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WEBSITE: www.vanguardngr.com —Towards a better life for the people

! MONDAY, MARCH 19, 2007, VOL. 23: NO. 60285— N100.00

I'm ready to resume now —DARIYE

"Says he is no longer hiding

By Taye Obateru

LES LEBA

Nkrumah's vision or fantasy?

—PAGE 17

O. NNANNA

NAFDAC's hydra-headed enemies —PAGE 17

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CONFERENCE HALL

EFCC and constitutional implication of indictment

Graft: FG to clampdown on banks

By Omoh Gabriel, Business Editor

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HE Managing Directors of twenty five banks in the country have signed an undertaking, pledging to curb corruption in the country.

The Managing Directors pledge followed a memo sent

out by the Central Bank of Nigeria to all Managing Directors asking them to sign an undertaking that they would stem corruption in their banks.

A source in the presidency told me that the federal gov-

ernment plans to clamp down on banks managing directors who indulge in unprofessional habit of using their banks to propel corruption in the country.

As a result, the 25 banks managing directors were made to sign undertaking in

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OS— RIDING on the crest of his recent victory at the Court of Appeal which annulled his impeachment as governor of Plateau State, Chief Joshua Dariye said, weekend, that he was set to resume office. In a statement, weekend, he said he would resume as soon as necessary security arrangements were concluded.

Dariye explained that his

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31 Bayelsa chiefs in Police net over clashes Y

ENAGOA— THIRTYONE traditional chiefs in Liama and Egweama communities of the Brass local government area of Bayelsa State were arrested on Friday

"Adegbulu "Akande

How I spent PTDF money,

by Obasanjo

I believe in EFCC because it started right, it was compilling names, sending petitions and if they now find any evidence against anybody, I think they should take it to the appropriate quarters "DETAILS ON PAGES 42-44

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low profile posture which some had interpreted as hiding “was a deliberate posture to douse tension and encourage peaceful resolution of the saga.”

According to the statement signed by his Chief of Staff, Mr. Alexander Molwus, Dariye habours no malice against anyone over his travails and has promised to carry everyone along towards a

"Defends N250m legal fee

By Rotimi Ajayi

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PDP RALLY IN WARRI: Governor Umaru Yar'Adua, PDP presidential candidate(left) and Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan, PDP gubernatorial candidate in Delta at the presidential rally in Warri, weekend.

BUJA—PRESIDENT Olusegun Obasanjo, Friday, replied the Senate over its committee report on the financial activities of the Petroleum Technology Development Fund (PTDF), describing part of the report as containing false allegations against him.

The president’s reply was contained in a letter person-

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26 Days to Elections: Be prepared to defend your vote!

for failing to resolve violent clashes between the people.

The two communities had been fighting since February 23, following a violent clash that claimed 11 lives.

The chiefs had promised to call the youths to order when the state deputy governor Peremobowei Ebebi visited the area after the initial clash.

The police arrested the chiefs following their inability to call the

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MR & MRS

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NATIONAL NEWSREEL NCMM identifies 50 tourism sites, monuments in Bauchi

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AUCHI—THE National Commission for Museums and Monuments (NCMM), has identified 50 tourism sites and historical monuments for re-development in Bauchi State.

The Bauchi State Commissioner for Tourism and Culture, Alhaji Muhammad Yahaya, said this in Bauchi on Thursday, at the opening of the 27th meeting of chief executives of culture organisations in the federation.

Yahaya said that the sites were identified through a combined inventory study of immovable cultural heritage, jointly carried out by experts from within and outside the country.

He listed the sites to include the Babangwoni of Kafin Madawaki, the Shadawanka and Geji rock paintings which had also been declared national monuments.

Other tourism sites identified in the state included the Yankari Game Reserve, Shira rock paintings, Lame/Burra Game Reserve, tomb of the first Nigerian prime minister, Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa, as well as the Bauchi museum.

He said that the sites also included first tin-mining beacon at Tildun Fulani, Panshanu stone heaps, Maladumba and Diya lakes for fishing festival in the Misau and Danbam local government areas.

Yahaya said that apart from the transformation of the Yan-

kari Game Reserve, the state government had created the Sumo Wild Park as part of efforts to boost tourism in the state.

He noted that the Sumo Park now harboured over 300 species of wild life, donated to the state government by the Namibian government.

He said that when the park is fully developed, it would be a good substitute to the Yankari Game Reserve because of its proximity to Bauchi, the state capital.

In his remarks, the Director of the National Council for Arts and Culture, Mr. M. Maidugu, commended the Federal Government for its efforts aimed at transforming the country’s tourism and culture sector.

Maidugu, however, challenged stakeholders in the tourism and culture sector to be more proactive by initiating programmes that would enhance the actualisation of the goals of government's tourism reform agenda.

Nigeria, Sao Tome and Principe agree on joint military body

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AGOS— NIGERIA and Sao Tome and Principe have agreed to establish a joint military commission to protect their common oil interests in the Gulf of Guinea.

“The body will help to police the nation’s maritime

Ndoma-Egba speaks on PTDF, CRS politics

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ALABAR — SENATOR Victor NdomaEgba, in Calabar that the review of the report of the Senate Ad-hoc Committee on PTDF would not discredit the substance of its findings.

Ndoma-Egba, who was in Calabar for the PDP presidential campaigns told journalists that the review was aimed at establishing how his committee did its assignment and not to pick holes in the original report.

According to him, the spe-

FORUM—The Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), recently organised political parties' interactive forum with presidential candidate of PDP, Umar Musa Yar'Adua at the MAN House Ikeja, Lagos. From left: Chief Olabode George, Deputy National Chairman of PDP; Senator Ahmadu Ali, PDP Chairman; Alh. Bashir M. Borodo, MAN President and Dr. Goodluck Jonathan, PDP vice-presidential candidate at the event. Photo: Diran Oshe.

cial committee on the PTDF report became necessary to ensure that the issues are now lost in propaganda and politics.

He explained that the committee did not invite Vice President Atiku Abubakar and President Olusegun Obasanjo, because his committee did not regard the two public officials as mandatory witnesses.

He also pointed out that those, who enjoyed immunity could only be punished by parliament.

boundary with Sao Tome and Principe as well as stem the incident of crude oil thefts in the Gulf of Guinea,” Nigeria’s Junior Defence Minister, Mike Oziegbe was quoted as saying.

The minister said Nigeria would provide the secretariat for the body and that four senior military officers from both countries would be nominated to serve on it.

He said Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo and Fradique De Menezes of Sao Tome and Principe had given their approval for the commission.

He said the commission was necessary because of the world’s growing interests in the oil-rich Gulf of Guinea where Nigeria “has a lot of interests to protect.”

VISIT—From left: Danjuma Ocholi, Executive Director, First Inland Bank Plc., with Akan Okon, Divisional Head, Investment Banking and Jean Louis Ekra, President, African Export-Import Bank during a courtesy visit by First Inland Bank Plc. to the President of the Afri-Exim Bank in Abuja recently.

Police arrest Kwara DPP candidate over political violence

By Demola Akinyemi

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LORIN—THE gubernato rial candidate of Democratic People's Party (DPP) in Kwara State, Mr Gbenga Olawepo, was, Friday, arrested by the police over political violence in the state.

The state police Public Relations Officer, DSP Markus Gideon, who confirmed the arrest in an interview, said the police were investigating the attack, weekend, on the liaison officer to Governor Bukola Saraki, Elder David Bamidele, in Oro by people suspected to be supporters of the governorship candidate.

Markus also said Olawepo was being investigated over alleged destruction of government property, campaign bill boards and posters of Saraki.

The DPP governorship candidate was billed to address a

rally at Ajase-Ipo before the police invited him for questioning at the state police command.

Informed sources claimed that Olawepo was detained for almost five hours before he was released on bail.

But, addressing a press conference after his release, Olawepo, who described the allegations levelled at him as false, claimed that, rather, it was his posters that had been destroyed by people suspected to be PDP supporters and which the DPP leadership complained to the police but that the police refused to take action.

“I am now wondering what could have necessitated this kind of arrest by the police when I was the first person to

lodge a complaint. They have been destroying our posters and the police have been looking the other way. Now they

are looking for ways of disrupting our campaign activities. It is obvious that Governor Saraki is scared stiff of my candidature and the intimidating structures of our party," he said.

Olurin threatens politicians over violence

By Gbenga Ariyibi

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DO EKITI—FOLLOW ING the reported cases of violence and attacks on leaders of rival political parties in Ekiti State, Administrator of the state, Brig-Gen Tunji Olurin (rtd), has threatened to invoke the power of emergency by ordering security agencies to shoot on sight trouble-makers in the state.

The administrator gave the warning during a meeting with the gubernatorial candidates and some political leaders in the state,weekend, saying the order would be effective without futher warning to the politicians Olurin said government was not unaware of clandestine plans by some people to make the state ungovernable as the race to the April elections hots up.

Does INEC have the constitutional power to stop candidates from contesting elections?

Pls send text to: 08082340885 or e-mail: editor@vanguardngr.com for publication.

6—VANGUARD, MONDAY, MARCH 19, 2007

Monarch wants younger generation to take over leadership

Federal Polytechnic Ado-Ekiti sacks 300

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KURE—THE Deji of Akure, Oba Oluwadare Adepoju says it is now time for the younger generation to take over the leadership of Nigeria.

Adepoju said weekend in Akure when the DPP presidential candidate, Attahiru Bafarawa visited him that “people like Bafarawa should be trusted with leadership positions, describing Bafarawa as an achiever.

Earlier, Bafarawa, who is also the Sokoto State governor, said that traditional rulers deserve constitutional

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DO-EKITI — The Federal Polytechnic, AdoEkiti, has sacked 300 staff in line with Federal Government’s reforms.

The Rector of the Polytechnic, Prof. Olawunmi Ajaja, said in Ado-Ekiti that the “rightsizing” was a component of the on-going reform in the federal civil service.

Mostly affected were drivers, cleaners, messengers, some domestic staff as well as middle-level and management staff who were either considered too old or with criminal records.

Ajaja explained that those sacked fell within the category of workers the government would no longer want in service.

“I did not do it because I hate anybody as a Rector. I do not know the faces of most of the affected persons. I merely carried out the presidential order,’’ he added.

The Rector promised that by March 31, the disengaged staff would have collected their entitlements.

PDP RALLY—From left: Mrs. Rolli George, PDP Lagos Central Senatorial candidate; Mr. Demola Seriki; PDP Deputy National Chairman, Chief Olabode George, and PDP gubernatorial candidate for Lagos State, Senator Musiliu Obanikoro (right), during a rally in Lagos Central district, Lagos Island Wednesday.

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By Ola Ajayi

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BADAN—HUNDREDS of pensioners in Oyo State Thursday besieged the office of the Governor, Rashidi Ladoja to protest the nonpayment of 62 months arrears of 142% increment and other accumulated allowances.

The retired workers under the aegis of Pensioners Welfare Association of Oyo State, had thronged the Agodi office of the governor as early as 9.00am and resolved not to leave the spot until the governor accedes to their demands.

Ondo DPA guber candidate pledges to eradicate poverty

By Dayo Johnson

Pensioners protest in Oyo DEBATE—A political debate organised by Nation Newspapers for gubernatorial candidates of political parties in Oyo State, took place at Premier Hotel, Ibadan weekend. From left: Prof. Taoheed Adedoja, gubernatorial candidate of Action Congress (AC); Dr. Taiwo Otegbeye, gubernatorial candidate for Action Alliance (AA) and Chief Abiola Ajimobi, gubernatorial candidate of All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP) at the debate.

THEY SAID IT!

"We want to assure all Nigerians that we are ready to conduct peaceful polls, but what we know is that it is PDP or nothing"—President Olusegun Obasanjo speaking at party's rally in Uyo, Akwa-Ibom State.

P E O P L E

roles.

He said: “They deserve such a role and not only a fire brigade activity like when there is a crisis.”

According to the DPP Presidential candidate, Nigerians should be free to live in any part of Nigeria irrespective of their religious, political or ethnic differences.

“What are needed are political will and sincerity,” Bafarawa maintained.

He promised to adequately fund and equip the Police if elected come next month.

KURE — THE governorship candidate of the Democratic Peoples Alliance (DPA) in Ondo State, Chief Olusola Agbesua has pledged to eradicate poverty and also create employment for the teeming youths of the state. Agbesua said this during rallies organised round Akure, the state capital, by the party led by its national chairman, Chief Olu Falae.

The rally disrupted both commercial and vehicular movement in the Akure metropolis as party supporters danced round with palm fruits even as artisans joined them.

The governorship candidate said he would implement programmes that would create job opportunities for the people of the state.

"This is the worst possible moment; no water, no gas!"—Special Adviser to the President on Electric Power, Engr. Joseph Makoju alerts on very bad times for electricity consumers.

S P E A K

He said efforts would also be made to design a proactive poverty alleviation programme for the people of the state. While criticising the present poverty alleviation programme packaged by the PDP-led government, Agbesua pointed out that “it was not in the interest of the vast majority of the people of the state.

Agbesua, however, told the crowd that gathered for the rallies that the focus of his administration would be the improvement of the economic base of the state. To this end, he said his government would ensure the construction of a rail line to link all parts of the state.

Besides, the governorship candidate of the party also said his government would adhere to the yearnings of the people of the Southern Senatorial District of the state for the establishment of a higher institution of learning in the area. Specially, Agbesua said his government would set up a specialised university of technology within its two years of inauguration.

Compiled by Oboh Agbonkhese

April polls: How will you defend your vote?

“Look, I do not believe in the votes. They have already decided who will win. I will just go there and do my part of the process. Every political party has its day. If my vote is manipulated, it is because they have the power. I will just join them because I cannot beat them. But I will always vote according to my conscience and based on who I feel is the best.”

—Mr. Omo Ekpen, Transporter.

“Are we supposed to follow up after voting? The government has put INEC there to do the job till the end. The only thing is for INEC to make sure the right persons are put in charge of their operations.

Not those who will manipulate my vote. My duty is to go there and cast my vote.

Theirs is to protect it. I am not supposed to do their job for them. That is the truth.”

—Mr. Bassey Effiong, Businessman.

“There is nothing I can do where the vote I cast is concerned. My own is to vote and theirs is to take care of my vote. However, it is God that will decide who wins. In fact, He has already set aside the persons to rule. I am prepared to go and cast my vote, but if my work carries me to somewhere else, I will go after the work and forget voting.”

—Mr. Kassim Jimoh, Mechanic.

“Anything can happen with our votes. It is not our votes that will decide who leads us.

Was it our votes that brought in OBJ and his group? They were selected. I will cast my vote because as a Nigerian, I should be part of the process.

But protect the vote? It will amount to a fruitless effort.

Let us face reality: Our votes will not count and they have never counted.”

—Pastor Joshua Dodo, Clergy.

“It will have to begin with INEC. Even the registration process was a flop. Till now, I have not collected voter's slip or card after stressing myself for several days just to register. It is the leaders that will decide whether or not to protect my vote. Personally, there is nothing I can do more than casting my vote. All I know is that Nigeria is bigger than any political party or individual.”

—Miss Victoria Ukpang, Student.

“The problem is the leadership. There exists too much of money politics. Let money, real money come in anywhere and you will see even those who claim to be born-again changing colours. If we stop thinking as Ibo, Yoruba or Hausa/Fulani and start thinking as Nigerians, there will not be need for us to fear for our votes. INEC has a duty to protect our mandate.”

—Mr. Isaac Chikwe, Pensioner.

How do you rate the level of maturity in S-West political campaigns?

Pls send text to: 08082340885 or e-mail: editor@vanguardngr.com for publication.

VANGUARD, MONDAY, MARCH 19, 2007 — 7

Beggars evacuated from Lagos streets

Lagos workers to join Pension Scheme next month

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AGOS— LAGOS State Government says it will commence the implementation of the new Contributory Pension Scheme for workers in the state from next month.

The State Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning, Mr Ben Akabueze, announcing this in Lagos at the launch of a book “Pension Law and Practice in Nigeria.’’ written by Mbanugo Udenze.

Akabueze, who commended the Federal Government for introducing the scheme, expressed the hope that it would put an end to problems associated with payment of pensions in the country.

Under the scheme, both the employee and the employer will be expected to contribute, to the pool, seven and half per cent each of the worker’s monthly pay, totaling 15 per cent.

Akabueze urged the Federal Government to make the scheme mandatory to all tiers of government.

The chairman of the occasion, AVM Abdullahi Bello (rtd.), commended the Federal Government for the new Pensions Reform Act 2004 and urged it to enforce compliance and that operators followed the laid down rules and regulations.

On the book, Bello described it as "timely" and commended the author for adopting a simple language, adding that the issues raised in the book cut across all stakeholders in the new pension scheme.

The author said he decided to write the book to assist every stakeholder in the new pension scheme to understand the operations of the scheme.

He said that the act, though still in the early stage, was already yielding the desired results, adding that it had put Nigeria in the league of those countries where equitable contributory pension scheme was being practised.

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RALLY—PDP presidential candidate, Alhaji Umaru Musa Yar'Adua, and Delta State governorship candidate, Dr Emmanuel Uduaghan, during the presidential rally at the Warri Stadium,weekend.

Yar'Adua, Jonathan visit Redeemed Camp for spiritual assistance

By Kenneth Ehigiator

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AGOS—PRESIDEN TIAL flag bearer of the People's Democratic Party (PDP), Alhaji Umaru Musa

George advises PDP members against violence

By Dapo Akinrefon

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AGOS—NATIONAL Vice Chairman of the People's Democratic Party (PDP), Chief Olabode George, has urged members of the PDP to eschew any act violence during political rallies. George who

spoke in Lagos during the flag off campaign of PDP Lagos Central Senatorial candidate, Chief Demola Seriki, said “we have just four weeks to the general elections, we’ve started witnessing different killings.

I want to beg you not to fight.

By God grace, anything the

masses lacks like employment, hospital, among other things will be made available byour government.

“If any party members come to you, saying they wanted to fight you, please don’t fight anybody, but if they insist on physical combat, ignore them, report the person(s) to the nearest DPO in your area.

“I plead with you that you should not fight anybody. We don’t want violence because road to victory is already assured. We are to make use of what God has given us. We’ll do it purely, honestly and be committed to this party,” he said.

However, the host, Seriki while being presented to party members said “our youths must be well eductaed and we will do this by getting the Federal Government's approval for special scheme for the upliftment of our state in the area of education on the premise of education on the premise of being the most cosmopolitan.”

Yar’ Adua, and his running mate, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan, Saturday, visited the Redeemed Camp on the LagosIbadan expressway to seek spiritual assistance in their quest for the presidency.

Led by the Deputy National, South, of the party, Chief Olabode George, the candidates, a source told Vanguard, were with the General Overseer of the Redeemed Church, Pastor Enoch Adeboye, before embarking on their journey to Benin for the party’s presidential campaign.

According to the source, the consultation with Adeboye as well as the prayers that followed were for them to be victorious in the elections.

Police to arraign 100 pedestrians for traffic obstruction

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AGOS — THE Lagos State Police Command says it will arraign more than 100 pedestrians, who were arrested for obstructing traffic at the Orile bus-stop, to a Customary Court.

Mr Emmanuel Ighodalo, the Orile-Iganmu Divisional Police Officer (DPO) said in Lagos that they could not be taken to mag-

PUBLIC NOTICE

WORD ABIDING MINISTRY INT’L

This is to inform the general public that the above named Ministry has applied to the Corporate Affair Commission, Abuja for Registration under Part C of the Companies and Allied Matter Act of 1990.

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. Pastor Vivian E. Omenya 2. Apostle James A. A. Etsenameh 3. Rev. (Dr.) Innocent U. Mathew 4. Evang. Roland I Benson 5. Rev. Daniel N. Kalu 6. Deaconess (Mrs.) Roseline Egbon 7. Evang Omenya Lucky AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: 1. To preach and spread the glorious gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ that abided forever all over the earth.

2 .To use the abiding word of God to deliver people and to draw his people to know him.

3 . To establish Ministry in all part of Nigeria and around the world at large to reach out the unreach converts to enable them be rooted and grounded unto maturity in love, Eph. 3 :17.

Any objection to the registration should be forwarded to the Registration General, Corporate Affair Commission, Plot 565, Ndola Square , Wuse Zone 5, within 28 days of this publication.

Signed: PASTOR VIVIAN E. OMENYA GENERAL SUPERINTENDENT.

The trio had earlier arrived the presidential wing of the Murtala Muhammed Airport in Lagos in the party’s campaign Embraer 30 aircraft at about noon, and took off immediately for the Redeemed Camp.

Vanguard learnt that the Redeemed General Overseer and other senior pastors of the church prayed fervently for good health particularly for the PDP’s presidential hopeful, and also for a violence-free elections.

The PDP team returned to the presidential wing around 1:00p.m, rested in the lounge for sometime, before taking off for the party’s presidential campaign in Benin soon afterwards.

istrates’ court because of the strike by the judicial workers.

He said the arrests were made following an order by the Commissioner of Police, Mr Emmanuel Adebayo, that people, who obstruct traffic should be arrested.

Ighodalo explained that the measure was in line with the police “Operation Keep the Traffic Flowing,” especially at busy bus-stops. He said traffic jams in the area had been largely due to human problems, because pedestrians failed to use the over-head bridge, thereby obstructing traffic flow.

Ighodalo said since the police started the arrest two days ago, many people had begun to use the bridge, stressing that they would continue to arrest and prosecute offenders untill the traffic situation in the area improved.

He also announced that the police had equally warned members of the transport unions, who were always at the bus-stop to collect union dues from commercial bus drivers there to desist.

KEJA— ABOUT 195 mad people, street children and beggars have been evacuated from Lagos streets.

The evacuation of the destitute was jointly carried out by the state’s Ministry of Youth, Sports and Social Development and a nongovernmental organisation, the Mentally Incapacitated Right Initiative (MIRI).

The Commissioner in charge of the ministry, Mr Opeyemi Bamidele, said in Ikeja that the exercise was to rid the metropolis of mentallyill persons and others who roamed the streets.

The exercise, coordinated by three teams led by the Director of Rehabilitation Services, Mr Samuel Apalowo, combed Ikeja, Maryland and Ojota, while other teams were in charge of Ketu, Ikorodu and Lagos Island.

A breakdown of the statistics on the evacuated destitute revealed that 110 of them were beggars, 65, mentally-ill, while the remaining 12 were street children. This figure further revealed that out of the 110 beggars, 87 were females, 23 males.

CAN, SCIA tasked on peaceful polls

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AGOS— THE Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) and the Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (SCIA) have been urged to initiate a joint action to ensure peaceful, free and fair elections next month.

The call was made at the weekend by Eclectic Network, a non-governmental organisation (NGO), in a statement signed its chairman, Rev. Moses Illo and issued in Lagos.

The NGO also urged INEC to ensure that the elections were held as provided for by the constitution. "Nigerians expect INEC to play the role of a fair umpire. It is unfortunate that most Nigerians are beginning to lose confidence in the impartiality of INEC, and wonder if there can be free, fair and transparent elections," it said.

IIlo urged INEC to reassure Nigerians by publishing a detailed list of all designated polling booths, their locations and number of voters registered in each location, ahead of the polls.

He called on Nigerians to come out en-masse to exercise their civic responsibility by voting at the elections. “INEC is obligated to be sufficiently patriotic in handling this election to ensure that it is held in a peaceful atmosphere," he said.

What is your opinion concerning the new Lagos Mass Transit (BRT) buses?

Pls send text to: 08082340885 or e-mail: editor@vanguardngr.com for publication.

8 — VANGUARD, MONDAY, MARCH 19, 2007

Owaza community accuses soldiers of brutalisation

By George Onah

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ORT HARCOURT— ABOUT 30 soldiers attached to oil flow stations, gas field and gas compressor plant at Owaza Community have been accused of alleged undue brutalisation of pregnant women, opinion leaders and some youth leaders of the community.

Consequently, the Owaza Central Youth Association, Ukwa-West Council, Abia State has petitioned President Olusegun Obasanjo, Chief of Army Staff and Inspector General of Police to withdraw or call the soldiers to order, so as to “forestall any security breach in the area” Titled “invasion and brutality of the Owaza Community and Owaza Central Youth” and calling for the attention of the Senior Special Adviser to the President, on Niger Delta Matters, the group said the military men had traumatized the community for too long.

Tracing the origin of the trouble, the petition, which was signed by Prince H.O. Egielemai for Egialemai Law Agency, Port Harcourt, stated that oil exploration and exploitation in the area dates back to 1957 but that “these companies carrying out activities have failed to contribute to the development of their host community”.

On account of this alleged

neglect, the community through its youth association, “moved to correct this unwholesome and deplorable situation in 2005 when the people peacefully agitated for a representative of the area to be appointed into the Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC. Instead of granting this peaceful request the authorities drafted heavily armed soldiers to Owaza Communities and the people have suffered untold brutality, dehumanization and mayhem in the hands of the military men”., since then.

At the 2 Brigade Headquarters, Bori Camp, the PRO Maj. Sagir Musa was not available for comment but a voice in his office said the was away for a special assignment “and will not be available this week”.

However, the petition drew attention to alleged “havoc and terror on youths and have demolished property worth millions of naira without provocations” It said further that the pain on the people was “occurring on daily basis and with fury”.

The statement also called for the attention of the Human Rights Commission, member representing the area at the House of Representatives as well as the commissioner of police, Abia State, explaining that past “Save our Souls” to various authorities have not helped matters, hence the press option.

Medical workers, NULGE to embark on warning strike

By Samuel Oyadongha

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ENAGOA—THE joint councils of Medical and Health Workers’ Union of Nigeria (MHWUN) and Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE) has called on its members to embark on a two days sit-athome warning strike as a prelude to its planned indefinite strike action following the refusal of the state/local government councils to meet its demands on payment of medical allowances and other arrears.

It was reliably gathered that the planned strike action earlier slated for last Monday was postponed because of the intervention of the state deputy governor, Mr. Peremobowei Ebebi whose office oversees the activities in the third-tier of government.

But the joint councils of Medical and Health Workers’ Union of Nigeria (MHWUN) and Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE) in a statement entitled, “Notice of Two days warning strike action 16th & 19th March 2007,” signed by Comrades Patrick Singabele, State President NULGE, Andy Okoro, State Secretary NULGE, Bio Josiah State Chairman MHWUN and Letam Mwibani State Secretary

MHWUN, said it was compelled to direct its members to embark on the strike action because of the failure of the state government and the original eight local government councils to implement what it described as “its legitimate demands” as presented to the government during their peace parley on January 22. It stated that in view of the unfortunate development, all its members in the state were directed to embark on two working days sit at home warning strike action with effect from Friday March 16th and Monday 19th.

“All the branch chairmen/secretaries of Medical and Health Workers’ Union (MHWUN) and Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE) are directed to ensure that they vacate their local government council secretariats during these two days of warning strike action.

“Any disobedience or non compliance of the above directive shall be treated as anti-union activities,” it warned.

The two unions had sometime in January handed a fourteen day ultimatum to both the state and local governments to effect the payments of the N90, 000 medical allowance and salary arrears owed its members which was later extended by seven days with a view to exploring all options open to it before embarking on an indefinite strike.

Bayelsa Govt inaugurates committee on fuel distribution

By Samuel Oyadongha

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MEETING: Chief Great Ogboru (left) in a handshake with Chief Edwin Clark during a visit to the latter's house in Kiagbodo, Delta State. Photo by Barnabas Uzosike.

Police arrest 31 chiefs over communal clash in Bayelsa

By Samuel Oyadongha

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ENAGOA—THE police in Bayelsa State have arrested 31 chiefs from the warring Liama and Egweama communities in the Brass local government for their inability to stem the orgy of violence that engulfed both communities in which eleven persons were reportedly killed.

The escalating tension between both sisters’ communities reached a climax on February 23rd leading to the out break of hostilities when three youths from Liama were allegedly kidnapped and beaten to pulp by suspected youths from Egweama while accompanying a tug boat carrying rig belonging to Emerald Energy Oil Services to a disputed oil rich land.

Angered by the development the youths from Liama were said to have launched a reprisal attack on the ancient settlement of Egweama known as Egweama-Ogbo leading to the death of nine persons with houses destroyed prompting the state deputy governor, Hon Peremobowei Ebebi led a high powered government delegation including the state deputy commissioner of police and Mopol commander on an the spot visit to the troubled area and pleaded with the chiefs to rein in their youths from unleashing further mayhem.

Mr. Ebebi had during the visit warned the chiefs that government would not hesitate in bringing the full wrath of the law to bear on any erring community having invested so much resource to enthrone peace.

Informed security sources however told Vanguard that the chiefs failed to abide by their promise to rein in their warring youths as hostilities

again broke out between their communities less than eight hours after the departure of the deputy governor and his entourage leading to the death of two persons, one from each of the warring communities.

Vanguard gathered that the arrest of the chiefs might not be unconnected with the inability of the chiefs to rein in their youths after promising the state deputy governor during his visit to the troubled island on the fringe of the Atlantic Ocean to call their boys to order.

The embattled chiefs who are currently detained at the State Criminal Investigation

department it was gathered were lured to Yenagoa, the state capital by the police at the instance of the deputy governor under the guise of holding a peace meeting with them to resolve the lingering dispute between their communities.

But unknown to the chiefs the officials of the state government including the deputy governor and the security agencies were angered by the renewed hostilities between the two sister’s communities said to have claimed another two lives from both sides less than eight hours after the departure of the delegation from the troubled area.

Yar' Adua assures on N-Delta dev

By George Onah

P

ORT HARCOURT— THE Presidential flag bearer of the Peoples Democratic Party, Alhaji Musa Yar’Adua has said that he possesses a marshal plan, similar to what obtained after the Second World War, for the Niger Delta and would be laid out as soon as he assumes office as President later in the year.

He said the Niger Delta matter was so close to his chest that he would tackle it “with a sensitive approach and I am very sure it would work”, pointing out that all those involved in sourcing for the solution would be embraced, Yar’Adua who spoke to the press at the NAF Base, airfield, Port Harcourt, last week, after the party’s rally, Thursday, said the plan would be a “holistic development of the region that would address all agitation and all the problems

of the region. “I have what I would call a sensitive approach And I am sure it would work. You see we intend to have a dialogue with all stakeholders with a view to working out a kind of marshal plan, you know marshal plan, for the entire Niger Delta region.

The Niger Delta is strategic to the nation and the nation must move to secure the region. When we have such a holistic plan and it is properly phased out programme, with time limit, then properly funded, then you are going to solve the problems of the region. Of course you are talking of an entire aspects of development along the line for what happened in Europe after World War 11”.

The presidential hopeful who said only honest leaders and followers were good enough for the nation was asked how he hoped to reward Nigerians who are honest and live within their means or income.

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ENAGOA—DIS TURBED by the lingering scarcity and high cost of petroleum products, Bayelsa State government has inaugurated a nine member taskforce on the distribution of the products in the predominantly riverine state.

Speaking at the inauguration ceremony in Yenagoa, the state deputy governor, Mr. Peremobowei Ebebi charged the members to see their task as a great challenge.

The deputy governor, who noted that the state is groaning under high cost of petroleum products, which is having an adverse effect on the economy and the people added that it was the duty of the taskforce to make sure Bayelsa gets its due allocations of petroleum products and ensure proper distribution and sale to all parts of the state.

He said the doors of government are always open to make their job easier and enjoined them not to hesitate in making demands of items that would make their job easier adding that they should not see their appointment as a means to enrich themselves but a way of contributing their quota to making life better for Bayelsans.

Panic in Glory FM over fire scare

By Samuel Oyadongha

Y

ENAGOA—PANIC Fri day engulfed the premises of the Bayelsa State government owned radio station “Glory FM” when the corporation fuel dump was gutted by fire.

No life and property were lost to the inferno which was successfully put out by men of the state fire service pandemonium however engulfed the entire complex as the workers rally round to contain the fire from spreading to the giant generating plants supplying electricity to station.

Although the immediate cause of the fire could not be ascertained it was however learnt that it might have been ignited by electrical fault from the supply system powering the complex.

Immediately the fire was noticed, staffers of the corporation who parked their vehicles within the precinct of the generator house were forced to move them away from the area for fear of being caught by the inferno.

This reporter who visited the area along the Azikoro road on noticing the thick smoke saw many of the staffers discussing the near tragic incident as men of the fire service who stormed the corporation in two vehicles battle to bring inferno under control.

VANGUARD, MONDAY, MARCH 19, 2007 — 9

Shell restates commitment on community development

P

ORT HARCOURT— THE Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria (SPDC) has restated its commitment to ensuring sustainable development of all its host communities in the Niger-Delta region.

Shell’s Manager on Sustainable Community Development Delivery, Mr Emmanuel Etomi, gave the assurance in Port Harcourt while handing over seven buses to some communities.

He said that the donation

was part of the fulfillment of Shell’s commitment on a Memorandum of Understanding entered into with the communities affected by its Eastern Gas Gathering System Project in Rivers.

Etomi said that the buses were intended to facilitate the transportation needs of the beneficiary communities.

“It is our hope to see these buses serving the needs for which they have been given and nothing else,” he said.

PDP confirms Albert as Uyo Senatorial candidate

U

YO—THE PDP has confirmed Mr. Ime Albert, as its candidate for the Uyo senatorial district of Akwa Ibom State, thus ending the confusion created by the appearance of Senator Effiong Bob on the recent INEC list.

The PDP chairman, Dr. Ahmadu Ali, told newsmen in Uyo that the decision was hinged on the outcome of the party primaries which gave Albert the mandate.

“People should not bring

Soldiers attack Ogbakiri for militants

confusion into this, it’s Ime Albert that we know and he remains our senatorial candidate for the Uyo district,’’ he said.

Ali urged all defeated aspirants in the party to accept their defeat in good faith and work towards the success of the party in the April elections. He stressed that the PDP would always promote democratic values by abiding by the result of primary elections and urged party members to take a cue from the party’s principles.

P

BIRTHDAY: Senator David .O. Dafinone (right) embracing Chief Benjamin Okumagba, President, Urhobo Progressive Union during the thanksgiving to mark Chief Dafinone's 80th birthday celebration, recently at Sapele.

Murder suspect's relations weep over judiciary workers' strike

By Austin Ogwuda

A

UCHI —A mild drama ensued at an Auchi High Court on Thursday, as

relations of a detained murder suspect broke down and wept over the ongoing strike by judiciary workers.

The court had earlier fixed the day for its ruling on a bail application by the suspect.

However, the suspect’s relations, who came to the court with the high hope of getting a fair consideration, broke down into tears when they found the gates to the court premises locked.

The relations sobbed over the fate of their relation who was being detained at the Auchi prison.

One of the slated cases for the day was a suit filed by the

former Registrar of the Auchi Polytechnic, Dr. Steve Iyayi, over his alleged premature retirement by the institution’s management.

However, the institution’s management had filed a counter motion to challenge the competence of the court to hear the matter.

Justice Felix Erhonsele, had fixed the day for a ruling on whether or not the court could adjudicate in the matter.

About 100 civil and criminal cases have suffered similar setbacks at the various high courts and magistrate’s courts in the area because of the workers’ strike.

ORT HARCOURT — MEN of the Joint Task Force in Rivers State Saturday attacked Ogbakiri community, for militants.

Community sources told the Vanguard that the operation which lasted several hours saw soldiers breaking into houses in search for weapons and to make arrest.

The Army PRO in the state, Major Sagir Musa confirmed on phone to Vanguard that troops were actually deployed to the community.

He said arrests were made but did not disclose the number and the items recovered during the raid.

It could not be confirmed if the security operatives met any resistance, but sources said a house in the community was torched during the operation. There were also fears at press time that some neighbouring communities around Ogbakiri may have also suffered some losses.

It would be recalled that last week alone the JTF rescued a French hostage from the custody of militants in the community. This was after three other Croatians hostages were also released from militants in the community.

Rights group commends NMA over suspension of strike action

By Emma Amaize

W

ARRI—THE Committee for the Defence of Human Rights (CDHR) in Delta State, weekend, commended the Nigeria Medical Association (NMA) for suspending the work-to-rule action embarked upon by doctors in the interest of suffering patients .

Delta CDHR in a statement, signed by its chairman and assistant state secretary, Messrs. Oghenjabor Ikimi and Benefit Orugbo respectively said the rights group were happy that the NMA heeded its earlier call to suspend the strike, saying that the bold step by the doctors to pursue their grievances with government through dialogue rather than the strike option has endeared them to Nigerians.

The group nevertheless, called on the Federal Government to take advantage of the gesture to improve on the welfare of medical

doctors in the public health sector nation-wide and massively develop the entire health sector in the interest of the down-trodden masses of Nigeria .

It also commended the bold decision of the Court of Appeal, Jos, which quashed the entire impeachment process that led to the removal from office of Chief Joshua Dariye as Governor of Plateau State and the order of the said Court of Appeal, directing his immediate reinstatement as the governor of Plateau State.

“We state that the above verdict is a welcome development as same is good for our nascent democracy and we hope that the Supreme Court of Nigeria would uphold the above decision of the Court of Appeal in the interest of the rule of Law”, they stated.

On the other hand, the CDHR condemned the recent politically motivated violence in Abeokuta , the Ogun state capital and called on all political leaders and

their parties nation-wide to eschew violence and thuggery for the general elections were barely a month away and the country was not ready for such violence.

Furthermore, the rights group urged all political leaders and their parties on campaign activities to refrain from making unholy and uncivil statement against political opponents as same “is capable of heating our polity unnecessarily, but rather use the opportunity offered in the process to educate the electorates in a peaceful and orderly manner of their Party manifesto and blue print for making our society a better place for us all”.

The CDHR enjoined the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in the statement “to ensure the success of the entire electoral process as a failure, God forbid, could lead to violence and chaos in our polity, a price we cannot afford to pay at this critical stage of our nascent democracy”.

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10—VANGUARD, MONDAY, MARCH 19, 2007

PHCN apologises to customers in Edo

A

ELECTRICITY CONFERENCE: Special Adviser to Mr President on Electricity Power Engr. Joseph Makanju (r ) discussing with Chairman and CEO of NERC. Dr. Ransome Owan (l) during 1st Conference on Electricity Consumers theme: “The Place of the Consumer in the New Nigerian Electricity Market” held in Abuja. Photo by Gbemiga Olamikan

UCHI — THE management of PHCN in Afemesan Business District of Auchi, Edo State, has apologised to electricity consumers in the area over poor power supply in recent times.

The PHCN tendered the apology in a statement signed by its Public Affairs Officer, Mr Oghale Eduziare, in Auchi on last week.

“The PHCN in Auchi apologises to electricity customers in the district and urges them to remain calm over the ongoing outages being experienced,’’the statement said.

It said that the power rationing was occasioned by the vandalism of major pipelines that led to a shortfall in gas supply to the company’s ther-

Nigeria has highest number of sickler —COMMISSIONER

By Gabriel Enogholase

B

ENIN — EDO State Commissioner for Health, Mr. Godwin Ovbiagele said that Nigeria has the unviable record of having the highest number of sicklers in the world just as it accounts for 10 percent of the world’s maternal death.

The Commissioner who disclosed this in Benin on Tuesday, explained that it was for this reason that the State government decided to build a specialized Hospital of International Standard to take care of the problems of woman and children. While conducting newsmen on a guided tour of the N1.9 billion 250 bed hos-

pital expected to be commissioned on Saturday by president Olusegun Obasanjo, Mr. Ovbiagele announced they the state government has approved a core management team to run the hospital. Edo State government, he added, has also signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH) to collaborate in the running of the hospital.

The commissioner explained that at any given time, a minimum of 200 medical doctors would be on duty at the hospital, adding that strike action by medical personnel would be forbidden at the hospital. Mr. Ovbiagele said

Igbinedion scores govt high

By Simon Ebegbulem

B

ENIN —GOVERNOR Lucky Igbinedion of Edo state, weekend rated his administration high in the area of women empowerment and youth development and showered praises on his wife, Mrs Eki Igbinedion for assisting him in achieving the feat in the past eight years of his administration.

The governor who spoke at the opening ceremony of the fourth Edo Women National Conference, with the theme “ Women: A Tool For Sustaining Democracy”, in Benin City, agreed that the idea of women participation in politics was necessary for the sustenance of democracy, and having recognized that, he said his administration have appointed more women as commissioners and judges more than any other administration in the country.

According to him “Any society that does not accept the relevance and importance of the contribution of women to its growth and development is a backward society. Inclu-

sion of women in the development process is a key component of policy documents like the New Partnership for African Development (NEPAD).

“We must liberate the energies of women as development partners if we are to make that desired leap into the 21st century. My administration has shown high consciousness to the need for gender sensitivity and balancing” he stated.

The governor outlined the gender friendly initiatives taken by his administration in the past eight years: “We passed a law outlawing the harmful practices against widows.

Passed a law abolishing female genital mutilation. We sent a bill against stigmatization on HIV/AIDS,as far as it affects women and other groups.

“We set up the women and children hospital to focus on this category of people and their special problems, where they are to receive treatment at subsidized cost. We currently has four female Commissioners’’

the poor would have access to medical attention at the hospital under the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS), even as he disclosed that the State government has approved the employment of 70 core staff, consisting of 25 nurses to work at the hospital. He said medical consultants from outside would be

allowed to bring in the patients for treatment for a fee.

The hospital has eight state of the art operating theatres, four intensive care units, a computerized laboratory, labour room and theatre, wards for patients, a laundry, canteen and kitchen as well as a 100 bodies motorized morgue, among other facilities.

"NDDC to complete project at COEW soon"

By EMMAARUBI

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ARRI — PROVOST of the College of Education, Warri, (C.O.E.W.), Delta State, Professor Andrew Joe has expressed optimism that NDDC sponsored road construction projects in the school would be completed next month.

He also disclosed that the institution has started encouraging e-learning in the college, stressing that each student would have to pay for the facility.

Addressing the 28th matric-

ulation ceremony of the regular NCE students of the school, yesterday, Professor Joe warned them against hooliganism, rioting, examination malpractices and cultism, stating that ““these are not tolerated in this college as participating in them can earn you immediate expulsion.”” He admonished the students to be patient with the school authority in the area of accommodation in both hostel and lecture theatres, nothing that with the completion of the school of Arts and Social Sciences building the problem would ease out.

mal power stations.

The statement noted that the vandalised pipelines were responsible for gas transportation from NNPC/Shell pipeline in the Niger Delta region “to our thermal stations at Eg-

Militant group tasks intervention agencies

By Jimitota Onoyume

P

ORT HARCOURT— FOR enduring peace to be achieved in the Niger Delta, intervention agencies like the NDDC have been called upon to be alive to their responsibilities in the region.

In an online statement to the Vanguard weekend militants who spoke under the aegis of Joint Revolutionary Council listed projects that should be urgently tackled by the interventionist agency in some oil producing communities in the region.

Addressing the issues they argued would go a long to resolving the seeming endless crisis in the region even as they echoed the need for the release of detained Asari Dokubo.

The statement reads in part, “In line with the wishes of the following Niger Delta communities, Council herein demands that the following projects be commenced in these communities as soon as possible. We believe that these requests falls within the mandate of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC). Rivers State - Andoni Canalization Project in Rivers State - Abissa Canalization Project in Rivers State Delta State - Okerenkoko canalization project in Delta - Ojobo

ALABAR—THE second National Economic Empowerment and Development Strategy (NEEDS-2) draft document will be released in April.

The Minister of National Planning, Alhaji Abdallah Wali, announced this in Calabar last week, at the three-day meeting of the Joint Planning Board and National Council on Development Planning.

Wali said the document, a follow-up to the first NEEDS document (2004-2007), would be ready for President Olusegun Obasanjo’s consider-

ation by April.

It was expected to cover the period 2008 to 2011, he explained.

The Minister said the NEEDS-2 document would form part of the hand-over notes to the incoming administration before its subsequent launch in due course.

Wali noted that Thursday’s ceremony was part of a consultative process aimed at building consensus on key issues ‘’for the development of a sound and reliable The NEEDS is the country’s

canalization project in Delta State - Koko Shore protection Project Bayelsa State - Nembe Shore protection project Oporoaza Shore protection project Rivers State - Kula Shore protection project Ayamina Shore protection project - Okochiri Shore protection Ondo State - Ayetoro Shore Protection Project.

These projects are listed in the budget and master plan of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), and must therefore be delivered to these communities in good time.

Council recognizes that these communities have been patient for a very long time.

Council recognizes the need for the NDDC and other intervention agencies to promptly respond to the needs and desires of these communities without further delay.

The Joint Revolutionary Council recognizes the high nuisance value that these communities can bring to bear.

Council recognizes and condemns the increasing insecurity and loss of lives in Kula community. We believe that the Kula situation could be replicated in other coastal communities if mandated agencies such as the NDDC do not begin suggested projected to the listed communities as soon as possible.”

NSCDC boss warns staff on April polls

C

ALABAR—THE Commandant General, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Dr Ade

NEED-Second draft out in April says Wali

C

bin in Ughelli’’.

It, however, gave the assurance that with the ongoing constructions and the inauguration of a new power supply plant in the area, the power outages would stop.

reform-based medium-term plan for economic recovery and growth, with the main goals of poverty reduction, employment generation, wealth creation and value orientation.

Wali said the federal government had saved N200 billion since the introduction of the due process policy.

Through due process, the cost of project execution, which was one of the highest in the world, had gone down considerably, he noted.

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Abolurin, has threatened to dismiss operatives who compromise corps integrity during the forthcoming general elections.

Abolurin handed down the threat on last week in Calabar at the opening of a three-day workshop with the theme “Strategic policies and programmes toward crime and violent-free elections.’’

Represented by NSCDC Commandant in Cross River, Mr Nathaniel Ubong, Abolurin said “NSCDC staff should not allow environment and circumstances to affect their integrity and confidence during the polls’’.

He appealed to government at all levels to assist NSCDC in training its operatives on electoral processes.

He appealed for the cooperation of other security agencies during the election and enjoined his men to “monitor the elections with utmost objectivity and never see it to be business as usual.’’

VANGUARD, MONDAY, MARCH 19, 2007—11

DPP pledges good governance in Imo

By Chidi Nkwopara

O

WERRI—THE leadership of the Democratic Peoples Party (DPP) has promised to enthrone peace, order, good government and create jobs for the teeming job seekers in Imo State, if the party wins the governorship election in April.

The party’s gubernatorial candidate, Dr. Fabian Ihekweme, made the undertaking while flagging off his gubernatorial campaign train in Owerri, Imo State capital.

“If given the peoples’ mandate in the April 2007 general polls, I will create jobs for the state’s teeming job seekers by encouraging both local and foreign

investors to establish business in Imo State”, Ihekweme said.

Addressing the issue of falling standard of education in the state, he warned that any state or country that neglects the education sector does so at its own peril.

“I am worried that our schools have been neglected for too long. I am worried that all the basic infrastructures in our state schools are in varying grades of dilapidation.

Permit me to also warn that any state or country that neglects its education sector does so to its own peril”, the DPP governorship candidate reasoned.

Ihekweme appealed to the citizenry to resist the

temptation of mortgaging their conscience during the polls, pointing out that some candidates have started borrowing huge sums of money to get into public office.

Speaking also, the Director General of the Attahiru Bafarawa/Ebere Udeagu presidential campaign organisation in Imo State, Chief Ethelbert Okwaronyia reminded Imo people that the country is now facing a new direction.

“Nigeria is now facing a new direction. It is very sad that after eight years of our democratic engineering, we are yet to get to the Promised Land. It is sad that we are still grappling with the rudiments of democratic principles”, Okwaraonyia lamented.

INEC: Court rules on request to clear Ukachukwu for guber election

Kalu pledges to raise police salary

By Vincent Ujumadu

U

MUAHIA—ABIA State governor and presidential candidate of the Progressive Peoples Alliance (PPA), Orji Kalu has said that the least paid police personnel in Nigeria would be paid N60,000 monthly salary to motivate them to carry out their duties effectively.

Addressing his supporters at Ohafia during a campaign tour of the area, Kalu described as ridiculous a situation whereby some policemen receive as low as N7000 and wondered how such a person would be dedicated to his duties in the midst of economic hardship in the country.

In addition, he said, police men and women would be

entitled to five pairs of uniform annually, adding that he would build a police force that would be the pride of Africa unlike what is the situation at present.

He also said that he would make the Nigerian military the best in Africa by making all the arms combatant ready to be able to defend the country’s territorial integrity, while the prisons would become places for reforming the inmates unlike the present situation whereby the environment hardens them the more after leaving the prison.

He likened himself to the late Chief M.K.O.,Abiola who won election but did not live to govern the country adding, “the difference between two of us is that I will win and rule.”

BRIEFING: From left; Mr. Peter Nwodebelu; Mr. Timothy Ogbu; Mr. Patrick Okwunwannem, Zonal Chairman and Mr. Pius Ikechi during a press briefing by the National Union of Petroleum and National Gas Workers, Enugu State Chapter. Photo: Hill Ezeugwu.

By Ise-Oluwa Ige

A

BUJA—A Federal High court sitting in Abuja will decide, today, on whether or not it should compel INEC to include the name of the gubernatorial candidate of the All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP), Mr Nicholas Ukachukwu on the list of candidates already okayed for the April governorship election.

Ukachukwu plans to contest for the exalted office of the governor of Anambra state.

The High Court presided over by Justice Abimbola Ogie fixed judgment in the matter weekend after parties concluded arguments in the case.

Vanguard recalls that Ukachukwu had, February 12, this year, procured a High

Court order directing INEC not to disqualify him from contesting the gubernatorial poll in Anambra state.

The order was issued by the court before INEC published the list of qualified nominated governorship candidates for Anambra state.

The order though was duly served on the electoral body, INEC still went ahead to disqualify him.

The development made Ukachukwu to re-approach the Federal High Court, Abuja with a mandamus application seeking to compel INEC to obey the subsisting court order.

Specifically formulated for court to determine are three fundamental questions including: · Whether in view of the subsisting order of the Federal high court in suit No FHC\ABJ\CS\3\2007 in

ANPP, Prince Nicholas Ukachukwu Vs INEC made on February 12, 2007, it is proper and lawful for INEC to publish a list of nominated governorship candidates in Anambra state excluding his name as a validly nominated candidate? · Whether in view of the decided case in suit No FHC\ABJ\CS\3|2007, Action Congress Vs INEC made on March 7, 2007 by the Federal high court, Abuja and the clear provision of section 32 (3, 4) of the Electoral Act, 2006, INEC has the right and power to disqualify him , being a person validly nominated by ANPP (a registered political party)? · Whether INEC by the power conferred on it by its enabling Act is exempted from obeying subsisting orders of court of competent jurisdiction to wit order of the Federal High Court, Abuja in

suit No FHC\ABJ\M\3|2007 between the ANPP and one other versus INEC? Should any or all of the questions above be resolved in his favour, he wants the court to issue, in his favour, an order of mandamus compelling INEC to clear him for the gubernatorial poll and include his name on the list of candidates already okayed for the Anambra gubernatorial election.

Meanwhile, the same high court judge, Justice Abimbola Ogie will on Monday decide whether or not to withold her judgment on similar application by a faction of APGA seeking to compel INEC to publish the list of its nominated candidates.

The judgment was billed to be delivered in the case weekend but for the application seeking to arrest the judgment.

NPC to prosecute indicted officials, policemen A

BAKALIKI— OFFICIALS of the National Population Commission (NPC) and policemen indicted in the murder of a third-year medical student of the Ebonyi State University are to be prosecuted.

The Ebonyi Commissioner for Information,Mr Abia Onyike, announced this in Abakaliki while briefing newsmen on the outcome of the State Executive Council meeting.

The student, ThankGod Onwe, was shot during the National Population and Housing Census in Ohaukwu Local Government Area of Ebonyi on March 18, 2006.

Onyike said the prosecution followed the adoption of the draft white paper on the report of the judicial panel of inquiry which looked into the circumstances that led to the

killing.

The commissioner said other top officials of the NPC indicted by the government white paper would be reported to their employers

for appropriate sanctions in line with civil service rules.

The white paper condemned the incompetence, lukewarm attitude, greed and ulterior motives displayed by the

NPC officials.

The Ebonyi government had, on March 30, 2006, inaugurated the panel to look into the causes of the shooting.

Oloko decries dearth of primary school teachers

By Chidi Nkwopara

O

W E R R I — E D U C AT I O N Secretary for Ohaji/Egbema local government area of Imo State, Chief Romanus Oloko, has decried what he termed “the inadequate number of primary school teachers serving in the local council area”.

Chief Oloko, who stated this while, speaking to journalists on the teaching/ learning situation in the

council area, was also of the view that unless the situation changed for the better, the primary level of the education sector would suffer irredeemably.

"For teaching and learning to be efficient and effective, there is an acceptable teacher/pupil ratio. This is far from what is obtainable in Ohaji/Egbemalocal government area. We have inadequate number of teachers serving in this council area”, Oloko said.

The Education Secretary

who is currently on tour of all the primary schools in the local government area, announced that the Local Government Education Authority (LGED) need no fewer that 80 extra teachers to minimally cope with the growing number of pupil population in the schools.”

The Education Authority needs about 80 new teachers to tentatively cope with the increasing number of pupils in the schools. The few teachers in service do not need to be over worked.

12—VANGUARD, MONDAY, MARCH 19, 2007

Igbo leaders commend Chukwumerije

By Vincent Ujumadu

U

PRESIDENTIAL CAMPAIGN: Vice President Atiku Abubakar and his running mate Senator Ben Obi during the flag-off of the Action Congress' presidential campaign in Enugu.Photo: Hill Ezeugwu.

M U A H I A — PROMINENT Igbo leaders have commended the contributions of Senator Uche Chukwumerije representing Abia North in the country’s upper legislative house, saying that without somebody like him and a few others from the south east zone, Igbos would have been completely sold out in the murky waters of Nigerian politics.

The Igbo leaders who are mainly in their 70s and 80s, stormed the Ohafia campaign ground where Chukwumerije flagged off his campaign to return to the senate on the platform of the Progressive Peoples Alliance (PPA) said it was because of Chukwumerije’s success during his first tenure that informed their decision to “come to Ohafia to thank him

for what he did and assure him of the support of the entire Igbos as he prepares to return to the Senate.”

Among the leaders who spoke at the rally include Professor Elochukwu Amaucheazi from Anambra State and former DirectorGeneral of the defunct MAMSER, Chief S.O. Acha from Imo State who was elected member of the Eastern Nigerian legislature in 1953, Chief Onyeso Nwachukwu also from Imo State and a member of the Eastern Nigeria House of Assembly, Chief Nduka Eya from Enugu State who was a commissioner in the old Anambra State, Chief Ndem Kalu Abia State.

One after another, they eulogized Chukwumerije and recalled that his style of politics is similar to theirs in the hey days of the first republic when what mattered most to politicians was how

Imo CJ eulogises Udom-Azogu

By Chidi Nkwopara

O

VISIT: Governor Peter Obi of Anambra State and Tochukwu Udeoji during a courtesy visit on the governor by members of the Nigeria Union of Journalist, Anambra State Council in Awka. Photo: Hill Ezeugwu.

WERRI—The death of Justice Gertrude Ifunanya Udom-Azogu, of the Court of Appeal, has been described as “devastating not only to the members of the Udom and Azogu families and the Oguta community but also to the entire legal profession.

The Imo State Chief Judge, Justice Paul C. Onumajulu, stated this in a speech he delivered in Owerri at the special High Court session in honour of the late judge.

Nwajiuba tasks electorates on candidates

By Chidi Nkwopara

O

WERRI—IMO State gubernatorial candidate of Labour Party (LP), Chief Chukwuemeka Nwajiuba, has appealed to the citizenry to critically investigate the antecedents of all persons seeking elective positions in the state with a view to enthroning only the credible ones.

Chief Nwajiuba, who made the appeal at a press conference in Owerri, also opined that it was unchristian, uncharitable and anachronistic for any political party to hoist any person or group of persons who were accomplices in the liquidation of banks in the past.

“I urge the electorate to critically look at the contestants, see their track record and decide if they are good enough to be given our votes, as well as entrusted with our collective welfare for the next four years”, the LP gubernatorial candidate said.

Answering a question, Nwajiuba said that LP is presenting a clear case of generational change in the affairs of the state, adding

that the cumulative age of the gubernatorial candidate and his running mate is less than 75 years.

“We have candidates whose combined age is over 145 years. There are those

who have borrowed from banks, refused to pay back and in the end declared such banks bankrupt. Today, they are seeking the mandate of the people”, Nwajiuba said.

Continuing, he appealed to

the citizenry to wage a relentless war against rigging and violence during general elections, adding that “we must do everything possible to stop those that breed violence and steal votes”.

Base campaign on issues, group advises parties

By Anayo Okoli

A

WKA —EASTERN States Youth Association (ESYA), a socio-cultural non-political organisation, Anambra State chapter, has called on all the political parties and their candidates to base their campaign on issues rather than attacking persons, saying this is the only way to show maturity in politics.

Anambra State coordinator of the Organization, Comrade Victor Okoye advised politicians who feel marginalized in the on-going political experiment to challenge INEC in the court of law rather than trading blames and pointing accusing fingers on opponents thereby heating up the polity.

Okoye noted that his association has investigated the allegation that Peoples Democratic Party's Candidate, Chief Andy Uba was behind the disqualification of some contestants in the state by INEC and “found it to be ridiculous” as Uba has no such powers. He noted that INEC acted in accordance to the Electoral Laws of the land which any aggrieved person can challenge before any court of Law. “The association further found out that those who are propagating the mischievous information that Andy Uba was responsible for the INEC’s disqualification of the other three governorship candidates actually know the truth of what happened but deliberately resorted to shifting the blame

to Andy Uba so as to whip up public sentiment against his towering popularity and gain cheap sympathy from the gullible members of the public”, Okoye said.

He noted that the current allegation by some politicians in the state that the PDP gubernatorial candidate was behind the disqualification of some governorship candidates of some political parties in particularly Dr. Chris Ngige of the Action Congress, Chief C.N Ukachukwu of the All Nigerian Peoples Party and incumbent state Governor Peter Obi of the All Progressive Grand Alliance are not only false but a deliberate campaign of calumny orchestrated to tarnish the image of the PDP candidate.

“Obviously, the passion which the sudden demise of a lady of such stature, position, and disposition evokes, the emotions it enkindles and the grief it strikes are capable of weighing down even the heart of a lion”, Onumajulu said.

He described the late jurist as “a female lawyer of great stature and composure who, in spite of the rigours, strains and vicissitudes of private legal practice, remained in active private legal practice from her year of call to the bar in 1963 to her year of elevation to the higher bench in 1990, a period of 27 years”.

Continuing, the State Chief Judge said: “As a professional colleague, both at the bar and on the bench, she impressed me as a simple, humble, unassuming, hardworking and diligent lawyer who carried herself with commendable candour and applied herself assiduously to her job”.

Speaking also, the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Chief Jude T.U. Nnodum (SAN), said she was the first female legal practitioner to be elevated to the bench in Imo State and on the eve of her retirement from the court, she was elevated to the Court of Appeal bench in April 2005, again scoring another first.

“It is unfortunate that less than two years in her tenure in the Court of Appeal, death struck and brought her carreer to a sudden end. But death cannot erase her contributions to the Nigerian legal system, especially through her judgments”, Nnodum reasoned.

In his address on behalf of the Body of Senior Advocates of Nigeria, Chief Livy Uzoukwu (SAN) said that the late Judge exhibited uncommon profundity and scholarship in her judgments, adding that she gave tough and decent decisions with great ease.

to better the condition of their people.

According to Amaucheazi, Chukwumerije did well as a Senator and Ohaneze Ndigbo has decided that he should be supported to go back and continue his good representation and commended his party, the PPA for giving him the ticket to enable him actualize his programmes for the Igbos.

“Chukwumerije is our great son. We know that God created him to do great things for humanity. We are aware that he was offered money like others to sell out but he rejected it. We want our youths to learn a lot from Chukwumerije. He has shown that one can shun the things of life in the interest of his people. He rejected Ghana Must Go and that is why we are proud of him today.

In his speech, Chukwumerije observed that he is the luckiest senator in Nigeria because he is carrying the legacy of a great people with great history and assured the Igbos that he would never disappoint them.

He said that although the war ended 40 years ago in Nigeria, Igbos were still being maltreated, and commended the courage of Governor Orji Uzor Kalu in standing firm in defense of the Igbo cause.

His words: “In 1970, I wrote the letter of surrender of Biafra and handed it to Obasanjo and so he still believes that we are a defeated people. We must therefore liberate ourselves and we will start with the presidential election coming up in April.

Since Independence, no Igbo man has been elected president and this is the time to change it. We thank God for giving us Kalu who is a jinx breaker and through your votes, he will be the first Igbo to become an elected president.”

Ebonyi approves colour for taxis,buses

A

BAKALIKI— EBONYI government is set to regulate the activities of township taxis and buses as a uniform colour has been approved for them.

White and light blue colour was approved following the adoption of a proposal forwarded by the state Ministry of Works and Transport.

In a statement in Abakaliki, the Commissioner for Information, Mr Abia Onyike, directed taxi operators to comply promptly.

He gave June 30 as the deadline for the implementation of the policy.

Onyike directed taxi and bus drivers to go to the Ministry of Works and Transport to get the actual colour sample for effective compliance.

VANGUARD, MONDAY, MARCH 19, 2007 — 13

Makarfi tasks North on Yar'Adua

By Tordue Salem

A

BUJA — GOVERNOR Ahmad Makarfi of Kaduna State, weekend asked the leadership of the Peoples Democratic Party(PDP) in the North-West zone to intensify campaign for the Presidential candidate of the Party, Mallam Musa Yar’Adua.

Makarfi who is the coordinator of the PDP Presidential Campaign Steering Committee in the zone stated through the spokesman of the steering committee, Mallam Danladi Bako that “members of the committee should give their maximum support for the success of the campaign in the zone” The Governor, observed the “need to ensure that the North West zone of the PDP produces the largest number of votes for the PDP presidential candidate considering that the zone has the singular privilege of producing the PDP candidate for the 2007 election” According to the statement, Makarfi ‘also charged the committee to mobilize women, youth, and all the citizens and eligible voters in the zone” Makarfi according a statement signed by Bako, “reminded them that the North West has the largest number of voters, therefore, it is duty bound to come in quantity of votes cast for Yar’adua and Goodluck”.

The itinerary of the North West Campaign according to

the statement shows that it will kick off in Sokoto state on March 20. It will move to Kebbi State on March 21, Zamfara State on March 22, and then Kaduna and Kano on March 23 and 24 respectively. The

BUJA — THE Minister of Education, Mrs Obiageli Ezekwesili, has announced an indefinite suspension of 232 persons from conducting public examinations in the country.

Announcing the names weekend in Abuja, the Minister said the ban on the former examiners, supervisors and invigilators was with effect from January this year.

Ezekwesili said the persons were blacklisted for allegedly aiding and abetting examination malpractice.

A breakdown of the list showed that 46 employees of the Federal Ministry of Education and its agencies topped the list of the persons.

The breakdown also showed that Anambra state had 31 Official; Imo, 15; Ondo, 14, while Abia and Cross River states had 11 each.

Oyo State had nine; Ebonyi and Benue states had seven each; Plateau, Enugu and Delta states recorded six officials each, while Edo had five.

According to the list, Ekiti, Kebbi, Kogi, Rivers and the FCT had four each, while Lagos, Nasarawa and Kwara states had three each.

Sokoto State had only one official banned from conducting examinations approved by the Federal Ministry of Education.

Ezekwesili said the list was not exhaustive, and did not capture all the perpetrators, adding that the process was on-going while the long arm

nator on behalf of other members and promised to “live up to expectation and produce maximum results to make PDP retain the Country’s presidency,” according to the statement.

Mr. Adaba Peki, Senior Marketing Manager, Sweet Sensation; Mrs. Folusho Babasola Nutrition/Head Manager, Unilever and Kofo Savege Mohammed Co-ordinator Unilever Dental, during a press conference on oral healthcare in Lagos. Photo: Joe Akintola

By Luka Binniyat

A

BUJA — THE Minister of Mines and Steel Development, Professor Lesley Obiorah, has decleared that Nigeria’s under explored gold fields are about to bounce to life as two world rated gold mining firms have indicated interest to invest in Nigeria in the next two weeks.

One of the companies is Moydow and Diamond Fields with head office in Dublin, Ireland, and offices in Toronto and Accra, Ghana.

Moydow has a deep profile portfolio of exploration assets with primary interests in precious and industrial minerals and diamonds and is well at home with the African terrain The other is the Mano River Resources Inc. an exploration and development company focused on the discovery of gold, diamond and iron ore deposits in the West African, Mano River Union countries of Sierra Leone, Liberia, and Guinea.

Court strikes out AC suit challenging formation of Ayua-panel

By Ise-Oluwa Ige

A

BUJA—A Federal High court sitting in Abuja last week struck out a suit in-

232 persons blacklisted from conducting exams

A

team will be in Jigawa on March 25 and the zonal tour will end in Katsina on Monday, March 26.

Senator Isiah Balat, the Kaduna State coordinator of the campaign thanked the coordi-

Gold mines to bounce back, as two firms set to invest

of justice would eventually catch up with all perpetrators of examination malpractice.

“These individuals can no longer serve as personnel of the Federal Ministry of Education associated examinations, including those of National Examinations Council (NECO), West African Examinations Council (WAEC), Joint Admission and Matriculations Board (JAMB), National Business and Technical Education Board (NABTEB) and the National Teachers Institute (NTI).

“The suspension as examination personnel is a Federal Ministry of Education administrative action. It is without prejudice to other disciplinary actions or measures prescribed by law,‘’ she said

stituted by the Action Congress (AC) challenging the powers of President Olusegun Obasanjo in setting up the Professor Ayua-led Administrative Panel of Enquiry which indicted and barred Vice President Atiku Abubakar and scores of political office seekers from contesting the April poll on account of corruption.

The trial judge in the case, Justice Binta Murtala Nyarko threw out the suit following a

request by the AC to withdraw the case on its own volition.

The political party said that the reason for the suit has been overtaken by events.

Specifically, counsel to the party (AC), Mr S T Mandeun, cited the judgment delivered

by Justice Babs Kuewumi of the same high court on March 8, this year which stated categorically that INEC lacked the powers to disqualify any candidate including Vice Presi-

dent Atiku Abubakar from contesting election notwithstanding any indictment against such office seeker.

But all the nine defendants sued by AC in the case including President Olusegun Obasanjo were in unison to demand for cost for wasting their precious time.

The judge consequently enriched President Obasanjo and eight others by N2,000 each as it awarded a total N18,000 in their favour.

NDLEA clamps down on drug peddlers

A

BUJA — FCT Command of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has embarked on massive arrest of drug peddlers and consumers in the area.

The command arrested 12 persons and seized more than 50kg of cannabis with other substances in the operation that commenced on Thursday.

Areas covered include Dagba in Garki Area 1, Mabushi and Garki modern market while illegal structures were destroyed in those areas.

NDLEA FCT commandant Victoria Egbase said at Gwagwalada that the operation was part of the command’s effort to clean the FCT of illegal drug peddlers and consumers.

Egbase noted that some parts of the FCT had been invaded by drug peddlers, saying that efforts were being made to check the trend. According to her, five persons are currently undergoing rehabilitation in the command’s minirehabilitation centre, including an 18-year-old student.

She said that the student

had been on drug for the past ten years. She said that parents needed to give more attention to their children while all tiers of government should partner with the agency in the struggle to have a drug-free society.

The commandant urged government to provide more funds and equipment to the agency so as to sustain the operation considering the increase in the peddling and consumption of drugs in the area.

A statement from the Office of the Minister signed by the Chief Press Secretary of the Ministry, Mr. Clinton Oni in Abuja weekend, said the Minister, who had earlier led Nigeria’s delegation to the 75th International Mining Convention Trade Show and Investors Exchange in Toronto Canada, said the companies would be coming to Nigeria within next two weeks.

“Mano River Resources Incorporated, Moydow and Diamond Fields have indicated interest to invest in Gold mining, which is about to resume after over 60 years of dormancy and decline”, said the statement

NSITF to implement employees' fund

By Funmi Komolafe

T

HE new Managing Director of the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund, Chief Enukora Joe Okoli has promised to ensure the actualisation of the Employees Compensation Fund.

Speaking during his visit to the president of the Nigeria Labour Congress, Comrade Abdulwaheed Omar, Chief Okoli also spoke of his plans to build a modern ICT-driven organization in line with modern trend of e-governance, enhance capacity for all staff to deliver efficient services through professional training and collaborate with existing agencies like NAPEP, NHF, NDE and NHIS currently dealing with Social security matters for a unity of purpose of the various schemes for efficiency and cost effectiveness”.

NLC president, Comrade Omar promised that the NLC as a major stakeholder in NSTIF would continue to “support and collaborate with the Fund in its statutory mandate of providing Social Security Services to Nigerians as enshrined in the Pension Reform Act, 2004".

Meanwhile the Head of Service, Alhaji Yayale has also received the NSITF chief executive in audience and promised to support Okoli’s vision for the Fund.

Nollywood loses N120b annually—SURVEY A

BUJA—THE Nigerian film industry loses about N120 billion annually in spite of its ranking as the third largest movie industry in the world.

Ms. Nadine Stanford, a representative of a UK-based law firm, Agape Solicitors, made the disclosure last week in Abuja, at a workshop organised by the Nigerian Film and Video Censors Board (NFVCB).

The workshop was organised under the auspices of the Best of the Best TV (BobTV) theatre and film annual festi-

val at the Sheraton Hotel and Towers.

In a presentation entitled: “Redefining the Business Side of the Nigerian Movies’’, Stanford said the Nigerian film industry had no clearly developed distribution networks both locally and internationally.

She said that figures obtained from research by Price Water House Cooper and Alder Consulting, on the industry showed that the industry was already worth about N500 billion.

“With little or no structures

internationally, and non-existent or informal structures locally, the Nigerian film industry sees little or no foreign money in spite of its popularity abroad,’’ she said.

Stanford said the lack of a clear distribution network, fragmentation in the industry and poor cinema content had deprived screenwriters, producers, actors and marketers of the benefits of their works.

She said the current trend of releasing over 2,000 movies in a year would continue to affect the quality of the movies as most of the producers seem

to be in a haste in packaging their movies.

Stanford said the industry must learn to harmonise its differences and speak with one voice on issues regarding its future growth, especially in getting its returns on investments.

On statistics and buying power in foreign countries, she said five per cent of Britain’s 62 million population were blacks, adding that more than 78 per cent of those population live in London.

Standford said most of the black population had taken interest in Nigerian movies, but regretted that they depended on pirates

for their copies.She said that more than 10 million blacks live Europe and 26 million in the U. S. Stanford urged the Nigerian Film and Video Censors Board (NFVCB) to work hand in hand with marketers to evolve distribution structures and standards in the industry that would attract foreign investment.

Speaking earlier, NFVCB Executive Director, Mr Emeka Mba, said all reforms in the industry would be targeted at improving the lot of investors and ensuring that all stakeholders had their returns in the industry.

14 —VANGUARD, MONDAY, MARCH 19, 2007

LEEMP executes 122 projects in Kastina

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ATAZU (KATSINA) — THE Local Empowerment and Environment Management Project (LEEMP) in Katsina State has executed more than 122 micro projects worth N230 million.

The project Coordinator, Alhaji Salisu Yar’Adua made this known in Matazu in Katsina while distributing N40 million to some communities for micro projects in six council areas.

He explained that 122 projects had been completed, covering education, health, water supply, roads, socioeconomic activities, environment and natural resources.

He said some 120 communities in 12 local government areas had benefitted from LEEMP projects.

Yar’adua explained that the N40 million being disbursed

was meant for six council areas including Matazu.

He announced that 23 communities were scheduled to benefit from the project under phase two.

He said the projects funded

by LEEMP were community driven development projects aimed at improving the wellbeing of the rural dwellers.

It was also to ensure sustainability of the social assets created by the people themselves, he said.

He therefore, urged the benefitting communities to adhere strictly to the implementation guidelines and involve all community members.

The Chairman of Matazu Local Government, Alhaji Danshehu, thanked LEEMP for funding the community projects.

J

OS—THE ADC presi dential candidate, Pofessor Pat Utomi, has urged the NLC to play a vital role in protecting votes during the general elections.

Utomi made the call in Jos while addressing members of the Plateau chapter of the NLC in Jos He stressed that protecting the votes was important if Nigeria was to witness a change from its history on electoral processes manipulation.

“We all are together in the

Utomi tasks NLC on free, fair polls pursuit of the liberation of our country from the stranglehold of contractor politicians.

“The forth-coming elections present the opportunity for us to start this revolution,” he said.

The Presidential candidate observed that the major problem of Nigeria was the absence of accountability

within the ranks of those, who held leadership positions.

He pointed out that Nigeria had more than adequate resources to better the lots of its people, but that the leaders did not put such resources into proper use.

Utomi said the situation would, however, would be redressed under his admin-

istration and also promised not to fail NLC if elected into power.

Speaking on behalf of the NLC members, Mr Babatunde Liedi, commended Prof. Utomi for his courage to run in the forth-coming election, saying if elected, Nigeria would experience lots of changes.

Ibrahim wants cost implication of 15% pay hike

D

AMATURU - GOVER NOR Bukar Ibrahim of Yobe has directed the office of the Head of Service to determine the cost implication of implementing a 15 per cent pay hike for workers.

He gave the directive in Damaturu on Thursday while presenting the 2007 budget proposal to the state House of Assembly.

The State government has

pledged to raise workers’ salaries by 15 per cent but has not implemented it because the House of Assembly has not passed the proposal. The governor announced a donation of N1 million to enable the state NLC to start construction of a secretariat.

He approved another N1 million as compensation to occupants of the land used for the secretariat.

DINNER:From left: Mr. Berti Vogts recieves a Globacom phone from Mr. Okon Iyanam, Executive Director, Marketing Communication, Globacom, Mr. Bala Ka'oje, Chairman National Sports Commission and Chief Alex Akinyele during Globacom's dinner and reception in honour of Berti Vogts, the new National team coach at the Oceanview Restaurant, Lagos.

Babangida promises free education

By Wole Mosadomi

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President Olusegun Obasanjo (right) being received by the Chairman National Human Rights Commission, Justice Anthony Ighu while the Justice Minister, Mr. Bayo Ojo (2nd left); the Executive Secretary of the Commission, Mrs. Kehinde Ajoni (3rd left) and others at the Commissioning of the Headquarters Complex of the NHRC, Maitama, Abuja. Photo

by Abayomi Adeshida

INNA — PEOPLE’S Democratic Party (PDP), governorship candidate, Dr. Mauzu Babangida Aliyu has promised to introduce free education at all levels for all females resident in the state if he is elected as the next governor of the state.

The governorship candidate who made this promise when a group of non indigenes in Minna paid him a solidarity visit said his aim is intended at encouraging more females in going to school thereby, “closing the wide gap” between the males and females educations.

Dr. Babangida said he is of the opinion and strong believe that women being the majority in the state should be

By Umoru Henry

A

BUJA—THE Federal Government has urged stakeholders in the Agricultural sector to come up with policies that would push it to play its statutory role in the economy that is geared towards achieving the NEEDS and the Millennium Development Goals (MDGS), set target of about 60% in less than a decade from now.

Declaring open the 36th Reg-

assisted to pursue their academics to whatever level in order to move the family, the state and the nation forward.

The governorship candidate also promised to cancel the differential schools fees between indigenes and non indigenes adding that everybody resident in the state will “As far as I am concerned, we are all one; infact we are all non indigenes and according to him, the state cannot do without visitors; we have to accommodate visitors if we want development and want to remain as one and this is why we will give everybody equal treatment if we are given the mandate to rule this state.”

Dr. Babangida said even though there could be reasons for the disparity in the school fees, the events that led to such a decision have

FG tasks stakeholders on fight against hunger ular Technical Session of the National Council of Agriculture and Rural Development {NCARD} in Abuja last week, the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Water Resources, Ms. Ama Pepple noted that government’s new policy thrust has been repositioned to anchor on the achievement of

the NEEDS and MDG’’s target of hunger and poverty alleviation by 2015.

“I call on this gathering of technocrats to brace up for the challenges and provide, through our deliberations, viable choices for Councils, collectively and individually”, she said.

According to her, this would

assist the Federal, State and Local Governments on the best way to improve on the policy thrust at these levels, adding that the session affords the participants the opportunity to consider the memoranda before they are presented to the government.

The permanent Secretary who said the sector had at-

tained a growth rate about 7% catalyst in the ‘‘A’’ target growth rate of 10% has been set for the sector in 2007 and the 2007-2009 rolling plan also envisage the agricultural sector to grow at 12%., stressed that these targets obviously pose serious challenges to experts in the sector.

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been overtaken by events saying, “we have to move with the time in order to move forward”.

He called on all to live as one irrespective of their tribe, religion and political affiliation adding that the economy of the state rest on everybody.

Spokesmen of the forum which comprises many tribes, Chief Emmanuel Udoh said they are solidly behind the candidacy of Dr. Babangida Aliyu because of his track records and prayed for his success at the polls.

Meanwhile, old students of college of Arts and Arabic Studies (CAAS) Sokoto otherwise known as AL-HUDA has thrown its weight behind the candidature of Niger State PDP Gubernatorial Candidate Dr. Muazu Babangida Aliyu.

Addressing journalists in Minna Friday, Chairman Central Working Committee of the Association, Dr. Mustapha Ibrahim Lemu enumerated 10 points why they are totally in support of the candidate who is also an alumni of the school.

He said right from their secondary school day, “we saw in practical terms the manifestation of the intelligence, determination and smartness that constitute the quintessential Dr. Muazu Babangida Aliyu today”, and them called on the people to vote massively for him.

V ANGUARD, MONDAY, MARCH 19, 2007 — 15

POCKET CARTOON

NEWS Continues from Page 1 ally signed by him to the chairman of the Senate review committee.

In the letter, with reference number Pres/134, and dated March 16, 2007, Obasanjo stated that he did not at any time spend money on projects that could not be justified.

Obasanjo said he acted within his limits in spending the PTDF monies on information and communication technologies, ICT, projects including the African Institute of Science and Technology, AIST, Abuja, Computer for All Nigerians Initiative, CANI, and the Galaxy Backbone Plc. He also defended why N250 million of the PTDF money was spent as legal fee on the registration of Galaxy Backbone Plc. The president equally offered explanation on why the Fund’s N1 billion was committed to the development of the indigenous assault rifle code named OBJ-006 which had been criticised as his ‘vanity project’.

Obasanjo told the Senate review committee that all he did with the PTDF money was open to verification.

The letter reads: “I write to acknowledge your letter of invitation on the above named subject availing me of the opportunity to respond and clarify some of the issues therein, and I thank your committee for such an opportunity.

“Let me hasten to express my understanding, as I had operated the law in the 70s and today, that the three key words to guide the operation of the law are found in the title of the legislation: Petroleum, Technology and Development.

“In today’s situation, I will put this understanding to capacity building and local content development – two great issues on which the administration has endeavoured to make significant change and impact.

Technology Capacity Building and the PTDF Act In the wake of the Arab oil embargo and subsequent quadrupling of oil prices by OPEC, the Petroleum Technology Development Fund (PTDF) Act was promulgated by the Yakubu Gowon Administration in 1973 with the purpose of building the capacity of Nigerians to be active participants in the then emerging oil and gas (petroleum) industry.

The objects of the Act were clearly to take whatever actions necessary to ensure that Nigerians are educated, trained, and developed to be experts and key players in petroleum technology. But what constitutes ‘petroleum technology’ in 1973, and what is it today? These are key issues for reflection as we attempt to derive the intentions of the government that enacted the PTDF law for general application and utility not only for 1973, but for the 21st century. I was privileged to have served that government as a minister.

Petroleum Technology in 1973, Today and Tomorrow Up until the 1990s when a few universities outside Nigeria began offering degrees in petroleum engineering, petroleum technology as a field of academic, professional or vocational study did not exist. The roadmap to a career in petroleum technology is to acquire degrees or diplomas in any of the following fields of study: *Chemical engineering and industrial chemistry *Geology and geophysics *Basic engineering – civil, electrical, mechanical, electronic, etc. *Computer science and electronics, *Physics and engineering physics, and *Surveying and remote sensing

How I spent PTDF money, by Obasanjo In those days, computer science and electronics were at their infancy. Indeed, then ‘computers’ were huge mainframes that filled up constantly air-conditioned rooms that were not accessible to anyone but ‘operators’ to feed punch cards and magnetic tapes. Telephones were analogue devices that were fixed in one place, and often required manual operators to connect calls over copper wires and huge microwave towers, from townto-town, and country-to-country. The word “internet” did not exist, optical fibre had not been invented.

Those who enacted the PTDF Act could not have foreseen a tip of what was to happen in the petroleum technology field since the information revolution that began in the mid-1980s. The invention of IBM personal computer, the development of optical fibre, digital microwave and cellular technologies, deployment of low earth orbit satellite technology and the internet – all in quick succession, -have had a profound impact on not only oil and gas education, training and capacity building, but on the way governments and businesses conduct their affairs.

Today, a lot of changes in the scope and content of the fields of study leading to a career in petroleum technology have occurred with the rapid development of miniaturization and digital technologies that have brought down the cost of these telecommunication, computer and television technologies.

Role of ICT in Capacity Building, Education and Government Information and communications technologies (ICT) can contribute to economic and human development. Nations around the world are eager to take advantage of this potential. A nation without these basic ICT facilities cannot develop or compete or compare to one with proper ICT facilities in the 21st century. Hence, the PTDF funding of ICT generally can be justified to enhance development of the petroleum industry in Nigeria as well as other industries.

The convergence of voice, video and data – the telephone (now mobile or fixed), the television and digital information – carried over the same line – whether wireless or via optical fibre has led to the emergence of ICT as the real foundation of all knowledge, all business, all competitive advantage, whether in reference to education, healthcare, industries and nations. No business, industry or government can compete in the increasingly integrating global economy without a robust, ubiquitous and accessible ICT infrastructure, tools and continuous training for its people.

Today, ICT has become so pervasive in every sector, every industry and economy that to imagine that it is possible to educate, train and build capacity in petroleum technology or indeed any other field of the sciences and the humanities without investing in its infrastructure and tools would be foolhardy, even absurd. ICT investment today is akin to the investments in electric power, roads, railways, airports, and seaports which facilitated domestic and international trade, industrialization and growth of market economies in the 19th and 20th centuries. ICT is today very much the pencil, pen and paper around which the analogue workplace was built upon. It is impossible in the world of today to realise the objects of the PTDF Act without substantial investment in information and communications technologies, infrastructure, and tools.

African Institute of Science and Technology (AIST), Abuja The Nelson Mandela Institution (NMI) is a not-for-profit foundation established by African academics teaching in Europe, America and Asia with the sole objective of establishing four world-class universities of technology like the famed MIT and the Indian Institute of Technology. Three prominent Nigerian professors – Wole Soboyejo (Princeton), Tayo Akinwande (MIT) and Barth Nnaji (Cornell) worked with the likes of the former president of Mozambique, Joachim Chissano, Cyril Ramaphosa and Ngozi OkonjoIweala to promote the noble objective and secure the backing of the World Bank, the Africa Development Bank, the European Union and Blair Commission for Africa for the project.

The goal of the group of professors, technocrats and politicians is to establish a technological university in each of East, West, South and North Africa, in that order and each will be called the African Institute of Science and Technology (AIST), but incorporated in each country of location as a stand-alone, national and sub-regional, private university.

The first AIST was to be established in Tanzania, but with my intervention and involvement of Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, NMI was persuaded to agree to locate the first AIST in the Abuja Technology Village.

The Federal Government of Nigeria through the FCT administration committed to providing 240 hectares of land, infrastructure and financial support to enable the early take off of the university by 2008. The AIST is to be co-financed by World Bank grants and credits, grants from the EU and the British government, and the African Development Bank. This provides Nigeria a unique opportunity to have a world class technological university started on a clean slate largely with subsidized funding from bilateral and multilateral development partners. The FCT administration requested and the NMI agreed to relocate its head office from Washington, DC to Abuja in 2005.

Within the AIST is the Gulf of Guinea Institute – G2i. This is intended to be the premier faculty of oil and gas technology to serve as center for excellence for education, training and capacity building in petroleum technology for the Gulf of Guinea region and indeed the African Continent. The Business and Implementation Plan for the G2i are provided herewith as Annex I. It is on the basis of the foregoing that PTDF was approached to intervene in the development of the G2i of the AIST. The intervention of USD 25 million was approved out of the USD 40 million requested.

The AIST is not a governmentowned university and therefore does not require an Act of the National Assembly to exist. It needs only to be incorporated in Nigeria, and be licensed by the NUC to commence operation as a university. AIST has already been incorporated as African University of Science and Technology – Limited by Guarantee and its application to the NUC in process. See Annex II for CAC Certificate of Incorporation. The Certificate of Occupancy for AIST’s land has been issued, and architectural and engineering designs completed. On 27th of February, 2007 I performed the groundbreaking ceremony for the construction of the Gulf of Guinea Institute of AIST Abuja. Contracts for the infrastructure are about to be awarded by the FCT

Administration. In July 2007, the first set of participants in Executive Programmes in Oil and Gas will be admitted to the AIST and degree programs are scheduled to start in 2008.

The Abuja Institute of Science & Technology (AIST) with its affiliate center, the Gulf of Guinea Institute, will offer academic programmes and services in five different areas; i)Didactic and Training Services – which will offer postgraduate programmes in academic disciplines that apply to the oil and gas sector, ii)Economic Services – which would focus on the design, development and publication of techno-economic indices on the costs of Oil and Gas resource development in the Gulf of Guinea region, iii)Engineering Research – which will offer research programmes specifically on the construction and exploration problems on offshore drilling, production and storage in the Gulf of Guinea, iv)Socio-Ethical studies – which will concentrate on research on the impact of oil and gas industry in the Gulf of Guinea region and other communities, and v)Technical Publication to publish journals of international scholarly interest in the oil and gas sector.

Being one of the largest oil producing countries in the world, this would create a world class oil and gas industry training institution in Nigeria. Also it will provide an alternative to training institutions outside Nigeria which currently trains most of the public and private sector industry workers.

The intervention of the PTDF is to build the G2i “for the purposes of training Nigerians to qualify as graduates, professionals, … in the fields of engineering, geology, science and management in the petroleum industry in Nigeria” in the express words of Section 2 of the Act, and more particularly section 2(b) – ‘subsidies for training’, and section 2©) – ‘endowments to faculties in Nigerian universities or institutions approved by the Minister’ . It will be indeed a surprising interpretation of the Act to say that the intervention of PTDF in G2i is outside its mandate, in the light of the foregoing and clear express provisions of the statute. I attach as Annex III the process leading to the ultimate approval when I became satisfied that the mandate of PTDF accommodates it.

Computer for All Nigerians Initiative (CANI) The interpretation and application of any law related to any field of science or technology, passed in 1973, without taking cognizance of developments in ICT and impact on the education, training and capacity building will lead to absurd results. In interpreting this law, looking at the narrow meaning of the literal words of the Act are unhelpful.

Interpretation must begin with deriving the intention of the legislature.

The Federal Executive Council debated this extensively and concluded that, and we accordingly submit here that the mischief the PTDF Act sought to cure is the very low level of participation of Nigerians in the petroleum industry in 1973. It is impossible today for Nigerians in the Petroleum Industry in particular and the Public Service in general to even communicate with the multinational oil companies without ICT infrastructure, tools and training. The CANI was introduced by the FGN to accelerate the bridging of the digital divide between the public and private sectors."

31 Bayelsa chiefs in Police net over clashes Continues from Page 1 youths to order, as well as due to the latest spate of similar clashes. It was learnt that the clashes were due to an alleged beating and kidnapping of three youths from Liama by their Egweama counterparts. The Liama youths were said to have accompanied a boat carrying items belonging to oil service company, Emerald Energy Oil Services, when they were attacked.

Angered by the development, youths from Liama launched an attack on their Egweama neighbours which led to the death of 11 persons and the destruction of houses. The deputy governor who conducted an on-the-spot assessment visit to the troubled

communities after the incident, pleaded with the chiefs to ensure that peace returned to the area.

Ebebi had warned that government would not hesitate to bring the full weight of the law to bear on any erring community. He reminded the chiefs that government had invested so much resources to ensure that peace reigned in the state. Meanwhile, the arrested chiefs are being detained at the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) in Yenegoa. The state police Public relations Officer, Mr Iniobong Ibokette, confirmed the arrests, saying the chiefs were helping in police investigations into the violent clashes.

'I'm ready to resume now' Continues from Page 1 successful hand over to the next elected government in the state.

He implored citizens to desist from acts or utterances capable of aggravating the tension in the state or lead to violence, adding that his intention to resume office “stems from his respect for the sacred mandate given to him by the people of Plateau State which he sees as a God-given responsibility which he will never abdicate.”

The statement also quoted Chief Dariye as having expressed his willingness to continue to work with his former deputy, Chief Michael Bot-Mang for the remaining part of their tenure.

“The executive governor thanks the Almighty God for yet another divine intervention in the affairs of Plateau State and urges supporters and detractors alike to draw lessons from such interventions.”

In another development, the

Action Congress (AC) in Plateau State has said that the judgment of the Court of Appeal which reinstated Dariye was subsisting since the state of execution applied for by the appellants was yet to be granted.

The party’s state Chairman, Chief Maichibi Vwarji, in a statement took a swipe at critics of the judgment, noting that they demonstrated ignorance of the elementary principles of the rule of law.

It agreed with comments credited to Chief Solomon Lar on the court judgment, arguing that the issue was about constitutionality and respect for the rule of law and not emotions.

It commended the judiciary for strengthening the faith of Nigerians in the justice administration system of this country, adding “this judgment would go a long way in establishing a culture of rule of law as against anarchy which the ruling party is trying to impose on Nigerians.”

FG to clampdown on banks Continues from Page 1 December that they would stop corrupting government officials through inducement of negotiated above normal up-front interest payment on government funds placed in their banks.

Presidency sources told Vanguard that a memo was sent out by the Central Bank (CBN) to all managing directors of banks in which they were asked to sign an undertaking that they would stem corruption in their banks. The move is said to have been prompted by the flagrant manner banks violated the ethics of banking in their quest for cheap government funds. It was gathered that all investigations into corrupt activities of governors, government officials were traceable to the door steps of Nigerian banks.

According to the presidency source, four banks are in the forefront of corruption in Nigeria. The four banks are be-

ing accused of doing incalculable damage to the banking culture in Nigeria. One of the managing directors who confirmed signing the document said in the drive for funds, many banks had thrown caution to the wind as they use every unethical means to attract funds from government institutions and agencies. He said now, government agencies and parastatals demanded about four per cent above normal up-front interest payment for funds placed in banks. Many banks which want to stick to the ethics of banking are losing funds placed with them in the past.

He said a particular bank lost N5billion deposit recently when it refused to pay the upfront fee demanded by the officials.

He said a particular state governor collected five per cent on the funds placed with the bank which the bank in question styled COT charges.

16 — VANGUARD, MONDAY, MARCH 19, 2007

NEWS EXTRA

'How I planned 9/11 bombings'

By Evelyn Usman & Femi Adisa

G

W

ASHINGTON— KHALID Sheikh Mohammed portrayed himself to a U.S. military tribunal as al-Qaida’s most ambitious operational planner, taking responsibility for planning and supporting 31 terrorist attacks, topped by 9/11, according to an account of his confession.

The gruesome attacks range from the suicide hijackings of Sept. 11, 2001 which killed nearly 3,000 - to a 2002 shooting on an island off Kuwait that killed a U.S. Marine, according to an account released by the Pentagon.

Many plots, including a previously undisclosed plan to kill several former U.S. presidents, were never carried out or were foiled by international counterterror authorities.

“I was responsible for the 9/11 operation from A to Z,” Mohammed said in a statement read Saturday during a Combatant Status Review Tribunal at the U.S. detention facility at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba.

Mohammed’s confession was read by a member of the U.S. military who is serving as his personal representative.

The Pentagon released a 26-page transcript of the closed-door proceedings on Wednesday night. Some material was omitted, and it wasn’t possible to immediately confirm details.

The document refers to locations for which the United States and other nations have issued terrorism warnings based on what they deemed credible threats from 1993 to the present.

Mohammed, known as KSM among government officials, was last seen haggard after his capture in March 2003, when he was photographed in a dingy white T-shirt with an overstretched neck.

He disappeared for more than three years into a secret detention system run by the CIA. In his first public statements since his capture, his radical ideology and self-confidence came through. He expressed regret for taking the lives of children and said Islam doesn’t give a “green light” to killing.

Yet he finds room for exceptions. “The language of the war is victims,” he said.

He also said some people “consider George Washington as hero. Muslims many of them are considering Osama bin Laden.

He is doing same thing. He is just fighting. He needs his independence.”

In laying out his role in 31 attacks, his words drew alQaida closer to plots of the early 1990s than the group has previously been linked, including the 1993 World Trade Centre truck bombing in which six people died.

Six people with links to global terror networks were convicted in federal court and sentenced to life in prison for that attack.

Mohammed made clear that

Fashola donates N9.35m for UNILAG girl's treatment

The hijacked passenger plane making for the towers.

The twin towers on 9/11. al-Qaida wanted to down a second trans-Atlantic aircraft during would-be shoe bomber Richard Reid’s operation.

And he confessed to the beheading of Wall Street Journal reporter Daniel Pearl in a section of the statement that was excised from the public document, The Associated Press has learned.

Pearl was abducted in January 2002 in Pakistan while researching a story on Islamic militancy. Mohammed has long been a suspect in the slaying, which was captured on video.

President Bush announced that Mohammed and 13 other alleged terror operatives had been moved from secret CIA prisons to the U.S. Naval Base at Guantanamo Bay last year.

They are considered the 14 most significant captures since 9/11.

The military began the hearings last Friday to determine whether the 14 should be declared “enemy combatants” who can be held indefinitely and prosecuted by military tribunals.

If the 14 are declared enemy combatants, as expected, the military would then draft and file charges against them. The detainees would be tried under the new military commissions law signed by Bush in October.

The military barred reporters or other independent observers from the sessions for the 14 operatives and is limiting the information it provides about them, arguing that it wants to prevent the disclosure of sensitive information.

Legal experts have criticized the U.S. decision, and The Associated Press filed a letter of protest, arguing that it would be “an unconstitutional mistake to close the proceedings in their entirety.”

The transcripts refer to a claim by Mohammed that he was tortured by the CIA,

although he said he was not under duress at Guantanamo when he confessed to his role in the attacks. The CIA has said its interrogation practices are legal, and it does not use torture.

Kenneth Roth, executive director of Human Rights Watch, questioned the legality of the closed-door sessions and whether the confession was actually the result of torture.

“We won’t know that unless there is an independent hearing,” he said. “We need to know if this purported confession would be enough to convict him at a fair trial or would it have to be suppressed as the fruit of torture?”

In listing the 28 attacks he planned and another three he supported, Mohammed said he tried to kill international leaders including Pope John Paul11, President Clinton and Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf.

He said he planned the 2002 bombing of a Kenya beach resort frequented by Israelis and the failed missile attack on an Israeli passenger jet after it took off from Mombasa, Kenya.

He also said he was responsible for the bombing of a nightclub in Bali, Indonesia. In 2002, 202 were killed when two nightclubs there were bombed.

Other plots he said he was responsible for included planned attacks against the Sears Tower in Chicago, the Empire State Building and New York Exchange in New York City, the Panama Canal, and Big Ben and Heathrow Airport in London — none of which happened.

The Pentagon also released transcripts of the hearings of Abu Faraj al-Libi and Ramzi Binalshibh. Both refused to attend the hearings, although al-Libi submitted a statement claiming that the hearings are unfair and that he will not at-

tend unless it is corrected.

“The detainee is in a loselose situation,” he said.

Al-Libi, whose name means he is a Libyan, reportedly masterminded two bombings 11 days apart in Pakistan in December 2003 that targeted Musharraf for his support of the U.S.-led war on terror.

Binalshibh, a Yemeni, is suspected of helping Mohammed with the 9/11 attack plan on New York City and Washington and is also linked to a foiled plot to crash aircraft into London’s Heathrow Airport. His hearing was conducted in his absence.

Imposter sits in on Australian defence meetings

C

ANBERRA—A lorry driver who was once jailed for armed robbery posed as an army officer, mixed with the top brass and talked his way into high-level security meetings, an Australian court has been told.

Peter Bennett, 54, started his 10-month fantasy military career in September 2005 when he wore formal military dress to gain entry to an air force base dinner, where he chatted to Australia’s air force chief, Air Vice-Marshal Geoffrey Shepherd.

Melbourne’s Age newspaper said over the following months, Bennett joined meetings of Operation Acolyte, the defence force’s security operation for last year’s Commonwealth Games in Melbourne, and was issued with a defence force identity card.

“To his boot straps, he was simply a cheeky civilian with a good tailor and a foot locker brimming with confidence that enabled him to parachute behind friendly lines,” the Age said on Thursday.

A court official said Bennett had pleaded guilty in a local magistrate’s court to impersonating a public official and making a false declaration.

ubernatorial candidate for Action Congress (AC) in Lagos, Mr. Babatunde Fashola, Thursday, donated the sum of N9.35 million, to a university student who is suffering from a disease at her residence in Akoka area of Lagos.

Presenting the cheque, Mr. Fashola said he felt unhappy when he read about her ordeal in one of the dailies hence, he decided to help her.

Said he, "When I saw your story in one of the dailies, I felt unhappy and decided to help you. I wrote the Governor and he approved this sum for your medical treatment abroad”.

The student, Miss Patricia Udoka, a 400 level student of Business Education, Univer-

Two friends stab each other to death over girl

By Austin Ogwuda

A

SABA—TWO friends locked in a scuffle over a girlfriend have killed each other through stabbing. The ugly incident, according to the police, occurred on the 10th of this month while they were drinking at a beer parlour at Isiokolo. State police command’s spokeperson, Miss Olabisi Okuwobi, in confirming the incident said that “while drinking in company of an unknown boy, they had misunderstanding and fight

broke during which they stabbed each other both on the chest and stomach respectively”, adding that “both of them were rushed to Eku Baptist Hospital for treatment where they later died”. She gave the names of the two of them as Akpoke Yabin and Omuvwie Akpod. Meanwhile, a commercial motorcycle operator, popularly known as okadaman has committed suicide by hanging on a tree. The incident according to Okuwobi took place in a bush near Oginibo town in the state.

India fans seek World Cup results on astrology site

M

UMBAI—CRICKETCRAZY India is looking skywards to discover if their players are shaping up to bring home the World Cup after the April 28 final.

A popular Indian astrology Web site, www.ganeshaspeaks.com, is offering in-depth details on planetary positions on match days and the changing biorhythm circles of each player.

The Web site is named after the elephant-headed Hindu God, Lord Ganesha.

The cricket-frenzy in the country, home to around 1.1 billion people, has been fuelled by a multitude of television channels and media houses who are tracking the action minute by minute.

India, 1983 winners, begin their campaign on Saturday with a Group B match against Bangladesh.

NEW CHAMPION Astrologers, numerologists and tarot card readers are being asked to predict the winner of the World Cup that opened this week, while this Web site attempts the same through a multi-dimensional analysis.

How does government budget affect the lives of Nigerians?

Pls send text to: 08082340885 or e-mail: editor@vanguardngr.com for publication.

4

sity of Lagos, who had been suffering from the Fibrens Displacia ailment that had rendered her left leg indolent since her adolescent age, thanked Mr. Fashola for his philanthropic gesture which was very timely for her to go for the required surgery on the affected leg in London.

The AC gubernatorial candidate later moved his campaign train to Ibeju-Lekki local government where he promised to build a water works that will be producing 70 million gallons of water daily. Highlighting some of his programmes for the people of Lagos, Fashola pointed out that top on his programmes would be creation of job for the unemployed.

Said he, “the Lekki free trade zone is a reality. This free trade zone will create over 10,000 jobs."

“Ganesha feels that we will have a new world champion this time,” was the Web site’s forecast.

“If Australia reaches the semi-final as a second or third team they may have better chances to make it to the final,” it said of the world champions, who are aiming to become the first team to win a hat-trick of World Cup titles. “(But) if Australia reaches the final they might not be able to win.”

It said astrological aspects favour South Africa, New Zealand and West Indies to take three of the semi-final slots.

Analysing the astrology profile, biorhythm report and element chart of each member of the 16 participating teams, the Web site predicted that India had an equal chance of qualifying for the fourth semifinal spot along with Australia and Sri Lanka.

“India’s fate will heavily depend on the fourth game of the Super Eight matches. Toss will become very important and to chose batting/bowling will have strong impact over the game’s outcome,” said the Web site which also predicts outcomes of the English Premier League football.

VANGUARD, MONDAY, MARCH 19, 2007 — 17

NAFDAC’s hydra-headed enemies S After about one and half

OMETIME in the middle of 2005, one of those typical events that have put Nigerians in this backward era took place in an Abuja High Court. In December 2004, the nation was jolted when suspected assassins waylaid and shot at Professor Dora Akunyili, the Director General of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) in Anambra State.

She escaped death by the skin of a tooth. Days later, the security agencies nabbed a number of people, including one Mr. Marcel Nnakwe and his son, along with others said to have participated in plotting the heinous and dastardly act. They were later arraigned before an Abuja High Court presided over by Justice Ishaq Bello.

Due to the great sensation this matter caused, and the fact that NAFDAC under Mrs. Akunyili had been waging an uncommon type of war to rid this country of killer fake drugs, I was particularly attracted to the proceedings in the Abuja court.

The prosecution had argued that Bello did not have the jurisdiction to try this case, but Justice Bello awarded jurisdiction to himself. After about one year of handling this matter, Bello finally decided that he lacked the jurisdiction to try the case and referred it back to Anambra State where the event took place! He thereby granted bail to the accused persons.

The accused persons walked away from court jubilating, and the NAFDAC camp felt completely crestfallen. Anambra State was the home soil of the accused persons, and the fear that led to the case being taken to Abuja stared Akunyili and her staff in the face. NAFDAC had gone very far in ridding Onitsha market of the fake drugs menace.

But with the “triumphant” return of the accused barons, it was only a matter of time before we heard again from them. We did not have to wait too long, because, according to the news, the barons grew bigger horns and intimidated NAFDAC staff out of the dreaded Onitsha Drug Market. Many of them started demanding to be transferred from Onitsha! In other words, government was losing ground to daredevil criminals. It was this unacceptable situation that led NAFDAC to close the drug market and begin mop-up operations in it. It has since been revealed that dozens of containers of fake and expired drugs and illegal abortion clinics were discovered by NAFDAC under the cover of security

years, Justice Bello finally decided that he lacked the jurisdiction to try the case agents.

It has become clear that the war on fake drugs is unwinable under the present conditions. The enemy that Professor Akunyili and her team have been confronting – the fake drug merchants – are the surface of the matter. They are akin to the symptoms of a disease, or the opportunistic infections that pounce upon a compromised system. It is like prescribing Panadol to douse the feverish symptoms of malaria or typhoid fever, when in fact, Panadol is only a palliative that does not attack the root of the problem. A good doctor would investigate and discover the infections that are causing the feverish conditions. This is what we have not done in the fight to eradicate fake and adulterated drugs in Nigeria.

The drug merchants and their international collaborators are just like opportunistic infections preying on a system that is permissively rotten. When NAFDAC says it discovered containerloads of fake drugs in Onitsha market, it sets you wondering how those containers managed to slip through the security-infested seaports or airports and even the borders and traveled hundreds of kilometres of police-infested federal highways to Onitsha! In the ports at any time, there are so many security outfits, including the Customs, the Police, the SSS and what have you. These are government agents that do not answer to NAFDAC. But they answer to higher authorities.

How come these authorities have not summoned the Customs to find out how these containers were able to escape detection at the ports?

Government departments and agencies have proved to be as formidable enemies as the drug barons. The less-than-noble handling of the court case by Justice Bello is just one other way a government branch can be a barrier to any genuine efforts to solve the evils of our society.

It will also be recalled that just after the assassination attempt, the Police, under the then Inspector General, Tafa Balogun, started acting funny in the ways it went about its investigations. There were police

reports that the NAFDAC boss was never shot by anybody. She only heard fireworks and panicked! Another police story had it that the shot was released accidentally by one of the security personnel attached to the DG. Even the Presidency became suspicious and decided to hand over the investigations to the SSS. Sometime ago, a dispute arose between NAFDAC and the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) because SON suddenly decided to start inspecting imported food items, which falls under NAFDAC duty area. The Director-General of SON, Dr. John Akanya’s argument was that the job of ridding the country of fake products cannot be done by one government agency. True as this may sound on the surface, it is also clear that two government agencies on one job would create leakages that will be exploited by these hardened criminals who have the resources to bribe their ways through. If one agency proves too stubborn they would simply turn to its rival. It does not seem as if SON has covered its own ground adequately, what with the preponderance of fake imported and locallymanufactured goods in the markets all over Nigeria.

HE frustration that NAFDAC is experiencing T will always be there to confront anyone trying to serve the nation with all his strength unless critical reforms are done to remove the causes that encourage evil traders to take advantage of our systemic weaknesses. What do you say, for instance, of our legal system that slaps fake drug offenders on the wrist with a few years jail term or a maximum fine of N500,000? Where is the deterrence factor in this law?

The war on fake drugs will end up as a temporary quixotic mission by Professor Akunyili, if she eventually leaves the Agency without the proper reforms being carried out in the entire machine of government towards the establishment of zero-tolerance for the menace.

These enemies of NAFDAC are in fact the enemies of the Nigerians.

MAIL: Re – new currency without Arabic REETINGS. This is in response to Bashir H. G Adamu’s 26th February reply to your own article of the 22nd February on the deletion of Arabic symbols from naira notes.

I share Adamu’s view that the Central Bank’s reason for the deletion was somehow patronising. Surely, literacy using Latin script cannot be the only measure of literacy on this planet. What of Chinese or Hindu script? The matter once again brings to the fore the dilemma of black Africans who seem to be forever under the influence of things foreign in critical areas of life to the point of coming to blows, or worse, over them! We do not appear to

be discerning or discriminating in making choices about foreign influences. In the course of the centuries-long occupation of Spain by Arabs, Europeans came in close contact with Arabic script and numerals. They of course already had their Latin script and numerals. But they adopted the Arabic numerology which I think they considered to be more versatile with its concept of zero or cipher than the Latin numerals which did not quite include that concept and moreover, Latin numerals are not that distinct from Latin script.

I shall certainly miss the Arabic script which, by the way, dates from colonial times! Even though

I am illiterate in Arabic or Ajami, I always viewed the script as lovely calligraphy. By the way, ‘Arabic symbols’ remain on the currency notes in the form of the now internationalized numerals or digits indicating the value of the currency! Kai! Can’t seem to escape things Arabic, abi? May a progressive discernment guide us in our adoption of things foreig.

Michael E. Aken’Ova Department of Agronomy University of Ibadan, Ibadan.

08055068954

Nkrumah's vision or fantasy?

HE feedback on our article “GHANA: NOT YET T UHURU 50 YEARS AFTER” indicates that most Nigerians, indeed, Africans below the age of forty may know Nkrumah as Ghana’s first Head of State, but it appears that not many may be acquainted with the intense passion of this great son of Africa for the upliftment of the continent and its people. In this event, we reproduce below excerpts from three speeches delivered by Osagyego Kwame Nkrumah!

Note that these speeches were crafted well in advance of the establishment of the European Economic Community and later the European Union and other such regional political and economic groupings. Please read on.

(Excerpt of speech given at the Congress of Africanists) (Accra, Ghana-December 1962) “If we have lost touch with what our forefathers discovered and knew, this has been due to the system of education to which we were introduced. This system of education prepared us for a subservient role to Europe and things European. It was directed at estranging us from our own cultures in order to be more effective to serve a new and alien interest…

The central myth in the mythology surrounding Africa is that of the denial that we are a historical people. It is said that whereas other continents have shaped history and determined its course, Africa has stood still, held down by inertia. Africa , it is said, entered history only as a result of European contact. Its history, therefore, is widely felt to be an extension of European history…

It is therefore proper and fitting that a Congress of Africanists should take place in Africa and that the concept of Africanism should devolve from and be animated by that Congress.”

(From Kwame Nkrumah, I Speak of Freedom: A Statement of African Ideology ( London ).

“For centuries, Europeans dominated the African continent.

The white man arrogated to himself the right to rule and to be obeyed by the non-white; his mission, he claimed, was to "civilize" Africa. Under this cloak, the Europeans robbed the continent of vast riches and inflicted unimaginable suffering on the African people.

It is clear that we must find an African solution to our problems, and that this can only be found in African unity.

Divided we are weak; united, Africa could become one of the greatest forces for good in the world. …Individually, the independent states of Africa, some of them potentially rich, others poor, can do little for their people. Together, by mutual help, they can achieve much. But the economic development of the continent must be planned and pursued as a whole. A loose confederation designed only for economic co-operation would not provide the necessary unity of purpose. Only a strong political union can bring about full and effective development of our natural resources for the benefit of our people.

The greatest contribution that Africa can make to the peace of the world is to avoid all the dangers inherent in disunity, by creating a political union which will also by its success, stand as an example to a divided world. A Union of African states will project more effectively the African personality.

Critics of African unity often refer to the wide differences in culture, language and ideas in various parts of Africa. The difficulties presented by questions of language, culture and different political systems are not insuperable.

The greatest contribution that Africa can make to the peace of the world is to avoid all the dangers inherent in disunity, by creating a political union which will also by its success, stand as an example to a divided world. A Union of African states will project more effectively the African personality. It will command respect from a world that has regard only for size and influence.

We have to prove that greatness is not to be measured in stockpiles of atom bombs. I believe strongly and sincerely that with the deep-rooted wisdom and dignity, the innate respect for human lives, the intense humanity that is our heritage, the African race, united under one Federal Government, will emerge not as just another world bloc to flaunt its wealth and strength, but as a great power whose greatness is indestructible because it is built not on fear, envy and suspicion, nor won at the expense of others, but founded on hope, trust, friendship and directed to the good of all mankind.

The emergence of such a mighty stabilizing force in this strife-worn world should be regarded not as the shadowy dream of a visionary, but as a practical proposition, which the peoples of Africa can, and should translate into reality.” “…The natural wealth of Africa is estimated to be greater than that of almost any other continent in the world. To draw the most from our existing and potential means for the achievement of abundance and a fine social order, we need to unify our efforts, our resources, our skills and intentions. …We therefore need a common political basis for the integration of our policies in economic planning, defense, foreign and diplomatic relations. That basis for political action need not infringe the essential sovereignty of the separate African states. These states would continue to exercise independent authority, except in the fields defined and reserved for common action in the interests of the security and orderly development of the whole continent.

In my view, therefore, a united Africa – that is, the political and economic unification of the African Continent – should seek three objectives:

Firstly, we should have an overall economic planning on a continental basis. This would increase the industrial and economic power of Africa. So long as we remain balkanized, regionally or territorially, we shall be at the mercy of colonialism and imperialism...

Secondly, we should aim at the establishment of a unified military and defense strategy. I do not see much virtue or wisdom in our separate efforts to build up or maintain vast military forces for self-defense which, in any case, would be ineffective in any major attack upon our separate states.

If we examine this problem realistically, we should be able to ask ourselves this pertinent question: which single state in Africa today can protect its sovereignty against an imperialist aggressor? … The third objective … (is) a unified foreign policy and diplomacy to give political direction to our joint efforts for the protection and economic development of our continent …

The desirability of a common foreign policy which will enable us to speak with one voice in the councils of the world, is so obvious, vital and imperative that comment is hardly necessary.

It may be that concrete expression can be given to our present ideas within a continental parliament that would provide a lower and an upper house, the one to permit the discussion of the many problems facing Africa by a representation based on population; the other, ensuring the equality of the associated states, regardless of size and population, by a similar, limited representation from each of them, to formulate a common policy in all matters affecting the security, defense and development of Africa.

Under a major political union of Africa there could emerge a United Africa, great and powerful, in which the territorial borders which are the relics of colonialism will become obsolete and superfluous…. The forces that unite us are far greater than the difficulties that divide us at present, and our goal must be the establishment of Africa 's dignity, progress and prosperity.”

Dear readers, is this visionary rhetoric or plain fantasy?

SAVE THE NAIRA, SAVE NIGERIANS! Email: lesleba@yahoo.com; Website: www.geocities.com/lesleba Blog page: www.geocities.com/ lesleba/blog.html

18 — VANGUARD, MONDAY, MARCH 19, 2007

LETTER

OPINION

TO THE EDIT OR EDITOR

What does Araraume want?

P.M.B. 1007, Apapa, Lagos E-Mail: viewpoint@vanguardngr.com.

Deltans and 2007 Polls Dear Editor, THE 2007 national polls is around the corner and to many anxious Deltans their choice is best known to them. Deltans who walloped and staggered through thick and thin of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) regime in the state and at the national levels still regret associating with the party, the woes of the 2003 polls with its anguish tendencies still fresh in their minds.

Who dies for who again when 2007 polls begins the positive answer can best be imagined for at the national level President Olusegun Obasanjo was too kind by appointing both Messrs.

Bozimo and Oritsejiafor as ministers both of whom are from Delta South Senatorial district.

But Prof. Sam Oyovwaire one time Vice-Chancellor of University of Benin appointed as Special Assistant to VicePresident Atiku Abubakar was booted out after few weeks in office of which no reason was given by Federal Government and this remains sour in the minds of Urhobos who forms Delta Central Senatorial district of the State.

To compound the harsh shock the people have been passing through, Chief James Onanefe lbori has no option in governance of the state come May; 2007 but switched over mandate to his cousin Emmanuel Uduaghan and by this unpopular act (PDP) as a party is in trouble. To this writer, the alternative option for PDP now is Democratic Peoples Party (DPP) come 2007 polls and I urge true Deltans and indeed the Urhobos to vote massively for DPP in all the polls.

No amount of political thuggery, intimidation, victimisation, harassment, deprivation and all forms of malpractices will be tolerated during the 2007 polls for the masses are prepared to shoulder force to force. The entire Urhobo elite, elders and youths should prevail on outgoing Governor lbori to state his developmental impact in Sapele, Ughelli, Orerokpe, Otujeremi, Effurun and other major towns in Urhobo land as can be compared to his development trails in Oghara his native place.

What has he done with the N3.2 billion monthly oil derivation allocation from federal government for his period of eight years in Office, which shows that his tenure has no regards for the Urhobos. The national leadership of the Peoples Democratic Party must bring justice to bear on the body politic of the PDP in Delta State by outright cancellation of the alleged primaries so that PDP could make or mar its chances in 2007.

The Holy Bible says who sows injustice will reap calamity and therefore a word is enough for the wise.

Godspower Uyota, Wallace Street, Lokoja, Kogi State.

By Igwebuike Nwokoroigwe

T

HERE is actually nothing wrong with one having an ambition and pursuing same.

There is also nothing wrong with aspiring to a higher position in life.

Life itself is all about breaking new grounds, reaching for the heights and the continuous raising of the bar of excellence. Yet there is everything wrong when an ambition or aspiration becomes inordinate and uncontrollable. An ambition becomes inordinate and selfish when it clashes with the general will and the overall interest of the public. At this very point, whether in politics, business or other social endeavours, the individual is expected to reassess his interest against the overall public goal.

It is in this light I choose to see Senator Ifeanyi Araraume’s insistence to govern the people of Imo State. To be sure, the young man has the right to aspire to be the governor of his state. What is more, he has been a two-term senator representing the state and it is very logical for him to want to move up (depending on the perception of which position is higher). He has committed time, resources and energy to see his ambition come to fruition. But in spite of the huge resources he has invested (?) in the party, the media and the entire political process, it seems like he is running against the wind. Although he led in the gubernatorial primary of the Peoples Democratic Party, which was not only inconclusive, but also generally known to be marred by fraud, the party through a consensual process passed over him and chose Charles Ugwuh as its candidate.

Aggrieved and wounded, Araraume headed for the court to challenge the decision to substitute his name with that of Ugwuh. The Abuja High Court on February 16,

It is important to observe that the people of the state are getting increasingly worried by what seems to be an alarming act of desperation on the part of Senator Araraume 2007, however, refused to grant his prayers when the presiding judge, Justice Binta Murtala Nyako ruled brilliantly “that the political party (PDP) is within its power to so change its candidate and have so done as far as the parties on record are concerned”. Technically speaking the court therefore confirmed Ugwuh as the bona fide PDP governorship candidate in Imo State. But before this time, several dirty tactics were at play ranging from rumours, misinformation and outright name calling to discredit Ugwuh and the process that produced him as a consensus candidate.

Yet after the Abuja High Court judgement, all right thinking people of the state believed that it was time for Araraume to lay down his gauntlet and latch on to the hand of fellowship extended to him by Ugwuh who had consistently insisted that he did not defeat anybody in the race but was selected as a consensus candidate in the overall interest of the state. We hear Senator Araraume has gone to court again! Herein lies the problem.

Since the issue of who is the rightful PDP candidate is before the court, it is now sub-judice to comment on the matter. Yet it is important to observe that the people of the state are getting increasingly worried by what seems to be an alarming act of desperation on the part of Senator Araraume. A lot of questions are beginning to be

raised on his leitmotif: Why is it so difficult for the senator to see that public opinion is against him in the state? Why has he not bothered to find out why everybody including his coaspirants are so comfortable with Ugwuh’s candidature? If indeed he means well, must he push his ambition to govern the state as if there is no tomorrow? If the elders and stakeholders in the party have decided on a choice, is it not antiparty for him to continue to insist on putting himself forward? Does it not matter to Araraume that the interest of the state is far more important than that of a single individual? Hasn’t the state been too nice to Araraume by giving him the chance to be senator twice? How has he justified that chance by his performance in the legislative activities of that hallowed chamber? Can he reasonably point to one single good that has come to Imo State as a result of his performance in the Senate for eight solid years? If Imo people are saying that this is the direction they want to go, why is it so difficult for Araraume to chart that political trajectory?

The truth of the matter is that the desperation of Senator Araraume is getting the people very apprehensive. They are worried by the huge financial commitment he has made in his ambition to govern the state and they fear that his motives are far from being altruistic. His sheer bravado is another source of worry. A man who really is

Which is preferable, life imprisonment or capital punishment?

Pls send text to: 08082340885 or e-mail: editor@vanguardngr.com for

interested to serve his people will first and foremost listen to them.

Araraume’s countenance does not point to that direction. Instead, it points to the path of despotism and political mercantilism.

Yet Araraume and his gang are not in any way enriching the content and quality of debate in the state. They have not been able to raise their arguments beyond the pedestrian claim of ”winning” an inconclusive primary. It would be every encouraging to see Araraume and his followers argue that he is more educated, more experienced and more equipped to grasp the major issues of development of the state. Instead, they have been pre-occupied with the trite argument based on what one writer has aptly labelled “democratic legalism”, thus lowering debate to sheer vulgarism.

This will not help a state in dire need of industrial rejuvenation and honest leadership. have always seen Senator Araraume as a wise politician. I have followed his politics for the past eight years he has represented Okigwe zone in the Senate but I honestly find it so difficult to understand his current misadventure. If he had engaged the service of intelligent and unbiased researchers, he would have been told that Imo is not ripe for his governorship. The evidence is written in the very streets of the state as expressed freely in the opinions and sentiments of the people including those working for him! I honestly do not know the reason why the people perceive the senator as one who could not be trusted with the fate of their state. Yet searching for that reason will be an exercise in futility seeing that perception in behavioural politics is as important as reality itself.

I

Dr. Nwokoroigwe writes from Isiala Mbano, Imo State.

Please send all opinion articles to viewpoint@vanguardngr.com

VANGUARD, MONDAY, MARCH 19, 2007 — 19

e-mail: gabomoh@yahoo.co.uk

08053068790, Text only

West African gas pipeline ready for commissioning — Kupolokun

By Franklin Alli with Agency Report

T

he $1.1billion 1000km West African gas pipeline (WAGP) has been completed and may be commissioned this

INSIDE

SEC moves for enforcement of corporate governance — Page 21

Who needs consumer credit in Nigeria — Page 22

NDIC loses N419m to failed land acquisition deals ...as operating surplus tumbles by 97%

— Page 23

month, according to the group managing director of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), Funsho Kupolokun.

The commissioning ceremony will be performed by President Obasanjo.

The pipeline traverse 1,000km onshore and offshore from Nigeria’s Niger Delta region to its planned terminus in Ghana.

Four nations, Nigeria, Ghana, Togo and Benin signed a 20year agreement on the implementation of the pipeline which provides for a comprehensive legal, fiscal and regulatory framework, as well as a single authority for the implementation of the project.

The project begun in 1982, when the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) proposed the development of a natural gas pipeline throughout West Africa. In the early 1990’s, a feasibility report deemed that a project was commercially viable.

In September 1995, the governments of four African countries signed a Heads of Agreement (HOA). The feasibility study was carried out in 1999. On 11 August 1999, a Memorandum of Understanding was signed by participating countries in Cotonou. In February 2000, an InterGovernmental Agreement was signed.

The WAGP implementation agreement was signed in 2003. The construction started in 2005. The first gas delivery is scheduled for March 2007. The main user will be Takoradi power plant in Ghana.

The pipeline is owned and operated by the consortium of Chevron (38 per cent), Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (25 per cent), Royal Dutch Shell (17 per cent), Takoradi Power Company Limited (16 per cent), Sociéétéé Togolaise de Gaz (SoToGaz - 2 per cent) and Sociéétéé Beninoise de Gaz S.A. (SoBeGaz - 2 per cent).

The project is an International Gas Transmission System that will transport clean, reliable and competitively priced natural gas

US Dollar Pound Sterling Euro Swiss Franc Saudi Riyal Brazilian Real Japanes Yen CFA Franc

Buying

L

agos state government in the last six weeks generated on the average a total of N180million from vehicle licencing and renewals. This is about 212.5 per cent leap in revenue generated from this source previously. The improvement in the last six weeks in licensing revenue is as a result of the outsourcing of vehicle licencing and renewal to Courteville Investment Limited which has developed the automatic registration called Autoreg.

Disclosing the remarkable improvement in the pilot scheme which Lagos state is championing Thursday in Lagos, the Chief Executive of Courteville Mr. Bola Akindele said that his company

Opening

Closing

Change

1 2 3 4 5

Price (N) 292.50 150.00 72.00 52.50 44.10

Price (N) 307.12 157.50 74.98 55.12 46.30

(N) 14.62 7.50 2.98 2.62 2.20

Central

Commodities Selling

126.09 236.62 161.395 102.57 33.62 2.209

126.59 237.55 162.03 101.9 33.74 2.215

127.09 238.49 162.675 103.3 33.8 2.192

1.0972

1.1016

1.1059

0.2367

0.2417

0.2467

Naira

128.37

128.37

129.37

Rand Singapore Dollar Hong Kong Dollar

19.97 1.5825 7.7776

19.97 1.5878 7.779

21.97 1.5808 7.7774

industrial and commercial customers, the Pipeline fosters

an enabling environment for economic development and job

creation in the sub-region.

By Omoh Gabriel, Business Editor

Company Nestle ETI AshakaCem BCC NAHCO

L-R Dr (Mrs) Ndi Okereke-Onyiuke, DG NSE, Musa Al-Faki, DG SEC, and Rev. Olu Odejimi, CEO clearviews securities at the NSE organised reception for CEO's of quoted companied last week.

Autoreg leapfrogs Lagos state licensing revenue by 212.5%

Top Five Gainers

Exchange Rates Currency

from Nigeria to customers in Ghana, Togo and Benin. Both public and private sector companies from these four countries are collaborating in a Joint Venture company known as the West African Gas Pipeline Company (WAPCO) to construct and operate the Pipeline. The 678km, US$635 million Pipeline extends from the existing Escravos-Lagos pipeline at the Alagbado “Tee” in Nigeria and proceed to a beachhead in Lagos and from there offshore to Takoradi, in Ghana, with gas delivery laterals from the main line extending to Cotonou (Benin), Lome (Togo) and Tema (Ghana).

The Escravos-Lagos pipeline system has a capacity of 800 MMscfd, and the WAPCO system will initially carry a volume of 170 MMscfd and peak over time at a capacity of 470 MMscfd.

As a source of lower-cost sustainable fuel for power generation and direct use for

Commodities Gold Aluminum Copper Lead Nickel Tin Cocoa Coffee Cotton Sugar Zinc

Prices $ 623.0 22,280 345 1152.50 28075 8350 1500 104.0 52.80 12.40 34.30

developed the Autoreg system and approached Lagos state government who bought into it.

He said that six Nigerian banks and one insurance company have become partners in the project through which vehicles’ licenses are renewed daily as long as the offices of the partnering banks are opened.

The partnering banks are Oceanic International Bank, Sterling Bank, Wema Bank, Intercontinental Bank, FCMB, First Bank and GTAssurance offices in all GTBank Branches.

Mr Akindele said that with the involvement of these banks, the licensing offices which were before now 38 in the state have been expanded to 350 where the individual spend just about three minutes to have his vehicle license renewed. The old system he said was fraught with touts and forgery of documents but that the present system which is based on an electronic system developed by Resourcery was foolproof.

According to him Lagos state was only getting about 25 per cent of what was due to it from this

revenue source as a result of some of its tax revenue officers who collected these licencing fee and divert them to their personal uses. Also a number of touts who printed their own papers were operating in the system and thus counterfeiting licensing documents. All these he said have been eliminated by the simple introduction of autoreg, an automatic registration system.

Autoreg is the new automated vehicle licensing and renewal system that took effect in Lagos state from 1st February 2007. It is designed to improve on the present cumbersome manual method of vehicle licensing in the state.

All automobile owners who want to register or renew their vehicle license with Lagos state government are expected to go through the system. This includes car owners, commercial vehicles, trucks, buses, motor cycles and all other heavy duty vehicles.

Akindele said that before the introduction of Autoreg in Lagos the state was collecting about N9.6million a week from licensing fees but that with autoreg the

weekly revenue accruing to the state has leaped from N9.6million to N30million within the six weeks it has operated. He said that with autoreg the state will generate between N1.5billion and N2billion in a year. According to Akindele registration of new vehicles, transfer of ownership and vehicle licence renewals are done at the Lagos state vehicle license offices.

This is so because the police, custom papers, plate numbers and other needed legal marking and colour of vehicle has to be registered. The second module which is for renewal of vehicles licence only is done through the partnering bank in any of their offices across Lagos state. In renewing vehicle particular in any of the partnering banks offices the individual simply presents his document, give the officer details of his name, vehicle, address and collect a license payment card containing a personal identification number and a vehicle registration sticker. The license payment card is expected to be kept while the personal identification is evidence of genuine registration.

Petroleum Products Pricing Products (per litre) Component currency PMS AGO Cost $ 0.525 0.563 N 67.34 72.20 Freight $ 0.039 0.044 N 4.94 5.63 Other Charges (N) 1.30 1.30 Landing Cost (N) 73.58 79.13 Margins (N) 9.94 9.94 Expected Price (N) 83.52 89.07 Retail Price 65.00 Crude ($/bbl) Benchmark Crude Price Bonny Light 74.47 Brent 73.07 WTI 72.96 OPEC Basket 69.01

DPK 0.594 76.27 0.042 5.39 1.30 82.96 9.94 92.90

BDC Currency Pounds Dollars Euro

Selling 237 129 163

Buying 243 132.5 168

Parrallel Market Currency Pounds Dollars Euro

Selling 236 129 163

Buying 241 130 167

Company

Opening Price (N)

Closing Price (N)

Quantity Traded

Year High

Year Low

Stock Market Report as at Friday, March 16, 2007 E.P.S.

P.E. Ratio

1ST TIER SECURITIES AGRICULTURE/AGRO-ALLIED Grommac Indus. Plc Livestock Feeds Plc Okitipupa Oil Palm Plc Okomu Oil Palm Plc Presco Plc

0.38 1.41 1.03 42.00 10.50

0.38 1.55 1.03 42.00 11.04

2,000 75,000 300 3,000 166,000

0.38 0.95 0.99 44.00 13.00

0.38 0.95 0.95 33.00 9.52

0.00 30.23 0.00 1. 89 0.37

0.00 0.03 0.00 23.28 30.57

AVIATION Albarka Air Plc Aviation Dev. Company Plc Nigerian Aviation Handling Co. Plc

0.58 1.02 42.00

0.58 1.02 46.30

100 1,000 1,834,641

0.80 1.02 49.21

0.58 1.00 12.45

0.00 0.12 1.16

0.00 8.50 35.16

AUTOMOBILE & TYRE Dunlop Nigeria Plc Incar Nig. Plc Intra Motors Plc R.T. Briscoe Plc Retzcot Nigeria Co. Plc

6.00 7.90 0.57 29.59 0.65

6.55 7.90 0.57 32.61 0.65

2,066,882 11,900 333 2,185,820 390

7.74 7.90 0.57 25.58 0.65

4.16 6.88 0.57 14.00 0.65

0.00 0 00 0.00 1.46 0 .00

0. 00 0.00 0.00 15.90 0.00

BANKING Access Bank Plc Afribank Nigeria Plc Diamond Bank Nigeria Plc Ecobank Nigeria Plc Fidelity Bank Plc First Bank of Nig. Plc First City Monument Bank Plc First Inland Bank Plc Guaranty Trust Bank Plc IBTC Chartered Bank Plc Intercontinental Bank Plc Oceanic Bank International Plc Platinum-Habib Bank Plc Skye Bank Plc Springbank Plc Sterling Bank Plc UBA Plc Union Bank Nig. Plc Unity Bank Plc Wema Bank Plc Zenith Bank Plc

11.10 11.51 10.70 6.05 4.90 37.00 8.33 4.04 32.97 10.80 21.00 19.53 5.43 5.70 5.59 4.94 37.99 30.00 4.30 4.90 36.00

11.40 11.51 10.70 6.05 5.18 39.50 7.95 4.10 30.50 11.00 22.50 19.53 5.43 6.15 5.71 4.50 37.99 29.62 4.72 5.39 35.50

10,615,225 949,900 1,405,467 2,761,222 50,647,104 13,042,477 7,226,818 10,608,705 19,573,897 6,009,917 15,159,791 886,860 108,884,673 7,396,383 3,558,800 1,697,116 7,111,853 3,391,672 1,277,407 223,833,134 3,633,436

11.00 11.51 12.58 8.06 4.68 41.90 8.00 4.57 33.99 12.13 21.20 19.53 5.43 6.93 7.16 5.40 37.99 30.01 7.50 5.40 35.25

6.96 11.51 7.47 4.98 2.15 32.00 4.05 3.61 18.51 7.05 13.60 12.48 2.92 3.55 3.80 3.00 25.31 22.60 2.50 3.18 24.40

0.33 0.51 0.73 0.15 0.26 1. 98 0. 48 0.00 1.43 0.50 1.10 0.91 0.19 0. 12 0.19 0.15 1.67 1.37 0.00 0.22 1.59

32.73 22.57 14.66 41.67 16.50 19.44 15.52 0.00 22.98 21.84 18.36 21.46 28.58 45.67 29.42 28.67 22.75 21.85 0.00 21.73 22.01

3.31 121.00 0.94 3.26 35.01 0.93

3.31 12200 0.94 3.26 34.99 0.93

1,000 153,827 500 2,500 1,312,477 625

3.31 121.00 0.94 3.80 50.41 0.93

1.70 114.06 0.79 3.26 25.90 0.93

0.00 5.59 0.00 0.17 1.44 0.06

0.00 21.88 0.00 19.18 26.11 15.50

BUILDING MATERIALS Ashaka Cement Plc Benue Cement Company Plc Cement Co. of Northern Nig. Plc Nigerian Ropes Plc Nigerian Wire Industries Plc W. A. Portland Company Plc

74.65 50.00 28.86 2.80 2.24 61.50

74.98 55.12 31.81 2.94 2.94 63.50

600,695 1,378,251 698,830 833 10,100 1,582,091

76.95 60.48 24.95 2.81 2.24 80.00

55.00 36.50 21.57 2.80 2.24 55.99

3.01 1.65 0.00 0.05 0.26 3.56

23.26 33.73 0.00 56.00 8.62 18.82

CHEMICAL & PAINTS African Paints (Nig) Plc Berger Paints Plc CAP Plc DN Meyer Plc IPWA Plc Nigeria-German Chemicals Plc Premier Paints Plc

0.36 4.94 31.54 6.67 0.58 10.44 0.67

0.36 4.47 31.54 6.03 0.63 11.40 0.67

500 172,708 76,001 48,348 158,177 257,091 250

0.38 6.35 30.50 7.76 0.75 12.31 0.67

0.38 3.71 25.00 2.99 0. 33 5.89 0.67

0.12 0.00 1.22 0.00 0.00 0.75 0.00

3.08 0.00 24.59 0.00 0.00 12.67 0.00

COMMERCIAL/SERVICES Trans Nationwide Express Plc

0.61

0.61

8,500

0.61

0.61

0.26

2.35

COMPUTER & OFFICE EQUIPMENT Atlas Nigeria Plc NCR (Nig) Plc Thomas Wyatt Nig. Plc Tripple Gee and Company Plc Wiggins Teape Nigeria Plc

0.13 3.39 1.06 6.86 1.13

0.13 3.55 1.11 6.61 1.13

5,000 113,600 80,000 86,469 13,875

0.97 3.23 1.06 6.56 1.13

0.87 2.75 0.42 1.42 0.95

0.00 0.29 0.00 0.13 0.00

0.00 10.14 0.00 45.85 0.00

CONGLOMERATES A. G. Leventis Nigeria Plc CFAO Nigeria Plc Chellarams Plc John Holt Plc P. Z. Industries Plc SCOA Nigeria Plc Transnational Corporation UACN Plc Unilever Nigeria Plc

3.65 2.79 1.79 3.53 26.00 1.17 8.34 34.70 13.00

3.30 2.66 1.87 3.88 25.70 1.28 8.34 32.80 13.25

14,859 38,935 30,378 485,665 507,213 13,114 14,813,704 1,073,840 636,974

4.72 2.79 1.79 1.91 28.16 1.05 9.71 38.32 14.50

1.59 2.79 1.59 1.15 24.05 0.99 9.71 25.70 12.30

0.19 0.00 0.30 0.00 1.30 0. 00 1.33 0.00

24.74 0. 00 5.97 0.00 20.00 0.00

CONSTRUCTION Arbico Plc Cappa & D'Alberto Plc Costain (WA) Plc G. Cappa Plc Julius Berger Nig Plc Roads Nigeria Plc

1.70 13.35 3.40 2.00 54..00 0.98

1.78 14.01 3.74 2.00 53.90 0.98

29,490 20,449 17,980 2,832 14,789 100

1.70 12.12 2.95 2.10 50.00 0.98

1.25 6.55 1.46 2.10 41.50 0.98

0.00 1.41 0.00 1.28 2.54 0.18

0.00 8.60 0.00 1.56 19.37 5.44

1.21 1.32

0.97 1.38

1,400 108,200

1.27 0.90

1.21 0.70

0.34 0.10

3.56 11.00

45.00 0.82 39.50 73.48 37.90 6.36 292.50 39.80 7.22 3.36 15.68

46.70 0.82 39.45 75.00 36.01 7.00 307.12 39.60 7.22 3.04 14.90

19,234 2,082,838 241,582 1,082,691 14,500 17,580 22,666 105,018 3,195 939,984 3,000

50.55 0.82 45.20 82.68 37.90 5.78 330.00 40.60 7.60 3.90 10.11

39.74 0.82 27.35 63.50 25.05 0.69 223.50 35.65 7.60 1.21 8.50

2.35 0.00 2.26 3.59 0.00 0.00 10.71 0.92 0.45 0.07 0.00

20.85 0.00 17.79 21.17 0.00 0.00 30.81 46.21 16.04 61.57 0.00

BREWERIES Champion Breweries Plc Guinness Nigeria Plc International Breweries Plc Jos Int. Breweries Plc Nigerian Breweries Plc Premier Breweries Plc

ENGINEERING TECHNOLOGY Interlinked Technologies Plc Nigerian Wire & Cable Plc FOOD/BEVERAGES & TOBACCO 7-UP Bottling Company Plc Beverages (West Africa) Plc Cadbury Nigeria Plc Flour Mills Nigeria Plc N. Nig. Flour Mills Plc National Salt Co. Nig Plc. Nestle Nigeria Plc Nig. Bottling Co. Plc P.S. Mandrides & Co. Plc U T C Nigeria Plc Union Dicon Salt Plc

28.57 0.00

Opening Price N

Closing Price N

Quantity Traded

Year High

Year Low

E.P.S

P.E Ratio

FOOTWEAR Footwear & Accessories MAN Lennards (Nig) Plc

0.76 0.59

0.73 0.59

328,848 8,639

1.01 0.59

0.83 0.59

0.00 0.02

0.00 29.50

HEALTHCARE Aboseldehyde Labs Plc BCN Plc Christlieb Plc Ekocorp Plc Evans Medical Plc Glaxo Smithkline Consumer Nig May & Baker Nigeria Plc Morison Industries Plc Neimeth International Pharm Pharma-Deko Plc

0.59 0.61 0.56 5.96 8.09 19.80 9.95 1.10 3.76 5.72

0.59 0.61 0.56 5.39 8.35 20.50 10.55 1.10 4.13 6.30

1,000 100 475 98,700 305,698 315,383 1,376,248 150 45,926 81,000

0.59 0.61 0.56 6.30 8.62 21.00 12.85 1.10 5.92 4.98

0.59 0.61 0.56 1.53 4.95 17.00 7.60 0.92 4.08 2.82

0.00 0.02 0.00 0.22 0.40 1.16 0.31 0.10 0.12 0.08

0.00 30.50 0.00 26.00 21.55 16.79 32.61 11.00 40.08 59.38

HOTEL & TOURISM Tourist Company of Nigeria

3.61

3.61

830

4.49

3.61

0.00

0.00

INDUSTRIAL/DOMESTIC PRODUCTS Alumaco Plc Aluminium Extrusion Ind. Plc B.O.C. Gases Plc Epic Dynamics Plc First Aluminium Nigeria Plc Liz-Olofin and Company Plc Nig. Enamelware Comp. Plc Nigerian Lamps Indust. Plc Niyamco Plc Oluwa Glass Company Plc Vitafoam Nig. Plc Vono Products Plc

1.08 1.95 5.04 0.40 1.95 0.64 4.69 0.28 2.18 1.33 4.28 3.60

1.08 1.95 4.70 0.40 1.77 0.61 4.92 0.28 2.18 1.90 4.00 3.42

250 999 241,050 11,666 80,548,930 30,000 98,800 1,000 148 17,821,198 261,939 40,041

1.08 1.95 5.37 0.40 1.10 0.64 4.69 0.28 2.18 1.90 4.94 4.53

0.95 1.89 3.10 0.40 0.59 0.61 3.00 0.27 2.18 1.33 2.85 1.38

0.61 2.08 0.37 0.00 0.07 0.00 0.52 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.34 0. 00

1.69 0.00 13.68 0.00 24.71 0.00 9.02 0.00 0.00 0.00 13.21 0. 00

INSURANCE ACEN Insurance Plc AIICO Insurance Plc BAICO Insurance Plc Confidence Insurance Cornerstone Insurance Comp Crusader Insurance Plc First Assurance Plc Great (Nig) Insurance Plc Guinea Insurance Plc LASACO Assurance Plc Law Union & Rock Insurance Plc Linkage Assurance Plc Mutual Benefits Assurance Plc N.E.M. Insurance Co. (Nig) Ltd NFI Insurance Plc Niger Insurance Co. Plc Prestige Assurance Co. Plc Royal Exchange Assurance Sovereign Trust Insurance Standard Alliance Insurance Sun Insurance Nigeria Plc UNIC Insurance Plc WAPIC Insurance Plc

0.95 3.40 1.52 0.61 2.69 6.10 0.90 2.83 0.72 2.39 2.18 2.24 1.91 1.35 1.98 4.49 4.50 4.18 1.86 2.95 0.59 3.53 7.98

0.95 3.40 1.52 0.61 2.58 5.80 0.86 2.71 0.72 2.17 2.39 2.46 2.09 1.41 1.80 4.06 4.49 3.85 2.04 2.67 0.59 3.33 7.57

60,000 2,166,207 100 500 15,138,667 943,391 1,050 1,470 13,600 1,101,129 15,000 614,424 19,022,747 29 164,004 1,362,083 179,273 589,309 1,076,684 1,456,460 1,000 1,959,900 391,119

1.02 4.01 1.65 0.69 2.84 6.06 1.25 2.58 0.72 2.08 1.95 1.78 1.66 1.23 2.08 5.35 5.51 4.59 1.62 3.43 0.59 3.44 8.24

0.50 0.73 0.85 0.60 0.93 1.20 0.81 1.20 0.50 0.59 0.73 1.04 0.44 0.54 0.90 2.29 1.88 2.05 0.87 0.82 0.59 1.45 2.28

0.12 0.00 0.18 0.05 0.04 0.36 0.03 0.00 0.04 0.10 0.30 0.00 0.17 0.00 0.10 0.09 0.33 0.00 0.10 0.17 0.05 0.15 0.50

7.92 0.00 8.44 12.20 70.25 13.86 28.67 0.00 18.00 19.00 6.33 0.00 8.94 0.00 19.00 53.11 13.67 0.00 15.50 18.35 11.80 20.87 13.22

LEASING C & I Leasing Plc

3.80

3.43

5,055,573

2.38

1.14

0.19

20.05

MACHINERY (MARKETING) BHN Plc Stokvis Nig Plc

0.53 0.14

0.53 0.14

150 200

0.53 0.15

0.53 0.14

0.00 0.61

0.00 0.67

MANAGED FUNDS Nigeria Energy Sector Fund.

Nigeria Int. Fund Plc (Tools Par)

755.00 6,897.51

755.00 6,897.51

200 25

755.00 6,897.51

755.00 6897.51

70.47 123.24

10.71 5. 55

MARITIME Japaul Oil & Maritime Service

1.85

1.99

5,054,709

3.36

1.05

MORTGAGE COMPANIES Union Homes Savings and Loans

7.99

7.85

6,788,931

8.00

3.30

0.40

18.78

PACKAGING Abplast Products Plc Avon Crowncaps & Container Beta Glass Co. Plc Greif Nigeria Plc Nampak Nigeria Plc Poly Products (Nig) Plc Studio Press (Nig) Plc W.A. Glass Ind. Plc

1.01 2.70 9.01 1.15 7.60 2.42 1.54 0.50

1.01 2.97 9.93 1.15 7.25 2.79 1.39 0.50

100 212,738 76,876 223 30,000 1,124,150 263,450 300

1.01 2.46 8.91 1.21 8.46 1.33 1.54 0.50

1.01 1.23 4.23 1.15 3.70 1.16 1.39 0.50

0.00 0.28 0.71 0.40 0.60 0.04 0.18 0.00

0.00 8.00 11.54 2.88 14.10 50.00 8.56 0.00

60.56 0.85 163.00 76.99 11.31 182.40 70.00 194.98

62.00 0.93 154.00 77.99 11.31 182.50 72.00 188.00

1,175,954 219,333 92,016 51,743 338,035 16,276 152,545 15,349

68.56 0.48 175.00 89.10 11.31 193.00 80.03 195.00

46.12 0.33 135.00 65.16 3.00 178.00 68.50 180.06

0.00 — 5.71 3.82 0.00 7.06 3.19 8.99

— 28.07 20.16 0.00 25.92 23.54 21.35

PRINTING & PUBLISHING Academy Press Plc Longman Nigeria Plc University Press Plc

2.59 7.32 3.20

2.59 7.32 3.20

8,693 2,200 1,620

2.36 7.10 3.20

1.56 6.80 3.20

0.28 0.79 0.76

9.25 8.84 4.21

REAL ESTATE UACN Property Development

18.30

19.95

1,253,872

18.27

13.65

0.85

21.01

7,173,000

2.90

PETROLEUM (MARKETING) African Petroleum Plc Afroil Plc Chevron Oil (Nig) Plc Conoil Plc Eterna Oil & Gas Plc Mobil Oil Nig Plc Oando Plc Total Nigeria Plc

Road Transportation Associated Bus Company Plc

2.81

TEXTILES Aba Textile Mills Plc Afprint Nigeria Plc Asaba Textile Mills Plc Enpee Industries Plc United Nigeria Textile Plc

0.91 1.32 3.63 1.56 2.27

2.35 0.91 1.32 3.63 1.56 2.06

100 174,770 100 4,000 168,866

0.91 1.38 3.63 1.56 2.17

1.50 0.91 0.64 3.63 1.56 1.20

0.12

0.11 0.00 0.02 0.00 0.00 0.00

19.67

27.91 0.00 66.00 0.00 0.00 0.00

20 — VANGUARD, MONDAY, MARCH 19, 2007

Stock Market Report as at Friday, March 16, 2007

22 — VANGUARD, MONDAY, MARCH 19, 2007

C O R P O R AT E R E P O R T

Who needs a consumer credit in Nigeria

By Omoh Gabriel, Business Editor HE office of the secretary to the government of the T federation will soon introduce a bill to the National Assembly to create a consumer credit regulatory body. The intention of government is to make room for Nigerians to buy and enjoy goods and services on credit. Globally, businesses are transacted on credit. International trade is premised on 60-90 days credit while in most countries, goods and services are purchased on long term payment arrangement basis.

Workers and those who have track record of regular streams of income do not buy goods on cash and carry basis as is the case in Nigeria. They buy and pay instal mentally. That culture is lacking in Nigeria. Goods are paid for in cash. But in countries where consumer credit work well, the consumer goods are available or at least produced locally. Will a consumer credit benefit an import dependent economy like Nigeria?

Will it not create more jobs for foreign economies at the expense of Nigeria economy, going by the penchant of Nigerians’ taste for foreign goods?

Government’s argument is that its primary objective since inception in 1999 has been to restructure and revitalise the Nigerian economy through a wide range coordinated sector reforms targeted at a private sector driven economic growth and social development.

Government, the committee set up to develop the National Consumer Credit Policy and

Regulatory Framework for Nigeria argues and recognises that the establishment of a sustainable consumer credit system is a strategic imperative for economic development. “It is indeed one of the important tools for actualising government’s initiative for sustainable development and the fight to alleviate poverty.

“The Consumer Credit Sector” it is believed “has significant economic benefits which if well exploited and developed, would lead to new economic opportunities that would help create jobs and therefore contribute towards wealth creation and poverty alleviation”.

The questions being asked is can a consumer credit market thrive in a country like Nigeria which has identity crisis? How do you ensure that people pay as at when due in a lawless country where courts can hardly enforce property rights. There are certainly impediments to the development of the system. In Nigeria, there are weak institutional capacities for dealing with access to credits by the citizenry especially the low income group. Where institutions exist for this in the financial sector, they are too weak (capital base) to service the market adequately. The consumer credit market in Nigeria is very huge and largely untapped given Nigeria’s current estimated population of l40 million.

The Case for Developing a Consumer Credit System in Nigeria

There exist the need for consumer credit in Nigeria considering that the role of credit in an economy cannot be

•President Obasanjo.

Olusegun

•Professor Charles Soludo, CBN Governor.

overemphasised.

Credit transactions come into play when a person wishes to obtain a service or product for which he chooses not to pay in cash or by way of exchange in kind or he simply cannot pay for it immediately.

‘Credit’ affords an individual the use of a service or product, which ordinarily by circumstance of his salary (say monthly), he is unable to pay for it at once but is now able to do so over a period of time. Indeed, there are so many items that the ordinary Nigerian would normally wish to purchase but for reason of cash flow constraints, he is unable to do so.

With credits, he is able to do so and spread payments for such services or items over a period of time. This if available, will reduce the propensity of the average Nigeria to acquire money at all cost since with little in his hand, he can get the services of the product he would not have been able to pay for were he to pay outrightly.

Thus a virile consumer credit system can enhance the purchasing or spending power of the average Nigerian and this would assist in alleviating poverty by enabling ordinary people and the poor to live on credit subject to the limits of their individual circumstances and the impositions

of the credit system itself.

An economy that imbibes a consumer credit culture will therefore raise national productivity, increase employment, provide art added dimension to education ethos as well as improve infrastructure, alleviate poverty and create wealth and prosperity.

A consumer credit system will also stimulate economic growth as there is a direct relationship between consumer credit and GDP growth. Consumer Credit is therefore critical in fuelling growth in aggregate demand.

A strong consumer credit culture and banking system will strengthen financial intermediation as this enhances the capacity to mobilise and deploy savings to critical (credit seeking) sectors of the Nigerian economy. Also, a consumer credit system, if properly established, operated, managed and sustained will contribute immensely to the production dynamics and the GDP growth of Nigeria.

Credits thus help unlock a diverse range of opportunities which would impact positively on economic activities as well as the standard of living of the citizenry.

Government argues that the above benefits are not only at the heart of Nigeria’s people empowerment strategy as embodied in the NEEDS programme but would go a long way towards ensuring that Nigeria meets the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) by the target date of 2015.

Nigerians must know now that the credit market is not a risk-free one and where access is unregulated, it can lead to high levels of debt and indebtedness. It is therefore necessary to have a considerable level of balance between the providers and consumers of credit within the economy. Consumer credit gives the individual enormous freedom to buy on credit what ever he desires.

But being out on your own can be fun and exciting, it also means taking on new financial responsibilities. The decisions you make now about how you manage your finances and borrow money will affect you in the future—for better or worse.

A workable credit system will ensure that there are companies that keep track of whether you pay your debts and if you make payments on time? Then, these

companies make this information available in the form of a credit report and score.

A bad credit history can haunt you for a long time—seven years or more. That’s why in a country where a credible consumer credit exists, the best thing to do is learn how to maintain good credit before there’s a problem. While this might seem complicated at first, it gets easier once you understand the basics of credit and how it works.

Credit is more than just a plastic card you use to buy things—it is your financial trustworthiness.

Good credit means that your history of payments, employment and salary make you a good candidate for a loan, and creditors—those who lend money or services—will be more willing to work with you. Having good credit usually translates into lower payments and more ease in borrowing money. Bad credit, however, can be a big problem. It usually results from making payments late or borrowing too much money, and it means that you might have trouble getting a car loan, a credit card, a place to live and, sometimes, a job.

Most creditors use credit scoring to evaluate your credit record.

This involves using your credit application and report to get information about you, such as your annual income, outstanding debt, bill-paying history, and the number and types of accounts you have and how long you have had them. Potential lenders use your credit score to help predict whether you are a good risk to repay a loan and make payments on time.

Many Nigerians who may just be starting out when the consumer credit policy come in place will have no credit history and may find it tough to get a loan or credit card, but establishing a good credit history is not as difficult as it seems. * You might apply for a credit card issued by a local store, because local businesses are more willing to extend credit to someone with no credit history. Once you establish a pattern of making your payments on time, major credit card issuers might be more willing to extend credit to you. * You might apply for a secured credit card. Basically, this card requires you to put up the money first and then lets you borrow 50 to 100 per cent of your account balance. * You might ask other people who have an established credit history to co-sign on an account.

By co-signing, the person is agreeing to pay back the loan if you don’t.

Here, Nigerians must know what a credit card is—You can use a credit card to buy things and pay for them over time. But remember, buying with credit is a loan—you have to pay the money back. What’s more, if the credit card company sends you a check, it’s not a gift. It’s a loan you have to pay back. In addition, to the cost of what you bought, you will owe a percentage of what you spent (interest) and sometimes an annual fee. On the other hand, in the case of charge card—If you use a charge card, you must pay your balance in full when you get your regular statement.

In the case of debit cards which are the ones available in the country at the moment allows you to access the money in your checking or savings account electronically to make purchases.

As a result of the above, there is need for a regulatory frame work which seeks to strike a balance between consumer protection measures with the regulatory

burden imposed on credit providers. The government is poised to do just that.

For as part of the strategy to transform the economy, the NEEDS document highlights the importance of a well developed and stable financial sector in Nigeria. The recapitalisation programme which started in July 2004 has recorded a huge success with 25 banks meeting the N25 billion minimum capital requirements. The progress in recapitalisation has however, not completely mitigated the shallowness) of the nation’s financial system, especially with respect to providing (access to) consumer credit.

As a result, the policy framework for the development of a National Consumer Credit System in Nigeria will complement existing policy initiatives in the financial sector and in particular, the micro-finance policy regulatory and supervisory framework towards a further broadening of the scope of the sector reform programme to improve the overall consumer and micro-lending environment, increase the capacity of the financial system to meet the unfulfilled financial service needs of the people, and achieve government’s commitment to policy coherence.

Regulatory and supervisory framework

According to the document seeking to establish a regulatory framework for consumer credit in Nigeria, the primary objective of regulation is to promote the growth of the sector in such a manner as would facilitate the overall objective of policy, in this case, to improve access to consumer credit at affordable and reasonable terms.

The document states “In both developed and undeveloped economies, the need for some sort of regulation is imperative.

However, the regulatory strategy adopted (whether self or non-self regulatory mechanism) is a function of the stage of development of the system in particular and the economy in general. In any case, regulation should be minimal in order not to stifle consumer lending. This is the goal of regulation intended in this policy.

The overall aim of the Consumer Credit System in Nigeria (CCSN) is to promote sustainable growth of the consumer and micro-lending industry to serve the yeaning credit needs, while ensuring that both lenders and consumer rights are protected.

“Given the right policy framework, a consumer credit system thrives on an appropriate growth-enabling regulatory framework that promotes the development of standards, regulations, rules, laws, sanctions, incentives and the adoption of global best practices to strengthen and sustain the system. Generally speaking, there are two broad approaches to regulating the industry: The principles and strategies espoused in the national policy framework could include certain provisions in the country’s financial sector laws that are specifically focused and related to the consumer credit system, and a body charged with the enforcement of the provisions;“There may be no legislated rules and regulations but the industry develops mechanisms to regulate itself in order to survive. Although self-regulation appears to be the practice in several developed countries, the lack of strong rewards/incentives for conformers and penalties for infringers in underdeveloped credit systems immediately suggests that Nigeria falls into the former category”

VANGUARD, MONDAY, MARCH 19, 2007— 23

NDIC loses N419m to failed land acquisition deals Stories by Babajide Komolafe

T

HE Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC) lost about N419 mil-

lion to failed land acquisition deals in 2005 even as its operating surplus fell sharply by 97 per cent during the year.

...as operating surplus tumbles by 97%

T

HE long awaited annual report of the Corporation for the year ended De-

cember 31 st 2005, revealed that N354.428 million representing cost of land and property revoked by the Lagos State government and N64.863 million representing cost of land and property revoked by the Federal Capital Development Authority, were charged as expenses to the Income and Expenditure for the year. The report however, was silent on the details of the acquisition of the land and properties involved.

Usually, land and properties revoked by the government are those that were not properly acquired. It would be recalled that in recent times the Ministry of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) revoked some land and properties that

N183bn excess crude and cash call funds aggravate excess liquidity ...as CBN debit banks N3.9bn for cash reserve

T

HE extreme excess liquidity (funds) in the inter-bank money market persisted last week following the influx of N183 billion excess crude and cash call funds that hit the market.

Meanwhile, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) withdrew N3.9 billion from the system as net debit for cash reserve ratio (CRR) for the second period of March. The CRR is the portion of total deposit banks are expected to keep as cash balance. This is to ensure that banks have enough cash at any time to meet obligations to customers. Similarly, the Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) withdrew N44.2 billion from the system representing the monthly credit supply lines to the major oil marketing companies.

The combined effect of the inflow of funds and withdrawals prompted a liquidity swings during the week as well as spasm of fluctuation in cost of funds. For example interest rate on Overnight lending and OBB (open buy

back) or treasury bill backed lending, which opened at 7.05 per cent rose sharply to 7.5 per cent in response to the withdrawals before falling back to 7.05 per cent in response to the inflow of funds.

Meanwhile, reflecting the excess liquidity in the market, demand for government securities rose by 24 per cent to N57.16 billion up from N46 billion in the previous week. Total amount sold however, remained at N20 billion.

Result of the conduct of auctions in government securities show that there was no trading in the secondary market, where existing treasury bills are resold. At the primary market where fresh bills are sold, demand for the 182 days bills was oversubscribed as total public subscription rose by six per cent to N36.202 billion, up from N34.155 billion in the previous week. The stop rate dropped to 7.24 per cent from 7.50 in the previous week. Also demand for the

91 days bills shot up by 91 per cent to N20.95 billion from N11.508 billion. The stop rate etched down to 6.9 per cent from 7.0 per cent.

Meanwhile, the apex bank repaid N38.55 billion worth of mature bills during the week. This comprise N18.55 billion worth of matured OMO bills and N10 billion each of matured 91 days and 182 days bills.

interest rate development during the year. This is reflected by the 33.3 per cent decrease in its interest on Deposit Insurance Fund investment which fell from N9.0 billion in 2004 to N6.1 billion.

Similarly, the Corporation’s current account investment fell by 24 per cent to N1.6 billion from N2.1 billion. Rental income and profit on sale of fixed assets also dropped by 49 per cent and 75 per cent respectively to N29.9 billion and N5.9 billion from N59 billion and 24 billion respectively.

The Corporation, however, recorded 22 per cent increase in its balance sheet size with total assets and liabilities rising to N116.4 billion from N94.7 billion in 2004.

SECONDARY MARKET 5-Mar-07

6-Mar-07

Tenor Amt Offered Total Sub. Amt Sold Stop Rate Amt Repaid Net outflow/(inflow) (3,000.00)

7-Mar-07 8-Mar-07 9-Mar-07 N’m N’m N’m N’m

N’m

0.00

0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.0000% 0.0000% 0.0000% 0.0000% 0.0000% 750.00 6,000.00 3,000.00 (750.00) (6,000.00)

PRIMARY MARKET Wednesday

FOREIGNEXCHANGEOFFICIALMARCH12-15, 2007

Amt Offered Total Sub. Amt Sold Stop Rate Amt Repaid Net outflow/(inflow) Total Net outflow/(inflow)

250.00 200.00 150.00 100.00

-

-

Thursday

7-Mar-07 8-Mar-07 Pry-182 Dys Pry-91 Dys 10,000.00 10,000.00 34,155.00 11,508.83 10,000.00 10,000.00 7.2400% 6.9000% 10,000.00 10,000.00 0.00 0.00 - 9,750.00

300.00

DUTCH AUCTION

50.00

DOLLAR[=N=/US$]

POUND[=N=/£]

3/ 1

5/ 2

0

0 4/ 2 3/ 1

3/ 2 3/ 1

2/ 2

0

0

0.00

3/ 1

RATE

were not properly acquired.

Meanwhile, the Corporation suffered a sharp decline in some of its key performance indices during the year. Operating surplus fell drastically by 97 per cent to N181.4 million from N5.771 billion while total income also fell by 26 per cent to N8.4 billion from N11.6 billion in 2005.

Administrative expenses rose sharply by 41 per cent to N8.2 billion from N5.8 billion while the Deposit Insurance Fund (from which the Corporation pays depositors of liquidated banks) fell by five per cent to N54.726 billion from N57.595 billion.

The fall in the Corporation’s income during the year might not be unconnected to

EURO[=N=/€]

Offer Demand Sale Marginal Rate

Mon Wed Mon 26-Feb-07 28-Feb-07 $’m $’m 100.00 100.00 134.16 127.01

Wed 5-Mar-07 7-Mar-07 $’m $’m 100.00 80.00

147.94

130.84 127.01

93.93 126.98

126.99

24 —VANGUARD, MONDAY, MARCH 19, 2007

Consolidation: Banks’ boards abandon oversight functions — NDIC

By Babajide Komolafe The Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC) said that the board of directors of many banks abandon their oversight functions in 2005 during the consolidation exercise.

The Corporation in its 2005 annual report stated that the report of examination conducted on 58 banks during the year revealed, “Serious weaknesses in corporate governance. One of such weakness was lack of transparency in financial reporting, especially in the continued wrongful use of Bankers Acceptances and Commercial Papers to understate loans and advances as well as deposits.

Some banks also engaged in spurious paper transactions

among themselves to cover up for serious violation of the law.

“Also, poor execution of board oversight functions, as discovered in many banks were manifested in the failure of committees of the various boards to meet regularly and the failure of such boards to compel their committees to perform as required. Other problems noted were failure to institute and execute appropriate framework for strategic planning and risk management, as well as the failure of the boards to enforce compliance with the various policies, rules and regulations guiding the businesses of their respective banks. In many instances, some management committees also failed to meet regularly. The exhibition of such apathy by the

various boards and managements provided ample opportunities for self-serving and less-than-transparent financial transactions that had fai-reaching consequences for the respective banks.

“A fall-out of the weaknesses in the board’s oversight role was the weak supervision of the credit function and the resultant prevalence of large volume of poor quality risk assets in the books of the banks.

Apart from the numerous bad loans generated from the generality of bank borrow-

ers, some insiders-related credit facilities remained nonperforming. Taken together, they all contributed to the problems of poor liquidity, poor assets quality, huge provisioning requirements and, consequently, poor earnings, weak capitalization and, insolvency of some of the banks. Besides, with large non-performing loans standing against them, such insider-debtors lacked the moral courage to pursue other debtor-customers to pay up.

Thus, efforts at debt recovery had been poor.

“The effectiveness of the Internal Audit function was, perhaps, the greatest weakness of corporate governance in nearly all the banks examined during the year. That situation was accentuated by lack of commitment by the respective bank’s Audit Committee, which culminated in audit findings of one year being repeated in the following years. There had been no effort on the parts of the boards and managements to enforce compliance with auditors’ recommendations

in some banks. It was apparent that the audit committees either never reviewed audit reports or were simply not bothered by the findings even when they involved reckless spending, unauthorized transactions and or brazen violations of policies all of which translated to huge losses for the banks.

Besides, in many instances, such banks often failed to implement Examiners’ recommendations even when faced with the threat of regulatory sanctions.”

Diamond Bank grosses N28.3bn in 9 months

By Yinka Kolawole

D

IAMOND Bank Plc has recorded gross earnings of N28.3 billion for its third quarter results in the 2006/07 financial year which have just been released. This indicates a 78 percent increase over the N15.9 billion declared in the corresponding period of 2006.

With this results, the bank is expected to exceed its performance forecasts for the year. According to the 9 months results, profit before taxation for the period stood at N6.015 billion, an increase of 79 percent over N3.36 billion achieved in the corresponding period of the previous year. The bank’s Board of Directors affirmed that this trend in performance should continue in the last quarter of the financial year, barring any unforeseen circumstances.

With the improved earning and profit position, shareholders are assured of handsome dividends at the end of the financial year following the CBN’s approval in December 2006 for the bank to write-off the goodwill in its books to enable her pay dividend to shareholders.

Diamond Bank did not pay dividend the last year due to the existence of goodwill in its books.

A statement from the bank affirms that the remarkable performance was as a result of the growth in business activities following the successful implementation of the bank’s business strategy post-consolidation. In recent years, the bank has introduced some innovative products and significantly enhanced its business model, giving it substantial mileage in the commercial and retail segments of the market in which it has traditionally done very well.

The bank has brought innovation into retail banking with the establishment of Diamond Minis (more of customer service outlets) to support its main branches in bringing excellent services closer to the customer. The Bank has also introduced new savings and credit products, including DiamondXpress Account, Diamond Mobile, Diamond Advantage and a host of others to complement its

bouquet of products directed at meeting personal banking needs of its customers.

Recently, Diamond Bank took very bold steps to ensure that the growth trend in earnings and profitability continues. Notably, the bank has established or acquired complementary financial

institutions that will enable it exploit the emerging opportunities opened up by the implementation of the economic reform agenda of the present government.

These steps include the establishment of Diamond Pension Fund Custodian Limited (Diamond PFC); and

the acquisition of both a primary mortgage institution re-branded Diamond Mortgages and an insurance company –– ADIC Insurance.

These subsidiaries will enable the bank grow and diversify its income base in this era of shrinking margin on fundbased banking activities.

Iyabi highlights importance of investing in Oceanic Bank share offering

I

NVESTING in the ongoing share offering of Oceanic Bank International Plc could be one of the most important decisions in the life of contemporary Nigerians.

Executive Director of the bank, Mr. Duate Iyabi, stated this in Port Harcourt at an investment forum organized to sensitize Nigerians on the benefits of the offer.

This also was the message he delivered at a similar investment forum this time in Yenagoa, the Bayelsa State capital during the week.

He stated that discerning investors should not miss the opportunity to buy into or increase their equity holding in the country’s fifth largest and the fourth most profitable bank.

The offer for subscription, which opened on March 5, 2007 comprises 3,357,993,375 ordinary shares of 50 kobo each at N16.50 per share payable in full on application.

Subscribers would be enjoying a discount above N3 on the current stock market price of N19.53 per share, one of the most appreciative discounts in a public offering in the annals of the Nigerian capital market.

Investors have up to April 13 2007 to subscribe and can obtain application forms from all banks and stockbrokers nationwide or download the forms from the bank’s website.

Iyabi stated that the latent value in Oceanic Bank was among the greatest among banks in the country, stressing that investors should therefore not miss the opportunity to position themselves for the realization of this latent value in future.

Corroborating him, Mr. Francis Okumagba, also an

executive director of the bank, advised and encouraged all to invest wisely, stressing that it was “good business” to invest in Oceanic Bank International Plc, because of its potential to yield multiple returns.

The Bayelsa State commissioner for finance Chief M. C. Igbodo, impressed with the performance of the bank over the years and its potentials, recommended the offer to all Bayelsans to invest, adding that Bayelsans will patronize the offer especially as the state government holds some equity in the bank.

Oceanic Bank’s excellent

performance has seen it attracting rave ratings, awards and commendations from both local and foreign observers.

Agusto & Co., Nigeria’s pre-eminent rating agency, rated Oceanic Bank ‘A’ in 2006, describing it as “… a financial institution of good financial condition and strong capacity to meet its obligations as and when they fall due.”

Similarly, Global Credit Rating of South Africa assigned Oceanic Bank ‘A1+’ short term rating and ‘AA’ long term in 2006.

FirstBank bags Project Finance Deal award

F

IRSTBank of Nigeria Plc has clinched the African Industrial Deal of the Year 2006 Award instituted by a Londonbased “Project Finance Magazine”, a publication of Euromoney.

A statment by the bank in Lagos on Friday said that FirstBank was honoured alongside four other Nigerian banks for their participation in the syndicated loan of $205 million to United Cement Company Ltd. (UNICEM), Calabar, Cross River State.

The other banks are Afribank, Guaranty Trust Bank, Nigeria International Bank and Zenith Bank.

The statement described the loan facility as the boldest initiative to revive the production of cement in Nigeria, adding that it would go a long way in developing

the real sector of the Nigerian economy.

The statement quoted Mrs. Bola Adesola, Executive Director, Corporate Banking, who received the award on behalf of FirstBank as expressing appreciation for the award, saying that FirstBank was widely known as a leading bank in the area of financing large ticket transactions in the real sector.

“In championing these project syndications, FirstBank is convinced that these are viable projects that will contribute significantly to national development,” Adesola said.

It could be recalled that FirstBank recently received three awards in the year 2006 Bankers’ Committee Merit Award.

VANGUARD, MONDAY, MARCH 19, 2007—25

C MYB

26 — VANGUARD, MONDAY, MARCH 19, 2007

VANGUARD, MONDAY, MARCH 19, 2007—27

Initiative Lagos wins WAMCO media account Clifford Amuzuo

L

C MYB

AGOS-based specialist media agency, Initiative Media has emerged winner of the multi-million naira worth media advertising account belonging to Friesland Foods WAMCO, the foremost dairy manufacturer and owners of Peak Milk brand.

The media accounts contract which received formal endorsement recently is with effect from 1st of March, 2007 and in line with its details, Initiative Lagos will be responsible for all the Media Planning and Buying requirements for two of Nigeria’s leading milk brands, Peak and Three Crowns.

The contract signing brings to end the pitch process for the account which began last year

during which the Lagos-based agency was first invited for strategic presentations alongside the incumbent agency.

Announcing the agency’s appointment, the Commercial Director, Friesland Foods

WAMPO, Mr. Gerjo Scheringa, said the company was very excited about the development and looked forward to the inputs expected from Initiative and a mutually beneficial partnership between both organisations.

Allan McClarty, Managing Director, Initiative Lagos says the agency is more than ready to handle the new assignments and contribute to the further growth and entrenchment of Peak and Three Crowns Milk in

the Nigerian market.

Executive Director, Valentine Nwandu and Operations Director at the agency, Robertson Odii said of the appointment, “This appointment confirms our commitment

to more quality service delivery, more consumer, category and competitor insights, more research-based planning, more efficient buying and more financial management and reporting than clients expect.

And this has been made possible by our investment in people, process, systems and tools over the last two years.”

Tura bags SON International Quality Award T

URA International Limited, foremost Nigerian personal care manufacturing company and subsidiary of the Lornamead Group, UK has won the Standard Organisation of Nigeria (SON) award on Quality Management Systems.

The award categorised as ISO 9000/2000 is an acclaimed

worldwide standard which is applicable to all organisations, industries, and companies in the service delivery category and requires companies to submit to SON’s rigorous audit process.

Speaking at the public unveiling ceremony of the award in Lagos, Tura Managing Director, Mr Piyush Nair said the award is a

vindication of the company’s earlier promise to deliver quality and affordable products and remain committed to standards in all areas of her service to the Nigerian consumers.

He described the award as spectacular in that Tura achieved the feat in barely two years of commencing operations in Nigeria and is

indeed the first company in the personal care products category to win the award.

“For us it is a big vindication of our earlier promise to serve you with world-class standard in all areas of our operations,” he said.

Nair further described the award as a huge success for SON over its orchestrated drives and national campaign

for companies to embrace standardisation and quality assurance and culture, adding that it is also a credit to the Federal Government’s economic liberalisation policy which allowed for Direct Foreign Investment, FDI in to the country, the plank upon which Lornamead came into the country.

Recalling the merits of FDI, he said it has made products that were originally expensive to become cheaper and affordable, saved foreign exchange reserve for the country, boosted the nation’s economy and acted in introducing international standards in many aspects of Nigeria’s life.

Nair used the ocassion of the unveiling of the award to reaffirm his company’s commitment to quality and excellence in its service delivery to consumers.

The unveiling ceremony was witnessed by many dignitaries, including the Director-General of Standard Organisation of Nigeria, Mr John Akanya.

Earlier in his remark, Head of Public Relations department SON, Mr Bola Fashina commended Tura for winning the award within a short period, noting that it is only companies that are prepared that gets the awards.

CPC commends Celtel consumer promo Princewill Ekwujuru

Y

ET basking in the euphoria of recent awards, Consumer Protection Council (CPC), a consumer watchdog has commended Celtel Nigeria Limited for the transparent conduct of it’s win your dream promotion.

In a letter to the management of Celtel, signed by Dr. O. J. Oluwatola on behalf of the Director-General, CPC expressed satisfaction with the conduct of the consumers as well as the promo and the transparency with which it was carried out.

According to CPC, some organizations exploit consumers lack of knowledge or experience to rip them off with fraudulent promotions.

The major objective of CPC, he said, is to monitor the genuineness of all sales promotions by corporate organizations and ensure their legality and efficiency amongst others.

The Director-General, Mrs. Ify Umenyi, who was the special guest during the prize presentation to winners of the promo in Lagos recently also commended Celtel Nigeria for the excellent management of the promotion.

28 — VANGUARD, MONDAY, MARCH 19, 2007

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C MYB

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C MYB

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CONFERENCE HALL

EFCC and constitutional implication of indictment Continues from page 31

* Omonijo

The issue of who can disqualify, Dr Sobowale has said the court, but I think Electoral Act recognises two bodies, the court and the political parties or July last year and that is when everything can begin to fall in place because when you started fighting for money to start the registration, it now took place in December/January, that is still within the frame of the Electoral Act anyway, but if the Act is passed July, you have to take into your account what period is available. The voters register should have been done a year earlier, but we always wait till the last minute to prepare for anything and that is a general problem in this country, whether politics, sports or other things, it’s like that, it is a problem.

The issue of who can disqualify, Dr Sobowale has said the court, but I think Electoral Act recognises two bodies, the court and the political parties. The parties have their limited time for substitutions within the period when that window is open, you can substitute or change anybody and within this period, if the party gets advice from the EFCC and they don’t want to take chances, the substitution can be done. It’s not been convicted, but it is within the powers of the party to decide who they want as candidate.

Moderator: Mr Sappor said substitution and acceptance to change names by parties is acceptance of guilty?

Sango: It might be possible that they may

* Sappor

Basically, it is an admission of guilt because if you are certain that those who you fielded are not guilty of any form of corruption, you wouldn’t substitute their names

be aware of the offences leveled against them and it is the Nigerian syndrome of trying to take advantage of any given situation regardless of what it entails. It used to be that you are presumed innocent until the contrary is proved, but it just appear to me now that you will be presumed first until you make effort to establish your innocence, this is very wrong. The EFCC has admitted that the list have been doctored, they have apologized to some people, it is shambolic and that is why I agree with Professor Akande that what they need to do is to investigate them, charge them to court and wash their hands off. Sometimes we work according to presumed conclusion which does not help us. Now, as far as Atiku and other indicted people are concerned, they are not even disqualified because they are not candidates, which means they have accepted the imputation of some people they are indicted, regardless of whether they are challenging this report. If somebody is indicted now and later they found out there is no substance in the allegation, how do you indemnify such person, do you reverse the calendar to actualize his human and legal aspirations. I am a socialist and I believe corruption is one of the major reason we are not moving forward in this country. The EFCC has told us about 7 months ago that they have recovered over 400 hundred million dollars from fraudulent elements, that is a good job, but where is the money or what has it been used for and I am asking this question whole heartedly. We are using cosmetic approach to fight corruption and why is it that every facet of our life has gone back. Talk about roads, electricity, education and other core sectors, we are worse now than 1999, we have to take this holistically. For political parties, how many of them are parties and we have seen it before when Babangida disqualified a set of people, the next set didn’t even bother to ask why, they just fold their arms, these are things that are happening, there is no democracy even in the parties. If I am indicted and my party wants to disqualify me on that basis, I will challenge them. And what the Attorney General has said,

petition written by somebody somewhere who wants his enemy killed and sent to Ribadu; adequate investigation may not have been done, but they will say, we are investigating these people; mere mentioning that they are investigating indicates that such a fellow has no right again as far as the election is concerned, this is wrong. As some speakers have rightly said, this thing has to be curbed if we do not want a monster in our midst even after Obasanjo; as things are being done now, even Obasanjo is not save after May 29 th.

EFCC is getting the applause of the Nigerian people that ‘yes we are catching them’, accepted that they arrested some governors but what is the process within which this things are being done. Nobody will say corruption should be allowed, we are all against it, we don‘t want somebody who will go to government house, and steal all the money and now ask the people to vote for him to return to such office, it is bad, but what we are saying is that if the EFCC has seen someone who is corrupt, and has found something against him, the right thing to do as other speakers have said is to go to court.

They can come out and say ‘we have found some things against some people, but we are in court over the matter, that is a better way to say than to say these people are thieves without following the due process'.

If you say someone has stolen, prove it, this thing is being moved from this place to another place and the intention of moving it, is to steal it, that is all the law requires and not just pronouncing, for the sake of being applauded.

In Nigeria, if we are to go by Mr Clean, there will be nobody to contest; somebody somewhere must have offended somebody somewhere, that is corruption. The only thing in this country is that corruption has to be defined and again, as to what level would you say such person can not contest because of corruption or is not qualified to be a candidate of a party. The political parties that are already withdrawing and substituting their candidates are convinced that what the EFCC has done is correct; this is Nigeria and if they say this is

You see, the EFCC we are talking about, seems to be overzealous about what they are doing, you will remember the other day, they went to the National Assembly, they were invited to come and give account of what they have been doing how the chief custodian of the law descending, the constitution is very emphatic, there is no controversy on tenure on when election and handover has to be done and for very dubious tendencies, you are indirectly trying to give a legal cover up for an ulterior agenda. Let me tell you one of the destabilizing factors in our electoral system, it is compilation of voters register. Do you know that under the requisite law, INEC is supposed to be registering everyday, so all these chasing about is hot lies. We should begin to see that things must be done in the right way, if that is done, then the best in western democracy will flourish but it will not flourish as long as we have this system we have, there is a contradiction between the western value and the system. All we need now is a revolution.

Oyatomi: You see, the EFCC we are talking about, seems to be overzealous about what they are doing, you will remember the other day, they went to the National Assembly, they were invited to come and give account of what they have been doing. The chairman of EFCC, Ribadu, went there with list of some governors who are not fit to even be called governor and even the Vice-Presidential candidate who was contesting. It was, either they are talking about some local governments being investigated in their state, every governor was on that list excluding about four governors whose names were not mentioned.

What I have to say is that the EFCC has been doing some fantastic job, but to a very large extent, politics has crept into what they are doing, they are looking at it from the point of view as to who is the enemy of the Federal Government or otherwise because their actions speaks louder than the voice. If what you‘re doing is contrary to what you are saying, then, there is a problem somewhere; an ordinary

not going to be, don‘t let us take chances, we may not get it through, everybody cannot be like an Atiku who would say ‘say what you like, I am forging ahead’. We have to be careful in dealing with these politicaliy corrupt people, so that we don‘t just get good heads into bad waters.

Moderator: Should we leave the issue of corrupt politicians to political parties alone, isn‘t there a role for an anti-graft body like the EFCC? Okey: If I have heard you correctly, I think you are trying to talk about the length of time it takes for some of these cases to get through at the law court. What I would suggest to be the way round it could be that if EFCC kind of investigate and have evidence that these persons have a question mark around them, what they could do is to kind of advice political parties and tell them that ‘these people are under investigation by us and these are what we have found against them, though, not proved at the law court. We are in the process of going to actually get the court to pronounce on our findings but you could as well do yourself a favour by substituting these people amongst your political plans. That only is an advice, backed upon by a prove of evidence, so it is only on that basis that the political parties can now say the report of the EFCC against our candidate and these reports are even tenable at the law court based on facts and what the outcome of the investigation is, it saves us this stress by substituting names, that only is an advice. The ultimate pronouncement as regards who is guilty and is to be disqualified from contesting elections lies in the court. Even the political parties changing candidates is an in-house arrangement or a family affair. They could say ‘since we have the power to field new candidates, that will

ultimately win elections on our behalf, let us face the Nigerian people’ because ultimately, the Nigerian people, on the day of the election will have to vote for who will lead them and Nigerians would not vote for corrupt people and people who have corrupt tendencies to lead them; so if the political parties fails to do their job, the Nigerian people on the day of the election, will do their jobs for them. Another way of doing it is that the EFCC could

*Oyatomi

For me, INEC must have missed the point

advise the parties not to field people that have corrupt tendencies that will ultimately fail, if these charges are proved at the law court against them, that is another way of doing that.

*Sango

I think we need to tell the politicians that we are dealing strictly with legal matter, the EFCC itself is self serving

To be continued PRODUCTION Series Editor/Chairman, Editorial Board: Ikeddy Isiguzo Moderator: Eze Anaba Member, Editorial Board: Mobolaji Sanusi Editorial Assistant: Dapo Akinrefon & Gbenga Oke Photo: Sylva Eleanya

VANGUARD, MONDAY, MARCH 19, 2007— 39

VIEWPOINTS

CATI and education reforms (2)

Dame Etiaba and I(2) Continued from Friday

ByChinedu Nkwonta

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ID she award any of the contracts to herself? I am sure someone has the answer to these and more questions.

For the people that have any evidence against Dame Etiaba, there is a guy in Nigeria called Ribadu. He is probably the most feared man in the country at the moment. He has offices all over Nigeria and can also be reached via the internet (just make sure it is not the 419 internet site). Ribadu is the head of EFCC (Economic and Financial Crimes Commission). Just write to Ribadu and watch what happens to Dame Etiaba. No long story. I am sure no one will accuse Etiaba of being a member of the ruling party or OBJ’s person.

She may have awarded record contracts but would she have rather left the money for whoever comes after who then may transfer the money into a personal account as usual. Was there a guarantee that Peter was coming back? What really is the problem? We have to know that life is wicked sometimes; some people may work really hard for something and then find that it benefits others more. Dame Etiaba was a part of the Peter Obi’s battle but she has proven that she knows more about politics than her boss. I have not heard of any part of the constitution that limits the volume of contracts a government can award within due process.

A beautiful part of this is that both factions of the State House of Assembly never protested. Of course, the conclusion will be that she bought them over. That will be really undermining the honorable members and I refuse vehemently to see my fellow brothers and sisters in the house from that light.

As much as they have been vilified, they are the same honorable members that supported Dr. Chris Ngige during all his problems. How soon can we forget?

For the interest of people that say that I have been paid loads of money to express my feelings, I want to tell them that they do not know me. I never supported the Etiaba when Peter was not

Dame Etiaba was a part of the Peter Obi’s battle but she has proven that she knows more about politics than her boss

doing well and I made my position very clear then. Was Etiaba not the deputy governor then?

Peter Obi should after thanking God, thank Dame Virgy Etiaba for holding the position for him because he knows that if she did not hold fort, he will not be singing the same song now. Power would have crossed over from APGA (which he seems not to believe in anyway) to PDP. And believe me, if he had gone to the Supreme Court, no one could have saved him. It is called politics and in this case Nigerian politics. Someone else may call it Anambra politics.

The most important thing in my life remains my honour and I shall rather be poor than say or do anything I do not mean or I do not believe in. I am not a poor man and will never be. The Lord is my strength. et us not becloud Peter with what Dame Etiaba achieved. He has many more problems to sort out. For the people who have any evidence against Dame Etiaba, please run to Ribadu of the EFCC and for those that are just envious of either her children or her position, sorry, I cannot help. Please do not write to abuse me or threaten me, I am neither Etiaba nor Obi; my name remains Chinedu Nkwonta, Idengeli na Nawfia, Kpom Nigeria. I am very happy being myself thank you.

L

Concluded Hon. Nkonta writes from Awka, Anambra State.

Continued from Friday

By Okey Ikechukwu

B

UT all these came after the ed-TAP initiative, which was designed and executed in such a way that it took inventory of unemployed products of our school system, to create a data base, enable a re-evaluation of the curriculum and work towards new skills that would make them employable. The first 100 beneficiaries just could not believe it when they walked straight into employment. Ed-TAP is still on-going and so is the Innovation Enterprise Institution, Vocational Enterprise Institutions and the developing partnership with CISCO Academy; to present our teeming youth alternatives to academic education.

In another two weeks, the Operation Reach All Primary Schools (ORAPS), which is designed to carry out a comprehensive inspection of all primary schools in Nigeria, will kick off. It took the ORASS for us to discover that there are 14,543 secondary schools in Nigeria and not11, 000 as indicated in the Ministry records. The ORASS also showed that the last school inspections took place in 2003 and that the Ministry had been remiss in carrying out the inspectorate function for over 15 years. Worse still, there was no single year that up to 500 schools were inspected. Well, ORASS came along and surprised everyone, by showing that the Federal Republic of Nigeria did not even have the correct record of how many secondary schools there were in the country.

That is not all. It was discovered that the physically challenged and special needs education were not on the radar. Guidance and Counselling in schools was largely non-existent. Where it was found to exist, it had little counsel to offer and appeared badly in need of guidance itself.

What many people did not realize until recently is that the comprehensive root and branch reform of

In another two weeks, the ORAPS which is designed to carry out a comprehensive inspection of all primary schools in Nigeria, will kick off

the education sector is not about inspections, Unity Schools, or tertiary education. It is, first and foremost, about giving effective policy leadership in that sphere of our national life that determines the capacity, skills level and quality of our human resources; as well as the character of our nation-state.

The Ministry’s new leadership had incontrovertible facts on its side, but was initially confronted by a startled nation that found the revelations too benumbing to accept. When finally the information began to sink in, the issue then became: “Where is the Minister getting her facts from? How come no one before her talked about the failure rates of our children in school?” The reason is quite simple, though: no one checked. That is all. It was as simple as that. The immediate former Minister of Education even added her voice to the chorus of incoherent babble, by boldly declaring on the pages of newspapers that any talk about poor academic achievement of Unity college students must be rubbish, since her children who attended Unity Schools were doing well in their present endeavours.

How this exceptionally absurd conclusion could be marshalled as sufficient argument to contest the facts-based conclusions of the Ministry of Education remains a total mystery to many intelligent observers. Well, the latest WAEC results have shown a national success rate of 11%! The latest NECO results showed a remarkable improvement over WAEC in the overall performance, with a success rate of 17%! May the nation be speedily rescued from this brand of ‘excellence’!

At the risk of belabouring a point that came dangerously close to being mistaken for the sole purpose of the education sector reforms, let it be said that our Unity Schools had indeed fallen into disrepute and had wallowed in this reprehensible state for decades now. An evaluation of the social class and economic background of students of our Unity Schools will reveal a preponderance of children whose parents, or relations, have access to people in power, or connections in the Ministry, or who could be leveraged through some serving principals. It is fairly obvious that the very purpose for which these schools came into being has suffered shipwreck, through the combined subversive actions of a parasitic elite and a corrupt bureaucracy. The poor had lost out to the rich. National character and excellence had lost out to hegemony building.

Excellence had been clobbered, displaced and held hostage by a bureaucracy that had elevated thoughtless misuse of patronage into a guiding principle and philosophy of leadership. But let us get back to CATI. As observed earlier, the Community Accountability and Transparency Initiative is designed to provide information to the public about the funding available for education and schooling in their communities and encourage civil society groups and individuals to take more active part in monitoring value for money.

Continues tomorrow Dr. Ikechukwu is an aide to the Minister of Education.

Promoting democracy: Defending the vote during elections (3) Continued from Friday

By Uchenna Nwankwo

I

N 1958, Willard Mathias in the US Office of National Estimates had predicted that Soviet resistance to sharing power with the growing middle class of Soviet professionals and technocrats would ultimately destroy the party’s power. It is indeed cogent to state that what destroyed the USSR was not socialism per se, but the one-party system, the abiding monopoly of power by its one and only Communist Party. This created a merry gang of Soviet rulers that eventually lost touch with the people, misread or ignored their needs, desires and aspirations and was abstracted from the society, leading as it were to total fiasco and much gnashing of the teeth. We could make a similar case about the collapse of the bloody Pol Pot regime, which created a one-party state in Cambodia after the Camerouge chased President Lon Nol out of Phnom-Penh in 1975. But why go on?

Of course, that the Chinese system, with its oneparty state, still thrives is really no departure from the above maxim. A number of factors have favoured the survival to date of the one-party state in China.

One, unlike the USSR that was a conglomeration of different peoples and republics, China is a very old cohesive nation. Two, Chinese leaders have had the opportunity to glean from the mistakes of Soviet leaders and have continually adapted to the changing face of China. The bloody purges and cultural revolutions of Chinese communism are cases in point Even so, it should be noted that the Soviet system

lasted some 70 years before finally going under.

China’s one-party system is only about half a century old. It is obvious from developments inside China that the system has but a fraction of a decade to survive; that political pluralism is only inches away.

This is also true of Fidel Castro’s Cuba, where the one-party state is already on its death bed. In Africa, there are countless ruptures that point to the instability of the one-party state and its polluting tendencies. The sad story of Siad Barre’s authoritarian one-party regime that has turned Somalia into a stateless society remains topical even to this day.

Lessons from Nigeria’s Contemporary Politics It is axiomatic but lamentable that the unprecedented decline and bastardization of our political ethos since 1999 are largely rooted in Nigeria’s regression towards a one-party state. Measured on the spectrum of the classical one-party state/multi-

It is axiomatic but lamentable that the unprecedented decline and bastardization of our political ethos since 1999 are largely rooted in Nigeria’s regression towards a one-party state

partyism continuum, one can without equivocation say that structurally and realistically, Nigeria’s political system tends towards the one-party state.

Oh yes, there are as many as 45 registered political parties in the land. But in terms of leverage and strength, going by the result of the 2003 elections, the PDP is dominant, controlling some 70-75 percent of the states and representation in the National Assembly. If the party’s hold on the nation is frightening, its presence and dominance in the South East/South-South axis where Anambra State is situated is downright intimidating. In these two zones, the part has a virtual hundred per cent stranglehold. The dominance is absolute, at least before the coming of an APGA-controlled Executive in Anambra State. Little wonder then the heightened degree of political corruption and decadence in the two zones. There is simply no party with the strength to provide the much needed countervailing force in the regions, hence the festering pollution and ferment.

In 2003, APGA tried to break the jinx in the South East. The party had the support of the masses, but lacked the endorsement of the elite, for obvious and understandable reasons. It therefore could not muster the funds to hire polling agents, sustain the loyalty of its political activists and do the other practical things that go with successful electioneering and the achievement of ultimate electoral victory.

The party got the votes alright but lost the election because it did not have the muscle to protect its votes. The PDP, which had the support of the moneyed Igbo political elite and substantial extrazonal sponsorship, therefore claimed a victory it did

How do we solve the present power crisis?

Pls send text to: 08082340885 or e-mail: editor@vanguardngr.com for publication

not win. The consequence was that many rejected and discredited political actors gained access into political offices across the zone, or generally retained power in the South East. They have since continued to consolidate that power and to engineer wider efforts to fetter liberty. This daunting and regrettable scenario and apparent disenfranchisement of the people have thus brought so much cynicism and distrust of the electoral system that a very strong elixir is now required to dislodge the imposters, reverse the trend and redeem the zone. As for many of the present crop of political office holders in the zone, they have largely developed total contempt for the people and have been emboldened by the aforementioned disempowerment of the people to treat them as outcasts, desecrate public office and loot the public treasury with impunity, to the chagrin of the people.

But paradox has always been Nigeria’s staple political diet. James Hadley Chase it was who wrote the famous novel: "The Way the Cookie Crumbles".

This dictum has since played itself out in Anambra State where a mild disagreement led to a strong cleavage within the ruling PDP to produce a people’s governor in Chris Ngige. It was a classical case of a villain mutating into a hero. The scenario painted a vivid picture of how the system could influence the conduct of a political officeholder.

Continues tomorrow Being a paper delivered by Mr. Nwankwo at the LAP organised democracy conference in Port-Harcourt, Rivers State.

Please send all opinion articles to viewpoint@vanguardngr.com

40— VANGUARD, MONDAY, MARCH 19, 2007

LETTERS TO THE EDIT OR EDITOR

P.M.B. 1007, Apapa, Lagos E-Mail: viewpoint@vanguardngr.com.

The lawlessness of INEC Dear Editor,

T

HE pronouncement by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) that the Vice President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the presidential flag bearer of the Action Congress (AC), Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, cannot contest the April presidential election is most un-

fortunate. It shows that not only has INEC compromised its independence by dancing to the dictates of the piper in some high places, it has equally shown its flagrant disregard and penchant for wantonly flouting court orders with impunity.

A court of competent jurisdiction has granted the request of Alhaji Atiku Abubakar by not only set-

OBJ and the Yar'Adua candidacy Dear Editor,

M

OST men would have succeeded in small things if they are not troubled by great ambitions. — Sir Henry Wardsworth Longfellow (1807-1882) It is no longer news that the unknown and unambitious governor of Katsina state but who as a result of OBJ’s magical politics is now a presidential candidate holds the key to our immediate political future. This is because of his fragile health which is now a public issue. If he had died as rumoured last week (God forbid!), we would not only be mourning another national figure but also forget the election for now as that funny electoral law mandates the INEC to postpone elections indefinitely in such circumstance. Sometimes, one wonders how reasonable the legislature is.

They seemed to be oblivious of the fact that a desperate politician can take advantage of that situation to work against national interest.

The issue now however is that the president and his PDP co-travellers have demonstrated once again that they do not care for the feelings of Nigerians or for the progress of the nation by forcing the man on us to satisfy their own hidden agenda. This is because whether Yaradua dies or not, we seem to be sitting on a keg of gunpowder politically because the man is obviously not physically fit for the task ahead and the President knows it.

It is a pity that when President Olusegun Obasanjo listed the quality of the man that must take over after him, the only thing he considered was blind loyalty; the kind of person that will be a pet and that will allow him to run the country indirectly while shielding him from the echoes of his past. A statesman that he is supposed to be, he did not consider whether the person can do the job or not.

Mr. President has shown

disdain and an uncaring attitude for the future of this country by attempting to force a medically unfit candidate on us. We admit no stain has been found on the blanket of Yar ‘Adua and that he appears to be calm and gentle but can he stand the heat of the electioneering campaigns plus the rigours of ruling a nation as diverse, as controversial and as problematic as Nigeria?

Rahman Raheem, Kogi State University, Anyigba.

08036063308

ting aside the so-called indictment but also labeled null and void the process adopted by EFCC in carrying out its functions as well as government in setting up the administrative panel. Furthermore, a Federal High Court, in Abuja had resolved all the issues on the powers of INEC to disqualify candidates for election.

The court’s judgment is unequivocal about the powers to disqualify candidates in the election. Justice B.O. Kuewumi when he said in clear terms that, “section 137 (for President) and 182 (for governor) of the constitution also contains provisions that ab-initio disqualifies an intending candidate aspiring to the office of president and governor respectively. However, more of these provisions in my view empowers the defendant (INEC), to issue an order disqualifying a candidate”. He went on to state very explicitly that, “the power to disqualify any candidate sponsored by any political party including the 1st plaintiff (AC), from contesting any election is vested in the courts as provided by section 32 (5) of the Electoral Act 2006 and in any other legislation that is validly enacted in that behalf”.

It is very appalling that INEC, which ought to be a neutral arbiter in electoral cum political process, has unfortunately become a partisan party. This unfortunately is very dangerous for democracy, rule of law, due process, equity, justice and fairplay in the country. INEC should therefore retrace its steps, and do the right thing in the overall interest of the country.

Jide ayobolu, No 19 Gongola Street, Garki 2, Abuja.

WAEC, print result please!

Dear Editor,

P

LEASE permit me to use your widely read newspaper to appeal to the management of West African Examination Council (WAEC) to print my May/June 1993 SSCE Certificate. I sat for the said examination using candidate no. 13176/239 and the result had since been released but my certificate is yet to be issued. I was informed by a staff of WAEC at Benin Zonal office that my certificate was not printed. I have written twice to WAEC Benin City on this regard but I am yet to receive to a response.

Utah, Maurice.

I need explanation Dear Editor,

E

VERY time I open the dailies and see reports of how well the economy is picking up, I feel lost.

Not claiming to know much of economic theory, I thought indicators of such growth will be in basics like infrastructure, health, education and the like. Can Nigeria claim any improvement in these areas in the last eight years?

Only last week, the papers were awash with reports of the presidential candidates of the two leading parties jetting out of the country for one health problem or the other. Lucky them, what of the million others who can-

not afford overseas treatment? The time has come for this country to face its reality and stop pandering to foreign models. Why America and their allies can worry about global warming and such high sounding ideals, I insist our goliath here remains water, food, housing, road and school. The late Afro-beat icon Fela Anikulapo-Kuti put it very well in his song decades ago. What other prophet are we waiting for!

Ajiboye Kuforiji, Allen Avenue, Lagos.

Letters should not be more than 300 word

On N-Delta crisis THE Federal Government should create the Niger-Delta Ministry, while the states, LG Councils and host Oil producing communities commission should embrace good governance, honesty, good leadership, employment for the people and judicious use of allocation from these resource will stop hostage taking in the Niger Delta.

Rev. Dan Egere I think hostage taking has come to stay, more so as none of the aspirants has been able to address the burning issues of resource control in their manifestoes.

Anonymous, 08054192566

The President of Gambia should be cautioned by the A.U. Africa is the worst hit by the AIDS epidemic and for a person in his position to come out to give false hope, only for victims to go about assuming they are cured, would merely lead to further infection

On Delta politics The noise about Dr. Uduaghan as Delta State Gubernatorial candidate is unnecessary, why not vote en-mass for Chief Ogboru?

A k p o j e h e r h e 08034524675

On INEC The decision INEC took on VP is in order and proper. Organisation without examiner is useless, INEC is the examiner, they can qualify and disqualify any candidate. Let us be sincere, all political schemers should stop foul cry, to build is hard, OBJ and team, carry on.

H.A Yakubu, 08029061099 It is obvious now that Ribadu and Iwu are just mere robots to OBJ and the PDP. Tell EFCC to stay off INEC. They are two different bodies.

Edwin,Isoko, Delta State, 08035068440 Maurice Iwu and INEC must not allow themselves to be railroaded as pawns into the war of attrition going in the presidency, only the court can disqualify Atiku and others.

Oyin Koleosho, University of Ibadan, Oyo State, 08085633991 INEC’s decision on VP: It’s totally shameless for a country like Nigeria to find herself in such a political war.

I believe Iwu is playing out a script from Aso Rock and EFCC, otherwise, how can INEC boss have the guts to declare a candidate disqualified when we have a competent court of law, but I still believe Iwu will surely regret his actions at last because OBJ is not trust worthy.

Anonymous, 08034247825 INEC’s decision on VP: Nigerians are sick and tired of this double standard of Prof.

Iwu, at first, he said his commission, lacks power to disqualify any candidate duly submitted by their party. Why this treat again? Prof. Iwu should have told Nigerians that he and his commission are under obligations with President Obasanjo and his tools EFCC. I shall advise Iwu to follow the part of truth. And not to make himself buzayia before VP like PDP led FG are doing now, but it will assure Nigerians that Atiku will remain Isaiah of this nation. No matter the amount of humiliation.

Oshevwiho Patrick, Delta State, 08033954907 Cry for Maurice Iwu and

family, as nemesis catches OBJ to pick Umaru who will jail him later. Same-thing will happen to Iwu, after rigging election with electronic voting machine for Umaru, the unpredictable candidate will jail him like Balogun, and be dumped like Atiku, Audu Ogbe, Lar, Rimi, Kaita and co. Anenih watch out August 2007.

Kwalli, 08051377701 On INEC: Maurice Iwu should please give Anambrarians chance to choose their governor. Remember that it is a crime against humanity to impose leaders on people. Is this the type of democracy they practice in America?

Ogbe Peters, Onitsha, Anambra State, 08037447048

On PTDF report The senate report on PTDF and its indictments on VP is laughable, the Chairman of PTDF has been Bayo Ojo’s closest friend. Therefore, the report cannot be objective.

Oge, 08053638576

On PHCN Tell PHCN to give Aniocha North Local Area of Delta State electricity, for the past months, we have been in total blackout.

Fidelia, 08026501924 When NEPA became PHCN, I thought there was going to be massive changes in stability of electricity supply, instead, the worse was what we got, please for once, be activate.

Cathy, Benin, Edo State, 08027652345

On Lagos mass transit bus Lagos BRT is long over due, the government should have started with 5000 buses while the company handling it privatized to core investor or buy IPO of major shares at NSE. Anonymous, 08034105047

On AC campaign On AC campaign: I want Vice President Atiku to address the issue of refinery and fuel price.

Austin, Warri,Delta State, 08052100262.

On Gambia President The President of Gambia should be cautioned by the A.U. Africa is the worst hit by the AIDS epidemic and for a person in his position to come out to give false hope, only for victims to go about assuming they are cured, would merely lead to further infection.

Anonymous, 08052644549

On EFCC Ribadu on the fence: I want the chairman of EFCC to answer on whether Obasanjo is corrupt or not, why answering the press that I don’t Know?

Monsuru, 08023880515 I urge EFCC to open branches and train more personnel at the state and LG levels. Even in these periods of bumper allocation to the councils, nothing much could be seen of the development funds. A council chaired for two tenure by same guy, could not boast of a single road or water project.

LG’s don’t pay primary or secondary teachers, it only pays LG’s staff. Yet N88m allocation fizles off in the name of petty projects, certainly, there’s a problem some where.

Mezu, Owerri, Imo State, 08035424897 On EFCC: He who pays the piper dictates the tune. Ribadu was engaged by Obasanjo.

There is no way he will probe BABA even if BABA is openly seen to be collecting meat from the pot.

Anonymous, 08035082317

On Globacom I sent series of SMS during Xmas period, only few were delivered but I was debited for all. I complained severally (Dec - Jan) and I was told that my N84 credit will be sent back to me. The credit is not what annoyed me most, but when I called for the 14th time, I was told that all my SMS have been delivered and I should rest my case, which is a pure lie because I have seen all those I sent the SMS to. One of them is my fiance.

Ohen Kingsley 08077779932

On S-West PDP governors PDP Governors in South West and South East performed badly, people should not vote for them again.

Anonymous, 08055317386

On Obasanjo Obasanjo’s visit to Anambra is a disaster, we don’t want him in Anambra again, his formal visit disorganized our dear State, we have not gained anything from his visit.

M.C., 08039495555

On Babangida Permit me to express my great happiness in seeing Gen. Babangida’s picture taken along with that of out-going Guinean PM on the front page of Vanguard of 24 th February. My happiness was as a result of seeing the general gradually being transformed into a statesman. By representing his country at such international events, he is proving to all skeptics that he has indeed abandoned active politicking for the noble role of statesmanship. We need to see more of such outings for the good of our economy. For this attitude, I am beginning to soften my hitherto antagonistic stand against him.

Yunusa Karofi, 08082373095

On CBN's re-introduction of coins

Re- introduction of coins

by CBN is a very good development for our economy.

David, 08026346459

What is your view on INEC's disqualification barring Atiku from contesting?

Pls send text to: 08082340885 or e-mail: editor@vanguardngr.com for publication

VANGUARD, MONDAY, MARCH 19, 2006 — 41

‘

Research has demonstrated repeatedly that lifestyle modification can reverse heart and circulatory diseases in majority of cases

’

DO YOU KNOW?

• There are still many Nigerians who reach for the salt shaker before they've even tasted their food . . . yet their form of main exercise is a brisk walk to the car . . . and their idea of "health food" is suya and beer. While these may seem like mild and unimportant, their effects add up, especially in people with hypertension. Yet there are several changes in lifestyle can significantly improve blood pressure, in many cases to the point that use of medications can be avoided.

• At any given BP level, incidence of more severe vascular damage in Blacks • By 2020, a two-fold increase is expected.

• The National Non Communicable Diseases Committee of the FMOH, reported that SBP and DBP increase with age; DBP may drop after age 60 years.• Making major lifestyle changes can be a daunting task. Individuals benefit enormously when they receive support in changing life-long habits and adopting new ones.

•The goal of relaxation training is to minimize the harmful response to stressful triggers.

•The practice of meditation or yoga on a regular basis produces neuron pathways for relaxation rather than excitation.

•If you were asked to lower your blood pressure, you might try a variety of strategies such as deep breathing, thinking pleasant thoughts, or “telling” your arteries to relax.

•Stress causes us to do all sorts of things that have been proven unhealthful such as adopting poor eating habits, smoking, drinking alcohol, and driving unsafely. Therefore, stress reduction can lead to better over-all health.

Management of hypertension is a lifestyle issue

By Sola Ogundipe

H

YPERTENSION is one of the most important established risk factors for cardiovascular diseases. As a result, blood pressure determination continues to be one of the most important measurements in all of clinical medicine probably because hypertension is a major risk factor for coronary heart disease, stroke, and renal failure.

Recent recommendations by the American-based Joint National Committee on Prevention, Detection, Evaluation, and Treatment of High Blood

WHAT IT IS • High blood pressure, also called hypertension, means the pressure in your arteries is above the normal range.

In most cases, no one knows what causes high blood pressure. What you eat can affect your blood pressure Anyone whose blood pressure is greater than 140/ 90 for sustained periods has high blood pressure, or hypertension, and should take steps to lower it.

Untreated, hypertension causes the heart to work very hard and ultimately damages it.

A mild case of untreated hypertension can double the chance of a heart attack, and a moderate case triples it.

Strokes are caused when hardened material from the wall of a blood vessel block an artery, diminishing or cutting off the blood supply to the brain. Increased risk of stroke is also related to hypertension.

Pressure (JNC) draw attention to the condition of “prehypertension,” that is, people with blood pressures at the high end of the normal range.

In addition, the target blood pressure for patients using antihypertensive treatment has recently been lowered for those with diabetes or renal disease. Thus, it is becoming increasingly important to be able to detect small differences in blood pressure.

The forces of the heart pumping blood through the arteries create blood pressure, bringing oxygenated blood to the cells, tissues and organs of the body. Blood pressure measurement is expressed as a fraction whose numerator, the systolic pressure, measures the force of the blood as it is actively pumped by the heart. The denominator is the diastolic pressure (a measure of the force of the blood flowing through the arteries when the heart relaxes between beats).

Together, these numbers tell a lot about the health of the circulatory system. Blood

pressure varies within an individual based on activity levels and circumstances. For some people, simply having their blood pressure measured can cause an elevated reading. Therefore, to be certain about blood pressure, readings are best taken at various times of the day.

In the view of Dr. Jayne Ajuluchukwu, Senior Lecturer/Cardiologist at the College of Medicine, University of Lagos, blood pressure is the force imparted by the heart to the arteries due to flowing blood.

Speaking recently at the 4th quarterly Emzor Heart series, she noted that hypertension also termed “high blood pressure” has several definitions. and that the existence of variable definitions for any clinical issue or parameter already hints at possible controversy or that the problem is multifaceted.

In her words: "Hypertension is a sustained elevation of blood pressure, higher than that expected for the individual’s age or sex”. This definition hints at the variabil-

How nutrition affects BP • Certain foods can increase blood pressure; gaining weight can increase blood pressure while losing weight can reduce blood pressure.

•Too much salt contains sodium and the body holds extra water to “wash” the salt. In some people, this may cause blood pressure to rise. The added water puts stress on the heart and blood vessels.

TO CONTROL HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE • Eat foods lower in fat, salt, and calories; use spices and herbs instead of salt to flavor foods; use less oil, butter, margarine, shortening, and salad dressings.

• Avoid foods like butter and margarine, regular salad dressings, fatty meats, whole milk dairy products, fried foods, salted snacks, fast foods, etc.

ity in blood pressure, as contributed to by factors of age and sex. It also differentiates hypertension from the temporary elevation of blood pressure that may follow sympathetic stimulation in the course of the individual’s day."

It is said that blood pressure varies according to a diurnal pattern, such that during sleep or at night, BP drops by about 20 per cent, or 20 mm Hg. This is termed “dipping”. The absence of dipping has also been recognized as a contributor of poor outcome.

It is common in patients with diabetes mellitus.

Ajuluchukwu adds that hypertension is the most frequent reason for visits to physician’s office as well as the leading indication for prescription drugs.

Most experts agree that a lifestyle approach to the treatment of hypertension is best. It begins by looking at the root cause.

Research has demonstrated repeatedly that lifestyle modification can reverse heart and circulatory diseases in majority of cases. This suggests that a combination of weight reduction, low fat diet, reduced sodium, and moderate, regular exercise can return the blood vessels to a healthy condition and eliminate hypertension.

Individuals can take control of their health and their lives at virtually any stage; no one is “too far gone.”

Persons with no disease can maintain their health through a preventive program, while those who are ill can take steps to reverse their disease.

Issues in blood pressure measurement • Measures of blood pressure that could contribute to the adverse effects of hypertension are the average level, the diurnal variation, and the short-term variability.

•Presently, the measure of blood pressure most clearly related to morbid events is the average level, although there is also evidence accumulating that suggests that hypertensive patients whose pressure remains high at night (nondippers) are at greater risk for cardiovascular morbidity than dippers. Less information is available for defining the clinical significance of blood pressure variability, although it has been suggested that it is a risk factor for cardiovascular morbidity.

•Recognition of limitations of traditional clinic readings has led to increasing use of measurements made out of the clinic, which avoids the unrepresentative nature of the clinic setting and also allows for increased numbers of readings to be taken and increased use of automated devices.

•Decreased reliance on traditional readings has been accelerated by the fact that mercury is being banned in many countries, although there is still uncertainty regarding what will replace it. The leading contenders are aneroid and oscillometric devices, both of which are being used with increasing frequency but have not been accepted as being as accurate as mercury.

Short Takes Revised National Health policy out April — FG

By Chinyere Amalu

T

O address the issue of unsafe sexual and other health practices among young people in Nigeria, the Federal Government has proposed the revised National Policy on health and development of adolescent and young people in Nigeria.

The Policy which will take care of adolescent reproductive health and other health issues as stipulated in the policy is to be made public in April 2007.

Disclosing this in Abuja at the Internews round table discussion on “Adolescents and Young People reproductive health issues”, the Director of Reproductive Health in the Federal Ministry of Health Dr. Moji Odeku said that the new policy on adolescent health was adopted from the 1995 policy, but with the changing trends in health issues, it becomes necessary to revise it to suit the situation at hand.

“The 1995 policy identified major areas of adolescent health care needs and described broad strategies for intervention in the following areas: sexual behaviour; reproductive health, nutrition, accidents, drug abuse, career and employment; parental responsibilities and social adjustment; and education.

“Between 1995 and 2006, several important changes have occurred in the area of adolescent health and development nationality and internationally, which has necessitated a revision of the policy to reflect the new realities”.

She said lack of information, life skills and friendliness of government on adolescent issues were not in the 1995 policy. “In 1999, Nigeria held a National Adolescent Health Conference, reflecting the increased focus on adolescent reproductive health (ARH) based on programme of Action (PoA) of the International Conference on Population and Development of a National Adolescent (ICPD).

An outcome of the national conference was the development of national adolescent reproductive health strategic framework.

The desire to have similar framework for other areas of focus identified in the 1995 adolescent health policy led to efforts to develop national strategic framework on adolescent health development in 2005/2006, with the aim of providing effective and coherent programme implementation platform for adolescent health”, she explained.

Specific objectives of the implementation of the policy include to stimulate advocacy efforts for increased political will and resources allocation for young people’s health and development programmes and interventions; enhance technical capacity, interventions, collaborations and coordination for the promotion of the health and development of young people among others.

44 —VANGUARD, MONDAY, MARCH 20, 2007

Why buildings collapse will continue to occur

By Jude Njoku

Use of quacks and substandard materials goes on unabated

P

RESIDENT of the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE), Engr.

Eze stated that collapsed building will continue to be a recurring decimal in the country and he gave reasons for this rather pessimistic view. His words: "Collapsed buildings will never stop; it will continue to happen so long as Nigerians continue to do what they do.

And what do Nigerians do? They use quacks because they think that using professionals is expensive. If you pay peanuts, you get monkeys. If you think that when you are sick, you go and get a nurse to mix medicine for you, not even a nurse because a nurse is a professional, you go to people who sell drugs by the roadside or who hawk drugs in buses and expect to be cured, when you die, you don’t blame the doctor or the facility in the hospital. The same thing is what is happening in engineering. When Nigerians want to build their house, they say that because somebody has built a bungalow in his village, they bring him to build a house for him in Lagos with all the soil problems and peculiar circumstances.

The building collapses and you say where are Nigerian engineers. But when the building was under construction, they never asked who is the Nigerian engineer building this house.

Continuing, Engr. Eze urged the press to assist the Nigerian Society of Engineers in the fight against the use of unqualified persons in buildings constructions in the country.

“Go to any project site and ask who is the engineer here. You will be surprised that you won’t see any engineer. You will probably see a bricklayer who will claim to be an engineer. If you ask the owner why are you not using an engineer, he will say, I don’t have the money to pay them.

But then, until the building collapses, for perhaps N1 million, he will lose N30 million and then people will lose their lives because somebody does not want to use professionals. So, it is almost impossible for the NSE to police Nigerians. We cannot. The much we can do is to get people educated and this is where journalists come in. That it is important for people to use professionals to do any thing they want to do. They may think it is expensive but it is not in the long run; it will be cheaper. You don’t have to maintain the house always because it (house) will be built well. The maintenance costs of those poorly built houses are enormous. You see something hopping up from the decks or slabs of the house. Some of them when they are casting the decks, use water from the gutter that has a lot of concrete attacking elements. And when you ask them to buy clean water, they will ask you, Ah! Ah! you want to give concrete water that people drink”.

Fight against quackery Engr. Ezeh disclosed that the relentless fight waged by the Society of Engineers is coming to a point when members of the public will be informed. “We are investigating some people. Incidentally, I was the chairman of the COREN (Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria) panel or tribunal on such acts. We invited some people to appear before us. They have appeared. We had a Judge advocate sitting beside us. Once we are through with our preliminary investigation, the day we shall appear in court, it will be celebrated. I know that you will be there to see the people we are trying for professional quackery and misconduct” he said.

Barely one year ago, precisely on March 22, 2006, the high rise building housing the Bank of Industry (BOI) head office along the ever busy Broad Street in the Lagos Island Business District, suffered a partial collapse. The collapse was allegedly due to a fire incident on the eighth floor of the edifice two days earlier. Fortunately, only one person was confirmed dead, thanks to a public holiday and restriction announced by the Lagos State government which limited the human traffic in the area. Ironically, the debris of the collapse is still hanging because the government is still scouting for those who possess the wherewithal to clean up the mess. Year 2006 was not a particularly good one for Lagos State as the state alone witnessed at least four major collapsed building incidents. The worst of these incidents was the collapse of “Titanic” at Ebute Metta on July 18. This particular collapse claimed no fewer than 30 lives. The construction of the building which sat on a land area of less than 1200 square metres and had in all 36 flats as well as 36 shops on the ground floor was allegedly supervised by a top Nigerian Engineer. All hopes are that the approval and launching of a new Building Code to guide activities in the construction industry will check the rampant occurrence of building failures. But many built environment experts have a contrary view.

They posit that buildings will continue to collapse in the country as long as Nigerians delight in cutting corners.

Collapse beyond non-utilization of professionals

Lagos, architects join crusade to fight buildings collapse

Mr. Obafemi Onashile former NIQS Lagos Chairman.

Arc. Enyi Ben Eboh, NIA chairman, Lagos chapter.

THE day may have come sooner than Engr. Ezeh envisaged as the NSE recently condemned and suspended two of its members for the roles they played in the collapse of a building at Ebute Metta, Lagos last year. Acting on the outcome of investigations by a disciplinary panel on engineers' involvement in the collapsed building, the body has taken the position that the two members indicted in the report, Saidi Edidi and Matthew Olowokere, be barred from practising as engineers for periods ranging from two to five years. This decision, according to Fyne Ogolo, the Executive Secretary of the NSE, would soon be communicated to the Council of Registered Engineers(COREN).

The Lagos State chapter of the Nigerian Institute of Architects (NIA) took steps to educate its members on the provisions of the recently launched Building Code which implementation is expected to curb the rising occurrence of collapsed buildings in the country. Chairman of the chapter, Arc. Enyi Ben Eboh lamented that Nigeria had for years operated with any document to regulate standards in the design and construction of buildings within the country. He noted that “the result is the chaos we now find ourselves

A

Remains of Bank of Industry building which collapsed March 22, 2006

Our buildings are often not designed to strict safety standards and as such, standards do not exist and are, therefore, not enforceable in”.

Said he: “Our buildings are often not designed to strict safety standards and as such, standards do not exist and are therefore not enforceable. On the flip side, we also had situations where the roles of the various professionals in the industry were not defined within the physical development framework. Arc.

Ben Eboh recalled that in all the buildings that collapsed in Lagos last year, professionals were involved either at the design stage or at both the design and construction stages. "In all the occurrences, we often fail to learn from them, especially after the dust of the media frenzy has settled,” he lamented.

Disagreement over use of materials stalls work THE NSE President recalled an experience he had at a construction site some years back.

“That was in 1987. I had to leave the site for the man because I insisted that I must use water that is good for human consumption. He (the client) told his people that had built houses in that neighbourhood that the Engineer who want to build “Julius Berger” for him is insisting on water that human beings drink to be given to cement. By then, I had finished the foundations and put up the skeleton and when he refused to do the right thing, I discharged myself. He was still owing me N50 ,000 but he refused to pay because he felt that I had wasted materials for him because I insisted that I would not use

washed gravel; that I would only use granite and not just any type of granite, that I would not make use of any granite that is not graded. I insisted on a number of things but when you look at the cost, it appeared to be expensive. That was in 1987. But in 1997, ten years after, I was in my office in Surulere when somebody walked in. His face looked familiar but I could not place it. He called me and told me that I built a house for him somewhere in Onikere Street. As a matter of fact, we were on that site when they announced the death of Chief Obafemi Awolowo. That’s what makes the thing very much alive in my mind. He said that he has come to apologise; that of all the buildings in the neighbourhood, it

is only his own that does not have 'arthritis'. I asked him what he meant by arthritis and he explained that all the buildings around him are all bent except his own and that he now appreciates what I did for him. In appreciation, he brought out N250,000 and explained that the N50,000 he was owing me was now worth about N250,000. He also recommended other people who wanted to build houses in the neighbourhood to me. He told them to go to the man 'who built this my own house. I quarreled with him but he will do a good job for you. It is expensive, but you will enjoy it'. That is to tell you about people’s attitude towards doing the right thing,” the nation’s number one engineer explained.

Should the Land Use Act be expunged from the constitution?

Pls send text to: 08082340885 or e-mail: editor@vanguardngr.com for publication

lthough the immediate past Chairman of the Lagos State branch of the Nigerian Institute of Quantity Surveyors (NIQS), Mr. Obafemi Onashile agreed with the NSE President that collapsed buildings will continue to occur if professionals are not used, he traced the collapse of buildings beyond the activities of quacks.

Said he: “That (non utilization of professionals in buildings construction leading to the failure of such structures) is a true fact that cannot be disputed.

Apart from having professionals, there must be ample supervision. My main point on this issue is even beyond professionals; it is the government. The government has a responsibility to secure every citizen. So, the government must not allow any structure to come up without adequate supervision because they are the custodians of lives and property in the state.

"They cannot abdicate that role to external or individual professionals. Even if there are professionals, they (government) must still come to buildings under construction and inspect. They must inspect the foundation, the decking, the roof that is being constructed and the walls being put up. They must come to a building under construction a minimum of three times. They must send their representatives who will have records and certify it before such buildings are completed. Another thing is that there must be a certificate before the building can be occupied. If the government does not certify a building, it should not be occupied".

48 —VANGUARD, MONDAY, MARCH 19, 2007

LEISURE

YOUR LUCK TODAY

By Joshua Adeyemo

AQUARIUS: Today’s full-Moon in Cancer warns you to take your health more seriously. Yet, here is a day remarkable success can be your lot.

PISCES: Whatever happens, you will have cause to smile.

Yet, you must not take your friends for granted, especially from 3pm. Take love more seriously.

ARIES: Unless you exercise great control, domestic water can become heated with reaction from people within your base of operation. Protect your career.

TAURUS: Full-Moon’s influence can induce others to oppose some of your moves within your social circle.

Respect important views of your good friends.

GEMINI: Full-Moon across Cancer/Capricorn axis is capable of bringing avoidable personality clashes through financial transactions. If you rely too heavily on promises made by others from 3pm, you can be painfully disappointed.

THOUGHT FOR TODAY

By Richard Eromonsele

E

VERY family has a tradition. Every family also has individual and peculiar value system.

Whether it is positive or negative depends on what eachfamilybelieves andprofesses.

Family tradition Therearematerialisticfamilies, members of such families always anchor their actions on what they stand to gain materially. Some familieshavecriminaltendencies.

TERROR MUDA

Remember the family of armed robbers where five of them were executed during Anini saga? There is also the intellectual familye.g. afamily of professors. You also

in Seat of Power

have a family of professionals e.g. the Dafinones, that have gone into the Guinness Book of Records, as having produced arecord fiveCharteredAccountants.

Every tree gives birth to its kind.We are essentially what our family values are.

Think about it.!

By Kola Fayemi

CANCER: Full-Moon in your Star sign’ll boost your confidence and can prompt you to become unnecessarily aggressive to the resentment of others. Take it easy please.

LEO: With the full-Moon across Cancer/Capricorn axis, you are meant to do away with whatever cannot be placed above board, especially if working today.

VIRGO: Today’s full-Moon in Cancer warns you not to nurse false hope and do away with self deceit so that you’ll not run into avoidable trouble. This is the wrong time to take your influential friends for granted, especially any time from 3pm today.

LIBRA: Full-Moon across Cancer/Capricorn axis can bring you under the fire of enthusiasm but if care is not taken, others may take undue advantage of your mind. Do away with whatever can heat your domestic water. Protect your image.

KAPTAIN AFRIKA

in

The Nightmare'

By Andy Akman

SCORPIO: Better than yesterday but because it’s a fullMoon day, you are advised to take legal related issues more seriously. Minor misunderstanding possible from 3pm.

SAGITTARIUS: Full-Moon in Cancer warns you to be very careful with both your personal and/or other people's money and joint ventures too. Be more family minded.

CAPRICORN: Full-Moon in Cancer can bring you avoidable confrontation either from new contacts or old allies; try your best to avoid partnership crisis. Exhibit maturity.

ASTROLOGICAL COUNSELLING Send your date and place of birth to the Astrological Counselling, P.M.B 1007, Apapa, Lagos

What’s my astro-personality ?

VIRGINIA

By Dada Adekola

Dear Joshua, Please keep my birth data and identity secret, but I want you to analyse my horoscope bluntly so that I can know who I am; talking about my personality.

Anonymous. Osogbo Dear Anonymous, What you will find hereunder will prove useful if you take them seriously and utilise them ANALYSIS OF YOUR HOROSCOPE DATA/ PLANETARY PLACEMENT Aries that hosted the most important heavenly body (the Sun) together with indicator of mental focus lens - Mercury, is known for special leadership quality and higher degree of positive aggressiveness. Yes, you were endowed with leadership talents which can manifest either in the business world or POLITICS and probably both.

It is true that Aries can be very aggressive, but with many planets placed in more mild Star signs, with less than 50% of pushfull influence, loving Venus as most influential planet when you were born, certainly aggression of Aries is greatly watered down to the minimum . That is not to say you are the timid type but yours is a balanced personality.

You are a gentle, honest and straight forward person.

Preponderance of fixed and earth in your chart are pointers to the fact that you are the careful type who will not change his mind just for the fun of it. Then as peace-loving Venus was the most influential planet when you were born, peace and harmony will always come first whenever you want to take any (important and/or) decisive action.

Placement of mighty Sun (indicator of basic selfhood) the Moon (indicator of sub-conscious self/emotion) and the Stellium (that is more than two planets in one Star sign} in Aries, Pisces and Taurus respectively , meant that basic characteristics of the three Star signs stated in this paragraph are highly pronounced in your inner-self.

TALATA in Queen of the damned (1)

e-mail: rowolove@yahoo.co.uk

VANGUARD, MONDAY, MARCH 19, 2007 — 49

H

I Readers! We held a family meeting at my parents’ place in Bodija, Ibadan, to discuss the meeting Sally had been summoned to by her in-laws. First of all, we had to decide who should be at the meeting with her.

“The team from Onitsha shouldn’t be there at all,” said Benny.

“Sally needs all the peace she can get, and these are her husband’s people. She shouldn’t make it seem as if she has assembled her people to confront them. The Gen was a man of peace, even though a career soldier. We mustn’t soil the memory of him with a confrontation.”

“You’re right, coz,” said Sally, “but I think it’s wrong of them to want to force me to recognize the so called love child of my husband who he consistently denied was his throughout his life.”

“Oh, so you had heard of her.” I asked, glad of the opportunity to satisfy my curiosity on the matter. “I understand she’s about your own age.”

“Yes, my husband told me she’s two years older than I am. He explained that while in his final year in a secondary school here in Ibadan, the child’s mother, who they now call ‘Alhaja’ was in her third year.

They weren’t boyfriend/girlfriend as such, but she was part of the circle in which he moved then. In those days, every holiday, they held what they called students’ party which enabled holidaying pupils in secondary schools to come together and get to know one another. One of the pranks the organizers played was to put out the lights when the party was well under way and most of them were tipsy, and boys would then go for the girl of their choice. Some couples decided ahead what to do, but sometimes, innocent girls were victims.”

“Gosh! That would be rape!”

“Hard to think that our gentle Gen who was a man of good morals would be part of such a thing in his growing years,” observed Joe. “I know, but then it was the norm in those days,” defended Sally. “Maybe even now, some young people do it.”

“Those parties then were an avenue for ‘boy meets girl’ said dad. “but it was all above board. We didn’t put out the lights, nor retire to the grounds for whatever purpose. It was a major social gathering for many boarding school pupils, which didn’t extend beyond 6 p.m.”

“Still, dad, I wonder why the Gen allowed a situation which could lead to him being accused of causing a pregnancy.” said Joe. “Me too,” said Benny.

“Coz, I suppose it was peer pressure,” The meeting was fixed for 2 pm on a Saturday defended Sally. “But he maintained that he in Sally’s house. By 12 noon, we had all gathhad merely exchanged greetings with the girl ered there: Joe and Ify; Benny and Funke; when he got to the venue and had not sat Tayo, I, and of course mum and dad and Sally. near her let alone single her out for lovemaking The team from Onitsha was asked to stay in the dark. He said he had his eyes on this quietly in an adjacent room. If we needed them, girl from Lagos and had chatted and danced they would be invited to join us. Nanny and with her all evening.

Sally’s housekeeper were asked to prepare So, he was surprised when, out of the blue, some food. the other girl sought him out about five weeks They were ten in number and they arrived on later to tell him that he had made love to her the dot of 2 pm. Luckily, Sally’s sitting room is the other night and that she was expecting quite spacious, so, it could accommodate us his baby. He denied vehemently but she said all. she recognized him by his smell, and that he The hostile elderly man who had come to tell was responsible for her pregnancy. Her us about the meeting wasn’t among them. The mother went to make trouble with his parents, leader was a quiet-looking gentleman who said so, to avert trouble, his mum went to give he was the head of the family on the Gen’s presents and money when the baby girl was father’s side. born.”

We greeted them amiably, with Sally kneeling “Hm, how interesting!” said Joe. “This is a down to welcome them. There were only two good subject for a sermon. How parties and elderly women among them. Funke brought a alcohol can cause young people to derail. bowl of Kolanuts for prayers. Their leader How can a boy make love to a girl against her prayed and the kolanuts were split and passed wish, and she didn’t shout for help, nor round. confront him afterwards, only coming after Nanny and her mate brought in coolers of food six weeks to say that he was responsible for and placed them in full view of the elders. Ify her pregnancy? And then say that it was by and Funke asked the guests what they would his smell that she knew who it was who had like to eat, and they began to serve them. made love to her. Sounds incredibly crazy!”

I wasn’t hungry, so, I sipped an iced drink “My husband said he had the feeling that while I tried to figure out the guests. They several boys had made love to the girl with wore happy expression on their faces. her consent and she didn’t think she could I had been against food being prepared for get pregnant. She chose to pin it on him be- them because of the hostile attitude of the cause he was the most mild mannered of all other elderly man the previous week, but mum the boys in their group. He never accepted and dad had insisted. They reasoned that the pregnancy, but that gesture of his mother, when people have eaten your food, any evil said the opposite. She doesn’t look like the they plot against you will fall back on their general at all, but then, only God can tell.” own heads. Besides, in-laws have to be fed “Then why are they clamouring that the wom- when they visit, as a sign or respect and an should be recognized now?” friendliness.

“I think it’s because the general had money,” I came out of my reverie when the leader of said mum. “If he were a poor man, the woman the team cleared his throat, indicating that he in question wouldn’t as a middle-aged woman was ready to speak. We all listened respectbegin to crave for recognition when the fully. supposed father never recognized her as his “My in-laws,” he began, “it’s a pleasure for child while he was alive.” us to be here to pay condolence visit to our “We must be careful,” cautioned dad. “Sally, wife and her children. It’s a pity that the married mum and I shall be there with you, since we’re kids have returned abroad, and those doing expecting elders from their side. Old heads their NYSC have returned to their stations. still make wiser and more peace-seeking That’s modern life. In times past, everyone people.” would be here for at least four weeks after the “Can’t a younger member, be in on this 40th day. Isn’t that so, my in-law?” he asked meeting, dad?” I asked, not wanting to miss dad. it.

Dad nodded and added that these days, peo“I suppose that’s okay. So long as you don’t ple continue to grieve quietly on their own say anything.” after the burial, and no-one seems to have the “That makes two of us,” said Joe. “I’ll want to time to sit at home and grieve. be there too.”

“You’re right, otherwise, people would lose

LIFE WITH TREENA KWENTA - the funloving, but hardworking single parent

Welcome Relief!

He was surprised when, out of the blue, the other girl sought him out about five weeks later to tell him that he had made love to her the other night and that she was expecting his baby

Treena Kwenta

their jobs. Hm! Yes, apart from this being a condolence visit, we’ve come to clarify some

burning issues, so that the memory of our departed brother would remain ever sweet with his family here.

There’s the issue of his other marriages before he met Sally. He married four times before he met her, and the reason for the termination each time was that there was no issue in the union. He wasn’t a polygamist like some of us in the family. Er, in his secondary school days, a schoolmate who was a casual friend said she was pregnant for him, and had a baby girl.

Today, that baby girl is a grandmother herself. Our brother never accepted that baby throughout his life, but his mother, our auntie, made sure the child was well provided for, sponsoring her education until she dropped out of school. Our brother didn’t object to that, but he didn’t give her out in marriage and had no contact with her at all. After his sad death, that his school mate came to implore us to recognize her daughter as being a member of the family.

There was a division in our family about this; some were for, and others against. However, those of us present here are the major decision makers in the family. I’m Alhaji Moshood ...

This is our senior sister Alhaja Riskat, and this is Alhaji ...”

Thus he introduced his team. Dad then introduced members of our family, including Tayo and Isaac.

“Isiaka has become one of us,” observed Alhaja Riskat. “He was like a son to our brother, and has been of great help to us over the years. Just like our wife here has been. She and our late brother trained over 20 young members of the family who are now standing on their own feet today.

The entire family through us here sends you greetings.

We are to inform you that the six children he had from his last wife Sally, are the only children we recognize as his own. His mother trained the other lady and set her up in business. That was her inheritance.

Nothing links her with our brother’s kids or his property. All his ex-wives have no portion here either. That’s all.”

With that, they all got up, went to shake hands with mum and dad, hugged Sally and then departed. End of story! What a great relief for us all. Joe broke into songs of thanksgiving and we joined in.

Tara

50 — VANGUARD, MONDAY, MARCH 19, 2007

Kalou set for first 'real' debut for Elephants C

HELSEA striker Salomon Kalou is set to play his first competitive international after being named in an 18_man squad for Ivory Coast’s African Nations

Cup qualifier against Madagascar in Antananarivo on March 25.

Kalou, who last year failed in a legal bid to win Dutch nationality to play for Neth-

erlands at the World Cup in Germany, joins team mate Didier Drogba in the squad named by coach Uli Stielike on Friday, the Ivorian Football Federation said.

Ronaldo lures Ronaldinho to Milan R

ONALDO has urged Brazilian international teammate Ronaldinho to join him at Milan next season.

The Barcelona star is a known Rossoneri transfer objective and reports are gathering pace that ‘Dinho is on the verge of what would be a sensational switch.

“Ronaldinho is a friend of mine and I would be happy to have him here,” said Ronaldo in an interview to AS. “I am sure he would like it at Milan and he would adapt well to the club’s way of working,” added the former Real Madrid man.

“I haven’t spoken to him personally, but I know that both [President] Silvio Berlusconi and [Vice_President] Adriano Galliani have stated that Milan would be in pole position if Ronaldinho were to leave Barcelona.”

Ronaldinho’s brother and agent Roberto Assis was in Milan on Tuesday and met Rossoneri officials, fuelling speculation that the player might be close to moving to Italy.

“Nothing has changed between us and Barcelona, the relationship remains excellent,” noted Assis. “Everyone knows that I was in Italy, but only to talk about Ricar- JOYOUS — AC Milan's Ronaldo celebrates a goal during Stadium. Inter won 2-1. Photo: AFP do Oliveira.”

Meanwhile, Ronaldo has dismissed speculation that Kaka could consider a move at the end of the season to Real Madrid.

DEVASTATED Kieron meted out of the UEFA Cup in “I think that transfer would Dyer admitted Newcas- Holland. be impossible,” noted the tle had let themselves and The Magpies headed for their fans down as they plum- Alkmaar with high hopes of former Barcelona star. reaching the quarter_finals for the third time in four seasons after taking a 4_2 first leg lead.

But a toothless display at the DSB Stadium saw Louis van Gaal’s AZ side run out 2_0 winners on the night to leave the England midfielder and his team_mates without a major trophy in 38 years.

An emotional Dyer said: “There are no excuses. We let ELSEA warned their arrested and end up with a ourselves and everyone associated with the club down. We fans on Friday against criminal record. twice had a three_goal lead in throwing celery during match“In future, if anyone is found this tie and we have blown it es, saying it was a criminal of- attempting to bring celery into again. fence and that anyone caught Stamford Bridge they could be “It is like Groundhog Day. It lobbing the popular salad refused entry and anyone always seems to happen to us vegetable could be banned. caught throwing celery will and now it is another season The unlikely warning fol- face a ban.” with nothing to play for.

“We have got to get toughlows referee reports which The club also urged fans mention celery_throwing at who spot anyone throwing er mentally or we are going to two recent Chelsea matches celery in the stadium to call a get punished the way we aland which are being investi- telephone number, adding that ways seem to do.

“It is another disappointing gated by the Football Associ- “all calls will be treated in conend to what should have been ation, the club said on its Web fidence.” a promising night.” site (www.chelseafc.com).

Though apparently a growDyer is a veteran of the The FA’s investigation ing problem with it landing on club’s last UEFA Cup could result in sanctions be- the pitch, Chelsea fans have quarter_final appearance, ing taken against the club, been throwing celery among which ended in agony _ literwho said “the throwing of themselves, and singing an ally for him as his hamstring anything at a football match, unprintable song about the injury saw him depart premaincluding celery, is a criminal vegetable, for more than two turely and he had to watch as Sporting Lisbon turned a 2_0 offence for which you can be decades.

a recent league match against rivals, Inter at the San Siro

Kalou made his debut for the Ivorians last month in a 1_0 friendly win over Guinea in France, finally agreeing to play for Ivory Coast after more than a year spurning their advances while concentrating on his bid to become a Dutch citizen.

When his bid to have citizenship fast tracked was rejected by the Dutch government, Kalou changed tack and agreed to play for Ivory Coast, where he was born.

His brother Bonaventure Kalou of Paris St Germain has been dropped.

The Ivorians, who beat Gabon 5_0 in their only previous Group One match in October, are without the injured Arouna Kone of PSV Eindhoven and Arsenal defender Emmanuel Eboue.

Squad Goalkeepers: Boubacar Barry (Beveren, Belgium), Gerard Gnanhouan (Creteil, France) Defenders: Arthur Boka (VfB Stuttgart, Germany), Mamadou Doumbia (Istres, France), Steve Gohouri (Borussia Moenchengladbach, Germany), Abdoulaye Meite (Bolton Wanderers, England), Kolo Toure (Arsenal, England) Midfielders: Kanga Akale (AJ Auxerre, France), Christian Koffi Ndri (Le Mans, France), Siaka Tiene (Stade Reims, France), Gneri Yaya Toure (Monaco, France), Gilles Yapi Yapo (Young Boys Berne, Switzerland), Didier Zokora (Tottenham Hotspur, England) Forwards: Aruna Dindane (Racing Lens, France), Didier Drogba, Salomon Kalou (both Chelsea, England), Abdelkader Keita (Lille, France), Bakary Kone (Nice, France).

We let our fans down again — Dyer

A

Chelsea warn fans against throwing missiles

C

aggregate deficit into a 4_2 victory.

It might have been so different had his 54th_minute effort gone in rather than just wide of the post, while Obafemi Martins wasted a good chance and Scott Parker had an 87th_minute strike chalked off.

Dyer said: “We huffed and puffed a bit at the end and may be I should have scored and

so should Oba Martins.

“My first touch was good and I thought I had scored. I could only watch as it went agonisingly wide.

“But I suppose that summed up our night. We were second best on the night. There was not a lot of quality out there and we were made to pay.

“While we still have to try to win as many points as we can and climb up the League

H E I G H T. . .

Chinese basketball player Sun Ming Ming stands with David Fox, head coach of the Grand Rapids Flight, at a press conference to announce his signing with the International Basketball League’s Grand Rapids Flight basketball team. Photo: AFP

table, this will take a long time to get out of our system.”

The defeat was hard to take too for keeper Shay Given, who was given little chance by either Shota Arveladze or Danny Koevermans as AZ completed a fightback they had started with a controversial second_half penalty at St James’ Park seven days earlier.

Given said: “We probably did not deserve anything on our performance.

“What can we say? We have let the fans down again.

The whole team did not play well and we are out of Europe, so it is the end of the season.

“What can you say apart from roll on next season?”

For all that Dyer and Martins went close, it was defensive fragility which once again cost the Magpies dear.

Teenager Paul Huntington, playing out of position at left_back, was cruelly exposed by winger Julian Jenner and Arveladze and Koevermans were given far too much space and time by the visitors’ back four.

Central defender Steven Taylor said: “We are all absolutely devastated. I do not think I have ever felt this low in my career.

“It is frustration more than anything. We came here with a two_goal lead and losing that was a massive disap-

VANGUARD, MONDAY, M ARCH 19, 2007—51

My players disppointed me — Roeder G

LENN Roeder has laid into his under-performing Newcastle United players after they threw away a place in Friday’s UEFA Cup quar-

ter-final draw.

A 2-0 defeat by AZ Alkmaar saw Roeder’s side eliminated on the away goals rule after a 4-2 first-leg victory at St

James’ Park had put them on course for a third last-eight appearance in four years.

Goals from Alkmaar’s Shota Arveladze and Danny Koevermans put paid to their last chance of silverware this season and left the manager fuming.

“I’m hugely disappointed,” Roeder said. “Players I’d have expected to perform well performed poorly. I had a lot of confidence we were in good shape as a team and I don’t want to tar everyone with the same brush.

“But we needed everyone to play well and that hasn’t been the case. Too many ex-

perienced players were off form. I expected to do better.”

Roeder added that injuries had not helped his side’s quest to end the Magpies’ 38year stretch without a major trophy since their 1969 Fairs Cup triumph.

“It is too easy to say it’s another season of failure for Newcastle,” the manager said.

“Everyone knows the problems we have. We have had nine operations this season. You can’t legislate for that.

“We have to accept that the injury crisis has cost us doing better.”

Bari fans look up to Abramovich to save club ARMAN Michele Lo B Russo had more on his mind than the Italy-Russia busi-

•SERVE—Andy Roddick of USA serves against Ian Ljubicic of Croatia during their match at the Pacific Life Open in India Wells on March 15. Roddick won 7-6, 7-6. Photo: AFP

ness summit taking place in his native city this week.

He was just desperate for a rich Russian visiting the city for the summit to buy his ill-starred local football club and rescue it from a downward plunge in Italy’s football league.

“Football makes us sick here.

The team needs money,” said the 43-year-old, as he swept a marble counter at the Di Savoia cafe in Bari on a chilly morning in this southern Italian city.

The Bari team has failed to win a single one of its last 11 games and sport columnists warn that the club is now verging on relegation to Italy’s third division.

At its last 2-0 thrashing by Cesena on Tuesday, the San Nicola stadium in Bari was virtually empty. Fans booed after the game, players argued and the coach apologised for the team’s performance.

“Bari Disaster,” ran a headline on Wednesday in the Gazzetta del Mezzogiorno, a regional daily newspaper for southern Italy. “Unwilling and empty, Bari melted at the first hurdle,” Gazzetta said.

During the game, fans unfurled a banner in garbled Russian that appealed to Russian businessmen visiting their city for the summit to buy the club.

Many here look to Russian billionaire Roman Abramovich, owner of Chelsea football club, as a potential saviour.

“That guy, he really understands football. If he came, I’m sure he would make a difference for us,” Lo Russo said.

Italian newspapers reported earlier in March that a representative for Abramovich met

with Bari boss Antonio Matarrese several months ago to discuss a potential purchase for “tens of millions of euros.”

Even the city’s mayor, Michele Emiliano, has got involved in the dispute in a city where many follow football passionately but cannot bear to watch their team lose again and again.

“In the light of the economic vitality of Russian entrepreneurs it could be interesting to check on their possible interest in buying Bari,” Emiliano was quoted by Bari Live, a news website, as saying ahead of the summit.

In his comments, Emiliano even appealed to Bari’s credentials as a city with Russian links because it is believed to hold the remains of Saint Nicholas, who is deeply revered by Catholics and Russian rthodox.

The purchase of the club by a Russian “would further reinforce relations with Bari, which already feels itself the most Russian city in Italy,” Emiliano was quoted as saying.

Sergio Fanelli, a local councillor in this port city of some 300,000 people and a diehard Bari fan, wrote an open letter to Emiliano last week to bring the point home.

Fanelli said that the team’s performance was becoming ever more “indecorous” and complained that good games for Bari were a thing of the past.

“There haven’t been any in years.”

Overcoming old Italian stereotypes about Russians is all part of the deal for Fanelli, who looks at the Moscow arrivals with admiration. “They’re not communists, they don’t eat babies any more and they have lots of rubles.”

Euro plans mobile TV for 2008 Championship UROPE is laying the groundwork to roll out E mobile TV services and hopes to have a system up and running in time for the European football championship in 2008, officials said Friday.

European telecom ministers met here at the world’s biggest high-tech fair, the CeBIT, and said the bloc was striving to meet the massive demand for broadcasts on handheld devices expected among fans during Euro 2008, which will be hosted by Austria and Switzerland.

“There is no more time to lose,”

EU Telecom and Media Commissioner Viviane Reding told reporters.

Market studies indicate that mobile television could win 100 million subscribers throughout Europe by 2010. The global market could be worth 11.4 billion euros (15.2 billion dollars) by 2009, according to the EU. Britain, Finland and Italy have already seen brisk growth in their mobile TV markets and Germany is running a pilot project in the western city of Duesseldorf after a test run during last summer’s football World Cup.

EU telecommunications ministers compared notes on the budding sector and quizzed industry experts on competing technical standards.

Two technologies are currently competing on the market: TDMB (Terrestrial Digital Multimedia Broadcasting) and DVBH (Digital Video Broadcasting for Handhelds), each with different bands and channelling.

Reding came out at the CeBIT in favour of DVB-H, which has already been adopted by Italy and Finland and won the support of the French government. She

told reporters it was essential to avert a costly rivalry between the two standards.

“I am disappointed by the lack of progress made so far,” she said.

“To fully reap the benefits of this market and to export a European model for mobile TV as we did with GSM for mobile phones, industry and member states must work more closely together to devise a common approach.”

Noting that interoperability among mobile TV platforms and enabled devices is essential for

large scale take-up by European consumers, Reding said the European Commission had already invested about 40 million euros in research and backed the emergence of open DVB standards.

“European industry has already developed successful standards in the past and I am very confident that on the basis of DVB-H, mobile TV services can develop the economies of scale they need for take-up across Europe and around the world,” Reding said.

German Economy Minister Michael Glos, whose country

holds the rotating six-month presidency of the EU, said mobile TV held enormous potential for the European economy.

“This dynamic trend offers a unique opportunity for the European ICT (information and communication technology) sector,” Glos said.“Owing to its innovative potential, it will make a sustained contribution for more growth and employment. Reding noted that competing regions were seizing on the potential as well, with China preparing a mobile TV trial at the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing.

52— VANGUARD, MONDAY, M ARCH 19, 2007

Zidane, Ronaldo lead teams in fight against poverty F

ORMER Real Madrid teammates - Zinedine Zidane and Ronaldo - will captain teams against each other on Monday in an exhibition match aimed at mobilising the public in the fight against poverty.

Zidane, the former France captain who was born in a Marseille district and retired after France’s defeat by Italy in last year’s World Cup final, and Brazil striker, Ronaldo, who now plays for AC Milan, will lead their selections in the fourth “Match against Poverty,” organisers said.

Zidane and Ronaldo, who played alongside each other for Real Madrid for several seasons, are both goodwill ambassadors for the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), which organises the event at Marseille’s Velodrome Stadium. Each have invited a number of players for the

match, entitled Ronaldo and Friends versus Zidane and Friends.

Among Zidane’s guests are compatriot, William Gallas and Robert Pires while Ronaldo’s team includes fellow Brazilians - Rivaldo and Robinho.

The match is the second high profile friendly for good causes in a week following Manchester United’s match against a European Select XI at Old Trafford last Tuesday which raised money for children’s charities.

Brazilians don’t take kindly to over dribbling O

NE of the most abiding moments of the 2002 World Cup was Brazilian winger, Denilson, taking the ball into the corner and dribbling around in a circle chased by half the Turkey

UEFA Cup: Holders, Sevilla to face Tottenham OLDERS, Sevilla take on Tottenham Hotspur in the H quarter-finals of the UEFA Cup, the draw for which was made here on Friday.

Sevilla remained on course to become the first side since Real Madrid in 1986 to successfully defend their title with a dramatic come-from-behind win against Shaktar Donetsk on Thursday night.

And Enzo Maresca, fresh from scoring twice in Thursday’s defeat of Shaktar, was on hand in Glasgow to return the trophy ahead of the May 16 final at Hampden Park.

The Sevilla star said: “We’re happy to have got through last night and to have the chance to defend our trophy.

“To be honest, we were a bit lucky, but for us, winning this trophy was a historic moment, our first European win and a great achievement for the club.

“We’re here to leave the trophy for two months and then take it back to Seville! We know it will be difficult to win it again, but we will try and you never know what will happen.”

Aiming to stop their UEFA run are Spurs, winners of the first edition of the UEFA Cup in 1972

and again in 1984, who booked their place in the last eight by beating Portuguese side, Braga in the fourth round on Wednesday.

Martin Jol’s side are the only British club left in the comeptition after Newcastle were knocked out by AZ Akmaar on Thursday.

The Dutch outfit’s reward was a quarter-final match-up against Werder Bremen.

Werder’s Bundesliga rivals, Bayer Leverkusen, winners in 1988, face Spanish side, Osasuna who enter uncharted territory as this is the first time they’ve made it this far in a European competition.

The final last eight pairing pits another Spanish side, Espanyol, against Benfica of Portugal. The first legs will be played on April 5 with the return legs the following Thursday.

The winner of the headline tie between Sevilla and Spurs will face either Bayer Leverkusen or Osasuna in the first semi-final with the second semi contested

by Espanyol or Benfica against AZ Akmaar or Werder Bremen.

The draw was made in Glasgow where the final will be staged at Hampden Park on May 16.

UEFA Cup quarter-final draw AZ Alkmaar (NED) Bayer Leverkusen (GER) Sevilla (ESP) Espanyol (ESP)

v v v v

RALLY ... Carlos Moya of Spain makes a volley against David Ferrer at the Pacific Life Open. Ferrer won 1-6, 6-2, 6-3.

Photo: AFP

Werder Bremen (GER) Osasuna (ESP) Tottenham Hotspur (ENG) Benfica (POR)

team.

Brazil were leading 1-0 in the semi-final with seconds left and commentators and fans went wild with delight, hailing Denilson’s irreverence and cheeky skills as a classic piece of Brazilian play.

Yet, when Brazilian players are on the wrong end of similar trickery, they fail to see the funny side.

Had Denilson tried a similar trick in his homeland, there is a good chance his antics would have provoked a brawl and it is even possible the game would not have finished.

Incredibly, for a country that produced players such as Garrincha and Pele, dribbling is often considered a provocative humiliation of an opponent, a breach of fair play and even an insult to the victim’s manhood.

Ten days ago, Corinthians players bitterly criticised Palmeiras midfielder, Jorge Valdivia for dribbling too much during a derby against them.

Valdivia, a Chilean international, inspired Palmeiras to a 3-0 win and afterwards received a thinly-veiled warning from Corinthians coach, Emerson Leao.

“I’m worried about what might happen to him in the

future because he has technique but he exaggerates,” said Leao after his team had taken it in turns to kick the Chilean.

“I worried that something more serious might happen to him in the future.”

Corinthians and Palmeiras share a bitter rivalry — it can only take a few “Oles” from the crowd to spark trouble — and have already provided an extreme example of what can happen.

Back in 1999, the sides met to decide the Paulista championship in a two-leg final.

With Corinthians enjoying a three-goal aggregate lead and only a few minutes to play, forward, Edilson, decided it was time for some famed Brazilian trickery and nonchalantly began playing keepy-uppy in midfield.

The gesture incensed the Palmeiras players, who chased him off the field. A vicious brawl ensued, with players exchanging punches and karate kicks, and the referee abandoned the match.

Edilson did nothing outside the laws of the game, yet he was punished rather than the brawlers.

The following day, Vanderlei Luxemburgo, then Brazil coach, dropped him from the squad for the Copa

America.

Since then, the dividing line between what is considered a legitimate dribble and an attempt to belittle the opposition has become ever thinner.

Another startling incident happened in 2002 when Coritiba striker, Jaba, performed a couple of cheeky stepovers against Santos — and in doing so gave away a free kick.

“The rule says that a player cannot endanger an opponent or himself,” said referee Leonardo Gaciba.

“He wasn’t being objective so I awarded a free kick to protect him. If somebody had broken his leg, they will say that I was not clamping down on violence.”

The same year, the second division match between Sport Recife and BotafogoRibeirao Preto was abandoned in the last minute when a Sport player was chased off the pitch by opponents for more ball-juggling.

That was the year in which Robinho, now with Real Madrid, burst on to the scene and he also had to cope with threats and bullying.

“Players get angry when they get dribbled all the time,” said Gremio goalkeeper, Danrlei after his

side lost 3-0 to a Robinhoinspired performance. “He could end up having his leg broken.”

Former winger, Edu, who could send the crowd into raptures when he played for Santos in the 1970s, is baffled by current attitudes.

“The dribble is a tool which makes the team more offensive,” he told the Estado de Sao Paulo newspaper.

“The intelligent dribble...is the essence of football. And now, even t h i s t h e y wa n t t o t a k e away,” he said.

“The problem is that in modern football, there are few players who can do it.

When one appears, everybody jumps on top of him.

During my career, I never heard anyone complaining about my dribbling.”

Sao Paulo were the latest victims of the war on dribbling when striker Leandro was criticised by rivals, Santos, following Sunday’s 1-1 draw.

“That’s his way of playing,” said coach Muricy Ramalho. “He likes to attack and in today’s football, with so little space, the dribble is a way of taking someone out of the game.”

“But it seems that today, you can’t do a nice dribble any more.

Recoba set to quit Inter I

NTER striker, Alvaro Recoba has confirmed that this will probably be his last season with the San Siro outfit.

El Chino, who joined the Nerazzurri in 1997, has only appeared eight times so far this season and is eager for more playing opportunities elsewhere despite his status as a Massimo Moratti favourite.

“Yes, I believe that this will be my last campaign with In-

ter,” the Uruguayan international told Sky Italia on Friday.

“I am not happy about it, but I am not 50 yet and my career has not come to an end already,” continued the 31-yearold.

“I have tried hard and I would have wanted to leave here by playing regularly and helping the team to win, but I haven’t been able to do that because of my fitness issues.

“I cannot stay without play-

ing,” he continued. “Appearing in five or 10 matches a year is not enough for me.

“I’m pleased that we are finally at the top of the table and that we can finally win something, but I am not happy for myself because I’m not getting a game.”

Recoba, once one of the highest paid players in world football, has been a massive disappointment over the years.

Despite working under a

host of different coaches at the club, he’s never been able to live up to his potential.

His best spell in the top flight arguably came during a sixmonth loan stint at Venezia in 1999 when he scored 10 goals in 19 games.

Walter Novellino, now at Sampdoria, was boss of the Laguna outfit at the time and could ask his club to make a summer bid for the South American if the tactician remains in Genoa.

VANGUARD, MONDAY, MARCH 19, 2007 — 53

Aragones drops Raul from Spain’s squad R

EAL Madrid captain, Raul was the most noticeable absentee from coach

unveiled here on Friday.

Luis Aragone’s Spain squad The striker has been overfor the Euro 2008 qualifiers looked in favour of Valencia against Denmark and Iceland

Lampard’s agent holds talk with Juventus HE agent of Chelsea’s EngT land international, Frank Lampard held talks with Juventus in London this week, according to a newspaper report here on Friday.

Steve Kutner appeared in a photograph in La Gazzetta dello Sport in discussion with Juventus’ sporting director, Alessio Secco and Roberto Bettega, the club’s transfer consultant. The meeting reportedly took place on Wednesday.

Kutner told the paper: “When Lampard signed his last contract with Chelsea, Juventus were pressing hard to buy him.

“But he held firm as he didn’t succeed in getting the same treat-

ment as players of the calibre of (Juan Sebastian) Veron and (Hernan) Crespo.

“It’s good when a team succeeds in putting pressure on your employers.”

He added: “Peter Kenyon (Chelsea’s chief executive) knows what we want and knows that Frank has enormous potential.”

Lampard, 28, is currently in negotiations with Premiership champions, Chelsea, about extending his existing contract beyond 2008.

The England midfielder grabbed his 20th goal of the season in Wednesday’s 1-0 Premiership win at Manchester City, underscoring again how important he is to the club.

2.5 million tickets ordered for EURO 2008 BOUT 2.5 million tickets A have been ordered for Euro 2008, more than seven times the number initially available for the

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European championship finals in Austria and Switzerland, the organisers said Friday.

With another two weeks to go before orders are closed, request for tickets have flooded in from 233,000 fans in 128 countries, as far afield as Australia, China, India, Africa and South America, the Euro 2008 SA organising company said.

“In the league table of applications from fans, Switzerland has opened up a clear lead, followed by Austria and Germany,” said Christian Mutschler, the tournament director for Switzerland.

ON A ROLL — Chelsea's Frank Lampard (r), celebrates a goal with Andriy Shevchehko during FA Cup match against Tottenham. It ended 3-3.

Photo: AFP

trio - Fernando Morientes, David Villa and Miguel Angel Angulo and Atletico Madrid’s Fernando Torres.

Spain, who face Denmark on March 24 and Iceland four days later, are in a precarious position placed fifth in Group

F with three points from as many games.

“We absolutely have to win,” Aragones said at a Press conference to unveil his squad on Friday.

Spain squad Goalkeepers: Iker Casillas (Real Madrid), Jose Manuel Reina (Liverpool/ENG) Defenders: Antonio Lopez (Atletico Madrid), Sergio Ramos (Real Madrid), Joan Capdevila (Deportivo La Coruna), Angel David Lopez (Celta Vigo), Javi Navarro (Sevilla), Carlos Marchena (Valencia), Carles Puyol (Barcelona), Juanito (Real Betis).

Midfielders: Francesc Fabregas (Arsenal/ENG), Xavi Hernandez, Andrés Iniesta (Barcelona), Xabi Alonso (Liverpool/ENG), David Silva, David Albelda (Valencia).

Forwards: Fernando Morientes, David Villa, Miguel Angel Angulo (Valencia), Fernando Torres (Atletico Madrid).

Korea begs FIFA on Chu-Young’s suspension HE Korea Football Association on Friday urged T world football governing body, FIFA, to review the suspension of star striker, Park Chu-Young, penalised for violent conduct last month.

Park was suspended for three matches by FIFA after he was red carded for retaliating against a Yemeni player who tackled him hard in an Olympic qualifying match here.

“The act by Park was not severe enough to deserve a three-match suspension,” said Kim Joo-Sung, Director for International Affairs at the Korean Football Association. “We decided to ask FIFA to review the ruling.”

“Suspension of one or two matches would be enough.

We want to know the exact reason why Park received so many suspensions,” Kim was quoted as saying by Yonhap news agency.

54— VANGUARD, MONDAY, MARCH 19, 2007

y r l a a i Soci D

With Ayo Onikoyi

for Vincent Omovusu sayojugbele@yahoo.co.uk

Public presentation ofBlissful "I Serve: Daniel marriage and the Spirit of Excellence"

R

ecently, at Kuto, Abeokuta, Ogun State, eminent sons and daughters of Ogun State as well as royal fathers from the state came together at the

June 12 Cultural Centre, for the public presentation of a book launch by Governor Otunba Gbenga Daniel, the executive number one citizen of the state.

50 hip hip hurrays!

The book titled " I Serve: Daniel and the Spirit of Excellence" encapsulates the ideals, values and the motive force behind the

VINCENT Omovusu, the publisher of Isoko News and MD, RABACO Nig Limited, with his family, friends and associates on March 4, 2007 rolled out drums to celebrate his 50th birthday in Ikorodu, Lagos. Like a great event, there was electrifying sense of jubilation in the air as invited guests were spoiled with different assortments of food and drinks. The pictures show some moments from the celebration.

drive of Otunba Gbenga Daniel.

Here in the shots are some of the personalities at the event.

Photos by Wumi Akinola.

C M Y K

L-r: Mr Evaze, Mrs. Esan, Alhaji Mohammed, Mr. and Mrs. Vincent Omovusu, Mr. Esan and Mrs. Anyanwu.

Princess K.B. Ediosenri.

Hon. Titi Oseni L-r: Chief Ernest Shonekan, Gov. Gbenga Daniel and Prince Bola Ajibola.

Mr. and Mrs. Vincent Omovusu, children, (m), with some parishioners of St. Monica Catholic Church, Igbogbo, Ikorodu.

Olori Yetunde Tejuosho.

Olori Olabisi Tejuosho.

L-r:Prince Bola Ajibola, Oba Adedotun Gbadebo, Alake of Egba Land and Mr. Akin Adesokan, MD, Dangote Cement.

L-r:Oba Adeniyi Sonariwo, Akarigbo of Remo Land, Alhaja Salmat Badru, dep. gov, Ogun State and Chief Tunde Abudu.

L-r: Oba Dapo Tejuosho, Osile of Oke-Ona, Oba A. Akija, Alakija of Ikija and Oba M.A. Dosunmu, Onigua of Igua.

L-r: Mr. Esan, Mr. Vincent Omovusu, Alhaji Mohammed and a friend.

CBN roadshow in Akure and Owo THE Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, recently embarked on a roadhow to introduce and create awareness for the new currency notes and coins in Akure and Owo, Ondo State. Here, in pictures are stages in the roadshow. Photos by Diran Oshe.

Mike Odiachi, coordinator, CBN Roadshow, Chief Oluwadare Aina and Pastor Jacob Meshe.

At the Oja-Oba Market in Akure.

Chief Oludare Aina and Mike Odiachi, presenting corporate gifts at the Deji of Akure's Palace.

VANGUARD, MONDAY, M ARCH 19, 2007 — 55

Hargreaves recalled to England for Israel

O

WEN Hargreaves has been restored to the England squad for this month’s crucial Euro 2008 qualifiers away

Vogts wants good result, performance from Eagles N

C MYB

IGERIA coach Berti Vogts is looking for a style and substance from his team in next week’s 2008 African Nations Cup qualifier against Uganda.

“Obviously we need the maximum three points from this game to help our qualification for the Nations Cup but I’m not only interested in the result, I also expect a good performance from the team,” Vogts said at a reception party in his honour here late Thursday.

“German teams are known to be only interested in results but with the huge talent in Nigeria, it’s equally important for me that they also put up a good performance,” the former Scotland manager added.

Nigeria lead Group Three of the Nations Cup qualifying series with six points from two games while nearest rivals the

Cranes of Uganda are two Niger and Lesotho are the other teams in the group with the overall winner qualifying automatically for the Nations Cup in Ghana next year.

The last time Nigeria and Uganda clashed at full international level was 14 years ago when the Eagles were held to a goalless draw in Kampala.

Vogts, who arrived the country Tuesday ahead of the March 24 match against Uganda, also said that he will lay emphasis on respect, organisation and discipline to make a success of his job in Nigeria.

“With respect, good organisation and discipline both on and off the pitch, we can take Nigerian football to the next level,” he said.

The former Scotland coach announced that he will spend a lot more time in Europe than Nigeria because most of the country’s best players are based there.

“I will probably spend about 10 days a month in Nigeria while I will mostly be in Europe monitoring the performance of our top players and talking to them as well as to their club officials,” Vogts said.

“When I’m in Nigeria, I will also look out for players in the domestic league as well as work with the other national teams.”

Vogts disclosed that he will accompany the country’s team to the FIFA World Youth Championship in Canada in June because he believes that for Nigeria to fulfil their potentials, football at that level has to be encouraged

to Israel and Andorra.

The Bayern Munich midfielder, one of England’s few successes at the World Cup in Germany last year, returns after recovering from a broken leg and his dynamic presence represents a significant boost for head coach Steve McClaren as he prepares for two qualifiers he can not afford to lose.

Defeat by Croatia in Zagreb in October has left England struggling in third place in their qualifying group and in serious danger of failing to qualify for a major tournament for the first time since the 1994 World Cup in the United States.

There is no place in McClaren’s squad for either Manchester City midfielder Joey Barton or Aston Villa’s left-sided midfielder/defender Gareth Barry, both of whom were involved in last month’s friendly defeat by Spain.

Barry’s omission is the greater surprise as first choice leftback Ashley Cole is suspended for the Israel match and his usual back-up, Wayne Bridge, is injured.

McClaren has been forced to do without giant Liverpool striker Peter Crouch, who is injured, and has dropped Chelsea winger Shaun Wright_Phillips.

Watford goalkeeper Ben Foster impressed against Spain but McClaren has indicated that Tottenham’s Paul Robinson will be handed the gloves for the crucial match with Israel in Tel Aviv on March 24.

England squad Goalkeepers: Paul Robinson (Tottenham), Ben Foster (Man Utd/Watford on loan), Scott Carson (Liverpool/Charlton on loan) Defenders: Gary Neville (Man Utd), Micah Richards (Man

City), Rio Ferdinand (Man Utd), John Terry (Chelsea, capt), Jonathan Woodgate (Real Madrid/Middlesbrough on loan), Jamie Carragher (Liverpool), Ashley Cole (Chelsea) Midfielders: Phil Neville (Everton), Steven Gerrard (Liverpool), Owen Hargreaves (Bayern Munich/GER), Frank Lampard (Chelsea), Aaron Lennon (Tottenham), Scott Parker (Newcastle), Michael Carrick (Man Utd), Kieron Dyer (Newcastle), Stewart Downing (Middlesbrough) Forwards: Andrew Johnson (Everton), Wayne Rooney (Man Utd), Jermain Defoe (Tottenham), Darren Bent (Charlton).

Man Utd not desperate on keeping Ronaldo — Ferguson

S

IR Alex Ferguson has insisted that there is no ‘desperation’ on Manchester United’s part over contract talks with Cristiano Ronaldo, despite signs Real Madrid have embarked on a fullscale offensive aimed at luring the winger to Spain.

Ronaldo confirmed earlier this month that he is ready to thrash out a new deal at Old Trafford that could tie him to the Premiership outfit until 2012.

Spanish giants Real and Barcelona have both expressed an intention to fight it out for the Portuguese winger this summer and Spanish press reports have suggested that the 22-yearold is ready for a move.

But United manager Ferguson claims that club and player are both on course to settle negotiations over a deal which is likely to see Ronaldo join 100,000-pound-aweek star Rio Ferdinand as United’s top earner.

Ferguson said: “Negotiations are on-going with Cristiano and that’s the way it is.

It is the same with all the top players.

“We have got our idea of what we want, Ronaldo and his agent have their idea, but with negotiations you eventually come together with something that satisfies

both parties and a deal is concluded and agreed.

“We have already got him contracted until 2010 anyway, so there is no desperation on our part.

Everything is amicable and I am confident.

“Ronaldo knows that we want him to sign and we have spoken to his people and they say that he is happy here, so we want to get him contracted until 2012.

“He is at the right club. He is 22, he has developed since he has been here and there has never been a time when he hasn’t enjoyed it.”

Premiership leaders United face local rivals Bolton Wanderers at Old Trafford on Saturday with Wayne Rooney the only fully fit striker available to Ferguson.

Henrik Larsson has now returned to his Swedish club Helsingborgs following the end of his two-month loan spell, while Louis Saha and Ole-Gunnar Solskjaer are both set to be sidelined until the end of month due to injury.

But despite the pressure being placed on Rooney’s shoulders, Ferguson insists that the England striker is more than capable of delivering the goods.

He said: “Wayne has been working his socks off in recent games.

Kanu set to commit future to Portsmouth N

WANKWO Kanu’s advisor has dismissed talk that the striker is looking to quit Portsmouth.

The 30-year-old Nigerian star has been a huge success since moving to Fratton Park from West Brom in the summer, bagging 12 goals so far this term.

Reports have suggested, though, that the former Ajax man was hankering after a move back to Holland _ having shunned Pompey’s offer of a new deal.

However, Kanu’s advisor Samuel Okoronkwo insists that Kanu merely wants a two-year contract as he wants to sign a long-term deal with the South Coast club. “Kanu wants to refute the story he is not keen to commit his future to Portsmouth,” said Okoronkwo. “He is in fact very keen to commit his future to the club. He wants to sign the contract —and wants to tell the fans this.

“Money is not an issue.

Kanu has been offered a oneyear contract but has asked for

a two-year contract. He is driving between four and five hours each day in and out of London to train.

“He wants to relocate to the Portsmouth area. To move takes between three and six months, so to then have the possibility of living there for six months is not entirely stable for a young family. Kanu’s only 30. He has enough in the tank to hit 15-plus goals for a number of seasons.”

Okoronkwo has now called on Portsmouth to resolve the situation. “He is happy to give his future to Portsmouth, but wants that reciprocated,” he said. We feel uncomfortable negotiating in the press rather than round the table, but Kanu is keen the fans know he is willing to commit. The question is: Do Portsmouth want him?

“He has incredible admiration for Harry Redknapp and turned down more lucrative offers from abroad to sign for Portsmouth."

56 — VANGUARD, MONDAY, MARCH 19, 2007

Uplift Nigerian football, Obasanjo tells Vogts

By Ben Agande

C MYB

A

BUJA — PRESIDENT Olusegun Obasanjo, Thursday, warned the new Coach of the Super Eagles, Berti Vogts, to expect lots of negative criticisms as he settles down to his new job, but advised the German to remain focused on the job he would be doing.

Receiving the new coach at the State House in Abuja, President Obasanjo charged the new coach to ensure that he takes Nigerian football to a higher level because Nigerians and the international community would expect Nigeria to show great performance.

The president challenged the new coach to devise means of building a team around local players, pointing out that talents abound in the country for him to harness.

“Let me also beg of you one thing that we should do. We should devise means of catching them young because if we

will depend on only those that have become known by their performance, there won’t be spread and opportunity to get others to show themselves. If we look hard, there is no reason why we cannot have a first class Nigerian team at any time.

“I wish you every success while you are here. Let me advise that you should concentrate on what you will be doing. Pay less attention to destructive criticisms but pay attention to positive and constructive criticisms. You will have a lot of negative, unhelpful and destructive criticisms.

This is the nature of things in this part of the world. Remain focused on the job you are doing,” the president said.

Speaking with State House correspondents after his meeting with the president, Vogts said he had already commenced preparation for his next assignment for the Super Eagles.

He said: “I am happy for the invitation of the president. In football you need discipline,

you need good organisation. I have sent my list to all the clubs in Europe and I have to start planning for Uganda on the 24th. I want good performance.

“Well, I watched the team play against Ghana and I was not happy. We have to try and move forward. I had a good meeting Thursday with my colleague, Austin Eguavoen, and we also spoke to the captain, Joseph Yobo and Kanu Nwankwo. I will give all my international experience and see what will happen.

"I want to build up a future team of local players and maybe every two months or six weeks, we hold a meeting and see if they can move to the national team. I will invite five local players for the national team next week,” he said.

The coach was accompanied to the presidential villa by the chairman of the National Sports Commission, Bala Kaoje; Secretary General of the NFA, Bolaji Ojo-Oba and Amos Adamu.

JUBILATION••••Svetlana Kuznetsova of Russia celebrates a point against Nicole Vaidisova of the Czech Republic during their Pacific Life Open match in Indian Wells, California. Kuznetsova won 4-6, 6-3, 6-4. PHOTO: AFP.

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