Five things you didn’t know WhatsApp could do – Page 3 FG bans importation of Kidnappers murder, vehicles through land borders dump Dangote worker’s ... stops 571,000 tonnes of from entering corpse inside gutter • Buhari Page 23 Pages 4 & 5 • Bello

The Buhari needs $30bn loan to succeed, says Odigie-Oyegun Page 9

CBN to sell dollars to fuel importers Page 24

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 6, 2016 VOL 40 NO. 21,325 www.punchng.com The Punch Newspapers @mobilepunch @+Punchng1 N200

FG presses fresh chargesPage 7 against Justice Ademola ... accuses judge of receiving N8.5m car gift from lawyer ... charges him with using N175m proceeds of crime to buy property

• L-R: Chief of Air Staff, Pakistani Air Force, Air-Chief Marshal Sohail Aman; Deputy Governor of , Mr. Barnabas Bantex; Chairman, Senate Committee on Air Force, Senator Duro Faseyi; a former Governor of , Senator Danjuma Goje; representative of the Chief of Defence Staff, Danjuma Sheni; and Nigerian Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Sadique Abubakar, at the handover ceremony of the Super Mushshak Aircraft presented by the Pakistani Air Force to the Nigerian Air Force, in Kaduna... on Monday. Inset: Super Mushshak Aircraft. Photo: NAN I will not abandon I’ll mourn death of Adeosun, Emefiele back APC, says Bola common sense in Nigeria BoI scrapping, bank Tinubu on January 20 –Soyinka kicks Page 10 PagePage 7 ? Page Page24 ? 2 TUESDAY, DECEMBER 6, 2016 Vox pop Should FG try Ibori after release from UK prison? f an offence has been committed, especially Inow that it borders on corruption, it is h e first issue we have to look at is incumbent on the Federal Government to Tthat the government cannot be barred try the suspect in view of the anti-corruption from prosecuting anyone, provided that stance of the President the allegations and claims that are made administration. Ibori is serving a prison term are not identical with what he (Ibori) has abroad because he committed an offence been prosecuted, convicted and sentenced against that country’s laws. After that, he for. There is a principle in law known as has to come back to Nigeria and face the offences he allegedly committed here and, ‘double jeopardy.’ This applies when you if found guilty, he should be convicted and have been tried and even sentenced; and sentenced. in this case, he is serving the punishment. Nothing stops the Federal Government But if you raise the issue all over again, from prosecuting him. It is not going to be it becomes a double jeopardy. The double jeopardy. He is serving a jail term essence of taking someone to court is there for the offences he committed there. to punish the suspected offender. There He also needs to come here to serve his term if he is tried, convicted and sentenced. are sanctions for whatever illegal actions I disagree with the notion that he has been a suspect may have taken. However, the tried in the United Kingdom and should not moment someone has been punished be tried again in Nigeria. That will not be for an offence, he cannot be punished double jeopardy. He needs to face the law. again for the same offence. If per chance, •Mrs. Nella Andem-Rabana, (A Senior My personal opinion is that if he does •Mr. Rafiu Balogun, (National Legal there are issues that may not have been Advocate of Nigeria) not face the law, human rights groups Adviser, Nigerian Bar Association) canvassed or tried before, it becomes a must rise and tell Buhari that Ibori must be prosecuted. He must face corruption The NBA and civil society groups must fresh matter. So, the critical issue here is fresh issues? For as long as it is not the prosecution in Nigeria. My personal opinion ensure that all alleged corrupt people are that if they want to prosecute him again, same issue, the Federal Government has is that even if the Federal Government did prosecuted. There must not be sacred they should spell it out. Is it for what he the right to prosecute whosoever has not go ahead to prosecute him, the civil cows anymore. Even now, judges are being has been tried for in the past or are there violated any of the laws. society groups and the NBA should rise up. prosecuted; there is nothing new again. Let The civil society has a duty as the watchdog all corrupt people be prosecuted. Let Ibori, of the society to campaign for a just society. when he comes back, face prosecution in Nigeria. This is my personal opinion. We do not want selective prosecution. rying him (Ibori) on the same Toffence or offences would mean For example, in the UK, he was tried for going against the principle of double offences relating to money laundering. He jeopardy. Double jeopardy is a principle was convicted and sentenced to prison. In Nigeria, he was alleged to have looted that stipulates that no man should be the resources of , which was tried twice for the same offence. If you under his care as the governor of the state. have been tried once for an offence and Remotely, you would want to say, there you have been acquitted or convicted, is a connection but in reality, the two you should not be tried again for the jurisdictions are different. same offence. Recall that at some point in this country, If what you are trying him for in he was arraigned in court. He was discharged for some technical reasons and I am aware Nigeria are the same offences he was that the matter is still on appeal in the Court convicted for in the UK, I think that we of Appeal. So, if the appeal now turns out should forget about his prosecution in in favour of the Federal Government, there Nigeria. But if it is for different offence will be no bar for him from being prosecuted or offences, the Federal Government is in Nigeria. I am speaking from the prism free to do so. of the law. If Ibori is to be tried again; I don’t Whether it would amount to humiliation or not is a political consideration. We want know whether it is for the same offence to leave that to the government of the day which he had been tried before. If it is for •Mr. Kehinde Eleja, (A Senior to determine. But legally speaking, there the same offence, then it is not allowed Advocate of Nigeria) is no bar in him being tried in Nigeria. in law. But if it is for a different offence, If he becomes suspicious that he might •Chief Onueze Okocha (A Senior they can go ahead with such a trial. t is common knowledge that James Ibori be tried in Nigeria and decides to stay in Advocate of Nigeria) Iwas tried and convicted for offences UK after his release from prison, it is his relating to money laundering by a court right to stay back in the UK. But we should in the UK. He was sentenced to a prison not forget that there are some laws which term which he is about to complete. Legally confer mutual rights and privileges to the think it will be wrong to try him speaking, that is not a defence or a bar two nations with regard to the extradition Ion the same set of facts for which for him from being prosecuted in Nigeria of persons standing trial or people who he has been convicted. But if there because the composition of the offences are supposed to be standing trial. If the are new, compelling facts for which in the two jurisdictions is not the same. Federal Government is inclined to explore he has not been tried, the state is at Therefore, the Federal Government may that option, of course, that could be used to liberty to look into those facts and proceed, legally speaking, to prosecute bring him back to Nigeria to face trial. But I James Ibori for the offences with which he think that will be dependent on the outcome then prosecute. Generally, I think was charged in Nigeria. of the Court of Appeal. he has gone through a lot of travails. His image has been battered. He was not the only one who was convicted. His wife, girlfriend and lawyer were f he is found wanting he should also convicted. I think he has suffered Ibe tried. If there are things he enough. needs to answer, he can be tried. Again, we must look at the politics I have no objection if there are of Ibori’s travails. Even though the grounds to try him. But if there is no generality of Nigeria may consider ground, why should the government him to be a villain in terms of the go into a futile venture? Even if he offences he was alleged to have is tried, the law is there to take its committed, in his village, he is course. Everything about the case adjudged a hero. If there are no new will be determined by the court. If facts, I will not advise that he should the court says it is not proper to try be further prosecuted in Nigeria. •Wahab Shittu (A lawyer) him, the position will stand. And if it is proper, then the law will take its course. •Chief Wole Olanipekun (A Senior •Compiled by Chukwudi Akasike, Mudiaga Affe, Advocate of Nigeria) Success Nwogu and Afeez Hanafi TUESDAY, DECEMBER 6, 2016 3

07053937947 [email protected]

GadgetWith Ozioma Ubabukohsmart #Quick fact WhatsApp’s success story hatsApp Messenger is a proprietary, cross- Wplatform, encrypted instant messaging client for smartphones. It uses the Internet to make voice and video calls; send text messages, documents, PDF files, images, GIF, videos, user location, audio files, phone contacts and voice notes to other users using standard cellular mobile numbers.

Facebook acquired WhatsApp, based in Mountain View, California, in February 2014 for approximately $19.3bn. By February 2016, WhatsApp had a user base of over one billion, making it the most popular messaging application at the time.

Before WhatsApp was founded, one of the co-founders Jan Koum (Brian Acton is the other co-founder), briefly lived with help from welfare after migrating to the United States with his mother. And not too long ago, employees “wore blankets for warmth and worked off cheap Ikea tables” in a nondescript office building,Forbes recounts.

WhatsApp also went through a period where all the expenses were running out of Koum’s bank account, which eventually ran dry, something that was later solved with outside funding and incredible growth. When the paperwork was finalised, Acton and Koum signed the deal at a nearby social services office where Koum used to pick up food stamps. He now stands to make billions from the deal.

•Source: google.com Five things you didn’t know WhatsApp could do arlier this year, WhatsApp announced that it had a will appear. Euser base of more than one billion; that is, one in seven people on earth. GIFs People all over the world have been using WhatsApp The messaging app has rolled out support for GIFs for numerous purposes. The popular messaging app, since support for iOS users with the latest version of the app. then has added a host of new features with improved speed, The 2.16.16 update allows you to send videos (six seconds security, reliability and simplicity. With such a huge user or shorter) and Live Photos and GIFs. You can search the base, it is one of the most popular messaging apps. Giphy library to search for GIFs to send to your friends on WhatsApp has also just added a video-calling feature your WhatsApp. to the app after a series of beta tests. A rise in the app called Snapchat and its Stories feature, from Instagram Tag to Facebook, and now even WhatsApp has tried to clone You can now tag others in the contacts within a it. In the new WhatsApp’s Beta app on iOS and Android, WhatsApp group. You will be able to do the tag even if the there is a new ‘Status’ tab where the ‘Stories’ can be put and people have muted the conversation. You can avail this seen before it disappears 24 hours later. The new ‘Stories’ feature by typing @ and click on the contact you wish to feature is only available to a select few who operate on a tag from the appearing list. jailbroken Apple device or a rooted Android smartphone. The messaging app just updated its messaging app on Picture edit iOS and has made it possible for users to send and receive In the new update of WhatsApp, you can doodle on as well as edit on the photos before sending them to your GIFs. Though a bit late to the game, it actually does a little friends. When the conversation tab is opened, you can more than just supporting animations. Users can send GIFs tap on the camera button and click on the image from the stored in the device memory as well as search Giphy’s large camera. You will get a few icons on the top right, and you library and find animations to make your chats interesting. can choose to either crop the photo, draw a doodle, enter a All these new features to stay relevant in the ever- text or a sticker to the photo. Then the picture message is changing tech world have made WhatsApp even more ready to be sent. popular. The company earlier announced that it manages over 100 million voice calls every day on the app, that makes Most viewed it more than 1,100 calls per second. It has even upgraded There is an interesting feature in WhatsApp, although the desktop versions of the app. Here are five latest features sadly it is only available to Apple devices as of now. Android that you can try out in WhatsApp: owners may have to wait for a while. If you have iOS, you can go to ‘Settings’ and then select ‘Account’ and then ‘Storage Video calling Usage’. There, you will be able to see the total number of WhatsApp just confirmed that it is rolling out the video messages at the top of the page and also a list of chats, which calling feature across Android, iOS and Windows. You are ranked according to the number of messages sent to the will now be able to see ‘Video Call’ and ‘Voice Call’ choices number. This helps you see who is your ‘best friend’, as in, when you tap the top dialler button. A new dialog giving to which contact have you spoken the maximum number the option between a standard voice call and a video call of lines. •Source: google.com 4 TUESDAY, DECEMBER 6, 2016

... City, Crime, Courts metro 08185225745, 08055126196 Kidnappers murder, dump Dangote worker’s corpse inside gutter • We have three suspects, say police Anna Okon a member of the public to that on the day that he was who understood him. He has to the news of Bello’s murder his death. and Samson Folarin where the corpse was. kidnapped, the manager never for one day hurt me; he with surprise. He told our correspondent Bello was believed to have had gone with a team to pay always said if I was not happy, When contacted, the firm’s that he would make some n employee of Dangote been kidnapped three weeks ransom for the release of he would not be happy.” Head of Media, Mr. Tony calls and get back. Industries Limited, ago, but news of his murder some expatriates who had A source in the Dangote Chiejina, who said Bello was He had yet to do so as of AIstifanus Bello, has got to his family members on been kidnapped. Industries, who confirmed very close to him, also reacted press time. been killed by suspected Monday. It was learnt that on getting the kidnap, however, reacted with surprise to the news of Bello’s lengthy profile on kidnappers. Sources close to the family there, the kidnappers collected Sources told our told our correspondents that the money and abducted him. correspondents that Bello’s Bello was the company’s A close friend, who pleaded corpse was found in a gutter Human Resources Manager not to be named, said Bello in , adding that before his death. showed him some video one of the kidnappers alerted PUNCH Metro learnt recordings of his negotiations with kidnappers. Speaking to sympathisers Employees arraigned who visited her on Monday, Bello’s wife of 20 years, for defrauding Amina, said the husband was the best, adding that he was customers of N11m a friend and father to their children. She said, “Bello was a lovely person; if he was not in the house one day, the children would be asking after him endlessly. Now I do not know what to tell the children because he was always chatting with them on the social media. When he was abducted, the children asked me to tell them where he was because all his activities on social media ceased and the children said it was unlike him. “On the 20th anniversary of our wedding, he told me •Igbosere Magistrate’s Court File photo that I was the best woman, adding that I was the only one •Bello Photo: File Afeez Hanafi

wo employees of YSR Limited, a manufacturing company in Badagry, State – Adebayo Alabi and TKayode Timothy – have been brought before an Igbosere Robbers kill retired police officer, wife, two others Magistrate’s Court for allegedly defrauding some customers of the firm to the tune of N11m. Samson Folarin suspected robbers shot dead critical condition and receiving attended a religious conference The defendants were arraigned on three counts of stealing and a retired police officer, Joseph treatment in a hospital in the with his wife in Jaki, Kwande forgery before a magistrate, Mr. B.A. Sonuga. ragedy struck in Tsafa, his wife, Cecelia, and state. LGA, , on Friday. The police said the defendants had presented themselves as the Takum Local two others. Our correspondent learnt They were on their way owners of the firm to their unsuspecting victims and promised Government Area PUNCH Metro learnt that that the retired policeman, to on Saturday to help them mold some machines. T of Taraba State after some one other victim was in a who had become a pastor, had when they reportedly met a Alabi, 40, and 30-year-old Timothy were said to have collected roadblock mounted by the the sum from the customers sometime in October 2016 and robbers. reportedly assured them of getting the machines soon. A member of the publicity PUNCH Metro learnt that the complainants petitioned the Zone team of the conference, Ben 2 Police Command, Onikan, , when the defendants Dzwa, said Joseph and his wife could not produce the machines or refund the sum. were with three others, when They were apprehended and subsequently brought to the court they were attacked in their car. by a police prosecutor, Sergeant O. Innocent. He said, “He left the Innocent told the court that the offences were punishable event venue on Friday with under sections 278, 312 and 409 of the Criminal Law of Lagos his wife, Cecilia, who was State, 2011. the woman leader of NKST The charges read in part, “That you, Adebayo Alabi and Kayode Nachi-Bali Consistory Women Timoth, sometime in October 2016, at YSR Limited, Badagry, Fellowship, and Atese Anum Lagos, in the Lagos Magisterial District, did conspire with each (another pastor’s wife) for other to commit felony, to wit: obtaining money by false pretences. Zaki Biam, where they spent “That you, on the same date, time and place, in the the night. aforementioned magisterial district, did present yourselves as “On Saturday, the couple set the owners of YSR Limited, which you know to be false, and out for the Bali LGA of Taraba obtained the sum of N11m from customers of YSR company, State where they were based. thereby committing an offence punishable under Section 278 (1) In Katsina-Ala, they assisted (9) of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2011.” two women who were heading The accused pleaded not guilty and elected summary trial. towards their direction, The magistrate, Sonuga, granted them bail in the sum of making their number five in N500,000 with two sureties each in like sum. the vehicle. Sonuga asked the prosecutor to verify the sureties’ residential “At about 9am on Saturday, addresses and evidence of tax payment to the Lagos State they passed Gidan Gawa, along Katsina-Ala-Takum Government. •Scene of the incident Photo: Idoma Voice The case was adjourned till January 31, 2017. Road in Taraba State. There TUESDAY, DECEMBER 6, 2016 5

he police in have about 8.30pm, was rescued by the rescued three kidnapped Command rescues kidnapped victims police and had been reunited with Kamarudeen Ogundele, victims unhurt in different Ogotun Ekiti Road on November respective families. Investigation her family. T 30, 2016, were rescued unhurt and is still in progress, while efforts are “She was rescued by a team of operations carried out in the state. without paying a ransom after a on to arrest the kidnappers.” police detectives in the Lazora area, The state Police Public Relations “On December 2, 2016, at about massive manhunt launched by the Adeyemi also said one Adeyomoye opposite Fayose Market, Ajilosun, Officer, Alberto Adeyemi, stated 5.50pm, one Lola Akintunwa and police. Alabi, who was kidnapped in her Ado-Ekiti. this in a statement on Monday. her driver, Soji Jegede, who were 08185225745, 08055126196 “The two victims have been residence on Adehun Street, Ado- “Efforts are on to arrest her The statement read in part, kidnapped along Igbara Odo/ reunited with members of their Ekiti, on November 25, 2016, at abductors,”he said. Female apprentice Kidnappers murder, dump Dangote worker’s found dead inside • We have three suspects, say police well after the professional network into negotiation with the abortion portal, Linkedin, described kidnappers. him as the Human Resources “The victim was detailed Ovie Okpare, Manager of Dangote to pay the ransom. The Warri Industries Limited, a kidnappers, after taking the graduate from the University ransom, seized and killed fashion apprentice, of Maiduguri and the Lagos him. Blessing Alex, has State University. “They had demanded been found dead He said he was a member N100m, but they were paid A in a well after she was of the Chartered Institute N5.6m. So, it is probable that reportedly forced to abort of Personnel Management they were not satisfied with her three-month-old and had a certificate in the money. pregnancy. International Negotiation “Following the incident, The incident was said from Bonn University, the Inspector-General of to have occured in Iselle- Australia. He added that Police ordered the Critical Azagba community in he was a former investigator Investigation Unit to swing the Aniocha South Local with the Nigerian Drug Law into action. The team was Government Area of Delta Enforcement Agency, among able to arrest the kidnappers State. others. and recover the corpse of the A source told our He also described himself deceased in Ijebu Igbo, Ogun correspondent on Monday as “a very versatile human State, where they had their •Abubakar Photo: Afeez Hanafi that the deceased, who asset who began his early hideout. hailed from Ikoto town in career in criminal justice “The three suspects – the Ini Local Government administration in 1990 as a Abubakar Gide, Abdulahi Area of law enforcement officer.” Saliu and Babuga Adamu – Guard kills friend, dumps was discovered to be The Force Public Relations were arrested on November pregnant for one of the Officer, Donald Awunah, 27 and December 3, 2016, corpse in bush villagers, but her parents confirmed the incident, at Ijebu Igbo, Ogun State; insisted that she removed adding that three of the Epe, Lagos State, and Ajase Afeez Hanafi worked on a farm in the area. that Abubakar dismembered the foetus. kidnappers had been Forest, . Three It was gathered that the deceased, packed the It was learnt that arrested. AK-47 rifles were recovered he Lagos State Abubakar and the victim parts in a sack and dumped Blessing, who had gone Awunah explained that from them.” Police Command has were on the farm on Saturday them in a bush. missing for about 10 days, the suspects were arrested Awunah urged members arrested a security when a disagreement A source, who has T was found dead in the in Ogun, Lagos and Kwara of the public to exercise guard, Haruna Abubakar, in ensued between them. The knowledge of the incident, well in the community on states, saying they confessed restraint in paying ransoms Ibeju-Lekki, Lagos State, for altercation was said to have said the deceased’s brother, Saturday by members of to the crime. to kidnappers, adding that allegedly killing his friend. led to a scuffle, during which identified as Adamu, the community vigilance He said, “What happened security agencies should PUNCH Metro learnt that the 28-year-old suspect reported a case of missing group. was that five expatriates of always be carried along Abubakar and the victim, hacked the herdsman to person to the police when the The deceased was to the company were kidnapped during negotiation to avert a herdsman, whose name death. victim did not return home be attached to a sewing and the company went loss of lives. had yet to be ascertained, Our correspondent learnt from the farm on the day. “A police team went to institute for further the farm and some persons training when she was provided useful information, allegedly impregnated by which indicted the suspect. her boyfriend who is an He was arrested based on indigene of the community. Robbers kill retired police officer, wife, two others Another villager, who the tip-off and he actually identified himself simply Public Relations Officer, David robbers blocked the road and confessed to killing his is a portion of the road that from Joseph. Nobody knows as Uche, said the incident Misal, confirmed the incident, also fired at the vehicle. As friend,” the source added. is bad and vehicles must slow what really happened that led had thrown the community adding that a total of four a result, two died instantly, The Lagos State Police down to avoid accident; so, to shooting. They just shot him into mourning. people died in the incident. including a retired police Public Relations Office, SP they also slowed down. It was and his wife, who was in the He added that many He said, “The incident officer. His wife also died. Two Dolapo Badmos, confirmed on the road that some armed front seat.” thought that the girl might happened around 8am on others died later, while the the incident. young men came out of the Dzwa said the corpses of the have committed suicide Saturday. It was an armed fifth occupant of the car is in a She said the state bush and ordered them to couple had been deposited in as a result of her parents’ robbery attack. While they critical condition and receiving Commissioner of Police, Fatai stop and they obeyed. The Zaki Biam. stance on her pregnancy robbers demanded money The Taraba State Police were on the road, some armed treatment at a hospital.” Owoseni, had directed that the case be transferred to the and the depression she State Criminal Investigation suffered after it was Events centre operators’ lament low patronage and Intelligence Department, aborted. s the Yuletide country. were fully booked and tried Yaba, for investigation and “Not too long ago, the people. Most times, the invite victim, who was living with approaches amid the “We used to have receptions to squeeze in events, but not read ‘strictly by invitation’ and prosecution. current economic or activities on week days and anymore. She said, “The command, her father and stepmother, A some people were prevented aborted her pregnancy. recession, some operators of Christmas period, but none “Sometimes, people engage upon discreet investigation from entering the hall. “It was learnt that event centres in Lagos State this time. our in-house caterers and we “But today, we have a terrible and intelligence gathering, have lamented low patronage “The patronage for wedding also provide drinks. arrested the suspect. The she was force to remove situation in the country and it the foetus because the by clients. receptions is scanty. We “But if the people organising is affecting our business. In victim, aged 27, was his The managers of some social have not seen much of it this the event don’t want in-house friend and co-worker. family members were spite of the low patronage, we not comfortable with her event facilities in the state told season,’’ he said. caterers, they can bring in still try to stay afloat,’’ he said. “They had an altercation the News Agency of Nigeria At the Eko Club Events theirs. relationship with the man NAN reports that events which resulted in a physical that they had never had it Centre, Mrs. Kemi Oyebode, “Many people are not renting who impregnated her. centres in Lagos are in different fight and in the process, tough in all the years that they the Administrative Secretary, halls as frequently as they did the suspect attacked the “Since then, she had shapes and sizes, and the had been in the business. told NAN that the economic because of the situation in the deceased with a dagger, cut not been herself both in location of the facility usually The Facility Manager, recession had taken its toll on country,’’ she said. him to pieces and dumped composure and behaviour determines what the clients Eagles Club, , Mr. the facility. The Manager of the Nigerian him in the bush. until she was found dead,” would pay to use the place. Olawale Azeez, said in the Oyebode added that Ports Authority hall, Rufus “The clue gathered by a source disclosed. past, the centre was usually Yuletide was usually a busy Adewoye, said the recession Some of the facilities are the police led to the arrest When asked to state the fully booked for one event or period for them when the might force some of the events usually located in highbrow of the suspect who later extent of investigation, the another. going was good. centres to fold up because of neighbourhoods which are the confessed to the crime and Delta State Commissioner “This year, we have not had “The patronage is quite low patronage. usual destinations of choice led operatives to the scene of Police, Zanna Ibrahim, much patronage because of low. About two years ago, we “There was a time our facility for affluent members of the where the body parts were said he was not aware of the economic situation in the were always on our toes; we was usually filled up with society. recovered.” the incident. 6 TUESDAY, DECEMBER 6, 2016 photo PTD stops night movement of tankers Sesan Olufowobi the day time, saying, “It is news h e Petroleum Tanker better you are late, than to die TDrivers has stopped night in accident.” operations by its members. The National Publicity It attributed the incessant Secretary of the PTD, Atanda explosions caused by oil Adebayo, said, “One of the tankers to the poor state of causes of tanker explosions the roads and lack of efficient and deaths recorded in the policy formulation. process is the bad condition of The National Chairman roads across the country. of the PTD, Salimon Oladiti, “The reason Apapa is stated this at the end of a three- congested with tankers day ‘Basic Skills Development is because there is high Training Workshop for Units concentration of oil depots Elected Officers in Lagos and sea ports in the area. The Zone,’ in Apapa, a statement movement of big vehicles to said on Monday. the depots and the ports put He explained that the pressure on roads, which lead decision was part of the to infrastructural decay. measures to reduce tanker “When the roads become accidents, adding that the bad and there are no immediate association had directed repairs, the tankers cannot ply its members to stop night them easily. This is a problem.” operations, especially at Adebayo noted that the Yuletide, because of bad training was aimed at building roads. the capacity of members in He also urged PTD security and safety on the members to exercise extreme road and relationship with caution on the road during members of the public.

•L-R: Human Resources Director, Nigerian Bottling Company, Grace Omo-Lamai; Chairman, National Executive Rector, others want more Council of the Nigerian Conservation Council, Chief Ede Dafinone; Legal, Public Affairs & Communications Director, Nigerian Bottling Company, Sade Morgan; and Chief Executive Officer, Rihago Auction Limited, Seye Morgan, at a funding for education dinner organised by the Nigerian Conversation Foundation, co-sponsored by Nigerian Bottling Company in Lagos... Sesan Olufowobi to reduce illiteracy in the on Monday. Photo: NBC country. he Rector of the Lagos Sogunro, who was TState Polytechnic, honoured with an award Mr. Samuel Sogunro; his along with others, lamented predecessor, Mr. Olawunmi that funding had limited Gasper; and the Chief research in the institution. Executive Officer of Starco “However, we have Insurance Plc, Dr Shakiru achieved a great feat with the Oyefeso, have called for more limited resources we have,” funding for the educational he added. sector. Gasper, in his They said tertiary contribution, lamented that institutions had yet to tertiary institutions in the actualise the vision of the country had yet to become founding fathers due to places where employers of inadequate funding. labour were created. The trio spoke at the He said, “If the tertiary annual dinner and maiden institutions have lived up award night of the Lagos State Polytechnic Alumni to their billings, we should Association. not have the high rate of Oyefeso said it was not unemployment that we have too much for the federal in the country.” and state governments The National President of to set aside 25 per cent of the alumni association, Mr. their annual budgets for the Muyiwa Olugbile, said the educational sector. association had inaugurated •L-R: Managing Director, United Capital Trustees Limited, Ms. Tokunbo Ajayi; Lagos State Commissioner for Finance, He also advocated that N500m endowment fund Mr. Akinyemi Asade; Managing Director, STL Trustees Limited, Mrs. Funmi Ekundayo; and Permanent Secretary, Lagos anybody below the age of 70 meant for the improvement State Ministry of Finance, Mr. Tairu Ogunleye, during the 6th Annual General Meeting of Lagos State Bond, series 2, in should be made to acquire of the infrastructure in the Lagos... on Friday. Photo: Saheed Olugbon some form of education school. LASTMA sensitises Lagos residents to road safety Samson Folarin safe and drive to stay alive. Every motorist must drive h e Lagos State Traffic within the ambit of regulation. TManagement Authority It is important that people on Monday appealed to drive with their seat belts residents of the state to fastened; they must avoid adhere to traffic regulations distractions when driving. to avert loss of lives as the “Minors must always be at year drew to an end. the back and not in front of the Officials of the agency driver; and they should be well moved round major strapped. If you drink, don’t highways in the state to drive and if you drive, don’t sensitise residents to the drink. These are the issues at importance of road safety. stake so that everybody will The Chief Executive stay alive and help reduce the Officer of LASTMA, Chris level of carnage on our roads.” Olakpe, said more than Olakpe said other security 4,000 workers of the agency, agencies would join the including top management agency to ensure compliance staff, would be deployed in with traffic rules, urging the Lagos to ensure that no one cooperation of motorists. violated the law during the The General Manager of •L-R: Executive Director, Business Development, First City Monument Bank, Mr. Adam Nuru; Divisional Head, Yuletide. LASTMA, Mr. Bashir Braimoh, Risk Management FCMB, Mrs. Oluwatoyin Olaiya; a guest, Mr. Lanre Akoni; immediate past Group Head, Risk He said, “We want to said the agency had decided Policy Admin and Monitoring, FCMB, Mrs. Valerie Akoni; Executive Director, Service Management and Technology, ensure there is no accident to intensify its sensitisation Mr. Nath Ude; and Chief Financial Officer FCMB, Mrs. Yemisi Edun, during the send-off organised by FCMB for Mrs. during this period. We are campaign to effect attitudinal Akoni in Lagos ...on Saturday. Photo: FCMB advising everyone to keep change in residents. TUESDAY, DECEMBER 6, 2016 7 news FG presses fresh charges against Justice Ademola Ade Adesomoju, Firearms (Special Provisions) Act, 2004”. serve the couple personally and, as such, United Nations International Criminal The defendants were scheduled to be section 382(5) of the ACJA was not Tribunal for Rwanda. he Federal Government has arraigned on Monday but they were applicable in the matter. According to online encyclopaedia, Tpreferred fresh charges against absent because they had not been served The defence lawyer, however, submitted Wikipedia, Jegede worked at the UNICTR Justice Adeniyi Ademola of a Federal with the charges. that the court under its inherent powers for over a decade. High Court in Abuja and his wife, Justice Okeke adjourned the matter till could grant the leave for service. His work at the UNICTR “mainly Olabowale, who is the Head of Service December 13, 2016, after the defendants’ Justice Okeke, in his ruling, said record revolved around the investigation and of Lagos State, before a High Court of lawyer, Mr. Jeph Njikonye, volunteered showed that a court bailiff attempted prosecution of some of the known the Federal Capital Territory, Maitama, to accept service on behalf of his clients. to serve the defendants in Abuja, on masterminds of the egregious crimes Abuja. Lead prosecuting counsel, Mr. Segun December 2, but were said to have committed during the Rwandan The prosecution amended the charges Jegede, had told the court that bailiffs travelled to Lagos. genocide”. it filed on December 1, 2016 bringing the attempted to serve the couple with He proceeded to grant leave enabling The Rwandan genocide, which lasted original 14 counts down to 11. the charges but they were said to have the defendants to be served through their about 100 days in 1994, was a mass While some of the old counts have been travelled to Lagos. lawyer as provided for under section slaughter of the Tutsi ethnic minority dropped, fresh ones including receiving He said he was going to ask the court 382(5) of ACJA. group in Rwanda by the Hutu ethnic a car worth N8.5m as gratification from to give an order for service on the Earlier, the Director of Public majority group. a senior lawyer, Mr. Joe Agi, and being defendants through substituted means Prosecutions of the Federation, Mr. Jegede was also said to have had a in possession of two rifles without valid but that was no longer necessary as the Mohammed Umar, announced that stint at the Federal Ministry of Justice licences have been preferred against the defence counsel had approached him the Attorney General of the Federation as a state counsel before going into judge. before the proceedings commenced and and Minister of Justice, Mr. Abubakar private legal practice and subsequently The trial judge, Justice Jude Okeke, on volunteered to accept service on behalf of Malami, had authorised Jegede to lead establishing his own law firm in 1988. Monday, fixed December 13, 2016 for the the defendants. the prosecution team. Upon taking over the case from the arraignment of the defendants. Jegede urged the court to grant leave The DPPF said, “The Attorney General DPPF on Monday, Jegede announced Like the old set of charges, Justice to serve the defendants through their of the Federation, in exercise of his power that he was going to withdraw the old Ademola and his wife were accused in the lawyer on the strength of section 382(5) under section 174 of the constitution and charges filed on November 14, 2016, fresh counts of conspiracy and receiving of the Administration of Criminal Justice section 104(2) of the Administration of and replace them with the set filed on gratification of N30m from Joe Agi and Act. Criminal Justice Act, has authorised Mr. December 1, 2016. Associates between March 11 and March Although Njikonye expressed readiness Segun Jegede to lead the prosecution of Justice Okeke granted the prayer 26, 2015. to accept service on behalf of his clients, this case.” and struck out the old charges filed on The prosecution also accused the judge he said was not aware of attempts to Jegede is a former prosecutor at the December 1. of “dealing with property subject matter of an offence” by transferring N85m and N90m, totalling N175m to Franco Dan Parker on February 24, 2014. I’ll mourn death of common sense in Nigeria on Jan. 20 –Soyinka Both offences were said to be contrary Gbenga Adeniji to use a garden shell or scissors for my in all areas, why not in politics? Even to section 24 of the Corrupt Practices Green Card. What is the business of the stock exchange reacted to Trump’s and other related offences Act, 2000 and obel laureate, Prof. Wole any Nigerian to challenge me on my election. I also reacted in my own punishable under the same law. NSoyinka, has disclosed his decision? Barbarians have taken over way. There is freedom of expression. The judge was also accused of intention to hold a private funeral on the country using the anonymity of the We have far too many illiterates in attempting to receive gratification in the January 20 when the US President- Internet. They sit somewhere writing this country.’’ sum of N25m from one Sani Shaibu Teidi elect, Donald Trump, will be about me, questioning the right of me The playwright, who said he might on February 21, 2014. inaugurated. to express myself.” consider WOLEXIT 2 – a word he He was also said to have, on January Addressing a news conference on Soyinka, who said he got the Green coined on his planned exit of the US 5, 2015, in his capacity as a public what he titled, ‘The green god and the Card during the National Democratic – added that he would relocate the servant, “corruptly received from Joe idolatory of mutants,’ in Lagos, on Coalition years without requesting residency of the Soyinka Foundation Odey Agi, a BMW Saloon 320i valued at Monday, Soyinka explained that the it – when the exigencies of the time outside Nigeria. N8,500,000, through your son, Ademide funeral would, however, mourn the necessitated it – said it was absurd for “It is a significant decision on Ademola, as gratification in the exercise death of common sense in Nigeria and people to ask him to produce a video my part in response to the stupid of your official functions as the judge of not bewail the citizens of the US over showing he tore it. melodrama. Exit can take two forms; the Federal High Court of Nigeria”. their choice of president. “I am not an entertainer. Why internal or external. I can stay put in The offences relating to gratification “Our common sense is totally lost. should I entertain you on that? I am my private Green Belt – the one I have were said to be contrary to section 8(1) I am embarrassed sometimes that I a dramatist. When I say I have done named the Autonomous Republic of (a) of the Corrupt Practices and other occupy the same nation space with something, Ogun is my guiding spirit Ijegba,” he stated. related offences Act, 2000. some people,” he said. on it. Maybe I should be exiting On whether he was reacting angrily The judge was also said to have, on Many Nigerians had been looking Nigeria and not the US. People that to the Green Card brouhaha because October 7, 2016, had in his possession forward to the day the Nobel laureate one dedicated one’s life of struggle Nigerians had never queried his “one Pump Action Rifle with serial would publicly tear his Green Card to can be so slavish in mentality to personal decisions, Soyinka said it number AVAR MAGNUM 6084 without because he had promised to tear the query the right of their champions to was wrong to say that. a valid licence and thereby committed card if Trump won the US presidential freedom of expression,” he added. He recalled that his former students an offence contrary to section 3 of election. According to him, it is his personal such as Profs Femi Osofisan and the Robbery and Firearms (Special Soyinka, however, noted that business and not anyone else’s if he Biodun Jeyifo always took him up on Provisions) Act, 2004”. Nigerians had no right to query his wants to leave the US and the way he issues. He was said to have, on the same date personal decision on the tearing of his plans to do it. Besides, he advised President of October 7, 2016, had in his possession Green Card. He said, “If I decide to leave the US, Muhammadu Buhari to be wary of another Pump Action Rifle with serial He said, “Where is the arrogance it is my personal decision and not that sending congratulatory messages like number AVAR MAGNUM 6284 without coming from? What right do they of the millipedes of the Internet, who he did to the outgoing President of a valid licence. have to tell me that I have no right to claw at any excuse. I don’t know what The Gambia, Alhaji Yahya Jammeh, In the last count, he was accused of take a decision in a particular way? I the excitation is. Why do Nigerians for conceding defeat to the incoming having in his possession on the same date never took orders from (the late) Sani tend to weep more than the bereaved? President, Mr. Adama Barrow. of October 7, 2014, “35 rounds of live Abacha, why should I take orders from Trump is not really my business. He He stated that Jammeh, who ruled ammunition (cartridges) without a valid you? Let us have a little respect and has been elected. He should do his for 22 years, represented sit-tight licence and thereby committed an offence spirit of tolerance. I can decide whether work. There are born-again humans African leaders. contrary to section 3 of the Robbery and Have a story for us? Code of Ethics For more information, Contact: • We are guided by conduct are the basis independent body would Newspaper Proprietors’ please contact: Politics: 08033461633 the principles of of public trust and best serve the interest Association of Nigeria, Office of the Ombudsman, [email protected]; factual, balanced and confidence. of the profession and Newspaper Proprietors’ General News: 08165625046 supported by other • We believe that a system society. Association of Nigeria Online: 08033430804 fair reporting and stakeholders, to mediate commentaries. of self regulation, • We subscribe to the complaints against the 8, Maryland Crescent, [email protected]; Maryland, Ikeja. Or e-mail: Business: 07068835954 • We believe that these through a professional Ombudsman mechanism press on ethical conduct code of ethics under an established by the ngrombudsman@yahoo. [email protected] principles and ethical and recommend redress. com 8 TUESDAY, DECEMBER 6, 2016 personal

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A child savings account accounts. don’t need to withdraw them with funds for the have to be opened by a There are certain allows you to deposit There are different any money during that future to use eventually parent or guardian on stages when children can and withdraw money types of savings accounts time. TUESDAY, DECEMBER 6, 2016 9 news EFCC re-arraigns army general, Akpobolokemi for N8.5bn fraud Ramon Oladimeji 30,000 units of shares titled Plot MF62 outer Northern from Operation Polo Shield. According to the said they were liable to be ‘MTN Linked Units’. Expressway, Cadastral The EFCC, in the prosecution, Engozu received punished under Section he Economic and The retired military Zone, Abuja, in the name charge, alleged that Engozu a cash payment of $22.5m 13(3) of the same Act. TFinancial Crimes officer was also accused of of his company E.J-Joe Ltd. and Otuaga made cash on November 7, 2014, while The defendants, however, Commission on Monday using part of the operation’s The EFCC further transactions in excess of Otuaga received $527,500 on pleaded not guilty when the re-arraigned a former funds to acquire properties alleged that Atewe acquired the threshold stipulated October 31, 2014. charges were read to them. Commander of the military measuring 50 hectares at properties worth N763.3m by the Money Laundering The defendants were said Justice Saidu adjourned Joint Task Force, Operation Kuje, another measuring in Lugbe, Kuje, among (Prohibition) Act), without to have violated Section 18(c) their trial till February 3 and Pulo Shield, in the 13.032.10 square metres others, between 2014 and going through any financial of the Money Laundering Act 20, 2017 for trial. Delta, Maj. Gen. Emmanuel along Kubwa, and another in last year, using stolen funds institution. 2012, for which the EFCC Atewe (retd.), for an alleged Buhari needs $30bn fraud of N8, 537,586,798.58. loan to succeed, says The retired military officer was re-arraigned on 22 Odigie-Oyegun counts of money laundering John Alechenu, Abuja alongside a former Director- General of the Nigerian he National Chairman Maritime Administration Tof the All Progressives and Safety Agency, Patrick Congress, Chief John Akpobolokemi. Odigie-Oyegun, has said Standing trial with the President Muhammadu Atewe and Akpobolokemi Buhari-led administration before Justice Saliu Saidu is left with no option but to of a Federal High Court in borrow to revive Nigeria’s Lagos are Kime Engozu and ailing economy. Josephine Otuaga. Buhari’s plan to borrow an The defendants were estimated US$29.9bn from first arraigned on May 27 foreign lenders has been on 11 counts but the EFCC rejected by the Senate and amended the charges to opposed by some leading 22, leading to their re- Nigerian economists. arraignment on Monday. Odigie-Oyegun said Atewe, Akpobolokemi Nigeria needed to borrow and the others were accused in order to invest in of siphoning N8.5bn from infrastructure and grow the NIMASA sometime in 2014 economy. using six companies. The party chairman was The companies allegedly quoted to have said this •L-R: Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Chief Audu Ogbeh; Vice-President ; and used by them to divert after receiving a lifetime President, African Development Bank, Dr. Akinwumi Adesina, at the opening of the African Economic Conference in the money were listed as achievement award from the Abuja ... on Monday. Photo: NAN Jagan Trading Company Warri Choral Society at the Ltd., Jagan Global Services Muson Centre in Lagos. Ltd., Al-Nald Ltd., Paper Workers besiege police commission to enforce court judgment This was contained in a Warehouse Ltd., Eastpoint statement from his office in Adelani Adepegba, Integrated Services Ltd. the agency to regularise and allowances from the regulating the claimants’ Abuja on Monday. Abuja and De-Newlink Integrated their appointments. date of their employment employment. Odigie-Oyegun stated, “If Services Ltd. The workers, who till date. The judgment read in part, you read the newspapers, o fewer than 43 workers besieged the commission The claimants were “The 1st and 2nd defendants you hear the President being In one of the counts, the of the Police Service EFCC claimed that Atewe N along with a court bailiff, engaged by the erstwhile (PSC and Okiro) are hereby advised to pump money into Commission stormed the demanded that the PSC chairman of the PSC, Parry mandatorily directed to pay the economy. diverted N170.3m out of agency’s headquarters in the funds earmarked for complied with the judgment, Osayande, in April 2013, but the claimants forthwith their “So, the question is, Abuja on Monday, to enforce which ordered it to pay the Mike Okiro-led board first 28 days allowances, where is the money coming Operation Polo Shield in the order of the National the Niger Delta to acquire them their first 28 days of the commission, which salaries, allowances of from? Simple, it has to come Industrial Court, directing allowance, remuneration took over, did not pay their equivalent rank in the from somewhere, including salaries on the grounds that Civil Service of Federation borrowing – both internal Ondo LG chairmen, Alabi urge support for Akeredolu their appointments did not commencing from the and external. Peter Dada, third tier of government, administering the state. conform to the civil service date of their employment “To get this country rules and regulations. to when the claimants’ going again, you have to h e chairmen of the 18 which is closer to the Alabi said, “There is more The aggrieved workers employment is properly pay contractors. Some local government areas people at the grassroots, to be done; winning is one T had instituted a suit against determined in accordance contractors have not been of , under the the local government will thing, success in governance the commission and Okiro with the provisions of the paid for four, five, six, 10 auspices of the Association continue to give meaningful is another, no governor can at the NIC, Abuja, and got years. of Local Government of representation and good succeed without the support law regulating the claimants a judgment in their favour “So long as the borrowing Nigeria, have pledged to governance to the people at of his people not just for employment with the following the failure of the is done, not to pay salaries, support the governor-elect all times. the purpose of election but defendants.” throughout his tenure. The PSC to file a memorandum which the President Buhari of the state, Chief Rotimi “The association reiterates The head, legal people of Ondo State should administration will not Akeredolu. that the people of the state of appearance within the section of the PSC, Tijani keep supporting the governor- do, but invested to create Akeredolu, the candidate will continue to be grateful stipulated time. Muhammed, who met with elect. His success is your of the All Progressives for all the giant strides of the Justice E. D. Isele, in his two representatives of the opportunities, solve our present administration in the success.” ruling, dated October 18, workers and their lawyer, problems of power and things Congress, won the November Alabi, in the solidarity 26 governorship election in state, under the leadership 2016, described as illegal the Olufemi Adedeji, promised like that.” of Dr. , in message to Akeredolu refusal of the commission to convey the court order On the anti-graft war, the state after defeating 26 described him as a seasoned candidates of other political repositioning the state to to pay the workers their to the commission’s Odigie-Oyegun described a viable position amongst professional and an salaries and allowances. management. the war as a task that must parties. administrator with requisite the comity of states in the Justice Isele added that He advised the workers to be accomplished, saying In a statement on competence and experience country.” it was a violation of the come back after two weeks corruption was at the core of Monday by the chairman to transform the fortunes of Alarapon called on all provision of Section 10(3) for the decision of the board, the nation’s problems. of the association, Mr. Bayo the state. (b) of the Police Service noting that the commission He described corrupt Alarapon, the Ondo ALGON stakeholders to embrace “Akeredolu’s emergence Commission Act, 2001, was willing to obey the court people as “immoral and congratulated the governor- peace and allow the is a victory for democracy, order. lacking in ethics,” adding elect on his victory in the development to continue in for Nigeria and the good Rules 040102 and 130105 of “I need to convey the election. the state during the reign of people of Ondo State,” he the Public Service Rules and that Nigeria must rid itself of order to the board, which The council chairmen, Akeredolu. said, adding, “I thank the the Police Service Conditions corruption and its attendant who are all members of the He noted that people of Ondo State for of Service paragraphs 4.1(c) would meet and take a consequences in order to Peoples Democratic Party in development and progress their resolve in keeping faith and 4-2(e). decision on it. So, I would make progress. the state, also commended could only happen in an with the APC, a development The court restrained the advise that you come back The Governor, the electorate throughout atmosphere devoid of that underscores the people’s commission from further after 10 working days, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, in the 18 council areas as well violence, rancour and appreciation of the pragmatic refusing to pay the claimants during which the decision of his remarks at the event, as other stakeholders for lawlessness. leadership of President their salaries and allowances, the management would be described the APC chairman allowing peace to reign Also, a businessman, Mr. Muhammadu Buhari as he harassing, suspending conveyed to you, but I assure as “a man, who has, by the during the election. Kola Alabi, has urged the steers the nation out of the their employment without you that something would divine intervention of God, Alarapon stated, “The people to support Akeredolu rot, decadence and resultant due compliance with the be done about the situation,” changed the face of politics association notes that as the to ensure optimum success in economic quagmire.” extant provision of the law Muhammed stated. in our country.” 10 TUESDAY, DECEMBER 6, 2016 news No plan to arm road marshals I won’t abandon APC, says Tinubu now – FRSC John Alechenu, Abuja the governing All Progressives denied links to the formation Tinubu noted that The former Lagos State Rasheed Bisiriyu Congress. of a new party. irrespective of mistakes that governor added that he had he National leader of the Tinubu, who made his views The party leader said he had been made, he remained devoted his life to building he Federal Road TAll Progressives Congress, known via a series of tweets on would not abandon the ruling committed to the “ideas that the party, stressing that the TSafety Corps has denied Asiwaju , has his twitter handle @Asiwaju party, which he laboured to fuelled” the creation of the national purpose of the APC claims that its personnel reiterated his commitment to Tinubu, on Monday, also build. APC. “is bigger than the desire of will begin to carry arms to any individual.” protect themselves against In one of the tweets, Tinubu attacks by errant and violent said, “This is a party I laboured motorists while on duty. with others to build. We would There were reports on not abandon it for another. Friday credited to the Corps Millions of Nigerians who Marshal of the FRSC, Mr. voted are watching and Boboye Oyeyemi, indicating praying. that the Federal Government “I have devoted my political life to achieving what has had given approval to the been achieved. My heart corps to allow its personnel is too much for the people to bear arms following an and my mind too fixed on increase in violent attacks of establishing a positive historic its operatives during patrol. legacy… rather than engage in This generated uproar destructive pettiness.” among the people as the He added, “This issue dominated discussion government, the APC, is for in the public sphere the betterment of the people throughout the weekend. and the national purpose is But the FRSC said on bigger and more important Monday that there was no than any individual’s desires. iota of truth in the reports “In our journey to national that it had distributed arms betterment, plans and policies to its personnel and urged will be made, then amended. members of the public to Mistakes will occur and then disregard what it called a • L-R: Director, Directorate of Prisons, Venerable Samuel Ifeyemi; Mrs. Oluranti Ademowo; her husband/Archbishop corrected… “Achievements will be had rumour. of Lagos and Dean, Emeritus, Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion), Most Revd. Ephraim Ademowo; and Deputy and replicated. Through it all, It also said in the statement Controller of Prisons, Ikoyi Prisons, Mr. Julius Ezugwu, during the annual Archbishop’s visit to Ikoyi Prisons in Lagos...on issued by its Head of Media I, Asiwaju will remain true Monday. Photo: Stanley Ogidi to the progressive ideals that Relations and Strategy, Mr. fuelled the creation of the Bisi Kazeem, that the road APC.” marshals were not about to Reps, stakeholders disagree over new digital rights bill The latest statement from bear arms. John Ameh, Abuja A former Minister of to have unrestricted access which provided that “right for Tinubu is coming on the heels It stated that the corps Education and Coordinator to information and to freely private data should follow due of reports linking him to plans marshal “was misquoted embers of the House of the BringBackOurGirls participate in governance. process,” would not stand. to form a mega party. when he decried the number Mof Representatives and campaign group, Mrs. Oby The agency argued that any The commission stated, There has been no love lost of his personnel that had other major stakeholders were Ezekwesili, also supported attempt at controlling access “This section will trample between Tinubu and the APC’s been killed by errant divided on Monday over the the bill. would be better achieved upon the fundamental rights National Chairman, Chief motorists avoiding arrests,” digital rights protection bill According to her, citizens are through “international of Nigerians. John Odigie-Oyegun, since which he said would have before the National Assembly. entitled to the privacy of their cooperation and treaties” “What constitutes the legal the emergence of Senator been avoided if the marshals The new piece of legislation rights online the same way they rather than direct legislation. procedure? It should be clearly as the President were to bear arms. seeks to guarantee the do off-line. The agency advised the defined... of the Senate. It said even though fundamental human rights “This bill is fascinating, being committee to widen the scope “The bill does not really The relationship was further the FRSC operatives had of citizens to have access to a product of a partnership of negotiation on the issue by define what is harmful Internet strained after the Ondo State been undergoing regular the Internet and other digital between the National Assembly engaging more stakeholders. or digital content.” APC governorship primary. arms training at different platforms, but especially and the citizenry... In addition, it noted that The Nigerian Tinubu in a scathing letter intervals from 1992, the the protection of privacy of “In this country, people have many provisions of the bill Communications Commission demanded for the resignation merely duplicated extant laws, raised similar observations, corps had no plans to arm personal data. decided that they can libel of the party chairman whom It also deals with issues anybody and nothing can be which would invariably lead including saying that existing them as part of their patrol he accused of several acts of relating to abuse of the done about it,” she added. to conflict of implementation. laws such as the Nigerian malfeasance. operations. Internet, including hate However, the National The National Human Rights Communications Act, the Cyber In response, the party It also stated that it had speeches, child pornography Information Technology Commission opposed the bill Crimes Act and the National chairman said the party leader never been the priority of the and use of digital platforms Development Agency kicked outright. Security Agencies Act, among was misinformed and that corps under the leadership for “character assassination.” against the bill on the grounds For example, the commission others, had already covered his letter was based on faulty of the past and present corps The bill, which was that the Internet aided citizens said Section 6(4) of the bill, some aspects of the bill. foundation. marshals to implement the sponsored by Mr. Emeka provisions of the amended Ujam, aims to promote the FRSC Establishment Act of rights of Nigerians to use the Police have withdrawn my CSO, Wike alleges 2007, which permitted road Internet but also provides for Chukwudi Akasike and the police were partisan and Officer, Mr. Nnamdi Omoni, the ulterior agenda of the traffic managers to bear “due process” to be followed Kamarudeen Ogundele plotting to compromise his to react to the governor’s claim Federal Government through arms like other security/ before the personal data of security, added that he was were not answered. the police authorities. para-military agencies. individuals can be accessed. HEAD of the legislative looking up to God and the Also, a text message to his He said, “There is an election The FRSC said, “It was But, at a public hearing Arerun in the , youths to protect him. mobile phone was not replied as scheduled for this weekend pictures of officials of the on the bill by the House Governor Nyesom Wike has “Does the Inspector-General of the time of filing this report. and the Federal Government corps that had undergone Committee on Human Rights, raised the alarm that his Chief of Police vote in Rivers State? Reacting to the reported through the instrumentality arms training that the same stakeholders disagreed over Security Officer has been The APC can take the IG. For transfer of Wike’s CSO, the Ekiti of police transferred the Chief mediums misquoting the several provisions of the withdrawn. me, I will remain with the State Governor, Ayodele Fayose, Security Officer of Governor Wike said his CSO was corps marshal are using to proposed legislation. people,” Wike said. called on the international Nyesom Wike, this is an The committee is chaired by withdrawn on Monday He charged youths in areas community to intervene and indication that there is a game support the claim that the a member from , alongside several other where elections would hold protect the opposition parties in plan to suppress the opposition corps now bears arms.” Mr. Edward Pwajok (SAN). policemen from Government to monitor the results from Nigeria from the oppression of ahead of the election. It quoted Oyeyemi as For instance, the Paradigm House, . polling units to the collation the Federal Government. “It is becoming glaring that urging all motorists to obey Initiative observed that the bill The governor added that centres, adding that they must The governor said the indices there is a possibility of his traffic regulations and desist was good for Nigeria because the Police High Command on resist anyone trying to smuggle in the country had shown that (Wike) life being threatened from harming operatives of it further strengthened the Monday effected the transfer in cooked results. the President Muhammadu and the readiness of the APC the corps whom he said were fundamental human rights of of 500 senior and junior police The governor declared Buhari’s administration would to rig the election at all costs. only out to prevent road citizens already entrenched in officers from the state. Wednesday to Friday as fasting go to any length to turn Nigeria “It is unfortunate that the crashes. the 1999 Constitution. He spoke at Khana Local days for the December 10 the into a one-party state. most populous black nation in Over 70 personnel of the The Chief Operating Officer Government Area when he rerun elections would hold and Fayose said the withdrawal the world is being run like this. FRSC road were killed in of the group, Tope Ogundipe, led the Peoples Democratic urged the people of the state to of the CSO and several other Perhaps, those that brought 2016 as a result of violent however, stated that in Party candidates to campaign use the three days to pray for policemen, a few days before President Muhammadu attacks by motorists on road promoting those rights, the bill at Babbe, Ken Khana and Nyor peaceful and credible elections. the December 10 rerun Buhari didn’t envisage these marshals in the course of sought to protect the privacy of Khana districts. However, several calls to the elections into the National and indices of an oppressed duty on highways. Nigerians on online platforms. Wike, who claimed that State Police Public Relations State Assemblies, had exposed nation.” Advert6 PC/Public/Production/Tuesday/Tuesday 6-12-2016

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 6, 2016 11 12 TUESDAY, DECEMBER 6, 2016 news North ‘Jibrin operates Kaduna labels Shitte insurgent group, justifies mass burial five foreign Godwin Isenyo, Kaduna Governor Nasir el-Rufai’s “Government observes that circumstances of this nature, the IMN buildings that were accounts’ Special Assistant on Media its officials complied with dead bodies could be buried in demolished were constructed he Kaduna State and Publicity, Samuel the Burial Law of the State. a mass grave,” it added. without statutory title and John Ameh, Abuja TGovernment on Monday Aruwan, announced the Section 7 sub-section 1 of the Also, according to the building permit as required by officially released the White content of the White Paper Burial Law Cap 20 Laws of White Paper, the Judicial the Land Use Act and Section uspended member Paper on the December at a press conference held Kaduna State Government Commission of Inquiry’s 26 of the KASUPDA Law No.12 Sof the House of 15, 2015 clash between the at the Sir Kashim Ibrahim 1991 requires the burial of view on actions taken to clear of 2015.” Representatives, Mr. Nigerian Army and the Government House, Kaduna persons who die in this type of structures at the scenes of the The said laws, it said, Abdulmumin Jibrin, may Islamic Movement in Nigeria, on Monday. circumstances within 24hrs,” clashes, were unacceptable, empowered the agency come under fresh probe otherwise known as Shiites.’ The White Paper justified it stated. affirming that the “debris at (KASUPDA) under sections by the House after another The clash left 347 persons the mass burial of the Shiites It added that in the Hussainiyya Baqiyatillah 46 and 48(2) to demolish any petition against him was dead and scores of others members, which it said was circumstances such as the and at the residence of Sheikh building which did not comply submitted on Monday by the injured. in conformity with the “burial clash between the Army and Ibraheem El-Zakzaky were with the legal provisions. Anti-corruption Unit of the Following the clash, the law of the state.” the Shiites, dead bodies could removed on the grounds of It added also that all the National Youth Council of state government established The White Paper also be buried in a mass grave. Public Health and safety.” structures so removed violated Nigeria. a Judicial Commission of rejected any suggestion that “The interpretation On the demolition of the El- either the provisions of the In the fresh petition, the Inquiry headed by Justice the burial of the victims did section of Rule 115 Geneva Zakzaky’s residence and place Land Use Act or the KASUPDA group provided details of Garba. not conform to the law. Convention also states that in of worship, it added that “all Law or both. five foreign bank accounts It, however, acknowledged Jibrin is alleged to operate the fact that the sad events in violation of the 1999 of December 12 to 14 of 2015 Constitution (as amended) led to needless and avoidable and Section 7 of the Code of casualties, noting that “they Conduct Bureau and Tribunal are the product of a legacy of Act, which “prohibits public lawlessness, and must never officers from maintaining or be allowed to recur. operating accounts in any “Decades of neglect by country outside Nigeria.” governments and the security The council also petitioned agencies of their obligations for the Office of the Attorney vigorous law enforcement and General of the Federation; the protection of constitutional the Economic and Financial rights have bred a dangerous Crimes Commission; and sense of impunity and the CCB, demanding the disregard for citizens and prosecution of Jibrin. lawful authority,” it said. The petition to the House The White Paper also was addressed to the Speaker, acknowledged that the Mr. Dogara, and Nigerian Army abided by its presented to the Chairman, rule of engagement and further House Committee on Ethics/ observed that the Judicial Privileges, Mr. Nicholas Ossai. Commission of Inquiry failed The Coordinator of the to take into account the years unit, Mr. Ifeanyi Okonkwo, during which the activities presented the petition to Ossai • L-R: Assistant Comptroller-General of Immigration, Nigeria Immigration Service, Mr. Yahaya Inusa; Comptroller of of the IMN in Gyallesu had at the National Assembly on Immigration; Mr. Olusola Ajisafe; and Assistant Comptroller-General of Immigration, NIS, Mrs. Juline Fariku, during threatened peace and security Monday, just as Jibrin in a the decoration of Ajisafe as comptroller of immigration in Abuja...on Monday. Photo: Olatunji Obasa in the state. swift response, accused the It said for all intent and NYCN of spreading “lies.” purpose, “the IMN is an Jibrin, a member of the All Kogi retirees declare fasting over 10-month unpaid pensions insurgent group and ought to Progressives Congress from Gbenga Odogun, Lokoja touch the heart of our of their labour before they go of the souls of the departed be treated as such,” noting that State, was suspended leaders so that they can pay back to their Maker.” pensioners,” he added. “the sheer numbers of IMN in September after lawmakers ensioners in Kogi the desired attention to the “We will also pray for the Though he said the retirees members congregating in Zaria accused him of running a PState have lamented the plight of senior citizens who peace of God which passes would pray to God to guide from across the country that “campaign of calumny” suffering they are undergoing have spent their useful years human understanding to the state government under night, with many bearing arms, against the leadership in due to the nonpayment of in serving their fatherland.” reign in now and the leadership of Yahaya was such that the Nigerian his N40bn budget padding their 10-month pension Abdullahi directed retires always and ask God to heal Bello, the NUP chairman Army was in no position to allegations against four arrears. who would participate in the all pensioners that have one urged the governor to “do accurately determine how principal officers. Consequently, the state spiritual exercise “to pray that health challenges or the all within his power to settle armed and organised they According to the petitioners, branch of the Nigeria Union they will live to enjoy the fruit other and also for the repose our pension arrears.” were and had to be concerned Jibrin allegedly opened and of Pensioners, has declared on what their intention for operated the foreign accounts a seven-day fasting and Killings: Kaduna Christians threaten to resort to Zaria was.” while serving as a member of praying so that God could The Kaduna State the House. intervene in their affairs. Friday Olokor and bandits claiming that “the Government, according to The address used in opening The pensioners Godwin Isenyo self defence same Fulani are killing Fulani the White Paper, reiterated the accounts was named as 81, included all state and local of Christian Association of in .” that it would not foreclose Cotswold Gardens, London, governments’ retirees and ht ris ian youths have Nigeria (Youth Wing), the While warning him to stop engagement with any of its NW2, 1PE. retired primary school Cthreatened to resort to youths, who condemned playing politics with the killing citizens; “but it will do its duty The accounts are “Barclays teachers who were being self defence any time Fulani the plan by the governor to of Christians, Kadzai said the to enforce the law and will not Bank International Account, owed 10 months’ pension herdsmen attack any village compensate Fulani herdsmen unfortunate condemnation compromise the prerogative of SC 204744 AC 33471268; arrears. in the Southern Kaduna Local for their lost cattle as well as of the CAN President over the state to defend the rights Barclays Bank Reserve A statement by the Government Area of Kaduna sponsoring them as delegates the killing of Christians had and liberties of all its citizens.” Account, SC 204744 AC NUP chairman, Chief State. to meet Fulani leaders outside further exposed the governor’s It added that the right to 43707164; Barclays Mortgage Onuh Abdullahi, said the They premised their threat Nigeria, condemned the refusal to come to terms with freedom of worship was a Account, SC 204744 AC pensioners would pray for all on the alleged complacency verbal attacks being launched realities for political reasons. cherished constitutional right 94030664; Barclays Bank retirees, particularly those or complicity of the security against the President of CAN, He said, “Whether the but noted that the constitution Euro Currency Account, that have not been able to agencies and politicians in the Dr. Samson Ayokunle by El- Fulani terrorists are from did not bestow on anyone or SC 204744 AC 52339433; access their pension for attacks. Rufai. Nigeria or not, we the group “the right to curtail the and Barclays USD Currency many months. According to them, since The National President of Christian youths agree that rights of others or to apply Account, SC 204744 AC “The praying and fasting Governor Nasir el-Rufai of YOWICAN, Daniel Kadzai, in there is a deliberate and the right to faith in a way that 74521222.” will start on Tuesday, Kaduna State has claimed that Abuja Monday also described calculated attempt to cleanse diminishes or inconveniences In addition to the accounts, December 6, 2016 and will the Fulani terrorists killing as untrue, the claims by El- Christians in Nigeria. Thus, others.” the group produced Jibrin’s end at the local governments’ Christians were foreigners, the Rufai that the masterminds we call on all Christians to It said the government asset declaration form, branches of the NUP on Federal Government should of the attacks “who organised resist attacks. would not tolerate any wherein he wrote to the CCB Monday, December 12, 2016 close Nigeria borders with themselves and came back for “In conclusion, we call on insistence that religion or that he owned only one four- at noon.We will pray to God Chad, Cameroon and revenge” in Southern Kaduna the Kaduna State Governor, religious rites could only be bedroomed bungalow in to sustain us and open doors Republic without delay. and Plateau State came from Mallam Nasir el-Rufai, to practised as acts of public Kaduna, which he bought in of favour for us since the They also urged the Kaduna outside Nigeria. respect the CAN President nuisance and in wanton 2008 at the price of N150m. government has failed to State House of Assembly The governor was said and know that Christians violation of the rights of The lawmaker also filled in take of us in our old age,” “to impeach El-Rufai to have while debunking have the right to self defence, others. the form that he owned only Abdullahi said. immediately” for allegedly the comments of the CAN especially where there is “Every group and individual one car, did not own a farm, The chairman added that conniving with terrorists to kill President, attributed the killing complacency or complicity on must abide by the law. There is undeveloped plot, ranch or the prayer session would Nigerians.” of Christians in Southern the part of security operatives no opt-out from this civilised factory. focus on asking God “to Operating under the aegis Kaduna communities to and politicians.” duty,” the White Paper said. TUESDAY, DECEMBER 6, 2016 13

Do you want this space? HEALTHWISE Call: 08033793111 09053090032 ... personal health, fitness, 08116759793 @ BAdebayoPunch 08163528868 diet & weight issues [email protected] Vegetables you shouldn’t When pain starts, please visit the hospital eat raw want to thank those better ways to manage ome vegetables are best for your health when eaten I who reached out to me the pain. I found out Scooked rather than raw. Cooking vegetables can last week. I was touched that the fact that doctors neutralize enzymes that would cause digestive problems by your honest emails and nurses were willing and remove anti-nutrients, which can interfere with the about this condition to give me morphine assimilation of vitamins and minerals. Cooking also kills called sickle cell anaemia. without my shouting the potentially harmful bacteria. Try poaching, steaming, stir- I think, from your ward or Accident and frying, grilling or roasting your vegetables -- according to the response, the major issue Emergency ward down American Heart Association, these are some of the healthiest cooking methods. is getting your condition very uplifting. checked medically. pain in my left thigh and I was given my first Back in those days before I knew what was morphine injection within Cook your cruciferous vegetables Please, if you are living when I used to be sick a going on, I was dragging 10 minutes. An hour Some folks, however, experience gas and bloating from with the condition, see lot, some 20 years ago, difficult-to-digest sugars found in raw cruciferous vegetables. a doctor and get a blood that leg painfully across or two later, I received doctors were reluctant These sugars become easier to digest once cooked. Those with test done. This is very my apartment. I knew another injection. I had to prescribe morphine thyroid conditions should avoid raw cruciferous vegetables important. that a full blown crisis four injections for the to people with sickle cell as well. Until cooked, cruciferous vegetables contain thyroid Also, sickle cell anaemia was looming. I sent text day. By that time, I was because of the tendency inhibitors that can worsen thyroid conditions. sometimes brings about messages to a few close totally drugged up and to depend on the drug. other complications, such friends and relatives of the pain had eased off I have heard people Boil your beans as stroke, hip problems, mine, to let them know slightly before I went say that patients become Uncooked or undercooked beans contain high amounts of vision problems, stomach what was going on. home. addicted to morphine, glycoprotein lectin, a toxin that can cause nausea, vomiting problems, depression, After two days of taking I was back in the pain which is known in the and diarrhea within three hours of consumption. The et cetera. Whatever morphine, codeine and clinic the next day and I street as heroin. All severity of the symptoms is directly related to the amount medical condition you other painkillers that I was made to go through I know is that when of the toxin ingested. According to the U.S. Food and Drug might be suffering from could lay my hands on, the same process. After I am in pain, I need Administration, as few as five raw kidney beans can result as a result of the disorder, the pain got worse. I knew resting at home on the morphine. in illness. A serving of uncooked kidney beans can have up get it checked out by a I had to go to hospital. third day, I went back Someone emailed me to 70,000 units of the toxin, but fully cooked they have less One of my sisters called for my last morphine than 400 units. Fully cooking beans is a simple process: Soak professional doctor. and asked about the me and I told her that I injections on the fourth them in water for at least five hours, change the water and I want to dwell type of snacks that are needed to go to hospital day, knowing after that I then boil the beans until they are soft. briefly on the issue of good for people with discrimination in the immediately. She quickly could look after myself at sickle cell anaemia. This Avoid raw potatoes workplace. I could relate spoke to her daughter on home. Thankfully, since week, try and have less You can get away with munching on raw potatoes, to emails on this because the phone and asked her then I have not been to of that cake and biscuit. but it isn’t great for your health. According to Utah State yours truly has also been to come over to my place. the pain clinic. How about eating University, raw potatoes -- particularly green ones -- can discriminated against. I We were able to call During my three days more roasted plantain, have a high concentration of a dangerous toxin known believe that nowadays an ambulance and I was visit to the hospital, I roasted yam, ground as solanine. Raw potatoes also contain anti-nutrients. there is a law against taken to the same hospital saw people coming and nuts, cashew nuts, Though you can remove most of the anti-nutrients by discrimination in the that I usually went to each going from the pain coconut, cocoyam chips, peeling the potatoes, some still remain in the flesh. In workplace However, let time I had a crisis. clinic. I knew that some sandwiches, scotch eggs, addition, the uncooked starch in potatoes can result in us push the law aside Now, where I live, the of them were coming akara, plantain chips, digestive problems, gas and bloating. For the most benefit and look at the human hospital has improved from work and it was fruits (fresh and dried) and the least risk from your potatoes, bake, steam, saute and compassionate side and keeps improving. great to see this going and roasted corn. or otherwise cook them. of things. Normally, I go for my on. When I was working Also form the habit of What if that person haemotology clinic full-time, there was only carrying a bottle of water Cooking other vegetables is your blood relation? check-up every quarter the option of admission with you always. I know Some vegetables are more beneficial for your health when and rarely get admitted whenever I fell ill. I got eaten cooked, despite being perfectly safe to eat raw. For Would you discriminate water is bland, but you for a full blown crisis. by-passed on promotion example, asparagus has more cancer-fighting antioxidants against him or her? can add some lemon or I have found out that because of being sick once cooked, cooking tomatoes allows you to absorb more As a country, I hope lime, mint or ginger or the hospital now has a most of time. lycopene and cooked mushrooms have more bioavailable employers will and can just infuse the water. potassium. The beta-carotene in cooked carrots is easier do better for people with haemotology pain clinic, The management of I can be contacted on to absorb, and your body derives more iron, calcium and sickle cell anaemia in the which is open every day sickle cell anaemia cannot [email protected] or magnesium from cooked spinach. Unless you have a specific workplace. from morning till night. remain the same. Medical check out my blog – www. reason to avoid the raw form of a vegetable, include both raw In mid-summer, I felt I think this is great for doctors are trying to find howtolivewithsicklecell. and cooked varieties in your diet. those who work. a cure for the disease and co.uk –healthyeating.sfgate.com Nigeria may face nutrition problems in 2017 – Report Bukola Adebayo the army. There is also room for Development Goals since The index research improvement in terms of nutrition and agriculture he 2016 Food manager, Maria-Luiza agricultural sustainability, influence so many social, Sustainability T Apostolescu, urged the especially ensuring that environmental and Index published by The Federal Government to land ownership for economic factors”. Economist Intelligence improve on the health smallholders is respected The new index identified Unit has predicted that outcomes of her citizens and enforced, which would undernourishment and Nigerians may face severe by implementing policies incentivise farmers to micronutrient deficiency nutrition crisis in 2017. that will boost agricultural invest in more sustainable as some of the nutritional The New Index report, output . farming practices that challenges in the country. which ranked Nigeria 24th Apostolescu said, would safeguard soil According to the report, out of 25 countries for “Despite major nutrition quality and preserve water Vitamin A deficiency the nutritional health of challenges, Nigeria resources. affects 29.5 per cent of its population, noted that has huge potential “Addressing these the population, impairing nutritional problems were for improving health challenges will make a immunity and causing more pronounced in the outcomes of its population major contribution North-East due to the blindness, while one-third conflict between Boko through policies and to Nigeria’s efforts to of the nation’s children • Haram insurgents and nutritional programmes. reach the Sustainable under five are stunted. 14 TUESDAY, DECEMBER 6, 2016 news ‘NJC ready to reform judiciary’ FG backs tolling, rejects Senate move to scrap FERMA Leke Baiyewu, Abuja resolved to repeal the Act Works, Power and Housing, agency that government has Fashola supported to Ade Adesomoju, Abuja establishing FERMA and Mr. already created, which is the move by the Senate to he Acting Chief Justice he Federal Government replace it with the FRA. (SAN), however, cautioned FERMA. reintroduce toll policy on Tof Nigeria, Justice Walter Ton Monday expressed its The move, the upper the Senate over the move. “Repeal the existing FERMA federal highways in the Onnoghen, said on Monday reservations on the plan by chamber of the National He stated that FERMA had law, re-enact it and put all of country as a way of raising that the National Judicial the Senate to scrap the Federal Assembly alleged, was due to become a brand, which should the new things we want to funds for their maintenance. Council was more poised than Roads Maintenance Agency the apparent lack of capacity not be changed. create (in the FRA) inside He said, “There is the before to restore confidence in and replace it with the Federal of the road maintenance The minister said, “We it instead of creating a new need to institutionalise the the judiciary. Roads Authority. agency to handle the task welcome the idea of creating agency because FERMA was maintenance of road assets The acting CJN, who The government however of road management in the road fund. We also welcome set up for maintenance in the but, much more importantly, doubles as the Chairman backed the planned country. the idea of creating a very first place. there is the need for increased of the NJC, said the council reintroduction of tolls on Gaya, in his opening maintenance agency. But “It has acquired the name; awareness and advocacy for was also ready to defend federal highways across the address, explained that the we think – and this will it has acquired the brand; users of our road assets; that the independence and the country. public hearing was to hear the be details of the substance we can build on that brand roads are not permanent integrity of the third arm of The Senate, acting on a bill views of all stakeholders. of the presentation that I instead of creating a new assets in that way. government. sponsored by its Chairman In his presentation at a will make – that all of the brand. People who managed “They (roads) are wearing Justice Onnoghen spoke in of the Committee on Works, public hearing organised by recommendations that have brands like this change their assets; they are assets that Abuja during the swearing in Kabiru Gaya, (APC, Kano the committee on the bill been made for maintenance drinks but they don’t change diminish once we start to use of Justices Paul Galinje and South) in October 2016, had on Monday, the Minister of should be embodied in the their names.” them and so, from the day the Sidi Bage, to the Supreme road is opened and we start to Court bench. ply it, it begins to deteriorate This increased the number and, therefore, not only must of Justices of the Supreme we maintain them, we must Court from 15 to 17. use them carefully; we must The NJC has recently use them consciously with come under fire for allegedly the intent to get the best out shielding corrupt judges of them. following the recent raid on “There has been a toll policy the houses of some judges already in Nigeria since the accused of corruption by the Federal Highways Act in 1971 operatives of the Department with deployed tools but for of State Services. some reasons we stopped it. Speaking at the swearing “In other to attract the in ceremony on Monday, investments that will enable Justice Onnoghen said the us to achieve private capital NJC would restore confidence inflows into infrastructure, in the nation’s judicial system two things for me are very and would continue to amend instructive. The first is the its rules as the need arose. cultural change from our The acting CJN urged existing mindset and our the two new Justices of experience at sub-national the Supreme Court, not to and at national levels.” despair over the challenges Gaya, in his lead debate the judiciary was currently • L-R: Corporate Communications, Marine Platforms, Carol Agbaroji; Director, Book Buzz Foundation, Lola Shoneyin; on the bill, had said the going through but to rise to Governor of Kaduna State, Mallam Nasir el-Rufai; Chief Finance & Administration Officer, Marine Platforms Limited, FRA, as a replacement for FERMA, would serve defend the independence and Baji Nyam; and Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Prof. Andrew Nok, during the donation of 100 mini as a semi-autonomous integrity of the institution. libraries to primary schools in Kaduna...Monday. Photo: Marine Platforms Limited He said failure of the road agency, which would judges to defend the judiciary be responsible for the would mean failing Nigerian professional management of Corpers refuse participation in Rivers rerun election federal roads in the country, citizens who had hope in the Fidelis Soriwei and said that it was only the Resident would not affect the exercise on “But if we have problem of institution. including planning, design, Chukwudi Akasike Electoral Commissioner in Saturday. shortage of manpower, we will construction, rehabilitation Hi-Impact Planet Rivers that could comment The state REC, however, complete them with workers and maintenance. orp members are on that. pointed out that INEC would get from other government’s This, he stated, would end he management of Hi- Cavoiding to participate in Reacting, the state REC, Mr. more ad hoc workers from other agencies and institutions,” he the duplication of functions TImpact Planet Amusement the legislative rerun election Aniedi Ikoiwak, said the job of government’s agencies if there stressed. between FERMA and the Park and Resorts has donated scheduled for Saturday in corps members was voluntary, was shortage in the number of Oyekanmi also agreed that Highways Department of the a police post to the Nigeria Rivers State. adding that those who did not corps members needed for the most parents would be inclined Federal Ministry of Works. Police Force. Investigation revealed want to work with INEC on job on Saturday. to discourage their children Gaya noted that the country The police post, located that corps members who are election day were free to opt out. “From the beginning, the from participating in the election had established the Maritime within the amusement park, being contacted to serve as ad Ikoiwak argued that some NYSC work is on a voluntary because of what he described as Authority, the Inland will accommodate men of hoc staff of the Independent of the corps members’ parents basis. We know that some of the inflammatory comments by Waterways Authority and the the armed mobile police, has National Electoral Commission might have told them not to them might have been told by the Rivers State Government Airports Authority over the started a 24-hour patrol of the are refusing to participate in take part in the rerun election, their parents not to be part of it that plans had been perfected years, while the “road,” which area from December 1. the election because of fear of adding that such a situation (election). to rig the election. was the most essential link for The Deputy General possible violence during the all other transport modes had Manager of the amusement election. Buhari, Saraki mourn ex-minister Kuforiji-Olubi no authority. park, Miss. Ufoma Ogodo, A source who confided in Olalekan Adetayo, Abuja colleagues over the loss. the place of womanhood in Gaya pointed out that made this known on Monday our correspondent said that The statement read, Nigeria’s development and Nigeria’s federal highway in Ibafo, Ogun State, while the corps members were not resident Muhammadu “President Buhari recalls inspiring others. network of 34,000 kilometres taking delivery of some newly showing the usual enthusiasm PBuhari and the Senate that during his October 20 “President Buhari prays that constituted part of the nation’s acquired security gadgets. to participate in the election President, Dr. Bukola Saraki, meeting with the banking and the Almighty God will grant her assets. She noted that the gadgets because of the accusations and on Monday commiserated accounting guru, where he eternal rest, and also comfort all “Nowhere in the world included 3D full body and counter-accusation between with the family of a former congratulated her on her 80th her loved ones.” is such a long stretch of baggage scanners, which had the Rivers State Governor, Minister of Commerce and birthday, she was warm and Kuforiji-Olubi, had on roads administered within the capacity to detect even the Nyesom Wike , and INEC. Industry, Chief Bola Kuforiji- hearty. October 20 paid what she called a bureaucratic structure,” smallest metal either in the The source said, “Corps Olubi, who died on Saturday “He affirms that the then first a ‘thank you visit’ to Buhari at he said. body or hidden in any part of members being contacted at the age of 80. female President of the Institute the Presidential Villa, Abuja. According to him, the a baggage. by INEC to participate in The Special Adviser to of Chartered Accountants of Saraki, in a statement by his passage of the bill will bring “As part of our determination the Rivers rerun election are the President on Media and Nigeria, served her nation and Special Adviser on Media and permanent solutions to the to ensure security of life and showing reluctance to serve in Publicity, Mr. Femi Adesina, humanity with all her God- Publicity, Yusuph Olaniyonu, challenges of funding and property of our guests, the the election. in a statement said Buhari who given strength and talent, noting described Kuforiji-Olubi as a management of roads in the management, in addition to “A good number of them recently received the former that the multiple professional, consummate administrator country. other security measures put in are afraid that there could be minister and first female national awards and fellowships who discharged her duties with The senator noted that place, acquired these scanners violence during the election, Chairman of the United Bank she received were well deserved. passion during her lifetime. the creation of the FRA was with a view to preventing and these are young men and for at the Presidential “As a distinguished economist He said while “it is sad that our in line with international people with sinister motive women who don’t want to get Villa, Abuja, also extended and manager who scored many dear mother has taken her final road management practices, from coming to the park killed because of some election.” heartfelt condolences to the firsts in breaking the glass journey at age 80, the purpose- adding that Ghana, which with harmful and dangerous When our correspondent government and people of ceiling in both private and public driven life she led would once had many agencies for objects. With these scanners contacted the Chief Press Ogun State, the banking services, the President believes continue to inspire present roads, had eventually brought in place, such objects will be Secretary to the Chairman of industry, Kuforiji-Olubi’s that Otunba Kuforiji-Olubi will and upcoming generations, them together under the detected,” Ogodo said. INEC, Mr. Rotimi Oyekanmi, he friends and professional be remembered for redefining particularly women.” Ghana Highways Authority. Advert7 PC/Public/Production/Tuesday/Tuesday 6-12-2016

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 6, 2016 15 16 TUESDAY, DECEMBER 6, 2016 news S’South/S’East Ex-Jonathan’s spokesman, Ima Rivers rerun: PDP attacks Ganduje over comments Niboro, joins APC Olusola Fabiyi, Abuja towards the reruns, said, only unfortunate, it is State will be manipulated the APC to win at all cost “You know in that part of ridiculous and absurd to as usual by the APC, using was exposed by the recent Ovie Okpare, Warri he Senator Ahmed the country, having free say the least. It is highly the INEC and the security decision of the Court of ma Niboro, a former TMakarfi-led Peoples and fair elections is not unbecoming of a governor apparatus of state. Appeal which upturned the IPresidential spokesman Democratic Party on normal and we have to to make such an unguarded “If free and fair elections re-run election in Opobo/ for ex-President Goodluck Monday described the make it normal this time.” statement that denigrates have been ‘abnormal’ in Nkoro State Constituency Jonathan, on Monday statement by the Reacting to Ganduje, the people of the whole the region according to the of Rivers State in favour dumped the Peoples Governor, Alhaji Abdullahi the spokesman of the state and the South-South governor, it is due to the of our candidate, Mr. Democratic Party and joined Ganduje, that having free Makarfi-led PDP, Prince region in general. manipulation and the win- Diri Adonye, wherein the the ruling All Progressives and fair elections in the Dayo Adeyeye, said, “The statement is also at-all-cost attitude of the Appeal Court emphatically Congress. South-South region of the “This statement coming a veiled threat that the APC. stated that the election was Niboro, who is the country was abnormal, from the governor is not coming election in Rivers “This desperation of massively rigged. immediate former Managing as a veiled threat that Director of the News Agency the forthcoming electoral Wike accuses INEC of overheating polity of Nigeria, was first received reruns in Rivers State will into the party by the APC be manipulated by the All Chukwudi Akasike, allegations against them. supporters on the election Ikoiwak, who spoke in a chieftains in Ughelli South Progressives Congress. Port Harcourt Wike recalled that INEC day. telephone interview with Local Government before he The PDP asked had suspended election in “I have written to the our correspondent, said was later admitted into the Ganduje, who doubles ARELY five days to eight local government areas Inspector General of Police “INEC is not heating up party by the state chairman as the chairman of the Bthe legislative rerun during the March 19 reruns five letters that the Assistant the polity. How can we of the party, Prophet Jones APC Rivers State Re- in Rivers State, Governor, in the state, including Tail Commissioner of Police in heat up the polity when we Erue. Run Election Campaign Nyesom Wike, has accused Local Government Area, charge of Operations, Steven have continued to advise He said he decided to Committee, to tender an the Independent National alleging that the commission Hasso, and the Commander politicians to bring down the join the ruling party because apology to the people of Electoral Commission of concocted results in favour of of SARS, Akin Fakorede, have tension.” there was a huge gap between the region. overheating the polity. the APC four months later. threatened to kill me. But the When contacted to react the state government It added that the The governor, who spoke The governor observed Inspector General has not on the governor’s allegation and the APC-controlled abnormality of elections in on Channels Television that INEC did not list Tai replied even one letter. that two top police officers Federal Government, and that region was due to the Programme, Sunrise LGA as one of the areas Reacting, the Resident threatened to kill him, the his intention was to bridge win-at-all-cost attitude of Daily on Monday, alleged where rerun would be held, Electoral Commissioner in state Commissioner of the deficit infrastructural the APC. that some actions of the describing the action as the State, Mr. Aniedi Ikoiwak, Police, Mr. Francis Odeanya, underdevelopment in the The party also added commission indicated that unbecoming. said INEC was not heating up said he was not aware of state. that the statement was it (INEC) was working for a Wike also accused the the polity. such an allegation or threat. The former Jonathan’s an indictment against the particular political interest police of being partisan, aide while being received Independent National and political party. saying, “They have assigned ...Police to withdraw by the APC chairman at his Electoral Commission. He said his public Special Anti-Robbery Squad politicians’ orderlies private residence in Airport The Kano State governor statements against INEC personnel to APC candidates Road, Effurun, Uvwie had while answering and the police were backed without assigning any to Friday Amobi, P’Harcourt said it would withdraw Council Area of Delta State, questions from State by incontrovertible facts and PDP candidates. These SARS police orderlies attached decried what he described as House correspondents on intelligence in his possession, personnel have been assigned PERATIVES of the to politicians in the state “poverty everywhere” in the Friday on the preparation adding that the INEC and the to the APC candidates for ORivers State Police during the December 10 state. of his party, the APC police had failed to deny his them to intimidate PDP Command on Monday reruns. He said, “Our state The operatives, who lack development, there is spoke during a meeting poverty everywhere. It is with stakeholders in Port appalling that children are Harcourt, also said it dropping out of schools would not allow any police because their parents cannot officer to go close to the afford their school fees. It polling units with guns and is not a sudden switch, I ammunition. have studied the situation The state Commissioner in the last 18 months as it of Police, Mr. Francis concerned my ward, local Odesanya, said the police government, community and would provide a level- even my state. playing field for all political Niboro added, “There is no parties in the election. synergy between Delta State Odesanya said the police and the Federal Government command would ensure and we cannot achieve that that hoodlums did not synergy when we are working have their way, stressing at cross-purposes.” that the law would punish He promised to use perpetrators of violence his connection to attract during the exercise. infrastructural development He said, “This meeting to the state. is important to enable Erue, while presenting stakeholders to conclude a membership card to the all arrangements to ensure former presidential aide, that the election is free, fair, described Niboro’s defection credible and violent-free. to the ruling party as a ‘great “All security escorts addition’ that would help the attached to the politicians party rescued the state from will be withdrawn till after •Oba of Benin, His Royal Majesty, Oba Ewuare II (left) and a former Head of State, Gen. Yakubu Gowon, during the PDP. the elections. No security Erue told the former NAN Gowon’s visit to the monarch in Benin, Edo State...on Monday. Photo: Alexander Okere will be allowed to move to MD and his supporters to the polling units with gun. bring their wealth of political Gowon visits Benin monarch, urges prayer for Nigeria “This is one election the experience to bear “as we police are taking seriously prepare to rescue the state Alexander Okere, to Benin, Oba Ewuare II people would always pray as his reign and wish him because we want to prove to from the ruling PDP in the Benin commended the former for the country and promote well for the good of all of us.” the world that we are capable 2019 governorship election head of state for his “gentle national unity. He also noted that he of providing security. The in the state.” former Head of State, military style” and his Gowon said, ”I wish had been in the state since police will not give in to such But reacting to AGen. Yakubu Gowon contributions towards the him (Oba) all the very best Friday to pray for the South- laxity in security again. We Niboro’s defection to the (retd.), on Monday paid a unity of the country. and wish him a joyful and South region and the entire will not fold our hands and watch criminals hijack the APC, Governor Ifeanyi courtesy visit to the Oba of The monarch, who successful reign for the good country through the ‘Nigeria process. “ ’s spokesman, Mr. Benin, His Royal Majesty, informed the former of the people, not only of his Prays’ initiative. He added, “I warn all Charles Aniagwu, told Oba Ewuare II, at his palace military leader that the kingdom, but of the whole Gowon said that God our correspondent on the politicians to maintain the in Benin, Edo State. post-coronation activities of the state and, of course, had solved many of the telephone that the ex- peace. Anyone who causes Gowon, who was were still ongoing, said that Nigeria, as his predecessors challenges facing the Jonathan aide’s comment violence will be visited with on high infrastructural decay accompanied by a Gowon is a statesman who have done. country through prayer the full weight of the law. and high poverty level in the delegation, was received by is always welcome at the “I know his father; he and urged Nigerians not The hoodlums who have state were false and did not the Oba and several palace palace. was very close to me. And, to relent in making their been given fake security reflect the true situation in chiefs at about 3pm. He assured him that therefore, I wish that his contributions through uniform will not have the the state. While welcoming him the palace and the Bini reign would be as successful prayer. chance to wear them.” Advert6 PC/Public/Production/Tuesday/Tuesday 6-12-2016

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 6, 2016 17 18 TUESDAY, DECEMBER 6, 2016 TUESDAY, DECEMBER 6, 2016 19 20 TUESDAY, DECEMBER 6, 2016 LETTERS Letters meant for this page should not be more than 150 words long, and e-mailed to: lagospunch@ punchng.com Such letters must con- tain writer’s full names (not initials) and address, and be typed double- editorial space. Writers may no longer send Playing filthy games with police recruitment letters in paper format. HOULD the Senate have its way, the ongoing However, it is odd that the Inspector-General of Police, Buhari and Nigeria’s Srecruitment of 10,000 policemen would use quotas , has swallowed the Senate’s excuse hook, based on local government areas. This bizarre twist is line, and sinker, saying last week that recruitment would political future the culmination of intrigues and interference by the be done on LG basis. The argument for his capitulation he elections of 2015 could not have sufficiently defined legislature in a responsibility reserved by law for the is weak, since he anchors it on the number of LGAs in a Nigeria’s political future like 2019 may. executive arm of government. The executive should resist state. Should the Nigerian Defence Academy now recruit T The nation has never been so divided like it’s today the intrusion, stick with the laid-down procedures and on LG quotas? under President Muhammadu Buhari. One of the reasons conclude the assignment quickly and transparently. In similar federations such as India and Malaysia, being that as a leader, Buhari appears to lack the skills To address the rising security challenges facing the recruitment into the federal police is based on state and diplomatic wisdom to administer complex and knotty country, the Federal Government had proposed to quotas, not on the absurdity of local government areas. matters. recruit 10,000 new hands into the Nigeria Police. It is LGAs become relevant only when the much-needed state He came along with roughly charted leadership also in fulfilment of a campaign promise by President police system takes off and states can use LG quota system objectives, and more, with a personal weakness of Muhammadu Buhari to provide opportunities for the 24 for their police formations. Nigerians are not deceived: insularity. By training and persona, he has a narrow world per cent of our youths reported by the National Bureau of this is a disingenuous ploy by legislators, government view. Statistics to be jobless. officials and vested interests to put their own nominees Would you put blame on him? The military only came It has been a keenly watched process, not least in the Force. into active political participation in Nigeria owing to the because cynical officials have used such recruitment in But when giving the order, Buhari had expressly woeful performance of the political class. It was due to the past to extort money from applicants through fees mentioned the equality of states. Mike Okiro, Chairman the abuse of the political system that threw up mediocre and scratch cards. Politicians, including legislators, have of the PSC, had also earlier emphasised the urgent need elements from all corners to try their hands in Nigeria’s also been accused of cornering the few available slots for to recruit constables, cadet inspectors and assistant leadership. their children, wards and associates. The Police Service superintendents of police with equal intake of cadets Buhari was one of such those candidates who surfaced Commission, which is handling the task, has mercifully from each of the 36 states. from the subterranean slug of Nigeria’s leadership failures. been prevented this time from extortion. Nigeria continues to be ill-served by lazy, selfish He came to power in 2015 as a democratically elected The intrusion began when the Senate Committee on and sectional lawmakers. It is surprising that president. Police complained that the criteria being applied for the Buhari, Dambazau and Okiro are surrendering their In responding to Nigeria’s challenges, Buhari reached recruitment were “irregular.” It asked the PSC to suspend constitutional executive power to senators. The National down yet again to his customary military habits of gun- the recruitment, which the latter did. First, approval for Assembly is constitutionally empowered to pass laws and shootings-the command structure approach, which is the 10,000 new hires was given by Buhari over a year have oversight over executive bodies; but it does not have most likely to impair the character of any democratic ago. Ordinarily, one would have welcomed the Senate the power to take over the work of PSC or issue orders society. He succeeds with it, and the aftermath is a nation intervention as a check on the PSC. But subsequent horse- and redefine recruitment criteria outside the law. It cut into fragments of regional hostilities, angst, and loss of trading among the senate committee, PSC and Police cannot instruct the PSC or any other executive body. goodwill in his capacity to lead a united country. HQs has brought out the disturbing attempt to pervert Dambazau should declare his stand: we hope he will Here we are, at sea, in the middle of a broken society, a the federal character principle. According to reports, the be objective and stand by equity, reason and national thoroughly despondent mass of anguished Nigerians, and a divided political class bereft of creative ideas. The rash Senate has “instructed” the PSC to recruit nine youths interest. The unity of Nigeria, fragile at the best of times, of civil agitations across the country is simply the echo of from each of the 774 LGAs of the country. This represents is constantly being tested by such brazen assaults on the level of disenchantment within the rank and file of the the overturning of the long-established federal character fairness and justice. Senators should be responsible and civil society. practice where recruitment into the armed forces, police stop further alienation of significant sections of the polity by brazen manipulation. This sums up Buhari’s achievements in the last one and paramilitary agencies is undertaken on the basis of year and it’s looking likely that he has already lost the plot, state quotas. Years of northern-dominated military rule The Nigeria Police needs urgent reforms and reorientation, featuring a new type of leadership. There the initiatives to rebound Nigeria. paved the way for unfair creation of LGs that today gives The country may be moving into a political future that the 19 states of the North a big advantage compared to should be an immediate independent staff audit since the police cannot even give an accurate head count. While is significantly altered. Many Nigerians are feeling more the South. The lopsidedness is revealed in the 44 LGs in and more insecure within Nigeria and about Nigeria, Kano State and another 27 in its sister state of Jigawa that Okiro, a former IG, says the Force has 286,901 personnel, the current IG said that the staff strength was 338,490 even from afar, setting off huge feelings of national and was carved out of it in 1991. Yet, Lagos with an estimated and required 116,510 more to reach its optimum. In the common social distrusts, perhaps an attitude arising from population of 21 million remains at 20. recent past, a figure of 370,000 police personnel had been practice and endorsements of nepotism and favouritism by LGs are not federating units; states are. The Senate bandied about. In this era of cost-saving, Buhari and the the current administration in many fronts. and complicit officials dishonestly seek to beguile the Finance Minister, Kemi Adeosun, should demand a fool- Another, a blind and unskilful handling of the economy, unwary that it is promoting community policing, but their proof staff audit before releasing funds to the Force. and other sundry matters of national priority. hypocrisy is exposed when it is considered that Bayelsa The PSC should, in the meantime, ignore any illegal Nigerians are likely to be confronted with feelings of with all its security ills, has only eight LGs, meaning that intrusion into its work and stick with the time-tested apathy in the coming elections in 2019, and in the coming if the illegitimate LG quota system is allowed, it will get quota based on equal number of recruits from each of the political dispensation, having had spells of disappointing far fewer policemen than Gombe, which has 11. 36 states. leadership performance under Buhari and his predecessors. They are likely to come out with fragmented visions of Nigeria, a frightening memory of hardship and sufferings. And mostly, an insecure electoral climate. Some grave national events that shaped 2016 like the shootings of pro-Biafra protesters in Aba and Onitsha in the South-East by Nigerian soldiers, unlawful detentions, prejudiced handling of the Fulani herdsmen menace, militarisation of the Niger Delta conflicts, could probably set down this administration as one political misadventure. Come 2019, Nigeria will be up and against a citizenry dogged by cynical visions. The rise in ethno-national agitations is rife. What should bother Buhari’s administration but sadly doesn’t, is how to steer Nigeria back to course, and salve the wounds of its afflicted people. The lack of creative communications and inspiring, coordinated information management by his appointed mouthpieces further exposes the citizenry to the motif of self-isolation. Nigerians look to an inspiring voice of hope, an effective leader-led synergy built on trust and mutual understanding of a common national vision. But these are apparently not present. What is left of Nigeria is in the hands of its masses-the prime movers of its destiny. Nigerians have the genetics to redeem Nigeria by their enormous gift of doggedness. After nearly 20 years of democratic experimentation, Nigerians would have learnt by discernment, to rightly choose leaders with honest intents and right capacities to lead a right. They need to look ahead, and draw from the present context an enriching political wisdom to vote into power candidates who can represent their best deserving. Buhari’s administration has ample opportunity to rekindle hope in the hearts of the people by retooling its leadership architecture. • Steve Orji, London, United Kingdom [email protected] TUESDAY, DECEMBER 6, 2016 21 viewpoint Amnesty vs Nigerian Army: Who is telling the truth? of extrajudicial killings in its out as a matter of urgency. In the report, AI said In February 2016, AI condemned the Buhari campaign to flush out the it received credible information from a senior government for the reinstatement of Maj. Gen. Bayo Olupohunda terrorists. In the course of the officer in the Nigerian Army that over 950 people Ahmadu Mohammed whom it had indicted [email protected] conflict, Amnesty International had died in military custodies in the first six in the 2015 report along with eight other has worked in the North-East to months of 2013 alone. senior commanders for their alleged criminal he Nigerian Army and the international ensure that the rule of engagement is observed by Most of the deaths were said to have occurred responsibility in war crimes including the deaths Thuman rights group, Amnesty International, both sides of the conflict. In several reports, the in facilities used by the military to detain people of more than 8,000 of detainees. Amnesty also have a long history of engagement. While the group has indicted both the army and the Boko suspected of being members of or associated with indicted Boko Haram too. army as a fighting force engages with the nation’s Haram sect for gross human rights violations. Boko Haram. A large proportion of the deaths Strikingly, the Nigerian Army’s response to enemy and has a responsibility to protect While the international community has was reported to have happened in Giwa military the reports has been characteristic. It has always Nigeria’s territorial integrity, Amnesty is a non- condemned Boko Haram brutalities, the military barracks, Maiduguri in and Sector denied the allegations and labelled the group as governmental organisation focused on human has also been condemned for rights violations. Alpha, commonly referred to as “Guantanamo” a destabilising agent. So, who is telling the truth? rights with over seven million members and This has prompted arms embargo especially by and Presidential Lodge in Damaturu. As a citizen, I believe the AI reports present the supporters around the world. the United States. In 2014, gruesome video images released opportunity for soul searching. It offers the army The stated objective of the AI, according to Since 2009, apart from those that have been by Amnesty and testimonies said to be have to review its engagement. I believe the army is not the information on its site, is “to conduct research killed in suicide bombings or kidnapped by Boko been gathered from victims by the group infallible. Given their antecedents in Odi and Zaki and generate action to prevent and end grave Haram, the army has been reported to have provided fresh evidence of war crimes, including Biam and onslaughts against IPOB and Shiites, abuses of human rights, and to demand justice extrajudicially murdered those suspected to be extrajudicial executions, and other serious where scores of villagers and protesters were for those whose rights have been violated.” The members of Boko Haram or have sympathy for the human rights violations being carried out in the killed in reprisals, the army must re-strategise to group was founded in London in 1961, following group. In several reports, Amnesty documented North-East by the army and Boko Haram. be a modern fighting force that respects the rules the publication of the article, “The Forgotten what it alleged to be human rights violations The footage had revealed graphic evidence of engagement and minimises collateral damage Prisoners”, in The Observer on May 28, 1961, by committed by the Nigerian troops. of multiple war crimes of detainees having their while protecting the human rights of locals caught the lawyer, Peter Benenson. In its November 2012 report entitled, “Nigeria, throats slit one by one and dumped in mass in conflict situations. Amnesty as a group must Since its existence, the group has been in the cycle of violence”, AI reported how the brutal graves by men who appeared to be members of also realise the difficulties of fighting a terror war. drawing attention to human rights abuses and actions of Nigeria’s security forces in response to the Nigerian military and the “Civilian Joint Task It must also seek to be partners in the war against campaigns for compliance with international Boko Haram’s campaign of terror were making an Force”, state-sponsored militias. It also showed terror. But it must never fail in its duty to expose laws and standards. It works to mobilise public already desperate situation grow worse. the aftermath of a Boko Haram raid on a village in human rights violations. We build a better country opinion to put pressure on governments that let The report documented the atrocities carried which the armed group killed nearly 100 people. when security forces respect human rights and abuse take place. The organisation was awarded out by Boko Haram as well as the serious human Again in 2014, a report titled, “Welcome to Hell protect the vulnerable in our midst. the 1977 Nobel Peace Prize for its “campaign rights violations carried out by the security forces Fire”, detailed the use of torture by the Nigerian Final word… against torture,” and the United Nations Prize in in response, including “enforced disappearance, military. In a 2015 report entitled, “Stars on their Dear readers, as you read this piece today, it the Field of Human Rights in 1978. torture, extrajudicial executions, the torching of Shoulders, Blood on their hands: War Crimes will be the last time this column will appear in this Amnesty works in various parts of the world, homes and detention without trial.“ Committed by the Nigerian military”, Amnesty great paper. I must admit it’s been an exciting four but it is in its engagement in Nigeria that the The cycle of attack and counter-attack has been indicted some top army generals whom it said years of engaging with the issues in our country. In group has met with the most resistance. When marked by unlawful violence on both sides, with committed grievous war crimes. these past years, I have written and engaged with Boko Haram began its terror campaign in the devastating consequences for the human rights The group called on the Nigerian government you. I have made friends and there are also those North-East zone of Nigeria in 2009, the Nigerian of those trapped in the middle,” Amnesty had and the United Nations to investigate the alleged who have disagreed with me. But in the end, our Army was drawn into the conflict to defeat the reported. Hundreds of people accused of having crimes. Amnesty had reported, “The Nigerian country has always benefitted when we debate the sect and restore peace in a region where it had links to Boko Haram were said to been arbitrarily military, including senior military commanders, issues and the superior argument wins. I thank gained foothold in its bid to establish a caliphate. detained or killed by the Joint Task Force. must be investigated for participating, the management of PUNCH newspapers for the Since 2009, the Boko Haram terror war is In 2013, AI again reported the deaths of sanctioning or failing to prevent the deaths of opportunity to have been part of an amazing team reported to have claimed about 20, 000 lives. hundreds of people in detention facilities run by more than 8,000 people murdered, starved, of writers. So long! But the Nigerian Army has also been accused the JTF. It called for investigation to be carried suffocated, and tortured to death.” Twitter: @bayoolupohunda

national treasury as the implementation of the Treasury Single Account has exposed. Finally, a reason why the government should Stimulating the economy through the people (1) look beyond the private sector in stimulating the economy is that Poju Akinyanju depend on wholly for economic upturn. there is evidence that nations in our stage of development and When a nation is in economic crisis calling for the injection of with the type of crisis we have on hand who invested in the people here appears to be a consensus that the Federal Government stimulus into the economy, the private sector usually first comes directly through increased state-directed economic activities were Twill need to stimulate the economy by pushing more money to the mind of government because they are believed to have able to build economic structures that rescued the nations and into the society. Government itself has stated that its recovery established structures and possess an inherent degree of efficiency became enduring. The economic mode employed by, for example, programme will be private sector-driven; and through some social that can utilise the stimulus to cause economic upturn through Britain, China and Russia (USSR) at the stage of building the base safety net measures such as the school feeding system and direct increased production and employment. However in Nigeria, we have of their development is different from what they employ now. employment of teachers. There is no doubt that a multi-pronged a private sector economy that has no root. There is no industrial Mouthing or aping the practices in economies that are at a different approach will need to be taken to make life more bearable for the root; no educational, research and development, integrity, work stage of development and with character totally different from ours people and set the foundation for a truly diversified economy. This ethic, patriotic roots. The claim to efficiency of the private sector will always result in frustrations, even catastrophes. Consequently, article recommends that a large fraction of the stimulation should is exaggerated. We have the example of the privatised electricity government should design programmes that will stimulate the be done through the people and not the so-called private sector. This generation and distribution. The level of efficiency and service economy through direct involvement of the people. There is a position is premised on two reasons. One, the formal private sector in delivery seems to be worse under the private sector compared to myriad of possibilities in this regard if Government puts its mind Nigeria is inefficient, unimaginative and complicit in the corruption- when the facilities were run by a government agency. The consistent to it. This article makes two suggestions. induced quagmire in which we have found ourselves and therefore poor service of the mobile telephony companies in Nigeria is another The first suggestion is that the government should establish cannot be relied upon as the major driver of (re)building the national evidence of gross ingrained efficiency of our private sector. The new farm settlements. This is not a novel concept in Nigeria. Part economy. Secondly, at this stage of our national development and private sector in Nigeria does not have robust structure that can be of the strategies of the Awolowo-led administration in the then given the conundrum in which we have found ourselves, the state used to resuscitate the economy. We have the evidence of the Central Western Region was the establishment of such settlements which should participate more directly in programmes that will rescue Bank Governor that the scarce foreign exchange made available provided employment, produced food for the people and served as the economy by involving the people. The aim of government is the to the private sector was not used for production but in importing a focal point to modernise agriculture. The Federal Government welfare of the people and not profit. manufactured goods from other countries for sale; meaning that they should establish one farm settlement per state; each state three The Nigerian private sector is part of the nation’s problems did not generate additional employment from production. There farm settlements, one in each senatorial district; and each Local in significant ways. The private sector usage in Nigeria means the is also evidence that our private sector is corrupt, unproductive Government (with some grant aid from the Federal Government) formal or organised private sector engaged in big time industrial, and unpatriotic. The example of the fuel subsidy fraud by the one settlement each. This will give us 918 farm settlements. If on construction, banking and service provision employing masses of private sector is an open secret. They engage in corruption which the average 100 farmers are settled in each settlement, we will people. The Small and Medium Scale enterprises as being conceived undermines government programmes designed to induce greater pull 91,800 persons off the unemployment pool. The settlers will mimic the formal private sector and hope to transform into it; thus, productivity and increased employment. An example here is the be drawn from the pool of unemployed university graduates of they are conditioned to have the same mentality. The critical feature Federal Government’s Export Expansion Grant which in response Agriculture, Engineering and Science and those with diploma of the private sector is that it is profit-driven; that is that making profit to pressure from the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria was and certificates in these areas. Any other unemployed person with is its only goal. This drives its efficiency and ruthlessness. If they do designed to encourage increased export of locally produced a flair for farming may be considered. If we provide thateach not make profit at the level they envisage, they attack their employees goods to diversify foreign exchange earnings and generate more settler will have access to five hectares of land to farm, we will put and may even close shop. The number of industrial concerns that employment. An investigation inaugurated by the Federal Ministry additional 459, 000 hectares under cultivation (some variation have re-located from Nigeria during economically difficult times is of Finance showed that huge fraud was perpetrated in this scheme for the riverine area and completely urbanised local governments instructive. We can also recall here when the backward integration as the Nigerian private sector floated companies that produced will occur here). This is a complex but straight forward scheme to agriculture was the vogue by industrial concerns in Nigeria. Once nothing but claimed foreign exchange as subsidy. whose implementation can begin within six months of initiation. they could not make success/profit from it, they back tracked. The There is additional evidence that previous subsidies of the The governments will have to acquire the land and do the initial private sector establishments are private concerns and they are not private sector had borne no fruit. This can be exemplified by the clearing. We may have a residual structure for this in the NALDA. about patriotism irrespective of what they mouth. While they are subsidies that had been provided for our banks whose effect was To be concluded entitled to their modus operandi, the point being made is that they not felt by the public but it rather deepened the feeding bottle • Prof. Akinyanju is of the Department of Microbiology, are birds of flight that no nation in the type of difficulty Nigeria is will mentality of the banks fastening their mouth on the teats of the University of Ilorin. ([email protected]) 22 TUESDAY, DECEMBER 6, 2016 viewpoint Why Dasuki, Kanu, El-Zakzaky may never be tried Mr. Nnamdi Kanu of the Indigenous People of Biafra was arrested his kitchen, his sitting room and the other room. But in Nigeria Azuka Onwuka on October 14, 2015. One year after, there is no concrete sign to where he can avoid live interviews or ex tempore speeches, he [email protected] show that the Federal Government is keen on seeing them tried in avoids them because his blunt comments may run against public 0809-8727-263 (sms only) the law court. It seems the Federal Government is more concerned opinion. about ensuring that their cases are delayed as long as possible. Buhari’s democratic and human rights record since last year Therefore, the government employs tactics like amending the has been abysmal. The recent indictment of the Nigerian Army ne thing that has been clear since last year’s inauguration charges, dropping some counts, adding fresh ones, and asking for under his watch by Amnesty International on the killing of 150 of Muhammadu Buhari as Nigeria’s President is that he O endless adjournments. Given the weight of the accusation against IPOB civilians was another dent on his record. The report showed does not feel comfortable with the way the judiciary and the Dasuki and the hoopla that has been raised about it, one would that soldiers shot at civilians who had gathered to pray, killed legislature overrule him on many issues. Left to him, the moment have thought that the government would be eager to start the court those who were already injured and arrested, and poured acid on he pronounces anyone guilty, that person should be jailed. And if case, so as to quickly find Dasuki and all his accomplices guilty some injured people to intensify their pain and hasten their death. he does not like any law of the land, he should be able to amend and jail them, to serve as a warning to everybody. The same goes IPOB said that contrary to the 150 reported killed by Amnesty it or repeal it and proceed as he wishes without having to get the for Kanu and the weight of accusation against him. International, 2,000 of their members have been killed in the permission of the National Assembly. But it seems the government does not want to try them. It just last one year by security agents. The Shiites have been killed Unfortunately, that is not the situation. And one can see that feels satisfied having them locked up and denied any opportunity in similar fashion since last year. And all this is happening in a the President does not feel happy with this situation. to get bail, no matter how many times the courts grant them bail. democracy under a civilian President. In August, Buhari asked for emergency powers to tackle the In addition, the Federal Government has applied to have veiled Interestingly, when IPOB members were being killed economy. That did not sail through. Some devil’s advocates have witnesses appear against the two. One wonders what it is hiding last year, some Shiites justified it or kept quiet because IPOB even asked that the constitution be suspended to give him a free that it cannot try these two with witnesses who are not masked, members were Igbo and Christians. Now that the killings have hand to rule the nation. given its claim that it has a mountain of evidence against them. affected them, they have begun to raise their voices against the Next week (December 14), it will be one year since the Nigerian Why is President Buhari not eager to see these men face trial killing of civilians. Many other Nigerians who are neither Igbo nor Army invaded the homes of members of the Shia Muslims in in a court of law? The reason is simple. He is not certain that the Shiites are either justifying the killings or looking the other way. Kaduna, shot a minimum of 347 dead, and took away the leader of court will find these men guilty. In his media chat last year - the In line with the “Turn by Turn Nigeria Limited,” coined by Chief the group, Sheikh Ibrahim El-Zakzaky, and his wife. For that one during the first term of Chief year, neither the government nor the army has uttered a word about only one in his 19 months in office - he made it clear that these as president, who knows when the killings will be their turn? It the whereabouts of El-Zakzaky or why he is being detained without men were guilty. If the court finds them innocent and discharges may be students protesting. It may be mothers protesting. It may any legal backing. But most curiously, in that one year, El-Zakzaky them, that will not make him happy. So, the only alternative is to be people protesting electoral fraud. Then the silent Nigerians was never charged to court, neither did the government obtain a personally “punish” them by keeping them in detention as long as will find their voices. court order authorising it to detain him for security reasons in line he is in office, to teach them a lesson, while demonising them by It reminds us of the famous poem by Martin Niemöller on the with the constitution. He was just taken away, locked away and kept periodically releasing information that paints them in bad light. systematic, group-by-group repression by the Nazis: out of circulation as “His Excellency” pleases. Given his antecedents with court orders, it is unlikely that When the Nazis came for the communists, Last week, following a case filed by El-Zakzaky, the court ordered Buhari will obey last week’s order made by the court on El- I remained silent; that he be released unconditionally within 45 days and that a house Zakzaky. He will find a way around it, and it will be justified by I was not a communist. be built for him in addition to a payment of N50m damages to him. those who make it their duty to justify anything the President does. When they locked up the social democrats, These are some of the reasons Buhari does not like the courts and But one thing that cannot be denied President Buhari is his I remained silent; the National Assembly. When he tries to do things “in the national ability to speak as his mind thinks, without trying to be politically I was not a social democrat. interest,” these two arms of government come up with their own correct or diplomatic. Buhari is an open book that is easy to read When they came for the trade unionists, decisions that run counter to his views. This was how he wanted and understand. That is why in close to two years, he has only had I did not speak out; to borrow $29.96bn in October and the National Assembly shot one media chat in Nigeria. But any time he travels out – especially I was not a trade unionist. it down. Imagine such effrontery! Questioning and thwarting the to the Western Hemisphere – he is compelled to address people When they came for the Jews, plans of the President! and respond to their questions, and such forums usually produce I remained silent; Similarly, a former National Security Adviser, Col Sambo one statement considered as a gaffe. That was how gaffes about I wasn’t a Jew. Dasuki (retd.), was arrested on December 1, 2015 over the alleged those who gave him 97 per cent vote versus those who gave him When they came for me, misappropriation of the funds meant for arms procurement, while five per cent arose as well as the gaffe on his wife belonging to there was no one left to speak out. TB Joshua and his US election prediction t is a tough task for anyone to defend Pastor Osagie Ogunbor some talk about a possible revolt by the electors people of Nineveh declared total prayer to avert ITB Joshua these days. Just when you think the woman - maybe Melania, his wife, or Ivanka, his in the Electoral College who will formally vote the wrath of God, the Trump camp declared worst is over for him, he plunges into more self- daughter. Did we not see that Ivanka sat in at his on December 19. What if 37 electors decide to total fasting and prayers to avert a Clinton destruct. His latest misadventure was needless. recent meeting with the Japanese leader? Maybe, desert Trump to deprive him of his majority victory. How ridiculous. So, in the last three Though many Nigerians keenly followed the this is what the prophet meant when he said we Electoral College lead? Joshua would have weeks, Joshua has given three explanations of US presidential election, I am not sure anyone do not operate at his spiritual frequency and been proved right. But wait a minute, even in the same prophecy. First, he tried to deny the expected any significant change in our fortunes therefore cannot understand spiritual messages the event of a most unlikely Electoral College reality that he had goofed by making the popular or misfortunes no matter who won. We liked laden in parables. Well, this prophesy did not revolt, the Presidency would not automatically votes argument; then, he declared that we do not the drama, the twists and turns, the scandals, sound like a parable. Joshua said a woman would be handed over Clinton but it would deprive operate in his spiritual wavelength and cannot the accusations and counteraccusations, the win. He did not say a woman would wield great Trump of 270 votes and then throw the election therefore understand his message. The latest is debates and permutations. In some way, the US power over the sitting president. If that was the to the GOP-controlled House of Representatives. that God changed his mind after one group of election reminded us of what we are not. The case, why didn’t he say so especially as he knew Will the Republicans throw away this lifetime supporters prayed. transparency and perhaps the entertainment he was talking to spiritual infants that need opportunity and proclaim Clinton, President? These must be tough times for the cleric’s value provided us some respite from the gloom spoon feeding. Again, does Trump’s personality Well, this is quite possible in dreamland, not Public Relations and reputation management and doom that have become our reality. suggest in anyone’s wildest imagination that he today’s America. team. It is about time they told him to keep quiet But for Joshua, this was an opportunity would be a puppet for anyone? Far from it. So, In my desperate bid to defend the prophet, and save what’s left of his depleting personal to shine and redeem an image that has taken my argument that this prediction might have I asked myself more questions. What if this brand equity. It is tough enough to defend a a bashing on many fronts in recent times. just been a parable of some sort clearly falls flat prophet truly heard from God and somehow God prophet who claimed he could see the winner of Obviously relying on polls and media coverage against any reasonable logic. But I did not give up. changed His mind? Have we not read in the Bible the US election but could not even foresee the that gave it overwhelmingly to the Democratic of instances where God sent prophets to deliver So, what if the man of God was merely collapse of parts of his church building which candidate, Hillary Clinton, the man of God as a particular message only to change His mind referring to the popular votes which won? In led to the death of several worshippers and then we call them here declared that God had showed this case, his explanation might be that the US and cause the prophet much embarrassment? him that the next President of the United States Jonah was one such prophet. We all know the he turned around and blamed the tragedy on a Electoral College was unknown to the spiritual hovering aircraft within the church airspace. would be Clinton. To be fair to the prophet, he realm where he operates. In fact, Joshua toed this popular Sunday School story of how Jonah tried As illogical as this hovering aircraft argument really did not categorically mention the name line in the face of social media backlash after it to avoid prophesying to the people of Nineveh sounds, the teeming worshippers at the Hilary Clinton. What he said was that a woman emerged that Clinton had lost. The argument was but got swallowed by a fish that eventually Synagogue may have swallowed it hook line would win. So, I have been trying to make not only laughable, it worsened a bad situation as berthed him on the shores of Nineveh after and sinker. Just as they would have swallowed excuses for our embattled prophet but I must many thought it was proof of how naïve these so- three days and three nights. Jonah eventually the popular votes theory, the story about God confess that the more I try, the more my logic called religious leaders think we are. How can a delivered God’s message to the people of Nineveh changing His mind and anything else that flies in the face of common sense. man who was so specific to the point of predicting that they will be destroyed for their wickedness proceeds from the mouth of Prophet Joshua. So, what if Joshua was merely speaking in that the female winner of the election would have and sinful life. It did not happen. The people They would tell you how a prophet is with honour parables? Do we not know that men of God do problems working with the US Congress when prayed and even compelled all their animals and except in his home; how the Lord commands us not speak literal language? Are we not aware she assumes office, then turn around with this pets to fast. God spared them but Jonah was so to “touch not His anointed and do His prophet of the several parables Jesus told which even electoral versus popular vote nonsense? embarrassed that he begged God to take his life no harm”. And don’t be surprised if these are confounded the supposedly learned Pharisees As I thought more about the US Electoral for “it is better for me to die than to live,” he said some of the most popular biblical verses in and Sadducees of his time? Has it not occurred College system, it dawned on me that maybe, (Jonah 4: v2) your church. Our religious leaders know their to many of us that Joshua might have been we have been too hasty in concluding that the As if Joshua was reading my mind, he was flock and they strategically propagate these self- speaking in parables when he said a woman election had been won and lost. Technically, recently reported as telling his congregation serving verses for a reason. It’s the only way they would win the US election? Maybe, the prophet’s the votes of the people do not directly elect the that God simply changed his mind following the can get away with murder. message was that we might have a sitting male President of the US. It is the Electoral College prayer of the American people. The Republicans • Ogunbor wrote in from Lagos via President in Donald Trump but the buttons of electors that elect the President. Since the heard that a notable cleric in Nigeria had [email protected] power would be pushed behind the scenes by a election results were announced, there’s been prophesied a Clinton victory. So, just like the TUESDAY, DECEMBER 6, 2016 23 business INSIDE Page: 25 & Money Stocks Pages: 26 & 27 economy Infotech Pages: 29, 30 & 34 Flight schedule FG bans importation of vehicles First Nation Airways Los – Abj (Mon – Fri) 0650; 0930; 1145; 1600 0650 (Saturdays)1145 (Saturdays) through land borders 1145 (Sundays)1600 (Sundays) Abj – Los (Mon – Fri) 0900; 1130; 1340; Anna Okon 1830 0900 (Saturdays) 1340 (Saturdays) rom next month, importation of 1340 (Sundays) 1830 (Sundays) Lagos – Port Harcourt 1445 (Mon – Fri) 1615 (Saturdays) vehicles through the land borders F 1445 (Sundays) Port Harcourt – Los 1650 will be prohibited, according to a (Mon-Fri)1820 (Saturdays) new prohibition order issued by the 1650 (Sundays) Federal Government to that effect. Medview Airlines The prohibition order covers all new and used vehicles. Los-Abv: 07:00; (Mon-Fri) A statement issued on Monday Los-Abj: 8:50; (Mon-Fri) by the Nigeria Customs Service Los-Abj: 12:00 (Mon-Fri) indicated that the ban was sequel to Los-Abj: 15:30 (Mon-Fri) a presidential directive restricting all Abj-Los: 09:00 (Mon-Fri) vehicle imports to the seaports with effect from January 1, 2017. Abj-Los: 14:00 (Mon-Fri) The restriction on importation of Abj-Los: 15:00 (Mon-Fri) vehicles follows that of rice, whose Abj-Los: 18:30 (Mon-Fri) imports through the land borders Los-Abj: 10:00 (Sat) had been banned since April 2016. Los-Abj: 15:00 (Sat) In the statement signed by its Abj-Los: 17:30 (Sun) spokesperson, Mr. Wale Adeniyi, the •L-R: Managing Director, Planet Projects Limited, Biodun Otunola; Ogun State Governor, Senator Ibikunle Abj-Los: 18:30 (Sun) NCS advised importers of vehicles Amosun; Secretary-General, Union of African Public Transport, Yssoufou Cisse; Training Director, International Overland Airways through the land borders to utilise Association of Public Transport, Kaan Yildizgoz; and Head of Consulting, TfL, Michael Flynn, during the First the grace period up till December SCHEDULE (WEEKDAYS) International Rail Conference in Lagos …recently. Photo: Planet Projects 31 to clear their vehicles landed in LAGOS-ILORIN 0715HRS DAILY neighbouring countries’ ports. implementation of the auto policy imposition of 70 per cent tariff on owners/importers of Tokunbo cars ILORIN-LAGOS 1730HRS TUE & THUR The Federal Government had introduced in the last quarter of imported cars, both old and new pay 35 per cent. The government has ILORIN-LAGOS 1830HRS MON,WED & FRI disclosed at a forum of the automotive 2013 by former President Goodluck ones. yet to enforce the implementation IBADAN-ABUJA 0745HRS DAILY industry on Friday that it would Jonathan administration was driving While importers of new cars are of the 35 per cent import duty on ABUJA-IBADAN 1600HRS DAILY ban the importation of vehicles down the volume of their products. currently paying 70 per cent of the used cars, which ought to have ILORIN-ABUJA 0830HRS DAILY through land borders and enforce The auto policy prescribed the cost of the vehicles as import duty, commenced last year. ABUJA-ILORIN 1600HRS TUE & THUR the presentation of roadworthiness ABUJA-ILORIN1700HRS MON,WED & FRI certificates on such vehicles from ABUJA-BAUCHI 1330HRS MON,WED & FRI their countries of origin before ...stops 571,000 tonnes of rice from entering Nigeria allowing them into Nigeria. Okechukwu Nnodim, Abuja rice from next year. to persuade them.” BAUCHI-ABUJA 1500HRS MON,WED & FRI The Director-General, The Minister of Agriculture and Ogbeh reiterated that the country ABUJA-AKURE 1000HRS MON,WED & FRI National Automotive Design and he Federal Government on Rural Development, Chief Audu would start exporting rice from next AKURE-ABUJA1130HRS MON,WED & FRI Development Council, Mr. Aminu TMonday announced that 571,000 Ogbeh, who disclosed these in year, as he stated that 110 mills had ABUJA-JALINGO 1100HRS MON,WED & FRI Jalal, who said this on behalf of tonnes of foreign rice warehoused in Abuja, stated that some of Nigeria’s been acquired to make this a reality. JALINGO-ABUJA 1300HRS MON,WED & FRI neighbours, particularly the Republic He said, “We can make it happen. the government, added that it was neighbouring countries were being targeted for the Nigerian market for of Benin, were not moving goods We have just brought in 110 rice mills a means of controlling the influx WEEKEND FLIGHT SCHEDULE the Christmas and New Year season, within the region as required by of different capacities. Some can do of used vehicles, popularly called ROUTE SATURDAY SUNDAY but vowed to stop their entry. relevant treaties. 100 tonnes, others 50, 40, 20 and 10 ‘Tokunbo’, into the country. LAGOS-IBADAN 0800HRS N/A It also stated that Nigeria recently tonnes. We are going to give them to Stakeholders in the automotive He, however, stated that the IBADAN-LAGOS 1730HRS N/A took delivery of 110 rice mills in its bid industry had earlier called for Federal Government would cooperative organisations and rice IBADAN-ABUJA 1000HRS 1430HRS to enhance local production so as to strict regulation of the importation henceforth check all illegal millers all over the country to enhance ABUJA-IBADAN 1500HRS 1300HRS commence the exportation of white of vehicles, noting that poor movements of food and non- their milling capacities. ILORIN-ABUJA 0915HRS 1100HRS food items into Nigeria from the “We have another 12 rice mills to ABUJA-ILORIN 500HRS 1700HRS Nigerian, Moroccan wealth neighbouring countries. come in maybe next year so that the LAGOS-ILORIN 0800HRS 0930HRS Ogbeh said, “What they do is that milling capacity is strong enough for ILORIN-LAGOS 1630HRS 1830HRS funds sign gas pipeline deal they import goods, station themselves us and we too will begin to export ’Femi Asu Global Platts. at our borders and then smuggle them to .” D C ANA Air S HEDULE “Morocco and Nigeria are eager to into Nigeria. For instance, the Republic On the issue of possible famine in new pipeline project to bring work with all countries in West Africa of Benin doesn’t eat . Nigeria from January next year, the Los-Abv to ensure their economies and people ANigerian gas through Africa to They eat white rice. But all the rice that minister stated that the government 8:01, 12:06, 13:05, 14:04, 16:29 (Mon-Fri) Europe has been launched by the benefit from the project,” he said. comes from the borders into Nigeria is was prepared and promised that the 9:00, 13;05, 16:29 (Sun) It is unclear exactly the route the sovereign wealth funds of Nigeria parboiled. country would not experience such. 8:01, 12:06, 16:29 (sat) pipeline will take, though the developers and Morocco in the latest attempt to “I have a list now of all the ships The minister stated, “We want Abv-Los foresee it following the coast. Following link the country’s vast gas resources that left Thailand in the last seven to put it quite clearly that there is 9:54, 10:53, 14:13, 16:02, 18:18 (Mon-Fri) with the European market. the coast, however, will mean a route weeks and they’ve arrived; 571,000 no danger of famine in the country, 10:53, 11:07, 18:18 (Sun) The Trans-African Pipeline would that will need the participation of up to tonnes of rice waiting to enter Nigeria because the government will not allow 9:54, 14:13, 18:18 (sat) be developed jointly by the Moroccan 13 other countries. for Christmas. But we won’t allow that to happen. We are already taking The shortest route to Europe will sovereign wealth fund, Ithmar that. We have to review the treaty steps to make sure that Nigerians Exchange Rates be via Niger and Algeria to Morocco Capital, and the Nigeria Sovereign in the region, because we are at the don’t go through any such harrowing CBN (December 2, 2016) Investment Authority, the partners for further pipeline supply to Spain. losing end. Why are we doing this? experience. There has been some panic Buying Selling said on Monday. The spokesman said the routing It is because this rice is not definitely over the massive purchase of grains Euro 323.8512 324.9165 The governments of Nigeria and had yet to be finalised, but that talks grown in the Republic of Benin.” from many of the big grain producing WAUA 411.2056 412.5583 Morocco on Monday announced were expected with countries in the fields in some parts of the country. $ 304 305 that they would jointly develop a new region. He added, “They bring tomato paste and chicken not produced in “This fear was heightened by emirs Swiss 300.4546 301.443 regional gas pipeline “connecting the The two sovereign wealth funds ₤ 383.7696 385.032 two countries, bringing the resources announced the signing of a strategic the Republic of Benin and because the and chiefs in the North, who met with Nigerian market is so huge, that they us on Tuesday last week and raised CFA 0.4741 0.4941 of Nigeria to Morocco, its neighbours partnership agreement and a NSE All-Share Index as at want to exploit it. But no economy out the same anxiety. It is true that for and Europe.” Memorandum of Understanding Monday, December 5, 2016 “The pipeline will run an estimated that would see the two countries of sympathy should damage our own the first time in our history, we are and we should not out of sentiment witnessing an extra-ordinary purchase OPENING – 25,740.83 4,000 kilometres along the west coast cooperate on bilateral investment for CLoSING – 25,743.03 of Africa and the countries through the first time in recent history. allow anybody to do things to us, of our grains from the West, North and 5 Oil prices as at December 5, 2016 “The project will strengthen energy which we can’t do to them. Central Africa. We are even getting which it runs and the exact route will ICE Brent $54.96 + 0 . 5 0 be determined as the project moves exports to Europe, linking Nigerian “When Dangote was trying to ship demands from as far as Namibia; they Nymex $51.92 + 0 . 2 4 forward, based on further research,” gas to the European energy market his cement through the Republic of are asking for grains in large quantities DME Oman $52.12 + 0 . 3 9 a spokesman for Ithmar told S&P through Morocco,” Ithmar said. Benin to Togo, it took him one year of up to 37,000 tonnes of maize.” Natural Gas $3.65 + 0 . 2 1 24 TUESDAY, DECEMBER 6, 2016 business economy& CBN to sell dollars to fuel importers ’Femi Asu The country consumes to fuel importers to end per dollar on the official Nigeria is in its deepest The dollar shortage has with agency report 45 million litres of petrol months of scarcity partly market for more than two recession in 25 years, caused many companies to a day, or roughly 280,000 caused by a currency months since the CBN in worsened by falling crude halt operations and lay off s the scarcity of the barrels, which will require shortage after it hiked fuel June abandoned its dollar output as militants attacked workers, compounding an AUnited States dollar the market to provide some prices by 67 per cent, using peg of 197 against the oil and gas facilities in the economic crisis. continues to hamper the $18m a day. an exchange rate of N285 currency, eased to 314.90 at Niger Delta, and global The country has four importation of petroleum Importers cover about per dollar. 11:15am on Monday. It was prices remain low, choking refineries but decades of products by marketers, the 30 per cent of this, with The naira, which has quoted at 484 on the black off dollars needed to fund neglect mean it needs to Central Bank of Nigeria the Nigerian National been stuck at around 305 market. imports. import petroleum products. has asked banks to submit Petroleum Corporation bids for a “special currency covering the rest, which is a auction.” big strain on the market for The auction is targeting dollars. fuel importers to meet A top official of one of demand for matured letters the marketers’ associations of credit, Reuters quoted told our correspondent that traders as saying. many of the traders had Traders said the CBN continued to depend on sent a message to the banks the supply from the NNPC on Monday to submit as they could not access backlog dollar demands dollars to import. from fuel importers by “I know a few of 3.00pm for a special the marketers are still intervention. importing directly, but Fuel shortages often not as much as we would occur in the country during have loved to see. A good festive periods such as number of them are still Christmas and Muslim depending on the NNPC holidays. cargoes. We are definitely Traders said the not importing as much as government wanted to we should,” he said. ensure that fuel retailers It was not clear at what had enough products, so rate the central bank would it was channelling dollars sell the dollars. In May, •L-R: Chief Executive Officer, Red Star Express Plc, Mr. Sola Obabori; recipient of the Fellowship of the Society for to them and also to avoid the government agreed a Corporate Governance Nigeria and Director, Red Star Express Plc, Mr. Isaac Orolugbagbe; his wife, Modupe; past shortages, which in May deal with international oil President, SCGN, Dr. Christopher Kolade; and Divisional Managing Director, Red Star Express, Mr. Charles Ejekam crippled banking, airline companies in the country during the annual President’s Dinner and induction ceremony of SCGN in Lagos...recently. Photo: Red Star Express and telecom services. to sell their dollars directly Adeosun, Emefiele back BoI scrapping, bank kicks Leke Baiyewu, Abuja the NDB had passed second funding of the bank by the creating new development environment for business to unattractive to private and reading in the Senate on Federal Government so as finance institutions, bearing thrive, such as an amendment public lenders.” he Bank of Industry has October 12. to increase its support to in mind the failure of similar to the Land Use Act, tax However, Adeosun, Tkicked against the current Titled: ‘A Bill for an Act the real sector rather than DFIs in the past, such as the incentives for SMEs and who was represented by move by the Senate to scrap to establish the National duplicate functions with the NBCI, NERFUND, People’s establishment of industrial a director in Ministry it and establish the National Development Bank, 2015’, establishment of another bank Bank, Community Banks, parks. of Finance, Christopher Development Bank in its and sponsored by Senator with a similar purpose. etc.” “This will substantially Gabriel, said the ministry place. Ibrahim Gobir, it seeks to Olagunju said, “We are He added, “We advise that address the demand strongly supported the bill, The Acting Managing repeal the BoI, the Bank for of the opinion that the BoI, the National Assembly should challenges of finance for adding that the proposal was Director, BoI, Mr. Waheed Commerce and Industry Act as presently constituted, support industrialisation SMEs in Nigeria, as vagaries in tandem with the economic Olagunju, made this known and the National Economic is fulfilling the mandate by enacting legislation that of the business environment reconstruction efforts of the on Monday at a public Reconstruction Fund Act. envisaged in the proposed will help create an enabling have been making the sector Federal Government. hearing organised by the The bill further seeks to legislation by supporting Senate Committee on bring the total assets of the genuine entrepreneurs. ...to review Stamp Duty Act Banking, Insurance and Other organisations under one Therefore, it should be left to Everest Amaefule, Abuja deducting N50 on every deposit into savings account. Financial Institutions on the body to be called the National continue its operations as it into current accounts of N1,000 The CBN had in a circular establishment of the NDB. Development Bank. is. The merger envisaged in he Federal Government and above across the country in January mentioned only The Minister of Finance, Olagunju, in his the proposed bill has already Tplans to review the Stamp since January. deposits made into current Mrs. Kemi Adeosun; and the presentation, insisted that taken place. Duty Act, 2004, investigation However, ruling on an accounts, thereby excluding Governor, Central Bank of the BoI was already fulfilling “The BoI should be has shown. appeal filed by Standard savings accounts. The current Nigeria, Mr. Godwin Emefiele, the mandate of the proposed provided with more capital On the strength of the Act Chartered Bank against Kasmal thinking is that expanding the however, backed the Senate development bank. to be able to further support and a Central Bank of Nigeria International Services Limited duty to savings accounts will on the move. The BoI boss stated that the real sector instead of directive to Deposit Money and 22 others, Justice Ibrahim increase the money that the A bill seeking to establish what was needed was more duplicating functions by Banks, the banks have been Saulawa and four other justices government can make through of the Court of Appeal, Lagos it. FG to meet workers’ union over NAICOM crisis Judicial Division, held that the Another purpose of the review Stamp Duty Act, 2004 did not of the Act is to legitimise the Ifeanyi Onuba, Abuja the Permanent Secretary, week’s meeting with the The Amalgamated Union impose a duty on the banks to funds that the government of Public Corporations, Ministry of Finance, union would be presided he Ministry of Finance deduct N50 on deposits. has already amassed through Civil Service, Technical Alhaji Mahmoud Dutse, to over by Dutse. will next week meet According to the Appeal the stamp duty. However, the T and Recreational Services’ intervene by summoning the The official said, “You with the workers’ union Court, electronic transactions concern among top government Employees has been involved management of NAICOM will recall that there was in the National Insurance were not covered in the Stamp officials is how an amendment in industrial dispute with to a meeting last week a meeting last week at the Commission over the Duty Act of 2004. of the law can be made to apply the management of the Thursday. Finance ministry with the petition written by it The ruling of the court has retroactively. commission. Apart from for management of NAICOM, alleging mismanagement in not stopped the banks from The thinking in government The dispute led to the the allegation of which was presided the organisation. deducting the stamp duty on circles is that the banks will shutdown of the NAICOM mismanagement of funds over by the Permanent The meeting, according deposits of N1,000 and above. not be honest to return the headquarters twice this and abuse of office by the Secretary. It was made to sources in the ministry, However, based on the ruling deductions that have already year, the first in March, management, the workers clear in that meeting that is a follow-up to the one of the court, our correspondent been made from the accounts while the second took place also called on the government all the allegations levelled earlier held last week with learnt that the Federal of their customers if they are on November 23. to investigate the reason against the management the management of the Government was seeking a directed to do so. The union also wrote for the delay in migrating by the union would be commission. review and an amendment of Our correspondent had a petition to President from the Compliance-Based independently investigated. It was gathered that the law. reported that the government Muhammadu Buhari and Supervision to Risk-Based “The ministry has heard the need to meet with Investigation by our was in the process of hiring the Minister of Finance, Supervision. from the management the union officials was to correspondent showed that forensic auditors to determine Mrs. Kemi Adeosun, alleging A top government team during last week’s enable them to substantiate apart from amending the law how much had already accrued mismanagement and official, who spoke to our meeting, and the next phase the allegations levelled to specifically accommodate through the duty as it did not breakdown of governance correspondent on condition now is to meet with the against the Commissioner electronic transactions, the trust that the banks had been and administrative structure of anonymity as he was not workers’ union to enable for Insurance, Mohammed Federal Government was also faithful in remitting all the in the commission. officially permitted to speak them to substantiate their Kari, and some members of seeking to include the payment deductions to the Stamp Duty The development made on the matter, said that next allegations.” his management team. of stamp duty on deposits made Account domiciled in the CBN. TUESDAY, DECEMBER 6, 2016 25 money FG close to appointing banks for Eurobond sale The Head of Research ’Femi Asu with agency and multilateral lenders at Ashmore Investment report such as the , is expected to strengthen the Management, Jan Dehn, said he Federal Government is country’s position in global that even after the government Tclose to appointing banks to capital markets after years in abandoned its currency peg, help underwrite the country’s the cold. there was a perception among first international bond since The Financial Times investors that the naira could 2013 as the government deals reported that a successful debt weaken further — leaving them with the worst fiscal crisis in sale would mark the end of a reluctant to lend the country 25 years. year of repeated setbacks for “hard” currencies such as Standard Chartered, Citi Nigeria, adding that prices for dollars. and Stanbic IBTC have been in existing debt had fallen sharply “People did not trust talks with officials to arrange as investors had shied away the currency,” he said. the Eurobond sale, according to from the country, unsettled by “It’s a difficult process sources close to the deal. militant attacks in the Niger for the country. [President Vice-President Yemi Delta. Muhammadu] Buhari inherited Osinbajo has last week said the Efforts by the country to a lot of problems including the government hoped to conclude tap the bond market earlier difficulties with Boko Haram, the sale of a $1bn Eurobond this year had been frustrated the economy and the falling by the end of the first quarter by volatile oil prices, currency oil price.” of 2017. weakness after the peg was In spite of the removal of The recent rise in global abandoned in June and the currency peg, the official crude oil prices, coupled with the government’s failure to exchange rate remains far expectations that Nigeria was implement further reforms higher than the rate at which making progress with plans to demanded by the international the currency changes hands in arrange loans from bilateral community. the black market. Nigerian bankers and Ecobank restates commitment economists say the central to development projects bank is still managing the currency instead of allowing it he Managing Director initiative on the continent.” to float freely. Tof Ecobank Nigeria, The Managing Director, Abia But Kevin Daly, portfolio Charles Kie, has said the Retail Mall, Mr. Chuka Okoye, manager on the emerging bank will continue to lauded Ecobank for being one market fixed-income team at support projects that impact of the key financials of the Aberdeen Asset Management, positively on the lives of projects, stating that the bank’s says the rise in oil prices and the people and economic support to developmental move towards reform means development of the country. projects in the country and the there was scope for the country Kie stated this at the state, in particular, was quite to tap debt markets. “Nigeria inauguration of Abia Retail commendable. has very little external debt,” Shopping Mall in Umuahia, He commended the he added. where he was support of the Abia State Nigeria first issued represented by the Team Governor, Dr. Okezie international debt in January Lead, Medium and Local Ikpeazu; the former 2011, tapping markets once Corporates, Commercial governor, Senator Theodore again in mid 2013 to raise $1bn Banking, South East, Jovita Orji; Chief Sam Onuigbo of five- and 10-year debt. Okeahialam. and his team members for The yield on Nigeria’s bond According to a statement, making it possible for the due in 2023 jumped from 6.6 the bank has a deliberate project to be completed. per cent almost 10 per cent policy to finance projects He assured them of good earlier this year. It was said to that stimulate development quality products in the be trading at 7.8 per cent. and have direct bearing on mall and urged people to Oil production in the country the people. patronise it. has fallen sharply as attacks on It said this was the motive Also speaking at the event, energy infrastructure curtailed behind the bank’s decision Ikpeazu said the mall would supplies and compounded the to be one of the financiers of be a hub of opportunities for effects of the price of its main the Abia Shoprite. people all over the world to export falling dramatically Kie said, “We find it do business. early in 2016. quite fulfilling to be part of He urged that made- The vandalism and this project. This shopping in-Abia products such as production challenges meant mall will no doubt promote shoes and bags be displayed that the country was granted commerce, enhance peoples’ alongside foreign ones, an exception to the recent lives and, as a matter of saying that the products OPEC agreement to cut output fact, bring development to would attract more for the first time since the the state in general. We will customers because of their global financial crisis, the continue to support such quality. report stated. Elumelu wants leaders to create business champions he Chairman, United Conference, with 15 promised to support TBank for Africa Plc, delegations representing Tunisia’s economic Mr. Tony Elumelu, has the United Nations and transformation by described entrepreneurship several countries, including investing in young aspiring as the most secure route to Germany, Canada, France, entrepreneurs through his sustainable development, Qatar and Algeria in Tony Elumelu Foundation, calling on African leaders attendance, according to a which champions to create youth business statement from the bank. entrepreneurship and champions. Stressing the need entrepreneurs across the He also called for a to encourage youth African continent as the shared approach to African engagement, he said, “It catalyst for sustainable development, stressing is imperative for African growth. that it was “the only route leaders to implement He pledged to help to achieving sustainable growth policies that will catapult Tunisian economic development, see the youth as catalysts to entrepreneurs into the political stability and development, thus avoiding next generation of top economic prosperity on the the socio-economic crisis as African business leaders African continent.” experienced in Tunisia and through the $100m Tony Elumelu stated this at other countries in Africa in Elumelu Foundation the Tunisian government’s past years.” Entrepreneurship International Investment The UBA chairman Programme. 26 TUESDAY, DECEMBER 6, 2016 capital market NSE daily activity summary (equities) 05/12/2016

At a Glance Volume: 175.058 million Index: 25,743.03 Value: N3.144bn Mkt cap: N8.855tn Deals: 3,048 TUESDAY, DECEMBER 6, 2016 27 capital market Guinness, Vitafoam, Red Star top losers, index appreciates Stoires: Stanley Opara measured by the NSE indices, However, the industrial, showed that the oil and gas insurance and banking sectors uinness Nigeria Plc, sector and food/beverages declined by 1.45 per cent, 1.16 GVitafoam Nigeria Plc and sector rose by 3.67 per cent per cent and 0.57 per cent, Red Star Express Plc emerged and 0.04 per cent, respectively. respectively. the top three losers on Monday at the close of trading on the Honeywell agro-allied facility to floor of the Nigerian Stock Exchange, as the All-Share boost shareholders’ value Index appreciated marginally. oneywell Flour Mills Nigerians with more affordable The equities market began HPlc’s integrated food food products. the week on a positive note, complex in Sagamu, Ogun The company has as ASI advanced by 0.01 per State will drive productivity commenced work on the first cent, bringing the year-to-date in the company and boost three phases of the complex - return of the index to -10.12 shareholders’ value. initially with the construction per cent. The company, in a of a pasta plant; followed by However, volume traded statement, said the structural a sorghum flour mill and an declined by 74.89 per cent, expansion would help the animal feed mill. while market turnover company strengthen its “All factories will utilise advanced by 78.78 per cent. operation and cushion the local grains, tubers and Market breadth was negative effects of the current economic oil seeds as raw materials as 15 stocks advanced against challenges. to boost farming activities 25 decliners. Vice President Yemi and agriculture in execution The NSE market Osinbajo, recently visited the of Honeywell’s backward capitalisation rose to N8.856tn Honeywell foods and agro- integration and import from N8.855tn, while the ASI allied industrial complex to substitution strategy,” the closed at 25,743.03 basis inspect ongoing developments, company said. points from 25,740.83 basis where the Chairman of the Following a detailed tour points. company, Dr. Oba Otudeko, of the site, Osinbajo had A total of 175.058 million unveiled its transformation commended Honeywell’s shares worth N3.144bn were initiative to accelerate Nigeria’s patriotic efforts at reducing traded in 3,048 deals. quest for self-sufficiency in food imports and creating Forte Oil Plc led the gainers food production. employment in the all- of the day after a share price The project, for which important food manufacturing increase of 10.24 per cent to construction activities and agriculture sectors of the N71.94. Other top gainers commenced in 2014, the economy. were Total Nigeria Plc, company reiterated, would He reiterated the Federal Oando Plc and Transnational see Honeywell invest about Government’s resolve to work Corporation of Nigeria Plc, N64bn to develop a world- with and support private sector which appreciated by 10.11 per class integrated facility where players who demonstrated cent, 7.80 per cent and 7.04 economies of scale and scope commitment to value addition per cent, respectively. would be leveraged to drive and job creation in the Sector performance, as down costs and provide economy. 28 TUESDAY, DECEMBER 6, 2016 TUESDAY, DECEMBER 6, 2016 29 information technology Economic recession has affected smartphone sales – Duan The Country General Manager, Tecno feedback about of our products from end users and we try to produce phones that are tailored towards what the Nigerian Mobile, Eason Duan, speaks to OZIOMA consumers need. However, don’t forget that our products come with a whole lot of features that are comparable to UBABUKOH on how the company is our global competitors, yet people don’t have to rip their managing recent after-sales complaints pockets to purchase these products. They are affordable mobile devices. This has made it possible for Nigerians to from consumers, among other issues have access to products that can help them do whatever they want to do on their mobile phones. These are the factors that hy has your company continued to produce have brought us to the level we are in today. Whigh-end mobile devices despite the economic recession? Many Nigerians do not fancy Tecno smartphones High-end devices are now the leading device in the mobile because they are seen as not of high quality. Why market industry, so we have to move with the tide of the is this so? industry. However, we are not forgetting our source, which Tecno products are made with quality materials; these is the low-end device. If we produce low-end devices alone, products also undergo approval processes of the regulatory we will lose our customers who are craving for high-end bodies and government agencies in the country before they devices to send e-mails, transact business and carry out are sold in the Nigerian mobile device market. Before these other activities. We will continue to provide products that phones are sold, we carry out several quality assurance tests cover all segments in the Nigerian market. to make sure that we are not bringing substandard products into the Nigerian market while keeping them affordable. We Investigation shows that the economic recession want to see that more Nigerians use quality and affordable in the country has affected the sale of mobile mobile devices to enhance their lifestyle wherever they are devices in the market. How is Tecno coping with • Duan and whatever they do. this development? The Nigerian economy is facing very big challenges, and of the Small and Medium Enterprises; these will lead to Tecno consumers’ complaints about after-sales it is obvious because the prices of phones have increased wealth creation for the country and then boost the economy. service have not been pleasant. What could be the and the demand for smartphones has drastically decreased. problem? Before now, our consumers normally will change their What is the company’s long-term market strategy We are aware that after-sales service is key and a winning phones at least twice a year, but everything has changed in Nigeria? factor since we entered the Nigeria mobile market. Our now. Consumers now want more affordable phones. The Nigeria is one of our biggest markets on the continent; so, partner for after-sales service is Carl Care. We have over economic recession has affected our sales; consumers now we are committed to creating employment and contributing 95 centres in Nigeria with over 100 well-trained engineers go for feature phones and smartphones between the range our quota to economic growth. Tecno has developed a to deal with after-sales services. We also have 12 months of N25,000 and N30, 000. blueprint of long-term strategy in the market and in years warranty for our products and we make sure that any to come, we will be implementing this strategy to sustain problem with Tecno products is resolved within 72 hours. As a financial expert, how do you think Nigeria our market dominance. We have one of the largest service centres for mobile phones can come out of the recession? in the country. You need to take a trip to our facility in Lagos. Nigerians are very resilient and I have no doubt that the Is anything being done to correct the perceived We have very comfortable offices for the repair of defective country will soon move out of recession. The government negative image of Tecno among Nigerians? products and we have many spare parts for these devices should invest in infrastructure and support the development We have our research and development team always taking in the country. Firm introduces app to curb vandalism, power theft Everest Amaefule, Abuja companies to address made free for every user in to launch this project with rates, they should keep an Mupwaya, expressed the challenges of infrastructure, the country. Eko Electricity and Abuja eagle eye on neighbours confidence of the company in new mobile app with such as vandalism resulting Aladesuyi also said that the Electricity. The industry illegally tapping into utility the new software to assist in Athe capacity to cut down from the theft of transformer software would be applicable needs user support to arrest poles. This is a chance for checking crimes in the power on activities of vandals parts and loss of revenue due to other areas including the issue of power shortage; each of us to key into the sector. and energy thieves in the to power theft, according to security and financial crimes close to 30 per cent of power present administration’s He also said that the electricity industry has been the firm. as it could be used to send shortage in the country is change agenda to upturn our company was addressing the introduced into the country. Hawk Eye would enable reports to the Economic due to utility theft, vandalism security alertness.” issue of dilapidated electricity At the inauguration mobile phone users to report and Financial Crimes against power infrastructure. The Managing Director of distribution infrastructure in of the software in Abuja, different types of crimes Commission. “For most customers Abuja Electricity Distribution rural communities within the the acting Chairman of including service complaints. He said, “We are excited complaining about utility Company, Mr. Ernest company’s area of coverage. the Nigerian Electricity With this, users could Regulatory Commission, select crime types, capture Tower firm promises to deepen broadband penetration Dr. Anthony Akah, said the and send videos, images or Ozioma Ubabukoh which will enable companies solutions,” the company’s continent with a holding use of the software would text messages of the crime, to roll out the 4G Long Term Executive Director, Sohail company in Seychelles. This enable electricity distribution the firm said, adding that an African Tower Company Evolution and 5G broadband Haider, said. will be a relief to the MNO companies in the country to the crime report would be PLimited has pledged to technologies. He said, “This will who are currently operating record a significant decline directed to the responsible serve over 70 per cent of mobile However, Pan African offer unparalleled value to under high operating in power theft and vandalism. security agencies for network operators in Nigeria Tower Company said it would mobile operators, in terms cost due to dollar-based Akah, who was represented immediate response. and help to deepen broadband have up to 35,000 mobile of low lease rate, to hedge lease payment for mobile at the event by the Deputy The Chairman, Web Assets penetration in Africa. towers within the next five against African currency towers across Africa, from General Manager, Nigeria Limited, Mr. Kayode The company said its years to bridge the gap. volatility against dollar. It the existing independent Engineering and Standards, Aladesuyi, said about 30 major focus was on broadband “This will be achieved will help them match most tower companies with old Mr. Abdul Mohammed, said per cent of power loss in the penetration given that through creative(not MNOs’ revenue currency, technologies and outdated the app would transform the country was attributable to most African governments traditional) sale, leaseback which is mostly local and, by business models.” manual reporting system that power theft. depended on it for growth of tower sites and modern extension, value to telecoms Haider added that it was already established in the He expressed appreciation and improvement of Gross build-to-suite with green consumers. would “help Africa accelerate electricity industry by NERC. to the Vice-President, Prof. Domestic Product. technology at a very “With a projected the much needed growth, The software, Hawk Eye, Yemi Osinbajo, whom he Africa will need over low cost, thereby taking portfolio of about 35,000 create healthy competition developed by Web Assets said insisted that the software 100,000 additional towers in advantage of the current towers, Pan African Tower and deliver value for Nigeria Limited, enables available for download on the next five years to bridge the advancement in technology Limited will be the biggest stakeholders, most especially electricity distribution Google App store should be current gap in service quality, and alternative energy tower company on the African telecoms consumers.” 30 TUESDAY, DECEMBER 6, 2016 information technology Tech firm trains teachers in new e-learning technology Ozioma Ubabukoh pioneered the solution solution that automates “We also provide learning process, therefore, the development of the about 10 years ago and had the entire teaching and sustainable power making learning more solution about 10 years ago. hips Bits and Bytes since then silently resolved learning process, which solutions, inverter stimulating, enjoyable, He stressed that the Chas commenced a issues around e-learning transforms schools from solutions and solar power productive and relevant for desire of the firm was to nationwide training for for its vast clients. the regular white board systems for classrooms, today’s digital learners.” see Nigerian schools fully teachers and academic Its Managing Director, marker and notebooks into hostels and offices within Ola also said, “With equipped to meet global instructors on how to use a Tunji Ola, said that no an electronic interactive school,” he stated. our systems support standards. new electronic technology pupil should ever fail board and student-teacher He said that the solutions, we provide Ola listed some of the and power solution in examination in Nigeria computer experience. technology had a profound preventive, corrective and schools already benefitting eradicating examination again, if the 21st century “The most exciting part effect on every aspect of routine maintenance of from the technology as failure, especially among teaching methods were is the absolutely engaging, life, “and so, schools are systems and peripherals. Trinity International pupils, through a content- used. interactive and impactful investing wisely in the All our deployments are School, Ofada; Access based interactive solutions. According to him, the e-contents for learners of acquisition of technology sufficiently supported Schools, Calabar; Karis The firm said that it firm brings to schools a all ages,” Ola said. to drive the teaching and with teacher training and School, Magodo, Lagos; monitoring.” Hopespring Foundation According to him, School, Port Harcourt; Chips Bits and Bytes has Bloombered Schools, Port been privileged to have Harcourt; and Diamond served over 500 schools Private School, Ikoyi, across the nation since among others. Huawei, Fortis build ICT centre in Lagos community Ozioma Ubabukoh of unemployment in the locality, saying, “Through uawei Technologies the acquisition of skills in Hand Fortis Project computing and related areas, Limited have commenced the youth in Eti-Osa will the construction of easily become employable or an Information and better still, self employed.” Communications Technology He commended Fortis centre in the Eti-Osa East Project Limited and Huawei Local Council Development Technologies for deeming it fit Area of Lagos State, which to undertake the construction will aid young people to of the skills acquisition centre. •L-R: Smartphones Business Lead, Lenovo Technologies West Africa, Mr. Manoj Rajasekharan; Head, Regulation acquire computing skills. The Managing Director, and Monitoring, National Lottery Regulatory Commission, Lagos Zonal Office, Chief Jude Ughwujabo; Chief Executive Speaking at the Fortis Project Limited, Mr. Officer, Slot Systems Limited, Mr. Nnamdi Ezeigbo; and Head, Lagos Office, Consumer Protection Council, Mr. Joshua inauguration of the project, Dotun Adebayo, said the ICT Ngadda, at the inauguration of Lenovo’s first brand store in Nigeria, Lagos ...on Thursday. Photo: Segun Bakare the Sole Administrator of centre would provide the the Eti-Osa East LCDA, Mr. people with a 21st century Govt to set up technology bank Tunde Ayeni, said that the learning environment and Everest Amaefule, Abuja and Innovation Fund to assist efforts will be sustainable. the bank.” centre would equally help propel them to excel in their Nigerians and inventors to “We in this ministry have The minister regretted the youth in their studies, chosen fields of studies. he Federal Government bring their innovations to the decided to find ways we can that the nation spent only “especially when they have He thanked the Twill soon set up a market. quickly close our technology about 0.22 per cent of its to carry out researches.” management and employees He said diversification of gaps. The bank can only come Gross Domestic Product technology development He said that the of Huawei for making bank, the Minister of the nation’s economy without a into existence when we have on science, innovation and completion of the project this to happen through Science and Technology, Dr. strong science and technology the National Research and technology and expressed Ogbonnaya Onu, has said. base was not sustainable. Innovation Fund because it hope that the new bank would reduce gaps that its Corporate Social Onu said this while The minister also is the fund that will establish would address the challenge. were created as a result Responsibility platform. briefing journalists in Abuja disclosed that a draft bill The Public Relations on the outcome of his trip establishing the Science Web4Africa moves web hosting services to Rack Centre Manager, Huawei to Portugal and Argentina and Innovation Fund was Ozioma Ubabukoh private server hosting, global connectivity. Technologies Nigeria where he signed Memoranda ready to be presented to the domain names and related The Managing Director, Limited, Fancy Hongjuan, of Understanding with National Council on Science Pan African web hosting services to clients worldwide. Web4Africa, Mr. Oluniyi Ajao, said, “We will not just the two countries for and Innovation. Acompany, Web4Africa, With presence in Rack said, “Rack Centre has provided continue to drive the growth says it has moved its web Centre, Web4Africa said it was a cost-effective carrier-neutral collaboration in science and Onu said, “Diversifying the of the ICT in Nigeria, but technology development on economy without science and hosting services to Rack the first hosting company to environment with 100 per cent Centre, the Nigerian carrier offer web services physically uptime since launch and the we will ensure that we behalf of the country. technology will not make that adequately give back to the diversification sustainable neutral premium data centre from Nigeria from a Tier III data hosting of the Internet Point of The minister said the collocation company. centre with comprehensive Nigeria at Rack Centre.” society.” and it will not also make it technology bank would help Accredited by the Internet to fund science, innovation competitive. Corporation for assigned and technology-based start- “It is only science and names and numbers, and ups in Nigeria. technology, research and the Nigerian Internet According to him, the innovation that can help us Registration Association, and bank will be funded from the to be competitive because founded in 2002, Web4Africa proposed National Research once we are competitive, our offers web hosting, virtual Dove TV makes debut on GOtv Ozioma Ubabukoh elderly. Director, MultiChoice “It also includes live Nigeria, John Ugbe, said the u ltiChoice has coverage of all the Holy Ghost introduction of Dove TV was Mexpanded its religion services, annual conventions in line with the company’s genre on GOtv with the and Holy Ghost congresses efforts to deliver programmes addition of Dove TV, the of the Redeemed Christian that its customers would love. official television station of the Church of God. “We are pleased to have Redeemed Christian Church “Other ministrations of Dove TV launch on GOtv of God. the general overseer from packages. By launching this Introduced on December countries around the world channel across all GOtv 5, 2016 on GOtv, Channel can also be watched from time packages, including GOtv 83, Dove TV is available to to time, as well as series of Lite, which costs only N400 GOtv Plus, Value and Lite ministrations from anointed monthly, we are fulfilling subscribers in Benin, Ibadan, men of God. Subscribers will our promise to make quality Lagos and Port Harcourt cities. watch the 2016 Holy Ghost programming more accessible. “Dove TV broadcasts congress from December “We believe that this wholesome family 5 t0 10,” a statement from addition to the growing list of entertainment with high MultiChoice said. channels on GOtv will enrich ethical values that appeal to Speaking on the latest the lives our subscribers,” children, the youth and the development, the Managing Ugbe said. TUESDAY, DECEMBER 6, 2016 31 32 TUESDAY, DECEMBER 6, 2016 Advert7 PC/Public/Production/Tuesday/Tuesday 6-12-2016

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 6, 2016 33 34 TUESDAY, DECEMBER 6, 2016 information technology Poor power supply hinders N3tn nvestment in data centres The prolonged struggle to overcome the power crisis is a major obstacle to broadband penetration in the country, OZIOMA UBABUKOH writes

he Federal Government must resolve the power Tinfrastructure shortcomings in the country and formulate good broadband policies to attract N3tn investment in data centre deployment, analysts have said. Data centres are critical to the provision of faster and cheaper Internet connectivity and President Muhammadu Buhari as well as the Ministry of Communications have said approximately 300 of such centres are required to support affordable Internet services and software applications in the country. The President and the ministry believe the development of data centres will also help to stop data hosting overseas, which aids capital flight. However, findings from our correspondent showed that a world class data warehouse would cost between $20m and $30m. This means that Nigeria currently requires an investment of approximately N3tn for its planned 300 data centres. •L-R: Chief Executive Officer, Top 50 Brands Nigeria, Mr. Taiwo Oluboyede; Chief Executive Officer, MTN Nigeria, Foreign Information Technology companies such as Mr. Ferdi Moolman; General Manager, Corporate Affairs, MTN Nigeria, Ms. Omasan Ogisi; and Project Coordinator, Google Incorporated, Microsoft Corporation and Oracle, Top 50 Brands Nigeria, Mr. Boluwatife Ibrahim, at the presentation of the 2016 ‘Most Valuable Brand’ recognition at various fora, have said they will be willing to invest in award to MTN Nigeria in Lagos... on Friday. Photo: MTN this area. The companies, however, expressed concern that five Okoya adds that it is important for data centre owners Now, a Microsoft ExpressRoute partner, Seacom believes years after the landing of fibre optic submarine cables on to build competent human capacity to manage their high its deal with Microsoft will help Nigerian organisations that Nigeria’s shores, the country had been unable to speed up cost infrastructure. are migrating some or their entire business applications the pace of wholesale fibre access due to the absence of a Data centre deployment, according to analysts and and IT infrastructure to the cloud with faster and reliable broadband policy that would promote infrastructure sharing market watchers, is big business, capable of creating wealth connectivity with Microsoft’s Azure platform. and competition. and job opportunities. The absence of the requisite data centres in the country “Technology firms, such as Google, are interested in A large data centre may have from 100 to as many as has caused local users to rely on data centres in other parts of investing hugely in data centres if Nigeria can address the 300 onsite employees, and give impetus to Nigeria’s online the world to access services such as those provided by Azure. power challenge and speedily tackle the issue of last mile business community to provide innovative services cost- “Since Microsoft does not yet have Azure data centres in connectivity and distribution capacity, so as to spread effectively. Africa, a dedicated, high-quality connection to Azure services available bandwidth capacity across the entire country,” says A senior executive at Microsoft West Africa says massive hosted in Europe or other parts of the world can ensure a the Communications Manager, Anglophone West Africa, investments will be ploughed into data centre deployment smoother, faster experience for the end-user,” the undersea Google, Taiwo Kola-Ogunlade. over the next few years if the government plays its expected cable operator says. The Director, Business and Strategy, Kits Technologies, role. Meanwhile, the rise in the availability of international a data centre infrastructure provider, Taofeek Okoya, says “Hopefully, when we get power and broadband right, then bandwidth connectivity from underwater fibre optic cable stable power supply is critical. technology firms like Microsoft can concentrate on bridging systems has attracted many foreign ICT companies into He explains, “Yes, broadband infrastructure is important, Nigeria’s and indeed Africa’s digital divide. Data centres the country. Data centre deployment is one area expected but power is even more critical. Today, Nigeria is still will also create a lot of employment for Nigerians directly to witness a boom in the coming years. But the absence of struggling with unstable power supply. Importantly, data and indirectly,” says the executive, who spoke anonymously last mile broadband connectivity, technical know-how and centres consume a lot of electricity. because he is not authorised to speak on the issue. expertise continue to slow down progress in data centre “Nigeria is, indeed, a huge market and the potential One company interested in the development of data deployment. here is enormous for local and foreign IT companies. As centres in Nigeria is undersea cable operator, Seacom. Giving her perspective on what needs to be done to I speak, there are lots of data centre initiatives ongoing in Already, Seacom has partnered Microsoft, providing address Nigeria’s Internet access problems, the Chief the country. A lot of banks and government agencies are Ethernet links between its Information Technology Executive Officer of MainOne Cable Company, Funke Opeke, building data centres.” infrastructure and Microsoft’s Azure and Office 365 data says, “We really need to agree to a commercially viable centres around the world. framework for infrastructure sharing with incentives for the incumbent operators to share their proprietary networks.” Red Hat appoints first W’African premier partner The interest of data centre operators in the Nigerian 500 rely on Red Hat. Ozioma Ubabukoh Platform, Red Hat CloudForms from proprietary vendors, and market is evident in activities in the country in recent years. “Red Hat and Converge and Red Hat OpenShift, backed migration to the cloud. Since 2011, Google has aggressively marketed its cloud ED Hat, a global provider Global Concept Technologies up by Red Hat’s enterprise-grade The General Manager, platform and services to corporations in the country. Rof open source solutions, look forward to helping local security, support and training.” Converge Global Concept Microsoft launched its global Office 365 cloud solution in has announced the appointment businesses in West Africa to In November, Red Hat Technologies, Akan Jacobs, said, Nigeria in June 2012. And Dell visited the country recently of Converge Global Concept explore the potential and reap the hosted a seminar for chief “While many organisations in the in a bid to promote Dell servers or local data warehousing Technologies as its first premier benefits of open source.” information officers from leading region are familiar with Red Hat initiatives. partner in West Africa. It added, “The new Nigerian organisations, which in the Linux context, they may not Mobile network operators have not been left out of the Converge Global Concept collaboration will make available focused on how open source be as familiar with the business party, as MTN Nigeria has introduced a variety of enterprise Technologies is an Information a wide range of innovative, was enabling organisations advantages that its product cloud-based services, supported by its state-of-the-art data Technology services organisation private and hybrid cloud solutions to address challenges such leadership in the middleware and centre. that specialises in the deployment such as Red Hat OpenStack as cost, complexity, lock-in cloud space confers.” Also, Gateway Communications, a pan-African service of mission-critical technology provider with the largest Multi-protocol Label Switching systems, solutions and services. Cloud Energy to light up 5,000 homes cloud in Africa, bought by Vodacom in December 2008, As a premier partner, the Ozioma Ubabukoh the epileptic power supply he said, “must be the core introduced its cloud services to the Nigerian market. Besides, organisation will benefit from Red problem using off-grid solar approach in the task to pull the indigenous firms are increasingly looking at collaborating Hat’s deep open source expertise country out of recession.” loud Energy, a solar installation. with global vendors with experience in cloud system and and technical skills, according to He added that “the Ctechnology firm, is offering Speaking during an in- data centre development. a statement by the Red Hat. house training session in Lagos promo provides quality and Nigerians this yuletide period According to a report, Internet Solutions West Africa With a particular emphasis on a lightning promo, which will for resellers and installers, discounted solar technology invested N1.65bn ($10.5m) over a two-year period (2009 Red Hat’s cloud and middleware see it light up about 5,000 the Managing Director/Chief products that enable portfolio, Converge Global homes across the country. Executive Officer of Cloud uninterrupted work.ý” to 2011) in building two data centres in Lagos, covering a Concept Technologies said it The firm, which indicated Energy Photoelectric Limited, According to him, combined space of 125 square metres. It further invested aimed to give Nigerian and other that it had started training Theophilus Nweke, observed Nigerians must complement N225m in upgrades and expansion of its Victoria Island, West African businesses a multi- engineers and installers, said that the difficult times faced the efforts of the government Lagos in 2011. platform, scalable and more the promo would run from by the Nigerian economy by changing their attitude to Resourcery Nigeria, another local IT firm, established secure route to the cloud. October 1, 2016 to January 31, demanded that indigenous the use of available power. its own Cisco Unified Computing System in the country, It said on its website, “Open 2017. alternative energy solutions Nweke, who noted that targeting telecoms companies and banks. In addition, TTC source is now so much more It stressed that the Solar companies must find Nigerians had a culture of Technologies is collaborating with the than Linux, and has been tried, Harvest Promo was designed to innovative ways to provide waste in relation to energy University, Ile-, to build private clouds for corporate tested and is trusted by many of make solar products available constant electricity required consumption, said that the customers. the world’s biggest companies. and affordable to complement to drive productivity in Solar Harvest Promo aimed All that is needed now to encourage more investment, For example, 100 per cent of the genuine efforts of the three Nigeria. at making consumers energy- according to analysts, is a stable power supply and a viable commercial banks in the Fortune tiers of governments at solving Availability of power, self-sufficient. framework for the industry. TUESDAY, DECEMBER 6, 2016 35 international business Dow hits another record as bank stocks increase he United States stocks changes to the national The companies involved in Trose Monday morning, constitution on Sunday, the pipeline criticized the led by gains in bank stocks, causing political and economic decision and it’s not clear if the sending the Dow Jones uncertainty for Europe’s government’s position might industrial average to another fourth-largest economy. Prime change when the Trump record high. Other major Minister Matteo Renzi said he administration takes power indexes are also up but still would resign. Italy’s FTSE MIB in January. below their own all-time index fell 0.9 per cent. The companies connected highs, hosted.ap.org reported Benchmark U.S. oil rose to the pipeline traded lower on Monday. 46 cents to $52.14 per barrel Monday. Energy Transfer European stocks were in New York. Oil hasn’t closed Equity gave up 38 cents, or mostly higher, but Italy’s above $52 a barrel since July 2.3 per cent, to $16.10. Energy market fell after Italian voters 2015. Brent crude, used to Transfer Partners lost $1.26, rejected constitutional changes, price international oils, gained or 3.7 per cent, to $33.12 dealing a major setback to 60 cents, or 1.1 per cent, to and Sunoco Logistics shed Premier Matteo Renzi. $55.06 a barrel in London. 82 cents, or 3.6 per cent, to The Dow Jones industrial Among energy stocks, $22.36. Those two companies average rose 93 points, or 0.5 ConocoPhillips picked up recently agreed to combine. per cent, to 19,263 as of 10 a.m. $1.25, or 2.6 per cent, to The dollar rose to 114.33 The Standard & Poor’s 500 $49.37 and Hess rose $2.12, yen from 113.67 yen. The euro index jumped 14 points, or 0.7 or 3.7 per cent, to $60.04. rose to $1.0731 from $1.0660. per cent, to 2,206. The Nasdaq On Sunday the Army Outside of Italy, European stock composite climbed 45 points, Corps of Engineers denied a indexes were mostly higher. or 0.9 per cent, to 5,300. permit for the Dakota Access Germany’s DAX added 1.2 Banks resumed their post- oil pipeline in North Dakota. per cent and France’s CAC-40 election rally and are trading The Standing Rock Sioux tribe gained 0.7 per cent. In London at their highest levels since and its supporters argue that the FTSE 100 advanced 0.2 per early 2008. Goldman Sachs the proposed route for the cent. Asian stocks mostly fell. gained $4.44, or 2 per cent, pipeline threatens the tribe’s Tokyo’s Nikkei 225 retreated to $227.80, a nine-year high. water source and cultural 0.8 per cent. The South Korean While stocks traded lower sites. It’s the last major piece Kospi gave up 0.4 per cent and overall last week, banks are of construction on the 1,200- the Hang Seng in Hong Kong on a four-week winning streak mile, $3.8 billion pipeline. lost 0.3 per cent. since the election. Banks are benefiting from New cross-border stock link rising long-term interest rates in the bond market, which will widens access to India make it more profitable for rading began Monday trading volume. banks to lend money. Bond Ton a new cross-border Hong Kong’s top leader prices fell again early Monday, stock link between Hong Kong and the exchange’s chairman sending the yield on the 10- and the neighbouring Chinese marked the occasion by year Treasury note up to 2.45 city of Shenzhen, widening banging a gong in a ceremony per cent from 2.39 per cent access to China’s markets connected by live video link late Friday. That’s the highest for global investors, hosted. to their counterparts in level since July 2015. That ap.org reported on Monday. Shenzhen, where officials yield is used to set interest The long-awaited rang a bell to kick off trading. rates on many kinds of loans Shenzhen-Hong Kong Market response was including home mortgages. Stock Connect link allows muted in early trading, with Stocks that pay big international investors to buy the Shenzhen All-Share index dividends, like utility and sell 880 high-growth small down 0.4 per cent while the companies and household and midcap stocks traded on Hang Seng slipped 0.3 per products retailers, traded the exchange in the southern cent, in line with other Asia lower. Those stocks are often boom town of Shenzhen via the market declines. seen as similar to bonds, and Hong Kong exchange. “If Shanghai Connect was investors are less attracted A similar link between our baby step on the first to them when bond yields Hong Kong and China’s main step, Shenzhen connect is rise. Utilities were the only exchange in Shanghai was our second step. Now we industry group in the S&P 500 launched two years ago but can walk and we can begin to decline early Monday. has shown only a mediocre to run. So this indeed is a Italian voters rejected performance, with investors historical moment,” said proposed constitutional rarely hitting daily limits on Charles Li, chief executive of market operator Hong Kong MGM Resorts opens $1.4bn sleek Exchanges and Clearing. casino outside Washington With a market value of $3.3 ar from the Las Vegas Maryland, just across the trillion, Shenzhen’s exchange FStrip, MGM Resorts Potomac River from Virginia rivals Shanghai’s in size and International opens its and next to Washington is is the world’s eighth biggest. $1.4bn MGM National also central to its appeal. A While Shanghai is home Harbour casino and plaza with a reflecting pool to many huge state-owned resort just outside the offers sweeping views of the enterprises, Shenzhen’s nation’s capital this week, water and the capital city’s bourse is dominated by advertising a gambling monuments across the way. small, fast-growing private floor “bigger than the With three major airports companies in up-and-coming White House” and an art nearby, MGM hopes sectors such as technology and collection that includes to attract international health-care. It often is referred a large welded collage by travelers visiting to as China’s Nasdaq. Bob Dylan, hosted.ap.org Washington as well as U.S. “We believe Shenzhen reported on Monday. tourists coming to see their is the largest untapped But don’t expect Vegas nation’s capital, particularly market in the world and, glitz, neon flamingos or those from the Southeast. not surprisingly, investor ancient Roman replicas This will be Maryland’s knowledge is fairly limited,” here. Jim Murren, chairman sixth and biggest casino, but HSBC’s Steven Sun and Bruce and CEO of MGM Resorts Murren said there are only Pang said in a recent report. International, describes a handful of casino-resorts Foreign ownership of the design as “intentionally on the East Coast that have Shenzhen-listed companies monumental,” meaning as much to offer as this is minimal, at less than 1.2 per that the area’s first casino- one. “This was designed cent. In Hong Kong, a former resort was designed to and is programmed to draw British colony controlled by complement Washington’s people into the state and China that has a financial iconic landmarks. not simply to be a casino,” system open to international The location in Oxon Hill, Murren said. investors, it’s 46 per cent. 36 TUESDAY, DECEMBER 6, 2016 higher education Release white paper on BSc/HND dichotomy, rector tells Buhari Samuel Awoyinfa, during a briefing on activities of former President continue.” with 3,874 graduating in courses. Abeokuta lined up for the first-ever Olusegun Obasanjo and Fatade, however, urged OND programmes in seven He said the institution combined convocation it proclaimed the end to the Federal Government different courses. had approval for the he Rector of the ceremony of the institution the dichotomy. But lack of to, as a matter of urgency, Fatade said the officials implementation of TOgun State-owned D.S and 10th year anniversary of White Paper frustrated the release the White Paper on of the National Board promotion for the backlog Adegbenro ICT Polytechnic, the institution. pronouncement, while a the HND/BSc dichotomy for for Technical Education, of staff from 2010 to 2016. Itori, in the Ewekoro area of The rector noted that it was similar proclamation made proper implementation. Kaduna, would be visiting He, therefore, said that the state, Dr. Alfred Fatade, high time the discrimination by President Muhammadu The rector said that the institution between the polytechnic was ready to has called on the Federal was removed to enhance Buhari this year has yet to the first convocation December 14 and 17, in offer courses in multimedia Government to put an end to technological development be implemented. ceremony of the school connection with the technology and forensic the discrimination against in the country. “Until that is done, since inception in 2006 accreditation of six HND accounting, if eventually holders of the Higher While he frowned the discrimination will would come up on Saturday, courses and six new OND given approval by the NBTE. National Diploma in the on the craze for paper country, by releasing the qualifications, Fatade White Paper on the BSc/ advised that emphasis HND dichotomy. should be on skill acquistion Fatade made this call and development. on Monday, while fielding He said, “Efforts were questions from journalists made by the administration Senator gives varsity students, others N70m Mudiaga Affe, Calabar faith during the time of my campaigns.” he Senator representing The senator said that each Tthe Cross River Central of the 66 wards had equal Senatorial District in number of beneficiaries and the National Assembly, advised the beneficiaries John Owan-Enoh, has to make proper use of the awarded scholarships opportunity. valued at N70m to 700 Speaking on behalf of the university students and local government areas, the other beneficiaries, as part Deputy Vice-Chancellor of his educational support Academics, University of programme. Calabar, Prof. Florence Obi, The beneficiaries were described Owan-Enoh as an drawn from the six local excellent performer. government areas in the While commending senatorial district, namely the lawmaker for the Abi, Yakurr, Obubra, Etung, gesture, she called on •L-R: Head of Africa Regional Headquarters of the International Professional Managers Association,UK, Prof. Ikom and Boki. the beneficiaries to take Feyi Sobanjo; Minister of State for Trade, Industry and Investment, Aisha Abubakar; and Global Chair of IPMA-UK, A breakdown of the advantage of the support to Prof. Allan Sensicle, during the presentation of IPMA-UK Fellow Licence to the minister at the IPMA 2016 induction categories in the 66 electoral fulfil their dreams. ceremony in Lagos ...on Saturday. Photo: IPMA wards showed that 60 postgraduate students got N100,000 each, while 660 OAU alumni plans N15bn hostel project undergraduates received N50,000 each. Femi Makinde, Osogbo Speaking at an event Oke also said that the make the university one of Agriculture lecture theatre Also, 1, 320 senior organised to mark the association decided to the best in the world. among others. secondary school pupils he Alumni Association 9th Great Ife Alumni embark on the project He noted that the He said, “The alumni received N15,000 each Tof the Obafemi Awolowo International Reunion last in order to ease the association had renovated association will ensure that and 111 pupils in the junior University, Ile Ife has Saturday, President of the accommodation problem of virtually all the existing the welfare of Obafemi category got N5,000 each, unveiled its plan to build a association, Mr. Segun Oke, the students, stating that the hostels on campus, while Awolowo University students while more than 1,000 multi-billion naira hostel for said that the project would Federal Government could renovations were also are adequately taken care of. candidates seeking admission the students of the university. cost N15 billion. not do everything needed to carried out at the Faculty of “We have set machinery into higher institutions were in motion to construct a given N6,000 each. Famine, insecurity are Africa’s greatest challenges — Oyedepo N15bn hostel to ease the Presenting the cheques Folashade Adebayo agriculture was for them to from the outset, adding “I can assure you that accommodation problem of to the beneficiaries in Ikom solve the challenge of famine that nothing extraordinary we are unrelenting in our the students. on Sunday, Owan-Enoh said that the gesture was he Chancellor, on the continent. occurs by happenstance. quest towards becoming “Besides, no fewer than aimed at assisting the TLandmark University, He said, “This is why “You must have a vision a leading world class 100 students annually benefit beneficiaries in the pursuit Kwara State, Dr. David Landmark University is of the role you see yourself university. It is also from the scholarships given of their academic careers. Oyedepo, has said that poised to work at solving playing in this whole thing gratifying to note that our to outstanding students He said that the the academic community the glooming food crisis on and you must adequately cutting edge infrastructure of the institution by the programme was part of can proffer a solution to the continent. Our vision is prepare yourself during has earned the university association.” his responsibility and the problems of drought to spearhead an agrarian your stay at Landmark. a reputation and prestige Also, hundreds of people, sacrifice to the people of in Africa. He also listed revolution on the continent. Remember, there is nothing from distinguished Oke added, benefitted from the constituency, despite the insecurity of lives and To this end, every student of extraordinary on its own. It individuals and reputable the free medical treatment the economic recession. property as a problem to be the university, the discipline is your extraordinary input organisations within and organised by the alumni Owan-Enoh said, “I am tackled on the continent. of each one notwithstanding, that makes it so. Therefore, outside Nigeria. as part of the activities to not doing this because Oyedepo said this is allocated a piece of work on yourself as much “We vow to maintain celebrate the reunion. I have so much money; He disclosed that the but because of the love, recently during the seventh farmland, which they are as you can, in order to make discipline as our watchword. sacrifice and a sense of matriculation of the expected to cultivate till the most of your future,” We want to assure all association had put in place responsibility to the people university held at Omu- harvest time. We have a he said. matriculating students a body saddled with the of my constituency. Aran, Kwara State. passion to see this change In her address, the Vice and indeed all students of responsibility of ensuring “I am indebted to the Addressing the 664 take place in our land and -Chancellor of the university, Landmark University that harmony among workers, people of the Central new students, he said our time.’’ Prof. Aize Obayan, urged the we will remain in covenant management, students and Senatorial District, who that the vision of having He urged the new students pupils to be hardworking with you regarding this,” members of the university toiled with me and kept an institution dedicated to to start planning their future and ready to succeed. she said. community. TUESDAY, DECEMBER 6, 2016 37 higher education Government alone can’t fund education – Group Ramon Oladimeji development and increment A statement on Monday of the quality of education by the organisation quoted non-governmental its founder, Kiki James, organisation, Ace for underprivileged people A all over Africa starting with as saying this during its Charity, has said the 2016 fundraising dinner responsibility of educating Nigeria. To this end, Ace Charity held on November 26 at the youths cannot be left to the Transcorp Hilton, Abuja. said it had recently completed government. James said the It said this was what 12 functional libraries to be organisation was raising informed its vision of commissioned in various states money to enable it to carry lending support to the before the end of the year. on with its work of providing Adeyemi college, Birmingham varsity access to literacy not only in Nigeria but in other African partner on Yoruba studies countries. Leading other Folashade Adebayo Studies Association in the UK and Visiting Research Professor discussants at the event he Adeyemi College of to University and was an educationist, Mrs. TEducation, Ondo State, is Adeyemi College of Education, Bolaji Osimi, who noted set to hold an international said it would focus on the that though education was conference on the lives and Yoruba-speaking areas which are critical to the nation’s social activities of people living in shaped by their proximity to the and economic development, the coastal part of Yorubaland. Lagos Lagoon, the coastal stretch the country was not yet According to the Provost between Lagos and Warri, and doing enough to address of the college, Prof. Olukoya the waterways connecting them. the problems confronting Ogen, the conference, which She said, “Coastal its education system. is in partnership with Insa Yorubaland has produced Osimi was quoted as Nolte of the University of communities whose fortunes saying that the level of Birmingham, United Kingdom, were largely independent illiteracy was still high in will begin today at the college. of these centres and, so, the some Nigerian states with In a statement on Monday, people aligned themselves Zamfara State having 97 per Ogen, a Professor of History, with separate economic cent illiteracy rating. said the conference with the and religious networks and “The panel of discussants theme, ‘Community, Trade and strategies. They were also concluded by asking Religion in Coastal Yorubaland’, shaped by the movement of all stakeholders to come would beam a searchlight “on slaves and their traders, and together to tackle the one of the most neglected but other factors such as plantation educational issues facing strategic part of Yorubaland.” agriculture, legitimate the country as it is now clear Speaking on the scope of commerce, modern economic that the job cannot be left the conference, Nolte, who is activities and a wide range of to government alone,” the the President of the African religious practices.” statement read in part. 38 TUESDAY, DECEMBER 6, 2016 TUESDAY, DECEMBER 6, 2016 39 english class Handling as well as, together with Seven men and two women are coming. But this does not apply to the questions.Hence, Close to the above are expressions in which emphasis has to Akeem Lasisi the correct statements are: be placed on words that indicate quantities and not the quantities [email protected]; 08163939335 they project. These include one, either, neither, any and none. Jide, together with his brothers, has gone. Singular verbs should be used with them because they are Neither of the children has come. singular nouns or pronouns as the case may be: hether in oral or written communication, the basic Five hours is not enough to do the job. Wrule of plurality is that once the subject is more than one, One of the policemen has been sacked. (Not have because it the verb it attracts should be plural. The logic sounds so simple As well as, together with etc is one of them, not all.) Either of the (two) guests has left. (With or without the that the choice of plural verbs in the following sentences is Clauses in which as well as, together with, in conjunction addition of two, either always indicates two, which means one understandable: with, along with appear very much look and sound like of the two.) compound phrases joined with and. As a result, many people The girls have something in common. Neither of the two guys comes regularly. (Not a single one erroneously give them equal status as the and-phrases. In terms I don’t know why coaches like to chew gum. out of the two.) of meaning, it truly indicates that both or all the people or things Either of the (two) chaps is okay. But the deal is not always as simple as that. The reason is joined by as well as and the likes perform the action. But there Neither of the (two) chaps is okay. that certain words or expressions present themselves as plural is the grammatical understanding that they are not as strong as Any of the (three, four, ten etc.) drivers is to go. nouns or noun phrases, yet they must be treated as singular. As and, and that the emphasis is on the first and main person or a result, it is wrong to use plural verbs with them. thing and not on the one brought in after as well as etc. Again, you must note that if the initial noun or pronoun is This means that it is the first subject that is grammatically plural, the verb to follow should be plural: Jide, together with his brothers... (a) is (b) are ... here. recognised. As I once pointed out in one of our lessons, there Two of the boys have left. Neither of the children ...(a) has (b) have ... come. are occasions that common sense will not work when you are Some of the girls come regularly. Five hours ...(a) is (b) are ...not enough to do the job. dealing with language. This may be one of those situations. Neither the girls nor the boys are to be punished. In the above contexts, the temptation to select plural verbs Therefore, when you are dealing with these expressions, always Note that none, especially in modern usage, selects both is high. After all, each of the subjects either flaunts an ‘s’, which go for singular verbs: singular and plural verbs: normally indicates plurality, or has a semblance of a compound Mr. Ade, as well as Professor Ojo, come here regularly. subject in which you often encounter and: None of the boys has come. Correct Wrong. None of the boys have come. Correct The dramatists need money. Mr. Ade, as well as Professor Ojo, comes here regularly. Uncountable plural nouns Correct Some nouns may refer to a quantity that is more than one, Answers to last week’s assignment The coach, together with the but they do not take plural verbs. The reason is that they are players, is to blame. uncountable nouns. Although I hope that we will treat them 1. I don’t like … manner of approach. The coach, together with the separately some day, it is good we mention them here too. Some (a) his (b) his’ (c) he’s he is players, are to blame. Wrong. include salt, equipment, furniture, information and advice. You 2. Can you … more examples? Dr. James, along with should use singular verbs with them: (a) site (b) cite (c) sight (d) sit his wife, has to be here early. 3. Give me another …,pls. Correct. She bought a lot of salt. But I think the salt is more or less (a) pack (b) park (c) perks (d) parks Dr. James, along with his a waste. 4. I hope you are … well over there. wife, have to be here early. The company says it has imported a lot of equipment. The (a) faring (b) fairing (c) fearing (d) farring Wrong. equipment has been inspected by the minister. Daniel, in company with In both examples it would be wrong to say, because the quanti- Those who got all the answers Jayne, is attending the meeting. ties involved are much, plural verbs should be used: Globacom, in partnership The large quantity of salt she bought are a waste. Wrong. Ironkwe Alozie, Rivers State; Olutola Anuoluwapo, Opeyemi Aminat, Ibadan; Ofiyesinka Ebi, with NFF, sponsors the National The equipment have been inspected. Wrong. Akure; Henshaw Ekanem, Lagos; Olajide Timothy, Bashiru Alarape, Ibitoye Amos, Adefemi League. Correct And it is also wrong to add s to equipment, information, advice Jacobs, Kafar Adewale, Ajayi Oluwaranti, Nwamara Adunola, Ademola Fasooto, Emmanuel and others – no matter the quantity you have in mind. But you must not over- Echo, Makurdi; Tunde Olayiwola, Dare Adediran, Gbade Ogundeji, Aransiola Oluwole, Alani Lastly, however, if you use counting or measurement expres- generalise as far as the peculiar Ige, Ekunode Taiwo, Olayinka Ojo, Oluwafemi Wilson, Olafioye Amao, Abuja; Johnson Ojo, sions such as pieces of or five bags of with the non-count nouns, rule is concerned. That you see Lagos; Eyitayo Oginni, Tosho Bello, Ilorin; Chukwudi Ihenacho, Lagos; Samuel Abbey, Lagos; then you go for plural verbs: Kingsley Ifeoluwa, Akure; Hussainat Dawuda, Titus Musa, Abuja; Olorunda Abel, A. B. Adejumo, as well as or together with in a Iseyin; Kazeem Alimi, Ibadan; Henshaw Daniel, Fisayo Durojaye, Ibadan; Adeyeye Aderonke, sentence does not automatically The information he gave is false. Correct. Olabisi Olateru Adedoyin Adeylu, Atoyebi Adeola, Ibadan; Akapo Success, A. T. Perepou, mean that it is a singular verb The pieces of information he gave me are false. Correct. Bayelsa; George Oluwatosin, Temitope Busayo, Akure; Iyanda Foluke, Lara Adigun, Muhammed that should follow it. If the first The three cups of salt she bought are a waste. Correct. Tajudeen, Don Benedict, Owerri; Peter Inyang, Uyo; Ganiyu Salami, Lagos; Johnny Mouka, word – noun or noun phrase etc. The three batches of equipment have been inspected by the Lagos; Sylvanus Aburime, Dare Olufade, ; Timothy Olufayo, Ibadan; Olanma Joseph, – is plural, the verb that should minister. Correct. Ibadan; Effiong Archibong, Salihu Anas, Abuja; Egoma Iloku, Melissa Ike, Boluwatife Afere, follow must be plural, that is, the Of course, you can also use some with uncountable nouns. Timothy Nwaiwu, Akande Akeem, Jonathan, Obudu, Cross River State; Toyo Humpe, Abduwakili one without an s: He gave me some advice Ashafa, Segun and Adedokun. Olanrewaju Olamude, Dare Solomon, Suarah Ishaq, Hohnbull The children as well as their The teacher gave us some information. Blakinogho, Happiness Sam, Regina Alloy, Moshood Afolabi, Esther Nnaji, Emilius Awoyale, mum have gone. (Correct Ibukun James, Tajudeen Raji, Oluwadapo Isaac, Akodu Mudasiru and Bolaji Akitiroti. because the children is plural Note on Homonyms on its own.) reader called my attention to a definition of homonyms Others who did well The children as well as Athat is more comprehensive than the one I gave during last their mum has gone. (Wrong week’s lesson: ‘Homonyms are words that sound the same or Abiodun Elesin, Epe, Lagos; Hassan Ibrahim, Solate Hakeemah, Are Festus, Olokpa Sunday; because the emphasis should alike but have different meanings.’ Olatunju Kwathar, Oludele Gbemiga, Abeokuta; Ken Lawson, Lagos; Oladipo Isaac, Lagos; be on children, which is plural.) Although several other authorities define the concept so, I Odukunmoju Tajudeen, Friday Ishioku, Adigun Ganiyat, Ayo Olukayode, Olanrewaju Ibrahim, agree with the observer that the definition should not leave Sanusi Sidikat, Gbadamosi Adesuyi, Sayeed Adeegbe, MondayAdeniyi, Irebami Oyedeji, Alasan So, what are your choices in out similarities in spellings. Hence the amendment thus: Samuel, Monsuru Azeez, Olugosi Olusola, Oyebamiji Eluwumi, Oladimeji Omowumi, Oluke the following? ‘Homonyms are words that are spelt or sound the same or Iretiogo, Amolese Halimat, Ademolu Adeniyi, Japhet B. V.Gani Oladipo, Destiny Pam, John Omotola as well as the other alike but have different meanings.’ Other details given during Adesile, Femi Soyoye, Daniel Fregene, Ayuba Gabriel, Abuja; Oni John, Gbeliho Julius, Ogunbiyi actors deserve/deserves to be the lesson are, however, valid. Oluwaseun, John Daniel, Abuja; Ojo Victor, Ilasa-Ekiti; Kondosile Abdukaeem, Olatunde commended. Thanks a lot to the reader. Akinwande, Titilola Ilori, Hakeem Adigun, Olugbenga Adu, Orun Akin Gandonu, Ekiti; Uche Usile, The actors as well as Delta State; Uche Dede, Lawala Fathia, Caroline Adeboyeku, Iyanda Habeeb, Adebayo Folashade, Omotola deserve/deserves to Ogun State, J. J. Okey, Ibadan; Suleiman Jubril, Abuja; Adeniyi Ademidun, Ota, Ogun State; be commended. Gift Uturu, Ikene; Oluyemisi Ayinla, Ibadan; Akinwande Kareem, Popoola Mariam, Ibadan; A series of Orimolade Damilola, Oyinbo Godspower, Arepo Mustapha, Omosehin Tunmise, Adeliyi Adegoke, A series is to be treated as Douglas Peace, Akinselure Deborah, Ondo; Clement Adeyinka, Ibadan; Oluwadarasimi Obayemi, singular even if it introduces Sesan Taiwo, MD Favour, Abuja; Adegboye Adeniyi, Akinsuroju Taiwo, Bamgboye Arafat, Lawal plural nouns. The reason is that Damilola, Baba-Bala Katsina, James Blessing, Obiorah Praise, Oni Precious, Toyin Fabusoro, Bayo the emphasis is on the phrase, Adekoya, Abigail Okon, Ojo Babatope, Erijiyan-Ekiti; Funsho Suleiman, Kareem Mohammed, which can stand alone without Bello Adunni, Olawale Ayodeji, Alex iHilary, Esiobu Chris, Babawale Nurudeen, Richard Uche, the expression it introduces: Lagos; Egwuatu Anthony, Ogunmokun Temidayo. Ogbonna Nwachukwu, Christopher Orok, Leziga A series of meetings has been Mittee, Adeyinka Isaac, Azeez Sodiq, Olayombo Abodunrin, Rasheed Sanusi-Dere, Roy Adeyinka, held. Correct. Kehinde Faloye, Joy Udeh, Abubakar Ibrahim, Moshood Kolapo, Akinyemi Paul and Taiwo Katibi. A series of meetings have Homework been held. Wrong. A series has been issued. 1. Five of the men ... University of Ibadan. Correct. (a) Chose (b) chooses (c) choses (d) has chosen A series have been issued. 2. Neither Philips nor James ... the programme. Wrong. (a) attends (b) attend (c) are attending (d) have attended. 3. Omotola as well as the other actors... to be commended. One of the boys, any of (a) deserves (b) deserve (c) is deserving (d) were deserve the boys etc. Advert6 PC/Public/Production/Tuesday/Tuesday 6-12-2016

40 TUESDAY, DECEMBER 6, 2016 TUESDAY, DECEMBER 6, 2016 41 literary Awe, Adeleye-Fayemi lead Efuru@50 celebration Chux Ohai schoolchildren. dilemmas of African women, society where women exercised in a meaningful way to its For Adeleye-Fayemi, the event who struggle for survival within enormous economic power and development. There should be enowned historian provided an opportunity to pay the context of the traditional and were deeply respected for it. no second class citizens.” Rand co-founder, Women’s tribute to Flora Nwapa, who contemporary societies. “As we celebrate Efuru and Papers were also delivered Research and Documentation she described as one of the few She said, “Nwapa’s message the writer, whose life showed and a quiz competition was held Centre, Prof. Bolanle Awe, and African writers that helped to from these two works centre that a woman can be an at the event. Eletu Odibo High Mrs. Bisi Adeleye-Fayemi – wife sustain her passion for literature. around the happiness and achiever, even in the villages, we School, which beat three other of the Minister of Solid Minerals In her opening address, fulfilment of women in African are presented with a challenge secondary schools to emerge Development, Dr. the former First Lady of Ekiti societies. The fact that her heroines that this country belongs to us the winner of the contest, was - were among the guests who State acknowledged Nwapa’s seem to be so strong, yet unhappy, all and we can each contribute presented with a prize gathered at the significance in African literature is a metaphor to describe women to celebrate the 50th anniversary and the contribution of her who live for the benefit of society, of the publication of Flora Nwapa’s writing to the emancipation only to be judged fit or unfit and first novel, Efuru, recently. and development of women, forced to live within strict confines, Adeleye-Fayemi chaired the especially in Nigeria. ruled and contradictions.” opening conference, the first With regard to two of the Awe’s keynote speech, which of a five-day event organised •Nwapa novelist’s most important books, began with a revelation that by the family of the late writer the keynote address before an Efuru and Idu, she noted that, she was Flora Nwapa’s junior and coordinated by Dr. Wale audience comprising members of unlike the works of most of by two years at the CMS Girls’ Okediran, in collaboration with the academic staff and students the male writers of her time, School in Lagos and a description the Association of Nigerian of the host university, writers, Nwapa’s writing focused on the of the late writer’s personality, was Authors; while Awe delivered critics, literary enthusiasts and tribulation, triumphs and real more or less a submission on the significance of ‘Efuru’ in African literature and the history of women participation in the development of the country, as well as its relevance to the Nigerian society, 50 years after its publication. She said, “Nwapa has given all of us, especially the women- folk, a good example of what a Nigerian female pioneer looks like. She broke the glass ceiling and scaled heights that were previously inaccessible to Nigerian women by becoming a published author, a publisher in her own right, an activist in government and in administration.” Awe noted that Nwapa, through her epic novel, resented the second class position to which the British •L-R: Former Vice-Chancellor, University of Ibadan, Emeritus Professor Ayo Banjo; PhD colonial administration had graduand, Monday Ekpe; and a former Vice-Chancellor, University of Benin, Prof. Grace Alele- consigned the women, just as Williams, at the 68th convocation ceremony of UI...recently she painted an idyllic picture of a New book unfolds tale of dreaded campus cults Chux Ohai Describing the novel as adventure that ushers him into a the product of this compelling world dominated by prostitutes, atrick Maidoh’s novel, need to raise the alarm over the alcoholics, drug addicts and other Ptitled The Protagonist, is a continued existence of campus social misfits. reminder of the days when the secret cults, in an interview with Cultism, no doubt, is still a dreaded campus secret cults our correspondent, he says, “We recurring decimal in Nigeria’s used to be the subject of many have a major problem in our hands education sector and no other muted conversations among and we have allowed it to fester for book has captured its existence undergraduates of higher too long. Now is the time to start as much as ‘The Protagonist’ has educational institutions in Nigeria taking the issues of gang culture done. With regard to Raymond’s and a thorn in the flesh of many and violence among our youths gradual descent into a life of crime, parents, who lived in perpetual seriously so that we don’t lose the violence and drug addiction, the fear for the safety of their children next generation of Nigerians. novel appears to indict the family and wards. “Coming from a background for failing in its duty as the basic The sad thing, as reflected in •Maidoh that is similar to the type portrayed socialising agency in the life of an ‘The Protagonist’, is that despite siblings. in the novel, it becomes necessary individual. concerted efforts to wipe it off Like most youngsters of for me to reach out to all those that Maidoh clearly writes from existence, cultism has continued to have the power to stop this beast his age, he is conscious of his thrive in the country’s secondary father’s overbearing influence at the point of view of an eyewitness, known as cultism from doing who has felt the sting of cultism, and tertiary institutions. further damage to the society.” home and, therefore, struggles Although Maidoh lives and to be in his good books. But, first, as a schoolboy and an The plot of this familiar tale undergraduate of a Nigerian works in the United Kingdom, far of youthful adventurism is woven each attempt to ingratiate university. removed from the fictive locale of around Raymond Ukadike, the himself with his father nearly “A great deal of childhood the novel, the memory of a past third son in a family of seven, always ends disastrously. experience is reflected in this steeped in violence, drug and who spends most of his formative Raymond’s enrolment in book. But, my concern is that alcohol abuse is too deep and years striving to be relevant in the a boarding school, specifically readers should not miss the heavy to be waved aside. eyes of his own parents and older in Dominion College, might be a ploy by his father to aid message that the novel is trying his transition to a disciplined to spread. It is talking about the and well behaved young man. need for parents and guardians to Unfortunately, it turns out to be guide and help the youth to find a regrettable miscalculation by relevance in the society,” he says. the elder Ukadike. Rather than The author says that the remould his son’s character, the primary motive for writing the boarding school environment book is to let the youth, their provides the fulcrum for his parents and other people who are further deterioration. involved, in one way or another, At Dominion College, in the upbringing of the younger Raymond hooks up with the likes generation, to understand that of Bongo, Olisa, Kanayo, Chisco, cultism poses a very serious threat BBC (Born before Christ), and to the stability and progress of the Big Joe and thus begins an Nigerian society. Advert6 PC/Public/Production/Tuesday/Tuesday 6-12-2016

42 TUESDAY, DECEMBER 6, 2016 TUESDAY, DECEMBER 6, 2016 43 leisure FUNKY HUSBAND By Femora Puzzle No. 1576 Ed Bradley (1941-2006)

NAUGHTY BY NATURE By Tayo Olujimi ACROSS 6. Hevolunteered to be transfered to Saigon to cover this war. He also spent time in Phnom Penh coveirng the war in Cambodia. 7. In 1971, he moved to Paris. Initially living off his savings, he ran out of money, and began working as a __ for CBS News, coving the Paris Peace Talks. 8. His middle name. 10. Bradley had been a season ticket holder to the New York Knicks for over 20 years. On November 13, 2006 they honoured him with a moment of ___. 13. His profession. 16 He died of complications of this condition at the Mount Sinai Hospital in Manhattan on the 9th of November 2006. He was in company of his longtime friend, Jimmy Buffet. 17. He was born on the 22nd of this month during World war ll. 18. His mother’s first name. Following a divorce when little Ed was two. She worked two jobs to make ends FAMILY CIRCLE By Neearo meet, and raised him. DOWN 1. He had his left ear ____ in 1986 and says he was inpired to do it after receiving encouragement from Liza Minnelli following an interview with the actress. 2. He never had children, but was married to Haitan- born artist Patricia ___ who he met at a museum where she worked as a tour guide. 3. His nationality. 4. He was the first black ____ to cover the White House, and anchored his own news broadcast.”CBS Sunday Night with Ed Bradley. 5. on the show, Bradley was know for his sense of style, and he was the first (and thus far, the only) male correspondent to regularly wear this on air. 9. Birth state. 11. He was the only child of ___ American parents. 12. During his earlier career he covered the - fall of ____ 14. Best known for his CBS News television magazine-60 ____ which he anchored for 26 years. 15. Bradley was a big fan of the Neville brothers, and he Solution to Today’s performed on stage with the quartet, and was know as the ‘the __ Neville brother’. Friday’s Puzzle puzzle Solution to Friday’s Puzzle 1575

7 2 4 8 6 3 9 1 5 2 9

6 1 9 7 5 2 4 8 3 5 8 1 4

8 5 3 1 9 4 6 2 7 3 6 8

1 8 6 5 4 9 3 7 2 3

9 3 7 2 1 8 5 4 6 1 4 9 How to play Sudoku 2 4 5 6 3 7 1 9 8 9 2 Sudoku doesn’t require any special maths skills or calculations. It is a simple and fun game of logic — 3 6 2 9 7 1 8 5 4 all that’s needed are brains and concentration. 8 5 6 2 There is really only one rule to Sudoku: Fill in the game board so that the numbers 1 through 9 occur exactly once 4 7 1 3 6 5 2 6 9 in each row, column, and 3x3 box. The numbers can appear 3 9 in any order and diagonals are not considered. Your initial game board will consist of several numbers that are already 5 9 8 4 2 6 7 3 1 5 7 8 placed. Those numbers cannot be changed. Your goal is to fill in the empty squares following the simple rule above. 44 TUESDAY, DECEMBER 6, 2016 sports TUESDAY, DECEMBER 6, 2016 45 Plane crash team awarded title outh American and fair play... than its team after the victims’ Sfootball confederation the consideration and coffins arrived home, each CONMEBOL agreed on respect shown by Atletico draped in the club’s green Monday to award the Nacional to its brothers and white flag. Copa Sudamericana in Chapecoense Football A minute’s silence for the to Brazilian club Club,” the statement said. team was scheduled to be Chapecoense, whose The small Brazilian city held before every Champions team was wiped out of Chapeco held a massive League and Europa League in a plane crash while funeral on Saturday for game this week. heading to the final, AFP reports. “CONMEBOL awards Lagos Country Club win the title for the 2016 Kofi Anani tourney Copa Sudamericana championship to Patrick Osueke The sponsor of the event, Kofi Anani, said the Chapecoense,” including agos Country Club, competition was organised the $2m in prize money, Lagos, won the Grand L to keep children busy. the confederation said in Master Kofi Anani Under-17 He said, “I started this a statement. Taekwondo Tournament, tournament last year The unsung club was which took place at the to mark my birthday having a fairy tale season badminton section of the and I thank God for until the charter plane club on Saturday. adding another year to flying it to the biggest The host club won my years. match in its history ran two gold, one silver and “I decided to start this out of fuel and smashed three bronze to come first, one-day tournament last into the mountains in followed by Millennium year because there was no northwestern Colombia a Taekwondo team, who got taekwondo championship week ago, killing 71 people. one gold and two silver, in around for children under The team were heading the second place. Festac the age of 17. I believe to play the first leg of the Town club came third with that this is the only way final against Colombian one gold in the 20-team to catch them young and club Atletico Nacional in competition. to identify young talent in the city of Medellin. Evangeline Okoduwa of taekwondo. Lagos Country Club won Nacional responded to “I am happy with the gold in the senior girls’ the crash by calling for number of clubs and category. schools all over Lagos and Chapecoense to be granted Okoduwa, who was Ogun states who turned up the Copa Sudamericana, excited at her achievement, for this event and I hope the second highest club attributed it to hard work that by next year, it will be •’s Emre Can (left) with Sunderland’s Victor Anichebe during their Premier football title in South and dedication to the sport. bigger.” League match at Anfield in Liverpool…on November 26. Liverpool won 2-0. Photo: AFP America. The confederation said it had heeded Nacional’s World t’tennis: Nigeria suffer further humiliation request in deciding to hand Idris Adesina 18th in the boys and girls’ singles qualifying rounds. Laurens while USA’s Falana and Onoja were the title to Chapecoense. team events respectively, In the boys’ singles Alguetti Adar and Liu Victor defated 3-2 by Spaniard It awarded Nacional its igeria on Monday Nigerian table tennis players group matches decided on defeated Nigeria’s Akanbi Gracia Ana and Italian crashed out of the CONMEBOL Centenary N crashed out of the boys’ Monday, Nigeria’s Azeez and Falana 3-1. Also in the Amato Antonino and the doubles and singles events Fair Play award. doubles, the girls’ doubles Solanke finished bottom of girls’ doubles Round of pair of Oribamise and of the 2016 ITTF World “There is no greater and the mixed doubles. Group 10 with two points 64, Spanish duo Enriquez Amadi also lost 3-0 to De Junior Championships in Nigeria also could not to crash out. He lost 4-0 Yolanda and Niguez Marina Nodrest Leo and Guinsel demonstration of the South Africa. progress beyond the group to South Korea’s Cho got the better of Nigeria’s Oceane of France. spirit of understanding After finishing 17th and stages of the boys and girls Daeseong and 4-2 to Italy’s Ayinla and Onoja in three But the pair of Nigeria’s Bressan Luca. In Group 13, straight sets. Solanke and Algeria’s Nasri Messi urges James to leave Real Falana Tobi also finished In the mixed doubles Malissa defeated Hong club to get regular football news when conceding late one last after losing to China’s event preliminary rounds, Kong’s Cheng Pak Hei and and prove to the world to draw 1-1 against Everton Xu Yingbin and Egypt’s Nigeria’s pair of Akanbi Liu Ki 3-1 but exited in the again he could justify a huge last night - could try to swap Abdel Aziz Youssef. Amadi and Ayinla lost 3-0 to USA’s Round of 64 after losing 3-0 transfer fee, according to the Frenchman for Rodriguez Omeh lost in Group 14 to Alguetti Adar and Guan to England’s Jarvis Tom and Sportskeeda. in a straight deal. Taipei’s Lin Yun-Jun and Angela while the pair of Brazil’s Takahashi Bruna. Rodriguez was once Mourinho knows Canada’s Hazin Jeremy. again left on the bench in the Rodriguez, who did not Akanbi RIlwan won a Morata back showdown between Spain’s play under him at Real, is match in Group 20 against eal Madrid forward Alvaro Morata is back in full biggest sides. unsettled and could exploit Ndwabasini Ezile of South Rtraining ahead of Wednesday’s crunch Champions Bernabeu boss Zinedine the situation. Africa but could not qualify League game at home to Borussia Dortmund which will Zidane preferred Mariano However, Zidane has for the main draw. decide who wins Group F, Reuters reports. Diaz as a late replacement poured cold water over a In the girls’ singles group The 24-year-old joined his teammates on Monday for the for Mateo Kovacic in the possible move, saying, “He matches, Esther Oribamise first time since he suffered a hamstring injury in Spain’s 2-2 •James middle of the park. (Rodriguez) is going to stay finished last in Group 6 draw with England in a friendly at Wembley on November 15. IONEL Messi has SunSport reported here.” after losing her two matches Brazilian right-back Danilo and Portuguese defender Lreportedly urged James that Manchester United’s Meanwhile, Barcelona while Agnes Onoja also Fabio Coentrao sat out Saturday’s 1-1 Liga draw at Barcelona Rodriguez to leave Real Anthony Martial could striker Neymar is suffering failed to win a match in with minor muscular problems but also took part in Madrid once and for all be crucial to Rodriguez’s from muscle fatigue but Group 13 against players Monday’s session. to showcase his talent, future. no serious injury after from Germany and Chinese Cristiano Ronaldo trained separately indoors but the according to The Sun. The Red Devils winger Saturday’s 1-1 draw with Taipei. Alimat Ayinla also Portugal forward is expected to start against Dortmund. The Barcelona icon is – who became the world’s arch rivals Real Madrid, the finished bottom of Group Zinedine Zidane’s Real side have already qualified for said to have sought out most expensive teenager club said on Monday. 16 after losing 4-0 each to the round of 16 but must beat leaders Dortmund, who are the former Puskas Award when bought for £36m The Brazil star was Belgium’s Lung Lisa and two points ahead, at the Santiago Bernabeu stadium to win winner following Saturday’s last season – is wanted by substituted just before Sweden’s Holmsten Ellen. the section. 1-1 El Clasico draw and told Barcelona and Real Madrid. Sergio Ramos’s dramatic In the boys’ doubles Real are six points clear of Barcelona atop La Liga and him to move on. But Jose Mourinho - who is late equaliser in El Clasico Round of 64, Omeh and will equal the club record of 34 games unbeaten in all Messi said to Rodriguez in the middle of a tax avoidance and had complained of pain Solanke lost 3-1 to Belgium’s competitions set in the 1988-89 campaign if they avoid that he needed to find a new storm and suffered more bad in his right leg. Darcis Thibaut and Devos defeat on Wednesday. 46 TUESDAY, DECEMBER 6, 2016 sports Olawale backs Nigeria to win African beach soccer Idris Adesina times. with some of the names in The Sand Eagles are the camp. The coach has ormer captain of the currently camped in Badagry also done well by including FSuper Sand Eagles, with 19 players and Olawale young boys into the team. Isiaka Olawale, has backed told our correspondent That will help build another the team to win the Lagos that the country would set of players for the future 2016 Beach Soccer African win the competition with of the team.” Cup of Nations. experienced players like He added, “I believe Nigeria, who are hosting Enyimba’s Ikechukwu that with the experience the competition for the first Ibenegbu and Victor Tale. of players like Moskito time, will play in Group A “Nigeria are forces to (Ibenegbu), Tale and Abu alongside Egypt, Ivory Coast reckon with in beach soccer Azeez, the Sand Eagles will and Ghana. The competition in Africa and I believe that challenge for the title and will hold between December hosting the competition will qualify for the World Cup 13 and 18 at the be an added advantage for as well. City. the Sand Eagles to go for the “The group is a tough one Nigeria have won the trophy,” he said. for Nigeria but I believe competition twice while “The players are currently that they can get out of it Senegal have won it three in camp and I am impressed and go on to win the title for the third time. The early ‘United must fight’ camping will help the new •L-R:Head of Marketing, Promasidor Nigeria, Mr. Festus Tettey; three top winners of players to learn from the latan Ibrahimovic says Manchester United have to “fight the Loya Milk Swimming Competition for Secondary Schools, Torisheju Tosin, Enrico experienced ones and it more” if they are to start turning draws into wins, Skysports Vander Merwe and Toki Popoola; and the Category Manager, Dairy, Promasidor Nigeria, Z will all be for the better of reports. Mr. Ayodeji Abiodun, at the end of the tournament in Lagos…on Saturday. the team.” United have won just one of their last five matches, with the remaining four all finishing as draws. The most recent of those came at Goodison Park on Sunday Sepp Blatter loses ban appeal when a late Leighton Baines penalty denied Jose Mourinho’s p ort’s highest court on Monday rejected the appeal of former — culpability has to be proven by prosecution — was not applied,” side all three points. SFIFA president Sepp Blatter against a six-year ban signalling Blatter said in a statement. Ibrahimovic, who scored his eighth league goal of the the end of his efforts to clear his name, AFP reports. “Nevertheless I look back with gratitude to all the years, in which campaign to put United in front on , admits United The 80-year-old former football powerbroker was ousted over I was able to realise my ideals for football and serve FIFA,” added need to sharpen up if they are to improve on their current a two million Swiss franc ($2m) payment to UEFA boss Michel the Swiss official widely condemned by critics during his 18 years standing of sixth in the table, 13 points behind leaders Chelsea. Platini which the Court of Arbitration for Sport called an “undue as head of the world football body. “I scored but in the end it only got me and the team one point,” gift” that could not be justified. The payment made to Platini in 2011 for work carried out a the 35-year-old told United’s website. “I would prefer not to Blatter called the verdict “incomprehensible” but also decade earlier without any contract led to the downfall of both score but win the game. acknowledged that he has come to the end of the road in his fight men. Platini had been expected to take over from Blatter, but has “We have to fight more and do more to get the three points to clear his name. also seen multiple appeals rejected by tribunals and courts. we need. “I will not be appealing in a Swiss court,” he told AFP, turning Blatter could face more trouble as he remains under investigation “It was very disappointing obviously because the last couple his back on what would have been his last legal recourse. by Swiss prosecutors over the payment and for the way in which of games in the league have not had the outcome that we wanted Earlier, however, he maintained that guilt had not been proven. the 2018 and 2022 World Cups were awarded to Russia and Qatar, especially after a good performance.” “It is difficult to follow it, because the principle of jurisdiction respectively. TUESDAY, DECEMBER 6, 2016 47 sports Atletico Madrid set for Bayern clash tletico Madrid can over PSV in October was Amake club history at their 14th straight home win Bayern Munich on Tuesday in the Champions League – as the Spaniards look for a a competition best. record sixth group stage win The match at Munich’s with both teams through to Allianz Arena is a dead the last 16, AFP reports. rubber and regardless Diego Simeone’s team of the result Atletico will arrive in Munich as the only progress as group winners side with a 100 per cent with Bayern second. record in Europe after five But the Bavarians wins from five. have a score to settle after The Group D leaders September’s defeat in are six points clear of Madrid and semi-final exit second-placed Bayern, who last season at the hands they beat 1-0 in Madrid of Atletico and Antoine in September, thanks to Griezmann. Yannick Carrasco’s first-half Atletico lost last season’s winner. final to neighbours Real in Only five teams have Milan on penalties having achieved the feat of winning squeezed past Bayern in all six Champions League the semis. group stage games: Real Madrid beat Bayern 1-0 Madrid (twice, 2011/12, at home and although the 2014/15), AC Milan Germans won the return (1992/93), PSG (1994/95), 2-1 in Munich last May, Spartak Moscow (1995/96) Griezmann’s crucial away and Barcelona (2002/03). goal knocked the Bavarians Bayern have their own out on a night when Thomas record run to maintain in Mueller and Fernando Munich as their 4-1 victory Torres had penalties saved. Aguero gets four-match ban ergio Aguero’s four- face FA disciplinary action for a •France’s Marie Minko (right) in action against Poland during their Women’s European Handball Championship Smatch suspension has been failure to control their players. match in Kristianstad, Sweden ...on Sunday. Photo: AFP confirmed by the Football Association following his dismissal in Manchester City’s Justice praises Rohr’s faith in young players loss to Chelsea, AFP reports. City striker Aguero Idris Adesina of energy to face opponents,” teams when they want to invite them. The national he wants. I believe the best was shown a red card for a he said. play Nigeria. team has now become players in the domestic dangerous two-footed foul on ormer Nigeria “The previous Eagles’ “Also, the home-based competitive because the league will be rewarded Chelsea defender David Luiz, Fmidfielder, Justice coaches experimented with players should work on hard coach believes in players with places in the team if which led to a bust-up between Christopher, has praised different players but they to convince the coach to that can get him the result they improve.” players and coaches from both Super Eagles coach Gernot couldn’t trust the young teams in the final moments Rohr for believing in young players we had then enough Chrisland Schools win Loya Milk swimming of Saturday’s Premier League players. to build the team around He also commended the them. The bulk of the young hrisland Schools, Loya Milk but also by identifying School, Halifield Schools, clash at Eastlands. Lagos, on Saturday won the with a sport that promotes this ST&T Regency international The Argentina German coach for selecting players Nigeria have both C his team based on the at home and abroad today 10-school Loya Milk Swimming promise.” School, Supreme Education international, who has scored Competition tagged Loya Swim He added, “We are aware that Foundation, Queensland 16 goals this season, will now players’ current form. are doing well. Once this is Meet. swimming is a 360-degree sport Academy, Grace High School, miss league fixtures against The Eagles boast good happening, the national team young players such as will be solid. Chrisland ruled the 25m that involves all parts of your Avi-cenna International and Leicester, Watford, Arsenal freestyle, 50m freestyle and body, and it helps to maintain and Hull. Kelechi Iheanacho, Alex “Now that the coach is Honeyland College. Iwobi, Wilfred Ndidi, selecting his team based on 100m freestyle events. a healthy weight, healthy heart, Aguero has already control your muscle and above The principal of Chrisland Musa Mohammed and the players’ current form The tournament, which took Schools F. Vander Merwe missed three games through place at the Grange School in all, a fun exercise for growing suspension this term for Oghenekaro Etebo. and fitness, the Eagles will expressed his delight at the The Eagles are currently continue to do well and very Ikeja, Lagos, was organised by children.” elbowing West Ham’s Winston Other schools that featured tournament and urged other topping of Group B in the soon they will return to the Loya Milk to boost swimming companies to organise similar Reid and his latest absence in secondary schools in the in the tournament were is a major blow to City’s title Russia 2018 World Cup top as the best team in Africa. competitions for pupils. qualifiers. The team has the confidence country. Dowen College, Greensprings challenge. Cash prizes worth over N1m Fernandinho was also sent Christopher told our to face any team and conquer Moses wins another award correspondent that the them.” and other rewards were given off for shoving Cesc Fabregas and fellow Nigerian Victor team had gained the The former Belgium- to the participants. helsea’s Victor Moses during the incident, with City’s Anichebe of Sunderland to win confidence to play any team based player, who The Category Manager, Chas been named the English Brazilian midfielder banned for a second straight award in two and emerge victorious. represented Nigeria at the Dairy, Promasidor Nigeria, Premier League African Player three matches, as indicated on consecutive months. “I have always said that Korea/Japan 2002 World Mr. Abiodun Ayodeji, said at of the Month of November by the disciplinary pages of the FA Moses has flourished in a the future of the Eagles lies Cup, added, “The coach just the event, “At the heart of organisers New African Soccer, website on Monday. new right wing-back role in young players and that needs to continue to believe this brand, is improving the AfricanFootball.com reports. Chelsea won the game 3-1 under Chelsea manager is what we are seeing in the in the players and test them well-being of children in Nigeria, The Super Eagles winger to move three points clear at Antonio Conte and has been Eagles of today – a team in friendly matches. That and this is achieved not only by edged Kenya’s Victor the top, but both clubs may instrumental in his team that has the youthful burst will create some fear in other providing the best nutrition in Wanyama of Tottenham being top of the Premier Champions League League. Falcons not ready to surrender title yet – Ohale New African Soccer in uper Falcons defender title in Cameroon. The Rivers Angels star team would work hard to Tuesday a statement, congratulated SOsinachi Ohale says Desire Oparanozie’s late added, “Of course, nobody achieve more success. Basel v Arsenal 8.45pm the Nigeria winger but she is delighted that the strike helped Nigeria beat will want to be blamed for She said, “Other PSG v Ludogorets 8.45pm also mentioned the team defended their Africa hosts Cameroon to win the errors in their department countries have been working Benfica v Napoli 8.45pm competitiveness of the Women’s Cup of Nations trophy for the eight time. and that was why I defended hard to unseat us but Kiev v Besiktas 8.45pm November award, especially “We feel great winning as if my life depended on it. champions will always be Barcelona v Gladbach 8.45pm in the votes. the African title for the “However, I could not champions. Man City v Celtic 8.45pm ‘Victor Wanyama, also eighth time, I’m certain the have achieved much without “We will not sit back on Bayern v Atlético 8.45pm a one-time winner of the feeling will linger warmly the cooperation of the entire our 2016 AWCON victory PSV v Rostov 8.45pm award, put up a strong in our memories for a long backline, midfield and other but continue to work even Wednesday showing and this was rightly time to come,” supersport. players who actually made harder to be champions. Leverkusen v Monaco 8.45pm justified, considering his role com quoted Ohale as saying the job a lot easier for me. “We know that other Tottenham v CSKA 8.45pm in Tottenham Hotspur’s early on Monday. “It’s a great feeling of African countries are Legia v Sporting 8.45pm surge which made them the “It was not an easy self-accomplishment for me strongly coming up the Real v Dortmund 8.45pm last to be beaten in the League. achievement, it was tough and my teammates.” ladder but we will not Brugge v Copenhagen 8.45pm His move from Southampton and it has shown that we Ohale tipped the Falcons hurriedly give up the title Porto v Leicester 8.45pm was a positive one,” Tunde have been working very to dominate the continent even at Ghana AWCON Juventus v Zagreb 8.45pm Adelakun, CEO of New African •Ohale hard.” for a long time, saying the 2018 and beyond.” Lyon v Sevilla 8.45pm Soccer noted. Blatter loses ban appeal P. 46 TUESDAY, DECEMBER 6, 2016 www.punchng.com •Blatter education has not been that lucky. But for interventionist workshops for teachers of English and Mathematics, perhaps The future of Ondo State Ondo students would still have continued to perform poorly in school leaving certificate examinations. More teachers need to be hired; more needs to be done on capacity building for teachers; [email protected] Akinnaso and greater attention should be paid to curriculum development at primary and secondary levels, including the supply of reading Thinking with You [email protected] materials. was growing up in Ondo State in the early 40s through the in four major areas which touch directly on the people’s lives Perhaps, the greatest educational albatross for the state I50s, I observed three major traits about my people. (1) They and livelihood. They are: agriculture, health care, education, and is the quartet of higher institutions – three universities and a were very hardworking. (2) They embraced agriculture as much industrialisation. True, the outgoing governor did all he could polytechnic. For quite some time now, the state has not been as they did education, using funds accruing from agriculture to in these sectors before running into the brick wall of dwindling able to meet its financial obligations to these institutions. A send their children to school. (3) They abhorred cheating, either resources, much more still needs to be done. two-pronged strategy of cost-cutting and fund generation must of, or by, others. Investment in agriculture, the mainstay of the state’s immediately be put in place. There is no space here to go into So deep-rooted in the people’s moral conscience was this last economy, should go beyond maintaining a tradition. It is also an the details. trait that stealing was viewed as an abomination. That’s why, in investment in food security and a means of creating employment What needs to be emphasised here is that the state can those days, it was possible for farmers to hang their produce by for the teeming youth no longer sustain the illusion of free primary and secondary the roadside and put a certain amount of money in a calabash population. Attention education and low tuition in the higher institutions. The funds below it. Buyers would match the money and take the produce. should be given to the are simply not there. Besides, all over the world, and especially While today’s unmanned supermarkets are being driven by creation of agricultural in the United States with which I am most familiar, universities technology, my people’s unmanned markets were driven by value chains for major have continually increased tuition and other fees to make for shortfalls in state subventions. Today, in many American public moral conscience. products, especially cocoa, universities, internally generated revenue, largely from tuition, This ethical standard has been assaulted time and again by yam, and plantain. Apart has outstripped state subvention. from the Cocoa Product politicians. That’s why Ondo voters often fought vigorously for True, increasing tuition has become a serious political issue (Ile-Oluji) Limited, which their mandate, notably in 1965, 1983, and 2007. The methods in Nigeria, because politicians made it so. Nevertheless, it is processes only a fraction of employed in the fight have changed over time. It was by sheer now necessary to increase tuition in all higher institutions in the the state’s cocoa produce, physicality (killings and property destruction) in 1965; by a state, and it is possible to achieve if the appropriate personnel combination of physicality and litigation in 1983; and largely by there are no other notable are deployed, if proper consultations are held with major litigation in 2007. or functioning factories to stakeholders, and if the right methods are used. It is against this background that I have consistently advocated process other agricultural The lip service often paid to industrialisation during the need to move away from thuggery and violence. The advocacy products. election campaigns at least demonstrates its importance. was underscored by my personal experience of thuggery in my That’s why I cringe True, industrialisation is capital intensive; but the state could hometown early this year, as politicians began to strategise for when trucks line up every at least begin with alliances with the Bank of Commerce and the 2016 governorship election. five days at the Atosin Industry, private partners, and foreign investors to set up These observations and experiences led to my intervention in end of Alade Market in appropriate factories to process locally produced raw materials the struggles for the governorship ticket of the two major political to move tonnes across the state. If the Ile-Oluji Cocoa factory could surmount parties in the 2016 governorship election (see, especially, “Ondo of plantains to sell them infrastructural challenges and keep producing, then it is worth politics: The good, the bad, and the ugly?”, The PUNCH, October at higher prices in other locations. I have a similar reaction to emulating. 18, 2016, and “Why Ondo should not burn”, The PUNCH, the sale of yams by farmers in Owo Local Government Area, Finally, the most immediate challenge for the incoming November 1, 2016). who even have no means of preserving their products. Why governor is the payment of salaries. Whatever arrangements Those who were not pleased with my interventionist essays not improve on the agro-industry initiative of the outgoing are being made regarding the payment of salary arrears, it ignored the historical background I just sketched above. Whether government to create employment? How about establishing is important for the incoming governor to make the regular my intervention meant anything to the electoral process matters factories for processing yam and plantain into flouxr? And what payment of salaries a priority. The starting point is to eschew no more. What matters is that the election had come and gone about investing in semi-mechanised agriculture to increase wasteful spending and explore avenues for generating more with minimal violence, and there was no post-election violence. production? revenue. Above all, the civil service needs to be pruned and True, Governor Olusegun Mimiko excelled in certain specific political appointments kept at the barest minimum in order to (SAN) of the All Progressives Congress areas of health care, particularly the reduction of maternal reduce the state’s wage bill. won so convincingly that any attempt to litigate his victory would and infant mortality, by establishing the Abiye and Agbebiye amount to a waste of scarce resources and precious judicial time. programmes and the Mother and Child Hospitals. He also e-mail:[email protected] With the election behind us, it is time to move forward as the established a complex of facilities that formed the nucleus of the Feedback by text? Send SMS of not more than 100 future of Ondo State is now at stake more than ever before. The University of Medical Sciences in Ondo. words (not abbreviations, please) to 08055923429 bleakness of the state’s future is underscored by a lot of debt to Unfortunately, however, this was achieved at the expense with your full name and address. be paid far into the future; several months of arrears of salaries of other health care facilities throughout the state, especially and entitlements owed to workers and pensioners; unsustained primary care facilities and the State Specialist Hospitals. The Salvo attention to agriculture; the absence of manufacturing industries incoming governor should make up for these deficiencies in to absorb the increasing number of graduates from the state’s order to sustain health care in the state over the next four years. “I can tell you for free, if the Senate four higher institutions; and dwindling resources to meet these The education sector needs special attention. The outgoing today approves that we can borrow $30bn, obligations. That’s why anyone who wishes the state well should government focused on primary and tertiary education, with honestly, no one will lend to us. It should join hands with the incoming governor so he can hit the ground much less attention to secondary education. The mega schools be approved and I will like to see how you running, without any distraction, from day one. and free buses for primary school children are laudable projects In what follows, I provide an outline of what needs to be done to be maintained and improved upon. However, secondary will go to the international market with an economy that has five exchange rates” Expression –The Emir of Kano, Alhaji Muhammadu Sanusi, on the management of the economy Ethical Complaints? •We, Punch Nigeria Limited, do not demand or accept gifts or gratification to publish articles or photographs, neither do our journalists. Therefore, we implore you not to offer any to our journalists. 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