Anna Okon

The Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry has asked for collaboration with the Nigerian Stock Exchange as it seeks to promote private sector development and the advancement of the country’s economy.

The President, LCCI, Mr. Babatunde Ruwase, stated this on Monday when officials of the chamber paid a courtesy call on the NSE.

A statement quoted him as saying that the NSE and the LCCI were major stakeholders in the Nigerian economy.

Ruwase said, “We have a lot to do together to promote private sector development and the advancement of the Nigerian economy.

“We seek collaboration with the NSE in making this happen, especially in the mobilisation of capital for investors, particularly the indigenous ones. As you very well know, the costs of funds in money market as well as tenor of funds are not in tune with the yearnings of investors, especially those with a long-term perspective.”

He added, “This has constrained the growth of key sectors, including agriculture, manufacturing, property, construction and infrastructure. All these sectors need affordable long-term funds.

“The capital market window naturally provides the good option for funding of such investments. We will like to see a better impact of this funding window. There is also a need to collectively strengthen advocacy to make pension funds available for long-term financing needs of the economy.”

Ruwase, according to the statement, also sought collaboration of the NSE in exploring options of financing of small businesses, adding that in many other economies, the SMEs were critical to development.

“Funding the SMEs remains a major challenge in our economy. It has been difficult to unlock the potential in the sector partly as result of this problem,” he said.

The LCCI president also sought partnerships in the promotion of good corporate governance and scaling up of business ethics.

He expressed concerns over the deterioration of values of trust and integrity in business practices.

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Stanley Opara

The Securities and Exchange Commission has set up a committee to find out the reason behind the delisting of some firms listed on the Nigerian Stock Exchange.

The mandate of the committee is to find out why some companies have delisted and what can make others to delist.

“We want to know if there are regulatory issues; is it that they are having issues with compliance with our regulations? We have given the committee a mandate to come up with recommendations so that if we need to amend our rules to attract more listing, we will look at international best practices and do that. If we have to talk to other government agencies and stakeholders, we will equally do so,” the Acting Director-General, SEC, Mary Uduk, stated while commenting on the move.

The committee is also to drive advocacy and other activities towards increasing the number of listed companies on the various Exchanges in the country. It is to propose strategies to attract listings from target sectors, undertake relevant advocacy as well as other activities that may be relevant to the achievement of the mandate.

According to SEC, members of the new management team have worked in the commission for many years with experiences in different departments and aspects of the capital market.

“They have always been part of the commission’s efforts at improving investors’ confidence and implementing the Capital Market Master Plan,” Uduk noted.

She said the master plan would continue to be SEC’s working document as the commission would continue to implement initiatives that would promote investors’ confidence such as e-Dividend registration, direct cash settlement, dematerialisation, complaint management framework, financial literacy and the Investors’ Protection Fund, among others.

She stated, “In as much as the capital market will like to attract as many companies as possible, the decision to be listed rests with the individual companies. All we do is to encourage companies and let them see the benefits of being listed. However, all public companies, whether listed or not, are expected to register their securities with the commission.

“We also have rules stipulating that shares of public companies can only be transferred on SEC-approved trading platforms/Exchanges. Thus, even when a company delists, its shares can still be traded on an Exchange like the NASD OTC Plc.  In addition, the commission is liaising with the Corporate Affairs Commission to ensure that companies comply with registration of their securities and exchanging such securities only on SEC-approved platforms.”

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Ifeanyi Onuba, Abuja

Between July 2016 and April this year, the Federal Inland Revenue Service generated a total revenue of N9.76bn through the State Offices of the Accountant-General Platform.

The Executive Chairman, FIRS, Mr. Tunde Fowler, gave the figure during a presentation made to members of the Federation Account Allocation Committee at their meeting held to approve statutory allocation to the three tiers of government.

The SAG is a web-based solution designed to collect Value Added Tax, Withholding Tax and Stamp Duties at source from all state vendors.

It was made available to the states through the accountant-general’s office on July 1, 2016.

In the presentation, which was obtained by our correspondent on Monday, Fowler said currently, 31 states had enrolled on the platform and were actively using it.

He stated that five states had yet to be enrolled on the platform and they are Lagos, Niger, Kebbi, Rivers and Sokoto.

Giving a breakdown of the N9.76bn generated through the platform, the FIRS boss said N838.93m was collected in 2016, N6.08bn in 2017, while N2.83bn had so far been generated this year.

Further analysis of the N838.93m revenue figure for 2016 showed that N479.31m was collected as VAT revenue, while the balance of N359.62m came in through WHT.

For the 2017 revenue figure of N6.08bn, the FIRS boss stated that N3.07bn was earned from VAT, while WHT and stamp duty collections were put at N3.01bn and N252.4m, respectively.

For the first four months of this year, Fowler said N1.42bn was earned from VAT; WHT, N1.41bn; and stamp duty, N139.58m.

Fowler had last month, while speaking at the 13th General Assembly Meeting of the West African Tax Administration Forum, stated that through the deployment of Information and Communication Technology equipment, the service had been able to  fast-track tax payment compliance.

He had said, “In Nigeria, we have in the past two years taken the route of increasing the use of ICT in facilitating taxpayers’ compliance and introduced initiatives to improve inter-agency collaboration, all with a view to enhancing tax administration and reduce tax revenue leakages.

“Our efforts in this regard have made an impact and contributed to an increase in the taxpayers’ roll by an additional four million taxpayers.”

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Everest Amaefule, Abuja

The Nigeria Immigration Service has shunned an invitation from the Fiscal Responsibility Commission to appear before the commission in connection with the payment of operating surplus.

The Acting Chairman, FRC, Mr. Victor Muruako, confirmed this in a telephone interview with our correspondent in Abuja on Monday.

“We invited them but they did not come. They have not told us why they did not honour the invitation. We assume that something must have been responsible for their absence. We will give them another opportunity before we write our report,” he stated.

Muruako said there were important documents, including accounts, which the commission wanted the NIS to present in order to objectively determine what the service should pay into the Consolidated Revenue Fund as operating surplus.

At the first appearance of the NIS before the FRC earlier in the year, the commission had questioned the Immigration officials for their failure to produce audited accounts since it was included among agencies to pay operating surpluses into the Consolidated Revenue Fund in 2013.

At the meeting between the FRC and the NIS team led by the Deputy Comptroller General, Finance and Accounts, Mr. Nurudeen Graham, Muruako expressed regrets that the service had not been complying with the FRC Act, 2007.

The FRC boss said despite series of correspondence between the commission and the Immigration Service, the NIS had consistently failed to produce its audited annual accounts.

He added that it was not enough for an agency to pay ‘something’ into the CRF in the name of operating surplus, adding that the production of audited accounts was the only basis to determine what an agency should pay to the coffers of government.

Muruako stated, “All government agencies, one way or the other, earn revenues. Since the NIS has come under the Act, we deem it necessary to engage you directly. If you recall, Mr. President, in his budget speech last year, cried out that independent revenue was very low. He told the parliament that independent revenue fell short by 30 per cent.

“The Immigration Service has yet to be compliant with the FRC Act. We have tried to engage you through correspondence since 2013. You are not even one of the agencies that was recently added to the list. We used to have 31 agencies, but since the coming of the new regime, the President had directed the Minister of Finance to increase it. We now have 122 agencies under the FRA.

“We may not have the need to borrow if the government brings all agencies to pay operating surpluses. Government cannot be crying about funds when the MDAs make money and do not remit to the Consolidated Revenue Fund.”

Responding, Graham who represented the Comptroller General of the NIS, Mr. Mohammed Babandede, at the meeting said NIS had been paying operating surplus but regretted the inability of the organisation to present its annual report.

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Oladimeji Ramon

A report tagged, Malaria: Its Human Impact, Challenges, and Control Strategies in Nigeria, by Arese Carrington, described  malaria as one of the most serious health problems facing the world today.

According to the report, the World Health Organisation estimates that over 300 million new cases of malaria arise a year, with approximately two to three million deaths resulting from contraction.

It said, “Malaria is endemic in tropical Africa, with an estimated 90 per cent of the total malaria incidence and deaths occurring there, particularly amongst pregnant women and children.

Specifically, malaria is causing various problems in Nigeria. Malaria is the only vector-borne disease to be placed on the World Health Organisation’s Disability Adjusted Life Years list.

“It is important to look at health problems like malaria that grossly affect the morbidity and mortality rates, as well as the economy of a developing country, such as Nigeria. Nigeria has a population of about nearly 180 million people. A large percentage of the country’s population lives in extreme poverty in rural areas, without access to potable water and adequate health care.”

The report noted that Nigeria, a low-income country, saddled with a huge foreign debt burden, risked “sinking further into debt as it struggles with a sick populace whose good health is essential for its economic growth.”

It said though chloroquine had been known as the traditional drug for malaria treatment in the country, additional control methods must be employed with the increase in chloroquine-resistant malaria.

“A multi-dimensional approach should be used in the control strategy, such as good management of clinical malaria, the use of insecticide-treated bed nets, education and training programmes in malaria prevention, vaccine research and the use of insecticide spraying such as DDT on breeding sites.

“It is also necessary to explore the use of indigenous natural mosquito repellant plant species. Pharmaceutical companies should study local anti-malarial herbs to determine their efficacy on malaria and effective and safe dosages should be found.

“The answer to malaria control may lie within local communities. Policies pertaining to the use of impregnated (soaked in insecticide) bed nets would be doubly advantageous and economical in rural areas,” the report noted.

The report explained that the fact that pregnant mothers and infant children tend to sleep together was probably the reason they were the most susceptible.

Strategies to combat the scourge in the rural areas, it said, must include white-washing the walls of mud huts in rural areas to avoid attracting mosquitoes.

“Cracks and crevices where stagnant water can collect should be sealed. Partial funding for malaria control projects could be generated internally if the Nigerian government collects a levy from companies that are involved in activities that pollute the environment. Oil companies working in the Niger Delta areas, where there are many marshy swamps and a high prevalence of malaria should also be asked to contribute to a general malaria control fund,” the report stressed.

Malaria is caused by four different protozoa in the plasmodium genus: either Plasmodium Vivax, which is more prevalent in low endemic areas, Plasmodium ovale, Plasmodium malaria, and the Plasmodium falciparum, the most dangerous of the four.

The Plasmodium falciparum has a life cycle in the mosquito vector and also in the human host. The anopheles gambiae mosquito is the vector responsible for the transmission of malaria.

The prevalence of malaria is dependent on the abundance of the female anopheles species, the propensity of the mosquito to bite, the rate at which it bites, its longevity and the rate of development of the plasmodium parasite inside the mosquito.

When the female mosquito bites and sucks the blood of a person infected with malaria parasites, she becomes infected; she then transmits the parasites to the next human host she bites.

 Malaria incubates in the human host for about eight to 10 days. The spread of malaria needs conditions favourable to the survival of the mosquito and the plasmodium parasite. Temperatures of approximately 70-90 degrees Fahrenheit and a relative humidity of at least 60 per cent are most conducive for the mosquito. The development of the malaria parasite inside the mosquito is more rapid as the temperature rises and ceases entirely below 60 degrees Fahrenheit.

Increased rainfall and stagnant pools of water or surface water provide hospitable breeding grounds for the mosquito. It is important to understand how malaria transmission is affected using the “basic reproduction number.”

In an entirely susceptible host (non-immune) population from each primary malaria infection arises a varying number of secondary infections, referred to as the Basic Reproductive Number. That number is directly proportional to the populations’ risk for contracting malaria and can be increased by the following factors: an increase in the abundance of mosquitoes relative to the human population, an increase in the propensity of the mosquito to bite its human host, an increase in the proportion of the infective mosquito bites, an increase in the length of illness and an increase in survival rates or longevity of the mosquito

Risk control strategies

The report advocates that policy makers need to aggressively pursue malaria control strategies because malaria infections are attacking Africa’s most populous country, Nigeria, at an alarming pace.

According to it, factors that are also responsible for the increase in the resurgence of malaria must be addressed in malaria transmission control.

“These factors include the large-scale resettlement of people usually associated with ecological changes, increasing urbanisation disproportionate to the infrastructure, drug resistant malaria, insecticide resistant mosquitoes, inadequate vector control operations and public health practices,” it said.

It added that vector control was significant in the light of increasing drug-resistant malaria, as well as for cost-effective reasons.

 “Insecticide-treated bed net trials are being conducted in some parts of Nigeria and the results so far have been promising for the reduction in severity and prevalence of malaria in children.

“The cost effectiveness of using insecticide-treated bed nets in reducing pediatric admissions also reduces the personal costs that family and friends bear during a hospital admission.

“Such costs include out-of-pocket expenses, travel, family input into treatment, and productive time lost by mothers who have to take their children to the clinic or stay with them in hospital.

“A trusted method of controlling the mosquito is spraying breeding sites with insecticide such as DDT. Although some studies have reported the presence of DDT-resistant mosquitoes, it is still one of the most effective and economical forms of insecticide in the control of malaria. The use of DDT was partly responsible for the reduction of malaria in areas where it is now mainly eradicated.

Environmental laws are leading towards the total ban of the use of DDT. Due to its persistence in the environment and its effect on the ecosystem, it is regarded as a persistent organic pollutant. A total ban on the use of DDT, however, could prove disastrous to poor countries that still rely heavily on its use for malaria control. A more widely agreed upon solution is that there should be mass campaigns for education training in malaria prevention. In addition, research for a vaccine for malaria would be a noble gift to Africa and other areas where malaria is endemic and should be intensified,” the report explained.

It noted that at the April 2000 Malaria Summit hosted in Nigeria, a pledge was made by African countries to reduce or waive taxes and tariffs for mosquito nets, insecticides, anti-malarial drugs, and other tools used for malaria control.

“Since Nigeria is the most populous country in Africa, the success of its malaria control programmes will have a significant impact on the overall control of malaria in the region. Because a large proportion of the population in Nigeria’s rural areas lives in poverty, a control plan focused on those areas should be initiated,” the report said.

… as Ogun distributes 3.3 million insecticidal nets

The Governor of Ogun State, Ibikunle Amosun, says a state of emergency ought to be declared in the health sector, noting that no fewer than 300,000 people die of malaria in the country on an annual basis.

The governor noted that Nigeria accounts for 24 per cent of annual deaths due to malaria in the world.

Amosun said this on Monday during the inauguration of the Long-Lasting Insecticidal Nets Replacement Campaign of 2018, aimed at distributing 3.3 million insecticidal nets to households in Ogun State.

At the event, which held at Arcade Ground, Governor’s Office, Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta, the state capital, the Alake of Egbaland, Oba Adedotun Aremu Gbadebo, was decorated as ‘Net Ambassador’.

Amosun, who was represented by the Deputy Governor of Ogun State, Chief Yetunde Onanuga, said Nigeria must do more to combat malaria, given its population strategic position on the African continent.

The Minister of Health, Prof. Isaac Adewole, represented by the Director General, Nigeria Institute of Medical Research, Prof. Babatunde Salako, said the use of insecticidal net was still low in the country.

He, however, commended Ogun State’s Long-Lasting Insecticidal Nets Replacement Campaign, noting that the 3.3 million insecticidal nets to be distributed would make a huge impact.

The minister called on traditional and religious leaders in the state to team up with the government in the campaign against malaria.

Also speaking,   the Vice-President and Chief Information Officer of Catholic Relief Services, Mr. Karl Lowe, said the seriousness of malaria menace in Nigeria was reflected in the increasing deaths among children and pregnant women.

Lowe said efforts by Catholic Relief Services, with support from ‘Global Fund’, was yielding results as incidence of malaria dropped from 42 per cent in 2010 to 27 per cent in 2015.

Lowe said this reduction served as the encouragement for the international donor,   ‘Global Fund’, to approve the distribution of over 3.3 millions LLINs across the 20 Local Government Areas and 37 Local Council Development Areas of Ogun State.

The Alake testified that malaria had kept many citizens out of their jobs and had thus impoverished many.

The monarch urged the residents to come out for the collection of the nets in order to redeem their pledged of the cards being collected earlier in their various domains.

He urged them to ensure that the nets are used according to the instructions of the health educators across the state, especially the rural and remote areas where the scourge persists.

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Yinka Badejo

The Director of Academic and Planning, University of Lagos, Mr. Wale Okunuga, has described the forthcoming University of Lagos Research Conference and Fair as an initiative that will benefit small and medium scale industries.

He said this at a briefing held recently at the Senate Building of the institution in Akoka, Lagos.

Okunuga said, “Our drive is to reach out to industries and the SME groups in order to make them see how they could improve what they are currently doing. As a result of the vision of the vice-chancellor, we want to take our research outside the walls of the institute and sell what we have to the public.

“Most times, the industries want to stay where they are and likewise, the university. This has not helped the situation. This time around, we want to reach out to as many industries that are willing to partner with us for this particular conference.”

The Conference Planning Committee will hold its 13th Annual Research Conference and Fair between August 28 and 30 at the Jelili Omotola Hall on the university campus.

The conference themed, Resource Utilisation and Sustainable Development, will include the keynote and plenary lectures by invited speakers. The sub-themes will cover Future cities and Environmental sustainability, E-learning, Emerging Technologies and Robotics and Legal Issues in Resource Utilisation, among others.

During the briefing, the Chairman of the Conference Planning Committee, Prof. Abayomi Okanlawon, stated that that another aim of the conference was to rub minds and to bring the town and gown together.

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Friday Olokor, Jos

The African Capacity Building Foundation, an affiliate of the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, has donated an 80-seater Computer Based Test centre to the Public Service Institute of Nigeria.

The gesture is aimed at assisting the Federal Government, through the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, to inculcate transparency in the conduct of examination for public officers.

A statement issued on Monday by the Head of Media in PSIN, Ekaette Umoh, quoted the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Winfred Oyo-Ita, who spoke on behalf of President Muhammadu Buhari, as expressing appreciation to the BMGF for its interest in the nation’s public service.

Oyo-Ita said the donation would go a long way in building the capacity of the PSIN and actualising the strategic plan of her office.

She said her office was desirous of ensuring that all public officers imbibe efficient, productive, incorruptible and citizens-centred culture skills.

While commissioning the centre, she expressed optimism that the partnership would continue to a level that PSIN would become one of the foremost capacity building institutes for public servants in Africa.”

The Administrator and Chief Executive Officer of PSIN, Dr. Ganiyu Obatoyinbo, said the 80-seater edifice would, among other things, shorten the time frame used in conducting CBT centres for public officers.

He said, “With this facility, about 200 candidates can now sit for computer based test at once in the institute. This will lead to more transparency and enhanced integrity of our examination process. The ACBF-CBT centre will also promote e-governance through ICT training. The ACBF is helping to reposition the institute to achieve the mandate bestowed on it by building capacity.”

Obatoyinbo called on public servants and institutions to make utmost use of the centre to ensure adequate computer training and transparency in their recruitment and promotion exercises.

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Femi Makinde, Osogbo

The Olooni of Eti-Oni, Oba Dokun Thompson, has called on universities and other tertiary institutions to come up with research that can assist in adding value to food and cash crops produced in the country.

The monarch made this call during a lecture at the Faculty of Agriculture, Bowen University, Iwo.

The traditional ruler, who was the guest lecturer at the event, said that large quantities of farm produce in parts of the country were usually allowed to rot away, while smaller quantities were hurriedly consumed or exported as raw materials without any value addition.

Based on the huge waste usually recorded, the monarch said Nigerians should find a way to ensure that raw materials like cocoa, cashew and other crops are processed before being exported or consumed locally.

Oba Thompson, who is also the organiser of the annual Cocoa Festival in Nigeria,   said it would be futile for the country to strive to increase its cocoa production capacity without thinking of adding value to the ones produced in the country.

The king noted that Nigerians and the Federal Government should be concerned about how to add value to the cocoa produced in the country and even in other African countries

He said, “I was once asked my position on our cocoa production and that if it was possible for Nigeria to surpass Ivory Coast or Ghana in yearly output. My response was that if we had the right strategy in place, we should focus on adding value to every tonne of cocoa produced in Nigeria.

“By this act, we will make more money than what Ghana and Ivory Coast make from their raw cocoa beans. Since our population is huge, we can also consume what these countries produce.

“It appears that there is a wrong notion and a misplaced emphasis on export without critically looking at our domestic capacity, demands and needs which probably offer better overall benefits.”

To buttress his argument for value addition, the monarch said that while the prices of raw materials usually decreased, the cost of the finished products had always increased.

He stated that in 2016, the price of a tonne of cocoa was  $3,000 and that, in recent times, the price had come down to $2,000.

Thompson also noted that despite the crash, the price of a bar of chocolate was now more expensive than what it was when the price of the raw cocoa was higher.

“The global cocoa output is about $10,000 annually and West Africa produces about 75 per cent of that, which is about $7.5bn, but the value addition industry which produces  semi finished products, finished products, wholesales outlets and retail, is estimated to turn out about $200bn annually. This is the area where Africans and African countries are not looking at or trying to explore and exploit for the benefits of all,” he said.

The monarch stated that Nigeria needed to explore the opportunities in adding value to cocoa and other crops in order to maximise the benefits in the sector, instead of producing for other countries to reap.

Also, speaking during the Faculty Lecture, a Consultant in Human Capacity Development, Mrs. Mobolade Obileye, advocated youth empowerment as the way out of the present economic crisis in Nigeria.

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Akeem Lasisi

All is now set for the presentation of Budding Lily, a novel by Atinuke Adepoju, an entrepreneur who works with a bank.

The book published by Boox Bransador will be presented today (Tuesday) at the Kind Secretariat, Opebi, Ikeja, Lagos.

Budding Lily narrates the story of a young couple in the heart of Lagos, faced with childlessness and domestic violence in a society that lays emphasis on fertility.

Adepoju notes that the story of Lillian Badmus – the heroine of the novel – is not hers, but she was naturally inspired to write about domestic violence.

“I was inspired by God,” she says. “It is not from any personal experience; after all, I am not even married. I just ended up with the storyline.”

She adds that by 2011 when she started working on Budding Lily, she set it out as a short story. A friend, however, advised her to enlarge it, having read and observed its potential. The author was then in the final year at the Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba Akoko, where she obtained a degree in English Studies.

By 2013, she  had finished work on the manuscript.  She later uploaded the work on a platform online. According to her, the response she got from readers really encouraged her to publish the book.

The coast became clearer for Adepoju when, in recent years, more people began to talk about domestic violence.

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Akeem Lasisi

lasisienglish@gmail.com; 08163939335

Apart from tenses, which indicate the time of action in sentences, there are other elements that deserve attention in this regard. They include since, for, between and from. Although they all look common or sound simple, they harbour some problem areas. Consider the following questions:

… how long have you been using the pen?

(Since/For)

The Senator has been in detention …  Wednesday. (for/ since/from/ between)

You can see me between 4 … 5 pm.

(or/ to/on/and)

You would not appreciate how cunning the words are until you encounter them in a test like the above. Now, if you cannot easily  pick the correct answer for each question, it means that, like many other people, you are likely to have been mixing them up in speech or writing.

Among the four elements we are considering, for and since are more like bloody  rivals. They can really be confusing. To resolve this, simply bear in mind that while for tells the duration of an action or event, since indicates the beginning of it. In other words, while for tells you the time span, since indicates just the time it started:

Alex Ferguson managed Man U for 26 years.

Goodluck Jonathan ruled Nigeria for six years.

I have been working here for 10 years.

She oppressed her husband for five solid years.

Compare these to

Arsene Wenger has been managing Arsenal since 1996.

Goodluck Jonathan had been ruling Nigeria since the time his boss, the late Umaru Yar’adua, was sick.

I have been working here since 2008.

She has been oppressing her husband since 2013.

From the above examples, we can deduce that for works with the past tense:

I was there for three hours.

It also goes with present participle

She has taken care of the building for five months.

However, for does not accept outright present tense in the context under consideration:

Buhari is president for three years. (Wrong)

Buhari has been president for three years. (Correct)

When for is used in the present tense form, it can only make sense if it is intended to indicate a habit or the future:

I am always here for two days. (Always)

I am here for two days. (Futuristic, meaning I will be here for two days.)

Note that while since accommodates the past tense,  the present participle and past participle, it also rejects the present tense.

I started watering (not wetting) the grass since 6am. (Correct)

I have been watering the grass since 6am. (Correct)

I water the grass since 6am. (Wrong)

Between this and that

There is nothing much to say on between and from, other than to emphasise on the prepositions they select. A common error is to use to with between. No, to goes with from while and goes with between:

I was there between Monday to Thursday. (Wrong)

I was there between Monday and Thursday. (Correct)

Between 1960 to 1999, Nigeria experienced several coup d’états. (Wrong)

Between 1960 and 1999, Nigeria experienced several coup d’états. (Correct)

The market is shut from 10 am and 12 pm on Wednesdays. (Wrong)

The market is shut from 10am to 12 pm on Wednesdays. (Correct)

Fashola governed Lagos from 2007 and 2015. (Wrong)

Fashola governed Lagos from 2007 to 2015. (Correct)

Answers to last week’s assignment

1. I don’t like the — in which he spoke.

    (a) mannerism (b) MANNER (c) manners mannerlessness

2. “You have … to thank God,” the pastor told the woman.

      (a) cost (b) CAUSE (c) course (d) coarse

3. My concern is on the … of the programme.

     (a) sustainance (b) sustaning (c) SUSTENANCE

(d) sustained

Those who got all the answers right

Khaleed Tijani, Roland Olisa, Olaide Owomoyela, Egoma Ilokwu, Chima Nkemakolam, Kolawole Kareem, Akinyemi Taiwo, Emumwen Osazee, Eliom Iyo, Daramola Oloniruha, Nsebong Brown, Oladimeji Sunday, Mikairu G. Y., Peter Inyang, Gift Uturu, Ogunronbi Tolulope, Sunmonu Fasai, Fasasi Kehinde, Effiong Archibong, A. B. Adejumo, Onifade Abdu Rahmon, Bayo Adekoya, Rotimi Adeleye, Dania Aminat, Chukwudinka Alonge, Oladunni Akinyemi, Godwin Akpoghome, Emmanuel Odiete, Adegboyega Michael, Ifeanyichukwu Ibekwe, Rashedaat Zakariyau, Omirin Ayomipo, Oladipupo Mohammed, Dickson Ogala, A. T. Perepou, Chukwudi Iheanacho, IfeKristi Ayo-Obiremi, Adeniyi Gabriel, Leziga Mitee, Ademola Akingbade, Enyidiya Ekelemo and Josiah Abu.

Those who also did well

Chukwudi Uruakpa, Yakubu Suleman, Oludare Olufade, Emmanuel Oni, Asan Kafilat, Aremu Afolabi, Raheem Jimoh, Moshood Afolabi, Jamiu Basiru,  Ayinla Sangodare, Adegoke Tiwalola, Bolarinwa Nurudeen, Babatunde Akinwale, Aransiola Oluwole, Foluke Ogunsanya, Bukola Gaji, Muogho Kingsley, Timothy Olufayo, Charles Ekereke, Hussainat Dawuda, Tolu Jacintho, Awonowo Adekunle, Tony Polac, Abduwakil Ashafa, Tope Erijiyan, Goodluck Henry, Tijani Amidu, Mayowa Olubiyi, Ustadh Faisol, Ajayi Christopher, Oladipo Isaac, Tayo Ajetunmobi, Mouka Johnny, Olatoye Emisu, Peace Pius, Ayanlola Toyin Oyewoga, Oluseyi, Akintunde I. O., Abiodun Oyeyemi, Adebayo Ajagun, Wahab Olanrewaju, Adele Olatunde, Olugbenga Adu, Ven Falodun, Nwaokolo Magaret, Adeleke Taiwo, Akin Gandonu, Saleh B. G., Gani Oladipo, Bernad Danladi, Ayomuyiwa Ayoade, Oyedare Segun, Olutomilola O. O., Anyaka Augusta, Fasooto Ademola, Adegbite Wasiu, Ibukun Emmanuel, Rotimi Jaiyeoba, Akinola Arowojolu, Wole Ogunsade, Adetokunboh Alonge, Akomolafe Tolulope, Ibrahim Abd’Majid,  Barudeen A’hammed, Ojedokun Philip, Halimat Awonuga, Tunji Ayotunde, M. S. Adelugba, Blessing Aghojare, Kolapo Barakat, Gabriel Oput, Yekeen Mutiu, Ishola Oluwatoyin, Shola M., Tunde Egbedokun, Olayinka Adesina, Akbar Bello, Seyi Adewuyi, Ihekwoaba Ndidi, Olawaye Ayodeji, Ahmed O. A., Ishola Rachael, Nnamdi Chiegbo, Ephraim Odega, Kehinde Adeosun, Taiwo Adeosun, James Azibato, Amoo Adegoke, Tunde Anibaba, Olunye Olayinka, Tomi Joseph, Alonge Moses, Akinola Ilesanmi, Adewunmi Maria, Bamgboye Leonard, A. Apoesienwa, Titi Ajayi and Okesanya Omoadoni.

Homework

1. … how long have you been using the pen?

     (a) Since (b) For (c) Between (d) From

2. The Senator has been in detention … Wednesday.

     (a) for (b) since (c) on (d) between

3. You can see me between 4 … 5 pm.

      (a) or (b) to (c) and (d) for

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Ade Adesomoju, Abuja

The Federal High Court in Abuja on Monday ordered an interim forfeiture of two properties linked to Patience, the wife of former President Goodluck Jonathan.

The forfeiture is to last for 45 days but subject to court’s review for an extension upon an application by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission.

The houses in question are at Plot No. 1960, Cadastral Zone A05, Maitama District, and Plot No. 1350, Cadastral Zone A00, both in Abuja.

They were said to be held in the name of Ariwabai Aruera Reachout Foundation, an organisation floated by Mrs. Jonathan.

The EFCC had in an ex parte application filed in September last year asked for an interim forfeiture of the houses, which it claimed were the subject of an ongoing criminal investigation.

Ruling on the commission’s ex parte application on Monday, Justice Nnamdi Dimgba dismissed Mrs. Jonathan’s objection to the application.

But the court only granted two out of the three prayers contained in the EFCC’s application.

The court ordered the interim forfeiture but ruled that it would only last for 45 days.

He ruled that within the 45 days, EFCC must conclude its investigations and charge the suspects if the said investigations revealed the commission of the alleged crimes linked to the properties.

In granting the second prayer, the court also ordered the stopping of any disposal, conveyance, mortgage, lease, sale or alienation or otherwise of the property/assets described in the schedule attached herein.”

The judge, however, added that the EFCC was at liberty to file an application for the extension of the life span of the order before the expiration of the initial 45 days.

He also ordered that if for any reason the EFCC’s officials needed to access the houses within the period of interim forfeiture, “they must contents and fixtures of the properties and shall file a report/result of such inventory to this court.”

The judge ordered that the inventory of the fixtures in the properties and a report to that effect must be submitted to the court.

But the judge refused to grant the third prayer in which the EFCC asked to be allowed to appoint somebody to manage the property.

According to the judge, the prayer was not supported by the grounds of the application and unnecessary.

He ruled, “Having dismissed the motion challenging the ex parte originating summons, I have gone ahead to carefully consider the application along with all the materials placed before the court to support the request for same, which materials have already been listed at the commencement of this ruling.

“In so far as the essence of this application is to preserve an asset pending the completion of an investigation, I am convinced that those materials placed before me, justify a favourable exercise of the court’s discretion to grant the relief sought in the application.

“I hereby accordingly grant relief 1 and relief 2 sought.

“Relief 3 is refused because it is not supported by the grounds of the application and thus unnecessary in the circumstances of the application.

“The order of court granting the relief shall last only for a period of 45 days within which the applicant must conclude their investigations and file necessary criminal charges where investigations reveal the commission of a crime.

“The applicant is at liberty to apply for a renewal of the order on cause, provided that such an application to be valid is made before the expiry of the 45 days validity period granted by the court.

“Given the highly contentious nature of this application, I further order that where the applicant wishes to physically access the attached properties in execution of the order herein made, the applicant with the representatives of the respondent, shall take an inventory of all the contents and fixtures of the properties and shall file a report/result of such inventory to this court.”

But in his reaction, Patience Jonathan’s lawyer, Chief Mike Ozekhome (SAN), said, “We did not lose, we won. What the EFCC wanted was for the property in dispute attached and forfeited to the government but the court refused and instead gave them 45 days to further investigate and prosecute if they so wish with liberty to apply for renewal.

“That is actually victory for us as the property was not forfeited.”

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Olusola Fabiyi,  Adelani Adepegba,  Mudiaga Afe, Oladimeji Ramon and  Alexander Okeke

The Nigeria Labour Congress has cautioned the Federal Government against missing the timeline for the implementation of the new national minimum wage for workers.

The new wage  is  expected to take effect from August, 2018.

The NLC President, Ayuba Wabba,  handed  down the warning  on Monday during a pre-May Day symposium  jointly organised by the NLC and the Trade Union Congress in Abuja.

The theme of the 2018 May Day Celebration is, “Role of Labour and Workers in National Devolvement: Dare to Struggle and We Dare to Win.”

Wabba said, “The organised labour will ensure that the timeline set by the Tripartite Committee on the Implementation of the National Minimum Wage is not altered.”

He added, “Workers, who create wealth, must also be well taken care of as we are not unmindful of the situation of the Nigerian workers, particularly with the increasing inflation in the land.

“So, clearly speaking, the minimum wage is an issue we will continue to canvass for. I want to assure you all that we will take the issue to the next level and essentially we are going to win.”

The NLC president said this year’s  May Day celebration would be used to address issues affecting workers, noting that they must be prepared to demand a better working condition and welfare.

“Importantly, we are going to interrogate how far the democratic process has been able to deliver on its mandate and how workers have been faring. Workers have contributed immensely to our national development and workers create the wealth of every economy, however, they are neglected,” he said.

He called on the Federal Government to address the issue of governance, inequality gap, unemployment and development, among others in the country.

Wabba added that organised labour would continue to canvass for better policy options that would be beneficial to the working people, while decrying the incessant killings across the country.

Earlier, Prof. Onje Gwardo of the Faculty of Law, University of Jos, had called for commitment among workers in the discharge of their duties.

Gwardo, in a lecture, said this commitment should include commitment to work, ideas, and national development.

“We have some level of commitments that have been exemplified by those who have gone before us,” he said, noting that the issue of the minimum wage must be placed on the front burner.

In Edo State, Governor Godwin Obaseki assured workers in the state that his administration would continue to prioritise their welfare through improved work conditions and the prompt payment of salaries.

Obaseki disclosed this in a statement made available to The PUNCH on Monday to congratulate civil servants as they mark the 2018 May Day in Benin.

The governor said, “Our commitments to the regular payment of your salaries, pensioners’ entitlements and the clearing of the backlog of pension arrears as well as regular promotions are non-negotiable.

“We have commenced training of our workers to deepen their problem-solving skills. Our ongoing health reforms include a health insurance scheme that will make access to quality health care easier and affordable.

“Workers’ Day is a day for taking stock of our collective input, outcomes and impact and I am proud to say that our modest achievements could not have been possible without your full support.”

Also, the Cross River State Governor, Prof. Ben Ayade, on Monday donated N50m to the state chapter of the NLC for the completion of its secretariat.

Ayade made the donation when he visited the NLC building, also known as the Labour House, which is currently being constructed in Calabar.

He said, “For doing so much with the little I gave you, I am encouraged to do more. In order to get this project completed I give you N50m.”

Speaking earlier in Calabar, the state NLC Chairman, Mr. John Ushie, said the visit of the governor was very important to the organised labour.

Meanwhile, telecommunications firm, Globacom, has also sent out felicitations to the Nigerian workers on the occasion of the 2018 Workers’ Day on May 1.

The firm described Nigerian workers as some of the most resilient, hardworking and steadfast workforce in the world.

Globacom, in a press release from its head office on Monday, lauded the doggedness and committment of Nigerian workers in the face of daunting challenges.

It said Nigerian workers remained pivotal to the sustenance of the nation’s economy, even as it urged them to redouble their efforts and remain dedicated to duty.

A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress, Opeyemi Bamidele, has assured the workers in   Ekiti State  that they will soon be receiving commensurate values for their services.

He saluted the workers for not betraying emotions and trust despite being owed eight months’ salary arrears, thereby subjecting them to untold hardship.

In a statement in Ado Ekiti on Monday by his Media Aide, Ahmed Salami, congratulating the workers on the 2018 edition of Workers’ Day, Bamidele appealed to the workers to embrace the APC in the coming governorship election in the state.

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John Ameh, Abuja

Barring last minute changes, the National Assembly would receive the report on the 2018 budget from its joint Committee on Appropriation tomorrow (Wednesday), The PUNCH learnt on Monday.

Investigations indicated that the laying of the N8.612tn budget would be preparatory to its possible passage on Thursday.

A parliamentary source informed our correspondent in Abuja on Monday, “We will be in May on Tuesday; that means the country will run out of the 2017 budget in a matter of weeks. Members have come under pressure; they have had to work very hard in the past days to ensure that the report is ready.

“The blame of the delay in the passage of the budget is both on the Executive and partly the legislature.”

Investigations showed that the Appropriation Bill, earlier planned for passage on April 24, failed because of “the enormous volume of work” before the various committees and particularly, the anchor Committee on Appropriation.

Last week, the Deputy Chairman, House Committee on Appropriation, Mr. Chris Azubuogu, confirmed that the National Assembly would take up to May to pass the budget.

Speaking on the volume of work, he had stated, “There are over 7,000 pages of work before us. So, you can appreciate what I am saying.”

However, on Monday, it was gathered that much of the work had been tidied up for the presentation of the report on Wednesday.

A source told our correspondent, “Except another thing changes, the plan is to have the report from the Appropriation Committee on Wednesday.

“The following day, being Thursday, hopefully, the budget will be passed.”

When contacted for comments, the Chairman, House Committee on Media and Public Affairs, Mr. Abdulrazak Namdas, refused to be categorical about the dates.

He made a general statement that this week would be devoted to the budget.

“What I will say is that as we reconvene after May 1, we will focus on the budget. We will devote much time to the budget this week. It will get adequate attention,” Namdas added.

The PUNCH gathered that the National Assembly might alter the crude oil benchmark for the budget.

President Muhammadu Buhari had proposed a benchmark price of $45 for a barrel of crude oil, up from the $44 passed for the 2017 budget.

Investigations indicated that the driving force for the possible jack up in the benchmark price was the rise in the global price of crude.

It was learnt that lawmakers were considering a new benchmark of between $47 and $52 per barrel.

A source stated, “In November 2017, when the President brought the budget, the price of crude was $50 and above. Today, it is nearing $75, which is a good development for our budget.

“It then means that with additional funds coming in, the huge deficit of N2.005tn can also be addressed, for example.”

The N8.612tn budget is up from the N7.44tn appropriated in 2017 by N1.17tn, or a 16 per cent difference.

But, it is unclear what the final figure to leave the National Assembly will be when it is passed.

Some of the proposals from the President are recurrent expenditure, N3.494tn; capital expenditure, N2.652tn; debt servicing, N2.014tn; and statutory transfers, N456bn.

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•Court rules May 10

Ade Adesomoju, Abuja

The Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Mr. Abubakar Malami (SAN), on Monday, told the Federal High Court in Abuja that the suspension of the Delta Central Senator, Ovie Omo-Agege, by the Senate was illegal and unconstitutional.

This was part of the AGF’s submissions which he made on Monday at the court’s hearing of the suit filed by Omo-Agege to challenge his suspension by the Senate for 90 legislative days.

But the Senate and the Senate President, Dr. Bukola Saraki, represented by their lawyer, Mr. Mahmud Magaji (SAN),  justified the punishment meted out to the senator.

Magaji argued that Omo-Agege, being a member of the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges and Public Petitions, which recommended suspension for others, must not be allowed to escape a similar punishment.

“Those who live by the sword must die by the sword,” Magaji said.

While taking his turn to make his submissions after Magaji, the Solicitor-General of the Federation and the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Justice, Mr. Dayo Apata, who represented the AGF, urged the court to nullify Omo-Agege’s suspension by the Senate.

He said, “By virtue of section 150 of the 1999 Constitution, the Attorney General of the Federation is the protector of the constitution and other Nigerian laws.

“He is bound by the constitution to react to constitutional questions.

“He is saying that all the steps leading to the suspension of the plaintiff in this matter are unconstitutional and unlawful.

“And we urge the court to so hold.”

Justice Nnamdi Dimgba  fixed May 10 for judgment to determine the legality and validity of the senator’s suspension.

He fixed the date for judgment after all the parties to the suit addressed him on Monday.

The Senate had on April 13 suspended the senator for 90 legislative days over his comment that the amendment to the Electoral Act 2010 seeking the re-ordering of the general elections was targeted at President Muhammadu Buhari.

Incidentally, Omo-Agege had filed his suit earlier before he was suspended by the Senate.

He sought among other prayers in his suit, a declaration that his referral by the Senate and the Senate President’s referral to the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges and Public Petitions “for trial for expressing his opinion on the purport” of the bill “is an act calculated to interfere with or likely to constitute a breach” of his fundamental human right to freedom of expression without interference.

He claimed that his rights allegedly breached by the Senate were guaranteed by Section 39 of the Nigerian Constitution and Article 9(2) of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Right (Ratification and Enforcement) Act.

He also sought an order of perpetual injunction restraining the defendants and their agents from interfering with his rights and or privileges as a senator and preventing him from entering “or remaining within the precinct or chamber of the Senate or National Assembly or attempting to forcibly remove him from the chamber or precinct of the National Assembly or in any way impeding or undermining the plaintiff’s ability to function as a senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”

He joined the Senate, its President, Saraki; and the AGF as the 1st to the 3rd defendants, respectively.

At the Monday’s hearing, Omo-Agege’s lawyer, Dr. Alex Izinyon (SAN), urged the court to nullify the steps taken, including his suspension by the Senate, while his suit was pending.

“Under the consequential orders sought by the plaintiff, the court can nullify any other steps taken by the defendant during the pendency of this suit,” Izinyon said after adopting his client’s papers on Monday.

He added that the court had the power to “pull down what has been done in defiance of court proceedings.”

Izinyon cited judicial precedents prohibiting legislative houses from suspending legislators.

“The court has the power to undo,” he said.

But the Senate and the Senate President’s lawyer, Magaji, urged the court to dismiss the suit.

He argued that all the case laws cited by Izinyon in support of the suit were distinguishable from Omo-Agege’s case.

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THE Nigerian Army has a new university located in Biu, Borno State. An approval for its establishment was given by the Federal Executive Council at its April 10 meeting. This is a needless addition to the long list of 41 universities owned by the Federal Government, which are so far grossly underfunded.

In justifying its existence, the Chief of Army Staff, Tukur Buratai, said the institution was uniquely designed to serve as a solutions centre, especially concerning the challenges the military face in the North-East. His logic is not convincing against the background of the fact that the Nigerian Defence Academy in Kaduna has for long been functioning as a university; just as the National Defence College, Abuja, where senior military officers are taught war strategies, also runs postgraduate programmes in affiliation with the NDA. With Naval Admiralty University, Ibusa, Delta State, licensed last December, and the Air Force angling for its own, the country might end up having five degree-awarding military institutions. This bespeaks waste and irrationality.

Faced with the Boko Haram enigma and periodic decimation of troops fighting the insurgency, what the Army sorely needs is a renewal of its ordnance or weaponry, as typified in President Muhammadu Buhari’s recent request to the National Assembly for an approval to withdraw $1 billion from the Excess Crude Account for military equipment procurement.

Reacting to the din the cash request has generated from the public and political opposition, the Theatre Commander of Operation Lafiya Dole, Rogers Nicholas, says an Apache helicopter costs between $20 million and $65 million, while a Super Tucano jet costs $14 million, among others, stressing, “So talking about a billion dollars for the military in the North-East to me is grossly inadequate.” This is where the emphasis should be.

However, the President takes the blame for this obvious policy contradiction. In August 2015, barely three months in office, he had reversed the elevation of five federal colleges of education and two polytechnics to universities by his predecessor, despite their vice-chancellors having been appointed. This generated mixed reactions. But what stuck out was the fact that existing institutions were badly funded. New ones hardly enjoy a different treatment.

The mockery government makes of these so-called new citadels of learning is evident in the N1 billion take-off grant given to each of the 12 universities the Goodluck Jonathan administration created, whereas Abuja City Gate got about N7.5 billion. The Federal Government owes its universities N800 billion revitalisation fund, contained in its pact with the Academic Staff Union of Universities, which had embarked on countless strikes, in its quest for the implementation of the 2009 agreement.

Government should stop biting off more than it can chew. The Economic Counsellor and Director of Research of International Monetary Fund, Maurice Obstfeld, recently warned Nigeria not to mismanage the current crude oil price rebound, with the ominous message that it might not be lucky a second time in exiting economic recession. Setting up new cost centres and bureaucracies, which the Army University represents, is one clear way of undermining the recovery.

A military institution should not necessarily have to be a university before it can provide quality or world-class training. Sandhurst, United Kingdom’s best military academy, is a typical example. With its over 200 years’ history, fame and royalty, it has not metamorphosed into a university. It is only affiliated to the UK Open University for the 120 credit course points in distance learning programme for a degree in International Studies. The United States equivalent is the West Point, where its graduates obtain degrees after four years of study.

If any void existed in our own system, it was filled in 1985 when the NDA began undergraduate programmes. This notwithstanding, many Nigerian soldiers have obtained degrees up to the doctorate level from our local and foreign universities in defence studies and other disciplines. At the moment, there are 162 universities in the country, comprising federal, state and privately-owned, in which any soldier in the quest for knowledge or a degree can be enrolled for studies.

The fad of creating a university for every agency that demands one should end now. The police and National Legislative Institute also have their own varsities, just as a public Maritime University exists in Delta State. These public universities are funded mainly with oil revenue. But the crash in global crude oil prices since mid 2014 should have taught Nigeria a lesson − an economy dependent on a single commodity income is perched on the precipice.

How this affects the ivory tower could be seen in the paltry N66 million the University of Ibadan received for capital projects in 2017. The fate of others may not have been different. Consequently, the condition of our universities would remain as degenerate as the 2012 Needs Assessment report observed: absence of basic facilities like water, electricity and bathrooms; hostels infested with rodents and common rooms turned into living rooms by students. According to the report, the universities are “grossly understaffed, relying heavily on part-time and under-qualified academics.” It noted a shortfall of 32,000 PhD holders. Since more universities have been licensed since then, it means that the personnel deficit has spiked.

This development, no doubt, dredges up the question of quality of output. No Nigerian university is ranked among the best 1000 in the world. The closest is UI, placed 1099 in the 2018 Webometric ranking. Therefore, the Federal Government should stop establishing these glorified institutions as universities, but adequately fund existing ones for them to function as real citadels of learning – centres of excellence in research, innovation, teaching and learning – which Harvard, Oxford, Cambridge and other Ivy League universities typify. Harvard’s $36.4 billion in endowment funds alone, as of January 2016, according to the CNN, should make Nigerian authorities and perceptive minds to think twice about the purpose our own universities serve in today’s knowledge-driven world.

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Godwin Isenyo, Kaduna

The Kaduna State Governor, Mallam Nasir el-Rufai, has stated that the free education introduced by his administration saves parents N3bn annually.

He said the removal of hidden fees and levies had helped parents to enrol more children for school.

El-Rufai was quoted by his Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Mr. Samuel Aruwan, as making the claims in a speech on ‘Education Reforms in Nigeria’ delivered at the University of Medicine, Ondo State, on Monday.

He traced the evolution of education in Nigeria from around the independence period where the country was spending about 40 per cent of the national budget on education. He lamented the education standards that are falling and said the reforms were meant to fix the inherited problems of dilapidated schools.

He added that he shared an album showing the sorry state of Kaduna schools with the Federal Ministry of Finance and development partners, including the World Bank, to demonstrate the extent of the challenge and the funding that would be required to fix them.

El-Rufai argued that teachers were central to progressive education and said that the state government intended to meet its target of 25,000 new teachers and take steps to enhance the salary and welfare of teachers.

He said the steps being taken ranged from waiving personal income tax to enhancing teachers’ pay, investing in their continuous training and providing free housing for teachers posted to rural areas.

El-Rufai urged the country not to neglect public education towards ensuring learning opportunities for all citizens.

He also stressed the need for government to ensure globally-competitive education for every citizen, saying, “We cannot allow the perverse situation of declining educational standards as more people go to school to persist.”

 Describing education as a lever for social mobility, El-Rufai said government must invest in the next generation.

The governor called for a review of the national curriculum to reflect the shift to technology and a change in teaching methods from rote learning to an emphasis on teaching children to think, exposing them to ICT and prioritising knowledge over certificates.

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John Charles Makurdi

The Nigeria Air Force on Monday took delivery of two MI-35M combat helicopters towards combating security challenges in the country.

The Chief of Aircraft Engineering, Headquarters, Nigerian Air Force, Abuja, AVM Abdulganiyu Olabisi, received the helicopters at the Tactical Air Command of the NAF base in Makurdi

Olabisi while receiving the items maintained that the new aircraft would be assembled and taken to Kaduna where they would be inducted as part of the 54th NAF Day celebration and from there, they would be sent to the conflict zones.

According to him, NAF is aware of the prevailing security situation in the country and the effort the Federal Government is making to ensure that every part of Nigeria is safe and secure.

“It is part of this concerted effort that the NAF is taking the delivery of a second batch of two MI-35M combat helicopters from Russia.

“The helicopters in a few days from now will be assembled. We are happy that we have a team of Russian engineers who are going to assist in assembling these helicopters. Thereafter, they will be taken to Kaduna where they will be officially inducted as part of the 54th NAF Day celebration. Thereafter, the helicopters will be deployed in conflict zones,”

Olabisi said the addition to the NAF fleets would enhance the security situation in the country.

On the killings in Benue, Olabisi said, “What is happening in Benue is regrettable and the situation here is of concern for most of us. I believe that the strategic planners also have Benue State as one of the areas where these helicopters are likely to be deployed.”

In his remark, the Director, Public Relations and information, NAF Headquarters Abuja, AVM Olatokunbo Adesanya, noted that the helicopter had the capacity to fight at night.

“I believe the coming of these helicopters will go a long way in enhancing the security of the nation and enhancing the NAF operational capacity and it will go a long way to ameliorate the situation in the country.

“They are two of them coming now. We took delivery of two in December 2016. Those two are already deployed for operations and we have seen them recording a lot of feat in the counter insurgency fight in the North-East. These two that have been received today are also going to be assembled after which they will be test-flown and once they are test-flown, they will be inducted in Kaduna.”

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Olufemi Atoyebi, Ibadan

The Oyo State Government on Monday said the late Speaker of the state House of Assembly, Michael Adeyemo, would be buried in his Lanlate home on Thursday.

While briefing the media on the preparations for the burial of the 47-year-old Adeyemo, the state Commissioner for Information, Culture and Tourism, Toye Arulogun, said that a service of songs, would hold on Wednesday at the Oke Ado Baptist Church, Oke Ado in Ibadan. Adeyemo died on Friday.

“There will be a special session and lying-in-state at the House of Assembly complex on Thursday by 8am after which the body will leave for Lanlate for interment.”

Adeyemo represented the Ibarapa East State Constituency in the state assembly and was sworn in as Speaker on June 12, 2015. He was the House deputy chief whip and a member of various committees in the last assembly.

He was also the vice-chairman of the Nigerian Conference of Speakers and the chairman of the Constitution Review Committee.

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Kamarudeen Ogundele, Ado Ekiti

 The Independent National Electoral Commission has assured stakeholders that the July 14 governorship election in Ekiti State will be free, fair and credible.

It said it would deploy technology that would make the electoral process devoid of rigging and interference.

The Head, Election and Party Monitoring unit of INEC in Ekiti, Mr. Austin Orogbu, gave the assurance at the governorship primary of the Advanced Peoples Democratic Alliance, where Tope Adebayo emerged as the candidate.

Orogbu said, “This is the only party that has produced a governorship candidate. Other parties keep changing dates; maybe they are waiting for other people to defect to their parties.

“On the part of INEC, we will provide a level-playing field. Please disregard the rumour of a plan to rig; this is the age of technology and we have deployed technology into our electoral system.

“It is possible for anybody to win an election in Nigeria, just do your own part and stop complaining because things have changed.”

The APDA state chairman, Chief Samuel Elebute, said Adebayo was considered because he meant well for the state judging by his past record.

“He grew up in Ekiti, laboured in Ekiti and made a name for himself in Ekiti. His manifesto endears him to us and we believe he has the capacity to deliver,” he said.

Adebayo promised to turn around the fortunes of Ekiti, if elected governor.

He said, “Ekiti can’t prosper economically without the prosperity of the people. Any government that doesn’t pay attention to programmes that will guarantee prosperity of the people is deceiving itself. If the people don’t grow economically, the state can’t develop.

“If the people are not empowered to grow the economy of the state, the state can’t grow. Money generating assets will be enhanced. The time for genuine restoration is now; the time to sell your birthright is over. It’s time to recover everything that these people have stolen from us.”

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Friday Olokor, Jos

the Minister of Budget and National Planning, Udoma Udo Udoma, has said that the budgetary provision for the Independent National Electoral Commission will not be a threat to the conduct of the 2019 general elections.

The minister spoke in response to the enquiries on the ministry’s financial provisions for the elections.

The Director (Special Duties) in the Federal Ministry of Budget and National Planning, Olukayode Adeniran, gave the assurance while delivering a goodwill message on behalf of the minister at a training workshop on ‘Leadership and conflict management’ for the chairmen of the Forum of State Independent Electoral Commissions of Nigeria.

He said, “The budgetary position as I know is determined by every organ of government. So, INEC will only prepare its own budget which, I believe, goes with the national budget and the National Assembly does not normally tamper with it.

“But whatever they prepare, there are committees in the National Assembly which will look at it and they pass it. So, I don’t see any trouble in the budget of INEC for the conduct of the 2019 general elections because it is a critical year for Nigeria.”

Udoma said the programme would strengthen democratic institutions and the electoral process in Nigeria to ensure fair and credible elections.

He said, “It is also expected to contribute to the participation of a cross-section of the people, women, youths and marginalised groups. This training also seeks to support the FOISECON in order to build their capacity to conduct free and credible elections at the local government levels and how well-implemented electoral process can bring about peaceful change of power and improve their leadership skills and take on board means for preventing or mitigating the escalation of electoral violence and conflict throughout the respective electoral cycle.

“Let me re-emphasise that the engagement of stakeholders in this programme is in preparation for the effective conduct and coverage of the electoral processes leading to the 2019 elections.”

On the commitment of development partners in improving the Nigerian political system and producing a free-and-fair election in 2019, the minister said it was in that regard that the EU was supporting Nigeria.

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