₦airaland Forum

The Social Development Secretariat (SDS) of the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), on Tuesday announced plans to rehabilitate arrested commercial sex workers.

SDS Secretary, Oladimeji Ali Hassan stated this during a press conference in Abuja as efforts to rid Abuja of commercial sex workers get tough.

He said, “The FCTA has a task force on the ground that picks them up from the streets. Ours is to rehabilitate them. We hope to embark on the massive training of the commercial sex workers in all kinds of skills and give them starter-packs after graduation so that they do not return to the trade.

“Some of them need as little as N50, 000. It is not just enough to pick them up from the streets without having a system to keep them away from going back to the streets. We are going to rehabilitate the centre and put the necessary facilities in place for them to be taken there when picked up.” He assured.

Hassan stressed that the FCT administration would also pay attention to the Lepers’ Colony in Yangoji and the Disabled Colony in Karmajij by providing needed facilities, including the installation of a transformer in Karmajiji.

Seven more from the fifty divine warnings released for Year 2018 by servant of God and president of Omega Fire Ministries worldwide (OFM), Apostle (Prof.) Johnson Suleman, have thus far been fulfilled.

A true prophet shares God’s intent. He does not share based on his own understanding or initiative, but from what the Holy Spirit reveals. Apostle Suleman, for many years, has been using his Holy Spirit inspired gift of prophecy as a reminder that God does not abandon His children and He wants them to live above challenges.

The man of God, on number three of the prophecies released at the close of Year 2017 said; “Imo governor to make governorship a family affair.” The governor last week confirmed the prophecy when he said he and his deputy would be seeking senatorial seats after their tenure in office while he said that his son-in-law would be made to succeed him as governor in 2019.

On number 18, the prophet said: “EFCC boss to have major setback,” which is manifesting by the National Assembly’s non-recognition of Magu as EFCC boss and the Commission’s insignificant success in prosecuting the accused. On number 28, the prophet of God warned that; “Atiku’s men will betray him.” Since the former vice president, Atiku left APC to PDP, little success has been achieved in his bid to get the PDP ticket for 2019 presidency. This was due to alleged betrayal by those who promised to back him up but failed to so far.

On number 39 of the prophecies, the man of God told the nation that; “I see a new political party that will divide APC and PDP.” In the last few weeks, two political movements have surfaced, floated by technocrats and old time politicians with the intent to wrestle power from both the APC and PDP. On number 42, Aposle Suleman warned that; “Nigeria pray against air crash.” On Tuesday, February 20, 2018, a Port Harcourt bound Dana airplane crash landed into the bush. Apostle Suleman also warned during one of his Sunday services that; “I see kidnappers entering schools.”

This turned out to be the dreaded Boko Haram sect that abducted 110 schoolgirls in Dapchi, Yobe State, few days ago. It is news of hope for the country’s failing economy, on number 38. Apostle Suleman said: “I saw the naira gaining relevance.” For some months, the Naira, according to government’s release, has remained stabilized against the US Dollar and Euro.

It is recalled that Apostle Suleman first prophesied that Jerusalem would be Israel’s capital city, and that George Weah will be Liberian president, which have all come to fulfillment.

It would be stating the obvious that Apostle Suleman’s spiritual gift of prophecy is an extraordinary one. He is blessed with the ability to receive divinely inspired messages and he delivers them in a manner that not only prevents dangers but also restores destinies.

Renowned musician and former Executive Director on entertainment matters to erstwhile governor Adams Oshiomole, Mr. Maleke Moye has dragged telecommunications giant, 9mobile to the Federal High Court Ikoyi presided over by Hon. Justice Faji on allegations of intellectual property theft and commercial exploitation of the said stolen intellectual property.

The suit which was recently instituted against the telecommunications giant is asking for the payment of damages to the tune of 500million Naira for the unauthorized copying, theft, sale and continuous resale for of sixteen different music tracks of Mr. Maleke as ring tunes on its website for a period upwards of seven years.

Our correspondent who was in court spoke to the plaintiff who lamented the huge financial loss he had suffered over the years due to the brazen display of recklessness by the telecommunications giant. He lamented further that all attempts to open communication channels with 9mobiles parent company were frustrated hence his resort to the law for remedy.

Attempts by our correspondent to speak with representatives of 9mobile and its lawyer in the Federal High Court premises were rebuffed.

The matter was adjourned till a later date for continuation of hearing at the federal high court in Lagos.

Senate President Bukola Saraki has called on house of assemblies to take a cue from Kwara and pass their own versions of the bill suspending payment of pension to former governors and deputy governors.

Kwara assembly passed the bill on Tuesday.

In a statement on Wednesday, Saraki commended Ali Ahmad, speaker of the assembly, for working to pass the bill.

The nation’s number three citizen said he influenced the action of the lawmakers.

“I am pleased that following my conversation with Kwara speaker, Rt. Hon. Ali Ahmad, two months ago, the bill to suspend the payment of pension to former governors and their deputies when they hold a political or public office was passed into law yesterday by the Kwara house of assembly,” Saraki said.

“Moving forward, it is my hope that other state assemblies take a cue from Kwara state and pass similar pieces of legislation into law.”

Saraki governed Kwara between 2003 and 2011.

*Interior Minister, CG accused of complicity *Majority of beneficiaries from Katsina

*Aggrieved officers petition National Assembly *Promotion is not a right -NIS

A group of officers of the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), has cried out over what they described as ethnic and religious biases exhibited in the recent senior officers’ promotion exercise carried out by the Service.

The aggrieved officers, drawn mainly from the Southern part of the country, accused the leadership of NIS of pursuing an Islamisation agenda in the para-military organisation by denying officers of other faiths their due rights to advance their careers.

In a protest letter signed by one Mr. Olubode Ahmed on behalf of the aggrieved officers, and made available to us, the officers alleged that the promotion exercise was marred by fraud, ethnic bias and discrimination along religious lines.

They specifically accused the Minister of Interior, Gen. Abdulrahman Dambazzau (rtd), the Comptroller-General of Immigration, Mohammed Babandede, and a serving Commissioner at Civil Defence, Fire, Immigration Board, an Assistant Comptroller-General (rtd) of conniving with the Acting Director of the board to tamper with the authentic list from the board to favour officers of the same ethnic and religious leaning (i.e. Fulanis and Muslims) at the expense of other officers from other ethnic and religious backgrounds.

The statement reads: “A close study of the promotion list showed that Muslim officers from the North, especially the North-West, were favoured above others from other regions. How does one explain that the first two pages of the list of officers promoted from the rank of Chief Superintendent of Immigration (CSI) to Assistant Comptroller of Immigration (ACI) contained the name of Muslim officers of Northern extraction?

“The question concerned citizens, are asking is; do they represent the most intelligent in the Service? Also, Katsina State alone produced five to six Comptrollers, while some southern states had none. Some officers have been on the rank of CSI, ACI and DCI for six to eight years and these Northern officers who were recently elevated in 2014 were again elevated at the detriment of their Southern counterparts. This amounts to insensitivity and the height of injustice and nepotism. Some officers of Southern extraction that were lucky to have been promoted alluded to the fact that their northern officer friends facilitated their elevation.”
Lamenting the perceived ill-treatment, one of the victims cried out: “For God’s sake, are some people superior to others in this country? No doubt, there is a grand attempt and plan to Islamise the service because by the time you are not promoted, you will be forced to accept Islam. This is so sad in a democratic and liberal country like ours. It is also to ensure that a particular ethnic and religious group dominates too. They should know that there is a God watching everything we do here on earth”.
Another affected officer, who spoke to our correspondent on the condition of anonymity for fear of victimisation, claimed that the list released was selective, not the authentic promotion list approved by the board.

“We are not in any way questioning the Comptroller-General of Immigration, (CGI), for promoting his personal aides, but we are against a situation whereby a particular ethnic and religious group is seen as superior to others.

“When Dambazzau came on board as the Minister, we were happy, thinking that he was going to make things better; we never knew that he came to promote ethnic and religious agenda. Babandede on the other hand behaved like an emperor who has no regard for officers and men. He plants his men in sensitive positions, who threatens and harass officers with postings and dismissal.

“When did it become the responsibility of the CGI to promote senior officers? When did promotion become the sole right of people from the same ethnic /religious group? Is it now a sin or taboo to be a southerner or Christian?”
Hence, the aggrieved officers appealed to the Presidency, their representatives in the Senate and House of Representatives, Christian bodies and well-meaning Nigerians to come to their rescue and save them from their oppressors.
“We want fairness and justice. We want full investigation into this matter to right this wrong. This is grave injustice. Let the board speak. This is an imposed list. We will not watch a few individuals destroy our lives. The same thing happened to Civil Defence and this was what informed their decision to embark on a protest last week. Babandede should stop interfering in the affairs of the board; he should learn to be fair and just.
“It is universally believed that promotion comes from God Almighty and not from the North, South, East or West. The reverse seems to be the case with the recently released promotion by the NIS. Of all the newly promoted Comptrollers, five are from Katsina alone, while other states have little or no representation at all. Of over 280 CSI promoted to ACI, over 250 are of northern/ Muslim extraction. Many juniors are promoted above their seniors. This is reflected particularly in the promotion from CSI to ACI. The list did not reflect the state of origin and date of last promotion of the beneficiaries. This is a ploy to conceal the outright contradiction of the criteria guiding promotion of officers clearly stated in Section 7 of the Public Service Rule.

“This abnormality should be looked into by the appropriate authorities so as to restore sanity in the service. Officers’ career and destiny should not be allowed to be thwarted.
They also accused the CG of refusing to pay promotion arrears of deserving officers.
“The government cannot afford to look the other way and pretend that all is well when things are going wrong…We cannot remain as slaves in our fatherland. We have our rights. We are not in Libya. This kind of injustice can never happen in the Army or Police. It is just too glaring; this is the worst form of corruption and nepotism I have ever witnessed since I joined the Service, where people do things with impunity, believing that nothing will happen to them.

However, the Public Relations Officer, Clement James, an Assistant Comptroller of Immigration, said promotion in the Service is based on merit and character, not a right. He added that if any officer, however, has any complaint about the promotion exercise, such should be sent to the Board, and not to the Senate or House of Representatives Committee on Interior. According to James, sending a petition to the National Assembly amounts to insubordination to laid down procedure, adding however, that he was yet to see a copy of the petition. He said the CG is doing everything possible to ensure equity and fair play in the service

Efforts to get official response from the Committees on Interior in the two chambers of the National Assembly proved abortive as the officials could not be reached as at press time. Senate Spokesman, Aliu Sabi, said he was yet to see the petition and would not comment on it.


https://newtelegraphonline.com/2018/02/aggrieved-immigration-officers-kick-promotion/

The Governor, Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Mr. Godwin Emefiele has tasked State Governments in Nigeria to take advantage of opportunities in their respective States to boost the agricultural sector in Nigeria, even as he pledged the Bank’s support to any State Government committed to agriculture.

He gave the charge in Emure-Ile, Ondo State, on Friday, February 23, 2018, shortly before he and the Ondo State Governor, Mr. Rotimi Akeredolu, SAN, performed the ground-breaking ceremony of Greenfield Integrated Poultry and Powderized Egg Facility.

Speaking on “Engendering the Growth of Nigeria’s Poultry Industry”, Mr. Emefiele emphasized the need for interested State Governments to take advantage of the many opportunities to develop the agricultural sector in their States in order to provide jobs, reduce the level of unemployment in the country and drive growth.

According to him, through such moves, the Nigerian economy would receive massive boost through the non-importation of agricultural produce, which he stressed Nigeria had no business importing.

While reiterating the charge of the President, Muhammadu Buhari, to Nigerians to “produce what we eat and eat what we produce”, Mr. Emefiele emphasized that the attention focused on agriculture was a good strategy.

“Agriculture can still be used as a catalyst for creating jobs, reducing unemployment and driving growth in Nigeria,” he noted, even as he recalled that the ban on the importation of chickens in 2003, with the exception of day old chickens, boosted the poultry industry in Nigeria.

With the commencement of the Greenfield Integrated Poultry Facility, Mr. Emefiele expressed optimism that the implementation of the Anchor Borrowers’ Programme in the State would be tremendously expanded.

He also disclosed that a cumulative sum of N55.526 billion had been disbursed to over 250,000 farmers who cultivated almost 300,000 hectares of farmland for rice, wheat, maize, cotton, soybeans, cassava, etc. since commencement of the Programme in November 2015, noting that the implementation in partnership with State Governments and several private sector groups, had contributed to the creation of an estimated 890,000 direct and 2.6 million indirect jobs.

Mr. Emefiele reiterated the commitment of the CBN to work with State Governments in supporting small holder farmers and processors across other items that can be produced in the respective States. According to him, the move was directly in harmony with the Bank’s resolve and vision to create a professional and people-centred Central Bank that will act as a financial catalyst for job creation and inclusive economic growth.

In his remarks, the Governor of Ondo State, Mr. Rotimi Akeredolu, SAN urged all states to support ranching as a way of boosting the quality of meat produced in Nigeria. He also emphasised the need for other State Governments to key into agriculture as a way of boosting and diversifying the Nigerian economy.

Also speaking, the Managing Director of Greenfield Assets Limited, Dr. Paul Obanua thanked both the CBN Governor and the Ondo State Governor for supporting the project, which he noted was the largest in Africa and the Middle East.

Highpoint of the ceremony was the cutting of the tape and unveiling of the plaque to formally flag-off the construction of the Greenfield Egg Pasteurization and Powderization Facility with the capacity of producing 10 million broilers per annum farm with 4,000 birds per hour meat processing plant; a 600,000 layers farm for the production 100 million eggs per annum; two 20 tons per hour Feed-mill and a 500,000 Eggs per day Egg Powder Plant. The plant would create about 25,000 jobs, earn the country over $1 billion in foreign exchange savings and boost increased incomes for poultry farmers in Nigeria.

The Public-Private Partnership (PPP) with a capital requirement of NGN 28,369,276,360 to be invested in capital equipment and working capital, involves Big Dutchman International providing technical and operational management of the project. Other parties to the project are Marel Food Processing Company BV, a leading global provider of advanced processing systems and services to the Poultry, Meat and Fish industries, and Actini SAS

Sunday, February 25, 2018, is going to be another date of joy in the happy home of servant of God, Apostle (Prof.) Johnson Suleman. His lovely wife and woman leader, Reverend (Dr.) Lizzy Suleman, is marking her birthday. And no stone will be left unturned to celebrate the virtuous First Lady of Omega Fire Ministries worldwide (OFM), we were informed.

Reverend Lizzy’s birth date originally is 28th of February but for convenience, the celebration is shifted to a Sunday in order to accommodate all including the less endowed that are usually blessed on such occasion.

Recall that Reverend Lizzy’s 2017 birthday celebration was made grandiose by her husband who surprised her with a gift of multimillion naira school at a ceremony witnessed by the OFM congregation, top ministers and dignitaries which included the Edo State deputy governor, Mr. Phillip Shaibu, representing the governor.

If last year edition was grand, sources within the church say it is going to be more superb this year.

In the evening of Saturday, February 24, a special evening will be organized in Reverend Lizzy’s honour by the female ordained ministers of OFM in collaboration with the church’s Daughters of The Prophet Network, which shall be powered by the ministry’s Celebration TV.

Of course, there will be a lot to eat, drink and be thankful for.

Reverend Lizzy Suleman’s 14 year-old marriage has produced six beautiful children.

Following months of speculation and anticipation, Africa Magic, in association with Multichoice, has announced the call to entry for the 2018 edition of the Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards (AMVCAs), the prestigious initiative that honours film and TV talents across the continent.
Billed to hold on the 1 September, this year’s edition of the AMVCAs is sponsored by Konga and supported by Nokia and Heritage Bank.
The AMVCAs celebrate the contribution of African filmmakers, actors and technicians in the success of the continent’s film and television industry and with the success of the previous five editions, preparations are in top gear for the 2018 edition. Entries for the AMVCAs open on 1 March and close on 30 April.
Wangi Mba-Uzoukwu, Director for M-Net West Africa, said: “Nearly one year after the last AMVCAs, We are pleased to announce the call to entry for 2018 edition of the Awards. The African movie and television industry is brimming with exciting talents and at AfricaMagic, we contribute to the industry by not only giving these talents the platform to showcase their skills and passion, but by celebrating their achievements whilst also encouraging them to continue honing their craft.”
The AMVCA awards filmmakers in different categories ranging from acting and directing to scriptwriting and cinematography. Other categories will include: short film or online video, soundtrack, costume designing, sound and lighting amongst others. For 2018 there are 27 categories in all, with 7 open to viewers and 20 decided by the respected AMVCA panel of judges.
John Ugbe, Managing Director, MultiChoice Nigeria, expressed delight at the growing success of the AMVCAs.
“We have been inundated with calls from filmmakers across Africa, with everyone asking when the AMVCAs would return for another edition. After a brief hiatus, we are thrilled to announce that 2018 will indeed mark the sixth consecutive year of MultiChoice and Africa Magic successfully hosting the AMVCAs and we remain proud of the improvements seen in the industry since the inception of the awards as we know that these cannot be ignored or overstated. Furthermore, our continued investment demonstrates our dedication in helping unearth and celebrate talent on continent and we believe that the 2018 edition of the AMVCAs will leave an even bigger impact on the African film production industry than the previous five,” said Ugbe.
Entry for the AMVCAs is free and the closing date for submissions is the 30th of April 2018. Films, made-for-television movies or television series previously entered into or nominated for an award, or awarded a prize in another film and television competition are eligible to be entered for the AMVCAs. All films, made-for-television movies or television series are eligible for entry to the AMVCA if they are broadcast or publicly screened during the period of October 1, 2016 to March 31, 2018.

Entry guidelines below:

GUILDLINES:

STEP 1

Prepare a 2 to 3 minute long showreel for your online submission.

STEP 2

Log on to www. africamagic.tv and navigate to the submission page.

Step 3

Fill out the submission forms and upload the clip. A unique reference number will be allocated to each completed online submission

Depending on their location, participants should send their entries to either of the following addresses, quoting their unique reference number:

Attention: Hadizat Ibrahim (Nigeria)

Mss Local Productions

4 industrial street, off town planning way, Illupeju, Lagos.

Attention: Buhle Ngcauzele (South Africa)

137 Bram Fischer Drive, Randburg, 2123, South Africa.

Attention: Margaret Mathore (Kenya)

2nd floor, M-Net Offices

Local Production studio, Jamhuri Grounds off Ngong Road, Nairobi, Kenya.

For more information on entry requirements and submission procedures, please log on to www.africamagic.tv

As I was reading the Imo local journals on Monday, February 19, 2018, I came across the WhitePaper’s cover page caption: “To Rescue Mission APC Guber Aspirants- To Be Grateful Is Divine.” The piece was a nice one, a eulogy from a grateful veteran journalist, who Divine Providence than serendipity brought to the corridors of the Douglas House, to scribe professionally, and as a good General and soldier, must die at his post in defence of his master.

Though the tone of Comrade (Hon) Sam Onwuemeodo has changed overtime unlike before, when he perhaps was ‘worldly.’ The Sam Onwuemeodo we knew before his advent to the Douglas House, used to be a ‘fire-for-fire’ writer with the likes of late Maximus Ubah (Nwa Mbaise), Citizen Samuelson Iwuoha, Prof Protus Uzorma, etc. Perhaps events alter personality carriage and purviews, but not truths and facts.

Of a truth, I joined Protus Uzorma to criticise Governor Okorocha’s style of leadership, especially when he goes gaga. But I paused at a time I discovered one unparalleled disposition in the Governor’s personality carriage and leadership style. I appreciate his unflinching love for youths in the State and determination to mightily build the careers of such youths within his reach.

In terms of capital human development and building of intimidating profiles for youths in the State, Rochas stands upright and I ‘doubt’ if he will ever have any contemporary in the next twenty years in the State, going by the crop of politicians that emerge daily, who do not believe like Prof Protus Uzorma and Prince McDonald Akanno that the youths are really the leaders of today. Rochas believes, respects, and pays homage to elder statesmen in the State, but has endeavoured much of his focus and interests in building youths to a fault that of recent, it has tended to favour mostly his extended families, customised in-group and exclusive few.

Rochas thus deserves great gratitude to this effect. It is not just enough to bring together such mega youths-block as the Coalition of Imo Youths of Prof Protus Uzorma in Ideal Suites Hotel, but to build the youths as one grows in power. Though, it is very obvious that Protus would have exceeded Okorocha if UPP had won the 2015 guber election in Imo. It is not just enough to gather youths across the 27 LGAs in the State like Prince McDonald Akanno is doing now with the Movement for Greater Today in UUC Global. The enough is, if Akanno truly has such opportunity like Okorocha, will he build youths to apex career?

It is not enough to gather youths to commemorate the inglorious 2 Million March of youths earnestly seek for Abacha’s eyeless Vision 2020 by Chief Daniel Kanu, who is now projecting for blurred vision 2030. A vision with no perspective planning, will Kanu build the convened youths like Okorocha if he gets to the corridor of power? It is not enough to gather youths to aimless summits as the one had in the Rossy Arts Theatre on December 13, 2013. If Captain Iheanacho had won the guber election in 2015, would he have built youths like Rochas? The instances are endless.

In the beginning of his gubernatorial carrier, Rochas had dreams for youths’ profile-building. It takes pre-existent visions for a Governor to carry along and build over time a number of presentable and worthy youths to the doors of power. An unbiased evaluation of human resources in Okorocha’s government will show the desire to constantly build youths and at all time; to remember them in his programmes. His former and present Deputy Governors are approximately youths, and there were numerous youths Rochas raised in career and appointed as SAs, PAs, heads and deputy heads of departments, agencies, ministries and commissions, vital appointments in the Government House, and other appointments in various arms of government in the State, etc.

In this background and during his administration, Samuelson Iwuoha was then with Rt. Hon Ben Uwajumogu, Sam Onwuemeodo at the Governor’s Press Office, Uche Nwosu at the Chief of Staff, and other retired youthful appointees of Uche Ogbuagu’s set, etc. Later on, the likes of Kingsley Uju, George Eche, Obinna Mbata, Lugard Osuji, Jeff Nwoha, and many others rose solidly in Okorocha’s administration and were well established.

In my opinion, Gov Okorocha has done marvellously well and deserves gratitude from not only the built-youths, but from Imo youths in general. It is true there are numerous unemployed youths and that the Governor cannot employ all, but he has done creditably excellent unlike his predecessors who treated youths with ignominy. The Governor’s Millionaire Youths are also evident proofs to this claim, but insufficient to atone for the 10,000 jobs given to Imo youths by Gov Ohakim that he abolished and sent home unemployed, for the ennui the dismissed youths suffered, and for the crises he threw their families into.

These notwithstanding, gratitude and appreciation are indebtedness meant for the affected youths in general, and most especially, the parents and in-laws of the few youths Rochas built to be worthwhile in the State. If not for this consistent youths profile-building, who knows Uche Nwosu by 2007-2010? Was Sam Onwuemeodo not popular then?

All these apart, the truth must be told. This gratitude does not mean wholesale purchase of the Imo APC and gubernatorial candidacy to be Governor Rochas Okorocha’s sole affair. Was he doing these goods to Imo youths in order to be and buy the biblical anointing-pot of Judge Samuel? Career and profile-building is for transcendence, and whoever builds youths, is a good father whose best prayers are for his children to either grow like him or above him. As the Catholic Sage, Anthony de Mello, said “The Master’s skill is lost in the servant’s non-possession of it.”

The question of gratefulness to Rochas in Sam Onwuemeodo’s purview, which necessitates bowing to the Governor’s will, does not come here at all. It should have first gone to Chief Uche Nwosu, whose action going by Sam Onwuemeodo’s perspective of being grateful to Gov Okorocha, first showed sabotage. Was Uche Nwosu grateful to his father-in-law, Gov Okorocha, when he contested for the Imo APC primaries and won in 2014; even when Gov Okorocha still has the constitutional powers to run a second tenure (though it was an arrangement)? Is that gratefulness of him or game, Onwuemeodo?

Is Gov Okorocha contesting again or is his wife, son, daughter, brother, sister contesting for the guber primary in APC? As a growing youth, has Uche Nwosu not got enough career-building over the 8 years; to be: Deputy Chief of Staff, Commissioner, and Chief of Staff? Truly, Rochas has been just, but to much selected few, in-groups and to his in-laws and extended family mostly. See Tony Ololo and his wife. See Prof Anthony Anwuka. See Uche Nwosu. See Prince Eze Madumere and Sir Jude Ejiogu. Has Rochas not done enough for them in career building? Must Imo APC sell its soul to Rochas to build one man all through life? Uche Nwosu has been well-built and can rule Imo now and very well, going by his present grooming, but there are other statesmen, youths and well-bred Imolites and APC chieftains that can do better. Imo needs the best candidates; let’s allow them to emerge un-manipulated.

There is also the issue of equity charter and zoning of state politics that Onwuemeodo’s pious vision of gratitude undermines. Truth is sublime like gratefulness, just as equity is greatly subliminal than sheer gratitude, and thus has transcendental attributes like justice and fairness. Is Uche Nwosu from Owerri zone that all glamour to take over the leadership of the Douglas House, and which since the inception of modern democracy in Nigeria (1999-2019) has not tested the apex seat in Imo State?

Out of the 20 years (1999-2019) of modern democracy in Imo, Orlu zone (where Rochas and Uche Nwosu come from) has ruled for 16 years and Okigwe for 4 years. Are the Owerri zone’s zero year and Okigwe zone’s 4 years just for pious gratitude before a 16/20 sharing and ratio? This piety lacks sense of fairness, justice and truth, and thus is far from God. Has Orlu zone turned to Imo State’s Hausa/Fulani in Nigerian politics? Has Rochas turned to Imo OBJ? Is this the gratitude required of Rescue Mission APC?

Onwuemeodo by his purview of showing gratitude to Governor Okorocha, tends to push the State into the Nietzschean slave morality. We need the master morality and Machiavellian principles of submission to fiefs, in order to enforce equity and justice in Imo power-shift. Rochas’ judicious tenure is running out, he has to go when it comes and not to enforce candidates on APC, except if Onwuemeodo wants to tell Imolites that his Boss is running again for the Imo APC guber, cache and by proxy in the person of his son-in-law, Uche Nwosu. If it is so stated, then gratitude comes up after researching on the ethics of gratitude on proxy, life-governorship, and self-perpetuation in power.

What Rochas should have done is to pick an average-aged industrialist from Owerri zone in the APC, who he trusts, like Barr Chima Anozie and then feature his son-in-law as Deputy Governor. This still builds higher, the career of the youthful Uche Nwosu, who youths in the State admire greatly. It will also restore the lost equity charter in the State, restore the confidence of APC members in the State, and thus encourage more youths. Truly, Rochas errs in trying to impose another Orlu zone guber aspirant- Uche Nwosu on Imo APC and the State in general. It shows insentience to the inequity umbrages of the Owerri and Okigwe zones’ in the State.

Prince Stanley U Okoroji write from Imo State, (08064378213)

The police at Area D Command in Mushin, Lagos have arrested two suspects, one former bank manager, Mr. Felix Oko and Samson Sunola in connection with the alleged abduction of two kids of the same parents on their way to school in Lagos.

The incident happened at Iyke Meregini Street area in Bucknor Estate in Ejigbo area of Lagos where the victims parents resided.

A police sources confirm that the former bank manager, Mr. Felix Oko and Samson Sunola were finally arrested early this Wednesday morning after all attempts to frustrate the investigations failed. The other accomplice, Mr. Chijoke Akamnonu managed to escape and was said to be on the run.

It was gathered that the suspects conspired and abducted the kids (names withheld) aged 7 and 4 inside their school bus on the way to school. However, it was learnt that all efforts to taken them away were frustrated by the residents who saw what happened and the kids were rescued.

The matter was reported to the police at Ashamu Station and the suspects were initially arrested but released on bail and since then nothing came out of the investigations.

According to the father of the victims, Mr. Okoro Ekwe Agwu, after the failed abduction incident, the suspects had been threatening his family in order to intimidate him to withdraw the matter from the police.

The latest arrest followed a petition to the Area Commander, ACP Olusola Olasoji in respect of the matter and the inability of the police at Ashamu Station to prosecute the matter. It was gathered that the Area Commander after going through the petition, ordered the arrest of the suspects for investigations and possible prosecution.

When we visited Area D Police Command, Mr. Oko and Sunola were still at the Command writing statements in connection with the alleged abduction of the kids.

Mr. Okoro in a petition to the police had alleged that the suspects conspired, targeted and abducted the victims from their school bus before they were frustrated by the residents, the kids were later freed and taken to their house as their parents had gone to work. Okoro claimed that the abduction saga had seriously affected the children and that the suspects were not remorseful, rather they were boasting that they had every connections to handle the matter and remain free.

The motive behind the alleged attempted abduction by the former bank manager was not yet known but the residents confirmed the incident. They however declined further comments to avoid being implicated in the whole saga.

The Area Commander could not be reached for comments as his known phone number said to be unavailable. However, a police source confirmed the arrest of the suspects and said that they have commenced investigations into the matter.

When it comes to making it into your 90s, booze actually beats exercise, according to a long-term study.

The research, led by University of California neurologist Claudia Kawas, tracked 1,700 nonagenarians enrolled in the 90+ Study that began in 2003 to explore impacts of daily habits on longevity.

Researchers discovered that subjects who drank about two glasses of beer or wine a day were 18 percent less likely to experience a premature death, the Independent reports.

Meanwhile, participants who exercised 15 to 45 minutes a day, cut the same risk by 11 percent.

“I have no explanation for it, but I do firmly believe that modest drinking improves longevity,” Kawas stated over the weekend at the American Association for the Advancement of Science annual conference in Austin, Texas.

Other factors were found to boost longevity, including weight. Participants who were slightly overweight — but not obese — cut their odds of an early death by 3 percent.

“It’s not bad to be skinny when you’re young but it’s very bad to be skinny when you’re old,” Kawas noted in her address.

Subjects who kept busy with a daily hobby two hours a day were 21 percent less likely to die early, while those who drank two cups of coffee a day cut that risk by 10 percent.

Further study is needed to determine how habits impact longevity beyond people’s genetic makeups.

For many years, servant of God who is the founder and spiritual head of INRI Evangelical Spiritual Church, Lagos, Primate Elijah Babatunde Ayodele, has been focusing his energy on providing help to uplift the poor as well as supporting the spiritual and pastoral work of even fellow pastors and churches outside his ministry.

A true prophet of God, Ayodele is ever untiring in his charity works as he says they are meant to not just restore hope in the lives of the less privileged but also to give the society hope and further the Church’s mission of spreading the Gospel far and near.

Wednesday, February 14th, 2018 therefore was another eventful date when the servant of God added a year and as usual, rolled out the drums to not just give thanks to God but share his joy in a remarkable way with his constituency; the poor.

Ayodele on that day extended humanitarian gestures to many, including members of his ministry, journalists, police, musicians, actors, two distinguished groups also rewarded him with two glorifying awards for his constant support toward the needy society.

Remarkably, Ayodele’s birthday falls on Valentine ’s Day known as ‘day of love’. That is another reason he says he goes all out for the yearly thanksgiving which spans seven days. In the 2018 edition tagged ‘Week of Appreciation and Total Transformation’, the servant of God gladly doled out more than N15 million worth of gifts and N5 million cash donations. Among the expensive gifts his church members were blessed with was Toyota SUV, Honda cars, a bus for the police, among other items. Forms were also presented to pilgrims to Jerusalem, while vocational tools were presented to the beneficiary.

A delegation from the Nigeria Supporters Club worldwide led by its president, Chief Rafiu Ladipo, decorated Primate Ayodele as the Club’s ‘Life Patron’, while the City People Media Group led by their chairman and publisher of City People magazine, Dr. Oluseye Kehinde, honoured Ayodele with a recognition award for his yet unmatched true prophecies. Dignitaries at the event include the representative of the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi; Hon. Bola Ilori, representing governor of State of Osun, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola; Fuji music star, Alhaji Sulaiman Adio ‘Atawewe’, who awed the audience with praises in Fuji tone and later presented forms for Mecca pilgrimage to the beneficiary.

St. Valentine’s Day may be over but there’s still more entertainment on GOtv all month long. From drama, romance, action, GOtv has got you covered!

This weekend, hard-hitting fast action movie franchise, Rocky will be showing on M-Net Movies Zone (channel 3). Rocky is Sylvester Stallone’s compelling portrayal of the rags-to-riches story of boxer, Rocky Balboa.

GOtv Max and Plus subscribers will have front row seats to Rocky V at 6:25 pm on Saturday, February 24. In the fifth instalment, Rocky discovers that nothing lasts forever in the emotional instalment, with himself and his son discovering that they must deal with bankruptcy and betrayal.

The action continues on Sunday with the touching sixth chapter, Rocky Balboa at 5:15 pm. A much older Rocky comes out of retirement to face the reigning heavyweight champ.

Meanwhile, on Fox (channel 19), the riveting series, The Walking Dead returns with a bang on Monday at 8 pm. Rick Grimes and his group of survivors were confronted with their deadliest challenge yet. With the comfort of Alexandria, they let their guard down, only to be reminded how brutal the world they live in can be. This year, Rick brings “All Out War” to Negan and his forces. The battle lines are drawn as they launch into a kinetic, action-packed offensive.

Subscribers can also enjoy the powerful and uplifting series produced by Grammy award winning rapper, T.I, Sisterhood of Hip Hop. This series follows the next generation of female hip-hop artists – Siya, Nyemiah Supreme, Diamond, Brianna Perry and Bia. These talented young rappers as live, love and work towards their dream of becoming the next big breakout star. Discovered and mentored by hip-hop icons, these creative and ambitious women are making it while breaking boundaries and defying doubters. Their rise to stardom airs on Monday at 6:10 pm on Fox Life (channel 20).

This week on DStv, History channel will explore one of rap’s world greatest murder mysteries in Who Killed Tupac? The programme will run at 7:15 pm on Wednesday.

Just before she died, Tupac Shakur’s mother Afeni, contacted her family friend and reputable civil rights lawyer, Benjamin Crump, with a plea to find out, once and for all, who killed her son.

In this six-episode investigative series, Crump treats the Tupac case exactly as he has treated other high-profile murder cases: He interviews witnesses (some who have never talked before), reviews the evidence and examines the many theories before arriving at most informed and definitive conclusion as to what happened and why. In each episode, Crump and journalist Stephanie Frederic (who has covered Tupac’s case since his murder), examine one of the key theories.

Also, on Wednesday at 8pm, Emmy-winner, Claire Danes, returns for the seventh season of Golden Globe-winning espionage, Homeland.

The acclaimed thriller, which shows on M-Net at 8pm, explores contemporary themes of American politics.

On Thursday, Little Women: Terra’s Big House premieres at 7 pm on Lifetime, while Question of Love premieres at 7 pm on the same channel. At the same time on TLC Entertainment, The 685-LB Teen will premiere. On Saturday, Thando Bares All will premiere at 7.55 pm on TLC Entertainment.

The entertaining talk show is hosted by Thando Thabethe and Carissa Cupido. It focuses on a range of issues faced by just about everyone in their lives. Sunday will be the turn of Rough Night at 7.30pm on M-Net. Others in the line-up are The Walking Dead, which shows at 8pm on Fox on 26 February; and Jamie and Jimmy’s Food Fight Club at 9 pm on BBC Lifestyle.

…Receives FIFA President, Secretary General, CAF President in Lagos

Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode on Monday evening said that the State has the capacity to host international football tournaments and use sports as a tool to showcase its rich tourism, hospitality and entertainment culture.

Governor Ambode, who spoke when he received the President of the Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA), Gianni Infantino and his team on a courtesy visit to the Lagos House in Alausa, Ikeja, said the population, soccer enthusiasm and the tourism potentials that abound in the State are indicators to the fact that the State has the enabling environment to receive any FIFA projects in Nigeria.

The Governor, while welcoming the choice of Lagos as the host city of the FIFA Executive Committee Summit, said it would present a great opportunity for the State to showcase its huge investment in football development especially for youths and women.

He also expressed confidence that the FIFA President and his team, after the visit, would consider Lagos favourably to host a FIFA competition, while also pledging support for events by the world’s football governing body.

“I want to say that we are so excited that Lagos is playing host to the FIFA Executive Summit, we would be the second African city that would be hosting this kind of meeting and we are excited that you decided that Lagos would host it.

“It is very important for us because soccer is big in Lagos and we are able to show you the kind of facilities and things that football can actually do to us as a nation. I believe strongly that your hosting this meeting in Lagos portends greater potentials for us in Lagos; we are very strong on youth development and youth soccer development and also soccer development for women.

“I believe as you decide tomorrow and then days after on where you intend to put your projects, Lagos stands to welcome all the projects of FIFA. We have the population, the enthusiasm and we also have the tourism potentials to actually receive any FIFA projects in Nigeria,” Governor Ambode said.

Besides, Governor Ambode thanked Infantino for deeming it fit to select a retired Chief Judge of Lagos, Justice Ayotunde Philips as a member of the Ethics Committee of FIFA, saying that it was a testament to the State’s credibility.

“I want to personally thank you for selecting one of our retired Chief Judges, Justice Philips into the Ethics Committee of FIFA and that happens to be one of the most important committees in FIFA and I believe strongly that for us to have produced one of those members goes to show how credible that we can be in Lagos,” he said.

Governor Ambode who also spoke at the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF/Aiteo) Awards held at Eko Hotels and Suites, Lagos, said that partnering with the NFF for the hosting of the award was also a privilege to showcase the Lagos as the emerging sports hub for Africa.

“What we are saying to the world through these partnerships and our other sports programs like the Lagos City Marathon, International Table Tennis Federation Nigeria Open, the Lagos International Sports Classics in Squash Racquet, Badminton and Taekwondo is that Lagos is ready to host the world; and use sports as a tool to showcase our rich tourism, hospitality and entertainment culture,” he said.

While wishing the FIFA delegation a successful execution of the World Cup scheduled to hold later in the year, Governor Ambode expressed optimism that the Super Eagles of Nigeria could spring surprises and emerge winners of the biggest soccer fiesta.

Earlier, the FIFA President said he was in Lagos with his team, not only for the FIFA Executive Committee Summit, but also to discuss with the NFF on the possibility of developing some projects in the country.

He commended Governor Ambode for his administration’s investment in the development of football, describing it as excellent.

“It is for me a pleasure and honour to be here today in Lagos to meet you; I know you are a great football fan. You’re more than a football fan, a lover of football and that’s why I needed the meeting to hold in Lagos.

“We are here on one side to discuss with NFF a few projects on Nigeria football and how we can work together with CAF as well to improve football, even though you don’t need it because your football is already excellent, but one can always try and do something more and other projects we would discuss with the Nigerian FA. In addition to this, I would like to thank you for welcoming us for the FIFA Executive Committee Summit,” he said.

Infantino who was accompanied by the Secretary General of FIFA, Fatma Samba Diouf Samoura and CAF President, Mr. Ahmad Ahmad said the Summit, which would bring on Tuesday, February 20, would feature top executives and General Secretaries from 15 to 20 Football Associations from Europe, North America, Central America and also Africa adding that it was part of FIFA’s new democratic system to discuss with stakeholders on the future of global football.

The Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, OSGF, in 2017 appropriated and claimed to have spent N65 million on its website.

A review of the 2017 budget performance of the OSGF revealed that N65 million was budgeted for the already existing website while the office claimed that N64, 855, 875, the amount released, had been fully utilised.

Quoted as ‘OSGF WEBSITE,’ the budget performance record remarked that the ‘procurement process is ongoing.’

The office of the SGF is currently occupied by Boss Mustapha who was appointed by President Muhammadu Buhari in October 2017. The office was formerly occupied by Babachir Lawal who was sacked after President Buhari adopted recommendations of a report of a panel headed by the Vice President, Yemi Osinbajo, which investigated allegations against Mr. Lawal who was suspended for months.

We could not ascertain which of the two government officials executed the project.

Appearing before the Senate committee in January 2018 to defend the 2017 budget performance, Mr. Mustapha said the office received 50 per cent of its appropriation for capital projects.

“Performance for capital is N1.2 billion released as at end of December, 2017. It represents 50 per cent. We are hoping that the National Assembly will extend the lifespan of the budget so that we can handle other procurement processes.

Apparently, the fund release for the website is one of those captured in Mr. Mustapha’s 50 per cent but the cost and execution of the project left more to desire.

Spokesperson to Mr. Mustapha, Mohammed Nakorji, when contacted, declined to answer questions on how the fund was disbursed.

“I’m not an accountant please,” he snapped.

Meanwhile, technology experts say the claim was suspicious and impossible.

After a review of the website, communications officer of Paradigm Initiative Nigeria, PIN, Sodiq Alabi said the claim that N65 million was spent on the website looked ‘very impossible.’

“We have reviewed the website, it is simply shocking that N65 million was spent on the website. It’s implausible,” he said. “OSGF must provide more details on what they did with the money. The website has no special features to justify more than a million naira budget.
A screen shot from the website. [Photo credit: Www.osgf.gov.ng]

“It doesn’t look like they are even updating the website. The copyright is 2013. It looks very impossible and suspicious. At least the SGF office should tell us what they did with the money. They should tell us what they did with the money so that Nigerian tax payers’ mind can be at rest.”

Cheta Nwanze, Head of Research, SBM Intelligence, after a review of the website, said the N65 million could never be justified.

He said: “The website was built using the Joomla CMS, which is a free content management system. All of the media is hosted on YouTube, which is an external server. It uses Google Hosted Libraries for its content distribution. No way can it cost ₦65 million, unless I heard you wrong.”

He said the maximum cost for such a website would be $105 per month.

“Depending on the hosting package, $100 per month can get you a very good hosting plan. If you insist on using Google apps to host your emails and documents, that’s $5 per user per month. So you can do the maths.”

Source: PREMIUM TIMES

As the national leader of the All Progressives Congress, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, begins to reconcile warring sides in the ruling party, his wife, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has decried that her husband was “trashed” after the party won the 2015 elections.

President Muhammadu Buhari had mandated Tinubu to reconcile aggrieved party members ahead of the 2019 general elections, an assignment the former governor of Lagos State has since begun.

But his wife, who is representing Lagos Central Senatorial District at the Senate, on Monday featured on Your View, a breakfast show of Television Continental, where she alleged that Tinubu was sidelined despite his efforts towards ensuring that APC won the polls.

Mrs. Tinubu, who disclosed that she was forced to discourage her husband from his continued loyalty to the Presidency and the APC, said the party leader was always harping on the development of the country.

She said, “He was campaigning, I did too. We were running three campaigns in my house. And for him to be trashed like that? But I saw somebody who has love for this country. I hate to speak because when I stand in the front of God, I don’t want, because of this man, go to hell.

“Occasionally, I would chip in and I would say, ‘You’re still helping out? Why are you helping out?’ He would say, ‘This country matters to me more.’”

Wife of President Muhammadu Buhari, Aisha Buhari, had lamented that those who worked for her husband to get into power had been sidelined in the scheme of things under the current administration.

Mrs. Tinubu however pointed out that despite that the Buhari-led administration was now under massive criticisms, the President remained “the candidate to beat” in the forthcoming poll.

She said, “Change takes only one person to champion. And you need leadership. For me, Buhari is still the candidate to beat. Leadership is inspirational. Management is technical. If you have all the degrees and you’re smart and savvy, it is not about leadership. How many people are you inspiring?

“And Buhari, how many years has he been there? I am not campaigning for him. I am not; because I have looked at the dynamics; the poor still trust him. I will tell you: when it comes to integrity, Buhari has it. I don’t know about now.”

A Businessman, based in Markurdi, Benue state, Mr. Rapheal Ogugua, on Friday received the star prize of a Hyundai Accent car during the Season 9 DiamondXtra regional prize presentation ceremony held in Umuahia, Abia State.

Speaking, shortly after the presentation, Rapheal told pressmen that he has been a long time customer with Diamond bank. In his words…’ When I was initially contacted and informed that I had won a new car, I couldn’t believe it. It didn’t make sense to me. I thought it was a scam, until last Friday, when I saw the car at the official presentation ceremony here in Umuahia. I am very grateful to Diamond Bank for this reward,”

Head, South Directorate, regional Businesses, Diamond Bank Plc, Nkem Okoro, said that the DiamondXtra account is open to both existing and potential customers of the bank. He revealed that a deposit balance of N5, 000 (five thousand naira) qualifies a customer to participate in the draws while a multiple of that amount increases the customer’s chances of winning.

Diamond Bank has set aside a whopping N433 million as the total prize money to be won in its Diamondxtra Season 10 reward scheme which kicked off in January, 2018. The prizes for this year has been increased by 20 per cent to give more customers the opportunity to win in the monthly and quarterly draws, said Osita Ede, Head, Mass Market Segment, Diamond Bank Plc.

“DiamondXtra Season 10 is a testament of how people’s lives have changed. Now it is possible for someone to win salary for life. It is bigger than ever before and the Bank has given out over N5 billion and this year we are giving out 20 per cent over what we have been giving” he said.

He also revealed that winners are expected to emerge from all the geopolitical zones in the country.

Of all the winners that are expected to emerge from the draws and rewarded in the season, one customer will win the star prize of salary for life and 10 customers will be rewarded with N1 million every month in the monthly electronic draws.

“The DiamondXtra Season 10 monthly and quarterly draws are meant to reward our customers and give them the financial power to contribute meaningfully to the growth of Nigeria’s economy. The draws scheduled for this season reaffirms Diamond Bank’s commitment to financially empower more Nigerians by spreading the draws across the six geopolitical zones throughout the four business quarters of the year,” Osita concluded.

Other unique benefits that DiamondXtra customers enjoy, include earning competitive monthly interest on savings, lodgment of cheques and dividend warrants from other banks into the account for value, access to quality healthcare for just N6, 000.00 annually, Internet and telephone transactions and several other banking transactions on the Bank’s ATMs and other electronic channels.

By Prince Stanley U Okoroji

Charles Caleb Colton, a 19th Century English cleric, once said: “Custom is the law of one’s description of fools, and fashion of another; but the two parties often clash- for precedent is the legislator of the first, and novelty of the last. Custom, therefore, looks to things that are past, and fashion to things that are present”

Electoral politics in Nigeria always brings renewed clashes between the greats and party chieftains nationwide. These clashes are often founded on inherited legacy of prior clashes. At other times, they come as vendettas, reprisals or payback antics, especially when party chieftains and stalwarts step on toes of mighty opposites and on structures notch-marked by political volatility. The French all time Wit, William Shakespeare (Hamlet), noted thus: “Tis dangerous when the baser nature comes between the pass and fell incensed points of mighty opposites.”

There are times too, when the party chieftains, godfathers, comprador bourgeoisies, political plinths and stalwarts, as well as politicians aspiring for electoral and appointive positions clash because of difference in ideas and opinions. Yet, as Hubbard L. Ron would say, “ideas and not battles mark the forward progress of mankind.” Vying for electoral politics in Nigeria has since gone beyond political parties seeing themselves as family and thus packages their resources in marketable platforms and then campaign, as it is in the United States.

One major problem the multiparty system (as operated in Nigeria and especially in Igboland) has is the inability to manage the influx of human leadership-resources flooding the parties. Elections and politics more than every other thing, bring together State’s mightiest, who instead of brainstorming how to reposition the society, clash in opinions, interests, choices and visions, and often go gaga in image-assassination through paymasters and hired assassination like OGB received in Imo State years past. Their coming together ought to be for unravelling the basic socio-economic trends and problems in their society, how the party manifestoes ought to accumulate the societal challenges, which candidates have best desirable qualities that suit the demands, and how to market the packaging before the electorates.

Instead of the above, Nigerian politicians embark on life-leadership plots, lineage and in-group leadership installation, cabalism and turning State politics into a fiefdom, and thus the resultant State’s economy their vassals. In Imo State for instance, electoral politics is not only a do or die affair, but an ‘I’m born and doomed to rule’ one. Who vied and failed must head to the tribunal to make impact and must vie ad infinitum or sponsor job-breakers for perceived foes, and thus becomes not an opposition that checkmates excesses of the rulers, but forms his exclusive in-group. Who vied and won, must win in everything, and carry all the booties of the war home, to his cronies, in-group and cabals, and thus sees the failed co-contestants as out-group and insignificant fellows.

In this season in Imo State, where two politicians clash and fight to finish with their structures and antics, the reason must be clash of party ideas and choices. But as Lady Bird Johnson said, “the clash of ideas is the sound of freedom” and Adlai E. Stevenson adds, “freedom rings where opinions clash.” The Imo APC and APGA today have fallen not only into clash of titans, but clash of ideas, opinions, choices and of mighty opposites.

Though plurality of electoral aspirants makes for party consolidations, but it is highly inimical when the party leadership and apex plinths go egoistic and lord over others their personal ideas and choice of candidates. If partyism in Imo State is seen in family-model, why would an outgoing Governor embark on nomination and anointing a candidate as his choice, even provisionally? Oh well, why wouldn’t he! Has he not studied the disunited fronts of both Owerri and Okigwe zones’ politicians and thus profits from their extreme selfishness than group synergy to make the Imo West senatorial (Orlu) zone the Imo State Hausa/Fulani in Nigerian politics?

Has Owerri zone’s gubernatorial aspirants in the State galvanized their political human resources into harmony in order to achieve their desire to ensure the restoration of the equity charter in the State, which has been disrupted for ages now and thus set them at the edge in apex leadership in Imo? In APC, Owerri zone has as seriously minded guber aspirants, the likes of: Eze Madumere, Jude Ejiogu, Chima Anozie, Jerry Chukwueke, Chuks Ololo, etc. In APGA, there are the likes of Frank Nneji, Humphery Anumudu, Senator Bright Nwnanne, Hon Daniel Kalu, Okey Eze, etc. The PDP has Athan Achonu, Emeka Ihedioha, Jude Njoku, etc.

Has Okigwe zone harnessed their house to ensure that their agitating restoration of equity charter in State apex leadership be achieved? Okigwe zone’s APC has the likes of: Rt. Hon Acho Ihim, Senator Ifeanyi Araraume, etc. In the PDP, there is Chief Ikedi Ohakim, etc. In APGA, there is Ike C. Ibe, etc. Among these candidates, the principle of feasibility and marketability should be matched with the trends of events, political tempo and possibilities before party primary voters.

Each of these aspirants goes on his own way, each being considered as enemy of the other and a challenger. In APGA, there are such mighty weights as Frank Nneji, Ike C Ibeh, Okey Eze, Humphery Anumudu, Linus Okere, Daniel Kalu. All are interested in their personal campaign organisations and divided structures. Who will go and the other not go? ‘To be or not to be, that is their problem.’ The party booms with resources difficult to harness and pilot to common goal-hunt.

In APC, the worst stands. There are internal polarisations and renewed intra-party fracas. There is still the Onongono syndrome, Agenda syndrome, Rescue Mission syndrome, APGA slide-off camps, CPC and ANPP extensions, the Governor’s Generals circle and Okorocha close confidants sector. There is also the Concerned APC Stakeholders who are now the only trustworthy camp in the party that tries to harmonise all into one aim and family. There may be soonest clashes between Okorocha’s Generals and close confidants, with the rest of the party.

To achieve the desired goal, which is the restoration of the distorted equity charter in the State, and to present as party flag-bearer a marketable candidate who has what it takes to take Imo State to desired visions, there has to be urgent house harmonisation that eschews rancour and greed in Imo APC and APGA. The PDP in Imo at present purports a more harmonised and better focused centre than APC and APGA.

Virtually all the vying aspirants in APGA and APC have gone solo to their campaign offices in wait of tomorrow and the D-day. They are like introverts to each other. And as Adam S. McHugh once said, “When introverts are in conflict with each other… it may require a map in order to follow all the silences, nonverbal cues and passive-aggressive behaviours!” It takes the party leadership and house-reforms to harnessing these silently clashing chieftains. As William Shakespeare’s King in Hamlet said, “Madness in great ones must not unwatched go.” When the political titans clash, their structures and thus followers suffer and defect to nearest parties for accommodation.

Prince Stanley U Okoroji write from Imo State, (08064378213)

…Cite infrastructural development, giant strides in key sectors

…Endorsement‘ll spur me to do more for Lagosians, says Gov

Members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the House of Representatives from Lagos State on Saturday endorsed the State Governor, Mr Akinwunmi Ambode for a second term in office, citing the massive infrastructural development and giant strides in all sectors and sections of the State.
The APC Caucus in the House led by the Majority Leader, Hon Femi Gbajabiamila, who presented a letter to the Governor at Lagos House in Alausa, Ikeja asking him to re-contest in 2019, said the decision to unanimously endorse Governor Ambode for a second term was as a result of his brilliance performance in office in the last two and half years.
Speaking to Government House Correspondents after a closed-door meeting with the Governor, Gbajabiamila said the lawmakers were indeed proud to associate with the achievements of the Governor so far, and would be supporting him all the way for another term in office.
“We are members of the House of Representatives APC Caucus from Lagos State. We all came into Lagos today to perform a very unique and sacred duty; something we did not take very lightly at all; something we deliberated over a couple of days ago and we spoke with one voice.
“Because of the giant strides of our amiable Governor, Mr Akinwunmi Ambode in the last two and a half years in governing the State; because of the things he has done across board, across all the Local Government Areas, across different sectors, we sat together and we decided without a dissenting voice to seek his audience and endorse him for re-election in 2019 as the Governor of Lagos State,” he said.
The House Leader, who described the endorsement as history repeating itself as the Caucus was the first to endorse the Governor for election in 2015, said it was instructive that there was not a single dissenting voice in the decision to support Governor Ambode for re-election.
“This is a very unique occasion because we have said all we need to say behind closed doors but they are worth repeating. Ordinarily, some of us have been in this business for long time and when you have endorsements, there are always dissenting voices maybe one or two but among every single member, there was not one dissenting voice and I think that is very important.
“So, we are here today as stakeholders across all the Local Governments and federal constituencies of the State to present a very unique letter to our Governor seeking for him to run again in 2019. We will give him unflinching support and have him re-elected overwhelmingly as Governor in 2019,” Gbajabiamila said.
He urged the Governor to see the endorsement as a call to do more for the people of the State come 2019.
Responding, Governor Ambode thanked the federal legislators for the honour done to him, saying that the endorsement would spur him to do more for the people.
“I am greatly humbled to receive the APC Caucus in the House of Representatives from Lagos State. I am more delighted that this word of encouragement by way of this letter is to inspire me further to continue to render service to the good people of Lagos. I want to thank you so much for the honour you have done me; I receive it with all humility and I pray that God gives us the grace to actually honour all the letters and the words in this message,” Governor Ambode said.

Balarabe Musa, a former governor of Kaduna, says the presidency should be donated to the Igbo in 2019.

In an interview with The Sun, Musa said it would be a donation because those elected into the office of president “have nothing to do with the votes of the people”.

The former governor said the south-east has not produced a president because the Igbo bourgeoisie are more competitive than that of the north and south put together.

“The north has been in power for so many times. Even out of 10 former presidents, I think seven are from the north, one from the south-west, and one from south-south, and none from the south-east, why none from the south-east?” Musa asked

“It is because of the fear of northern oligarchy and the south-west bourgeoisie, because the Igbo bourgeoisie is republican and more competitive than the northern and southern bourgeoisie? Why not comply with national character and donate the presidency, because it is a donation, this time to the Igbo. It is donation because it has nothing to do with the votes of the people.

“Igbo are more Nigerian than the north or south-west in terms of their commitments to the unity of Nigeria. And this is right from 1950s. They are more committed to the Nigeria project. Let’s even talk of tribe; the Igbo are more committed to national unity.

“The Igbo are more competitive than the Hausa and the Yoruba. The Hausa and Yoruba bourgeoisie are afraid of this, in particular when there is so much to share in Nigeria. They are afraid of the Igbo because they are not competitive. Igbo are more competitive because they don’t have inhibition.”

He also described the letters by ex-president Olusegun Obasanjo and Ibrahim Babangida, former military president, to President Muhammadu Buhari as “stupid”.

“Nobody should be deceived. They have not performed better than Buhari. In what way have any of them performed better than Buhari. In fact, you can say Buhari is less exposed to so many things like corruption and so on,” Musa said.

Linus Umunna

There is every chance that we all have friends or acquaintances, who are convinced they have a divine warrant to tell us how a piece of music should make us feel. Those so persuaded ignore the fact of differences in tastes and orientation. As a rule, they consider their own tastes divinely-approved, not personal preferences. They are the moral brigade. I was not surprised to see members of the brigade back on the podium immediately the hit show, Big Brother Naija (BBN), returned on 28 January.

They are easy to spot. They lurk on internet discussion forums or take spaces in the print media, acting like magistrates with the power to tell others what or what not to watch on television and what show sponsors should put their money on.

The BBN, without fail, gets the moral brigade into fits of red-eyed rage and on the same limp arguments. In an article, Big Brother, Small Minds, published by Daily Trust on 13 February, one Eugene Enahoro, blamed virtually all the challenges of Nigerian youths, including unwillingness to launch street protests at every opportunity as well inability to dislodge older politicians from the scene and establish a “youthocracy”, on BBN. The view is not original to him. I have seen people blame the English Premier League for Nigerians’ reluctance to make bonfires and block the roads for fun. I consider this an insult. Young Nigerians have participated in many protests and keep doing so since BBN and the English Premier League started airing in Nigeria.

The BBN, according to Enahoro, “is a clear example of the idleness, lack of focus and intellectual poverty amongst our youth”. He claimed that when the show debuted years ago, “those who watched it were written off as people who have nothing to do, watching other people doing nothing!” Perhaps, he was talking about himself and his ilk. I know many people, who watched and were mightily entertained (their right). Social media platforms also provide an uncomplicated indication of how much interest viewers have in BBN. Further proof of that is the return of the show with other editions. Had it been rejected by the audience, the show would have been ditched after debut.

These days, claimed Enahoro, housemates do nothing other than engage in “in immorality of the highest order and discuss the most mundane unintelligent issues.” I am yet to see hardcore porn on or naked violence on BBN. A few indiscretions, maybe, but I strongly suspect that the writer knows that the BBN House is not a monastery and the show is unscripted. I am equally aware that no one is forced to watch. And very importantly, those who consider goings-on in the house unsuitable for viewers of certain ages should take advantage of their education and use the time and channel blocking features available to prevent access. Those features are not decorative in purpose.

If the writer wants activism-oriented reality show, one drenched in Marxist rhetoric and Bob Marley’s “Stand Up, Get Up” playing relentlessly as the soundtrack, he should come up with an idea and pitch it. Intelligence, it must be made clear, is not exclusive to politics and activism. Both platforms, DStv and GOtv, on which BBN is aired, offer programming for diverse tastes. They include news, movies, sports, religion and general entertainment. Simply take your pick and as they say on the street, “eat the rice and leave the stones”.

It is curious that the writer can describe a show that guarantees the winner N25million and a brand new SUV as one with no real value. Well, it has monetary value. More than that, it has career advancement value. The careers of some of the previous housemates have been helped by their participation. Bisola Aiyeola, the first runner-up at last year’s BBN attended the 72nd United Nations General Assembly in New York as an Ambassador of One Campaign Initiative, which advocates improvement of access to and quality of education for girls in Nigeria, especially in the Northern states.

This followed her winning presentation on BBN, where she highlighted the barriers to girl-child education in Nigeria. In any language, what she did would spell “seminal”, a word the author may not be familiar with. She has also featured in a number of television commercials and is a celebrity, facts that obviously leave the writer baleful. Uti Unachukwu cannot be said to have been hurt by participation in BBN except in the mind of the author.

Enahoro wants the N25million for the winner of a Mathematics or essay competition. I concede to him the right to hold his belief. What I find unacceptable is that he thinks that knowledge in Mathematics (and you can add other subjects of study) is the only means of being useful in the society. This is not the case.

I do think every activity not deemed illegal is useful to the society. Jamaica is better known for its reggae and athletics icons than her poets and mathematicians. Brazil is better known for football than anything else. That is not saying that poets and mathematicians are inferior, but you cannot legislate preferences for people.

Education is fantastic, but if the writer is sufficiently educated, he would understand that education does not have one strain and is not restricted to school subjects. Interacting with people of different backgrounds and performing various tasks at a single location for three months must count as education and must be considered useful for personal development.

And for the authors’ education, some of the BBN housemates have second degrees. Many have first degrees. Branding them as unintelligent is reflective of the minds of the members of the moral brigade, not those of the housemates. And you can find intelligent people among those who have never worn academic gowns. BBN sponsors, MultiChoice, remain among the biggest investors in education through the MultiChoice Resource Centres in over 400 public schools across the country. This fact is well known to except to the moral brigade. The sponsors’ support for journalism in Africa and in Nigeria through the CNN/MultiChoice African Journalism Awards, in the author’s bizarre world, does not come across as noble. Presumably, the organization’s support for Sickle Cell Society Nigeria also counts as less than noble.

The author’s anger at the size of the cash prize on offer to the eventual winner is, to say the least, laughable. Top-tier actors, musicians, footballers and boxers, to name a few, earn more than professors, scientists or economists et al. That the chaps in the “noble” professions do not earn as much as those in the presumably less noble ones has nothing to do with how important their fields are to society. They are mightily important. The truth is that only the top actors, musicians, footballers and boxers are highly paid. The vast majority never get the jobs they seek. Very few top-tier scientists, educators, professors and economists are paid relatively little. Some turn their work into products and services that earn them eye-watering sums. Everyone’s remuneration is based on what someone is willing to pay them. They key is to find the right employer. Footballers get better paid than doctors because the clubs that pay their wages are not public corporations and they are ‘for-profit’ organizations. A footballer’s wages, for example, come from the deep pockets of a billionaire or a club with big-money sponsorship deals, massive ticket-sale and merchandise revenues as well as competition prize money intake. The author is unable to understand this, obviously.

You don’t want to watch BBN? Stay off it and stick to what thrills you. Others want to watch, deal with it.

Umunna writes from Port Harcourt

…Inspects road project



President of Dangote Group, Aliko Dangote has assured that the Apapa Port Wharf concrete road currently under construction by his company, AG Dangote would be delivered on schedule to save the people and businesses the hassles of the traffic gridlock being experienced now.

He gave the assurance yesterday when he visited the construction area in company with the Managing Director of the AG Dangote Construction Company, Mr Ashif Juma to assess the extent of work done.

The Apapa Port road which is the artery of the nation’s non-oil economy, has been in a state of disrepair over a long period of time with experts claiming that the nation is losing about N20 billion daily owing to the state of dilapidation of the road as imports are trapped in the ports for days as a result of traffic gridlock generated by the bad road.

Dangote Group, a pan African Conglomerate and a major stakeholder at the ports brokered a tripartite arrangement with Flour Mills, a leading Nigerian Food Company and Nigerian Port Authority, (NPA), taking over the road from the Federal Government and undertaking the reconstruction of the road into a lasting concrete pavement as part of their Corporate Social Responsibility.

The road construction in which both NPA and Flour Mills have financial outlay as their contributions while AG Dangote Construction, a subsidiary of the Dangote Group, is undertaking the construction, is to cost the three partners N4.3 billion

Dangote said the road will be completed in few months’ time and that Nigerians would be surprised to see the project delivered even before scheduled, saying efforts are being redoubled by his company to ensure quality job and timely completion.

According to him: by the time the road construction is completed, even some of the advanced countries would not be able to boast of the quality.”

He explained that what actually delay the take-off of the project was the gas pipeline that has to be relocated to pave the way for unfettered construction work “and having done that, you could see that the work is progressing at a very fast speed.”

The businessman while relying on the reports of the challenges encountered by the site engineers appealed to the authorities to help see to the disturbing issue of multiple check points being mounted by security agencies and which have been creating long queues of trailers and thus affecting free flow of work on the road project.

He also explained that his company has agreed with the federal government to do some palliatives on the Mile2 expressway road to ease the traffic congestion and ensure free flow of vehicular movement.

Dangote stated that the road was very strategic because Apapa and Tin Can Island ports handle about 80 per cent of the cargo that come into Nigeria and the condition of the road has made nonsense of businesses depending on the ports efficient operations.

He said that he more worried about the fate of small businesses and other port users that have imported cargo and whose charges are accumulating every day.

Mr. Juma took Dangote and his team round the construction area and showed him how they have been following the designs handed over to his company.

Speaking in similar vein, Group Managing Director of Flour Mills, Mr. Paul Gbededo said the three partners have shown how to be good corporate citizens saying by the time the road project is completed it would be one never seen before in the country.

The Economic and Financial Crime Commission, (EFCC), Ibadan Zonal office has arraigned one Adejare Sonde, a former banker with First City Monument Bank (FCMB), for stealing N124million.

The ex-banker was arraigned before Justice A. A. Akinyemi of the State High Court sitting in Abeokuta, Ogun State on a twelve – count charges bordering on stealing, forgery and uttering yesterday.

The defendant however, pleaded not guilty to the charges preferred against him.

The prosecution counsel, Cosmos Ugwu prayed the court for a trial date and urged the court to remand the defendant in prison custody.

While, counsel to the defendant, E. E. Jacob informed the court of a bail application already filed before the court. He thereafter prayed the court to allow the defendant remain in the EFCC’s custody pending the hearing of his bail application.

Justice Akinyemi therefore, granted the defense prayer and ordered that the defendant be remanded in EFCC’s custody pending hearing of bail application.

Adeyemi was said to have been arraigned following a petition from a Regional Compliance Head and Compliance Officer of one of the new generation banks (name withheld) alleging that the defendant, Adejare Sonde whilst still a staff of the bank and also an account office of a Microfinance bank suppressed and diverted the sum of One Hundred and Twenty Four Million Naira property of the Microfinance bank.

The petitioner also explained that Adejare as account officer of the customer allegedly collected cash from the Microfinance bank on several occasions totaling N124Million which were not credited into the customer’s account. Further investigations revealed that the defendant allegedly doctored emails which he sent to the microfinance bank as monthly statements of account meanwhile there was no remit in the account.

One of the charge reads: Adejare Sonde between March 2015 and February 2017 whilst a staff of FCMB PLC and the account officer of UNAAB Microfiance Bank Ltd Account No: 0725813014 domiciled at the UNAAB main campus branch of FUMB, Abeokuta, within the Abeokuta Judicial Division stole the sum of N54, 000,000.00 (Fifty Four Million Naira) only property of UNAAB Microfinance Bank Ltd.

And the other charge reads: Adejare Sonde on or about the 1st of July, 2016 whilst a staff of FCMB PLC and the account officer of UNAAB Microfinance Bank Ltd Account No: 0725813014 domiciled at the UNAAB main campus branch of FUMB, Abeokuta, within the Abeokuta Judicial Division stole the sum of N40,002,100.00 ( Forty Million, Two Thousand One Hundred Naira) only property of UNAAB Microfinance Bank Ltd.

The case was adjourned to Friday February 16, 2018 for trial and hearing of bail application.

The arraignment of a Retired Army General, Alhaji Abdul Rauf Tijjani before a Lagos High Court, Ikeja over allegation of robbery and attempted murder was stalled on Tuesday over his ill health.

67 Year-old Tijjani who is also a recipient of national award of Order of Federal Republic, OFR is standing trial along with one Akanni Suada over allegation of attempting to kill one Maria Febisola by shooting her with a gun.

The state further alleged that Tijjani and Suada whilst armed with a rifle, robbed Febisola of the sum of N2.5m, a hand bag containing some cash and jewelry worth N3m.

Alhaji Tijjani was also alleged to have unlawfully killed an unborn child by causing rupture of the foetus in the womb of one Abidemi Ahmed.

Part of the charge reads: ” Alhaji Abdul Rauf Tijjani, Akanni Suada on the 11th, October, 2013 at about 21:20hrs at No. 117 Akowonjo Road, Lagos, in the Ikeja Judicial Division, attempted to kill one Maria Febisola by shooting her with a gun.

“Alhaji Abdul Rauf Tijjani, Akanni Suada on the 11th, October, 2013 at about 21:20hrs at No. 117 Akowonjo Road, Lagos, in the Ikeja Judicial Division whilst armed with a rifle did rob one Maria Febisola of the sum of N2.5m, a hand bag containing some cash and jewelry worth N3m.

“Alhaji Abdul Rauf Tijjani, Akanni on the 11th, October, 2013 at about 21:20hrs at No. 117 Akowonjo Road, Lagos, in the Ikeja Judicial Division unlawfully killed an unborn child by causing rupture of the foetus in the womb of one Abidemi Ahmed.”

When the matter was mentioned, Tijjani’s lawyer, O.A. Afolabi informed the court that the defendant was rushed to the hospital yesterday after he slumped in prison.

Afolabi said, “My Lord, the prison warders informed me that the 1st defendant, Tijani slumped inside the prison yesterday and has been admitted at the hospital.”

“Since then, he is yet to recover fully in order to appear in court for his arraignment.”

Justice Oshodi adjourned the matter till March 19, 2018 for arraignment.

At an earlier proceeding on February 5, 2018, Afolabi had pleaded for bail for his client whom he said is a Retired General and an Elder Statesman.

The judge however turned down the request and ordered that the defendant by remanded in prison custody pending his arraignment.

In line with global best practice in the use of technology and automated solutions, the Lagos Internal Revenue Service (LIRS) has introduced recently an Electronic Revenue Assurance (ERA) System for Hotels, Restaurants, Night Clubs and Event Centres in Lagos State to elicit automatic compliance with the extant Hotel Occupancy and Restaurant Consumption Tax Law of Lagos State as amended.

The law imposes a 5% Consumption Tax on all expenditures made on products and services at the hospitality outlets in line with section 2 of the Hotel Occupancy and Restaurant Consumption Law of June 2009.

The ERA System ensures financial accountability and efficiency for collecting Agents, accurate deduction and automatic, transparent remittance of consumption tax as well as rewards for consumers.

Speaking on how the newly adopted technology works, Chairman of the LIRS, Mr Ayodele Subair, stated that the Electronic Revenue Assurance System using the Electronic Fiscal Device (EFD) is a software application/device that issues invoices and receipts to consumers bearing a unique QR code, detailing the items and/or services ordered and an embedded automation of Consumption Tax remittance in real time.

To protect consumers, payments and receipts generated will be tracked and monitored to verify the authenticity of receipts issued. We hereby implore owners of restaurants, hotels, nightclubs and event centres in Lagos State to embrace and comply with this new initiative not only because of the legal consequences of its violation but also for its mutual socio-economic benefits.

LIRS is determined to give back to loyal Consumption Tax payers who request for their receipts generated by collecting Agents with a reward scheme being put in place.

Reacting to the introduction of the ERA Solution to the hospitality industry, Mr. Rasheed, owner of Islanders Hotels & Suites in Lagos, agreed that the device would benefit consumers while providing an easier automated accounting solution for his business. The hotelier in his statement said “we have struggled with problems of accountability in our hotel in the past with some staff of questionable character pocketing money that should be coming to the hotel for themselves.

Once the ERA is installed in our hotel and with consumers requesting for their receipts through the platform, we will be able to keep an accurate account of dealings in our hotels and restaurants. More so, we will have no need to stretch our capacity in keeping records for the LIRS in order to avoid being shut down by the government for avoiding taxes since the device helps us remit Consumption Taxes automatically to the government as at when due”.

The 2nd Vice-President of Nigerian Bar Association, NBA Mr. Monday Ubani has asked the Federal Government to reconsider its position on Magu in the light of the recent court pronouncement which held that the appointment of the Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC is dependent on confirmation by the Senate.

Ubani in a statement on Monday insisted that in view of Justice John Tsoho’s pronouncement, the current acting-chairman of EFCC, Ibrahim Magu may not remain in office since the Nigerian Senate has refused to confirm him as substantive chairman of the commission.

Delivering judgment in the suit filed by one Oluwatosin Ojaomo, JusticeTsoho held that the nomination of any person for the office of EFCC Chairman, is “subject” to the ratification by the Senate.

The judge further interpreted the word “subject to” as used in the Act to mean “depending on”.

He further said “The Senate is thus conferred with authority to ensure the choice of only suitable and credible persons for the appointment to that office. The submission of the plaintiff however gives the impression that the senate only exists to rubber stamp the President’s appointment of a chairman. Such view runs counter to the proper intendment of Section 2(3) of the EFCC Act 2004 and is misconceived.”

The judge after making the pronouncement however surprisingly struck out the matter for lack of locus on the part of the Plaintiff.

Speaking on the issue which has been generating a lot of controversy, Ubani who is an ardent supporter of President Muhammadu Buhari and Ibrahim Magu stated that Justice Tsoho’s pronouncement remains the law on the issue of Magu’s fate as EFCC Chairman until any other superior court says to the contrary.

He pointed out that the fact that the matter was struck out does not in any way nullify the pronouncement of the court.

“It is important to point out that despite the fact that the matter was struck out by the judge on the issue of locus, the court reached a decision on the issue referred to it for determination and the ratio of that decision is that the appointment of Magu as Chairman of EFCC is subject to confirmation by the Senate and confirmation implies whether acceptance or rejection”.

“This decision can be upheld and affirmed or reversed on appeal but until it is reversed, it remains the decision of the court today in Nigeria,” he said.

Ubani however queried the decision of the judge on the issue of locus, but commended him for adopting the judicial practice commonly applied by most judges on similar issues before them.

“The practice adopted by our judges nowadays is to decide the entire case on its merits as well as rule on the issue of jurisdiction leaving it for the appellate courts to correct if they are wrong both on their decisions on substantive matter and on jurisdiction”.

“By that practice the courts in Nigeria are actually being sensitive to the desire of Nigerians to hasten the course of justice in our country rather than the perennial delay of trials and proceedings that have been our lot and which has given our judiciary bad reputation”.

“Surprisingly it is our activists who ordinarily have been lamenting on the delays in our judicial system are the ones deploring this procedure, and I cannot understand why it is so. It is indeed a good procedure that should attract commendation from those who desire quicker dispensation of justice in our nation”.

“It is sad that Justice Tsoho was of the view that a “lawyer” who ordinarily should stand for due process and upholding of the rule of law does not have “locus” to initiate a public interest matter that touches on the interpretation of our constitution and an enactment of our legislature. The matter is on appeal and we hope that this decision will be looked into critically and a position reached which makes room for liberal legal policy in the matter of “locus” on public interest litigation”.

Ubani went on to advice government on the possible option available to it where it appears that the country’s legislators have possibly acted not in the best interest of the country in rejecting a suitably qualified candidate for public office.

‘In view of the peculiar situation, this government finds itself, my advice is this: A written protest from the president to the legislators with a possible replacement. Examples abound in American history where Presidents like Presidents Washington, Andrew Johnson, Bush and even Obama had their nominees rejected by the Senate. They replaced those nominees with protest letters to the legislators.

“Seek for a judicial interpretation if the Executive feels strongly that the legislators have acted way above their powers (ultra vires) in rejecting the nominees, at least we saw it in the recent case of Mr Oluwatosin Ojaomo, a lawyer whose case before the Federal High Court had prompted this discussion.

“And finally seek patriotic and alert electorates who will use their voting power to chase out of the legislative chambers those they consider as “less patriotic legislators” whose stomach is their God and who do not consider national interest in carrying out their sacred national duties.

“The above is what the country and its citizens can do if they are unlucky to be “blessed” with less patriotic legislators.

Ubani warned that the country and its citizens should not call for disobedience to the institutions created by law, including insisting on disobedience to the rule of law which is an invitation to anarchy and destruction of a settled system that is not healthy for the country.

“This should not be the route to contemplate especially in a democracy,” he concluded.

Governor Seriake Dickson of Bayelsa State has affirmed that his administration has succeeded in laying a solid foundation for peace and development to continually thrive in the state.

Governor Dickson made the assertion on Sunday during a Thanksgiving service to mark the 6th anniversary of the restoration administration at the King of Glory Chapel in Government House, Yenagoa.
A statement issued by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Mr. Francis Ottah Agbo quoted the Governor as saying that, in spite of economic and political challenges, the administration has recorded appreciable progress in virtually all sectors of the economy.

He said in the last six years, the state government has been working tirelessly, in not only building infrastructure, but also providing quality education funding scholarships of Bayelsans and scholars drawn from Ijaw communities outside the state .

Commenting on the achievements recorded in the health sector, Governor Dickson said the health insurance scheme has recorded over a billion naira and urged those in the public sector to keep subscribing to the programme.

He thanked the people for their support over the years and urged them to pray ceaselessly for peace and stability of the state and country.

His words: “The past 6 years have been very eventful. There have been a lot of challenges, trials and temptations and also recorded a lot of victories to the glory of God.”

Working together in spite of all trials, distractions, especially economic challenges, we now have the best public schools and institutions. We started universities afresh and opening up the frontiers of education which is the cornerstone of a lasting legacy.”

In a sermon, Rev. Emmanuel Ogiemudia declared 2018, as a year of grace and prosperity upon the people of state.

Rev Ogiemudia emphasized the need for people to respect those in authority, if they must succeed in life.

Intercessory prayers were offered for the three arms of the government, the people of the state, as well as success of the activities of the anniversary programme. The Thanksgiving was attended by the state First Lady, Deputy Governor, the Speaker, Chief Judge, service commanders, Traditional Rulers, lawmakers, members of the state Executive and top government functionaries.

Some of the most renowned indigenous and international polo teams are set to convene in Lagos, Nigeria to compete for highly coveted trophies in the 2018 Lagos Int’l Polo Tournament. Sponsored by leading African Financial Institution, Guaranty Trust Bank plc, the competition will see both Nigerian and foreign teams compete in four main cups, namely: the Silver Cup, Open Cup, Lagos Low Cup and Majekodunmi Cup.

Over the years, GTBank has been at the forefront of supporting Polo; widely revered as the Sport of Kings, and promoting the Lagos International Polo Tournament, which has hosted reputable personalities such as His Royal Highness the Prince of Wales. Played on the grounds of the Lagos Polo Club, Ikoyi, the premier polo club in the country, the tournamenthas featured polo greats like Alphonso Pieres, Gonzalo Pieres and Alan Kent, and promises to provide top class action and entertainment for all polo lovers.

Some of the players expected to light up this year’s tournament include Manuel Crespo, a seven-goaler from Argentina; South Africa’s Tom De Bruin +7; and Alfredo Bigati, another +7 handicap player from Argentina. Other professionals expected include Santiago Cernadas +6, Adamu Atta, Babangida Hassan, Bello Buba, Santiago Astrada +6, Diego Whyte and Martin Juaregi. Polo enthusiasts will also be treated to a variety of off-the-pitch activities ranging from thrilling performances by music stars to an exquisite experience at the exclusive GTBank Lounge where guests will be treated to epicurean cuisine and vintage wine.

Commenting on GTBank’s sponsorship of the 2018 NPA Lagos International Polo Tournament, Segun Agbaje, Managing Director of Guaranty Trust Bank plc, said; “We love the game of polo, the passion and the symbiosis between the players and their horses, but most importantly, we hold a strong affinity to the sport of kings because it reflects quality, competitiveness and fair play; some of the values that have made GTBank a Proudly African and Truly International Financial Institution.”

He further stated: “Our sponsorship of the 2018 NPA Lagos International Polo Tournament, which has grown over the years to become one of the most anticipated social and sporting events of the year, demonstrates our strong belief in the role of sports in developing and uniting our society.”

Guaranty Trust Bank plc is one of the few Nigerian financial institutions that have maintained a defined Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) strategy, most especially in sports education. The GTBank Masters Cup as well as the Principals Cup tournaments in Lagos and Ogun states are some of the projects the bank has taken up in this regard.

The TMTR Training Room, a skills-based, practice-led certificate-awarding institute commenced operations with a training programme for select journalists drawn from the print, broadcast and online platforms on Saturday, February 10, 2018.

It is run by Toni Kan and Peju Akande.

The programme focused primarily on equipping the participants with tools and insights to better understand the Cybercrimes Prohibition Act 2015 and how it affects their practice especially with the imminent 2019 elections.

The institute was conceived in January 2015 with the mission to evolve a teaching culture that will help train and empower practitioners who will change the creative industry for good by upholding the highest ethical and professional standards.

The inaugural programme also focused on the Fake News phenomenon that has taken the world by storm no thanks to the democratisation of access to the internet and the rise of social media. The programme provided insights to the legal pitfalls bedevilling the modern day journalist working at a time when the internet has enabled the emergence and growth of citizen journalists.

Facilitators included Peter Okwoche of the BBC, award winning writer Kaine Agary who is also co-founder of Takkai as well as Toni Kan Onwordi, award winning writer and PR maven.

A statement from TMTR said the institute hopes to provide their students with a space for learning new and enhancing old skills.

“Using a practical case study and scenario painting approach, students will interact with practitioners from whom they will gain new insights, learn new skills and discover new tools to navigate new landscapes.

“We will pursue a trajectory of instruction and learning that privileges the case study over the merely theoretical as a means of not just teaching but demonstrating how it has been done and how success has been achieved,” said the statement.

The vision of the founders is to become the training centre of choice and a reference point for the knowledge worker in Nigeria and ultimately across the world.

The TMTR Training Room is at “Angels and Muse,” 5 Sumbo Jibowu Street, Off Awolowo Road, Ikoyi, Lagos. Details of the institute’s activities can be found at www.thetrainingroom.ng.

Ecobank Nigeria Plc has failed to proceed with its defence when the suit instituted by Honeywell Group against the bank resumed Thursday February 8 at the Federal High Court, Lagos Judicial Division, Ikoyi.

Present at the hearing was Dr. Oba Otudeko, CFR and Chairman of the Honeywell Group, who appeared as a witness to Ecobank in the suit.

Otudeko was summoned by the Court, during Tuesday’s proceedings to give evidence in relation to the alleged N5.5 billion debt allegedly owed Ecobank.

In opening Ecobank’s defense, Mr. A. O. Divine, a Counsel from the firm of Kunle Ogunba & Associates, the Counsel to Ecobank, attempted to commence his defence by questioning the witness outside of the filed witness statement on oath as against the adoption of same contrary to the rules of the Federal High Court.

The counsel to Honeywell, Bode Olanipekun however objected to this line of question by arguing that Ecobank’s disregard for the procedures of the Federal High Court was wrong as a Witness Statement on oath sworn to by Dr. Otudeko was already before the court.

This was simply supposed to have been adopted in commencing its defence.

Upon listening to counsel for both parties, Justice Mohammed Idris ruled that cases are not opened through cross-examination but rather through examination in chief.

Justice Idris, quoted case law to the effect that “counsel’s unpreparedness cannot be tolerated or used as an excuse to delay proceedings”.

Consequent to this, the Court directed that Ecobank’s counsel should proceed with the examination in chief.

The matter subsequently took a dramatic turn when counsel to Ecobank, perhaps realising that his strategy would not work, informed the court that he had no further questions for the witness he had requested the court to invite consequent to which he invited the court to discharge the witness because he no longer wanted him as a witness.

Thereafter, Counsel to Honeywell sought to proceed with the cross examination of the witness, Dr. Otudeko. However, Ecobank’s counsel objected to the cross examination by Bode Olanipekun on the grounds that even though the witness statement was sworn to by the witness, the fact stated therein was not Ecobank’s narrative.

Honeywell’s counsel however said that argument was wrong, as according to him, the only statement on oath before the court was the one filed by Dr. Otudeko and that since Ecobank took the risk of inviting the Honeywell Group Chairman as a witness, the Bank must swim or sink with whichever testimony he gives.

Following the hearing of the arguments from both counsel, his Lordship, Justice Idris adjourned the matter for ruling on Wednesday February 14.

An environmental support services firm, Breval Tulip, has said that Lagos State Government will earn over N7billion annually from its proposal to the state on commercial waste bin branding.

Mrs. Busayo Binuyo, Executive Director, Corporate Services, Breval Tulip, said this recently during a presentation to the management of the Lagos State Signage Advertising Agency, LASAA on the untapped benefits of waste bin branding.

Speaking at the meeting, Mrs. Binuyo said her company is specifically focused on commercial and industrial waste bin distribution and branding and is hoping to help the state increase its internally generated revenue through branding of the waste bins.

She said that as an environmental support service company Breval Tulip focus primarily on industrial and commercial waste bin distribution and branding.

“This aspect of waste management in Lagos state is currently open to commercial operators and we are hoping to take advantage of this to contribute our quota to the vision for a cleaner Lagos.

“Currently we have over a million waste bins and dumpsters which we are ready to deploy exclusively to commercial and industrial areas. What we are offering specifically is a combination of hi-tech receptacles and revenue through branding.

“Our waste bin containers are made with environmental friendly and high density polyethylene to prevent degradation due to long exposure to harsh tropical weather. The containers are uniquely equipped with trackers to pin point their location and signal the appropriate waste disposal agency when they are full.

“Our bin bags come in different colors to enable users sort their waste into the appropriate bag. We believe that this will further help the state waste recycling programmes since the waste collected would have been sorted out by the users through our color bags. “

On the uniqueness of Breval Tulip waste branding model, she said what they have added to this spectacular waste bin prototypes is a branding opportunity.

“We are offering brand owners an unusual opportunity to reach their target audience by advertising their brands on our waste bins. We believe that this is an idea that will benefit users, brand owners and the state.