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+234909 1111 184 www.ogfza.gov.ng Monday, July 23rd, 2018 EDITORIAL 3 Inadequate leadership & corruption in leadership

orruption has featured believed in him, his antecedents EDITORIAL TEAM majorly in our country and acclaimed integrity voted since our existence as him into office. Now let us ask a nation. Eradicating ourselves an honest question at Ccorruption has been one of this juncture, is corruption being PUBLISHER many reasons given by aspiring fought? Are we anywhere close to political Office holders as a major having it eradicated? If we want Idris Abiodun Usman criteria for vying and also for the to be sincere, our answers will be electorate to give them their votes no. Corruption has only shifted and this happens elections after from one part of the country to CHAIRMAN, EDITORIAL BOARD elections and yet the war against another part of the country, it has corruption is yet to be conquered. now become that when you in the Barr. Kayode Ajulo In this editorial we will be taking government you are safe but when a deep look at the actual causes of you are not opportuned to be in EDITOR corruption in this country. the government, you are unsafe, Mercy Ehi Ebute Firstly, Nigeria as we know exposed and can be tagged as a corrupt person. is a country with 3 dominant President Muhammadu Buhari languages: Hausa, Yoruba and the Now let us look at GROUP NEWS EDITOR Igbo. All the others are referred incompetency in leadership that not lead us anywhere as a country. Femi Lawson to as minority tribal groups and leads to corruption. Nigeria has We are cutting down the leaves from inception everything that suffered from bad leadership, while the root underground is INT’L CORRESPONDENT has been done in this country Nigeria has suffered from clueless growing stronger and spreading Willem Vermeer pertaining to leadership has always leadership, leadership that has no wider with every passing day. been with these 3 dominant tribes idea what needs to be done and We must understand that as a in consideration. When it is time with that sentiments, religious country we cannot keep deceiving HEAD ADMIN for the Yoruba man to rule, all colouration and several other ourselves by thinking that we Gladtimes Okoronkwo Yoruba’s will say it is our turn then contributory factors has led to would achieve results whereas we when he becomes the President leadership always looking the are currently akin to that man he is expected to do more for his other way when a member of their that is running on a treadmill in ADMIN OFFICER people, he is expected to place the cabinet is found wanting in terms one spot. We must understand Othniel T. Saai needs of his people over and above of integrity and competency. that chances are being given to us the needs of all other ethnicities, When you are lacking in and those chances come by way he is even expected to drive the competency, you leave loopholes of the elections every 4 years we HEAD IT development of those areas more for opportunist to take advantage. are given the opportunity to chose Benedict Aguele and when it gets to the Hausa’s it’s Incompetency in office is the worst our leaders but we forget that the same ball game again and then and highest form of corruption those chances when they come are RESEARCH OFFICER they all want to hold on to power and it shows that you as the head like time which when lost cannot by all means necessary and the is not up to the task and cannot be regained until after another 4 Blessing Onyeke Igbo is not left out in all of these, detect or checkmate corruption years in this case. the same motivation leading to the around you. If Nigerians were to - same outcome. However, the Igbos agree to wake up and choose to If we must achieve this as a PHOTO/VIDEO GRAPHER haven’t gotten an opportunity to stand and fight against corruption nation, our way and manner of Emmanuel Kenny Bako rule for quite a while now. A few it then behooves on us to begin choosing our leaders must change because it hasn’t helped us thus years back we had a President from to recruit leadership that have GRAPHIC EDITOR the Niger-Delta who happened to nationalistic interest, has the far. We must in all sincerity come be from a minority in the Niger- capacity to take on the burden to terms with the fact that poverty, Joseph Raphael Delta precisely Bayelsa State of leadership, someone who is suffering, underdevelopment, Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, he passionate and detailed about his hunger, lack of basic amenities came on board with the belief that job. A person who is not blinded and infrastructure is no respecter the fight against corruption to be by religious or ethnic ties. These of persons and it is not region- successful needs to be faceless and are factors we need the give due specific. We must come to the that corruption has to be fought consideration and put in place so realisation that we must fight to from a nationalistic point of view, as to have a corrupt free Nigeria, a ensure that the current way of a one Nigeria point of view where person who would look the other choosing our leaders is reappraised MISSION STATEMENT it is clear to all that the fight is way and allow justice prevail even and discontinued if not there is not targeted at a particular people if it involved their own child. great danger ahead as we cannot Where feeble minds or region. Unfortunately, same A person who even if it were continue like this. government was tagged as the his mother that is found to be The time is almost here once compromise integrity and most corrupt so far and all of a incompetent he wouldn’t hesitate again, it is time we come together dignity and refuse to speak out, sudden there was a deep desire to show her the way out of office to defeat the monster of bad we will lift our voice in defence to change the government and and that is the only way we can leadership that has given birth to in came President Muhammadu effectively fight and rid Nigeria of the endemic corruption that we of Nigeria and its people Buhari who is from the North corruption. have now. Only then will we be against corruption, impunity, and his main selling point at Every other thing being done able to enjoy true prosperity as a the time was to kill corruption in the name of fight against country and also enjoy a corrupt bad governance and those who and Nigerians who knew and corruption is superficial and would free Nigeria. trample the laws of our land under their feet. 4 COVER Monday, July 23rd, 2018 BRIEFS Ilorin water reticulation project: Fayemi To Fayose: Pay Ekiti Workers’ Salary Yet to see the light of day With N5.5bn June Allocation owhere is Nigeria’s dams (Asa dam, Agba dam source as an excuse. underdevelopment and Sobi dam) with capacity The Ilorin water reticulation The Ekiti State Governor-elect, Dr more evident than to supply water to every part project which started in 2009, Kayode Fayemi has called on the in the inability of of the city and take care of any and was meant to ensure outgoing governor, Mr. Ayodele Nsuccessive administrations expansion in the future. Asa the availability of water in Fayose, to devote the June 2018 at all tiers of government to dam, which has capacity to all parts of the city as well federal allocation of N5.52b to provide water move our cities supply water that would cover as expansions, has become payment of salaries and other and states to modern status. up to 60% of city of Ilorin, a virtual drainpipe of scarce entitlements of workers. Water is so important that supplies water to Kuntu, resources while going through Fayemi in a statement issued by it touches every aspect of Alore, Taiwo road, Mandate, the tenures of two governors, the Director of his media office, human life from the remotest Al-hikma, etc. The dam is a Dr. Abubakar Olubukola Wole Olujobi, in Ado Ekiti on farms to the giant industries water flow with high water Saraki and Abdulfatah Sunday said henceforth, Fayose and the most sophisticated level and capacity to supply Ahmed. Such an ostensibly must make accountability and urban metropolis. Therewater to Agba dam during altruistic project to have human face critical factors in the is no gainsaying that dry season. Sobi dam is also become a source of unending policies of his administration. Nigeria’s water paradox is a river flowing dam with controversy. Nigerians will Olujobi said the usual practice symptomatic of her general capacity to supply water to up recall a publication in Vanguard Gov Abdulfatah Ahmed by the governor to collect federal underdevelopment despite to 30% of total area of Ilorin. Newspaper dated 7th October, allocations and call stakeholders huge potentials in human The dam already supplies 2014 that reported Mr. meetings to allegedly deceive and material resources; while water to areas like Shao, Shao Yomi Ogunsola, who was the Ekiti people on the sharing grappling with acute power garage, Sobi barrack, Gambari, Senior Special Assistant to formula between the state and shortages, the country sits on Aiyegbami, Madinat and some Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed local governments is no longer a hydro electricity generation other areas of Ilorin. Agba on Investment Promotion and acceptable. He urged the governor potential of 40thousand dam, which is a lake, can only Strategy, to have said in an to make accountability and megawatts. While Nigeria has supply water to about 15% of interview with News Agency transparency a cardinal policy of a massive network of rivers Ilorin metropolis during rainy of Nigeria that “Ilorin water his administration in the run-up connecting virtually every season while it would depend reticulation project cost is to the October 16, 2018 handover part of the country, no single on Asa dam during dry season 7.2 billion naira”. He further date. Nigerian city is able to boast to effectively supply water disclosed in the same interview The statement said, 100% potable water supply. around its circus. Though that the state government had “Information available to us In this exclusive the pump to make that earlier spent more than 5.2 suggests that Fayose at the investigation series, during achievable had been procured billion naira on the project. weekend called all the Directors which we will be x-raying a for over 4 years, but it can’t Interestingly, he boastfully in the state service to a meeting number of water projects be ascertained if the pump disclosed that “the project was Abubakar Olubukola Saraki in the new Governor’s Lodge, that have gulped humongous has been put in use as at this at 98% completion stage” as pleading with them not to amounts of resources across moment. All these show that at that time. In a statement the state Commissioner for release sensitive information to Nigeria, we examine Ilorin there are enough water sources published by Ilorin.Info on Water Resources, was quoted the opposition, including non- the Kwara state capital. Ilorin in Ilorin, and there is no need 10th January, 2018, Barrister disclosure of the state’s finances. metropolis has three water for government to make water Abdulrazaq Akorede who is Continue on Page 17 “But we want to say that the state has received N5.52b fresh June federal allocation and we demand that the money be FG to increase budget allocation to health sector – Buhari spent to pay salary, and should not be subjected to the circus President Muhammadu The President assured the the separation of conjoined of lies and deceits that often Buhari yesterday in Abuja said leaders of the NMA that the twins, organ transplants, heart accompanied the sharing of the the Federal Government is White Paper from the Ahmed surgeries and treatment of allocations in the past whereby considering an upward review Yayale-led panel report on cancer patients. local governments were given of budgetary allocation to the Inter-professional Harmony He noted that the Nigerian their shares in the morning health sector with the aim in the Healthcare Sector was Medical and Dental Council and in the night they would be of improving the quality and already being considered by the would soon be constituted coerced to return the money to access to medical facilities government to ensure more to further enhance service the governor’s office while local across the country. organised and harmonised delivery and regulation of the governments workers remained Buhari, who received the working relationships among sector. unpaid for nine months. new executive of the Nigerian medical practitioners. Minister of State for Health “Fresh reports on the status of Medical Association (NMA) Buhari, however, urged the Osagie Ehinare said a newly the state’s internally generated at the State House, said the medical practitioners to always released basic health care revenue (IGR) have indicated review of the budgetary consider their profession provision would further focus Femi Adesina that between October 16, 2014 allocation would reflect the as “divine call”, especially on improving service delivery to date, the state has a revenue government’s priority of in taking decisions that to Nigerians through the He said the speedy profile of N34,560,000,000 kept ensuring that Nigerians get directly impact on the lives of Primary Health Care. processing of the Ahmed in secret accounts in one old better healthcare, especially in Nigerians. He added that other NMA President Dr. Francis Yayale report on harmony generation bank account and specialised areas. means of negotiation for better Adedayo hailed President among practitioners in the another new generation bank In a statement by the working conditions should be Buhari for including members medical sector would go a account, yet there is nothing to Special Adviser on Media explored instead of strikes. of the NMA in the Federal long way in enhancing service suggest that the money was spent and Publicity, Femi Adesina, “The medical profession Executive Council and signing delivery and better working for the benefit of Ekiti people. the President said: “We place is regarded as a divine call of the Medical Residency relationships. “This revenue profile in the quality healthcare on our because of the strategic role Training Act into law. The NMA president said two banks is outside the traffic priority list, and we are already you play in the lives of human Adedayo urged the Federal the association had already and environmental offences fines marching on with the Primary beings,” he said. Government to improve on reached out to the National and charges reportedly kept in Health Care services and some The President hailed the the budgetary allocation to the Emergency Management accounts unknown to the state’s state governors have bought NMA and its members on health sector as required by the Agency for stronger accounting and financial system into it. We are committed to some of the medical feats Abuja Declaration, which sets a partnership in providing care at an old generation bank at Ijigbo universal health care.” being achieved in Nigeria like benchmark of 15 per cent. for victims of disasters. area of the state capital.” Monday, July 23rd, 2018 COVERNEWS 5 More MDAs violate audit law under Buhari than previous gov’ts – Nigeria’s Auditor-General

ore ministries, audited financial statements submitted on 20th March, obligations by Parastatals departments and for 2016 and 149 for 2015 2018. is of great concern,” he agencies (MDAs) were submitted to the office “The Financial Statements noted. “Stringent sanctions, have refused of the Auditor-General as at of Government Statutory including withholding Mto submit their accounts December 27, 2017. This, the Corporations, Companies, financial releases and sanction for review since President report said, is contrary to the Commissions, etc, otherwise of the Chief Executives should Muhammadu Buhari assumed Financial Regulation 3210 called Parastatals are not be imposed on defaulting office, an official report shows. (v) which enjoins the chief audited by my Office, in line Agencies who do not render The poor compliance of executive officers of these with Section 85(3) (a) of the timely accounts, as provided MDAs to Nigerian laws on bodies to submit audited 1999 Constitution. However, in the Constitution and submission of accounts is accounts to the Office of in accordance with Section Financial Regulations.” worse in each of Mr Buhari’s the Auditor-General of the 85(3) (b) of the Constitution, The auditor-general also first two years in office than Federation, OAuGF “not later their Annual Accounts and lamented that the Ministries, any previous year since Nigeria than 31st May of the following Auditor’s reports thereon Departments and Agencies returned to democracy from year of Account.” shall be submitted to me for (MDAs) and their accounting military dictatorship in 1999. By Section 85 (5) of the comments. officers are reverting to the Anthony Ayine According to the Auditor- Constitution of the Federal “Most of the government situation in the past where General of the Federation, Republic of Nigeria 1999 Corporations, Companies they did not promptly respond analysts, the trend of default 324 MDAs failed to submit (as amended), the auditor- and Commissions have not to audit observations, adding by the MDAs is worrying. their accounts for audit in general is required to submit submitted their audited that it is a major setback to Paul Aladje, lead economist 2016, while 215 MDAs failed a report on the audit of accounts for 2016 to me. the nation’s accountability and enterprise partner at SPM to submit in 2015. In each of the Accountant-General’s Only 51 audited Financial process. Professionals, in a telephone the 22 previous years before Financial Statements to Statements for 2016 and “Where accounting officers interview that officials have that, the highest number of the National Assembly 149 for 2015 have been fail to respond to audit queries, studied the government and non-submissions was 148, in within 90 days of receipt submitted to my Office as at the implication is that they are exploiting its inability to 2014. of the statements from the 27th December, 2017, despite have no explanation to offer. take decisive actions against Although he did not list Accountant-General of the the provision of Financial They should be compelled impunity. He noted that the the defaulting agencies in Federation. Regulation 3210(v) which by the Public Accounts underlying cause of the trend 2016, the Auditor-General, But in the executive enjoins the Chief Executive Committees to comply with might be in civil servants’ Anthony Ayine, worried summary of the 2016 report, Officers of these bodies to the audit recommendations desires to hide corrupt deals. about the situation, stated Mr Ayine noted that the submit both the Audited on such issues.” “In my opinion, I think it is in the 2016 audit report that Financial Statements of the Accounts and Management easier to point accusing fingers “The extensive violation of Federal Government for the Report to me not later than Worrisome trend? at politicians, meanwhile the statutory financial reporting year ended December 31, 31st May of the following year Although Mr Ayine highest level of corruption is obligations by Parastatals is of 2016 were first submitted of Account.” mentioned the “stringent going on in the civil service great concern.” to him by the Accountant- He explained further sanctions” that could be generally. Mr Ayine’s remarks were General of the Federation on that as at April 2018, 109 meted on defaulting MDAs, “In 2016, the auditor- contained in the recently June 30, 2017. Agencies have not submitted there is no indication that the general revealed that more released annual report of “Following my preliminary beyond 2013, 76 Agencies federal government or the than four trillion naira was the Auditor-General for the observations,” he noted, “the last submitted for the 2010 presidency would implement not remitted and because Federation on the accounts Statements were significantly financial year while 65the sanctions. most of these people are not of the Federation of Nigeria amended and resubmitted agencies have never submitted Inquiries on the possible politicians. for the year ended December on 29th September, 2017. any account since inception. cause of this trend and what “Nigerians find it very 2016. Further amendments to the The affected agencies and the government was doing difficult to even monitor them. The 2016 audit report is Financial Statements led to parastatals were however not about it. Phone calls were not The level of transparency in the latest by Mr Ayine’s office another re-submission on mentioned in the executive returned and text messages the system that we put in and was released last month. 29th December, 2017 and summary. sent to his known numbers place makes it very difficult An ongoing analysis of 16th January, 2018 before the “The extensive violation of were not replied either. the report shows that only 51 final version was eventually statutory financial reporting Fore economists and Continue on Page 9 Miyetti Allah’s leadership should be questioned over killings – Gowon ormer Head of State, properties in the state. ‘Nigeria Prays’ to the governor. violence on Benue State and Gen. Yakubu Gowon He particularly expressed He said, “I am sad and later justified the killings and (retd), has stated worry over the killings of worried at the religious their roles. that security agencies innocent and unarmed dimension the killings are “For us to survive as a Fshould invite and question villagers by armed herdsmen, assuming. nation; we must learn to live the leadership of Miyetti Allah which had yet to be stopped “It is worrisome to see together as one regardless of Kautal Hore over the killings by appropriate authorities, innocent people being killed. ethnicity or religion” perpetuated by herders in the saying that the situation if not Government should make Ortom, who was country. immediately addressed, could more efforts to tackle the represented by his deputy, Gowon spoke on Saturday lead to a religious war. insecurity situation in the Mr Benson Abounu, thanked at the Benue People’s House, The former Head of State country before it descends Gowon for commiserating Makurdi, when he visited who said he was out of the into a full religious war. with the people of the state Governor Samuel Ortom country when two priests and “Security agencies as well as lending his voice to commiserate with the 17 worshipers were killed in should invite and question to the call on the Federal government and the people a church in the state during the leadership of Miyetti Government to take decisive of the state over the wanton morning mass, expressed Allah Kautal Hore who actions to end the orgy of Gowon killings and destruction of the condolences of his group, had threatened to unleash violence. 6 POLITICS Monday, July 23rd, 2018 I cannot be intimidated: Ortom tackles Benue APC overnor Samuel Ortom claim that of Benue Sate yesterday they had labeled the state chapter faulted the of the All Progressives performance GCongress (APC) a one-man show. of the He also said he never at any time Governor. claimed that the party had given We equally him Red Card. challenge He said it was the leader of the the party to party in the state who said at several make public fora that he had given him red card. evidence He however said no amount of regarding intimidation or personal attacks their claims would make him abandon the people that bailout of the state. funds and He said it was regretful that APC Paris Club in Benue State has now turned to refund were demonize him for obvious selfish diverted. reasons. “While The governor made theGovernor submissions in a statement through O r t o m his Chief Press Secretary, Terver appreciates Akase the platform He was reacting to claims by which APC the party that it raised issues of gave him to governance with the governor offer service briefings at meetings and platforms following which he gave himself red to the people of Benue State, it is mentioned above. card. regrettable that the same party has “Besides, the Governor announced He called the APC statement now turned to demonize him for to the people of the state receipts of hypocrisy of the highest order. obvious selfish reasons. monies and expenditures. He said: “It is on record that “Ortom has encouraged regular “Governor Ortom gave the people APC in Benue State has on many caucus and other stakeholders’ of the state information about occasions, passed vote of confidence meetings at which he constantly the bailout, Paris Club refunds on Governor Ortom as a result of his gives briefings about the security and all other federal government performance. and financial challenges in the state. interventions and explained how “During the State Congress of they could not meet all the final the party at Aper Aku Stadium in He also gets feedback and input at obligations with respect to payment It is therefore Makurdi, it adopted the Governor as such meetings. of salaries, gratuities and pensions. absurd for its consensus candidate. “His successful conduct of the local “The claim by the APC that such anyone to “Again, the party publicly said its government elections which APC matters were raised at the last State make heavy decision was based on the sterling candidates overwhelmingly won Congress or at a secret forum is stewardship of Governor Ortom chairmanship and councillorship wind out of an therefore not tenable, misleading within the last three years. But positions throughout the state and insincere. endorsement being the true democrat that he is, is proof of the popularity of his “The APC State Congress was that has no the Governor decided that other administration. conducted in the public domain and legal backing aspirants be also allowed to vie for “There has really been no need issues of governance were not raised and cannot be the governorship seat to deepen for the party to raise governance at the meeting. internal democracy in the party. issues with Governor Ortom “It may also be necessary to point relied upon “We challenge APC in Benue State because he gives the leaders and the to bring out facts to back their state working committee regular Continue on Page 7 I’m no longer in APC, Gov Ortom insists “Further consultation is going that I have not defected to his initial statement that the different thing. I met with the Asked about an agreement to take place. I will do whatever any political party. I remain leader of the party in Benue, national chairman of APC. We he reached with President the Benue people tell me to do. outside the pitch because I Senator George Akume gave are still talking. No decision Muhammadu Buhari and I have not made a u-turn.” have been given a red card by him a red card from the party was taken on anything. some APC leaders in 2015 The governor who spoke to the leader of the party in the and that he is now outside the Further consultation is going that he would only run for newsmen in Makurdi shortly state. As to whether the red pitch waiting for the next line to take place. I will do whatever one term, Ortom said he is after he returned from Abuja card is quashed is a different of action. the Benue people tell me to do. not aware of such agreement where he had gone to meet thing until I hear from them. He said his meeting with the I have not made a u-turn. positing that as it is now, it with the National Chairman of I have not gone to any other APC National Chairman was “The National Chairman of is only the people of the state the APC, Adams Oshiomole on place. But if the Benue people to see how the issue can be APC invited me and it would that can tell him to contest or Friday said if the Benue people ask me to leave APC, I will resolved stressing that a final have been dishonorable not not to contest the election. ask him to leave the party, he leave.” decision on the matter was to honour the invitation. “I’m not aware of any such would not hesitate to leave as Ortom who expressed yet to be reached as further But I’m not alone on this agreement except the Benue the people have the final say in dismay that he was being consultation was still ongoing. journey. They (APC) are people ask me to step aside. the matter. misquoted as double-speaking “If people are doing consultation and I’m I have a right as a citizen of “For now, where I stand is on the matter said he stood by misrepresenting me, it’s a also doing consultation.” Nigeria to run for two terms.” Monday, July 23rd, 2018 POLITICSNEWS 7 2019: Why I declared early – Buhari

By Femi Adesina we can save a lot of time and thought to be uneducated He advised Nigerians to get cool tempers. and unsophisticated are very their voters card for the 2019 resident Muhammadu “A lot people were trying educated and sophisticated elections, and ensure that they Buhari Friday in Abuja to make it a habit of being a during elections; for those who vote to please their conscience said he made his nuisance to themselves and have money to give they say with pride as citizens. intention to contest the many Nigerians, so when I came bring the money we will still do The President commended P2019 Presidential Elections out I said those who are serious what we want to do,’’ he added. the BSGC for all the sacrifice and known early in order to douse let them come out. President Buhari noted that steadfastness in championing rising speculations and give the “And I tried to make sure God’s divine intervention and his candidacy. party, All Progressives Congress that the party is organized the use of technology during “I thank you very much (APC), enough time to prepare and consolidated so that we the 2015 elections exposed for the sacrifice you have been for the polls. start from the bottom to the the weakness of previous making. I am happy to use this President Buhari, who top, and that Nigerians will processes where a privileged opportunity to meet you and received members of the Buhari be involved in a way that each few sat and allocated figures to thank you for the sacrifices and Support Group Centre (BSGC) constituency will pick those constituencies during elections. steadfastness. I don’t think I can at the State House, said he that are going to represent them “They just sit and look at a thank you enough because by noticed that speculations were at various levels, whether as constituency and they award identifying yourself as a group already constituting distraction Local Government chairmen, the numbers, then they say for all these years and getting President Buhari to governance and stirring in the State Assembly, House anybody who disagrees should nothing for it visibly I think its tensions, so he had to declare of Representatives, Senate and go to court; now for somebody worthy of commendation,’’ he and helping to explain the new during the National Executive finally the president,’’ he said. who is looking for the next meal said. life that your government has Committee meeting of the The President said early where does he get money to pay In his remarks, the ushered in for the good people party. declaration guaranteed more Senior Advocates of Nigeria? Coordinator of the BSGC, of Nigeria.’’ “I had to announce before the participation and inclusivity “Thank God for technology, Umaru Dembo, said “through He said the BSGC had National Executive Committee within the party, and further with the PVC you know where thick and thin, rain or sun shine, initiated the documentation of of our party about my intention strengthened the bond with you registered and it can be hot or cold we are here to assure the President’s achievements to ask for the party’s nomination supporters and Nigerians. shown whether you voted or Mr President that since 2014 we in a book authored by Dr Sani for next year’s election so that “Some of the people not,’’ the President said. have been working, expanding Muktar Bichi and himself.

SHORTNEWS I cannot be intimidated: Ortom tackles Benue APC Obasanjo is From Page 6 “More ridiculous is the fact that decision yet so far reached with the organising secretary APC has become a one man show in stakeholders he has consulted. we are out that the last State Congress was Benue State. It should be on record only surprised that the local chapter of tired politicians not convened for the purpose of that the attacks on Governor are of the APC has been attacking him in – Oshiomhole endorsing or electing the Governor, coming now because he couldn’t the media, writing very bad things Senators and other representatives meet some inordinate personal about him but he is not bothered National Chairman of the All in the state or National Assembly. ambitions and interests of those who about that. He is looking at the bigger Progressives Congress (APC) “Even if that were the case, no want to perpetually shortchange the picture. If the Benue people tell him Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, has one moved any motion for such people. to leave, he will leave. said that contrary to the impression endorsements and none supported “The media attack on Governor “If he is going to leave the APC, we that the ruling party is being hit by or opposed. Ortom by the state chapter of APC is are not yet sure if he would be going mass defection, it was the opposition, “It is therefore absurd for anyone the beginning of the smear campaign to the PDP. It can be PDP or any other the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to make heavy wind out of an about which we alerted Benue people party. The governor is a star player, that is losing members. endorsement that has no legal and other Nigerians. More of such many clubs (parties) are after him to According to him, a party whose backing and cannot be relied upon.” disparaging statements should be get his signature.” founding fathers including Professor The governor gave insights into expected in the days to come. The Governor himself told Jerry Gana and former President how he is being frustrated by the “However, no amount of members of OnTiv Professionals Olusegun Obasanjo, who he referred leader of the party and APC in the intimidation or personal attacks can Association in Abuja on Thursday to as the organising secretary going state. make the Governor to abandon the that he is leaving the All Progressives about recruiting tired politicians to The statement added: “At no time people of Benue State. He has chosen Congress (APC) for good. continue his third term agenda, can did Governor Ortom ever mention to stand with the people and won’t never upstage the ruling party. that the APC in Benue State gave him be distracted now or in the future.” He said he would not return to Oshiomhole was responding to a red card. Ortom still consulting on his the party for any reason. reports of mass defection threatening He stated categorically that it was political future —Spokesman Ortom spoke a few hours after APC, after a closed door meeting the leader of the party who said at Terver Akase told The Nation by emerging from a peace meeting with with President Muhammadu Buhari. several fora that he had given him phone that Ortom will make public the APC national chairman,Comrade According to him, “I think this is red card. his decision to stay or leave the All Adams Oshiomhole where he said what you should ask the PDP, they “The Governor made internal Progressives Congress (APC) next he had not dumped the party and are the ones who have suffered huge efforts to resolve the matter within week. had expressed hope of a peaceful mass defection even of the so called the structure of the party at the state resolution of the crisis in the party. founding fathers. In those good old level before going public. “Governor Ortom has not left But receiving his guests at days people like Professor Jerry Gana “That APC in the state has issued the APC. the in Benue State Governor’s will tell us that we are the founding the statement as if it is the leader of He still consulting with the Lodge,Abuja,the governor said : “I fathers, people like President the party or as if they are one and the stakeholders majority of who are can assure you and the good people Obasanjo will tell you that ‘I was the same, underscores Governor Ortom’s his supporters. He will make his of Benue that there is no going back first president’ and all those stuff, all concern that the party structure in position known next week after the on my decision to exit from the APC.” of these people are gone. the state is out to satisfy the whims meeting with his supporters,” Akase He added:”at the appropriate time “I think the media should get and caprices of one individual. said. in the next few weeks, I would make more engaged and scrutinize those of “It is now clear that APC in Benue Some online outlets reported my next move public.” us who are political players, especially State has opted to mortgage the yesterday that the governor had Oshiomhole on Thursday had said when we speak from both sides of our interest of the people of the state. announced his exit from the APC Ortom “is not going anywhere” and mouths, or we know are turning the The party’s unprovoked attack on after a meeting with some of his called him “a very, very prominent truth upside down. Governor Ortom points to where its supporters. member of our party.” interest lies. However, Akase said: “There is no 8 VILLADIARY Monday, July 23rd, 2018

President Buhari receiving a presentation from Director General of Buhari Support Group Umaru Dembo as he receives in audience National Executives of Buhari Support Group Centre in State House on 20th July 2018.

President Buhari receives in audience Newly elected Executive Officers of the Nigerian Medical Association in State House on 19th July 2018

President Buhari receiving a presentation from NMA President Dr Francis Faduyile with them are R-L: Minister of State for Health Dr Osagie Ehanire, 1st Vice President Dr Kenneth Tijo, 2nd Vice President Ofem Enang and Secretary General Dr Olumuyiwa Odusote as he receives in audience Newly elected Executive Officers of the Nigerian Medical Association in State House on 19th July 2018

President Buhari tours Port of Rotterdam and Shell Pernis Refinery in the Netherlands on 17th July 2018

President Buhari with MD NPA Hadiza Bala Usman, Plateau State Governor Simon Lalong, Ondo State Governor Rotimi Akeredolu and CEO Port of Rotterdam Allard Castelein during his tour Port of Rotterdam in the Netherlands.

President Buhari presents Keynote Address at the 20th Anniversary of the International Criminal Court (ICC) at the Hague, Netherlands on 17th July 2018

L-R: ICC Registrar Mr Peter Lewis, President of the Assembly of States Parties to the Rome Statute, President O-Gon Kwon, President of ICC Judge Chile Eboe- Osuji and ICC Prosecutor Mrs Fatou Bensouda ahead of his presentation at the 20th Anniversary of the International Criminal Court (ICC) at the Hague, Netherlands on 17th July 2018 Monday, July 23rd, 2018 NAT’LNEWS 9

BRIEFS Police dismiss four SARS operatives for President Buhari receives Governor- robbery, other crimes Elect John Kayode Fayemi in State AIG Adamu Ibrahim, in charge House on 19th July of Zone 2 Command, has 2018 approved the dismissal of four policemen attached to the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS), Ikeja, Lagos State, over alleged robbery and other crimes. CSP Dolapo Badmus, the Zone’s spokesperson, confirmed the dismissal on Sunday in Lagos. According to Badmus, the dismissed officers are Sgt. Adeoye Adekunle; Sgt. Adekitan Adebowale; Sgt. Agbi Lucky and Sgt. Odighe Hehosa. She said that the four policemen were dismissed and subsequently charged to court JAMB remits N7.8bn from for armed robbery, kidnapping, unlawful detention, intimidation and threatening 2018 UTME to FG violence. Badmus said that the he Joint Admissions “We, therefore, want to continue to be judicious with through enhanced technology panel recommended them for and Matriculation appreciate the governing board resources at its disposal,” he as currently being done by the dismissal based on the report of Board (JAMB) says of JAMB led by Dr Emmanuel said. Central Admission Process the investigation carried out on it has remitted Ndukwe for the tremendous Benjamin said cumulatively Selection (CAPS).” a petition against them. TN7.8 billion to the federal support in ensuring that and technically, the board had Benjamin said the board She said that a petition was government. the current administration’s remitted a total of N15.6 billion was set to acquire cutting-edge written against them by Mr Fabian Benjamin, the board’s vision of transparency and in less than two years. technology to give candidates Chukwudi Godwin Odionye, head, media and information, accountability as fully embraced “The board is thinking of the best registration procedure, popularly referred to as ‘Bishop’ disclosed the information to by JAMB is sustained. how to ensure that candidates examination and a more on May 2, 2018. NAN on Sunday in Lagos. “The Ndukwe-led boardbenefitted from the surplus,” improved selection process. “The petitioner stated that Benjamin said the amount had, within its short period he said. He said the development on June 4, 2017, he was in his was the surplus generated from of inauguration, contributed “We are currently looking at was similar to the one that was house around Alagbado area of the conduct of the board’s 2018 immensely in some ground a number of ways to enhance currently being developed by the state when four armed men Unified Tertiary Matriculation breaking innovations. the conduct of the examination the CAPS initiative. stormed his house to effect Examination (UTME). “One of such innovations where candidates will benefit by Benjamin lauded the his arrest on the allegation of “However, government in is the quick remittance of way of conducive environment efforts of members of staff performing ‘FAKE’ miracles. its magnanimity, graciously the 2018 surplus. Whatever in writing the examination. of the board, as well as other “He stated that after his directed that we remit about candidates pay for JAMB’s “We are also looking at key stakeholders, for their arrest, he was taken to one N5.6 billion and use the balance examination is a trust and must putting more mechanism doggedness, commitment hotel at Agege where he was for restructuring of the board’s be accounted for. in place that will ensure and support in ensuring that detained and threatened to be headquarters to meet up with “The board, though not a absolute equity and fairness integrity of the board and its killed if he fails to cooperate. its international status. revenue generating agency, will in the selection of candidates examination was sustained. More mdas violate audit law under Buhari than previous gov’ts – Nigeria’s Auditor-General

From Page 5 even though the money who don’t want to serve have a log in your own’. successive administrations. has been completely spent Nigeria have no business “On several occasions, “Why is it that a very vital to receive the body language and contractors would be in office. We need to take the anti-corruption mantra parastatal of government that of the auditor general on nowhere to be found.” decisive decision to ensure of this administration is has tendency to help in the forensic auditors that check As a corrective measure, that things are done properly.” suspect. What justification promotion of anti-corruption the books,” he said. Mr Aladje noted that the first For Jide Ojo, public could there be for over 300 is deliberately underfunded?” “First, I believe a lot of thing is to put systems in affairs analyst, the trend by MDAs not to have audited Mr Ojo explained further people have carefully studied place. the MDAs is symptomatic reports and yet they continue that most reports indicting President Buhari that he is “When you fightof the culture of impunity to receive public funding. agencies are not acted upon more of body language than corruption by putting people that reigns under the Buhari Mr Ojo, however, says he and gather dust in the auditor- the real action. So they feel in prison, you will only be administration. would not put all the blame general’s office. He wondered like corruption is free for fighting the effect, that Speaking in an interview on the table of the president. whether the president was all and that is what you are is, corruption would have on Friday morning, Mr Ojo “What about the National perhaps unaware of the perhaps seeing among all the happened,” he explained. noted that the trend speaks Assembly which has oversight concerns. MDAs. “Most of the time, you of how much the system has functions on these MDAs? “How can you be an African “For me, it is disappointing; don’t deter corruption alone been made ineffective. When they go for these champion of anti-corruption all hopes were high when by putting people in prison, He said, “He who must oversight functions, do and this is happening under we have the president that but by making it difficult for come to equity must come they ever ask them of these your nose. Does the president we believed would have people to steal; by putting the with clean hands. Thisaudited reports? Because, you even read newspapers? Does high level of integrity in figures out. Secrecy around administration has severally know again the office of the he even get proper briefing his administration. Civil figures, tenders, contracts been accused of the axiom in auditor-general is part of the from his media handlers? I servants for who they are, should be completely the bible that says ‘You are government and I will tell you wonder, if he doesn’t have projects could just disappear removed. trying to remove the speck for free that that’s one office time to read; what they are overnight, having no bearing “The point is clear, people on someone’s face while you that has been least funded by telling him?” he said. 10 NAT’LNEWS Monday, July 23rd, 2018 Impeachment: Imo CJ bows to pressure, constitute panel he perception that against Prince Madumere A crosssection of Imolites unions and women groups. In the deputy governor had been stalled by failure have totally condemned bid to register their aversion of Imo State, Prince of the lawmakers to follow the impeachment move to the impeachment move Eze Madumere, due process as required by against the deputy governor, against the deputy governor, Thas got reprieve from the law, which was challenged in describing it as mere witch concerned Imo citizens took impeachment proceeding court. hunt over Prince Madumere’s to the streets of Owerri to against him by the Imo Prince Madumere refusal to support Governor protest the move, declaring State House of Assembly, through his lawyer, Chief ken Okorocha’s 3rdterm agenda Prince Madumere innocent. was quashed with the Njemanze, had challenged through his son-in-law The group also took a swipe constitution of panel of the procedure adopted by and other policy related at some of the lawmakers inquiry against, the deputy the House of Assembly, issues. Some of the notable who they urged to rescind governor. at the Imo State High leaders who spoke against their decision. Meanwhile The chief Judge of the Court, alleging that the impeachment of Prince other arguments were that state, Justice Paschal Nnadi, petitioners had not served Madumere were former issues propped up by Acho to the consternation of the him. Madumere’s challenge governor of Imo State, Ihim led lawmakers were people named members of bothers on the constitutional Chief Ikedi Ohakim, former unsubstantiated, thereby Seven-Man-Panel of inquiry requirement that stipulates deputy speaker, House of seemed most frivolous and Gov. Prince Eze Madumere to look into the allegations that he must be mandatorily Representatives, Rt. Hon spurious. Another loophole against the deputy governor, served personally as he is Emeka Ihedioha, Senator was that some of the plenary session to investigate Prince Madumere. It also required to respond Victor Umeh, Hon. Henry petitioners are also members the allegations that were said will be recalled that the personally according to 1999 Nwuwuba, Mr. Okey Eze of Six-Man-Committee set to have constituted gross impeachment proceedings Constitution (as amended). including youths, trade up by the Speaker during a misconduct.

SHORT NEWS Oshiomhole licking his Media stakeholders kick against vomit, says PDP on ‘lose no ‘draconian’ press council bill The Nigerian Pressunconstitutional as it runs Organisation (NPO) has against the principles and sleep’ comment condemned the Nigerian tenets of the rule of law and Press Council Bill 2018, is actually subjudice given The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) already aware of the story of the sick describing it as draconian that a case on the subject says Adams Oshiomhole, chairman, lion and that all animals that went and unconstitutional. matter is still pending in All Progressives Congress (APC), is visiting never returned. They know The NPO is made up of the highest court of the land licking his vomit after the ‘no loss that the tiger do not offer his back the Newspaper Proprietors’ – the Supreme Court – in of sleep’ comment on the Reformed- for a ride without a price. Association of Nigeria view of which the bill should APC faction. “Very soon Oshiomhole and (NPAN), Nigeria Guild of not have been drafted in Oshiomhole had said he could President Buhari would find Editors (NGE), Nigerian the first instance,” the not lose sleep over the breakaway themselves alone in the cursed ‘Black Union of Journalists (NUJ), statement read. faction of the APC. Pearl’ that the APC has irredeemably Broadcasting Organisations “That the bill is, for Reacting to the comment, Kola become. of Nigeria (BON) and other all intents and purposes, Ologbondiyan, PDP spokesman, “While we understand media stakeholders. draconian and anti- said Oshiomhole dismissed R-APC Oshiomhole’s frustration over his The bill, which was press freedom being an yet went ahead to pay a nocturnal inability to stop the coalition, the recently passed for second amalgamation of the visit to Buba Galadima, its chairman, fact remains that he and President reading at the senate, obnoxious Public Officers “in what appeared a fence-mending Buhari are fighting a lost battle in seeks to empower the Protection Against False gesture”. trying to destroy it.” Nigerian Press Council accusation Decree No. 4 of “The PDP holds nothing but Responding to the PDP, Oshiomhole on decisions relating to 1984 and the Newspapers pity for Oshiomhole, who is now Bolaji Abdullahi, national training institutions and Registration Decree 43 of professional qualifications 1993, both vestiges of the licking his own vomit by going publicity secretary of the APC, fake defections. What is clear with around cap in hand and begging the said the opposition party “sees that would be acceptable dark days of military rule all these is that no matter how long for journalism practice in and therefore incurably and same compatriots whom he earlier every altercation as a potential a leopard lives, it cannot change its called names like ‘inconsequential’, opportunity for a feast”. Nigeria. irreparably bad, being also spots. According to a statement inconsistent with values of ‘hungry birds’ and ‘tired feet’, Abdullahi described the party’s “What President Muhammadu not to leave his sinking party,” move of seeking reconciliation with signed by Nduka Obaigbena, our democratic society. Buhari and Comrade Adams president of NPAN, if signed “That the bill through Ologbondiyan said in a statement R-APC as “what responsible and Oshiomhole, the National Chairman released on Sunday. sensible party leaders would do”. into law, the bill would some of its other obnoxious of our Party are doing, persuading serve as an “interference provisions seeks to “Unfortunately for Oshiomhole “After three years in the every aggrieved member not to and his Presidential sponsor, events wilderness, the Peoples Democratic in the operations of indoctrinate Nigerians, leave the Party, is what responsible the media in Nigeria as through the use and of the weeks ahead will clear all Party (PDP) is understandably and sensible party leaders would do. doubts that APC is dead and that excited with possibility of hiding its businesses registered under misuse of curricula in Party politics is a game of number. the relevant laws of the training of journalists Oshiomhole is just an undertaker, irredeemably bad image under the And that game is addition. If the whose job is to cremate the derelict heap of a new coalition,” he said in federation”. and usurp the powers of PDP had the same presence of NPO said a lawsuit the regulatory bodies in contraption by oppressors, who a statement. mind in 2015, perhaps the calamity are falsely hailing themselves as “Like the vulture, PDP sees against the bill is still the educational sector that befell them would have been “pending at the supreme affecting media training messiahs. every altercation as a potential averted. “What Oshiomhole and opportunity for a feast. court,” and therefore especially the National “We challenge the PDP to face it should not be under Universities Commission President Buhari, in their fantasy “If PDP is not alleging wild Nigerians on their own merit in trip, fail to understand is that those conspiracies, they are threatening consideration. and the National Board for 2019 and stop shopping around for “The proposed bill is Technical Education.” they seek to draw into the cave are to boycott elections or announcing supporters.” Monday, July 23rd, 2018 NAT’LNEWS 11

SHORT NEWS Dasuki: Buhari being misled to disobey Rise in crude oil prices to the courts – Northern Youth Council raise Nigeria’s economy he Northern Youth Council of Nigeria by 2.3% in 2019 (NYCN) has frowned at a statement credited The International Monetary announced for Nigeria, Tto the Attorney General of Fund (IMF) has upgraded which was 0.4 per cent points the Federation and Minister the growth rate forecast for higher than the 1.9 per cent of Justice, Abubakar Malami, Nigeria’s Gross Domestic announced in April 2018. In to the effect that the federal Product (GDP) in 2019 to 2.3 Sub-Saharan Africa scene, the government was not ready to per cent while retaining 2.1 IMF retained GDP growth release Sambo Dasuki, former per cent for 2018. forecast of 3.4 per cent in National Security Adviser The IMF said the upgraded 2018, upgraded its forecast (NSA), after perfecting the forecast reflects improved for 2019 to 3.8 per cent, from 6th bail, with the most recent prospects for Nigeria’s growth 3.7 per cent announced in granted him by the Federal on the back of an improved April, as a result of the rise in High Court. outlook for oil prices. The commodity prices. In a statement by the President Buhari Justice Abubakar Malami International monetary On the global level, IMF President of NYCN, Isah Abubakar, the group said that past administration, he authority announced the retained its growth forecast reinvigorated and facilitated new forecast in its World for the global economy President Muhammadu Buhari is being misled by a “northern the expansion of troops of Economic Outlook (WEO) at 3.9 per cent for 2018 Multi-national Joint Taskforce Update, July 2018 titled, and 2019 but expressed cabal” for selfish interests. The statement read in parts (MNJTF) with neighbouring ‘Less Even Expansion, and concerns over mounting Benin, Cameroon, Chad and Rising Trade Tensions,’ risks to growth, calling on thus: “We are alarmed at the statement credited to the Niger towards combating released on Monday, July 16, fiscal authorities to avoid the dreaded Boko Haram 2018. protectionists’ measures and Justice Minister and to say that it is not only disgusting, insurgency. In 2019, a GDP growth seek cooperative solutions “Dasuki also facilitated a forecast of 2.3 per cent was that promote growth. myopic and insensitive but portrays the Attorney General collaboration with foreign as incapable of discharging his technical advisers towards Peter Zornio, Chief Technology Officer, duties as the adviser to both ensuring the recovery of several the President and the nation. major towns in Adamawa, Emerson Automation Solutions “Is it not unbecoming of Borno and Yobe states from Sambo Dasuki a person labelled as a Senior Boko Haram terrorists. Some The Industrial Internet of strategies in a scalable way, Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) of the liberated towns included: governments when they have Things (IIoT) has quickly with defined, measurable and a Northerner to engage Abadam, Askira, Baga, Bama, been regular cases of death in moved past “hype” and is on a goals. The goal is to help them in activities seen to be against Bara, Buni Yadi, Damboa, North-East from terrorists and solid path toward accelerating be Top Quartile performers the rule of law as courts of Dikwa, Gamboru-Ngala, Zamfara, Sokoto and Kaduna overall business improvement – achieving operations and competent jurisdiction have Goniri, Gujba, Gulag, Gulani, from armed bandits apart from for oil and gas, refining, capital performance in the top granted Dasuki bail 6 times? Gwoza, Hong, Kala Balge, the killing from the menace of petrochemical, life sciences, 25 percent of peer companies. “We dare say that President Konduga, Kukawa, Marte, herdsmen-farmers clashes. food and beverage and other While IIoT is often Buhari is being misled by Madagali, Michika, Monguno, “NYCN wish to commend industries. focused on technologies, northern cabals against other Mubi, Vimtim among others. prominent groups and A pioneer in developing Emerson has found that northerners, like in the case “It is pertinent to note that individuals that have come digital technologies and companies often overlook Sambo Dasuki. virtually all electorates in the out to criticize this assault on engineering services for the people and culture “We agree with one of the above-mentioned areas voted democracy, the monumental the manufacturing sector, change required to support loudest voices against this for President Buhari in 2015. embarrassment of the judiciary Emerson has expanded its IIoT this digital transformation. tyrannical tendency, a former The breakdown of results from and travesty of justice. No portfolio, called the Plantweb Strict adherence to cultural Aide de Camp (ADC) to General these areas confirmed that the right-thinking person should digital ecosystem, to include legacies and “the ways things Muhammadu Buhari when indigenes voted for him in that act unbothered about this not only a broad sensor have always been done” is he was Governor of Gongola election. Sadly, the current situation because such may network and cybersecurity challenging and can halt and Military Head of State, Al- government seems to have be replicated to the extent tools, but also software innovation if not addressed. Mustapha Haruna Jokolo. forgotten. that government will start applications, data analytics, Emerson has identified “In a recent interview, Jokolo “They said Dasuki did rubbishing any judgement that and IIoT-related services five critical competencies stated in a recent interview nothing with all the monies does not go its way. designed to improve reliability, for successful digital that Northern Cabals are he received as NSA but the “Finally, we must state energy use, safety and overall transformation: automated misleading President Buhari authorities are yet to counter that the statement by Justice operations. workflows, mobility, decision from releasing Sambo Dasuki his declaration on the arms, Minister that the government After decades of helping support, change management even after the fact that Dasuki weapons, jets and other military has a right to detain a citizen customers around the world and workforce upskilling. facilitated the 1983 coup hardware he put out in public against court order is not implement digital strategies on Emerson’s Operational that brought Buhari to power domain that were bought by only disgusting, myopic and some of the largest and most Certainty Consulting Group and supported his political Jonathan administration. The insensitive but portrays the complex industrial facilities, helps companies put new aspirations before the Sokoto equipments are still being used Abubakar Malami as incapable Emerson has found that a processes in place, identify Prince was appointed by by the Nigerian military today. of discharging his duties digital transformation strategy workflows that can be Jonathan’s government to The truth is that Nigeria is in as the adviser to both Mr. must begin with a clear automated – freeing up people serve as the NSA. trouble and clear attestation President and the nation. It is business case - identifying key to focus on more valuable “Jokolo further suggested to this are instances whereby even unbecoming of a person areas that need improvement, tasks – and implement what’s happening was probably the current administration is labelled as a Senior Advocate ranging from boosting technologies that put the right pre-planned. We are happy selecting orders to obey even in of Nigeria (SAN) to engage in production efficiencies to information into the right about Jokolo’s consternation an arrogant manner. activities seen to be against lowering maintenance costs, hands at the right time. In as a Northerner as well as his “While we won’t join persons the rule of law as courts of to preventing unplanned some cases, thanks to IIoT, this denunciation of the Northern and groups who have been competent jurisdiction have downtime or reducing data is securely outsourced elites for abandoning one of comparing death figures under granted Dasuki bail 6 times energy costs. With this to third-party experts like their sons. different regimes since 1999, as “President Buhari should be approach, Emerson helps Emerson, that will provide the “Dasuki may not have been the right to life is sacrosanct, a careful of any legal advice that companies focus on targeted analysis and recommended perfect but during his tenure presidential spokesman did this is illegal and unconstitutional opportunities and implement actions to improve operational as the National Security recently. He gave the infamous and drop this vengeance and digital transformation performance. Adviser in the immediate ‘death checklist’ under previous obey constitutionalism.” 12 ICPCREPORT Monday, July 23rd, 2018 ICPC blames private sector corruption on negligence he Acting Chairman of the because it is often overlooked. requesting for collaboration with ICPC in been focused mainly on the public sector, Independent Corrupt Practices He made this declaration when he their engagement with members of the it works with business organisations to and Other Related Offences welcomed the Regional Director for private sector on corruption prevention check corruption in the sector under its Commission, ICPC, Dr. Musa Africa, Center for International Private and other related issues. prevention mandate. TUsman Abubakar has declared that Enterprise (CIPE), Mr. Lars Benson, and Dr. Abubakar told the guests that even Earlier in his remarks, Mr. Lars Benson corruption thrives in the private sector members of his team when they visited though the Commission’s attention has told the Commission that although his organisation is US-based and a part of the US Chamber of Commerce, they work in Africa to support organisations in achieving a corruption-free environment for businesses to operate. “CIPE is working towards changing behaviours especially in the private sector in the area of anti-corruption,” he said. He went on to say that it was evident that enormous work still needed to be done because most of the surveys carried out by his organisation indicated that corruption featured as one of the top five issues impeding business investment in Nigeria. An Assistant Director in the Education Department, Mrs. Azuka Ogugua, gave more details on the strategies deployed by the Commission in preventing corruption in the private sector. She informed the guests that the Commission helps trade organisations and professional The Acting Chairman bodies in the infusion of integrity of the Independent values into their practice codes of Corrupt Practices ethics. and Other Related She also said that ICPC conducts Offences Commission, trainings for organisations to bring ICPC, Dr. Musa Usman their personnel up to speed on Anti- Abubakar with the Corruption laws and legislations Regional Director thereby widening their knowledge for Africa, Center for base and placing them in a better International Private position to resist corruption. Enterprise (CIPE), Mrs. Ogugua also spoke about Mr. Lars Benson, and the Commission’s engagement members of his team with the grassroots on inclusive during a visit to ICPC. budgeting, and how that has taught the people at that level to track and monitor budgets in order to ensure that their needs are reflected in them. Monday, July 23rd, 2018 NAT’LNEWS 13 You don’t represent the north but a cabal of evil doers – AYCF replies presidency Says presidential statement intemperate and highly immature

he Arewa Youths Presidency, condemning recently as the shedding of best interest of Nigeria, the Consultative Forum, the characterisation of the crocodile tears by selfish Presidency resorted to crude AYCF, has Saturday, administration by a coalition leaders, who felt alienated attacks and motor-park in Kaduna, taken of different socio-political after a transparent and insults. Ta swipe at the government organisations across the accountable system halted “To say that elders who of President Muhammadu country as incompetent. their disproportionate have no material needs Buhari, saying it represents The Nothern Elderssurvival on resources of the in their very old years are not the North of the country Forum, NEF, Afenifere, state”. shedding “crocodile tears” but a “a cabal of evil doers”. Ohanaeze and PANDEF, Shettima said the because a government that The Forum in a statement in a recent summit, had statement from the has been rated the most said Nigerians, irrespective described the administration Presidency was “intemperate corrupt in this history has or religion or ethnicity, must of President Muhammadu and highly immature”. blocked their access to come together to vote out Buhari as incompetent. His words, “It is sad that public funds is laughable as the President Buhari led - But in a response, instead of facing the honest a ridiculous claim but sad APC government in 2019. presidential aide, Garba assessment of the killing because it reflects how petty Yerima Shettima, Shehu, said it considered fields Nigeria has become and shallow the minds of President of the forum, the communique “issued by under this government by those in charge of our affairs spoke in response to some ethnic and sectional elders and leaders who have are. Yerima Shettima the statement by the groups assembled in Abuja nothing at stake but the R-APC spokesman: APC dangling juicy carrots at us, promising heaven and earth The Reformed All Progressives leader who was ridiculed, The Chairman of the Code of Presidential Villa is all of a Congress (R-APC), a new scandalised, demonised, Conduct displayed magisterial sudden, opening his doors to faction of the APC, says the criminalised and called all arrogance in prosecuting the one meeting or the other all in ruling party has been pleading sorts of names by agents of Senate President, but all that the name of re-election. with its members to return to the presidency just to give fell by the wayside as the Just to make the point its fold. the Senate President a bad Supreme Court gave one of its that it is too late in the day. In a statement by Kazeem name in order to hang him. landmark judgments in recent The train has left the station. Afegbua, its spokesman, the As soon as the Supreme Court time by giving him a clean bill Leopards cannot change their breakaway faction said the gave a resounding verdict on of health. spots no matter how much APC is “dangling juicy carrots the trumped up and frivolous Pronto, all the political one tries to tame them. We and promising them heaven charges against the Senate conspirators in the APC swoop enjoin all our members to and earth”. President, Mr. President into dubious reconciliation remain steadfast and resolute President Muhammadu suddenly felt a need to praise assignment, hopping from in defending their rights and Buhari and four APC the judiciary for standing on door to door at the thick of taking the appropriate action governors met with Senate Kazeem Afegbua its own. Hmm, power as they the night to strike deals of in defence of democracy. This President Bukola Saraki truly say, must be a crazy reconciliation. Those who said democracy must survive on on Thursday over the crisis reconciliation. aphrodisiac. they won’t lose sleep over the ethical grounds and not on rocking the party. Below is the full statement: Never a time has the R-APC, have become sleepless lawlessness and exclusion. It Afegbua said Buhari “We members of the number 3 (three) citizen of in the last two weeks. Does must provide a level playing promised “mouth-watering R-APC find it very amusing Nigeria been so dehumanized, anyone need to be reminded grounds for all participants. offers all in the name of that those who boasted that criminalised and disgraced in that caveat emptor should be Those who prevented some re-election” to “the same they won’t lose sleep over our such whimsical manner while the operative words? Those persons from visiting their leader who was ridiculed, altruistic action, have been all the present reconciliators who pleaded in the past, states in the name of politics, scandalised, demonised.” hopping from door to door kept conspiratorial silence, short of kneeling before have suddenly realised that The spokesman accused pleading with our members waiting for the sledge hammer their subordinates, ended up they need the services and the leadership of the ruling not to leave by dangling to fall on the Senate President. in the political belly of their support of those persons. party of double standard, juicy carrots and promising They tried all tricks, mounted benefactors when the re- They are now pleading, ready saying it should not be taken them heaven and earth. Such all manner of pressures, election was concluded. It is to submit to all demands. Who seriously. level of double standard is raised all dubious allegations, an albatross that some people does not know that won’t work After the ruling party the reason why the R-APC just to nail the Senate are still carrying till date. because examples have shown became factionalised, Adams was birthed in the first place President. They were short Examples abound in this our that political agreements are Oshiomhole, the national because the leadership is not of calling him a promoter of democracy and it is ringing often observed in the breach. chairman, had said he would one that keeps promises and armed robbery; they linked bell in our consciousness This is to inform our not lose sleep over R-APC. it’s the reason why no one his name to the Offa Robbery every now and then. This members nationwide that In the statement released should take the APC serious. and improvised all biles to government is never a we are still maintaining on Sunday, Afegbua said It is interesting to suddenly rubbish the institution of the promise keeper and some of our stand against the APC those who claimed they would see Mr. President holding Legislature. They stripped the promises contained in the and no amount of carrots, not lose sleep “have become meetings with the Senate him naked in the marketplace manifestos of the APC have intimidation and harassment sleepless in the last two President, Dr. Bukola Saraki, and now desperately trying to been jettisoned. The president can dissuade us in our shared weeks”. reportedly promising mouth- bath him with ornaments in who has held himself in commitment to rescue this He said it was too late for a watering offers; the same the inner fortress of Aso Rock. the inner sanctuary of the democracy.” 14 OPINION Monday, July 23rd, 2018 Between Adeosun’s forged NYSC certificate and Ayodele James’ fake ICAN certificate

he reader is probably asking,“Who in the world is Ayodele James?” Well, Lebi- Ayodele James made headlines Ton July 13 when an Abuja High Court sentenced him to a two-year jail term- and asked him to refund N100,000 to the government in restitution-for forging an Institute of Chartered Accountant of Nigeria (ICAN) certificate, a coveted professional license for accountants. He was convicted of “forgery of certificate contrary to section 25(1) (a) and punishable under section 25(1) (b) of the ICPC Act 2000 and being in possession of a forged document contrary to section 368 of the Penal code CAP 532, Laws of the FCT Nigeria Kemi Adeosun Ayodele James 2006.”He was also convicted of parlaying his forged ICAN certificate into getting a certificate “in the present,” has willfully that society is an organized conspiracy to promotion at the office of the Auditor- refused to acknowledge the forgery, and oppress, rob and degrade them, neither General of the Federation. is still a minister. As I pointed out last persons nor property will be safe.” This would have been anweek, a Louis Edozien whose credentials This government has adopted a unremarkable, run-off-the-mill fraud were found to be forged after an audit policy of willfully pigheaded silenceand case had it not come to light a little over in 2014-and fired as a consequence-is insouciance when it is confronted with a week after Premium Times reported now the Permanent Secretary in the momentously indefensible scandals. that Finance Minister Kemi Adeosun Ministry of Works, Power and Housing, It hopes that the legendary collective forged an NYSC exemption certificate Nigeria’s biggest ministry. And Okoi amnesia and forgiving spirit of Nigerians she isn’t entitled to have, and for which Obono-Obla, Chairman of the Special where infractions concern people at she has faced no consequences. By Presidential Investigative Panel for the the upper end of the social scale would Nigerian law, Adesoun has committed at Recovery of Property, was discovered to conspire with its “silent treatment” least two offenses: failure to participate have fudged his WASC to gain admission strategy to cause the scandals to taper in the NYSC scheme after claiming to study law at the University. He hasn’t off.But this strategy will soon wear off her Nigerian citizenship (since she got lost his job. So the judge’s lamentation and the pent-up anger people have been her bachelor’s degree before the age about a bleak future he averted is suppressing will burst forth.It’s only a of 30) and forgery. She should also be insensitive to the blight of forgery in the matter of time. prosecuted and thrown into jail like present. Either we have laws or we don’t. There James. What has become clear in all of this is no twilight zone. If the law no longer James’ ICAN certificate forgery and is that in Buhari’s Nigeria, justice isn’t matters, let everyone who violated the Adeosun’s NYSC exemption certificate blind. Its blindfolds are off; it is a love- law be free. Let James be free. Let no forgery bear many striking similarities. struck beholder of the president and one go to jail or pay a fine for offenses James owed his position as a “senior people in the president’s good graces. for which other people don’t even as auditor” in the office of the Auditor- The “wrath” of justice is reserved much as get a slap on the wrist. If Buhari General of the Federation to his forged only for the poor, the vulnerable, the wants to run his government on the The only ICAN certificate. His degree, without uninfluential, and political opponents; principles of lawlessness, he should stable state ICAN certification, had earned him the in short everyone outside the orbit codify this so that we would have no is the one in of the reigning power structure. It is expectations. position of an “executive officer” at the which all men office. unvarnished and unpretentious in its In my August 6, 2016 column Like James, Adeosun owes her current invidiousness and double standard. titled “Nigeria as a Perverse Anarchist are equal job to her forged NYSC exemption But let this be known: No nation Paradise,” I pointed out that given the before the law certificate since the act that established that punishes its poor and protects absence of government in people’s the NYSC says, “[…] it is illegal to hire a its powerful for the same offense can everyday lives, “we might as well person who graduated but failed to make endure. Shehu Usman Dan Fodio was formalize anarchism… as our system of himself or herself available to serve, or right when he said, “A kingdom can government” and concluded that “the falsify any document to the effect that endure with unbelief, but it cannot stark, unsettling truth is that ordinary he or she has served or exempted from endure with injustice.” Before him, Nigerians have no need for government, serving.” Although Adeosun was born Aristotle said, “The only stable state is and government has no reason to in the UK, she is now a Nigerian citizen the one in which all men are equal before exist. The only reason government and is obligated by law to participate the law.” exists in Nigeria now, it would seem, in the one-year national youth service For every second that James remains is to supervise the dispensation of our scheme. It is the legal precondition for in jail while Adeosun, Edozien, and national patrimony to the ruling elite her previous and current employment Obono-Obla not only walk free but live and to pauperize an already traumatized in Nigeria. off the fat of the land even when they and dispossessed citizenry.” The Abuja high court judge who committed the same offense as he, This is now truer today than it was sentenced James to two years in prison the very foundation of Nigeria chips in 2016. Nevertheless, for as long as without an option of fine lamented that off. A nation whose foundation comes Nigeria makes pretense to having laws, had James’ forgery not been discovered, off piecemeal as a result of blatant, in- henceforth,every certificate forgery he could have risen to the position of your-face judicial double standard will that is punished with imprisonment Accountant-General of the Federation sooner or later give way. That was what will always remind Nigerians of “in the nearest future.”You would Frederick Douglass meant when he said, government’s criminal and hypocritical think the judge was visualizing the “Where justice is denied, where poverty silence over the forgeries of Adeosun, unthinkable. is enforced, where ignorance prevails, Obono-Obla, Edozien, and other favored But Adeosun forged an NYSC and where any one class is made to feel forgers. Monday, July 23rd, 2018 NAT’LNEWS 15 NNPC, DPR and PPPRA: Who is telling the truth? ecent developments Controversy contradicted its position on Explanation suggest Nigeria For some weeks now, fuel consumption to a third In the letter, which cannot give a good the Federation Accounts party without confirming appeared like an effort by the account of how Allocation Committee with it. NNPC to explain its position Rmuch petrol it currently (FAAC) has not been able A governor, who was on the June 2018 revenue consumes in a day. Between to conclusively hold its privy to some of the remittance to FAAC, which key agencies that should meetings, because of claims exchanges between NNPC, has remained controversial know the right figures, none by the Nigerian Governors DPR, Minister for Finance, till date, the letter suggested seems to accept each other’s Forum (NGF) that the NNPC Kemi Adeosun, as well as the the DPR was suspicious of records, reports Chineme was shortchanging the presidency on the issue, told the volumes of petrol the Okafor federation with exorbitant THISDAY that like the DPR, NNPC frequently claimed Among the trio of financial claims as subsidy the governors had evidence to have imported and upon Nigerian National Petroleum over volumes of petrol it to prove that NNPC was which it based its subsidy Corporation (NNPC), imports into the country. under-reporting. deductions. Department of Petroleum The governors had called In the letter dated July However, the NNPC Resources (DPR) and for an audit of NNPC’s 5th letter by NNPC’s Group insisted that petrol cost Petroleum Products Pricing petrol importation, claiming Managing Director, Dr. under-recovery was based on Regulatory Agency (PPPRA) daily petrol consumption Maikanti Baru, to Adeosun, supply and not evacuation or shortchanging the FAAC, – key agencies that should figures reported by the which the governor allowed consumption and therefore Baru said: “Honourable provide authoritative NNPC were overblown by THISDAY to sight, the accused the DPR of bad faith. minister would recall the statistics about operations the corporation so it could corporation said: “The Even though the NNPC ongoing engagement by in Nigeria’s petroleum sector keep more money away from minister is kindly invited to admitted it did not have an the inter-ministerial team – none of them seems to FAAC. note that PMS cost under- accurate data on the volume composing Ministries of be able to tell for sure the Following the recovery is derived from of petrol required by Nigeria Petroleum and Finance with current volume of petrol disagreement between actual import volumes and on a daily basis and may have the participation of the Nigeria use every day. the governors under the not on consumption or been importing petrol with NNPC, DPR, PPPRA, PEF, From 60 or 70 million aegis of the Nigerian evacuations as presented to figures the PPPRA handed OAGF and the CBN to put in litres daily consumption Governors’ Forum (NGF), the NGF by the Department to it, it was however of the place a monitoring system figure, to 30 and then 45 which accused the NNPC of of Petroleum Resources. view that the DPR divulging for the entire fuel supply and million litres, which the reporting excessive petrol “We would like to bring to such information to the NGF distribution system in the three agencies appear to consumption figure tothe attention of the minister, without confirming with it federation. have respectively put out, it facilitate deduction of undue the assertion of the NGF was aimed at embarrassing “Also, the Ministry has now become difficult to petrol cost (under-recovery) that the NNPC is reporting the federal government. of Petroleum Resources determine who could be right from domestic crude cost, excessive PMS consumption “NNPC observes that the is engaging the National about the country’s current the NGF requested the figures to facilitate deduction submission by the DPR was Bureau of Statistics to daily fuel consumption DPR, which is the sector of undue PMS cost under- not well intentioned as they establish actual consumption figures. regulator to provide details recovery from domestic should have appropriately of petroleum products in Straight off, these are of the country’s petrol crude cost. discussed and gotten the country. The outcome of no doubt, features of the consumption figures, and “The position was further alignment or explanations these exercises may establish opacity that has come to figures from it were different exacerbated by the DPR’s from PPPRA and NNPC the actual fuel consumption define the business of petrol from that of the NNPC. claim that there was never before divulging to third in the country.” importation and distribution In its presentation, the a time where PMS Truck parties. This should be guided He said the NNPC had in Nigeria in the last decades. DPR had told the NGF that Out (Evacuation) reached upon to avoid embarrassing previously utilised 35 million And, amongst its impact, petrol under-recovery was 60 million litres per day and the government,” Baru said litres per day as the basis for it suggests that there could derived from consumption that evacuation was the basis in the letter. supplying its shares of the be massive financial fraud or evacuation whereas in which PMS daily average He specifically insinuated national consumption, and currently perpetrated in NNPC claimed that PMS cost consumption is made. it was probably the DPR faulted the data provided by the downstream petroleum under-recovery was derived “Additionally, the PPPRA that told the NGF that the the DPR to the NGF, saying sector, in addition to the from actual import volumes. evacuation data since petrol importation figures the figures might not be lack of accurate data to base Based on this, the January 2016 indicated frequently claimed by the fully reflective of the actual national petrol consumption NNPC was reportedly average volume of 50 million NNPC were not trustworthy. evacuation figures from the plan on. unhappy that the DPR litres per day.” To deflect the claims various depots. provided information that that the corporation was

The CFO’s role in unlocking the value in procurement

Alex Klein, COO & Founding around a third of total costs the board. They can also act the desired savings and for rather than wait until year- Partner, Efficio and Carl in financial services, while for as a “broker” between the the CFO to remove these end to find out whether the Barnes, CFO, Academic manufacturing businesses this procurement department savings from the budget at claimed savings have hit the Publishing, Informa figure rises to a significant 60 and budget holders, ensuring the end of the process, which bottom line. Maximising profitability,to 70 per cent. But without that the two are aligned and is likely to cause frustration Creating tangible savings reducing costs and managing active engagement from the moving in the same direction. among budget holders and that the business will recognise financial risks are key to the CFO, procurement teams are By setting a budget potential hostility towards the is essential. But it is also role of the CFO. Yet, some unlikely to be able to right-size challenge upfront, the CFO procurement team. important that the business CFOs are missing a trick this spend. can position procurement The key point to remember gets credit for making the when it comes to optimising CFOs can elevate positively, as working in is that the CFO has a savings. Procurement is a key the substantial cost-savings procurement by launching and partnership with budget pivotal role to play in the enabler, but it is the business opportunities available championing a procurement holders to help meet cost- procurement programme and that has to do the hard work to through procurement. savings programme that has savings targets. The alternative should be proactively involved achieve the required results. Procurement represents the buy-in and attention of is for procurement to achieve throughout the process – 16 EFCCNEWS Monday, July 23rd, 2018 EFCC described as one of EFCC Arraigns Two the most effective gov’t For Illegal Oil Deal agency in Nigeria The reputation of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, as one of the most effective, result oriented and progress driven government organization in Nigeria was reiterated on Friday 20th July, 2018 at the EFCC Academy, Karu, Abuja. The Head, Research Department, EFCC Academy, Karu, Abuja, Abiodun Adebanjo representing the Commandant of the Academy, Dr David Tukura made this known during an excursion visit by students from the Economics Department of Modibbo Adamawa University, Yola, Adamawa State to the Commission. “Notable Nigerians and our global stakeholders recognize the EFCC as the foremost government Magu organization in the fight against corruption even in the mist of cybercrime, economic and financial inadequate funding. A former crimes. Director General of the Bureau for Adebanjo concluded by charging Public Service Reforms in his thesis the students to imbibe and propagate on “Strong Institutions in Weak attitudinal change as the bedrock of States” for the award of a Phd, boldly a corrupt free Nigeria. stated that the EFCC is the most “We are most grateful to the EFCC effective government Agency in for receiving us and taking the time Nigeria” Adebanjo said. to enlighten us on its operations. We The students who took turns to are better informed about economic ask various questions such as what and financial crimes now than before the EFCC does with we came here” said the President, recovered loot, how does the Association of Economic Students, EFCC fight piracy of intellectual Modibbo Adamawa University, properties, what does the EFCC Yola, Adamawa State, Abdulrahman do about nepotism in the award of Sheriff in his remark. contract were enlightened about the The team was led by the Course operations, mandate and activities Co-ordinator, Mathew Oladipo of the Commission aimed at curbing Gidigbi.

he Economic and Financial Oil (AGO) without appropriate Crimes Commission, EFCC, licence and thereby committed an on Wednesday, July 18, offence contrary to section 3(6) 2018 arraigned the duo of of the miscellaneous offences Act, TOmosehin Ipinle and Nsikak Friday Cap M17, Law of the Federation of before Justice Muslim. S. Hassan Nigeria 2004 and punishable under of the Federal High Court sitting section 1(17) of the same Act.” in Ikoyi, Lagos on a three-count The accused persons pleaded charge bordering on dealing in not guilty to the charge when it was Automotive Gas Oil (AGO) without read to them. appropriate licence, an offence In view of their pleas, the contrary to the Miscellaneous prosecution counsel, Idris Offences Act, Cap MM17 Laws of Mohammed, prayed the court the Federation of Nigeria 2004. for a trial date and asked that the The defendants were charged defendants be remanded in prison alongside a vessel, MV D’Dove custody. 1, and a company, Banjul Energy However, counsel to the Limited. defendants, E. O. Ajah, prayed the Count one reads: “MV D’ Dove 1, court for a short adjournment for Banjul Energy Limited, Omosehin hearing of the bail application. Ipinle and Nsikak Friday, on Consequently, Justice Hassan the 13th day of August, 2017 in ordered that the defendants be Lagos, within the jurisdiction of remanded in Ikoyi prison and this Honourable Court, conspired adjourned the case to August amongst yourselves to commit 2, 2018 for hearing of the bail an offence to wit: dealing in 120 application. Metric Tonnes of Automotive Gas Monday, July 23rd, 2018 NAT’LNEWS 17 FG Disburses N668.898b for May despite FAAC deadlock

he Federal Government government was intensifying N613.057 billion received for revenue collecting agencies,” has disbursed efforts to address theApril by a total of N37.582 the director said. N668.898 billion unsatisfactory remittances. billion. The monthly FAAC meeting to the three tiers of According to the director, the He noted that from the total held in June had ended in a Tgovernment for the month of N668.898 billion is made up statutory revenue of N575.475 stalemate as a result of the May, despite the impasse in the of the statutory distributable billion, the Federal Government disagreement on remittances Federation Accounts Allocation sum of N575.475 billion and was given N268.770 billion, the by the revenue generating Committee (FAAC). N93.423 billion from the Value states – N136.324 billion, Local agencies. Director of Information at Added Tax (VAT). Government Areas – N105.100 The controversy continued as the Federal Ministry of Finance, He said, “The total revenue billion, the oil-producing states the Nigeria Governors’ Forum Hassan Dodo, revealed this in a realised for the month, was – N53.071 billion, while the (NGF) faulted the remittances statement on Friday in Abuja. shared in line with the extant revenue generating agencies from the NNPC, saying they He explained that the sharing formula as follows: Federal received N12.210 billion as were inaccurate. of revenues for May, which was Government – N282.223 costs of collections. Briefing reporters after the meant to be distributed in June, billion; State Governments – “For the month of May 2018, governors met on Wednesday was put on hold because of the N181.167 billion; and Local the total revenue of N93.423 in Abuja, NGF Chairman and disagreement on remittances Government Councils – billion from the Value Added Zamfara State Governor, by the revenue generating N136.490 billion. Tax (VAT) was N5.458 billion Abdul’Aziz Yari, queried the agencies, especially the “The Oil Producing States higher than the N87.965 billion amount the NNPC claimed to Nigerian National Petroleum received N53.071 billion as 13 distributed in April 2018. have used for the payment of Corporation (NNPC). per cent derivation. The sum of “From the total of petroleum subsidies. Dodo added that the N15.947 billion was paid to the N93.423 billion, the Federal He said the governors money was distributed due revenue generating agencies as Government received N13.453 resolved that until the agency to the urgent need to cushion costs of collections.” billion; the states received corrects the discrepancies in the undue hardships being Dodo revealed that the N44.843 billion; the Local the amount remitted to the experienced by workers statutory revenue of N575.475 Government Councils received Federation Account, the states nationwide. billion received for the month N31.390 billion, while N3.737 would not share the money. He, however, said the of May was lower than the billion was received by the

Ilorin water reticulation project: Yet to see the light of day

From Page 4 ongoing projects in the state.” 2018 budget and will soon be In 2009 alone, 6.79 billion with budgetary provision for In a statement published commenced. Naira was spent on water even more expenditure on to have said that, “the project by National Accord Newspaper During an interactive project. Out of this sum, 4 the said project without any would be completed by May or on 18th April, 2018, the session with journalists on billion Naira was gotten from meaningful progress being June, 2018”. General Manager of the State 31st May, 2018, Governor the 17 billion Naira bonds that made. The people of Ilorin still On 2nd February, 2018, Water Corporation, Alhaji Abdulfatah Ahmed made a the state sold in year 2009, have to rely on private wells, the Kwara state government, Tunde Yahaya, was specific number of revelations, which during the Bukola Saraki boreholes and vendors, while through her official website, in his disclosure that “the among others include the administration, for Ilorin the government continues to disclosed that she is “set to Primary phase of the Water following: “8 billion naira water distribution project sink billions into the Ilorin commence the testing of the Reticulation project had been has been committed to the and Asa dam mixed use water reticulation project. Ilorin Metropolis Water works completed”, and conducted Ilorin water reticulation development. Interestingly This, ostensibly altruistic following the completion Journalists around the 5 water project in the last 7 years to while the project cost has project which ordinarily ought of the reticulation project. works in Ilorin Metropolis. He tackle the problems of water ballooned above its initial to have sailed smoothly with Moreover, the Governor also disclosed that the tertiary supply in the state” and that cost of 7.2billion Naira, with commitment of government, approved the diversion of phase of the reticulation “the primary section has “completion level of 98%” almost a decade after it water mains to the Western project, which involves laying been completed, while the as at 2014 as per the Kwara commenced leaves more reservoir and other overhead of pipes into street and homes remaining secondary and state government, it is rather questions than answers chief tanks that supply water to and repair of damaged pipes, tertiary sections will soon be worrying that 2% works of which is “where is the 50% of Ilorin due to some had been captured in the completed”. have taken more tan 4years water”?

17m Deficit: Adopt Ethiopia’s mass housing model, Dangote tells FG

The chairman/chief executive effective service delivery. He assured that his company medium and low income officer of Dangote Group, stated this when he visited is ready to collaborate with earners in Nigeria”. Also Alhaji Aliko Dangote has the bank’s headquarters FMBN towards reducing the speaking, chairman, BUA called on federal government in Abuja alongside the housing deficit by increasing Group of companies, Alhaji to adopt Ethiopia’s mass chairman/ chief executive the tempo and scale of social Abdul Samad Isyaku Rabiu housing model in a bid officer of BUA Group, Alhaji housing provision across the stated that he is committed to address the over 17 Abdulsamad Isyaku Rabiu country. According to him, to a close partnership with million housing deficiton ways to boost affordable “Count me as a friend of FMBN. Responding, the in the country. Dangote social housing delivery for FMBN because we are open FMBN board chairman, Dr. also said he supported the Nigerians. The Africa’s richest to collaboration and willing to Adewale Adeeyo lauded the proposed restructuring and man commended FMBN for support the good works that support and partnership of N500bn recapitalisation the renewed aggressive drive your bank is doing towards the companies towards the of the Federal Mortgage to provide affordable housing ensuring the provision development of the sector. Bank of Nigeria (FMBN) for for Nigerians. Dangote of affordable housing to Dangote 18 FOREIGN Monday, July 23rd, 2018 Israel passes law granting Foreshore bids’ ‘wasted’ millions will spook investors, Jews ‘exclusive right to developers warn Cape Town The City of Cape Town’s extremely comprehensive and national self-determination’ decision to scrap its thoroughly researched bids,” multibillion-rand Foreshore said Van Zyl. civil rights in Israel’s democracy project sends a “disturbing” “Anyone who visited the but the majority also has rights message to local and exhibition of the six projects and the majority decides,” he international investors, says a that were put on display at said last week. “An absolute forum of property developers the Civic Centre in the CBD majority wants to ensure our in the Western Cape. would have appreciated state’s Jewish character for City manager Lungelo the time and effort that generations to come.” Mbandazayo announced was invested by the various Israel’s Arab population earlier this week that the bidders to conceptualise, is comprised mainly of project, which was meant research and present their descendants of the Palestinians to also tackle unfinished ideas. The combined value who remained on their land highways on the foreshore of the proposals submitted during the conflict between and to develop housing in the represented tens of millions Arabs and Jews that culminated area, had been cancelled. of rand based on professional in the war of 1948 surrounding This came after the city’s time and production costs.” Israel passed a law on Thursday 1.8 million, about 20 percent of the creation of the modern decision to name Mitchell Van Zyl said the forum was to declare that only Jews have the 9 million population. state of Israel. Hundreds of du Plessis Associates as the not interested in who won the right of self-determination Early drafts of the thousands were forced to leave preferred bidder for the the bid. “We are interested in the country, something legislation went further in what their homes or fled. project was challenged, with in bids being awarded, in members of the Arab minority critics at home and abroad saw Those who remained have some saying the company — investment being made and called racist and verging on as discrimination towards full equal rights under the one of the six bidders — did that development takes place. apartheid. Israel’s Arabs, who have long law but say they face constant not meet the city’s original bid We were also interested to The “nation-state” law,said they are treated as second- discrimination, citing inferior criteria. see an effective public-private backed by the right-wing class citizens. services and unfair allocations Mbandazayo said after partnership established government, passed by a vote Clauses that were dropped in for education, health and receiving legal advice, the that would, among other of 62-55 and two abstentions last-minute political wrangling housing. city concluded that a lack of things, deliver much-needed in the 120-member parliament - and after objections by In Ma’alot-Tarshiha, a sufficient clarity in the request affordable accommodation in after months of political Israel’s president and attorney- municipality in northern Israel for proposals documentation the central city.” argument. general - would have enshrined which was created by linking rendered the criteria vague. Van Zyl added: “This will Some Arab lawmakers in law the establishment of the Jewish town of Ma’alot Deon van Zyl, chairman now not take place in the case shouted and ripped up papers Jewish-only communities, and the Arab town of Tarshiha, of the Western Cape Property of the Foreshore Freeway after the vote. and instructed courts to rule there was anger among Arab Development Forum, said Development, unless of “This is a defining moment according to Jewish ritual law residents. all the proposals entailed course the City decides to go in the annals of Zionism when there were no relevant “I think this is racist multibillion-rand investment out on proposal call again.” and the history of the state legal precedents. legislation by a radical right- in Cape Town. Mbandazayo said of Israel,” Prime Minister Instead, a more vaguely- wing government that is The winning bidder procurement processes had to Benjamin Netanyahu told the worded version was approved, creating radical laws, and is would have been required to be compliant with the rule of Knesset after the vote. which says: “The state views planting the seeds to create an complete unfinished sections law, in particular with section Largely symbolic, the law the development of Jewish apartheid state,” said physician of the freeway‚ over 3 000 217 of the Constitution, was enacted just after the 70th settlement as a national value Bassam Bisharah, 71. market-related residential which governed public anniversary of the birth of the and will act to encourage and “The purpose of this law units, and some 450 procurement. state of Israel. It stipulates that promote its establishment.” is discrimination. They want affordable homes. “There must be no doubt “Israel is the historic homeland Even after the changes, to get rid of the Arabs totally,” The ambitious project about the integrity of these of the Jewish people and they critics said the new law will said Yousef Faraj, 53, from the would have cost of the city processes and, as such, I have have an exclusive right to deepen a sense of alienation nearby Druze village of Yanuh. an estimated R8.3bn at 2017 decided to cancel the RFP national self-determination in within the Arab minority. “The Israelis want to destroy all prices‚ with construction [request for proposals].” it”. “I announce with shock and the religions of the Arabs.” scheduled to commence in “Furthermore, the The bill also strips Arabic sorrow the death of democracy,” Adalah, the Legal Center 2020 taking at least 10 years economic outlook for of its designation as an official Ahmed Tibi, an Arab lawmaker, for Arab Minority Rights in to complete. the country has become language alongside Hebrew, told reporters. Israel, called the law a bid to “We are very perturbed significantly weaker since downgrading it to a “special ‘This is a racist law’: advance “ethnic superiority by by the message this sends the issuing of the RFP two status” that enables its Jerusalem residents react to promoting racist policies”. to the investor community, years ago. This change, with continued use within Israeli Israel’s ‘nation-state’ law particularly as many of the additional burdens that institutions. Netanyahu has defended Reuters our members have spent the city, its ratepayers and Israel’s Arabs number some the law. “We will keep ensuring vast amounts of time and residents are facing, cannot be money putting together ignored. Metropolitan Police corruption unit probed over alleged corruption The UK’s largest police force is claims “potentially conflicted” could face a more detailed we have begun an investigation under investigation and racial at the centre of an investigation senior officers within the DPS investigation. into allegations of serious discrimination.” into allegations of “serious interfered with and curtailed In a brief statement, the Met corruption and malpractice The Sunday Times corruption and malpractice”. investigations, or failed to said it was “fully co-operating” within the directorate of has reported that “three The probe is focused on the look at alleged wrongdoing with the IOPC’s investigation professional standards of the whistleblowers” from the force Metropolitan Police’s directorate altogether. into allegations against “a Metropolitan Police. approached the IOPC to allege for professional standards The inquiry is believed to be number of Metropolitan Police “The investigation includes members of the DPS were (DPS), the department which at a relatively early stage, but service personnel”. alleged interference in, and shielding officers from a range itself investigates corruption so far gross misconduct notices Jonathan Green, the IOPC’s curtailment of, investigations of allegations. and misconduct within the Met. have been served on three London director, said the by potentially conflicted The Met said the force had The investigation is being officers, one of whom is also watchdog was also investigating senior officers, failure to referred allegations regarding carried out by the Independent under criminal investigation. claims of racial discrimination investigate allegations of the conduct of a number of MPS Office for Police Conduct A number of other officers within the DPS. wrongdoing, systemic removal personnel to the independent (IOPC) and is centred on are also being assessed and Mr Green said: “I can confirm of the restrictions of officers police watchdog. Monday, July 23rd, 2018 OPINION 19 Is Jones Abiri, The Bayelsa journalist arrested by DSS in 2016, dead or alive? By Fisayo Soyombo to NUJ, that the man in detention is said they were “privileged to have an Clement Abiri by name. unconfirmed information that Abiri is n July 28, 2016, Facebook Of course there is a Nigerian jour- long dead in DSS custody and that is the user Ndoboke Doris posed nalist in detention! Since 2016, he has reason why they had refused to bring a question, followed by a been on the annual prison census of him to court”. prayer, on the wall of jour- jailed journalists of the CPJ, the Amer- Abiri’s family believes he is being Onalist Jones Abiri. “Where are you my ican independent non-profit, non-gov- held because of a July 10, 2016 story brother?” Doris wondered. “I pray the ernmental organization that promotes by Weekly Source, published by the Good God shall perform a miracle for press freedom and defends the rights of detained journalist, on how “top army you.” journalists. His arrest was reported in officers” plotting to unseat President Well, the “good God” hasn’t, just yet, 2016, so if he had been freed, it would Mohammadu Buhari had approached but there is evidence he indeed heard have been reported as well. Niger Delta militants under the aegis of Doris’ prayer. In June, the month four That Abiri is not a journalist because the Joint Niger Delta Liberation Force days into which Abiri should have he doesn’t belong to NUJ is an argu- (NDLF) to intensify the bombing of celebrated another birthday, his sud- ment that fails on two fronts. One, the oil pipelines, which would be used as a den disappearance has now become Nigerian Constitution guarantees citi- justification to overthrow the Buhari a media item. Until Thursday at the zens freedom of association/unionism administration. Jones Abiri opening session of the International — the freedom not just to belong to Interestingly, the DSS has some Press Institute (IPI) World Congress in an association but also the freedom to weighty allegations against him. Two repeatedly that he has no connections Abuja, very few people knew, despite choose not to. Apparently, Abiri chose days after picking Abiri up, it issued a to militancy in the Niger Delta. They the best efforts of the Committee to to exercise this freedom in the nega- press statement thus: “On 21st July, or the DSS are wrong, and it is a simple Protect Journalists (CPJ), that Abiri tive, but this doesn’t disqualify him 2016, one Jones ABIRI aka General matter for the courts to decide. Even if had been in detention by the Depart- from journalism. More importantly, Akotebe DARIKORO was arrested by Jones Dabiri had committed murder, ment of State Services (DSS) since July the NUJ itself hasn’t disowned him; this Service in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State. which he hasn’t yet been accused of, 2016. Comrade Abdulwaheed Odusile, Pres- DARIKORO is the leader of the Joint anyway, he has a right to fair hearing On that day, Barbara Traori, Exec- ident of NUJ, who also doubles as the Revolutionary Council of the Joint and trial. He has a right, too, to occa- utive Director of the IPI, had urged President of the Federation of African Niger Delta Liberation Force (JNDLF), sional visits, no matter how brief, from Buhari to ensure Abiri’s release from Journalists (FAJ), has been involved in which has been furthering separatist his family. At this moment, no member detention. Strangely, even journalists the advocacy for Abiri’s release since at tendencies in connivance with other of his family knows his whereabouts; covering the congress didn’t consider least October 2017, same as Shu’aibu criminal gangs in the Niger Delta no one, not even his lawyers, knows this a headline item. Later that night, Usman Leman, the National Secretary region. DARIKORO, who operates where he is being detained; no one even Lai Mohammed’s media team self-im- of NUJ. As of the time of his arrest, under the nom-de-guerre “General-Kill knows if he is dead or alive. ploded. They must have patted them- Abiri was the Publisher of local news- and Bury”, has confessed and owned up Next month, it will be two straight selves on the back seeing that their paper Weekly Source. to some criminal activities committed years that Abiri was arrested. His con- press statement of denial on Abiri was The man in detention is not Clem- by the JNDLF, which include: tinued detention without trial will not generously reported. Unfortunately, it ent Abiri? Regardless of his source of “The vandalism of Nigeria Agip Oil only aggravate concerns that he is dead, raises more dirt than tens of follow-up information, the Information Minis- Company (NAOC) trunk line in Ogbo- it is the antithesis of all the DSS rep- press statements could ever clean up. ter cannot know more, on this matter, inbiri, Southern Ijaw LGA and bombing resents. The DSS is a creation of the “Let me state here, without equivo- than the agency that picked up Abiri in of oil pipeline belonging to Shell Devel- law, and cannot become the law itself. cating, that contrary to the report by Bayelsa on July 21, 2016. On July 23, opment Company (SPDC) at Brass creek If Jones Abiri is guilty as alleged, the the Committee to Protect Journalists the DSS itself said “one Jones ABIRI… on 8th July, 2016, all in Bayelsa State; DSS should press charges against him (CPJ), no journalist is in detention in was arrested by this Service in Yenagoa, “Threat messages to managements in accordance with the law. If he is truly Nigeria,” Lai said in the opening par- Bayelsa State”. of NAOC and SPDC demanding for the guilty, he should be allowed to have his agraph of the statement, issued by One possibility could have been that payment of the sum of Five Hundred day in court. In a democracy, no human Segun Adeyemi, his Special Adviser on Clement is one of Jones Abiri’s other Million Naira (N500m), and Two Hun- being — forget that Abiri is a journalist Media. “Clement Abiri, who is being names. But his family has been con- dred and Fifty Million Naira (N250m) — deserves to be imprisoned without referred to as a journalist, is not one. tacted and they have confirmed that respectively; trial. Until that day when the DSS pre- He does not belong to any chapel of the their son was never named, and has “Threat to launch missile attacks sents its two-year-long captive in court, Nigerian Union of Journalists. He was never been called, Clement. Therefore, against selected targets in Abuja includ- the question will be asked from time to arrested for pipeline vandalism and if Lai insists that the man in prison is ing the Presidential Villa, Aso Rock; time: “Is Jones Abiri, the Bayelsa jour- crude theft, including militant activi- Clement rather than Jones Abiri, then “DARIKORO is also the master- nalist arrested by DSS in 2016, dead or ties in the Niger Delta.” he is indirectly validating the concerns mind of the recently circulated hoax alive?” There are at least three inconsist- of newspaper publishers in Bayelsa that of planned overthrow of President encies in that brief paragraph: that Abiri may have been extra-judicially Muhammadu BUHARI, GCFR, by the Soyombo, former Editor of the The- no Nigerian journalist is currently in murdered in detention. Writing under military.” Cable and the International Centre detention, that Jones Abiri is not a the aegis of the Pen Pushers Associa- These allegations are a shock to for Investigative Reporting (ICIR), journalist because he doesn’t belong tion of Nigeria (PPAN), in January, they friends and family of Abiri; they claim tweets @fisayosoyombo I did not finance Atiku’s rally – APC Governor Governor Muhammadu Affairs, Martins Dickson, said as the most popular party in “The good work of APC remain focused on fulfilling his Bindow of Adamawa State has the report trying to portray Adamawa. under Bindow is spread campaign promises in line with described as “malicious and him as engaging in anti-party “The authors of theglaringly across the 21 local his party’s manifesto. false” an online report alleging activities was cheap blackmail fabricated lies have run out government areas of the state Mr Bindow was an associate that he gave N70 million to by those worried over his rising of substance with which to for all to see and there’s no of Mr Abubakar until the organisers of Saturday’s rally in profile and that of APC in the discredit him and have resorted amount of falsehood that will latter left the APC for the Yola by former Vice President state. to cheap blackmail and childish make anyone believe that a Peoples Democratic Party Atiku Abubakar, a presidential “The publication is false, stories.” governor and party that have where he hopes to achieve his aspirant of the Peoples malicious, misleading and an The statement urgeddone so well in the state will presidential ambition. Democratic Party. attempt to mask the rising journalists and the media to be involved in any form of Mr Abubakar formally Mr Bindow in a statement profile, good virtues and always strive to verify their clandestine anti-party activity”. declared his presidential on Sunday by his Special sacrifice of Senator Bindow in facts and be professional in The statement reiterated ambition in his home state of Adviser Press and Media upholding and promoting APC their operation. the governor’s commitment to Adamawa on Saturday. 20 SPORTS Monday, July 23rd, 2018 Victorious Flying Eagles Get N300,000 Each For Mauritania Win layers of the U-20 National N400,000 for the win while Team otherwise known as Chief Coach Paul Aigbogun the Flying Eagles were each gotN600,000. paid N300,000 as win- “My appreciation first to Pbonus for defeating Mauritania the NFF President Ambassador 5-0 in Saturday’s return leg of the Chris Giwa, his board members, Africa U-20 qualifier at the Agege the management of the Nigeria National Stadium in Lagos. Football Federation especially the Sportinglife.ng gathered from acting general secretary Emmanuel a source that the players were Ikpeme and our coaching crew who paid immediately after the match made our victory possible,” said which is in line with the decision team captain Ikouwen Udoh. of the board of the Nigeria Football Udoh who was full of praises Federation led by Ambassador over the smooth running told Chris Giwa to restore the match thenff.com that encouragement allowances and bonuses of the and motivation from the various age grade teams that was president enabled the team secure initially scrapped. qualification. For the victory the players The Nigeria U-20 side had last received N300,000 each while week played a 1-1 draw with their N100,000 covered their camping Mauritania counterparts to qualify allowances. Officials were paid on a 6-1 aggregate.

Tour de France 2018: Andres Iniesta and Team Sky’s Gianni Fernando Torres lose Moscon disqualified Mesut Ozil cites ‘racism and disrespect’ on J-League debuts after hitting rider as he quits Germany

Mesut Ozil has announced his should never, ever, be accepted.” retirement from international Ozil drew criticism at home football, hitting out at the after his meeting in Erdogan. “racist” and “disrespectful” He and Ilkay Gundogan - a treatment he received in the team mate also of Turkish wake of his meeting with descent who likewise posed with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan - were jeered in warm- Erdogan and Germany’s early up games before the World Cup World Cup exit. in Russia. Andres Iniesta Sir Dave Brailsford The Arsenal star, who has In his statement on Sunday, Turkish ancestry, made the Ozil said if he had not met the Spain legends Andres Iniesta and Team Sky’s Gianni Moscon has announcement on Sunday in a Turkish president, he would Fernando Torres both lost on been disqualified from the Tour de lengthy statement he posted on have been “disrespecting the their J-League debuts. France for hitting another rider. his Twitter account. Midfielder Iniesta, who won Mesut Ozil roots of my ancestors”. Team Fortuneo-Samsic said The 29-year-old attacking “For me having a picture 32 trophies at Barcelona, only the 24-year-old had punched their came on for the final 32 minutes midfielder, who was part of represent.” with President Erdogan wasn’t rider Elie Gesbert after 800m of the German squad that exited about politics or elections, it was of Vissel Kobe’s 3-0 defeat by Sunday’s stage, which was won by Ozil said he could not Shonan Bellmare. the World Cup in Russia at the accept “German media outlets about me respecting the highest Astana’s Magnus Cort. group stage, felt he was singled office of my family’s country,” he Many of the 26,000 crowd Last year, Moscon was repeatedly blaming my dual- waved Spain flags for the out as a scapegoat for the failure heritage and a simple picture for said. suspended by Team Sky for six due to his Turkish heritage and The Arsenal midfielder also 34-year-old. weeks after racially abusing a a bad World Cup on behalf of an Former Chelsea and the Erdogan meeting in May. entire squad”. said that he was loyal to both rival. “It is with a heavy heart his Turkish and German origins Liverpool striker Torres was also Team Sky principal Sir Dave He added: “I am German a second-half substitute as Sagan and after much consideration when we win, but an immigrant and insisted he did not intend to Brailsford said that they “support that because of recent events, make a political statement. Tosu lost 1-0 at home to Vegalta and accept” the decision made by when we lose.” Sendai. I will no longer be playing for Ozil earned 92 caps for “Like many people, my race organisers. Germany at international level ancestry traces back to more ‘Iniesta more than a player “Gianni is desperately Germany since his debut in for Barcelona’ whilst I have this feeling of 2009. He was a key member of than one country. Whilst I disappointed in his behaviour and racism and disrespect,” Ozil said. grew up in Germany, my family Torres, also 34, left Atletico knows that he has let himself, the the country’s 2014 World Cup- Madrid this summer after 129 “The treatment I have winning side. background has its roots firmly team and the race down,” he said. received from the DFB [German based in Turkey,” he said. “I have goals in 404 appearances for his “We will address this incident “This decision has been boyhood club over two spells. Football Association] and many extremely difficult to make two hearts, one German and one with Gianni once the Tour is others makes me no longer want Turkish.” Torres had a header saved complete and decide then if any because I’ve always given and his new club are in the to wear the German national everything for my teammates Ozil holds the World Cup further action should be taken. team shirt,” he added. trophy after Germany beat J-League relegation zone after “I would like to offer my ... but when high-ranking DFB conceding an 87th-minute goal “People with racially officials treat me as they did, Argentina at the 2014 final in sincere apologies to both Elie discriminative backgrounds Brazil [Antonio Lacerda/EPA] in front of 17,500 fans. Gesbert and Team Fortuneo disrespect my Turkish roots and Iniesta was playing his first should not be allowed to work in selfishly turn me into political Relations between Germany Samsic for this unacceptable the largest football federation in and Turkey have soured amid official match for a team other incident.” propaganda, then enough is than Barcelona - for whom he the world that has players from enough,” he wrote. a crackdown by Erdogan’s The Italian was alsodual-heritage families. Attitudes government on suspected made 674 appearances - or Spain. disqualified from last year’s world “That is not why I play He retired from international like theirs simply do not reflect football, and I will not sit back supporters of a failed military championship road race after the players they supposedly coup in July 2016. football after the World Cup, hanging onto a team car. and do nothing about it. Racism having won 131 caps.