assembly to do right when, 

for example, all it took them to join the APC 

gravy train ride after the Supreme Court ruling 

was to switch sides, just like that? And who can 

blame the speaker, the mastermind of the 

defections, if the losing party, the PDP, saw 

nothing wrong when in his former life the same 

speaker abandoned APGA for PDP, without 

qualms? 

Heart of the matter 

Yet, at a deeper, more collective level, we all 

suffer when our institutions fail so 

catastrophically. And that hardly happens with 

a bang – it begins with important building 

blocks, like political parties undermining their 

own rules, and yet believing that no matter 

what they do, the sun will not rise the next day, 

unless they permit it. 

The leadership of the APC may have been 

deeply displeased by the ruling of the court, 

but it permitted a system where the party 

chairman was both the chairman of the 

screening committee and also, chairman of 

the appeals committee, making it difficult for 

the leadership to extricate himself from the 

current situation at least in Bayelsa. 

Yet going by the reaction from the APC 

headquarters, you’ll have to go back to the 

Siege of Orubebe to find out the last time a 

politician threatened that there would be no 

government the next day, if the country did not 

bend to the wishes of his party. 

Whether the ruling party meant it or not, a 

new governor has now been sworn in. A dose 

of humble pie taken after a few days of fresh 

air should help the APC see clearly where the 

problem lies: it is not with the court, it’s with 

politicians who will not keep their own rules. 

TRIBUTE 

Guy Gargiulo: Departure of a humanist 

By Gbenga Omotoso 

FIRST, a confession: The 

subject of this article is well known 

to this reporter. Our first meeting was in 

September, 1974. The sun was getting set 

to set, its recession a bit slow. Behind the 

hills that ring the town, the sun was showing 

its face, bright but weak. And there he was, 

just after a long row of palm trees that 

lined the red-earth, dusty road that led to 

the school premises, mowing a field of 

green grass that had grown wild. He had 

on only a pair of white shorts, his 

trademark, as I discovered later. No top. 

As he looked up from what I later found 

out to be a routine for him when students 

were on holiday, he wiped the sweat off his 

brow and continued his business. I announced 

my presence. “Good evening sir.” Pele o (hello). 

How’re you?” “I’m Gbenga Omotoso, the table 

tennis player you discussed with Mr. Babajide 

in Ibadan.” His face brightened up. He burst 

into laughter and grabbed my hand as he 

screamed: “Ping pong!” 

And so began my relationship with the man 

who paid my - and many others’ - way through 

secondary school, a teachers’ teacher, father 

of many children - none of them his, 

biologically - worthy chief, consummate 

farmer, confident trainer and frontline 

humanist. Chief Guy Gargiulo, an Italian 

naturalised Briton, was the Principal 

(Headmaster) at Ajuwa Grammar School, 

Okeagbe-Akoko, Ondo State, from 1963 to 

1978. He had had a stint as a physics teacher 

at Igbobi College, Lagos before moving to 

Okeagbe to help give the new school a push. 

He reached age 

85 on August 13, 

2017, but all was 

quiet as he was 

away in England. 

He has since 

returned to 

Nigeria and a 

reception was 

held in his honour 

last Saturday on 

the very premises 

where he helped 

shape the future 

Thankfully, 

Gargiulo’s 

immigration issue 

has been 

resolved; I hope 

and trust that 

Nigeria will 

reward him with a 

national honour – 

soon 

of many students 

who are today prominent citizens. Among 

them: Otunba Solomon Oladunni, former Vice 

Chair, Mobil; Tuyi Ehindero, ex-Managing 

Director, Unilever, Zambia; Dr. Tunji Abayomi, 

rights activist-lawyer and politician; 

Akinwunmi Bada, ex-CEO, Transmission 

Company of Nigeria; Oba Oladunjoye Fajana, 

ex-African Development Bank/World Bank 

chief and now Ajana of Afa, Okeagbe; The 

Right Rev. Jacob Ajetunmobi, Bishop of the 

Anglican Communion, Ibadan Diocese; 

Senator Tayo Alasoadura, Hon Minister of 

State for Niger Delta Affairs; Rear Admiral 

Sanmi Alade, Commandant of the National 

War College; Mike Igbokwe, Senior Advocate 

of Nigeria (SAN) and a legion of others in 

banking, sports, industry and government. 

Gargiulo’s idea of education is not the mere 

acquisition of a certificate as a visa to some 

perceived eldorado; not a theoretical 

exploration of some esoteric facts and figures, 

but a total package to prepare the youth for 

any challenge that life may hurl on their way. 

Every student was encouraged to learn a trade 

- bricklaying, auto mechanic and others. The 

Ajuwa Printing Press, which was run by 

students, was central to the programme. It 

printed our exercise books, report cards, 

inspirational poems such as Nobel laureate 

Rudyard Kipling’s “If”, and the ubiquitous 

poster, “Speak English, remember your 

WASCE” that adorned our classrooms. 

Gargiulo persuaded us all to love farming - 

we all had copies of a poem he wrote on then 

Head of State, General Olusegun Obasanjo’s 

“Operation feed the nation”(everything in that 

military era was an “operation”) as he led the 

way every evening. The maize farm was a 

beauty to behold, the sheer greenery and the 

glittering golden, thread-like strands sprouting 

from the cobs. The vast row of teak, shedding 

their rustling leaves in the harmattan. The short 

palm trees and their scarlet fruits. The gmelina. 

Our yam came from the school farm. The eggs 

we had once a week came from the school 

poultry. It was fun caring for the rabbits and 

watching the cows graze. Our farm produce 

were sold and the proceeds invested in shares 

in the name of the school. GG believed that no 

•Guy Gargiulo 

student was so bad that there was no 

redeeming feature. He once told of a student 

who led the mechanics club. He was poor, 

academically, but Gargiulo predicted his 

greatness. The man rose to become a top 

Leventis Motors manager, admired by all for 

his deep understanding of Mercedes cars, just 

like the Germans who built them. 

It was not all fun at Ajuwa, however. I recall 

a riot. GG had gone to Ibadan to buy books. 

The day he was to return, students stormed the 

Okeagbe-Ikare road, wielding cudgels and 

clubs and chanting war songs. Some 

sympathisers advised GG to stay away to save 

his life. He refused. He parked the van a few 

metres away from the school and walked. His 

face creased by a big frown, he asked the unruly 

students: "What’s going on here?” “You want 

to kill me? Go ahead now!” He was booming 

like a lion and swearing - he always did when 

seized by anger."Bloody hell!” His hair sprang 

up and his hands betrayed red hot blood 

coursing through his veins. His face was red - 

it was always so whenever he got angry. Oh, 

how we used to panic on such occasions. 

One after the other, the students dropped 

their weapons, ran to hide behind the palm 

trees and sneaked into the classrooms. Later 

that night, GG relived the incident. “I saw that 

you, like the others, held a stick, but I was damn 

sure you wouldn’t hit me,” he told me. “It was 

the wise thing to do; otherwise you would be 

attacked,” he added. “I never knew he saw me 

among the mob.” GG had few friends. 

Prominent among them was the late Tai 

Solarin, the frontline educationist and social 

activist. 

GG was always struggling to speak Yoruba. 

He reasoned that if he could speak Yoruba, 

there was no reason for us not to speak English. 

His favourite proverb is “Aya nini ju oogun lo” 

(Being bold is greater than having juju). To 

those who scorned him for always wearing 

shorts, he would say: “Sokoto gbooro ko d’ola” 

(A pair of trousers is no symbol of wealth). He 

wore trousers only on special occasions, such 

as when a governor was visiting. 

When Immigration officials harassed him 

in Akure, the Ondo State capital, demanding 

his papers, they got more than they bargained 

for. They asked him to be reporting in their 

office every day, wondering why he would not 

relinquish his British citizenship if he so muchloved 

Nigeria. One day when he was tired of it 

all, GG faced the officials and said: 

“Gentlemen, ti a ba ti n fi apari isu han alejo…” 

(When hosts begin to show the guest the hard 

top of the yam, it’s time to leave.” “They didn’t 

let me finish,” he recalled. They said ‘go; just 

go now!’ That was the end of the matter. 

But he wondered why he should suffer to 

earn a permanent stay here after about 30 

years. “Even in my old age, I can still contribute 

to building this great country.” Thankfully, 

Gargiulo’s immigration issue has been 

resolved. I hope and trust that Nigeria will 

reward him with a national honour - soon. 

The last time I visited my alma mater, less 

than two years ago, I learnt of how Gargiulo 

shed tears on seeing the destruction of his 

dream. I was touched. Ajuwa is like a warravaged 

town, battered and bludgeoned by 

the very people who swore to care for it. 

Plundered. An old lady, used and dumped. Gone 

is the press. Wrecked are the mechanic’s 

workshop and the tractor. No cows and chicks. 

Rabbits? Gone. All gone. Rot, rot, rot 

everywhere. But this is the story in almost all 

areas of our national life. Ajuwa’s fate is not 

strange. But, when cometh another GG to 

Akoko? 

*Omotoso is Commissioner for Information 

& Strategy, Lagos State


MARTIN 

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to be known as Olaitan Olaide 

Sarah, all former document 

remains valid general public 

take note. 

OKOH 


as Okoh kate Nkiru now 


as Onyemelukwe Kate Nkiru. 



take note.


I, formerly known, called and address 

as Miss Ifezeh Loveth Oluchi, now 

wish to be known, call and address 

as Mrs. Simeon Loveth Oluchi. 

All documents bearing former names 

remain valid. General public and 

relevant authorities concern please 

take note. 

I, formerly known and addressed as 

Miss Onyeka Edith Ogechi, now 

wish to be known and address as 

Mrs. Chibuzor Edith Ogechi. All 

former documents remain valid. 

General public should please take 

note. 

HAMZAT 


addressed as Miss Hamzat 

Adeola Hamidat now wish to 


Ajadi Adeola Hamidat Hamzat. 



take note. 

OJEVWE 


Omokri-Ubigho Ojevwe, now 


as Mrs. Omomaife Ojevwe. All 

documents bearing former 

names remain valid. The 

general public should take note. 

MUNU 

I, formerly known as Munu 

Bethel Djeruo, now wish to be 

known as Mrs. Munu-Utiri 

Bethel Djeruo. All former 



OFFICE 


Office Udumudheno Faith, 

now wish to be known as Mrs 

Okotie Udumudheno Faith. All 


valid. General public, banks and 

concern institutions should 


OVWIOMOR 


Ovwiomor Isioma Ngozi, now 


Ovwiomor Isioma Blessing. All 



AYODELE 

OKORIE 


Okorie Beatrice Amuche, now 

wish to be known as Mrs Opara 

Beatrice Amuche. All former 



note. 

UGBODU 


Queen Ebosetale Ugbodu, now 

wish to be known as Mrs. Queen 

Ebosetale Omozeghian. 



take note. 

ADETOLA 

I, formerly known as Bankole 

Aisha Adetola, now wish to be 

known as Daramola-Bankole 

Aisha. All former documents 


take note. 

CHANGE OF NAME 

IFEZEH OMENE OJO EHIMHEN JOSEPH AKANDE 

I, formerly known and addressed I, formerly known and addressed as I, formerly known and addressed as I, formerly known and addressed as 

as Miss Omene Diana Miss Ojo Olutomilola Iyanuloluwa, Miss Ehimhen Catherine Joy Isi, now Miss Roseline Joseph, now wish to 

Oghenevarho, now wish to be now wish to be known and 

known and addressed as Mrs. 

wish to be known and addressed as be known and addressed as Mrs. 

addressed as Mrs. Adigun 

Obi Grace Diana Oghenevarho. 

Mrs. Ogboin Catherine Joy Isi. All Roseline Tobechukwu. All former 

Olutomilola Iyanuloluwa. All 


former documents remain valid. former documents remain valid. documents remain valid. General 

valid. General public please take 

note. 

General public please take note. General public please take note. public please take note. 

ONYEKA 

AMOR 

OSEMENE 

ATTOH 

ODOH 

OYITA 

I, formerly known and addressed as I, formerly known and I, formerly known and addressed as I, formerly known and addressed as 

Miss Amor Gift Henrietta Onyinye, addressed as Miss Osemene 

Miss Angela Attoh, now wish to be Miss Odoh Edith Ijeoma, now wish 

now wish to be known and address Deborah Amaka, now wish to 

be known and address as Mrs. known and address as Mrs. Angela to be known and address as Mrs. 

as Mrs. Azikiwe Gift Henrietta 

James Deborah Amaka. All 

Onyinye. All former documents 

Chuks-Okonta. All former documents Opiah Edith Ijeoma. All former 


remain valid. General public should 

remain valid. General public should documents remain valid. General 

valid. General public should 




public should please take note. 

IDE 

EDUMIJEKE 

NZUBE 

OGHOLO 

I, formerly known and I, formerly known and addressed as I, formerly known and I, formerly known as 

addressed as Bashiru Mariam Edumijeke Michelle Oghenetega, addressed as Ugwah Nzube, now Eseoghene Ogholo, now wish 

Ide, now wish to be known and now wish to be known and wish to be known and addressed to be known and addressed as 

addressed as Bashiru Mariam addressed as Nagberi Michelle as Ugwah Nzube Calistus. All Eseoghene Utso-Oritselaju 

Jumat. All former documents Oghenetega Comfort. All former former documents remain Ogholo. All former documents 

remain valid. General public documents remain valid. General valid. General public please remain valid. General public 



take note. 


ALALE AGHOGHO ABIOLA 

ORIFE 

I, formerly known as I, formerly known as Miss 

I, formerly known as Miss Orife 

Adiorho Joy Aghogho, now 

Onome Cynthia, now wish to be 

Miss Jennifer Priye Alale, now 

wish to be known as 

known as Mrs. Onome Maobuye 

wish to be known as Mrs. Priye Mrs.Okhueleigbe Joy 

Obu. All former documents remain 

Jennifer Osazuwa. All former Aghogho. All former 

valid. Babcock University, NYSC 




and the General public, should 

General public please take note. note. 



addressed as Omoziku Vincent 

Emwinghama, now wish to be 

known and addressed as 

Omoziku Vincent. All former 



This is to notify Gtbank that Ayodele 

Abidemi Iwalewa and Ayodele 

Abidemi Yetunde refers to the same 

me.I now wish to be known and 

addressed as Ayodele Abidemi 

Yetunde. All former documents remain 

valid. Gtbank and General public 


YUSUF 

I, formerly known as Yusuf 

Fadhilat, Temitope, now wish 

to be known and addressed as 

Sanusi-Abubakar Falilat 

Temitope. All documents 

bearing former names remain 

valid. The general public should 

take note. 

This is to confirm that I, Aderumeh 

Collins Abiola and Aderumeh 

Collins Oghenerumeh is one and same 

person, now wish to be known and 

address as Aderumeh Collins 

Oghenerumeh. All former documents 

remained valid and General public 

take note. 

AGHOGHO 


Onozimare Aghogho, now 

wish to be known as Onozimare 

Happy Aghogho. All former 

documents remain valid, any 

authority it may concern and 

general public to take note. 

AKAEZE 


Akaeze Ekene Prisca, now 


Alimigbe Ekene Prisca. All 




EGWOM 


Egwom Chidiebere Costance, 


Nganwuchu Chidiebere 

Costance. All former 

documents remains valid. Nysc 

and banks take note. 

KUMOLU 


Kumolu Olushola Roseline, 

now wishes to be known as Mrs 

Akindejoye Olushola Roseline. 



take note. 

OMOZIKU OSAKWE GODWIN 


addressed as Miss Osakwe 

Anwulika Rita, now wish to be 

known and addressed as Adigwe 

Anwulika Rita. All former 




addressed as Taiwo Godwin 

Segun, now wish to be known 

and addressed as Taiwo 

Olawale Segun. All former 



SHOKUNBI 

I, formerly known as Shokunbi 

Opeyemi Rukayat, now wish 

to be known as Kelani 

Opeyemi Rukayat. All former 



DONATUS 

I, formerly known as Machine 

Donatus, now wish to be 

known and addressed as 

Machine Omosivwe. All 


valid, any authority it may 

concern and general public to 

take note. 

ISAAC 


Isaac Amarachi Stella, now wish to 

be known and addressed as Chijioke 

Amarachi Stella. All documents 

bearing my former names remain valid. 

General public should take note. 

VIVIAN 


Oghenechovwe Vivian 

Oghenerukevwe, now wish to be 

known as Miss Onojefemue Vivian 

Oghenerukevwe. All former 

documents remain valid. General 


MELARIRI 


addressed as Miss Melariri 

Glory Oluchukwu, now wish to 


Ukaonu Gloria Oluchukwu. All 



OBILOR 


addressed as Miss Obilor Ngozi 

Egbomuchi, now wish to be 


Okeke Ngozi. All former 



AKINTOLA 

I, formerly known as Akintola 

Adeola Busayo, now wish to be 

known as Adeola Akintola 

Amao. All former documents 


take note. 

UGWUEKE 


Ijeoma Ebere Ugwueke, now 


Ijeoma Effiong Essien. All 



take note. 

NWAKAIBEYA 


Nwakaibeya Chioma 

Rosemary, now wish to be 

known as Mrs. Obidike 

Chioma Rosemary. All former 



note. 

OVETO 


Oveto Avwerosuo Trust, now 


Ejenavi Avwerosuo Trust. All 


valid, any authority it may 

concern and general public to 

take note. 

ODAJA 

I, formerly known as Mrs Janet 

Onaorame Odaja, now wish to 

be known as Miss Janet 

Onaorame Edenedo. All 



take note. 

ENEMIKU 


Enemiku Anna, now wish to 

be known as Kpegho Enemiku 

Anna. All former documents 



ETUH 


addressed as Miss Etuh 

Deborah, now wish to be 


Deborah Ekohwo. All former 



ABEJEME 


addressed as Miss Abejeme 

Mary Taye, now wish to be 


Olusanya Mary Taiwo. All 



OKWU 


Okwu Grace Chiwendu, now 


Ogunnubi Grace Chiwendu. All 



OBIAJULU ANUGWOM JOHN 

ALAKAM 

UDORA 

I, formerly known as Obiajulu I, formerly known as Thelma I, formerly known as Miss I, formerly known as Alakam I, formerly known as Jennifer 

Lawrencia Uchechukwu, now 

Chidinma Anugwom, now wish Dorcas Essiet John, now wish Lucy Uzoamaka, now wish to 

Chikaodili Maureen Udora, 


now wish to be known and 

to be known as Thelma to be known as Mrs Dorcas be known as Mrs Davidson addressed as Mrs. Jennifer 

Amaka 

Lawrencia 

Uchechukwu. All former Chidinma Obi. All former Kufreabasi Ben. All former Lucy Uzoamaka. All former Chikaodili Ukiwo. Former 

documents remain valid. documents remain valid. documents remain valid. documents remain valid. 



General public take note. General public take note. General public take note. General public take note. 

note. 


Miss Akande Rhoda Oladunni, now 

wish to be known and addressed as 

Mrs. Ogbudugbu Rhoda Oladunni. 

All former documents remain valid. 



addressed as Oyita Ebube 

Marisa, now wish to be known 

and address as Mrs. Ikogwe 

Ebube Bright. All former 


General public should please 

take note. 

ADEBAYO 


Miss Adebayo Adesola Seliat, 


Mrs. Imhontu Adesola Seliat. 



take note. 

OKEKE 


Okeke Prisca Ijeoma, now wish 

to be known as Mrs 

Idemegbulam Prisca Ijeoma. 


valid. NYSC and the General 

public should please take note. 

ABLORH 

I, formerly known and addresed as 

Miss Ablorh Patience Uche now 

wish to be known and addressed as 

Mrs. Ibiam patience Uche. All 

documents bearing former names 

remain valid. The general public 

should take note. 

MOBUOGWU 

I, formerly known as Sandra 

Mobuogwu, now wish to be 

known as Mrs Sandra Eyo 

Ene. All former documents 



GRACE 

I, formerly known as Grace 

Edafienene, now wish to be 

known as Grace Kupa. All 



take note. 

ILORI 


addressed as Miss Ilori Ann 

Oghale, now wish to be known 

and addressed as Mrs Okuku 

Ann Oghale. All former 



SADIQ 


Sadiq Temitope Muyibat, now 


Sulaimon Temitope Muyibat. 



EZEIKE 

I, formerly known as Ezeike 

Catherine Uzoamaka, now 


Onwurah Catherine 

Uzoamaka. All former 



ISREAL 

I, formerly known as Isreal 

Oluwaseun Esther, now wish to be 

known as Israel Oluwaseun Esther. 

Former documents remain valid. First 

Bank of Nigeria, FBN, Access Bank 

and my BVN documentation should 

please take note.


CHANGE OF NAME 

JACOB OKOH UMOH 

I, formerly known as Jacob I, formerly known as Miss I, formerly known as Miss Ime 

Harrison, now wish to be Agha Chinwendu Okoh, now Eventus Umoh, now wish to 

known as Agbohai Harrison. wish to be known as Mrs be known as Mrs Ime Ramsey 

All former documents remain Dickson Chinwendu Ogbonna. Urenyi. All former document 

valid. General public take All former documents remain remain valid. Banks, general 

note. 

valid. General public take note. public take note. 

COMFORT 

BADON 

ONYEANI 

That on my CAC document my name I, formerly known as Miss I, formerly known and 

appeared as Comfort Ufuoma-Egorr while 

on my others document my name Tonka Badon, now wish to be addressed as Miss Onyeani 

appeared as Comfort Obonumeteria known as Mrs. Tonka Mercy, now wish to be known 

Egorr, this is to comfirm that the above 

names belong to one and same person, now Baridura. All former as Mrs James-Ina Mercy. All 

wish to be known as Comfort documents remains valid former documents still 

Obonumeteria Egorr. All former 

documents remains valid, general public general public and all relevant remains valid. Banks, Schools 

and all relevant Authorities please take note. Authorities please take note. and General Public, take note. 

NOMUOJA 

I, Formerly known and 

addressed as Miss Loveth 

Ochuko Nomuoja, now wish to 


Loveth Ochuko Okorodafe. 


vaild. General public take note. 

OGBUAGU 


Ogbuagu Chika Nene, now 

wish to be known as Dr. (Mrs.) 

Chika Nene Aigboeghian. All 



take note. 

AJOBO 


Esejovwo Ederiomo Ajobo, 

now wish to be known as Paul 

Esejovwo Ajobo. All former 



note. 

ALE-ROTIMI 


addressed as Comfort Funke 

Ale- Rotimi, but now wish to 

be known and addressed 

as Comfort Honest Ameh. All 


valid, Bank and general public 

take note. 

ERIEGHA 

I, Jovita Oghenemine Eriegha wish to 

notify the general public that I was wrongly 

referred as Eriegha-James Jovita when I 

applied for National Identity Card , also 

my name was wrongly written as James 

Eriegha in my BVN,that I now wish to be 

known and addressed as Jovita 

Oghenemine Eriegha. All former 

documents remain valid. General public 


UGBARUGBA 

I, Formerly known as 

Ugbarugba Simeon 

Oghenegueke, now wish to be 

known as Omiregwa Simeon 

Oghenegueke. All former 



note. 

PETER 

This is to notify the general 

public that Edhezaro Peter and 

Igbodo Peter are the same 

person now wish to be known 

and addressed as Igbodo Peter. 


vaild. General public take note. 

ISHIEKWENE 


Ishiekwene Fortunate 

Ogochukwu, now wish to be 

known as Mrs. Kalikwu 

Fortunate Ogochukwu. All 



take note. 

UVIE 

This is to certify that the 

names Uvie Adjohwenyo and 

Uvie Roland Adams, refer to 

one and same me. I now wish 

to be known as Uvie Roland 

Adams. All former documents 



EYO 

I, Victor Nyong Eyo, formerly 

know as Okpoyo Okon Nyong, 

now wish to known and 

addressed as “Victor Nyong 

EYO”. All academic and title 


General public take Notice. 

ETAHWOKORI 


Etahwokori Rebecca 

Ogheneovo, now wish to be 

known as Mrs. Ekwetafia 

Rebecca Ogheneovo. All 



take note. 

JEREMIAH 

This proves that the names; Jeremiah 

Uduak -Okon Akpan; Jeremiah Uduak 

Okon; Uduak-Obong Okon Akpan; and 

Uduak Okon; refer to one and same person. 

I now wish to be known as Jeremiah Uduak 

-Okon Akpan. All documents bearing my 

former names remain valid. General 

public should take note. 

EREZIAYE 

I, Ereziaye Salvation wish to notify 

the general public that my name was 

wrongly spelt in my Voter’s Card / 

BVN details as Eraziaye Salvation 

instead of Ereziaye Salvation which 

is my correct name. All former 

documents remain vaild. General 


AGOLOKIGHO 


Agolokigho Otevwerhi Lucky, 


Cousin-Obakpororo Lucky. All 



take note. 

MMUONAKA 


Mmuonaka Akachi 

Ifunanyachi, now wish to be 

known as Mrs. Chukwunenye 

Akachi Ifunanyachi. All 



take note. 

EBERE 

This is to certify that I 

formerly known as; Catherine 

Onyinyechi Ebere, now wish 

to be known as Catherine Aye- 

Oritse Khestossen. All former 

documents remain valid. The 

general public should please 

take note. 

OKPOLOKPO 

I, Formerly known and 

addressed as Miss Okpolokpo 

Rita, now wish to be known 

and addressed as Mrs. Ufuoma 

Rita. All former documents 



SPACE 

FOR 

SALE 

DINNER: From left—Mallam Mukhtar Sirajo, President and Chairman of 

Council, Nigerian Institute of Public Relations, NIPR; Mr Olusegun Fafore, Executive 

Assistant, New Media & Public Relations to Lagos State Government; Mr 

Olusina Thorpe, Permanent Secretary ,Ministry of Information & Strategy, Lagos 

state and Mr Olusegun Mcmedal, Chairman, NIPR Lagos Chapter, during a 

special dinner in honour of Mr Thorpe on his appointment as Permanent Secretary 

in the Lagos Civil Service and other members of the Chapter organized 

by the Lagos NIPR in Lagos, yesterday. Photo: Akeem Salau. 

GRADUATION: From left, Pastor Udo Eyo, Elder Akai David, Pastor Udeme Bassey, 

Evang, Emmanuel Akpabio and Pastor Emmanuel Dan, Rector, Light of the World 

Bible College and Theological Seminary, during the 11th graduation/matriculation of 

the seminary, in Lagos. 

Mrs. Fred Onojake, widow (middle) and the children, during the burial ceremony of 

late Fred Onojake at Abraka, Delta State. 

FOR ADVERT PLACEMENT VISIT 

TRINITY MALL, BESIDE ZENITH 

BANK BALOGUN BUS STOP, 

OBAFEMI AWOLOWO WAY, IKEJA, 

OR MURPHIS PLAZA, SANUSI 

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ISLAND LAGOS 

From left: Mr Nath Onojake and Mr Tony Onojake, during the burial ceremony of late 

Fred Onojake at Abraka, Delta State.

40 — FRIDAY Vanguard, FEBRUARY 21, 2020 

By Benjamin Njoku 

08111813022 

1813022 

Redeem N10,000 

pledge you made to me, 

dancer tells Oritsefemi 

Nudity: Stella Damasus 

admonishes fellow 

celebrities 

*Says: ‘Vulgar appearance not t sexy’ 

By Abiola Abdulsobur 

Nollywood actress, Stella 

Damasus has admon 

ished her colleagues to 

desist from revealing shocking 

nude photos on social media just 

for them to be sexy. 

She said such dirty practice does 

not make them to be sexy, but the 

confidence they have in themselves. 

The actress who won the Best 

actress award in the 2007 Nigerian 

Entertainment Award, added 

that a woman accompanied with 

her smile and confidence can be 

sexy. 

According to her, it’s not compulsory 

to share nude photos to 

be sexy. 

The 41-year-old said one can 

appear sexy by just wearing a pair 

of jeans and a sweatshirt, being 

confident, among others. 

In an Instagram post, she 

wrote: “I will say it again. You 

don’t have to be nude or vulgar in 

your appearance to be 

sexy. The way you carry 

yourself even in a pair of 

jeans and a sweatshirt 

can make heads turn.” 

“Your confidence can 

be sexy. Your smile can 

be sexy. Your voice 

can be sexy. Even 

your eyes alone can 

make you sexy. 

Don’t show it all or 

put everything out 

there to be called 

sexy. You are 

enough dear.” 

Damasus outburst 

is coming following 

the alarming 

rate at which celebrities 

are sharing 

shocking nude photos 

of themselves 

on social media in 

the name of trying to 

look sexy or gain illicit 

attention from 

their admirers. 

TBoss shares more adorable 

photos of daughter amid 

backlashes 

backlashes F 

cyber-bullying her 

ormer Big Brother Naija daughter. 

housemate, TBoss has The reality TV star 

shared more adorable photos of took to her Instagram 

her daughter several days after Live last Sunday, 

she was trolled on social media. where she slammed 

Unable to be discouraged, the those who have 

reality star has showed that she called her daughter 

loves her little bundle of joy despite 

the negative comments of one said de- 

ugly. The mother 

from her followers. 

spite the insults 

In an Instagram post, on she has been getting 

over her 

Wednesday, Tboss shared some 

adorable photos of her daughter child, her daughter 

remains her greatest 

and herself. 

“You are Beautiful. You are Beyond 

Special. But most Imporment 

so far in life. 

and biggest achievetantly 

You are Loved. You are my TBoss said she was 

Miracle,” she captioned the photos. 

would casually walk 

shocked that people 

TBoss’ newest photos are coming 

days after she had a melttion 

and say hurtful 

into her comments secdown 

on Instagram. According to things about her child. 

her, she was fed up with people 

Singer Brymo blames ordeal 

on media and influencers 

By Abiola Abdulsobur 

Nigerian alternative singer and 

songwriter, Brymo Olawale 

Ashimi a.k.a Brymo who returned to 

the music scene late last year with a 

new project titled “A.A.A” the EP, has 

blamed the challenges he’s facing in 

the country’s music industry on the 

activities of media influencers. The 

singer took to his Twitter handle 

Brymo 

yesterday, to refute insinuations that 

he’s not an underrated singer as the 

media and influencers are perceiving 

him to be. The ‘down’ singer blasted 

music executives who have failed to acknowledge 

his talent and execution as 

an artiste. 

Recall that recently, Brymo took a 

swipe at Wikipedia for wrong details 

in his bio on their website. 

In Brymo’s tweet, he pointed out that 

he’s not underrated, however; he 

blamed the media as he tagged the 

media and influencers, retards. 

‘I’m not underrated; it is industry 

media and influencers that are retarded,‘ 

he wrote. 

The multi-talented artiste who has 

been working independently since he 

left Choc Boys in 2013, returned to the 

music scene after releasing his new 

song”A.A.A” containing five solid tracks 

including , ‘Johnbull’, ‘Marry Had 

An Orgasm’, ‘Take Me Back To November’, 

‘Golden Eyes’ and ‘The in-Between.’ 

But he has been unable to reclaim 

mainstream exposure since his 

hit single ‘Ara’ in 2011. 

Stella Damasus 

TBoss and baby 

AU U reiterat 

erates es its backing for AFRIMA 

n deep appreciation of its socio-economic impact on young people and the 

Icontinent, the African Union commission has reinstated its continuous support 

and commitment to the partnership with All Africa Music Awards, AFRI- 

MA. 

AU made this remark at a strategic meeting held at the African Union headquarters, 

Addis Ababa, Ethiopia on Wednesday, February 12, after the 33rd 

Ordinary Session of the Assembly of Heads of State and Government of the 

African Union. 

In attendance at the strategic Meeting for the advancement of creative industry 

in Africa and preparation for AFRIMA 2020 were Commissioner for Social 

Affairs, African Union Commission, Her Excellency, Amira Mohammed Elfadil; 

Minister of Information and Culture, Nigeria, Alhaji Lai 

Muhammed; Director, Department of Social Affairs, AUC, Mme Cisse Mariama 

Mohamed; Head of Culture, AUC, Angela Martins; President/Executive 

Producer, AFRIMA, Mike Dada and Country Director-Designate, AFRIMA- 

Ethiopia, Eyob Alemayehu among others. 

Speaking at the event, the Commissioner for Social Affairs expressed appreciation 

to the International Committee of AFRIMA for consistently striving towards 

achieving the shared objectives of an integrated, peaceful and prosperous 

Africa through the platform of AFRIMA. 

She also thanked the Nigerian government for always giving support to the 

successful hosting of the AFRIMA pan-African initiative. ‘’The African Union 

will continue to support and partner AFRIMA on this journey of leveraging 

the platform of music, art and culture to engage young people as well as unite 

and promote Africa positively to the world” she concluded. 

By Sylvester Kwentua 

A 

professional dancer, Favour Gbemudu has called on 

self-acclaimed musical Taliban, Oristefemi to endeavour 

to redeem the pledge of N10,000 which he made to him 

sometime ago. 

Gbemudu, who spoke with WG on the telephone, yesterday 

wondered why celebrities don’t keep to their promises. 

“I met Oritsefemi in a show organized by a beer 

company sometime in October 2018, somewhere 

around Iba Housing Estate, Ojo. In the course of 

the show, while Oritsefemi was performing on 

stage, he arranged a mini dance competition, 

which I won.” 

“Announcing me as the winner, he promised 

to give me N10,000, in addition to featuring 

me in his next musical video. He told me to 

give my telephone number to his manager, 

which I did. Unfortunately, since then 

Oritsefemi has neither contacted 

me nor redeemed his 

pledge of N10,000. He 

has not also invited me 

for any of his video 

shoot. I have tried 

contacting him on 

Instagram and on 

his official Twitter 

handle to no 

avail. I wonder 

why he’s finding 

it difficult to fulfill 

his promise 

to me,” Gbemudu 

narrated. 

Oristefemi 

Meanwhile, efforts 

to contact the 

“Double Wahala” 

crooner to hear his 

own side of the story 

was not successful. 

2face serenades guests 

at Silver er Fox x nightclub’s 

5th anniver 

ersar 

sary y party 

ty 

It was a night of fun, splendor, and glamour as foremost 

Lagos luxury adult entertainment club, Silver Fox held 

its 5th year anniversary, themed “Legend Celebrates 

Legend”, in style. 

Coming on the heels of Valentine’s Day, the 5th anniversary 

party was an unforgettable experience as 

the upscale nightclub in its usual fashion thrilled 

guests, who thronged the place located at Oniru, Victoria 

Island, Lagos, leaving them with a lasting memory. 

As anticipated, the electrifying entrance of music legend, 

2Baba added adrenaline rush in the crowd who were 

already getting serenaded by the music being reeled out by 

superstar DJ Tim Westwood from the wheels of steel. 2Baba 

treated guests to a good number of his classics and guests 

had a good time singing along and dancing to his hit songs. 

One of the highlights of the night was the raffle draw giveaways 

by the CEO, Big Slim, where guests got to pick lucky 

numbers and won prizes such as Smart TVs and the latest 

Samsung phones and iPhones. The event also saw Annie 

Idibia and DJ Ultimate in attendance. 

2Baba and wife


vanguardnews @vanguardnews @vanguardnews 

NEWS HOTLINES 

018773962, 

08052867058 

UZODINMA AT ASO VILLA—President Muhammadu Buhari receives 

Governor Hope Uzodinma of Imo State in State House, Abuja, yesterday. 

Photo: State House. 

10 feared dead in Edo cult killings 

Continues from Page 5 

the incident. 

Delta State 

Commissioner of Police, 

Hafiz Inuwa, had told 

Vanguard that the victim 

was the only casualty 

rescued during the 

recovery operation, 

adding that the victim 

was rushed to the hospital 

for medical attention, 

following gunshot 

wounds he suffered. 

However, the victim, 

identified as Austin 

Henry, who was referred 

to the Delta State 

University Teaching 

Hospital, DELSUTH, 

Oghara, for treatment 

gave up the ghost on 

Wednesday, while a 10th 

person who also 

sustained gunshot 

wounds, was also rushed 

to the same hospital for 

complications sustained 

during the incident. 

Recall that the President 

General of Uwheru 

kingdom, Cassidy 

Akpadafe, had claimed 

that over 17 persons 

sustained gunshot 

injuries during the attacks 

and had been rushed to 

various hospitals in 

Ughelli for medical 

attention. 

Confirming the death 

yesterday to Vanguard, a 

senior official at the 

hospital said the victim 

died from gunshot 

wounds he sustained 

during the reported 

attack. 

The source, who spoke 

on condition of 

anonymity, said: “We 

conducted an emergency 

surgical operation on him 

and he also received 

multiple blood 

transfusions. At a stage, 

he had 12 units of blood 

transfused into his 

system.” 

Giving details of the 

injury sustained, the 

source said: “He had 

gunshot wound that 

perforated his intestine, 

hence we had to cut the 

intestine and joined them 

together with the stomach. 

“The injury was so 

severe that he had to be 

on a ventilator and was in 

the intensive care unit of 

the hospital but 

unfortunately, we lost him 

on Wednesday, but prior 

to his death, the state 

governor, Dr. Ifeanyi 

Okowa, had graciously 

handled all his medical 

bills. 

“However, another 

victim with gunshot 

wounds was also rushed 

in from the Uwheru axis 

Naira appreciates to N364.38/$ in 

I&E window 

By Elizabeth Adegbesan 

The naira yesterday appreciated to N364.38 per 

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

Data from FMDQ showed that the indicative exchange 

rate for the window dropped to N364.38 per dollar 

yesterday from N364.91per dollar on Wednesday, 

translating to 53 kobo appreciation of the naira. 

The volume of dollars (turnover) traded in the window 

yesterday rose by 106 percent to $420.91million from 

$204.71 million on Wednesday. 

However, the naira, depreciated by 10 kobo yesterday 

in the parallel market. 

According to naijabdcs.com, the live exchange rate 

platform of the Association of Bureaux De Change 

Operators of Nigeria (ABCON), the parallel market 

exchange rate rose to N358.3 per dollar from N358.2 

per dollar on Wednesday, indicating 10 kobo 

depreciation of the naira. 

and he is currently being 

attended to in the 

hospital.” 

Meanwhile, a former 

lawmaker in Delta State 

House of Assembly, who 

represented Ethiope East 

constituency, Evance 

Ivwurie, expressed regret 

on the inability of the 

House to pass the Delta 

State Anti-Grazing Bill, 

stressing that if passed 

into law, it would have 

curtailed the excesses of 

herdsmen in the state. 

Speaking to Vanguard 

yesterday, the former 

lawmaker, who cosponsored 

the bill 

alongside the chief 

sponsor, Reuben Izeze, 

who represents Ughelli 

South constituency, said: 

“The bill was supposed to 

recognize cattle grazing 

and everything that comes 

with it as a personal 

business because what is 

going on is that there is 

nobody to checkmate the 

external inflow of these 

herdsmen and their cattle 

into Delta State and also 

their movement within the 

state. 

“With the bill, each 

herdsman and his cattle 

will be identified, contrary 

to what we are 

experiencing today where 

we have armed herdsmen 

perpetrating evil, killing 

our people, yet we cannot 

identify them.” 

Urhobo group 

threatens self 

-defence 

Meanwhile, the Urhobo 

Economic and Investment 

Group, UEIG, yesterday, 

warned that if urgent 

actions were not taken by 

the Delta State and 

Federal governments to 

curb excesses of the 

herders, the people of 

Urhobo nation may be left 

with no option but to 

defend themselves by any 

means necessary. 

The group condemned 

in strong terms the 

renewed herdsmen 

attacks on Avwon, 

Agadama, Ohoror and 

other Uwheru villages. 

The group in a 

statement signed by the 

convener, Mr. Kingsley 

Ubiebi, decried the 

recurring herdsmen 

attacks on Uwheru 

villages and other 

communities in Urhobo 

land. 

Ubiebi said: “Let me 

state emphatically that as 

a group, we frown on the 

barbaric acts of these 

criminal herdsmen 

targeted at exterminating 

locals who are supposed 

to be their hosts. 

“Because of these 

regular attacks, our 

people are scared to go 

to their farm lands and as 

such, imminent hunger 

looms across Urhoboland 

and other parts of Delta. 

“We call on the Federal 

and state governments as 

well as security agencies 

to nip this challenge in 

the bud and bring an end 

to these unprovoked 

attacks, otherwise we 

would be left with no 

option than to resort to 

self-help in protecting 

ourselves.” 

Similarly, the Urhobo 

Progress Union, UPU, has 

told security agencies to 

curtail the activities of 

rampaging herdsmen to 

avoid a breakdown of law 

and order. 

Reacting to the 

exhumation of eight 

bodies reportedly killed 

and buried by the 

herdsmen, UPU in a 

statement by its National 

Organizing Secretary, Mr 

Abel Oshevire, however, 

urged the people to 

remain calm, while efforts 

were being made to bring 

the perpetrators to book, 

and prevent future 

occurrences. 

Oshevire said: “On 

behalf Urhobo Nation, 

UPU, hereby, 

sympathises with the 

people of Uwheru 

Kingdom over the trauma 

they have been subjected 

by the exhumation of 

their people brutally 

murdered by heartless 

herdsmen a few days ago. 

“We wish to assure them 

that we feel their pains, 

and that the entire Urhobo 

Nation is with them in 

this moment of grief and 

sorrow. 

‘’While appreciating the 

efforts of Delta State 

government and security 

agencies to bring the 

perpetrators to book, we 

are pained and 

disappointed by the 

initial denial of the State 

Commissioner of Police 

that the attacks and 

killings never took place, 

insisting that the alarm 

raised by the people was 

false and an attempt to 

heat up the polity. 

“We strongly believe 

that if the corpses had not 

been exhumed, the police 

would have moved into 

the community to harass 

the people and possibly, 

charge them for raising 

false alarm. 

“We wish to caution that 

such denials, in the face 

of bare facts, could erode 

the confidence and trust 

of the people in those 

vested with the 

constitutional authority 

and responsibility to 

protect lives and 

properties. 

“UPU believes in the 

sanctity of human life and 

strongly advises that the 

life of any Urhobo person, 

Deltan and, indeed, any 

Nigerian, should not be 

toyed with, or become an 

issue of politics." 

Convicted husband killer Maryam 

Sanda appeals death sentence 

•Insists she was denied fair hearing 

By Ikechukwu 

Nnochiri 

ABUJA — 

Determined to live, 

daughter in-law to a former 

Chairman of the Peoples 


Maryam Sanda, has 

appealed against the 

judgement of a High 

Court of the Federal 

Capital Territory that 

convicted and sentenced 

her to death by hanging. 

Maryam, who was on 

January 27, found guilty of 

stabbing her husband, 

Bilyamin Bello, a real 

estate developer to death 

at their Abuja residence in 

2017, said she was denied 

fair hearing by the trial 

court. 

In the 20 grounds of 

appeal she lodged before 

the Court of Appeal in 

Abuja, the convict, accused 

the trial Judge, Justice 

Yusuf Halilu of bias, 

insisting that he relied on 

circumstantial evidence to 

sentence her to death. 

She claimed that the trial 

judge was tainted by bias 

and prejudices that led to 

the violation of her 

constitutionally 

guaranteed right to fair 

hearing. 

In the notice of appeal 

that was entered by her 

team of lawyers led by Mr. 

Rickey Tarfa, SAN, the 

appellant said her 

conviction was based on 

circumstantial evidence 

despite a reasonable doubt 

she said was created by 

evidence of witnesses. 

She told the appellate 

court that there was lack of 

confessional statement, 

absence of murder 

weapon, lack of 

corroboration of evidence by 

two witnesses and lack of 

autopsy report to 

determine the true cause of 

her husband’s death. 

Insisting that the trial 

court’s judegment 

occasioned a grave 

miscarriage of justice 

against her, Maryam, 

begged the appellate court 

to discharge and acquit her 

of the culpable homicide 

charge that led to her 

conviction. 

She argued that the 

failure of the trial judge to 

rule on a preliminary 

objection she filed to 

challenge the charge 

against her and jurisdiction 

of the court to entertain 

same based on evidence of 

bias and lack of fair hearing 

she raised, rendered the 

judgement a nullity. 

She averred that “the trial 

judge erred in law when 

having taken arguments 

on her preliminary 

objection to the validity of 

the charge on March 19, 

2018 failed to rule on it at 

the conclusion of trial or at 

any other time.” 

According to her legal 

team, “the trial judge 

exhibited bias against the 

defendant in not ruling one 

way or the other on the said 

motion challenging his 

jurisdiction to entertain the 

charge” and “therefore 

fundamentally breached 

the right to fair hearing of 

the defendant. 

In ground 2 of the appeal, 

she argued that the trial 

judge erred and 

misdirected himself by 

usurping the role of the 

police when he assumed 

the duty of an Investigating 

Police Officer (IPO). 

The appellant notes that 

the trial Judge said: “I wish 

to state that I have a duty 

thrust upon me to 

investigate and discover 

what will satisfy the interest 

and demands of justice.” 

She submitted that the 

wrongful assumption of the 

role of an IPO made “the 

trial judge fail to restrict 

himself to the evidence 

adduced before the court” 

and instead went fishing for 

evidence outside those that 

were brought before the 

court. 

She insisted that while 

“the duty of investigation is 

the constitutional preserve 

of the police, “the 

constitutional duty of a trial 

court is to assess the 

credible evidence before it 

and reach a decision based 

on its assessment.” 

The convict argued that 

“the court’s usurpation of 

the duty of the police by 

taking it upon itself to 

investigate and discover, 

negatively coloured its 

assessment of the available 

evidence and resulted in it 

reaching an unjust decision 

contrary to the evidence 

before it.”

42— Vanguard, FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 21, 2020 

People gather for a vigil at the Brandenburg Gate to commemorate the victims of the Hanau shootings 

yesterday in Berlin, Germany. A local man named Tobias Rathjen shot dead nine people last night at two 

hookah bars in Hanau, and possibly killing his mother and then himself later on when police prepared to 

raid his apartment. (Photo by Emmanuele Contini/Getty Images) 

Thousands of women rally against 

abortion law in Argentina 

THOUSANDS 

of 

women, many sporting 

the green scarves that 

have become the symbol of 

Argentina’s abortion rights 

movement, rallied in 

Buenos Aires on Wednesday 

to campaign for a new 

bill to legalise abortion. 

Two years after a similar 

bill was narrowly defeated 

by lawmakers in the conservative 

South American 

country, activists have been 

buoyed by recent pledges 

by leftist President Alberto 

Fernandez to prioritize a 

new bill. 

“We are here to fight for 

this law to come out this 

year,” psychologist 

Antonella D’Alessio told 

AFP. “An unwanted pregnancy 

is synonymous with 

torture.” 

The rally called by feminist 

groups was held in front 

of the Congress where in 

June 2018 a bill to legalize 

abortion was approved by 

the lower house, only to be 

defeated by conservatives in 

the Senate amid pressure 

from the Roman Catholic 

Church. 

Natalia Lissarrague, a 38- 

year-old nurse, said legalizing 

abortion “is important 

because it gives everyone 

the possibility of accessing an 

abortion, in hospital with all 

the necessary techniques, 

and not dying in hiding.” 

Lissarrague, 38, attended 

the rally with her daughters 

aged five and 12. 

Reiterating a campaign 

promise, Fernandez said 

earlier this month he would 

propose a law to “end the 

penalization of abortion” and 

allow anyone seeking an 

abortion to receive care in a 

public health center. 

Liberals won ground in the 

Senate in November’s elections, 

renewing activists’ 

hopes that any new abortion 

bill would now be approved 

in the once staunchly conservative 

chamber. 

Conservatives are expected 

to fight the issue tooth 

and nail however in a battle 

which is likely to mirror the 

bitter divisions of the last campaign. 

The Catholic Church in 

Argentina has called an antiabortion 

rally on March 8 to 

coincide with International 

Women’s Day. 

In Pope Francis’s homeland, 

abortion is punishable 

by up to four years in prison, 

and allowable only in cases 

of rape or if there is a risk to 

the life of the mother. 

Lesotho’s prime minister to be charged with 

ex-wife’s murder 

LESOTHO’s Prime Min 

ister Thomas Thabane, 

80, is to be charged with the 

murder of his estranged wife 

Lipolelo Thabane, police have 

said. 

Mr Thabane announced he 

would be stepping down in 

July because of old age, without 

commenting about the 

case. 

His current wife Maesaiah 

Thabane has already been 

charged with the murder. 

He would be the first African 

leader to be charged with 

a domestic murder while in 

office, in a case that has 

shocked the tiny mountain 

kingdom. 

Lipolelo, 58, was shot dead 

two days before Mr Thabane 

became prime minister in 

2017. 

At the time, he described her 

killing as “senseless” but police 

now accuse him of being 

involved in her killing. 

“The prime minister is going 

to be charged with the 

murder,” Deputy Commissioner 

of Police Paseka Mokete 

was quoted by Reuters news 

agency as saying. 

“The police are preparing 

directives and he will probably 

be charged tomorrow [Friday],” 

he added. 

Mr Thabane said on state 

radio that he had served the 

nation “diligently” and he 

would retire at the end of July, 

Reuters reports. 

“I’ve worked for a peaceful 

and stable Lesotho. Today... at 

my age, I have lost most of my 

energy,” he was quoted as saying. 

The ruling All Basotho Convention 

had given him a deadline 

of Thursday to resign. 

Lipolelo was gunned down 

at close range on the side of a 

dirt road while returning to her 

home in a small village on the 

outskirts of the capital, Maseru. 

She was involved in bitter 

divorce proceedings with Mr 

Thabane when she was killed. 

At the time, the prime minister 

was living with Maesaiah, 

42, as if she were his wife. 

But Lipolelo had already 

won a separate legal battle 

to be recognised as first lady, 

as opposed to Maesaiah. 

Maesaiah accompanied 

Mr Thabane to his inauguration, 

following his estranged 

wife’s death. 

Two months later she and 

Mr Thabane got married in 

a Catholic ceremony held at 

a packed stadium in 

Maseru. 

Australia launches national inquiry into 

bushfires 

AUSTRALIA set up a 

national inquiry yesterday 

into its month-long 

bushfire crisis that affected 

three in four Australians 

and prompted widespread 

criticism of the government 

for its sluggish response 

to the blazes. 

Prime Minister Scott 

Morrison said the vast 

scale of the fires — which 

killed more than 30 people 

and destroyed thousands 

of homes — required a 

new response from the 

bushfire-prone nation. 

The Royal Commission 

inquiry will be tasked 

with finding ways to improve 

Australia’s preparedness, 

resilience and 

response to natural disasters, 

but has been 

criticised as an effort to put 

off tackling the problem. 

Australia has seen dozens 

of inquests into the 

causes of bushfires and 

steps that could be taken 

to mitigate them, with 

mixed results. 

Many measures from 

the dozens of inquests 

going back to the 1930s 

have still not been implemented. 

The opposition Labor 

party accused Morrison of 

trying to “shift attention to 

the things that he thinks 

are politically convenient 

to talk about” rather than 

“actually fixing climate 

change and getting emissions 

under control.” 

Morrison said panel 

would be asked to consider 

establishing new 

powers for the federal 

government to declare a 

national state of emergency, 

which he argued 

would allow a faster response 

to fires. 

The conservative leader, 

who was criticised for his 

sluggish reaction to the 

months-long crisis, has 

defended his actions by 

pointing to regulations requiring 

states to formally 

request federal assistance. 

UN accuses warring South Sudan 

parties of starving citizens 

SOUTH Sudan’s government forces and other 

armed groups have “deliberately starved” civilians 

by denying aid access and displacing communities, a report 

from a United Nations rights probe said Thursday. 

“Today in South Sudan, civilians are deliberately starved, 

systematically surveilled and silenced, arbitrarily arrested 

and detained and denied meaningful access to justice,” it 

said. 

The three-member commission looked into abuses between 

the signing of a peace deal in September 2018 and 

December 2019. 

The panel delivered a damning indictment of “predatory 

and unaccountable elites” and the suffering of civilians 

after six years of conflict. 

The report comes two days before the latest deadline to 

form a unity government — a process beset with delays 

and bickering, and “lack of political will”, according to the 

commission. 

“Political elites remained oblivious to the intense suffering 

of millions of civilians for whom they were ostensibly 

fighting,” it said. 

Trump ally Roger Stone sentenced 

to 40 months in prison 

ROGER Stone, long-time adviser and ally to Presi 

dent Donald Trump, has been sentenced to 40 

months in jail. 

Stone, 67, was found guilty in November on seven 

counts of lying to Congress, obstruction and witness 

tampering. 

He is the sixth Trump aide convicted in a criminal 

case resulting from Robert Mueller’s investigation into 

alleged collusion between Russia and the Trump campaign 

during the 2016 election. 

Mr Trump has hinted he may pardon his ally. Stone 

has maintained the case against him was politically 

motivated. 

Explaining the sentence, Judge Amy Berman Jackson 

said Stone had engaged in “intolerable” “threatening 

and intimidating conduct” toward her. 

Last week, prosecutors on the case quit after the Justice 

Department said it planned to reduce the amount 

of prison time sought for the president’s long-time ally. 

The prosecutors had recommended a sentence of seven 

to nine years. 

In a tweet, Mr Trump had called the recommendation 

“very horrible and unfair”. 

The court heard that Stone had told five lies under 

oath, including about his conversations with Trump 

campaign officials and a supposed “intermediary” with 

WikiLeaks in early August 2016. He also lied about 

the existence of certain texts or emails. 

Speaking in a Washington courtroom on Thursday, 

Judge Jackson said Stone “knew exactly what he was 

doing” when he posted an image to social media last 

year of a gun sight over the judge, calling the proceedings 

a “show trial”. 

“This is intolerable to the rule of justice,” Judge Jackson 

said. “The court cannot just sit idly by and say 

‘that’s just Roger being Roger.’” 

UK says Russia’s GRU behind 

massive Georgia cyber-attack 

AHUGE cyber-attack which knocked out more than 

2,000 websites in the country of Georgia last year 

was carried out by Russia, according to Georgia, the 

UK and the US. 

The UK government says that the GRU (Russian 

military intelligence) was behind the “attempt to undermine 

Georgia’s sovereignty”. 

Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab described it as “totally 

unacceptable”. 

Russia’s Foreign Ministry denied any involvement, 

the RIA news agency said. 

The UK’s National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) 

found that the GRU was “almost certainly” behind the 

attacks, which affected pages including Georgia’s 

presidential website and the country’s national TV 

broadcaster. It said the attack was the first significant 

example of GRU cyber-attacks since 2017. 

The UK said Russia had sought to “sow discord and 

disrupt the lives of ordinary Georgian people”. 

“The Russian Government has a clear choice: continue 

this aggressive pattern of behaviour against other 

countries, or become a responsible partner which respects 

international law,” Mr Raab said. 

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo also condemned 

the attacks, saying: “The United States calls on Russia 

to cease this behaviour in Georgia and elsewhere.” 

In many cases, website homepages were replaced 

with an image of former President Mikheil Saakashvili, 

and the caption “I’ll be back”. 

“The scale of this attack is something we haven’t 

seen before,” Prof Alan Woodward, cyber-security expert 

at Surrey University in the UK, said at the time of 

the Georgia attack.


declaration is not subject to 

verification by the CCB or 

anyone else authorised by it, 

and if the public has no access 

to them. The verification 

exercise may well be the 

greatest boost to the fight 

against corruption and the most 

innovative event in the history 

of the entire corruption war. 

•President Buhari: I never promised to 

declare my assets publicly 

Declare your assets, Nwabueze tells Buhari 

ELDER STATESMAN and legal icon, Professor Ben 

Nwabueze, SAN, has challenged President 

Muhammadu Buhari to avoid unnecessary controversies and 

declare his assets publicly, if he has nothing to hide. 

At the public presentation and launch of the book: ‘’One 

Step Ahead–Life as a Spy, Detective, and Anti-Graft Czar 

written by a former chairman of the Economic and Financial 

Crimes Commission (EFCC), Mrs. Farida Waziri, last week, 

Bishop Matthew Hassan Kukah, and the Special Adviser to 

the President on Media and Publicity, Mr. Femi Adesina, 

traded words over the refusal of President Buhari to declare 

his assets publicly. 

By Clifford Ndujihe 

Kukah's challenge 

Kukah asked why the 

president used Justice 

Walter Onnoghen’s 

asset declaration form to prove 

the jurist’s corruption and 

proceeded to sack him, yet the 

president himself has not 

publicly declared his own assets 

as he promised during his 

campaigns. 

Presidency's response 

However, Adesina challenged 

Kukah to produce evidence of 

where the president promised 

to publicly declare his assets, if 

elected and argued that Buhari 

never promised to declare his 

assets publicly, and has not 

broken any law by not doing so. 

Contributing to the issue in a 

1,239-word statement titled: 

‘’Whether Assets and Liabilities 

Declaration by Public Officers is 

Required by Law to be Made 

Public,” Nwabueze said ‘’it 

makes little sense to require 

Public Officers to submit 

declarations of assets and 

liabilities at specified times if the 

declaration is not subject to 

verification by the CCB or 

anyone else authorised by it, 

and if the public has no access 

to them.” 

Needless controversies 

Noting that ‘’the Presidency 

has a way of stirring up 

controversy where none exists 

or should exist, as by its 

statement of February 12, 2020 

in which it picked up a quarrel 

with Rt. Rev. Matthew Kukah,” 

he said: ‘’The law on the issue 

is clear both in its express terms 

and in its spirit, and admits of 

no controversy.” 

According to Nwabueze, who 

recalled that President Buhari 

declared among others that he 

had less than N30 million to his 

name, one bank account with 

the Union Bank, no foreign 

account, no factory, no 

enterprises, no registered 

company and no oil wells in 

2015, urged the president to 

repeat the declaration now. 

The law has not changed 

Said Nwabueze: ‘’According 

to the Presidency, President 

Buhari in 2015 made his Assets 

Declaration public, but ‘in 2019 

he has declared that he has 

chosen not to make them public.’ 

If he made his Assets 

•Professor Nwabueze: You did it in 2015, 

do it again 

Declaration public in 2015, his 

decision not to make them 

public in 2019 suggests that he 

has something to hide. It also 

suggests an intention on the part 

of the President to pervert or 

subvert the Code of Conduct as 

a weapon in the fight against 

corruption. The law that 

makes it obligatory for the CCB 

to make the Assets Declaration 

available for inspection by any 

citizen of Nigeria remains the 

same in 2019 as in 2015. 

‘’It is worthy of note that a 

public declaration of his assets 

in 2015 earned for the President 

public acclaim as a 

constitutionalist and as an anticorruption 

crusader, although 

It makes little 

sense to require 

Public Officers to 

submit declarations 

of assets and 

liabilities at 

specified times if the 

declaration is not 

subject to 

verification by the 

CCB or anyone else 

authorised by it, and 

if the public has no 

access to them. 

much of this public acclaim is 

the result, to quote Bishop 

Kuka’s words, of ‘hypocrisy, 

duplicity, fabricated integrity, 

false piety and empty morality.” 

The statement read in part: 

‘’Section 153 of the 1999 

Constitution establishes a Code 

of Conduct Bureau. Paragraph 

3 of the Third Schedule to the 

said Constitution provides: “the 

Bureau shall have power 

(among other things) to (a) 

receive declarations of asset and 

liabilities by Public Officers 

made under paragraph 12 of 

Part 1 of the Fifth Schedule of 

this Constitution; (b) examine 

the declarations in accordance 

with the Code of Conduct or any 

law; (c) retain custody of such 

declarations and make them 


citizen of Nigeria on such terms 

and conditions as the National 

Assembly may prescribe”. 

Citizens of Nigeria constitute 

the public of Nigeria for this 

purpose, so that the provision 

requiring the CCB to make 

assets declaration available for 

inspection by any citizen of 

Nigeria is a requirement for a 

public declaration. By the terms 

of the provision in paragraph 3 

of the Third Schedule, it is 

mandatory, not discretionary, for 

the Code of Conduct Bureau to 

make Assets Declaration by the 

President available for 

inspection by any citizen of 

Nigeria. And by section 318 of 

the Constitution “power 

includes function and duty.” 

Incontestably’, therefore, the 

CCB has a duty to make the 

President’s Assets Declaration 


citizen of Nigeria. 

‘’But that is not all. The CCB 

also has a duty arising by 

implication from its power 

under paragraph 3 of the Third 

Schedule ‘to examine the 

declarations in accordance with 

the requirements of the Code of 

Conduct or any law.’ To examine 

embraces the power to verify. It 

makes little sense to require 

Public Officers to submit 

declarations of assets and 

liabilities at specified times if the 

CCB not president's 

instrument 

‘’Moreover, the CCB is not an 

instrument of the President, nor 

is it otherwise made subject to 

his control and direction; it is 

rather an instrument of the 

people designed for the 

protection and advancement of 

their interests against public 

functionaries. The essence and 

spirit of the Code of Conduct 

seems well encapsulated by the 

provision in the Code of 

Conduct Bureau and Tribunal 

Act Cap 56 Laws of the 

Federation 1990 edition to the 

following effect: ‘The aims and 

objectives of the Code shall be 

to establish and maintain a 

high standard of morality in the 

conduct of government 

business and to ensure that the 

actions and behaviour of public 

servants conform to the highest 

standards of public morality and 

accountability.’ 

Buhari's assets in 2015 

‘’The President’s Assets 

Declaration for 2015 are worthy 

of notice for this reason. They 

read as follows: 

‘The documents submitted to 

the CCB, which officials say are 

still being vetted and will soon 

be made public, show that prior 

to being sworn in on May 29, 

President Buhari had less than 

N30 million to his name. He also 

had only one bank account, with 

the Union Bank. President 

Buhari had no foreign account, 

no factory and no enterprises. 

He also had no registered 

company and no oil wells”, the 

statement said. The statement 

further added that “the Vice 

President, Professor Yemi 

Osinbajo (SAN), who had been 

a successful lawyer before his 

foray into politics declared a 

bank balance of about N94 

million and 900,000 United 

States Dollars in his bank 

accounts”. It added that 

President Buhari “had shares in 

Berger Paints, Union Bank and 

Skye Bank”. The documents 

also revealed that “President 

Buhari had a total of five homes, 

and two mud houses in Daura. 

He had two homes in Kaduna, 

one each in Kano, Daura and 

in Abuja. One of the mud 

houses in Daura was inherited 

from his late older sister, another 

from his late father. He borrowed 

money from the old Barclays 

Bank to build two of his homes. 

“President Buhari also has two 

undeveloped plots of land, one 

in Kano and the other in Port 

Harcourt. He is still trying to 

trace the location of the Port 

Harcourt land.'' 

‘In addition to the homes in 

Daura, he has farms, an orchard 

and a ranch. The total number 

of his holdings in the farm 

include 270 heads of cattle, 25 

sheep, five horses, a variety of 

birds and a number of economic 

trees.’


Fans fear Tyson Fur 

ury 

will be ‘robbed’ again 

• EVERY judge, referee are 

Americans like Wilder 

FANS are fearing Tyson Fury 

has to knock out Deontay 

Wilder in their rematch after 

the announcement that the referee 

and every judge is from America. 

Fury, 31, takes on Wilder, 34, on 

Saturday in Las Vegas for the WBC 

title 15 months on from their 

contentious split-decision draw. 

The Gypsy King largely outboxed 

the Bronze Bomber in Los Angeles 

but was twice dropped, and all 

three judges scored the bout 

differently. 

Mexican Alejandro Rochin 

scored the fight 115–111 for Wilder, 

Canada’s Robert Tapper had it 

114–112 for Fury and amazingly 

Brit Phil Edwards judged the 

contest a draw with a 113–113 

scorecard. 

New York-born referee on the 

night Jack Reiss was hailed for 

giving Fury the chance to 

miraculously beat the count after 

being put on the canvas in the final 

round. 

But Wilder slammed the Reiss’ 10- 

count, adamant the Gypsy King 

was given more than the allocated 

time to survive being counted out. 

For the rematch the Nevada State 

Athletic commission chose 

experienced and regular Las 

Vegas trio Glenn Feldman, Dave 

Moretti and Steve Weisfeld as the 

judges. 

And Kenny Bayless will be the 

man in the middle of Wilder and 

Fury - with the WBC sanctioning 

the decisions. 

The all American panel has 

British fans fearing Fury will be 

victim of “another robbery” in Sin 

City. 

One said: “So fury will need a 

KO.” 

Another said: “Hope they don’t 

cheat Tyson like the last lot.” 

One added: “Another Robbery in 

Messi commits 

future to Barca 

Lionel Messi says he has no 

intention of leaving 

Barcelona. 

The Argentine attacker is out of 

contract at Camp Nou in 2021 

and has a clause which allows 

him to walk away for free at the 

end of the season. 

But he told Mundo Deportivo: 

“I have said many times that my 

idea is [to stay] and while the 

club and the people still want me 

to, there won’t be any problem 

from my point of view.” 

“I have said many times that I 

would like to be here, for 

everyone, the club and the fans 

to be happy with the team, to 

have a winning project and to 

keep competing for all the 

trophies, as we always have at 

this club. 

“That’s my idea: to continue at 

the club. I want to win another 

Champions League, I want to 

keep winning Ligas.” 

Messi has spent his entire 

career at Barcelona and in his 

16th season with the first team, 

but said: “In many moments I 

had the chance to leave the club. 

There were many clubs 

interested who were willing to 

pay even my [release] clause, but 

at no time did I consider leaving 

and now neither.”I repeat: if the 

club want [me to stay], there’s 

no problem.” 

the making!” 

Fury definitely needs a ko 

to get a draw. 

After coming within a 

whisker of winning the 

world title in December 

2018, Fury went on to beat 

Tom Schwarz and Otto 

Wallin last year to build 

his Stateside profile. 

And after consecutive 

wins in Vegas, the 

unbeaten Brit has no 

qualms about the US 

judges - because he is 

adamant they will not be 

needed. 

Fury said: “No British 

judges? Fantastic. It was 

the British judge who went 

against me last time, 

hence why I’ve not got a 

British judge this time. 

“I’m happy and will be 

happy with the judges. 

They all do a fantastic job. 

But I’m not going to need 

those judges anyway. I’m 

not leaving anything in 

their hands. 

Tyson Fury and Deontay Wilder 

broke the peace by pushing 

and shoving each other on the 

stage for their final press 

conference. 

In a barrage of threats and 

insults, each vowed to destroy the 

other. 

Fury, in dark glasses, black cap 

and white jacket had ordered the 

pack of photographers to step 

back saying: ‘I don’t want to catch 

a cold or flu from you guys.’ 

PSG president Nasser Al- 

Khelaifi has been charged by 

the Swiss Attorney General in 

connection with a three-year 

corruption investigation 

allegedly involving ex-FIFA 

secretary general Jerome Valcke 

and a third businessman. 

The alleged offences against Al- 

Khelaifi, who is chairman of 

BeIN media group, are not to do 

with his ownership of French 

champions PSG or his 

involvement as a member of the 

UEFA executive committee. 

Swiss federal prosecutors say 

they have filed an indictment 

charging Al-Khelaifi with 

inciting Valcke to commit 

aggravated criminal 

mismanagement. 

Al-Khelaifi released a 

statement claiming the charge 

“will be proven completely 

He seemed the more calculating, 

Wilder looked emotional. Which 

could bode well for the Gypsy 

King if that is their mood in the 

MGM Grand Garden Arena on 

Saturday night. 

‘Dosser, p****, cocaine buster, 

bum, b****’ were among the less 

objectionable terms volleyed 

between each other in a long, 

heated rambling exchange. 

Fury said: ‘I will knock you all 

over the stage right now if you 

like.’ 

There were 

gangsta sex 

jibes and 

four letter 

PSG president Al-Khelaif charged for 

corruption 

groundless and without any 

substance whatsoever”. 

“After an exhaustive three-year 

investigation, where I have fully 

and openly co-operated with the 

Public Prosecutor in 

Switzerland, I am pleased that 

all charges of bribery in 

connection with the 2026 and 

2030 World Cups have been 

dropped,” Al-Khelaifi said. 

Ronaldo hands Mbappé the throne 

Over the past decade the footballing 

world has been divided over the 

flawed debate on who was the best player 

in the world: Cristiano Ronaldo or Lionel 

Messi. Well, as the two legends of the 

beautiful game enter the latter stages 

of their playing careers, thoughts 

turn to who will take over from 

Wilder, Tyson Fury shove each other, trade insults as 

tensions spill over at final press conference 

Wilder and Fury 

Al-Khelaifi 

Wilder: 

I'll nail Fur 

ury 

Deontay Wilder does not respect 

Tyson Fury’s strength, going as far 

as saying that his counterpart 

packs pillows in his fists. 

“He doesn’t have the power to hurt me. I 

have a strong mind and a very strong chin. 

He can talk all he wants, but in the end, 

he has to face the facts and reality. I can’t 

wait to present facts and reality with 

my fists,” Wilder told 

BoxingScene.com in an interview. 

Wilder (42-0-1, 41 KOs) meets Fury 

(29-0-1, 20 KOs) on Saturday in a highly 

anticipated heavyweight showdown at 

the MGM Grand in Las Vegas as part of 

a Fox Sports and ESPN pay-per-view 

promotion. 

The 34-year-old Alabaman is confident he 

will finish what he first started in 2018 when 

he knocked Fury down twice, but failed to 

finish the fight with the signature knockouts 

he’s become known for. Fury miraculously 

channeled into his might and rose from the 

canvas as a result of a knockdown in the twelfth 

round after mostly outboxing Wilder for 11 

rounds before it. 

“I don’t believe a single word Tyson Fury says, 

except for the fact that you have to nail him down 

to the canvas to knock him out,” said Wilder. “If 

he keeps getting up, I’m going to keep knocking 

him down. He’s going to think twice about the 

punches, and feel, it’s not even worth getting 

back up. I’m very confident.” 

words. Each claimed he had given 

the other the biggest opportunity 

of his life. 

‘When I found you, you were 

strung out on coke (cocaine),’ 

Wilder said. 

‘You were contemplating suicide. 

So don’t you ever tell me you 

brought me to big-time boxing. I 

brought you to big-time boxing.’ 

There was laughter, too, and 

expressions of love between 

them. 

Wilder, unsurprisingly, 

welcomed the appointment of top 

Nevada referee Kenny Bayless 

and three American judges for 

their world heavyweight title 

rematch. 

The Gypsy King’s agreement to 

all US officials seems to confirm 

that he really does intend to go 

for a second round KO. 

Fury has always believed he was 

robbed by their first fight being 

scored a draw despite being 

knocked down twice by the 

Bronze Bomber. 

That verdict was brought down 

by an international panel and 

having a complete set of officials 

from Wilder’s homeland would 

appear to weigh the odds of Fury 

getting a 12-round decision even 

more heavily against him. 

them, and the Portuguese forward has 

his own view. 

Ronaldo has described the Paris 

Saint-Germain star Kylian Mbappe as 

the future, but also the present, of 

football. Mbappé has established 

himself as one of the top players in the 

world after spectacularly catching the 

eye with Ligue 1 side Monaco in 

2016-17. 

With strong rumours of a transfer 

to LaLiga side Real Madrid 

ongoing, the Juventus superstar 

and five-time Ballon d’Or winner 

lavished praise on the youngster 

as part of a promotional video for 

Nike. 

“Mbappé is the future and the 

present,” he began. “He’s a 

fantastic player, very fast, and he 

will be the future.” 

The 21-year-old has already won 

a World Cup, Ligue 1 three times 

and also has three other trophies 

in France for PSG and Monaco. He 

has scored 39 goals across all 

competitions last season, and has 

24 this campaign so far, 15 in the 

league. 

Mbappe and 

Ronaldo 

Trump may 

attend Tokyo 

2020 Olympics 

President of the United Staes of 

America, Donald Trump has 

said he is considering travelling 

to Japan for the Tokyo 2020 

Olympic Games. 

The United States President told 

media he had been invited to 

attend by Japanese Prime 

Minister ShinzM Abe. 

Trump was asked about his plans 

during a trip to Los Angeles, where 

he signed an agreement 

promising Government support 

for the 2028 Olympics and 

Paralympics in the Californian city. 

“We’ll make that determination, 

he said on his Tokyo plans. 

“We haven’t made it yet. 

“We might. 

“We’re going to try if we can.” 

The Tokyo 2020 Olympics will run 

between July 24 and August 9. 

If Trump does decide to travel, it 

will mean a break in his 

campaigning ahead of this year’s 

Presidential election. 

The Republican is bidding for a 

second and final four-year term in 

office at the ballot in November. 

According to Reuters, he is due 

to have a “limited schedule of 

foreign travel this year”. 

Trump did not attend the one 

Olympics which has taken place 

during his first term, the 2018 

Winter Games in Pyeongchang in 

South Korea. 

Bryant’s memorabila prices shore up 

Kobe Bryant’s shock death in a helicopter crash has led to a massive 

spike in prices for memorabilia connected to him. 

Bryant apparel on Nike’s website was completely sold out within a day 

of the tragic accident in California on Sunday (January 26), killing eight 

other people, including his daughter Gianna. 

Bryant-related memorabilia such as trading cards, autographed 

basketballs, jerseys and shoes is also selling fast on auction site eBay, 

with sellers hiking up prices to take advantage of the increased demand. 

One eBay user wanted $3 million (£2.3 million/•2.8 million) for a 

basketball signed by Bryant and the rest of the Los Angeles Lakers team 

from 2002 which won its third consecutive National Basketball Association 

(NBA) Finals, CNN reported. 

Another seller was asking for $2.88 million (£2.21 million/•2.66 million) 

for “one-of-a-kind” ball Bryant signed after winning his first NBA title 

in 2000. 

The seller claimed the ball will be “worth $10 million (£7.7 million/•9.3 

million) in 10 years”. 

A set of Bryant trading cards, claimed to be in “very good” condition, 

sold for $1 million (£768,000/•923,000). 

The asking price for a pair of Nike shoes signed by the double Olympic 

gold medallist after his final NBA game in 2016 was $240,000 (£185,000/ 

•222,000).


Joshua plans another visit to present 

his belts to Akarigbo 

By James Ogunnaike 

The world heavyweight 

boxing champion, 

Anthony Joshua, is planning 

to formally present his title 

belts to the Akarigbo and 

Paramount Ruler of Remoland, 

Oba Babatunde Ajayi. 

The presentation will take 

place next month, Vanguard 

gathered yesterday. 

Joshua, who was on a 

courtesy visit to the Akarigbo’s 

Palace on Wednesday, 

expressed joy at visiting the 

traditional ruler and promised 

never to be far from his roots. 

His arrival made Sagamu to 

come alive as residents 

trooped out to catch a glimpse 

of the professional boxer and 

also pose for photographs 

with him 

He pledged to always 

stand up for Sagamu town 

in particular and the Remo 

kingdom in general and 

dedicate himself to things 

beneficial to the people. 

“I will stand up for Sagamu 

and Remo kingdom as a 

whole anytime you need me,” 

the boxer stated. 

Joshua, who hails from 

Sagamu, was earlier at the 

Lagos office of the National 

Identity Management 

Commission (NIMC) to 

register for the Nigerian 

National Identity Card. 

Responding, the Akarigbo 

congratulated Joshua for 

reclaiming his titles, saying 

the boxer had put Remoland 

and Nigeria back on the world 

map. According to the 

monarch, Joshua is a true son 

of the kingdom who had 

shown ennobling spirit. 

Oba Ajayi, who was joined 

The picture of 

heavyweight champion, 

Anthony Joshua, applying 

for his National Identification 

card has generated mixed 

reactions on social media. 

The professional boxer was 

recently at the National 

Identity Management 

Commission (NIMC) office in 

Abuja, the nation’s capital, for 

the registration. 

The pictures were shared by 

NIMC on their official Twitter 

handle with the caption, 

“Anthony Joshua enrols for 

the National Identification 

Number and issued his NIN 

slip.” 

In reaction to the post, many 

Nigerians were quick to lodge 

by some palace chiefs and 

aides to receive Joshua, 

prayed for the boxer to rule 

the world boxing space for a 

long time. 

Many people in attendance 

poured encomium on the 

boxer for displaying the 

characteristics of a true son of 

the land by his humility to the 

Akarigbo when exchanging 

pleasantries with him. 

Mixed reactions greet Joshua’s 

national ID application 

their complaints that since they applied, 

they were yet to get their NIN number. 

They opined that Nigerians should be 

treated equally despite the status. 

Some others in their reactions 

explained how they got their NIN 

immediately after they enrolled. 

The seamless registration and issuance 

process for Anthony Joshua is not the 

same experience for millions of 

Nigerians. Joshua is known for his deep 

connection to his roots. He recently 

presented his IBF, WBA, WBO, and IBO 

titles to President Muhammadu Buhari. 

The 30-year-old celebrated his victories 

with the President when the Nigerian 

leader met with some Nigerians living in 

the United Kingdom. 

Excited Joshua also prostrated to pay 

homage to President Buhari, in line with 

the tradition of the Yoruba cultural group. 

SMILES . . . Anthony Joshua shares joke with the Akarigbo 

and Paramount Ruler of Remoland, Oba Babatunde Ajayi. 

TRUE NIGERIAN . . . World boxing heavyweight 

champion, Anthony Joshua arrives at Sagamu from Uk 

and undergoing the processing of National ID card.


•Wilder vs Fury 

Abuja High Court frees NFF 

chieftains over financial 

misappropriation 

An Abuja High Court 

yesterday finally declined 

to join the names of President 

of the Nigeria Football 

Federation, Mr. Amaju Melvin 

Pinnick and the General 

Secretary, Dr. Mohammed 

Sanusi to a case of financial 

misappropriation brought 

before it by the Economic and 

Financial Crimes Commission, 

EFCC. 

In his judgement, Justice 

Peter O. Affen refused the 

amendment sought by the 

EFCC to include Pinnick and 

Sanusi to a trial involving three 

members of staff of the NFF 

(two of whom are no longer 

with the federation) with 

regards to the utilisation of 

$8.4million grant from world 

football –governing body, FIFA, 

and which began in 2018. 

It is the second time in few 

months that a court of law 

would trash allegations of 

financial misappropriation 

against the leadership of 

Nigeria Football Federation, 

vindicating their claims that 

such charges were as a result of 

envy, malice, victimisation and 

vendetta. 

The NFF lawyers argued and 

prayed through a motion duly 

served on the Office of the AGF 

Olympics 2020: 

Nigeria 

taekwondo fight 

for qualification 

in Morocco 

Nigerian taekwondo 

athletes, Chinazum 

Nwosu, Benjamin Okuomose, 

Elizabeth Anyanocho and 

Ifeoluwa Ajayi are among 

other 105 African players 

vying for Olympics 2020 slot 

in the qualification 

tournament starting today in 

Rabat, Morocco. 

Nigeria Taekwondo 

Federation president, 

Margaret Binga, hinted that 

necessary preparation has 

been made for a successful 

outing for the Nigerian team. 

“I thank the ministry for 

supporting the taekwondo 

team’s quest to qualify for 

Tokyo 2020 in the forthcoming 

African qualification 

tournament in Rabat. 

“The flight tickets have been 

secured and other resources 

needed in Morocco will be 

deployed before the team 

departs. 

•Taek 

that based on law and 

constitutional provisions, the 

NFF officials could not be 

joined in the matter, having 

been discharged and acquitted 

by the Federal High Court on 

practically the same charges, 

with the same witnesses and 

proof of evidence for both 

cases. 

Furthermore, the NFF 

lawyers argued that the entire 

charges bordered on use of 

FIFA funds and on which by 

relevant laws, only FIFA Ethics 

Committee has the exclusive 

•Amaju 

right to investigate and 

adjudicate. In this case, they 

said, FIFA has not complained 

to any third party that their 

funds were missing and/or 

misappropriated. Rather, FIFA 

has continued to relate very 

well with the NFF and even 

NFF’s account audited by PwC 

is published on the FIFA 

website. 

Ndidi won’t be risked 

against City, says 

Leicester’s boss 

Leicester City will not rush Wilfred 

Ndidi back from a knee injury until he 

is completely fit, manager Brendan Rodgers 

said yeseray with the team short of 

defensive midfield options. 

Ndidi required surgery last month after 

taking a knock in training. Although the 

Nigerian played twice at the end of January, 

Rodgers wants him to recover fully before 

he is selected again. 

No player has made more tackles and 

interceptions in the Premier League this 

season than the 23-year-old Ndidi who has 

helped Leicester climb to third in the table. 

“Wilf won’t be available for the weekend. 

He’s still in a process to try and get fit so 

we’ll see how he is next week. I’m not 

sure,” Rodgers told a news conference 

ahead of Saturday’s home game against 

second-placed Manchester City. 

“He’s doing work inside, but you then 

have to progress that to outside and then 

when he can join the team. It’s another 

intensity to join the team and then to play. 

“We just want to make sure he’s right 

because he’s such an important player for 

us. It’s about the long term too. There’s no 

timeline on it. We’ll see how he progresses.” 

Police to produce 

more Ajunwas — Mba 

•As 2020 Games start Feb 29 in Awka 

All is now set for the 12th 

edition of the Police 

Games between February 29 

and March 7 in Awka, 

Anambra State. 

Deputy Commissioner of 

Police and Force Public 

Relations Officer, Frank Mba, 

who spoke to the press on 

Thursday, said a total of 31 

sports would be competed for 

at the event. 

Mba added that there were 

plans to use this event not only 

to prepare the police athletes 

for the forthcoming National 

Sports Festival in Benin but 

also to begin the process of 

bringing out athletes that 

would take over from great 

police ambassadors like 

Chioma Ajunwa, late Sunday 

Bada and Samuel Peter. 

He said: “After Ajunwa won 

the gold at Atlanta in 1996 and 

the first individual, no other 

one has done that and now we 

are determined to bring out 

more of such exceptional 

talents that will bring glory to 

Nigeria. 

•Ndidi 

•Ighalo 

•Lagos State Commissioner 

of Police Odumosu, with DCP 

Mba. 

“We have more of such and 

we are happy all is set for the 

games.” 

A total of 12 zones will be 

competing at the games with 

all zones having three states 

each except zones 2 and 6. 

Zone 2 comprises only Lagos 

and Ogun while Zone 6 

(Calabar) comprises four 

states. Lagos Commissioner for 

Police Hakeem Odumosu who 

Nigerians to watch 

Wilder vs Fury 

rematch live 

The 15 months wait for 

the Deontay Wilder vs 

Tyson Fury rematch will 

finally take place 

tomorrow night when they 

do it all again under the 

bright lights in Las Vegas. 

SuperSport 1 and 5 will 

cross to the MGM Grand 

at 4:00 am on Sunday with 

the headliner due to start 

at about 6.45 am. 

It’s a fight that fans have 

clamoured for ever since 

the judges controversially 

called the first fight a 

draw, notwithstanding 

Fury having outboxed 

Wilder for large chunks of 

the fight. 

Wilder, of course, twice 

knocked Fury down to 

again demonstrate why he 

is the biggest single-shot 

puncher in the sport. 

Much has happened since 

they last fought. Fury 

marked time with two lowkey 

fights memorable only 

for the nasty cut he 

sustained against Otto 

Wallin. He was troubled in 

neither outing. 

More recently, he turfed 

out his trainer, opting for 

American Sugar Hill, a 

scion of the Kronk boxing 

dynasty and a disciple of 

attack-minded, aggressive 

fighting. It signifies an 

important shift for Fury, 

who concedes that he was 

too defensive in the first 

fight. 

Ighalo impresses 

Solskjaer 

Manchester United 

manager Ole Gunnar 

Solskjaer is happy to report 

that loan signing Odion 

Ighalo has already 

displayed his goalscoring 

abilities throughout his first 

training sessions as a Red. 

The Nigerian striker has 

joined the club from 

Shanghai Greenland 

Shenhua until the end of 

this season and made his 

anticipated debut during the 

final minutes of Monday’s 

2-0 Premier League victory 

over Chelsea at Stamford 

Bridge, where he replaced 

Anthony Martial late on. 

The 2019 Africa Cup of 

Nations top scorer showed 

flashes of his combative 

qualities against the Blues 

came in briefly during the 

meeting urged newsmen to 

partner with the police to give 

the event good publicity. 

Mba also showered praises 

on the government of Anambra 

State for working with the 

police on this project. 

He explained that this 

edition was coming late after 

the 2016 edition in Abuja due 

to financial constraints. 

“The Rojenny Sports Centre 

and the NYSC Camp are some 

of the venues to be used for 

the competition. We want to 

take our rightful place in the 

sports scene. 

“Our athletes have been in 

camp in the past two months 

and so we expect the very best 

at the games,” Mba added. 

Zone Two emerged 

champions at the last edition of 

the competition in Abuja in 

2016. 

and almost scored, too, 

when a low shot was saved 

by Chelsea goalkeeper 

Willy Cabballero. 

The subject of Ighalo’s 

arrival at United was then 

expanded upon by a 

Nigerian journalist, who 

explained that millions of 

supporters in the African 

nation are well and truly 

behind the striker. 

When asked to explain 

what qualities Odion will 

bring to the Reds, Solskjaer 

praised the different 

attributes that he possesses 

and provided an insight 

into his bedding-in period 

so far. 

La Liga, SuperSport 

“brings” El Clásico 

to Lagos 

La Liga and SuperSport 

are set to organise a 

viewing of the El Clásico 

game between Real Madrid 

and Barcelona on March 1 the 

landmark Beach in Lagos, 

fans will be able to watch and 

entry is free. 

In addition to being able to 

see on a giant screen players 

like Messi or Griezmann face 

Sergio Ramos or Benzema, 

attendees can enjoy different 

interactive activities, food and 

drinks during the event. Also, 

a space has been established 

in which attendees can take 

pictures with all the official 

shirts of the Spanish 

competition.


Vanguard, FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 21, 2020 

TODAY’S CROSSWORD 

QUICK CROSSWORD 

THURSDAY’S SOLUTION 

TODAY’S PUZZLE 

Sudoku 

FRIDAY’S ANSWER 

ACROSS 

1 Cuts the grass (4) 

3 Italian bread (8) 

9 Toy bears (7) 

10 Automaton (5) 

11 US cattle farm (5) 

12 Educational establishment (6) 

14 Reddish-brown hair colour (6) 

16 Homicide (6) 

19 Citrus (anag.) (6) 

21 Conked out (5) 

24 Reversal of direction (1-4) 

25 Utter fluently (4,3) 

26 Blood vessels (8) 

27 Perceive by touch (4) 

DOWN 

1 Fabric (8) 

2 Make broader (5) 

4 Be adamant (6) 

5 Accommodation on ship (5) 

6 Popular newspaper size (7) 

7 Busy little insects (4) 

8 Shilly-shally (6) 

13 Veracious (8) 

15 Bunch of flowers (7) 

17 Maintenance (6) 

18 In short supply (6) 

20 Male singing voice (5) 

22 Lying face downwards (5) 

23 Castro's land (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: 

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