SUBSIDY FRAUD: Farouk Lawan, Emenaloto be charged today

...towards a better life for the people VOL. 25: NO. 61809

FCT budgets N5bn for •Pg.8 rehabilitation of prostitutes

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FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 1, 2013

How to avoid Nigeria's •Pg.9 break-up in 2015 — IBB

SUBSIDY FRAUD

Farouk Lawan, Emenalo to be charged today

BY IKECHUKWU NNOCHIRI

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•To face 7-count criminal charge •Offence punishable under ICPC Act — Keyamo

BUJA—AFTER months of intense dilly-dalling, the Federal Government has finally succumbed to pressure and entered a seven-count criminal charge against erstwhile Chairman of the House of Representatives Ad-hoc Committee on Fuel Subsidy probe, Farouk La

Continues on page 5

Okah to be sentenced today in S-Africa•P.8 COLUMNIST:

ADISA ADELEYE: •P.45

Mr & Mrs

ROBBERY ATTACK—Divisional Police Headquarters in Birnin Gwari, Kaduna State attacked by armed robbers, yesterday. Inset: Gov. Mukhtar Yero of Kaduna State (m), addressing officials of the First Bank attacked by the robbers also in Birnin-Gwari, yesterday. Photos: NAN

EFCC nabs 20 Yahoo-Yahoo Boys in Benin•P.7 C M Y K

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POCKET CARTOON

INAUGURATION—Vice President Namadi Sambo (middle); National Planning Minister, Dr.

Samshudeen Usman (left) and Chairman Senate Committee on National Planning, Senator Barnabas Gemade (right) during the inauguration of the National Steering Committee, for the National Integrated Infrastructure Master Plan, NIIMP, at the Banquet Hall, State House, Abuja, yesterday. Photo: Abayomi Adeshida.

SUBSIDY FRAUD: Farouk Lawan, Emenalo to be charged today Continues from page 1 wan.

The Independent Corrupt Practices and other Related Offences Commission, ICPC, will today, dock the embattled lawmaker alongside the former Secretary of the fuel subsidy probe committee, Mr Boniface Emenalo.

The duo will appear before an Abuja High Court to enter their plea to the charge which ac-

cused them of demanding and collecting bribe from the Chairman of Zenon Petroleum and Gas Ltd, Femi Otedola, as an inducement to remove the name of his company from the report of the House of Representatives Ad-hoc committee on monitoring of fuel subsidy regime.

The accused lawmakers were said to have committed an offence contrary to section 17 (1) of the Corrupt Practices

LIFEWORDS

BY PASTOR ITUAH

You need good health and sound mind to achieve your heart desires. Work hard on both.

TAKE HEART

BY ELLA RANDLE

T

IME is the property we inherit from God, along with the power to choose what we will do with it. It is a gift of life. Your inheritance is time. It is capital far more precious than any material possessions you will ever get. Spend it foolishly, and you will bankrupt yourself and cheapen the inheritance of those that follow you. Invest it wisely, and you will bless generations to come — Brigham Young Benjamin Mays writes succinctly about achieving set goals in life. “It must be borne in mind that the sad consequence of life doesn’t lie in not reaching your goal. The tragedy lies in having no goal to reach. It isn’t a calamity to die with dreams unfulfilled, but it is a calamity not to dream. It is not a disaster to be unable to capture your ideal, but it is a disaster to have no ideal to capture. It is not a disadvantage not to reach the stars, but it is a disgrace to have no stars to reach for. Not failure, but low aim is a great limitation in overcoming obstacles and living a fulfilled life.” R. Stevenson sums it aptly: “An aim in life is the only fortune worth finding.”

and other Related Offences Act, 2000 and punishable under section 17 (1) of the same Act.

Farouk, Emenalo okayed for trial Justice Mudashiru Oniyangi, who okayed the accused persons for trial, yesterday, maintained that “upon a careful consideration of the application and attached documents in support of same filed by the comp l a i n a n t ’ s counsel...leave is hereby granted to the complainant/applicant to prefer criminal charges under section 185 (b) of the Criminal Procedure Code, CPC.” Further attached to the charge sheet marked FCT/HC/CR/76/2013, which was signed on behalf of the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Mr. Mohammed Bello Adoke, SAN, by one Mrs. O.O. Fatunde, a Director of Public Prosecutions, were names and addresses of witnesses, proof of evidence, as well as a list of exhibits against the lawmakers.

Already the Federal Government has contracted a private prosecutor, Chief Adegboyega Awomolo, SAN, to conduct the trial.

Specifically, some of the charges against them read: “That you Farouk Lawan (M) while being a member of the House of Representatives and chairman of Ad-hoc committee on Monitoring of fuel subsidy regime sometimes in April 2012 or thereabout at Abuja within the Federal Capital Territory under the jurisdiction of this honourable court did while acting in the course of your official duty corruptly obtained the sum of $500,000 (five hundred thousand dollars) for yourself from Mr. Femi Otedola Chairman Zenon Petroleum and Gas Ltd as an inducement to remove the name of Zenon Petroleum and Gas Ltd from the report of the House of Representatives Ad-hoc committee on monitoring of fuel subsidy regime and you thereby committed an offence contrary to section 17 (1) of the Corrupt Practices and other Related Offences Act, 2000 and punishable under section 17 (1) of the same Act. “That you Mr. Emenalo Boniface (M) while being a public officer, an Assistant Director and Secretary of the House of Representatives Adhoc committee on Monitoring of Fuel Subsidy Regime sometimes in April 2012 or thereabout

at Abuja within the Federal Capital Territory under the jurisdiction of this honourable court did while acting in the course of your official duty as Secretary, corruptly asked for the sum of $3,000,000 (three million US dollars) for yourself from Mr. Femi Otedola, and you thereby committed an offence contrary to section 8 (1) (b) (ii) of the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act, 2000 and punishable under section 23 (3) of the same Act.” It will be recalled that a Lagos based lawyer, Mr. Festus Keyamo had earlier given the AGF a six-day ultimatum to charge the accused persons to court or okay a four-count criminal charge he personally drafted against them.

Meantime, in an affidavit deposed to by one Chidi Amaeze, the ICPC told the trial high court that investigation into the criminal case against Farouk and Emenalo had since been concluded.

Offence punishable under ICPC Acts —Keyamo Moreso, Keyamo had in his own charge, maintained that the proof of evidence adduced against the two lawmakers over the alleged role they played in the cashfor-clearance scandal, indicted them to acts of criminal conspiracy, gratification and criminal intimidation contrary to sections 96 and 396 of the Penal Code Act, Laws of FCT, as well as, Section 12(1) (a-b) of the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act, Cap C31, LFN 2004.

According to him, their offence is also punishable under section 97 and 387 of the two aforementioned Acts, respectively.

It will be recalled that after the Farouk Lawan-

led panel released its fact-finding report that exposed astronomical fraud perpetuated by various companies under the subsidy regime, Otedola, in a retaliatory move, released an audio tape with a view to proving that the probe panel demanded cash-forclearance.

Otedola specifically accused Lawan of demanding $3 million to exonerate his company, emphasizing that the lawmaker even went to the extent of stuffing monies in his cap on one of the occasions he came to receive bribe on behalf of the panel.

However, Lawan, through his lawyer, Chief Mike Ozekhome, SAN, refuted the allegation that he stuffed money in his cap, stressing that contrary to insinuation that he travelled to Lagos to collect bribe as alleged, he only received money from Otedola on two separate occasions at his room at Protea Hotel at Apo, Abuja and at Otedola’s house at Aso Drive Asokoro also in Abuja.

Audio tape nails suspects Describing the audio tape which was released to media houses as “a devilish caricature”, Lawan had urged Nigerians to give him the benefit of doubt, insisting that he would not rest until he proved that the primary intention why he collected the money was to uncover the level of corruption within the oil sector of the economy.

More so, in a bid to further puncture the probe report, Otedola alongside his company, Zenon Oil and Gas, filed a suit before the High Court, where he is seeking the sum of N250 billion against Lawan and the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Aminu Tambuwal, as exemplary damages for alleged oppressive and arbitrary actions he said were meted against him.

6—Vanguard, FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 1, 2013

Two docked for alleged theft of N50m z29 yr-old remanded over robbery

BY ONOZURE DANIA

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AGOS — A 55-year-old woman, Fatimo Ogunremi, and one other, Ajulo Olayinka, 42, have been arraigned before an Ikeja Magistrate Court, for allegedly stealing N50 million belonging to one Adefunke Owonifari.

Similarly, a 29-year-old man, Gift Agbogidi, has been remanded in prison custody for allegedly robbing one Evelyn Okorie of N50,000.

In the stealing case, when the charge was read to the defendants, they pleaded not guilty to the three-count charge bordering on conspiracy and fraud, before Magistrate A .O. Komolafe.

The defendants were said to have committed the alleged offence on November 19, 2012, at about 2: 30p.m at 14, Oluwafemi Street in Ilasa area of Lagos.

Olayinka and Ogunremi, were said to have conspired among themselves to steal jeweries, valued at N50 million and fraudulently converted it to their own use, property of one Adefunke Owonifari.

Magistrate Komolafe, however, granted the defendants bail in the sum of N5 million each with two sureties, in like sum and adjourned the case till March 15, 2013 for trial In the robbery case, Agbogidi and others now at large, is facing a two-count charge of conspiracy and armed robbery, preferred against him by the police.

Snapped cable electrocutes PHCN staff, security guard in Lagos

BY EVELYN USMAN

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AGOS — TRAGEDY struck, yesterday, in Ikosi area of Lagos, after a high tension wire snapped off a pole, electrocuting a staff of the Power Holding Company of Nigeria Limited, PHCN, and a security guard.

Also destroyed was a Peugeot 504 vehicle belonging to owner of the compound where the live wire landed, at 34, Aladelola Street, Ketu.

Vanguard gathered that casualty figure would have been higher if not for the residents of the area who were alerted by shout of fire from landlord of the one-storey building, identified simply as Alhaji, at about 5.10 a.m.

The snapped PHCN cable.

But the guard, simply identified as Garuba, who had been working for 30 years there,

rushed out of his shed to examine the landlord’s abandoned vehicle that was on fire, but unknown to

Fire guts Ipas office in Abuja

BY SOLA OGUNDIPE

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BUJA— AN early morning inferno, yesterday, engulfed the Abuja head office of Ipas-Nigeria, an international NGO promoting issues of sexual and reproductive health and rights of women.

No lives were lost in the incident but property and equipment valued at millions of Naira were destroyed.

In a reaction, Ipas Country Director, Dr. Ejike Oji, told newsmen that the fire started at about 2.00 a.m. and destroyed the organisation’s newly furnished conference room and an adjourning office belonging to a private firm.

He said although the actual cause of the fire had not been ascertained, security men on duty had complained of frequent power fluctuation the previous night and the early hours of the day.

Noting that power surge as cause of the fire incident could not be ruled out, Oji said surges happen

The gutted conference room

sometimes when electricity is restored.

He commended the officers and men of Asokoro Fire Service Station for their timely intervention, saying that the expansive four storey office building would have been destroyed if not for the gallantry of the fire fighters.

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WKA — FOUR persons suspected to be hoodlums, yesterday, at Oba in Idemili South Local Government Area of Anambra State, engaged the police in gun battle during their attempt to steal a two-year-old boy from the parents in Onitsha All the four suspects were arrested by men of the State Anti-Robbery Squad, SARS, and taken to an undisclosed hospital for treatment following injuries they sustained during the battle with police. Also arrested was

a female who was allegedly employed by the gang to look after the boy.

It was gathered that the fourman gang stormed the residence of one Philip Nweze from Ehalumona in Enugu State who just returned to his Onitsha residence after a business trip abroad and made away with the two-year-old Chidera, the male twin of the couple and an unspecified amount of dollars, leaving behind the female twin baby, Emmanuela.

Anambra State Police Public Relations Officer, Mr. Emeka Chukwuemeka, confirmed the

NSCDC arrests 4 over fuel adulteration

BY GBENGA OLARINOYE

NCC, Police arrest 6 over illegal DSTV signal

BY VINCENT UJUMADU

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WKA — OFFICIALS of the Nigerian Copyright Commission, NCC, yesterday, in Onitsha arrested six persons over alleged illegal transmission of signals of Digital Satellite Television, DSTV, and recovered hi-tech electrical gadgets worth about N7 million.

The team, led by the NCC Director of Enforcement, Mr. Austin Amodu, was assisted in the operation by the police.

Among the streets raided were

Oguta, Ekwulobia, Nnewi, Ihembosi, Venn Road South, Iboko, Otumoye and Upper New Market.

Amodu said the suspects were illegally using the recovered gadgets to encrypt the signals of DSTV, adding that they had already installed their illegal decoders to more than 200 homes in the city for fees ranging between N500 and N2000.

Items recovered from the suspects include cable television signal enhancers, boosters, senders, smart cards, cables and decoders.

4 in Police net over abduction of 2-yr-old boy in Anambra

BY VINCENT UJUMADU

him, the fire was caused by a high tension wire which dropped on the vehicle.

In Garuba’s attempt to contain the fire, he reportedly packed some sand and unconsciously stepped on the naked wire which electrocuted him.

Eye witnesses also said the PHCN staff, identified as Mr Oshinjirin, rushed out of his flat, when he heard the shout of fire, with a bucket of water., only to also step on the naked wire.

When Vanguard visited the scene at about 3.30pm, sympathizers were seen in groups, discussing the tragedy.

Widow of the PHCN staff, a pharmacists at Lagos Island, was said to be on call duty the previous day, only to return home yesterday morning to behold the remains of her late husband.

Both victims were said to have been buried while the PHCN staff’s children aged seven, five and two respectively, were said to have been taken to a relative's place.

incident, saying the police command was alerted after the incident which happened on Wednesday night.

Mr Philip Nweze and his son, Chidera after being rescued

He said members of SARS caught up with the hoodlums in a house at Oba belonging to one of the suspects.

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SOGBO — THE Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC, Osun State Command has arrested four men suspected to be involved in adulteration and diversion of petroleum products.

Two of the suspects, Agboola Abiodun and Oyedeji Abiodun, who were arrested at Omo West area of Osogbo, the state capital, were alleged to have been involved in adulteration of diesel with kerosene which they sell to unsuspecting members of the public.

A statement signed by the command’s Public Relations Officer, Mr. Ayodele Olowe in Osogbo, yesterday, said the "suspects were nabbed while siphoning the adulterated diesel into a truck with number plate Lagos XW 321 EKY, while the driver of the truck took to his heels on sighting our men."

Twenty-eight kegs containing 1000 litres of kerosene,12 kegs containing 300 litres of adulterated diesel, two pumping machines and a long hose were recovered from the scene of the crime.

Also, two other suspects, Tolawo Kehinde and Kareem Taju were arrested at Oduduwa University junction in Ile-Ife with a truck carrying 10, 000 litres of petroleum products suspected to be adulterated diesel.

Vanguard, FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 1, 2013—7

The arrested suspected Yahoo-Yahoo Boys with tools in Benin, yesterday.

EFCC nabs 20 suspected Yahoo-Yahoo Boys in Benin

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ENIN — THE Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, has arrested 20 suspected internet fraudsters.

The arrest, said to have been carried out in a joint operation with officers of the 4 Brigade of

the Nigerian Army, Benin, followed intelligence report on their activities. They were nabbed in a surprise raid on their cyber office tucked in an old building located on Siluko Road, Benin City.

At the point of arrest, the

fraudsters had in their possession 45 laptops of different make, 28 telephone sets, eight internet mobile modems and one Nissan car with number plate USL 375 AG. The suspected fraudsters who are mostly in their twenties

Facebook comment: Civil servant sues Bauchi govt, 3 others over sack

BY SUZAN EDEH

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AUCHI — A staff of Bauchi State Ministry of Finance has been sacked over his facebook comment on the source of funding of the wedding of son of Bauchi State Governor Idris Isa Yuguda, Mallam Abbas Ahmed Faggo The sacked officer has, however, filed a suit against Bauchi State government and three others.

A copy of the suit filed by his counsel, Mr Usman Baffa Darazo, which was distributed to newsmen, yesterday, at the secretariat of Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ, in Bauchi revealed that Fago filed a suit before National Industrial Court sitting in Jos and faulted the termination of his appointment by the state government on the grounds that he was not given fair hearing or the opportunity to defend himself.

Fago said: "After I answered the query given to me by the Head of Service, I was discharged from duty by the magistrate court and considering the allegation levelled against me which is criminal in nature, I was

supposed to have been given adequate time and facilities to defend myself in relation to the said allegation before my appointment was terminated.”

Faggo asked the court to declare the termination of his appointment as null and void and order government to

reinstate him with all his emoluments from the date of his termination.

Speaking with newsmen in Bauchi counsel to the plaintiff, Darazo said the case is before the Chief Judge of the Industrial Court for reassigning and mentioning.

include: Idehen Obabueki, Adesa Lucky, Usuagu Uche, Eloghosa Olikiabor, Larry Edomwonyi, Amowie Maike, Francis Ezegbede, Itua Samuel and Endurance John Egbeifo. Others are Amego Ovenseri, Iyen Ighodaro, Philip Agbodori, Lucky Robinson, Nnadi Obinna, Osabuohien Osahon, Chinenu Eze, Peter Sunday, Solomon Ogu, Niyi Femi and Osagie Aghedo.

The suspects were said to have made useful statements. Most of them confessing to be engaged in online dating of foreigners particularly widows. They also confessed to using different pseudo names and faces to deceive their prospective victims.

According to the police, they will be charged to court as soon as investigation is concluded.

Security guard, 35, jailed for employment fraud

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BUJA — SENIOR Magistrate Rosemary Kanyip of the Kubwa Senior Magistrates’ Court in FCT, yesterday, sentenced 35-yearold security guard, Innocent Adoga, to five months imprisonment for fraud.

Kanyip, however, gave the convict an option of N4,000 fine and ordered that he should refund N58,700 to the complainants.

She also warned him to desist from fraudulent activities henceforth, adding: “Be warned that hardship is no defence for the commission of a crime. You claim to have a wife and children, what example do you intend to show your children as they

grow up?”

Police prosecutor, Arziki Kaura, had told the court that the case was reported at the Dutse Police Station on January 19 by John Cole, Augustine Oneje, Sunday Akogwu and Ajido Samson.

Kaura said the convict, who claimed to be a security guard with a company named “Nigeria Private Intelligence” collected various sums from the complainants under the pretence of getting them jobs.

“He collected a total sum of N58,700 from the four complainants, promising to get them employment in his company and in the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps.

“He subsequently issued them fake employment letters and during investigations, refused to give information about his employer.”

Kaura said the convict committed the offences of cheating, forgery and failure to give information to a public servant.

He said that the offences contravened the Penal Code.

The convict had pleaded guilty to the charges, adding that the financial challenges he faced at the time led him to commit the crimes.

He said:“My wife was pregnant and it resulted in an operation, and I had no money,”and begged the court to temper justice with mercy.

NYSC member renovates 18 classrooms, employed by IGP

BY EVELYN USMAN

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BUJA — THE InspectorGeneral of Police, Mr Mohammed Abubakar, has offered an automatic employment to a serving Youth Corps member, following what was described as her outstanding performance during the compulsory one year primary assignment.

The female Corps member identified as Cynthia Kings Ovie, who graduated with a Second Class Upper division from Tansian University in Anambra State, was posted to the Police Officers Wives Association, POWA, International School for her primary assignment.

Speaking with Vanguard during the commissioning of the project, Wednesday, in Abuja, Ovie explained that on reaching the school, the structure was in a dilapitating state.

She said: “I decided to renovate all the 18 classrooms of the school which were in bad shape and also provided the classes with bookshelves and magic dusters for all the boards in the classrooms as well as writing materials, a big national flag and a small one in all the classrooms.

Present at the occasion were Assistant Inspector General of Police in chrage of Zone 7, Felix Ogbaodu; Federal Capital Territory NYSC Coordinator who was represented by Hajiya Mario Mohammed and Director of Police Education, Deputy Commissioner of Police Kabiru Ibrahim, who represented the IGP.

8—Vanguard , FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 1, 2013

S-African court to sentence Okah today

BY UDUMA KALU, WITH AGENCY REPORT

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OUTH African judge, Justice Neels Claassen, presiding over the terrorism trial of the embattled leader of the Movement of the Emancipation of the Niger Delta, MEND, Mr. Henry Okah, yesterday postponed the militant’s sentencing till 10 am today.

Claassen’s decision was based on a request by Okah’s counsel, Lucky Maunatlala, who asked for postponement to enable his client obtain witnesses who are yet to arrive South Africa.

The State, however, opposed the application, while the judge said he would rule on the application after Okah’s attorney testified.

The sentencing was postponed in the High Court in Johannesburg.

Claassen said he did so to give Okah’s defence a chance to present evidence in mitigation of sentencing.

He said Okah’s attorney had to take the stand today, and inform the court what communication there was with the potential witnesses.

Claassen said the State had proved Okah’s guilt beyond any reasonable doubt, declaring that Okah’s failure to testify meant the evidence against him remained uncontested.

Claassen also found no evidence that Okah did not head the MEND which claimed responsibility for the blasts.

Okah, however, told newsmen that he has no control over destruction caused in Nigeria by MEND. “I have heard about what is happening, but I am here and I have no control over it," he said.

Okah was referring to recent threats by members of MEND to make Nigeria ungovernable and target South African companies doing business in Nigeria to protest against his conviction on 13 counts of terrorism by a Johannesburg court.

On January 21, Claassen found Okah guilty of engaging in terrorist activities, conspiracy to engage in terrorist activity, and delivering, placing, and detonating an explosive device and said the state proved Okah was guilty beyond reasonable doubt. The sentence which could be a life jail was expected to be made yesterday or today. The judge, however, gave Okah room for mitigation.

BY HENRY UMORU & JOSEPH ERUNKE

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BUJA—THE Federal Capi tal Territory has proposed to spend N5 billion this year to rehabilitate prostitutes and destitutes who loiter the streets of Abuja.

In the FCT 2013 budget, the Federal Capital Territory Administration also planned to spend N4 billion for the construction of the First Lady’s Mission Building which senators described not only as scandalous but an endorsement of illegality, while Vice President Namadi Sambo’s Guest House in Asokoro, Abuja will be renovated with N150 million by the administration of Senator Bala Mohammed.

Also, N7.5 billion is budgeted for the construction of two city gates. Out of the N5.7 billion earmarked for procurement of equipment and other essentials, N2.9 billion will be spent to sweep and provide sanitation for the city.

The FCTA as part of moves to remove prostitutes and destitute from the streets of the Federal Capital City, FCC, has set up two training centres in Bwari Area Council and Lugbe in Anuja Municipal Area Council, AMAC. The Abuja Environmental Protection Board, AEPB, will be in charge of removing the prostitutes and destitutes from the streets while their rehabilitation will be handled by Social Development Secretariat.

According to a source from the FCTA, the prostitutes when arrested, will be taken to Lugbe where they will be engaged in vocational training in hairdressing, making of yoghurt, computer training, among others for a minimum period of three months. The programme which commenced last year has already graduated over 1,000 of such persons.

In his lead debate yesterday, Senate Leader, Victor NdomaEgba who presented the FCT Statutory Appropriation Bill, 2013 said the total Statutory budget stands at N253,199,752,409, with N48,034,818,410 voted for Personnel costs; N49,504,534,358 for Overhead Costs and the balance of N155,660, 399,641 is for Capital Projects for the service of the Federal Capital Territory commencing from January 1, and ending on December 31, 2013.

According to Senator NdomaEgba, another N7.5 billion will be spent in 2013 by the Abuja Metropolitan Management Council, AMMC, where the Departments of Development Control, Parks and Recreation, Facility Management and Urban Affairs belong.

Senate Leader Victor NdomaEgba said: “The sum of N4 billion is proposed for the construction of First Lady Mission Building. Also, the sum of N150 million is set aside for the renovation of Vice President’s Guest House in Asokoro.

“The sum of N50.5 billion is proposed for the development of transport sector. Out of this amount, there is a Chinese loan of N44.5 billion for the construc-

From right: President Goodluck Jonathan; Leader of Rainbow Book Club, Mrs. Koko Kalango; Mrs. Judith Nwonodi and Mr. Lindsay Barret, both members of the club, during the visit of the club's trustee members to the State House, Abuja, yesterday.

FCT budgets N5bn for prostitutes, destitutes ...votes N4bn for Jonathan's wife mission building, Sambo's guest house to gulp N150m tion of Abuja 60.37 standard gauge rail track with ancillary facilities.

“The secretariat is saddled with the responsibility of promoting social activities like sports, arts and culture, tourism, empowerment programmes, rehabilitate prostitutes and destitute, etc in the territory. In 2013, the total sum of N5 billion is earmarked to address some of the social menace within the FCT. “The sum of N30 billion is earmarked for the provision of infrastructure and services in the education sector in year 2013. This will also cater for the expansion and rehabilitation of Primary, Secondary, Tertiary and Vocational Schools, as well as to provide teaching aid materials. This will improve the quality and standard of education in FCT. “The sum of N24 billion is proposed for the provision of infrastructural facilities and to complete the on-going projects. N23 billion is for the completion of on-going projects while N470 million is for new projects.”

Senators fault budget, say it’s scandalous Meanwhile, Senators in their contributions to the budget however faulted some of the provisions, describing the proposed vote of N4 billion in the FCT budget of N253, 199, 752, 409 for First Lady Mission Building as not only scandalous, but an endorsement of illegality against the backdrop that the office does not exist in the 1999 Constitution.

They argued that public funds must not be used on a private project of such.

In his remarks, Senate President noted that the government was not getting the priorities right in the budget as most important things were not paid attention to, even as he urged Senators to ensure that an effective oversight was carried out.

Earlier in his contribution, Deputy Senate Leader Abdul Ningi, PDP, Bauchi Central while leading a strong opposition against the budget said, “N150 million is too much for the renovation of the Vice President’s guest house in Asokoro. How much is the building that it will now gulp N150 million for renovation?”

Also in his contribution, Vice chairman, Committee on Federal Character and Inter-Governmental Affairs, Babajide Omoworare, ACN, Osun East who also kicked against the expenditure, said: “I’m worried about the provision of bogus figures, there’s a lot of disconnect. This budget hasn’t shown the reality of what’s happening in and around Abuja. Provision of N4 billion for building a mission office for the First Lady is scandalous.

“The Women Development Centre is there for the First Lady to do anything she wants to do and I’m not aware that there’s a First Ladies Mission office in the United States of America from where we copied the Presidential system of government. There is no such building in South Africa and even Ghana that is our next door neighbour.

“N4 billion can be used for a lot of other things. We have not set our priorities right. I’m of the view that the committee should look into this.

“Again, I remember that in this chamber last year, we voted N1 billion only for new federal universities yet we are being asked to appropriate N4 billion for an office that’s alien to the Constitution.”

Also in his remark, Vice chairman, Committee on Establishment and Public Service Committee, Senator Babafemi Ojudu, ACN, Ekiti Central, who was also not happy with some proposals of the FCT Budget, said: “I’m worried and I hope that those of us who are leaders in this country do not take the youths for granted. How can we vote N4 billion for the office of the First Lady? I just pray and hope that this doesn’t get to the public because if it does, we are in trouble.

“How can you appropriate money for an office that’s not known to the Constitution?”

Speaking further, Senate President Mark urged the Senator Bala Mohammed-led administration to set its priorities in the budget right, rather than start projects that would not be 90 per cent completed at the end of every fiscal year.

He said: “You’ve all made very valid contributions. I think the main problem with the budget is getting our priorities right. Some issues have come to the forefront that shouldn’t come to the forefront. I’m wary of completing some projects haphazard.”

Vanguard, FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 1, 2013—9

How to avoid Nigeria's breakaway in 2015 — IBB

BY EMMANUEL AZIKEN, POLITICAL EDITOR

BY HUGO ODIOGOR & CHARLES KUMOLU

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ORMER Military presi dent, General Ibrahim Badamosi Babangida (rtd), yesterday undertook a critical view of the predictions made by soothsayers, including the United States of America that Nigeria will disintegrate in 2015 and suggested ways to ensure the predictions do not become a reality.

General Babangida spoke where he was the chairman of the public presentation of two books in honour of former External Affairs Minister, Prof.

Bolaji Akinyemi at the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs, Victoria Island, Lagos.

Said he: “As Nigerians, we are aware of the great doubts that have been cast about what 2015 portends for the continuing existence of our nation. I am aware that Nigerians have taken great umbrage at these predictions.

Even Lord Lugard who founded what has been called Nigeria gave it a life-span of 100 years.

“I regard it as a challenge to our intelligence to ensure that these portends and prophesies do not become self-fulfilling. We should engage these predictions on an intellectual level, testing whether the facts justify the conclusions.

“But on a practical and public policy level, we must import honesty into our public policy assessments. Firstly, we must identify the problems that need to be addressed. Secondly we must address these problems honestly.

“Thirdly we must identify the most current and the most appropriate mechanism for addressing these issues.

“Let me make this clear. My position is not dictated by the fact that foreigners are making these predictions. We don’t even need foreign sources as a reference point. The Nigerian media is awash with alarming news about our problems. My position is dictated by my conviction that Nigeria is precious enough to be saved. It deserves an investment of our time and resources to make Project Nigeria a success. But the starting point has to be an admission that we need to fix things. We need a new mindset about the Nigerian project. Let us start off by admitting the mistakes of the past. Right policies have at times been wrongly implemented.

Temporary solutions have often been turned into permanent policies, even though the problems they were designed to address have long been solved”.

Making suggestions on how to ensure the continued exist-

PDP shops for Tukur's replacement

BOOK PRESENTATION—Two Books by Prof. Bolaji Akinyemi, former External Affairs Minister were publicly presented at the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs, Lagos yesterday. From left: Maj-Gen. Ike Nwachukwu (rtd); Gen. Ibrahim Badamosi Babangida, former President and Chairman of the occassion; Dr Olusegun Mimiko, Governor of Ondo State and Guest of Honour and Prof. Bolaji Akinyemi, Author, at the Book Presentation. Photo: Lamidi Bamidele. ence of Nigeria beyond the predicted 2015, General Babangida said, “the issue of the principle of federal character needs to be revisited. In a multi-ethnic, multi-cultural and multi-religious nation, the principle of Federal Character is a sensible one and there is no alternative to it. Each national group must be given a feeling of belonging. What needs to be refined is the question of standards.

Federal character can go hand in hand with merit. 50 years after independence and over 50 years after the establishment of universities in Nigeria, there should be no national groups, no states, no zones, no hamlets without qualified citizens. Therefore there should be no question of employing unqualified people in the name of federal character, just as there should be no question of abandoning the principle of federal character in a Federation.

Principle of federal character “We must admit that sacrifices have been made and sacrifices will continue to be made for the survival of this Nigerian project. In the past, maybe there has not been sufficient recognition of the fact that those making these sacrifices have grievances which should have been addressed.

“Maybe in the past, there had not been sufficient recognition of the fact that each national group has legitimate fears and grievances. Some of the mistakes of the past have now come to haunt us. But let me make one thing clear. Not all these mistakes were made out of callousness or bad faith or malice. Most people in office do their best. They act to the best of their ability. Unless we think that our leaders have divine ability, we have to admit that even with all the best of their abilities and even with the best faith and with the best

of all intentions, human beings will still make mistakes.

“That after nearly 100 years of existence, people and national groups still have grievances provide us with an opportunity to address these grievances. That these grievances are of sufficient magnitude for them to demand a dissolution of the nation show the extent of the grievances and therefore it should point to the magnitude of the seriousness with which we should address the grievances. From the creeks in the Niger Delta to the Sahelian areas of the North, Nigeria is under pressure. Now is the time for us to regard the rescue effort as a joint enterprise to secure maximum benefits for all and not an enterprise to secure temporary advantage for one group over another. We need to arrive at a grand consensus that will move this nation forward rather than a panel-beaten system that satisfies no one except the temporary holders of power.

“We can face the challenges together, united in the spirit of a joint enterprise and propelled by the belief in the greatness of this country and a commitment to make Nigeria a source of pride and inspiration to the black race”.

Centenary celebration Speaking on the forthcoming centenary celebrations General Babangida said, “in less than a year, in about 11 months and a few days, we as Nigerians will be celebrating 100 years of our existence as a legal united entity. We have cause to rejoice. During these 100 years, Europe has endured two world wars, Russia had gone through a revolution, a civil war and finally gone from being Russia to Soviet Union and back to Russia. During this time, Spain and Yugoslavia have gone through horrendous civil wars.

During this time, several countries in Asia, including China went through civil wars that almost brought them to their knees.

“Yet today, Europe is one of the fastest growing economies in the world. China is destined in a few years to become the biggest economy in the world. Yes, during the past 100 years of our existence, we also have gone through a horrendous civil war. The events that led to the war and the war itself have left lasting effects on all of us, including those who were not even born during those events.

“As other countries have overcome the mistakes in their history and moved on, so we Nigerians also have cause to rejoice that even though in our history we have met with obstacles, we have experienced ups and downs, each generation had sought to the best of its ability to tackle these obstacles. That we are still a united nation is sufficient cause for congratulation.

Our problems are not over. Nation building is not like an electric switch which you turn on and off. It is a continuous process which makes a heavy demand on government and the people”.

Eulogising Prof. Akinyemi, in whose honour the books were being launched, he said “let me say a word or two about the man we are all here to honour today.

That he was my first External Affairs Minister is an established fact. That before then he was the Director-General of this Institute, the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs for eight years is also an established fact. The fact that as part of today’s programme, there is a symposium on the Technical Aid Corps scheme, one of Prof. Akinyemi’s enduring legacy in government, is ample demonstration of the relevance of Prof.

Akinyemi to Nigeria's Foreign Policy.

OVERNORS of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, are shopping for a replacement for the embattled National Chairman of the party, Alhaji Bamanga Tukur, it has been learnt.

The search by the warring governors is responsible for the recent quiet in their camp, a source familiar with the development disclosed yesterday. The governors, it was learnt, are now weighing options to decide on whom to support in the place of Tukur with whom they drew the battle line at the beginning of last month.

The decision not to make a mistake in the choice of a replacement for Tukur, it was learnt, was responsible for the governors’ quietness to the decision of the National Working Committee, NWC, not to rush into holding a National Executive Committee, NEC, meeting of the party.

The NEC which is expected to meet every quarter has met only once since the election of Tukur as National Chairman in March 2012 with the last meeting having been held in July 2012.

The NEC is the highest decision making body of the party next to the national convention where the party elects its national officers. The body is dominated by proxies of the governors who through their stranglehold of the state chapters of the party paved way for the election of the members of the body.

The National Publicity Secretary of the party, Chief Olisa Metuh, through interview published in some national dailies, had affirmed decision of the NWC not to summon a meeting of the NEC until after the election of a chairman of the Board of Trustees, BoT. Metuh had in a statement affirmed that the 12man NWC was completely loyal to Tukur. The expression of loyalty was against the groundswell of rebellion by the NWC members who at the insistence of the governors reversed the earlier decision of the NWC to dissolve the Adamawa State executive of the party headed by Alhaji Umar Kugama.

10 — Vanguard, FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 1, 2013

Labour Minister is 48 YESTERDAY, we mistakenly published that the Minister of Labour and Productivity, Chief Chukwuemeka Wogu was 58 years old.

He is actually 48 years old.

Wogu was born on the January 29, 1965 and started his public career after his legal training at the then Imo State University in 1986, (now Abia State University), the Nigerian Law School in 1987 and completed his NYSC in 1988.

He holds a Master's degree in Public Administration, Master's of Science in Political Science (Public Policy Analysis).

Fashola chides critics over 'borrowing for dev'

BY MONSUR OLOWOOPEJO

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AGOS — GOVERNOR Babatunde Fashola of Lagos State, yesterday, faulted critics of the state government’s borrowing for development strategy, saying “such criticisms show that

they have shallow knowledge about economics.”

This came as he justified the ban on public office holders from granting press interviews, saying, “it is not to undermine the Freedom of Information, FOI, law.”

The governor, who spoke during an inspection tour of

ongoing projects in Badagry Local Government, said that the critics were uninformed about economics of governance.

According to him: “It is not about borrowing, it is about ability to pay back and the debt services show that the state can pay back.

Newswatch: Minority shareholders' suit upheld

BY INNOCENT ANABA

LAGOS — A Federal High Court sitting in Lagos, yesterday, dismissed the preliminary objection by Mr. Jimoh Ibrahim, challenging the suit by minority shareholders of N e w s w a t c h Communications Limited, Mr. Nuhu Aruda and Professor Jibril Aminu.

Aruda and Aminu in the suit had challenged the method Ibrahim used to acquire the purported majority shares of Newswatch and his style of leading the company so far, accusing the new management of N e w s w a t c h Communications Ltd of assuming control of the company illegally.

They are asking the court to quash the powers of the current management of the company, which they argued was elected by the majority of the shareholders, praying the court to, among others, set aside the Share Purchase Agreement on the basis of which Ibrahim assumed majority shareholding in the company.

Aruda and Aminu, had alleged in the suit that Ibrahim fraudulently acquired the majority shares of the company and had been running the affairs of Newswatch in a manner detrimental to the interest of other shareholders.

Mr. Tony Elumelu, CON, Chairman, Transcorp Plc and Mr. Jeff Immelt, Global CEO, General Electric, GE, at a meeting in Lagos, where a framework agreement was signed to expand Ughelli Power Plc to a capacity of 1,200 megawatts by 2017, and re-launch a sustainable railway service for Nigeria.

Immunisation: Lagos targets 4.3m

BY OLASUNKANMI AKONI

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AGOS —LAGOS State Government, yesterday, said no fewer than 4.3 million children under five years old would be captured in the state during the next round of National Immunisation Plus Days exercise beginning tomorrow.

State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Jide Idris, who announced this, urged members of the public to ensure a high degree of good personal and environmental hygiene to reduce the risk of poliomyelitis infection in the state.

He said in December, 2012, a mop-up campaign against poliomyelitis was carried out where 105 per cent of the targeted population in the state was immunised against poliomyelitis Idris enjoined parents, guardians and caregivers to ensure the immunisation of their wards and children during the exercise and noted that maintenance of a clean environment through proper disposal of human and domestic waste was a collective responsibility.

According to him, “poliomyelitis which is one of the preventable childhood diseases that is highly infectious is transmitted through contaminated food and water, multiplies rapidly in the intestine from where it can invade the nervous system. Many infected persons have no symptoms but excrete the virus in their faeces through which other people can be infected through contamination.

“One in every 200 infect. ions of poliomyelitis leads to irreversible paralysis of the limbs, especially the legs "This is the reason why immunisation remains the most cost-effective strategy in disease prevention and health promotion, especially among children.

"And the borrowed funds were invested on facilities that would improve the standard of living of the residents. But if we depend on our past process of economic strategy, we will remain stagnant.

“Clearly, it shows that our critics are voodoo economists.

This is a rehearsal of an old economic plan. This was the strategy adopted by the past administration.

"The first bond acquired by the state government is due for repayment and the fund is in the consolidated debt services account and the amount is about N52 billion as at December 2012. The liabilitiy that we have is N50 billion. It is not due until 2014.”

Fashola also justified the enforcement of traffic law on Okada riders on unrestricted roads.

On Freedom of Information, FOI, law, he said the essence of the state government action was to ensure that information were disseminated through proper process of obtaining permit from the Ministry of Information and Strategy.

Vanguard , FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 1,

We left behind N49.2bn liability, not debt —Gbenga Daniel

BY LAJA THOMAS

L AGOS—

FORMER Governor of Ogun State, Gbenga Daniel, yesterday, denied allegations by the present government of the state that he left debts running into billions of naira.

Speaking at an interactive session organised by a civil society group in Lagos, Daniel said: “There is absolutely nothing like debt accumulation in Ogun State. Before we handed over, we took it upon ourselves to provide a compendium, a full report of our activities in a book from 2003 – 2010, which we handed over to the incoming government.

"I have not seen any government out of the 36 states in Nigeria that has been able to produce a report where every kobo that came into government coffers was put in a report.

“There is a difference between what you called liability and debt. We are magnanimous to have a liability of N49.2billion, out of which N13.9 billion was outstanding money left

behind as debt.

"What made up the liability, which you cannot regard as debts were arrears of tertiary institutions subvention, arears of running cost, money you give to schools for routine maintenance, arrears of pension, which all sum up to the total N49.2billion liability. I mentioned earlier.

“We were determined not to leave arrears of pension but around 2008, and 2009 there was downturn in world’s economy, Nigeria was not an exception. Our situation was made worse because of our local politics.

"Therefore, the cash liability which we left behind was N13.9 billion. God has helped us and the truth is now coming out.

"I wish the government of Ogun State well because I am not the leader of government’s opposition. I don’t want to discredit them. If they have left me alone and allowed me to have my retirement, I wouldn’t have said anything. But all I have been hearing is that OGD did that, OGD embezzled this and that amount."

Osun demolishes 3000 out of 4000 dilapidated school buildings

BY GNENGA OLARINOYE

O

SOGBO — OSUN State Government has demolished 3,000 school buildings out of the 4,000 identified to be dilapidated across the 30 local government areas in the state.

However, the government has allayed

the fear of residents on the planned merger of the primary and post primary schools in the state, saying the aim is to totally overhaul the education sector for the benefit all stakeholders.

But old students of Fakunle Comprehensive High School, Osogbo,

Renovation of Police College awaits fund — IGP

BY EVELYN USMAN & IFEANYI OKOLIE

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AGOS — INSPEctor General of Police, IGP, Mohammed Abubakar, yesterday, in Lagos, disclosed that renovation of the Police College, Ikeja, would begin as soon as fund was released for the purpose.

This came as the IGP was urged to equip the Special Fraud Unit SFU, in Milverton, Ikoyi, Lagos with modern forensic investigation laboratory that would meet with international standards.

The IGP who was represented by the Deputy InspectorGeneral of Police ‘C’ Department, Emmanuel Udeoji, spoke at the

foundation laying ceremony of the proposed two-storey building named after former Inspector General of Police, Ibrahim Commassie, at the SFU. Although he declined further details on when the money would be released, he said aside the renovation, the college would also be equipped.

one of the affected schools have condemned the action, saying it would further aggravate the problem of the students who would travel several kilometres to get to their new school.

Chairman, Osun Schools Infrastructure D e v e l o p m e n t Committee, Chief Lai Oyeduntan, while speaking with newsmen, said the committee had identified schools with dangerou sly dilapidated structures.

Olubusuyi's ordination tomorrow

P

RESIDENT OF Kingdom Life Global Christian Ministries and the General Overseer of Kingdom Life Christian Centre (KLCC), Ibadan, Oyo State capital, Rev. Matthew Ayoola Olubusuyi will be officially consecrated bishop tomorrow.

The consecration and investiture ceremony is billed for the church auditorium, Solution Ground, Alarere Layout, New Ife Expressway, Ibadan.

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12—Vanguard, FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 1, 2013

Uduaghan to present staff of office to Ovie of Agbarha-Otor

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ELTA State gover nor, Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan, will present the staff of office to His Majesty Richard Okorefe, Okorefe I, the Ovie of Agbarha-Otor Kingdom, in Ughelli North Local Government Area of Delta State, tomorrow.

The event, according to Chief A. Akpobome the Otota r’Ovie of AgbarhaOtor Kingdom, will hold at the Ovie Palace, Agbarha-Otor. Dignitaries expected at the event include the first governor of Delta State, Chief Felix Ibru, who is an indigene and chief of the kingdom.

The young monarch was born into the royal family of Okorefe of Agbarha in Ugheli North local Government of Delta State in 1979. He attended Ogaga-Oghene Primary and Secondary school in Agbarha-Otor respectively from where he proceeded to Delta State University, Abraka where he obtained Bachelor of Science degree in Political Science.

64 ex-militants graduate as marine divers

BY KUNLE KALEJAYE

T

HE first batch of the Presidential Amnesty programme has successfully certified no fewer than 64 ex-militants in the Niger Delta, who had undergone a six-month course in Marine Diving at the Nigeria Naval Under Water Warfare School, Lagos.

The programme was said to be a success story of the public-private sector partnership in Nigeria between Nigeria Naval and Mieka Dive Training Institution, a private indigenous company.

Speaking at the graduation ceremony in Lagos, Commanding Officer, Under Water Warfare School, Ojo, Captain Osoba Tajudin, congratulated the graduates for their successful completion of the diving course.

General Electric to establish manufacturing plant in C-River G

ENERAL Electric is to establish a manufacturing plant in Calabar, Cross River State.

The facility is part of a $1 billion investment that General Electric intends to make in the Nigerian economy in the next five years. It also plans to build a training facility in Calabar.

Announcing the new investment initiatives, Chairman and global Chief Executive Officer of General Electric, Mr. Jeff Immelt, said the investments signpost the confidence his firm has in the Nigerian economy. He spoke at a ceremony in Abuja, yesterday.

He said: “Nigeria offers immense growth opportunities for investors, the people of Nigeria and the continent of Africa. Our planned investment is a fulfillment of GE’s investment incentive MoU with the Federal Government of Nigeria. We are committed to the sustainable growth of Nigeria. This is why we are investing in manufacturing, job creation and increasing our local content.”

He said GE's investment plans “include a $250 million

capital expenditure that will make Nigeria a regional hub for manufacturing, service and innovation with an improved ability to support a broader range of product lines in power generation as well as oil and gas exploration and production.

“The planned investment is expected to create 2,300 jobs, 300

of which will be direct GE hires and the remaining 2,000 indirect jobs created through GE's suppliers that will support its expanded operations.”

President and Chief Executive Officer of the company in Nigeria, Mr. Lazarus Angbazo, assured that Nigerians

will make up 90 per cent of the staff and management of the manufacturing facility.

Also speaking at the event, Minister of Trade and Investment, Dr. Segun Aganga, said President Goodluck Jonathan was at the forefront of the efforts that led to GE’s new investment initiatives.

MEETING ON HIV/AIDS: From left: Deputy Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Mrs. Velerie Ebe; Gov. Gabriel Suswam of Benue State; wife of Ekiti State Governor, Mrs. Adebisi Fayemi; Deputy Governor of Jigawa State, Alhaji Ibrahim Gumel, and his Katsina State counterpart, Alhaji Abdulahi Faskari, during a meeting on HIV/AIDS, presided over by President Goodluck Jonathan, at the State House, Abuja, yesterday. Photo: State House.

Ibori: S-Court strikes out EFCC’s appeal

BY IKECHUKWU

NNOCHIRI

A

BUJA—THE Supreme Court, yesterday, struck out an appeal against convicted former Delta State governor, James Ibori by Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC. The anti-graft agency had gone before the apex court, challenging the decision of the Court of Appeal sitting in Kaduna State, which had maintained that Ibori should be tried in Asaba, Delta State over the 107-count money laundering charge EFCC earlier preferred against him.

The appellate court had insisted that it was legally wrong for EFCC to try Ibori in Kaduna State over a crime he allegedly committed while in power as the governor of Delta State.

It will be recalled that Justice Mohammed Shuaibu of the Federal High Court in Kaduna, had assumed jurisdiction to try Ibori, despite contention by the defence counsel that he ought to be tried in Delta State.

Dissatisfied with the decision of the high court, Ibori, through his lawyer, Mr. Joseph Daudu, SAN, appealed to the Court of Appeal, where he eventually won.

Determined to try the matter outside Delta State, EFCC appealed to the Supreme Court, which ruled, yesterday, that the

matter was an academic exercise.

The presiding judge, Justice Mahmud Mohammed, noted that the assignment of cases was purely an administrat i v e matter.

T h e a p e x court further h e l d t h a t matters

bordering on exercised discretion by the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court in assignment of cases cannot be appealed against.

Vanguard , FRIDAY FRIDAY,, FEBRUARY 1 , 2013 ,

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14—Vanguard, FRIDAY FRIDAY,, FEBRUARY 1, 2013

I was prudent in construction of Asaba Airport —Uduaghan

BY EMMA AMAIZE, AUSTIN OGWUDA, EMMA ARUBI, FESTUS AHON & GODWIN OGHRE

A

S A B A — D E LTA State Governor, Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan, yesterday, spoke on the investigation of Asaba International Airport by Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, insisting that he was prudent in the airport construction, which had a contract value of N27.7 billion. He said it was the cheapest airport constructed anywhere in the country.

The governor spoke at an interactive session at Government House, Asaba.

He said: “Some people wrote a petition against the airport. I think they are from Delta and the petition was to EFCC. The Special Project Director had gone to explain the issue of the hill at the airport. Let me put it in proper perspective. The contract value is N27.7 billion. I know some of you are quoting N54 billion. It is the cheapest airport built by any state government in the country. I challenge anybody to contradict me. “ On the issue of the hill,

GCUOBA re-elects Akpieyi

BY TONY NWANKWO

M

R. Joseph Akpieyi has been re-elected President-General Worldwide (PGWW) of Government College, Ughelli, Old Boys Association (GCUOBA).

Akpieyi emerged victorious for a second term after being returned unopposed at the 2013 Annual General Meeting of the College held Saturday, January 19, with Dr. Henry Bozimo as Presiding Officer and Dr. William Oshevire as Returning Officer, respectively.

Other officers elected are Prof. Ogbemi O. Omatete (First Vice President-General); Mr. Esanye S. George (Second Vice President-General); Chief James Erhjuero (Third Vice President-General); and Dr. Taiwo Idemudia (Fourth Vice PresidentGeneral).

In his acceptance speech, Akpieyi thanked members for the confidence reposed in him and in members of the NEC for another two years.

C M Y K

the cost of work on the hill was part of the original contract from day one. It was not a new contract. When Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority came they said that without pulling down the hill, they would not approve the place for bigger

planes.

“Apart from the hill, there were other things they talked about.

So we looked at the whole thing, realising that the contractor was very slow in pulling down the hill, and we wanted bigger planes to land at the airport.

“In order to fast track the issue of flattening the hill so that NCAA can grant approval for bigger planes, we invited three other contractors to join the original contractor. That was exactly what happened and we had explained same to EFCC.”

PRESENTATION: Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan of Delta State (right) presenting the keys to a Toyota Corolla car to Mr. Louis Akamaka, a teacher at West End Mixed Secondary School, Asaba, whose students excelled during a Literary Session held in Government House, Asaba, yesterday.

Orubebe laments inadequate funding for N-Delta projects

BY SIMON EBEGBULEM

B

ENIN—MINISTER of Niger Delta Affairs, Elder Godsday Orubebe, yesterday, said funds released to his Ministry were grossly inadequate for the development of the region, stressing the need for the Federal Government to use crude oil revenues to significantly fund the ministry’s projects and programmes to

avoid fresh crisis in the region.

Orubebe, in a lecture titled The Challenge of Regional Development in Nigeria: Case of the Niger Delta, at the 7th Distinguished Faculty of Social Sciences Public Lecture, of University of Benin, lamented that despite its huge resources endowment, the Niger Delta region illustrates a paradox of poverty in the midst of abundant resources.

He said his Ministry was making steady progress in im-

plementing a number of projects in the region, which include the East-West Road, as the Federal Government alone cannot fund developmental projects in the region.

He said: “To avoid a return to the pre-amnesty oil production level that resulted in militancy and youths restiveness, it is imperative to use crude oil revenues to significantly fund the ministry’s projects and programmes. It is important to sustain the existing peace and security in the region.”

Cleric lambasts Sanusi over comment on CAN

BY FESTUS AHON

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GHELLI—CHAIR MAN of Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN, Ughelli North Local Government Area Chapter, Delta State, Rt. Rev Diamond Emuobor, has condemned Governor of Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, Mallam Lamido Sanusi, over his call for the ban of CAN and some prominent religious and cultural associations in the country.

Sanusi had recently asked the Federal Government to

ban CAN, Afenifere, Arewa Consultative Forum, among others, premising his call on the growing tide of terrorist attacks and kidnappings in the country.

Fielding questions from newsmen, Emuobor, said: “Sanusi, whose Kano State does not contribute to the economy of Nigeria but is allowed by the virtue of quota system to sit over the trillions of naira from the South, should respect the benevolence of Christians, who love their neighbours like themselves and had allowed the nation to move on the wheels of the South.”

Challenging Sanusi to look

inward and tutor his Northern people to excellence in a world that is driven by technology and stop throwing stones on a glass house, he wondered what Boko Haram is looking for in the governance of Nigeria.

He said: “Is it the underdevelopment or the economic problems of their area that makes them to take up arms against Nigeria? If that is the case, who should be blamed for the 39 or more years out of the 52 years of independence the North ruled the country both in military and civil rules and brought Nigeria from grace to grass?”

Four jailed for sanitation offences in Delta

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GHELLI—NO fewer than four persons were, yesterday, sentenced to two weeks imprisonment by a mobile court sitting in Udu, Udu Local Government Area, Delta State for contravening the state environmental laws.

Thirty-five others who were convicted by the court, were slammed with fines, ranging from N500 to N1,000 while three others were released on health grounds.

At the special environmental sanitation exercise in the area, the state Commissioner for Environment, Mr. Frank Omare, charged Deltans to imbibe the culture of keeping their environment clean. He said the convictions would serve as deterrent to others.

Police in Bayelsa for special combat training

BY SAMUEL OYADONGHA

Y

ENAGOA—A SPE CIAL training in combat is to be given to selected officers and men of Bayelsa State Police Command to enable them tackle emergency situations in the state.

Special Adviser to the state governor on Security Matters, Lt. Col. Bernard Kenebai (rtd), stated this in Yenagoa, in a paper, Current Security Challenges in Bayelsa State, delivered during the visit of students of Senior Course 35 of the Armed Forces Command and Staff College, Jaji, Kaduna State.

He said aside measures to build security infrastructure, the state government was also making arrangements to boost the capacities of selected policemen through specialised training.

Kenebai told members of Syndicate One of the Senior Course 35, who were on tour of Bayelsa State, that the government was making huge investment in security to protect lives and property.

Vanguard, FRIDAY, FEBRUARY1, 2013 — 15

Senate probes Ezzu River bodies zPolice Affairs Committee, others get two weeks to submit report

BY HENRY UMORU &

JOSEPH ERUNKE

A

BUJA—THE Senate yes terday said it was worried that over one month after human bodies were found floating on Ezzu river in Anambra State, no community or family had come up with claims of missing members.

To this end, the upper legislative chamber has commenced investigation to unravel the circumstances leading to the strange development, saying the inability of the country to unearth the cause of the incidence could adversely affect its reputation.

The Senate, after an intense deliberation on the issue yesterday during its plenary, gave a marching order to its Committees on Police Affairs and Security and Intelligence to immediately carry out a thorough investigation into it and report the finding within two weeks.

The motion on the issue, entitled “Strange dead bodies found in Ezzu River of Anambra State,” was sponsored by Senator Andy Uba, PDP, Anambra South.

It will be recalled that over 35 dead bodies, mostly male, were discovered floating in the river

Physically challeneged persons protest non-release of fund

BY EMMAARUBI

W

A R R I —PHYSI CALLY challenged persons in Delta State, yesterday, stormed the headquarters of Delta State Oil Producing Area Development Commission, DESOPADEC, in Warri, to protest the non-release of their N40 million 2012 budgetary allocation, by the state oil intervention agency.

Vice-Chairman of the group, Mr. John Young, told Vanguard, that they have explored all avenues to address their plight to no avail hence the protest.

He said they were prepared to remain at the commission until their demands are met.

However, the senior press officer of the commission, Mr. Vincent Oyibode, who spoke to Vanguard, alleged that the last N40m allocated to the group and meant for training/empowerment was misappropriated by the officers.

He said the delay in the disbursement of the fund was as a result of the dissolution of the former board and re-appointment of a new one last December, noting that the new board was working to meet their demand.

in the early hours of Saturday, January 19, 2013,by some villagers of Amansea in Awka North Local Government Area of Anambra State.

Senate President, David Mark, who spoke after many senators took time to contribute to the ugly development,

expressed surprise, saying “until this moment, no explanation has been proffered as to the possible origin of the dead bodies, while the autopsy ordered by the governments of Anambra and Enugu States has yielded no report.”

The senators regretted that the river, which was bounded between Anambra and Enugu states, was the only source of water for domestic and other uses for the people of the five communities of Anambra State.

Governor Peter Obi of Anambra State (right) and Commissioner for Local Government Affairs, Mrs Azuka Elemo, during the sensitization of Nkpor residents on dangers of indiscriminate dumping of refuse on the newly-constructed Nkpor-Omagbe Estate Road, yesterday.

ECCIMA alleges multiple taxation by Enugu govt

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BY TONY EDIKE

NUGU—ENUGU Cham ber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture ECCIMA], yesterday, raised an alarm over multiple taxation and arbitrary levy collection going on in Enugu State, saying the development has constituted major impediments to business activities in the state.

This came as the 2012 highest academic award winner in Medicine, Prof Samuel Ohuabunwa, called on Nigerians to always strive to im-

prove themselves in their chosen professions and leave their recognition to God. Speaking at the 39th annual general meeting of the chamber, ECCIMA President, Dr Theo Okonkwo, called on the state government to do all within its powers to stop the disturbing cases of multiple taxation and levies which, he said, had seriously discouraged investment in the state.

He stated that it was disheartening that while state government agencies were charging and collecting various levies,

local government councils were also charging businesses based on the same levies, stressing that it was adding to the cost of doing business in the state.

Okonkwo, who praised government efforts in checking decongestion of the city centre from indiscriminate parking, however, noted the excesses and abuses of the effort by government officials and called on the government to check the trend to avoid presenting a wrong picture of the state.

Court adjourns case against ex-Orsu North LG boss

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BUJA—A Chief magis trate court sitting in Abuja has awarded a cost of N15,000 against three persons standing trial for giving false information to the Inspector-General of Police for attempting to delay the course of justice.

The former Chairman of Orsu North Development Area of Imo State, Damian Santa-Okpara, and two others, had informed the Inspector-General of Police that one Chief Nelson Janel-Okpara had kidnapped the children of

one of the accused persons, Edwin Obiezue, and burnt his house.

On investigation, it was discovered that it was the three accused persons that took the children into hiding in a village called Chokocho in Rivers State, which led to their arraignment.

When trial commenced, the defence counsel Mr. Benjamin Nwanegbo, asked for an adjournment to enable him study the record of proceedings.

Opposing the motion, the

Prosecutor, Inspector Sunday Okedi, said the request for adjournment was a deliberate ploy to delay the dispensation of justice.

He urged the defence counsel to lay the foundation for cross examination to justify the movement of the Investigating Police Officer, DSP Ishaku Hamman from Jalingo, to Abuja.

Ruling on the motion for adjournment, Chief Magistrate Lamido Kabir said the trial had suffered several set backs in the last four years all at the instance of the accused persons.

FG warns varsity students against cultism

BY PETER OKUTU

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BAKALIKI—THE Federal Government, yesterday, warned students of Federal University, Ndufu Alike, Ikwo, to desist from cultism, ritual practices and other social vices capable of tarnishing the image of the institution and derailing the objective behind their stay in the university.

Minister of Information, Mr. Labaran Maku, who handed down the warning when members of the Good Governance Tour team paid a visit to the institution, charged the newly admitted students of the university to diligently pursue their studies and be good ambassadors of the country.

He described as shameful a situation where students engage in ritual practices and violence in the name of cultism, while their counterpart in other countries ,especially in the developed world as Japan, engage in serious academic pursuits and scientific discoveries.

.... As FUTO raises alarm over land speculators

BY CHIDI NKWOPARA

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WERRI—THE Fed eral University of Technology, Owerri, FUTO, has raised an alarm over encroachment of the institution’s land by speculators.

Vice Chancellor of the university, Professor Chigozie Asiabaka, made the feelings of FUTO management known when he played host to journalists in his office yesterday.

“This problem does not only pose great security risk to the university community but also constitutes inestimable setback on our development efforts in the institution,” Asiabaka said.

He appealed to government and other stakeholders of the university, including the press, to dissuade land speculators from trespassing and encroaching on the university’s permanent site.

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16 — Vanguard, FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 1, 2013

PROFESSOR BOLAJI AKINYEMI’S BOOKS’ PRESENTATION IN LAGOS, YESTERDAY. PIX: LAMIDI BAMIDELE

From right: Former External Affairs Minister, Professor Bolaji Akinyemi, Author; Dr Olusegun Mimiko, Governor of Ondo State, Guest of Honour; General Ibrahim Babangida, former Head of State, Chairman of the Occasion, and Major General Ike Nwachukwu (rtd), at the Presentation of Two Books, titled 'Perspectives on Nigeria's National and External Relations: Essays in Honour of Professor Bolaji Akinyemi' and 'Nigeria and the World; A Bolaji Aknyemi Revisited', at the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs, Lagos, yesterday.

Chief (Mrs) Nike Akande, former MinMr. Ben Murray Bruce (right) and Erelu ister of Industry (right) and Professor Jide Osuntokun.

Abiola Dosunmu.

From left: Major Gen. Tunji Olurin (rtd); Alhaji Taiwo Alimi, and Col. Halilu Hakilu (rtd).

Professor George Obiozor (left) and Dr. Tokunbo AwolowoDosunmu.

Reps postpone unveiling of constitution review report zOver alleged doctoring of report

BY OKEY NDIRIBE & EMMAN

OVUAKPORIE BUJA—THE much cel ebrated review of the 1999 constitution by the House of Representatives ran into troubled waters yesterday as it was alleged that the report of Emeka Ihedioha led ad-hoc committee had been doctored.

It was gathered that this led to the indefinite postponement of the planned colourful presentation of the report of the ad-hoc committee report to the public.

Rivers State governor and Chairman of Nigerian Governors Forum, Rotimi Amaechi, who was invited to grace the occasion, was visibly absent at the event.

Tambuwal said: “ I will begin by apologising to you collectively and severally for the delay in the commencement of the process. I would like to say that as leaders, we will continue to engage ourselves and in the process of doing that ensure that what ought to be done or needs to be done is done very well. ”Especially here in the House of Representatives where this proc-

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ess has been acclaimed to be transparent thus far; we will not as such want a situation whereby at this stage there should be an issue that has to do with the total collated results of what needs to be presented to the public today.”

It was also gathered that before the commencement of yesterday’s presentation of the report to the public, the leadership of the House had held a marathon meeting.

At the meeting, Tambuwal was said to have declared that there was no way the report he was shown by the committee chairman could be presented to the public.

He had told his colleagues that instead of presenting the report, the presentation ceremony should be postponed till further notice.

The Deputy Speaker, Emeka Ihedioha, was said to have argued that dignitaries had been invited from different parts of the country to attend the event.

The source said the speaker waved that aside and declared that he would personally postpone it.

A source close to the leadership also told Vanguard that “there was serious pressure from the north on Tambuwal to jettison the

BY EMMA UJAH, ABUJA

BUREAU CHIEF

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BUJA—FORMER Min ister of Defence, Gen. Theophilus Danjuma, has called for urgent steps to be taken towards arresting desert encroachment, which is responsible for drought, famine and migration, resulting in armed crisis in the Sahel region.

Speaking at the inauguration of the Council and Boards of the NSE-TAD, a special purpose vehicle for taming desert encroachment, in Abuja, the Army General- turned billionnaire businessman said the Trans-Saharan Highway had the potential to create several million jobs and boost the economies of the affected countries.

Amb Ojukwu lauds Nigeria as FITUR Madrid opens in Spain

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ADRID—AMBASSA DOR to Spain, Ambassador Bianca Ojukwu, has expressed delight at the Nigerian stand as one of the biggest tourism trade fair, popularly called FITUR Madrid opened yesterday in Spain.

According to the Ambassador, the structure erected by the Ni-

gerian delegations, led by the Director General of Nigerian Tourism Development Corporation, NTDC, Otunba Olusegun Runsewe, was eye catching and aesthetically attractive, which will endear exhibitors to not only make inquiries but also buy into some of the products that the Nigerian nation was offering.

FITUR prides itself as one of the biggest trade fair in the world, with over 150 nations participating and attended by over 100,000 people.

It is a platform where participating nations showcase their products and discuss with potential investors, which in turn could improve their different economies.

Danjuma urges action against desertification Danjuma said: “The project has the potential to create millions of jobs that directly and indirectly cater for the teeming unemployed youths across the continent, the potentials to provide clean water to millions of people along the route; the potential for power generation by harnessing the abundant solar and wind energy, the potential for geological exploration of the Sahara for its hidden treasures and the opportunity to provide an alternative route for fibre optic broadband cables and pipelines for gas and oil transportation across the continent all these cannot be over emphasized”.

Gen. Danjuma whose foundation is partnering with the Nigerian Society Engineers in the renewed fight against desertification pointed out that the plan to address the problem had been on for about 50 years and shouldn’t be allowed to linger further.

Vanguard , FRIDAY FRIDAY,, FEBRUARY 1 , 2013 ,

17

NSCDC top shots from Imo state during their parley with royal fathers from the state

Insecurity: NSCDC serves notice of war on criminals in Imo pickedfromotherCatholicChurchesinImoState.

Thebubbleburstwhenthehoodlumstriedoneof T has been said at various times thechurchesinNekede,OwerriWestlocalcouncil and in different places that this is not the best area. Criminals are not tired of coming out with of times for Imo people, residents and others fresh modes of operation. In Nigeria, some passing through the state. People have since people have continued to re-modeltheir crimlearnt not to sleep with their two eyes closed, at inaltendenciesfrompick-pocketing,pettystealleastfornow.Thisissueofinsecurityhasremained ing,bagsnatching,armedrobbery,ritualmurder, onthelipsofmostpeopleandmayremainsofor humantrafficking,gangrapeofevenveryyoung some time to come, especially as crime is yet to girls, child abuse, armed militancy and suicide abate. bombing. There are other sordid acts not The list of innocent citizens brazenly robbed, mentionedhere.Theyalladduptothebadpress kidnapped or gruesomely murdered in cold Imo and Nigeria are getting in newspapers and bloodappearslongandendless.Nobodyknows magazines. where,whenandhowthehoodlumswouldstrike In Imo State, incidents of kidnapping have again.ThePrincipalSecretarytoImoStateDeputy remainedathorninthefleshofinnocentcitizens.

Governor,EmenikeIhekwoaba,anarchitectby Thelistofkidnapvictimsislong.Eventraditional profession,waskidnappedmorethanfivemonths rulers,medicaldoctors,highcourtjudges,indusago on his way to his Nkwerre country home trialists and businessmen were not spared from and has not been seen till date. He is still being thetraumaofbeingforcefullyincarceratedbythe kept by his captors, albeit against his will, dehoodlums.VanguardMetroisnotawarethatany spite the huge ransom already collected by the ofthekidnapvictimscameoutwithoutpayingfor theirfreedom A startling revelation Ewurum told their hosts in clear terms how came throughtherecent success storytoldbyImo they felt about the sagging security situation in State Command of the the state, as well as their preparedness to work Department of State Security, DSS. The in synergy with other security agencies to securityoutfitsuccessfully eradicate all forms of crime in the state smashed the kidnap gangthathas allegedly gangsters. been using Ise Nail Industry as a safe haven for Prior to this ugly incident, the likes of former their nefarious act. The factory is alleged to be CommissionerforCommerceandIndustry,Mrs. owned by the traditional ruler of Lagwa autonoChioma Ogoke, former Speaker of Imo State mous community in Aboh Mbaise local council House of Assembly, Chief Godfrey Dikeocha, area,EzeCosmasOnyeneke. Thestartlingaspect UgoezeMillicentOdimegwuandformerNews oftheentirestoryisnotthatthekidnapperswere Editor of Imo Broadcasting Corporation, Chief nabbed and their victims released unharmed, NdubuizuUgorji,wereallvictimsofkidnapping. butthefactthatthe alleged ownerofthepremisThepresentChairmanofImoStateCouncilof es is a royal father, who equally appreciates the Traditional Rulers, Eze Samuel Agunwa Ohiri, gravity of the offence of harbouring kidnappers 82-year old Mrs. Christiana Okere and the in his premises. Onyeneke had variously deNollywoodactress,MissNkeiruSylvanus,were nied knowledge of the use of the premises by lucky to live and tell their tales of woe. hoodlums but the state government was not faTheaspectofthiskidnappingthatbaffledsane vourably disposed to hearing that story. minds was when innocent toddlers became There are some unlucky ones. The latest targets.Aboutthreesmallchildren,theyoungest incidentwasthatofImoStateDeputyGovernor’s being about one a half years, were kidnapped DirectorofProtocol,DOP,Mr.LazAnyanwu.He from Saint Mulumba Catholic Parish, Owerri. waspickedfromhishouseandnevercameback Apart from this church, children were equally alive to tell his story.

BY CHIDI NKWOPARA

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Faced with the continuing gory stories from Imo State, top ranking officers of Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC, who are indigenes of the state, recently took a trip to the state. While in the state, they had chats with Governor Rochas Okorocha and theChairmanoftheStateCouncilofTraditional Rulers, Eze Samuel Agunwa Ohiri, in his palace at Orodo, Mbaitoli local council area of thestate.

The NSCDC top brass, which was led by the Deputy Commandant General, DCG, in chargeofoperations,Mr.EvansEwurum,told their hosts in clear terms how they felt about the sagging security situation in the state, as well as their preparedness to work in synergy withothersecurityagenciestoeradicateallforms of crime in the state.

Othersofficersthatmadethetripincluded theAssistantCommandantGeneral,ACG, (Intelligence), Mr. Hilary Kelechi Madu, the Commandant in charge finance, NationalHeadquarters,Mr.FabianEjezie, the Commandant, Bayelsa state Command, Mr. Desmond Agu and the Commandant, Zone B, Kaduna, Mr. WalterAkubuiro.

Also in attendance during the courtesy call to the royal father were the Assistant Commandant General, Zone E, Mr. Mohammed Lapai and Imo State Commandant, Mr. Adamu Soja Sadabs.

Responding, Eze Ohiri commended them for their special interest in the state, especially their concern over the sagging security situation in Imo. The royal father assured them of the preparedness of the traditionalrulersintacklingthepervading insecurity in the state.

All that can be added to this is our collective prayer that the visit of the NSCDC top brass to Imo will change things for good. Only time will tell if this will happen in our time.

NEMA warns on dangers of pipeline vandalism

BY BOSE ADELAJA

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HE National Emergency Management Agency NEMA, has warned Nigerians against the dangers associated with pipeline vandalism.

NEMA stated that inhaling petroleum products is dangerous to the environment as it causes ailments like stomach upset, nausea, vomiting and coughing. The agency has therefore urged advised Nigerians beware and report the activities of vandals as well as spilling of petroleum products.

It also advised Nigerians to seek further medical tests and treatment against complications arising from the hazardous nature of oil spills..

NEMA Information Officer South West, Ibrahim Farinloye in a press statement said the warning became necessary as a result of distress calls from residents of Oluwole Bisiriyu street, Ilori Coker crescent, Kayode Williams Estate and Akute-Odo areas in Iju-Ishaga, Lagos and Ogun

States over environmental pollution as a result of pipeline vandalism which occurred last weekend. ‘’Residents complained of serious stomach upset, nausea and coughing.

On getting the alert, NEMA mobilised the safety personnel of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation NNPC, on the development and are almost fixing the ruptured pipeline located under Ogun River. Residents of these areas are strongly enjoined to avoid consumption and usage of the river-water in the next three weeks. Furthermore, the residents are also advised to seek further medical test, advise and treatment as a long time measure against complications. ‘’However, the Federal Government pleas that communities and residents of any disaster risks areas should join hands in disaster risk reduction management as the immediate and long time effects of disasters are mostly inflicting negative impacts on the poor and less privileged,’’ he said.

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18 — Vanguard, FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 1, 2013 THE abject neglect of prisoners points to official disrespect for rights of convicts and suspects. Awaiting Trial Inmates and people in prison custody are treated with zero level respect, a reflection of the general treatment of Nigerians.

Not less than 80 persons once awaited the hangmen in Kirikiri Maximum Prisons. More disheartening is the revelation that some condemned men are on death row for about 20 years. The delay is caused by withholding of consent by the governor and sometimes insufficient number of hangmen.

Others, as suspects, spend years without any hope of their trial being concluded. Hundreds of others, who are in prison custody, have lost hope of freedom over endless delays in the conclusion of police investigations.

Yet most of our prisons have semi-functional clinic without doctors, sometimes nurses, and a pharmacist. There are no medical equipment, no drugs. Such clinics cannot provide basic medical services. Diseases and deaths are rampant.

It is inhuman and mean for condemned criminals to be all kept in jail 20 years after being sentenced. The psychological trauma

Care F or Prisoner s For Prisoners and emotional destabilisation caused such condemned men are far reaching. They smack of state cruelty.

Something urgent has to be done to the criminal justice system of the country so that suspects will not be perpetually kept in prisons due to delays in their trial. Inadequate vehicles, endless police investigations as a result of poor equipment or frequent transfer of personnel, insufficient evidence and reluctance of witnesses to testify are some of the reasons that delay trials. The state should not hold people when it does not have the processes to ensure their speedy trial.

Section 34 (4) of the Constitution that forbids

unending detention of suspects is observed in breach. Neither the courts, nor lawyers have made any serious efforts to enforce these provisions, which include apology and compensation for people detained illegally.

Our laws expect decent treatment of prisoners and suspects who are presumed innocent until pronounced guilty by a competent court.

Every Minister of Justice pays lip service to the release of suspects who have been held for years without trial though it is a major plank for prison decongestion. The hypocrisy and abuse of human rights of inmates should stop.

More prisons equipped with facilities that would guarantee rehabilitation, the ultimate goal of any serious country’s penal system, will be helpful. Functional medical facilities should also be provided. A comprehensive review of the justice system is vital to reduce arbitrary detentions that cause prison congestions.

Governors must invoke their constitutional powers of prerogative of mercy as provided for in Sections 175 and 212 of the Constitution, if they are unwilling to confirm the death sentences.

OPINION

BY ADAEZE ONUOHA Continued from yesterday's pg 18 LL these are calculated steps towards making FMC Umuahia a centre of excellence in cardiothoracic surgery capable of undertaking open heart surgeries. Already, the acquisition of the necessary equipment has begun in readiness for takeoff, especially as the formidable intensive care unit is functioning.

Obstetrics and Gynecological Care The level of obstetrics and gynecological care at FMC Umuahia is being strengthened on a regular basis. At present, FMC Umuahia is among the tertiary health institutions in the country where the maternal mortality rate is quite commendable. It has one of the lowest maternal mortality rates in Nigeria in comparison with in-patient admissions. A measure of the success of the practice of obstetrics and gynecology in this hospital is the fact that it has been accredited to train gynecologists by the West African College of Surgeons.

FMC Umuahia is also pulling its weight in the field of internal medicine practice. It has a functional Cardiac Echo which is a diagnostic equipment for studying the heart.

In fact, this area of medicine has been fully developed. The hospital has a machine known as Daytona Randox, a very versatile machine capable of performing 400 different test parameters. In actuality, FMC Umuahia on account of this machine is one of the centres in Nigeria that can conduct doping tests for athletes. The expectation of Dr. Chuku is that the Federal Ministry of Youth and Sports will on account of this machine

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Transformation agenda and SAFE initiative at FMC Umuahia (2) collaborate actively with the FMC Umuahia at the next National Sports Festival. An endocrinologist has also been engaged and plans are underway to hire more consultants in the field of internal medicine.

The hospital has started the construction of In-Vitro Fertilisation Laboratory, IVF. A new surgical ward extension currently under construction will provide facilities for the IVF laboratory. A doctor has undergone training in this field. He has started the Fertility Clinic which will build up patients in readiness for the commencement of trials in collaboration with the Indian hospital where the fertility doctor received his training. It is projected that FMC Umuahia will rank among the best fertility hospitals in Nigeria, bringing succour to heartbroken women who could not ordinarily conceive and deliver their babies normally.

Dialysis Centre With the incidence of kidney failure on the rise, FMC Umuahia is taking proactive measure to provide the needed service for Nigerians suffering from the disease. The team on dialysis is anchored around Dr. Chukwu Onye, a Nephrologist who is championing the medical centre’s revolutionary initiative in Nephrology. In this regard, therefore FMC Umuahia has resolved to provide dialysis services comparable to what is available in developed countries.

Plans are underway to procure additional six

dialysis machines and one of the machines will be dedicated to HIV patients. This obviously will be a welcome development to HIV patients who find this service difficult to access in Nigeria.

Urology

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MC Umuahia has put together a brilliant team of urologists who are determined to positively impact on the lives of people with urological disorders. In this regard, one out of the three consultant urologists, Dr. George Acho, who was sent abroad for a specialist training in the field has successfully accomplished the task. He is on ground at FMC Umuahia championing Transurethral Resection of the Prostate. TURP, surgery which is a surgical procedure that removes portions of the prostate gland through the penis. A TURP requires no external incision.

Special Services for Terminally -ill Patients Under this scheme, the medical centre provides special palliative services to terminally ill patients. Dr. Ezekiel Ojimadu is the leader of this team with a surgeon, hematologist, pharmacist, forensic scientist and ICU nurse to deepen the practice in this area. They provide consistent and special care to patients with terminal illness alongside the attending physician.

Dr Chuku could best be described as a man with a midas touch, anything he touches turns to gold. He is media shy despite his great achievements in the health sector where he

has proved his worth. His case is like a Gold Fish that has no hiding place as his voluminous achievements since he assumed the leadership of the Federal Medical Centre, Umuahia has thrust him into the public limelight. No wonder he received encomiums, praises and commendations from all and sundry.

He has through leading by example brought good governance as well as strengthen the stewardship and technical responsibilities of the Federal Medical towards integrated service delivery. He has displayed a businesslike approach to the issues of administration in the Medical Centre. He is a people – oriented administrator who is never wavering in the cause of charting a new course for FMC . His love for moderation and his astute commitment to the overall transformation of medical centre has the admiration of many Abians and Nigerians alike. He projects a leadership profile that is sane and untainted by cheap materialism.

Dr. Chuku’s personalities reminds us all of the virtues of service, selflessness, hardwork and commitment. At many interactive fora, he has consistently stressed that for service to be meaningful and enduring, it has to be beyond self, service beyond the realms of mercantilism and must elevate one to a level of altruism where the immediate objective is making a difference to the lives of others.

According to him, no one serves without being passionate about the object of service.

Concluded *Mr. Onuoha, a social critic, wrote from Umuahia, Abia State.

Vanguard, FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 1, 2013 — 19

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RECENT news item caught my attention ‘the deposed Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Ibrahim Dasuki said the 36 states and 774 local governments in the country were gulping so much of the nation’s resources and under developing the country. At a news conference to mark the 47 years of the late premier of the Northern Region, Sir Ahmadu Bello, Dasuki noted that in spite of the huge amount of money being allocated to the states and local governments in the country,it was not impacting on the generality of people due to corruption’.

Said Dasuki: ‘You can imagine that a wife of a local government chairman is given huge amount of money as wardrobe allowance. For what?

Even councillors get the same allowances. Is that in the constitution? The whole thing is mixed up. Look at the local government funds.

The chairmen have been marginalised. All they do is to go and sign the money in Abuja and they don’t know what happens to the money.They will say, well I was told to sign, and I did, I don’t know what will happen to the money. So the money does not get to the people down there. That is why the governors are pushing for a joint account with the local governments’.

According to him, "I was the

only Permanent Secretary for Local Government in the entire Northern Region, with only one minister during Sardauna.

Today, there are 19 local government chairmen, with 19 permanent secretaries. From one region, we now have 19 states.Tell me, what progress have we made. The cost of administration and the task of ensuring accountability is too huge. The problem with Nigeria is the 36 states and the 774 governments. We don’t need them, if we want to develop.

Why should we have 774 local governments, 36 states with 19 for the North?’

Whether one agrees with the views of Alhaji Ibrahim Dasuki (89) is beside the point. The fact remains that the old lion is back in his familiar terrain-speaking passionately on national issues.

You can take the throne from him but you can never take his voice and principle. Public service has always been his calling since he joined the Sokoto native Authority in 1943 as a clerk.

Before he became deputy secretary of the Northern Nigeria Executive Council in 1957 he served in diplomatic missions both in Sudan and Germany. But his greatest taste of politics was when he became chief private secretary to the then Premier of the Northern Nigeria, Sir Ahmadu Bello (1909-1966), the then Sardauna of Sokoto.

He was the immediate boss of

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Alhaji Gidado Idris (GCON) who retired in 1999 as secretary to the government of the federation and head of service.

Alhaji Dasuki was the Barden Sokoto when he served as a member of the constituent assembly in 1977. He became the 18th Sultan of Sokoto in 1988 but was deposed in April 1996 on flimsy excuse by the then head of state, General Sanni Abacha.

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eneral Abacha had utter contempt for the Dasukis, for reasons that cannot be explained. When he became head of State in November 1993, we all knew that the days of Dasuki as Sultan was over.

Through his spokeman then,Alhaji Wada Nas, Alhaji Dasuki became the target of verbal assaults and if his son Sabo had not escaped from the country into exile he would have suffered the same fate as Ken Saro-Wiwa, in the hands of General Sanni Abacha.

On assumption to power, General Abacha appointed his military assistant Colonel Yakubu Muazu to be

Is CAN still relevant?

BY ADEWALE KUPOLUYI

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T is a common knowledge that before the Christian Association of Nigeria was formed, Protestants and Roman Catholics in Nigeria were not on best of terms, as far as inter-religious dialogue is concerned.

This lack of cordiality among native believers from different Church denominations could be traced to the era when western missionaries migrated into Africa.

Eventually, when the missionaries came, bitter rivalries erupted among them over mission territories. Protestant missionaries often settled this among themselves through agreements. But where the rivalry involved Catholics and Protestants, no such territorial agreements were made.

Consequently, there appeared to be more tension between Catholic and Protestant missions than there was among the different Protestant missions.

Then there was the Vatican II - one of the most important councils in the history of Christianity - since the fall of the Western Roman Empire.

The Vatican II, the 21st Council of the Roman Catholic Church, began in 1962 and ended in 1965.

At this council, one of the major things that took centre stage was the discussion on the relationship of the Church with other Christian faiths and with Jews and people of other religions. This was a watershed in Christian history.

From this point on, the Catholic Church began to warm up towards other faithful from other denominations. Therefore, Vatican II prepared the ground for the emergence of CAN, and it gave the Nigerian Catholic church a better platform to foster

cooperation with non-Catholic Christians.

Also, the emergence of the World Council of Churches, All-Africa Council of Churches, Christian Council of Nigeria, Tarayar Ekklisiyoyin Kristi a Sudan - The Fellowship of the Churches of Christ in the Sudan (And later, in Nigeria), New Life For All, and the Northern Christian Association, prepared the minds of many Nigerian Protestants to embrace other Christians.

CAN’s coming into limelight was influenced by the activities of the postindependence Nigerian government with the take-over of many mission schools and hospitals in the country, and elsewhere: Ghana and Guinea.

Besides the anti-mission activities of the post-independence Nigerian government, the growing fear of Islamisation was a critical factor in the formation of CAN, to protect the people from unnecessary religious dominance.

Eventually, CAN was born on the 27th August, 1976 as a Christian pressure group and, euphemistically put, a Christian ‘interest-protection’ association, made up of five blocs: the Christian Council of Nigeria, the Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria, the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria, the Organization of African Instituted Churches, and the Evangelical Fellowship of West Africa.

Today, CAN is better known for its role of defending Christianity rather than uniting them to a level of spiritual fellowship, collaborating with the Bible Society of Nigeria in the translation of the Bible into local languages, as well as rendering some health services.

Unfortunately, a number of issues continue to hamper the body from engaging in genuine ecumenism. Point one: Many

administrator of Sokoto state with the sole agenda of humiliating Alhaji Dasuki and this eventually led to the dethronement of Alhaji Dasuki as Sultan on April 20th 1996 and four months later he appointed Colonel Muazu Commander Brigade of Guards-assignment completed.

Alhaji Dasuki was banished to Nasarawa state and he suffered deeper humiliation.

Incidentally, the same Colonel Muazu now has Emirship ambition for the throne of Katagun in Bauchi state when it becomes vacant.

It is to be hoped that Alhaji Dasuki will continue to speak out on issues that affect this nation. For we still need such voices from time to time.

Alhaji Dasuki’s ordeal is not isolated.

Sir Olateru Olagbegi(19101998) was the Olowo of Owo between 1941-1966. He was father to over 140 children of which over 121 are graduates.

It was in his palace that the Action Group Party was formed on March 1 1951. With the courtesy of Olagbegi’s children, Wale, Gbuyi,Gbenle,Suyi,Yanju and others, who are still my friends, I slept and played lawn-tennis in that palace in the sixties.

Following a protest organised

by Chief Adekunle Ajasin for his role in early party crisis, Sir Olagbegi was suspended from the throne on June 9th 1966 for six months and exiled to Okitipupa by the then Military governor of the Western Region Colonel Adekunle Fajuyi.

On February 6th 1968, Governor ’s Fajuyi Successor the then Colonel Robert Adeyinka Adebayo finally

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BY ERIC TENIOLA

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The old lion roars back

General Abacha had utter contempt for the Dasukis, for reasons that cannot be explained. When he became head of State in November 1993, we all knew that the days of Dasuki as Sultan was over

The growing corruption, decadence and lawlessness in the land continue to make the people wonder whether CAN is still relevant in nation building, as cases of Christians indicted for corruption seem to be on the increase

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Protestants within CAN still look down on other faithful from the orthodox churches.

They consider them as not being ‘born again’ and therefore, not pious Christians. They hinged their argument on the belief that orthodox churches are more engrossed in traditional Christian worship at the expense of Pentecostalism.

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ome Christian group often decry the Catholics for allegedly not considering some Protestant clergymen in CAN as properly being ordained - they feel that the ordination of such church leaders do not share historical link with first-century Christianity - as such, Protestant clergymen are not qualified to lead ecumenical worship services.

The quest for power is another obstacle to genuine Christian ecumenism. This problem is almost endemic in CAN, and it has a long history. For example, during the 2004 election of the National Secretary of the Association, ‘sectional politics was played out’ that at a point, some delegates threatened to stage a walk out.

The issue of control seems to be the over-

dethroned him and the Obayori of Owo,Adekola Ogunoye succeded him as the Olowo of Owo. Following the death of Oba Ogunoye, on November 2nd 1992, Governor Bamidele Olimilua the then governor of old Ondo state reinstated Sir Olateru Olagbegi as Olowo of Owo. Two weeks later General Sanni Abacha sacked all the elected Governors, including Governor Olumilua.

Sir OlateruOlagbegi died in October 1998 and his first son, the London trained Barrister,Folagbade David Victor Olateru Olagbegi was crowned on February 21st, 1999 as the Olowo of Owo to succeed his father. He was given the staff of office, by Governor Olusegun Agaguin 2003.

Of all the rulers of Kano in modern times, none was more controversial than Alhaji Muhammad Sanusi, who was the Emir of Kano between 1954 to 1963. He was a member of Tijaniyya Muslim fellowhip, a quasi-mysticalsufi order which rejected the conservative acceptances of Islam. This group aligned with Mallam Aminu Kano Northern Elements Progressive Union(NEPU) and constantly challenged the rule of Sir Ahmadu Bello the then premier of the Northern Nigeria in many instances.

AlhajiSanusi was popular but controversial and Sir Ahmadu Bello thought, for peace to reign in Kano, Alhaji Sanusi had to be dethroned.

Continues on Monday pg 17 *Mr. Teniola, a retired director in the presidency, wrote from Lagos.

riding concern in many CAN elections. Every denomination wants to take control of the affairs of the body, at all cost, just the same way that politicians behave in the secular world. Undoubtedly, the budding and genuine Christian ecumenism will remain elusive amidst this inordinate struggle for power by church leaders.

Perhaps, these divisive factor and superiority greatly contributed to the change in the constitution of the Association, from its initial clause which states that “The Association is a fellowship of churches, working together to promote the glory of God by encouraging the growth and unity of the churches, and by helping them to salvation and all its fruits”.

On the contrary, the amended version of the constitution says, “Christian Association of Nigeria is an Association of Christian Churches with distinct identities, recognizable Church structures and a system of worship of one God in the Trinity of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. This Association makes Christ the centre of its entire works and shall promote the glory of God, by encouraging the growth and unity of the churches, and by helping them to lead the nation and her people to partake of Christ’s salvation and all its fruits”.

From this modification, it is easy to deduce how the word ‘fellowship’, a more appropriate word for Christian ecumenism, is replaced by the word ‘association’, a rather loose term that has further widened the gulf of oneness.

The growing corruption, decadence and lawlessness in the land continue to make the people wonder whether CAN is still relevant in nation building, as cases of Christians indicted for corruption seem to be on the increase.

Continues on Monday on pg 18 *Mr. Kupoluyi, wrote from Federal Varsity of Agric., abeokuta, Ogun State.

20—Vanguard, FRID AY, FEBRUARY 1, 2013 FRIDA

How pumpkin leaves prevent premature ageing

BY CHARLYNE IKPE

F

LUTED pumpkin belongs to the family leafy green family. It is a valuable commercial crop grown across the low-land humid tropics of West Africa. “Ugu'', are highly nutritious and very rich in potassium, calcium, iron and some folic acid.

On its own, pumpkin is low in saturated fat, cholesterol and sodium. It is also a good source of vitamin E, Thiamin, Niacin, vitamin B6, Folate, Iron, magnesium and phosphorus, and a very good source of dietary fibre, vitamin A, vitamin C, riboflavin, potassium, Copper and Manganese.

The leaves is a good source of different types of vitamins, minerals and rich in anti-oxidants, such as alpha-carotene and Beta–carotene which help to slow down ageing process.

Antioxidants found in the leaves also help to eliminate free radicals which are responsible for cancerous growths.

The potassium helps in balancing fluid levels in the body and promotes the development of strong bones which were crucial to controlling blood pressure.

Ugu leaves are also renowned for been rich in iron

and vitamin C, needed for the production of blood and maintaining a good health. Rich in vitamin E, which promotes a healthier skin and in turn slows down the aging of the skin. All these nutrients in work together and help in slowing down the ageing One of the tricks of preventing premature ageing is to indulge in process.

Ugu has lots of health advantage which helps in maintaining a good health for the body and its advisable for people to consume the vegetable in large quantity and regularly, because of its tremendous health benefits.

If you want to age less and prevent disease broccoli leaves, kale, sweet potato, spinach and pumpkin spinach, are the best deal.

Pumpkin is chock full ‘o goodness. You can tell by its bright color that it’s going to be going to be good for you.

Not only is pumpkin loaded with vitamin A and antioxidant carotenoids, particularly alpha

and beta-carotenes, it’s a good source of vitamins C, K, and E, and lots of minerals, including magnesium, potassium, and iron.

The spherical shaped fruits range in weight from less than 0.5kg to more than 50kg. Its ability to grow to such a large size makes it the largest fruit in the plant kingdom. The pumpkin plant which grow up to 25 feet long produces both male and female bright yellow colored flowers with five petals. Pumpkins were used to treat bladder problems and as a pain killer. Its seeds are an excellent source of fat and protein.

• Pumpkin leaves are a good source of different types of vitamins, minerals and anti-oxidants,

USAID moves to save 1m children

BY VERA SAMUEL ANYAGAFU AND PRISCA SAM-DURU

T

HE United State Agency for International Development, USAID, has expressed commitment towards ensuring that pregnant women and People Living with HIV/AIDS in Nigeria are provided with adequate medical services.

USAID Administrator, Dr. Rajiv Shah who spoke during an official visit to Island Maternity, Lagos, noted that his visit was in support of the foreign policy goals of the US to save one million lives. “The Agency will equip the hospital with necessary laboratory

equipment that will help actualise zero infection of HIV from mother to child, low maternal deaths which will also be extended to other government hospitals across Nigeria.

“This hospital and its outstanding professional doctors and nurses have demonstrated a successful process, they went from 30 percent transmission to zero percent transmission and out of the 51 cases of children who could have been infected, zero children were infected and if Ni-

geria can replicate what has happened in this hospital throughout this country, it will be well out of its way to achieving its goal of saving one million lives and the United States is proud to be the primary partner to help achieve that outcome.”

The US government will actively support Nigeria in immunisation, provision of treated bed nets and eradication of HIVtransmission from mother to child.

Dosekun makes case for premature babies

BY GABRIEL OLAWALE

W

• A healthy newborn baby.

ORRIED by the highincidence of death among premature babies in the country, a consultant paediatrician, Dr. Efunbo Dosekun, has called on Nigerians at home and abroad to come together so as to effectively combat the challenge and foster better survival of babies born prematurely.

Speaking in Lagos, Dosekun, who is Managing Director, Outreach Children’s Hospital Festac Town, Lagos, observed that many premature babies die as a result of delay and other unhealthy processes they go through before radequate care reaches them.

“These premature babies often refer to describe as ‘Traveling Babies’ of Lagos State because many of them might have travelled from one hospital to another in search of incubators.”

She said such children have been taken to the Outreach Children’s Hospital when their cases

have become complicated. Usually the babies who are often transported to the hospital in commercial vehicles would have suffered damage to the brain, kidneys or lungs.

Dosekun who claimed it was only her hospital that had a special premature babies ambulance in Lagos, urged all Nigerians to contribute towards giving a better lease of life to premature babies.

The hospital’s Chief Operating Officer, Dr. Segun Ebitanmi said the Outreach Hospital is scheduled with the responsibility of providing standard care, exactly the way it is being provide in Europe and America, but to maintain this care requires money.

He appreciated the Lagos State government’s leading role in making lives a reality for premature babies, noting that babies referred from General Hospitals in the State is usually due to space conatraint, even though the State government pays for the care.

Vanguard, FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 1, 2013 — 21

Envoy decries poor implementation of ECOWAS protocol

C

ONSUL-GENERAL of Embassy of Benin Republic in Nigeria Adegnika Falade decried the poor implementation of the Economic Community of West African States’ (ECOWAS) protocol on free movement of people and goods.

Speaking with the Newsmen in Lagos, Falade noted that its poor implementation was adversely affecting free flow of goods and movement of people between Nigeria and Republic of Benin.

“Obviously, the ECOWAS’ protocol on free movement of people and goods is gradually becoming an exercise in futility due to its poor implementation among member-countries. Nigerian and Benin traders and travellers often recount the ordeals they go through in the course of moving goods across the borders in the hands of customs officers, police, army and other security agencies,” he said.

Poor cashew products packaging costs Nigeria huge forex, jobs — Adesina

P

OOR handling of cashew locally has cost Nigeria

huge loses in foreign exchange, Dr Akinwumi Adesina, the Min-

ister of Agriculture and Rural Development, has said.

Adesina made the observation at the second Stakeholders and Action Plan Formulation Forum organised by the National Cashew Association of Nigeria (NCAN) on Wednesday in Lagos. He said the situation also denied the country of employment opportunities.

The minister was represented by Mr Olusi Adegbola, a Federal Director in the ministry. Adesina said that increasing cashew production of 120,000 tonnes by 20 per cent would create more than 344,000 jobs. Falade said that some of the affected Benin traders had inundated his office with complaints of extortions and harassments by security agents at the borders.

From left: Executive Director, Bank of Industry (BOI), Alhaji Mohammed Alkali; Executive Director, Business Development, BOI, Mr.Waheed Olagunju; MD/CEO, BOI, Ms. Evelyn Oputu; ADB Country Representative, Dr. Ousmane Dore; ADB Principal Investment Officer, Aude Apetey and Managing Director, NEXIM, Dr. Robert Orua at the signing of agreement to provide two sovereign-guaranteed multi-tranche lines of credit of USD500millon to Bank of Industry and of USD200 million to Export Import Bank (NEXIM) , in Abuja.

EIB eyes investment in Nigeria’s power sector T

HE European Investment Bank (EIB) is interested in investing in Nigeria’s power sector, Mr Rogr Kelly, an official of the bank, said on Wednesday in Abuja. Kelly said this when he led a delegation from the

bank on a fact-finding visit to the Ministry of Power.

The Loan officer said the bank was willing to assist Nigeria to reduce or eliminate the challenges it was facing in the power sector, adding that it had assisted some

developing countries in solving their energy problems. He said the bank was willing to invest about 50 per cent of its equity share in renewable energy, small hydro plant and Biomass.

Responding, Hajia Zainab Kuchi, the Minister of State for Power, said that Nigeria had planned to generate over

Flour Mills invests N60m in human capacity devt

By WILLIAM JIMOH & JONAH NWOKPOKU

F

LOUR Mills of Nigeria Plc has invested N60 million in the promotion of educational and manpower development across the country. The company invested the amount in a partnership with the Lagos State Universal Basic Education Board and Apapa Local Government, which saw it rehabilitating United Christian Nursery and Primary School, Apapa.

Speaking during the commissioning of the rehabilitated school, Mr. Emmanuel Ukpabi, Group Managing Director, Flour Mills of Nigeria, said the project which is part of its Corporate Social Responsibility, CSR, is in part fulfilment of promises made during its Golden Anniversary celebration in 2010.

Ukpabi said the company had expended over N200 million in the execution of three key projects aimed at improving Apapa community and the welfare of its people.

“We are here to commission the renovation and rehabilitation of United Christian Primary and Nursery school, Apapa, completed by Flour Mills of Nigeria at a cost of N60 million. This project is a major

investment in our Corporate Social Responsibility”.

Responding to the gesture, the Executive Chairman of Apapa Local Government, Hon. Joseph Adebayo Ayodeji said that at the inception of his administration, the community was faced with many challenges ranging from dilapidated school buildings, inadequate classrooms, non-functional libraries among others; most of which he said has been addressed with the collaboration of the private sector of which Flour Mills is one of them.

“Among the few corporate organizations that partnered with the local government was Flour Mills of Nigeria plc exhibiting abiding faith in our policy thrust on improvement and expansion of existing school structures and provision of facilities to promote conducive atmosphere for learning, and at the same time upholding the concept of corporate social responsibility.”

Also speaking, at the event, the Lagos State Universal Basic Education Board, SUBEB Chairman, Mrs. Kemi Akinyele, urged the management of Flour Mills to adopt the rehabilitated school as theirs to maintain and prevent it from relapsing to its former condition.

10,000 megawatts in 2012, but could only generate about 4,500 megawatts. She said that Nigeria had an enabling environment for investors, “ who are interested in investing in the power sector.”

Kuchi said that Nigeria would need N3.5 billion annually if it was to meet 40,000 megawatts by 2020.

EIB is the European Union’s non-profit long-term lending institution established in 1958 under the Treaty of Rome.

148.1

-1.7

2,183.00

-12.00

18.71

0.33

114.78 +0.42 97.65 CURRENCY BUYING CENTRAL DOLLAR POUNDS EURO FRANC YEN CFA WAUA RENMINBI RIYA KRONA SDR

154.74 244.1024 209.5953 168.7091 1.6945 0.2981 236.9131 24.8745 41.2596 28.0922 237.758

155.24 244.8911 210.2726 169.2543 1.7 0.3081 237.6786 24.9553 41.3929 28.1829 238.5263

+0.08 SELLING 155.74 245.6799 210.9498 169.7994 1.7054 0.3181 238.4441 25.0362 41.5262 28.2737 239.2945

CBN Exchange rate as at 31/01/2013

22 — Vanguard, FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 1, 2013

US stock index futures witness little change before earnings

U

From left: Dr Emmanuel Ukpabi, Group Managing Director, Flour Mills of Nigeria Plc; Hon Ayodeji Joseph, Chairman, Apapa Local Government; Mrs Gbolahan Daodu, Chairman, SUBEB, Lagos State and Mr John Coumantarous, Vice Chairman, Flour Mills of Nigeria PLC during the commissioning of the renovated United Christian Nursery and Primary School, Apapa, Lagos by Flour Mills as part of its Corporate Social Responsibility, in Lagos. Photo: Lamidi Bamidele.

Transcorp, GE sign agreement on infrastructure T

R A N S N AT I O N A L Corporation of Nigeria Plc (Transcorp) and General Electric (GE), has signed a framework agreement to collaborate in addressing the infrastructural needs of Nigeria, with emphasis on the power and transportation sectors.

GE, a global leader in the design, manufacture, supply, installation and maintenance of technology and services for the power sector, confirmed its commitment to facilitate the generation of 10,000MW of additional power in Nigeria over the next decade in line with its existing agreement with the Federal Government of Nigeria (FGN), signed in March 2012.

Transcorp Ughelli Power Plc (TUP) is a subsidiary of Transcorp, a publicly quoted and diversified conglomerate with strategic investments in the hospitality, agribusiness and energy sectors. TUP won the privatization bid for 100% acquisition of the Ughelli power plant.

The framework agreement, which was signed following a closed door meeting with GE’s global chairman, Jeffrey Immelt, and Transcorp Chairman, Tony O. Elumelu, CON, will enable GE and Transcorp to explore a partnership for the refurbishment and expansion of the Ughelli power plant in

Delta State.

The wide ranging agreement allows for the provision of technical support and equity investment in the power plant.

Other areas of collaboration include projects in the transport sector, specifically in the area of rail.

Commenting on the partnership agreement, Elumelu, said:

“Heirs Holdings recently hosted the USAID Administrator Dr. Rajiv Shah in Lagos to discuss how the US government can partner with the Nigerian private sector to boost power generation in Nigeria. The agreement we have just signed with GE is a positive step toward the realization of this goal.

“As an Africapitalist, I believe in long term investments that create economic prosperity and social wealth. Our partnership with GE comes on the heels of last week’s launch of the East Africa Exchange by Heirs Holdings and Berggruen Holdings, and further signifies our commitment to sustainable economic development, for Africa, by Africans.”

Flour Mills, Unilever, 2 others join market making stocks

BY NKIRUKA NNOROM

T

he Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) increased the number of stocks in the portfolio of equity Market Makers with inclusion of Flour Mills, Unilever, Wema bank and Royal Exchnage Assurance to the list.

The addition has brought the total number of stocks to have rolled out by the NSE to-date to 43.

A statement from the NSE, noted that the inclusion of the stocks from Consumer Goods and Financial Services sectors will take effect on Thursday, January 31, 2013.

The addition of the new stocks is in line with the planned phased approach for introducing stocks to the programme, from the baskets allocated to the Market Makers on The Exchange.

The NSE had said earlier that the move to add the additional stocks was in tandem with the promise that all the stocks quoted

on the Exchange that are trading above par value will be added to the market making programme over a period of six months.

The NSE had added that the roll-out period for all the stocks quoted on the Exchange is six months. This takes place every fortnight since its inception on September 18, 2012.

The 39 stocks covered by the programme now are: Dangote Cement, Oando, Transcorp, Julius Berger, Ashaka Cement, PZ Cussons Nigeria Plc, Nigerian Bag Manufacturing Company Plc; Presco Plc, International Breweries, Lafarge Wapco Plc, Fidson Healthcare Plc, Redstar Express Plc, Zenith Bank Plc, Sterling Bank Plc, DN Meyer Plc. Others are Diamond Bank Plc, First City Monument Bank Plc, Fidelity Bank Plc, Nigerian Breweries Plc, Guaranty Trust Bank Plc, UAC Nigeria Plc, Access Bank; Academy Press Plc, Custodian & Allied Insurance, First Bank Plc, Dangote Sugar Plc, Union Bank Plc, National Salt Company of Nigeria Plc and Nestle Nigeria Plc

NITED States stock fu tures were little changed, with the benchmark Standard & Poor’s 500 Index heading for the biggest January rally since 1989, as investors awaited company earnings and data on jobless claims.

Facebook Inc. lost 5.7 percent after saying profit dropped 79 percent in the fourth quarter on higher spending. Electronic Arts (EA) Inc. fell 2.5 percent after its quarterly sales forecast fell short of analysts’ expectations. Qualcomm (QCOM) Inc. rose 6.1 percent after predicting better-thanestimated second-quarter sales and profit.

S&P 500 futures expiring in March dropped 0.2 percent to 1,492.4 at 11:36 a.m. in London. Dow Jones Industrial Average futures lost 19 points to 13,819. U.S. stock benchmark indexes fell from fiveyear highs yesterday as the economy unexpectedly shrank in the fourth quarter.

“There’s too much uncertainty in the market to go up in a straight line, so I think some sort of pull-back will be quite healthy; earnings have exceeded near-term expectations but those came down quite a lot in the tail-end of last year,” Tom Walker, head of U.S. equities at Martin Currie Investment Management Ltd, which manages about 4.75 billion pounds ($7.5 billion), said in a phone interview from Edinburgh. “Today’s jobs claims data is backward looking, but is one of the more real-time economic data points you get; as long as it stays below the 300,000 level, I think that’s relatively positive.”

Colgate-Palmolive Co. and Mastercard Inc. are among 38 companies on the S&P 500 Index reporting earnings today.

About 75 percent of the 204 companies that have released results so far exceeded profit projections, and 67 percent have surpassed sales estimates, according to data compiled by Bloomberg.

Best Start

The S&P 500 has risen 5.3 percent this month, the best start of a year since 1989, as lawmakers agreed on a budget compromise and companies reported better-than-estimated earnings. The index has more than doubled from a 12-year low in 2009 as the Fed increased its bond purchases to keep interest rates low and spur growth. The S&P 500 is about 4 percent below its record of 1,565.15 set in October 2007, while the Dow is less than 2 percent from its all-time high.

A Labor Department report due at 8:30 a.m. in Washington may show initial jobless claims rose to 351,000 in the week ended Jan. 26, from 330,000 a week earlier, according to the median forecast of economists in a Bloomberg survey.

Vanguard, FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 1, 2013 — 23

BRIEF:

New tax regulation’ll reduce double taxation — Ernst & Young

By PETER EGWUATU

T

HE new tax regulation for Nigeria that was recently approved by the Federal Government if well implemented will help reduce double taxation, Ernst & Young has said.

Speaking at a one day workshop tagged “Transfer Pricing (TP) on Wednesday, a representative of Ernst & Young, Mr. Josh Bamfo, said, Prior to the introduction of the new regulations of Transfer Pricing, the Nigerian domestic tax laws merely provided general antiavoidance rules that related party transactions must be conducted at arm’s length without detailed guidelines on the application of the arm’s length principle. Accordingly, the Regulations were introduced to provide guidance on the application of the arm’s length principle.

The Regulations seek to reduce the risk of economic double taxation, provide the revenue the tools to fight artificial transactions, and, provide multinational enterprises with certainty of transfer pricing treatment among other objectives.”

While explaining further on the Transfer Pricing, Bamfo said, “The regulations are primarily based on the Organization of Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) principles, a generally accepted basis of transfer pricing principles.

However, the regulations also refer to the UN model which it states should also be used as a reference point in interpreting and applying the provisions.”

Meanwhile, Director ,LTD (OIL & GAS) of FIRS, Mr. Ayayi Bamidele, also disclosed that the Nigerian income tax (Transfer Pricing) Regulations No.1, 2012 have been released by the FIRS, noting that “ The initial draft of the regulations was issued in April 2012, and subsequently the final draft was approved and gazetted on 21 September 2012. So in effect its implementation has continued depending on the accounting period of individual organizations. For instance if an organization accounting period ends in December 2012, it means from January it will begin to apply the new policy.”

He further said that, “Nigeria, being an integral part of the larger world that wants to be one of the 20 most developed countries in the C M Y K

year 2020 cannot afford to be left behind in tax development .In the era when cross border businesses are on the increase, the share of the apple should not be allowed to be skewed against Nigeria.

The international community requires certainty in our tax system to meet one of the canons of taxation and to gain

their confidence to doing business with Nigeria.”

While commenting on Transfer Pricing regulation, Bamidele noted that the regulations gave effect to the provisions of-(a)section 17 of the Personal Income Tax Act, CAP P8, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004 (as amended by the Personal

Income Tax (Amendment) Act, 2011);(b) section 22 of the Companies Income Tax Act, CAP C21, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004 (as amended by the Companies Income Tax (Amendment) Act 2007; and (c) section 15 of the Petroleum Profit Tax Act, CAP 13, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004.

Naira rises highest in three weeks

T

HE naira climbed after the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) kept dollar sales at the highest in three weeks and on speculation that oil companies sold the currency.

The naira rose 0.1 per cent to N157 a dollar, according to data compiled by Bloomberg.

The naira has gained from foreign-currency inflows to oil companies investing in the country’s hydrocarbons and portfolio funds, Central Bank of Nigeria Governor, Lamido Sanusi, said after keeping the benchmark interest rate unchanged for the eighth time on January 21. Oil companies periodically sell dollars to lenders to meet local spending needs and were the second-biggest source of foreign currency after the central bank’s twice-weekly auctions.

Ecobank Foundation donates to Kanu Heart, Lumina Foundations From left: Herve Chomel, Vice President, MoneyGram; Kemi Okusanya, Business Development, MoneyGram Nigeria; Francois Peyret, Regional Director, Maghreb & West Africa and Kunle Olamuyiwa, Operations Manager, MoneyGram West Africa at the flag off of the MoneyGram "Share the passion and win big" activation in Lagos. Photo: Lamidi Bamidele.

World Bank to spend $5bn on projects in Nigeria T

HE World Bank has announced plans to spend $5billion on 27 projects across Nigeria in the next five years, just as the African Development Bank (AfDB) sealed a pact to provide two sovereign-guaranteed multi-tranche lines of credit (LoCs) of $500 million to Bank of Industry (BOI) and of $200 million to Nigerian Export-Import Bank (NEXIM), to support export-oriented Small and Medium Enterprises’ (SMEs) modernisation and expansion.

The Country Director of the World Bank, Ms Marie-Francoise Marie-Nelly, dropped the hint of the $5 billion deal at a one-day “Job Shadow Workshop”, organised by Junior Achievers Nigeria, a Non- Governmental Organisation (NGO).

“On the average, we are providing money in the range of 1.3 billion dollars to 1.5 billion dollars in a year and what we have now is a stock of projects,” she said.

Marie-Nelly explained that 60 per cent of the total amount would be spent on sustainable development projects, including infrastructure, construction and rehabilitation, energy, water and agriculture.

According to her, human capital

development, which was the second area of intervention, would take about 40 per cent of the amount. This, she said, would significantly impact on primary healthcare and basically help to improve the situation in the sector, especially polio eradication.

“But what is interesting to know is that government has adopted a significant programme called ‘Saving one million lives’”.

The country director gave the assurance that the bank would continue to help in strengthening government institutions and private sector development. “We also have three regional projects in the area of air transport, Niger River Basin in Niger State and the West Africa Agriculture Productivity Project, aimed at improving productivity in the agricultural sector and using the best techniques,” she said.

On youth empowerment, she said that the bank had budgeted $300 million for Youth Employment and Social Support Operation (YESSO) scheme in Nigeria.

“We are preparing a Youth Employment and Social Support Operation (YESSO) to support the provision of immediate work opportunities and skills development for unemployed youths and women from poor households,” she stressed.

T

HE Ecobank Foundation has donated cash to both the Kanu Heart and Lumina foundations as part of the bank’s corporate social responsibility activities reaching out to communities where Ecobank does business in Africa.

The Ecobank Foundation was created in February 1999 in Lome, Togo, by the Ecobank Transnational Incorporated as a private sector led initiative that supports impactful projects. Its main areas of interest include; development, especially in rural communities; Education; Community development and Health.

The Ecobank Foundation achieves its purpose by partnering registered nonprofit making organizations.

Handing over the donations, the Managing Director, Ecobank Nigeria, Mr. Jibril Aku who was represented by the Executive Director, Finance and Risk, Mr. Dele Alabi, said the guiding principle of Ecobank’s corporate social responsibility activities is to contribute to the economic development and financial integration of Africa.

24 — Vanguard, FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 1, 2013

BY DANIEL GUMM

M

INISTER of Agriculture and Rural Development, Dr. Akinwumi Adesina, has called on stakeholders in the cashew value chain to diversify Nigerian economy away from oil, reduce drain from importing food, while expanding new income sources from exports of agricultural produce such as cashew.

Dr. Akinwumi, in a keynote address at the second Stakeholders Forum and Review of the Cashew Action Plan, which ended in Lagos, yesterday told cashew actors (producers, processors, traders, exporters, service providers, transporters, banks, investors, federal and state government officials that “in t r a n s f o r m i n g agriculture, we must take it out of the political realm.”

“We must treat agriculture with the seriousness that it deserves, because of it has enormous potentials which include job creation for our teaming youths. We must as a matter of urgency diversify our economy away from oil, reduce

drain on our economy from importing food, while expanding new income sources from exports of agricultural produce such as cashew.”

The minister, who explained that the Federal Government has decided to make agriculture a top priority on the on-going transformation agenda, also advised cashew actors to cash in on the programme and “change our mind-set on agriculture,” insisting that “agriculture must be seen and treated as a business and not just a development project.”

He told the audience that “Nigeria is the fourth largest producer of raw cashew nuts in Africa, behind Ivory Coast, Guinea Bissau, and Tanzania.

Continuing, he said “the population of the top producers is less than half of the population of Nigeria and the available land area of all is about 60 per cent of Nigeria,” but sought to know why is Nigeria leading from behind?

Nigeria exports over 80 per cent of its annual output of cashew nuts in its raw form to India and Vietnam, and only 20 per cent or less is proc-

FG calls for expansion of new income sources from exports

CASHEW ACTION PLAN — From left: Mr. Tola Faseru, President, National Cashew Associaton of Nigeria, NCAN; Tonye Cole, Managing Director, Sahara Group; Mr. Emmanuel Ijewere, Chairman, CASON, and Sotonye Anga, Publicity Secretary, NCAN, at the second National Cashew Stakeholders Forum, in Lagos. essed locally. Low as the local processing is, it still compares favourably with the West African average, while East African average is about

30 per cent.

The minister said that not adding value to cashew locally is costing Nigeria huge losses in form of foreign exchange

Cashew now national transformational crop — FASERU

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RESIDENT, National Cashew Association of Nigeria, NCAN, Mr. Tola Faseru, Wednesday, infomed cashew actors, who gathered in Lagos for the second Stakeholders Forum and Review of the Cashew Action Plan, that Nigeria had won the hosting right for the 2013 World Cashew Expo and that the Federal Government had approved cashew as a national transformational crop.

Listing his achievement after one year in office, Mr. Faseru said his administration has been able to have a budget allocation for cashew for 2013, among other things.

He explained that on taking over the mantle of leadership last year, he noticed that so much had gone wrong and unattended to in Nigeria’s cashew sector that had resulted in continuous poverty for cashew farmers, and other operators across the value chain, and nearly all the problems could be traced to just one thing —equality.

“So we articulated a very ambitious project to change this trend. We knew at that time hat if we did things the way things had been done,

we will get the same result and to achieve better results, then we have to do things differently.”

He said the NCAN worked differently to stop the use of polypropylene bags; encouraged proper drying of cashew nuts and encouraged use of jute bags.

He said all the stakeholders in the Nigerian cashew industry “complied and the cooperation brought about the success we achieved during this period.”

On the cashew super powers, namely: India, Vietnam and Brazil, Faseru said they have all developed strong local processing capacity for raw cashew, with Vietnam that has developed its cashew industry that resulted in export of 167,000 tons of various kinds of cashew kernel with a whooping export turnover of US$1.35 billion, accounting for over 50 per cent of total quantity of exported cashew kernel worldwide, making Vietnam the first and number one in cashew and this explains the slogan: “Talk about cashew? Think about Vietnam.”

“The success of Vietnam, India and

Brazil in the cashew industry is of interest to us in Nigeria because if these countries can, then we can too,“ he said.

On cashew production and market situation, the NCAN President noted that in Nigeria, cashew is a

national crop that grows and produces well in nearly all parts of the country.

Currently the Nation’s annual production for just the raw cashew nuts is put at 120,000 metric tons valued at N23 billion which is equivalent to US$153 billion.

However, based on the support from the Federal Government in the activities of NCAN in line with the national agricultural transformation agenda, “we expect to increase our volume from 120,000 tons to 240,000 tons within the next six years. The cashew industry in Nigeria provides livelihood for over 300,000 families and has created over 600,000 jobs.

Nigeria is home to 15 cashew processing factories with combined production capacity not enough to meet even the local demand. With a population of over 160,000,000 people the market for edible cashew kernel is very huge and this makes the case for serious move to grow cashew business in the country.

Currently as it is, over 90 per cent of raw cashew nuts from Nigeria are exported to India, Vietnam and other countries.

On NCAN initiatives, he said NCAN, is working closely with the Nigerian government in order to improve and develop the cashew industry in Nigeria.

In the last 13 months NCAN had successfully hosted seven major cashew events and on the March 1, 2012 NCAN organised and successfully hosted the 2012 annual cashew season flag off.

The event was attended by well over 500 local and international delegates from 15 countries.

and exportation of much needed employment opportunities to the importing countries.

He stated that by increasing Nigeria’s Raw Cashew Nut (RCN) production from the current production of between 120,000 metric tons by 20 per cent would give rise to more than 344,000 new jobs and US$7,875,000 additional income based on the recent USAID study on multiplier effect of raw cashew nuts that US$1,000 creates 50 new jobs and US$1,143 in household income in the local economy.

The minister noted that by processing only 50 per cent of Nigeria’s RCN would create an a d d i t i o n a l US$14,160,000 income basically for youths and

women living in our rural communities.

He said that cashew has been included in the list of crops the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development will be promoting in 2013 under the Agricultural Transformation Agenda (ATA), and charged cashew actors to deliberate on other constraints such as quality, low price in the global market, low yield and ageing plantation.

The ministry officials, according to Dr. Adesina have prepared a Draft Cashew Value Chain Action Plan, adding: “It is expected that you will critically discuss the Draft Action Plan and come up with strategies that will address the problems of the industry along the supply chain.”

WTO nominee vows further China-Africa trade gains sites

T

HE nominee for the job of the DirectorGeneral of the World Trade Organisation (WTO), Amina Mohamed, said she would work to build on the trade gains resulting from China's engagement with Africa.

Mohamed is a one of the two African candidates for the WTO job along with John Alan Kyeremanten, a Ghanaian diplomat and former presidential candidate.

One of them will assume the WTO's leadership in September to replace current Director-General, Frenchman Pascal Lamy.

"If elected, I will work to ensure that the

benefits arising from the growing trade relations between Africa and China are expanded.

China is a major player and a global growth engine," she said in an interview with Xinhua at the African Union (AU) headquarters in Ethiopia.

The exponential trade growth between China and Africa will be among the achievements Mohamed said she will be seeking to achieve globally so that trade among the nations opens up.

She will prioritise the conclusion of the pending WTO trade negotiations known as the Doha Development

Agenda, whose intention is to knock down the trade barriers that continue to restrict growth of trade in the world.

These barriers mean that nations are restricted, therefore limiting markets for goods and services and slowing the creation of wealth in the world.

Like the Doha Round of Development's objective of knocking off most of the tariffs and non-tariffs barriers to trade, China has exempted tariffs on 60 percent of goods imported from 30 African countries since January this year in order to boost trade with the continent.

VANGUARD, FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 1, 2013 —25

FG to provide feeds, fingerlings to fish farmers

BY JIMOH BABATUNDE with agency reports

T

HE Federal Government has pledged to provide fish feeds and fingerlings to boost fish production in the country.

Alhaji Bukar Tijani, Minister of State for Agriculture and Rural Development, said artisan fish farmers would be the target beneficiaries.

Tijani spoke in Abuja at

a meeting with the officials of the Nigerian Union of Fishermen and Seafood dealers (NUFAS).

He said that the ministry had reviewed the registration forms for farmers under the Growth Enhancement Support Scheme (GES) to provide fish feeds and fingerlings to the farmers.

The minister noted that “ without fishery, the A g r i c u l t u r a l Transformation Agenda

(ATA) was incomplete”.

Tijani said that the FAO had recognised the fish sub-sector as the fastest growing sub-sector in the country ’s food security quota.

“Bayelsa, Kogi states and other flood affected areas will be given free input first, while others will receive fish feeds at 50 per cent subsidy but free fingerlings.”

He listed outboard engines, fish nets, twines and water testing kit, among other input, to be

provided also at subsidised rates to the farmers to boost production.

The minister also said that the programme was expected to boost the supply of additional 200,000 tonnes of fish and additional number of job opportunities in the sub-sector.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls that the All farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN) had earlier called for the inclusion of

livestock and fish farmers in the Growth Enhancement Support (GES) scheme because of their contribution to the development of the economy.

NAN reports that GES is the Federal Government’s fertiliser and seed subsidy programme developed in partnership with the private sector aimed at ensuring direct access to agricultural inputs by farmers.

NIRSAL is ambiguous —Faniyi

T

HE new agriculture financing initiative, the Nigerian IncentiveBased Risk Sharing System for Agricultural Lending (NIRSAL) , envisage to find solution to the lingering problem of high cost of bank credit has been described as ambiguous.

The National Vice President, Poultry Association of Nigeria, Olufemi Faniyi, said most farmers don’t understand what the program is all about and how to access fund from banks under it.

“Honestly, I don’t even understand it. I was in Abuja when it was launched, but was more confused than before the launch .As I am talking to you, I don’t know of any body that has accessed it as it is not clear , it is still at its formative stage, they tell you go and apply and come back to get discount .”

Farmers commend IITA for improved cassava varieties

N

IGERIAN farmers have commended the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) for giving them improved cassava planting materials.

The dissemination of the improved varieties is part of efforts by the Nigerian government under the Agricultural Transformation Agenda to boost cassava production and the incomes of farmers.

In Benue State, home to cassava production, farmers say they anticipate good yield from cassava this year, thanks to the availability of improved planting materials.

“With these improved varieties, we are hopeful of improved yield,” says Och’ Otukpo, His Royal Highness, Dr John Eimonye.

“We commend IITA and the federal government for initiating this program,” he added.

Another farmer, Mr. Boniface Eyimoga, who cultivated 15 hectares of cassava with improved varieties, noted that the program is already making positive impact.

26—Vanguard , FRIDAY FRIDAY,, FEBRUARY 1, 2012

British Airways names top 13 destinations for 2013 F

rom the far-flung to the unsung, British Airways has compiled its top 13 destinations to visit in 2013.

If 2012 was about East London, then 2013 is about the Far East as holidaymakers seek the natural unspoilt beauty, charm and good-value that Asia has to offer.

Richard Tams, British Airways head of UK & I sales, said: “Undoubtedly consumers will continue to be driven by value-for-money next year, with routes such as Dubai, Cape Town and Bangkok already proving popular.

We’re also experiencing a real growth in Asia right now and responding to demand with a number of new routes, including Seoul and Sri Lanka.”

In a recent poll on the airline’s Facebook page, over 2,660 users nominated the overseas destinations they most want to visit next year.

New York topped the list (22 per cent), followed by Australia (eight per cent), Hong Kong (seven per cent), Rio de Janeiro (five per cent) and Dubai (three per cent).

Compiled by a panel of experts and using company data, British Airways’ top 13 for 2013 features new destinations and popular favourites, as follows:

Sri Lanka

The ‘Pearl of the Indian Ocean’, the tropical island of Sri Lanka has seen a recent boost to tourism, becoming the must-visit destination for intrepid travellers.

Ash van Wensveen, British Airways’ destination manager, said: “There’s a real buzz about Sri Lanka right now. For a small island it offers a lot, from endless beaches, to elephant treks and several Unesco world heritage sites to visit - it’s hard to think what Sri Lanka doesn’t offer.”

Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

If the afterglow of the London 2012 Games has left you longing for more, then its next host Rio is the place to visit, as it gears up to 2016

Games, the 2014 Brazil World Cup, and FIFA Confederations Cup next year.

With its famous sun-kissed beaches to enjoy by day and fun parties at night, there’s a lot to love about one of the most vibrant cities in the world.

Seoul, Korea Gangnam style may have awakened our senses to Korea, but there’s a lot more to Seoul than ‘K-pop music!

Mike Rock, British Airways commercial manager Seoul, said: “There’s a lot happening in Korea right now, business is thriving and it’s a tourist destination on the up. The mega metropolis is home to some 10 million people, and is attracting a fresh new audience.”

Las Vegas

Derry, Northern Ireland

Voted as the City of Culture for 2013, there’s never been a better time to visit Derry. Just over an hour from Belfast, it’s a great destination for a city break, especially to enjoy the many celebrations and cultural events taking place

to draw the crowds.

Tbilisi, Georgia

Georgia’s capital has enjoyed a makeover, with a number of new restaurants and hotels opening.

British Airways’ head of UK and I sales, Richard Tams,

Croatia

The jewel of the Adriatic ocean, Dubrovnik continues to appeal to holidaymakers from far and wide, including many high profile celebrities. 2013 will be a big year for Croatia, as the country joins the EU in July.

Vietnam

Vietnam has become one of the most talked about destinations in recent years.

Its capital Hanoi is rapidly attracting a crowd of adventurous travellers, looking to soak up the local culture of which there’s plenty. Not mainstream enough to be a tourist trap, many compare it to Thailand twenty years ago – making now the perfect time to visit.

Punta Cana, Dominican Republic

Nestled in the Spanish Caribbean Punta Cana is earning itself a reputation as a great value destination for family holidays.

Ash van Wensveen, British Airways’ destination manager, said: “People are really waking up to Punta Cana.

There’s a real buzz from holidaymakers creating word of mouth on its affordability, fabulous hotels and beaches that dip into the Caribbean Sea.”

still classy. Great for golf, excellent for eating, brilliant for barhopping, California’s best kept secret is a great place to visit any time of year.

Cape Town, South Africa

Cape Town offers everything you could want from a holiday.

Good food, great wine, day trips, stunning views, vineyards, beaches, sunsets and much more!

Ian Petrie, British Airways’ commercial manager South Africa, said: “Once you visit Cape Town, you’ll want to come again and again. One day you could be watching the Springboks, the next visiting vineyards. Its attractions pack a cultural punch, and it’s always great value for money, making it one of our most popular destinations.”

Alicante

The Spanish do fiesta like no one else, and Alicante is a great city for those who prefer to fiesta than siesta! The Old Town offers dozens of bars and restaurants for after dark, and is also host to a growing number of festivals. During the day the local markets are buzzing, and sandy beaches welcoming.

Dubai

there next year.”

Las Vegas, USA

The classics never go out of fashion, and with more services to Sin City than ever before, tourists hoping to party like Prince Harry need look no further! Top-end hotels, theatrical shows, exquisite restaurants and allnight entertainment continue

said: “With its scenic walks, charming town, vineyards and local wine and cognac to enjoy, Tbilisi is perfect for a cultural weekend away and is already attracting couples and grown up stag nights!”

San Diego, USA

In the year that San Diego’s Ron Burgundy returns to the big screen with Anchorman 2, the city reminds us why it’s

Dubai

Ever-popular Dubai continues to attract travellers with its Middle Eastern charm. It recently launched a ‘Hello Kitty’ spa, and boasts its own indoor ski slope.

Ash van Wensveen, British Airways destination manager, said: “Dubai has become more affordable over the past few years, yet still offers super high-end hotels and unrivalled luxury.”

Vanguard, FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 1, 2013—27

Mimi Quaker

BY AYO ONIKOYI

M

imi Quaker isn’t really a rookie anymore, since featuring in “Evil Mind” some two years ago. The beautiful, curvaceous girl from Port Harcourt has got enough under her belt to rub shoulders with the very best in the industry. Unlike most of her peers, she has seen the two worlds

of music and movie. Having featured in close to ten movies, Mimi also has a stake in the music world as a music video vixen. In fact, she was named as one of the top ten video vixens in 2012 by a popular blogger.

But the jovial, down-to-earth Mimi, had a sling of controversy thrown her way when she was accused of being a lesbian for keeping and displaying pictures of various girls as her Blackberry DP (Display Pictures). In this chat with Weekend Groove, she

opens up on why she keeps pictures of different girls as her BB Display Pictures, her career and many more.

Enjoy: How did you get into acting?

It was a bit easy for me. I met Chico Ejiro on Facebook and told him about my intention to go into acting. He invited me for an audition and that was how it all started for me.

When did you know you could act?

I have always loved acting right from my childhood. Back in primary school, I would gather my friends together and got them laughing by putting up different acts. It was then people started taking notice of my talent.

Even,some of them advised me to go into acting. It is a childhood passion that has now been realised.

You said you have been acting since

I N S I D E: NBC reacts: ‘We didn’t ban P-Square’s Alingo, other music videos’ C M Y K

Jennifer Eliogu’s weight loss

2010. How many movies did you do in 2012 alone?

2012 was really hectic. I had to go back to school full time. So, my studies took most of my time.

Right now, I am in the University of Lagos and I’m studying philosophy. Even at that, I still managed to shoot about six music videos last year.

So, who have you shot music videos with in the past?

I have shot videos with people like KAN, Brymo, Rex, Terry G and several other Nigerian artistes. I was even picked as one of the top ten video vixens by Linda Ikeji, the blogger.

What is the actual difference between doing music videos and doing movies?

There isn’t much difference between the two. Both involve acting in the real sense but the acting in movies is more intense than the acts you need to put up in music videos. However, for me, the big difference is in the pay.

Music videos pay far more and it doesn’t take much of your time like movies do. While movies

Continues on Page 28

With

t lates s r e of f ic y10 ee mus r r e fr kB Blac movies,

28—Vanguard, FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 1, 2013

‘Music videos pay more than movies’ Continued from Page

Mimi Quaker

,

takes months to wrap up, music videos can be a day thing.

Are you telling us that doing music videos are more lucrative than acting in movies?

Yes, it is. For one, the time you spend in producing just one movie, you could spend the same amount of time doing over ten music videos.

Now, give us an idea of how much it pays for one music video production ?

I can’t tell you that now. It’s like revealing my salary to the whole world. All I can say is that it pays well.

We learnt that artistes usually take advantage of girls who do music videos, is it true?

It is everywhere, not only in the music or movie industry.

It is more of a personal thing.

You see, it depends onthe individual.If that is what you have come for, fine, you get it but nobody forces anybody on anybody. For me, I have not experienced such since I started singing.

But some artistes usually make passes at you?

Yes, of course. Like I said , it depends on what you are set to achieve. If that is what you set out to achieve then, you are bound to get it.

So when passes are made at you, how do you fend them off?

You just nicely turn them down... (cuts in) Is it that simple.

Imagine somebody grabbing at you roughly and suddenly...? (cuts in) That has never happened to me. Maybe it is in the way you carry yourself but that has never happened to me. Besides, I work with decent and respectful bunch of people who are too nice and cultured not to consider that. All the artistes and directors I have worked with are not rude or indecent to descend that low. Maybe it happens in other places but I have never had to face such a situation. Never.

How far do you intend to go in acting?.

I intend to go very far. You know, it is something I really like to do and I have no intention of dumping it entirely for music video or anything. I just want to finish my education first. Education is important because if you are educated people would take you more seriously. After my education, I intend to come back with a storm, and probably do one or two movies of my own, with my own money.

Between doing movies and music videos, which one are you more involved with right now?

Music videos of course, because it doesn’t take all my time. In 2012 I featured in

There have been a lot of girls on your Blackberry (DP) Display Picture.

Does this have anything to do with your sexual preference?

I don’t know what you are talking about but those girls you have been seeing on my DP are some of the girls I selected for a music video.

Why do you flaunt them on your DP? (laughing), is it giving you headache or is there any problem with that?

Some have said you flaunt them because you are a lesbian and are involved with them. (laughing) I don’t want to talk about that.

What do you mean you don’t want to talk about that?

Are you done? I don’t want to talk about that. Next question.

Are you a lesbian, Mimi?

No. next question.

Are you in a relationship?

Yes I am.

So what attracted you to the man?

I guess the physique. I also like guys with a good set of teeth. He must also be handsome, tall, well built and God-fearing.

As an upcoming artiste, imagine you are given a script that entails you having sex on set, would you take it?

Yes, because it is only makebelieve. You are not actually having sex but making it look like you are having sex.

But what if it involves exposing vital parts of your body?

Well, if the money is good enough, I will take it. The whole idea is make-believe and getting the job done. It has nothing to do with my person.

Who do you consider your role models in the industry?

In Nigeria, I have Mercy Johnson and Genevieve. I used to like Rita Dominic but not any more because she has not lived up to my expectation.

What do you consider first before taking up a role?

The role itself. I must be able to assimilate it and project it to perfection before I can take it on. Then, I look at how it would be viewed by the society and the likely criticisms that may arise from it. Then, I look at what impacts it has on the society. I like to do films that pass messages to the society.

All they do is ask me to bring girls with certain specifications and I search for girls with those specifications

more than five videos.

And those five paid enough to last you the whole year?

Yes they did. Apart from that I also organise girls for music videos.

How do you mean. Like an agency or what?

Yes. Most of the directors are my friends and they ask me to bring girls for music videos.

So, I organise girls for their videos. All they do is ask me to bring girls with certain specifications and I search for girls with those specifications.

Sometimes, I provide nothing less than five girls for a music video and what I do is to get paid from the girls’ payment.

How much percentage do you take off their cuts?

Well, sometimes I take up to 40 per cent.

So, what do you look for in the girls you pick?

The shape is the most important feature. The girl must be very curvy with nice skin colour, not necessarilylight-skinned and the height doesn’t matter. The type of girls to choose often depends on the director ’s specifications. In some instances, the director may require a busty girl, big backside girl or even a slim-waist girl. Generally, a sexy curvy girl passes.

,

Flower girl Genre: Romantic Comedy Producer/Director: Michelle Bello Stars: Damilola Adegbite, (formerly in Tinsel), Chris Attoh (Tinsel), Eku Edewor (Studio 53), Bikiya Graham Douglas and Chuks Chukwujekwu,

“

Flower Girl” produced by Michelle Bello is a romantic comedy that involves Kemi, a shy florist, who is desperate to tie the knot with her long-time boyfriend Umar. Contrary to her expectations, Umar suddenly breaks up with her, leaving her devastated. In a desperate bid to get him back, Kemi teams up with a most unlikely ally, Tunde Kulani, a famous playboy Nollywood star.

The movie addresses the issue of young women who are in a hurry to get married thinking only about their prefect wedding day and not the long-term commitment required by both individuals to make it last. Look out for the movie as it premieres this month.

Turning Point

Genre: Drama Director:Niyi Towolawi Writers:Daphne Cayo, Niyi Towolawi Stars:Jackie Appiah, Oge Okoye, Patience Ozokwor, Igoni Archibong, Ed Aristone etc..

S

et in New York City, ‘Turning Point’ explores ethnic prejudice among the various black communities in America when a Nigerian playboy deals with the consequences after abandoning his American sweetheart for an arranged wife from back home.

The movie revolves around Ade, a Nigerian-American investment banker (also a playboy) working in a successful firm in New York City. He is in a relationship with an African-American ‘Stacey’. Her family at first is cautious about him but later warms up to his charming personality. His mother on the other hand, kicks against any form of marriage with Stacey. He visits Nigeria only to discover that an arranged marriage has been conducted on his behalf with a stranger. He reluctantly accepts this new wife, Grace(Jackie Appiah) who has been imposed on him, apparently based on her beauty and submissive disposition. Back in the USA, Ade avoids Stacey until she discovers his secret marriage.

Render To Caesar

Genre: Drama Producer/Screenplay writer: Desmond Ovbiagele Director: Onyekachi Lucky Ejim Stars: Omoni Oboli, Bimbo Manuel, Dede Mabiaku, Kalu Ikeagwu, Chris Iheuwa and Kehinde Bankole etc..

R

ender to Caesar, is a thriller which centres around two Nigerian friends who return home from abroad to join a special program in the country’s police force as detectives assigned to hunt and apprehend notorious criminals whose nefarious activities are an embarrassment to the imaginary government. The film, a product of Mighty Man Entertainment Limited, promises to break new territory, critically and commercially, in the Nigerian movie landscape and is expected in the cinemas shortly after its post-production phase presently ongoing abroad.

Vanguard, FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 1, 2013—29

NBC reacts: ‘We didn’t ban P-Square’s Alingo, other music videos’

BY OPEOLUWANI OGUNJIMI

C

ONTRARY to reports last week that the Nigerian Broadcast Commission, NBC,has banned the broadcast of some music videos by Nigerian artistes, the Commission has refuted the story, stating that “it is not aware of any ban.”

It was reported last week that the Commission had banned some new music videos from being broadcast in the country for containing offensive materials.

The report named some of the affected artistes as P-square, Wande Coal, Timaya, Flavour, D’prince, Goldie, Chuddy K and Tillaman.

However, reacting to the report, the Acting Public Relations Officer,PRO, of the Commission, Mrs Maimuna Jimada said the Commission was not aware of the ban.

According to her, NBC was not in charge of banning musical videos. “NBC has not banned any videos as we are not in-charge of placing a ban on music videos.”

Also, reacting on the matter when con-

Banky W to drop album on St. Valentine’s Day

E

tacted by WG, NBC’s Zonal Director, Lagos Office, Mr. Femi Ayeni maintained that the Commission never banned any music video, adding “ we have no power to ban any video.”

NBC, according to him, is not a vetting organisation,but a monitoring body that is solely responsible for ensuring that music videos and audios made for public consumption were safe.

“If anything is going to go out from NBC, we usually set up a committee that critically looks at the works. If the works are not alright, we usually advice the broadcasting stations to please remove such works and send them for repackaging,” he further explained.

Don Jazzy to launch clothing line

BY OPEOLUWANI OGUNJIMI

T

HE Chief Executive Of ficer of Marvin Records, has continued to wow us all as he keeps coming up with new innovations, all to prove that he can make it without the Kokomaster, D’banj.

After his sudden break-up with D’banj, Jazzy immediately floated his own record label,Marvin. Not long, he

THE TEAM BENJAMIN NJOKU njokujamin@yahoo.com AYO ONIKOYI OPEOLUWANI OGUNJIMI

flaunted his night club, POP on the Island, on the same day D’banj announced the opening of his own club, One Eleven also based on the Island.

Now, the ace producer is coming up with his own clothing line, Marvin Clothing. He divulged this piece of information on his Twitter page.

And guess what? Unlike others who quickly rent professional models to parade their wears on its launch day, Jazzy has decided to throw it open to the public.

He announced that his clothing line which is 60% completed, will debut this summer. He added that intersted fans of his who want to model for him should watch out for updates on his wall, as he prepares to announce the date for audition soon.

ME boss, Banky W who rekindled his solo career some months ago with two singles “Yes/No” and “Good good loving” is working like a busy bee in the studio to give lovers a special treat this Valentine, with the release of a R&B album.

Mr. Capable, who has been working largely behind the scene to move his EME crew to the next level, revealed this on Twitter where he stated “in the studio with the incredible Masterkraft, finishing the R&B album, drops on Valentine’s Day” on Monday.

The same album was supposed to be released last year November, but for the E.M.E. number one citizen, there was just too much to do during the Yuletide so, the planned album release was postponed indefinitely until on Monday when the Ebute Metta crooner let the cat out of the bag.

Samsung unveils Kate Henshaw as Ambassador

T

he rumour that Nollywood star actress, Kate Henshaw has landed a major endorsement deal with Samsung Mobile Nigeria has been confirmed by the telecommunications company.

The company formally unveiled the actress to the media during the week, at Protea Hotel, Ikeja, Lagos.

This is one of the many good tidings that is coming the way of the jovial actress who replaces hip-hop artiste, Sasha, as the female ambassador of the company.

The actress is also a brand ambassador for Blessings Perfume (UK) . She has also been a brand ambassador for telecommunications company, Globacom Limited. The ‘Assassin’s Practice’ , a movie, in which she stars, alongside veteran actor, Justus Esiri, opens in cinemas later this month, not to talk of her just concluded ‘Nigeria Has Got Talent Show’ which held the country spellbound.

Omawumi, Ice Prince debut in Yvonne Nelson’s new movie R &B singer, Omawumi Megbele and rapper, Ice Prince are set to kick-start their acting careers as they star in a new movie by sexy Ghanaian actress, Yvonne Nelson.

The movie titled, ‘House of Gold”, is Yvonne Nelson’s third production. It will also feature the likes of Ghollywood hunk Majid Michael and Francis Odega.

Although, full details of the movie are yet to be revealed,

Omamuwi, Majid and Francis were recently captured by the paparazzi’s lens while on the movie set. The picture was posted on Nelson’s Instagram page.

Omawumi is debuting in acting few weeks after Waje did the same thing alongside the likes of Patrick Doyle, Nse Ikpe-Etim and Femi Adebayo. It is a world of showcasing of one’s talent.

30—Vanguard, FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 1, 2013 With LAJU ARENYEKA

Jennifer Eliogu’s weight loss

Shamed W cyclist Lance Armstrong

ith over a decade of success on screen, it’s no wonder Jennifer Eliogu could be referred to as one of the ‘Big girls’ in the industry. However, that’s not the only reason she is called Big. To fans and followers, this mother of two is one of the few ‘Plus sized’ stars in the business. Eliogu however, shocked the Nigerian audience recently when she stepped out without quite a number of Kilograms.

Commenting on her great new look, she said: “My weight loss is quite intentional. So many new things are happening in my life and career, so I just want to look different. I cut down on carbohydrates a whole lot.

But I don’t feel the way I want to feel yet; I still have a long way to go. It’s not like I’m thinking of becoming a size twelve, because I don’t think it would suit me, but I’m looking forward to being a comfortable size fourteen.

I’m comfortable with myself, but I just want to watch it so that I don’t get overweight.”

What celebrities would like to be remembered for…

Of course we want our celebrities to live long to a very ripe old age, but it seemed fun to watch them respond to a very mischievous question.

“What do you want to be remembered for when you die?”

D

esmond Elliot was less temperamental. Self confident, and with a smile on his face, he said: “I would like to be remembered as one of the greatest film makers, as one who changed the course of Nigeria for the better.”

J

S

tephanie Okereke put some drama into it, “Ah, Ah, are you praying for me to die now?” she said jokingly.

M

ike Ezuronye nearly turned red in the face. “That question is very, very…” he sounded disheveled, looking for a better way to put it. “I don’t think that question is for me at this time, because I have an agreement with God to live till at least a hundred years. So, I’m not even thinking about it.”

oseph Benjamin, all cool and cute said “I would like to be remembered as someone who positively affected his generation, so that when I pass on, people would acknowledge that I lived a fulfilled life.”

Vanguard, FRIDAY,FEBRUARY 1, 2013—31

TOP MOVIES OF THE WEEK

AEG set to give Nigerian entertainment a lift

By ANOZIE EGOLE

C

ONSIDERING the chal lenges confronting Nollywood in the global market and also, in the quest to discover new talents in the industry, new and dynamic entertainment group, African Entertainment Group, has come to the rescue.

The group does not only aim at boosting the profile of Nigerian film industry, it also intends to project Nollywood films into the mainstream of the global movie industry.

Speaking at a press parley held last week in Lagos, the founder and leader of the group, Pascal Atumah unfolded his plans for Nigerian youths especially, in the entertainment sector. He said that the decision to come up with AEG was to provide a platform that would be global and capable of pushing the Nollywood movies on world stage and through and to also raise its profile. He also decries the neglect the industry gets at the mainstream of global community despite the huge gain they make. “I had the Pacal Atumah Productions, African Entertainment Group, Canada and African Entertainment Group, the United States of America (USA) and then this guys they have the Craigwal Entertainment. What we did was to come together and form one

company under the African Entertainment Group (AEG).

We formed this company so that we can produce African movies that can go globally.

We have already produced films like, Only in America, Who is the Man which had Jim Iyke in the cast and the rest of them. So, instead of CraigWal doing their thing in Nigeria, Pascal Atumah Production doing their thing in Canada or the US, we said why don’t we merge the whole company? This is what we did last year. Immediately after that, we went into production of a film with which has cast like Billy D. Williams, Lynn Whitfield because our goal was to break into the world market. We went an all American cast with an interjection of African actors like me, my brother and a Nigerian actor based in the US,” he said.

According to him, the African Entertainment Group intends to merge Hollywood with Nollywood.

Speaking further, he said as part of its marketing strategy, AEG has sealed a deal with OHTV in England in which OHTV will bring the products that it has already into Africa.

For now, they have produced six films which has been released outside Africa like, my American Nurse 1 and 2; Okoto the Messenger; Who is the Man, and Hurricane in the Garden.

Group immortalises late Sikiru Ayinde Barrister

I

T seems the memories of late king of Fuji music, Dr. Sikiru Ayinde Barrister is about to be kept on ice for eternity, as a group, known as the Alhaji Sikiru Ayinde Barrister Legacy Group (ABLE), plans to immortalise him through staging what is to be known as ‘Barry Day’ as from February 8th of this year.

The maiden event which is billed to hold at the Sheraton Hotels and Towers, Ikeja, Lagos, is to featured among other things, a colloquium with the theme “Music as a Commentary on the Society: Life and Times of Sikiru Ayinde Barrister”. The lecture is to be delivered by Professor Kunle Lawal of History Department of University of Ibadan.

According to a statement issued by the President of the Group, Mr Kayode Seriki Adejumo-Bello, an array of interesting programmes have been lined up to make the ceremony a big success and they include interactive sessions and music galore featuring the son of the late music idol, Adewale Akanji Barrister a.k.a. Barry Showkey and the Barrister Memorial Band led by the veteran drummer, Aderoju.

Among the dignitaries expected to graced the occasion are Aremo Segun Osoba, who is the chairman of the colloquium, Honourable DimejiBankole, traditional rulers, prominent politicians, top musicians and associates of the late music icon.

DJANGO UNCHAINED JACK REACHER RISE OF THE GUARDIAN BOND 23: SKYFALL THE LOST NUMBER

MAN ON GROUND LES MISERABLE An Ex-prisoner is hunted for decades by the ruthless policeman after he breaks parole. When Valjean agrees to care for factory worker Fantine’s young daughter, Cosette, their lives change forever.

Man on Ground follows the story of two Nigerian brothers, Ade a successful banker living and working in London while his estranged brother Femi has escaped Nigeria where he was a political dissident and is now living as a refugee in South Africa, struggling for work and to make a new life in himself. On a visit through Johannesburg Ade finds out that his brother has been missing for over a week and decides to investigate for himself.

He visits Femi’s employer to find out what happened and while there a riot breaks out in the township around him, forced to hold up with the employer through their conversations and those around them he begins to discover the life his brother has had to lead in South Africa, and what has happened to him.

Movie schedule from FEBRUARY 1 — 7 SILVERBIRD CINEMAS, VICTORIA ISLAND Man on Ground: 5:25pm, Flight; 11:00am, 4:05pm, 6:40pm, 9:15pm Les Miserables: 1:45pm, 7:35pm Django Unchained: 2:30pm, 7:20pm, 10:10pm Jack Reacher: 3;00pm, 10:25pm Rise of the Guardian: 1:10pm.

SILVERBIRD CINEMAS, IKEJA Man on Ground: 4;40pm, 6:25pm Django Unchained: 1:00pm, 3:30pm, 6:30pm, 9:30pm Bond23: Skyfall: 2:00pm Streets of Calabar: 8:35pm Hotel Transylvania: 4:05pm.

Here comes the Boom: 11:00am.

The Meeting: 1:50pm, 8:00pm Twilight saga Breaking dawn part2: 12:00pm.

SILVERBIRD CINEMAS, ABUJA Man on Ground: 1:20pm,5:10pm, 6:50pm Flight: 1;10pm, 4;00pm, 6:40pm, 9:20pm Les Miserables: 12:00pm, 3:00pm, 6:00pm, 9:00pm Django Unchained: 11:10am, 2:20pm, 5:40pm, 8:50pm The Lost Number: 1:50pm, 5:50pm.

Jack Reacher:1:40pm, 6:10pm, 8:40pm.

Streets of Calabar: 8:00pm Rise of the Guardian: 11:40am, 4:10pm.

Dr Bello: 11:50am,4:00pm Hotel Transylvania: 12:20pm, 4:20pm.

Twilight Saga: Breaking dawnpart2: 2:40pm, 9:30pm.

Pitch perfect: 2;00pm, 6:30pm Bond23; Skyfall: 8:10pm. .

SILVERBIRD CINEMAS CEDDI PLAZA , ABUJA Man on Ground: 12:30pm, 4:30pm, 8:40pm Django Unchained: 11:40am, 5:55pm, 9:00pm The Lost Number: 2:40pm, 6:40pm

SILVERBIRD CINEMAS PORT HARCOURT Man on Ground: 11;40am, 1:20pm, 4;50pm, 6:40pm, 8:30pm Flight: 12;20pm, 2;50pm, 5;30pm, 8:10pm Les Miserable: 11;20am, 2;10pm, 5;00pm, 8:00pm Django Unchained: 1:35pm, 4:40pm, 7:50pm, The Lost Number: 11:30am, 1:30pm, 3:40pm, 8:30pm.

Jack Reacher: 2:10pm, 8:20pm Dr Bello: 3:00pm.

Streets of Calabar: 6:00pm.

Rise of the Guardian: 1:40pm,6:20pm Hotel Transylvania : 11:50am .

SILVERBIRD CINEMAS UYO The Lost Number: 12;25pm, 2:45pm, 4:55pm, 7:00pm Twilight Saga breaking dawn part2: 4:35pm, 6:50pm.

Premium Rush: 11:40am, 1:30pm, 3;20pm, 5:10pm, 7:00pm Sparkles : 12:00pm, 2:20pm English Vinglish: 6:30pm Safe: 1:15pm, 3:45pm.

OZONE CINEMAS LAGOS Flight: 3:10pm, 6:00pm,8:25pm Les Miserables: 1;55pm, 4:55pm, 7:45pm Django Unchained: 2:15pm, 8:15pm Jack Reacher: 12:30pm Dr Bello: 11:55am Rise of the Guardian: 10:30am Hotel Transylvania: 10:00am Bond23: Skyfall: 10:30am.

FILM HOUSE LAGOS Django Unchained: 8:00pm

2:45pm,

FILM HOUSE CALABAR Sparkle: 6:00pm Premium Rush; 4:30pm, 9:00pm The Meeting: 3;30pm, 8:30pm

32—Vanguard, FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 1, 2013

13 things you must do in 2013 writing, reading and speech and have fun doing so.

Get a Haircut ave you let it grow on you? Having a head full of lustrous hair is a turn-on any day, yet if you have never cut your hair you are probably covering up more than your scalp: a fear of change.

It’s important to have your personal style, but sporting the same hairstyle for more than three years means you are stuck in a rut and it might be indicative of a bigger problem: you are in a comfort zone. Getting a haircut frees you to be more radical and progressive in your actions.

H

Learn to swim Read a Book (or three) You probably have bought all the popular books from the airport or the highway and you actually read the first chapter before moving on to the next one. The most obvious feature of our lives today is our very very short attention span with so much entertainment fighting for our overstretched attention. It takes real effort to actually read-and digest- a real book.

Take note: the management book your boss keeps raging about does not count.

Get some History You probably know your village and Local Government, at best, but what else do you know about yourself? Set time out to visit a senior member of the family.

Throw a Party You are a specialist at sniffing out another person’s party and having a ball at their expense but if you have never hosted a party yourself this year is the one in which to do it. Choose a special date, give it 3 months and work towards it. You have no apologies to make to anyone; you have a right to celebrate life.

•Throw a Party

•Travel

Ask questions about your ancestors. Collect and keep old items that are available.

Find out the meaning of your last name and tell everyone you meet the meaning

to it and put your money where your mouth is, as the saying goes, but you should also commit time. Remember, giving is not giving unless it costs.

Do Charity work Note: this does not include your church offering or the hundred bucks you surreptitiously passed to the beggar that won’t stop looming around your window at the red light. Look for something you have passion for (women, children, sickle cell, street kids, hiv/aids, handicapped, etc) and not only should you commit cash

Take a vacation The two weeks in London or Dubai roaming the high streets and messing up your credit card does not count. Not only are you exhausted afterwards, you owe so much you need to get to work so you can do it all over again next year.

The trick to a real vacation is going to a new place and doing a new activity, preferably meeting new

E

VERYONE knows that fish is good for you. The fats in fish, especially fatty fish like salmon, tuna, and mackerel, are thought to help prevent heart disease, and can even aid in preventing diseases like Alzheimer’s and strokes. But it seems that many people are afraid of cooking fish at home. We eat twice as much fish in restaurants as at home. Buying, storing, and cooking fish isn’t difficult; it just requires a little knowledge.

Fish Science When fish cooks, the proteins denature or unwind, then reattach to each other, or coagulate. This process squeezes out water and the molecules shrink, pressing closer together. Fish is cooked when it is opaque.

Don’t Overcook!

There’s a delicate balance between perfectly cooked fish and overcooked fish. For best results, cook fish until it’s almost done, then remove the pan from the oven, microwave, stovetop or grill and let it stand for a few minutes to finish cooking.

To Marinate, or Not?

h s i f k o o c o t w Ho •Fish

Marinating fish adds flavour and moisture to the flesh, but any marinating should be very brief. If fish flesh sits in acidic ingredients for more than 30 minutes, the acid will begin to denature the delicate protein, and you’ll have a mushy fish when it’s cooked. Even richer flesh of salmon and tuna should only be marinated for about an hour.

Marinades Oil (extra virgin olive oil provides the best

friends. Don’t know where to go? Put a map of the world before you, close your eyes and stab your pen at some point. Better still, take a road trip to another part of the country you have never been in before. Do your researchthere are many beautiful spots everywhere.

Learn another Nigerian- or any- language You can speak pidgin, but that does not count as another language. Determine to pick up a foreign or local language to the point where you can make conversation in it.

Practice as often as you can in

flavour) and an acidic ingredient like chopped tomatoes, red wine vinegar, or lemon juice, along with seasonings including salt and pepper. Depending on your tastes, seasonings can range from chopped jalapeno peppers and crushed red pepper flakes to fresh thyme leaves and parsley.

Grilled Fish Make sure that your grill is very clean and oil it lightly before adding the fish. If the grill is properly preheated and prepared, the fish will develop a nice crust. Don’t cover the grill as the fish is cooking; the cover traps too much of the smoke and overseasons the flesh.

Steamed Fish Place water or stock in a large saucepan and add seasoning ingredients- lemons or ginger will work. Bring the liquid to a simmer, place the fish in the steamer(s) and place over the simmering water. Do not let the liquid boil; this will cook the fish too quickly.

Microwaved Fish

Do politics You obviously don’t have to be a card carrying member of any political party, although that will be nice. Look critically at each of the political parties in terms of ideology and choose the one whose ideology most applies to you.

Criticize them or support them whichever is required.

Do not ever be politically indifferent again after 2013 Take a Picture Taking a picture is no big deal anymore in this narcissistic digital age. If you have not taken your pictures by yourself, you can be sure someone else will; but when was the last time you actually went to a studio, got dressed, did some professional make up work and get a portrait taken? Find time one of these weekends to embark on this fun, confidenceboosting exercise.

Learn Taekwando The beauty of martial arts is that it can be learnt at any age and it’s one of the easiest and best form of exercise for general fitness and strength.

Find realistic times during the week and weekends to take one hour of instruction three times a week. If it can’t work out outside the home, get a video cd to use at home.

Sleep All your life you have been told taking a good nap is equal to being lazy yet study after scientific study shows getting enough rest/sleep positively affects every aspect of your life including your productivity levels and sex life. Get your six straight hours a day, and inculcate siestas into your crazy schedule, if you can.

Make a friend Old friends are the best, we know, but you might be missing out on some of life’s best people if the last time you made a friend was in uni or on facebook, your social life is probably experiencing a lull.

Vanguard, FRIDAY , FEBRUARY 1, 2013—33

The Newsmakers Ann Kio Briggs rominent female activist and South south spokesperson Ann Kio Briggs is one of the Nigerian women best placed to bring about socio political change in the country as we know it. It is refreshing when a female political leader is not all about so-called women issues. This fearless speaker against injustice is a notch above the average, for the very reason that she is not afraid to say what she wants to say. For decades, she has sacrificed immensely for the causes and the people she loves so openly no matter whose ox is gored.

She is trusted by her people and admired by other peoplethe true test of a leader.

Yet, while her ideology is valid, it is fundamentally flawed within the context of today ’s Nigeria. It is perceived as being based on

P

•Ann Kio Briggs Ethnocentrism and tribalism as much as the Awoist was and is, except that the Awoist ideology had fit perfectly the context of its day. And in this digital day of low attention spans, perception is everything.

She is absolutely right to

point out the gross levels of underdevelopment in her home Niger Delta, and that is an important point, but to connect that to the struggle for self determination and economic justice is to absolve the leadership of that region including the Niger Delta

Oby Ezekwesili achievement and the lack thereof of political parties out •Oby Ezekwesili of power and vice versa. The ping pong game accusations and counter-accusations would hardly have been unusual, but for the undertones and the conspiracy theories.

There are those who swear that though it was the tongue of Mrs. Ezekwesili that said the words, it was really the mouth of Gen. Obasanjo that was speaking in seeking to discredit the Jonathan administration’s Finance policy .

To do this would not be much NE of the marks of an intelligent of a surprise.

Jonathan’s Finance individual is the ability to argue Minister , a hand-me-down from the for-or against- a certain issue.

Obasanjo administration, had resigned The speech given by erstwhile from the latter when the waves from the Obasanjo girl Oby Ezekwesili in her sea of intrigues had become too alma mata in Nsukka has been a subject overwhelming.

Still, her backgroundof much debate, and not surprisingly and her economic philosophy- have not at all. It was, by any standards, a changed at all and are unlikely to. This brilliant speech. It was a classic, written stability is, in fact, one of the things that and delivered in faultless style, and most endear her to her fans. clever enough to provoke thought in the The real surprise is that the old direction the writer/speaker must have godfather would so openly criticize his envisaged. The reactions afterwards godson, giving flesh to the rumour of were no coincidence. their falling out, and of the father setting Of course the argument could have up the son for the disgraceful outing been in the opposite direction. This with CNN’s Amanpour last week. could have been Maku criticizing the Whether or not Ezekwesili was put up Obasanjo administration for financial to it, after pushing it up and down, left impropriety/ indiscretion/theft. It is the and right, the question remains to be nature of politics in Nigeria – or answered and probably always will be: virtually anywhere in the free worldwhat happened to the excess crude for parties in or affiliated with political account’s cash, however much it was? parties in power to criticize the

Development Council?

(NDDC) and other developmental bodies set up by the Federal body of their corruption and irresponsibility. It therefore goes wide off the mark as a tool of activism, as well as a basis for articulating a south south ideology as the country stumbles in the dark in its search for a common ground, a justification for the north/ south amalgamation and a workable, sustainable constitution.

Her criticism of Goodluck Jonathan does very little to alleviate this perception and rather confuses it. This position: the position of ethnic socio-political/ socio economic actualization, can only be positively validated under the umbrella of a true fiscal federalism, where the states are contributors to- not dependents on- the ‘wealth’ of

the nation. Nigeria is a business arrangement rather than a nation. Her people are seen as by her government not as citizens but as ‘resources’.

There was talk, under the Obasanjo administration of ‘branding’ and ‘rebranding’ Nigeria, and the idea was generally received as one of the sheer genius of Dora Akunyili.

In a business arrangement, it does not matter so much who owns the mineral resources.

What matters is who owns the business idea, the technology and who is putting the money on the table. At the end of the day and depending on his negotiation skill, the party that puts the ‘resource’ on the table will get as many shares as the business owners says he will get and this is what the ethnic minorities and majorities both must learn in forging the way forward to a better constitution.

Female Football Statistics

A

S the Eagles and coach Stephen Keshi get continually demoralized and bashed by Nigerians and outsiders alike, the Falcons are a continuous joy to all, giving skipper Perpetual Nkwocha a point when she asked last week for similar pay for men and women in football. Check out the statistics_ 52. Ranking of Nigeria men’s football team in FIFA/Coca Cola world rankings in January 2013 27. Ranking of Nigeria’s women football team in FIFA/ Coca Cola world ranking august 2012 6. The seni or women national

team, the Super Falcons, has won six African championships out of seven and has lost only six games to fellow Africans since their debut 21 years ago.

4. The number of times Falcon skipper Perpetual Nkwocha has won the African Women Footballer of the Year title – in 2004, 2005, 2010, 2011.

$200

In May 2012, Congolese girls refused to turn up on pitch against Nigeria until the new sports minister prevailed on the Joseph Kabila government to part with $200 per player, against Nigeria’s $3,000 per player for every match won

O

a

kwoch

etua-N • Perp

34 — VANGUARD, FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 1, 2013 With PRINCE OSUAGWU princeosuagwu@gmail.com

BlackBerry10 offer latest movies, free music

BY AMAKA UGWU

B

lackberry makers, Research In Motion, RIM, has announced availability of large catalogue of songs, movies,games and TV shows on its new BlackBerry World application for BlackBerry10 devices.

RIM says it will offer DRM free music which means that users can transfer the music to their other devices unlike what Apple’s iTunes offer now. At present Nokia Music offers DRM free music also.

Furthermore, movies will hit the BlackBerry World on the same day of the launch when their DVDs will be disclosed while, TV shows will hit the next day of their public exposure.

The content from all the major studios, music labels and top local broadcast networks content will be included in the catalogues.

This new music service will be available for devices among the 18 various countries including India, Canada, USA, UK, Argentina, Brazil, Columbia, Mexico, France, Germany, Italy, Netherlands, South Africa, Spain, Australia, Malaysia, New Zealand and

LG unveils Optimus G Pro smartphone with 5-inch full-HD display

BY QUADRI SHODIYA

L

BB10 Singapore to begin with.

Initially the video download and rental section in BlackBerry World will be available in the US, UK and Canada only. Users will be able to preview tracks and approach the content using multiple payment options making it simpler for them to

be entertained.

As stated by the chief marketing officer at Research In Motion, “RIM is committed to working with content providers to bring the best, most up-to-date content to our customers with BlackBerry 10, and to make it easy for them to get what

they want”.

There are lots of new apps, with better functionalities and even a bigger entertainment that focus on BlackBerry 10 which is shaping up to be one great product and a new year gift from RIM.

G and Japanese carrier partner NTT DoCoMo have joined forces to unveil a new phone tagged,. Optimus G Pro The new device is a followup to the popular optimus G smartphone that debuted last year. The Optimus G Pro features a 5inch display with full-HD 1080p resolution and a pixel density of 440 ppi versus 312 ppi in the original Optimus G. The phone also sports a 1.7GHz quad-core Snapdragon Pro chipset, 2GB of RAM, a 3,000 mAh battery and Android 4.1 Jelly Bean.

Global launch for this product is yet to be around even t h o u g h the phone is expected to land in some markets soonest.

Wrist Watch that charges phones is in town

BY GABRIEL AMADIEGWU

N

othing can be m o r e discouraging during an outing, just like a dying cell phone or iPod at crucial moments can do. This is more so, when you desperately need

Waterproof camcorder

Waterproof Camcorder debuts

BY JOY OBOMASE

T

he Technology of the 21st century seems to be going unimaginable with the introduction of water proof camcorder which has the capacity to capture full HD videos and a digital voice recorder.

The device can hold its own for up to 16ft under the water

and shock proof of up to 15ft depth. It is immune to dirt, dust and snow meaning that you can take it everywhere you go, from the tropics to the Eskimos.

Although the major attraction of the device is its ability to work under water, there are other interesting features that distinguished the device among

competition. It sports an HD 720p video capturing capability. The digital camera has up to 5 MP, Mos sensor, 27 Tff LCD and 4x digital zoom and all works under the water. Its video -graphs delight with definition making shot composition, easy on the 3.0 touch screen,

their services. However, if this has been a constant problem to you, then the Tsir tech universal wrist band is exactly what you need. The gadget has a polymer and wristwatch design with a no load and a time off function to save energy and its alarm will remind you when it needs to be charged. It is compatible with many gadgets including; mp3, mp4, PSP, Nintendo, ipad, iPod .iphone and many o t h e r n e w technology gadgets.

Wristband

LG-Optimus-Gpro

Vanguard, FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 1, 2013 —35

LEISURE

YOUR LUCK TODAY

By Joshua Adeyemo Phone 08056180139

VIRGO; You will be in better position to consolidate on progress made recently. And it is wrong to take people for granted today……

LIBRA; Many people may be disappointed because of broken promises, therefore you will need to prepare your mind accordingly and refuse to take others for granted SCORPIO; . You can make it a good day as both career advancement and financial success are closer to you. Secret lovers are in for an exciting day.

SAGITTARIUS; Although there will be challenges here is a day when things will eventually go according to your plans. Don’t take friends for granted.

CAPRICORN; From now until next few days you will need to be as practical as possible along your career line; this is the wrong time to experiment with new ideas.

THOUGHT FOR TODAY

I

GUESS you are work ing officially. And if you are not working, perhaps, you are schooling. And if you are not in any of the above, you may be in business for yourself. In all of these, there is a time for resumption and a time for closing. As it is with these, so it is with every other thing that involves human beings in life.

Knowing when to exit Everything that has a beginning must surely have an end. No man is a messiah. Just do your best and bow out. Do not listen to sycophants. Many good leaders today have been destroyed by

TERROR MUDA

sycophants. life is like a stage. Know when to put a stop to what you are doing now. Know that with or without you, the world will move on.

There is a tide in the affairs of men. There is a

in “Never say goodbye”

time to be welcome, there is a time to be applauded, there is also a time to be rejected. The good actor is the one who quits when the people’s clamour for him is at the peak. We all are actors in our various spheres of life. So, let’s learn to exit when the ovation is loudest. Think about it, seriously.

By Lanre Kehinde

AQUARIUS; You may not be in total control of your mind till around 5.36pm. That is to say you will need practical approach in all you do today. Be more cooperative.

PISCES; Continue to be more careful about proposals having to do with joint ventures. Yet that is not to say you can not take good advice. Prepare to work harder.

ARIES; You stand good chance to extend recent favourable events both at work and on matters-of-theheart. Watch what you sign before 5.36pm.

TAURUS; Young-at-heart will be willing to give priority attention to sentimental related issues probably because of your recent success.

GEMINI; Refuse to become mentally arrogant or else you would be working against your own interest. Your love life will continue to enjoy favourable aspects.

CANCER; Financial success is within your reach, especially if you back your old plans early in the day.

The more family minded you are the better for you.

KAPTAIN AFRIKA

in

“Princess Shii’

By Andy Akman

LEO; It is important you don’t allow others to mislead you in the name of giving you good advice before 5.36pm. Those travelling or moving around in search of love may be in for both an exciting and pleasurable day.

ASTROLOGICAL COUNSELLING Send yyour our dat th ttoo the As tr ological datee and place of bir birth Astr trological Counselling, PP.M.B .M.B 1100 00 7, Apapa, Lagos 007,

What’s my immediate future?

Dear Joshua, I am into business; sometimes I am alone but the other time I just have to do with some partners.

Kindly tell me what my immediate future does have for me, especially between now late November 2007.

Anonymous-Jos. Dear Anonymous, For your own goodness I appeal to you to take what you will find here-under very seriously so that you will avert very serious business trouble coming through partnership very soon. I wish you the best.

Here is a period that will reverse most of the difficult situation you have experienced in your immediate past period. You are therefore advised to take good opportunities the period will bring.

However it is imperative you have it at the back of your mind that next few weeks will bring another round of similar challenges thus you will need to take business you will be able to conclude on or before March 14th when the whole thing favours you, especially as it concern partnership related issues.

The said favourable period will bring you co operation, money, love and emotional satisfaction.

Savour your good time.

Planetary placement and aspects are calling for carefulness on how you manage your relationships with others as some of them may be forced to betray and or disappoint you over MONEY and other important business transactions, consciously or unconsciously. Either a junior female worker or a lowly rated member of your opposite sex may be willing to tempt you during this period, who you just have to resist whichever way the person comes with antics.

Your health looks fragile. And you are accident prone. Although the whole of the period calls for carefulness last four weeks can be a little bit sensitive. Please take note that nothing fatalistic is predicted here, you only need to take care so that you will avoid the pitfalls of the period.

VIRGINIA

Commen3

dadadekola@yahoo.com

by Lawrence Akapa

36—Vanguard, FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 1, 2013

THE WEALTH AND POVERTY OF A NATION:

Who will restore the dignity of Nigeria?

Being a paper presented by Dr. Ezekwesili at the convocation of the University of Nigeria Nsukka last week

T

WENTY eight years ago I sat just like you those of you who are part of the graduating Class of 2013; excited by my graduation. It was 1985 and I was very privileged to be one of the then only three per cent of our own youthful population that had the opportunity of a university education. Today, you are still fortunate to be one of the yet paltry 4.3 per cent of your own youthful generation with an opportunity for university education. For Nigeria that percentage does not compare favorably with 37.5 per cent for Chile 33.7 per cent for Singapore 28.2 per cent for Malaysia, 16.5 per cent for Brazil and 14.6 per cent. Our lag in tertiary education enrollment is quite revealing and could be interpreted as the basis of thecompetitiveness gap between the same set of countries and Nigeria.

The reason is that “…. tertiary enrollment rate which is the percentage of total enrollment, regardless of age, in post-secondary institutions to the population of people within five years of the age at which students normally graduate high school…….plays an essential role in society, creating new knowledge, transferring knowledge to students and fostering innovation”. The countries with the most highly educated cit-

DR. OBY EZEKWESILI izens are also some of the wealthiest in the world in a study by the OECD published by the Wall Street Journal last year. The United States, Japan, Canada, South Korea, Finland, Norway, Israel, United Kingdom, New Zealand and Australia and also have among the largest GDPs. Norway and Australia, also featured, have the second and sixth-

highest GDPs per capita, respectively. All these countries aggressively invest in education.

The same cannot be said of Nigeria. The crawling progress in tertiary education enrollment since my graduation more than two and a half decades ago is therefore one key reason previous peer nations left us behind at the lower rungs of global economic rankings. Economic growth rate and ultimate development of nations are determined by a number of factors that range from sound policies, effective and efficient public and private investments and strong institutions. Economic evidence throughout numerous researches proves that one key variable that determines how fast nations

,

By OBI EZEKWESILI

below $200, two were a little above $300 and one was slightly above $500 while that of Nigeria was just about $100. For citizens, these differentials are not mere economic data. Meanwhile Map of Nigeria by 2011, the range for all five is between Singapore at nearly countries with small $50,000, South Korea at $22,000, population yet simiMalaysia at $10,000, Brazil at larly battling with the $13,000 and Chile at $14,000. development proOur own paltry $1500income per cess like we are. capita helps drive home the point Some others say it is that we have been left behind our culture but like a many times over by every one of political economist these other countries. How did posited “European these nations steer and stir their countries with differpeople to achievesuch outstand- ent sorts of cultures, ing economic performance over Protestant and Cath-

What happened to Nigeria? Why did we get left behind? How did these nations become productively wealthy over the last fifty years while Nigeria stagnated?

outgrowothers is the speed of accumulation of human capital especially through science and technology education. No wonder these same countries like South Korea of fifty million people has a GDP of$1.12trillion, Brazil of one hundred and ninety six million has $2.48 trillion; Malaysia of twenty eight million people has $278.6Billion; Chile of seventeen million people has $248.59Billion; Singapore of five million people has $318.7 Billion.

Meanwhile with our population of 165 million people we make boasts with a GDP of$235.92 Billion- completely way off the mark that we could have produced if we made a better set of development choices.

More dramatic is that this wide gap betweenthese nations and Nigeria was not always the case as some relevant data at the time of our independence reveal. In 1960the GDP of all these countries were not starkly different from that of Nigeria- two were

,

the last five decades? There is hardly a basis for comparing the larger population of our citizens clustered within the poverty bracket with the majority citizens of Singapore fortunate to have upper middle income standard of living.

Again, how did this happen?

What happened to Nigeria? Why did we get left behind? How did these nations become productively wealthy over the last fifty years while Nigeria stagnated? How did majority of the citizens of these nations join the upper middle class while more Nigerians retrogressed into poverty? There are usually as many different answers to these sets of questions as there are respondents on the reasons we fell terribly behind.

Some say, it is our tropical geography, yet economic research shows it has not prevented other countries with similar conditions from breaking through. Others say it is size, but China and India are bigger, yet in the last thirty and twenty years have grown double digit and continue to outgrow the rest of the world at this time of global economic crisis.

Furthermore, being small has not necessarily conferred any special advantages to so many other

olic alike that have grown rich. Secondly, different countries within the same broad cultures have performed very differently in economic terms, such as the two Koreas in the post-war era.

President Goodluck Jonathan Moreover, individual countries have changed their economic tra- : 17.1 million 1980, 34.5million jectories even though “their cul- in 1985, 39.2million in 1992, tures didn’t miraculously 67.1million in 1996, 68.7million change.” How about those who in 2004 and 112.47 million in plead our multiethnic nationali- 2010! This sadly means that you ties as the constraint but fail to are children of a nationblessed see that the United States of with abundance of ironies.

America happens to be one naResource wealth has tragicaltion with even more disparate lyreduced your nation- my naethnic nationalities than Nigeria tion- to a mere parable of prodiand yet it leads the global econ- gality. Nothing undignifies naomy! tions and their citizens like selfinflictedfailure.Our abundance of Economic oil, people and geography should have worked favorably trajectories and placed us on the top echeAs for those who say it is the lons of the global economic ladadverse impact of colonialism, der by now. After all, basic ecowere Singapore, Malaysia and nomic evidence shows that abuneven China not similarly con- dance of natural resources can quered and dominated by colo- by itself increase the income levels of citizens even if it does not nialists?

That Nigeria is a paradox of the increase their productivity. For kind of wealth that breeds penu- example, as Professor Collier a ry is as widely known as the fact renowned economist who has that the world considers us a post- focused on the sector stated in a er nation for poor governance recent academic work countries wealth from natural resources. that have enormously valuable The trend of Nigeria’s popula- natural resources are likely to tion in poverty since 1980 to 2010 have high living standards on a for example suggests that the sustainable basis by simply remore we earned from oil, the larg- placing some of the extracted reer the population of poor citizens Continues on Page 37

Vanguard, FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 1, 2013 ---- 37

Who will restore the dignity of Nigeria?

Continues from Page 36

Enough is enough!

•Clark tells governors (2) This is the second part of the open letter to the Nigerian Governors Forum. The first part was published yesterday.

T

HE minorities held a prelimi nary meeting in our late leader, Dr. Joseph Tarka’s residence in Gboko, Benue State. This meeting was attended by all leaders, Governors, National Assembly members, all minority politicians including late Chief Anthony Enahoro.

The Convention in Kaduna amended the NPN Constitution democratically and peacefully. I remember that late Governor Melford Okilo spoke for about one hour and broke into tears for the survival of the Party and Nigeria. The meeting adjourned with no one hijacking the meeting nor imposing anyone on us. The Party was supreme and democracy was at work.

I contested election as a Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria under the NPN and I won. I was a founding member of the National Republican Convention, NRC, political party which held its first Convention in Port Harcourt where Alhaji Bashir Tofa from Kano State was elected as the Party’s Flag-Bearer with Chief Pere Ajuwa from the then Rivers State now from Bayelsa State coming second and Dr. Nwodo from Anambra State, coming third.

It was at the General Election that Chief M. K. O. Abiola of the Social Democratic Party, SDP, defeated our candidate Alhaji Tofa of the NRC. Even our Presidential candidate Alhaji Bashir Tofa admitted after the elections that it was free and fair, that he was even defeated by Chief M. K. O. Abiola in his home State, Kano State. What followed thereafter is now history.

I was also the Deputy Leader of the South South Peoples Conference, SSOPEC, with the late revered Pere Harold Dappa-Biriye as the Leader.

Every Presidential candidate from the

CHIEF EDWIN CLARK

PDP in particular, who wanted to contest the 1999 Elections had to seek for the approval and support from our organization. Some of such Presidential aspirants were Alabo Tonye Graham-Douglas, Rivers State; Chief Philip Asiodu, Delta State; Patrick Ani, Cross River State; Joseph Wayas, Cross River State, to mention but a few. After the PDP Convention in Jos, they lost to Chief Olusegun Obasan-

jo because the former military leaders were behind him. However, most of the aspirants were later appointed Ministers and Special Advisers to President Olusegun Obasanjo in 1999.

Therefore, I can only express joy or laughter when people talk about founding fathers of the PDP. Today, I am one of the oldest members of the PDP both in Governors Forum chairman, Gov age and membership.

Amaechi Thirdly, I wish to make an observation about the attitude of most threat to the peace and stability of young politicians towards elders. Nigeria. Most of the Governors toThey wrongly believe that the time of day, are more dictatorial than the then the elders is over and, therefore, have Military Governors.

I have seen and made enquiries no role to play in the politics of the nation. This is quite wrong. Mr. Dav- about your counterparts in the Unitid Cameron, who today is less than ed States of America, USA. A Gover47 years old, is the Prime Minister of nors association called the National the United Kingdom. He sits in Par- Governors Association, NGA, does liament with Parliamentarians and exist, but their existence and operaMinisters who could be his father. tions are practiced and operated withSimilarly, President Barrack Obama in the confines of the law of the land. of the United States of America, USA, This body which was formed as far is less than 50 years old; he was in back as 1908 has never been a thorn the Senate with late Edward Kennedy in the flesh of the country. They are not politically ambitious. Each of the who could be his father.

My Dear Governors today I am over Governors of the 50 States in the USA, 85 years old. I have a slogan which is who want to become the President of that when one is 70 years and above, the country, does not use the Forum he is at the Departure Lounge, wait- to achieve this ambition. For instance, ing for the Boarding Pass and, there- President Bill Clinton on his own as fore, such person must have the cour- the Governor of a very small State, Arkansas, and The Governors Forum is now actwas a Chair of the Association, ing as an opposition Party to the did not use it for Federal Government. It deliberately his personal gains but rathbreach with impunity, the Constituer worked astion of the Federal Republic of Nigesiduously under the platform ria and the Constitution of the PDP, and directive of without any challenges the Democratic Party, to become one of the most sucage and wisdom to speak out one’s cessful Presidents of the United mind on any issue affecting the desStates of America. tiny of the country. And failure to do I do believe that when the Goverso, is a dis-service to the nation. I have nors Forum was first formed in this a stake in this country. And I have country under the Chairmanship of children, some of whom are educatthe Governor of Enugu State, Dr. ed in some of the best Universities in Chimaroke Nnamani, and later the world and some of them are as passed on to Governor Victor Attah old as some of you. These children of Akwa Ibom State and Lucky Iglike all other Nigerian children, also binedion of Edo State respectively, have stake in this our dear country, the Forum behaved like their counNigeria. terparts in the USA. Even in the 2003 Issues: I now wish to dwell on some Presidential Elections, the then Vice of the offending activities of the GovPresident, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar did ernors Forum which are driving the not use the Forum to challenge his country to madness but which as boss. Rather, he passed through members you do not care about, proChief James Onanefe Ibori, the then vided you achieve your purpose and Governor of Delta State and 16 oththe Forum’s over-bearing influence er Governors. During this period, on the PDP, the supremacy of which Nigerians hardly took notice of their you have hijacked. The Governors existence. However, a change came Forum is now acting as an opposiwhen Dr. Bukola Saraki, Governor tion Party to the Federal Government. of Kwara State became the Chairman It deliberately breach with impunity, of the Forum. Dr. Saraki used the the Constitution of the Federal ReForum as a platform to achieve his public of Nigeria and the ConstituPresidential ambition. tion of the PDP, without any challengTo be concluded es. The Forum has now become a

,

By EDWIN CLARK

,

sources with financial assets held abroad.Disappointedly, even that choice eluded our governing class who through the decades has spent more time quarreling over their share of the oil “national cake” than they have spent thinking of how to make it benefit the entire populace.

There are perhaps three broad classes of resource rich countries. The first are those which like Norway which have built up all other types of domestic investment from which revenue is generated and can therefore save their huge revenue from gas in foreign assets. The second are those mostly of the Middle East countries like Kuwait which also have saved huge revenue in foreign asset and generate sufficient revenue from the asset to be better off than other countries without resources. However, for Kuwait this may be only because they live well from resource rents rather than becoming productive. The third category of which our country is a classic example are countries which though resource rich have neither been able to build up foreign asset for citizens to live well off of nor evolved new and alternative sectors of productivity.

Accumulated productive investment The appropriate response to the revenue extracted from our oil over the period 1959 to date would have been to use it in accumulating productive investment in the form of globally competitive human capital and physical asset of all types of infrastructure and institutions. Such translation from one form of nonrenewable asset to renewable capital would have been the right replacement strategy for a wasting asset like oil.

Unfortunately unbridled profligacy has made usspendand continue to spend the free money from oil like a tragic Rentier state that we are called in development circles. We spend most of what we generateon mere consumption with no tangible productive asset to show for our so called “wealth”.

Due to profligacy we have dismal human development indicators which are inconsistent with the scale of our earnings. For example using life expectancy as a proxy measuring how we score on human development, 51.4years for Nigerians falls far short of the 80years for citizens of Singapore and South Korea, 78years for citizens of Chile, 73 years for citizens of Malaysia and 72years for citizens of Brazil. We may in fact be the world record holder in the rank of natural resources rich countries that tend to have worse human development scores when compared to countries without endowments.

As our human development scores have lagged, we continued with our binge on oil revenue and became trapped in cyclical decline of national competitiveness. It explains why every other economic sector in Nigeria has suffered the effect of the oil enclave economy. Oil has unleashed shocks and volatility of revenues on our economy due to exposure to global commodity market swing, proliferated “weak, ineffectual, unstable and systemically corrupt institutions and bureaucracies” that have helped misappropriate or plunder public resources. Nations with abundance of natural resources especially in Africa, Latin America and part of South Asia have experienced the fueling of official corruption and “violent competition for the resource by the citizens of the nation” .

While there may not be concurrence on the causes of Nigeria’s colossal underperformance, most of our citizens however agree that poor governance and the more visible symptom of corruption have had virulent impact in arresting the development of Nigeria. The poor in our land have paid the highest possible price for being born into the world’s best example of a paradox.

The common wonderment of these poor citizens – whether east, west, north and south- is “why would more than half the population of a country that earned nearly one trillion dollars in oil revenue since the Oloibori discovery of crude oil; continue to wallow in poverty?”

To be continued

38—Vanguard, FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 1, 2013

Dr. Chioma Nwachuku, GM, Corporate Affairs Seplat (2nd right); presents a pregnancy kit to Mrs. Okotie at the ongoing NPDC/SEPLAT Safe Motherhood programme in Sapele. With them are from left Mr. Arijoba, Community Relations Supervisor, NPDC; Sir. Engr. Jude Sidebe, Snr. Special Adviser to the Governor of Delta State and Prince Chuks Igelenyah, Seplat Base Manager, Sapele.

L-r: Mr Andrew Brooking,CEO, Java Capital, South Africa; Mrs Yewande Sadiku, CEO Stanbic IBTC Capital; and Prof Andrew Baum, Professor Land Economy, Cambridge University, UK at the Stanbic IBTC Real Estate Investment Trust (REIT) roundtable talk in Lagos yesterday. Photo: Joe Akintola Photo Editor

Vanguard , FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 1, 2013 —39

Governor Olusegun Mimiko of Ondo State (left) and Bishop Francis Wale Oke, Deputy National President, Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria, PFN, and President, Sword of the Spirit Ministries, during a ministerial visit to Gov. Mimiko, at Akure, Ondo State.

From left: Mr. Babatunde Raji Fashola, Lagos State Governor; Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, Chairman, Ropeways Transport Ltd; Capt. Dapo Olumide, CEO, Ropeways and Mr. Wolfgang Hahn, a representative of Doppelmayr, at the signing of a franchise agreement between Ropeways Transport Ltd, LAMATA and the Lagos State Government for the operation of a cable car transit system.

From left: Mr. Obi Iregbu, Assistant Director, Coordinator, Lagos, National Lottery Regulatory Commission; Mr. Kachi Onubogu, Commercial Director, Promasidor Nigeria Ltd; Mr. Michael Ajereti (a.k.a Don Jazzy) Loya Milk Brand Ambassador and Chief Keith Richards, MD/CEO, Promasidor Nigeria Ltd, during the Promasidor's press conference on Loya Milk's 'It's what's inside that matters' promo, held in Ikeja, Lagos. Photo: Bunmi Azeez

From left: Mr. Labaran Maku, Minister of Information; Mr. Chukwuma Nwandiugo, Ebonyi Commissioner for Works and Mr. Chike Onwe, Ebonyi Commissioner for Information, inspecting the multi-million Naira Eketube Bridge, in Ikwo LGA, during the National Good Governance Tour of Ebonyi.

Mr. Chris Hassan, Plateau State Commissioner for Works (left) with Pastor Yiljap Abraham, Commissioner of Information and Communications, inspecting a project in Plateau Central Constituency.

Pharm. Gloria Abumere, Acting Registrar of Pharmacists Council of Nigeria, PCN, presenting a Compt. Dan Ugo, Controller, Federal Operations plaque to Miss Adebukola Adesina, the Best GraduUnit Zone 'A' , presenting a plaque of excellence to ating Student, Faculty of Pharmacy, Igbinedion CSC Abdullahi Kirawa as Officer of the Month (De- University, Okada, during an induction ceremony, cember) at the institution.

From left: Mrs. Olatundun Oki, representative of Lagos State Governor's wife, From left: Olajide Bashorun, Permanent Secretary; Gbolahan Lawal, La- Dame Fashola; Kehinde Bamigbetan, Chairman,Ejigbo LCDA; Hon. Omowunmi gos State Commissioner for Agriculture and Cooperatives and Rasak Salau, Edet, member, Lagos State House of Assembly, Oshodi-Isolo Constituency 2 Zonal Project Coordinator, South West FADAMA, during the commission- and Engr. Dayo Longe, ACN stalwart in Lagos, at the interdenominational service of songs organised by Ejigbo LCDA, in honour of late Ayo Ositelu. ing of 1KM bridge, at Ibeju Lekki Local Government Area, in Lagos.

40—Vanguard, FRIDAY FRIDAY,, FEBRUARY 1, 2013

France returns smuggled Nok artefacts to Nigeria

BY JAPHETALAKAM

WITH AGENCY REPORTS

L

AGOS—NIGERIA’S fight for the repatriation of the country’s stolen art works and other cultural properties in galleries and museums spread across Europe and America recorded some success early in the week as France returned to Nigeria five ancient terracotta sculptures smuggled out of the country in 2010.

The artifacts of Nok origin, were said to have been found in the luggage of a French citizen at a Paris airport.

According to BBC’s Chris Ewokor, who attended the hand over ceremony for the return of the smuggled objects in Abuja, the terracotta sculptures may have been shipped out of the country to neighbouring Togo from where the French buyer flew them to the Charles de Gaulle Airport in Paris.

French Ambassador to Nigeria, Jacques Champagne de Labriolle told BBC that the artifacts’ return was part of a global attempt to fight “illegal trafficking in cultural goods,” adding that, “It is both a decision by the French government and an obligation by all those countries that have signed the UNESCO convention on the matter.”

Last year, National Commission for Museums and Monuments, NCMM, frowned at the donation of of 30 artefacts being part of the works stolen by invading British forces from Benin during the 1897 expedition to the management of the Boston Museum of Fine Art.

DCI holds conference

D

OMINION Chris tian Assembly, DCA, Incorporated, yesterday, commenced its first conference for the year with the theme: Increasing Spiritual Capacity.

The programme which will end on Sunday, February 3, holds at the church premises, 62 Old Oko Oba Road, Agege, Lagos.

It will feature a session for ministers with Dr. John Emilimor and other anointed men of God, minitering.

Wife of Ekiti State governor, Mrs, Adebisi Fayemi (left) and Deputy Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Mrs. Valerie Ebe, during the meeting on HIV/AIDS, presided over by President Goodluck Jonathan in Abuja, yesterday.

From left: Garrison Commander, 2 Brigade, Nigerian Army, Port Harcourt, Colonel Nasiru Muktar; Commander, Joint Task Force, Major-General Tukur Buratai, and Col. Chibuisi, at the commissioning of Garrison Standby Hall and Officers' Mess in Port Harcourt, yesterday.

Police kill 3 robbery suspects in Benue

BY PETER DURU

M

AKURDI—THE war on violent crimes declared late last year by the Benue State Police Command paid off, yesterday, when the command gunned down three members of a notorious syndicate that specialized in robbing unsuspecting motorists on the ever busy Aliade-Otukpo highway.

Eyewitness told Vanguard that the gang had at the early hours of yesterday barricaded the Aliade-Otukpo road, just a few kilometers from Aliade town.

He said: “The gang rode in a

tricycle popularly known as”Keke NAPEP” to the spot where they barricaded the road. Initially, nobody thought they were robbers because they came in a slow moving vehicle. ”But suddenly the young men started pulling out weapons with which they mounted a road block and started robbing unsuspecting motorists. ”As the act went on, the state Commissioner of Police and the Command were contacted and men of the Special Anti Robbery Squad, SARS, stormed the scene and a gun duel ensued. ”It was like a war zone; for few

minutes there was confusion in all the villages around the area with people scampering to safety for fear of being hit by stray bullets.”

Confirming the story, Benue State Police Public Relations Officer, PPRO, Deputy Suprintendent, Daniel Ezeala said: “After the gun duel, our men arrested three of the robbers who later died of gun shot wounds before medical attention could get to them but we are on the trail of the others.”

Ezeala who said various dangerous weapons were recovered from the gang added, that the

Indigenous ship owners demand national carrier major challenge for the seainternational trades.

BY UDEME CLEMENT

L

AGOS—INDIGENOUS Ship-owners Association of Nigeria, ISAN, yesterday in Lagos, urged the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, NIMASA, to grant national carrier status to the ISAN Shipping Line.

Chairman of ISAN, Dr. Isaac Jolapamo, said this would enable Nigerian ships to participate in lifting and transporting the nation’s crude oil and engage in other

He said: “ISAN has fulfilled relevant conditions required for its conferment with the national carrier status. ISAN was set up to enable Nigerian ship owners participate effectively in the shipping of the nation’s cargo ‘’The industry had been floundering like a rudderless ship for a very long time and we appear helpless. We are not only helpless but now spectators in an industry we should be calling the shots. This is the

soned players who are dwindling by the day.

“The association met recently to adopt a constitution, which will enable it adapt to the demands of modern shipping practice and also accommodate all Nigerians who are playing active roles in the sector.

“We want to secure our maritime freedom and I implore every one of us to rise up to this challenge of moving this industry forward.”

PCN Registrar to FG: Create more chances for pharmacists in civil service

BY SIMON EBEGBULEM

B

ENIN CITY—THE Act ing Registrar of Pharmacists Council of Nigeria, PCN, Mrs. Gloria Abumere, has called on the federal and state governments to boost productivity in the health sector by employing more pharmacists in the civil service.

Abumere, who said this at the induction of pharmacy graduands at the University of Benin added that “Pharmacists are good team players, trained to work with other healthcare professionals with a view to give the best for humanity.”

She charged pharmacists to continually maintain the high standard of the profes-

sion and ensure that they are not compromised in their daily practice.

She disclosed that consistent efforts have been made by the council to regulate the practice, asserting that “the Continuing Professional Development, CPD, programme is the veritable instrument by which the Pharmacists Council of Nigeria officially ensure continuing competence of pharmacists through out their careers. There is need, to keep up to date in current international best practices as high skilled professionals.”

Speaking on behalf of Governor Adams Oshiomhole, at the event, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Health, Dr Peter Ugbodaga,

said the state government had come out with a blueprint to employ pharmacists in some of the public hospitals in the state.

command had declared an all out war against violent crimes in any part of the state.

Witchcraft: Rights groups rescue 2 children in A’Ibom

E

KET—A team of Child Rights focused NGOs Wednesday, rescued two children accused of witchcraft at Okopedi Market, Okobo in Akwa Ibom.

Officials of the Humanist Association for Peace and Social Tolerance Advancement, HAPSTA, and Child’s Right and Rehabilitation Network, CRARN, said at the the rescue was a result of their collaborative campaign to curb child stigmatisation.

Mr. Ayobami Ojedokun, Project Centre Manager of HPSTA told the News Agency of Nigeria, NAN, that the organisations were also collaborating with the Police and traditional rulers to reconcile the stigmatised children with their families.

He said: “The children we rescued from the market, aged nine and 13, were abandoned and they were sleeping at the market in Okopedi area of Okobo Local Government Area of the state.”

Badagry LG moves to boost tourism

L

A G O S — BADAGRY Local Government Area of Lagos State, is set to design a special tourism logo to signify the importance the indigenes of the ancient city attached to tourism.

Mr. Samson Apata of the Tourism Department, Badagry Local Government, dropped the hint in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria, NAN, in Badagry.

Apata said the logo would also serve as a way of promot-

ing tourism in the city.

He said: “The purpose of the creation of this logo is to create a visual identity for tourism in Badagry.

“The logo will serve as a form of awareness to people so that whenever they see it, they will know that it represents tourism in Badagry.

“We hope to carve tourism in Badagry in the minds of people with the creation of the logo.”

Vanguard, FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 1, 2013— 41

Book Presentation: From left, Dr. Rahon Yusuf, Vice Chancellor, National Open University of Nigeria Prof. Vincent Ado Tenebe, Chief Tony Anenih with Charles Bonait at the book presentation “Nigeria Yesterday” held at Transcorp Hotel Abuja.

From left, Prof. Sam Oyovbaire discussing with Prof Greg Oiwu Pro Chancellor, National Open University at the book presentation “Nigeria Yesterday” held at Transcorp Hotel Abuja.

Photos: Gbemiga Olamikan.

NNPC owes N1.3tr to government — NEITI

A

BUJA— THE Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, NNPC, failed to pay the government billions of dollars in earnings from 2009-2011, an audit showed yesterday, adding to a string of reports highlighting mismanagement of the energy sector.

The audit by the Nigerian Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (NEITI) - a government agency found that NNPC owed 1.3 trillion Nigerian naira from crude oil sales in the three-year period.

The firm also owed $4.84 billion in dividends and loan repayments from the Nigerian Liquefied Natural Gas (NLNG) export business between 2009-2011 and a further $3.99 billion in NLNG funds from previous years going back to 1999, the audit said. An NNPC spokeswoman said the firm could not comment on the findings because it had not seen the report yet.

Africa’s biggest energy industry has been criticised for being corrupt for years. But audits and reports have never resulted in highlevel officials being charged, and have rarely prompted a change in the way revenues are managed.

NEITI said it would further investigate NNPC’s rapidly escalating fuel import subsidy bill, which the audit showed rose from 198 billion naira in 2009 to 786 billion naira in 2011.

42— Vanguard, FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 1, 2013

Vanguard, FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 1, 2013 — 43

A Centenary celebration of sorts MOST marriages pass through the storms of life and many end in divorce. It is in that light that the Nigerian establishment is rolling out the drums to celebrate 100 years of marriage between the North and Southern protectorates of the former British colonies that metamorphosed into Nigeria.

“I THINK the duty is for us to elevate the corporate wellbeing of Nigeria because it is all our collective well being over and above every narrow and parochial feeling,” the secretary to the government of the federation, SGF, Senator Anyim Pius Anyim told a gathering of newsmen last week in Lagos.

The continued survival of Nigeria as a corporate entity despite a brutal civil war and several other political fissures is in the opinion of some a miracle.

Many other countries it is claimed, have not survived the low points that have characterised Nigeria ’s progress since the marriage of 1914.

The Northern Nigeria protectorate and the Southern Nigeria Protectorate were fused into a single entity on January 1, 1914 with Miss Flora Shaw, the fiancée of the then British governor-general, Richard Lugard naming the amalgamated entity as Nigeria.

Since the amalgamation it had indeed been a thorny history.

Irrespective of the thorns and the bitterness that has clouded the past 100 years, the Nigerian government is forging ahead with plans to commemorate the 100 years of the country’s birth with a 20 month long series of events.

The events are beginning this month and are to end in December 2014 with the highpoint of the celebrations being held on January 1, 2014.

Not unexpectedly, the plans for the celebrations are now enmeshed in controversy.

On one side are some who believe that there is nothing worthy of celebration and on the other are those who are irked that they are not sufficiently being carried along.

Among the later are legislators

who when they were first briefed

by Senator Anyim and his team pooh-poohed the plans.

Some of the legislators were also peeved by the lack of financial disclosure despite the pointed fact made by the SGF that the administration would not be spending a kobo from the public treasury for the celebrations.

Anyim has repeatedly pointed out that the whole project is private sector driven. That claim is, however, countered by some who claim that the administration would expend public funds for logistics and the movement of government officials and visitors during the celebrations.

Senator Smart Adeyemi, while raising observations during Anyim’s visit to the National Assembly wondered why the focus of the celebrations was centered on Abuja , and not Lokoja, the first capital of the country.

Funding the centenary celebration: Senator Anyim has in response disclosed that the celebration would be spread out to all the states in the

country inclined towards staging any of the celebrations, but at the expense of any state so inclined.

The Senate President, Senator David Mark, on his part expressed worries that such a national event would be solely driven by the private sector even as he expressed fears that the federal government’s claims of a wholly private sector sponsored

House of Representatives presided over by the Deputy Speaker Chief Emeka Ihedioha, Anyim claimed that the country had remained united in spite of the challenges it had faced in the last 100 years.

The SGF said this belief informed the choice of the theme of the celebrations, ‘One Nigeria, Great Promise,’ and that funding will come from “commercial

,

BY JOHNBOSCO AGBAKWURU

On one side are some who believe that there is nothing worthy of celebration

event, might turn out to be untrue at the end of the day.

“Am just worried that if truly it is going to be private sector driven, then we can ask a committee to take a look at it and make suggestions and give to the businessmen if they are interested,” he said.

In another meeting with the

,

marketers”, who will use the event to market their services. “In this way, funding will come for the event. We are also looking at the option of centenary lottery. So, funding will not be by public funds,” he stated.

“The centenary celebration will be multifaceted and multi – location event. It holds much

promise for corporate – product commercials, more so provide unique opportunity for corporate organisations to properly present themselves as part of Nigeria ’s success story.

“With support and active participation of the private sector, the centenary celebration will provide, potentially 5,000 jobs directly and over 10,000 jobs indirectly. It will provide an economic boost especially to the informal sector, the pretty traders and the hospitality sector providers.”

Anyim’s perspectives nonetheless, many who rue the joining of the north and south would rather mourn than celebrate.

One of such is Niger Delta activist, Ms. Ann-Kio Briggs.

Speaking at the 10th Daily Trust Dialogue, Briggs said it will amount to wasting the nation’s resources by celebrating 100 years of the country’s existence as there is nothing to celebrate about.

Briggs who was one of the speakers at the Dialogue said that the only thing the country could boast of after 100 years of the amalgamation between the South and Northern Protectorates in 1914 were corruption and failure of governance.

She said that the amalgamation just like the 1999 Constitution, was forced on people who never sat down to either agree on the marriage or produce the document called the constitution and that from the period the forced union was done till date many parts of the country remained undeveloped without infrastructure.

She said that the British government packaged in 1914 and put together one giant nation called Nigeria with over 250 ethnic groups ignoring the obvious fact that as a nation comprised of different people, culture and religion did not share a common history except being colonized by Britain.

It pays to pay tax in Edo — Shaibu, majority leader HON. Philip Shaibu is the Majority Leader of the Edo State House of Assembly. In this interview with Vanguard in Benin, he defended his presentation of the controversial Land Property Law, his role as the majority leader in the House and why he is opposed to indiscriminate creation of states among others issues. Excerpts:

BY GABRIEL ENOGHOLASE

P

EOPLE’s opposition to the Landed Property Bill Issues of taxes and taxation are not always easily sold to the people more so that you have to part with your money, but this particular one is such that the people that were protesting

against it are the people that will benefit from the tax because they are not the people that are going to pay this tax.

I think some people were using their media to pass negative and incorrect information about the bill and in doing that some of the people were agitated and some of them were also sponsored.

Majority of them especially those you saw on T-shirts were actually sponsored by those rich men that I feel were seeing themselves parting with some money.

Dwindling internally generated revenue and dearth of funds for projects That is why the issue of taxation is important. Let me also digress a little bit, when people are clamouring for state and local government creation I laugh because any state that cannot within its resources provide infrastructure, pay salaries, take care of all its liabilities without external funding is not viable

Continues on page 45 C M Y K

C M Y

44—Vanguard, FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 1, 2013

Edited by Emmanuel Aziken

*Akande: Nothing wrong with imposition

*Onyebuchi: He is now talking

Gebi: Taking his turn on the dock

Lawmaking from the dock

N

IGERIANS were treated to the sight of one of our honourable members of the House of Representatives, Aliyu Gebi being charged this week for the alleged issuance of a dud cheque.

It is interesting that only few months ago, Gebi had in a statement debunked calls by what he called a faceless group known as Public Interest Lawyers League, PILL who had called for the arrest and prosecution of the deputy speaker, Chief Emeka Ihedioha. PILL’s beef with Ihedioha was that he presided at the session where another honourable member, Lawan Farouk de-listed Femi Otedola and his companies from indictment in the still unfolding multi-trillion naira subsidy fraud.

In his statement back then, Gebi had questioned why attention was always on fraud in the House and not in the NNPC and other appendages of the presidency. Now, it has come back to him.

Gebi who is accused of issuing dud cheques totalling N120 million on behalf of a company he runs, joins several other members with corruption allegations on their heads presently making laws for the good governance of Nigeria!

Among other honourable members of the House shuttling between the dock and making laws for the good governance of Nigeria are Herman Hembe the former chairman of the House committee on capital markets and his former deputy Azubogu Ifeanyi who are in court facing varying charges of corruption.

Across the divide in the National Assembly, several distinguhished senators are facing charges of corruption for actions they did while they ruled as governors. One, that is Senator Ali Ndume, was docked for alleged collaboration with the Boko Haram sect.

Senator Joshua Dariye, however, has no such problems making laws for Nigerians given that the most notable case against him was filed in the United Kingdom.

Now Onyebuchi is talking

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OR long while the bells chimed over the Sullivan Chime era in Enugu, the acting governor, Mr. Sunday Onyebuchi remained mum.

When assertions were made that he could only approve a maximum of N500,000 or that the powerful Chief of Staff, Mrs. Ify Nwobodo along with a handful of others in the Enugu Cabal were the ones running the state and gave him a budget speech to go and read, Onyebuchi remained mum.

Even during occasions involving other governors where he sat in for Governor Chime in Enugu, he kept mum as Governor Peter Obi of Anambra or other governors spoke on his behalf.

Now for whatever reason, Onyebuchi has opened his mouth. Speaking when the minister of information, Mr. Labaran Maku led an assessment team to Enugu State, Onyebuchi said “If I was given a limit to approve only N500,000, how will our workers get their salaries? How will the contractors who are still working be paid? Enugu State has no problem with governance.”

Imposition as a culture spreads to Edo

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O one has directly pointed a finger at the comrade governor in Edo State in the brewing crisis over the nomination of Action Congress of Nigeria, ACN candidates for the forthcoming local government elections in the state.

But here and there, tongues are wagging in the state over the acquiescence of the man who silenced the godfather and apostle of one man one vote in the brewing crisis over the imposition of candidates for the election.

While many mouths are agape, several watchers of the ACN, however, differ with the reminder of the rejection of internal democracy by the party’s national chairman, Chief Bisi Akande.

“If election within our party is what you are trying to describe as internal democracy, then we reject such idea,” Chief Akande told journalists in January 2011 during an interview session.

Uncommon challenge to an incumbent senator

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YEBROWS were raised in 2011 when Senator Effiong Bob lost the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP primaries for re-election as senator representing Akwa Ibom Northeast constituency.

It was especially so, given the open support Governor Godswill Akpabio who rode with him to the venue of the primaries told people he was giving the then influential lawmaker.

The exit of Senator Bob and Senator Ufot (who fought!) Ekaette left the then jambite senator, Alloysious Etok as the leader of the Akwa Ibom caucus in the Senate of 2011. Now the stocky Senator Etok may now be dreading his time in the senate given events in his constituency.

Constituents at the end of meeting last weekend resolved to adopt the agent of the uncommon transformation in Akwa Ibom State, that is Governor Akpabio as the PDP senatorial candidate for the 2015 election.

Given the immense political machinery now

*Etok: Waiting on God backing Governor Akpabio, there is no doubt that Senator Etok who may have successfully fought off many political battles in the past is faced with an uncommon battle.

Vanguard, FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 1, 2013 — 45

IT is absolutely necessary at times, even without being asked. to consider what is often regarded as the state of the nation. It is believed that a period of a decade should be reasonable enough to examine the political, social and economic conditions of our dear country called Nigeria. We are assuming that it would not be out of place if we refer the year 1999 as our yesterday and the year 2013 as our today.

It is observed that with the return to the barracks of our military masters of yesterday, democracy, as represented by the 1999 Constitution, has been on trial for about 14 years. The Constitution prescribed that only candidates sponsored by political parties could contest for political posts. However, the real test of acceptability of candidates should be through the ballot boxes.

Numerous cases of election rigging have become part of our social culture while selections not elections of candidates have surfaced in different political parties. It is observed that several court cases after elections are visible signs that the country ‘s electoral system still needs serious reforms.

The elimination of an ‘Independent Candidate‘, to many observers, is a serious omission.

Though the electoral system gives the right to vote to a Nigerian of 18 years and above, it does not discriminate about the quality of the person carrying the vote. The Newson Report on Secondary Education states that, “a man who is ignorant of the society in which he lives, who knows nothing of its place in the world and who has no thought about his place in it, is not a free man,

from Lagos to the East, each represents a nightmare. The situation where “high roads were made straighter, stronger and wider than those evil communications that had corrupted the good manners of travelers in the days of Defoe”, as noted by Professor T. S. Ashton on 18th century England, are yet to feature in many areas of the 21st century Nigeria.

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STATE OF THE NATION:

Yesterday and today even though he has a vote”.

Therefore, it is expected that those who count themselves as free people and have the votes would be sufficiently anxious to discuss issues on the condition of their country.

The Central Bank Report for the year 2000 stated that “electricity supply has remained unreliable as power outages, load shedding and rationing have become very frequent. Power supply has been so erratic and unreliable that many businesses and high income households have resulted to purchasing private generators at prohibitive costs”.

Today, the truth is that in spite of the claimed and ascertained improvements in electric power supply, the situation is not yet satisfactory and stable. The truth is that electricity supply is yet to shed its epileptic stance and in many homes outside Lagos, the supply is regarded as a gift of God, which could come when not expected.

Maybe rational judgement

should be on the intentions of the President rather than the reality of the situation.

Commenting on Transportation within the country, the same Central Bank‘s Report 2000 noted that, Nigerian Railway System was characterized by congestion and frequent delays as well as cancellation of travel schedules.

Over the years, the railway system appears to have collapsed, while oil tanker wagons have virtually disappeared. Happily, current news is that Lagos-Kano Express has been introduced and efforts are on the way to reactivate rail oil tank wagons to ease congestion on the roads. The Nigerian road system is archaic and begging for modernization. The roads connecting Lagos, the commercial capital of the country to many states are still bad and like death traps, suffer under poor maintenance. As usual, travelling by road from Lagos to the North, and also,

otable improvements have taken place in the areas of communication through the introduction of the GSM system which has brought obvious advantages to many Nigerians in every part of the country.

It is hoped that more privatization of communication services would bring necessary improvements in bringing all parts of Nigeria together for social and economic development. More than forty years ago, late Professor S. A. Aluko, in his ‘Case for Rapid Industrialization for Nigeria’ called for a reliable and efficient system of electrification throughout the country, efficient network of modern roads and railways, water and ocean transport, efficient system of postal and telephone services.

He advocated for full government support to supplement private initiatives in order to rebuild poor economic infrastructures.

These, I believe, are the challenges of President Jonathan`s Transformation Agenda today.

Today’s challenge is how to eradicate poverty through increase in employment and reduction in inequality. The country is one of the largest

crude oil exporters and the soil is naturally blessed. The economy has been growing fast over the years.

The growth rate of Gross Domestic Product (GDP) which was about 2% in 2000 has risen to over 6% in 2012. Oil revenue in 11 months of 2012 at about N6.3 trillion surpassed the country’s budget of about N4.3 trillion for 2012.

However, the abundance of oil revenue has also necessitated the payment of about N2 trillion of oil import subsidy, caused deepening poverty and has not reduced high unemployment rate.

However the economy has been adjudged stable by some, with over 12% inflation rate, high exchange rate of US $1 to about N157 and Bank lending rate of about 24%. There is no doubt that the present Central Banks’ tight monetary policy has encouraged the inflow of foreign money into the system and has partially increased the foreign exchange reserves to about $45 billion (equivalent of 9 months imports).

Many analysts believe, and justifiably so, that an economy characterized by deficient effective demand and high unemployment rate does not need any tight monetary policy.

Olusegun Obasanjo: Of late, the former President has been under press focus. No day has passed without any reference to the former President. Those taking him on now should have listened to what the late Gen Oluleye (Yoruba) once wrote about him. “In terms of craft, he looks deceptive, but he can sketch good and bad schemes with equal celebrity. He is an expert in confrontational tactics.” Any contrary opinion?

It pays to pay tax in Edo — Shaibu, majority leader Continues from page 43 and because that state is not viable it is not fit to become a state.

When the Comrade Governor, Adams Oshiomhole became governor of Edo State, he saw Edo State as a viable state but in terms of resources it was not meeting its viability, he looked at what was wrong and he discovered that it was the tax.

The last administration was only relying on ‘pay as you earn’ which is easily collected from civil servants and Abuja allocation.

You see, that era was the era of “share the money”, and because it was the era of “share the money” the money was coming from the Federal Government and not from Edo people. When the people now pay taxes they have the right to ask questions on what the money is used for.

In implementing the tax laws you can see how beautiful, how Edo State has graduated from being a construction site to one of well executed projects. It shows that Edo State is actually fit to be called

*Shaibu: Slams unviable states a state because it is viable, it is able to pay its salaries.

Before Abuja’s allocation comes in,

Edo State government pays its workers as at when due, there is a standing instruction by the Comrade Governor that before the end of the month at least on the 26th salaries of workers must be paid, pensioners’ salary must be paid.

That is to tell you that, Edo State is viable and that the vision to make all of us contribute to the development of Edo State is yielding dividends and government is providing infrastructures from tax payers money and truly tax payers money is working in Edo State.

Whether he supports restructuring of the country into eight regions The issue is not about region, it is about viability which is the easiest way to reach the people and to also develop the people. If you turn it to region, or you turn it to a state, I don’t think we should be going front and back that is my own take.

Now that we have agreed that we are now states let’s see how these states can function and let’s make sure that these states are functioning and if the states are functioning I don’t think the regional thing will be an issue because bringing

us to regional and states debate is like turning the hands of the clock backwards.

On the injustice of some zones having more states than others I have been looking at it really, some people will say especially the Eastern zone that it has fewer states, I think we should equally look at the issue of population.

There are indices to create state and the major one, I feel, should be whether the state is able to fend for itself.

The argument that is always put forward is that when you create more states, you create more development, but you and I know that, that is far from the truth because some of these states have serious crisis and if we check the allocation I think the real issue that Nigerians should be talking about is not creation of state, it is the issue of the Federal Government’s share of our collective wealth.

Is it justified that Federal Government will take 52 per cent and States and Local Government will take the balance?

46—Vanguard, FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 1, 2013

Gani, the PDP described the judgment of the local government Appeal Tribunal, “as miscarriage of justice done deliberately to satisfy the ruling ACN in the State.”

While it threatened to report the appeal judges to the National Judicial Commission, NJC, it alleged that “they have deliberately misapplied the law to satisfy their paymaster.”

The party also accused the ACN of exposing itself as “pseudo democrats who should not be allowed to jettison our nascent democracy with their now apparent desperation to hold onto the illegal contraptions called LCDA.” In addition, the party said the judgment of the Appeal tribunal is “provocative and capable of aggravating the already tensed polity in the state.”

Disappointment at judgment

*Jide Obanikoro: Loses out

*Igbokwe: Tells PDP to accept defeat

IKOYI-OBALENDE:

Now Tinubu can sleep outside PDP shadows •PDP kicks against use of technicality

BY DAPO AKINREFON

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HE ruling Action Congress of Nigeria, ACN in Lagos State yesterday finally fought off one of the most embarrassing challenges to its grip of the state after the Court of Appeal ruled in its favour the decision on who won the Obalende/Ikoyi Local Council Development Area in the last election.

The court decision inevitably removed the prospects of having its rabid enemy, the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP taking charge over the territory where its national leader, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu lives.

Ikoyi/Obalende LCDA is home to some of the nation’s most powerful citizens including the national leader of the ACN, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu who holds court regularly from his Bourdillion Street residence which is located not far from the council office.

The PDP had claimed victory in the election penultimate October in a tightly contested election where the PDP fielded Jide Obanikoro, a scion of one

of the leaders of the party in the state against Adewale Adeniji.

The PDP candidate is son of Senator Musiliu Obanikoro, Nigeria’s ambassador to Ghana and a one time close associate of Asiwaju Tinubu.

Controversy immediately shadowed the outcome of the election conducted in October 2010 after the Lagos State Independent Electoral Commission, LASIEC delayed the release of the result of the election for more than 24 hours without any logical reason.

PDP enthusiasts had cried foul as they claimed to have through their own compilations achieved victory over the ACN in Tinubu land.

Declaration of Adeniji Despite protests and public outcry against the ACN with many asking the ACN to practice what it preaches at the federal level, the authorities in Lagos stuck to their guns with the declaration of Adeniji as the winner.

Obanikoro who had mustered some impressive political

wizardry in the approach to the election immediately resorted to the courts with what he claimed was more than sufficient evidence to debunk the claim of an ACN victory.

Supporting him in his court battles was a large entourage of the Hausa community living in the Obalende area of Lagos who reportedly voted massively for him on account of his strategic decision of picking one of them as his running mate.

At the Election Tribunal, the victory of the ACN was reversed as the Justice Dolapo Akinsanya (ret) led tribunal voided the return of the ACN candidate declaring boldly that Obanikoro won the election.

The tribunal ruled that the PDP won the election by 6,780 to 6,248 votes. The tribunal result immediately shocked the large entourage of ACN enthusiasts that flocked the court on that day last October.

After a period of dithering during which the ACN allegedly considered conceding the office to the PDP as an example of its large heartedness, party radicals chose to fight the battle at the court of appeal where they obtained victory yesterday.

Both sides were yesterday unforgiving in their separate reactions to the court verdict

which favoured the ACN on the basis of the lapse of time.

Accept court decision — ACN Speaking through its state publicity secretary, Mr. Joe Igbokwe, the ACN, appealed to the PDP to accept the decision of the appellate court.

“Whatever the decision of the court is final and I think as law abiding citizens, we have to

,

YESTERDAY’s keenly expected judgment on the appeal by the ACN against the tribunal victory of the PDP on the contest for the strategic Ikoyi-Obalende local council throws up questions.

The PDP candidate, Obanikoro expressed disappointment at the judgment which he said was essentially based on technicalities and was done without of the appeal tribunal which upturned his earlier victory.

In a telephone chat with Vanguard, Obanikoro said “I am totally against the judgment and highly disappointed that the merits of the case were not looked at.

They just based their decision on time and did not even bother to find out how we got to where we were.”

According to him, “while at the tribunal, we filed a motion for extension of time, the tribunal judges said there was no need to move that motion because they had dismissed the preliminary objections that was brought by the ACN. The Appeal tribunal judges now used that against us. The court ordered us to withdraw our

Speaking through its state publicity secretary, Mr. Joe Igbokwe, the ACN, appealed to the PDP to accept the decision of the appellate court

accept the decision. That is my appeal to the opposition. They should not take laws into their hands, they should accept the judgment in good faith and move on,” Igbokwe told Vanguard in a telephone interview yesterday.

It's miscarriage of justice — PDP THE Lagos State chapter of the PDP immediately rejected the counsel describing the judgment as miscarriage of justice. In a statement by its publicity secretary, Mr Taofik

,

motion, which we did, now they are using it against us. I think it is totally biased, I think it is unfair and I think it promotes disobeying the law. It is totally uncalled for and it is a shame on democracy and a shame on the judiciary as well.”

In its unanimous judgment, the five-man Appeal panel chaired by Justice Opeyemi Oke, reversed the decision of the Election Tribunal saying that the case exceeded the 30 days time line as stipulated in section 14 (1) of LG Election Laws of Lagos State.

Vanguard, FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 1 , 2013 —47

Sahel war: France backs possible U.N force •Europe must do more to fill worrying gaps, NATO

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RENCH Defence Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian yesterday backed the idea of sending a United Nations peacekeeping force into Mali, saying France would play a role in any such plan.

The U.N. Security Council is to begin discussing the possibility of deploying U.N. troops in the stricken West African nation, envoys said of an idea it had previously been uncomfortable with before France’s recent military intervention.

The French military on Wednesday took control of the airport in Kidal, the last town held by al-Qaedalinked rebels, and is planning to quickly hand over to a larger African force, whose task will be to root out insurgents in their mountain redoubts.

U.N. envoys have said sending in a peacekeeping force would offer clear advantages over an

Malian soldiers heading to Gao in a pickup truck arrive in the recently liberated town of Douentza African-led force, as it would be easier to monitor human rights compliance and the United Nations could choose which national contingents to use in the force.

“This development is extremely positive and I want this initiative to be

carried through,” Le Drian said on France Inter radio, adding that France would “obviously play its role”.

French has deployed some 4,500 troops in a three-week ground an air offensive, aimed at breaking Islamists’ 10month hold on towns in

northern Mali.

After taking back the major Saharan towns of Gao and Timbuktu at the weekend, Le Drian confirmed that troops were still stuck at the airport in Kidal, where bad weather was preventing them from entering the town.

Egypt politicians renounce violence E

GYPT’s feuding politicians yesterday renounced violence after being summoned by the country’s most influential Muslim scholar to talks to end the deadliest unrest since President Mohamed Mursi took power.

It remains to be seen whether the pledge to end confrontation will halt a week of bloodshed on the streets that killed nearly 60 people.

Opposition groups did not cancel new demonstrations scheduled for Friday.

But participants at the meeting, including

Saad al-Katatni, head of Freedom and former Egyptian foreign minister Amr Moussa (r) Mohamed ElBaradei (l) at a press conference after their meeting in Cairo yesterday. leaders of Mursi’s Muslim Brotherhood and its secular rivals, described their joint

statement as a major step towards ending a conflict that has made the most populous Arab state seem

all but ungovernable two years after an uprising toppled autocrat Hosni Mubarak.

The meeting was convened by Sheikh Ahmed al-Tayyeb, head of the thousand-year-old al-Azhar university and mosque, one of the few institutions still seen as neutral in a society that has become increasingly polarized.

A

S she bowls out as the US Secretary of State today, Hilary Rodham Clinton has said with optimism that Africa was on progressive path despite challenges The former US Secretary of State who had engaged with young

people around the world in her 59th own town hall at the Newseum in Washington, DC, where she fielded questions from pressmen relating to issues that concerns Nigeria and Africa as a whole said that, “I see progress happening in Africa. I don’t want to overstate it because some

places are more stable.

Looking through the countries in Africa, according to her, one can see democratic institutions and economies getting stronger.

Reacting on political situation in Nigeria, Clinton said, “Nigeria is one of the most important countries in Africa , I

NATO’s military power and global influence could be put at risk if allies continue to slash their defense budgets while emerging powers boost theirs.

France’s intervention in Mali has illustrated his point by again exposing European military deficiencies that were laid bare during the 2011 Libya campaign when European states relied heavily on the United States for air-to-air refueling, intelligence and surveillance.

Syria reports Israel to UN over attack

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YRIA has formally complained to the United Nations over a reported Israeli attack within its borders.

Syria’s army said Israeli jets had targeted a military research centre north-west of Damascus on Wednesday, killing two people and wounding five.

It denied reports that lorries carrying weapons bound for Lebanon were hit.

Russia has called the attack unacceptable, while a Syrian official and Iranian deputy minister have suggested there could be retaliation.

The Syrian army statement about the incident, carried on state media, said Israeli fighter jets had carried out a direct strike on a scientific research centre in Jamraya.

Meanwhile Lebanese

security sources, Western diplomats and Syrian rebels say an arms convoy near Lebanon’s border was targeted. A US official attested to the strike, saying the lorries were carrying Russian-made SA-17 anti-aircraft missiles.

The latest developments have struck a country in turmoil. Syrian President Bashar al-Assad continues to cling to power despite a 22-month conflict that has killed more than 60,000 people.

Golan agreement Syria’s foreign ministry summoned the UN commander in the Golan to deliver its formal protest, saying Israel’s action violated the 1974 disengagement agreement between the two sides, who remain technically at war.

Hagel offers forceful endorsement of U.S military power

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HUCK Hagel, President Obama’s nominee to be secretary of defense, yesterday

I see progress happening in Africa, says Hillary

BY VERA SAMUEL ANYAGAFU

Many are now warning of the risk of ethnic reprisals as displaced black Malians take up arms to return to their liberated towns.

Meanwhile, France’s need for U.S. help during the Mali operation shows Europe must do more to fill worrying gaps in its defenses, NATO’s chief said yesterday. Anders Fogh Rasmussen also sounded the alarm about growing disparities between what the United States and Europe spend on defense and warned that

would say in the world. “ It really matters how well the next election in Nigeria goes, whether it’s free and fair and transparent. It really matters whether the endemic corruption is finally pursued so that everybody in Nigeria feels that they ’re not going to be left out”.

morning said that the United States must lead other nations in confronting threats, use all tools of American power in protecting its people and “maintain the strongest military in the world.”

In an opening statement at his Senate confirmation hearing, Mr. Hagel presented a broad, forceful endorsement of American military power aimed at answering critics who say he would weaken the United States. He offered strong support for Israel, said he was fully committed to the president’s goal of

•Hagel preventing Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons and said he would keep up pressure — through Special Operations forces and drones — on terrorist groups in Yemen, Somalia and North Africa.

48—Vanguard , FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 1, 2013

BY ABDULSALAM MUHAMMAD, LUKA BINNIYAT & JOHN BULUS

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ADUNA—NO fewer than 10 persons, including eight policemen and two civilians were killed in three separate attacks by gunmen in Kaduna, Kano and Gombe States yesterday.

About 100 armed bandits attacked Birnin Gwari town in Birnin Gwari Local Government Area of Kaduna State, killing six people, including five policemen before burning down a police station and robbing two banks of huge sums of money.

In the neighbouring Kano State, two persons including a police sergent and a civillian were also killed when unknown gunmen razed down the Bunkure Police Station, about 41 kilometres south of Kano city, bringing the number of those killed in the two states to eight, six policemen and two civilians.

Security sources told Vanguard in Kano that the “vicious attack on police facilities” took place around

Gunmen kill 8 policemen, 2 others in Kano, Kaduna, Gombe 7.15pm, adding that a wing of the police complexy was destroyed by explosives.

Two policemen at a check point within a popular round-about in Gombe metropolis were killed by unknown gunmen. A stray bullet from the assailant also wounded a crippled civilian passer-by.

However, the attack in Kaduna State came barely 24 hours after the Emir of Birnin Gwari, Alhaji Zubairu Jibrin led a delegation to Governor Mukhtar Yero over the level of insecurity in the emirate and asked for urgent government intervention. Birnin Gwari is about 150 kilometres from the Kaduna metropolis.

A source told Vanguard that the bandits earlier arrived the town in four buses, several cars and motor cycles, at about 10pm on Wednesday ‘’and went to the drinking palours in the area to enjoy

themselves,’’adding that they, however, started their operations at about 1am in the morning. In October last year, an armed gang attacked Dogon Dawa, in Birnin Gwari Local Government, killing 24 residents.

However, the source further said that ‘’we heard sounds of heavy gunfire.

There were shootings and sounds of heavy explosions. It went on for about two hours. I was praying that they do not go from house to house. But the sounds were only around the police station and where the banks are located “When it was dawn, we went out to the scene and that was when they were removing the corpse of the last policeman. They bombed the police station, killed five policemen and freed all the detained criminals before they started attacking the banks. They used explosives to open the ATM machines at the two

banks.

“I do not know if they got into the vaults of the banks, because the Police did not allow us inside the banking halls. Only my manager was allowed into the bank. But they destroyed everything from furniture to the computers and the only operational van.”

The Assistant Inspector General of Police, AIG, Zone One, Kano, David Omojola, who confirmed the attack on the Bunkure Police Station said “a wing of the station was affected by the explosives thrown at the station by the gunmen” His words, “yes, Bunkure station was attacked yesterday by unknown gunmen; a wing of the station was destroyed but investigation has since commenced” Also commenting on the attack, the Kano State Police Public Relations Officer, PPRO, ASP Magaji Majia said “a police sergent died during the attack

while a civillian was burnt beyomd recognition”.

In Kaduna State, the state Police Spokesman, DSP Aminu Lawan aslo said: “in the early hours of yesterday, some armed robbers attacked the Birnin Gwari Police Station and two banks. They killed three policemen. I was informed that the armed robbers were between 50 and 100 in number. When our men could not face them, they retreated. They burnt the police station. They also killed one other person after robbing the banks. We have not made any arrests, but we are investigating.”, Meanwhile, a visit to the affected Bunkure Police Station in Kano indicated that a private residence close to the police station was affected by the blast. Operatives of Joint Military Taskforce had since taken over the sleepy town as motorist passing through the town were subjected to scrutiny.

Meantime, the AIG in charge of Zone one, David Omojola, led a delegation of top Police officers to Bunkure for the spot assessment.

An eyewitness told Vanguard in Gombe State that the two gunmen who wore long gowns also masked their faces. He stated that the attackers emerged from a tricycle around 6:15 am and headed straight to the policemen at the checkpoint directly opposite Gombe Line Motor Park and shot them dead.

The Police PRO, DSP Fwaje Atajiri in a statement, described the attack as ‘’unfortunate.’’ Atajiri said the hoodlums attacked when two patrol vehicles of the Rapid Response Squad from Gombe Central Police Division that were always stationed there had been removed around 06:30 hours, adding that investigation had started to unravel the suspects.

Vanguard, FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 1, 2013 —49

F-L-I-C-K-S!

F-L-I-C-K-S!

ters once it comes to flushing out. We do it in minutes without pains”. I have noticed the human traffic around those areas. Beautiful, young and old women flock those areas. It is not hidden. They do their things with pride. Its like pregnancy or having kids. Little girls of 16, 17 years would tell you they have a baby but no father. “Why do you girls have kids without fathers?”. “You want to know ne?”, she asked in her deep Zulu accent. “Men pluck flowers early when we are virgins and know nothing”, she said proudly. And after that, they are let loose. Searching for the last South African Virgin would be a difficult assignment.

Trespassers ‘ll be shot, survivors ‘ll be re-shot

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T is human nature to be afraid of the known.

Many people dread signs boldly written DANGER! Such signs come from Power Holding Company a.k.a NEPA. People would always stay away from such places for fear of death. But many people don’t fear the commandments of God. Out here in South Africa, there are many of such signs and they come in different colours. They also beautify the city.

Road signs are everywhere and even a blind driver hardly asks questions because the signs are explicit. There are places that are considered high risk areas and you see signs warning people not to walk alone.

In other places you see such signs as ‘Notorious for robbery. Don’t stop!’. Nobody tells you to hasten up. Even when somebody taps you on the shoulder, don’t look back. Keep Walking. Like Johnnie Walker. I was taken aback when I saw a bold sign which read “Trespassers will be shot, survivors will be re-shot”. What do they mean by that? The fear that I could be considered a trespasser did not allow me to stay long there as I dashed off to the other side of the road. Now out of trouble, I asked a South African what they meant by that sign. “This is Pretoria. Don’t ask questions. Obey signs and move ahead”, he said walking briskly past me as if I had committed a sin myself. It was later that another told me that such signs were more during the apartheid era. There were places that blacks were not allowed to walk through. Some roads were closed

F-L-I-C-K-S!

to blacks and bars and clubs were exclusive for whites. That was then. Freedom has brought equality to all. Even though some people have more freedom than others. Not to worry. Six feet of earth makes us all equal.

Pain-free abortion

“A

BORTION is a sin”, the Church man would always say. In Nigeria, many people look so pious that you think they don’t commit sin. Abortion is widely condemned by many but people still practice it in the dark. Not here in Rustenburg, South Africa. There are leaflets, posters of where to get that pregnancy terminated before it ruins your life.

Such posters read; “Don’t allow unwanted pregnancy destroy your future. For your pain-free abortion, visit us for little cash sharp sharp. We’re the Mas-

Alomo bitters!

K

ASAPREKO popularly known as Alomo bitters derives its origin from Ghana. Its an alcoholic herbal drink that has so much power for the consumer seconds after drinking. It has gained ground like wildfire. Men and women re-charge their batteries with it. Those who don’t take alcohol drink it because its portent for diarrhea, jadi-jadi, malaria and stops weakness of the body. Ibos resident in South Africa call it “Onochie”(Replacement). It drives out cold from the body during winter and keeps you warm and active all round the clock. Its popular in Nigerian motor parks and have gained grounds in rich men’s tables. Its an active man’s companion. The only bad thing is its bitterness. And like bitter kola, it keeps you going strong. Most women don’t like it but love men who drink it. My Ghanaian friend says “it gives you more action, Charlie. And women love satisfaction”.

Green World: Cures all

H

ERBS, no doubt, have gained grounds in Africa. Our grandfathers depended on herbs and lived longer years before the advent of hospitals and drugs. Most of the drugs are gotten and made from herbs, though.

Asians still depend more on their herbs and it keeps them going up to 90 to 100 years walking without sticks.

There is one herb that is hawked out here in Rustenburg. Its magical.

It cures all ailments.

They advertise it on billboards. It is called Green World. It cures Asthma, gives relief to alcoholics, Diabetes, dizziness, fever, memory loss, stress, it remedies nerves, stroke, blood pressure”. It cures any ailment you can think of.

I’ve noticed many young mad men in the streets. These mad guys are the architects of their madness. Drugs!. I wonder if this medicine can make them sane.

C M Y K

50— Vanguard, FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 1, 2013

Vanguard CLASSIFIED MESHIONYE—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Bolanle Hannah Meshionye, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Bolanle Hannah Adedayo.

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Vanguard, FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 1, 2013— 51

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VANGUARD'S LAGOS OFFICE YOU CAN B O O K Y O U R A D V E R T S AT OU R L A G O S I S L A N D O F FI C E — VA N G U A R D MEDIA LIMITED (LAGOS OFFICE) K I O S K 4 8 E A S T P AV I L I O N T B S , L A G O S .

Prof Nnaji and executive chairman of GE (Global), Jeff imelta, at signing ceremony

Speaker of the House of Representatives, Alhaji Aminu Tambuwal (left) in conversation with the Special Adviser to the President on National Assembly Matters, Senator Joy Emodi after the sitting of the House on Wednesday.

L-r: Miss Toluwa Awodiya, a student presenting a sourvenir to Hon Ed Fast, Minister of Internal Trade and Mrs Abiola Anyakwo, Executive Director ILN during the courtesy visit of the Canadian Minister of International Trade to the International Learning Network & Morgan Consultancy Services in Lagos yesterday. Photo: Biodun Ogunleye

L-r: Mr Joshua Awesome, Risk Universe media consultant, Mrs Anthonia Olalemi; Mr Hansruedi Schutter, Executive director, Risk Business lnternational Ltd; and Mr. Edima Ekpo, chairman, lnstitute of Operational Risks, Nigeria chapter at the launching of the magazine in Lagos. Photo Shola Oyelese

Confab on African Resources for Florida, USA in October

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N international con ference with the theme “beyond the resource curse, exigencies and promises” will hold October 28 – 30 October 2013, in Florida, United States of America. The conference will discuss upsurge of violence in Africa due to unequal distribution of resources.

According to the convener, Professor Victor Ojakorotu, Head of history, Politics and International Relations, North West University, South Africa, the conference will examine the factors precipitated natural resources conflicts in Africa with a view to proposing appropriate solutions.

52—Vanguard, FRIDAY, JANUARY 1, 2013

TREBLE CHANCE Fulham Q.P.R. Reading West Ham Wigan Derby Crawley Milton KD Preston

v Man Utd. v Norwich v Sunderland v Swansea v South'pton v Huddersfld. v Swindon v Bournemouth v Shrewsbury

SOCCER TIPS

Sunderland terminate Saha contract by mutual consent THE 34-year-old signed a one-year deal with the Wearside outfit over the summer but has been allowed to find another club following the arrival of Danny Graham.

Sunderland have confirmed that Louis Saha has left the club after his contract was terminated by mutual consent.

The Frenchman moved to the Stadium of Light on a one-year deal after leaving Tottenham in the summer, but failed to net in his 14 total appearances on Wearside.

The ÂŁ5 million arrival of Danny Graham from Swansea on Thursday left the veteran striker surplus to requirements, and the Mackems have now decided to bring his contract to an early end.

Speaking to the club's official website, Sunderland chief executive Margaret Byrne said: "We wish Louis all the very best for the future and thank him for his contribution to Sunderland."

The former Fulham, Manchester United and Everton man is expected to pursue his career outside of Europe, with clubs in Brazil and MLS said to be showing an interest.

David Beckham joins Paris Saint-Germain FOUR HOMES

THE former Manchester United and Real Madrid star, David Beckham, will continue his career in Paris after inking a five-month contract which ties the English icon to the LATE club until the end of the 2012-13 season.

TIPS The world's highest profile footballer is joining the French club for one final assault on the European game and could prove a shrewd acquisition both on and off the field.

2 X 4 X 12 PAIR X13 FOUR AWAYS 40 X 5 X 11 X 17 41 Arsenal to offload X 19 os as W enger Santos Wenger PERMUTATION AVOID Andre Sant steps up search for cen3 X7X 9X 37 15 X 23 RISKY tre half TIPS 46 THE Gunners boss is considering us26 X 27X 28 ing Thomas Vermaelen at left-back to CREDIT

EXCELLENT

New Port Co.2 Fulham 7 Forest Green2 QPR 7 York 2 West Brom 7 Rotherham 3 West Ham 5 Rochdale 3 Wigan 5 Fleetwood 3 Derby 5 Preston 3 Crawley 5 Portsmouth 3 Milton KD 5

cover the absence of the injured Kieran Gibbs, with his Brazilian team-mate a target for Fenerbahce.

Alves: Ref afraid to book Ronaldo THE Barcelona defender has claimed the referee was too afraid to caution the Portuguese during Wednesday's clash with Real Madrid for fear of seeing him suspended

X-RAY OF THE DRAWS Week 29 F.A cla ys Premier ship .A.. Bar Barcla clays Premiership 1Arsenal 2 Everton 3 Fulham 4 Man City 5 Newcastle.

6 Q.P.R. 7 Reading 8 West Brom 9 West Ham 10 Wigan

v Stoke 1X v Aston V. 1 v Man Utd. XX v Liverpool 1 v Chelsea 2 v Norwich XX v Sunderland XX v Tottenham XX v Swansea XX v South'pton XX

NPower Football Championship 11Birmingham 12 Blackburn 13 Blackpool 14 Crystal P. 15 Derby 16 Ipswich 17 Leeds 18 Milwall 19 Peterboro 20 Sheff Wed. 21Watford

v Nottm For. 2 v Bristol C. 1 v Barnsley 1 v Chalton 1 v Huddersfld XX v Middlesbro 2 v Cardiff 2 v Hull 2 v Burnley 2 v Brighton 2 v Bolton 1

N P owerFootball League One 22 Bury 23 Crawley 24 Crewe 25 Hartlepool 26 Milton KD 27 Portsmouth 28 Preston 29 Stevenage 30 Tranmere 31 Walsall 32 Yeovil

v Doncaster 2 v Swindon XX v Scunthorpe 1 v Notts Co. 2 v Bournemouth XX v Colchester XX v Shrewsbury XX v Leyton O. 1 v Carlisle 1 v Oldham 1 v Brentford 2

NPower Football League Tw o 33 AFC Wimbl'dn v Burton A. 2 34 Cheltenham v Torquay 1 35 Exeter v Aldershot 1 36 Fleetwood v Bradford C. XX 37 Gillingham v Wycombe 1 38 Plymouth v Dagenham 2 39 Port Vale v Accrington 1 40 Rochdale v Chesterfld XX 41 Rotherham v North'pton XX 42 Southend v Oxford 1 43 York v Morecambe XX

Blue Square Premier 44 Barrow 45 Forest Green 46 Grimsby 47 Hereford 48 New Port Co. 49Stockport

v Luton 2X v Wrexham XX v Alfreton 1 v Southport 1 v kidminster XX v Nuneaton X

3 6 15 40 Revised Pairs 3 x 6, 10 x 15 28 x 36, 40 x 48

Vanguard , FRIDAY FRIDAY,, FEBRUARY 1 , 2013 ,

C M Y K

53

54 —

Vanguard, FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 1, 2013

W

HAT can the Eagles do against Ivory Coast?

Can they close the space they usually leave between them, play compact game and break away when they gain possession? That’s my wish.

Can they be quicker on the ball and also make runs with or without the ball? That’s my wish.

Aside running into the central goal area of the opponents, can they make first post and second post runs that can create options for them in attempting to score? That’s my wish.

Can they try to go forward more than they have done in this tournament? Fegor Ogude will not play on Sunday due to card offences. I’ll not miss him.

Who in the team can be creative in the midfield? I banked on Nosa Igiebor but his game dropped just before the Nations Cup. He did not play well in the first match. Ogude was awful in the first and second matches but picked up a little bit in the third match.

But he is not the ideal midfielder for Nigeria. He neither creates nor marks well. He is not also a good passer of the ball. I really wonder how he made the team. Our slow pace is not good for modern football.

Can we change it overnight? That’s my wish.

However, they can be faster in attacking opponents goal. Two or three days training with emphasis on pace and strategic counter attacks can make some difference. I wish Ejike Uzoenyi were fit. A fit Ejike could be a thorn in the defence of Ivory Coast with Emenike and Brown Ideye in the attack. But who is the creative midfielder in our team? Who can turn things around? Who can impose his character in the game and inspire passion? I wish Eagles could play better free kicks. And I hope Ahmed Musa has played his last match for Nigeria in this tournament. I hope that the coaches will rest Ike Uche for the moment. I wish the technical crew had a better left back than Elderson Echiejile. Where is Oshanuwa Ajuwon, the Sunshine Stars defender? I wish all could be fine with our Eagles in South Africa. I wish they agreed with Stephen Keshi and trained in Zimbabwe or any country that has warm weather now. Did it make sense training in Faro, Portugal, during winter for a tournament that will hold in a warm weather? Those who picked Faro are among those wondering why Eagles tire out in the second half of matches. Lord have mercy. And right there in South Africa, they are pondering over the engagement of a foreign coach, upsetting and distracting the technical crew. Can that be done after the games if they so desire? And will they not go for another Berti Vogts or Laggerback

My wish I wish that Keshi wins to keep his job and have a chance to correct the mistakes we have seen in this team who never helped us? Since Westerhof left, they have never gotten it right with foreign coaches.

Well, the matter of the moment is the Nations Cup quarter final match against star-studded Ivory Coast on Sunday. Ivory Coast are favoured to win the cup.

The quality of their stars can make anyone bet on them.

They have also shown what they are capable of doing with the way they stamped authority in the group matches. While they powered their way through, Eagles struggled till the last moment. In football, this doesn’t matter. A team can struggle from the beginning to the end and even emerge champions.

They could be lucky. But against a quality team like Ivory Coast you need more than luck to upstage them.

Last year, Zambia had luck. But they also had unbelievable fighting spirit.

Fabio Nicolini is an Italian who was in the junior team of AC Milan when he was young. He is a friend of Kojo Williams, one-time NFA chairman who many would agree understands the dynamics of modern football. I was with them when Nigeria drew with Zambia. We watched the match together. Before Fabio joined us, Kojo and I had pointed out some flaws that Fabio easily noticed when he came. Like minds. Fabio did not understand why the players were not moving as a unit and too far away from each other. This didn’t help their ball possession. He also noticed that heir

attacking runs lacked some basics. At a time he said that they lacked the ABCD of football. Nigeria’s coach, Stephen Keshi has always said that the Eagles were a work in progress and that he needed about five years to produce a formidable team. The referee robbed them against Zambia. What he called as a foul was not one and it was not even inside the 18 yard box. And he was close to the action area. But were Eagles doing well before that call? And did they do well against Ethiopia? I’m talking about performance and not result. The result was 2-0 and it was good. Our own Sunday Oliseh admitted on Super Sport Cable Station, that aside the two deserved penalties we didn’t make enough attempts at goal. I agree with him. I agree with Kojo that, on paper, they don’t have the team to beat Ivory Coast with Yaya Toure and Kolo Toure of Manchester City, Emmanuel Ebue, Didier Drogba, Didier Zakora, Romanic, Gervinho of Asernal, Ismael Traore and Boubabar Barry of Lokeren. Solid squad on paper and on the field. Many Nigerians have written the Eagles off. They have a good reason to do so. Going by what we have seen of the two teams, they have their reason. I will put mine this way. Going by the strength and character of the two teams, it will be normal for Ivory Coast to win and a surprise if Nigeria wins. Surprises happen in football, otherwise Zambia would not have emerged champions last year. As an unbiased football analyst, Ivory Coast will party on Sunday. But as a patriotic and hopeful Nigerian I bank on the surprise element in football. I wish that Keshi wins to keep his job and have a chance to correct the mistakes we have seen in this team. I wish that our coaches could find their ways to Europe to acquire more knowledge and help our football. I wish those in charge could have the capacity to go for a hungry and hardworking foreign coach if they so decide. But I sincerely wish Keshi could continue for he has shown the direction he is headed. It will take a while to repair the damage done to our football. Kojo feels that Keshi could remain the boss but an assistant from Holland or East Europe is needed to add pace and flair to the Nigerian game. Kojo also wishes that about ten Nigerian coaches find their ways to Europe for courses and attachments to big clubs there. These coaches will them be assigned to Under 14, Under 17, Under 20, Olympic team and the Eagles. “Then we can have a good football culture,” he says.

For now, what happens if the Eagles surprisingly eliminate Ivory Coast on Sunday? That’s my wish.

Stars don’t play football — Enyeama T

HE glut of stars in Cote d’Ivoire’s squad has made it an envy to other countries competing in the African Cup of Nations and many are quick to pick them as favourites for the title.

And as the zero hour approaches swiftly for the quarter final cracker between them and the Eagles, Nigeria first choice keeper, Vincent Enyeama has predicted that the assemblage of stars would not play a role in Sunday’s quarter final.

“No doubt, they are loaded to the tilt with good players. They are the favourites. What people don’t know is that stars don’t play football. We’ll surprise them on Sunday”, Enyeama a glittering star in the Nations Cup said.

The good and sharp reflexes of Enyeama has ensured that Nigeria still remains in the competiC M Y K

tion as he frequently denied some goal-bound shots from opponents.

Many are also looking up to him to deny Ivoriens a chance of a goal but he reckons that the task would be much.

“They are going to come at us but they will also open themselves for assault. We have a good team and our last victory will bolster us to march ahead. I respect Ivory Coast but we are ready to surprise all on Sunday”, the soft-spoken goaltender said.

EASY DOES IT ••• Super Eagles goalkeeper Vincent Enyeama makes an easy save as the Ethiopia’s forward Fuad Ibrahim pushes hard during their 2013 AFCON last Group C match at Royal Bafokeng stadium in Rustenburg. Nigeria won 20. Photo: AFP

Ivorians keep Nigerians guessing to say things on the match

S

INCE after securing a 2-0 ticket against Ethiopia to face Cote d’Ivoire in the quarter finals of the African Cup of Nations on Sunday, the Ivoriens have kept mute over their impending match.

Analysts in South Africa have wrapped up the match in favour of Ivory Coast labeling Nigeria under-dogs in the match even before the first ball is played.

The millionaire stars of Ivory Coast have refused

preferring to say that Nigeria are favourites.

Tracking the team to their hotel is almost a mission impossible because of the security webs on all the teams.

At the post match conference after a pulsating 2-2 draw with Algeria, the mega stars refused to comment on their match with Nigeria.

Though all of them speak English fluently, they prefer to speak French and refused to entertain any question on Nigeria.

Vanguard, FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 1, 2013 — 55

Eagles will be bold, says Keshi S

UPER Eagles boss, Stephen Keshi has come out to advise Nigerians to remain steadfast behind the national team, as it will be bold and ready for the quarter final duel against the Elephants of Cote D’ Ivoire on Sunday. His skipper, Joseph Yobo also spoke in similar vein on Thursday in Rustenberg.

Keshi was reacting to news making the rounds that Nigerians were scared of the confrontation with the Elephants. “If you must win a trophy you must beat the biggest and best teams, so why should we be afraid of any team.

The bigger they come the bigger they will fall.

Who told you that if it were to be the Hawks of Togo, it will be a walkover. There is no small team anywhere and the Ivoriens know. It’s a classic and we will show why we are the Super Eagles on Sunday”.

Keshi said the spirit in camp has been very good so far and all the 23 players in the squad are all healthy and ready to give their best.

Nigerians should just be praying for their team and have belief in them instead of expressing any fear, because on Sunday it will eleven players from Ivory Coast against the same number from Nigeria”.

Yobo on his part said the game will be an exciting one for him and he’s looking forward eagerly to it. “They are a great team and so we are and we know ourselves well, so no one is afraid of the other just a case of top football giants clashing at the wrong time. I think we shall be up to it”, he said.

NASS visit boosts Eagles ahead Elephants duel

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CRUNCHY: Togo's forward Emmanuel Adebayor (L) fights for the ball with Tunisia's defender Aymen Abdennour The match ended 1-1. Photo: AFP

Nigeria will defeat Ivory Coast — Ekeji

BY BEN AGANDE, Abuja

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HE Director General of the National Sports Commision, Patrick Ekeji yesterday assured Nigerians that the Super eagles will on Sunday put up a performance that will not only meet the challenge of Ivory Coast but will ensure that the country wins.

Speaking with State House correspondents after meeting with President Goodluck

Eagles Vs Elephants Continues from BP championship, they gave the Ivorians a good run on Wednesday.

“It is going to be a very difficult game; we will have to remain focused,” Toure said of Sunday’s tussle with Nigeria.

“It is a quarter-final. The outcome will depend on small details. We will need to remain extremely focused.”

“I think that our chances are good. We will rely on our qualities. We will have to remain focused.

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“We will also need a bit of luck and the help of God of course.”

The Manchester City centre-back also praised the Algerians for their tenacity and the test that they provided in their last group match.

Toure added: “I think that Algeria is a very good team, they have very good players but we have been more realistic.

“We conceded two goals, then we came back, I think it is a good reaction. This shows that we do not want to lose.”

Jonathan, Chief Ekeji said the objective in the next match was for the country to win and move to the next level. ”I can assure you that our boys are going to put up a performance that meets the challenge of Cote D’Ivore. In a competition of this nature and at this level, you require a lot of strategic movements because all you need is just one goal to win. So, the objective of course is to win. No matter the strategy

Okpala Continues from BP between a League format and a knock-out. Prelims are gone and this is more like an FA Cup. And you know that there are surprises in FA Cup matches. That is what is about to happen on Sunday. Many people will eat their words and ask questions if this is not the Eagles they all condemned at the preliminary stages. Egwu e change go o”, he said in Ibo to buttress his point, meaning that the music has changed.

deployed by the opponent, our strategy is to win and I can assure you that at the end of the match on Sunday, Nigeria will pick the ticket for semi-finals” he said.

HE leadership of the National Assembly led by the Sports Committees of the Senate and House of Representatives on Wednesday afternoon visited the Super Eagles to boost their morale ahead of the allimportant quarter final duel against the Elephants of Cote D ‘Voire in Rustenburg on Sunday.

The members were led by the Chairman, Senate Committee on Sports, Sen. Adamu Gimba, his deputy, Mudashiru Hussain and members as well as Chairman, House Committee on Sports, Hon. Godfrey Gaya and members.

They were led to the Super Eagles camp by the NFF President, Alhaji Aminu Maigari.

On Maigari’s trail were Chairman, Technical Committee, NFF, Barr.

Chris Green, Director, Technical, Dr Emmanuel Ikpeme and Director, Competitions, Dr Musa Sanusi.

Senator Gimba, who spoke on behalf of the National Assembly team, said the team was delighted with the Super Eagles gritty display against Ethiopia, whom they defeated 2-0, and urged the team to move a step further by caging the Elephants of Ivory Coast in the quarter final match.

Team Skipper, Joseph Yobo, who spoke on behalf of the players declared that the team was delighted that lawmakers despite their tight schedule at home still found time to visit and support the team in South Africa.

•Yobo

Kalu Continues from BP •Ekeji “We’ve not lost a match.

The only thing is that we have not played well the way people want to see us play. The truth remains that we played better in our other matches. It is the same thing that is going to happen on Sunday when we play the stars of Cote d’Ivoire. Egwu ga e change kwa”, meaning music will also change.

Okpala said that the beginning of everything is always hectic and uninteresting. “We’ve crossed that hurdle and the players know what is at stake."

showed their stuff in France when they damaged pretournament favourites Spain beyond recognition in 1998.That was the last we heard of Andoni Zubizaretta and the beginning of the end for Raul. Mark my words, Drogba would bite his nails at the end of the clash.”

The ex-governor in his usual historical analysis explained that anytime Nigeria played defending champions in the first round,they stayed until the end of the competition, and also returned with a medal.

“That is the story since 1976 when the Eagles played Zaire,1974

African champions. It also happened in 1984, with 1982 winners Ghana in the same Bouake group.

Same story in 1988, cup holders Egypt were in Eagles’ group, just like what happened again in 2010 when defending champions Egypt met the Eagles in the first round.

In 2013,it was Zambia. So there is no stopping the tradition,”he pronounced.

And until Egypt thrashed Nigeria 3-1 in Angola, no defending champions ever beat the Eagles.

Zaire in 1976,Ghana in 1984,Egypt in 1988, Cote D’Ivore in 1994, Cameroun in 2004 and Tunisia in 2006.This year, Zambians should thank the Egyptian referee for picking a draw. Kalu goes ahead to talk of history.

VANGUARD, FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 1, 2013

Eagles will retire Drogba – Kalu N Eagles Vs Elephants

AMES do not play football, former Abia state governor Dr.Orji Uzor Kalu told the Super Eagles as they prepare to battle Cote D’Ivoire in Sunday ’s Nations Cup quarterfinals.

•Kalu

Our qualities will stand us out – Toure I

VORY Coast defender Kolo Toure says the Elephants have to be fully focused when they take on Nigeria in their potentially explosive quarter-final clash.

Both teams are favourites to lift the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations trophy and their clash at the weekend is arguably the biggest fixture of the knockout stages.

The Super Eagles struggled through Group C against Zambia and Burkina Faso who held them to 1-1 draws, before finally seeing off Ethiopia 2-1 in their last match to advance to the last-eight.

Cote d’Ivoire seemed to coast all the way through Group D to become the first team to progress to the quarters, beating Togo 2-1, Tunisia 3-0 and drawing 2-2 with Algeria.

Although the Desert Foxes were already eliminated from the continental Continues on Page 55

In his message, Kalu said,”The Elephants are beatable. Big names like Didier Drogba and Yaya Toure did not stop Zambia from lifting the trophy in 2012. Diego Maradona and Argentina were floored by Cameroon, even as defending champions at the Italia’90 World Cup. Eagles also

Continues on Page 55

Don’t write us off — Okpala S

YLVANUS Okpala, assistant coach of the Super Eagles has seen many battles in soccer and has advised people not to write off the Eagles as they get set to battle the Elephants of Cote d’Ivoire.

“There is a difference

Continues on Page 55

FLYING HIGH: Algeria's forward Islam Slimani (R) falls over Ivory Coast goalkeeper Daniel Yeboah (bottom) during a 2013 African Cup of Nations Group D match in Rustenburg. The match ended 2-2. Photo: AFP

•Okpala

Ubani's flicks — Pg 49

QUICK CROSSWORD

TODAY'S

PUZZLE

YESTER DAY'S YESTERDAY'S

ANSWERS

Across 1 Tidy (4) 4 Pinch (3) 6 Similar (4) 9 Lair (3) 10 Break (8) 11 Formerly (4) 14 Twitch (3) 16 Way in (3) 19 Upright (8) 21 Fright (5) 23 Place (8) 24 Agree (5) 27 Entrap (3) 31 Plunge (4) 33 Congregate (8) 34 Dally (3) 35 Gala (4) 36 Help (3) 37 Close (4)

Down 2 Merit (4) 3 Diplomacy (4) 4 Maritime (8) 5 Quarry (4) 6 Ornament (5) 7 Knowledge (3) 8 Fall into (5) 12 Apparent (5) 13 Fragile (5) 14 Gratuity (3) 15 Rule (5) 17 Poisonous (5) 18 Youthful (5) 20 Authorised (8) 22 Feline (3) 25 Nimble (5) 26 Vassal (5) 28 Legend (4) 29 Portent (4) 30 Excuse (4) 32 Tank (3)

YESTERDAY'S SOLUTIONS Across: 1, Accent 5, Threat 8, Braggart 9, Agog 10, Fir 12, Inter 15, Bad 17, Err 18, Air 19, Gap 20, April 21, Ill 22, Let 23, Lie 24, Try 26, Enemy 29, Fee 33, Argue 34, Innocent 35, Recall 36, Remain.

How to Play Sudoku

THE VIGILANTE

Down: 2, Corgi 3, Edge 4, Train 5, Tittle 6, Real 7, Aroma 10, Fight 11, Reply 12, Irate 13, Terse 14, Rally 15, Brief 16, Delve 25, Rogue 27, nave 28, Minor 30, Ennui 31, Mete 32, Scum.

e-mail: rowolove@yahoo.co.uk

Place a number (1-9) in each blank cell. (No line can have two of the same number).

Each row (nine lines from left to right), column, (also nine lines from top to bottom) and 3 X 3 block within a bold block (nine blocks) contains number from 1 through 9. This means that no number can appear twice in any block, column or row.

No mathematics is involved – no adding, subtraction, division or multiplication, just plain logic and your imagination.

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