Intensive manhunt for Killer Mum by Advocate Nigeria

Vol. 1 No. 16, Monday, February 25 - Sunday, March 3, 2013

Intensive manhunt for Killer Mum Police trail her to Lagos Residents want the murderer prosecuted

These pictures taken at the weekend show the bushy and untidy front view of the Nigerian Customs Service office complex along Presidential Road, Enugu... Are the men of the Customs in the state actually helping Enugu State Government to keep the state clean? Photo: THE ADVOCATE

Army, Police owe PHCN N15b Page 7

Bloodbath in Plateau

10 members of same family slaughtered Page 2

Ebonyi man kills sister Pregnant women faults Akpabio’s free over missing N50 Page 5 maternal services

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Page 14

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Monday, February 25 - Sunday, March 3, 2013

Intensive manhunt for Killer Mum By Ted Peters

PERATIVES of the Ebonyi State Criminal Investigations Department, CID, have commenced an intensive manhunt for the middle-aged woman, Mrs. Joy Uchaji, a school teacher who reportedly slaughtered her two children in Abakaliki last Wednesday. Right now, the police detectives are on her trail to Lagos State where she is said to have fled to after committing the barbaric act. “We are on top of this matter and necessary investigations are already on to track down the woman to enable us determine her motive. Our men at the State CID are making frantic efforts in collaboration with the bereaved family to fish the suspect out. “The information available to the police now is that she might have fled to Lagos where she has relations and we are working on

the clue using necessary contacts to ascertain her whereabouts, but for now, no arrest has been made,” the State Police Public Relations Officer, PPRO, Mr. Sylvester Igbo, told The Advocate at the weekend. The fleeing mother of three, who is married to a former leader of Ebonyi Legislative Council, Mr. Uchaji, was said to have slashed the throat of her four-year-old daughter, Nneoma and her twoyear-old son, Godswill, with a machete while they were asleep at their No. 1. Elias Odili Street, Abakaliki. Although it could not be ascertained if there was any marital squabble in the family, the killer mother reportedly disappeared with her third child after killing her victims. Elder brother to the father of the slain children, Mr. John Uchaji, described the incident as unbelievable, saying they could not understand why a woman should take the lives of her own children without any provocation or any known marital squabble. Uchaji added that the father of the

slain kids came to him on the fateful day to report what happened, and “I could not believe his story because it is very shocking.” Meanwhile, the corpses of the slain kids which were deposited at an undisclosed mortuary for autopsy are yet to be buried as at the time of filing this report. It could not be ascertained if the autopsy had been conducted. Tragedy struck in Abakaliki, the Ebonyi State, capital recently as a school teadcher killed her two children. The middle-aged woman was alleged to have slashed the throats of her fouryear-old daughter, Nneoma and her two-year-old son, Godswill, with a machete, while the kids were asleep last Wednesday. Some residents of Abakaliki who spoke on the unfortunate development, said that it was very wicked of the woman to have killed her own children no matter the level of provocation or the issue involved. A civil servant in the town, Mr. Jonas Nwaebiem, who resides within the area, told The

Advocate that the sight of the slaughtered kids in their apartment that fateful day was a horror to behold. “No sane mother who breastfed her kids could have done this no matter the issue at stake. I am not sure she is the true mother of those children. The law enforcement agents should do everything possible to bring her to justice. No matter where she is hiding, let her be fished out as soon as possible,” Nwaebiem said. A mother and a public servant, Mrs. Uche Nwangele, who also lived within the neighbourhood, said that she was seriously in doubt as to the mental state of the woman because “no woman in her right senses could take up a machete and butcher the children she suffered to raise no matter the situation she finds herself.” She made a passionate appeal to the government to ensure that the perpetrator of this heinous crime did not go scot-free in order to serve as a deterrent to others who think that they can kill their fellow human being and get away with it.

UPP woos Enugu people By Patrick Okolie

Eastern region cannot be neglected in the affairs of the party, urging all members to remain faithful and focused towards actualizing the goals of UPP. Earlier, a stalwart of the party, Oguejiofor Okafor reiterated the need for a harmonious working relationship between the national and state secretariats. The high powered delegation of national and state officers to Enugu was led by the National Zonal Chairman, South-East,

Chief G.U. Uba, popularly known as “Onowu”. During the meeting, far reaching decisions were taken for the success of the party in the state, including the need to urgently establish party structures in all the wards in the state without delay. The meeting also commenced an aggressive membership mobilization campaign both at the state capital and all the wards in the state.

10 members of same family slaughtered  2 month-old baby, 4 kids among victims

the locals,” citing past allegations against the military as the potential cause. Plateau lies on Nigeria's so-called Middle Belt, where the mainly Christian south meets the predominately Muslim north in Africa's most populous country and top oil producer. Berom leaders have accused the Fulani of trying to appropriate wide swathes of land from what they claim are the state's original settlers. Fulani leaders as well as Hausas, who are also mostly Muslim, counter that the state's primarily Christian political leaders have deprived them of basic rights. The victims of the latest violence were from a Christian Berom family, the military and Ayuba said.

nited Progressive Party (UPP) has invited the people of Enugu State to join the party en mass assuring that it would meet the people's aspirations. State Chairman of UPP, Adonys Igwe extended the invitation while receiving a high-powered delegation of the National and Zonal officers of the party at the

By Our Reporters

ttackers, including some wearing military uniforms, have killed 10 members of the same family, with half of the victims under the age of six, the military and an official said at the weekend. North Central state of Plateau, where the attack occurred late Thursday, has seen waves of violence that has killed thousands in recent years, in part due to tension between mostly Muslim herdsmen and a mainly Christian ethnic group.

secretariat in Enugu. Igwe assured the people that UPP would surely meet their aspirations and enjoined them to move into the party for a better and more prosperous Enugu State. Responding to appeal for support, Igwe made it clear that UPP is not a Ghana-must-go party, but promised to forward the appeal to the National secretariat. The party boss noted that Enugu state as the capital of the old

“A family of 10 were murdered,” said Pam Ayuba, the governor's spokesman. “Five little children including a two-month-old child were slaughtered.” Ayuba said he visited the family's compound after the attack and spoke to several witnesses who described the massacre as being carried out by Muslim Fulani herdsmen armed with guns and machetes. Several eye witnesses said the assailants were dressed as soldiers, according to Ayuba. The military spokesman in Plateau, Lt. Kingsley Amos, provided the

same details, but assured that no soldiers were involved in the attack. “Somehow, some hoodlums and criminals gained access to our old uniforms…but I can assure that none of our people were involved,” he told AFP. Members of the mostly Christian Berom ethnic group, who consider themselves the state's indigenes, have previously accused the military of perpetrating violence on behalf of the Fulani. Egbo said soldiers who tried to access the village after the attack “were met with stiff resistance by

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3 die, 3 others injured at illegal mining site in Ebonyi

O fewer than three persons were confirmed dead while three others sustained injuries following the collapse of a mining pit at EnyimAgalegu Ndufu Alike in Ikwo Local Government Area of Ebonyi State last weekend. The ugly incident which took place at the early hours of the fateful day threw the village into confusion as the victims were mainly youths of Agalegu Alike Ikwo, Governor Martin Elechi's ancestral home. In their reaction, members of the community described the death of the youths as untimely and painful. Those who died as a result of the incident were Amobi Nwaonu, 18, Echezomunna Onuhia, 13, and Chibueze Nweke, 18. While Uche Nwancho, Obinna Nweke and Emmanuel Mba who sustained injuries were still receiving treatment at the Intensive Care Unit of the Federal Teaching Hospital, Abakaliki. The victims were said to have left their homes at about 7a.m on the fateful day to the mining site without the premonition that the pit would collapse on them as such trade was common among youths of the area. Confirming the incident, the Ebonyi state Police Public Relations officer, DSP Sylvester Igbo stated that investigation were on to ascertain if the victims were authorized to embark on such mining project as the bodies of the deceased had been deposited at the Federal Teaching Hospital, Abakaliki, FETHA, for autopsy.

Extremist Islamist group Boko Haram, which has waged a deadly insurgency in north and central Nigeria that has killed hundreds since 2009, has been blamed for past violence in the state. But most of the unrest is thought to be fuelled by the still-bitter grievances between the Berom and the Fulani. A number of peace initiatives have been launched in recent years to pacify the state, which has seen intense violence interspersed with periods of relative calm. A recent flare up occurred in July when a weekend of unrest blamed on Fulani gunmen left an estimated 100 people dead. One of the attacks occurred at a graveside as residents attempted to bury those killed on the previous day.

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Monday, February 25 - Sunday, March 3, 2013

WAR AGAINST CORRUPTION:

S-Court okays Wabara, Osuji, others for trial over N55m budget scandal By Our Reporters

hree years after they were handed a clean bill of health by the Abuja Division of the Appeal Court, the Supreme Court, on Friday, gave the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission, ICPC, the nod to prosecute erstwhile Senate President, Chief Adolphus Wabara and former Minister of Education, Prof. Fabian Osuji, over alleged roles they played in the N55 million money-forbudget scandal that rocked the upper legislative house in 2005. Equally okayed for trial was Senator Ibrahim Abdulazeez who the anti-graft agency said was among the legislators that benefited from an initial N50 million bribe that was offered to the then Senate by Prof. Osuji with a view to ensuring favourable passage of the year 2005 budget of the Federal Ministry of Education. The accused persons were hitherto answering to a 15-count criminal charge bordering on bribery and corruption. It will be recalled that the ICPC had on April 12, 2005, arraigned the ex-Senate President alongside six others before an Abuja High Court presided by Justice Hussein Muktar who eventually granted the accused persons bail on self recognition after they each deposited N10million. Aside the aforementioned persons, others who equally pleaded not guilty to the charge were Senators John Azuta Mbata, Emmanuel Okpede, Badamasi Maccido and one Dr Garba Shehu Matazu. But while the case was

before the Court of Appeal, Senators Emmanuel Okpede and Badamosi Maccido died and their names were struck out of the accused persons' list. Nevertheless, shortly after they were arraigned, the accused persons urged the trial court to quash the charge against them,

accompanied by statement on oath disclosing sufficient evidence of commission of any offence. It was also their argument that the application by the ICPC was not supported by statements of “Star witness” such as Senator Chris Adighije whose three

Chief Adolphus Wabara insisting that the proof of evidence did not disclose a primafacie case capable of warranting their prosecution. Following refusal of trial Justice Muktar to accede to their request, Wabara and four of his coaccused persons took the matter before the appeal court in Abuja, where they contended that the trial judge erred in law by granting the ICPC leave to prefer a charge against them when its application to do so was not

by Justice Mary Peter Odili on June 1, 2010, the appellate court panel upheld the arguments of the accused persons and not only quashed the charge against them, but equally discharged all of them. Dissatisfied with the judgment, ICPC, proceeded to the Supreme Court where it posed eight questions for determination, among which included whether

Prof Fabian Osuji

incriminating statements against them they said were not attached to the application. Besides, they accused the then President, Olusegun Obasanjo of prejudicing the minds of the public including the trial judge through a national broadcast wherein he was said to have directed the trial judge to go ahead and jail them for their manifest corrupt tendencies at the legislative house. In its verdict that was delivered

the appellate court was right in holding that for the consent of the high court judge to prefer charge to be secured pursuant to section 340(2) (a) and (b) of the Criminal Procedure Code, such application mu s t b e a cc o mp a n ied b y statements on oath or otherwise disclosing sufficient evidence of the commission of an offence. “Whether the appeal court was right to hold that the national broadcast by the President of Nigeria, was a communication to

the trial judge by a person in command of influence over him and that the broadcast, was clear example of the manipulation of the judiciary and judicial process by the executive. The anti-graft agency also asked the apex court to determine “whether the appeal court erred in law when they held that the accused persons had not in any way been implicated in the proofs of evidence supplied with the application for consent.” However, in their unanimous judgment on Friday, a five-man panel of justices of the Supreme Court led by Justice Dattijo Muhammad upturned the decision of the appellate court, saying “the judgment of the court below to the contrary is perverse.” The Supreme Court further relied on the decided case-law in Oniah v Onyia, 1989, 1-NWLR, part 79 and the case of Adebayo V Babalola, 1995, 7-NWLR, part 405, and held that after carefully examining the proof of evidence, statements of the accused persons, other relevant exhibits and documents tendered by the ICPC, it was satisfied that they disclosed “sufficient materials on the basis of which the trial court exercised its discretion judiciously and judicially. “On the whole, I hereby allow the meritorious appeal, set-aside the judgment of the court below, restore the trial court's decision and remit the case to the court for the trial of the respondents to be conducted and concluded e x p e d i t i o u s l y, ” J u s t i c e Muhammad held. The other Justices who concurred to the judgment were Justices Ibrahim Tanko Muhammad, John Afolabi Fabiyi, Olukayode Ariwoola and Kumai Bayan Aka'ahs.

Corruption charges: Ex- Gov. Daniel appeals ruling

rstwhile Governor of Ogun State, Otunba Gbenga Daniel, has asked the Ogun State High Court sitting in Isabo, Abeokuta to stay its proceeding on count 1-13 concerning criminal charges on alleged abuse of land administration filed against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC. Daniel, through his lead counsel, Prof. Taiwo Osipintan disclosed that he had filed an appeal against the ruling of the Presiding judge, Justice Olanrewaju Mabekoje which rejected his plea to quash. Justice Mabekoje had struck out the application filed by Daniel

which urged the court to quash count 1-13 on the ground that, the state government had maligned him by publishing the report of a panel of enquiry on land matters. At Friday's proceeding which was meant for the continued hearing of the 38 count charge filed against Daniel by the antigraft commission since 2011,Daniel's counsel said he had just filed a motion of stay of action against the court . According to Osipintan,”the last time we were in court, there was a ruling whether to quash the count 1-13 or not,this issue has been decided by a panel . ”His lordship ruled against us,

and based on advice and instructions we have appealed against the ruling, if the appeal succeeds, they will not try count 1-13 but,if it is not, the trial will continue. But, the law is that where you have raised such an appeal ,then, the court should stay the action. ” It is a routine application. It is definitely not delay tactics on our own side, we are ready for the prosecution, we are ever ready. Reacting to Daniel's application,the counsel to the EFCC, Rotimi Jacobs said it was an attempt to waste time. ” The filing of the application itself abnition, is an attempt to delay,but, let us canvass the argument before the court, we don't want to be acussed of disrespecting the authority of the

appeal court, that is why we did not press so hard today,but, let us see the papers they filed before the court of appeal. Justice Mabekoje however,

adjourned the case to March 1 to enable the defence counsel file the necessary papers in support of the application.

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Monday, February 25 - Sunday, March 3, 2013

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Julius Berger to build Second Niger Bridge

he Federal Government has announced Julius Berger AIMS Consortium as the preferred bidder for the construction of the Second Niger Bridge that is to connect Delta and Anambra states. The Minister of Works, Mr. Mike Onolememen, stated this in Abuja on Friday after hours-long meeting with delegates from the consortium and various government agencies. According to him, five construction firms took part in the bidding process, but Julius Berger AIMS Consortium won. He said, “We have gone through a painstaking procurement process that lasted for about 13 months and at the end of the procurement the preferred bidder has emerged. It is important to let Nigerians know that very competent consortia bid for this particular project. “I am happy to announce that at the end of the procurement process, Julius Berger AIMS Consortium emerged as the preferred bidder for the Second Niger Bridge project.” Onolememen said the project was advertised for

expression of interest, adding that the concessionaires expressed interest in the bidding for the project under the Design, Finance, Build, Operate and Transfer model. “And that is why this particular meeting was convened today to commence the second phase of this particular transaction that will necessarily lead to the preliminary site work of the bridge that will link Onitsha and Asaba in Anambra and Delta states,” he said. Onolememen added, “Going forward, part of the work that will be carried out in the next couple of weeks will include detailed hydrological and topographical surveys, and of course, a geological survey. And we will always carry out a detailed environmental/social impact assessment of the process and an in-depth traffic survey among others.” He said the government's transaction adviser had virtually completed a detailed traffic survey, stressing that Nigerians should know that the Federal Government was

committed to delivering the Second Niger Bridge project. “I want to assure Nigerians that this project is fast becoming a reality,” he said. Asked to comment on the duration of the project, he said, “This is not a contract. It is a PPP transaction. The PPP transaction will cover a period of 25 years for them ( J u l i u s B e rg e r A I M S Consortium). By the conclusion of the discussions on the second phase, at least the construction period will emerge. It is not like a normal contract that the government is funding.” He explained that the consortium would raise the fund for the project and that the government would only take a very marginal percentage of it to show commitment. He said, “It is interesting to note that Africa Infrastructure Investment Managers or AIMS, are world leaders in infrastructure financing and they are in partnership with one of the biggest infrastructure financier in the world. And we are happy that this project has been able to attract such a group to this country.”

Amaechi blames corruption in Nigeria benefits of Nigeria's vast oil on weak institutions and gas resources has not

Name: Nnenna Nwabike Date of Birth: 3rd feb Hobby: Traveling, reading likes: listenin to music,watching movies Dislike: fake people Source: st santos productions 07067899677

ivers State Governor Chibuike Amaechi has blamed weak institutions for the massive corruption plaguing Nigeria. Amaechi, who is also chairman of the Nigerian Governors Forum (NGF), explained that this is the reason why the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), the Independent Corrupt Practices and other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) and the Police have remained a tool for silencing government opponents. The governor stated this at the second Prof Claude Ake Memorial Lecture, with the theme, 'Combating the resource curse: strategies for economic transformation in a natural resource rich economy,' o rg a n i z e d b y t h e s t a t e government in Port Harcourt Friday. In another development, Amaechi has cleared the air as to why his administration asked the State Assembly to convert the already approved N100billion bond into loan. He explained that the conversion from bond to loan of the said sum is to enable government complete ongoing projects in the state before the rainy season sets in.

He made the clarification shortly after signing into law the Rivers State 2013 appropriation bill of N490.3billion and the state's Internal Revenue Service bill at the Government House Friday. Amaechi explained that the availability of natural resources in any given society is not a curse rather it is those who mismanage the resources that inflict curse on their people. According to him, the reason corruption is so pervasive and also an acceptable norm in Nigeria is the non-existence of institution to hold those in power accountable. He pointed out the primary underlying motive for the fierce competition for power in Nigeria is the desire to control resources. Amid this struggle, he said those who oppose the powers-that-be are harassed with State agencies like the EFCC, ICPC and the Police. This sort of harassment, the governor added, will intensify ahead of the 2015 general elections. The former President of Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Dr. Mohammed Ibn Chambas, expressed dismay that the

trickled down to the greater proportion of her population. According to him, reports indicate that Nigeria has earned over $900billiion from the sales of crude oil in the last 30 years. Out of this said amount, about N400billion could not be accounted for because of corruption. T h e f o r m e r E C O WA S president called for a review of the fundamentals of the Nigerian economy. He also stressed the need for strong institutions and good governance in combating corruption, which has been the bane of the country's underdevelopment. On his part, chairman of the occasion and former Nigerian ambassador to the United States of America, Professor George Obizor, called for the restructuring of the country along the lines of true federalism where the federating units will control their natural resources Obizor explained that the abolition of the 1963 federal constitution and the foisting of a unitary constitution on the country gave rise to the fierce competition for the control of power and resources at the centre.

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Monday, February 25 - Sunday, March 3, 2013

Ebonyi man kills sister over missing N50 in Enugu By Ted Peters

peratives of the homicide section of the state C r i m i n a l a n d Investigations Department , CID, of the Enugu state police command have commenced full scale investigations on the circumstances surrounding the alleged murder of a 28 year-old lady in Emene, Enugu on Saturday. The deceased identified as Ukamaka Emmanuel was allegedly killed by her brother whom the police identified as Paul Okenyi from Effiom local government area of Ebonyi State. An eyewitness account said that Ukamaka who was residing with Paul at Ogidi Camp, Emene in Enugu East local government area had a minor disagreement with the suspect over a missing N50, which resulted to hot exchange of worlds that provoked her brother into hitting her with a hard object at about 9pm last Saturday. She reportedly died shortly after she was attacked by the brother

t was a bloody weekend at Igando area of Lagos State, when a suspected kidnapper said to be operating in Delta State, attacked the Lagos home of his girlfriend, killing her and seven others. It was gathered that the alleged kidnapper, identified simply as Henry, who is currently on the run, stormed the home of his girlfriend known as Sandra, around 10 p.m on Saturday, with an Ak-47 rifle and opened fire on all the occupants of the apartment, leaving Sandra, her elder sister, with two of her elder sister's children dead. Henry was also said to have proceeded to the home of another of Sandra's elder sisters, living in the area, where he reportedly killed the woman and her three children.Sandra's twin sister and one of her elder sister's daughter, however, survived. The news of the killing quickly threw the area into disarray, as residents hurriedly shut their doors to avoid being hit by the rampaging kidnapper. Policemen from all formations in the state were said to have raced down to Igando in search of the kidnapper who they said drove in a Sport Utility Van, SUV, to the

and her corpse was deposited at the Annunciation hospital mortuary, Emene.

rmed pirates who stormed an oil service ship off Nigeria have kidnapped six foreigners and demanded a $1.3 million ransom for their release, the police and military told AFP Wednesday. “Three of those abducted are from Ukraine, two from India, one from Russia,” Bayelsa state police spokesman Fidelis Odunna said of the Sunday attack. “One of the kidnappers called to demand the sum of 200 million naira” (one million euros, $1.3 million), he added. The kidnapping of foreign oil workers is common in Nigeria's oil-rich south, with the hostages often released following a ransom payment. It is however rare for police to discuss the details of ransom demands. There has also been a recent series of kidnappings in northern Nigeria claimed by an extremist Islamist group, but those are considered a

scene. Sources said that an occupant of the building where Sandra was killed, reported at the Igando Police Station that robbers were operating in their building. But when the police got to the scene, the gunman had left, but they discovered the lifeless bodies of Sandra, her elder sister and her children, while Sandra's

The State Police Public Relations Officer, Mr. Ebere Amaraizu, who confirmed the incident said “the deceased who lived with the brother now suspect at Ogidi camp, Emene in Enugu East local Government Area of the state had on February 16, 2013 at same

place was murdered by the brother later identified as one Paul Okenyi from Effiom local Government Area of Ebonyi state by hitting the deceased with a hard object at about 2100hrs shortly after an argument ensued between them over the sum of

N50 which the suspect claimed provoked him.” He said that the suspect is already helping the police in their investigations just as the body of the Deceased had been deposited at the mortuary for necessary action.

different phenomenon. The Armada Tuah vessel operated by the Lagos-based Century Group with a crew of 15 was attacked by gunmen 40 nautical miles off southern Bayelsa state at about 4:00 pm (1500 GMT), the area's military spokesman, Colonel Nwachukwu Onyema told AFP. The vessel was on route from the oil-hub of Port Harcourt to Abo, the site of a key deepwater oil field, where Shell, Italy's Agip and several domestic firms have operations, Onyema further said. “Gunboats (and) troops are already on search and rescue,” he added. The International Maritime Bureau which tracks sea attacks world-wide has described the waters off Nigeria as an emerging piracy hub, with many of the raids involving gunfire. Militants in Nigeria's oilproducing Niger Delta region

carried out scores of kidnappings before a 2009 amnesty deal led to a sharp decline in unrest, though incidents continue. Five Indian crew members of an oil tanker who were kidnapped in December after heavily armed pirates stormed their vessel off Nigeria's coast were released last month. Medallion Marine, a Mumbaibased shipping firm, said the hostages were freed in good health, but did not disclose whether a ransom had been paid, or whether Nigeria's security forces played any role in securing their release. The theft of crude is considered a key motivation for pirates operating in the Niger Delta. Armed gangs in the region have become notorious for blasting into pipelines and siphoning out crude for sale on the lucrative black market. Oil Minister Diezani Alison-

Madueke on Tuesday told an oil industry conference in Abuja that Nigeria was seeking international help to curb criminality in the region. The head of Shell's Nigeria subsidiary, Mutiu Sunmonu, told the same conference that “there is still a lot more that must be done” to pacify the Niger Delta. Meanwhile in a separate abduction case, a French family of seven kidnapped in northern Cameroon on Tuesday were believed to have been taken across the Nigerian border, Yaounde said, suggesting the hostage-takers may be linked to Nigeria's main Islamist insurgent group Boko Haram. Nigeria is Africa's biggest oil producer and most populous country with an estimated 160 million people, where most in the north are Muslim while the south is predominantly Christian.

twin sister who sustained bullet wound told the police who their attacker was. According to a source, who pleaded anonymity: “Sandra's twin sister told us that the attacker was her late twin sister's boyfriend who is familiar with everyone in their family but nobody knew he was a kidnapper. “She told us that her late sister used to visit the boyfriend, Henry, at his base in Delta State and in

one of such visits two weeks ago, some heavily armed men stormed Henry's apartment manhandling Sandra in the process. She added that the armed men reportedly told Sandra that her lover absconded with their share of the ransom paid to them for one of their kidnapping exploits, threatening to wipe out all his (Henry's) family members if he did not pay them their money. Thereafter, Sandra contacted her

family members in Lagos, informing them of what had happened to her and they rushed to Delta State and brought her to Lagos for proper treatments. But while she was receiving the t r e a t m e n t , H e n r y, f e e l i n g betrayed, stormed their Lagos home. She told us that the moment Henry entered their apartment, her sister's children welcomed him without knowing that he was out to kill them.

Late Sandra's sisters killed by Sandra's lover Henry

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Monday, February 25 - Sunday, March 3, 2013

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How I resurrected fromAgu death after 7 days – First Lady By Ambrose By Our Reporter

irst Lady, Dame Patience Jonathan, has revealed how she died and woke up after seven days during her illness which necessitated her absence from the country for almost three months. In a thanksgiving service held at the State House chapel in Abuja, the First Lady said the prayers of Nigerians sustained her while some people who thought she was dead, started to sell her property. According to her, she underwent seven surgery operations within one month and the doctors had given up hope on her survival. She said: “I remember when Chief Obasanjo was the President of the country, I was close to his late wife, Stella. We worshiped together in this chapel. It was a painful moment for me that time when she (Stella) died and her corpse was brought here. “That was how my corpse would have been brought here. It was not an easy experience for me. I actually died, I passed out for more than a week. My intestine and tummy were opened. “I am not Lazarus but my experience was similar to his. My doctors said all hope was lost. “A black doctor in London who is with us in this service was

By Patrick Okolie

HE quest by Igbo people of the South East geopolitical zone to produce a President for Nigeria in 2015 might be an illusion if the people refused to, first and foremost, repent from their multiple sins and seek the face of God. The verdict came from the Head, Custodian Covenant Massagers, Enugu, the self-acclaimed 'Prophet of Prophets', Anthony Nwoko, who briefed reporters in Enugu yesterday on the state of the nation but with particular interest in the Igbo nation. He said that Nigeria's disobedience to God brought about “oppression, plane crashes, armed robbery operations, kidnappings, corruption, marginalization, tribalism, assassinations, students' protests, hatred, labour strikes, religious crisis, Niger D e l t a m i l i t a n c y, b o m b explosions, Boko Haram i n s u r g e n c y, f l o o d s , t h a t characterised the President

flown in when the situation became critical. It was God himself in His infinite mercy that said I will return to Nigeria. God woke me up after seven days. “I know that some people somehow leaked the information that I was dead. They are people that I trust and rely on; to them, I was dead and I would never return to the country alive. Some of them even sold my things off. “I won't say everything here. It is the Lord's doing that I returned alive. When God says yes, nobody can say no. “People are always afraid of operation (surgery) but in my own case, while my travail lasted, I was begging for it (surgery) after the third operation because I was going to the theatre everyday. “It was God who saw me through. I did eight or nine operations within one month. It was not an easy one. “The day I came back, I said God I have nothing to say, I offer myself to you. I will be doing things that will touch the lives of the less privileged. God gave me second chance “God gave me second chance because I reached there. He knew I have not completed the assignments He gave me, that was why I was sent back”, she said. In his remarks, President Goodluck Jonathan said when he

Goodluck Jonathan's administration. " He said that it was as a result of the above chains of problems besetting the nation, that he had repeatedly called upon Jonathan' administration and the 'elects of God in Igbo' land to come together to seek the face of God and lift His Holy name high in the country. According to Nwoko, Nigeria has disobeyed God even when disobedience to God, he said, was catastrophic and calamitious, stressing that God dealt with the Pharaoh of Egypt when he disobeyed him, just as he never spared the ancient Israel when the people went contrary to God's ways in the wilderness. "God threw Jonah into the belly of a fish, when he disobeyed him. In fact, God does not treat disobedience with kid gloves; therefore Nigeria's case of disobedience to him should not be a peculiar case," he warned. Focusing his warning particularly on the five southeast governors in Igbo land, the apex Igbo socio-cultural association, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, religious

From left: President, Christian Association of Nigeria, Pastor Ayo Oritsejafor praying for President Goodluck Jonathan and his family during Praise and Thanksgiving Ceremony for First Lady, Dame Patience Jonathan in Abuja. took over the mantle of leadership, some people had predicted that either he or his wife would die in office. While appreciating the large turnout of personalities during the reception, the President said the day was a special one for him and the first family, bearing in mind that rumour of death in his family has always been in the air since he was the deputy governor of Bayelsa State. Giving an instance, Jonathan said when his

second cousin died, one of his associates wondered aloud how people he knew who were on the verge of becoming successful suddenly die. He said: “I thank God for keeping the life of my wife. If anything had happened to her there would have been many stories and the fake prophets would have had their predictions fulfilled,” he remarked. The reception had in attendance, former heads of state, governors,

members of the National Assembly, ministers and other dignitaries. The president then urged Nigerians not to relent in their prayers for the good of the country. “If you love this country, you will not talk about divisions. God willing we will begin to turn things around,” he prayed drawing inspiration from the recent victory of the Super Eagles at the just concluded African Cup of Nations.

leaders in Igboland, Igbo students both at home and abroad, Igbo men and women, Nwoko said except they repented from their evil ways, there would not be any meaningful socio-

political and economic progress in the zone. "The spirit of God has come down to neutralize the problems in Igbo nation and the world," he said.

To the religious leaders in the country, Prophet Nwoko, advised them to remain steadfast in their belief in God, saying “he that is standing should stand firm so that he/she does not fall.”

From left: Apostle Dr. Vincent Uzodike, Prophet Anthony Nwoko and Bishop Paulinus Ezeaddressing the press in Enugu recently

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ope Benedict XVI who announced his resignation from office with effect from February 28 will be paid a pension of 2,500 euros a month, or about $3,340 according to several Italian media outlets, which quoted the amount of the pension usually paid to bishops. The head of the Catholic Church does not officially have an income and doesn't really get paid, the Vatican has said repeatedly in response to inquiries from the press over the years, adding that “he has his every need provided for by the Holy See”. The Italian press however said, “but we know what Benedict will make once he relinquishes the papacy on Feb. 28. He will be paid a pension of 2,500 euros a month, or about $3,340. There is no precedent for a papal pension. The last one to resign was in 1415; everybody else died in office but there are cases of retired bishops, and the pope is officially also the bishop of Rome. The Vatican press office did not confirm the amount, but a spokesperson said that the pope's needs, as well as those of whatever staff he might choose to retain in the Vatican monastery he is retiring to, “will be met.” The 86-year-old Joseph Ratzinger plans to live out his days in prayer and meditation at the Mater Ecclesiae monastery. But first, he will spend the initial months after his abdication at the Castel Gandolfo papal residence, outside

Monday, February 25 - Sunday, March 3, 2013

of Rome, as the monastery undergoes renewals. He will not bring much with him from his eight years as pope, except for some books, letters, his piano and personal objects, according to a report by Italian site TGcom. His vast library and notes will be kept in the Vatican but will not be available to the public. Ratzinger himself will need to make a formal request with the Vatican library in order to consult them. As for what the pope will do in the final days of his pontificate, they are going to be a preview of the rest of his life. The Vatican said he plans to spend most of this week in meditation, until Saturday, accompanied by Cardinal Gianfranco Ravasi, the president of the Pontifical Council for Culture, a department that focuses on fostering the relationship of the Catholic Church with different cultures. Pope's resignation deepens doubt, despondency for Italians Meanwhile nine days after the Pope Benedict XVI announced his resignation from office, over his failing health, controversy had continued to trail the event. Pope Benedict's shock resignation is said to have robbed Italians of the one element of certainty in a time of deep doubt, with the country beset by graft scandals and heading for an election that will not bring the radical change so many crave. The pontiff is believed to be the one stable element for Roman Catholic Italians in a modern state that has become a byword for

political instability and flawed politicians. All that changed since Benedict announced he would be the first pontiff in 700 years to resign, causing alarm and despondency among many faithful in a country whose history has been shaped by the presence of the headquarters of the Church for 2,000 years. “We are in a moment of social, ideological and cultural crisis and in a moment like that it is completely wrong for him to leave,” said Emanuele Vitale, 22, a Sicilian student who joined around 100,000 people packed into St. Peter's Square on Sunday for one of Benedict's last

appearances before his resignation on February 28. Another person in the square, pensioner Antonio Mingrone, 68, said: “It is unsettling. At a time when there are all these political conflicts and an economic crisis, it is one more thing weighing on our minds.” Outgoing Prime Minister Mario Monti, himself a devout Catholic, referred to the “disorientation” of Italians over the pope's decision. “It seems like an epoch is changing on both sides of the Tiber and we feel robbed of points of reference.” Massimo Franco, a leading Italian political commentator and author

of several books on the Vatican, told Reuters: “The resignation adds instability to instability. The Church which was a source of stability is now a major source of instability. “Today the Vatican is a sort of mirror of Italy,” Franco said. “Before, it was the opposite. Now there is a chaotic Italy and chaotic Vatican.” Italians will vote next Sunday and Monday in an election whose outcome is still unpredictable at a time when the country desperately needs firm and decisive government to address a major recession, stagnant growth and soaring unemployment.

Pope Benedict XVI

By Ted Peters

HE Power Holding Company, PHCN, Enugu Electricity Distribution zone has raised an alarm over the huge debts owed it by the armed forces including the military and the police in the South East states, saying about N15 billion was outstanding in the zone as unsettled debts from electricity bills. Chief Executive Officer of PHCN Enugu Electricity Distribution zone, Mr. Suleiman Yahaya, who disclosed during the launching of

the EMS2000 postpaid scheme introduced to provide convenience for customers paying their electricity bills and prevent loss of revenue, also said that the five state governments in the zone also owe the company about one billion naira. He said: “We have about N 15 billion outstanding for the entire zone comprising five states of Abia, Anambra, Enugu, Ebonyi and Imo State cutting across the armed forces, the military and even the state governments, both industrial and residential customers. All our customers all over the place owe heavily. “All the five state governments in

the South East combined are owing us about N1 billion. Everybody that we are providing services for must pay; it is the law and everybody knows that. And they all know that there are a lot of correspondences going on. The armed forces pay to our headquarters and they advise us to credit their account. This has not been happening for sometime now. “So we are appealing that all our debtors should see whatever they are owing us as a responsibility and pay. We have the records and we are equally on our own part having talks with the state government but you know that it

is difficult to collect money from the armed forces. We are working hard on that and hopefully they will yield to our pressure.” Yahaya, who noted that the electricity supply situation had improved appreciably in recent times, attributed the feat to improved power generation which has made it possible for Nigerians to have supply. “It is of general knowledge that our supply situation has improved greatly because we have records of what we are giving everybody especially in Enugu Distribution Company because we have opened up everywhere and we are lucky to have enough generation to give everybody,” he said. Explaining the reasons for setting up the EMS200 electricity bill payment scheme, the PHCN CEO, said that having realized that many people were finding it difficult to pay their bills owing to

the inconveniences, the company decided to create an easy access for paying such bills either through ATM, Mobile phones, and other e-payment methods. Also speaking, Principal Manager Information Technology, PHCN Enugu zone, Mr. Michael Ekpo, said that under the new online real time billing and payment scheme, “the old databases of AVR and Spectrum have been integrated into the EMS2000 database which is postpaid. According to him, the web-based billing system which involves automatic billing and SMS bill alert, automatic cash payment, effective billing efficiency and eradication of crazy billing, bugs and treats to billing processes, among other benefits, would create avenues for customers to settle their electricity bills in the convenience and comfort of their homes and offices.

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Monday, February 25 - Sunday, March 3, 2013

ran on Friday rejected it had committed any “illegal act” in Nigeria after the State Security Service (SSS) paraded three Nigerians accused of spying for the Islamic republic. Deputy Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian was quoted in media reports as saying he “rejected Nigerian and Western media reports of illegal activities by the Islamic republic in Nigeria”.d

Amir-Abdollahian said relations between Iran and Nigeria were “developing” and urged officials of the two nations to prevent such accusations from being made. On Wednesday, the Nigerian secret police paraded a 50-yearold Islamic cleric and two accomplices who they alleged were spying on prominent individuals and targets for Iran. Abdullahi Mustapha Berende,

presented as a leader of the Shiite sect in the central city of Ilorin, was arrested in December “for his active involvement in espionage and terrorist activities,” Nigerian security service spokeswoman Marilyn Ogar said. Investigations revealed that Berende, accused of establishing a “terrorist cell” in Nigeria's southwest, with a particular emphasis on Lagos, recruited the

two other suspects for the task, Ogar said. Berende underwent his training in Iran and his Iranian sponsors requested him “to identify and gather intelligence on public places and prominent hotels frequented by Americans and Israelis to facilitate attacks,” she said. He allegedly gave to his Iranian handlers the names of former dictator Ibrahim Babangida, and

ex-supreme leader of Muslims in Nigeria, Ibrahim Dasuki, as targets for attacks that could “unsettle the West,” she added. Berende denied involvement in espionage or terror-related activities but admitted seeking information about some individuals and institutions. The institutions included USAID and the Jewish Cultural Centre (Chabad) in Lagos, Ogar said, adding the suspects would soon be charged in court.

Syrian state media called the central Damascus blast a "terrorist bombing" that struck a densely populated area near the al-Mazraa neighborhood. TV footage showed bloodied and charred bodies lying in the street. Meanwhile, the Syrian opposition met Thursday in Cairo to discuss whether to possibly hold peace talks with President Bashar al-Assad's government. The opposition has offered to talk with government officials who have "no blood on their hands." The Assad government has said it is ready to negotiate with the opposition, but without pre-conditions. In New York, the United Nations and the Arab League have extended the mission of their joint envoy to Syria through the end of the year. U.N. spokesman Martin Nesirky announced that Lakhdar Brahimi's contract has been renewed through the rest of 2013. It had been set to expire Friday.

Syrian expatriate rights group says a series of bombings in Damascus has killed at least 83 people, including more than 60 near the headquarters of the nation's ruling Ba'ath party. Most of the victims are said to be civilians, including many children from a nearby school, with 17 of the dead reported to be members of the security forces. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said Friday that Thursday's attacks included not only the blast at the Ba'ath party headquarters but another three car bombings that killed 22 people in the northern district of Barzeh, home to the nation's security headquarters. Most of the dead were soldiers. The attacks, which also left hundreds wounded, resulted in one of the bloodiest days in the Syrian capital in nearly two years. Central Damascus has been relatively insulated from the nearly two years of violence in A general view of the destruction after an explosion in central Damascus, Feb. 21, 2013. Syria.

Curled from Reuters

en people were wounded, one critically, in clashes between Yemeni security forces and southern separatists in Aden on Saturday, medical sources said, days after six were shot dead during protests. The separatists want political autonomy or a new state in south Yemen. It is one of three insurgencies in the strategically vital Arabian Peninsula state w h e r e Wa s h i n g t o n f e a r s political chaos is giving al Qaeda space to operate. North and south Yemen were unified in 1990 after the Communist-led southern government collapsed. Northern forces won a brief civil war four years later after the south tried to secede from the union. The secessionist movement gained strength during mass,

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nationwide street protests against former president Ali Abdullah Saleh in 2011, which forced the veteran strongman from office a year ago. On Thursday, security forces shot at dozens of secessionists in Aden as they staged a rally

against Saleh's successor, President Abd-Rabbu Mansour Hadi, a northerner. There were also armed clashes in another southern town, al-Dalea. Medical sources and witnesses said at least six people had been killed during the two clashes.

Southern Yemenis complain of discrimination by the government in the north. The impoverished state also faces a rebellion by the Shi'ite Muslim Houthi movement in the north and an insurgency in some southern areas by Islamist

militants allied to al Qaeda. Tackling lawlessness in the country, which lies near oil shipment routes and flanks the world's top oil exporter, Saudi Arabia, is seen as important by Western and Gulf countries.

next month to protest the attacks it said have caused many civilian casualties. "Hundreds or civilians have been killed by Scud missile strikes. Aleppo, the city and the civilisation, is being destroyed systematically," the statement said. "The Russian leadership especially bears moral and political responsibility for supplying the regime with weapons," it added, referring to Moscow's status as a leading ally

of Syrian President Bashar alAssad. "In protest of this shameful international stand, the coalition has decided to suspend its participation in the Rome conference for the Friends of Syria and decline the invitations to visit Russia and the United States." The invitations had been extended to opposition coalition leader Mouaz Alkhatib after he met the Russian and U.S. foreign ministers in Munich this month.

The invitations were made shortly after Alkhatib offered to negotiate Assad's departure with members of the Syrian government who were not tainted by having participated in the crackdown on the 23-month-long revolt. Rocket attacks on eastern districts of Aleppo, Syria's industrial and commercial hub, killed at least 29 people on Friday and trapped a family of 10 in the ruins of their home, opposition activists in the city said.

he main Syrian opposition grouping has said it turned down invitations to visit Washington and Moscow to protest what it described as international silence over destruction of the ancient city of Aleppo by Syrian missile strikes. A statement late on Friday by the Syrian National Coalition, an umbrella group of opposition political forces, said it also had suspended participation in a Friends of Syria conference of international powers due in Rome

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Monday, February 25 - Sunday, March 3, 2013

By Leo Sobechi

Chime's real cancer

am thrilled by events of the past one week as they relate to my state, Enugu. Indeed the past one week seemed so much like a denouement of the plots and counter plots playing out in the Coal City state within the past six months. It all started with the reported return of Enugu Governor, Sullivan Iheanacho Chime, to the country after a long time outside for 'nondescript' reasons. I happened to be around in Enugu the fateful Friday, February 8, 2013. I witnessed the outpouring of emotions and citizens to the streets in thanksgiving to God for the safe return of the real Coal City boy, Sullivan. Except during the visit of Pope John Paul 11, the return of Ikemba Nnewi, Emeka Odumegwu Ojukwu; Enugu Airport, now Akanu Ibiam International; has never received such a sea of human persons as happened when Sullivan touched ground! There was the death rumour, the impeachment threats, the vegetable incapacitation theory and all manner of imageries woven around the long absence of the people's Governor. All those shibboleths gave way as soon as news of the governor's return was noised abroad. Most of those who came to the airport actually wanted to make sure that it was not another President Umaru Musa Yar'Adua theatrics on display! The fact that Governor Chime did not make any elaborate speech at the airport did not douse the joy of the people, well-wishers, skeptics, cynics and all. But just as the joy of the Governor's return continued through the weekend, Monday came and Sullivan opened his mouth. He interacted with some journalists and told the tales of his excursion. At the end of the meeting, Chime seemed to have won the hearts of the people by the openness he evinced. Yet he fouled the atmosphere not only by the facts of what he said, but above all how he said them. Monday, to me was a day, to borrow Funke Egbemode's words, Chime fall my hand. It is not that he deviated from his frankness or mannerism but by proving true to type, the governor advertised his disdain for public communication. May be because he said he was being entertained by reports about his hide and seek game, he selected a team of 11 journalists to entertain their questions. It is a point I have had cause to take up with some of his media aides. It is very risky to serve a man who holds journalism profession in opprobrium and great distaste. I recall once telling VinMartin Ilo, former Special Adviser to the Governor on Media during the ill-fated centenary celebration that a situation where one's boss is

thoroughly disinclined to one's profession, puts one at a very big disadvantage. Though VinMartin maintained that the governor has demonstrated to them that one can wink in the dark and get noticed, I remember telling him that if I were in his shoes that at the point of rejecting my proposal for a third time, I will tell the governor to keep his job. So, Chime proved true to type by the scorn and derision he poured openly on Nigerian journalists. Imagine a governor, much loved by the masses for some flashes of service and not necessarily governance, coming out to say that he was entertained by news reports about his sudden disappearance. Not that alone, he boldly owned up to the hoarding of information. That could be seen from his account that his doctors asked him to choose a

doctor; he touched it and said he did not think it was anything serious, but I should investigate it. I thought they would have seen anything when they were doing the general scanning and screening but nothing was found, so I just singled it out and asked them to investigate it. I was referred to a doctor, who after investigating it and asking questions (of course there were no pains, no symptoms, no disturbance from anywhere), said as far as he was concerned there was nothing wrong with it but he would also ask me to investigate it further. Because I was almost running short of time, I made arrangements with them to help me set up an appointment for closer examination of the growth... “After about a week, when they had set up the arrangement, I left

Gov. Chime convenient time to come for treatme The governor said: “In August or thereabout, I was privileged to be one of those nominated by the Nigerian Governors Forum (NGF) to go to Germany to understudy their federal system. A governor was picked from each of the six geo-political zones. I was nominated from the South East and our chairman, who is also the Governor of Rivers State Rotimi Amaechi led us. On our way to Germany, I decided to travel a little bit earlier through London to do my medicals because of what I will call lack of time. We don't have time here “I got to London, did my medicals and was certified fit. I was given a clean bill of health. I am a very observant person and I noticed that I had a little growth on my neck that was not visible to anybody. I pointed it out to my

Germany, went to London and did the proper screening. They did the biopsy and all that. In the process, it was discovered that the growth was cancerous. During further examination it was discovered that the main tumour was behind my nose, it actually turned out to be what they called nasopharyngeal cancer (cancer of the nose). At that stage, we all know that when people hear the word cancer, the first thing is to declare the person dead. They subjected me to further scanning to know if it had spread, so luckily it had not spread, it was just in those two areas my nose and neck. They said the good news was that it was curable. That was when I became interested and they said as soon as I was ready, they would commence treatment”. So in the first place, he knew he was going to be away for a long

medical recess albeit within his leave period, but allowed his media managers to engage in tomfoolery. And this is where I found his recent media outing, so disgusting and insulting. For crying out loud, leadership involves communication. If Chime does not know that, then Enugu people are back in Abacha era. Democracy and good governance revolve around accountability and integrity. During the military regime, streets were paved and schools renovated, but it remained a dictatorship mainly because those civic good deeds did not respect the input of the people neither does the junta bother to explain its actions. Accountability starts from full disclosure, both of actions and processes of arriving at decisions. I have said in another place that Chime's government was not programmed to show leadership. He was enlisted to serve because his benefactor, Dr. Chimaroke Nnamani, saw in him a good servant and not necessarily a good leader. Those who are adept at policy implementation may not fare so well in policy formulation. And because the process includes communication, you cannot adulate policies when you disregard communication. Governor Chime should have done away with his delayed interaction, if nothing else, to retain the admiration of Enugu people. But his insistence on coming out to tell his story himself and shame his media hands, achieved only one purpose: he is indifferent to the feelings of most of the people who worried to no end about his rumoured ill health. I perceive some people may be inclined to ask why it must be me, a fellow Udi man; to raise these issues. But I believe the cause of democracy and good governance is best served when we remove

emotion from analysis of public affairs. We are all from Udi quite well, but that does not confer unanimity of views on all of us. Our brother got it wrong and he gets it wrong whenever the issue of public communication is on the table. Not every person enjoys pantomimes like the governor. He said there was no system in place during the Chimaroke era, yet there is no record of when he ever spoke out to point that out. Most of his commissioners and aides found this out and are now very good at emulating him. After 2015, I bet some of his aides would turn out the most virulent critics of his style. I remember reaching out to some friends in Chime's government including his brother on the need to intimate Enugu people of the development and arrest public disquiet and rumours. The constant refrain I kept getting was, 'don't bother, they (rumour peddlers) would soon run out of ideas'. But then the fact that the Governor decided to speak out belatedly sounds as an afterthought, and that after many people who are endeared to the administration has suffered great psychological torment over the true state of things concerning His Excellency. There were countless prayer sessions both at Udi and Enugu by religious groups including those that have no direct contact with Chime. His disclosure of cancer did not elicit much public sympathy mainly because the ring of it had departed by the timing. It is this bad. It is the rich fund of goodwill in the governor's kitty that Sullivan squandered by his midnight press conference. Somebody joked after the conference that the governor actually hurried home not to miss the Valentine goodies. Nothing so bad for a government to experience a-disconnect with the people. As the Sullivan administration runs its course, the Governor, our brother; should do well to mend his public communications and utterances for there lie his real cancer!

Jokes

hard drive and firewall With A little boy goes to his father and asks of the week Onyebuchi 'Daddy, how was I born?' Teacher: Why are you late?. Orode: I went to bought books. Teacher: You dull boy, it's buy, not bought. So how many did you buy?. Orode: I buy six(6). Is he Wrong?.

AM DOING MY I.T” Akpos was toasting a girl. After everything the girl asked him, "Are you in school and what course are you studying because I can't date an Illiterate o?. Akpos lied to her, and said "Yes I am in school and I'm studying food science". 2weeks later, the girl saw Akpos washing plates in a local restaurant. *Shocked* Gosh what are U doing here? Akpos smiled and said, "AM DOING MY I.T"

The father answers, 'Well, son, I guess one day you will need to find out anyway! Your Mom and I first got together in a chat room on Yahoo. Then I set up a date via e-mail with your Mom and we met at a cybercafe. We sneaked into a secluded room, and googled each other. There your mother agreed to a download from my hard drive. As soon as I was ready to upload,we discovered that neither one of us had used a firewall, and since it was too late to hit the delete button, nine months later a little Pop-Up appeared that you.

world is changing

Teacher it's very clear that you have not studied your geography.whats your excuse ? Student : well my dad says the world is changing every day . So i decided to wait until it settles Www.facebook.com/caleb.onwe down.

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Monday, February 25 - Sunday, March 3, 2013

ADVOCATE

Governor Sullivan Chime, Pope Benedict XVI, and the Matter of Privacy By Ambrose Agu

he Vatican has recently disclosed that Pope Benedict XVI has needed and used a pacemaker for at least 10 years, and that the Pope underwent a secret heart surgery about three months ago. As reported, the Pope, in an operation that had remained a secret until last Tuesday, had a pacemaker fitted less than three months before the announcement of his resignation. Father Federico Lombardi ,the Vatican's chief spokesman confirmed the report, saying: "It is correct that (the pace-maker) was substituted …" The pacemaker was a replacement for one which had been fitted about 10 years ago, before Pope Benedict XVI was elected to succeed Pope John Paul II. The fitting of the new pace-maker was carried out by heart surgeons at the Pius XI medical clinic in Rome. The operation went well and the Pope recovered speedily. He did not even miss his weekly Angelus address, which is held every Sunday. Subsequently Pope Benedict commissioned three of his most loyal cardinals to write a report into the affair. The Pope reportedly shelved the report immediately. Notably that announcement by the Vatican last Tuesday was the first time that Pope Benedict's need for, and use of the pacemaker had been disclosed to the public by the Va t i c a n ( a l b e i t t h a t t h e pacemaker had been fitted about ten years ago). See “Vatican admits Pope Benedict had secret h e a r t s u rg e r y ” , Van g u a r d February 16, 2013, by Sam Eyoboka & Olayinka Latona with Agency Reports. By this disclosure, therefore, the matter is invariably underscored for us all, of the importance of privacy, and the importance of the need for privacy, and the importance of the right to privacy to the very essence of human nature itself. Clearly privacy and the need for privacy are primal and integral to human nature. This is why almost all modern Constitutions recognize this need for privacy and codify it as a legal right for all persons. In my thinking it is this primal and natural need for privacy that rightly explains why even the Holy Father, the Pope rightly withheld from the public the recently-disclosed information regarding his medical condition and the heart surgery that he underwent about three months ago. Before I proceed any further, however, I want to implore the reader to, please, not misconstrue my intentions in my mentions of

the Pope, as indeed, I make these mentions with the utmost trepidation and as these mentions are not and will never be a criticism of the Holy Father! Quite to the contrary, as I write this piece, I remain in awe and adulation, and adoration of Pope Benedict XVI, as I revere him, and I, actually and honestly, believe that even Pope Benedict XVI and all Popes have certain natural inalienable needs and rights (including the natural need for privacy, and the moral right to privacy), thus that the Holy Father was well within this inalienable need and right to withhold his medical condition information for the ten or so years that he apparently did; or to withhold his medical procedure (heart surgery) information for the three months or so that he reportedly did; or even to withhold such information forever if he so wished. Again I honestly believe that even Popes have an inalienable primal need for privacy (in many cases), and a moral right to such privacy that ought to be recognized and respected by all. So in short, I have no problem with this recent announcement by the Vatican. My only concern, however, is about Governor Sullivan Chime. Why not Governor Chime? How come Governor Chime cannot assert his own need for privacy and exercise his own right to privacy regarding his own medical condition and/or medical procedure? Does Governor Chime not have the same primal need for privacy and the same moral right to privacy as well as other public figures and leaders, as well as the Holy Father? What about the fact that in addition to this primal need for privacy, and moral right to privacy, Governor Chime additionally has a legal right to privacy that is protected by the Nigerian Constitution? Is it not unfair, therefore, to summarily strip Governor Chime of his need for privacy and his moral and legal right to privacy? If Gov Sullivan Chime were the Pope instead of the Governor of Enugu State would you still hold the opinion that he has committed the gravest of crimes just because he chose to exercise his right to privacy and withhold information concerning his medical condition and/or medical procedure for approximately three or four months ? Just as the Vatican withheld information about the P o p e ' s h e a r t s u rg e r y f o r approximately three months, was it not also within Gov Chime's inalienable right to privacy to withhold information about his cancer treatment for the three or

four months that he did, or even forever if he so wishes? Or is there a different standard for political leaders as opposed to religious leaders? Or is it because it is Gov Sullivan Iheanacho Chime? As we may recall Governor Chime left Enugu State on or about 19th September, 2013 for his accumulated annual leave. His absence was explainable and publicly explained because prior to proceeding on vacation, he transmitted a letter to the Speaker of Enugu State House of Assembly (ENSHA) informing him that he was proceeding on vacation, and Enugu government officials subsequently and repeatedly explained to the people of Enugu State that Governor Chime had left Enugu State on account of his accumulated leave. So the people of Enugu State knew that Governor Chime was away from the state on accumulated leave. And Governor Chime's whereabouts was also public knowledge. It was a well-known fact that Governor Chime was spending his accumulated leave in London. Governors Amaechi, Akpabio, and Suswam paid Governor Chime a visit in London and actually took a group photograph with him in London. Also, Deputy Senate President Ike Ekweremadu travelled to London to visit Governor Chime. Also Governor Peter Obi visited Governor Chime in London. Besides, Gov Chime himself had also reported that he was vacationing in London and that it was while undergoing a medical checkup in London that certain medical issues were discovered that required medical follow-up. The Guardian Newspaper also reported that they saw Governor Chime in London. So this to say that the fact that Governor Chime was in London during his accumulated leave was not in dispute. That information was well known to the public. The people of Enugu State knew this, and at a point even the whole world knew it also. And that Gov Chime fully complied with the law prior to proceeding on his accumulated leave is also not in dispute. Gov Chime (as a matter of fact) properly transmitted the letter required under Section 190 of the Nigerian Constitution, to the Speaker of the Enugu State House of Assembly thereby transferring full powers of the office of the Governor to the Deputy Governor, as Acting Governor. The Speaker of the Enugu State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Eugene Odo, and the former Acting Governor of Enugu State, His Excellency

Sunday Onyebuchi, and Governor Sullivan Chime, himself have all confirmed this, and also confirmed that Governor Chime even urged the lawmakers to give the Acting Governor the needed support and cooperation in the period that he (Governor Chime) would be away. To be noted also is the fact that Gov Chime's absence while on his accumulated leave never caused any governance problems in Enugu State. Prior to proceeding on leave, Governor Chime left Enugu State with an alternate head of government in the person of the former Acting Governor Sunday Onyebuchi on whom he had transferred the full powers of the office of the Governor via his (Gov Chime's) Section 190(1) letter to the Speaker of the Enugu State House of Assembly. So Enugu State had a competent and effective head of government in the person of the former Acting Governor, His Excellency Sunday Onyebuchi. And Enugu State also had an Executive Council (EXCO) that continued to meet to consider matters of State administration. It is important to acknowledge that the former Acting Governor (who was the chairman of the Enugu State Executive Council) had himself confirmed that Enugu State (in Governor Chime's absence) had no problem with governance at all. He confirmed that all that needed to be done was being properly attended to. Work was going on. Workers and contractors were being paid. Despite Governor Chime's absence, governance powered on and numerous developmental projects worth billions of naira in the area of roads, water supply, electricity, education, health, and housing among others were all in progress, all over Enugu state. In fact the Enugu State Executive Council under the chairmanship of the former Acting Governor Onyebuchi had awarded several contracts running into billions of naira during that period and such projects were and are still ongoing. Government services were being delivered promptly and efficiently in Enugu State, despite Governor Chime's absence. Many had wondered how it was possible that governance ran so smoothly in Enugu State in the period of Governor Chime's absence. It is an important observation and the reason needs to be noted. The reason is that what Governor Sullivan Chime has done in Enugu State is that he has built up, and shored up systems, processes, and institutions of governance along with their requisite checks and balances such that effective and efficient governance would and

could still operate flawlessly, regardless of the absence of particular persons. It is a triumph of the system over the individual and not vice versa. So the period of Governor Chime's absence was actually an opportunity to test and evaluate this arrangement. It was set into motion and tested, and it was very successful as governance indeed lost no step in Governor Chime's absence, proving that Governor Chime has successfully recast governance once more as a collective and a collaborative assignment, not a personal fiefdom. This is the reason why there was never any problem with governance in Enugu State during Gov Chime's absence. So in light of all the above what was the justification for the hullabaloo that followed Governor Chime's decision to withhold his medical condition/ procedure information for the three to four months that he did before he finally disclosed that information to the public on 11thFebruary, 2013? Was the contrived and engineered uproar justified? Was the public not repeatedly told that Governor Chime was on accumulated leave, and was he, in fact not, on accumulated leave? Was the public not repeatedly told that Gov Chime was in London as, in fact, he was in London? Did Governor Chime then have any legal obligation to immediately publicly disclose that he was undergoing cancer treatment on out-patient basis while on his accumulated leave in London? Did the public have a legal “right to know” this information as some have claimed? The truth and stark reality of the matter is that Governor Chime was legally and properly away on accumulated leave and whatever he may have legally done during his accumulated leave (including attending to any medical issues) was entirely his affair. There was no LEGAL obligation mandating Gov Chime to tell anyone what he was doing during his vacation to the extent that such activity was legal. Quite to the contrary, Gov Chime's LEGAL right to privacy as enshrined in the Nigerian Constitution empowers him to keep this information to himself (if he chooses). So it was entirely up to him to keep the information to himself or to disclose it to the public if he so chooses, and in the event that he wished to disclose the information to the public, that he had the right to do so at a time and place that was entirely up to him. Suffice it to mention at this juncture that Governor Chime has eventually disclosed the information to the public on 11th February, 2013, in Enugu,

Continues on page 23

THE

ADVOCATE

Monday, February 25 - Sunday, March 3, 2013

Enugu community demands monarch’s removal By UBA ANI & Chuks Nweze,

eople of the ancient kingdom of Ibagwa Nike in Enugu East Local Government Area, Enugu have not known peace over a hundred years ago when they were cursed following a premeditated gruesome murder of their Igwe. Since then the ancient community have been under the rulership of Odezuluigbo Nike dynasty until most recently when Emma Ugwu emerged as the present king of the community following it's recognition as an autonomous community. But the bubble burst recently following agitations that the Igwe infused self into the membership of the Power of Attorney of the community lands ostensibly to enable him control all the community's lands. This resulted in the use of brutal force on the people following the refusal by those who are opposed to the Igwe's powers and the way he is ruling the community to conform to his dictates, especially as it affects the land matters. Incidentally the situation degenerated into the use of the community vigilante group to attack the opposition members and irked by the quantum of destruction of property in the area, the Chairman of Enugu East Local government Area, Prince Cornelius Nnaji drafted security men to ensure that peace is restored in the warring community over the ownership and sale of community land. Following the repeated alleged unprovoked attacks on the opposition in the community recently, over 100 Ibagwa-Nike women staged a peaceful demonstration to Enugu State Government House in protest against what they alleged as the tyrannical rule of the traditional ruler of the community, Igwe Emma.O.Ugwu. Around 9.am on that faithful day, the angry women, including the aged and teenagers, who were dressed in black attires converged at the entrance of Government House, where they chanted songs against the traditional ruler and brandished placards. Among the inscriptions on their placards read, “Igwe Ibagwa Nike, leave our land alone”, “Igwe Ibagwa-Nike, you are a millennium Hitler”, “Emma Ugwu is an outlaw”, “No to Igwe that doesn't respect grey haired men” “Enugu Government save our lives, depose Emma Ugwu”, “Igwe Ibagwa-Nike uses police to harass us”, among others. Leader of the women, Mrs. Helen Ugwueze, said they came to the Government House to seek protection from the state

government since all their husbands and sons have gone on exile to escape the wrath of Igwe Ibagwa-Nike. “Emma Ugwu will come at midnight with policemen from SARS (special anti-robbery squad) and arrest all our elders in Ibagwa-Nike. Many of our children have been brutalized by hoodlums who were unleashed in the entire community by our Igwe. “He is doing all these things because of Anekeode land. He wants to sell all our land and use the money to parade himself as a rich Igwe. All our children have fled the community. Eddy Nwa Ugwamba who is over 60 years old was arrested. Our son, Emma Mbeke, was attacked with machete by one Onyebuchi Ugwu Anike, one of the Igwe's boys. They attack us on a daily basis. Once it is 4.pm, you eat your dinner, take your bath and go and hide inside the room because you don't know whether you will be their next victim,” she said. Consequently, Ugwueze called on the state government to come to their rescue and stop the traditional ruler from unleashing further terror on the people, adding that “as indigenes of Enugu State, they deserved protection from a despotic and ruthless traditional ruler”. Also, one of the protesting women, Stella Eke, said as mothers, they were weeping, and therefore came to government to seek for help before all of them would be perished by Igwe Ibagwa-Nike. “We no longer sleep in the night. If you talk about Emma Ugwu, they will eliminate you. Our son was brutalized by members of his group. One of his attackers was caught by police, but he was bailed out by Igwe Ibagwa before we knew it. He said we cannot do anything, that he knows everybody, including the police. We went to police, police sent us away and this points to the fact that some police officers who are on his payroll have compromised,” Eke said. Meanwhile, hearing is on-going at the Enugu State House of Assembly on the alleged violations of human rights of the people of Ibagwa-Nike by Igwe Emma O. Ugwu and his cohorts. Sequel to a distress call made on the House by some members of Ibagwa Nike community who go under the aegis of Concerned Citizen of Ibagwa Nike led by a former member of Enugu State House of Assembly, Hon. Maurice Ekette, through a petition where Chief Emma O. Ugwu is accused of gross human rights violation–sponsoring terror group called 'Royal Youth Vanguard' against the Igwe's perceived opponents; insecurity and state of siege thereby

violating the people's rights to freedom of movement and association, and unfettered right to their own properties, the House therefore decided to wade into the crisis to curb a possible shed of blood and further destruction of property which will in the long run ensure peace and tranquility in the locality. Speaker of the House, Hon. Eugene Odoh who inaugurated the adhoc committee gave the committee members one month with which to carry out a thorough job of finding out what actually brought about the crisis and the possible solution to end the impasse. The communal clash, The Advocate gathered, began as far back as 2010 following the election of Igwe Emmanuel O. Ugwu who many people in the community did not like his emergence; a selection that was allegedly engrossed in controversies. As a result of government intervention and eventually setting up of peace committees, the crisis seemed to have gone underground only to rear up its ugly head late January, when one of the families that made up I b a g w a N i k e c o m m u n i t y, Umuaneke Ode allegedly broke out and started selling land and developing such without recourse to the Igwe Ugwu who superimposed controls over all the land deals in the community. This action taken by Umuaneke Ode infuriated the Igwe of the Community, Igwe Emmanuel O. Ugwu and some members of the community who could not understand why one of the families that made up the Ibagwa Nike community should pull out to form an autonomous community devoid of the entire Ibagwa Nike who had been doing everything in common. The Advocate source revealed that Umuaneke-ode registered a Power of Attorney at the Enugu State Ministry of Lands but Igwe Ugwu and some of his cronies used their contacts to nullify it insisting that the Power of Attorney which his group holds supersedes theirs' and therefore automatically voids that of Umuaneke-ode. The member representing Enugu East State Urban Constituency at the Enugu State house, Hon. Edward Ubosi while speaking on the matter said that the crisis began as far back as 2010 when, he was then appointed by the last Enugu East Local Government Council headed by Hon. Matthias Anike to head a reconciliation committee that waded into the crisis then. “the problem then was that some people in the community did not like the emergence of Igwe Emmanuel Ugwu as their traditional ruler and the autocratic

Gov. Chime way he arrogated the power of attorney to himself and appointed people who were loyal to him to be members of the power of attorney to oversee the communal property of the area including land”. According to Hon. Ubosi, a group that went by the name, Transparency Group then accused Igwe Ugwu of forging the power of attorney and thus began to sell land without the consent of some people. Hon. Ubosi disclosed that his committee sat for three months and eventually came up with recommendation that the constitution of the community was obsolete and ought to be reviewed to accommodate present requirement of autonomous community. To ensure that the leadership of Igwe Ugwu was not in contention then, the committee recommended that the matter of forgery as to the power of attorney be referred to the court to interpret w h a t c o n s t i t u t e d f o rg e r y. Hon. Ubosi pointed out that part of their findings revealed that Igwe Ugwu did not follow due process in picking members of the power of attorney and to put this t o b a y, t h e c o m m i t t e e recommended that the people who felt that the power of attorney members were not properly selected should select their own members and merge them with the ones picked by Igwe Ugwu to see that peace prevailed in the community. As a lasting measure, Hon. Ubosi disclosed that his committee recommended that whereas those appointed by Igwe Ugwu to be members of the power of attorney, Igwe (himself) should not be a member of the Power of Attorney but act as a patron to the power of attorney members. Hon. Ubosi therefore opined that

if the people of Umuaneke Ode family had not constituted themselves into an autonomous community of sort, probably, the current crisis where houses are being destroyed, gun shots are sounding, should not have risen, hence, the setting up of the ad hoc committee to wade into the crisis. Given the testament of Hon. Ubosi, the question now is if the recommendations of his reconciliatory committee were implemented; whether there was a review of the community's constitution, selection of the members of the Power of Attorney and other issues raised by the committee were effectively resolved? Efforts to get the House member representing Enugu East Rural Constituency in the House of Assembly, Hon. Joseph Agbo Ugwuamba for comment on the crisis in his community proved abortive at the time of filing this report. Igwe Emmanuel O. Ugwu who is at the centre of the crisis, declined to comment on the crisis engulfing his community saying that he would not grant interview to any press man on the raging c r i s i s i n h i s c o m m u n i t y. “I don't grant interview on the crisis in Ibagwa community,” he states. As things stands now the community is like a ghost place because the of the males who had hitherto poised for war have all gone missing following the police search for them. Meanwhile getting peace to reign in Ibagwa Nike community really requires God's intervention through men of will placed in positions of authority as there are allegations that Igwe Emma Ugwu is the culture of wooing those in authority that may call him to order with plots of community land.

THE

FROM THE

he Ogun State Police Command has arraigned three masqueraders before the State Magistrate Court sitting in Isabo, Abeokuta, for allegedly killing an Islamic cleric, Lateef Amusa, during an Egungun festival. The three masqueraders Shittu Adeyemi (61), Waidi Babalola (64) and Ajani Olabintanwere standing trial over their involvement in the alleged killing of Amusa during the festival held at Ijaye, Abeokuta. The Islamic cleric, Lateef Amusa, was allegedly shot dead during an Egungun festival in Ijaye area of Abeokuta, leading to the arrest of the three suspects while the masquerade was said to have escaped. The prosecution counsel, Augustine Ozimini, told the court that two of the suspects, Babalola and Adeyemi, who were first and second defendants in the suit were charged to court for conducting masquerade procession without permit from the state government and thereby committed an offence punishable under section 3 (a) (b) of the Public Order Law of the Federation, while the third suspect, Olabintan was facing a murder case. Counsel to the first and second

ADVOCATE

Monday, February 25 - Sunday, March 3, 2013

he Judiciary moved, Thursday, to rid itself of corruption allegations when it descended heavily on three judges. The supervising body of judges, the National Judicial Council, NJC, ruled yesterday, that Justice Abubakar Thalba should be probed, while justices C.E. Archibong of the Federal High Court Lagos and T.D. Naron of High Court, Plateau, be retired. Justice Abubakar Thalba gave a light sentence to a self confessed pension thief, Mr John Yakubu Yusufu on January 28. Shortly after Yusufu who stole N23 billion from the police pension fund, pleaded guilty to a three-count criminal charge that was preferred against him by the EFCC, trial Justice Abubakar Thalba sentenced him to two years imprisonment with an option of N750, 000 fine, a sum the convict quickly paid and drove home.

COURT

respondents, Adebiyi Ogundeyi, however, prayed the court to grant the application bail on the g r o u n d t h a t t h e o ff e n c e committed by the accused persons was bailable. Granting the bail application, Magistrate Idowu Olayinka said only two of the three accused

persons would be granted bail in the sum of N500, 000 each with two credible sureties in the like sum. The Magistrate further said that the sureties must also exhibit title documents of landed properties within the jurisdiction of the court and an evidence of tax

payment in the last three years to the purse of Ogun State government. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Bail is hereby granted to the first and second accused persons in the sum of N500, 000 with two credible sureties in the like sum, sureties to exhibit title document of landed property within the

jurisdiction of this court. An affidavit of an evidence of payment of tax in the last three years, the prosecution should also verify the residence and place of abode of sureties,â&#x20AC;? the magistrate ruled. Meanwhile, the magistrate advised the counsel to the third respondent, Kayode Akinsola to file a bail application at the High Court ,saying that Olabintan was facing a murder case which can only be adjudicated upon at the high court.

15 Russians remanded in prison over firearms

Federal High Court sitting in Lagos has remanded 15 Russians at Ikoyi Prisons, Lagos, pending the determination of their bail application. The Russians were arraigned on a four-count charge of unlawful importation of firearms and ammunition into Nigeria, unlawful possession of firearms as well as non declaration of the content of their vessel. The accused are: Zhelyazkov Andrey, Savchenko Sergel, Chichkanov Vasily, Varlygin Igor, Komilov Alexander, Lopatin Alexey and Baranovskly Nikolay, Mishin Pavel, Llia Shubov, Dimitry Bannyrh, Alexander Tsarikov, Kononov Sergel, Korotchenko Andrey, Vorobev Mikhail, and Stepan Oleksiuk. They were charged alongside

A statement issued, yesterday, by the council said: "The Council has set up a 'Fact Finding' Committee to investigate the allegations levelled against Hon. Justice Abubakar Thalba of FCT High Court in the Police Pension case of EFCC vs Mr. John Yusuf & Ors." The NJC statement A statement signed by the Acting Director of Information at the NJC, Mr Soji Oye said: "The National Judicial Council under the Chairmanship of the Hon. Chief Justice of Nigeria, Hon. Justice Aloma Mariam Mukhtar, GCON, at its Emergency Meeting which was held on February 20, 2013 recommended the compulsory retirement of Hon. Justice C. E. Archibong of the Federal High Court Lagos and Hon. Justice T.D. Naron of High Court of Justice, Plateau

their vessel, Mv Myre Seadiver. The accused pleaded not guilty to the charge. The prosecution counsel told the court that the accused and their vessel were arrested by Naval officers on October 18, 2012, within the Nigerian territorial waters, in Lagos State, as they entered the Nigerian territorial waters without due licence and clearance from the Nigeria Customs Service, contrary to provisions of the Customs and Excise Management Act, 2002. The court was told that the vessel was arrested and opened by the Naval officers, who discovered a cache of firearms and ammunition concealed in it, an o ff e n c e t h a t c o n t r a v e n e d provisions of the Firearms Act, Cap F28, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004, as well as provisions of the Miscellanous

State. "Hon. Justice Archibong was recommended for compulsory retirement to President Goodluck E b e l e Jonathan,

GCF R , pursuant to the 'Findings" by the Council on the following Complaints levelled against him:-

Offence Act, Cap M17 Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004. But defence counsel informed the court of the accused pending bail application which was a rg u e d . T h e p r o s e c u t i o n requested for a date to respond to the bail application by defence counsel.

Trial judge, Justice Okechukwu Okeke, adjourned the matter till February 25 for the prosecution to reply to the bail application of defence counsel and odered that the accused be remanded at the Ikoyi Prisons, Lagos, pending the determination of their bail application.

The arrested Russians.

"That the Judge dismissed the grievous charges against an accused without taking his plea; that he refused to release the Certified True Copy of his Ruling to the Lawyers; "That the Judge issued a bench warrant on some officials of Peoples Democratic Party for contempt even when the counsel who was directed by the Court to serve them filed an affidavit that he had not been able to serve the contempt application; "That he made unfounded and caustic remarks on professional competence of some Senior Advocates of Nigeria; "That there were glaring procedural irregularities which showed that Hon. Justice Archibong did not have a full grasp of the Law and procedure of the Court; and that he granted the leave sought for in the originating summons that had no written address of the parties and without hearing both parties in the originating summons after

he had earlier on overruled the preliminary objection. "Hon. Justice T. D. Naron of High Court of Justice, Plateau State was recommended for compulsory retirement to Governor David Jonah Jang sequel to the 'Findings' by the Council that there were constant and regular voice calls and exchange of mms and sms messages between Hon. Justice Naron and one of the Lead Counsel for one of the parties to the Suit in the Osun State Gubernatorial Election Tribunal contrary to the Code of Conduct for Judicial Officers of the Federal Republic of Nigeria vide Section 292(1((b) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria as amended. "Meanwhile, the National Judicial Council has in the exercise of its disciplinary powers under the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria as amended, suspended the two Judges from office with immediate effect"

THE

ADVOCATE

Monday, February 25 - Sunday, March 3, 2013

Why Kalu is attacking Gov Orji, by Ohanaeze youth indicated to all Nigerians that Abia State is working.

MAZI OKECHUWU ISIGUZORO, the National Organizing Secretary of Ohanaeze Youth Council, in this interview with THE ADVOCATE, speaks on the cold war between Governor Theodore Ahamefula Orji of Abia State and former governor of the state, Dr. Orji Uzor Kalu, the post-election crisis in the apex Igbo socio-cultural organization, Ohanaeze Ndigbo among other issues. By Patrick Okolie

Yes we invited him but he refused to come till date

So what is your next Mazi Okechuwu Isiguzoro line of action on this himself as the champion of Igbo presidency in 2015? issue?

Did you read Kalu's recent interview where he criticized Governor T.A. Orji and also portrayed

We are not backing anybody but stating the true facts as they are. It is not proper for an Igbo son to spend all his energy, money and time to criticize another Igbo son unnecessarily. He should be called to order.

Kalu said he has been readmitted into the PDP. How do you see the development? That is not our business. We are not playing politics but that notwithstanding, I personally do not think Orji Kalu is in PDP yet. You cannot enter a party through the back door. There are nationally recognized procedures for re-entry into any party and from what I have been seeing so far, Orji Kalu is yet to be readmitted into the party.

Recently you indicated that your group will soon invite the former Governor of Abia State, Chief Orji Uzor Kalu to answer for his past activities and recent posture, have you done so?

We shall soon sanction him. He cannot go on embarrassing Abia State and Ndigbo. We shall invoke Ohanaeze disciplinary action on him (Kalu).

But Ohanaeze youths are not supposed to support any side of the divide in Igbo issues?

I think I addressed this in my recent interview. Orji Kalu is just looking for relevance. His Njiko Igbo Forum is a trick to hoodwink Igbos. It is an extension of his SLOK business. He will jump ship very soon and abandon the group once he gets what he is looking for. Did he not do so in the past? He abandoned the PDP, he a b a n d o n e d t h e P PA , h e

Gov. TA Orji abandoned and played a role in the splitting of Ohanaeze Ndigbo into two factions in 2006, he is a rolling stone that gathers no moss.

Are you not aware that Orji has continued to claim that T.A. Orji is doing nothing in Abia State? But that is not the issue again because the last Good Governance Team led by Hon. Minister for Information has

But the media carried the picture where his ward officers re-admitted him? Well like I said we are not into politics but personally I will say that you should forget what you saw in the pictures. People are not re-admitted to parties on the pages of newspapers.

Orji Uzor Kalu also in that interview apologized to Abians for making T.A. Orji Governor of Abia state calling him a weak

Governor, what do you think about that?

Well, I think Abians are grateful to Orji Uzor Kalu for throwing up Gov. T.A Orji. I think it is his (Kalu's) only achievement and we thank him for that. Orji Uzo Kalu's apology is an irony, because he should be grateful to Gov. T.A Orji for not probing his government for his failures in Abia State for eight years. Ironically, instead of being happy that his successor (Gov. T.A. Orji) is working seriously to ensure that all the infrastructural decay of Kalu's regime have been cleared by Gov. T.A. Orji he is launching relentless attacks on the performing governor.

So you are saying that Kalu's apology to Abians is not accepted by his people? Abians will not accept such apology from Orji Uzo Kalu but as an Abian, I think the people are very happy that Orji Uzor Kalu installed a Goal Getter in the person of Gov. T.A. Orji as Gov. in 2007. That was the only achievement of Orji Uzor Kalu as the fore-runner of the Goal Getter.

We l e a r n t t h a t t h e Ohanaeze Ndigbo postelection crisis is still on? There is no post-election crisis in Ohanaeze Ndigbo. What happened was that South East governors forum decided to strengthen Ohanaeze by rejigging its leadership. Ohanaeze Ndigbo is still on to re-position Ndigbo.

Subsidy Scam: Police clears Capital Oil of misconduct Continues from page 20 the general public that the Special Fraud Unit of the Nigeria Police Force has cleared Ifeanyi Ubah and Capital Oil & Gas Industries Limited of the indictment by the Presidential Committee on the Verification and Reconciliation of Fuel Subsidy Payments (PC) chaired by Aigboje AigImoukhuede, the Managing Director of Access Bank. “The clearance by the Police was contained in a letter dated February 12, 2013 written to the Minister of Finance, a copy of which was made available to us, the Inspector General of Police, Ministry of Petroleum Resources, Debt Management Office and PPPRA. The Police investigation found that there is no inference of a prima facie case of the alleged offences against us. Specifically the Police stated in their report that, 'Investigations have laid bare all issues in the 15 complaints against Capital Oil & Gas by the Presidential Committee on the Verification and Reconciliation of Fuel

Subsidy Payments. After due analysis and consideration of the team's findings, we found out that there is no inference of a prima facie case of the alleged offences.'” The Police investigation therefore found as untrue and unsubstantiated the allegations by the Presidential Committee against Ifeanyi Ubah/Capital Oil & Gas Industries Limited of collecting subsidy payments without importing or discharging any fuel. In the report, the Police advised the Honourable Minister of Finance to go ahead and process the outstanding subsidy payment due to the company. “With Access Bank's renewed media campaign which violates the terms of the February 9, 2013 Settlement Agreement between us, one wonders what the Bank is trying to achieve by provoking an unnecessary media war tending to suggest that we have anything to fear about the AigImoukhuede-led Presidential Committee Report or our business transaction with Coscharis through Access Bank. It is hoped that the Bank

understands the implications of this, or is it because they think that they can use depositors' funds to embark on undue publicity without any form of accountability? A word is enough for the wise! “The general public may recall that various media were awash with all forms of baseless allegations against the company of collecting subsidy payments without importing or discharging any fuel. The smear campaign was so bad that the company was even labeled an 'oil thief' even when no judicial pronouncement had been made in that regard. Much effort was also made in the media to portray Ifeanyi Ubah and Capital Oil & Gas Industries Limited as wasteful and fraudulent persons. It is therefore with a heart filled with gratitude that we share with the general public this report which cleared us of any wrongdoing or financial i m p r o p r i e t y. D e s p i t e t h e accusation of embezzling funds the equivalent of the revenue of 11 states as well as constituting a threat to national security, we

have finally been vindicated. We can only thank God as truth has once more prevailed over falsehood. “The clearance by the Police has been further justified by a judgment delivered on February 18, 2013 by the Federal High Court of Nigeria sitting in Lagos, which absolved Capital Oil & Gas Industries Limited and Ifeanyi Ubah of all purported allegations of subsidy scam made against them by the Presidential Committee. The court voided and set aside an Interim Report by the Police dated November 2, 2012 and the Presidential Committee report which purportedly indicted Capital Oil & Gas Industries Limited/Ifeanyi Ubah and Staff. The court awarded N10 Million damages in favour of Capital Oil & Gas Industries Limited and Ifeanyi Ubah. “It is worthy of mention that there are persons who sought to tarnish our name as well as deliberately spread falsehood against us in a bid to put us out of business so as to unlawfully take-over our business. There were also those who instigated the arrest and

detention of our Managing Director, because they saw him as a political and business threat. It was indeed a very distressing period for us. Our business was nearly crippled. Our members of staff were not paid for months. We suffered untold difficulties and set-backs while many of our friends and supporters deserted us owing to the falsehood. Even though we were unfairly treated in the manner our hard earned reputation was publicly battered by our traducers, we have decided to stay action against all these persons who wronged us. We will watch events as they unfold. We remain eternally grateful to God and all those who prayed and stood by us, especially the Nigerian masses and the media. Finally, we are more focused and committed than ever before to render services to our country. Our facilities are fully functional and we will continue to work hard to sustain our stakes in the daily petroleum distribution in Nigeria. We will continually strive to bring innovations that will touch the lives of Nigerians. Thank you and God bless.”

THE

Monday, February 25 - Sunday, March 3, 2013

Barrister Dr. Charles Emenogha Aduaka, in this interview with The Advocate spoke extensively on the traditional rulership tussle in Nteje autonomous community of Oyi Local Government Area of Anambra State. He said that he was the person duly selected/elected by the entire Nteje community to replace the demised royal father in a credible and transparent system but ironically another native who never showed up during the selection process, allegedly went about parading himself as the Igwe and even went ahead to produce certificate of recognition purportedly issued to him by the state government in spite of a court order restraining him. Aduaka described the certificate, if any, as 'Oluwole' saying the state government couldn't have issued a certificate to an alleged impostor, when he (Aduaka) is duly recognized by his people and the traditional ruler and Aborgu II of Nteje. Excerpts

By Ted Peters Can we meet you sir? My names are Barrister Dr. Charles Emenogha Aduaka, the Aborgu II of Nteje from Oyi Local Government Area, Anambra State.

Yo u a r e s a i d t o b e interested in the Igweship stool of Nteje in Oyi Local Government Area of Anambra State. Were you actually in the race for the traditional stool? Yes, not just being interested but I was the one that was duly elected by the entire Nteje people. By the constitution of Nteje Development Union, we had a pact that the traditional stool has to be rotated among the three quarters - the Ezi Nteje, Ikenga Nteje and Ifite Nteje. The Igwe that was demised was from Ezi Nteje - Igwe S.N.C. Nnaemeka, the Aborgu 1 of Nteje. He died and was buried in December 2008 and by the provisions of the constitution, after the burial of the Igwe, the Igwe-In-Council will write to the selected quarter whose turn it is to produce the next Igwe and give them six months to consult and present a candidate to the Nteje General (NDU meeting) Assembly. This was done by the Igwe-In-Council and indeed the six months duration was given between January 25 and June 24, 2009. The period for the selection of a candidate from among the Ikenga Nteje quarter elapsed on 24th July 2009 and the Nteje General Assembly meeting was called on 26th July 2009. At the meeting, there was no consensus and four Igweship contestants emerged myself, Bar. Dr Charles Aduaka, Mr. Rowland Madukolu Odegbo, Ichie Peter Chidi Uyanwa and Ichie Peter Okechukwu, all of us from Ikenga Quarters emerged. So, by the provisions of the Constitution part 10 Article 29 paragraph C to J, if there is any issue with respect to selection of consensus candidate and the quarter upon which it rests to select has problem the right and privileges of selecting the new Igwe will now reverse back to the Igwe-InCouncil through the 15 man Akadiani. And indeed on 25th

July 2009 because there was no consensus the power, the privileges and the right to select who is going to be the Igwe of Nteje now reverts back to IgweIn-Council. And indeed by November, the Igwe-In-Council put up a new time-table. They placed the duration for sale of forms, screening and time-table for election proper and the

now.

You said you were elected by about 3000 voters, what then is stopping you from functioning as the recognized traditional ruler of Nteje? I was elected but after the election, precisely on 2nd of January 2010 the Igwe-In-

government headquarters, the then Head of Service, one Dr Ifeanyi Ojiakor, acting contrary to the wishes and aspiration of the Nteje people went and put up a different report purportedly against the real position of what happened at Nteje on 12th January 2010. Then, I assumed responsibility and carried out the function of doing New yam festival for Nteje people, being in-charge and presiding over Nteje General assembly meeting until around July 2010, the then Local Government Commissioner, Mr. Dubem Obaze, issued an order that our town development union has been dissolved and a caretaker committee set up. We went to the court to stop him and at the end we had judgment which stopped his action. All along I've been functioning as the

Dr. Emenogha Aduaka, Ph.D BL Aborgu II of Nteje various presentations. The IgweIn-council fixed between November 25 and 5th December for collection of form, between 5th and 10th December was for screening and the proper election. The election proper was held on 28th of December and at that election, one of the candidates, Ichie Chidi Peter Uyanwa withdrew for me, Ichie Peter Okechukwu was absent and Mr. Rowland Odegbo was also absent. Still at that, the committee appointed for the election of the Igwe-In- Council went ahead to carry out a referendum and indeed in the referendum I scored 2863. It was glaring to everybody and it happened before the press; NTA was there and various other print media. That is the situation for

Council presented me to the Nteje General Assembly at the Ama Ana Square. After the presentation to the Nteje General Assembly by 10th of January I was presented to the head of service in the Local Government; it was a widely acclaimed, widely publicized and widely attended occasion held at the local government secretariat in Nteje. The presentation was done in line with the conditions of Anambra State traditional rulers' law which says that the presentation has to start from town union to general assembly and to the government. Then it was the duty of the local government secretary to present me to the state government but unfortunately after the presentation to the local

duly elected/selected Igwe of Nteje, the Aborgu II. Then Mr. Rowland Odegbo, who absconded on the day of the election on his own, because of his purported government connection went ahead and was parading himself around the Anambra State Government house telling people that he is the Igwe-elect of Nteje. When the matter came to our knowledge we felt it is important we call him to order and subsequently the Chairman of the Igwe-inCouncil, B.S.C Mofunanya and others went to court and sued him. He was sued along with Mr. ABC Onwuagana, Gabriel Isidienu and Oyi Local Government. The matter was before a court of competent jurisdiction but surprisingly a

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letter started circulating that the state government has accorded recognition to Mr. Rowland Odegbo in deference to the matter that is before the court. Then we filed an interlocutory application for the court to determine whether when a matter is before a court that such issues can be dispensed upon without the determination of the pending matter. Indeed, the court gave us an injunction on 18th June 2012. The copy is what I am having in my hand as I speak. You can see that Odegbo's claim to the Igweship stool is frivolous, null and void.

So what was the decision of the court in the matter? The court presided over by Justice J. I. Nweze of Otuocha High Court, in his ruling, sighted a lot of authorities - Peter Obi against INEC was there, Ojukwu against Lagos state was there on the case of 29 Queen's Drive, Victoria Island and many others. The court did emphatically issued an order that Chief Rowland Odegbo should stop forthwith parading himself or according himself before and after as the Abogu II of Nteje until the determination of a substantive suit. But today, it is very unfortunate that the government that was brought into power by court could go outside the premise of the law and still accord recognition or acting in conjunction with somebody the court of competent jurisdiction has directed should stop parading himself or acting forthwith. It is very unfortunate for the government to accord such person recognition. It is very unfortunate that the government that was brought into existence by the law could act against the law.

There was a report recently where Odegbo claimed he was the recognized traditional ruler and that some influential people in the community were using their wealth to dethrone him. He named one of the illustrious sons against him as Chief Mike Nwakalor, how do you react to this allegation? My brother, you cannot give what you don't have. A similar scenario happened on 18th September 2012, when Mr. Obi Ulasi, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, SAN, acting on the instruction of Rowland Odegbo wrote a petition against me to the Anambra State police purportedly claiming that there was an announcement that was credited to me. He sighted Section 17 and 19 of Anambra

Continues on page 18

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Monday, February 25 - Sunday, March 3, 2013

TELECOMMUNICATION

gainst the backdrop of the heat constantly generated by poor quality of telecoms services in the country, the telecoms operators and the government have been collaborating on ways to put an end to the unfortunate development. The operators have consistently sounded a note of warning that the situation may persist if the government does not do anything about the frequency of telecom facility vandalisation, conversion to other uses and or wilfully damaged. Their argument has been that that there can never be telecommunication without the facilities and infrastructure that enable the services, stressing that to demand for quality of service was to also demand for the protection of telecom facilities. However, it seems that the message is sinking positively into the government's consciousness. This is as the Executive Commissioner, Stakeholders Management, Nigeria Communications Commission,

By Our Reporter, Calabar

he operations of the United Cement Company (UNICEM) was last Monday disrupted by youths from its host communities protesting over welfare package and abuse of expatriate quota by the company. UniCem is one of the leading cement manufacturing companies in Nigeria. The youths, who were more than 2,000 from Akamkpa and Akpabuyo Local Government areas of Cross River erected barricades along the CalabarMfamosing-Ekang road near the plant. They also prevented UniCem staff from entering the plant forcing the company to put production on hold. It took the intervention of operatives from a joint security outfit, Operation

NCC, Mr Okechukwu Itanyi, weekend admitted that government needed to rank telecoms infrastructure among the critical infrastructure which should enjoy priority protection in the country. Itanyi, at the 54th edition of the Consumer Outreach programme in Ikorodu Lagos, at the weekend, also enjoined responsible citizens of the country to always discourage unauthorized usage and conversion of telecoms infrastructure, to other uses. NCC consumer outreach was established to bring together consumers, service providers and the regulator under one platform for the purpose of addressing consumer related issues as well as to educate stakeholders on contemporary issues generating attention in the industry. According to Itanyi, “it our collective responsibility to protect these infrastructure from vandalisation, stealing, and any other abuses. In fact, telecoms infrastructures should rank among the critical infrastructures

Pulo Shield, and the police before workers could access the plant at about noon. Soldiers and anti riot policemen were deployed at the instance of the company to disperse the protesting youths angry youths continued their protest. Eyewitnesses said that the youths barricaded the entrance of UNICEM cement factory at Mfamosing as early as 6am preventing entry into the plant. The protesting youths alleged that the company had failed in its corporate social responsibility by neglecting the host communities. But the Corporate Affairs Manager of UniCem, Mr. Ayi Ita-Ayi, said the protesters were jobless impostors, adding that the company would not want to join issues with them Ayi insisted that the company had over the years been dealing the genuine leaders of host communities, adding

NCC boss, Juwah which should enjoy major attention in the country. I t a n y i a p p e a l s “I appeal that government should expedite actions towards making telecoms infrastructure a National critical asset that should be accorded priority attention in terms of protection.”

He also lamented other challenges faced by the industry including destruction of telecoms facilities due to road construction; community interference and demanding excessively before installation; interference from government agencies such as closing down of some service providers network

that the protesters were amorphous. ``If you go to the villages you will see something different from what they are claiming. These protesters are amorphous and we would not want to join issues with them,” he said. The president of the Host Communities Youth Forum, Mr. Paul Effiong, told journalists that the operation of UNICEM had adversely affected their communities and efforts to address the issues had been rebuffed by the company. Effiong said that the communities were facing challenges of environmental pollution resulting from the mining activities carried out by UNICEM. He said the host communities were marginalised in areas of employment and provision of basic social amenities. He expressed regrets that the exploration of limestone and other mineral deposits in the

area by UNICEM also hampered economic activities including fishing and farming. The Director-General of the Cross River State Political Network (an NGO that also participated in the protest), Mr. Michael Abuo, said all attempts to persuade UNICEM to change its obnoxious policies towards its host communities has so far failed. ``We have explored all avenues for peaceful resolution through dialogue, but we have been taken for granted. We are taking another step to ensure we are heard.” ``What we are demanding is the right to be heard, allowed access to entitlement and ensure the protection of our environment,'' he said. The protest coincided with the flag-off of UniCem's Safety Week celebration.

in some states. “The theme for discussion to day is the protection of telecom infrastructure. The topic becomes imperative because telecom infrastructure has a direct and indirect on the spread of telecom service to the nook and crannies of the country as well as the quality of service being experience by the consumers. I wish to highlight that, development of telecom infrastructureis an important phase in the life cycle of the telecommunication industry. It is obvious that without telecom infrastructure, there will be no telecom service and it is our collective responsibility to protect telecom infrastructure in our society. The commission provided conducive environment which helped in attracting Foreign Direct investment into the industry and eventually made telecom infrastructure to be widely available in the country. Nigeria is virtually covered by these infrastructure in terms of Optic fibre Cables, Mast and towers, bandwidth and Internet facilities etc. This in turn is expected to bring about a phenomenal growth in the telecom industry and other sectors of the economy. This has been our focus and priority at the commission for quite some time.” The event which held in Ikorodu, Lagos, was graced by representatives of various telecoms operators including Mr. Olusegun Ojofeitimi from Airtel, Mustaphar Ofam from MTN and Emmanuel Enyinnaya from Etisalat. They urged the consumers to stop telecoms vandalism for the provision of better and qualitative telecoms services.

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Monday, February 25 - Sunday, March 3, 2013

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By Ted Peters & Uba Ani

Nze Akachukwu Nwankpo and wife barr. Mrs Oby Nwankpo shortly after receiving the chieftaincy title of Oputa Ife Adi of Ihiala

BOUT 50 traditional rulers from various communities in Anambra State and notable politicians converged at Ihiala at the weekend where they honoured one of their illustrious sons, Nze Akachukwu Nwankpo, Special Adviser to President Goodluck Jonathan on Technical Matters. Akachukwu was conferred with the chieftaincy title of Oputa Ife Adi of Ihiala (one who beams the light) by the traditional ruler of Ihiala, Igwe Dr. Cosmas Okechukwu, who was supported by the numerous royal fathers who showered praises on the politician for his outstanding performance in public service and community development. Similar honour was bestowed on Akachukwu by the Ancient Nri Kingdom on Saturday with the conferment of another prestigious Chieftancy title and presentation of Ofo Nri which is regarded as Igbo symbol of Authority by Eze Nri, Enweleana II, Obidiegwu Onyeso. Igwe Okechukwu, the Oluoha XVI and Clan Head of Ihiala, said that honour was bestowed on the recipient in appreciation of his trackrecords in public service both at the national and state levels, adding that the positive role he played during the last flood disaster that rendered many homeless in the state was still fresh in their memory. Akachukwu is currently the Special Adviser to the president on Technical Matters and also Secretary, Subsidy Re-investment and Empowerment Programme (SURE-P) Committee and was said to be responsible for the Niger Delta issues where he led the effort to develop the Niger Delta Amnesty Programme when he served as an aide to the Vice President between 2007 and 2010. Chairman of the occasion and one time Health Minister, Professor A.B.C. Nwosu, described Akachukwu as a special person with three major characteristics high intellect, loyalty and selflessness.

Mr. and Mrs Akachukwu Nwankpo and Igwe N.N Kelly of Igbariam Nwosu, who said he had associated with Akachukwu since the past 29 years, explained that he (Akachukwu) was a strong pillar of support for Nkpoko-Igbo, adding that as a national public servant, he had contributed immensely to the Power road-map, flood Prof. ABC Nwosu, chief Charly Igboka and Nze Akachukwu relief programme and SURE-P of the Federal Government. Nwankpo discussing before the conferment â&#x20AC;&#x153;He devoted his life to the selfless service of his fatherland and it is in recognition of this that his people and indeed the entire Anambra State have decided to honour him. The turnout here is unprecedented. The fact that several traditional rulers and eminent politicians converge here to honour this young man is a demonstration of the fact that a prophet after all has honour in his place. This honour has confirmed that the people love and believe in him.â&#x20AC;? In his remarks, Akachukwu expressed gratitude to the Ihiala council of Chiefs and Anambra royal fathers who gave him the honour promising that he would continue to render selfless service for the upliftment of the nation and the state.

Guests at the occasion

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Fashion

Monday, February 25 - Sunday, March 3, 2013

Our traditional wears are there and will remain there forever, we all know how we ladies prefer foreign wears but the good news is you can have that same style using our world’s famous Ankara. The beauty of these materials makes me cry sometimes , the first time I saw these shoes and bags I couldn't believe it.

“My sweet husband, Emeka, and I were married for 46 years. Each Valentine's Day, he'd Send me the most beautiful flowers containing a note with five simple words: “My love for you grows.” four children, 46 bouquets and a lifetime of love were his legacy to me when he passed away two years ago. “On my first Valentine's Day alone, 10 months after I lost him, I was shocked to receive a gorgeous bouquet addressed to me …….. From Emeka. Angry and heartbroken, I called the florist to say there had been a mistake. The florist replied, “No, ma, it's not a mistake, before he passed away, your husband prepaid for many years and asked us to guarantee that you'd continue getting bouquets every Valentine's day' with my heart in my throat, I hung up the phone and read the attached card. It said, 'my love for you is eternal.”

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Continues from page 14 State Traditional Rulers Law, which indeed provides that any person who has not been given recognition should not act in the public function. I looked at the entire thing and informed the police that I have only a statement to make that if the author of the petition who is the counsel who is acting on his behalf knew what they law provides on the issue, he shouldn't have written the petition which was borne out of ignorance. An order of interlocutory injunction was issue on 18th June 2012 and somebody is writing petition on 14th September 2012 claiming what he has been ordered to stop by law, somebody who has violated the law is turning back to ask the law to come and protect him, that's absurd. I told the police that whatever the man is claiming is a nullity because there are subsisting court injunction that have not been vacated. In my hand you will see a motion for stay of execution which was withdrawn and struck out by the court. My question now is what is Rowland Odegbo protecting? Is it what the court has set aside, or the absurd of his disobedience to court order for refusing to stop parading himself? Mr. Rowland Odegbo has not shown by his actions that he respects the law; somebody who is violating the court order is turning around to raise issue of dethronement. It is a charade. If you are having a subsisting legal backing and you made any claim, the law specify that it should be obeyed but he has been directed by a court order

Monday, February 25 - Sunday, March 3, 2013

that he should stop parading himself and the same man is still parading himself and he turning back to ask the law to protect him, so it is a charade. On the issue of allegation he is raising against our illustrious son, it is a statement of a drowning person because the man in question is a business man going on his own. I want to tell you one good things, last December, this our big and illustrious son, because of the hard times our people are passing through did a lot of gestures in our community both for men and women. In fact he is the strength and root of that community; he is the unity of that community and the symbol of that community, so that statement I will say is coming from a drowning person. So it goes to no issue because till today, Nteje is one of the most peaceful and quiet environment within the Oyi Local Government axis and a visit to that place can confirm my statement.

You said that the high court g a v e a n o r d e r stopping/restraining Rowland Odegbo from parading himself as the Igwe of Nteje; has that order been vacated, if not what is the position now? Good, the order summarily has not been vacated it is still subsisting. I gave you a document where he applied for stay of execution which he has withdrawn and the court struck it out. Actually he has given us a Notice of Appeal but the order is subsisting, what the court said is that he should stop holding

himself out or stop parading himself as Igwe, but till today he still claiming to be Igwe, attending meeting of the traditional rulers council Anambra State and Anambra North Senatorial zone wing. That is completely a violation of court order. His actions are against the order of the court. The matter is coming up on 26th June, 2013 at the Court of Appeal but the order is subsisting. The order has not been vacated, he appealed against the ruling, until the appeal is heard and the ruling is vacated it is then that he can go back. But for now the court has directed that we should maintain the status quo. It is only then can he go back to parade himself. Further, Mr. Rowland Odegbo has been claiming that he has been issued a certificate. I don't want to believe the government could issue a certificate in deference to the matter that is before the court, but it is not equally impossible that somebody can go to Oluwole in Vi c t o r i a I s l a n d L a g o s t o manufacture a document he can parade to others as a certificate. So the situation remains that the matter has not been heard by the Appeal Court, the matter is still coming on 26th June, 2013. As at today, the order of the court is still subsisting, whatever he does and whoever accords him recognition is doing so at his own risk, he is running the risk of being brought before the court of law for contempt.

So, are you saying that Nteje community has no traditional ruler now? Let me tell you the fundamentals of traditional rulership.

Government gives recognition, the community appoints and elects who is going to rule them. By today I am the legitimately elected and appointed traditional ruler and I carry out these services for the community. The government's recognition is secondary, the primary issue about the rulership of Nteje rests squarely in my hands, the Igwein-council and the Development Union. I will invite you to our assembly meetings so that you can see things for yourself and be properly informed.

Odegbo also accused the police of working with you and some of his opponents to cause crisis in the community. He cited the conflict with the vigilante group and the town union; can you clear the air on this? Thank you very much. The issue of vigilante, I want to be very frank with you that as a legal p r a c t i t i o n e r, e v e r y t h i n g concerning security of this nation rests with the police, the army, Navy and the Civil Defense, the Federal Road Safety Commission and the government itself. How can a right thinking person embark on a journey that is futile by alleging that the police which has the primary responsibility to maintain law and order is being used to intimidate him? It is a statement that is based on no fact and has no relevance; it's a statement of a drowning person. If the police that is the hope of a common man should turn back to be used as a tool of destruction, I wonder, it sounds very funny, because, recently when the redeployment

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of police officers was done across the country, the CP of Anambra State was commended for his good works; he was among those that was commended, the records are there. So, the allegation of using the police to intimidate him means that he is acting contrary or against the interest of the law and order but I believe a visit to Nteje will give you a better understanding for better reporting.

While waiting for the final determination of the pending cases, do you think peace can reign in Nteje community? The answer is very simple. Those who are behind this crisis as Odegbo is alleging it is crisis to himself, Nteje has no crisis. We have schedules of our activities. Usually Nteje Development Union and General Assembly have meetings three times in a year. First is during the Easter period, the second is during the New Yam festival and third is during Christmas period. I will suggest if you can make out time and attend one of these meetings its open to the public. There is no hidden thing there; we only discuss the affairs and welfare of Nteje people. The dissident citizen who felt that he has the contact of the government and he felt that those he calls his friends in the government can turn the wishes and aspiration of Nteje people, should drop his ambition and lines up where he belong, I think the peace will go for him because already Nteje people are very peaceful. What he needs to do is to drop that his inordinate ambition and get to where he belongs. The umbrella of Nteje

Continues on page 25

The Anambra State High Court Order Retraining Chief Rowland Odegbo from parading himself as Igwe of Nteje

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Monday, February 25 - Sunday, March 3, 2013

Gov. Obi rewards UNN best graduating student

UNN best graduating student in the 2011/2012 session, Miss Oluchukwu Roseline Ejindu and the Vice-Chancellor, Prof Bartho Okolo at the 42nd convocation ceremony of the University of Nigeria Nsukka.

er gait was unassuming as she strode to the rostrum amidst thunderous cheers from more than 18,000 graduating students that gathered at the Margret Ekpo Convocation Arena of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, during the 42nd convocation ceremony of the Institution.

Miss Oluchukwu Roseline Ejindu has just been announced as the overall best graduating student in the 2011/2012 session of the University of Nigeria Nsukka (UNN). Miss Ejindu graduated with a cumulative grade point of 4.77 in a scale of 5 points. Presenting a valedictory address on behalf of other graduands, the

Electronic Engineering graduate thanked the university management, under Prof Bartho Okolo, for providing a congenial environment and facilities that enabled them succeed in their studies and prayed God to grant Prof Okolo more grace to accomplish greater feats. Ejindu attributed her success to

the virtue of hard work which her family inculcated in her, and moral discipline she learnt by associating with Christian organisations in the university. “Ladies and gentlemen, while not denying the place of hard work in this achievement and privilege I enjoy today, I must admit that my background and experience in life contributed immensely. I came from a home where I have always been encouraged to work hard and rewarded for all academic excellence,” she said. Miss Ejindu said as an electronic engineer, she believed that the economic development of Nigeria would be driven by technology. “May I conclude by saying that Nigeria is a nation endowed with great mineral and human resources. The path to its vision of becoming one of the top advanced countries in the vision 20-20-20 could only be accomplished through greater technological innovations. It is possible, very possible for Nigeria to be number one advanced nation in the world. E-Development is the answer”, she insisted. Further, the Anambra State indigene dedicated her achievement to her parent, particularly her father, whom she said provided everything she needed as a student, following the demise of her mother at her tender age.

FG urged to motivate youth to study mathematics

n Industrial Engineer, Mr Olusola Kayode, has suggested that teaching of sciences and mathematics from the secondary school level be encouraged to support industrial and national development. Kayode said in Abuja that the Federal Government should motivate young Nigerians to study mathematics and science related courses right from secondary schools. He said that such motivation was necessary for the country to produce highly skilled engineers, technologists, technicians and artisans needed for industrial and national development. “We have treated the teaching of science and mathematics with levity in this country's technology and we need to

change this attitude and the policy. “I believe strongly that if our educational system is overhauled, teaching of science and mathematics even from Junior Secondary Schools, will address the issue of the needed skills technology acquisition. “The technology skill gap can be filled only with proactive approach. “Let us not also forget that even when you want to teach sciences, you need to train and retrain teachers,''he added. Kayode, who is a former Nigerian Representative at UNIDO, France, also expressed optimism that adopting this approach proactively and religiously, would help develop a road map needed in achieving the development goal of the country.

He added that the Educational Trust Fund (ETF) could also gainfully assist in the teaching of science and mathematics at the basic school level. He urged the Federal Government to borrow a leaf from what Costa Rica Republic did in the development of its pool of scientists for national development. Kayode said that the pool of scientists built by the government of Costal Rica was what attracted Intel, an American Computer firm, to the country in its quest for developed human skills for production of some products needed in a computer system. “At the time the country was doing this, it found out that the teaching of science and mathematics was the answer to

its technology need. “And because secondary school leavers have been reasonably thought science, they now form a pool of what we call attractable trainees. '' he said. Kayode said that Nigeria could also adopt the United States “K12'' programme, currently adapted to reproduce another pool of scientists to replace those it had lost to Asia over the years. He said the approach which is a 50 year plan, was to encourage the teaching of basic science and mathematics in schools including kindergarten, primary and secondary education. “Through the K-12, children will graduate from primary schools and go into secondary schools and universities. “Even some are expected to end up in research institutes to develop a strong base for science, technology and innovation development,'' Kayode added.

Miss Ejindu, who enjoyed multiple scholarships from organisations, including; Exxon Mobil, MTN foundation, Etisalat and Petroleum Technology Development Fund (PTDF), said that she would like to further her education to enable her make meaningful contribution to the growth of the society. On the eve of the convocation ceremony, the University had organised an award night to reward its best graduating students, Miss Ejindu earned the following awards; University award to the overall best graduating student of the session, best graduating student award of the Faculty of Engineering, best graduating student award of the Department of Electronic Engineering, Indira Gandhi Memorial prize to the best graduating student of the session, and best graduating female students award. Others included; Hon. F.A MbuluAmadi Prize in Resource Development to the best graduating student of the session, UNN Community Bank Prize, to the Best Graduating Student and Ifenyinwa Ezechukwu Memorial prize to the best graduating student in Electronic Engineering. Meanwhile, the Governor of Anambra State, Mr Peter Obi said he was thrilled and happy that Miss Ejindu was from Anambra state. In the spirit of rewarding excellence, he announced that Anambra State Government will support and train Miss Ejindu to any level in any part of the world. Governor Obi made the promise at UNN when he attended the Nigerian Literature award ceremony which was won by an alumna of the University, Chika Unigwe. It is also on record that the 2010/2011 best graduating student of the University was also a female, a development that made the University orator, Dr (Mrs) Edith Nwosu, who anchored the convocation ceremony, to make a wake-up call to male students urging them to pick the challenge for excellence posed by their female counterparts. However, the moving spirit behind the excellent performance of female students of the University may not be far-fetched, as the history of the University is replete with outstanding alumnae who have distinguished themselves in their different professions. The success story of the likes of; Dr Ngozi Okonjo Iweala, Dr Obiageli Ezekwesili, Dora Akunyili, Chika Unigwe, Akachi Adimora Ezeigbo, just to mention but a few, continue to provide a source of inspiration to female students of the University who believe that they will one day become like their fore bearers.

THE

HE Minister of Power, Prof. Chinedu Nebo, has reassured Nigerians that the country would soon enjoy improved electricity supply. Nebo gave the assurance in an interview with newsmen on Wednesday in Abuja shortly after his presentation at the on-going Nigerian Oil and Gas Conference. He said with the review and reversal of the original 2010

Monday, February 25 - Sunday, March 3, 2013

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support of all Nigerians to see to its completion. According to him, the increasing frequency of system collapse of national grid was a source of concern. He urged operatives of the segment in the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) to be extra-diligent and vigilant to curb its occurrence. Nebo urged the Presidential Task Force on Power (PTFP) to do its best to develop a power sector worthy of emulation by its counterparts both at local and international levels.

and implored Nigerians to appreciate government's efforts which, he said, had recorded substantial improvements in power supply. “The best is yet to be achieved, '' he said, adding that the Manitoba Hydro International, which was saddled with the management of the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN), would be asked to take over its schedule of duty in the ministry. “I want to assure that within a week, Manitoba will get their schedule of delegated authority,'' he said.

power sector roadmap, the ministry would produce data that would be consistent with current and future challenges in the sector, as well as tackle most of the ensuing technical challenges. He said this was decided at the technical retreat of the Presidential Task Force on Power (PTFP) held in Abuja last week. Nebo stressed that power sector development was an ongoing project which would take time, money, and more importantly, the

“I have no doubt that with the commitment and dedication of all stakeholders, the concerted effort of all will provide a guiding tool towards an impressive sector. He said that everybody was involved in the task ahead despite the challenges which, he noted, were surmountable with unalloyed commitment and collective resolve to light up the country. Nebo reinstated how the sector had been left in utter neglect for decades before the intervention of President Goodluck Jonathan,

Subsidy Scam: Police clears Capital Oil of misconduct

Asks Finance Minister to pay outstanding subsidy

apital Oil and Gas Industries did not commit any infraction in its fuel subsidy dealings as claimed by Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede's Presidential Committee on the Verification and Reconciliation of Fuel Subsidy Payments (PC), the Nigeria Police has said. According to a report of investigations on allegations of conspiracy, money laundering, f o r g e r y, s t e a l i n g , f r a u d , economic sabotage and obtaining money by false pretences against

By Patrick Okolie

HE Conference of Nigerian Political Parties (CNPP), Enugu State Chapter, has thrown its weight behind the planned merger by four political parties to form the All Progressives Congress (APC) saying the birth of the new party was a tonic for rescuing the oppressed people of Nigeria from the “iron rule” of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP. In a press statement issued after its meeting and signed by Adonys Igwe, Chairman and Rev. John Nwobodo, Secretary, the group while hailing the promoters of APC, however, warned against the

the oil company, which was conducted by the Special Fraud Unit of the Police copy of which was made available to newsmen, there was no inference of a prima facie case of the alleged offences. Signed by Commissioner of Police, Special Fraud Unit (SFU), Ikoyi-Lagos, Captain Tunde Ogunsakin, the report CB:4099/X/SFU/ADM/VOL.1 and addressed to the Inspector General of Police on 28th January 2013 listed the suspects in the matter as Capital Oil and

inclusion of the crisis-ridden All Progressives Grand Alliance, APGA in the merger arrangement. The statement said: “We view the birth of the new party as the tonic for rescuing the oppressed people of Nigeria from the iron rule of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). For close to 16 years that the PDP has been at the helm of affairs the country is gradually eclipsing into economic oblivion. “ H o w e v e r, w e a d v i s e t h e promoters of APC to cut off the leprous hands of APGA as it is capable of undermining the good intentions. A little leaven leavens the whole lump. The crisis in APGA does not make it fit to be part of the process at this time. “And the elements that want to

Gas Limited, Dr. Patrick Ifeanyi Ubah, Orji Joseph, Chubuzor Ogbuokiri, Godfrey Okorie and Nsikan Usoro. In its comments and observations section, it said its findings were in respect of each of the transactions by the oil firm, and that the investigation embarked on a wide range of verification of documents tendered by the marketers and all the relevant agencies to authenticate if they were actually issued by the purported agencies.

participate in merger may have to join the merger as individuals and not hoodwink APGA into it. They ought to know that unanimity is indispensable. In the face of loud dissent from the Anambra State Governor, Peter Obi; elected representatives on the platform of the Party, a section of APGA cannot lawfully and legitimately consummate any merger with the other political parties. “We call on the promoters of the APC to distance themselves from the APGA at least for now and go ahead to give Nigerians that true platform they have been yearning for. Nigerians will not forgive the promoters if they fail to realize the merger and this have to be done with great speed.”

Life and time of late Justus Esiri Continues from page 29 Headmaster which aired on the Nigerian Television Authority, NTA. He also featured in many interesting Nollywood movies. Two years ago, the late Esiri was one of the actors who ran to the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, RCCG, Pastor Enoch Adeboye for a special prayer session against consistent deaths and sicknesses in the industry. The event was held at the church's headquarters in EbuteMetta, Lagos. Born on 20 November 1942 in Oria-Abraka, Delta State, Esiri attended Urhobo College, Effurun, Warri in Delta State. He travelled to

Germany to study engineering at the Maximillan University, Munich, Germany, 1964, where he developed an interest in theatre. Esiri started his acting career in Germany. He was the only Nigerian male that performed on stage between 1968 and 1969. He also worked for Voice of Nigeria VON, German Service, as a translator. The veteran actor won several laurels including THEMA Awards, NTA Honours Awards and AMAA awards. He was also the star actor in acclaimed productions such as “Wasted Years”, “Forever,” “The Prize”, “Six Demons”, “Corridors of Power”, “Last Knight”, “The Tyrant”, 'The Investigation”, “The

Ghost.” He was also reputed to have performed on more TV Network drama programmes than any Nigerian actor. Assassin's Practice, one of the most recent movies where he featured, was produced last year. Late Esiri was last seen at a social function few weeks ago when a delegation of the Federal Government led by Secretary to the Federal Government, Chief Anyim Pius Anyim, met some major stakeholders in the Movie industry in Lagos, to inform them of the forthcoming centenary celebration and to seek the support of the Nollywood industry. At the close-door parley, Esiri

The report proved, using records from NPA, DPR, PPPRA and banks, that the products in question were actually bought and delivered. “It is necessary to state clearly that PPPRA and DPR formatted shady transaction processes open to abuse,” a part of the Police report read. “This gave oil marketing and trading companies leverages to take advantage of the Federal Government as the control measures emplaced are inadequate.” It urged the Federal Government

The CNPP further applauded the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC for its bold initiative to weed out docile political parties but noted that INEC was yet to do a thorough job in this regard. “We expect them to de-register in one fell swoop all the political parties that are in default of the Electoral Act 2011 (as amended) and stop this piecemeal deregistration,” the group said. It, however, welcomed the Enugu State Governor Sullivan Chime back to the state after a long vacation during which he embarked on medication for cancer, wishing him good health to enable him serve out his tenure.

bubbled with life. He sat next to the Secretary to the Federal Government, Chief Anyim Pius Anyim, and did not show any sign of failing health. Esiri's death came two months after another veteran actor, Enebeli Elebuwa, a.k.a Andrew died in an Indian hospital and 18 months after legendary actor, Sam Loko Efe also took his bow. In one of his last interviews, Esiri had lamented his deteriorating health condition, saying “I had to be rushed abroad. But since I came back, I've not been fine-it's either one sickness or the other. But thank God things will get better.” He was married to Omiete and had six children, one of them being Dentist-turned pop artiste, Dr SID.

to “prevail on the NNPC, DPR, PPPRA and other relevant agencies involved in the process to format appropriate check-list and templates that will encapsulate the process from fraud and manipulations.” Also, in a follow-up letter to the minister of finance dated 12th February 2013, ref CR: 3000/X/SFU/ADMIN/VOL4.14 /49, Captain Ogunsakin presented the findings to the minister and urged her to “go ahead to process claims for payment of outstanding subsidy” to Capital Oil. Reacting to the report, the exonerated company accused Access Bank of spearheading a media campaign against it and disrespecting the terms of an earlier agreement reach by concerned parties. The company said: “Owing to reinforced media campaign against Capital Oil & Gas Industries Limited, we are compelled to break our selfimposed silence by issuing this statement. We had earlier resolved not to make any further statement in the media about our dispute with Access Bank/Coscharis Motors but recent mis-statements in the media unfortunately dictates that we should say a few words for record purposes. “It was our sincere belief that Access Bank will honour the terms of settlement signed by the parties on February 9, 2013 by avoiding any further media attack against us. We are saddened to note however that Access Bank still gives the erroneous impression that our legal disputes with it are ongoing. It is our hope that the recent media onslaught against us is not an indication that Access Bank intends to back out of the terms of the settlement agreement. If so, we expect them to publicly make it clear so that we will revert to the status quo. “It is therefore in furtherance of our resolve to put the record straight that we wish to inform

Continues on page 13

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By our reporter

wo persons, one of them said to be a prophet with a white garment church, have been arrested by the Police in Lagos, following the discovery of fresh human parts in their custody. It was gathered that policemen attached to Ikotun division on patrol accosted two men at about 12: 30 p.m, last Friday, with a Ghana-must-go bag. When they requested to know the content of the bag, one of the men bolted. When the bag was eventually opened, fresh human parts were found inside two containers. The recovered parts included five

unmen kidnapped eight foreigners and killed a security guard when they stormed the compound of a Lebanese construction company, Setraco, in Bauchi State, Sunday, the police said. Among those abducted were a Briton, an Italian, a Greek and five Lebanese workers, including a woman and a child. Bauchi Police Commissioner Mohammed Ladan said the gunmen attacked a police station and a prison overnight before storming the construction firm's compound in Jama'are town. He said: “We repelled the attack on police station and the security men at the prison yard also repelled the attack, but they burnt two vehicles

agos State Commissioner of Police, Mr Umar Manko, has confirmed the arrest of a 28-year-old man and his girlfriend for abducting a boy of 14 years, whose name was given as Daniel Olumide. Olumide was kidnapped on February 2 and taken to an unknown location. After the arrest of the alleged culprit whose name the commissioner refused to mention “since investigations were ongoing,” it was discovered that the kidnapper kept the victim in his girlfriend's apartment for some days after the abduction. The lovers, after committing the crime within their neighbourhood in the Ikotun area of the state, allegedly contacted the family of the victim, demanding N2 million ransom for his release. Parents of the victim were confused on how to handle the matter but a neighbour reportedly alerted the Police of seeing the victim with the suspected

Monday, February 25 - Sunday, March 3, 2013

fingers, a human heart, liver, kidney and intestines, all concealed in separate plastics filled with water. The plastics were, thereafter, tied inside separate polythene bags and kept in the carry-all bag. Apparently to avoid suspicion, the suspects added soup ingredients such as salt, tomatoes and two pairs of bathroom slippers in a separate nylon bag which they placed on top of the human parts. However, during interrogation, the arrested suspect identified as Kunle Olaide, claimed the bag was given to him by his friend who bolted when they were stopped.

On further interrogation, it was discovered that Kunle and his fleeing partner, slept in the church the previous night. Kunle confessed to be coming from the church located in Egbe area of the state when they were accosted by the policemen. His confessional statement led to the arrest of the said prophet of the church, Dare Akinrosoye. Sources at Criminal Investigations Department of the Lagos State Police Command said that investigation so far revealed that their victim was recently killed. But the purpose and circumstances surrounding the killing were yet to be ascertained. Police sources hinted

in Jama'are police station. “They then attacked Setraco construction, killed a security guard and succeeded in kidnapping people.” Ladan who did not disclose the identity of the people kidnapped said Police had commenced investigations into the separate attacks, adding that he will only give detail of the kidnapped workers of the company after investigations. The Italian foreign ministry confirmed one of its nationals was taken in the raid. A spokesman for the British Embassy in Abuja said it was investigating. Meantime, Chairman of Jama'are Local Government Area, Alhaji Adamu Aliyu, has explained that

the eight people kidnapped in Setraco Construction Company are expatriates. Aliyu who stated this while speaking with newsmen in Bauchi, noted: “Among the workers kidnapped werer one from Britain, one from Greece, one from Italy while the remaining five are Lebanese.” List of kidnappings of foreigners in northern Nigeria Below is a list of kidnappings in the mainly Muslim north. - May 12, 2011: A Briton and an Italian working for a construction firm are kidnapped in Kebbi state, near the border with Niger. They are killed on March 8, 2012 in neighbouring Sokoto state during a botched rescue operation.

kidnappers minutes before the victim was declared missing. The commissioner said the Police swung into action, arresting the suspect and rescuing the boy. According to Manko, the suspects

were arrested by officials of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad, SARS, in the state and the victim was rescued unhurt. SARS kills eight suspected robbers

He reportedly alerted his elder brother, based overseas, that their mother was kidnapped and the abductors were demanding N20 million ransom to release her. The ransom was later reduced to N10 million when his brother could not raise the N20 million. Meanwhile, unknown to the son, the police were alerted about the purported kidnap and they put in place strategies to track the abductors. It was gathered that the suspect might have brainwashed his mother into agreeing to be abducted in order to obtain money from her son living outside the country. Aduba, who expressed concern about the involvement of family members and insiders in kidnapping, said, “The suspect who arranged the purported kidnap of his mother was

physicallychallenged barber, who abducted his mother, Mrs. Kate Emienor, in Benin City, Edo State and detained her for 10 days at a hideout in Ogwashi-Uku, Delta State, while demanding N20 million ransom to secure her freedom , has been nabbed by the police. Commissioner of Police, Delta State, Mr. Ikechukwu Aduba, who confirmed the incident, yesterday, said, “It is true, both the son and mother that was kidnapped are in our custody.” Sources said that the barber, suspected to be a hardened criminal, allegedly abducted her mother, February 5, in Benin City, where he operated a barbing salon, and whisked her to a hideout in OgwashiUku.

that it was obvious the suspects were taking the human parts somewhere, assuring that investigation would unravel the truth.

Contacted, the Lagos State Deputy Police Public Relations Officer, Mr Damasus Ozoani, confirmed the arrest, stating that investigation was still on. Five fingers inside container

The suspect, Kunle Olaide and the human parts.

President Goodluck Jonathan said they were killed by their abductors, identifying Boko Haram. What is believed to be Boko Haram's main faction denied involvement. - Jan 26, 2012: A German engineer is abducted on the outskirts of the city of Kano. Al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM) claims the kidnapping. He is executed on May 31 by his captors during a military operation at the site. A security source said the operation was a rescue attempt, but Nigeria's military later signaled that it did not know the German was at the location when it began the raid. AQIM is not known to operate directly in Nigeria, but experts believe it has links with elements of Boko Haram and splinter groups.

- Dec 19, 2012: A French engineer is abducted in Katsina state, bordering Niger. Radical Islamist group Ansaru claims his kidnapping, citing France's push for military intervention in Mali as a justification. Ansaru is thought to be a Boko Haram splinter group focusing on kidnapping and potentially with links to AQIM. - February 16, 2013: Gunmen storm a construction site in Bauchi state, kidnapping seven foreign workers and killing a security guard. Two Lebanese, an Italian and a Greek are confirmed by their governments to be among those seized. Nigerian police say the victims include four Lebanese, an Italian, a Briton and a Greek.

In another development, Manko announced that officials of SARS in Lagos last Sunday killed eight suspected robbers during a gun duel, which occurred after a oneweek operation to rid the state of

criminals. He said in one of the successful battles within the week, his men recovered a Toyota Camry with number plate, EPE 737 AT, which was snatched from its owner by robbers.

busy holding meetings with other members of the family on how to release their mother, whereas, he was responsible for the abduction.” The police boss disclosed that the suspect held a meeting with other members of the family 24 hours before he was arrested at about 4.00 pm on February 15, adding that no ransom was paid to rescue Mrs. Emienor. His words, “The scourge is getting worrisome as kidnap cases are not abating with idle youths turning their energy negatively to the detriment of the larger society”. Recalling the case of a man who arranged the kidnap of a friend, he said, “Hard time awaits kidnappers in Delta State; they will be smoked out and made to face the full wrath of the law, including their sponsors,

who always lurk around”. According to Aduba, “Recently, a so-called human rights activist and lawyer was nabbed pants down trying to pervert the course of justice shamelessly in Warri. “H is g ame o f b lack mailin g notwithstanding, let him prove his innocence in court, not before native doctors cum spiritualists. “I want to assure Deltans that with their cooperation, there is no hiding space for sponsors of crime in the state; once they are caught, no compromise”. A police source said that “it is likely the suspect will be charged to court for the kidnap of his mother, but the mother will be used as a key witness since it was obvious she fell for the trap.”

THE

HE Department of State Security, DSS, Wednesday narrated how its operatives saved former Military President, General Ibrahim Babangida and the deposed Sultan of Sokoto, Ibrahim Dasuki, from being assassinated by Iranian-trained Nigerian terrorists. D e p u t y D i r e c t o r, P u b l i c Relations of the DSS, Marilyn Ogar who paraded the Iraniantrained Nigerian terrorists in Abuja said: “General Babangida and Alhaji Dasuki were among prominent Nigerians targeted by the group for elimination because they were said to be showing support for Israel and the United States of America”. The 50-year-old local leader of the Shiite Sect in Ilorin, Kwara State, Abdullahi Mustapha Berende, who was arrested last December before he could execute his deadly act, was paraded by the DSS in Abuja. He was said to have been trained and funded by elements with strong connections in international terrorist activities. Berende, who was commissioned by his sponsors to identify Nigerians and institutions sympathetic to Israeli and American interests in Nigeria for possible attack, was paraded with two of his accomplices Sulaiman Olayinka Saka and Saheed

Monday, February 25 - Sunday, March 3, 2013

Aderemi Adewumi while the third suspect, Bunyamin Yusuf, is still at large, the DSS said. Mastermind trained in the production of IEDs According to Marilyn Ogar, “investigation shows that Berende gained admission in 2006 to study a six-month course in Modern Shia Islamic Teaching (Da'awa) at Imam Khomeni University Iran and was thereafter recruited by some Iranian elements when he returned for further studies in 2011 and trained in the use of AK-47 assault rifle, pistols, production of Improvised Explosive Devices, IEDs. “Upon his return to Nigeria, Berende was invited by his sponsors for further briefing in 2012 and asked to establish a terrorist cell in the South-West part of Nigeria with specific emphasis on Lagos. “In a bid to set up the terrorist centre, Berende recruited Sulaiman Saka, Saheed Adewumi and Bunyamin Yusuf to assist him in accomplishing the tasks. “Part of the deadly group's brief included identifying and gathering intelligence on public places and prominent places frequented by Americans and Israelis to facilitate their attack by Iranian terrorists and providing specific details on US agencies such as USAID, Max,

Zim International Shipping Company, A.A. Consulting, Peace Corps and the Jewish Cultural Centre in Lagos.

the Iranians believe that Israel has an intelligence facility in the area for spying on Iran and that he personally took pictures of the Israeli Cultural Centre in Ikoyi and forwarded them to his sponsors in Iran. “The suspect added that in a bid

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would assist the security agencies to work for a safe, peaceful and united Nigeria. Ogar, however, said the suspects will soon be arraigned in court, and charged with engaging in heinous crimes against Nigeria and the people.

Suspected Terrorists From Left: Saheed Aderemi Adewumi and Sulaiman Olayinka Saka recruited by Abdullahi Mustapha Berende (right), paraded by the Department of State Security in Abuja. “The suspected terrorist was given $24,000 and E3,500 as well as coded names such as “Uncle” for Israel and “Aunt” for the United States of America by his Iranian handlers so as to facilitate their dastardly mission in Nigeria. “Berende confessed that Lagos was chosen for attack because

to cover up his malevolent activity in Lagos, his handlers offered him financial support to establish a small business as a decoy”. Berende regretted that they could not carry out their wicked act before they were apprehended and asked for forgiveness, adding that he

“From the foregoing, there is conclusive evidence that Berende in collaboration with his Iranian handlers were involved in grievous crimes against the national security of this country. Accordingly, Berende and his accomplices will be charged to court soon,” Ogar said.

FG sends E-waste laden vessel back to UK released to sail. The two containers of e-wastes were also loaded on board the ship way back to the exporters in

the UK. The MV Marivia, charged with importation of electronic harmful wastes on Jan. 9, 2013,

discharged. Members of the gang who were arrested, last year, by the police confessed the involvement of the soldier, but the police could not arrest him because of the misunderstanding with the army authorities on his complicity. A military source confirmed that the private was fired after a newspaper report chronicling his involvement with a gang. Delta State Commissioner of Police and internationally acclaimed crime fighter, Mr. Ikechukwu Aduba, confirmed when contacted that the army private had been handed over to the police.

was recently granted 500,000 dollars bail by a Federal High Court in Lagos. The wastes comprised used

televisions, computers, DVDs, microwaves, pressing irons and stereos.

ational Environmental Standards and R e g u l a t i o n s Enforcement Agency (NESREA) has sent note of warning to countries that view Nigeria as e-waste dumpsite by sailing back to the United Kingdom a ship, MV Marivia, detained for carrying two containers of e-wastes to the Nigerian waters from UK. Dr Ngeri Benebo, directorgeneral, National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA), confirmed that the ship owners had met the bail conditions given by the Federal High Court, and added that a bond was processed by the ship owners to the tune of $500,000. According to her, the agency was asked to verify the payment, which it did and consequently instructed that the ship be

soldier attached to the 3 Battalion, Nigerian Army, Effurun, Delta State, has been dismissed and handed over to the police for prosecution over his alleged involvement in kidnapping and armed robbery. The dismissed soldier and others were said to have formed a kidnap/armed robbery syndicate, which specialized in kidnapping drivers and hijacking loaded petroleum trucks, within and outside Delta State. They usually held their victims hostage until the hijacked product was sold and

CHANGE OF NAME ALONTA.

I, formerly known as Miss Ifeyinwa M. Alonta now wish to be known as Mrs Ifeyinwa M. Okonkwo. All former documents remain valid. The general public, please take note.

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By Unyime Isemin, Uyo

HE free education and medical services of the Godswill Akpabio administration in Akwa Ibom state has been scored low as critics said the good intention of the government for the downtrodden and less privileged in this regard are yet to be achieved fully realized. Governor Akpabio shortly after the inauguration of his government in 2007 was quite passionate about putting smiles on the faces of the electorates as he proudly initiated a free and compulsory education for the children in primary and secondary schools and free medical services for the pregnant women, children under five and the aged above 69. Some political and social critics in the state who reviewed the performance of the laudable programmes observed that about six years after they were put in place there had been massive uncommon transformational steps in the construction and renovation of government health institutions. But it seems that the greater percentage of Akwa Ibom people who are meant to benefit from

these programmes are yet to feel the positive impact as they have continued bear the heavy burden of high cost of medical bills in the state-owned health institutions, especially within the urban areas. The people believe that the free medical scheme of the Akpabio government had remained a mirage from inception saying even though it was well intentioned; the implementation has not met the expectations of the people. Investigations revealed that a mere mention of the scheme at some primary health institutions like West Itam Primary Health Centre, opposite the state Ministry of Works, where a large number turn up for antenatal, provokes the pregnant women and nursing mothers, who still pay for services accessed in the hospital. At West Itam Health Centre, some women including some junior health workers that spoke to The Advocate under conditions of anonymity, faulted the government for being passive about the health policy. They described the policy as a mere political gimmick to score political points. The Advocate learnt that due to the high cost of antenatal services in the public health centres, some

women have resorted to patronizing the traditional birth attendants with high risk of maternal deaths. It was gathered that each antenatal registration cost about N1000, while urine, blood and HIV test attracts N100 each. Also, a routine pal betting cost N100 as well as immunization against PT1 while yellow fever vaccine which is safe and highly effective on children cost about N400. These were supposed to be administered free under the free health scheme, it was further learnt. Some junior health personnel attributed the medical charges on the exempted class of persons in the state as the handiwork of some senior health personnel who wish to get rich quick at the expense of Governor Akpabio's reputation. It was pathetic as a young expectant mother shared her ordeal with The Advocate at the health centre. She said, ''I was told by a nurse in this health centre that if I need free antenatal, that I should go to the radio and television or Government house, and not in this health centre''. She said that from the first day in West Itam Health Centre as a pregnant woman, she paid for every of the medical services

Governor Sullivan Chime, Pope Benedict XVI, In sum, the truth is that Governor and the Matter of Privacy Chime had no legal obligation, and Continues from page 10 Nigeria. In other words the much trumpeted “public right to know”, in this instance, is nonexistent in Nigerian law. Where does it say in any Nigerian law or in the Nigerian Constitution that the public has a right to know what a Governor is doing (that is otherwise legal) during his vacation; or even where the Governor is spending that vacation for that matter? Where does any Nigerian law or the Nigerian Constitution say that a Governor on vacation must inform the public if he decides to use that vacation period to attend to medical issues? The stark reality is that this “public right to know” (in these circumstances) is misplaced and mistaken. In fact in these circumstances, it is not a cognizable legal right at all! If anything it is actually and more aptly a "demand to know" (and the emphasis is on 'demand'); an insistent inquisitiveness that information to which one has no legal right whatsoever be disclosed to one, in brazen disregard of the countervailing rights of the owner and possessor of that information. The other inner truth is that for the most part this unfounded “demand to know” in this case was clearly politically motivated and propelled by an anti-Chime opposition that

Monday, February 25 - Sunday, March 3, 2013

saw political capital in the situation. But regardless of how insistent and strident this "demand to know" had been, it was ultimately null and void because it has no foundation in law. It is also noted that upon recognizing the lack of legal foundation for this “demand to know”, the anti-Chime opposition re-dress their unfounded "demand to know" as a moral argument so it could be minimally tenable. That is to say that they began to argue that Governor Chime has a moral obligation (as opposed to a legal obligation) to disclose the information. But even this arguable moral obligation to disclose Is not wholly persuasive or dispositive of the issue because in considering it, it must be juxtaposed to, and considered along with Governor Chime's own moral right to privacy (same as was exercised by the Holy Father, Pope Benedict XVI, same as is possessed by all humans whether public figure or not). And of course, this is in addition to Governor Chime's legal right to privacy! So in these circumstances even the moral argument equally fails. The question then follows whether this “demand to know” crowd had a moral obligation to recognize and respect Governor Chime's legal and moral rights to privacy in this instance and whether their failure to recognize and respect these rights is immoral in itself, in these circumstances?

no automatic moral obligation to disclose his medical information as some demanded that he disclose to them immediately, at the time that they did. Quite to the contrary, Governor Chime has a legal and moral right to privacy over the matter which was not vitiated under the circumstances. Thus it was entirely up to Governor Chime to disclose or not to disclose to the public, information regarding what he had been doing (legally) during his accumulated leave. And that in the event he chooses to disclose that information, then, the time and place of such disclosure would be entirely up to him (not you). That was the whole point. And again, at this juncture, it is worthy to note that Gov Chime has eventually (on his own volition) disclosed the information to the public on 11th February, 2013, in Enugu, upon his return from accumulated leave. So I ask again, if Gov Sullivan Chime were the Pope instead of the Governor of Enugu State would you still hold the opinion that he has committed the gravest of crimes just because he chose to exercise his legal and moral right to privacy and not disclose his medical condition information for the three or four months that he did? And just as the Vatican rightly withheld information about the Pope's need and use of a pacemaker for about ten years, and rightly withheld information about

Gov Akpabio rendered to her “and I will be glad if Gov. Akpabio can investigate the implementers of the policy, if he is sure that money has been budgeted for the scheme, in order to bring to book those behind the denial of these services meant for the public.” Some aged persons who receive treatment in government-owned hospitals are also made to pay for

the Pope's heart surgery for about three months before disclosure, was it not also within Gov Chime's inalienable right to privacy to withhold information about his cancer treatment for the three or four months that he did? Or is there a different standard for political leaders as opposed to religious leaders? Are there even any standards at all in Nigeria regarding this type of matter? If you belong to the school of thought that believes that a public's need to know could in certain circumstances trounce a public official's right to privacy, then show me the standards of application of such in this country! Are these standards clear cut? How do we navigate them? Where are the historical precedents and guidelines for these standards in Nigerian public life? Which body is the final arbiter of these standards? Do we even have such a body? Or was all this dust not raised for political reasons just because it is Gov Sullivan Iheanacho Chime? Of course the “demand to know” crowd is quick to cite Hugo Chavez and Hillary Clinton as two modernday examples of public figures who voluntarily, publicly disclosed information regarding their medical conditions/procedures. But as I had noted earlier it is their right and their choice which of course was determined by their own individual circumstances, therefore we must recognize and respect their right and choice to publicly disclose their

drugs a development that runs contrary to the original intention of the government. Efforts to speak with officials of the state government including the state Health Commissioner, D r. B a s s e y N t a i , o n t h e development proved. The Health commissioner did not pick his calls when called several times to get his comment on the issue.

information as at the time and place that they did. But certainly one can now equally cite Pope Benedict XVI (based on the recent announcement), and, yes, Governor Sullivan Chime as two modern-day examples of public figures who chose not to publicly disclose (for some time, at least) information regarding their medical conditions/procedures. Of course it is noted that this is also equally their right and their choice as determined by their own individual circumstances, therefore we must equally recognize and respect their right and their choice not to publicly disclose their information until such a time that they wish to do so, if at all they do so. By the way, it should be noted that while both camps may have exercised inapposite choices, the determinant is usually circumstantial, but the common denominator remains the same, which is that the choice to disclose or not disclose is firmly rooted in the individual's inalienable right to privacy. Anyway, as I end this piece, I again underscore and plead with you the reader to understand that this piece is not, and must never be misconstrued as a criticism of the Holy Father or the Vatican. God forbid! Quite to the contrary, this piece is indeed, in reverence, adoration, and support of these two great institutions, from which this great lesson on privacy emanates. Ambrose Agu writes from Enugu, Enugu State, Nigeria

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Monday, February 25 - Sunday, March 3, 2013

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Gets $112.770 bail

Oscar Pistorius and his girl friend, late Reeva Steenkamp

By Agency Reporter

ail for murder-accused South African sprint star Oscar Pistorius was set at one million rand ($112,770) by Pretoria magistrate Desmond Nair on Friday. Pistorius will also have to surrender his passport, firearms and report to Pretoria's Brooklyn police between 7:00 am and 1:00 pm on Monday and Friday. Oscar Pistorius, who is accused of murdering his girlfriend, is to return to court on June 4 after he granted him bail. As part of the bail conditions, magistrate Desmond Nair also said Pistorius “shall refrain from using any prohibited substance and or alcohol.” The family of murder-accused Oscar Pistorius expressed their relief at the South African sprinter being granted bail Friday, saying “the truth will

prevail.” “We are relieved by the fact that Oscar got bail today, but at the same time, we are in mourning for Reeva Steenkampf and her family,” said uncle and family spokesman Arnold Pistorius. Pistorius had told a packed courtroom Tuesday that he shot his girlfriend to death by mistake, thinking she was a burglar. The prosecutor called it premeditated murder. The double amputee said in an affidavit read by his lawyer at his bail hearing that he felt vulnerable because he did not have on his prosthetic legs when he pumped bullets into the locked door of the toilet in the bathroom. Then, Pistorius said in the sworn statement, he realized that model Reeva Steenkamp was not in his bed. “It filled me with horror and fear,” he said. He put on his prosthetic legs, tried to kick down the door, then

bashed it in with a cricket bat to find Steenkamp, 29, shot inside. He said he ran downstairs with her, but “She died in my arms.” Prosecutor Gerrie Nel on Tuesday charged the 26-year-old athlete and Olympian with premeditated murder, alleging he took the time to put on his legs and walk some seven metres from the bed to the bathroom door before opening fire. A conviction of premeditated murder carries a mandatory sentence of life in jail. The Valentine's Day shooting death has shocked South Africans and many around the world who idolized Pistorius for overcoming adversity to become a sports champion, competing in the London Olympics last year in track besides being a Paralympian. Steenkamp was a model and law graduate who made her debut on a South African reality TV program that was broadcast on Saturday, two

days after her death. The magistrate ruled that Pistorius faces the harshest bail requirements available in South African law. Nel told the court that Pistorius fired into the door of a small toilet where Steenkamp was cowering after a shouting match. He fired four times and three bullets hit Steenkamp, the prosecutor said. “She couldn't go anywhere. You can run nowhere,” prosecutor Nel argued. “It must have been horrific.” Pistorius sobbed softly as his lawyer, Barry Roux, insisted the shooting was an accident and that there was no evidence to substantiate a murder charge. “Was it to kill her, or was it to get her out?” he asked about the broken-down door. “We submit it is not even murder. There is no concession this is a murder.” He said the state had provided no evidence that the couple quarreled nor offered a motive. Nel rebutted: “The motive is 'I want to kill.' " There were affadavits from friends of Pistorius and Steenkamp read out by defence lawyer Roux in the bail hearing. The statements described a charming, happy couple. The night before the killing, they said, Pistorius and Steenkamp had cancelled separate plans to spend the night before Valentine's Day together at his home. As details emerged at the dramatic court hearing in the capital, Steenkamp's body was being cremated Tuesday at a memorial service in the southcoast port city of Port Elizabeth. The family said members had

Dog finds new-born baby girl in Walmart plastic bag in Houston

F it was not for a woman deciding to take her dog for a walk police could be looking at the awful death of a new-born baby. The dog sniffed out the unclothed but clean infant in a Walmart plastic bag between a tree and a bush at the Stonegate Villas Apartments in Cypress, Houston, The Houston Chronicle reported. "If it had not of been for the resident that came out to walk her dogs, that child may have laid there all night, possibly would've died," said Sergeant Gordon Trott of the Harris County Sheriff's Office. "The child could not have been out there very long," said Sgt

Trott. "The child had a normal body temperature." The baby was taken to Texas Children's Hospital, where she was in a "good condition." Jenn Jacome, a spokesperson for the hospital, told the New York Daily News that the baby's vital signs - pulse, temperature and blood pressure - were stable and within regular limits. She was conscious and comfortable with her chance of recovery between good and excellent. Child Protective Services took custody of the baby, weighing 2.1kg, who will be placed in a foster home after recovery, said CPS spokeswoman Gwen Carter.

The child being taken to the hospital

arrived from around the world. Six pallbearers carried her coffin, draped with a white cloth and covered in white flowers, into the church for the private service. June Steenkamp, the mother, said the family wants answers. “Why? Why my little girl? Why did this happen? Why did he do this?” she said in an interview published Monday in The Times newspaper. Outside the court, several dozen singing women protested against domestic violence and waved placards urging Pistorius be refused bail. “Pistorius must rot in jail,” one placard said. South Africa has some of the world's worst rates of violence against females and the highest rate in the world of women killed by an intimate partner, according to a study by the Medical Research Council. Another council study estimates a child or woman is raped every four minutes. While homicide rates have dropped, the number of women killed by current or former partners has increased, said the council's Professor Rachel Jewkes. At least three women are killed by a partner every day in the country of 50 million, she said. Steenkamp campaigned actively against domestic violence and had tweeted on Twitter that she planned to join a “Black Friday” protest by wearing black in honour of a 17-year-old girl who was gang-raped and mutilated two weeks ago. What “she stood for, and the abuse against women, unfortunately it's gone right around and I think the Lord knows that statement is more powerful now,” her uncle and the family spokesman Mike Steenkamp said after her memorial. He said the family had planned a big get-together at Christmas but that had not been possible. “But we are here today as a family and the only one who's missing is Reeva,” he said, breaking down and weeping. Pistorius was born without fibula bones and had them amputated when he was 11 months. The man known as the Blade Runner because of his running prostheses has lost several valuable sponsorships estimated to be worth more than $1 million a year. On Tuesday, the athlete was ousted from a pro-gay campaign being launched in Cape Town, organizers said. In a video axed from the campaign, Pistorius says “You don't have to worry. You don't have to change. Take a deep breath and remember, 'It will get better.“’

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Continues from page 18 people is too big that it can accommodate everybody. Nteje people are peace-loving and it is common knowledge that we have record of humility.

Chief Odegbo in his last interview claimed that blood is likely to flow as a result of what is going on Nteje; it's a serious threat that cannot be ignored. So what is the community doing to avert this? Sincerely speaking, I may be tempted to xray the detailed insight about Rowland Odegbo. Before the advent of Igweship, he was the President General and for Odegbo to become President General 53 buildings were destroyed at Nteje because he went for primary election and he lost and instead of accepting defeat, some youths started destroying our homes. Today you know the economic situation of the country and globally, most of those building destroyed at the time he was to be the president general are yet to be rehabilitated. So we are not surprised by the current threat because it is not new to us. But all that our people are saying is that we are done with crisis in

Monday, February 25 - Sunday, March 3, 2013

Nteje. Anybody who wants bloodbath can as well kill himself and his blood will flow and as long as people of Nteje are concerned, we don't want to be involved in any further crisis after the one we experienced in 2005 as a result of the unnecessary guest for power. God forbid, our ancestors will not allow another crisis and with God on our side such bloodbath will not be experienced in Nteje.

To A n a m b r a S t a t e government, what advice do you have for them on this issue? You see, our amiable governor has shown a lot of instance in infrastructure and human capital development but government is a corporate governance, it is something he cannot do alone, he has to rely on the advices of some of his lieutenants. I am making this as a personal suggestion that the government should study critically some of the advice given by his advisers. You see for a government that came in through the law to give credence and associate itself with people who disregard the law is not a good thing, it doesn't show a good picture. I know the governor is somebody of a peaceful mind, the evidences are

there. The presidency sees him as one of the rods and pillars of this nation, and I believe he has a lot and has done a lot for Anambra people and I hope too that Nteje people will benefit if only the advisers, those who give him information with respect of what is happening around the 177 communities under his control, exhibit similar mind set. The government knows the proper thing to do because if a matter is before a court no action will be taken on it until the matter is determined, the reason being that everybody is subject to the law. My advise is for the Government to be on the part of Neutrality and should always seek independent/unbiased posture that will help us to enjoy the dividends of democracy. And you know Governor Obi has created a record being the first person who has won the two term governorship slot in Anambra State and I believe and pray to God to give him good wisdom to lead us to the Promise Land.

Finally, to the people of Nteje who are witnessing this disturbing development in the

community, what word do you have for the natives who are your subjects? As a matter of fact, as I am talking to you now I am coming from Nteje. Nteje people are

peace-loving. My advice to them is that everything will be fine and that I have their interest at heart. They should remain law-abiding no matter what anyone does because peace must reign in Nteje.

News

In recent times, oil thieves have invaded several oil facilities in the South West zone leading to

rederick Fasehun, President of the panYoruba socio-cultural organization, Oodua People's Congress (OPC), has committed the organization towards partnering with relevant governmental organization in protecting the nation's vast network of oil pipelines. Dr. Fasehun, who expressed worry over the high spate of attacks and vandalisation of the oil pipelines across the country stated that the OPC has the capacity to provide security for the oil facilities. “The problem persists because agencies saddled with the responsibility of monitoring and securing the pipelines, have compromised. That is why experts and observers alike strongly recommend that the government must think outside the box for the ultimate solution,'' Fasehun stated. Fasehun who spoke during a courtesy visit to Kingsley Kuku, special adviser to President

Goodluck Jonathan on Niger Delta Affairs and Chairman of the Presidential Amnesty Committee, said his organization has the discipline to muster resources to keep the oil facilities secured using the experience garnered in bringing peace to the South West flash points. “We promise to dispense that same level of dedication, discipline and efficiency that today guarantees safety and security for lives and properties in our home zone. We promise zero-tolerance for pipeline vandals and pipeline vandalism,” said Fasehun. Outlining the OPC strategies to curb the ugly trend in the South We s t g e o - p o l i t i c a l z o n e , Fasehun said: “We have outlined strategies and equipment required for securing the entire pipeline network in the SouthWest. And by the grace of God and Federal Government, pipeline vandalism within the (South West) zone will be

completely wiped out in the next 12 months.” The OPC leader said the organization will put together a 30, 000-man strong team within a short time when the given the green light on the project. “We will be pulling well over 30,000 foot soldiers into this assignment. That means a minimum of 30,000 jobs for a minimum Nigerians. We shall be working in synergy with the NNPC, the PPMC, the Police, the Navy, the SSS and allied security agencies to ensure that we wipe out the problem of pipeline vandalism once and for all,” Fasehun stated. Dan Alabra, Special Assistant on Media and Communications at the Amnesty office said that the OPC leaders' ideas on security for the oil pipelines gives sufficient hope for the economic development of the zone and the nation at large. He noted that Kuku will be presenting the OPC agenda before the President.

loss of lives and causing damages amounting to billions

Frederick Fasehun

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Monday, February 25 - Sunday, March 3, 2013

The Advocate Gospel This Week

Text John 17:10-12 All I have is yours, and all you have is mine. And glory has come to me through them. I will remain in the world no longer, but they are still in the world, and I am coming to you. Holy Father, protect them by the power of your name - the name you gave me - so that they may be one as we are one. While I was with them, I protected them and kept them safe by that name you gave me. None has been lost except the one doomed to destruction so that Scripture would be fulfilled. (NIV)

Narration Although many followed Jesus for a while, most of them fell away (John 6:66 ). However, the twelve disciples stayed with Jesus. Judas was sent from the Last Supper to betray his Master (John 13:21-27). All the time they had been with Jesus, He had protected them. They were under the shadow of the Name of the Saviour and had been kept safe. After Jesus returned to heaven, they would be just as secure because of the power of Jesus' Name. They would be able to pray in His Name (John 16:23-24 ) and Father God would respond. Some might say that the security was short-lived. After all, Stephen was stoned to death a year or so later (Acts 7:59-60) and James was beheaded (Acts 12:2 ). Beatings, imprisonment and physical dangers seemed routine for the apostles (2 Corinthians 11:23-28). But they were all protected to be able to do the Lord's work. Even Paul's prison experience in Rome enabled him to write so many of the letters which form our New Testament today. Then, when each apostle had completed the work the Lord gave him, the Lord allowed his death: he was separated from the body and at home with the Lord (2 Corinthians 5:8 ). The same principle has held good for over 2000 years. The Lord protects those who are His, so that they can serve Him and bring Him glory. When their work is done (and only the Lord knows when), they join Jesus and share in His glory. Yes, there is suffering along the way. Philippians 1:29 says, “For it has been granted to you on behalf of Christ not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for him …”, but at the same time no testing is greater than we can bear (1 Corinthians 10:13 ). So whatever the circumstances, it is safe to trust yourself to the Lord. The Name of Jesus is your shelter, comfort and protection: if He allows suffering, He will also give you the grace to endure it, until He chooses the time to take you home. Jesus is building His church with ordinary people like us: He will protect us until our work is done.

Prayer: Dear Lord God. Thank You for protecting the church which bears the Name of Jesus. I know that suffering may come to me, but I am sorry when I try to escape from bearing the Name of Jesus in order to avoid problems. Please help me to know that You will protect the people who love Jesus, and You are able to keep them strong to serve You until You call them home. In Jesus Name. Amen.

embers of the outlawed Odua Peoples Congress, OPC, in Abeokuta, Thursday, arrested a Redeemed Christian Church of God, RCCG, pastor for allegedly raping a 12-year old housemaid. Sources said that the pastor (names withheld), who was an interpreter with the church committed the crime in his home at 6, Shamusideen, Oke-Sokori area of the town while his wife was away. Luck, however, ran against the randy pastor when the girl reported the incident to her parents, which prompted his arrest. It was gathered that the victim's mother who could not stomach the incident informed the Ogbe unit of OPC and subsequently effected his arrest. The embattled pastor, who is also a commercial photographer, confessed to the crime, saying he was influenced by devil. When contacted, the Zonal Coordinator of OPC, Akeem Bakenne, confirmed the arrest of the suspect, adding that investigation has

commenced. He said they would hand over the suspect to the police. Explaining how he committed the offence,the alleged rapist said he used cloth to cover the victim's mouth before he could have carnal knowlege of the girl. He further confessed that after the act, he warned her against revealing the secret while he gave her pain killer tablets. Reacting to the incident, the mother of the victim said: “My daughter came home crying and telling me she was no more interested in staying with daddy Favour.” The woman said she reported the case to her husband, who decided that the alleged rapist must be arrested and face prosecution. However, at press time, the church was said t be making moves to cover up the crime as emmisaries were said to have been sent to the victim's parents and OPC. It was leanrt that the victim had been taken to a private hospital located at Totoro area of the town for medication, while a laboratory investigation was also conducted at a private diagnosis laboratory in Ogbe.

Vatican condemns scandal ahead of pope's resignation

The Vatican City VATICAN CITY (AFP) The Vatican on Saturday condemned Italian media reports of intrigue, corruption and blackmail among senior prelates, saying these could be a form of pressure to sway voting in next month's conclave to elect Pope Benedict XVI's successor. Vatican spokesman Federico Lombardi dismissed as “gossip, disinformation and sometimes calumny” the reports, which are linked to an investigation by a committee of cardinals last year over a series of damaging leaks of confidential papal documents. In a statement on Vatican radio's website, Lombardi also referred to the upcoming conclave saying there was “unacceptable pressure to condition the vote of one or other member of the college of cardinals, who might be disliked for one reason or another”. “There are people who are trying to take advantage of this moment of surprise and disorientation of weak spirits to sow confusion and discredit the Church and its

government,” Lombardi said. “People who think in terms of money, sex and power and see different realities through this prism cannot see the Church any differently,” he said. “The result is a profoundly unjust description of the Church and many of its people,” he added. “We want this to be a time of sincere reflection as tradition and the laws of the Church indicate.” The pope last year appointed three retired cardinals to conduct an investigation, in parallel with a police inquiry, into a scandal known as “Vatileaks”, which led to the conviction and later pardoning of the pope's former butler Paolo Gabriele. They submitted their secret report for the pope's eyes only, but Italian media have reported they will also share their conclusions with the cardinals who will elect the next pope, ahead of the pontiff's resignation next week.

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By Edem Archibong, Calabar

he former leader of the repented Bakassi Salvation Front (BSF)who stood firm to ensure that UN officials do not step their feet on Bakassi Peninsula during the handing over exercise without a bomb scare, Brigadier Dandong

Monday, February 25 - Sunday, March 3, 2013

Atikpi has called the National Assembly to impose death sentence for public officers who loot or steal public funds in Nigeria. Making the assertion during a chart with journalist in Calabar recently, Brigadier Atikpi revealed that since Nigerian Government decided to hand over the oil-rich peninsula which he fought to protect for many years to the Republic of Cameroon without utilizing the fresh facts window to appeal may soon attract them to the creeks once again. He declared that his boys may

take up arms against the Cameroonian gendarmes again in support of Western Cameroon who are presently agitating for self independent Republic of Ambazonia which has been denied by President Paul Biya in spite of having defeated the Cameroonian in UN security council many years ago. Brigadier Atikpi expressed anger that ten years after the ceding of Bakassi peninsula to Republic of Cameroon based on ICJ judgment, the Nigerian Government are still paying lips service to the resettlement of the affected people of Bakassi in line

with the Green Tree Agreement. He insisted that instead of Cameroon to own Bakassi peninsula, the Ambazomia Republic will take over the ownership of the area and free the people to assimilate and maintain their God's given identity since the Nigerian Government has rejected them. On the ongoing maltreatment of Bakassi indigenes in their tr ad itio n al h o mes b y th e Cameroonian gendarmes, he described this as a complete and total violation of fundamental human rights as entrenched in the United nations Charter on Human

INC election: Govt has no preferred candidates – Gov. Dickson By Philip Eke, Yenagoa

s the Ijaw National Congress (INC) prepares to elect its national officers, the Bayelsa State Governor, Hon. Henry Seriake Dickson, has reaffirmed the support of his administration for the organisation and other related Ijaw organizations. The Governor, who stated his position while speaking with

agos State Government has said it will shut Ladipo Market in Mushin Local Government indefinitely because of the degradation of the environment by the traders. Lagos State Government has said it will shut Ladipo Market in Mushin Local Government indefinitely because of the degradation of the environment by the traders. The Commissioner for Environment, Mr. Tunji Bello, said that arrangement had been concluded for the closure. He said the government was concerned about the environmental nuisance always created by spare parts dealers in the market. Bello spoke during an inspection tour of drainage projects across the state in preparation for the 2013 rainy season. The commissioner, who was accompanied by the Chairman of t h e s t a t e Ta s k F o r c e o n Environment and Special Offences (Enforcement) Unit, Bayo Sulaimon, said the government would not continue to fold its arm and watch the environment being degraded by dealers. Bello said, “In Ladipo Market, the traders have taken over the road, carrying out commercial activities and dumping refuse

Government House correspondents, emphasized that government has no preferred candidate in the election. As a one time national officer of the pan Ijaw outfit, the Governor warned against politicizing the umbrella organization. Dickson also advised the various candidates contes ting for positions as national officers in the INC and other stakeholders to exercise caution and restraint in the way and manner they go about

their campaigns, noting that INC election is not the same as running for an elective political office and therefore urged them to conduct themselves and carry out their campaigns with utmost decorum. The Governor equally called on all past presidents of the INC who have openly thrown their weight behind particular candidates of their choice to do so with the interest of the INC and the Ijaw nation at heart.

indiscriminately in the drainage channels. “You can see what they have turned this market into. You can see the environmental nuisance created by the spare parts dealers. Government is not going to allow this. “Any moment from now, we are

going to seal off the market indefinitely, if they do not comply with the state environmental law.” He also said structures built on drainage channels would soon be demolished, assuring residents of Mushin of early completion of all ongoing projects to reduce floods in the area.

Dickson stated that, government would work closely with the INC's National Executive Council (NEC) and the Electoral Committee (ELECO) to ensure a transparent, credible and peaceful elections. Meanwhile, the Bayelsa State Chief Executive has held a crucial meeting with the expanded Executive of INC on the way to move the organization forward at the Ijaw House,Sani Abacha E x p r e s s w a y, Ye n a g o a o n Thursday.

Other projects inspected are Fakuro/Fagbnro downstream, proposed construction of the mids t r e a m o f Fagbenro/Takuro/Ewunni/Paul Okunola/Mushin Itire collector drain; Eleja Primary School drain, and rehabilitation project of System 6c in Abeokuta Street.

ENTERTAINMENT

Tonto Dike

onto Dikeh who made her début in Nollywood few years back is naturally fair in complexion. But despite this, the controversial actress has gone ahead to tone her skin in a manner that makes her to look like a 'weird beauty.’ Her fans are expressing fear that the actress whose green veins have become so obvious through her now thin-layered skin, may soon break down with a skin disease. Speculations are also rife that Tonto may have gone through a whitening machine to get her skin whiter than normal. WG learnt from a tweet bird that despite Tonto's denial that she'd stopped smoking, the actress is still secretly smoking her thing. A concerned fan of the actress expressed her fear this way: “This girl will not kill herself.”

and peoples rights which was his reasons for joining the militant not with the vision of seeking amnesty. The militant kingpin condemned the amnesty initiative of the Federal Government as a drain pipe, alleging that his boys were those who took part at t h e d i s a r m a m e n t centre at Akpabuyo Local Government but surprisingly have been denied the rehabilitation training, but instead some criminals who were not in the struggle for liberation of Bakassi peninsula have high jacked the project, using their political connections in high places. He condemned the involvement of the Alamingi Boys in the amnesty programme, describing the Bakassi Freedom Movement (BFM) Alamingi Barrack as illegal and being used as fraudulent means for some to benefit from the amnesty programme. Explaining that there were only two groups involved in the struggle against the Gendarmes in Bakassi peninsula which were the Bakassi Freedom Fighters (BFF) and “Bakassi Salvation Front (BSF) which I am the leader of the group but today the reverse is the case. In expressing his grouse, he called on EFCC to probe the amnesty committee over the authenticity of some ghost Exmilitants that have gone for oversea training alleging that, “corruption was worse than terrorism” in Nigeria if allowed to continue. He recalled that they were disarmed by Federal Government but as a leader of my group, I did not embrace the amnesty, because I gave them one condition that if Nigeria fails to protect my people in Bakassi against Cameroon aggressors, I will not continue to fold my hands because of the socalled amnesty. “Nigeria Government criminally disarmed us to enable them hand over the place to Cameroon and now we and everybody has seen that the amnesty is a total and colossal failure which cannot be relied upon”, he said. For the 2015 presidential election, the ex-militant declared that President Goodluck Jonathan has failed the country particularly the people of the South-South zone, as he has not addressed major problem affecting area, citing the bad state of roads network, poor funding of education, lack of employment opportunities and medical facilities. He vehemently declared that he is not afraid of death because he is aware that some killers will be sent to gun him down for saying the truth but don't care about it.

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Monday, February 25 - Sunday, March 3, 2013

he Federal Government has invited experts from Ethiopia Commodities Exchange and the World Bank to assist in the restructuring of Abuja Securities and Commodities Exchange (ASCE). It will be recalled that the White Paper of Odife report gave birth to the Abuja stock exchange. However, pressure from some quarters that the nation should not have two exchanges in Nigeria gave way to the establishment of the Commodity Exchange from the initial Abuja Stock Exchange. The Minister of Trade and Investment, Mr. Olusegun Aganga, who disclosed this during the week, said the revitalisation of ASCE will help local farmers to make more income from their farm produces. “In order to achieve this, the ministry brought in experts from the Ethiopia Commodities Exchange and also sought the support of the World Bank. They came in and looked at what we have, and then made proposals

for which the ministry had set up a committee known as the Technical Working Group comprising executives of the Commodities Brokers Association of Nigeria (CBAN),” said Aganga.. The Managing Director, Abuja Securities and Commodities E x c h a n g e , M r . Yu s u f Abdulraman, stated that the revitalisation project of ASCE must go on, but in order to get the full support and buy-in of the private sector and ensure adequate funding for the project. “So, Nigeria will soon have a commodities exchange which is predominantly financed by the private sector,” he affirmed. However, Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA), said for the Commodities Exchange to work like their counterparts around the world, government should play the following roles: “Promulgation of decrees to give legal backing to the byelaws of the exchange. The byelaws must be properly discussed, canvassed and

regulatory initiatives of the NSE such as the introduction of supplementary market makers, waiver of stamp duties & exemption of Value Added Tax ( VAT ) o n s t o c k m a r k e t transactions will boost activity and participation in the market. “This will be complemented by impressive corporate earnings performance led by the banks in 2013. Barring unforeseen circumstances and unanticipated downside shocks which can disrupt our assumptions, we expect the NSE bench mark index to trend between the 30,000 and 34,000 points range in 2013,” they added. The analysts added that the financial services sector is expected to deliver 33.7 percent return in 2013 just as the Consumer goods and Industrial sector is anticipated to return 10.4 percent and 16.84 percent respectively. “Our top pick, which informs this bullish outlook on the financial service sector, includes United Bank for Africa Plc with the biggest upside potential of 69.9 per cent, FBN Holdings Plc, Access Bank Plc, Zenith Bank Plc and Guaranty Trust Bank Plc. We believe the consumer goods sector will be driven by NASCON Plc, Flour Mills Nigeria Plc and Dangote Flour Mills Plc while Ashaka Cement Plc and Lafarge WAPCO Plc may lead the building sub-sector,” the experts said.

nalysts at Investment One Financial Services Limited have project 15.78 percent return for equities listed on the Nigerian Stock Exchange, NSE in 2013. In their review of the financial sector's performance in the previous year, the analysts said the market will likely surpass the projected figure barring any unforeseen circumstance. They noted that their projection was based on stability in fixed income securities and stable outlook for the financial services markets. “Our expectation is driven by a stable outlook on the financial services (majorly banks), Nigeria's FX position, which is stable, yield on fixed income instruments, which is trending downwards and anticipated macroeconomic performance.” The year 2012 was a good one for the Nigerian financial market despite its fragile start following the petroleum subsidy removal protests, security challenges and weak investor confidence. The stock market settled at 28,078.80 points. Decomposed into quarters, the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) All-Share Index or ASI fell by 0.38 per cent in Q1 and grew by 4.59 per cent in Q2. Q3 delivered the best gain of 20.43 per cent just as Q4 also rose by 7.95 per cent. In addition, they stated that key

understood by the interest groups. Taking a small (about 25 percent) equity share of the Commodity Exchange Clearing Banks (CECB) through development finance

institutions like the Bank of Industry (BOI). Speaking through its Director General, Mr. John Isemede, NACCIMA said there is need for government to also set up the Commodity Exchange

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Commission as the apex regulatory body of the exchanges to be midwife by Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) which is to register and the supervise the brokers can operate here.

Minister of Trade & Investment, Olusegun Aganga

spike in piracy off Nigeria's oil-rich coast has shown gangs are willing to venture further afield and use more violent tactics, increasing the risk of doing business in Nigeria, which is Africa's largest energy producer. Pirates demanded a 200 million naira, or $1.3 million, ransom for the release of six foreigners kidnapped on Sunday, the latest in at least five attacks in Nigerian waters this month. ExxonMobil and Shell officials said this week that security was a major factor in Nigeria, and it was one of the most expensive oilproducing countries to operate in. "The recent upsurge in maritime kidnaps off the Niger Delta has not been witnessed since 2010,'' said Tom Patterson, maritime risk analyst at Control Risks. "It is easy to underestimate the debilitating effect such a situation can have, even on larger corporations,'' Patterson added. Oil and shipping companies have to hire crisis management teams, pay huge insurance premiums and face the prospect of ransom payments, as well as brace themselves for damage to their reputations. At the same time, pirates are becoming more ambitious. Three crew members were kidnapped on February 7 from the British-flagged cargo ship Esther C around 80 miles offshore, the furthest pirates have reached in the

Gulf of Guinea. A Filipino crew member was killed when gunmen attacked a chemical tanker three days earlier, in the first confirmed case in Nigerian waters of crew killed on a vessel that deployed a private armed team, security firm AKE said. “The main problem with the increase in West African piracy is the consequences to the crews,'' said Jakob Larsen, maritime security officer with BIMCO, the world's largest private ship owners' association. "Given the more violent nature of the pirate attacks off West Africa, there is every reason to exercise caution when deciding whether to use armed guards or not.'’ Oil gangs The prime suspects for most attacks are Nigerian oil gangs, who already carry out industrial scale crude theft, called "bunkering" in the restive onshore Niger Delta swamplands. Nigeria's oil minister said this week that oil theft, which can amount to 150,000 barrels per d a y, w a s t h e w o r k o f a n international criminal syndicate. President Goodluck Jonathan has asked Britain for help. Security experts also believe Nigerian security officials and politicians are complicit in oil theft and piracy. “There are many top people in Nigeria involved in commissioning

these attacks and sharing the profits,'' said Michael Frodl, head of U.S. consultancy C-Level Maritime Risks. "It's obvious to us that they've been bringing in people in other nations into the game, and sharing a cut in exchange for tips for tankers and cargoes.'’ Compounding the problem, there is less fuel available in Nigeria since Jonathan reduced subsidies last year, which has forced prices to rise. This has provided an added incentive for gangs to locally refine stolen oil or siphon fuel off ships t h e y a t t a c k , e x p e r t s s a y. "Piracy off Nigeria and West Africa is really much more an extension of the 'bunkering' that's endemic on shore, and we think that as oil prices continue to rise, the potential for making bigger profits by reselling stolen oil will only further accelerate attacks and hijackings,'' C-Level's Frodl said. The rise in pirate attacks comes as Nigerian forces have been more stretched in the last two years due to an Islamist insurgency in the M u s l i m n o r t h . "There is a sense that security resources are being focused to combat the terrorist threat in the north of the country,'' said Rory Lamrock, intelligence analyst with AKE. "We're likely to see further attacks over the coming months as local authorities are unable to effectively police the waters, especially up to 50 or 60 nautical miles off the coast.''

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Monday, February 25 - Sunday, March 3, 2013

ast year wasn't funny for the Nollywood movie industry as it recorded the deaths of a number of favorite actors. Recently, the industry lost yet another actor to death. When contacted on the phone about the death, Emeka Rising, Chairman Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN), Lagos State said Lugard Onoyemu died yesterday at the National Stadium. It was reliably gathered that Lugard slumped at about 5:30pm while he was at the Stadium in Surulere, Lagos. Sources confirm Lugard was hale and hearty before his death. His death has left some of his members devastated especially Emeka Rising in whose administration the deceased had served as a former Lagos State AGN Secretary.

he Department of Pathology and Forensic Medicine of the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital, in an autopsy on late Nigerian pop star, Goldie Harvey, revealed that the musician died of 'hypertensive heart disease' which triggered “intracerebellar haemorrhage.' According to a statement from the late singer's music label, Kennis Music, the autopsy was signed by Dr. O.O Oyewole and has put paid to speculations that the musician died of doping complications, a suggestion her widower, Andrew Harvey, vehemently denied insisting that Goldie was never into drugs for all the years he knew her. “Goldie never used drugs in the last 10 years I knew her and I was as close as you could get,” he

egendary actor, Justus Esiri, died s u d d e n l y Tu e s d a y n i g h t , throwing the entertainment industry into mourning. He was 71 years. His death was preceded by the death of Lugard Onoyemu and songstress Goldie Harvey. Esiri, 71, reportedly died of complications resulting from diabetes at an undisclosed hospital in Lagos. The president of Actors Guild of Nigeria, AGN, Miss Ibinabo Fiberesima confirmed the death of Esiri in a statement she made available to our reporter. Ibinabo said: “We regret to announce the passing away of our member and veteran actor, Justus Esiri who died last night (Tuesday). He was said to have died of complications resulting from diabetes at a hospital in Lagos.”

said. A c c o r d i n g t o Wi k i p e d i a , intracerebral hemorrhage, ICH is a subtype of intracranial hemorrhage that occurs within the brain tissue i t s e l f . Intracerebral hemorrhage can be caused by brain trauma, Nontraumatic intracerebral hemorrhage i s a spontaneous bleeding into the brain tissue.

“Declared as one of the strong men of the African film industry, Justus Esiri is widely known for his role in the now rested popular TV series, The Village Headmaster. We commiserate with the family and pray that God gives us the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.” Also, announcing Esiri's death online, one of his sons, popular pop singer, Sidney 'Dr SID' Esiri put up a photo of the veteran actor on his Twitter avatar and updated his bio as 'RIP Dad.' Meanwhile, reacting to his death, former president of AGN, Mr. Ejike Aseigbu described Justus Esiri as “one of the best actors this country has ever produced .” He said: “I'm pained because we have lost a legend. Last week, we lost the pioneer Secretary of Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN) Lagos chapter, Lugard Onoyemu, who slumped and died during a football

Symptoms include a rise in intracranial pressure which causes a severe headache followed b y vomiting. S o m e patients may go into coma shortly after the symptom s arise. It would b e recalled that a statement f r o m Kennis Music

training at the National Stadium, Surulere. However, I found Justus Esiri quite inspiring, he was a loving man.” On his own, Segun Arinze said “It is so bad. Uncle Justus Esiri was a figure and a g r e a t motivator to us. He left a legacy that needs to be sustained. Justus Esiri contributed his quota to the growth o f t h e industry. It is a very bad news, we will miss him.”

boss Mr Kenny Ogungbe after Goldie died clearly stated that she complained of a severe headache shortly after arriving the country from the US where she went to see the Grammys. Hypertension, Diabetes, Menopause, cigarette smoking, Alcoholic drinks are amongst some of the causes of intracerebral hemorrhage. Only a hand full of her closest pals may have known she was hypertensive. Goldie played a power woman in her short life as an artiste; she tried to hide all of her weaknesses. The musician, who was a contestant at the last Big Brother Africa reality show passed away at Reddington Hospital in Victoria Island, Lagos on February 14. She reportedly returned from the U.S. the previous day before suddenly falling ill and taken to the hospital where she died. Monalisa Chinda, who expressed shock when she heard of Esiri's death said, “I don't really know what to say at the moment. I am totally devastated.” In a career that spanned decades, late Esiri, shot to lime light in the early 80's through the popular TV series, Village

Continues on page 20

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Monday, February 25 - Sunday, March 3, 2013

2013 Africa league soccer championshipRangers of Enugu steps out to conquer By Okey Anyichie

angers International football club of Enugu one of the indomitable soccer-outfits in Nigeria is set to trade tackles in the continental soccer league championship for 2012/2013 season. This titanic football club that came into existence in 1970, has seen more days than their days in the continental soccer fiesta. Hence the Enugu based club side set out to conquer Africa barely a year of its existence in 1971. Hence after its victorious outing in the national inter-clubs soccer competition for the Armature cup competition in March 1971, Rangers left immediately for the continental soccer championship against secteur six football club of Niamey, Niger Republic. This first leg encounter that marked the first continental soccer experience for Rangers ended 1-1 and Rangers two week's later in Lagos ran away with a lone goal victory over the visiting club side from Niger Republic. Thus skipping the first round hurdle with aggregate goals of 2-1. After this first round, the second round fell between Kalum Star of Conakry-Guinea and

Rangers Football Club of Enugu Rangers eliminated the Guinean side by 5-1, 3-3 in Guinea and 2-1 in Enugu. The next round being the quarter-final between Rangers and Assec Munosas of AbdijanCote D'lvoire ended the 1971 adventure in this continental

quest for victory by Rangers. Assec Munosas eliminated Rangers by aggregate goals of 20. That was the 1971 story of Rangers, then a year-old as a football club. But in 1975, Rangers nearly upset the apple-

Cart in this continental soccer competition by qualifying for the final, the first Nigerian club side to shot into the final of this soccer competition among club sides in Africa. Rangers defeated the

roubled West Brom striker Osaze Odemwingie has warned coach Stephen Keshi he could soon be sacked even after leading Nigeria to Africa Nations Cup glory. The estranged Eagles attacker said he based his fears on volatile nature of sports administration in Nigeria. He made his opinion public via Twitter. “A coach the country is praising now will one day be sacked and to his achievements they will say: only one cup? I beg.” Odemwingie tweeted. Interestingly, Osaze had a public row with Keshi via the channel just before the Nations Cup in South Africa when the coach sensationally axed him from the Eagles team. But despite the disagreement, Keshi said in Lagos last week that the Eagles doors were still open for the player and others like Obafemi Martins who were cut from the team to South Africa. In underlying his attitude to professionalism, the player said that his commitment to his club affected his relationship with former Eagles coach Samson Siasia. The attacker reckons his many problems are not down to a “bad attitude” but his

Osaze “transparency.” “Very little thing made me fall out with ex-Eagles coach Siasia, and that’s club commitment. And that commitment was questioned after,” Odemwingie tweeted. “What did that teach me? You only a good guy and professional when you score and give your teams what they want. They throw us out after.” He added, “When I give all my heart and effort to a team and get overlooked after, how could I possibly be happy? Same in Eagles. Same in WBA. “Well praised and most criticised at the

same time. Something is wrong somewhere. And I bet it’s not in my attitude. I believe in transparency.” He then took a swipe at Nigerian football administrators for “failing to treat former internationals right.” “It’s time to change consciousness a bit in naija. Yekini (may his soul RIP) our legend died in poverty. The way our big men spraying now. “Wish they looked after our heroes when old and in need the way they giving out now. Femi Okpabunmi lost his sight and

Keshi struggling to feed now. “The boy got medals and many caps for naija. T. West I heard not so comfortable and few others. Glo and Mtn please compete who give them more.” The player who has made more headlines for swipes on administrators than the game itself put forward what he thinks can make Nigerian sports to improve and achieve its full potentials. “Every 20 km in our cities should have a basket ball court like in US. That’s why they so good at it,” he wrote.

Egyptian club-side, Mehalla, 4-3 to face Hafia football club of Conakry-Guinea, where however Rangers lost sadly to the Guinean club side by 3-1 goals aggregate, thus Rangers lost the chance of being the first Nigerian club side to win the competition. Since 1975 to present, Rangers football had appeared many times in this continental soccer competition for Nigeria but yet to have a crack at the competition. It is equally like other clubs that had tried very hare to lift the trophy, but was a mission-impossible, until Enyimba football club untied the tick rope that had prevented Nigerian club sides from winning the competition. Enyimba won the elusive competition in 2003 and 2004 and since those victorious two years, are yet to reenact the standard that saw them belong to the continental soccer 'Hall of fame' in this soccer competition. Now Rangers of Enugu and Kano Pillars are the two flagbearers in this continental soccer competition that is almost becoming an exclusive monopoly of the North African club sides. Now Rangers is set out to conquer in this season's competition by the first outing in the competition against, a club-side from the Island of Principee and Sao Tome. This first encounter in Enugu on Sunday, 17th February 2013 is expected to give the Enugu the plat-form to Launch into the next round of the competition as this Island is not known to have a club side that will give Rangers anxious moments. The winning goal rally of 3 to 4 will make the return second leg, a mere formality. It is expected that Rangers will not disappoint their teaming supporters in and out of the city of Enugu this year. Again it must be stressed that with the pedigree of Rangers in this continental soccer championship for club sides in Africa, this year's outing is expected to be an improvement on the previous engagements in the competition to the final level, but winning the cup for the first time since many appearances at the competition will equally like Enyimba take the club side to a new frontier of soccer competition among club side in Africa. Hence it would be an ideal situation for Rangers to join other immortal club-side in Africa that had a very flamboyant impact at the competition by lifting the trophy. And this is the battle for the 2013 victory that this first encounter between the club from Sao Tome will be the first journey into the 2013 edition of the competition.

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op Nigerian athletes have called on President Goodluck Jonathan to spread to them, the 'Naira rain' that fell on the Super Eagles after they won the Nations Cup in South Africa two weeks ago. The athletes Ajoke Odumosu, Blessing Okagbare, Endurance Abinuwa and Nurudeen Selim and others said that it was hurting that the Nigerian government has failed to recognise their efforts most especially after they won the last African Championships for the first time in ten years in BeninRepublic. The athletes also pointed out that some of them reached the finals of their events at the London 2012 Olympics and this was no mean achievement, considering the circumstances that surrounded Nigeria's preparations for the games. “It isn't that we are against the Super Eagles getting rewarded for their achievement. We are

Monday, February 25 - Sunday, March 3, 2013

indeed happy they won, but what we are saying is that the President should extend such magnanimity to us. “We equally won a continental championship for Nigeria. In the past, athletes like Mary Onyali, Falilat Ogunkoya were rewarded for their achievements, but what about us? What has happened between then and now? Odumosu cried out. The national hurdles record holder added that she had represented Nigeria endangering her life. “At those times I suffered asthma attacks; I have been injured and treated myself. Even at that, they can't even recognise me as the first Nigeria to win the Africa Championships back to back. I'm also the first Nigerian to get into the Olympics final in the 400m hurdles,” Okagbare submitted that government treat athletics like it

he Namibia Football Association (NFA) president, John Muinjo has said everything is in place for the successful hosting of the 2014 Africa Women Championships. This would be the first time the country is hosting the prestigious event and Muinjo has vowed that the association would leave no stone unturned as they plan to host, organise and deliver a successful Championship next year. The NFA president hopes that the

does not exist. She argued that it was distressing that football was getting all the attention, whereas athletics have won important medals for Nigeria. “What they are trying to tell us is that we don't exist, and this has been going on for years. “We have won medals for Nigeria and they must recognise that fact. For instance, football didn't quality for the last Olympics and we did even with all the seeming neglect. We got to the semi-final and some of us to the final and what kind of reception did we get?” Abinuwa a 400m runner said that government must have to rethink on the treatment of her athletes: “Otherwise they will ask the footballers to go and represent them at the All Africa Games and Olympics in the future.” Former athletes like Yusuf Alli, Gabriel Okon, Gabriel Opuana registered their displeasure over the seeming oversight by the administration of President Jonathan. “After the African Championships, the sports minister, Bolaji Abdullahi promised that he was going to make the President host the athletes. But this

Nigeria's Ajoke Odumosu (R) hands the baton to Regina George as they compete in the women's 4X400 relay final of the London 2012 Olympic Games in London.

never happened. “In the past they promised us cash, but at the end of the day nothing was given. I remember bringing up the issue before the Beijing 2008 Olympics, but I was thrown out of camp,” said coach Opuana. Reacting, Athletics Federation of Nigeria president, Solomon Ogba said that it was depressing that his athletes have not been given the recognition they deserve. He called on the government to support athletics as the sport has potentials to make the country great.

“Our athletes with little or nothing are in competition with those of America, Britain and Jamaica. And we know how those countries pamper their athletes. “We need to give our athletes total support so that they can excel. At the last Olympics we had about 10 semifinalists and finalist this has never happened before. We didn't target to win any medal, because of the preparations we had. We must begin to do the right things if we want results and this is to support the athletes the best way we can,” said Ogba.

tournament would serve the purpose of elevating the game of women football to a higher level in the country. “This is our chance as an association to show we are very delighted to present something beautiful and very huge for all coming,” he told the Namibian. “As custodians of the beautiful game, we support the FIFA campaign Live Your Goals, which aims to encourage girls and young women to play football and we will use this avenue to show them that their dreams can come true.”

United), $24 million

5. Kaka (Real Madrid), $21 million 6. John Terry (Chelsea), $18 million

13. Didier Drogba (Shanghai Shenhua), $15.6 million 14. Emmanuel Adebayor (Tottenham Hotspur), $15.4 million

15. Franck Ribery (Bayern Munich), 7. Yaya Toure (Manchester City), $18 $15.3 million

million 8. Fernando Torres (Chelsea), $17 million

9. Frank Lampard (Chelsea), $16 million Following up on the list of the world's top paid footballers released by Forbes in April, here is the updated list to reflect recent transfers that took place just prior to the 2012/2013 campaign:

10.

11. Zlatan Ibrahimovic (Paris SaintGermain), $15.8 million

David Beckham (Los Angeles Galaxy), $46 million Cristiano Ronaldo (Real Madrid), $42 million 3. Lionel Messi (Barcelona), $39 million 4. Wayne Rooney (Manchester

Steven Gerrard (Liverpool), $16 million

12. Samuel Eto'o (Anzhi Makhachkala), $15.7 million

16. Sergio Aguero (Manchester City), $15.3 million 17.

Daniel Alves (Barcelona), $15 million

18.

Carlos Tevez (Manchester City), $14.9 million

19.

Thierry Henry (New York Red Bulls), $14.6 million

20.

Karim Benzema (Real Madrid), $14.3 million

Emmanuel Emenike

Back page comment

Does Kogi State have a Government? By Odih Daniel

efore the unfortunate auto crash involving Governor Idris Wada of Kogi State, it was a naked reality that the state was swimming in the sea of poverty. It is still swimming in poverty and even much worse. The poverty started shortly after the removal of erstwhile Governor Abubakar Audu by the PDP government, in which Governor Ibrahim Idris was a representative. Idris' government held sway for almost nine years, amidst election tribunal cases that let to the removal of Idris Ibro. He re-installed

prices of goods and services are higher in Lokoja than in Abuja. A careful observer, who is in doubt, can come to Lokoja to see things for himself. The presence of hotels almost everywhere in Lokoja is an indication that only the politicians benefit from the state. The poor masses have nothing to gain other than the troubles caused by the excesses of the politicians. There is no record of what the money given to the state by government and private organisations to take care of the flood victims was used for in the state. Some of the flood victims died as a result of frustration from the government's lackadaisical attitude towards their

Idris Wada, Governor of Kogi State shortly after the PDP was said to have rigged the election. From my observation of the PDP government and its working, there seems to be an oath running through the veins of all the PDP states which says: "thou shalt not do anything for anyone, for thou didn't come to power through their support. Thou shalt be answerable only to your Abuja and local godfathers". That could be why there has not been a positive change, especially in almost all the PDP-led states. In Kogi State, with the billions of Naira allocated to the state every month, Ibrahim Idris achieved but minimal success when he built the Specialist Hospital, rehabilitated Lokoja-Ajaokuta Road, and started and completed the Greater Lokoja Water Project only. Ever since the handing over of power to Governor Idris Ichalla Wada, the state seems to have moved from Glory to Story. Things stand still, and there seems to be no leader. People are dying everyday as a result of high cost of transportation, housing and feeding. The

plight and the destruction of their source of livelihood. The one and only main road in the capital city of Lokoja, Murtala Muhammed Way, has attained a most disgraceful status owing to over usage and flooding, and there deplorable state of the road has not been seen as anything worth given a priority attention by the government. Kogi State has the highest number of youth restiveness as a result of unemployment. Haggard-looking youths roam the streets everyday with frustrations. There is nothing in Kogi State, apart from Obajana Cement Factory that supports the lives of youths of the state. Private schools employ teachers, but because they know there is no hope from the government, people are used as if they had no value amidst threats of being laid-off even with poor remunerations. All these are as a result of having no choices in an environment dominated by poverty and which has made self-help an option. The state administration has made no meaningful attempt to sustain, let alone

create new jobs. "Low jobs" like teaching can be created to add to the existing number, reducing unemployment and boosting education. But not much has been done by successive governments to improve upon education, housing, transportation and health sector of the state. The greater Lokoja water scheme is functional, but it is limited to the Murtala Muhammed Way alone, as other streets and roads where majority of the people reside had been abandoned. The negligence of the government has made it impossible to extend the much needed portable water to the places where it is mostly needed. Where the water is available outside the Murtala Mohammed Way, it was through self help. On the issue of local government autonomy which has dominated public discourse lately, I want to state here that I support the autonomy of the third arm of government. But if the experience in Kogi state is anything to use as yardstick for measuring the achievements of the local governments, it therefore leaves much to be desired. In Kogi State many Liaison officers are answerable to the governor, and they have their allocations shared between their offices and the state government. Local government workers have their salaries either paid half, quarters or not paid at all for months and even for years. The capital city of Lokoja, like a village, has no touch of government, and there is no way we can talk of other local government headquarters and villages that have improved infrastructure. Even the Government House has no touch of a living being. Villagers only know that Wada is their governor but not in terms of the dividends of democracy they enjoy. They do not know what a governor is supposed to do for the people. After all, have they not been coping without 'government'? Unless jobs are created for the teaming youths, roads are constructed not patched, new roads are opened, new housing estates are built, not the one built by Audu between 1999 and 2003, water is made available to all the people of Lokoja - from Zango to Ganaja Village and from Adankolo to Phase II, businesses are encouraged, high cost of living as a result of high demand and limited supply in Lokoja is reduced, Lokoja capital city and other towns and villages are beautified and given a touch of human presence, I will continue to say that Kogi State has no government , and I stand by my words!

Odih Daniel N, writes from Lokoja, Kogi State. (Odih4sure@yahoo.com)

orn 10 May 1987 in Otuocha, Aguleri is a Nigerian professional footballer who currently plays as a striker for Spartak Moscow in the Russian Premier League. Career Emenike started his football career with Delta Force of Delta State South Africa He transferred to South African National First Division team Mpumalanga Black Aces in January 2008 and debuted against Dynamos F.C. on 17 February 2008. He scored his first goal with the team in his debut but Black Aces lost the match 4-2.He was a member of the Black Aces team that lost against Mamelodi Sundowns in the Nedbank Cup final. . Turkey Karabükspor In 2009 Emenike signed a one-year loan deal, with Karabükspor. On the opening game of the 1.Lig season on 23 August 2009, He went on to score 16 goals in the 1.Lig, leading the club to the title and automatic promotion. Emenike won the 1.Lig Best Foreign Player award at the end of the 200910 season, and also had his contract extended by three years for 300.000 €. Fenerbahçe On 25 May 2011, Emenike joined Fenerbahçe for an undisclosed fee, believed to be around 9 million euros. Russia Spartak Moscow On 28 July 2011, he was sold to Spartak Moscow for €10 million due to the match fixing scandal involving Fenerbahce and Emenike. Emenike made history by becoming the first man to be transferred to another club without playing a match for Fenerbahçe. Emenike made his debut on the opening game of the season, coming on as a substitute for Ari in a 76th minute, against Anzhi Makhachkala on 14 August 2011 and the next game, he played 90 minutes in a 1-1 draw against Spartak Nalchik. Emenike also make his Europa League debut in a 2-2 draw against Polish side Legia Warsaw in the first leg of the qualification round. International career Emenike was called-up to the Nigeria national football team for a friendly against Sierra Leone. He was called up to Nigeria's 23-man squad for the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations. On 21 January 2013, he scored in Nigeria's opening AFCON match against Burkina Faso in a 1-1 draw. He also scored the first goal in the quarter final match between Nigeria and Cote d'Ivoire which Nigeria won 2-1. On 3 February, Emenike scored a 30-yard free kick giving his country a 2-1 win over Cote d'Ivoire in the African Cup of Nations. In 2013, he became part of the third Nigerian team to win the African Cup of Nations - Nigeria's first continental victory since 1994. His four goals proved crucial to Nigeria's progress through the tournament, and he was named to the team of the tournament. He also received the tournament award for highest goal scorer, with four goals. R e a d m o r e a t (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Emmanuel_Emeni ke)