Sanusi under probe for terror financing— DSS

...towards a better life for the people VOL. 25: NO. 62112

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N150

TUESDAY, APRIL 1, 2014

Erratic power supply threatening Amangbo is new Nigeria's economic growth, says Zenith Bank MD Okonjo-Iweala Page 8 Page 9

Sanusi under probe for terror financing — DSS •Says it's why his passport was seized •No evidence of such against me — SANUSI L

BY INNOCENT ANABA

AGOS — THE Fed eral Government, yesterday, said it WAs investigating suspended governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN,

Continues on page 5

COLUMNISTS:

The surprising merger of the PDP and the •P.17 APC

Litigating gas flaring in the US •P.39

Mr & Mrs PROTEST: National Association of Nigerian Students, NANS, protesting along Awolowo Way, Ikeja, Lagos over the prolonged Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics, ASUP, strike and Lagos State University, LASU, high tuition fees, yesterday. (INSET): At the Lagos House gate, in Alausa, Ikeja. Photos: Lamidi Bamidele & Bunmi Azeez

Court asks defecting APC lawmakers to resign 9 C M Y K

INSIDE

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4—Vanguard, TUESDAY, APRIL 1, 2014

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POCKET CARTOON

VISIT: From left: Governor Gabriel Suswam of Benue, Senate President David Mark, President Goodluck Jonathan and PDP Chairman, Alhaji Adamu Mu'Azu during a solidarity visit by the PDP North-Central to the President in Abuja, yesterday. Photo: NAN.

Sanusi under probe for terror financing — DSS Continues from page 1 Mallam Sanusi Lamido Sanusi, on suspicions of being a major financier of terrorism in the country.

This was revealed by the Department of State Services, DSS, in a counter-affidavit to the suit filed by Sanusi before a Federal High Court sitting in Lagos, in which he is seeking to restrain the Police and operatives of DSS from arresting, detaining or otherwise harassing him.

The DSS told the court that it impounded

Sanusi's international passport because of on-going investigations over alleged terrorism financing.

Further in the counteraffidavit, DSS argued that it was absurd for Sanusi to say that an interaction with DSS for less than an hour amounted to a violation of his rights.

It argued that the provisions of Section 6 of the National Security Agencies Act empowered the service to impound the international passports of

suspects pending conclusion of investigations.

It would be recalled that upon Sanusi's arrival at Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos on February 20, the DSS impounded his international passport.

No evidence of such against me —Sanusi

However, Sanusi has denied being a financier of terrorists, insisting that the Federal Government had failed to substantiate the allegation of terrorism financing levelled against him.

Sanusi, who spoke

BY PASTOR ITUAH through his counsel, Mr Most times what you want from life is what you Kola Awodein, SAN, at get out of life. It is how you see yourself that you the resumed hearing in find yourself. his fundamental human rights enforcement suit before the Federal High

BY ELLA RANDLE Court in Lagos, said that He is a wise man who does not grieve for the apart from the mere althings which he has not, but rejoices for those lusion to the allegation of which he has —Epictetus. terrorism financing, the Federal Government Roshi Loori shares a beautiful story about express- never produced any eviing gratitude that is transformative, just as transformative as expressing complaint. I hope you dence before the court to find these illustrative experiences as inspiring in back up such claim.

The court adjourned till your own lives.

Imagine an experiment involving two people. One April 3, 2014 to rule on is asked to spend 10 minutes each morning and the fundamental rights evening expressing gratitude (there is always some- suit by Sanusi. thing to be grateful for), while the other is asked to Respondents in the suit spend the same amount of time practising complain- are the Attorney-General ing (there is, after all, always something to com- of the Federation, AGF, plain about).

Inspector-General of PoOne of the subjects is saying things like: “I hate my job. I can’t stand this apartment. Why can’t I lice, IG and DSS. make enough money? My spouse doesn’t get along with me. That dog next door never stops barking Adoption of and I just can’t stand this neighbourhood.” pending The other is saying things like: “I’m really grate- applications ful for the opportunity to work; there are so many people these days who can’t even find a job. And Trial judge, Justice I’m sure grateful for my health. What a gorgeous Ibrahim Buba, adjourned day; I really like this fall breeze.”

They do this experiment for a year. Guaranteed, for judgment after counat the end of that year the person practising com- sel representing parties plaining will have deeply reaffirmed all his nega- argued their respective tive “stuff ” rather than having let it go, while the pending applications beone practising gratitude will be a very grateful per- fore the court. son.

Counsel to the AGF, Dr Expressing gratitude can, indeed, change our way Fabian Ajogwu, SAN, of seeing ourselves and the world. who moved his prelimi-

LIFEWORDS

TAKE HEART

nary objection to Sanusi’s suit, urged the court to strike it out for want of jurisdiction.

He argued that the provisions of Section 254 (c) 1 (d) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), ousted the court’s jurisdiction to entertain the suit.

He submitted that the case before the court bordered on the employment of the applicant, adding that matters which were labour-related, were within the exclusive jurisdiction of the National Industrial Court, NIC. “Section 254 (c) 1 (d) of the Constitution vests exclusive jurisdiction on the National Industrial Court, with respect to civil cases or matters touching on employment, labour or industrial relations.

“We respectfully urge the court to hold that it has no jurisdiction to entertain the reliefs sought by the applicant, and strike out the suit,” he said.

Adopting his counter affidavit, Ajogwu argued that the applicant cannot by his suit, seek to restrain the respondents from performing their constitutional and statutory duties.

He argued that investigations were being made in accordance with the provisions of the law, on the applicant, for which the second and third respondents had a statutory duty to perform.

“My lord, we respectfully submit that the applicant is not entitled to a grant of perpetual injunction, restraining the respondents from performing their constitutional duties,” he said.

Citing the judgment of retired Justice Niki Tobi

of the Supreme Court in the case of Adeniran vs Alao, Ajogwu submitted that perpetual injunction is everlasting, incessant, interminable and so, cannot be granted by a court of law.

“A court cannot grant perpetual injunction on a mere prima facie case.

The applicant’s suit is basically an action to shield him from the machinery of administration of justice, which has been kick-started by the respondents.

“I therefore, urge your lordship, like the Biblical Pontius Pilate, to wash your hands off this case, as it is not the affairs of this honourable court,” Ajogwu submitted.

Counsel to the second and third respondents, Mr David Abuo and Mr Moses Idakwo, also associated themselves with the submissions of Ajogwu.

Court has jurisdiction to hear suit Responding to the preliminary objection and counter-affidavit adopted

by Ajogwu and counsel to other respondents, Awodein contended that the court was clearly vested with jurisdiction to hear the suit.

He argued that the suit had nothing to do with the terms of employment of the applicant or industrial relation as submitted by first respondent, since it was not a case of the applicant against the Central Bank of Nigeria.

Awodein noted that in construing the provisions of Section 254 (c) 1 (d) of the constitution, the word “employment” must be read together with other words listed therein, to appreciate its scope.

He argued that the applicant in his originating summons, never sought for an order of perpetual injunction, adding that the reliefs sought were qualified.

“It cannot be suggested that the applicant is restraining the respondents from performing their duties, but they must be restrained from doing so, without due process of the law. The seizure of the applicant’s international passport by the third respondent is a derogation of his freedom of movement.

“The first to third respondents give conflicting reasons as to the complaint made against the applicant: This conflict goes to show that they acted without due process of the law.

“The allegations against the applicant as to funding of terrorism, is an after-thought by the respondent, which is not backed by facts, as there is no reasonable suspicion that the applicant committed any crime. The law clearly defines how such duties should be performed, and so, I invite your lordship to hold that the applicant has a cause of action against the respondent.”

He drew the court’s attention to the provisions of Section 251 of the Constitution which provides in its preamble that “Notwithstanding anything to the contrary--- the Federal High Court shall have jurisdiction in civil cases."

He further contended that the provision of Section 254 (c) 1 (d) of the constitution, must be read subject to the provisions of Section 251.

He urged the court to dismiss the preliminary objection of the respondents, and uphold the case of the applicant.

After listening to the submissions of all counsel, Justice Buba reserved ruling till April 3.

The court had on February 21 granted an interim order of injunction, restraining the respondents from arresting, detaining, or harassing the applicant, pending the determination of the motion on notice.

6—Vanguard, TUESDAY, APRIL 1, 2014

Secretary accused of assaulting boss

BY ONOZURE DANIA

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AGOS— A 26 yearold secretary of a law firm, Amaka Chinyere Okoli, was, yesterday, arraigned before an Ikeja Magistrate’s Court for allegedly assaulting her boss, one Benjamin Umeabor.

The defendant is facing a two-count charge of assault and false information, preferred against her by the police.

The police prosecutor, Inspector Edet Okoi, told the court that the defendant allegedly put her boss’ neck under her armpit, used her shoe to hit his head and called him names.

However, the defendant pleaded not guilty. Magistrate Dan Oni granted her bail in the sum of N50,000, with one responsible surety in like sum, and adjourned the matter to April 9.

Man, 36, docked for N137,000 theft

BY ESTHER ONYEGBULA

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36-year-old unemployed man, who allegedly broke into schools and stole valuables worth N137, 000, was last Thursday charged before an Ojo Magistrate’s Court in Lagos.

The accused, John Charles, according to the prosecutor, ASP Godwin Eze, committed the offences at 5.30am on February 7 at Tomkem Primary School, and Kingsway College, both situated in Illogbo area of Ojo, Lagos.

Eze listed the stolen items as one UPS, one pillow, five set of computers and a cash of N3,000, all totalling N137, 000.

He noted that the offences violated Sections 285 and 305 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2011.

The Magistrate, Mr. Taslimi Shomade, granted him bail in the sum of N100,000 with two sureties each in like sum and adjourned the case till April 25.

BUSTED: Members of the kidnap syndicate arrested by the police. RIGHT: One of the hideouts for keeping victims.

Police bust kidnap syndicate in Lagos, Ogun, Imo

BY IFEANYI OKOLIE

S

IX members of a kidnapping gang, said to be behind the abduction of a Briton, Dixon Lee, at the Murtala Mohammed International Airport, Ikeja, and other prominent Nigerians within Lagos and Ogun states, have been arrested by Operatives of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad, SARS, Lagos.

The gang leader, called Peter, A.K.A. K Boy, was gunned down in Owerri, Imo State, by SARS operatives when he attempted to escape from a popular hotel he used as his hideout.

The suspects were identified as Ugochukwu Ezeoma, Samuel Oha, Obinna Ohuoha, James Emoh, Bernard Okoro and Habeeb Garba.

They met their waterloo when they kidnapped a businessman in the Agbara area of Ogun State.

Gang leader killed

After SARS operatives caught the six suspects in Lagos, Ogun and Anambra states, they moved to Imo State to track down K Boy. Vanguard gathered that the suspect, on sighting the police, entered his car, a Sports Utility Vehicle, and forced his way out through the hotel’s rear gate and the police shot him.

The other suspects confessed that they usually kept their victims in warehouses.

One of them, Ezeoma, who claimed to be 27 years old, confessed to have been involved in the kidnap of the Briton last year.

He said after last year ’s kidnap, he vowed not to return to kidnapping but

was lured back into the illegitimate business.

Another suspect, Garba, a

motorcycle operator, said his role was to collect ransom. He said he was shot

during the last operation when he attempted to collect a N10 million ransom.

... kill Delta bizman ‘for resisting arrest'

BY EMMA AMAIZE

W

ARRI— POLICE have shot dead a businessman, Ogagaoghene Ununuze, at Oleh, Delta State, for allegedly resisting arrest and obstructing investigation.

Citizens who were incensed by the unpleasant incident carried the remains to the Nigeria Police Station, Oleh, demanding explanation for the extra judicial killing.

Delta State Police spokesperson, Celestina Kalu, who confirmed the death to Vanguard said the matter was under investigation.

She, however, said it was not just a case of a policeman shooting somebody, but that there was an allegation that the person attempted to snatch a gun from a police officer.

Elder brother of the

deceased, Mr. Adam Ununuze, however, denied that the deceased resisted arrest, saying Ogagaoghene only insisted on knowing why the police came to arrest him.

He explained that some policemen from Oleh Police Station had, the previous day, came to arrest a member of the family, Friday Ununuze, whom they beat up following a complaint by another man (names withheld).

Adam said the assault infuriated the deceased, who asked them politely to stop beating his brother as he (Friday) was mentally unstable.

Lawyer calls for justice

The family ’s solicitor, Oghenjabor Ikimi, who also spoke to Vanguard said: “The next day, the Divisional

Police Officer of the said police station ordered five armed policemen to arrest the deceased for obstructing his policemen the previous day.

“The said policemen began to cart away the wares of the deceased into their Hilux van.

When the deceased insisted on knowing his offence, he was assaulted by the policemen.

“They gave him several blows and eventually shot him on the head and waist.

He died immediately. The said policemen sped off.”

Ikimi called on the Inspector General of Police “to order an impartial investigation into the case in a bid to bringing all the erring policemen involved to book, to serve as a deterrent to other trigger-happy policemen, who take delight in killing unarmed civilians they are trained to protect.”

ACCIDENT: One person died, three injured when this Rover 620Si with number plate TDU 787 AA crashed while avoiding another vehicle on the Jeremi-Ughelli Expressway at Iwhekan, Ughelli South Local Government Area, Delta State, Saturday. PHOTO: EGUFE YAFUGBORHI.

Vanguard, TUESDAY, APRIL 1, 2014 —7

Furore over Delta lawyers' assassination

BY EMMA AMAIZE

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ARRI— THE murder of two lawyers, H. E. Eguno Dafiaghor and Samuel Ekuwangi by gunmen along Ozoro Asaba Expressway, Delta State, last Thursday, has generated fresh controversy in the state.

Dafiaghor, the principal partner of Whytfort Jurisconsult Law Firm at Ovwian, and Ekuwangi, his

junior in chamber, were on their way to High Court, Ozoro, for a ruling when they were assassinated.

There was an unconfirmed report, yesterday, that the legal practitioners were killed by security agents, while a source said the killers were gunmen dressed in mobile police uniform.

National coordinator of the Forum for Justice and Human Rights Defence,

FJHD, Delta State, Oghenejabor Ikimi, told Vanguard, “there are many versions to the murder.

“Some persons say the duo were murdered by gunmen dressed in mobile police uniform. What is clear to me in the above saga is that they were assassinated.

“I wonder why some persons would offer to kill an innocent lawyer performing his professional

duties. It is senseless, barbaric and satanic.

“If the theory that they were murdered as a result of the high profile case they were handling at the High Court, Ozoro, is anything to go by, I believe that eliminating them was senseless.

“Common sense would have dictated that at their deaths, another lawyer could possibly be briefed to take over the case.”

Fire razed this building at Ago-Egun Isabo, Abeokuta, Ogun State, yesterday. PHOTO: WUMI AKINOLA.

Ogun police nab 9 armed robbers, suspected rapist

BY DAUD OLATUNJI

A

BEOKUTA— THE Ogun State Police Command said, yesterday, that it had arrested nine suspected armed robbers along Sagamu/Benin Expressway and Ilese in Ijebu Area of Ogun State.

The command also said it arrested a 19 year old Biodun Ogunyobi for allegedly raping a 17 year old girl (names withheld) at Mile 2, along Ayetoro Road in Abeokuta.

The Police Public Relations Officer in the state, Muyiwa Adejobi, who stated these in a statement, added that three of the suspected armed robbers were arrested in Sagamu, while six were arrested in Ilese in Ijebu Ode Local Government Area of the state.

Adejobi said the suspected rapist lured the girl, who was sent on an errand by her mother, by asking her to assist him take something in his room, where he raped her.

On the suspected robbers, Adejobi said: “Acting on a tipoff, a team of Special Anti Robbery Squad of Ogun State Command intercepted a syndicate of armed robbers at Sagamu junction on Saturday while they were planning to rob commuters along Sagamu/Benin Expressway at about 2pm.

“A gun battle ensued between the robbers and the SARS men, which led to the arrest of Kolawole Fasasi, Sunday Oduwole, Ebenezer Abel with fatal bullet injuries, while others escaped with injuries.

“One pump action gun with four rounds of cartridges, one double-barrelled pistol,

some charms and a KIA car with number plate KTU 793 BB, which had been snatched by the syndicate earlier along Wasinmi/Papalanto Road at gun point, were recovered.

6 in Ijebu

“In another development, policemen attached to Ilese Division in Ijebu Area of Ogun State arrested six suspected armed robbers who robbed some commuters in the area on Sunday by 4pm.

“The police immediately went on search-and-raid of about four suspected houses in Ilese Ijebu after the report was made at the station and arrested Sanusi Wasiu, Adewale Abass, Ramon Salau, Olatunji Emiloju, Olawale Olugbenga and Dare Osunkanya.

“18 live cartridges, one

UTC knife, one dagger, one axe, one hammer and other offensive weapons suspected to have been used in their robbery operations, were recovered from their houses.

“Their victims have identified them and the suspected rapist has been arrested.”

Unemployed man accused of impersonating police officer

BY ONOZURE DANIA

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AGOS— A 39-yearold unemployed man Michael Oloniluyi, was, yesterday, ar raigned before an Ikeja Magistrate’s Court for allegedly impersonating a police officer.

The defendant, who was arraigned before Magistrate A. O. Akinde, is facing a count charge of impersonation preferred against him by the police.

The defendant, who resides at Fire of Faith Church, Odogbolu Street in Ketu area of the state, pleaded not guilty to the charge when it was read to him.

The police prosecutor, Sergeant Chinalu Uwadione, told the court that the defendant committed the alleged offence on March 27.

He said that the incident took place opposite Motorway Centre along Ibadan/ Lagos Expressway in Ojota area of the state.

The prosecutor, said that the defendant, with intent to defraud, presented himself as a member of the Nigeria Police Force with force number 358180.

According to the prosecutor, the offence committed contravened Section 79 of the criminal laws of Lagos State of Nigeria, 2011.

The Magistrate granted the defendant bail in the sum of N100,000, with two responsible sureties in like sum and adjourned the matter to April 25.

Truck kills 2 in Aba

BY ERIC UGBOR

A

BA— TRAGEDY struck in Aba, Abia State, weekend, when a truck killed a 38-year-old man and a girl of four years in the Ogbor Hill area.

An eyewitness said at 2pm last Friday, at Umunkama village near Aba, one Chimezie Isaac, the driver of the truck with number plate

LSD 283 XD heading towards Akwa Ibom State on the Aba/ Ikot Ekpene Highway, lost control of the vehicle.

The truck veered off the road and knocked down the two persons who died on the spot.

The corpses of the deceased, whose identities could not be ascertained at press time, were deposited at a morgue in the area.

8— Vanguard, TUESDAY, APRIL 1, 2014

EU/ECOWAS trade liberalisation agreement not good for Nigeria — Aganga

BY FAVOUR NNABUGWU

A

B U J A — T H E Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Mr. Olusegun Aganga, has explained why Nigeria did not sign the trade liberalisation agreement being pushed forward by the European Union under the Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) with ECOWAS, saying the signing or not signing of the agreement was not in the overall best interest of Nigeria.

Speaking during a working lunch in honour of the DirectorGeneral, United Nations Industrial Development Organsation, UNIDO, Mr. Li Yong in Abuja on Sunday, Aganga, whose ministry played a major role in the EPA negotiations, said certain provisions of the agreement, which Nigeria was expected to sign at the ECOWAS Heads of States meeting in Yamoussoukro, Cote D’Ivoire, last week, were not in the overall best interest of the nation’s economy.

Under the EPA, the European Union will immediately offer the 15-member ECOWAS and nonmember state Mauritania full access to its markets. In return, ECOWAS will gradually open up 75 per cent of its markets, with its 300 million consumers, to Europe over a 20-year period.

Technical negotiations wrapped up last month with the European Union offering a 6.5 billion euro (about $8.94 billion) package over the next five years to help ECOWAS cushion the effects and costs of integrating into the global economy. ECOWAS includes Cape Verde, Gambia, Ghana, Liberia, Mali, Nigeria, Sierra Leone, Benin, Burkina Faso, Ivory Coast, Guinea, GuineaBissau, Senegal, Niger and Togo.

Aganga said, “The EPA agreement is not ready for endorsement by the Heads of State and Government. During the meeting last week, Nigeria raised 10 objections to what was presented to us and the Summit of Heads of State ratified it.

“Consequently, a committee from Nigeria, Cote D’Ivoire , Ghana and Senegal looked at the issues raised by member states, particularly Nigeria, and came up with a proposal. When we went into the meeting, the whole idea was to endorse it, but of course, we had various reservations concerning the agreement based on our model and the feedback we got from our private sector.”

He added, “One major reservation was that the way the agreement was done, which they expected us to sign, would not be in the overall interest of the Nigerian economy over the long term. For instance, in the area of market access, the EU wants us to open our market by 75 per cent over a 20-year period.

“This appears harmless because over the first five years, there will be no major impact because they will open all their doors for us to export to Europe.

However, the problem here is that, currently, we are not exporting much to Europe and so the benefit will not be significant.”

The minister explained that, given Nigeria’s current condition as an import-dependent economy, it would be counterproductive to completely open its doors for imports without first of

all developing its industrial sector to compete globally, especially in those sectors where the country has comparative and competitive advantage as provided in the Nigeria Industrial Revolution Plan recently launched by President Goodluck Jonathan.

He said, “Another major point we raised was that those items that were in Category D, and excluded in the 25 per cent, should include those areas and sectors that we want to develop in line with the Nigerian Industrial Revolution Plan. Some

of those areas are already under Category C and D, meaning that they are the sectors that the EU wants us to liberalise imports. If we do that, it will have a very negative impact on the NIRP. “Nigeria is the biggest country in the ECOWAS and we are already producing some of those goods that they want us to liberalise their importation. Also, what this means is that, not now, but from 2025-2026, based on the items that have been included and excluded, there will be significant loss of revenue to the government. There will be loss of jobs, investment and loss of even the ECOWAS market.”

PUBLIC PRESENTATION: Dr. Uju Ogubunka, Registrar/CEO, Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria, CIBN (3rd left) handing over the signed document to Alhaji Umaru Ibrahim, MD/CEO, Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation, NDIC; while Mr. Laoye Jaiyeola, MD/CEO, Kakawa Discount House Ltd & Past President, CIBN (1st left); Hon. Omolara Abiola-Edewor, Executive Director, NDIC (sitting right) and Mr. Akin Morakinyo, Assistant Director, CIBN look on during the public presentation of 1st set of NDIC-sponsored candidates on Chartered Bankers/MBA Programme held on March 27, 2014 at the Bankers House, Victoria Island, Lagos yesterday.

NIS tragedy: Moro, others must refund applicants, Reps PPC Chairman insists

BY IKECHUKWU NNOCHIRI

A

BUJA—THE Chairman of Public Petitions Committee in the House of Representatives, Mr. Uzo Azubuike, yesterday, insisted that the Minister of Interior, Abba Moro and authorities of the National Immigration Service, NIS, must refund the N1000 that were paid by applicants that participated in the botched recruitment exercise that claimed over 18 lives across the federation.

Speaking at an interactive meeting that was organized by Civil Society Organizations, CSOs, working on rights and governance issues, yesterday, Azubuike, described the recruitment tragedy as a national disgrace.

According to him, “It was very unfortunate that the applicants were not only exploited, but ended up losing their lives. How can they ask the applicants to pay

N1000 each to participate in the recruitment exercise when funds needed for such exercise was already provided for in the budget.

“You cannot ask a poor Nigerian who has no job and is applying for a job he or she may not even get, to pay. It is a disgrace to the nation that people who came for the exam were struggling for the question papers and not answer sheet.

“They were treated like mere objects and not human beings.

The National Assembly is already on the matter and we will make sure that justice is done for both the living applicants and the dead ones”, he added.

Moreover, Azubuike, disclosed that the National Assembly has commenced the process of amending the laws that established the Public Complaints Commission with a view to empowering it to fight for the rights of Nigerians.

He regretted that till date, the PCC, still operates under Decree

No. 31 which was made by the military in 1975.

“Though that Decree has since been incorporated into the Laws of the Federal Republic of Nigeria as the Public Complaints Commission Act Cap. P 37, LFN, 2004, however, we are going to amend that Decree so as to reform the agency and bring it to conform with the present realities in our current democratic dispensation, without tampering with the security of the Commission in the Constitution”, he added.

In his address, the Chief Commissioner of the PCC, Justice George Idenyi Uloko, said the Commission is empowered to conduct proactive and reactive investigation into complaints lodged before it in respect of administrative actions of the Federal, States, Local governments, public institutions and companies incorporated under the Companies and Allied Matters Act, section 5(2) of the PCC Act.

Erratic power supply threatening Nigeria’s economic growth — Okonjo-Iweala

BY MICHAEL EBOH, with Agency Reports

M

INISTER of Finance and Coordinating Minister for the Economy, Mrs. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, yesterday, raised an alarm over the erratic power situation in the country, saying the chronic lack of electricity across the country is hindering the growth and development of the Nigerian economy.

Okonjo-Iweala, who was speaking in an interview with Reuters after a meeting with ministers of finance and planning across Africa, also declared that difficulty in accessing affordable long-term financing, governance and corruption issues are slowing down growth in Nigeria.

She said, “Even in the villages, you know, you have welders, plumbers, carpenters, and they tell us, look, part of our problem is uncertainty of power supply.

“If Nigeria can grow at six to seven per cent without power, no one can tell what can happen when two to three years from now, we are able to get power in the country.”

She, however, stated that the Federal Government is addressing the erratic electricity situation through the on-going power sector privatisation, while it is also working hard to tackle the issue of corruption in the country.

She maintained that the rapid growth of Nigeria’s economy is faced with vulnerabilities, like that of the wider African continent.

According to OkonjoIweala, if Nigeria’s growth is not firmly rooted in sectors that could create the most jobs, the government would be faced with the problem of youth unemployment “We will have a youth problem on our hands, we already have it, but African governments were addressing this,” she noted.

Vanguard, TUESDAY, APRIL 1, 2014 — 9

BY CLIFFORD NDUJIHE, EMMAN OVUAKPORIE, DAPO AKINREFON, CHARLES KUMOLU, GBENGA OKE & IKECHUKWU NNOCHIRI

A

BUJA—A Federal High Court in Abuja, yesterday, asked all members of the House of Representatives, who defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC) to vacate their seats. It ruled that in line with the 1999 Constitution, they no longer have the legal right to contribute to or vote on any motion in the House.

Delivering judgment in a suit brought against the lawmakers by the PDP, the court further issued an order of perpetual injunction restraining the defected legislators from taking steps, actions or doing anything to effect any change in the leadership of principal officers of the House.

Specifically, presiding Justice Ademola Adeniyi held that the affected legislators cannot “validly function as members of the 1st defendant (House of Representatives), contribute to or vote on any motion and or debate in the proceedings of the 1st defendant with a view to removing or sanctioning 2nd to 10th defendants or any of the Principal Officers of the 1st defendant.'

No division in PDP Justice Adeniyi noted that a High Court had in a previous judgment delivered on October 8, 2013, held that there was no division in the PDP to warrant the lawmakers defecting to the APC. “The 12th to 53rd defendants were sponsored by the PDP and

MEETING: From left: Members, Igbo Leaders of Thought, Prof. Uche Azikiwe, Prof.

Chiweite Ejike, Prof. Vincent Ike and Chairman, Prof. Ben Nwabueze, at the Seventh Assembly of Igbo Leaders of Thought in Enugu yesterday.

Defection: Court asks APC lawmakers to resign •Says they can’t validly function as Reps •Restrains legislators from effecting leadership change •We’ll appeal strange ruling – APC; Reps divided

•Sagay, Tsav, Opara, Aturu, Adeyeye, others speak in accordance with provision of Section 68 (1) (g) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 as amended, the period of their election is yet to expire.

“Therefore, it is the court’s opinion that there is no division in PDP in line with Justice Elvon Chukwu’s ruling”.

The court also maintained that eight months had elapsed since that ruling was delivered, even as it observed that till date, no appeal was lodged by those alleging that there were factions in the PDP. “The 12th to 53rd defendants ought to resign their seats honourably since they have left

Zenith Bank gets new MD

BY OMOH GABRIEL

T

HE Board of Directors of Zenith Bank Plc yesterday announced the appointment of Peter Amangbo as the Managing Director designate. He is to replace Godwin Emefiele who has been appointed by the federal government as the new Central Bank governor. Mr. Emefiele was confirmed by the Senate last week which has made it imperative for Zenith Bank board to appoint a new Managing Director.

The bank board approved the appointment of Mr. Peter Amangbo as the Managing Director/CEO-designate of the bank effective June 1, 2014. Mr. Amangbo takes over from Mr. Godwin Emefiele who has been appointed the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).

According to a statement from the bank Amangbo’s appointment which is consistent with the bank’s tradition and succession strategy of grooming leaders from within is subject to confirmation by the CBN. Mr

Amangbo the bank said has over two decades of experience with Zenith Bank, gaining experiences in Corporate Finance and Investment Banking, Business Development, Credit and Marketing, Treasury, Financial Control and Strategic Planning and Operations.

According to the bank Mr. Peter Amangbo was appointed to the board of the Bank and its subsidiary companies in 2005.

He was a pioneer NonExecutive Director of Zenith Bank UK. Before joining the banking industry, he was a senior consultant with PriceWaterhouse where he covered assignments in financial services, manufacturing and general commerce.

Peter Amangbo brings the experience and expertise to meet the current competitive banking challenges that require constant innovation through proven leadership and team-building skills, an exceptional ability to drive product, process and customer service improvements and a talent for building partnerships with key business

decision-makers. He also has demonstrable ability to motivate, mentor and lead talented senior professionals and to direct crossfunctional teams.

He was part of the team that drove the Strategic Planning and Successful execution for positioning the bank as one of the best in the Country. His exemplary leadership continues to make significant contributions to the banks growth. As an Executive Director of Zenith Bank for the last nine (9) years, Peter was responsible for the supervision of corporate and commercial banking, corporate finance, trade services and all the subsidiaries of the bank.

He is a member of the Board of Directors of Zenith Bank PLC Nigeria, Zenith Insurance Ltd, Nigeria, Zenith Pensions Ltd, Nigeria, Zenith Capital Ltd, Nigeria and Zenith Bank, UK. He was a member of the board of Interswitch Nigeria Ltd from 2005 to 2007.

Amangbo is an alumnus of INSEAD and a fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria.

the party upon which their constituencies gave them mandate to represent them in the National Assembly. They have no business morally and legally staying in the House of Representatives”, Justice Ademola held.

Besides, the court declared that the 12th to 53rd APC lawmakers, “are not competent to sponsor, contribute or vote on any motion calling for the removal or change in the leadership of the House of Representatives or the removal of any of the Principal Officers of the 1st defendant”.

Earlier, Justice Ademola dismissed contention of the lawmakers that the suit was incompetent, saying that “the suit was rightly commenced by way of originating summon. It is competent in this court since material facts in the suit are not in dispute”.

The court insisted that it had the jurisdiction to adjudicate on the matter since the issue in question bordered on the interpretation of provision of Section 68 (1) (g) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999, as amended.

Consequently, it waved aside the contention of the lawmakers that the suit was an abuse of court process considering that the same subject matter is pending before the same court.

“The suit is not an abuse of court process. Plaintiff in this case is not the plaintiff in the sister suit before Justice Ahmed Mohammed.

Therefore, arguments of the

defendants are misconceived and hereby struck out”.

The court noted that whereas the sister matter was basically on the issue of defection, it said the instant suit bordered on plot by the defected lawmakers to effect change in House leadership.

More so, objection by the lawmakers that PDP lacks locus standi to meddle into issues they said borders on internal affairs of the House, was also struck out.

The court held that PDP was able to adduce sufficient reasons on how change in leadership of the House would affect its interest. The court stressed that the fact that the 12th to 53rd defendants were sponsored by the PDP, conferred locus on the plaintiff.

Whereas the House of Representatives was sued as the 1st defendant in the matter, those listed as 2nd to 10th defendants were all the principal officers of the House comprising the Speaker (Aminu Tambuwal), Deputy Speaker (Emeka Ihedioha), Majority Leader (Mulikat Akande-Adeola), Deputy Majority Leader (Leo Ogor), Chief Whip (Isiaka Bawa), Deputy Chief Whip (Ahmed Mutkar), Minority Leader (Femi Gbajabiamila), Minority Whip (Samsom Osagie) and Deputy Minority Leader (Sumaila Kawu).

All the APC lawmakers that decamped from the PDP were also cited in the matter as the 12th to 53rd defendants.

APC argument The APC legislators had in their 18-paragraphed counter-affidavit deposed to by one Mr. Mike Msenge, told the court that from prolonged practice of the House of Reps, the political party with majority of members in the House forms its core leadership.

They argued that PDP “is not a human being but is one of the registered political parties in Nigeria. The leadership seats in question are being occupied by the 2nd -8th defendants, who are human beings.”

They further their contended that prior to the defection of the lawmakers to APC, the plaintiff, PDP, hitherto had majority membership in the House, “hence the 2nd-8th defendants, being members of the plaintiff, were elected into those leadership positions they are currently occupying in the 1st defendant. But with the defection of the 12th 53rd defendants from the plaintiff to the APC on December 18, 2013, the plaintiff has lost its majority status, which has switched to the APC.” They equally maintained that the election and removal of the Speaker is an internal affair of the House which no political party has the jurisdiction to dabble into.

Their arguments were however dismissed by the high court

Continues on Page 49

10—Vanguard, TUESDAY, APRIL 1, 2014

Students protest ‘arbitrary hike' in LASU fees, others zStorm Fashola's office zDisrupt activities at Lagos House

BY OLASUNKANMI AKONI & BOSE ADELAJA

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AGOS—IRATE students yesterday, disrupted normal activities at the Lagos House, Alausa, office of Governor Babatunde Fashola as they barricaded the entrance protesting what they described as “arbitrary hike” in school fees at the Lagos State University, LASU. Led by Mr. Sunday Ashefun, the students besieged the office of the governor around 1pm and demanded among others; for the governor to immediately reduce the hike in LASU School fees, Federal Government should honour 2010 agreement entered with Colleges of Education Academic Staff Union, COASU and Academic Staff Union of Polytechnic and other staff unions The placard carrying students who were ushered in at about 2.30pm, also demanded for the implementation of 20 per cent budgetary allocation to education as recommended by United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation, UNESCO, conversion of Higher National Diploma, HND, to Bachelor of Technology, (B.Tech.) and reinstatement of all banned unions by the management, such as University of Lagos, UNILAG, College of Education, Ikere, Ekiti State among others.

The students also demanded

for the removal of supervising minister for Ministry of Education with immediate effect before it is too late.

The students who said they were against victimisation of student union leaders in LASU, condemned plans by federal and state governments to introduce new tuition fee in the various campuses.

He said the increase had had its toll on the students of the institution as some of them had

dropped out because they couldn’t afford to pay.

Ashefun described the situation as appalling, saying Nigerian students would not take anything less than a reduction of the “arbitrary fees “ “The fees are not just affordable, some of our colleagues have opted out of LASU simply because they cannot pay the N250,000 to N350,000 school fees. “ These prohibitively high fees

are some of the highest paid by any university in the country.Children of the poor can no more attend LASU and this is sad," he said.

Fashola, who later addressed the aggrieved students, commended their comportment, saying it was a joint decision to increase LASU school fees after series of deliberations.

He explained that the hike in school fees was aimed at saving the school from total collapse as lecturers were leaving in droves for greener pastures.

HANDOVER: From left: Governor Babatunde Fashola of Lagos State, Mrs. Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire, deputy governor, Mr. Bosun Jeje, Commissioner for Housing and Mr. Omodunni Amos, one of the winner, during the handing over of keys of Lagos Home Ownership Mortgage Scheme, Lagos HOMs to firstt draw winners, at Lagos House, Alausa, Ikeja, Lagos. Photo: Bunmi Azeez.

GOK Ajayi for burial May 29 as Jonathan, Tambuwal, others mourn the late GOK Ajayi will be Nigerians whose cause and Ajayi was a thorough

BY ABDULWAHABABDULAH &EMMANOVUAKPORIE AGOS—THE remains of the late legal luminary, Chief G.O.K. Ajayi, SAN, who passed on weekend, will be committed to mother earth on May 29, his birthday.

This is just as President Goodluck Jonathan, Speaker of the House of Representatives, Aminu Tambuwal among others, condoled the Ajayi family, describing late GOK as a thorough disciplinarian whose works will be cherished for a long time to come.

A senior member of the family, Pastor Kehinde Okuneye who spoke to journalists, said though the family are still holding meetings and having consultations on his burial arrangements, he said the date will be officially announced later.

Pastor Okuneye told journalists that it has been decided that

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buried in Ijebu Ode, his home town in accordance with his last wish.

He said before his death, Chief Ajayi was a prominent member of the Anglican Church, where he held the post of Registrar to the primate. Pastor Okunneye said the church will also play a major role in the activities leading to his burial.

Jonathan

President Jonathan in his condolence message signed by his media aide, Dr. Reuben Abati said he “received with sadness, news of the passing away of one of Nigeria’s most distinguished legal luminaries, Chief Godwin Olusegun Kolawole Ajayi at the weekend in Lagos.”

The statement added that “on behalf of himself and the Federal Government, President Jonathan extends sincere condolences to Chief Ajayi’s family, friends, colleagues and associates in the legal profession, and the many

rights he vigorously defended throughout his outstanding career.

“As they mourn the eminent Senior Advocate of Nigeria, President Jonathan urges them to be consoled by the knowledge that Chief Ajayi lived a very fulfilled life, and will even in death, continue to serve as an enduring model of dedication to truth, equity and justice for all.”

Tambuwal

The Speaker of the House of the Representatives, Aminu Tambuwal also in a condolence message said Ajayi was “an advocate’s advocate that would be greatly missed by all Nigerians.”

He said the death of the legal luminary, was a huge loss to the legal profession in particular and the nation in general.

In a statement issued in Abuja by his Special Adviser on Media and Public Affairs, Malam Imam Imam, Tambuwal said; "GOK

disciplinarian whose works will be cherished for a long time to come."

Nigerian Bar Association

Also, the Nigerian Bar Association, NBA, expressed shock over his death.

NBA in a statement by its President, Mr. Okey Wali, SAN, said: “NBA, has received with shock, the very sad news of the transition of Chief G.O.K Ajayi, SAN .

“The NBA celebrates his life.

Evidently, it has been a great and worthy life. His image as a lawyer loomed so large that it was as if he was immortal and beyond death.

Ahamba

Also, Chief Mike Ahamba, SAN, in his condolence message said Ajayi’s death will be sadness for many legal minds who had benefited from his wisdom over time.

Fashola writes Ghanaian Parliament over killing of Nigerian student

BY OLASUNKANMI AKONI

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A G O S — GOVERNOR Babatunde Fashola of Lagos, yesterday, said he had e-mailed the Ghanaian Parliament, requesting it to investigate the recent killing of a Nigerian student in that country.

The governor made the statement in Ikeja, while addressing some students who had come to protest against the hike in Lagos State University, LASU, fees.

The governor said the killing of the student was unfortunate, noting that the case must not be allowed to be swept under the carpet.

It will be recalled that Godwin Ayogu, a 300level Nigerian student of the Gold Coast University, was recently murdered in Ghana by unknown persons.

His body was dumped by the roadside, while the Ghanaian authorities were yet to begin any investigation into the matter.

Fashola said: “The killing of a Nigerian in Ghana is very unfortunate as he was a victim of very mindless violence. I am trying to reach the Ghanaian Parliament to see how we can intervene to assist in the investigation of Godwin Ayogu’s incident, who died at the Cape Coast University. I sent an email to one of the parliamentarians. I am still expecting a feed back and hope the right steps will be taken.”

Fashola also condemned the recent killing of Adelabu Tunde, another Nigerian student in Malaysia, describing his death as unfortunate.

The governor urged the relevant authorities to take urgent steps to end the incessant killings of Nigerian youths abroad.

Vanguard, TUESDAY, APRIL 1, 2014—11

I accept forgiveness by Obasanjo—ATIKU zUrges Nigerians to imbibe spirit of forgiveness like OBJ zSays an eye for an eye will make Nigeria go blind

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BY HENRY UMORU.

BUJA—FORMER Vice President Atiku Abubakar yesterday urged Nigerians to imbibe the spirit of forgiveness as exhibited by former President Olusegun Obasanjo who has “forgiven him,” just as he declared that he wholeheartedly accepted the olive branch extended to him by his former boss.

According to him, even if one disagreed with Obasanjo, no one would doubt his firm commitment to the unity of Nigeria.

In a statement, Atiku who noted that if national unity must be achieved in all its ramifications in Nigeria, forgiving others who had offended one must be the watchword, said: ‘’Forgiveness is divinely inspired and is an oil that lubricates the wheels of continued human interactions and engagements.”

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar while commending his former boss for taking this bold step in the interest of the nation and humanity, stressed that the process of national healing and reconciliation should advance to a new level and extend to other citizens of the country who might have had grievances against one another.

Urging politicians to learn from the words of Mahatma Ghandi

that an eye for an eye would make "our nation go blind. “When I made a similar effort few years ago, it was on the conviction that it would not be beneficial to me before Allah, if I went to the grave with bitterness. Let us forgive one another so that we can team up

for national rebirth."

It will be recalled that former President Olusegun Obasanjo, had last Sunday while responding to the demand of Northern Youth Leaders Forum, NLYF, to forgive his estranged former Vice-President, Alhaji

Atiku Abubakar, said; “I have forgiven him.”

Abubakar was Obasanjo’s vice, between 1999 and 2007, and was believed to have scuttled the third-term ambition of Obasanjo in 2006.

BUDGET: From left: Deputy Speaker, Kwara State House of Assembly, KWHA, Professor Muhammed Gana Yisa, Speaker, KWHA, Hon. Rasak Atunwa, Kwara State Governor, Dr. Abdulfatah Ahmed, assenting to 2014 Appropriation Bill and Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Kamaldeen Ajibade, at Government House, Ilorin, yesterday.

Ondo PDP, LP bicker over by-election

BY DAYO JOHNSON KURE—AHEAD of the Saturday Ilaje/ Ese Odo Federal Constituency by- election in Ondo State, Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, yesterday, alleged plan by the ruling government to rig the election in collaboration with security operatives and militants.

But the Labour Party, LP, in a swift reaction described the allegation by the opposition party as not only panicky but defeatist.

PDP state Chairman, Ebenezer Alabi, while addressing newsmen in Akure, claimed the rigging plans included delay in release of ballot materials to the strong units of the opposition parties.

Alabi listed other rigging plans to include cancellation/ invalidation of results of units with overwhelming votes for the opposition parties and creation of false alarm of insecurity to relocate collation centre to Akure.

The party alleged general monetisation of the electoral process of leaders and other strategic stakeholders.

Alabi said the PDP was committed to the principle of free and fair election and not asking “anyone to rig for us. We are merely asking for a level playing

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ground and neutrality of Military men on election duties.”

The party also called on authorities concerned “ to do so in an openly unbiased and transparently neutral manner,” and warned that the party “will never remain idle while our interest is being jeopardised.

Enough is Enough.”

However, State Chairman of the LP, Chief Dele Akinyele, said the PDP was only crying wolf and expressing fears of losing the election.

Akinyele said: “It is the PDP controlled federal government that controls the security agencies and not the state government controlled by the

LP.” According to him, the LP had always won the elections in the local governments because of the impressive performance of Governor Olusegun Mimiko.

He added that the opposition should provide evidence of plans to manipulate the election or keep quiet.

Ekiti PDP crisis: C'ttee appeals to aggrieved aspirants

BY GBENGAARIYIBI DO EKITI—PEOPLE’S Democratic Party, PDP, reconciliation committee in Ekiti has appealed to the remaining 12 aggrieved gubernatorial aspirants to sheathe their swords and embrace peace in the interest of the party.

Chairman of the committee and a former senator, who spoke yesterday, appealed to the remaining aspirants to embrace Fayose without further delay.

It will be recalled that one of the aggrieved aspirants, Prince Dayo Adeyeye, has already joined forces with Fayose.

According to him: “The party is taking ultimate steps to appease the aggrieved aspirants. I have

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been mandated to broker peace among them in the interest of our party. It is on this strength that I started with Prince Dayo Adeyeye, who is a leading aspirant. We need to quickly bring him back to the party fully.

“We will reach out to all of them.

Our goal is to win election for the PDP. I am not doing this for the former Governor Ayodele Fayose but for the PDP. I am a party man and I have been given the mandate to bring everybody on board and this we will achieve in the interest of peace.”

MTN donates mobile clinic to Ogun

BY DAUD OLATUNJI BEOKUTA—IN its bid to improve the quality of life and health care delivery in communities across Ogun State, MTN telecommunications Limited. has donated a mobile clinic to the state government.

The mobile clinic, launched at the Arcade Ground, Governor’s office, Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta was said to be the first phase of MTN Foundation Y’ello Doctor Mobile Medical Intervention Scheme, tagged “MTN Y’ello Doctor Project.”

Governor Ibikunle Amosun, represented by his deputy, Prince Segun Adesegun, received the MTN delegation to the state led by the Executive Secretary, MTN Foundation, Mrs. Nonny Ugboma, expressed satisfaction over the gesture, saying "the state will continue to maintain its good relationship with the communication outfit."

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Degun, Ogun first Head of Service dies @ 86

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BEOKUTA—THE first Secretary to the Military Government and Head of Service in Ogun State, Chief Adedotun Adedeji Degun has died at the age of 86.

The state government announced the death of late Degun in a statement issued by the Head of Service, HoS, Mrs. Modupe Adekunle in Abeokuta, yesterday.

The deceased, popularly called A.A.K. was until his death the life patron of the Association of Retired Heads of Service and Permanent Secretaries in Ogun State and also a holder of the traditional title of Madasa of Ijebuland.

Ogun rehabilitates victims of baby factory

BY BOSE ADELAJA BEOKUTA—OGUN State Government plans to rehabilitate all the eight pregnant young mothers and an eight-year-old “errand girl” who were recently rescued at a baby making factory in Akute, Ifo Local Government Area of Ogun State.

To this end, the pregnant girls

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aged between 16 and 25 years and the minor have been relocated to the Stella Obasanjo Children’s’ Home, Ibara Abeokuta, where they will undergo the first phase of the rehabilitation process.

The Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Mrs. Elizabeth Sonubi who disclosed this in Abeokuta,

during a chat with newsmen, expressed deep shock at the development.

Sonubi disclosed that following the instruction of Governor, Ibikunle Amosun, officials of her ministry and their counterparts in the ministry of health had already swung into action to take care of them.

12—Vanguard, TUESDAY, APRIL 1, 2014

DSS HQ shoot-out: IYC calls for overhaul of security agencies

BY SAMUEL OYADONGHA

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HE Ijaw Youth Council, IYC, worldwide, has described Sunday ’s security breach at the headquarters of Department of State Security, DSS, by members of the Boko Hram sect during which 21 persons were reportedly killed and two operatives injured, as a case of sabotage and called for a massive overhaul of security agencies in the country.

IYC, in a statement by its spokesman, Mr. Eric Omare, said that the shootout between the insurgents and security operatives a few kilometres from the country’s seat of power, was a joke taken too far.

Noting that though there were conflicting accounts of the incident, it alleged that there were saboteurs within the security circle aiding the insurgents.

It said: “There is no explanation for Boko Haram members having the effrontery to confront security agencies for more than two hours at the heavily fortified DSS headquarters, very close to the Presidential Villa, the nation’s seat of power.

“We note that there have been reports of countless cases of security agencies taking

sides with Boko Haram and before the plans are carried out, the security information would leak same to Boko Haram members.

“Furthermore, there have also been reported cases of military checkpoints being removed few minutes to attacks by Boko Haram, without any response from the security agencies until the insurgents would have completed their attacks. The Yobe attack on the Federal Government College easily comes to

mind.

“We are aware that President Goodluck Jonathan appreciates the fact that there are Boko Haram apologists in his government, including within the security forces. However, it is not enough for Mr. President to note the infiltration of Boko Haram into his government, he must take drastic steps to address the issue.”

The body called on the President to carry out a mas-

sive overhaul of the security agencies to identify Boko Haram moles within the security agencies and fish them out before they cause the country more harm.

“We warn that no nation can win a battle, whether against terrorism or of any kind, in a situation where insurgents are actively aided by insiders. History tells us that infiltration of enemies into an opponent’s camp has led to nations losing war,” it said.

PROTEST: Members of Akwa Ibom chapter of Nigeria Labour Congress, protesting the sack of 98 Alscon workers, in Uyo, yesterday.

26 Delta Assembly staff sacked for alleged certificate forgery

BY AUSTIN OGWUDA

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would be upgraded far and above their equals, the commission engaged the services of a firm of external auditors to carry out certificate verification.

“The firm has submitted its report and every case was subjected to further verification to remove any possible human error. So, far 26 employees have

been dismissed from the services of the commission for parading fake certificates, two are on interdiction while pending cases are about 20.”

SABA—TWENTY-SIX employees of Delta State House of Assembly and the state House of Assembly Service Commission, have been sacked for allegedly parading forged edu...says no injunction was served on govt cational and professional certificates. junction stopping it from

BY SIMON EBEG“Edo State Government the ministry’s notice board The sack followed a veridoing so.

BULEM was never served with any and that is not service in fication exercise carried out But Idahagbon, in his re- court injunction restraining law." by a firm of external audiENIN—EDO State At- action, said he was it from the conduct of the tors engaged by the state torney General and shocked by the reaction of assessment test for the House of Assembly Service Commissioner for Justice, the NBA “because they did teachers. What happened Commission, which is pri- Mr. Henry Idahagbon, yes- not bother to hear from us was that after the close of marily charged with re- terday, insisted that the before making that com- work penultimate week, cruitment, training, promo- state government never re- ment which I feel was un- before the test, some peotion and discipline of As- ceived any court injunction fair. ple pasted the injunction on sembly staff. restraining it from conductChairman of the commis- ing the competency test for sion, Mrs. Josephine primary and secondary Kachikwu, in a statement in school teachers in the state.

Asaba, yesterday, while He described the criticism highlighting the activities of Benin branch of the Niof the commission, said: gerian Bar Association, “Based on the in-fighting NBA, as faulty. by some employees over The Benin branch of NBA seniority resulting in pro- had criticised the state govtests that some of their col- ernment for going ahead leagues were presenting with the teachers' assessfake certificates so that they ment test despite a court in-

Teachers' Assessment: Edo AG faults NBA

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Delta commissioner raises alarm over mass absenteeism by teachers

BY AUSTIN OGWUDA

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S A B A — D E LTA State Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Prof.

Patrick Muoboghare, has decried what he described as intolerable mass absenteeism of primary and secondary school teachers from classrooms.

He said that henceforth, government would not fold its arm and watch such flagrant abuse, warning that such erring teachers would face severe sanction.

He said that when he paid an unscheduled visit to Issele-Uku Technical College, he found only two teachers out of the 48 teaching staff in the school teaching.

Muoboghare also noted that educational curriculum, as prepared by the Nigerian Educational Research and Development Council, NERDC, “cannot achieve specific learning and behavioural objectives unless broken down into uniform, meaningful and operational weekly and teachable schemes of work.”

Speaking at the opening of the drawing of uniform schemes of work for primary and secondary schools in the state in Asaba, he said: “The benefit of this exercise is to encourage teachers in a given area to have a common template of operation for teaching on a weekly basis.”

Vanguard, TUESDAY, APRIL 1, 2014—13

Edo to pay outstanding workers’ allowances

BY GABRIEL ENOGHOLASE

B ALL FOR LOUIS ODION AT 41: From left: Isimeme Iriogbe, Edo State Commissioner for Oil and Gas; Mrs. Anena Jemitola, Culture Commissioner; Abdul Oroh, Agriculture Commissioner; celebrant, Louis Odion, Edo State Commissioner for Information; Miss Esohe Adams, Executive Director, Governor's Office; Ogie Osarodion, Works Commissioner; Mrs. Yemi Keri, M.D, ICT Agency; Stephen Idehenre, Deputy Chief of Staff and Anslem Ojezua, immediate past Edo Commissioner for Information, at a private dinner in Benin City, to mark Odion's 41st birthday.

Police in Delta recover arms from herdsmen ...kill fleeing robber

BY EGUFE YAFUGBORHI

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ARRI—BARELY one week after Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan expressed concern over marauding herdsmen in Delta State communities, the state Police Command says it has recovered a military rifle and live ammunition believed to have been abandoned by fleeing herdsmen, following a police chase.

The state Police Public Relations Officer, Mr Celestine Kalu, in a statement, said: “Following a distress call that some armed men were seen in Okpara bush, a team from the Isiokolo Division swiftly mobilised to the scene where six armed herdsmen were found.

“The herdsmen, after trying to use their cows to frighten the policemen to no avail, opened fire on the team and escaped. When the bush was combed, one AK 50 military rifle with S/No. BW 2748 and 152 rounds of live ammunition believed to have been abandoned by the fleeing herdsmen, were recovered.”

Kalu added that investigation was in progress, while efforts were on to track down the fleeing criminals.

In a related incident, the Delta State Police Command has shot and C M Y K

killed a suspected armed robber while allegedly attempting to escape from custody at the Police ‘B’ Division, Warri.

Kalu explained that the late robbery suspect, Ak-

porobo Oyibode, was among a gang of four caught robbing a business centre last Wednesday on Okere/Ugborikoko Road, Warri, by men of the Warri ‘B’ Di-

Confab: Speak for national unity, Oshiomhole charges NLC delegates

BY SIMON EBEGBULEM

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ENIN—GOVERNOR Adams Oshiomhole of Edo State has urged the representatives of labour movement at the ongoing national conference to speak for Nigeria's unity and not ethnic agenda as being championed by some representatives at the conference.

Speaking in Benin City, yesterday, when the national leadership of National Union of Civil Engineering Construction, Furniture and Woodwork Workers, paid him a courtesy visit, Oshiomhole said: “The Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, must be on the side of the Nigerian nation. It must champion national unity. It must never be apologetic on the position it takes on the side of indivisible, one Nigeria.

“I know for a fact that when the political class assembles to share resources, there is no North, South, East or West. I also know for a fact that when

the business class meets at the board meetings of the banks and big businesses and they want to share profits, they share it as if they are from the same womb. They are united by the factor of greed.

“On the other hand, across the North, South, East and West, the ordinary person is united by poverty. People still struggle to have access to pipeborne water and good education for their children.

The elite have chosen the escape route by sending their children to school abroad.

“The implication of the future is clear for the NLC, to organised labour and the progressive segments of the civil society, that the children from villages who don’t have qualified teachers and therefore, cannot pass Mathematics, English, Physics, Chemistry, means that children of the poor can never become medical doctors, civil engineers, electrical engineers in this country."

vision.

ENIN—EDO State Head of Service, Mr. Jerry Obazele, has assured civil servants of the state government’s determination to resolve all issues bordering on their promotions and payment of out standing allowances.

The Head of Service, who fielded questions from newsmen at the Palace of the Benin monarch, Oba Erediauwa, shortly after a courtesy call on him, said he will do his best to promote industrial harmony be-

tween the workers and government during his tenure as Head of Service.

Obazele was in the palace to formally inform the Benin monarch of his appointment as the new Head of Service and to solicit his blessing.

He hinted that the state governor, Mr. Adams Oshiomhole, had approved all outstanding promotions for civil servants across board in the state.

He called for dedication, cooperation and loyalty in the state to enable the state government move forward.

14—Vanguard, TUESDAY, APRIL 1, 2014

Non-selection of delegates based on ethnic nationalities may derail Confab — Igbo Leaders

BY TONY EDIKE

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NUGU — THE Igbo Lead ers of Thought, yesterday, declared that the 75 percent controversy and other ground rules that had bogged down the on-going national conference for two weeks after commencement would have been averted if the organisers had adhered to due diligence and consultations.

Briefing journalists at the end of its 7th meeting in Enugu, leader of the group, Prof. Ben Nwa-

bueze, also insisted that non-adherence to selection of delegates to the national conference, based on ethnic nationalities, was another major flaw that might derail the confab from achieving set objectives.

The group, however, said that despite its belief that the national conference as currently constituted might not achieve the expected objective, the group still believed that something good might still come out of it.

Nwabueze said: “Ethnic nation-

alities are the best suited to solve Nigeria’s problem. You can’t achieve anything except the ethnic nationalities come together.

We all individually belong to an ethnic nationality; we cannot run away from that, it is a sociological reality.

“The problem is how do you coalesce 389 ethnic nationalities?

The day you find the answer to this question, then Nigeria’s problem will be solved.”

According to the renowned constitutional lawyer, at the ethnic

nationalities conference recently organized, only 58 ethnic nations attended and they spent millions organizing it, meaning that mobilization required government intervention and funding.

Speaking on the voting pattern of 75 percent which raised a lot of controversy at the beginning of the conference, Prof Nwabueze said the controversy could have been avoided, if the organisers had consulted well.

“The problem of 75% shouldn’t have been there, 75% is impossi-

Court remands 5 BZF members in prison over invasion of Enugu Govt House 3 MASSOB members also docked

BY TONY EDIKE

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NUGU — FIVE members of the proBiafra group, Biafra Zionist Federation, BZF, which invaded Enugu Government House on March 8, were yesterday remanded in prison custody.

Also, three others who identified themselves as

members of the Movement for the Actualization of Sovereign State of Biafra, MASSOB, were arraigned and remanded on the orders of Enugu Magistrate Court.

The BZM members, identified as Ifeanyi Chukwuma, Emmanuel Uche, Sunday Okafor, Shedrack Onwukobi and Francis Nwakacha, were arraigned

before an Enugu North Magistrate court on twocount charge over their invasion of the Government House for which they were arrested.

Enugu State police spokesman, Mr. Ebere Amaraizu, who disclosed their arraignment in a statement yesterday, said “the Enugu State police command, through its op-

eratives of the state criminal and investigations Department, SCID, on Monday 31/3/14 arraigned five members of the Biafran Zionist Movement in connection with the incident of 8/ 3/14 before Magistrate Court 6 Enugu North while manhunt on others have been intensified.”

He said three members of MASSOB namely Asogwa Donatus, Clement Ogbobe and Asadu Nwagwu Paul were also arraigned.

ble to achieve. Muslims already, not the North as a whole, are over 190 (about 34 per cent), they have equally created Northern delegates Forum. And the other day the Sultan led a delegation to the President where they complained.

“I would have said let them try and achieve a consensus but where it fails they should go for absolute majority, not necessarily on percentage,” he said.

He said even the 70% said to have been agreed on by leaders of the delegation would still be difficult to achieve.

NIS tragedy: Ex-prisons chief pleads for Moro

A

FORMER Control ler General of Nigerian Prisons Service, Mr. Akanam Effiok, has urged Nigerians and families of victims of the Nigerian Immigration Service recruitment tragedy to ignore calls for the sack of the Internal Affairs Minister, Comrade Abba Moro.

Effiok said in a statement that like most Nigerians, he was shocked by the tragic events of Saturday, March 15, 2013, and expressed sympathy to the families of

those, who died and the seriously injured ones in the exercise.

Effiok said having closely followed reactions from Nigerians from all walks of life, “it is my considered opinion that it will not be wise to throw away the baby with the bath water, considering the good intentions of the Minister who was not only out to enthrone transparency and credibility, which have eluded similar exercise in the past.”

Magistrate's court issues warrant of arrest on The Sun editor, Wabara

BY ANAYO OKOLI

U

MUAHIA — AN Umuahia Chief Magistrate's Court has issued a bench warrant against Mr. Ebere Wabara, an editor with The SUN newspapers.

The police said that Wabara was told to report to the police commissioner, yesterday, Monday, March 31, 2014, but failed to do so.

On account of his inability to report to the police, the state police command approached the court for a bench warrant to re-arrest Wabara.

Meanwhile, Wabara has been charged to court for sedition.

Wabara, who was arrested in Lagos by policemen from Abia State Command, was granted bail, Saturday, but was absent in court, yesterday, where he was confronted with 10-count charge bordering on sedition, defamation of character and intention to cause trouble in the state.

According to counsel to Abia State government, Chief Chukwuyere Nwabuko, Wabara was charged for defamation of character C M Y K

and sedition against the state government.

Nwabuko also said that Wabara was equally charged for false publication against the Governor,

Chief Theodore Orji, his son, Mr. Chinedum Orji, and the entire family of the governor in The Sun newspaper, including the Internet.

Vanguard, TUESDAY, APRIL 1, 2014—15

Shot DSS operative may be flown abroad ... as attack forces NUP to shelve nationwide protest

BY SONI DANIEL, Regional Editor, North & JOHNBOSCO AGBAKWURU

O

NE OF the two Depart ment of State Service, DSS, officers shot by Boko Haram terrorists in attempted jailbreak at the agency’s headquarters, last Sunday, may be flown abroad for medical attention.

This came as details of how the terrorists attacked the security agency began to unfold, yesterday, just as the agency moved to unravel the cause of the uprising.

The development also forced the Nigeria Union of Pensioners, NUP, to cancel its planned nationwide protest over exclusion in the ongoing national conference.

There were fears, yesterday, that the gun injury of the operative shot in the back, may affect his spinal cord and render him incapacitated, if not properly treated.

Although the two men have not

died, they were reportedly seriously injured by the terrorists.

DSS Deputy Director in charge of Public Relations, Marilyn Ogar, told journalists, yesterday, that investigation had begun into the attack.

Following the quelling of the uprising in the DSS compound, the high security alert around the Villa and adjourning streets had been slightly relaxed.

However, the road leading to the DSS headquarters, which is opposite the Presidential Villa and the National Assembly, remained blocked, with traffic diverted to one lane.

The situation has remained the same since the bombing of some strategic institutions in Abuja by Boko Haram terrorists.

Investigation by Vanguard indicated that the Boko Haram detainees successfully disarmed three DSS operatives and used the seized rifles to fight the secu-

rity men.

It was learnt that one of the Boko Haram terrorists, who first seized a gun from a DSS operative, shot him on the back while the other two also snatched two rifles from unsuspecting DSS men.

The three men were said to have used the seized guns to engage DSS personnel in a duel, while more and more detainees fled from their cells.

As the convicted detainees escaped from their cells, they hid themselves in different locations in the vast compound.

Others made desperate attempts to scale the fence of the security facility with a view to escaping, but were hindered by heavy barricade in and around the premises.

Vanguard learnt that sustained shooting within the building compelled DSS to mobilise its men from within and around the city to repel the attack.

AGM: From left, Olorogun O'tega Emerhor, Director; Obinna Ufudo, President/CEO; Tony O. Elumelu, CON, Chairman; and Chinedu Eze, Company Secretary, during the 8th Annual General Meeting, AGM, of Transnational Corporation of Nigeria (Transcorp) Plc, at the Lagos Oriental Hotel, Victoria Island Lagos, yesterday.

Soldiers from nearby formations were also called in to salvage the alarming confrontation by the terrorists.

It was gathered that the terrorists were overpowered by the combined team of soldiers and DSS men, whose confrontation with the terrorists led to the death of 21 of the detainees.

Meanwhile, the attack at the DSS headquarters has forced the Nigeria Union of Pensioners, NUP, to cancel its planned nationwide protest over exclusion in the ongoing national conference.

The union, however, vowed to embark on the protest that would involve Nigerian Labour Congress, NLC and the Trade Union Congress, TUC, as soon as situation returned to normalcy.

Speaking to newsmen at Labour House, Abuja, National President of NUP, Mr. Abel Afolayan, said retired civil servants in the country had been sidelined and subjected to untold hardship by the government.

He said the union had planned to stage a protest to press home its demands, but had to take into consideration the volatile security situation in the country, after the attempted jailbreak by the Boko Haram insurgents and decided to put on hold the planned protest so as not to give room for hoodlums to hijack the protest.

Apart from the non-inclusion of its members in the ongoing national conference, the union also lamented the non-payment of outstanding arrears of pension gratuity due federal and state pensioners with federal shares.

A

BUJA — AS the ongoing National Conference continues today, the High Commissioner of Rwanda to Nigeria, Joseph Habineza, has warned delegates to desist from act that could worsen the country’s security situation.

Speaking, last weekend, at a press briefing in Abuja to commemorate the 20th anniversary of the 1994 genocide which claimed more than one million people in Rwanda, Habineza urged Nigerians to learn from his country’s ugly experience.

While fielding questions from journalists, Habineza said the ongoing national conference would be a welcome development to finding lasting solution to the country’s plethora of problems, if the delegates eschewed greediness.

According to him, "the first disease Nigeria has is greed with selfishness.

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“The ongoing national conference is a good thing, but first of all, individually, the delegates should have self-transformation, because you can be in the conference and from there you go and call your friend, who is a member of Boko Haram, to attack.

“So nothing is going to come out from there if you are not committed to the peace of your country,” he said.

“The fact is there are bad politicians and there are good politicians, but the bad ones are so evil; they can use all means to get what they want,” he added.

He warned those calling for secession to have a rethink as those who called for war were often the first victims.

His words: “Coming to our experience, a week before the tragedy, I met somebody, an adviser to the late president, a former ambassador to Germany. He was a very close friend to my parents and we were discussing politics.

“The president was supposed

to implement the Arusha agreement…So I met this adviser and I said your Excellency, uncle, why don’t you advise the president to implement the Arusha agreement?

“He said my son, in politics, it is like a tug of war, which if it is cut, you fall. You see, it can’t be cut because we are the majority…but he doesn’t know that if you think like that, you can be the first victim and your family members too may be killed.

“If you are thinking of bringing the war, you can be the first victim. But you know what happened, that ambassador, unfortunately, died in the plane with the president.”

Habineza advised the delegates and other Nigerians in authority to see their present status as an opportunity to serve the people and not themselves.

“I think politicians should remember they are civil servants because once you are serving, you are rendering service, and

I’m still the Supervising Minister of Education — Wike

BY LAIDE AKINBOADE

Confab: Rwanda warns delegates against break-up threat …attributes Nigeria’s problem to greed BYVICTORIA OJEME

NUP also frowned on the discriminatory payment of 33 per cent of outstanding pension increase and its arrears which it alleged had been implemented for military pensioners months ago but still remained unimplemented for civil pensioners.

Though NUP chronicled many of its grievances, including the disregard for President Goodluck Jonathan’s directives that all the pressing problems and grievances of pensioners be looked into and solved expeditiously.

The union noted with dismay that the meeting it used to have in the office of the Secretary to the Federal Government, SGF, to resolve issues had been suspended.

NUP stated that its numerical strength was about five million who are eligible voters with about five more dependants for every member also qualified to vote, thereby making it about 25 million votes from the union, stressing that for any government to neglect the members was doing it on its own peril.

Afolayan said: “Government should be told that civil pensioners in Nigeria (about five million) form a large voting block and to neglect us is not in the best interest of either the Federal or the state governments.”

not serving yourself,” he stated.

According to him, with the resources available in the country, every Nigerian should have access to decent and affordable houses, if the resources are productively used.

“Nigerians should have nice houses, water; just what you have here. Look at your land, so fertile, and you import tomatoes; the oil, the gas, minerals that even people don’t know," he said.

“You focus on that and make it productive. So they should think about the people, not about themselves, the delegates who are there; not talking about how much we are getting from here.”

Habineza attributed the 1994 crisis of his country to the manipulation of the colonial power on the one hand and the country’s politicians on the other.

“This kind of indoctrination, brain-washing, mixed with poverty brought Rwanda to that end.

We have to blame ourselves and the colonials also."

A

BUJA — THE Supervis ing Minister of Education, Mr. Ezenwo Nyesom Wike, yesterday, dismissed media report that he had resigned his appointment.

The ministry in a statement

by Special Assistant (Media) to the Supervising Minister of Education, Simeon Nwakaudu, in Abuja, said: “The report being circulated online to the effect that he has resigned is false in its entirety. It is a planted report by mischief makers. ”The Minister, last Saturday, represented the President at the 43rd Convocation of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, and yesterday (Monday), the Minister was in the office to do his work in the Federal Ministry of Education. ”On Thursday, he will be performing the ground-breaking ceremony for the Special Vocational School in Delta State, and will next week hold a town hall meeting for federal universities, polytechnics and colleges of education in t Bauchi.”

16—Vanguard, TUESDAY, APRIL 1, 2014

INSPECTION: From left, Mr. Olatokunbo Arewa, Airport Manager, Makurdi Airport; Mr. Sale Dunoma, Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Federal Airport Authority of Nigerian, FAAN; Mallam Muazu Dahir, Mr. Abubakar Achimugu, General Manager, Business Development, FAAN; Mr. Ikechi Uko, Director of Administratiion, FAAN, during inspection tour of the Makurdi Airport by the Management of FAAN, weekend.

Benue farmers, Fulani herdsmen sign peace accord suspected to be chemical weapons were used in the killing of over 200 farmers in Benue State by suspected Fulani herdsmen.

Orhii spoke, yesterday, in an interview AKURDI — FEUDING Benue with newsmen in Makurdi, the Benue State farmers and the leadership of the capital, shortly after donating relief materiMiyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association, als to victims of the crisis at various camps MACBAN, an umbrella body of Fulani in Makurdi and Guma local government herdsmen have signed a peace accord to areas of the state. end all hostilities currently going on in However, the truce was brokered at the parts of Benue State. end of a peace meeting between the DepuThis was even as the Director General ty Inspector General of Police, DIG, (Operof the National Agency for Food and Drug ations), Mike Zuokumor and his team, the Administration and Control, NAFDAC, Chairman, Benue State Reconciliatory and Dr. Paul Orhii, has said that substances Peace Building Committee, led by General Atom Kpera and members of his committee as well as the National President Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association, MACBAN, Alhaji Bello Modejo and his team at the N AN effort to woo more lionaire prince of the oppor- Banquet Hall of the Govfor-eign investors into tunities in the transport sec- ernment House.

Reading the resolution of the country, Vice President tor such as the deep sea Namadi Sambo, yesterday, ports, railways, and roads the meeting to newsmen, met with Forbe’s fifth rich- to be constructed on a pub- General Kpera, who was flanked by Alhaji Modejo, est man in the world and lic private partnership.

Saudi Prince, Al-Waleed bin ’’Other investments in- said both the Tiv/Agatu and Talal bin Abdulaziz al Saud, clude the local sugar pro- Fulani have agreed to imin Riyadh, the capital of duction, dams for irrigation, mediately cease hostilities, Saudi Arabia. the industrial framework for and also set up a task force At the meeting, Sambo, Nigeria in the auto mobile to implement the peace acquainted him with the industry, development of agreement.

They vowed to fish out all giant strides Nigeria was steel and other solid minmaking in her quest for eral deposits including coal criminal elements that were prosperity, including the for power plants and the fuelling the dispute in orprivatisation of the power opportunities being un- der to effectively tackle the sector; the opportunities locked by the Halal Meat crisis. ”We also agreed that the that abound in the devel- industry, among other secFulani have not been opment of gas infrastructure tors. as well as government’s ’’Arc Sambo also informed chased out of Benue; they plan to invest $1billion in the prince of the Centena- should feel free to remain the sector, assuring the bil- ry City project and the need and co-exist peacefully with lionaire of the viability of the for private investments as Tiv/Agatu rural farmers. ”We have agreed to meet sector. well as the planned regionA statement by Sambo’s al routes that connect La- from time to time to build Special Adviser on Media gos (in Nigeria) – Benin confidence and keep track and Publicity, Mallam Republic-Togo-Ghana-Cote of the implementation of Umar Sani, said that the D’Ivoire which agreement the peace agreement.”

The meeting also cauVice President also briefed would soon be signed and the business mogul on the assured the prince that Ni- tioned the feuding parties developments in the up- geria would provide the against taking laws into stream and downstream enabling environment for their hands, advising that sectors of the economy in investors to participate in all illegal road blocks set up the areas of marginal fields, the business environment my the parties for the purrefineries, chemical as well and thanked him for the pose of searching vehicles as fertiliser, among others. confidence he has in the to harass individuals be dismantled forthwith. ’’He also availed the bil- country.

BY PETER DURU

M

Investment drive: VP Sambo meets with Prince Al-waleed

I

C M Y K

Vanguard, TUESDAY, APRIL 1, 2014 — 17

T

HE sudden decision to merge the PDP and the APC has caught everyone by surprise.

When the announcement first came up last night, I thought it was a big joke. But then I saw it on BBC and CNN and quickly had a rethink. When I also heard it announced by Reuters, I concluded that what we are experiencing in Nigeria is nothing short of a miracle. Just when you think they are going to drag the country into the ditch, Nigerian politicians pull back from the brink and come up with the most unexpected solutions.

Same old, same old: Many of us have always maintained that these politicians are all the same. It does not matter what party they belong to, they are the same disreputable lot. That is the reason they are able to cross-carpet with amazing ease. Take Atiku Abubakar, for example. Yesterday he was PDP; today he is AC. Tomorrow he is PDP again; the day after he is APC. Only God knows what he will be in the future.

Under normal circumstances, if one of the arch-enemies of your party decides to cross over and join you, you would be wise to be suspicious of him. He could very easily be a Trojan horse. He might be joining you in order to gather insideinformation about you and hand it over to the other side.

Therefore, you might not be inclined to accept him into your ranks. Or if you did, you would make sure he is excluded from the main organs of your party.

Not so in Nigeria. A PDP member joins the APC and he

The surprising merger of the PDP and the APC foundation for the rebirth of Nigeria in this centenary year.

Who would have thought it?

Frankly, there were already some tell-tale signs. The first one was when some PDP Governors who had hitherto excoriated members of the APC, decided to cross over to the APC. The second was when the APC big-wigs went cap-inhand to invite former President Obasanjo of all people to join their ranks. The third was when members of the APC also started migrating back to the PDP. And now these Tweedledee and Tweedledum parties have decided to merge.

Just listen to these hypocrites.

In announcing the merger, President Jonathan said: “This new mega-party shows that the leadership in Nigeria is forward-looking. We are practitioners of politics without bitterness. Nobody can now say we don’t have the interests of the Nigerian people foremost in

,

The PDP and the APC have decided to form a grand coalition in order to lay the foundation for the rebirth of Nigeria in this centenary year

immediately takes over the party’s political machinery in his state; no questions asked.

The PDP president decorates APC Buhari with some medal of honour, and Buhari bows and smiles in loving admiration.

The irate Obasanjo, who lampooned Goodluck Jonathan in a public letter, comes to Aso Rock to shake hands with the same Goodluck Jonathan.

Suddenly, you realise that these people are not just friends pretending to be enemies. As a matter of fact, they may actually be members of the same family. Buhari might actually be a distant cousin of Obasanjo, while Obasanjo might actually be Jonathan’s uncle on his mother’s side.

PDP/APC merger This kind of conclusion has been proven right by the announcement that the PDP and the APC have decided to form a grand coalition ostensibly in order to lay the C M Y K

,

our hearts.” What poppycock!

Even Muhammadu Buhari chipped in with his own whitewash: “Our various followership can see that we are now determined to forge a one Nigeria. One Nigeria united in vision and purpose. One Nigeria that will create a great Nigeria that will be the envy of nations around the world.”

Who is going to believe this kind of pious balderdash? Even former President Obasanjo, at whose residence in Otta the merger was announced after barely three days of intense negotiations, declared: “I am glad to have midwifed this rebirth of Nigeria. It can only be appropriate that as we are celebrating one hundred years of Nigeria’s amalgamation, we begin the next one hundred years with truly a new beginning. All the doubting Thomases should now know that God truly loves Nigeria.

Long live one Nigeria!” Long live Nigeria indeed!

Strange bedfellows: What are the implications

of this merger for Nigerian politics? Is it not likely to make us into a one-party state? With these monstrous PDP and APC parties now becoming one, will there be any viable opposition now in Nigerian politics? Have we not opted erroneously for the South African one megaparty model which is increasingly proving to be misguided?

I am of the opinion that those who conducted this strange marriage don’t have the interest of Nigerian at heart. They are only interested in ensuring that, whatever happens; the different strands of the Nigerian political class will partake in bootysharing after the 2015 elections.

As a matter of fact, this merger has made the forthcoming elections next year politically irrelevant. Of course, the billion naira question is who will be the presidential candidate of this new mega party?

There is no doubt in my mind that the decision about this must have been made before this merger was announced.

Otherwise, the entire project will collapse in the acrimony that will arise if that is to be decided at an open convention.

My understanding is that a decision must be been taken to sacrifice the current VicePresident, Namadi Sambo. In short, Buhari will become President Jonathan’s runningmate and thereby he will become a shoo-in as presidential candidate in 2019.

Merger problematic: Such a decision will create a number of problems in my view. In 2015, Buhari will be way too old to be an effective president. He is now 71 years old. In 2019, he will be 76 years old. That means, should he be elected and should he contest for a second-term, he would be still be president at the age of 80.

That is way too old. The kind

of president Nigeria needs in this new dispensation is a man half that age; one that is vibrant and open to new ideas.

The second problem I envisage with this new merger has to do with the presidential aspirations of the Igbo. Any deal they may have come up with must have entailed the sacrifice of the Igbo. Eight years of a Buhari presidency from 2019 means the Igbo will have to wait until 2027 before they can get a realistic shot at the presidency. How can this be acceptable to them? Did they really approve of this merger or are we going to see their imminent withdrawal from the PDP and from this new megaparty? My forecast is that the withdrawal of the Igbo will be in a matter of weeks as opposed to months.

Memorandum of understanding Then there is the question of Bola Tinubu. Was he really part and parcel of this merger? Why was he not present at the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding? Why has he not made any statement about it? What is in this new mega PDP/APC party for him? The only benefit I see for him is that he can now be secure in his South-West stronghold. There will now be no PDP candidate fighting to dethrone him in the states he is currently controlling. Beyond that, it means Tinubu is now irrelevant politically. Nobody really needs to bother about him again at the federal level. He has been effectively nullified.

Unending good luck There can be no doubt that the principal beneficiary of this PDP/APC merger is President

Goodluck Jonathan. Contrary to all expectations, it seems the man’s good luck is neverending. By this merger, he has secured his primary ambition: an easy passage to another four years come 2015. He has made all those who say the country will go up in smoke if he even contests to eat their words. Now his arch-enemies will have to deal with him for five more years. There is no guarantee that the fears of the de-camping nPDP Governors of being handed over to the EFCC will not now come to pass, unless if their non-prosecution is an integral part of the merger deal.

There is also no guarantee for Buhari that the merger will not collapse in 2019, even if at that time he is sitting VicePresident. By agreeing to defer his ambitions for another four years, Buhari is taking a big risk.

After four years as VicePresident, will he still be seen as the Teflon anti-corruption crusader he is now touted to be?

Will his grassroots talakawa supporters in the North not come to regard him as a sellout?

One thing is for sure: the Buhari who is vice-president in 2019 will not have the same allure as the Buhari of today, even to his die-hard supporters.

In the meantime, there is opposition already emerging against this new PDP/APC merger, although it is not likely to amount to much in the context of the next elections in 2015. Former vice-president Atiku Abubakar, a man who is determined to be president of Nigeria at all costs, is already a declared opponent of the merger. As a matter of fact, he has announced that he will be seeking recourse in the courts to declare the merger null and void. Atiku’s position is that the merger is a blatant attempt to truncate democracy in Nigeria.

But what is more self-evident is that the merger is yet another nail in the coffin of Atiku’s presidential ambitions.

As can be expected, the APGA and Olu Falae’s newly formed UPN are also implacably opposed to this PDP/APC merger. However, there seems to be nothing they can do about it.

Prognosis It remains to be seen if this merger will survive until the 2015 elections. A major landmark will be the National Convention at which the new officials of the new mega-party will be announced, and the presidential and vicepresidential candidates of the party will be ratified. Then such questions as the role of Bola Tinubu in this new merger will be answered.

(This article is hereby dedicated to Vanguard ’s beloved April Fools. Thank you for continuing to read Vanguard)

18 — Vanguard, TUESDAY, APRIL 1, 2014 IT takes a public hearing for Nigerians to know how government departments and ministries work with, or against each other.

There are often speculations that governments sabotage themselves, but when they are stated officially, they are causes for concern.

Minister of Agriculture, Dr. Akinwunmi Adesina, told the House of Representatives Committee on Customs and Excise that the Nigerian Customs Service, NIS, was smuggling rice, among other items, into the country. He was speaking on the New Rice Regime, a government policy that aims at domestic sufficiency in rice production, which is apparently doomed.

The over 1.9 million metric tonnes of rice smuggled into Nigeria in 2013, or 8,000 bags daily, the Minister said were stalling government’s policy on local production.

Without the nod of Customs, he said, smugglers would be out of business.

He wants the Customs to police the border effectively, so that Nigeria can save on the N365 billion spent yearly on rice imports. The damage that smuggling does to the economy was not the focus of the address, but Dr. Adesina wants stiffer

Newly Doomed Rice Policy penalties for illegal importers of frozen fish and chicken. He said the imports were harmful to Nigerians, as they were smuggled in manners that made them unwholesome.

“We owe it a duty to our country to make sure that these people are sent to jail,” he said. The Federal Government increased levy on rice from 20 per cent to 100 per cent. The measure was meant to encourage domestic production. It worked in reverse; smugglers took advantage of the policy.

With Customs on their side, they brought in rice without paying duty, to sell at prices that knock locally produced rice out of the market.

Dr. Adesina said Nigeria had the capacity to produce enough rice for local consumption and export. These would only be possible if the new rice policy survives.

From the look of things, it is dead.

Minister of Finance, Dr. Ngozi OkonjoIweala, said government had decided to reverse the levy on rice because the product was still being smuggled into the country.

We find that curious. For how long would government bow to smugglers and waste billions of Naira in importing rice that could be produced locally? If we stick to importation, how do we create jobs? How do we develop the domestic rice economy?

The bane of policies to enhance domestic production is not limited to smuggling.

Outrageous costs of production fuelled by poor electricity supplies and transportation infrastructure defeat government policies.

In addition to effectively monitoring borders against smuggling, without improvements in power and other infrastructure, domestic productions would remain too expensive and create huge market for smugglers, and more holes in the economy.

OPINION

BY ALFRED YAKUBU-ABULU

I

N the last few weeks, the Minister of Petroleum Resources, Mrs. Diezani Alison-Madueke has come under intense and sustained attacks ostensibly from members of the opposition party.

The airwaves and papers have been awash with the now usual spurious allegations of missing monies, private jets et al. However before delving into the latest wave of well scripted polemics against the minister, the question again remains: Have those engaged in this persecution mania lost touch with reality? Is this resort to populist blackmail really the way to run a country?

Do these sensational headlines with no substance to back them really do any good to the nation’s reputation?

So far we have been inundated with a medley of often convoluted facts and figures about missing funds, that any rational person would at first glance agree are a figment of some people’s imagination.

Several fair minded commentators have weighed in at various fora to point out some obvious facts.

The initial amount mentioned was in excess of the nation’s budget, and somehow government continued to run. The sum changed so frequently that ordinary people lost track of exactly how much was “allegedly missing”. The Senate set up a committee to look into the entire saga and at the last count the sum remaining to be reconciled stood at circa $1.4bn not the alleged $48bn that was shouted from the roof tops. NNPC has repeatedly answered all questions and provided tons of data to the committee to enable it complete its C M Y K

This Diezani Alison-Madueke's persecution probe into the matter. The final analysis is that no money is “missing” but is simply the subject of reconciliation between agencies of the government.

What has become clear is that these attacks are purely partisan in nature intended to throw as much mud at the issue till it sticks.

This tends to lend some credence to the adage that “A lie told several times can become the truth”.

To the neutral observer, this appears to be a well-orchestrated attack along party lines to discredit the current administration. All the achievements in the industry such as local content growth, indigenous companies participating at par with international players etc. are lost in the noise. All the gains made in gas-to-power and the attempt by this government to reposition the industry with the PIB are lost in the cacophony of misplaced headlines.

All of these seeming distractions have a net effect on the international community’s perception of Nigeria. They do not help with investor confidence and cause nothing but distraction from the business of running the country.

As if the wild allegations of missing money are not enough, we are then treated to the current matter of private jet use by the Minister of Petroleum Resources.

Let’s look at this objectively. Firstly, there is a distinction between private and chartered jets. The first being one owned by a private individual or privately owned company for the exclusive use of the owner, and the second being a jet available for charter by

individuals or corporations as the need arises.

Under the second category of chartered Jet usage, the trend across the globe has been for large and even medium sized corporations, to outsource their aviation departments to specialist providers in order to reduce costs and indeed capital outlay associated with the purchase of aircraft.

Businesses across the globe have chosen to outsource the non- critical parts of their operations to specialist providers. This has resulted in innovative ways to procure the use of Jets to fit in with the particular needs of the business. Flexible contracts exist to mix and match usage to any particular requirements.

As an oil and gas industry practitioner, I know for sure that the total cost of ownership is very high. Maintenance cost alone was as high as $4m a year for one aircraft. At a point, my company needed two aircrafts to provide a higher availability factor. So maintenance was about $8 a year. Besides, the cost of spares keep skyrocketing. We needed to take on a lot of risks which are better managed by airline operator’s for example; safety, insurance and overall professionalism of the crew.

Going for a lease provides a higher availability at low cost as operators have a pool from which backup support is provided when needed. Cost of the leased service is about 40 percent less than own fleet.

Because of footprint of operations, most oil companies in the country use private jet

service to cut down on executive lost times waiting at airports.

For the NNPC and the Petroleum Ministry, the footprint is even higher. To meet the logistic challenges of providing effective oversight certainly calls for more flexible mode of transportation. For instance, an inspection tour by the GMD or Petroleum Minister could transverse many states and cities which is virtually impossible to accomplish on regular commercial flights.

In all the efficiency argument for leased jet cannot be faulted by any right thinking person except of course if the thoughts are politically induced.

In Nigeria, the trend has over the last 4-5 years increased to the point where people across all facets of government, the executive, legislative and all other arm of government avail themselves of the use of these services. Indeed private organisations, churches and individuals own planes.

Anyone with the resources can pitch up and hire a jet at any given time. It is not so long ago that all the political parties were crisscrossing the nation’s airspace in various airplanes. Is this a case of okay for everyone else except the Minister of Petroleum Resources?

One can only at this moment conjecture the next wave of attacks. Will it be the minister’s mother, perhaps or her children or husband? Where exactly will it end? *Mr. Yakubu-Abulu, an oil and gas expert, wrote from Lagos.

Vanguard, TUESDAY,APRIL 1, 2014—19

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HE issue in Delta today is “turn by turn” or rotation of the Governorship seat through “power shift” among the three senatorial zones. The concept is based on one fact: since Delta Central and South had produced governors in the persons of Felix Ibru, James Ibori, and Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan, the present occupant of the seat, equity and justice demands that Delta North be the next. Many of these proponents had forgotten that when Chief Ibru contested, he had a strong opposition from the three senatorial districts of the state within the SDP before he triumphed as a candidate. Same with Chief Eric Opia of NRC, who hails from Delta North under the two party system decreed by General Ibrahim Badamosi Babangida. Chief Ibru won, but would have Opia stepped down for Ibru if he had won because of power shift?

In 1999 Chief Ibori emerged as the PDP governorship candidate while Chief James Kragha emerged the governorship candidate of then APP, these two candidates faced the stiffest internal party primaries across the state. If the aspirants that lost had won in the primary and been elected, would such a candidate had stepped down because of an imaginary power shift?

The state PDP chairman, Chief Peter Nwaoboshi, failed when he

allowed his heart to control his head and in the process betrayed emotions on power shift controversy. He would have played the statesman, an unbiased umpire that the office he occupies signify and remind the party structure and political appointees in the state of the need to support Gov. Uduaghan instead of heating up the polity. He would have reminded the army of aspirants and Ovuzorie Macaulay that leadership is about competence, character, drive and experience not the dehydrated virus of power shift; he would have expanded on the values the PDP stands for in selecting the best to deliver. The SSG never believed Delta North cannot produce the Governor of the state but that patriotism should drive aspiration and ambition, that competence and knowledge of the state rather than reliance on “power shift” should be the issue because we need the best no matter where he or she comes from. Those who are jostling to rule a state as diverse as Delta on a concept of power shift are lazy, bereft of ideas, encouraging ethnic division and promoting mediocrity above competence.

Governor Uduaghan and others before him never relied on this puerile concept; they were driven by self-confidence despite the turbulent political battle waged within and outside the PDP to unseat them.

In the 2007 PDP Ogwashi-Uku primaries that divided the party,

We need a Governor who will be a father to all, acceptable and cannot be tied to power shift that encourages sectional interests

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Uduaghan battled and eventually emerged victorious against aspirants across the three senatorial districts. Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa, the current senator representing Delta North who came second, stepped down to save the party from a re-run and further acrimony. After the elections, the opposition was intensified and he had to face another election when the electoral tribunal in 2011 annulled his election. When Uduaghan sought a second term in 2011, the same indices were at play. Babangida created a state for Delta State agitators without a capital and created a capital for the Anioma agitators without a state.

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ince then, the two state agitators have always lived in suspicion. The agitation for Anioma state stems from this.

Recently, a delegation of Anioma traditional rulers visited the National Assembly and some opinion leaders were armed with two requests: the need to create Anioma out of Delta State and for them to produce the next Governor

Celebrating Otunba Balogun @ 80

BY OKECHUKWU NWOBU

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S I watched Otunba Michael Olasubomi Balogun, surrounded by family and friends, walk slowly to his seat on his 80th birthday through the red carpet of the beautiful special marquee built for the occasion at the Main Bowl of the Tafawa Balewa Square, Lagos, I could not help peeling back the years to the six years I spent working directly with him at the then First City Merchant Bank Limited and the unadulterated bonus of learning so much from him.

Walking tall and straight but now inevitably slowed down by age, I remembered when he was a bundle of tireless, organised and focused energy, the personal stories of difficult times and triumphs he told me and those I witnessed.

All through the difficult days, I never saw Otunba Balogun sweat. Even at 80, the contagious confidence I have always known him for is as robust as ever and it is not just because confidence is a morale multiplier but because it is his firm belief that once he has done all that is humanly possible, God will do what only He can do to make a way where there seems to be no way and to calm the severest of storms.

The only time I saw tears in his eyes, they were tears of joy. It was the day Fola Adeola gathered his team of young Turks to receive Otunba Balogun at Guaranty Trust Bank’s first corporate headquarters in the early days of GTB. After a tour of their premises, they led Otunba Balogun to their boardroom and Fola Adeola told him that they are his children who are trying to follow in his footsteps and he should advise them. In the atmosphere that was like that of a loving father with his dotting children, he spoke from his heart and blessed them, his eyes glistening with tears.

C M Y K

Otunba Balogun is a man who changes his mind when he sees the merits of another point of view, a mark of greatness not very common among men of very significant wealth and authority. He never withheld from me appreciation for small and big things and every time I stepped out of line and apologised, he forgave me so easily and completely.

On the day I told Otunba Balogun that I was leaving after six years, he asked me where I was going to and I told him I wanted to try my hands in business. We spent some time in his office talking about my time in FCMB. Finally, we stood up and he prayed for me like a father would for his son!

Eighteen years after I left the bank, he is still a father figure to me. During a season of personal financial challenges, Otunba Balogun wrote my family a cheque. A mentor adds value to lives, caring, teaching, inspiring and admonishing in love. There are all kinds of mentors, including professional, moral and fashion mentors.

Otunba Balogun is all three and much more to me. In November 2010, I went to his office and showed him a project I was working on.

He went through it patiently and told me it was inspired and great. Knowing his pedigree for pure excellence, that he liked my project delivered a massive dose of confidence to me. I told him I wanted to partner with a company owned by a close friend of his to run the project and wanted him to connect me to his friend. Later that day, Otunba Balogun called his friend on my behalf and called me to tell me he had spoken with his friend and the gentleman was waiting for my call.

On another occasion when I visited him at home, I lamented on the slow pace of some of the things I was doing. He told me that if what I was pursuing does not materialise, it means God has bigger things in store for me. It is easy to believe him

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BY PRINCE ABUGO

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Much ado about power shift in Delta State

of Delta State in 2015.

Then the agitators from Warri province wanted Delta State with capital at Warri, Ughelli or Kwale, while Anioma parts of Benin province wanted a state with a capital at Asaba. Unfortunately, since Babangida foisted the two provinces as a state, no effort has been made to bridge the gap, so politicians like vultures fed on our unity to advance their interest. Any person who wants to rule Delta State must base his campaign on issues, pedigree, competence and knowledge of the state and its people; we cannot throw away our best by place of origin, we must rely on pedigree, character of a leader, a person the state can see to be above ethnic and sectional consideration. This is where success starts. We need a Governor who will be a father to all, acceptable and cannot be tied to power shift that encourages sectional interests. It is retrogressive for Nwaoboshi to resort to such outburst. A leader in his position who wants Delta North to produce the Governor in 2015 must be reconciliatory; he should have used the opportunity to build a bridge of understanding across Delta South and Central; he should have shown competence and maturity because what the SSG did was telling the truth when tradition forbids the truth to be told: the King is sick yet the SSG defied tradition by stating that the King is sick. I would advise any genuine aspirant from any part of the state not to commit suicide by drinking from the vinegar cup of power shift if he desires to be Governor. Uduaghan who hails from Delta South also has his roots in Delta Central; these he used to his advantage. The cultural

His professionalism must have convinced the authorities that Nigerians have what it takes to own and run banks and made it possible for the new generation banks to come on stream

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because I know his own life story. In the 1970s Otunba Balogun wanted and deserved to head a Federal Government owned bank that he played a pivotal role in setting up but he was passed over. It looked like a significant career setback but it was the turning point. Professor Pat Utomi captured a part of the beginning of Otunba Balogun’s turning point and epochal triumphs in these words he penned in 2004 – “Enterprise champions come in various shapes, sizes and value frames. Almost always they are people of tenacity in addition to being visionaries. I met one of them in 1978. He was sitting behind a clean desk in a fairly small office in Mandilas Building.

It was clear to me that his greatest asset was his belief in himself. Those not so surefooted confuse such passion of conviction as arrogance; those who know realise it is the ingredient of making things happen.

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he man who had the ‘audacity’ to want a banking license at the time institutional sensitivity to the banking failures of the 1950s made such almost the exclusive preserve of multinational banks had already affected stockbroking in a fundamental manner through City Securities Limited. He would begin to introduce structural changes in the banking industry with the advent of what was then First City Merchant Bank. But it all came through sweat, pain, strategic passion and

affinity, trade and commerce, inter-ethnic marriages and treaties between the Urhobo, Isoko, Ijaw, Itsekiri and Ndokwa are age-long that cannot be divorced. Their history cannot be complete without a reference to Ndokwa nation. The Urhobo of Orogun speak dual languages of Urhobo and Ndokwa, and also many Isoko communities speak Ndokwa in addition to their mother dialect.

It is this eternal affiliation that makes them see Warri as their eternal capital, a home with a soul of indivisibility.

Governor Uduaghan cannot divorce himself from his origin, he was brought up among them and understands their sentiments.

When his tenure ends he will come back to them. Therefore, the agelong understanding of Delta South in electing their senator should not be associated with the barren agitation of power shift. What we need is a bridge builder, a leadership that will steer us from the current agitation of Anioma state to the realisation that we must live in one state where though tribe, tongue and culture differ in brotherhood we stand. We need a leader from Delta North whose heart is in Delta South, home in Delta Central and by blood Delta North. A leader whose zeal of building bridges across the state discards sectionalism, a leader who will use the office to advance the state and its people. I have met some Deltans who are uncomfortable with the ethnic politics of Ohanaeze in parts of Delta North, especially when Amb. Ralph Uwechue became the President-General of Ohanaeze. *Mr. Abugo, a public affairs commentator, wrote from Uzere, Delta State.

sheer commitment to hard work.”

Otunba Balogun overcame overwhelming odds to become the first Nigerian to be issued a banking license without any foreign technical partner, birthing First City Merchant Bank Limited, known today as First City Monument Bank Plc. Had Otunba Balogun made a bad job of the banking license he received, it is safe to say that institutional resistance to granting other Nigerians banking licenses would have hardened, perhaps cast in reinforced concrete. His professionalism and success must have convinced the authorities that indeed Nigerians have what it takes to own and run banks and made it possible for what we call the new generation banks to come on stream. Otunba Balogun fulfilled his destiny and in the process set the stage for the likes of Atedo Peterside, Fola Adeola, Jim Ovia, Tony Elumelu and others to fulfill theirs, undeniably showing how destinies are connected.

Otunba Balogun trained as a lawyer but veered into banking and became a consummate banker. He created his own comparative advantage and wedded it to a wholesome pursuit of excellence as a way of professional and personal life in which nothing escapes his touch and stamp of excellence. Benjamin D'Israeli once said that the secret of success is for a man to be ready for his time when it comes. Otunba Balogun made himself ready for his time and when it came, he became a trail blazer, his accomplishments celebrated in his lifetime with an assurance that they will be celebrated through the ages.

His heart is still filled with love for humanity which is why he asked all his friends, relations and admirers who want to give him birthday presents to instead write cheques in favour of The Otunba Tunwase National Paediatric Center which he built for the upliftment of the healthcare, welfare and survival of children and nursing mothers which he recently transferred as a total gift to the College of Medicine, University of Ibadan. *Mr. Nwosu,, a public affairs analyst, wrote from Asaba, Delta State.

20 — Vanguard, TUESDAY, APRIL 1, 2014

Lagos: Return of night markets, roadside traders tions that the State government has been AGOS has long been known as able to put up many the undisputed commercial modern structures capital of Nigeria. The scale of hosting ultra-modern commercialactivitiesissuchthatyou shops, but these are findallmannerofoutletsforbusiness mostly acquired by the transactions at every nook and rich, politicians and cranny of the heavily populated highly placed public metropolis. This is in spite of efforts servants who even by the Lagos State government to before completion of regulate and curb the excesses of the projects have those engaged in one form of busi- allocated them to their ness or the other. Government has relatives and cronies. in particular been involved in a run- They hijack the ning battle with street traders, es- allocations at minimal *Night market...Roadside traders attending to their customers pecially those who operate in the rates only to inflate night and who often clog up the same before subletting roadsides, thus creating or worsen- the shops, thus dered its intention meaningless ing traffic congestion which is a big defeating government’s purpose for opportunity to own a shop. ‘’Why since the hope of the common man date,’’ he said. must we suffer in the midst of Some of these traders said night problem in the state. It had tried to building these shops in the first plenty? The rich ones have used has been dashed.’’When the Oshodi trading, though risky, is less rigortackle the menace by building more place. shopping complex was advertised, Some shops that belong to this their connections to acquire these three of us pooled a total of N150,000 ous compared with day time busimarkets and lock-up shops, believing that many roadside traders will expensive category out of the shops and there is nothing anybody to rent a shop but we were asked to ness. ‘’We are free from embarrassment of law enforcement agents, seize the opportunity to operate in reach of most traders include can do,’’ she lamented.

Olabisi Idris, yet another trader, pay a non-refundable fee of landlords or building contractors, Tejuoso market, Wahab Folawiyo designated commercial areas.

N100,000 after which a sum of N2 It will however appear that the Shoppingmart,Suru/Alaba,Falomo said government has good inten- million should be paid into the bank thoughwepayatokentoareaboys,’’ success recorded from this was Shopping complex and the tion but lacks monitoring and dis- and none of us could afford it till chorused Abibat Sekoni and Chukwus Ewenrindo. short-lived as evidence suggests Adeniran Ogunsanya Shopping tributive planning which has renthat roadside trading, together with complex. These shops are beits night-time variant, is presently lieved to have been acquired by back in full force in Lagos. And from the privileged rich and sublet to the the point of view of the traders, the rich traders who can afford the exreasons for this are not far to seek. orbitant rents.

VM’s findings revealed that some For instance, most of the traders lament bitterly about the hike in of the ultra modern shops attract a of Egbin Power Plc, led by its Chief Executive OfUNDREDS of Egbin residents in Ikorodu area ficer, Mike Uzoikwe, an engineer, said the distriprices of government owned shops minimum of N5 million, dependof Lagos State, recently shutdown the popular bution company was initially serving few commuwhich have gone beyond the reach ing on the size, while bidders are Egbin power plant, protesting what they described nities until lately when it was asked to serve adof the average commercial operator. asked to pay the sum in the bank. as marginalisation on the part of the company.

Some traders who bared their They cite this as reason why many ditional 50 communities without provision to that Lamenting irregular power supply in the area, effect. He however promised to channel residents’ the residents demanded for return of their re- plight and grievances to appropriate authorities.

Before the demolition of Tejuoso Market, the cently acquired and fenced 7.345 hectares (18.148 In a chat with VM, one of the leaders of the proprice of the shops was affordable to many of us; Acres) of land which has remained unused by test, Shina Ishola, said the acquired land lies on the thermal station. the right hand side of the road that leads into the but with the latest development, it has gone Also, the residents accused the management Thermal Station. He added that about 553 hectares beyond the reach of the common trader of the power plant for failure to exhibit corporate have neither been unused nor returned to the comsocial responsibility in the community since 1981. munity. ‘’We want the land to be returned for of them have pitched their tents at minds on the development said As early as 7am, the residents converged in development and expansion, bearing in mind the bus-stops, under the bridges and these shops were contracted to front of the power station with various placards, fact that Egbin town only occupies 22 hectares. Of road sides, most especially at nights concessionaires who in turn imsinging solidarity songs, thereby preventing the the 623.183 hectares of land acquired by the Federal when law enforcement agents must posed high acquisition costs on workers from gaining access to their offices.

Government in 1981, only about 40 hectares are have closed for the day. them not minding the status of the The aggrieved residents told Vanguard Metro currently in use for Egbin Thermal Station and In most cases, trading activities traders. ‘’Before the demolition of that their plight was worsened by their rivers be- the transmission site.We hope to use the returned commencearound7pmandextend Tejuoso Market, the price of the ing polluted by the chemicals from the power land for such development purposes like till midnight depending on the shops was affordable to many of us; plant, thereby robbing them of their means of live- construction of public primary and secondary locations and the goods involved. but with the latest development, it lihood as fishermen. According to them, various schools (approval already given by Lagos State At Iyana-Ipaja, Cele-Expressway, has gone beyond the reach of the steps were taken in the past to register their plight SUBEB Health Centre), youth skill acquisition both at state and federal levels which yielded no centre, a befitting market, palace, town hall and Ikotun, and Agbado-Ijaye, to common trader,’’ said Mrs Chinwe postive result. A resident Razaq Oduniyi, said cemetery,’’ he said mention just a few, commuters and Ofala. the develpment also caused water scarcity in the motorists now experience a tough Another trader, Mr. Okafor Paul, The thermal stations, he added, also distribute community, forcing residents to trek long distances power to other communities at the expense of the time at night as traders have taken who hawks confectioneries, said he in search of potable water. over the roads. host community. ‘’Egbin power plant is connected collects his wares on credit and pay Reacting to the development, the management to other towns like Agura, Gberigbe, Oke Eletu, Abule When business is in full bloom, back after sales. ‘’When will I make Eko and Ijede to the newly installed sub-station at traders will be seen and heard such a huge amount of money to Oke Eletu for uninterrupted power supply. A situashouting at the top of their voices get a shop. Do they expect me to tion where the community has been experiencing or ringing bells to attract attention go into robbery to raise the money?’’ power failure for a prolonged period of time is no to their wares. On Vanguard he queried. Another petty trader at longer tolerable,’’ he stated.

Metro’s separate visits to the Orile-Agege, a widow, Madam According to Sina, the company had failed to offer markets, some traders lamented the Gloria Adiyele, said she has been employment to indigenes of the town. ‘’Presently, fact that shops built and owned by managing her trading business the number of indigenes in the employment of the government are no longer using a small table in front of her plant is less than one per cent which grossly falls affordable to many of them, apartment. She also lamented govshort of the provisions of the Indigenisation laws,” especially the low capital operators. ernment’s insensitivity, saying he complained. *The Egbin Power Plant VM can confirm after investiga- many traders are being denied the STORIES BY BOSE ADELAJA

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Egbin residents rise against power plant, protest marginalisation

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Vanguard, TUESDAY, APRIL 1, 2014 — 21

Shortage of infrastructure forestalls development in Africa

By PETER EGWUATU

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NE of the top developmental challenges in Africa continues to be the shortage of infrastructure as public sources alone cannot meet the funding needs , Elizabeth Uwaifo, Partner, Fasken Martineau LLP and Director, Africa Agribusiness Knowledge Centers Inc. has said.

He noted that African countries are seeking strategies to increase private sector investment in infrastructure.

While presenting a paper titled “Taking African Infrastructure to the Future”, he said that inadequate physical infrastructure covering transportation, power and communication is inhibiting growth and productivity while inadequate social infrastructure including water supply, sanitation, sewage disposal, education and health are adversely affecting the quality of life. “Energy, water, transport, information technology services and other infrastructure require extensive renewal or installation in order to support the projected growth over the coming years” he added.

In a report issued in 2010, the World Bank found that the poor state of infrastructure in subSaharan Africa, reduced national economic growth by two percentage points every year and cut business

productivity by as much as 40%.

The growth in infrastructure needs to be transformational in order to have an impact. African development institutions and African governments have recognised that adequate infrastructure is critical to achieving the growth levels expected and required.

According to the World Bank Africa Infrastructure Country Diagnostic (2009), the infrastructure need of subSaharan Africa exceeds US $93 billion annually over the next

10 years. It is reported by the African Development Bank that less than half of this amount is being provided which leaves a financing gap of more than US $50 billion per annum to fill.

Uwaifo further stated that Public-Private Partnership (“PPP”) arrangements have emerged as one of the major avenues for channelling the participation of private capital and expertise in delivering infrastructure projects in recent years.

On the way farward, Uwaifo

said “It is critical that African governments double efforts to provide a policy and regulatory environment that promotes investor confidence and facilitates the growth of the debt capital markets and alternative investment markets. In addition, international financial institutions should be engaged to facilitate private sector participation and investors and other transaction participants should consider employing structured solutions to enhance investment opportunities.”

FROM LEFT : Tony Agenmonmen, Senior Strategy Manager; Uaboi Agbebaku, Company Secretary; Victor Famuyibo, Human Resources Director and Hubert Eze, Sales Director; all of Nigerian Breweries Plc., at the launch of Legend Extra Stout’s Stanoil and metalized labels; at the Eko Atlantic (Bar beach), Lagos

GSM operators: NEC NECA A accuses NCC of feeding fat on consumer s’ miser consumers’ miseryy

BY VICTOR AHIUMA-YOUNG

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IGERIA Employers’ C o n s u l t a t i v e Association, NECA, has accused the Nigerian Communications Commission, NCC, of feeding fat on the poor service delivering by GSM operators, saying money paid by operators as sanction by NCC should be used for improvement of infrastructure if it cannot be refunded to consumers.

The umbrella body for employers in the country speaking through its DirectorGeneral, Mr.Segun Oshinowo, decried the manner in which some government regulatory agencies especially NCC and

Dangote slashes cement price, sells at factory rate

Consumer Protection Council, CPC, sanction private sector employers and spending money realize from the sanction without accountability is not good for the industry.

NECA warned that the activities of some of these regulatory agencies were stalling wealth creation and hurting the economy.

Oshinowo, who also spoke on some critical socio-economic issues, faulted the ways some the regulatory agencies sanctioned and pressurise employers, without spending the money realized from the sanction to improve the infrastructure or reimbursing consumers who suffered the poor services delivered.

Three major

telecommunications firms in the country, MTN Nigeria, Globacom and Airtel were recently sanctioned by NCC for the violation of key performance indicators (KPIs) and poor quality of service for the month of January 2014.

The affected GSM operators are expected to pay N647.5 million for the breach.

According to Oshinowo “The truth is that private sector is key to the development agenda of this country. If we don’t get it right, we will simply not see the benefits of development. For any country to make development three factors are key. These are leadership, institution and policies. For us, appropriate institutions must be on ground. Regulatory

agencies are part of institutions set up to achieve certain objectives and they are backed by an act of parliament. However, not all these agencies are working in a way that will support the development of this country.

Some have turned into money collection/ money making ventures. We believe in celebrating those who are doing well and give reasons why some are not doing well. We are not averse to regulatory agencies but want to make sure standards are maintained.

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S it continues the introduction of its newly launched 3x cement of 42.5 grade to various stakeholders, customers of Dangote Cement Plc, especially those from the South East would from this week purchase the commodity at a hugely discounted rate in the spirit of the 25th Enugu International Trade Fair.

The company, still savouring the successful launch of the new product said it was rewarding its loyal customers and has therefore decided to slash the price of cement at the on-going Enugu Trade Fair.

According to a promo being run on radio and television, visitors to the fair would have the opportunity to buy the commodity at N1, 660. 00 per bag. It would be recalled that Dangote Cement had last week in Lagos introduced the new 42.5 cement grade which it code named 3x and the new bag to the journalists.

The company also hinted that it had also embarked on the production of another higher cement grade of 52.5, pointing out that all it was doing is to offer its customers variety of choices among quality cement as obtained in other countries.

The promo which kicks off on March 31 will run till April 6.

According to South East Regional Sales Director, Dangote Cement, Tunde Mabogunje, Dangote cement customers will have the opportunity of buying the discounted product at the priced of N1,660 at the company’s pavilion within the Enugu Trade Fair Complex.

179.95

+3.60

2,977.00

+22.00

17.97

+0.10

107.20

+0.75

107.97

+0.14

CURRENCY BUYING DOLLAR 154.74 STERLING 257.2707 EURO 212.5354 FRANC 174.3746 YEN 1.5114 CFA 0.3056 WAUA 238.3273 RENMINBI 24.9061 RIYAL 41.2585 KRONA 28.4611 SDR 239.0888

CENTRAL

SELLING

155.24 155.74 258.102 258.9333 213.2221 213.9089 174.938 175.5015 1.5163 1.5212 0.3156 0.3256 239.0974 239.8675 24.9871 25.068 41.3918 41.5251 28.553 28..645 239.8613 240.6339

CBN Exchange rate as at 31/03/2014

22— — Vanguard, TUESDAY, APRIL 1, 2014

Go for the best of stockbrokers

By BABAJIDE KOMOLAFE

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TOCKBROKING firms are critical players in the capital market. As an investor, you can’t do without them. This is because they are the only firms or individuals licensed to trade in shares on the stock exchange. Hence anybody that wants to trade in shares through the stock exchange must engage their services.

In addition to this, you need stockbroking firms to dematerialise your shares and open a share account for you with the Central Securities and Clearing System (CSCS). The efficiency or inefficiency, honesty or dishonesty of your stockbroker has a lot of impact on investment in shares.

Some stock brokers are not only inefficient, they are also fraudulent. Rather than give you advice that will enhance your choice of and returns on your investment, they seek to exploit you to maximise their

own profit. There are examples of stockbrokers who sold shares without the consent of the owner. There are also examples of stockbrokers who will buy a stock at N10 per share but claim to have bought it at N15, or sell at N10 and claim to have

sold at N7.

But there are also stockbrokers who are efficient and honest. They play by the rules and provide sound advice to investors. They don’t overstate the price at which they bought shares for the in-

vestor or understate the price at which they sell shares for him. Submit your certificates to them for dematerialisation, they pursue it with vigour, with regular text notification of progress report. The inefficient ones will not do that. They will not submit the certificate to the registrar on time and they will not follow up until the investor starts asking question.

The inefficient and fraudulent brokers have inflicted pains and losses on many investors and they are still doing so. Many investors have lost millions of naira to such brokers and many will still lose money to them. The recent directive by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) that stockbrokers should increase the money they use for business (capital base) however inspires hope that these brokers would soon be eliminated from the market.

But before then, investors must know how to avoid them.

The first step is to realise how important the choice of a stock-

Top 10 performing stocks T

he top 10 performing stocks last week were Learn Africa Plc, University Press Plc, Ashaka Cement Plc, Guinness Nigeria Plc, Costain (West Africa) Plc and International Energy Insurance Plc. Others were Cutix Plc, Total Nigeria Plc, Sterling Bank Plc and UPDC Real Estate Investment Trust.

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earn Africa gained 19.87 percent or N0.31 to lead the top gainers chart.

It opened the week at N1.57 and closed at N1.87 per share. Two years ago, the two majority shareholders - Pearson Education Limited and Longman Group (Overseas Holdings) Limited -divested their combined 51 percent holdings in Learn Africa Plc. (formally Longman Nigeria Plc by way of gift to the minority shareholders. According to the deal, which was executed on a pro-rata basis, the donees were not required to take any action to be entitled to receive the shares. However, only shareholders of the company other than the Donors as of the close of business on March 8, 2012 benefited from the gift.

The divestment was undertaken to enable the majority shareholders to pursue their strategic focus of operating a broad education business model rather

than a narrow business model focused exclusively on textbooks, which is what Learn Africa is presently doing. There are indications that the company will end the year on a negative note as the nine months unaudited financial statement recently released is a continuation of it's loss position in 2012. All basic measurement parameters closed in red. Revenue fell by 42.89 percent to N1.044 billion from N1.803 billion in December, 2012. Though the cost of sales improved slightly, the company ended the year with a pretax loss of N132.397 million from profit position of N8.008 million in 2012, representing 1,753 percent decrease. Similarly, it recorded after-tax loss of N132.397 million as against after-tax profit of N5.446 million in 2012, representing a huge 2,531.28 percent decline. Furthermore, the company's Total non-current assets, total current assets, including total current liabilities and total non-current liabilities all closed in deficit.

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nother printing/publishing company, University Press, came second on the top gainers chart with 19.76 percent or N0.66 price appreciation to close at N4.00 from N3.34 per share. Of the four printing press companies listed on the NSE, University Press is still the most highly priced, while Studio Press Plc trails behind. Unlike

Learn Africa, UPL has a more stable financial background. However, cost of sales, administrative expenses and distribution expenses are impacting negatively on it's results.

Available financial statement of the company for the third quarter ended December 31, 2013, showed 14.06 percent increase in turnover to N2.109 billion as against N1.849 billion in comparable period of 2012.

Gross profit grew to N1.042 billion from N858.186 million in 2012, while pre-tax profit and after-tax profit rose to N409.228 million and N285.559 million from N387.775 million and N270.581 million respectively. The basic earnings per share also rose to 66.19 kobo from 62.7kobo in 2012, representing 5.57 percent increase.

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shaka Cement appreciated by 18.79 percent or N2.63 to close at N16.63 from N14.00 per share. Despite the controversy over the cause of building collapse in Nigeria, with

broker is to your fortunes or misfortunes as an investor.

While investment in shares is fraught with a lot of risk, the choice of stockbroker can reduce or increase the risk. That is why you must approach that choice with all sense of caution and responsibility.

In this regard, the Managing Director/Chief Executive of Central Securities Clearing System (CSCS), Mr Bukar Kyari, has some advice for investors. Addressing the March Bi-Monthly Forum of Finance Correspondents Association Nigeria (FICAN) last week, he said that when it comes to choosing a stock broker, investors should go for the best in the market. He believes that investors should choose among the top stockbrokers in the market. These, he said, are well established, with structures and standards for every transaction with investors. In addition to these, the top stockbroking firms, have a name to protect, and hence would not want to tarnish that name by engaging in fraudulent practices. In other words, the top stockbrokers offer efficiency and security to investors. (To be continued next week)

By NKIRUKA NNOROM the blame laid cement manufacturers, who produce 32.5 cement grades, which is reportedly used for construction of culverts only, the company solidly has thrown its weight behind the production of the cement grade. It argued against the planned ban of the cement grade by the federal government, the company said it should rather be produced along side 42.5 grade. The company also plans N100 billion fresh investments to expand its operations. The amount, according to the company, would help to increase it's plant production capacity to 2.5 million metric tones.

It posted N21.695 billion in revenue for the period ended March, 2013, while it's after-tax profit stood at N2.824 billion as against N3.125 billion in the same period of 2012. uinness Nigeria Plc went up by 18.55 percent or N30.40, closing at N194.25 from N163.85 per share. Guinness has been occasionally touted for violating advertising laws.

Costain advanced by 16.54 percent or N0.21, closing at N1.48 from N1.27; International Energy Insurance went up by 14.29 percent or N0.08, closing at N0.64 from N0.56; Cutix added 13.74 percent or N0.25, closig at N2.07 from N1.82; Total Nigeria advanced by 13.04 percent or N19.95, closing at N172.95 from N153.00 per share; Sterling Bank followed with 12.61 percent or N0.28 price appreciation, closing at 2.50 from N2.22, UPDC Real Estate Investment Trust rose by 10.20 percent or N1.02 to close at N11.02 from N10.00 per share.

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Vanguard, TUESDAY, APRIL 1, 2014 — 23

Investors speak:

MARKET NEWS

Minority shareholders ignored in FBN Dividend time for Life’s acquisition of Oasis Insurance shareholders!

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By WILLIAM JIMOH

Sheu Sheik Mikhail The acquisition of Oasis Insurance by FBN life Assurance is one of the issues generating concerns among investors in the insurance industry.

We as shareholders of the acquired company don’t know the kind of agreement made by the Board of Directors of Oasis with those of FBN Life Assurance before the deal was executed.

We are not ignorant of the fact that some of the directors own a larger portion of the shareholdings which is above 70 percent, while the remaining percentage is owned by the minority. And just as we understand the implications of this ratio, we feel that as minority holders, at least, we ought to know what is happening. All along, there was never a time we got any information as to whether or not the process has been completed.

And aside the updates from the company, which is quoted on the floor of the Exchange, we have not received any information from any of the official platforms in the market.

Checking through the website of the company, there is no provision for investors’ relation matter, a platform for obtaining information without necessarily waiting to hear from the managers of the company in a general meeting.

These are the kind of challenges that that shareholders experience that undermine investors’ confidence. Specifically most companies dont have policies that guaranty the interest of minority shareholders.

What we are specifically agitating for is that if such a conclusion to acquire Oasis has been reached, we ought to be informed within the shortest possible period which could be done by convening an Extraordinary General Meeting of Oasis . This will enable us to know who the new directors and stakeholders are and they will also brief us on what the acquisition will mean for both companies.

We know that they must have completed the acquisition, because if they have not completed the process, FBN Life would not have been making all the publications they have been making here and

•Sheu Sheik Mikhail there. And since they are doing that, it is good for the company to let the shareholders know what is happening.

Pastor William Adebayo

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hat Oasis assurance is to be tak en over by FBN Life Assurance is a welcome development to shareholders who understands the working of the capital market.

Also, that some shareholders want information on the process is also not a bad move. But I tell you, they would not give them much at present, because it is usually later that they will do such by organising an EGM to inform the shareholders.

Still I believe that whichever way it is being done, the main thing is that it is going to be to the advantage of the insurance company that is been acquired.

Oasis is a company owned by late Chief Samuel Adegbite who while

•Pastor William Adebayo alive had a very strong relationship with First Bank. And if you look at Oasis Insurance, capital is needed for it to be able to do business profitably. And that is what is happening in the insurance sector presently.

For the company, immediately after the death of Chief Adegbite, it became very imperative to inject additional capital in order to survive as a going concern. And based on the relationship that existed between Adegbite and the bank, First Bank knew it was important for them to take over the ownership of that insurance company.

Incidentally, I am a shareholder of Oasis Insurance and know that most of their investments are strongly rooted in Ibadan Oyo State which was the base of Chief Adegbite.

I want to believe that even while Adegbite was alive, there must have been a strong financial support from First Bank.

t is dividend time for shareholders. Divi dend is the portion of profits that companies distribute to their shareholders (owners).

Last week some companies quoted on the stock exchange announced dividend payment for shareholders. It is however important to note one or two issues concerning dividend payment. first, dividends are paid per share, so the number of shares you own determines the portion of dividend that comes to you. Secondly, before a company quoted on the stock exchange pays dividend, it will have to close its register of shareholders for a specific period, know as closure period (i.e. from March 1st to March 6th). What this means is that it is only those who bought the shares of the company before this period will be qualified for dividend for that particular year. If you buy the shares during or after the closure period, your shareholding will not be recognised for dividend payment that year.

The following are the quoted companies that declared dividend for shareholders last week.

Diamond Bank Plc proposed 30 kobo per share. The closure period is from 17th to 18th of April, 2014, while payment will be made on 28th April, 2014. Unilever Nigeria Plc proposed N1.25 per share closure period is from 14th to 22nd April, 2014. Dividend payment will be made on16th May, 2014 after the annual general meeting.

Also, FCMB Group Plc proposed 30 kobo per share. Register of members will be closed from 19th to 23rd May 2014, while payment will be made on 9th June, 2014. Sterling Bank Plc proposed 25 kobo per share. Register of members will be closed from 14th to18th April, 2014, while the dividend will be paid on 30th April, 2014.

Nigeria Aviation Handling Company Plc proposed 30 kobo per share, with closure date from 19th to 23rd May, 2014, whle payment date is 27th June, 2014. Trans-Nationwide Express Plc proposed 10 kobo per share and register of members will be closed from July 14th to 18th, 2014. Dividend will be paid on August 7th, 2014.

Other companies are: United Bank for Africa Plc- 50 kobo per share; Paints and Coatings Manufacturers Nigeria Plc- 8 kobo per share; and Cement Company of Northern Nigeria Plc-70 kobo per share; Dangote Cement PlcN7.00 per share; Julius Berger Nigeria PlcN2.70 per share; Courteville Business Solutions Plc- 2 kobo per share; UACN Property Development Company Plc- 70 kobo per share; Total Nigeria Plc-N9.00 per share; UACNN1.75 per share; Cadbury Nigeria Plc- N1.30 per share; And Airline Services & Logistics Plc-12 kobo.

Oando extends completion date for Conocophillips’ acquisition

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ando Energy Resources, OER, has an nounced the extension of the date for the acquisition of Nigerian upstream oil and gas business of Conocophilips from March 31, 2014 to April 30, 2014.

The development is the product of execution of amended agreement, between Oando Energy Resources and ConocoPhillips in a bid to enable the companies to satisfy all closing conditions including the anticipated consent of the Honourable Minister of Petroleum Resources in Nigeria.

COMPLAINTS AND INVESTIGATION President, Oodua Chamber of Commerce, Iyalode Alaba Lawson (right), representative of Director General, Energy Commission of Nigeria, Joseph Dioha (middle), and Seriki of Egba, Chief Oluwatosin Fadare, during the opening ceremony of the Chamber’s leadership workshop on alternative sources of energy in Lagos.

Do you have any challenge with your investment in the stock market or with (any company stockbrokers, registrar company etc) write to vanguardinvestorsforum@gmail.com OR 07043855187. We will INVESTIGATE AND REPLY.

24 —

Vanguard, TUESDAY, APRIL 1, 2014

Curtail CBN’s money supply policy, OPS tells FG

BY NAOMI UZOR

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HE Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA) has called on the Federal Government to curtail the Central Bank of Nigeria’s (CBN) compulsive expansion of money supply.

NACCIMA, in a statement made available to Vanguard, also called for the speedy implementation of the National Enterprise Development Programme (NEDEP) and the Nigerian Industrial Revolution Plan (NIRP), stating that both programmes will help reduce the mortality rates of small and medium sized businesses in the country.

However, Dr Simon Okolo, former NACCIMA President warned that the NIRP might fail like other such previous government ambitious plans unless government urgently adopts a fiscal and monetary management strategies that will drive down inflation below two per cent and also bring down cost of funds to single digit regime.

He called on governments at all level to create the needed enabling economic environ-

ments, that have eluded the nation for so long, as this will help manufacturers to thrive and create the much needed jobs for the teeming unemployed graduates.

Okolo described the NIRP and NEDEP launched by the President as laudable pro-

grammes, adding that, if well implemented and backed by cheap funds that only the CBN can guarantee, it can relinquish its current stranglehold on Nigeria’s distributable dollar earnings.

He said, “Government’s current strategy of selective bail-

Fenog emerges best indigenous oil company

outs and indeed Bank of Industry (BoI) loans are far off the mark as regards low cost funds, as BoI nine per cent interest rate have been compounded by an array of charges which have effectively pushed cost of funds well above 20 per cent.

From left: Mr. Benjamin Ighomeregho, Head, HSE Department, Sterling Bank Plc; Mr. Segun Anako, Chief Information Officer, Sterling Bank Plc and Mr. Okwy Okeke, Managing Director, Continental Alarm Limited, at the seminar, tagged “Curbing Losses Due to Fire and Allied Claims,” organised by Continental Alarm, in Lagos.

Good legislation on IPR will boost domestic market — Expert

BY EMMANUEL ELEBEKE

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N Adjunct Professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Babcock University and Founder of First Atlantic Semiconductors and Microelectronics Limited,

Prof. Ndubisi Ekekwe, says inclusion of good legislation on intellectual property Rights in Nigerian will boost development of domestic market and exports of Nigeria’s raw materials resources.

Prof. Ekekwe stated this dur-

ing an anniversary lecture organised by Raw Material Research and Development Council, RMRDC in Abuja.

The don who also advocated the establishment of Raw Materials Commodity Markets for the development of domestic

Operator highlights importance of online marketing

BY NKIRUKA NNOROM

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NLINE marketing has been identified as a no brainer and classic example for start- ups to scale through and move higher in today’s business environment. Director, Enterprise Development Centre, small business arm of Pan Atlantic University, Engr. Peter Bankole, who made the observation as a guest on Fidelity SME Forum, a weekly radio programmed by Fidelity Bank Plc, noted that there are now a number of online malls such that rather than physically walk into a mall, you virtually walk into that mall.

“And that is changing a lot of things,” he said, adding, “Our people in the logistic business are doing massive operational work. So, a small person that may not be able to afford a rent or an outlet in Victoria Island

suddenly has an outlet online that is accessible to everybody in the entire world. People are beginning to benefit from that and because of mobile technology and all the associated technology, they receive payments on time, they are able to get the good delivered and this was how Jumia, Konga and co have been able to develop in such a very short time.”

Bankole, further stated that any business must make sure that whatever product or service they are providing is of quality and can match anything. “Once you have that, then you need to integrate into different networks.

Again, make sure that you are also able to connect to some distributive systems which could be the likes of Shoprite,” he added.

Sharing his experience in the field at the recent Market Access

launched in Enugu, he explained that Market Access Nigeria is a platform the centre offers small and medium scale enterprises, otherwise called triple helix platform.

He said, “What that means is that you have on one hand government, on the other hand you have the private sector and on the third hand you have the academia. We represented the academia, then starting with us at the conception of the programme is Etisalat and then we have the government of course. The whole purpose is to bring big organisations to be in contact with small and medium organisations. That way, it’s just not about networking, but seeing how they can key into their value chain.

For us, that is very important. So, it’s a neutral platform that everybody feels a bit safe and you can talk about your value chain as the big organisations."

market and exports of Nigeria’s raw materials resources, warned that that the continued delay in the enactment of IPR protection laws in the country would be inimical to innovation and invention of new technologies in the country.

BY KUNLE KALEJAYE

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IGERIAN Oil and Gas, NOG, organizing committee has named Fenog, a wholly owned Nigeria company as the ‘Indigenous Company of the year in the oil and gas sector, in view of its “innovation and excellence”.

NOG also said Fenog was honoured because of the giant strides it has recorded in the industry. As a pioneer use of CHDD rigs, Fenog had joined forces with the government and other stakeholders in the task of eliminating sharp practices associated with crude oil, especially illegal oil bunkering and pipeline vandalism.

To sustain its innovative local content strides and place it ahead of other operators, it was also gathered that Fenog had seven HDD rigs in the categories of PD 150, 250, 350 and 500 HDD rigs as well as an Offshore and Deep Water Barge (Akpevweoghene), with the capacity to lay pipes from 2" to 60" offshore/deepwater.

The latest of the HDD technology acquired by the company is PD 350 HHD rig designed to Fenog’s management specifications by the German manufacturers. In addition to its installed drilling capacity, PD 350 HDD rig, the company has other inherent values over PD500 HDD rig The Executive Director of the company, Mr. Mathew Tonlagha, said he dedicated the award first to God, and then President Goodluck Jonathan and the Minister of Petroleum, Mrs. Mrs. Deziani Alison-Madueke.

50th Anniversary: Dettol rewards retail distributors

BY WILLIAM JIMOH

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S part of activities marking the 50th anniversary of Det tol Anti-bacterial Bar Soap in Nigeria, the company, yesterday was at the Oke Arin market in Lagos to identify with its retail distributors for their loyalty and patronage over the last 50 years.

According to Mr. Tolu Olaoye, Dettol Brand Manager, the exercise was designed to also encourage the retailers for their contribution to the development of the brand in the country.

Olaoye stated that, over the years, the company has been working hand in hand with Nigerians in protecting lives an effort they will continue to promote.

“So far so good, we have come to stay in Nigeria and this programme is to say we are grateful to Nigerian, our trade partners and everybody that has contributed to building this brand to what it is today.

“We acknowledge the fact that this is a very big market and basically what we have been doing in relation to our consumer is creating values for our them, this we do by going into the markets, speak to them about our products then we listen to them and with the information we get from, we go back and come up with either new products or development of the existing ones.

“In the nest five to ten years, we will continue doing what we are doing now; creating value for our consumers which we believe will definitely make us bigger than what we are today.”

Vanguard, TUESDAY, APRIL 1, 2014—25

NAFDAC, ideal nutrition and human sustenance

By MARTINS IKHILAE

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BY ROSS ALABO-GEORGE

State be poor? According to the NBS, the state DEBATE at the on-go has a poverty level of ing National Conference 74.2, only behind Sokoon whether the conference to and Katsina states. should call for memorandum The Lamido of Adamafrom the public or not, ignited wa had a point. If the the lips of the Lamido of Ad- West had not diced Afamawa, Alhaji Muhammadu rica, the extent of his Barkindo Mustapha, and left Kingdom would have Lamido of Adamawa, Alhaji Muhammadu many delegates perplexed as been beyond the bor- Barkindo Mustapha, the traditional ruler threatened ders of the Nigeria. He was secession and suggested a right; he has brothers across possible annexation with Cam- the border, in Cameroon. In eroon if Nigeria disintegrated. the not impossible event of the Delegates were not bemused disintegration of Nigeria, the because Alhaji Mustapha dab- Lamido is banking on an anbled in some way into the ‘no- nexation with Cameroon. But go area’ of the National Con- this kind of firework talk is exference, their disbelief had to pected, and its exactly what do with the fact that the Lami- the National Conference is do’s outburst was completely about. The issues are finally unnecessary and unwarrant- getting out, the lid has been ed. blown open.

Alhaji Barkindo Mustapha’s If the Lamido’s threat hapconcern seemed more about pens, the current Adamawa his own safety than of the pov- State will join the North Reerty that has ravished his gion of Cameroon. About Kingdom. By my bespoke eco- 120km away from the capital Map of Adamawa State nomic computation, Adamawa Yola, just over an hour by road, first half of the 19th century.

State is the poorest state in the is the bustling capital of the Garoua has since developed federation. By all standards, North Region of Cameroon, a as a river port; river steamers Adamawa State, as it is today, port city called Garoua, which and barges bring petroleum is not economically viable and lies on the River Benue, just and cement to Garoua and carin fact unsustainable. Not that like Yola. ry hides, skins, cotton, and the state doesn’t have the poIt is the centre of trade of the peanuts (groundnuts) 1,200 miles (1,900 km) down the Benue to Burutu, Nigeria, during the brief shipping peIf the Lamido’s threat happens, the riod (August–September). current Adamawa State will join the Shocking as you may find it, while the leaders of North North Region of Cameroon Cameroon Region have transformed Garoua to an economtentials for growth with its vast surrounding agricultural re- ic hub despite the steep ecoagricultural advantage, rath- gion and also houses several nomic challenges Cameroon er it has been under the grip textile processing facilities. still faces, the leaders of AdThe city has about a quarter amawa State in Nigeria have of selfish leaders.

In size,14,254 sq miles, it is of a million inhabitants , mak- done little to improve the lives much larger than Rivers and ing it the third most populous of their own.

Bayelsa states combined, with city in Cameroon after the seaa population that doubles that port city of Douala and the Tussle for position and power of Bayelsa, but with an inter- capital, Yaoundé.

Garoua is an oasis of green nally generated revenue, IGR, lower than Obio Akpor Local in the heart of the bush. It, The leaders are locked in a Government Area in Rivers therefore, constitutes a tourist tussle for position and power. hub: to the north lie the Waza While Garoua boasts of textile State.

The state has great potentials National Park and the Kapsiki industries, agricultural proin natural resources. The state region, and to the south the cessing facilities, a sea port government website lists the Benue National Park, the Bou- and an international airport, following solid minerals that ba Njida National Park, and the most famous ‘economic’ are found in the state in com- the Faro Reserve. landmark in the Adamawa mercial quantity: Feldspars, State is perhaps the American Flourspar, Marble, Gypsum, International University of Nigeria founded Magnesite, Tantalite, Rock airport

by Alhaji Abubakar Atiku. For crystal, Laterites, Topas, Sanda moment, think about it - what Garoua has an international is Adamawa State known for? stones, Mercury, Glass Sand, Zircon, Spinel, Emerald, airport with direct flights to Of what value will the LamiGraphite, Beryil, Tourmaline, Paris via Cameroon Airlines. do’s Adamawa be to CameMica, Iron ore, Clay Miner- The major and dominant eth- roon’s Adamawa? als, Diatomite, Coal, Gold nic group in the town are the Adamawa State is not short Dust, Zoisite, Cassaterite, Ag- Fulbes. Fulbe is another name of great minds, it has some of ates, Amethyst Chalcopyrite, for the Fulanis, the ethnic the smartest entrepreneurs Kaolin, Limestone, Chalcede- group of most of the Adama- and scholars in this country. ny, Onyx, Barytes, Zinc, Tin, wa people.

Its problem is simply that those Like Yola and most of Adama- who the people have trusted Uranium, Quartz, Mica, Diawa State, Garoua was found- to lead them have no vision. mond, Platinum, Ruby.

With these solid minerals, ed by Modibbo Adama, the •Ross Alabo-George, twitter some of which I have never Fulani emir who established handle: Imaginasion1 heard of, should Adamawa the Adamawa emirate in the

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O discharge its oner ous biological functions, befitting human food is expected as a matter of necessity to possess certain characteristics/qualities known in the scientific parlance as nutrients and comprises vitamins, minerals, carbohydrates, protein, iodine, iron, zinc, folic acid, etc.

It is in this regard that the Dr Paul B. Orhii led National Agency For Food, Drug Administration and Control, NAFDAC, has resolved to intensify its commitment towards ensuring appropriate fortification of food for consumption by Nigerians. This is in line with its enabling legal mandate, Decree 15 of 1993 as amended, which encompasses the control and regulation of manufacturing, importation, exportation, distribution, advertisement, sale and use of food.

Conscious of the enormity of its assigned respon-

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Lamido’s outburst: Before Adamawa secedes

tagged ‘industrial salt’ which is absolutely iodine deficient, is globally acknowledged as being responsible for brain damage and reduced IQ in children. It also causes a human neck deforming disease known as ‘goitre’ and other disorders.

The evolution of a National Food Safety Committee, with a focal point on food safety as well as the initiation of a Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point plan are all part of efforts to enhance maximized fortification of food for human consumption since we are a reflection of what we consume as food.

Obviously, food products deficient of the required nutrients could lead to malnutrition which explains why NAFDAC is strenuously working to forestall such nasty nutritional occurrence through enriching food vehicles with Vitamin ‘A’ and other nutri-

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Hygiene is indeed a critical factor in efficient and effective fortification of food products

sibility in this regard, the agency swung into action by creating a novel and specialized unit tagged Food and Applied Nutrition Directorate as well as equipping it with seasoned and sophisticated food scientists/nutritionists to confront and deliver on food fortification, an engagement which is already yielding enormous progress.

Mention must be made of the elaborate campaign and intensive enforcement operations of the agency which is currently eradicating the use of potassium bromate as baking flower/ dough enhancer in Nigerian bakeries owing to its cancer disease causing ability.

Comprehensive salt iodization NAFDAC’s achievements in its dogged efforts at attaining comprehensive salt iodization, a professionalized scientific engagement targeted at ensuring the presence of iodine in table and cooking salt, i.e edible salt, and maximally discourage the sale and consumption of the previous ubiquitous and ignorantly sold and exposed industrial salt in the nation’s markets is commendable.

There is no doubt that the salt in question also

ents. Among these food vehicles being maximally equipped and enriched with the needed nutrients are, sugar, flour, vegetable oil,etc.

In view of the ongoing efforts of President Goodluck Jonathan’s administration to develop the nation’s agricultural sector as a reliable alternative to boosting foreign exchange earnings for Nigeria, the agency has further stepped up its commitment towards boosting the quality of the exportable agricultural outputs such as cashew nuts, cocoa, cassava, sorghum, melon seed etc.

NAFDAC is consistently impressing on stakeholders in the sector the need to adopt and embrace the use of high quality cassava flour in baking of consumable products like bread, cakes, etc. Hygiene is indeed a critical factor in efficient and effective fortification of food products. This in turn proffers suitable explanations as to why NAFDAC is compelling fast food providing industries, restaurants ,bakeries etc to embrace good hygienic practices.

•Ikhilae is a Lagos based Public Affairs Analyst

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26— — Vanguard, TUESDAY, APRIL 1, 2014

Vanguard, TUESDAY, APRIL 1, 2014 — 27

28 — Vanguard, TUESDAY, APRIL 1, 2014

Amazing transformation of Nigerian Customs dealings with in the past. It was almost as

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S a Nigerian resident in the United States of America where I lived and worked for over 20 years, I came to develop a very negative impression and image of the Nigerian Custom Service, NCS. This was informed partly because of the bad experiences that I suffered during past attempts to import goods into Nigeria. Over the years, while in the United States, I had engaged in the business of importing consumer goods into Nigeria; and with every attempt made, I swore never to have any more dealings with Nigeria again. My frustrations were caused mainly by the corrupt activities of men of the Nigerian Custom, who connived with an equally unscrupulous “Licensed Customs Agent” to fleece me at every point. I must emphasise that on all the occasions that I imported goods into Nigeria, I never dealt in contraband.

My experiences in the hands of the Nigerian Custom officials were not unique.

I have heard first hand tales from fellow Nigerians in the Diaspora who suffered similar or even worse experiences as mine.

In some of the cases, custom officials demanded huge bribes, falsified shipping and clearing documents and brought all kinds of untold hardships upon the people they were supposed to serve.

It was common practice for some custom officials to abandon their duty posts, preferring instead to run their own private businesses instead of the governments’.

The end result of these impervious acts caused genuine importers to incur huge costs through demurrage payments and sometimes outright loss of their wares. The consequences of the nebulous activities of these custom officials undoubtedly resulted also in huge revenue losses by the Federal government. All of these did incalculable damages to the nation’s economy.

As a result of what I had suffered in the hands of Nigerian Customs officials, I had virtually given up on Nigeria until recently when I was persuaded by my brother who resides in Nigeria to give importation into Nigeria another shot. His reasoning was that things have started changing in Nigeria and that the Nigerian Custom was no longer what it used to be. According to him, the Custom Service is now more professional and works more efficiently than what obtained in the past.

I sneered at him because at the back of my mind, I was convinced that the leopard cannot change its spots. After much persuasion, I reluctantly decided to give it another go. This was in the last quarter of the year, 2013. Since I was making plans to visit Nigeria for Christmas in 2013, I shipped a 40ft container of consumer items ahead of my arrival in Nigeria. The container arrived Nigeria about two days before my arrival.

On getting to Nigeria, I braced up myself to expect the worst. To my pleasant surprise, the whole clearing process was a smooth sail. The “Licensed Clearing Agent” and the Custom officers that I had dealings with were very polite, professional and neatly dressed; unlike what I was used to in the past. As if I was in a dreamland, the entire Custom that I encountered looked so different from the one I had

if I was dealing with a brand new Custom Service.

The clearing process itself was quick, seamless and so smooth that I had no choice but to ask what could have transformed the Custom Service into an efficient operating machine like the type in the United States.

The answer that I got was that there is a new “Sheriff” in town who has worked so hard to transform and rebrand the Custom Service. I was told that he does not tolerate the past sloppiness that used to characterise the Service. Upon further inquiries, I was made to understand that the “new improved Custom Service” is the handiwork of the current Controller General of the Nigerian Custom Service, Alhaji Abdullahi Dikko Inde.

I reliably learnt that Alhaji Dikko Inde has worked really hard to transform the Nigerian Custom into a lethally efficient and modern 21st century Custom Service that can rival other Custom Services in many developed countries of the world, in the areas of service delivery, efficiency and revenue generation. Anybody who has had any close dealing in recent times would observe the amazing transformation of the Nigerian Custom Service.

From what I witnessed, first hand, through his doggedness, the Controller General has succeeded in overhauling the Nigerian Customs Service to the extent that the operating processes and procedures have become near seamless to the point where clearing of goods from various ports is no longer the nightmare that it used to be.

Ndubuisi Nwaimoh (nnwaimoh@yahoo.com)

Sanusi’s suspension and missing billions

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LL hails the new ‘whistle blower’, Sanusi Lamido. For almost four years now, we gave him the key to our ‘yam barn’, the goats invaded and almost finished the yams, but he kept quiet in a conspiratorial manner.

Months to the end of his ‘gatekeeping’, he suddenly woke to his job/ responsibility of protecting the ‘yam barn’!. His present action amounts to closing the gate, when the goat thiefs have fled the compound. For this, he cannot escape blame, at least for gross dereliction of duty and negligence that smacks of carelessness/ care free attitude.

History will not absolve him of blames, no matter his present posture of a saint for allowing our collective wealth to be squandered all along, and remembering to tell Nigerians, four months to the expiration of his tenure.

Nigerians are not happy with our politicians at all. Why should a governor and other appointees defect to another party and still remain in that same position. It is very

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Abia State University should release our results

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Sanusi’s suspension and missing billions

Chuks (For affected students) Dept of Political Science, ABSU.

Defectors to resign

NNPC still needs to explain to Nigerians why and how the corporation sourced for billions of naira it spent to subsidise kerosene between 2010 and 2013 when there was no appropriation for such in the budget; Why did the agency go ahead with the kerosene racketeering when it was on record that late President Yar Adua scraped the moneysiphoning scheme in July, 2009?

The end of his tenure will mean good riddance to bad rubbish!.

Chukwuma Dioka. Owerri, Imo State.2348080595779

E, the 2010/2011 students of the Post Graduate Diploma, PGD in International Studies, Department of Political Science, Abia State University Uturu, wish to use your widely read newspaper to appeal to the authorities of the University to release our results.

In January, 2012, we sat for an examination in Detailed Foreign Policy Analysis-DIS/DPA 731 in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the award of the Post-Graduate Diploma.

It is regrettable that more than two years after writing the exams, the result has not been released.

It is on record that students in the class after us have taken the exams in the same course which implies that anybody from our class who fails the course, will wait endlessly to re-write the paper. We have used every available means to appeal to the lecturer to release the results but our efforts did not yield any positive results. We therefore appeal to you to use your widely read medium to appeal to the university and the lecturer concerned, to release our results to enable us use the certificate to seek for greener pastures.

NNPC still needs to explain to Nigerians why and how the corporation sourced for billions of naira it spent to subsidise kerosene between 2010 and 2013 when there was no appropriation for such in the budget.

Why did the agency go ahead with the kerosene racketeering when it was on record that late President Yar Adua scraped the money- siphoning scheme in July, 2009? Can they justify that this action was taken in the interest of the masses or to wet greedy appetite of some cabals? The loss of billions in the kerosene subsidy scam is unacceptable.

Elvis Obire 08079018001

,

Dear Editor,

It is only a fool who would have thought that Mallam Sanusi Lamido will be allowed to serve out his term, given his antagonistic posture towards the Presidency. We know how much government values the NNPC as its milking cow, and whoever points fingers at that fat cow readily incurs its custodian’s anger.

The fate that befell Sanusi was for opening his mouth too wide about the underhand deals that go on at the NNPC. Since the Presidency is not willing to give up its control of this prized automated money dispensing machine, Sanusi had to give way for not just peeking in the direction of the NNPC but for making his findings open. God deliver us from a corrupt government.

Akeem writes in from Osun state

NNPC’s missing billions and Kerosine subsidy

unconstitutional. If you were voted for under the People’s “Democratic Party as Governor and you defect to another party, please if you are honest with yourself ,resign today. Your seat must be vacant. The president should do something about it.

Anonymous 2348136582917

Anambra State’s election

Gov. Peter Obi marked the end of his tenure in office as one of the best governors. The present political dispensation has thrown up, Peter Obi (‘the Rock or Okwute in Ibo language’).

He is a graduate of University of Nigeria, Nsukka!

He thoroughly internalized the motto of the University as expoused by the late Owelle of Onitsha and the great Zik of Africa, Dr. Benjamin Nnamdi Azikiwe, To Restore the Dignity of Man!. Obi translated this Zikist philosophy and practicalised it in his daily activities during his eight years in Anambra State House. For this singular achievement and many more, Kudos to Peter Obi. Chukwuma Dioka. Owerri, Imo State 2348070685881

SAYINGS OF OUR ELDERS The game of life is the game of boomerangs. Our thoughts, deed and words return back to us sooner or later. Be kind to get kindness back in return.

Simon Adewale08056180103, Send us your Sayings of Our Elders. They must be African sayings or proverbs. Biblical or English proverbs are unacceptable. You will be paid N100.00 for every saying published. Address your sayings to: The Co-ordinator, Sayings of Our Elders,Vanguard Media Ltd., PMB 1007, Apapa,

Vanguard, TUESDAY, APRIL 1, 2014—29

30— Vanguard, TUESDAY, APRIL 1, 2014

By Theodore Opara

Jeep Grand Cherokee: T

HE Jeep Grand Cherokee has never been this good.

Though the Grand Cherokee has a pedigree as master of all terrain, it has never offered as much power, luxury, capability, safety as the 2014 model.

The new Grand Cherokee was unveiled to the Nigerian Motoring Press over the weekend at Weststar Associates office in Lekki. Weststar is the authorised distributors of Jeep, Dodge and Chrysler products in Nigeria, as well as Mercedes-Benz brand.

In a chat with Vanguard Motoring, during the unveiling, Mr. Mirko Plath, Weststar Associates Managing Director explained that the all-new Grand Cherokee offers what other luxury sport utility vehicles have and even more, at a very competitive price. The Grand Cherokee’s entry price starts from as low as N12 million plus, while the SRT models which boasts 470 horsepower has a price tag of about N16 million. The new Grand Cherokee is available in five versions including the Laredo, Limited, Overland, Summit and SRT, all loaded with amazing features.

Innovations in the all-new Jeep Grand Cherokee are countless.

Authentic 4 x 4 capability, independent suspension, quadra-lift suspension system, Selec-Train Traction system and premium exterior light are some of the features of the all-new Grand Cherokee.

Never been this good

•Jeep Grand Cherokee

Handover gear shift Other unique features of the Grand Cherokee include Multiview Display and multi-function steering wheel with paddle shifter handover gear shift control dualpane panoramic sunroof, climate control via Uconnect etc.

Under the hood of the Grand Cherokee is a powerful 3.6 V6 Pentaster engine that delivers efficient and economical option.

Paired with the new 8-speed automatic transmission, it churns out plenty of strength to tow up to 2812kg, a 24 per cent increase in pulling power. This engine has unprecedented fuel efficiency. But if you are in its class, the speed crazy type, the Grand Cherokee SRT is the ultimate in performance. This performance enhance model of the Cherokee has brute force of 470 horse-power and can accelerate from zero to 100km/h in less than five seconds.

It is comparable to Mercedes Benz AMG power plants. The 8-speed automatic transmission of the new Cherokee is industry’s standard bearer. It glides with a smooth and quick efficiency, consistently using energy to its best advantage. Its construction provides additional gears with no

•Jeep Grand Cherokee interior gain in weight, enhanced acceleration with reduced fuel consumption and increased torque with added strength to pull. The new Grand Cherokee drives to

engage a new stratum of automotive connoisseurs: SUV motorists who desire a luxurious driving experience paired with an efficient performance. The

system’s precise design and shift schedule can implement a gear change in 200 milliseconds. This kind of fine tuning, according to Jeep, can enhance ride quality

to levels experienced in most luxurious sedans.

The Grand Cherokee’s beauty does not only stop at the design, and luxurious interior, the 4x4 prowess is unique with its different settings. The air-cushioned adjustable ride height, smooths on-road handling, increases fuel efficiency, eases entry and loading and lifts Grand Cherokee to amazing heights, all with just a finger touch control.

So, you are sure of four road setting on the new Jeep Grand Cherokee.

How it works. In Park mode, this closed type air suspension system gently lowers Grand Cherokee – 40.6mm below normal ride height to allow for more graceful entrance and exit as well as greater ease loading cargo.

When negotiating deep mud or two track trails, switch Quadra-lift to off road 1 mode for an added vehicle clearance of 33mm, to give your capability a serious lift. When travelling at cruising speeds, Quadra-lift automatically lowers the vehicle 15mm below normal ride height to aero mode. This in turn, improves aerodynamics and fuel efficiency.

In off-road two mode setting, Quadra-lift takes you to legendary height with simple push of a button. The rise is about 66mm above normal ride height which is ideal for deep ruts, tall brush and protruding rocks.

All the versions of the Grand Cherokee have been built with quality materials and luxury finishing. The leather-trimmed interiors are of first class quality, while the sound systems is either Harman Kardon or Alpine surround. Touch screen with voice operation for available communication service completes the beautiful interior.

Also two available nine inch VGA high resolution screens are integrated into the seatback to entertain rear seat passengers.

The system can play standard DVDs as well as Blue-ray Discs and includes independent HDMI and RCA inputs for each screen. It also include two wireless headphones.

Nissan Patrol good for Guinness book, tows 170-tonne cargo plane

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ISSAN recently recorded a fresh milestone as the Y62 Nissan Patrol towed a 170-tonne Iiyushin cargo plane down 55 metres at Sharjah International Airport, United Arab Emirate.

Concerned authorities say this record is unprecedented yet and has thus earned the Nissan Patrol SUV (Sport Utility Vehicle) an entry in the Guinness Book of World Records.

The record, according to the authority eclipses previous attainment in 2006, when a slightly modified Volkswagen Touareg V10 TDi towed a 155-tonne Boeing 747 through a distance of 150 meters.

The 170-tonne Iiyushin II-76 plane including fuel and cargo weighs over 170-tonnes – approximately 62 times the kerb weight of a standard Y62 Nissan Patrol.

The Iiyushin II-76 plane is known as one of the world’s toughest cargo planes and it is designed to deliver cargo, takeoff and land in some of the world’s most extreme environments.

Nissan claimed a standard production Y62 Patrol was used for the attempt, adding that the only modification done was on a towing hitch compatible with the aircraft to connect the car with the aircraft’s pushback ring.

Mr. Samir Cherfan, Managing Director, Nissan Middle East remarked that “Nissan celebrates another landmark day with its second Guinness World Record. The overwhelming response has been the inspiration for the historic events and the achievement will motivate us to ensure we deliver ‘Innovation that Excites’ in everything we do.”

Fondly called the ‘Hero of all Terrain,’ the Y62 Nissan patrol is mated to an advanced seven-speed automatic transmission and a sophisticated, electronically controlled, all-mode 4X4 system with 298kw and 560Nm from a 5.6litre naturally aspirated V8 engine. The Y62 Nissan Patrol is one of the Nissan models scheduled to roll out of the VON Automobile plant in Lagos Nigeria by next month.

Vanguard, TUESDAY, APRIL 1, 2014 — 31

By Theodore Opara

Ford redefines compact car segment with Ecosport

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OU can’t stop falling in love with the all-new Ford Ecosport. The reason is simple. The small Ford car, built on a raised platform, has a beautiful design and is sweet to drive too. It is cute, pretty, refined with a presence you can’t ignore in the crowd. To crown it all, the all-new Ecosport is a complete departure from its predecessor, and competitively priced too, with its SUV built-quality, yet it manouvres like a small Sedan Recently, I was privileged to join other Motoring journalists to test-drive the new Ford Ecosport at the Ikeja Gulf Club. The short test-drive was organised by Briscoe Ford to expose the qualities of the car to the journalists. And the Ecosports was impressive in every ramification. It has a good turning radius, quiet cabin, good roadholding and smooth steering wheel. The only minus in the Ecosport could be the dashboard and inside door panel, finished with plastic which the Briscoe Ford General Manager, Mr. Femi Eguikhide explained was part of the cost-cutting measures to bring down the price of the car which is currently selling like hot cake across the globe.According to the GM, the Ecosport sales world-wide is so high that Ford is struggling to eet the demand.

Six speed auto transmission Powered by a 1.5 L.Ti – VCT 1-4 petrol engine that delivers 81kw of power at 6300 rpm, and 105 Lb-ft of torque at 4500 rpm, the Ecosport is fast and handles like a car in the upper segment. It is equipped with a powerful six-speed automatic transmission with select shift capability, which guarantees smooth ride on road.

The Ecosport is available in Standard, Ambiente, Trend and Titanium versions, all well loaded with modern features that are hardly found in competing brands.

For instance, the Ecosport standard features include antilock brake system (ABS), and electronic stability control (ESC) with hill launch assist, battery saver, electronic power-assisted steering (EPAS), front stabiliser bar, power front disc/rear drum brakes, headlamp leveling control.

Its standard safety features include, two airbags, engine immobiliser, side intrusion door-beams, Isofix hard-point attachments, among others.

The Ambiente and Trend versions offers yet more features: four way manually adjustable driver’s seat, radio, player, MP3 capability and six loader CD player, Cruise con-

trol, Ford SYNC voice and entertainment system with USB port, leather wrapped steering wheel with audio controls, 16 inch alloy wheels, black roof rack, fog lamps, front and curtain airbags, to mention but a few.

The Titanium is the top of the range model of the Ecosport.

It comes loaded with everything you can think of in a typical luxury SUV including leather-trimmed seats with perforated inserts, Dark leather/Red interior trim, soft touch front-door armrest and vinyl rear door armrest.

Other features of Titanium version of Ecosport include rain sensing front windsheild wipers, keyless entry, pushbottom start, fuel computer, electronic automatic temperature control, courtesy light with two map lights, bluetooth interface connection, auto-dim-

•All-new Ford Ecosport.

ming rear view mirror, and auxiliary powerpoint in the luggage compartment.

The interior of the Ecosport is uniquely designed especially the dash board which looks

quite trendy. The globe box around the dashboard chills few can drinks while the journey lasts.

Lagos Internatonal Motor show holds May

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HE 2014 edition of Lagos International Motor Show will hold from the 1st to 7th of May at the Federal Palace Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos. Announcing the date at his Yaba, Lagos office, the managing director, Fashintex Nigeria Limited, Mr. Ifeanyi Agwu said that preparations are in top gear to host a memorable show come May 1 to 7, 2014.

According to him, the auto show will also include an auto spare part expo which kicks off from the 4th to 7th of May during the show.

He disclosed that the response has been very positive from exhibitors who are itching to expose their products to the

F

Nigerian Motoring public, through the International show.

“Every indication is that all the major players in the Nigerian auto industry will take part in the fair which promises to expose the latest products from auto makers from across the globe,” he said.

“This year, we will be highlighting on car finance which is key to acquisition of automobiles in the country. We are marketing finance companies to be at the event and expose their auto finance schemes to Nigerians and visitors to the show ground.

On why they are maintaining the Federal Palace Hotel as the

venue for the show, the managing director said that the exhibitors and customer are very important to Fashintex, hence their interest is considered first.

“The hotel is closer to our core target audience, couple with its ambiance and security to exhibitors but in all, our goal is to make both the exhibitors and visitors to the fair very comfortable,” he said.

The Fashintex boss further explained that they were going to ensure that exhibitors get value for their money as they are expecting over 50,000 visitors at the show, which is in its 9th edition.

To achieve this, he said, “we are unleashing heavy advertis-

ing campaign for the event, through radios, newspapers, TV and other details channels.

This year’s motor show which is co-hosted with the Auto Part Expose Nigeria (the third edition of Auto Expo) promises to be outstanding as over 50 auto spare parts manufacturers and companies from Turkey, China, India and Nigeria have booked spaces to take part in the event.

The managing director said it will provide great opportunities for businessmen who would like to invest into spare part business or increase their investment in the sector.

C & I Leasing launches two new vessels

OREMOST Leasing company in Nigeria, C&I Leasing Plc has added two new vessels to its fleet. The vessels, Masud Defender and Magen Defender are both 25 crew carrier boats, and built in South Africa.

Speaking at the unveiling of the vessels at the Millennium Jetty, Marina Lagos, recently, the Managing Director of C&I Leasing, Mr. Emeka Ndu explained that the vessels will be used to support Shell Nigeria Exploration and Productions Company

From Left : Wisdom Nwagwu, GM, C&I Petrotech Marine Ltd, Emeka Ndu, MD/CEO, C&I Leasing Plc, Mr. Robert Goodwin, Offshore Marine Logistics Lead,Shell Nigeria Exploration & Production Company Ltd during the launch of the newly acquired vessels.

(SNEPCO) operators in Bonga and EA Fields.

The vessels features 53m 2 cargo deck, suffer style bow load and fire-fighting monitor.

The managing director commended Shell Nigeria Exploration and Production Company Ltd for the support and confidence it has on C&I Leasing, promising to do his best to offer them the best of service.

“We are thankful to Shell for the support and confidence that they have put in us. We will work harder to ensure that we meet their expectations,” he said.

The introduction of the two additional vessels recently which attracted top officials of Shell Nigeria Exploration and Production Company brings to eight the total number of vessels deployed to support Shell’s operations in Nigeria by C & I Leasing.

Also speaking at the event, Mr. Robert Godwin, Offshore Marine Logistic Lead, Shell Nigeria Exploration & Production Company Ltd restated his company’s will-

ingness to support the Nigeria Content Development initiative (NCD) of the Federal Government.

Said he: “We are very proud to partner with C& I Leasing and I would like to congratulate them on their hard work and accomplishment.”

In her remark, representative of the partner bank of C&I Leasing, Barclay Africa, Mrs. Feyi Olusanya, disclosed that the Export Credit Insurance Corporation of South Africa (ECIC) also contributed to make the project possible.

According to her, the transaction was the first to benefit under the small and medium transactions scheme of the Export Credit Insurance Corporation of South Africa.

In attendance at the launch were AVM Bello (rtd), Chairman, C&I Leasing Plc, Mr. Wisdom Nwagwu, GM C&I Petrotech, Mr. Larry Ademeso, Director C&I Leasing.

32— — Vanguard, TUESDAY, APRIL 1, 2014

C M Y K

Vanguard, TUESDAY, APRIL 1, 2014 —33

C M Y K

34 — Vanguard, TUESDAY, APRIL 1, 2014

Vanguard, TUESDAY, APRIL 1, 2014 — 35

Adediji explains linkage between golf and real estate

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From Right; Mr Devakumar V.G Edwin, Group Managing Director Dangote Cement Plc, Hajia Fatimo Dangote, Mr Knut Ulvmoen, Director Dangote Cement Plc, Engr Joseph Makoju, Adviser to President, Dangote Cement Group, During the Pre-Media Launch of Dangote 3x Cement Product, By Dangote Cement Plc, in Ikeja, Lagos,

Dangote Cement unveils plans to manufacture 52.5 grade of cement •Harps on safety of lives and property Stories by JUDE NJOKU

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HILE many cement manufacturing companies in Nigeria are content with the production of the lower 32.5 R grade of cement, Africa’s leading cement manufacturer, Messrs Dangote Cement PLC, has taken a step further. Besides the formal launch of its rebranded 42.5R grade of cement in Lagos last week, the company has unveiled plans to venture into the production of the 52.5 R grade which is the highest grade of cement produced anywhere in the world.

The company said its decision to produce only the 42.5 R grade of cement in its plants located at Ibeshe in Ogun State, Obajana in Kogi State and Gboko in Benue State, is premised on the fact that it places safety of cement users above profit making.

Speaking at a pre-media event to launch the new 3X 42.5 grade of cement, the Group Managing Director, Dangote Cement Plc, Mr. Devakumar VG Edwin said the company places premium on safety of human lives rather than maximising profits alone.

Attributing the rising incidents of buildings collapse in the country to the use of substandard materials including cement, Mr. Edwin lamented that when buildings collapse, it is not only lives and property that are lost, but the economy of the country is also adversely affected.

He explained that Dangote Cement which contributes about 60 C M Y K

percent of cement produced in Nigeria, went into the production of the 3X 42.5 R cement as a further demonstration of its commitment to stem the rising occurrence of collapsed buildings and the attendant loss of lives and property.

“Dangote has stopped the production of the 32.5 lower cement grade; we are focusing on 42.5 cement grade because we believe that as a responsible organisation, human life is more precious than making profits.

Cement industry The introduction of Dangote 42.5, 3X cement, is not to dominate the cement industry but to follow the acceptable global trend, which has also been adopted by West African countries like Ghana, where the focus is shifting towards the 42.5 cement grade as the preferred quality of cement for building and construction activities,”he said.

3X according to Mr. Edwin represents extra strength, extra life and extra yield while R standing for rapid setting gained by the product after 28 days. Highlighting the difference between the 42.5R and the regular cement, he said:: “The advantages of the 42.5R grade of cement over the 32.5 grade are many; 42.5 gives a finer finish to the concrete work. When mixed, the 42.5 grade has fewer air-pockets and therefore adheres better and has a longer life. Also, because of its higher strength characteristics 42.5 grade cement gives higher

yield than 32.5, to users in situations where strength is not a crucial factor”.

Unveiling plans to venture into the production of 52.5 grade of cement, the company’s Executive Director, Stakeholder Management and Corporate Communications, Ahmed Mansur, an engineer, explained that as a market leader, Dangote Cement is looking ahead and wants to compete with the big players in the industry in the developed countries.

The Honorary Adviser to the President, Dangote Group, Mr. Joseph Makoju, also an engineer, was elated that the cement industry which started local production in 1959, has grown from being a net importer of cement to the level of self-sufficiency and now a net exporter of the product. Makoju who said he joined the cement industry on January 1, 1975, lauded the efforts of Dangote Cement and other manufacturers and charged them to keep the flag flying. Noting that cement has moved from being a sellers’ market to a buyers’ market, Makoju enjoined the manufacturers to give their customers value for their money by churning out only high grade cement. Pleading with them to “protect this infant industry”, Engr Makoju challenged the cement manufacturers to invest in research and development. According to him, such investments would lead to the production of high quality cement that would ensure that building collapses will become a thing of the past.

HAT is the relationship between real estate and golf? This question will be answered at the SmokinHill Golf and Country Club, Ilara-Mokin, near Akure, Ondo State next week. The golf club will between April 11-12, host the maiden edition of BAP Real Estate Biennial Golf Tournament. The tournament is being organised and sponsored by Bode Adediji Partnership, a firm of estate surveyors, valuers and property consultants based in Lagos.

Adediji who is a Fellow and past President of the Nigerian Institution of Estate Surveyors and Valuers, NIESV, said the tournament will showcase the best golf courses in Africa to the Nigerian public as well as demonstrate that “golf is real estate and real estate is golf”.

According to the tournament’s programs schedule, the professionals will play on Friday April 11 while the amateurs will will take their turn on Friday afternoon and Saturday, April 12.

Adediji, who is a great lover golf explained that “players and spectators will have a facility tour of the “most unique landmark in Africa, where a first -class university campus is sited next door to a first class golf court”.

Real estate andbuilding construction industry The Smokin Hill golf Court, Ilara-Ilokin was developed and promoted by Elizade Group because of the passion of its chairman, ChiefMichael Ade-Ojo for the game of golf.

Vanguard Homes & Property recalls that Mr Adediji facilitated and coordinated the first NIESV national real estate golf tournament when he was the honorary secretary of the institution.

The event was part of NIESV 27th annual conference and general meeting, tagged “Oluyole 97” at Ibadan. Today the tournament which attracted the cream of professionals in the real estate and building construction industry at inception, has become an integral part of the yearly conference and annual general meetings of estate surveyors and valuers.

Asked to explain the relationship between the game of golf and real estate and urban infrastructural development, Adediji retorted, “a lot,” He noted that the aim of the game of golf is adjudged as a strategic sport in terms of leisure and investment worldwide.

The former NIESV President pointed out that there is a school of thought that tries to establish a linkage between the growth in golf players and infrastructural facilities on the one hand and the overall social economic progress of a nation, on the other. Usually, “It is an index of development”, he said, as he made reference to countries like Japan, China, South Korea, United States and Italy, where the game of golf thrives.

Continuing, Adediji said; “There are two major reasons why we are promoting the game of golf in real estate. The first reason is that it falls within the aspect we call leisure and recreation, which is an aspect of our profession.

All over the world, estate surveyors and valuers are the core professionals who are saddled with the responsibilities of investment advice, development and management of land-based recreation facilities, including golf fields. The second important reason is that the bulk of shakers and movers in the investment world who are sport minded, are usually have interest in the game of golf and real estate”.

36 — Vanguard, TUESDAY, APRIL 1 , 2014

Building collapse: NIB moves to regulate artisans in construction industry A

BY OKEY NDIRIBE

S part of measures aimed at eradicating the high incidence of building collapse in the country, the Nigerian Institute of Builders, NIB has urged all trained artisans and craftsmen in the construction industry to register with the institute.

This advice was given last week in Abuja by the President of NIB, Tunde Lasabi, while speaking at the flag-off ceremony of a skills improvement program organised for artisans and craftsmen in the industry by the Subsidy Reinvestment and Empowerment Programme of the Federal Government in collaboration with the Institute.

The NIB boss further stated that the mission of the institute was to enable members deliver, alongside relevant stakeholders, sustainable shelter that addresses the housing needs of the nation through research and development in keeping with global best practices.

According to Lasabi:” With this idea that encapsulates our resolve to make Nigeria a better place, by having safe and habitable buildings, NIB could not have found a better partner to work with than SURE-P, in the training and skill improvement of artisans and craftsmen who are important players in the built environment.”

Regulatory body He further stated that the institute together with its regulatory body - the Council of Registered Builders of Nigeria, CORBON, have continued to intensify the training and re-training of builders throughout the country to ensure their efficiency adding that “we can make bold to say that so far, despite the increasing rate of building collapse in Nigeria, there has been no case of any collapsed building that has been traced to a professional builder”.

The NIB chief further advised anyone, who wishes to build wisely or to avoid the collapse of his building, to engage a professional builder adding that the extension of professionalism to artisans and craftsmen portends a good omen for the industry and the country at large. “ The good choice of SUREP and by extension the Federal Government to drive this all important training through NIB shows that there can’t be any other professional to ensure that buildings do not collapse than

A collapsed building at Jakande Estate Oke-Afa in Isolo, Lagos State

the builders,” he said.

Lasabi further declared that the programme which was planned for bricklayers, tilers, electricians, plumbers, iron benders, painters and plaster of Paris makers was designed to attain the following goals: improving the skills of artisans and craftsmen; creating opportunities for selfemployment; preparing artisans ahead as par takers in government’s mass housing programme and to enable them

perfect their skills in line with global best practices.

The Minister of Labour and Productivity Chief Emeka Wogu in his remarks, stated that the event marked the beginning of improving the skills of all craftsmen and artisans in the construction industry nation-wide adding that it is expected that the process would lead to the establishment of a national database for licensed construction and housing

artisans based on certain levels of qualification such as the Ministry of Labour Trade Test certificates.

Wogu remarked that this was necessary pointing out that “it is on record that the current skills of our artisans within the construction/housing industry have been very poor leading to untidy maintenance works particularly in plumbing, house wiring, POP making and masonry.

He further stated that the

Lagos issues flood alert to those residing near lagoons, flood plains

By KINGSLEY ADEGBOYE

L

AGOS State will experience normal rainfall with minimal intensity compared to last year ’s rainfall, the Commissioner for Environment, Mr Tunji Bello has predicted.

The Commissioner who based his predictions on facts gleaned from the Nigerian Meteorological Agency, NIMET, gave the socio economic implication of this year ’s rainfall for the state.

“Lagos state is predicted to have normal rainfall this year, but surrounding states like Ogun and Oyo will have above normal rainfall. Thus, excess flow from dams in these states which flows through downstream to Lagos may cause flooding downstream realistically in

Lagos if the water in the dams is not properly managed,” he said.

The commissioner who disclosed that the length of rainy season for the year is predicted to vary between 100 days over the extreme north and 300 days over the coastal areas like Lagos, said the predicted rainfall over the central and southern parts of the country will support good yield of both cereals and tuber crops.

He added that the predicted less rainfall in 2014 and rising temperature could pose serious constraint on livestock production in some areas. The commissioner further noted that rainstorms will be common over the coastal areas with occasional flash flood and ocean surges which will greatly affect persons living

along the flood plains.

According to him, the magnitude of this devastation will however depend on the activities of the people.

Bello therefore warned residents who reside along flood plain areas and the lagoon to be alert and be ready to relocate when the need arises, adding that as usual, the government will notify such residents at the appropriate time. Areas affected by the alert include Ikorodu, Owode, Iwaya, Makoko and Ijora Badia.

“Residents living in floodprone areas should relocate in order to avert disasters. I strongly advise Lagos residents who reside within the wetlands along the flood plain areas as well as those near the Lagoon to always be

Technical Vocational Education and Training, TVET,unit of SURE-P and NIB have already commenced the training of trainers adding that skills acquired by artisan tutors as a result of the collaboration, will make it possible for them to develop teaching materials that will provide detailed and comprehensive information to beneficiaries of the skills improvement programme.

Wogu further said that more than 500 youths were involved at the launch of the programme for the North-Central zone in Abuja.

Said he: “This programme would be implemented across the six ego-political zones of Nigeria and thousands of unemployed Nigerians would benefit from it. It is targeted to provide training for a large number of Nigerians.

“A lot of housing construction schemes have been undertaken by the present administration. In order for the government to effectively deliver on these mass housing schemes, the nation needs to have a mass of well trained artisans in the construction industry. That is the purpose of this aspect of SURE-P.” Speaking at the event, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry Mr. Clement Ilo said he had already requested that NIB should furnish his office with the data of the tradesmen who had just been inducted by the institute for the purpose of tracking their professional growth. He expressed appreciation to President Goodluck Jonathan for introducing the programme and thanked the Minister for raising the resources to implement it.

red to a p e r •Be p te to aver t relocaisaster d on the alert and ready to relocate whenever there is rain of high intensity, because they are likely to be affected.

We shall as usual notify such residents at the appropriate time,” he said.

He also appealed to residents “to desist from acts that could lead to flooding, such as indiscriminate dumping of refuse in unauthorised places like drains and canals. He enjoined them to evacuate all silted drains around their homes and premises. “Illegal building of structures on drainage alignments, road setbacks and verges remain prohibited. We should not patronize cart pushers who will end up dumping the waste inside canals”, Bello declared.

Vanguard, TUESDAY, APRIL 1 , 2014 — 37

By CALEB AYANSINA & FATIMAH KAREEM

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ORRIED by the dominance of foreign artisans in the nation’s construction industry, the Federal Government last week, vowed to embark on aggressive capacity building for its citizens with a view to reversing the ugly trend.

This is coming at a time that the government has put in place measures to make land titling less cumbersome.

The government plans to flag off a train-thetrainers programme for about 1000 artisans and craftsmen in partnership with the National Home Builders Association/Home Builders Institute of the United States of America, USA. The training will address the dearth of skills and competencies of artisans and craftsmen in Nigeria.

The Minister Lands, Housing and Urban Development, Mrs Akon Eyakenyi, who made the promise during a Stakeholders’ Implementation Summit on Enabling Broader Access to Housing Finance for All Nigerians, in Abuja said “government is committed to improving the quality of manpower in the housing and urban development sector.

Enabling policies A housing estate under construction in Abuja ”We shall continue to work collaboratively with all stakeholders to provide the enabling policies, strategies and plans for the realisation of the objectives of government of reducing the national housing deficit and promoting sustainable urbanisation. We shall not relent to land administration and pilot states to strive to enhance in our efforts to improve housing management are not dealt with. the operations of the company in standards. We shall soon be She said “We cannot achieve their respective states, by fulfilling flagging off a train-the –trainers’ our aim of broadening access of their obligations to it within the programme for about 100 artisans housing finance if land titling framework of shared and craftsmen, in partnership property registration and responsibilities, as earlier with the National Home Builders transfers, and several other issue proposed.

Association/Home Builders on land administration and Also speaking, the Chairman, Institute of the United States of management are not effectively Presidential Technical Committee America as part of our on- addressed.” on Land Reform, PTCLR, Prof. going initiatives on rapid capacity Eyakenyi expressed optimism Peter Adeniyi said land tenure building. This is with a view to that “with the effective takes-off security is fundamental to housing reversing the present trend of the Nigeria Mortgage finance,. He expressing whereby foreigners constitute the Refinance Company later in the displeasure that only “three critical mass of skilled artisans and year; our goal to broaden access percent of land in Nigeria is craftsmen in the country,”she to housing finance and registered with title.” said.

The don said PTCLR in significantly improve the rate of The Minister maintained that home ownership in Nigeria will collaboration with other agencies it would be impossible to address be realized.” had introduced a Systematic housing problem if issues relating She urged governors of the 14 Land Titling and Registration,

FG moves to ease land titling; partners US Home Builders Association to train artisans

N13bn Ado Bayero mall opens for business

By KINGSLEY ADEGBOYE THE much awaited Ado Bayero Mall has accommodated its first group of tenants led

by Shoprite, the South African retail chain. The mall which opened shop on March 20, has restored Kano’s historic reputation as a trading and commercial centre in Northern Nigeria as well as a major link for commerce on the Trans-Saharan trade route.

With Ado Bayero Mall’s commencement of operations, the highly commercial nature of Kano is expected to gain more prominence in retail trade and as a destination for family oriented shopping, relaxation and entertainment.

Messrs Alpine Investment Services Limited, promoters of

the mall said it “will consolidate Kano state’s ranking as Nigeria’s second largest economy by positively impacting the value chain through consistent provision of employment opportunities for thousands of indigenes and residents. It will have a direct impact on resuscitation of the local manufacturing sector, the backward integration of local farmers and position Kano as a tourist destination.

“With international and national brands such as Shoprite, Adidas, Samsung, Airtel, First Bank, TM Lewin, Ruff n Tumble and other outlets already opened to meet Kano’s shoppers’ needs, others like the SA home appliance chain Game are to commence business operations within the next few months. The Ado Bay-

ero Mall will rank amongst the top shopping centers in the country, living true to its positioning as the super regional Mall in Northern Nigeria” the promoters said.

The Mall’s promoters noted that the Mall is the biggest private sector investment and pioneer of formal retail trade in Northern Nigeria developed at a cost of over N13 billion, pointing out that it has attracted three world class brands as anchor tenants and facilitated entry of 85 new corporate entities into the Kano business sector.

“Aside from being a backbone for tourism promotion, it has generated a total of 9,500 direct and indirect jobs and consequently impacted on the economy of other Northern states”, the promoters said.

SLTR to overcome the problem.

SLTR is a system that allows each parcel of land held by an individual to be demarcated and adjusted in the presence of neighbours.

The programme, he said, contains basically 14 steps had been tested in five local governments in Kano and Ondo states, adding that “in less than six months in the field, about

10,000 parcels have been demarcated.”

Adeniyi explained that the system would ensure drastic reduction in land conflicts, while making security of title becomes a reality. ”It provides a platform for government to effectively manage its land resources since government would know who owns what, and where."

Cash buyers and first time buyers dominate UK property market

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ASH buyers and first time buyers in the UK are more active than any other buyer groups and are driving growth in both housing market transactions and prices, new research shows.

The fact that number of cash buyers grew by 33% and the number of first time buyers with a mortgage grew by 23% means that fewer homes are coming onto the market, increasing supply demand anomalies, according to residential agents Hamptons International.

It points out that in 2013 some 350,000 properties were purchased with cash, equating to 36% of the market in England and Wales, the highest number since 2007.

Meanwhile, 28% of the market was accounted for by first time buyers with mortgages.

‘Cash buyers have been at the vanguard of the housing market recovery in recent months, with the number of cash buyers increasing at a faster rate than those purchasing with a mortgage,’ said Johnny Morris, head of research at Hamptons International.

At a time when the number of properties available to buy is 5% lower than this time last year, and 20% in London, Hamptons International’s research highlights how the increased activity of cash and first time buyers is an important contributory factor to the shortage of stock.

It says that while some cash buyers, such as downsizers, will release a home for sale at the same time, so there is no net effect on the stock of property for sale. So others, such as second home buyers or buy to let investors, snap up available stock for sale, without adding to it, at least in the short term.

Hamptons International’s research shows that 70% of cash buyers in 2013 weren’t selling a property to fund their purchase at the point of sale.

38 — Vanguard Vanguard,, TUESDAY, APRIL 1, 2014 YOUR LUCK TODAY

LEISURE

THOUGHT FOR TODAY

By Joshua Adeyemo Phone 08056180139

ARIES: AS the saying goes “time waits for nobody” it’s important you guard against unnecessary procrastination capable of putting you at tight corner soonest. Be loving.

TAURUS: IT’S better you conclude what you’ve been doing for a while rather than starting something new you don’t know when to finish it. Be more family minded.

GEMINI: IF careless remarks are made by you today, it would back-fire at resumption of work tomorrow morning. Those who are eager for romantic attention will have their dream coming true. Be more loving CANCER: IF you wait too long before an important (financial) decision is taken, you may find yourself keeping date with what you don’t bargain for.

LEO: Placement of the Moon influences your associates to become more self-assertive. If you take good advice you’ll fare better. However, it’s important you don’t forget your tomorrow with others.

By Richard Eromosele

Of wisdom and riches

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HAT is the rela tionship between wisdom and riches? You may be wondering? But let me help to clear your doubt: Who is the richest man or woman on earth today? Is it the man or woman who is

the most physically strong? What actually constitutes riches? Are there no rich fools?

Of truth, wisdom is needed to make decisions that could en-

TERROR MUDA

able one to be rich. But that also depends on the type of riches.

There are material riches, riches in children, riches in the profession, etc.

in “Never say goodbye”

The holy writ says wisdom is profitable in all. In other words, wisdom can only enhance your achievement. If you have been rich without wisdom, don’t you think you will be super rich with it?

Think about it!

By Lanre Kehinde

VIRGO: BETTER than yesterday and luckily for you, opportunity to rectify mistakes made yesterday may come today to the betterment of your finances. Don’t try to buy love with money.

LIBRA: BETTER than yesterday as you will be at a more comfortable place today and suddenly discover that your hope is alive. Venus bring you money SCORPIO: ROMANTIC Venus at positive angle may bring matters-of-the heart related temptation through friends. But your best bet now is moderate ambition.

SAGITTARIUS: The best bet for you is to consolidate on progress you made yesterday and look for best way to pacify your new friends.

CAPRICORN: EVERYBODY needs other people’s co-operation just like you today but you will not be compelled by situation to dance to others’ tune; meaning that you can do things your own way and rightly expect success.

AQUARIUS: THOSE of you willing to give others the needed co-operation will be in better position to consolidate on progress you have made recently. Don’t allow sex to distract you.

KAPTAIN AFRIKA

in

“Pretty Lunatic’

By Andy Akman

PISCES: WATCHOUT for minor and avoidable but costly mistake within your working arena, especially if you are in charge of other people’s money. If you develop new romantic liaison today, it may not last.

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 about me?

Dear Joshua, You have done many people’s horoscope; what about me? I want you to kindly analyse my star and tell me everything about my self. Please take note that I value my health and career than any other thing.

VIRGINIA

dadadekola@yahoo.com

Tony, Lagos.

Dear Tony, What space can take will be given to you here-under.

Star Signs that hosted both your natal sun and moon are members of very strong star signs-health wise.

Scorpio, in particular, has unusual survival ability.

That is to say, even when health related challenges come, your survival endowment will always see you through.

Your major challenge is from your constant worries about too many things, especially on career related issues. Business miscalculation can be another source of health related challenge. You will agree with the fact that both constant worries and business miscalculation can affect one’s circulatory system.

Other things to watch-out for include: Urine-genital-organs, minor accident (fire), bones dislocations, a few other times, skin infections and, of-course, fever. Always take care of the stomach. Please take note that all these are mere warnings as there is nothing fatalistic about them; a good guard, though.

Oil related Neptune was the closet heavenly body to the sun when you were born at positive angle to Pluto in Leo. Thus, having things to do with oil along your career/business lines is not by accident.

Then preponderance of water element and fixed quality in the distribution of the planets when you were born are favourable to commercial involvement with anything liquid.

HOME & ABROAD

By Lawrence Akapa

Vanguard, TUESDAY, APRIL 1, 2014 — 39

Litigating Gas Flaring in the U.S

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the education of the region’s citizens through free compulsory basic education and state scholarships for tertiary education, Awolowo had produced a generation of enlightened and exposed South westerners who became the envy of their contemporaries in the other regions, if nothing else.

From the eighties onwards in most of Africa, leaders generally abandoned their Republican fervor, perhaps because the newbies had mostly never experienced the angst of maturing right on the cusp of political independence. There was a lot of experimentation, mostly with a potpourri of borrowed philosophy. Needless to say, it did not work. A dictator class from Jerry Rawlings to Robert Mugabe began to emerge, attempting a sort of pseudo Africanism, focusing more on political justice and social order rather than economic growth, development and diplomacy. The long term results of these remain to be seen.

The neo-colonialists are right after all. While the western world wallowed on the verge of depression African nations such as Nigeria experienced eye-popping economic growth, proving the economy is not the biggest problem Nigeria has. We have the home grown billionaires to show for it.

Last month, Nigerian multibillionaire industrialist Aliko Dangote was not only confirmed Africa’s richest man, he moved up in the Forbes global ranking as the 23rd richest in world. In March 2014 The means of pan- Africanism can only the with a net worth of $25 be justified by the end of true African civili- billion, he enjoyed a 20 cent rise from the $20.8 zations bolstered, not as much by GDP as per billion he was worth as of by peace, security and mutual respect.

December 2013. Others such as Mike Adenuga, Tanzania under Nyerere made great strides Folorunsho Alakija and Abdulsamad Rabiu in vital areas of social development, Ujamaa were also listed on this year’s Forbes list of decreased production, casting serious doubt 1,645 billionaires across the globe that toon the project’s ability to offer economic gether are worth $6.4 trillion. growth. Nationalizations transformed the A recent BBC report also suggests Nigegovernment into the largest employer in the rians have spent $6.5bn on private jets, country. Purchasing power declined, and, ac- making it the largest market in Africa for cording to World Bank researchers, high tax- luxury aircraft and one of the fastest growes and bureaucracy created an environment ing in the world. More than 100 private where businessmen resorted to evasion, brib- planes are said to be operating in here, many ery and corruption. of them owned by the country’s growing The fostering of Tanzanian self-reliance number of rich businessmen and women. through two dimensions: the transformation And it’s not just a money thing. On influof economic and cultural attitudes was at the ence ratings, Dangote also rates 64 out of very heart of Nyerere’s policy. Economical- the 72 most powerful people who rule the ly, everyone would work for both the group world. Yet on the development indices, Niand for him/herself; culturally, Tanzanians geria rates lower than many nations with must learn to free themselves from depen- far fewer resources than herself, including dence on European powers. For Nyerere, human resources. this included Tanzanians learning to do There is definitely room for neo-pan Afrithings for themselves and learning to be sat- canists: idealistic men and women who are isfied with what they could achieve as an aware of the need for Africa to solve the independent state. Also, the implementation problems of Africa, who want to build orof free and compulsory education for all Tan- derly and civilized societies, who are keen zanians in order to sensitize them to the prin- on social justice and the need for the comciples of Ujamaa and the creation of a Tan- mon good. It is crucial that men such as zanian rather than tribal identity through President Yahya Jammeh know that the means such as the use of Swahili. means of pan- Africanism can only be justiNkrumah’s pan African economic policy fied by the end of true African civilizations was not much more successful, finally end- bolstered, not as much by GDP as by peace, ing on a sour note with an ouster coup which security and mutual respect. had him living the rest of his natural life in As the average ordinary housewife anyexile. In Nigeria’s Western Region of around where knows, there is only one way to the same period, however, Awolowo’s pan- record surpluses and avoid deficits: producAfrican political economic policy was to bear ing more than you can consume, and conmore positive fruit. Based purely on invest- suming less than you produce. Nigeriaing the proceeds from the export of the re- indeed Africa- needs men of money; but gion’s natural resources, chiefly cocoa, into needs men of ideas far more.

T the infamous Nigerian cente nary celebration in the nation’s capital, the now famous speech of the Gambian President Yahya Jammeh, stole the show at the International Conference Centre, ICC), Abuja, venue of the Centenary lecture. Mostly, the value of the speech was in its condemnation of the senseless killings of Nigerian citizens in northern Nigeria.

Further than that, though, is the neo-panAfricanism of it. He charges Nigeria to spurn the centuries-old economic culture of being raw material suppliers to the industrialized world and to begin to look into the adding of value, processing agro materials and exporting finished goods. In actual fact, it is neither a new concept nor rocket science. Political pan- Africanists of old including Julius Nyerere of Tanzania, Kwame Nkurumah of Ghana and even Obafemi Awolowo amongst various others had, in the heat of post independence euphoria, not only expressed a deep wish for economic self sufficiency for the brand new African republics, but had gone to great lengths to draw up various blueprints.

In Ghana, Nkrumah had, in 1961, begun the institution of his Socialist Development Strategy, emphasizing industrialization through the public enterprise route. In Tanzania, Nyerere’s Ujamaa, though quite successful on the level of other indices, did not quite make it on the economic level. While

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HE history of crude oil produc ing. Bakken natural gas is some of the tion in Nigeria informs us that most valuable gas in the country due to the Shell Oil Company was the first to its density of natural gas liquids (NGLs). discover oil in commercial quantity in “Flaring of natural gas from North DaNigeria. The location was Oloibriri kota oil wells is a controversial practice (now in Bayelsa State), and the year that has more than doubled in volume was 1956. Two years later, Nigeria’s in the last two years, according to recent first consignment of crude oil was ex- reports. NASA photos of flaring in North ported from the Oloibiri oil fields. But Dakota oilfields taken from space resemwhat is not well advertised is the fact ble a large urban area rivaling Minnethat gas flaring has been taking place apolis-St. Paul and Chicago in size. The in Nigeria since 1958. The ecological North Dakota Industrial Commission, disaster and associated consequenc- which regulates the state’s oil and gas es of gas flaring in Nigeria have been industry, is working hard to regulate the well-documented, and do not consti- recent Bakken shale oil and gas boom tute the main objective in this dispatch and with public support is looking for from America. ways to reduce wasteful wholesale flarAs a Vanguard newspaper reporter, ing of valuable gas.

I once joined the Nigerian Navy on “Gas flaring in North Dakota has risen an exercise in Escravos. As we flew in meteorically over the past few years, trigtheir helicopter above the off-shore oil gering growing public concern on a lorigs at night, we could see what looked cal and national scale. In 1999, North like a festival of a million tongues of Dakota flared only three per cent of its fire in the ocean. Our Navy flight crew gas production. The North Dakota Deexplained to us that what we were look- partment of Mineral Resources aning at were the gas-flaring activities of nounced recently that operators flared the oil companies that operated in that off 30 per cent of the gas produced in area. It was a remarkable sight with July 2013. An estimated $100 million an equally remarkable environmental worth of gas is flared in North Dakota danger. A few weeks ago, I was lis- each month. In March 2012, a group tening to the National Public Radio, of investors representing $500 billion in which you can say is the U.S. equiva- assets sent a public letter to twenty-one lent of the British Broadcasting Cor- of the largest U.S. shale oil producers, poration, BBC. The station was airing asking them to reduce flaring because it a news-feature programme on how might ultimately “threaten the industry’s people in North Dakota State in the license to operate.” On August 25, 2013, U.S.were reacting to the phenomenon the Bismarck Tribune editorialized on of oil companies flaring gas. I immediately Nigeria’s oil and gas administraremembered the trip to tors need to study what is being Escravos.

What you are about done in North Dakota to read is the entirety of an official press release in Bisthe need for “a harder line” by the state marck, North Dakota, dated October on flaring.

16, 2013. Perhaps, there is a lesson “North Dakota law allows limited flarfor the Nigerian government in this ing during the first year after an oil well North Dakota response to the flaring enters production if certain oil producof gas by oil companies operating on tion limits are followed; then after a year, its territory.What is good for the peoa producer must apply for a written exple of North Dakota on this matter, I emption for any future flaring. If it fails suppose, should be good for Nigerito do so it must pay royalties and state ans. taxes on the “flared gas”. In the lawsuits, the plaintiffs allege that operaOngoing tors are flaring in excess of production limits during the first year, and flaring litigation beyond a year without exemptions, and without paying royalties on flared gas, This is an on-going litigation. “Towhich violates North Dakota law. Presday North Dakota mineral owners filed ently around 1500 wells are flaring gas ten class action lawsuits in North Dain North Dakota without connections kota State district court against oil comto pipeline and processing plant infrapanies operating in North Dakota’s structure. Other wells supposedly have Bakken oilfield, seeking damages for pipeline connections in place but pronatural gas flared - or burnt off into ducers continue to flare the gas anythe atmosphere - from oil wells in vioway. lation of state flaring laws. Copies of “Counsel for the royalty owners are the complaints filed are available at five law firms from North Dakota, Colwww.ndgasflaringlitigation.com orado, Texas, Montana and Wyoming “The named plaintiffs and the class with oil and gas and class action exmembers they seek to represent in perience.”

Source:http:// each case are western North Dakota www.ndgasflaringlitigation.com/ In mineral rights owners who potentialshort, this press release is about oil comly have lost millions of dollars in roypanies paying for the loss of revenue alties due to producers’ practice of resulting from wasted income that might burning off large quantities of gas have accrued from the gas being burnt rather than selling it. The lawsuits seek into the atmosphere. Of course, the to force operators to comply with state ecological damage precipitated by flarlaw and pay royalties to mineral owning gas is another matter altogether. ers on the value of flared gas, and by Nigeria’s oil and gas administrators so doing create a compelling economic need to study what is being done in incentive for producers to reduce and North Dakota. eliminate the wasteful practice of flar-

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Yahya Jammeh: Lessons in Pan-Africanism

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40—Vanguard, TUESDAY, APRIL 1, 2014

It’s too early for Odubu, Ize Iyamu to fight — Okoh Edo 2016:

THEOPHILOUS OKOH was a senatorial aspirant on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Edo Central in 2011. In this interview, he spoke on the recent APC membership registration exercise, the position of Edo Central Zone in the alleged governorship power play between the Deputy Governor, Dr. Pius Odubu and Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu among other issues. Excerpts:

BY GABRIEL ENOGHOLASE

H

OW was the turnout of persons during the period the exercise lasted?

Very overwhelmingly. In-fact in Edo Central I had the opportunity of going round. This registration was supposed to be done within six days but within two days, we ran out of materials. The initial material sent to every unit was 100 per unit.

Are you not afraid that factional strife within the party could affect your chances of confronting the PDP in the forthcoming elections?

It is expected that PDP should be more organized. Let me educate you a little bit on what you find in Edo North and Edo South.

You know that APC is an amalgamation of ANPP, CPC and AC. Meanwhile after the registration of APC, the party has not formally come together under

an umbrella and you know politicians when there is a vacuum, they find something to do.

What you called faction and group, they happened because there was a vacuum, there was no umbrella body and for them not to be idle, they now had groups here and there coming together to form pressure groups.

ACN lost your senatorial district in the last general elections. What corrective measure has your party put in place to avoid same error come 2015?

This is not a very fair question but I will answer it, you know in everything nobody is perfect. In my party, we are not perfect I believe if we made mistake then, we are learning from our mistakes. I believe we are learning very seriously. Let’s not the prejudge issues.

We know we made some mistakes, that was the only

•Okoh senatorial area we lost because of choice of candidate and we are doing everything possible to amend that mistake I know we will take it this time.

Where do you stand on the alleged face-off between the deputy governor and former SSG, Osaze Ize-Iyamu?

You are talking about Odubu and Ize-Iyamu factor. I am in APC, Idon’t know about it. We are in 2014 and you are talking aboutgovernorship. We cannot be talking about governorship, we just did governorship election just only over a year ago.

For whatever you say,

The day is breaking in Jigawa

BY ADAMU MUH’D USMAN

T

HE Vanguard of March 27, 2014 page 40, carried the interview of the ex-governor, Saminu Turaki. Left to many observers within or outside the state, the launching of Saminiyyah Movement or any political activity by anyone, I repeat anyone in Jigawa cannot intimidate, shake or scare the Jigawa people for the trust, love, confidence and loyalty they have for Sule Lamido.

When Sule Lamido came to power in 2007 Jigawa was at the peak of political, social, economic and even mental degeneration.

But within a short time he has restored a new social life for the people by providing almost all the necessary developmental facilities that changed the social, economic and mental thinking of the people of the state.

You cannot imagine seeing the condition of our schools, hospitals, roads and other infrastructure at that time. It was with the intervention of the EFCC that some of the stolen monies were recovered and other

investments regained.

He was first arraigned by the EFCC before a high court of the Federal Capital Territory in 2007 on a 32-count charge of misappropriating over N36 billion. Also, the acclaimed projects by Saminu Turaki, like the Hadejia Sugar Processing Company, Gumel Flour Mills Company, and Burnin-Kudu Dairy Processing Company etc are not true either.

Committee members They were initiated by a Jigawa military ruler, Col Ibrahim Aliyu, between 1993-1996! There were about three governors between them. It is on record that Alhaji Daudu Saleh, the Sarkin Fulanin of Hadejia and Yamusa, among others, were among the committee members.

The people of Jigawa suffered seriously in those days and now the equation has changed, because we are now reaping the benefits/dividends of democracy.

Now that Lamido has put in place

the most democratic legacy, the entire political aura in the state of hysteria as to who will succeed the most successful governor ever produced by the state in its over 20 years of existence. The gossips, the political analysts and the entire populace are overwhelmingly convinced that the political gladiators in the state across board cannot produce a match to Sule Lamido, let alone surpassing his credentials and achievements.

This is a must believe, because the man Lamido is an experienced politician. And don’t forget that his political association with political heavyweights across the globe is his political asset that cannot be matched, at least, with any person in Jigawa State.

But with all these, his critics may have the temerity to see things otherwise. Sule is to such people an arrogant and unforgiving political emperor. Well, that is their own understanding of the person, but the fact remains that Sule is undeniably a people’s governor who has succeeded in

•Lamido making positive impacts on our lives. Sule was absolutely radical and knew no fear. He wouldn’t want to be cowed in any situation.

Lamido was never a conservative element. Apart from his religious leaning, I have never seen his conservative nature.

But Lamido is now a relatively changed person. Maybe because of the enormous burden of leadership, age and other things.

As Sule Lamido is about to go in 2015 and is going with his experience, foresight, oversight and of course, the wisdom of old

the only power play you see today like I said before was because of the vacuum, there was no authority to say this is the party per se. I don’t believe in rumour, when the time comes for Ishan to choose a candidate, let me say this, I am bold to say this categorically. The present governor who has done wonderfully and extremely well is from Edo North, the previous governor, Lucky Igbinedion was from the South.

Think about that, do you think that Edo South should be the one fighting over governorship or Edo Central? Are you saying Edo Central is not involved in this power play?

The PDP Senator representing your district recently boasted that he has no rival in his quest for a 3rd term to the National Assembly. What do you say?

Why are you asking me to dabble into the politics of my opponent?

I am in APC. We are just sitting down to watch what happens in PDP. We are waiting for them to come out, we will not want to interfere into their politics.

In the governorship election, we won the five local governments in the senatorial district. If you remember, the last senatorial election came first and we lost out because we made a mistake and there was a bag wagon effect. I pray we don’t make that mistake again. But I can tell you and you know that unless APC members are sleeping again there is no way PDP can win us.

age, who is to succeed him? That is the crucial and the biggest question in Jigawa politics today.

Imposing candidates may not be Lamido’s political disposition.

Sule has asserted that by August the candidate may emerge and that process will carry all the people along in this decision.

Some people may not want to see a vigorous person who can hold the tempo in which the present administration tackles issues of developmental activities.

But how this can happen depends entirely on Sule Lamido, as far as PDP is concerned. For APC, one cannot predict as the party is not yet on ground to enable the people assess its activities. Sule Lamido is regarded as the strongest man in Jigawa politics and he will do everything possible to see a good and legitimate person emerge.

Lamido should be commended, appreciated as the best administrator Jigawa ever had, and he should be given a breathing space because he has made a lot of sacrifices for Jigawa and the country at large.

The day is breaking in Jigawa. *Adamu is the Special Adviser to the Jigawa State Governor on Media.

Vanguard, TUESDAY, APRIL 1, 2014—41

BY DAPO AKINREFON

T

HE Oluyemi Kayode Stadium in Ado-Ekiti, the Ekiti State capital, came to life last Thursday as political associates of Governor Kayode Fayemi thronged the 15,000 capacity stadium for the flag-off of the campaign for a second term by the governor.

Major streets in the state capital, especially those linking the stadium were not only locked by traffic, but were guarded by fierce-looking security agents.

Trade associations, students groups and artisans appeared in Ankara, vests and fez caps with “Kayode Fayemi for Second Term” and the APC’s logo boldly imprinted on them.

On hand was a combined security of Policemen and officials of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC) and the State Security Service (SSS) and the state owned traffic agency were at their best to control the crowd at the stadium.

Also available to thrill the people and lend their support at the flag off of the campaign were popular actors, actresses, musicians and comedians.

Popular fuji maestro Adewale Ayuba, hip hop sensation, Olamide, Jesse King and popular traditional musician from Ekiti state, Elemure Ogunyemi thrilled the audience with their hit songs.

Fayemi’s fanfare Dr. Kayode Fayemi rolled out the drums and dignitaries to herald his quest for an unprecedented second term in office last Thursday.

•Otunba Niyi Adebayo, Governor Abiola Ajimobi (Oyo), Governor Rochas Okorocha (Imo) Governor Kayode Fayemi, his wife, Erelu Bisi Fayemi during the flag-off of Fayemi's re-election campaign in Ado-Ekiti.

Sharon Ikeazor, Senator Ajayi Boroffice and the Iyaloja-General of Lagos, Mrs. Folashade Tinubu-Ojo among others.

Victory shall be ours—Awe Firing the first salvo, APC Interim Chairman in Ekiti State, Chief Jide Awe urged the electorate to be peaceful as the election gathers steam.

While he boasted that the APC does not need any external force to win the polls because it has Ekiti people on its side, he took

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An elated Fayemi, who first addressed the spectators in Yoruba language, maintained that no one can deny the achievements of his administration

While dishing out his hit song, hip hop sensation, Olamide got Fayemi and his amiable wife, Ereelu Bisi to dance to the tune.

ROLL CALL The event was attended by eight APC governors: Abiola Ajimobi (Oyo), Amosun (Ogun), Rauf Aregbesola (Osun); Abdufatah Ahmed (Kwara), represented by his deputy, Elder Peter Kishira; Alhjai Yari Abubakar (Zamfara); Owelle Rochas Okorocha (Imo); Aliyu Wamakko (Sokoto) and Murtala Nyako (Adamawa).

Also on ground to show solidarity were former Ekiti State Governor and APC Interim National Vice-Chairman, Southwest, Otunba Niyi Adebayo; former Borno State Governor Ali Modu Sheriff; three Senators and five House of Representatives’ members from Ekiti, joined by their colleagues from other states; APC interim National Woman Leader, Mrs.

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a swipe at the PDP for allegedly seeking federal might to win the polls.

Awe was quick to say that “despite the threats and portents of coercion against the re-election of Dr. Fayemi, the people of Ekiti have already made up their minds to re-elect him.” ...And the governors spoke The APC governors and other dignitaries took turns to give solidarity speeches.

A former governor of Borno State, Senator Sheriff, who described Fayemi as a “performing governor” said the APC is focused on performance and transparency adding that the party would continue to ensure that Nigerians are united in their resolve to enthrone good governance.

On his part, Nyako said local and international agencies have adjudged Fayemi as a transparent leader with honesty of purpose and described him as “one of the most focused

governors in Nigeria.”

Okorocha said Fayemi is ordained by God to institute change in Ekiti, adding: “If Fayemi contests for governor in other states, he will win.”

Abubakar stated that the huge turn out at the rally showed that the people appreciate what Fayemi has done in the last three-and- a-half years.

Amosun said Fayemi has done all the things his predecessors said were impossible, adding that unlike before, Ekiti now has good roads, social security for the elderly and many other lifeenhancing programmes.

Ajimobi, who arrived late for the event, said Ekiti is a land of intellectuals and should not be governed by non-intellectuals, just as Ahmed represented by his deputy, said Kwarans are solidly behind Fayemi.

My records speak—Fayemi Ushering Fayemi to deliver his address was hip hop sensation, Lamide.

He was accompanied by his wife, Erelu Bisi Fayemi, Ekiti state deputy governor, Professor Modupe Adelabu and DirectorGeneral of the Kayode Fayemi Campaign Organisation, Hon Bimbo Daramola.

While he enjoined the people to protect their votes from being stolen by “election riggers” and “vote robbers”, he said it was imperative for the electorate to ensure that the good work is continued.

An elated Fayemi, who first addressed the spectators in Yoruba language, maintained that no one can deny the achievements of his

administration.

Pledging to work harder, if reelected, Fayemi said he has faithfully implemented his Eight-Point Agenda and fulfilled all the promises contained in his inaugural address when he assumed office on October 16, 2010 and at the same time promised to do so if given another opportunity.

Explaining that he has brought transparency and accountability to governance, he was quick to add that no official of his administration had been summoned by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

Besides, he said the June 21 governorship election was not about him, but about “consolidating on the achievements of the last threeand-a-half-years and ensuring that the state does not go back to the dark days of one-weekone-trouble, violence and looting of public funds”.

In his appeal, Fayemi told the electorate not to be deceived by “the propaganda of the opposition” that he would ban commercial motorcyclists and sack teachers, if re-elected.

Further debunking claims by the opposition that he would demolish markets, if re-elected, he said the administration has built modern markets across state.

As the campaigns of the three major political parties garners steam, it is expected that mudsliding, might characterize the electioneering campaigns as a means to gain cheap political points.

Ekiti decides

BY DAPO AKINREFON

And Joseph Fayose begs THE former governor of Ekiti state, Mr Ayodele Fayose is on bended knees. His passionate appeal goes to the people of Ekiti state on why they should forgive him and grant him a second chance to govern them.

He said that he would behave like the biblical Joseph who did not revenge his travails on his brothers who sold him into slavery when he became prime minister of Egypt.

He said that his emergence as the party‘s candidate was a rare opportunity given by God for him to rule the state again.

The former governor said “There is no way we can work in this world without stepping on toes, but they should appreciate that I am only human, to err is human and to forgive is divine.

“They should please give me a chance so that I will turn around the fortunes of the less privileged in the state.

“I want them to know that I am Ayo Fayose, 12 years older, more responsible, more experienced and I will listen to them and work with them.”

Oni missing in action

T

HE immediate past governor of Ekiti State, Eng. Segun Oni, whose tenure was cut short by the Court of Appeal ruling that led to the inauguration of Dr. Kayode Fayemi in 2010 has not been seen in the politics of the state.

Engineer Segun Oni has withdrawn from the political scene for reasons best known to him.

While some posit that he no longer remains relevant in the politics of Ekiti State, others hold a contrary view.

It was, however, gathered that the former governor may have pitched his tent with the All Progressives Congress, APC. Time will tell where his pendulum will swing to.

•Oni

42 — Vanguard, TUESDAY, APRIL 1, 2014

Amnesty International slams Lagos over Badia evictees’ compensation

BY MONSURU OLOWOOPEJO

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Badia East evictees waiting outside Governor Fashola's office

•Current chaotic parking attitude

Lagos parking policy •To ensure parking discipline, traffic flow •Hotels, mosques, churches, event centres, restaurants, residential areas, others targeted •20 zones already created •States parking violations and offences

BY OLASUNKANMI AKONI

A

NYTIME from now, the Lagos State Government will commence the enforcement of the state wide parking policy, aimed at ensuring parking discipline culture on roads as well as free flow of traffic in the state.

Parking in the metropolis can be very tasking.

As crude as the informal parking arrangements in the state are, it rakes in millions of Naira daily into the pockets of faceless collectors.

More often than not, no question is asked by vehicle owners about the charges, for fear of vehicles being towed for parking contravention.

The targeted audience of the new policy is said to include: hotels, mosques, churches, event centres, restaurants, inner streets, central business

districts, residential areas and other places so designated.

In preparedness for enforcement, the state has created 20 zones, which had been developed and agreed through consultation with respective concessionaires and local governments.

According to reports, with

,

MNESTY International has declared the Resettlement Action Plan (RAP), developed by the Lagos state government for the 2, 252 evicted residents of Badia East, Apapa-Iganmu Local Government, as an ineffective remedy for the human rights violations suffered by the victims as inadequate.

The state government, however, has commenced the disbursement of N284.4 million to 2,252 persons who were affected by the February 23, 2013 demolition of the structures in Badia East.

This came one month after one year the state government pulled down the structures in Iganmu-Alawo and Oke-Eri community.

Amnesty International while making this known over the weekend, said that the RAP developed by the state government failed to recognize the rights of the Badia East victims.

According to Amnesty International, the RAP states its aim of “providing on compassionate grounds, reasonable financial assistance to affected persons whilst also accommodating the terms of the World Bank Operation Policy 4.12 (OP 4.12).”

The International organization lamented that both processes for developing and finalizing the RAP as well as its contents didn’t conform to international human rights law and standards, adding “it fails to comply with the World Bank policy on involuntary resettlement.”

“Contrary to international human rights standards, the RAP was finalised in the absence of genuine consultation with affected people which, among other issues, has resulted in around 350 affected people being excluded from the list of beneficiaries.

“For consultation to be The Lagos state considered genuine and meaningful all affected persons government, as a should be able to participate second tier of either directly or indirectly through those they elect to be government of the their representatives.

Nigerian state, "The compensation amount must act offered by the Lagos state government is insufficient for consistently with finding adequate alternative Nigeria’s housing in Lagos state and leaves victims of the Badia East obligations under forced eviction little choice but international to find housing in other informal settlements thereby human rights law risking the possibility of another forced eviction," it said.

Amnesty International however called on the “Lagos state government and the World Bank to disburse the financial compensation under the RAP only as interim assistance to the Badia East victims and revise the RAP to bring it in line with international human rights law and standards and the World Bank’s policy on involuntary resettlement.

It added "The Lagos state government, as a second tier of government of the Nigerian state, must act consistently with Nigeria’s obligations under international human rights law. The acceptance of the inadequate RAP by affected people does not rectify its gross defects neither does it make it an effective remedy for gross violation of human rights."

when drivers run into parked vehicle particularly stationery articulated vehicles.

The new state parking policy is hinged on the development of on-street and off-street, multi floor parking lot.

It will encourage public transportation, maximise available common land space

,

The new state parking policy is hinged on the development of on-street and offstreet, multi floor parking lot.

an estimated 1.2 million registered vehicles, about 224 vehicles per kilometer of road space and a population of over 20 million, the state surely needs a sustainable state wide parking policy to complement the renewed urban development plan.

Indiscriminate parking of vehicles in the state has led to loss of lives in some cases

use and be in agreement with all relevant legislations of the state.

Backed by the Urban and Regional Planning and Development Law, URPD (2010), the policy is in keeping with the wholesome development plan of the metropolis.

Speaking on the parking policy of the administration,

Vanguard, TUESDAY, APRIL 1, 2014

— 43

World Bank supports Lagos reforms with N33.6bn

BY DOTUN IBIWOYE

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HE World Bank Group, in line with its twin-goal for 2030– which are to end extreme poverty by decreasing the percentage of people living on less than $1.25 a day and to promote shared prosperity by fostering the income growth of the bottom 40 per cent for every country– has decided to assist the reforms of the Lagos State Government.

Last weekend, The World Bank approved N33.6 billion budget to support the state for the ongoing reforms pertaining to fiscal sustainability, budget planning, budget execution and the investment climate in Lagos State.

The move is premised on the need to assist Lagos state in sustaining the strong momentum it has achieved in improving public service, facilitating inclusive growth and reducing poverty.

The impact of the loan on the over 20 million inhabitants of Lagos and its daily immigrants is another considered issue.

Urban parking facility

Appraisal target •Parking scheme under the new policy

y debuts Governor Babatunde Fashola (SAN), said it had taken his administration about three years to put together assuring that when introduced, problems associated with parking anywhere in the state would be solved.

Also, the Commissioner for Transport, Mr. Kayode Opeifa, said the need for the policies and regulations is to develop parking management strategies that would reform structured parking such as but not limited to on street/kerb parking and off-street parking.

Parking violations and Offences In the on street parking scheme, the following constitutes parking offences to which the state shall impose fines - Parking of vehicles on side-walks, parking on road median- whether paved or grass, parking of vehicles within three metres of a fire hydrant, parking against the directional flow of traffic, parking of commercial vehicles on streets not regulated, blocking an entrance or exit and walkway.

Others include: Parking on slots marked for public transport, fire service,

ambulances, taxis, and people with special needs by any other person not so authorized shall constitute an offence.

No person shall park or store any motor vehicle upon any street, alley or public parking space that is not licensed and fully operational.

Additionally, making repairs or modifications of any motor vehicle while parked upon any street, alley or public parking space shall be strictly prohibited and is an offence.

Policy enforcement and concession The policy states that the Ministry of Transportation should be responsible to appoint enforcement officers and the office of the Public Private Partnership, PPP will appoint concessionaire in conjunction with the transport ministry.

For paid parking, the relevant applicable law should contain provisions permitting the concessionaire or the local operator managing the roads to allow roads, or parts of roads, or areas, for short-term parking during specified hours of the day.

Regulations can then identify or specify the roads/ areas as well as the tariffs that are set within the bounds of applicable law.

In the first week of February this year, the World Bank stated that public secondary schools in Lagos had improved exceedingly in academics within 2009-2013 more than the proposed appraisal target and 90 per cent of the schools which participated in the Lagos Eko Secondary Education Project (LESEP) had shown high level of performance.

It further said that 100 per cent of the students were given grants, including 11 schools having students with special needs such as physical and learning disability, using bank electronic transfer.

According to World Bank’s Country Director for Nigeria, Mrs. Marie Francoise MarieNelly, Lagos State has undertaken a wide range of reforms that have improved governance, reduced crime, and helped to bring millions out of poverty over the last decade.

“Lagos State has sustained rapid growth and achieved what many would not have believed possible, and has managed to reduce its poverty headcount from 57 per cent in 2004 to 23 per cent in 2010.

“However, it still faces significant challenges

•Lagos rail project

going forward in sustaining its economic growth and reducing poverty. This programme will provide critical budgetary support to Lagos State to help the government continue key reforms in budgetary planning, execution and improving the business climate,” In 2010, the Lagos State Government applied for a N100.8 billion ($600 million) loan approved by the World Bank under a development policy operation (DPO) scheme, which and was also approved by the National Assembly The scheme, according to the borrowing plan, is to be implemented in three tranches by the state government. Accordingly, the first tranche of $200 million from the $600 million loan was obtained by the state in 2011.

In a letter addressed to Senate President David Mark and read on the floor of the chamber, President Goodluck Jonathan urged the Senate to include the second tranche of the scheme into the current borrowing plan.

According to the president’s letter, the borrowing plan was not captured in the 20122014 medium term borrowing which he earlier submitted to the parliament.

“The World Bank has therefore embarked on restructuring of the project in the face of current realities in a manner that would release US$200 million for allocation to Lagos Development Policy Operation II. This is an action that the World Bank with the support of its board can undertake. They propose that the US$200 million DPO would enable the state complete some critical infrastructure projects,” Jonathan said.

The president further explained that when the loan is obtained, the state government plans to use it for the construction of ultramodern burns centre and cardiac and renal centre at the Gbagada General Hospital as well as the 27-kilometer light rail project along Lagos-Badagry Expressway Corridor to Marina.

The balance, he said, would be used for the completion of $70 million gallon per day Adiyan Water Facility, among others.

The president while pleading with the lawmakers to accommodate the plan in the nation’s borrowing plan, further disclosed that doing so would enable Lagos State to consolidate on the gains of the first tranche of the credit without any fresh implication to the borrowing plan.

44—Vanguard, TUESDAY, APRIL 1, 2014

Dickson flays Jonathan’s critics

Uduaghan assures Agbarho community of govt attention

...Drums support for transformation agenda

BY SAMUEL OYADONGHA

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ENAGOA—BAYELSA State Governor, Mr. Seriake Dickson, weekend berated critics of President Goodluck Jonathan over alleged leadership failure, arguing that Nigeria’s political woes and security challenges predates the current administration.

The governor solicited the support of the various professional bodies and political class to enable President Jonathan achieve his lofty ambition of transforming the country.

Dickson, at a one-day summit organised by the Nigerian Young Professionals, said that the problem started accumulating right from the foundation days of the country.

He added that rather than castigate the person of Mr. President, he should be commended for mustering the needed political will to address the myriad of challenges facing the nationy.

Speaking through his Principal Executive Secretary, Douye Diri,

BY CHARLES KUMOLU

D

ELTA State governor, Dr Emmanuel Uduaghan, has assured the people of Agbarho community in Ughelli North Local Government Area of the state that the state government will always pay attention to the needs of the people of the community.

He added that the Osubi International Airport, when completed, will open up the area for commerce.

Uduaghan, who was represented by his deputy, Prof. Amos Utuama at a civic reception organised by the Agbarho community in honour of Delta State Head of Service, Sir Paul Evuarherhe, said “Agbarho is known for producing excellent people who have distinguished themselves in various sectors of the Nigerian public service.”

Akpabio tasks surveyors on historical issues Mary Slessor, among other

U

YO—GOVERNOR Godswill Akpabio of Akwa Ibom State, has called on Nigerian Institution of Estate Surveyors and Valuers to engage more in research to correct historical issues affecting states in the country.

Akpabio, when the President of the Institution, Mr Emeka Eleh, paid him a courtsey visit at Governor’s Office, Uyo as part of their annual on-going three-day conference in the state, said that the research will help correct the historical perspective of the actual residence of Lord Lugard and

foreigners.

He pledged the state government’s readiness to partner the institute for the development of the Ibaka Deep Seaport in the state, adding “The Ibaka Deep Seaport will be completed in phases, which will complement other ports in the country. Already, 14,000 hectares of land are required for the deep seaport with an export free trade zone, which is for the economy of tomorrow.

So, we must all come together to assist the country to grow through the Ibaka Deep Seaport in association with the maritime industry.”

the governor said that as a group of professionals, they owed the country a duty of setting an economic agenda aimed at repositioning the country in line

with the current administration’s transformation agenda.

Amalgamation of the Northern and Southern protectorates in 1914, according to the governor,

NEPC, NOC promote trade and tourism at 2014 Commonwealth Games

BY DANIEL GUMM

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LANS are underway to ensure that Nigeria’s rich cultural heritage and locally made goods are showcased at the forthcoming 2014 Commonwealth Games scheduled to hold in Glasgow, Scotland.

Executive Director/CEO of Nigerian Export Promotion Council, NEPC, Mr. Olusegun Awolowo, who made the disclosure, while receiving the President of Nigerian Olympic Committee, NOC, Engr. Sani Ndanusa, in his office, said that the sporting event offers a veritable platform for Nigerian manufacturers and entrepreneurs to showcase the export potentials of Nigeria to the European Union and Commonwealth member countries.

He assured the President that the council will collaborate with his committee to promote Nigerian goods by establishing Product Display Centre at the Nigerian House situated in the games village.

Ndanusa, responding, said Nigeria was not only participating in the games to win laurels, but to attract foreign investors, who may want to seize the opportunity to meet Nigerian businessmen and women at the Nigerian House, as well as visit the Nigerian pavilion to have a feel of made-in-Nigeria goods.

“Nigeria’s participation at the event will help correct the impression that the country was

not safe due to the negative way the Western media portray the security situation in the country, as Nigeria was hopeful of hosting the Junior Olympics Games soon.

“Apart from sports, we also need to tell our stories and

showcase the abundant potentials in the Nigerian tourism and trade sector. So, we felt the need to establish a Nigerian House during the 11- day sporting event scheduled to hold from July 23, 2014,” Ndanusa added.

Right group berates LASG for disobeying court order on Lekki-Ikoyi bridge

BY INNOCENT ANABA

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AGOS—A civil rights group, Legal Defence and Assistance Project, LEDAP, yesterday, condemned the Lagos State Government for allegedly disobeying last week’s order of a Federal High Court sitting in Lagos, which nullified the collection of tolls at the LekkiIkoyi link bridge, Lagos.

National Coordinator of LEDAP, Mr Chino Obiagwu in a statement, said “despite the order of the court, toll fees are still being collected from motorists on the bridge.”

He added that “The judgment of court was issued in the presence of lawyers of the state government. The Attorney General of the state, Mr. Ade Ipaye said at a press conference after the judgment said that the government will appeal against the judgment. Such excuse is not reason for disobeying the court order. It is elementary that an appeal or a motion for stay of execution, without a positive

PEOPLE SPEAK

08102479985

was not a mistake, rather, people should see it as a platform to promote unity, oneness and equity as it was the only way to move the nation’s forward.

order of the court, does not prevent parties involved in fully obeying the judgment of the court.

“The primary condition of constitutional democracy is that judgments and orders of court must be complied with by all persons concerned, including the government. It is regrettable that the Lagos State Government, governed by the major national opposition party, will flagrantly disobey court order, and continue to collect toll on the Lekki-Ikoyi bridge. The conduct of the government in this regards smacks of impunity, and a complete disregard for the rule of law.

“We urge the plaintiff in the case to return to the court to commence contempt proceedings against the concerned officials, including the governor and the Attorney General of the state. We also call on motorists using the LekkiIkoyi link bridge to resist payment of toll on the bridge. The people must stand to resist abuse of power by public officials.”

By Bartholomew Madukwe (nwamad@yahoo.com)

Should delegates be paid N4m each at Confab?

Why should we pay such amount to some privileged few? It is more than the gratuity of a Grade level 17 officer, who had put in 35 years in the civil service. Someone will earn that in three months for just jaw jaw on a cational conference? Ms. Amamchi Okoji- Banker

Another waste of tax payers’ money. N4m to do what should be a patriotic act?

Most likely, these delegates will spend the threemonths discussing things that do not affect the common Nigerian nor represent the people’s views. Ms. Onouha Miriam- Student

As far as I’m concerned, this is just another excuse to milk money from the country. That money could have been used for better things instead of mere old people talking what will lead us nowhere at the end.

Prophetess Esupofo Lawrence- Clergy woman

Why can’t these so-called delegates pay their way through the duration of this conference as a gesture of patriotism to the country?

The last time I perused the list, I did not see one poor man there. All of them were all nominated. Ismaila Aremu- Computer Instructor

Housing delegates in hotels will be too expensive.

Paying them flat rate is acceptable. Let the conference take place. We need to do something about Nigeria, but I don't support the outrageous amount being spent on them. Adaobi Adigwe- Student

Are these people going to the national conference to find solutions to Nigeria problems or they are going there to make money? N4m for one delegate. When you add other allowances, maybe each delegate will get N24 million. Ms. Mbuko Stephanie- Student

Vanguard, TUESDAY, APRIL 1, 2014 — 45

Confab: Bayelsa delegates urged to address balkanization of Ijaw nation

2015: Women in Edo North demand Etsako senator

BY ONOZURE DANIA

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SENIOR Special Adviser to Bayelsa State Governor on Ijaw National Affairs, Mr. Erasmus Patrick, has urged delegates from Ijaw ethnic extraction at the on-going national conference to address the polarisation and balkanisation of the Ijaws.

Patrick, speaking at Godspower Oporomo Educational Academy second inter-house sports competition in Bomadi, Delta State, while fielding questions from newsmen, said: “In some areas where the Ijaws are found, especially Edo State, they don’t have a voice and have been divided into insignificant political units, and cannot even produce a councilor.”

He enjoined delegates from the South-South region to press for the repeal of obnoxious laws such as the Land Use Act, which had deprived the region of their God-given land and resources.

He said that the deliberations at the national conference should be subjected to a referendum where a larger group involving every ethnic nationality would endorse same.

He also disabused the minds of Nigerians, who are of the view that it was the duty of the National Assembly to endorse whatever had been discussed at the conference, adding that if that happens, the entire process would be a futility.

Odibo's remembrance holds April 10

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HE remembrance of the patriach of the Odibo family, Late Chief Wilson Odibo, of Egini, in Udu Local Government Area, Delta State, comes up April 10, 2014.

A statement by Elder Sunny Odibo and Elegbete Moses Odibo for the family, said an open air service and reception will hold at the family compound, 2nd Odibo Avenue, Effurun.

The late Chief Odibo was the Urukpe of Udu Kingdom and PresidentGeneral of Udu Kingdom from 1970 to 2003.

C M Y K

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VISIT: Governor Adams Oshiomhole of Edo State (left) and HRM, Oba of Benin, Oba Erediauwa, CFR, during the governor's visit to the royal father, yesterday.

Lawyers’ alleged murder generates storm in Delta

BY EMMA AMAIZE

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ARRI—THE death of two lawyers, Mr. H. Eguno Dafiaghor and Mr. Samuel Ekuwangi, on Ozoro-Asaba Expressway, Delta State, on March 27, has generated fresh controversy in the state, following different accounts of how they died.

Dafiaghor, said to be the Principal Partner of Whytfort Jurisconsult law firm in Ovwian, and his junior, were on their way to the state High Court, Ozoro, for a ruling when they were allegedly killed.

There were unconfirmed reports, yesterday, that the lawyers were killed by security

agents, while another source said that the killers were gunmen dressed in mobile police uniform.

National Coordinator of Forum for Justice and Human Rights Defence, FJHD, Delta State, Mr. Oghenejabor Ikimi, told Vanguard on the incident: “There are many versions to the murder. Some persons say that the duo were killed by gunmen dressed in mobile police uniform. What is clear to me is that the duo were assassinated.

“I wonder why some persons would want to kill an innocent lawyer performing his professional duties. The above case of assassination no doubt is

senseless, barbaric and satanic. We call on the Inspector General of Police to order a comprehensive and impartial investigation into the murder to unmask the perpetrators of the heinous crime as Nigerians are tired of cases of unresolved murder in our polity.

“If the theory that the duo were murdered as a result of the high profile case they were handling at the state High Court, Ozoro, is anything to go by, I believe that eliminating them was senseless as common sense would have dictated that another lawyer could possibly be briefed to take over the said case even with the demise of the duo,” he said.

Utomi, others hail Emefiele’s confirmation as CBN gov

BY HUGO OGOR

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ODI-

ROMINENT indigenes of Delta State have hailed Mr. Godwin Emefiele for his impressive performance at the Senate screening, where his nomination as the next governor of Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, was confirmed.

Meanwhile, friends, colleagues and family members have expressed gratitude to President Goodluck Jonathan for nominating him and the Senate for the speedy confirmation of Emefiele as the governor-designate of the country’s apex bank.

Executive Vice Chairman of ExxonMobil and Odogwu of Onicha Ugbo, Dr. Emmanuel Kachikwu, said: “I am confident that given his pedigree, that he will bring unique innovations and a dogged focus on purpose-

ful leadership to his present call to duty as the CBN governor.”

Former House of Representatives member, Prince Ned Nwoko, said: “We salute the courage of President Jonathan for picking out one of the brilliant minds in the nation’s banking sector to head the apex bank and participate in the transformation of the economy into a strong private sector-led free market system."

Also member of House of Reps, Mr. Ndudi Elumelu, said: “We cannot take the good gesture extended to Delta State for granted especially at a time when the people of Delta North earnestly deserve to contribute their quota to the consolidation of the process of economic reconstruction and the gains of the transformation agenda."

On his part, Director of Pan African University, Prof. Pat Uto-

mi, said: “The CBN’s governor designate has solid academic and professional background that does not give the luxury to fail. He also comes from a culture where people who are given this rare opportunity to such top job cannot afford to disappoint. It is a culture that demands diligence at all time. So we wish him well and expect him to excel and write his name in gold.”

Former Delta State Commissioner for Finance Mr. Bernard Okumagba, said that the appointment of Emefiele has been well received in the financial sector, as investors and key economic actors expect the new CBN governor to have a firm grip of the nation’s macroeconomic policies, which would determine his success as the next occupant of that office.

S the Edo North senatorial race gathers momentum, women in Estako, under the aegis of Estako Women for Democracy, EWD, have insisted that the Estako sub-ethnic group in the area must be allowed to produce the next senator. The women, meanwhile, have supported the candidature of a member of the House of Representatives, Mr. Abubakar Momoh.

The women, in a statement by Hajia Becklas Imianvan, at the end of their meeting in Auchi, Etsako West Local Government Area of the state, appealed to the Akoko-Edo and Owan sub-ethnic groups in Edo North senatorial zone, in the spirit of rotation of the position, to allow Estako produce the

Youth leader lauds DESOPADEC commissioner

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PROMINENT youth leader in Ughelli North Local Government Area of Delta State, Mr. Chris Eriyamremu, has said that Chief Christopher Ominimini, the Commissioner representing Ughelli North, on the board of Delta State Oil Producing Area Development Commission DESOPADEC, was doing his best to satisfy the people and communities he represents.

He also commended Omininimi for the solar streetlight in Ofuoma and other projects being executed in the various communities in Ughelli North and Ethiope East councils.

“Though much is still being expected from Ominimini and the commission, it is pertinent to encourage Ominimini by acknowledging his achievements, efforts and commitment towards the development of the communities,” he added.

46—Vanguard, TUESDAY, APRIL 1, 2014

Alleged invasion: IGP, Police sued for N150m

BY ANAYO OKOLI

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MUAHIA — AN Onitsha-based company, Everest Umeugo and Sons Nigeria Limited, has dragged the Inspector-General of Police and Nigeria Police before Anambra State High Court sitting in Onitsha for alleged trespass and damage to its property.

The company is asking the court to order the police to cough out a whopping N150 million as damages for the alleged invasion and destruction of its property and goods in its Onitsha shops.

Joined in the suit are Anambra State Police Commissioner, Onitsha Police Area Commander and DPO of Central Police Station, Onitsha.

Also joined are Ike Okolonji, Pastor Amechi Ekwerekwu and Mr. Harold Ekwerekwu, said to be members of the family that owns the disputed land that resulted in the alleged damage of property.

Youths laud S/E Govs Forum chairman's without rancour

BY ANAYO OKOLI

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MUAHIA — OHA NAEZE Youth Council, OYC, has commended the South East governors for electing their Abia State counterpart, Chief Theodore Orji, as the chairman of their Forum without rancour, saying they had demonstrated that they were genuine democrats.

The group expressed the hope that Governor Orji would give the Forum quality leadership which would help elevate Ndigbo in the nation.

In a statement by its Enugu State youth leader, Mr. Ibuchukwu Nwodo, the group described Orji as a true Igbo man who would work for Ndigbo's progress.

Nwodo also pledged the loyalty of youths to the Forum and assured of their cooperation with the governors in the interest of Ndigbo.

On the forthcoming OYC election, Nwodo thanked the leadership of Ohanaeze Ndigbo who, for the first time, deemed it right to conduct election for the youth and women wings of the pan-Igbo group.

C M Y K

N30m rent fraud: Ruling adjourned

BY ONOZURE DANIA

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AGOS — A Lagos High Court, sitting at Igbosere, has fixed April 11, 2014, for ruling on the case of Alhaji Ishola Salaudeen, who defrauded over 100 prospective tenants of N30 million.

The ruling, which was earlier scheduled for March 28, 2014, could not go on as Justice Candide Johnson adjourned the case to a new date, to enable him study the file before giving his ruling on the new date.

Meanwhile the defendant’s counsel, Mohammed Adamu, filed an application before the court, saying he had earlier informed the court at the last adjourned date that the matFORUM: From left, Professor Sama Nwana, Chief Executive Officer, Atlantic Telecoms ter would be resolved amicably among the Media; Engr. Ernest Ndukwe, Chairman, OpenMedia Group; Mrs. Omobola Johnson, parties involved in the matter.

Minister of Communication Technology; Mr. Emeka Mba, Director-General, Nigerian Adamu, in his application, said he was at Broadcasting Commission, and Mr. Stanley Jegede, Chief Executive Officer, Phase2 Techthe Ikeja High Court before Justice Akapo nology, at the International Forum on Accelerating Nationwide Broadband Access in NiLawal,to get the correct documents from the geria, at the Four Points By Sheraton, Lekki Peninsula, Oniru Estate, Lagos. defendant who was brought from prison However,defendant’s counsel who apologised for his inability to get all the necessary documents before the judge due to the incarceration of the defendant, said they were now at the defendant’s residence searching all

BY JONAH NWOKPOKU on Sunday, June 8, 2014, as a Association, the Nigerian Assonecessary documents for purposgrand finale of the cancer week ciation of Chambers of Comes of reconciliation, in compliance merce, Industry, Mines & AgriOMMITTEE ENCOUR that will kick off, June 1. with the court’s directive before Unveiling the NCW at a ses- culture, Nigerian Institute of AGING Corporate Philanthe date of ruling. thropy, CECP, Nigeria, has sion with the media in Lagos, the Management & the Nigerian At the last sitting, the complainstepped up its fight against can- convener of CECP, Mrs. Marga- Stock Exchange. ants’ counsel, O. Ojo, had told Also speaking, Dr. Michael cer in the country as it unveiled ret Adeleke, said: “CECP Nigethe court that the defendant was action plan to raise N3.6 billion ria provides a platform for private- Omolayole who chaired the me- not serious about settling the needed to acquire 37 Mobile sector led united action for the dia session called on corporate claimants. common good of society. The cur- philanthropists in Nigeria to take Cancer Centre, MCC. He had also said that, the deCancer kills 10 Nigerians ev- rent focal cause of the CECP is a cue from the Tata Group, India’s fendant’s counsel had told the ery hour and a total of 80,000 an- the ‘BIG WAR’ against cancer, largest conglomerate, which he court to give him time to prepare nually and CECP said with the aimed at raising funds to acquire said, accounted for 3.2 per cent for the case which was granted. of Indian GDP, and devoted twoMCC, over 100,000 Nigerians 37 MCCs. Ojo had said that they had filed thirds of its profit every year to "The MCC will facilitate the onmight be saved from the scourge application for summary judggoing nation-wide cancer screen- charity! every year. ment before the court on NovemLady Maiden Ibru who delivThe organisation also unveiled ing/treatment campaign of the ber 6, 2013, and that the court was a National Cancer Week, NCW; National Cancer Prevention Pro- ered a keynote address during aware of the case. an event which it said was a cru- gramme, a non-governmental the media session on: ‘the Role Justice Johnson adjourned the of the Media in the Big War cial part of the campaign to ac- initiative.” case for ruling on the application She decried the rate Nigerians against cancer in Nigeria,’ highquire the 37 MCCs that will take for summary judgment, since the lighted the critical role of the medie of treatable ailments. the war against cancer to the defence counsel was not in court Adeleke noted that, CECP Ni- dia in the fight against the mendoorstep of every Nigerian. and did not get any notice for his The NCW will feature promi- geria was co-promoted by six of ace and called for concerted ef- absence. nently a fund-raising banquet the core bodies of the organised forts on their part to help raise entitled, ‘Banquet of Stars against private sector, including: Insti- awareness and funds needed to Cancer,’ BOSAC, which will take tute of Directors, Lagos Chamber combat the scourge.

Pro-Chancellor & Chairman of place at Eko Convention Centre of Commerce and industry, Niof Eko Hotel and Suites in Lagos geria Employers’ Consultative Governing Council, Pan-Atlantic University, Dr. Christopher Kolade, who is the anchor person for the National Cancer Week,

BY PROVIDENCE OBUH listed activities for the event and explained that the week-long HE CENTRE for Democevent will start with ‘the stars in morial mass, public lecture and

BY HUGO ODIOGOR racy Governance in Africa, the church against cancer’ where social wake-keep in Abuja.

CDGA, has concluded arrangeThe statement said the corpse there will be prayers and special ments to confer an award on the ETAILS OF the pro gramme for the burial of will leave Abuja for Enugu on collections by churches across the First Lady, Mrs. Patience Amb. Ralph Uwechue, has been May 8, where it will lie in state country.

This, he said, would be followed Jonathan. released by members of his fam- at the headquarters of OhaAlso to be honoured with by ‘the rising star against cancer’ ily, in consultation with the apex naeze Ndigbo. awards are former military PresiThereafter, the corpse, accord- which will focus on schools, ‘cor- dent Ibrahim Babangida, PresiIgbo socio-cultural organisation, Ohanaeze, which has set up a ing to the satement, will leave porates’ dress down day against dent of Dangote Group, Alhaji committee to organise the fare- Enugu on the same day for Asa- cancer, and ‘the stars in the Aliko Dangote and some goverba for onward journey to his res- mosques against cancer,’ which nors. well for its former leader.

Amb. Uwechue, the immediate idence, Africa House, Og- will focus on the Muslim commuBabangida and the governors nity. He disclosed that there would past president of Ohanaeze washi-Uku for a vigil. are to be given awards for serThe body will lie in state at also be a world press conference vice delivery, while Dangote is to Ndigbo, died in London on Thursday, March 13, 2014, aged the Africa House, his final rest- and a novelty match within the be conferred with African Distincancer week. ing place," before interment.

79.

On his part, Sir Remi Omotoso, guished Business award.

According to the programme, According to the statement from Director-General of the group, the family and the committee, yes- the Bishop of Issele-Uku diocese, who is the Lead Advocate of the Dr. Dafe Akpocha, who disclosed terday, a 30-man farewell com- His Lordship Michael Odogwu CECP, listed the levels of spon- this at a news conference in Lamittee had been formed, while the Elue, will conduct the memorial sorship which ranges from one- gos, said the awards would be final burial programme would mass before Amb. Uwechue will star sponsor (N5 million) to five- conferred on the beneficiaries at commence on May 5, 2014, with be interred on Friday, May 9, star sponsors (N100 million).

For each level of sponsorship, a lecture billed for May 7, 2014, various activities, including a me- 2014. in Lagos.

CECP steps up fight against cancer ...Unveils National Cancer Week C

Ohanaeze forms c'ttee for Uwechue’s burial

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Centre plans awards for Mrs Jonathan, IBB, Dangote, others

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Vanguard, TUESDAY, APRIL 1, 2014 — 47

PRESENTATION: Former President, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo (3rd right), CEO, Montage Cable Network, Mr. Bamidele Adetunji (4th right) and others, during the presentation of a decoder to the former president by the Montage team, at the Hilltop Villa, Abeokuta, Ogun State.

FUNDRAISING: From left: Abisola Oshodi, representating Mrs. Abimbola Fashola, Pastor Ituah Ighodalo, Chairman, Board of Trustees, Courage Education Foundation, CEF, Mrs. Modupe Ajagunna, Project Director, CEF and Mr. Seyi Akinwumi, Vice Chairman, CEF, at the fundraising ceremony of the CEF in Lagos. Photo: Biodun Ogunleye.

Mr. Sani Ndanusa, President, Nigerian Olympic Committee, NOC (left) and Mr. Olusegun Awolowo, CEO, Nigerian Export Promotion Council, NEPC, during the visit to NEPC headqurters in Abuja.

BRIEFING: From left: Gbenga Adeyinka I, Chief Executive Officer, Laughter Incorporated, Kufre Ekanem, Corporate Affairs Adviser, Nigerian Breweries Plc, Sampson Oloche, Marketing Manager, Non-Alcoholic Drinks, Ayodeji Makun (AY), Chief Executive Officer, CorporateWorld Entertainment, and Edem Vindah, Public Relations Manager, Corporate Media and Brand, Nigerian Breweries, at the Maltina Laugh Out Loud, LOL, briefing in Lagos.

From right: Dr. Taofeek Folami, Speacial Adviser to the Governor on Environment, Mr. Tunji Bello, Lagos State Commissioner for Environment, and Mr. Muyideen Akinsanya, Perm. Sec. Office of Drainage Services, Ministry of Environment, during the briefing on seasonal rainfall prediction in Lagos.

DONATION: From left: Dr. Harbhajan Batth, Group Chief Information Officer, Chellarams Plc, Mrs. Ruth Aiyegbusi, Head Teacher, Estate Primary School, Isolo, and Mrs. Rekha Singh,Chief Marketing Officer, Chellarams Plc, at the inauguration of recreational facilities and donation of milk to students of Isolo Estate Primary School, Isolo, by Chellarams Plc to mark its 90 years in Lagos.

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LAUNCHING: From left: DG, National Agency for Food and Drugs Administration and Control, NAFDAC, Dr. Paul Orhii, Mrs. Taiwo Taiwo, CE, Emzor Pharmaceuticals, Mrs. Stella Okoli, author of the book and Vice President, Global Health Programmes, Mr. Patrick Lukulay, and President, Nigerian-American Chamber of Commerce, Mr. Sam Ohuabunwa, during the formal launch of the book: “The Executive in You” in Lagos.

Photo: Diran Oshe.

Secretary, Somolu Local Government, Dr. Owolabi Salu (left), representating Senator 'Gbenga Ashafa, presenting an industrial weaving machine to one of the beneficiaries of Gbenga Ashafa Trust Endowment, GATE, scheme, Mr Kazeem Ibraheem, at the senator's constituency office, Ikosi- Ketu, Lagos.

DECORATION: Chief Superintendent of Customs, CSC, Bonaventure Nnamani (middle), being decorated by Assistant Comptroller, Ibrahim N. Turaki (left) and Deputy Comptroller, A.J. Sanni, at the Seme Border, Lagos.

48 — Vanguard, TUESDAY, APRIL 1, 2014

JTF foils gunmen's attempt to attack Yobe village

Kaduna APC constitutes 17-man c'ttee to conduct congresses

BY BALA AJIYA

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ADUNA—THE Kaduna State chapter of All Progressives Congress, APC, yesterday constituted a 17-man committee to conduct the party’s congresses beginning from April 5.

Senator Sani Sale, APCKaduna Central, disclosed this at a news briefing in Kaduna.

Flanked by the interim state chairman of the party, Dr Hakeem Baba-Ahmed, Sale said the committee was approved by the APC National Chairman, Chief Bisi Akande, after a meeting in Kaduna attended by Governor Rabiu Kwankwaso of Kano State.

Saleh said the committee would be co-chaired by him and Baba-Ahmed, with other members drawn from across all interest groups in the party.

He listed other members as Alhaji Ahmadu CocaCola, Alhaji Auwal Gote, Alhaji Lawal Aliyu, Alhaji Yaro Makama, Mallam Nasiru El-Rufai, Mr J D Ephraim, Alhaji Datti Garba and Admiral Ibrahim Iko. Other member are Mr Joel Kwasau, Amb. Sule Buba, Chief Samuel Onyeama, Hajiya Binta Muazu, Mrs Rebbeca Bard, Ms Sheba Kura and Malam Bala Yunusa.

He said: “The party after extensive deliberation further resolved that all party elders should go back to their respective wards and encourage the emergence of consensus candidates where possible.”

He, however, said even where a consensus was reached, the person chosen must be confirmed by a ‘yes’ vote.

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From left: Mr. More Rangnath, Lead Consultant; Mr. Olayinka Amoo, Group Quality Manager, Fidson Healthcare Plc; Mr. Abiola Adebayo, Operations Director, Fidson Healthcare and Mr. Akinloye Oyegunju, Factory Manager, Fidson Healthcare, at the media tour of the Agro Fidson Healthcare biotech plant in Sango-Ota, Ogun State. Photo: Joe Akintola, Photo Editor.

Sambo expresses FG's readiness to partner Nigerians in Diaspora on devt R

IYADH — THE Vice President Namadi Sambo, yesterday, in Riyadh, the capital city of Saudi Arabia, expressed the readiness of the President Goodluck Jonathan’s administration to partner with Nigerians in Diaspora to bring development to the country.

Sambo spoke when he met with the Nigerian community in Riyadh, just as he acquainted them with the developmental strides embarked upon in all sectors of the nation’s economy by the Jonathan administration.

In a statement signed by the Special Adviser to Sambo, Mallam Umar Sani, the Vice President was said to have asked the Nigerians to always be good ambassadors of their country.

Earlier in their separate addresses, Shamsudeen Fagbo, President of the Nigerian Professional Workers in Saudi Arabia, and Bashir Suleiman, Chairman of the Nigerians resident in the country, had requested the Federal Government to build primary and secondary schools to cater for their

Confab: My interest is in Nigeria as a brand — NIPR boss

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BUJA — A DELEGATE to the ongoing National Conference and President, Nigeria Institute of Public Relations, NIPR, Dr Rotimi Oladele, has said that as a brand manager, his representation in the confab is his interest in Nigeria as a brand.

Oladele, who expressed optimism in the success of the confab, said: "What I like about the composition and the package is that it gives room to different strata of people in various capacities, professions and unions. You have statesman, activist, politicians, technocrats, civil societies, trade unionist and the disabled.

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"The country has a lot to benefit from the parley. We now have an opportunity to engage one another in a peaceful way towards correcting certain injustices which have been the cause of agitation for majority of Nigerians.

"It's a people's conferences in the sense that it is not limited only to delegates in the hall as indicated by President Goodluck Jonathan. He has conceded to the issue of referendum and the possibility of a new constitution, as a listening President who has begun a process for us to reclaim our Brand Nigeria, and we can do so both within and outside the conference.

children in Saudi Arabia.

They noted that such efforts had been done by other African countries like Ghana and Mali and called on the government to emulate such laudable initiative.

They further suggested the use of Nigerian curriculum in such schools, when established and to ensure that examination bodies in Nigeria conduct examinations in those schools.

Sambo was in Saudi Arabia as the head of a delegation of

the Federal Government to the award ceremony of Sheikh Ahmed Abubakar Lemu, winner of the 2014 King Faisal International Prize for Service to Islam, held on Sunday in Riyadh.

Present at the meeting was the Governor Babangida Aliyu of Niger State; Nigerian Ambassador to Saudi Arabia, Abubakar Shehu Bunu; Deputy Chief of Mission, Ambassador Tijjani Hamman Joda and Ahmed Umar, Counsel General and other top government officials.

Yero distributes N163m to 366 Muslim, Christian groups

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ADUNA — AS part of his multi dimensional approach to sustaining peace and unity, Governor Mukhtar Yero of Kaduna State, yesterday distributed over N163 million to 366 groups comprising Muslims and Christians organisations in the state.

The state government said it would soon commence the disbursement of N2 billion for the development of Micro Small Medium Enterprises, SMEs, in the state.

The Commissioner for Finance, Alhaji Ismaila Aliyu, disclosed this, yesterday, in Kaduna at a workshop for managers of micro finance banks from the 23 local governments in the state.

However, the assistance to Christians and Muslims was meant to support the various religious groups in building places of worship as well as carrying out other learning activities.

Speaking during the presentation of cheques to representatives of the religious groups, Yero said his administration would not relent in its effort at

sustaining lasting peace that would lead to reintegration of the diverse groups in the state.

His words: “We are assisting religious groups because of the importance of religion in ensuring peace and harmonious coexistence among our people.

Religious leaders must not forget their roles as leading lights and they must preach true gospel of God without injecting their personal opinions, because we have observed that some preachers add personal opinions to the word of God. “From today we are going to ensure that the people always mix together; whatever we are going to do in this state we must sit together as brothers irrespective of tribe or religion.

"The principle of our administration is to reintegrate our people. Whether we like it or not, God has already brought us together and we must tolerate one another because we must live together.

“If anything happens and we say we must revenge and then the other people say they must also take vengeance, the situation will never end."

AMATURU— AT TEMPT by about 60 gunmen, weekend, to attack Ngezerma town in Fune Local Goverment Area of Yobe State, was repelled by members of the Joint Task Force, JTF, in the area.

The gunmen arrived the town at about 6.30 p.m, Sunday, shooting sporadically, thus causing pandemonium among the residents who fled for their lives.

However, the early arrival of the JTF men who launched a counter attack was said to have saved the situation as the gunmen who arrived in three Toyota Hilux vehicles and 10 motorcycles fled.

Police Mobile Commander dies in auto crash

BY JOHN MKOM

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ALINGO — THE Com mander of Mobile 40 Police Mobile Force, Jalingo, the capital of Taraba State, Chief Superintendent Ahmed Diri, has died in an auto crash.

Diri died Sunday along the Bauchi-Gombe road while returning from Bauchi State to Jalingo with five vehicles in his convoy.

One of police escorts on the convoy who spoke to Vanguard on the condition of anonymity said Diri collected his official vehicle from the driver when the driver wanted to ease himself in the bush.

According to the sources, the deceased took over the vehicle's key from the driver and asked the escort team to move and leave the driver behind.

He said: "Oga was not happy when the driver went to ease himself in the bush, although the driver left the key on ignition. Oga came out from the passenger’s side and started the vehicle and asked the convoy to move on.

"In the process he rammed his vehicle into the pilot car from the rear and died instantly.

The Police Public Relations Officer, Taraba State Police Command, Joseph Kwaji confirmed the incident.

Vanguard, TUESDAY, APRIL 1, 2014 — 49

Continued from Page 9 lawyer, Mr Yunus Ustaz Usman, SAN, told the court that a ‘rebel’ group of 46 lawmakers, led by the Minority Leader of the House, Femi Gbajabiamila, had perfected plans to change the leadership of the House of Reps “If the defendant/respondent are not restrained by the court and they take any step, it will foist on the court a state of fait accompli.

The plaintiff/applicant will be prejudiced if this application is refused. Monetary compensation will not atone for the damage that will be done to the Plaintiff/ Applicant in place of this interim injunction. It is in the interest of justice to grant this application”, the PDP added.

It specifically urged the court to go ahead and determine whether in view of the mandatory provision of section 68(i) (g) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999, as amended, and in view of the pendency of a suit between Senator Bello Hayatu Gwarzo and 78 others against Alhaji Bamanga Tukur and four others before the Federal High Court Abuja Division, the defendants, can validly function as members of the House of Reps, contribute to, or vote on any motion and or debate in the proceedings of the House with a view to removing or sanctioning 2nd to 10th defendants or any of the Principal Officers of the House.

Likewise, PDP, pleaded the court to also determine whether in view of the mandatory provision of section 68(i) (g) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999, as amended, and the aforementioned pending suit, the 23rd to 79 th defendants can lawfully alter the composition or constitution of the leadership of the 1st defendant.

It sought “A declaration that the 11TH TO 52nd defendants who are 23rd to 79th plaintiffs in Suit No. FHC/ABJ/CS/621/2013, between Senator Bello Hayatu Gwarzo & 78 Ors V. Alhaji Bamanga Tukur & 4 Ors, are not competent to sponsor, contribute or vote on any motion calling for the removal or change in the leadership of the House of Reps or the removal of any of the Principal Officers of the 1st defendant.

As well as “An Order of perpetual injunction restraining the defendants particularly 2nd to 52nd defendants, their agents, servants, privies, or through any person or persons however from taking any step or further steps, sitting, starting or doing anything to alter, remove or change the leadership of the 1st defendant.”

The court granted PDP’s prayers, which elicited mixed reactions in the polity, yesterday.

We‘ll appeal, ruling –APC Reacting to the ruling, the APC said it would appeal the judgment.

Interim National Publicity Secretary of the party, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, said: “What the court has said is that the House of Representatives cannot change leadership and that the affected members lacked competence to stay within the House. In any case, whatever the decision is, we will

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Don’t extend state of emergency, Ciroma, Kingibe, others tell Jonathan

BY HENRY UMORU

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FIDAU: From right; Professor Rahman Bello, son of the deceased, Governor Ibikunle Amosun, Brigadier-General Mumuni Bello and others at the 40th-Day Fidau Special Prayer and final burial ceremony of Late Alhaja Fatimoh Bintu Bello, held at Iboro Yewa North Local Government Area of Ogun State on saturday. Photo By Wumi Akinola.

Defection: Court asks APC lawmakers to resign appeal the ruling. The court did not say they should resign, it simply expressed an opinion that they lacked competence.”

everybody knows that the PDP, at the time they defected, was factionalised. I think it was not right in reaching that decision.”

Ruling is wrong –Sagay, Aturu Constitutional lawyer, Professor Itse Sagay, SAN said: “I certainly do not agree with that judgment, I think it is wrong, it is not instituted in the constitution.”

Sagay argued that “obviously the judge has not availed himself of the provisions of the constitution and applied them to his actions. The constitution does not require a lawmaker who has crossed over to another party to resign his seat, if his crossing over to the other side, is as a result of factionalisation of his party. If his party has broken into two, he can then cross over to another party and that is what happened. The PDP broke into two factions, the court did not allow one of the factions to use the name of PDP and they went and joined the APC. So, they are perfectly entitled, it is constitutional and the court is definitely wrong.”

Also, Mr Bamidele Aturu, a lawyer faulted the verdict, saying: “My view is that if you are asking them to resign, it must be based on the fact that there is no dispute in their party but from what we know, it will be difficult for me to say that the court was right in reaching that decision because

Judgment has created confusion –Tsav Also speaking, former Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Alhaji Abubakar Tsav, said: ‘’The defection did not start with PDP lawmakers, who defected to the APC recently. Before the latest mass defection, we have had other defections in the past. So it is viceverse. If the court is ruling that the defection is illegal, does it mean that all past defections were illegal?

The judgment has created confusion in the polity.”

Defecting Reps should prepare for bye-election - Adeyeye However, former Spokesman of Afenifere, Prince Dayo Adeyeye, described the ruling as a landmark judgment.

Hailing the verdict, Adeyeye, who is a PDP governorship aspirant in Ekiti State, said: “The most honourable thing for the defecting lawmakers to do is to prepare to test their popularity and that of the APC that they decamped to in a bye-election” adding, “it is immoral for people to use a political platform to win election and defect to another party.”

It is a welcome development – Opara In like manner, by former Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Austin Opara, described the ruling as a welcome development that will stop political prostitutes who enjoy moving from one party to the other.

He said: “The decision of the Court is a good development for Nigeria because we have never had this kind of development in our political landscape in the past.

But with this judgment, politicians will learn how to develop and effect changes in their party rather than jumping from one party to the other.”

Reps divided Minority Leader of the House of Representatives, Femi Gbajabiamila, described the ruling a strange judgment that turned law on its head. According to him, the judgment is a product of error of court the lawmakers would be willing to appeal at a higher court.

His words: “The judgment is strange and will be appealed. No person can be compelled by law to stay in an association against his or her wishes.”

However, Deputy Majority Leader of the House, Leo Ogor, PDP Delta State, said, “the PDP has respected the laws of the land, the judgment is glaring as the tenets of Section 68(g) of the 1999 constitution as amended was adequately followed”.

BUJA—FORMER Minister of Finance, Mallam Adamu Ciroma, former Chief of Air Staff, Air Vice Marshall Al-amin Dagash, Ex- Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Alhaji Babagana Kingibe yesterday called on the Federal Government not to extend the the state of emergency declared in the Adamawa, Borno and Yobe states of the North East states following insurgency in these states.

According to them, as the emergency expires April 19, President Goodluck Jonathan should not extend it against the backdrop that it has failed to achieve its desired goal, just as they stressed that there was complicity in many terror attacks in the three states of the NorthEast geo-political zone under Boko Haram insurgency.

Speaking under the aegis, Borno - Yobe People’s Forum, the elder statesmen, who listed some instances to buttress that security agents may have prior knowledge of attacks before they happened or failed to act proactively to prevent them.

Addressing journalists yesterday in Abuja, the Elders however demanded to know “who authorised the withdrawal of security personnel from the Federal Government College, Buni Yadi hours before the attack that claimed the lives of 59 innocent children.”

Reading the statement for the group, Air Vice Marshall Al-amin Dagash, who was flanked by former Minister of Agriculture, Shettima Mustapha and other political and opinion leaders from the two states, asked why security reports from the communities on impending attacks were ignored or not promptly responded to by security personnel.

The federal government had in 2012, declared a state of emergency in Borno, Yobe and Adamawa States and deployed heavy military presence there.

Jonathan seeks dismissal of anti-confab suit

BY IKECHUKWU NNOCHIRI

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BUJA—PRESIDENT Goodluck Jonathan, yesterday, urged the Abuja Division of the Federal High Court to dismiss the suit seeking to invalidate the outcome of the ongoing National Conference.

In a preliminary objection he entered against the suit, Jonathan, through his lawyer, Mr. Femi Falana, SAN, told the high

court that the litigant, Dr. Tunji Abayomi, was bereft of the locusstandi to challenge the constitutionality of the Conference.

Besides, stressing that the Confab which is chaired by a former Chief Justice of Nigeria, CJN, Justice Idris Legbo Kutigi, is in the overall best interest of the nation, Jonathan, maintained that the plaintiff, failed to disclose how his personal rights would be adversely affected by the

National Conference.

He therefore contended that there was no reasonable cause of action in the suit, saying it should be dismissed as grossly lacking in merit and substance.

Meanwhile, the court was yesterday told that all the defendants in the matter have been duly served with the court processes, even as Justice Abdul Kafarati consolidated the preliminary objection and the substantive suit for hearing on May 8.

It will be recalled that the high court had on the last adjourned date, joined the chairman of the Conference, Kutigi, the Deputy Chairman, Prof. Bolaji Akinyemi and the Secretary, Dr (Mrs) Valerie Azinge, as defendants in the suit.

Previously listed as 1st to 4th defendants in the suit were President Jonathan, the Attorney General of the Federation, Senate President and Speaker of the House of Representatives.

50—Vanguard, TUESDAY, APRIL 1, 2014

Anambra polls tribunal admits 2 APC electronic voter registers

By NWABUEZE OKONKWO

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HE Anambra State Election Petition Tribunal sitting in Awka, yesterday, admitted two versions of electronic register of voters in Anambra State issued

by Independent Electoral Commission, INEC, to the All Progressives Congress, APC, on October 16, 2013 and November 13, 2013 respectively. The three man panel headed by Justice Ishaq Bello also admitted a letter to APC on October 14, 2013.

The two electronic voter registers which were contained in two different computer hard discs were marked Exhibit P. 386,1-2,

while the letter was marked ‘Exhibit P.385’. The admission followed protracted legal battle between the petitioners' counsel led

by Emeka Ngige, SAN, and those of the INEC, Obiano and APGA, to stop the documents from being admitted. Raising an objection that the process of bringing what he described as "the two objects" before the court "was flawed," INEC’s Counsel, Gbenga Awomolo, SAN, and Prof Chukwuemeka Onukogu, counsel for INEC Resident Commissioner in Anambra State; relied on Section 84 of the Evidence Act to insist that the prosecution witness Chibuzo Obiakor (PW11),

State Collation Agent for APC in the November 16, 2013 elections, did not lay sufficient foundation in his evidence for the objects to be admitted. Awomolo argued that there ought to be enough evidence to show that the said exhibits were products from a computer which has been in regular use and certified.

He was supported by Counsel to Willie Obiano, Onyebuchi Ikpeazu and Counsel for APGA, Patrick Ikwueto, SAN. Emeka Ngige, however, submitted that the objections of the defence lawyers were a misconception of both the evidence

From left, Mrs Cathy Echeozo, deputy managing director, GTBank plc; Dame Abimbola Fashola, Lagos State first lady; Mrs Yinka Yusuf, senior special assistant to first lady and Mrs Olaitan Ipaye at the GTBank autism week held in Lagos. Photo: Lamidi Bamidele sought to be tendered and the Evidence Act. He further told the Tribunal that the only material things to consider were whether the documents were pleaded; whether they were listed; whether they were relevant; and whether they are admissible in law, citing various legal authorities to back his argument.

The Tribunal rose for about 20 minutes and thereafter admitted the documents, insisting that since the materials submitted were hard discs, any possible objection could arise from while opening the materials which had not yet been done.

According to the Tribunal, any venture beyond that would be like delving into the weight of the evidence

which was premature.

The Tribunal, however, rejected as exhibit, a certified true copy of Willie Obiano’s voter ’s card tendered through the same witness, because according to the witness, any issue relating to the paragraphs that have been struck out by the Tribunal has been stopped by the previous ruling.

To arrive at the ruling, however, the Tribunal claimed the right to ‘interpret their own ruling since the panel was still alive hence our ruling on the argument of Ngige anchored on the March 25, 2014 ruling of the Tribunal which according to Ngige's submission "saved the paragraphs in question."

Meanwhile, another witness, Mrs Chidiebere Moghalu, testified that she and other voters registered at Booth 018, Ward 5, Umuoruka, Awka in Awka South Local Government Area, but were denied their voting rights as their names were not found in the register and they ended up not voting during the polls.

Benue killings: Army begins major offensive ByKINGSLEY OMONOBI

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OLLOWING the unending attacks and killing of hundreds of people in several Fulani headsmen/ farmers clashes in Benue, Nasarawa and Plateau states, the Nigerian Army said, yesterday, that it has commenced a major military operation to rid the area of such clashes. Consequently, it said the target of the operation will include bringing an end to activities of criminal gangs as well as all armed groups roaming the towns and villages of states in the area who were committing mayhem.

A statement by the Director of Defence Information, Major General Chris Olukolade said, “The Nigerian Army, yesterday, commenced a major operation to put an end to activities of all armed men and criminal gangs who have been engaging in wanton killing and destruction of lives and property in three states of North Central part of Nigeria.

“Troops have already been deployed for a major offensive which is covering Benue, Nassarawa and Plateau States. The Internal Security Operations is meant to capture and neutralize all the enclaves of criminal gangs. The Nigerian Air Force, Police and other security agencies are also participating in the operation designed to restore peace in the affected states.”

The statement added that “Law abiding citizens are enjoined to cooperate by providing timely and useful information to facilitate the operation as it affects their localities”.

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Vanguard, TUESDAY, APRIL 1, 2014—51

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52—Vanguard, TUESDAY, APRIL 1, 2014

*Segun Osoba, Mike Ozekhome and other confab delegates yesterday. Photos: Gbemiga Olamikan

Delegates agree on 70% voting system STORIES BY HENRY UMORU, JOSEPH VERUNKE & LEVINUS NWABUGHIOGU

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ONTROVERSIES generated last week at the on-going National Conference over voting pattern to be adopted on reaching resolutions in its rules of procedures, was laid to rest Monday, at the resumption of plenary, as delegates unanimously agreed on 70 percent.

Delegates were sharply divided along regional angles last week over whether to adopt two-third, three quarter or simple majority as voting benchmark.

While southern delegates rooted for a two-third majority, delegates from northern extraction had canvassed for 75 percent or three-quarter as benchmark.

Arising from the disagreement, the conference chairman, Justice Idris Kutigi constituted a 50member committee to consult with the conference management on acceptable benchmark, so that it could be tabled before Monday’s plenary.

The affected delegates had met between Thursday and Saturday, when they deliberated and reached a compromise.

At the resumed plenary Monday, the delegates adopted the 70 per cent majority as the voting modality to be used in arriving at decisions.

A delegate from Benue State, Senator Iyorchia Ayu, who is at the conference on the platform of Former Senators Forum, moved the motion for the adoption of the voting pattern C M Y K

and was seconded by immediate past governor of Akwa Ibom State, Obong Victor Attah, who on his part, is standing in for the Former Governors’ Forum in the conference.

The contentious voting pattern, contained in Order VI Rule 3 of the Procedure Rule, provides that any decision in the conference shall be decided by at least a three-quarter majority.

“Any questions proposed for decision in the conference shall be determined by consensus and when this is not achievable, by a three-quarter majority of the delegates present and voting,” the section reads.

Deputy Chairman of the conference, Professor Bolaji Akinyemi, had earlier presented the report of the outcome of the consultative meeting to the

house, leading a call for a motion on the issue.

He said: “The committee met on the 25th and 26th March, 2014. Deliberations during these meetings were cordial. Delegates worked in harmony to develop and put into effective use, the spirit of consensus building with the national interest at heart.

“At the conclusion of deliberations, members reached a decision to amend Order VI Paragraph 4, XI paragraph 2 and XII paragraph 4 (e) as follows:“In the case of failure to reach consensus, the matter shall be decided by majority vote of 70 per cent of delegates present and voting.

That is the recommendation which that committee is bringing to you, distinguished delegates,” he said.

Bolaji, after his submission, called for discussions on the issue but delegates unanimously rooted for a motion on the recommendation of the consensus group.

This development prompted Senator Ayu to move for the adoption of the motion that was subsequently seconded by Victor Attah.

Speaking after the adoption of the voting benchmark, Professor Bolaji said:” I congratulate the committee for avoiding the impression of a winner and a loser in this matter. I think we are getting to the point where we are making progress”.

Attah, who had seconded the motion thanked delegates for what he called their maturity at reaching an agreement on the issue. He said the agreement was a ‘win-win’ situation, saying there was no winner or loser.

The conference, after adoption of the 70 percent voting pattern moved to committee arrangements.

Speaking on the issue, a delegate from Anambra State, Prof. ABC Nwosu, said that most committees constituted were inappropriate for the items listed for discussion.

Controversial issues According to him, certain controversial issues such as resource control and state police, were not in line with the president’s suggestions. Mr. President listed certain issues, resource control, state police, etc.

Many committees as constituted are inappropriate, they are not in line with the president’s suggestions.They are some that have been buried in the devolution,” he said.

Also while speaking, Pastor Tunde Bakare, a delegate from Ogun State interjected, saying that the work plan has not taken into cognizance, real issues confronting the nation.

“Mr Chairman, sir, it appears to me that we have constantly put our cart before the horse. We are full of mutual suspicions either between religions or regions. Mr. Chairman, sir, Nigerians are expecting something different from this conference. We should face the issues that surround this country.

A Federal Government delegate, Chief Mike Ozekhome, faulted why the committee on media should be subsumed under the committee on science and technology.

••Debate president’s speech D

ELEGATES to the on- going National conference yesterday began discussions on the inaugural speech of President Goodluck Jonathan with the unity of the country, restructuring and true federalism in the front burner.

Soon after resumption from lunch break at 4 pm, the conference chairman Justice Idris Kutigi asked, “Distinguished Delegates, do we take that everybody wants to speak on Mr. President’s speech.”

There was a chorused “yes” from the floor, and the deliberations began, in alphabetical order with Dr. Garba Abari representing Yobe State setting the tone.

With two hours devoted for the exercise after lunch break to deliberate the President’s inaugural speech of the conference, a total number of 39 delegates out of the 491 spoke on the speech, just as speaker after speaker all hailed president Jonathan for his very well articulated, inspiring and

inspirational speech.

Describing himself as a teacher, Abari who noted that Nigerians were more divided now than it was in the early days of independence, stressed that the country was on a steady downslide with massive unemployment, insecurity threatening the unity and cohesiveness of the country and questioned the role of the state in the development plan of the nation.

Accurate data In her contribution, Prof. Laraba Gambo noted that with the discovery of oil, Nigeria as a country abandoned agriculture, thereby making the citizenry lazy.

Also contributing, Chris Agbonwanegbe, representing the South South Geo- Political Zone described Nigeria as being built on falsehood and warned that until we agree to follow the path of truth, Nigeria as a

country cannot grow, adding that we must have accurate data of the nation’s success.

Also contributing, Alhaji Mohammed Abubakar said, “Our problem is as a result of our economic misfortune. If we develop our economy very well, our challenges will be over.

Amb. Mumini Abubakar,AIG (rtd), who noted that lack of employment has caused the country problems being experienced in the security sector, however called for job creation, saying such will tackle most of the problems in the country.

Elder James Achimugu, a delegate representing the Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN, opined that unless the conference tackled issues of religion and ethnicity, Nigeria’s problems would not change.

“We must frankly discuss religion.

Government’s involvement in religious funding and practice is one of the major reasons for the problems we are

*Adams facing today.”

On his part, National Coordinator of Oodua Peoples Congress, OPC, Otunba Gani Adams kicked against subjecting the outcome of the conference to ratification of the National Assembly. He, however, expressed fears that no positive achievement can be realised from such measure, just as he commended President Goodluck Jonathan for convening the conference.

Vanguard, TUESDAY, APRIL 1, 2014—53

I will send you out if••— Kutigi warns Delegates

BY HENRY UMORU

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ONFERENCE chairman, Justice Idris Kutigi was stretched yesterday as delegates saw the other side of the normally convivial chairman over what was seen as the unruly effort by delegates to get his attention to be recognized at the ongoing National Conference.

As they struggled, often standing to get the attention of the chairman, Justice Kutigi was provoked and warned that he would send out of the hall any delegate that posed to be unruly.

Kutigi who normally dismisses distractions from delegates with laughter suddenly took a frown as the

noise increased and warned that he would invoke his powers to ask any disturbing delegate to be excused from the conference.

Also yesterday, Kutigi chided delegates on time wasting when called to contribute on debates.

The warning came following the unending quest by delegates to add their voices on every issue.

Kutigi who called for caution on the parts of delegates, however expressed worry on the penchant of delegates for wanting to speak on almost every issue, even as he advised delegates to be mindful of the public concern over the apparent footdragging on the adoption of mere rule of proceedings.

*Justice Idris Kutigi and Professor Bolaji Akinyemi He said, “Delegates I think we should be mindful of how we delay on the discussion of preliminary issues so that we

can move to the more serious issue of debate on the President’s speech.

Gentlemen I think it is high

time we put a stop to this our unending observations and allow debates to proceed speedily”.

Delegates insist on appointing committee chairmen

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T the resumed session yesterday, plans by the chairman, Justice Idris Legbo Kutigi and other principal officers to appoint the chairmen and Vice Chairmen was uncovered.

This came after delegates had last week agreed that chairmen and Vice Chairmen to 20 standing committees be appointed by delegates on the floor of the house, just as it was gathered that the issue was presented to the 50-

member Committee set up last week to carry out the assignment, but it did not scale through yesterday.

Few minutes into the deliberations, the deputy chairman of the conference, Professor Bolaji Akinyemi explained to the delegates the decision arrived at by the 50 ‘wise men’ who were selected last week by Justice Kutigi.

The 50 wise men had apparently reached an agreement to take over the

Market women show presence

I

T was a comic relief yesterday when the president, Market Women Association, Madam Felicia Sani, addressed the conference on the perceived marginalization of market women.

She was particularly insistent that market women should be in all the committees of the conference and should not be restricted to social welfare alone. When she stood up to talk, Madam Sani, popularly called Mama Market caused a stir and a lot of laughter by other delegates.

She said, “Mr. Chairman, it is not a laughing issue, market women are concerned with many of the committees, like agriculture, education, health, road. I have not spoken today, let me tell you Mr. Chairman, you people cannot be belittling the market women by just putting them in the committee on social welfare. We are not begging for anything. Why put us C M Y K

under social welfare. As market women our business is connected to many other sectors and we cannot be neglected.”

Delegate with her own caterer

appointment of the committee chairmen and their deputies.

Soon after Akinyemi mandated one of the 50 ‘ wise men’ to educate the house on the decision, delegates revolted and almost unanimously rejected the move.

In his counter motion,

Ibuchukwu Ezike, representing civil societies had argued that the 50 delegates who were selected to break the voting deadlock were not given the mandate to decide on who should be vested with the powers to appoint committee chairmen and the deputies, adding, “I

Confab couples!

Y

INKA Odumakin and his wife, Joe are not the only husband and wife at the national confab as had been assumed. Another couple in the conference is the pair of Prof. J. C. Ogbonnaya representing Abia State and Dr. Mrs. Patience Ogbonnaya representing the National Council of Women Societies, NCWS. Yinka is representing the Southwest Zone while his wife, Joe is representing the

Civil Society.

However, while Ogbonnaya and his wife sit beside one another on seats 346 and 347, the Odumakins have no such special relationship on the conference floor.

The reason is apparently due to the fact that the seat arrangement is alphabetical.

Odumakin and his wife, Joe Okei-Odumakin are separated by the hyphenation in the surname of the wife.

Want to move a counter motion. The issue of the appointment of committee chairmen and their deputies was not one of the mandates given to the committee. By doing so, they are circumventing the powers of the delegates. The powers of the delegates to appoint chairmen and deputies be retained in the amendments.”

Not happy with the development, Prof. Akinyemi told delegates of the need to have it in their minds that the conference was put in place to proffer solutions to the problems of the country and not add to them, even as he warned that in the future, the powers vested on delegates to appoint chairmen and their deputies will cause problems.

L

AST week the conference secretariat moved to stem the shortage of food served delegates during lunch break when it increased the quantity of food on offer.

Apparently, not all the delegates seemed satisfied with the taste and quality of the food. One of them was apparently a former senator and presidential aide.

Yesterday, the former principal officer of the Senate and presidential aide came to the lunch venue with her own caterer while other delegates had to do with what the secretariat provided for.

*Yinka Odumakin

*Prof. J. C. Ogbonnaya and Dr. Mrs. Patience Ogbonnaya

*Joe -Okei Odumakin

5 4— Vanguard, TUESD AY, APRIL 1, 2014 TUESDA

Environment, set back in war against malaria

BY CHIOMA OBINNA

F

OR OVER a decade, Emmanuel and Ruth Odigie and their four children reside in a rented two-room apartment in Ajegunle area of Lagos. Year in, year out, the poverty-striken family have had their share of tales of woe.

Come rain, come shine, they are forced to cope with challenges of living in an unhealthy environment.

Apart from the series of flooding and insecurity, the house is close to a dumpsite.

The drainage and sewage systems in the compound are nothing to write home about, hence, the exposure to risk of communicable diseases is higher than normal. The gutters and drainages are blocked with refuse. Sewage empties into the blocked gutters compounding their problems.

Mosquitoes breed unhindered.

Worse still, the residents hardly observe any clean up.

Everyone claims to be too busy.

No one cares about the situation. One of the common diseases among the residents is malaria.

“In a year, almost everybody in my house suffers four or five episodes of severe malaria. On the average we spend N7,500 monthly to treat malaria for the whole family. We have insecticide treated nets, but we do not use the nets because of the heat. There is no electricity around here for months,” Emmanuel recounted.”

He and his family are among the 15.03 million Nigerians at the risk of malaria annually.

Data from the World Health Organisation, WHO, shows that malaria infected around 219 million people in 2010, killing around 660,000 of them - the vast majority in sub-Saharan Africa. But some global health experts say the annual malaria death toll could be higher.

Nigeria malaria burden Minister of Health Professor Onyebuchi Chukwu describes malaria as a major public problem in the country.

“Nigeria contributes a quarter of malaria burden in Africa.

Over 90 per cent of the country’s 167 million people are at risk. It contributes 30 per cent to childhood mortality in the country and contributes 11

per cent of maternal mortality.

I must add that it reduces Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product by one per cent annually. It is estimated that malaria-related illnesses and mortality cost Africa’s economy about $12 billion annually.”

The Demographic and Health Survey, DHS of 2008 reported an infant mortality of 75 per 1000 live births and an underfive mortality of 157 per 1000.

Unarguably, there have been concerted efforts to control malaria in Nigeria and Africa as a whole. These efforts appear to be yielding dividend as there is evidence in reduction of childhood deaths for some years now. However, this success has encouraged the world into pushing for total eradication of malaria.

Although, evidence suggests this is a feasible goal using new interventions and tools such as vaccines, which are in development,health watchers stress that the environment remains a stumbling block in winning this war against malaria, particularly in countries like Nigeria.

Mosquito-borne disease Country Director, “Malaria No More”, Mrs. Dayo Oluwole, says malaria is a mosquito-borne disease caused by a blood parasite called Plasmodium.

“Patients with malaria typically are very sick with high fevers, shaking chills and flulike illness. According to Oluwole, although malaria can be a fatal disease, illness and death from malaria are largely preventable.

Today, it is no longer news that in most rural areas of Nigeria people are living below poverty line and where poor housing and horrible living conditions are the order of the day. It is also common place to find poor drainage systems which experts say promote mosquito breeding. Leakages, obstructions and small pools or puddles of residual water in drainage ditches often afford suitable breeding sites for mosquitoes. The planning and construction of some drainage systems in the country today are poorly constructed. Most of the gutters are not flowing.

Future global warming burden: New studies say future global warming could lead to a

Sewage being empting into a blocked gutter. According to experts, such human activity on the environment promotes breeding sites for mosquitoes. Inset: A mosquito.

significant increase in malaria cases in densely populated regions of Africa and South America unless disease monitoring and control efforts are increased. In the study of the mosquito-borne disease that infects around 220 million people a year, the researchers found what they described as the first hard evidence that malaria creeps to higher elevations during warmer years and back down to lower altitudes when temperatures cool. This in turn “suggests that with progressive global warming,malaria will creep up the mountains and spread to new high-altitude area.

International effort to reduce malaria burden are laudable, but there may be need to pay more attention to the environment. Just by cleaning and modifying the environment it can be hard for the

mosquitoes to complete their life cycle and transmit malaria.

Individual perception about malaria: President of the Malaria Society of Nigeria, Dr. John Babajide Puddicombe, says clean and simple environment is a major factor in the war against mosquitoes which transmits malaria.

“Individuals should changed their perception about malaria and maintain clean and simple environment as a deterrent to mosquitoes breeding and a change of attitude.”

Government and stakeholders: “If government and other stakeholders come together to fight malaria holistically, in no distance time, the burden of malaria in Nigeria and Africa at large may not get to zero level but can be reduced to an insignificant level” Issues of drain systems and prevention of stagnated

water and use of mosquito nets should be emphasized, says Dr. Sunday Luro, Paediatrician at the Gbagada General Hospital, Lagos, Luro urged the public to keep drains clean and avoid stagnated water around their houses and should also use mosquito nets. The fight against malaria should not be limited to the distribution of mosquito treated bed nets and making the treatment of malaria free to children below five years. While these moves are laudable, their sustainability is in doubt as this could be fairly compared to problem reduction rather than problem solving.

Need to pay attention: There is need to pay more attention to the environment and avoid all those behaviours which are favourable conditions for the establishment and proliferation of mosquitoes.

LUTH seeks relatives of accident victim

BY SOLA OGUNDIPE

D

O you know Maureen Okwudili?

Management of the Lagos University Teaching Hospital, LUTH, Idi Araba, Lagos is calling on relatives of a dark complexioned, 26 year old female road traffic accident victim, Maureen Okwudili who is being managed for mild traumatic brain injury at the institution’s Accident & Emergency Department.

Head, Corporate Services, LUTH, Mrs. Hope Nwawolo, in a statement, said Maureen, who was brought in at 2.55am Friday morning by a Good Samaritan following her involvement in a road traffic accident along Ibeju-Lekki expressway at about 11.00pm Thursday night, lost her memory and cannot remember the phone numbers of relations or her house address.

Nwawolo appealed to members of the

public who may be looking for a relation (female), who fits Maureen’s description, to visit LUTH for possible identification.

Enquiries are to be directed to the Corporate Services Division, 2nd Floor, Accident and Emergency Building, LUTH, Idi - Araba (Tel. No.08056564646).

•Ms. Maureen Okwudili

Vanguard, TUESDAY, APRIL 1, 2014—55

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56—Vanguard, TUESD AY, APRIL 1, 2014 TUESDA

Embrace group partnership, Iroko tells private sector

By GABRIEL OLAWALE

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OEXISTENCE and group practice within the private sector have been identified as essential factors to close some of the observed heath care gaps and guarantee advancement of the nation’s health care industry.

Disclosing this in Lagos, Chief of Party, Strengthening Health Outcomes through the Private Sector, SHOP, Mrs. Ayodele Iroko said the principle of group coexistence and practice in the health sector, needed to be better explored for the sake of the patient. Iroko, who spoke during a seminar tagged;“Enhancing Private Health Sector Growth and Development in Nigeria”, affirmed that the only way to improve private health sector is to embrace group practice.

She observed that many practitioners are limited in operation and resources but when they pool such resources together there would be better lease of life for the patient.

Iroko regretted that despite the willingness and the commitment of private practitioners to contribute their quota to nation’s health care delivery, the challenges of large number of small, isolated private providers who operate as sole proprietorships is overwhelm in the country. ”Although sole proprietorships may seem the easiest form of business for health providers to establish, but it is difficult for such practices to grow and achieve economies of scale since they rely on a single provider’s expertise, financing and availability.”

She argued that group medical practice would allow them pool funds for financing, share infrastructure, investment and

manage a larger client base that would help reduce unit costs of treatment. In the meantime, SHOP will continue to provide a medium for discussion and enlightenment amongst the private provider so that they can understand the different legal options and business management considerations in creating a functional group health practice.

Chairman, Health Facilities Accreditation and Monitoring Agency, Lagos State Ministry of Health Dr. Omotayo Bello, represented by Executive Secretary, HEFAMAA, Dr. Jimmy Asuni, urged all parties to look beyond personal interest and individual agenda and embrace group interest instead.

Give Universal Health Coverage priority, Elebute tells FG

By CHIOMA OBINNA

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RESIDENT Goodluck Jonathan has been urged to prioritise the recently launched Universal Health Coverage in the country.

Founder of Lagoon Hospitals, Professor Emmanuel Elebute, who made the call in Lagos while accepting the Lifetime Achievement Award at the Nigerian Healthcare Excellence Awards, said there is need for Federal government to ensure that the project survives unlike other initiated projects that were launched but not implemented. Elebute, who is also Founder of Hygeia HMO, called for

L-R: Mrs. Fola Laoye, Chairman Hygeia group, Professor Adeyemo Elebute and his wife, and Dr Wale Alabi, Convener Nigerian Healthcare Excellence Award during the 2014 NHEA Award in Lagos recently

priority in execution of healthcare projects in the implementation of the proposed Universal Health Insurance Scheme.

“The Federal Government as a matter of necessity must take the execution of insurance scheme very serious. This is where most health project fails.”

“Universal Health Coverage is where healthcare must get to. Dreams without execution are only mere hallucinations.

There is need for federal government to execute the project and the execution of the programme will bring the best healthcare for the country,” he added.

Elebute who was with his wife, Professor Oyin Elebute, while receiving the award dedicated the award to staff of Lagoon hospitals, Hygeia HMO, University College, Ibadan and Lagos University Teaching Hospital, Idi Araba, Lagos were his career and profession was shaped and build by the individuals and institutions he worked with. “I remained grateful to them.”

Speaking, the NHEA Project Director, Dr Wale Alabi, explained that the award is to recognise the rapid growth of the healthcare sector and the capacity of health officers to influence and set new performance standard in Nigeria and beyond. “We designed the ward to celebrate and recognize best individuals and organisations that have contributed in a remarkable manner to the improvement of the Nigerian healthcare sector. This will not only suggest framework for achieving global standards of healthcare across the country but will also give nominees and recipients the opportunity to critically view their operative modalities creating a challenge and will to improve.

COMMON SEXUAL PROBLEMS AND THEIR NOVELTY BASED SOLUTIONS (ADVERTORIAL)

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Y husband and I have been having problems for a while in bed. I love a lot of foreplay but my husband just has sex for a few minutes and I don’t enjoy it. Sometimes I cry afterwards. I try my best to satisfy him by giving him blow jobs, hand jobs or whatever is required but instead of appreciating it, he looks at me like I am dirty. To satisfy myself, I had to start masturbating whenever we finish having sex but he gets offended by that. Right now, we haven’t had any sex in four months. I suspect he is having an affair. I need something that will boost his libido, increases his man hood and make him last longer, but I am afraid that he will be too embarrassed to take it. I am really desperate and my only other option is to have an affair – Hafsat For a couple who live under the same roof not to have sex for up to four months, the problem is bigger than you think. Yes there is a possibility that he is having an affair but it is also possible that he is gay. Most married men who sleep outside still have sex with their wives. There are a lot of gay men out there who are forced to marry women as a cover.

But then their sex lives start to suffer afterwards. I hope that is not the case with you. Apart from sex, are you having any other problem in your life?

Sexual problems are often indicative of issues in other areas of a marriage.

Giving him a libido booster is not the solution as his libido seems fine. He just does not want to have sex with you, which is a huge problem. Both of you will have to go for counselling. If he refuses, then sit him down and tell him you cannot continue like this. Tell him exactly what you want in your love life and ask him what the problem is. If he is unwilling or unable to address this matter, I don’t see a future for both of you. Good luck – Uche I wouldn’t really say that I suffer from vaginal dryness but sometimes half way into intercourse,

the sex becomes dry and painful. I am trying to choose between the Liquid Sex G Spot Gel and the 69 Nipple and Clit Arousal Gel. What do you advice?

Julia They are both good but if you give or receive oral sex, then I recommend the 69 Nipple and Clit Arousal Gel because it is flavored and edible. But if lubrication is all you really need, then go for the Mood Sensitive lubricant. It does not arouse but it keeps you lubricated for longer – Uche I am really enjoying the Rhino 5 supplement I bought but my fear is that if I stop using it, I cannot perform – Effiong Effiong it depends on what is wrong with you.

Rhino 5 gives strong erections, delays premature ejaculation and enlarges the penis. If you suffer from erectile dysfunction, then you definitely need Rhino 5 to perform. But if your erections are good and you only use the drug just to make you better, then of course you can still have sex without it. But the sex won’t be as good. That’s all – Uche I hear that penis pumps give permanent penis enlargement. Is it true? If so, which pump do you recommend? Isaac Yes it is true. People don’t know this because the results take time to show and a lot of men are not patient. Potent Pump is a very good pump – Uche Well done Zee Virtual Media. You are truly educating the masses and Nigeria needs you - Isa Thank you. That’s it for today. The names of the people featured here have been changed for their privacy. Adults in need of these treatments/novelties can call 08171912551 or 08027901621 or any other number here to order or they can order online at www.zeevirtualmedia.com. Zee Virtual Media delivers to you wherever you are in Nigeria. For enquiries, send your emails to custserv@zeevirtualmedia.com - Uche Edochie, MD, Zee Virtual Media.

V anguard ,TUESDAY, APRIL 1, 2014 — 57 anguard,TUESDAY,

NEWS ON BRIEFS

Turkish PM claims landslide election win

Missing plane: Australia PM vows to continue hunt A

USTRALIAN Prime Minister Tony Abbott said yesterday that the hunt for Malaysia Airlines Flight MH370 had no time limit, despite the failure of an international operation to find any sign of the plane in three weeks of fruitless searching.

A total of 20 aircraft and ships were again scouring a massive area in the Indian Ocean some 2,000 km (1,200 miles) west of Perth, where investigators believe the Boeing 777 carrying 239 people came down.

“I’m certainly not putting a time limit on it,” Abbott told reporters after meeting flight crews at Pearce airbase in Perth.

“The intensity of our search and the magnitude of our operations is increasing, not decreasing,” he said, adding that searchers owed it to grieving families of passengers to continue the hunt.

Some families have strongly criticized Malaysia’s handling of the search and investigation, including the decision last week to say that, based on satellite evidence, the plane had crashed in the southern Indian Ocean on March 8.

Abbott rejected suggestions his Malaysian counterpart, Najib Razak, had been too hasty to break that news, given that no confirmed wreckage from the plane has been found and its last sighting on radar was northwest of Malaysia heading towards India.

“No, the accumulation of evidence is that the aircraft has been lost and it has been lost somewhere in the south of the Indian Ocean,” he said.

Najib will travel to the western Australian city of

•Australian Prime Minister, Tony Abbott Perth, the base for the search, on Wednesday to see the operations first hand, Malaysia’s government said.

Malaysia says the plane, which disappeared less

than an hour into a flight from Kuala Lumpur to Beijing, was likely diverted deliberately far off course. Investigators have determined no apparent motive or other red flags

among the 227 passengers or the 12 crew.

China has also been critical in Malaysia’s handling of the case, but in a sign of softening, the official China Daily said it was understandable that not all sensitive information could be made public.

“Although the Malaysian government’s handling of the crisis has been quite clumsy, we need to understand that this is perhaps the most bizarre incident in Asia civil aviation history,” the editorial yesterday .

“Public opinion should not blame the Malaysian authorities for deliberately covering up information in the absence of hard evidence.”

Russia makes partial withdrawal from Ukraine's border gradually withdrawing

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USSIA has pulled out a motorized infantry battalion from a region near Ukraine’s eastern border, the Russian defence ministry said.

Yesterday’s announcement pointed out that the battalion was heading back to its permanent base in Russia’s Samara region after completing trainings, but did not make clear whether other Russian troops near the border would pull back.

Russia’s President Vladimir Putin told Germany’s Angela Merkel in a phone call on Monday that he had ordered a partial withdrawal of Russian army from the region, Merkel’s spokesman said in a statement.

The move came after US Secretary of State John Kerry said - after talks with Russian Foreign Minister

Sergei Lavrov on Sunday - that progress on resolving the crisis over Ukraine depended on a troop pullback from the border.

Earlier on Monday Ukraine’s defence ministry said there has been a gradual withdrawal of Russian troops from its border.

“In recent days, the Russian forces have been

from the border,” Oleksiy D m y t r a s h k i v s k i y, Ukraine’s defence ministry spokesman, told AFP news agency.

US and EU officials estimated over the weekend that Russia’s sudden military buildup along Ukraine’s eastern frontier had reached between 30,000 and 40,000 soldiers.

Russia soldiers along Ukraine’s eastern frontier

Israel offers new proposal for talks

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SRAEL has handed the Palestinians a proposal aimed at extending peace talks beyond an April 29 deadline in efforts to salvage negotiations.

According to a Palestinian official, Israel presented Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas with a draft agreement on Sunday to push forward with the talks. Abbas was to examine the proposal, he said.

An Israeli official would not provide details on the

proposal but told AFP: “Now the Palestinians need to reply if they are willing to continue negotiations.”

Israel broke a commitment to free 26 Palestinian prisoners on March 29, a key plank in the original US-brokered terms to relaunch the peace process.

Israel, on Friday, informed the Palestinians it would not free the prisoners as it had previously agreed, with the US State Department confirming it

was working “intensively” to resolve the dispute.

The Palestinians say they will not even consider extending the talks without the prisoners being freed, but Israel has refused to release them without a Palestinian commitment to continue the talks, prompting a fresh crisis of confidence.

“The ball is now in Israel’s court,” Issa Qaraqaa, the Palestinian prisoners’

minister, told Voice of Palestine radio, saying the leadership was expecting an answer from the Israeli government within 24 hours.

“We agreed to the fourth batch,” Israeli Intelligence Minister Yuval Steinitz told reporters on Sunday, while stressing it would not happen as long as Abbas was preparing to “blow up the negotiations” the very next day.

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URKEY’S ruling party has claimed victory in critical local elections that took place amid corruption allegations, damaging security leaks and social media bans that have shaken Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s government Addressing his supporters late on Sunday after the results were revealed, Erdogan said he would “enter the lair ” of his enemies and make them “pay the price” for plotting his downfall. “Those who attacked Turkey got disappointed,” he said.

The elections were widely seen as a vote of confidence for the rule of Erdogan, and his supporters celebrated the victory throughout the night.

Erdogan’s Justice and Development Party (AKP) got 45.6 percent of the votes as the main opposition Republican People’s Party (CHP) scored 27.9 percent and the Nationalist Movement Party (MHP) held 15.2 percent as 98 percent of the votes were counted at Monday noon, semi-official Anatolia news agency said.

According to the agency, in Istanbul, Turkey’s largest city and financial capital, the AKP held 48 percent of the votes, while the CHP got 39 percent.

US envoy to India resigns

U

S Ambassador to India, Nancy Powell, has submitted her resignation to President Barack Obama and will return to the US before the end of May. The announcement was made in a statement issued on the embassy’s website ywesterday. Her retirement move, back to her home in Delaware, has been “planned for some time”.

Powell arrived in New Delhi in April 2012 and was the first female US ambassador to India. She ends a 37-year career that has included postings as ambassador to Uganda, Ghana, Pakistan and Nepal and India.

Relations between the US and India were tested after the arrest of an Indian diplomat in New York last December, but appear to have improved in recent months.

North, South Korea fire artillery rounds into the sea

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ORTH Korea fired more than 100 artillery rounds into South Korean waters as part of a drill yesterday prompting the South to fire back, officials in Seoul said, but the exercise appeared to be more saber-rattling from Pyongyang rather than the start of a military standoff.

The North had flagged its intentions to conduct the exercise in response to U.N. condemnation of last week’s missile launches by Pyongyang and against what it says are threatening military drills in the South by U.S. forces.

North Korea also accused the South of “gangsterlike” behavior at the weekend by “abducting” one of its fishing boats and threatened to retaliate. The South said it had sent the boat back after it drifted into its waters.

French President Hollande names Valls as new PM

P

RESIDENT Francois Hollande has named In terior Minister Manuel Valls as France’s next prime minister.

Mr Hollande, whose popularity has slumped, said Mr Valls would head a “fighting government”.

The ruling Socialists have been badly bruised in local elections which saw big gains for conservatives and the far-right National Front (FN).

Mr Valls, 51, has replaced PM Jean-Marc Ayrault, whose office confirmed his resignation yesterday . In a short televised address on Monday, President Hollande said France had to put right its public finances, acknowledging it was time for change.

He proposed a reduction in taxes and worker contributions to spur job creation. “We are in this for the long haul,” he said.

58— Vanguard, TUESDAY, APRIL 1, 2014

Mourinho to clearout ‘dead’ strikers • Costa a target for Chelsea manager • Demba Ba, Torres, Eto’o under pressure

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•Demba Ba

Japanese duo create ITTF World Tour history J

APANESE 13 year olds Mima ITO and Miu HIRANO have created table tennis history by winning the women’s doubles event at the GAC Group 2014 ITTF World Tour Super Series German Open, which concluded yesterday in Magdeburg, Germany The victory means that the dynamic duo are the youngest ever pair to win an ITTF World Tour gold medal. Additionally, ITO, at 13 years and 160 days, becomes the youngest ever winner of any ITTF World Tour medal, surpassing the achievement of China’s GUO Yue who was 13 years and 224 days old when she won the Austrian Open women’s doubles title in 2002.

To achieve this historic feat, ITO and HIRANO defeated the one and only triple Paralympic champion Natalia PARTYKA who now maing a name for herself as an abled bodied athlete and doubles partner Katarzyna GRZYBOWSKA 11-9, 11-7, 11-7.

Mima ITO and Miu HIRANO being told that they won prize mone, in addition as well as the historic gold medal. Photo: ITTF.

Eritrea withdraw from 2015 AFCON

E

RITREA have pulled out of the qualifiers for the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, the Confederation of African Football has confirmed.

They had been due to face South Sudan in the first round of the preliminary phase over two legs in April.

South Sudan, entering the competition for the first time, will now go though to the preliminary phase second round.

No reason has been given for Eritrea’s withdrawal, but recent defections by players may have led to the decision.

•Eto'o

HE future of Chelsea’s current strikeforce looks bleak after José Mourinho confirmed he intends to revamp his side’s frontline, as well as instil fight and focus into his other attacking talents, for an assault on the title next season.

Mourinho conceded his team’s hopes of winning the Premier League were effectively over after Saturday’s defeat at Crystal Palace, his first by a newly promoted club and a result that handed the initiative to Liverpool and Manchester City in the title race.

The Portuguese praised the effort and commitment of his defence in the 1-0 defeat but was critical of others for “disappearing” in a game they might have anticipated winning. He had confirmed straight after the match that his side had lacked “balls” at Selhurst Park.

The main ramifications will be felt by the forward line, with Chelsea expected to try to prise the Brazil-born Spain forward Diego Costa from Atlético Madrid.

While Samuel Eto’o will be out of contract, the futures of Demba Ba,

•Torres Fernando Torres and even Romelu Lukaku will then come under scrutiny dependent upon what interest is generated.

“I don’t think it’s the moment to speak about next season and the market but it’s clear to everybody that Chelsea next year wants to bring a striker,” said Mourinho. “What’s the future for the other strikers?

The ones who are staying are competing with the striker we are bringing [in]. And normally, at the end of the season, players that are not playing a lot or players who are not happy may prefer a change. That is also part of the market.

We want to improve the team and the players and make some surgical

movements in the transfer window.”

Ba, Torres and Eto’o, who is recovering from a hamstring injury and is likely to miss Wednesday ’s Champions League quarter-final at Paris St Germain, have contributed 15 league goals between them this term, with the Cameroonian veteran’s eight having all been scored at Stamford Bridge.

Indeed, the goals by Torres at Southampton and Hull City in January are the only ones by forwards away from Stamford Bridge all season. Lukaku, on loan at Everton, has 12 league goals, five of which have been scored away from Goodison Park, though he may be considered a saleable asset.

Vanguard, TUESDAY APRIL1, 2014 — 59

Nigeria wins African wrestling tourney

BY SOLOMON NWOKE

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IGERIAN wres tlers have won the African wrestling Championship in Tunis While the female wrestlers were crowned champions of the tournament in

the women category, their male counterparts placed third behind the host country, Tunisia and Egypt respectively.

The Nigerian wrestling team won a total of 10 medals made up of two gold, two silver and two bronze medals in the women cate-

gory the men won two gold to emerge the best team of the tournament.

In the men category, Ebikewenimo Welson (57kg) and Soso Tamara in the 97kg won gold medals while Opukiri Agala in the 86kg and Sinivie Boltic in the 125kg won bronze.

NFF replies Okpala T

HE Nigeria F o o t b a l l Federation has blasted former Super Eagles’ Assistant Coach, Mr. Sylvanus Okpala for dragging the name of His Excellency, President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, GCFR into the small matter of his (Okpala’s) retrenchment by the Federation.

•Boltic

Okpala at the weekend issued a statement claiming that NFF President, Alhaji Aminu Maigari had boasted that not even President Goodluck Jonathan, GCFR can compel him (Maigari) to return him (Okpala) to the Super Eagles.

NFF General Secretary, Barrister Musa Amadu was aghast at Okpala’s

puerile effort to blackmail the NFF President. “Mr Sylvanus Okpala must come out clearly to tell the world at which forum the NFF President made such a statement.

It is infuriating that a former employee of the NFF would go to that length to try and blackmail the NFF President and the Executive Committee.

Nigeria bans legendary Lee Evans Continues from B/P in Mexico.

He admitted giving an athlete food suplements and that incurred the wrath of Athletics Federation of Nigeria who insisted that it was wrong to do that without the consent of the team doctor. He will be ineligible to coach any athlete for four years.

Abass Rauf, another coach who was found guilty of administering banned drugs to an athlete was banned for life. The evidence against him was direct and that against Evans circumstantial which could see the American appeal or challenge the verdict in court..

The verdict was reached by the federation’s anti doping committee which met at the Obafemi Awolowo University Ile-Ife on February 17, 2014. They found the coaches guilty of giving a youth athlete performance enhancing drugs.

In a release on athleticsnigeria.com Evans and Rauf were said to be guilty. The panel headed by Dr. Ken Anugweje, with Femi Ayorinde and Eric Cambell, an American, as members and James Eakyns as secretary discharged and

acquitted the third accused Tony Osheku.

The athlete, a minor (name withheld) told the panel that Abass took her to a medical doctor who injected her with an unknown substance despite the fact that she was not sick.

She claimed she collapsed after the injection and when she was revived, she asked the coach why he brought her to be injected and he said she should have confidence in him and that he could not harm her. He also warned her not to disclose what happened to anyone although she confided in her mother.

She revealed that Evans introduced her to food supplements and amino acid and a sport drink when she was in Lagos State training camp.

Osheku told the panel he was not aware that Evans gave the athlete any subtance whether prohibited or not Evans admitted he gave the athlete supplements (amino acid complete and metabolic infusions) between February and March 2013.

He tendered the supplements he gave to the athlete and concluded that he gave

the athlete the substance because women need supplements for their health and that the substance given were not prohibited.

Abass admitted he took the athlete to their family doctor for treatment for malaria when she complained of feeling feverish but she was never injected by the doctor, rather she was given tablets.

On cross examination, Abass contradicted himself by saying that the injection was given in the doctor ’s apartment and not in the hospital The panel concluded that Evans and Abass gave the athlete performance enhancing substances and that these substances may have been responsible for the analytical findings in her urine.

The panel was convinced that the analytical finding in her urine was not due to her fault or negligence and having provided substantial assistance to the panel by mentioning the coaches who gave her the subtances.

Osheku was exonorated because he had no knowledge of the substance given to the athlete.

The panel established that Evans gave the athlete supplements without the knowledge or consent of the medical doctor and assistant coach attached to the Lagos State Athletics team and concluded that it was not impossible that the substances he gave to the athlete could have been laced with prohibited substance found in the athlete’s urine. The panel t h e r e f o r e recommended a four year ineligility period taking effect from date of hearing February 17, 2014.

Abass was found guilty of administration of prohibited substance to a minor athlete and told the athlete not to tell anyone that she was injected without being sick.

He tried to conceal the truth by lyng to the panel thereby attempting to mislead the panel.

This case is viewed seriously particularly because a minor is involved.

He also tried to mislead the panel who therefore recommended a lifetime period of ineligibility with reference to Article 10.3.2 of the code.

Warri Tennis coaching clinic begins

A

TENNIS coaching clinic for youths between ages 6 and16 began in Warri, Delta State yesterday. It will last for two weeks.

The clinic is sponsored

by Iso-Black Company Limited as part of its corporate social responsibility and is seeking support from other companies.

Leading the youth talent search and development exercise, as technical director is Robinson Odoko, a former tennis champion and author of Tennis for Health and Wealth and is being assisted by Peter Osagie and other seasoned coaches. The clinic is holding at Shell Club, Oguru in Warri

Ethiopian coach Continues from B/P to this year ’s Brazil showpiece after losing their qualifying play-off against Nigeria, with the Super Eagles winning 2-1 in Ethiopia before securing a 2-0 victory at home in the return leg.

But Bishaw, who was relinquished of his duties with the Ethiopian national team following their failure to qualify, believes FIFA played a huge role in the side’s shortcomings, accusing them of “bringing the game into disrepute”.

“FIFA didn’t want us (Ethiopia) to qualify (for the World Cup) because who knows Ethiopian football and who wants us to qualify when we were playing

against the current African Champions,” the coach told Football411 in an interview.

“We played our hearts out and we wanted to win and qualify for the World Cup but FIFA didn’t like that. They awarded penalties for them (Nigeria) which were never penalties, and these things happens because FIFA wants them to qualify for the World Cup. “It was a shame for Ethiopian football because we fought from the (first) blast of the whistle to the end.

For me, Nigeria didn’t deserve to qualify because they were aided by FIFA, which is not good for the game of football.”

Flying Eagles Continues from B/P into Serob Legacy Hotel in Area 1 Abuja.

The seven invitees who are based overseas are also expected to join up with the rest of the squad this week.

Team secretary Aliyu Auwal Ibrahim said letters to their various foreign clubs have been sent out to that effect.

Nigeria are billed to face the winners of the qualifying match between Kenya and Tanzania next month in continuation of the qualifying tournament to be hosted by Senegal in March 2015.

The Flying Eagles have won the competition a record six times.

Utaka Continues from B/P The 32-year-old Utaka is scoring again for Turkish club Sivasspor after a five-week absence caused by a hamstring injury.

He was on the squad to both the 2002 and 2010 World Cups and on the back of his goals for Montpellier in the French Ligue 1, he was among the first strikers to be lined up by coach Stephen Keshi in 2011.

Keshi is expected this week to make public his provisional squad for Brazil 2014.

And Utaka told MTNFootball.com from his base in Turkey: “I will be disappointed if I’m not considered for the World Cup because I’m still playing football and still available to play for my country.

“But if I’m not picked, I will not hold any grudges.”

60 — Vanguard, TUESDAY, APRIL1, 2014

Costa fires Barca warning

We are not underdogs — Giggs

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R

YAN Giggs says Manchester United do not consider themselves to be underdogs for today’s Champions League quarter-final first leg against Bayern Munich at Old Trafford.

“As players we don’t see ourselves as underdogs, we see ourselves as Man Utd playing at home in the Champions League and we can’t wait."

•Robben

Robben: Man U can punish us B

•Rooney

Man U ready for Bayern test M

ANCHESTER United manager David Moyes is confident his team will be able to cope with Bayern Munich in today ’s Champions League quarterfinal first leg at Old Trafford.

“We are going into the game knowing that on our day we are as good a side as any.

“We have to show it more often than we have done but I have great belief in the players. I have said that from day one and it hasn’t changed.

“I get the feeling they (the players) all want to play. I can tell by their training and their attitude that they are saying ‘this is a big game’ and they all want to play in the big games.

That’s what I think that over the years the players here have wanted to do.”

•Moyes

•Guardiola

AYERN Munich midfielder Arjen Robben cannot wait to return to Old Trafford on Tuesday night as the Champions League holders look to maintain their push for a successful defence of their crown against Manchester United.

“It’s always fantastic to play in England. And Old Trafford has got something particularly special about it, a fantastic atmosphere.

“We’ve got to watch out. The media and public opinion is that Manchester are not in good shape and that we’re going through to the semis, but I don’t like that at all.

“It’s going to be a tough duel. We’ve got to be at our best from the very first minute because you only need to get distracted for a second, and you lose against Man U. “If you lose concentration and lose the ball, then you get punished there. Like I said, it’s going to be a difficult duel, but we’re all really looking forward to it.”

IEGO Costa has fired a warning shot to Tuesday’s Champions League rivals Barcelona by insisting that Atletico Madrid are ready for the challenge of beating one of Europe’s top sides.

The Brazil-born striker, who will represent Spain at this summer’s World Cup, told his club’s official website: “Barcelona is Barcelona, a team that has for many years shown that it is the best in the world.”

“We know that to win we have to play well, be very compact and de-

•Coasta celebrates with teammates

If we win it’s refs, if we lose it’s over — Alves

D

•Alves

Mata: Man U must step game up against Bayern

J

UAN Mata has warned Manchester United that they will have to be at their best to have any chance of beating Bayern Munich and reaching the Champions League semi-finals.

“Tuesday is just a great day to consolidate that work although, as you know, I am cup-tied for the Champions

League for the rest of the season.

“Bayern is a massive opponent, but United has never feared any rival. I will be supporting my teammates from the stands once more.

“We are going to try to win the Champions League. We must play a very good game in Old Trafford.”

fend together, because they can create a small chance to score out of nowhere.”

“We need to make a good start there, to bring a good result for the second match. We are in our best moment. Let’s get something big this year.”

•Mata

ANI Alves has mocked how Barcelona are stuck in a lose-lose spiral at the moment, in his opinion, claiming when they win the referees are blamed and when they lose it is perceived as the end of their cycle of dominance. ”Referee accusations are a motivation,” he told reporters on Monday.

“It is customary for our wins to be dressed up like this. It seems that part of our life. ”If we win it is because of referees and if we lose it is because the cycle is over. We are above this and it does not affect us. Arguing is what they want. ”After the Clasico, the press were discussing our penalties while they kept quiet about Madrid’s penalty, the only one that wasn’t one.”

Vanguard, TUESDAY, APRIL 1, 2014—61

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62—Vanguard, TUESDAY, APRIL 1, 2014

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Vanguard, TUESDAY, APRIL 1, 2014—63

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VANGUARD, TUESDAY, APRIL1, 2014

FIXTURES Man U Barcelona

v v

Bayern Munich Athletico Madrid

8:45pm 8:45pm

Man U ready for Bayern test — Pg 60

Flying Eagles get Morocco test

Doping: Nigeria bans legendary Lee Evans

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IGERIA U20 team will engage their Moroccan counterparts in a twolegged friendly in Casablanca on April 9 and 11.

The team, according to team spokesman Samm Audu, will depart the country for Morocco on Sunday, April 6, with a 20-man squad.

The team have already

regrouped in Abuja preparatory to a 2015 African Youth Championship qualifier in May. This followed a short break given the players after a month-long gruelling screening exercise in Abuja.

Coach Manu Garba has called up 35 players, who have been booked

Continues on Page 59

Utaka: I’ll be disappointed not to be at World Cup

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•Evans

A

THLETICS Federation of Nigeria has banned legendary Lee Evans, the first human being to run 400m under 45 seconds.

Lee Edward Evans is a winner of two Olympic gold medals and was unbeaten in his hay days of track and field, performing his feat at the 1968 Olympic Games Continues on Page 59

PREDATOR: Emmanuel Emenike scored a double as Nigeria claimed a 2-1 win in the first leg of its World Cup playoff with Ethiopia.

OHN Utaka has said he would be disappointed if coach Stephen Keshi failed to pick him on his provisional World Cup squad.

Continues on Page 59

FIFA helped Nigeria qualify for World Cup — Ethiopian coach F ORMER Ethiopia coach Sewnet

Bishaw has launched a scathing attack on FIFA,

claiming world football’s governing body conspired to see them miss out on a place at

the 2014 World Cup. The Walia Antelopes failed to secure a ticket Continues on Page 59

•Utaka

QUICK CROSSWORD

Sudoku TODAY'S

PUZZLE

YESTER DAY'S YESTERDAY'S

ANSWERS

ACROSS 1 Fight (6) 5 Lowly (6) 8 Calamity (8) 9 Entrance (4) 10 Call (3) 12 Vertical (5) 15 Fixed (3) 17 Wonder (3) 18 Poem (3) 19 Firearm (3) 20 Teacher (5) 21 Vehicle (3) 22 Fitting (3) 23 Watch (3) 24 Everyone (3) 26 Cede (5) 29 Fish-eggs (3) 33 Scrutinise (4) 34 Pulling (8) 35 Musician (6) 36 Stand (6)

DOWN 2 Farewell (5) 3 Side (4) 4 Praise (5) 5 Seraglio (5) 6 Manufactured (4) 7 Lax (5) 10 Doctrine (5) 11 Trite (5) 12 Trivial (5) 13 Unfasten (5) 14 Drilled (5) 15 Cut (5) 16 Taut (5) 25 Regional (5) 27 Bury (5) 28 Depart (5) 30 Smell (5) 31 Sole (4) 32 Boss (4)

YESTERDAY'S SOLUTIONS ACROSS: 1, Part 4, Sad 6, Veer 8, Follow 9, Mellow 10, Nap 12, Stain 14, Begin 15, Earth 18, Pledge 20, Ardent 24, Patio 26, Arson 28, Moist 30, Ate 32, Demean 33, Aiming 34, Type 35, Wan 36, Need.

DOWN: 2, About 3, Tallied 4, Sown 5, Dump 6, Value 7, Emotion 11, Act 12, Sap 13, Nag 16, Rep 17, Hat 19, Larceny 21, Rim 22, Doorman 23, Tot 25, Aft 27, Obese 29, Since 30, Anew 31, Earn.

How to Play Sudoku

P

lace 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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