Abia: One state, 2 govs? by Vanguard Media Limited

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Zenith, FirstBank, GTbank, 7 others make Top 1,000 World Bank’s ranking By Omoh Gabriel, Business Editor

AGOS— TEN Nigerian banks have made the 2016 Top 1000 World Bank ranking by Financial Times. Seven, however,

featured in the top 25 Africa Banks going by their shareholders fund position. The banks are Zenith,

which tops the Nigeria bank list with $2.837 billion shareholders fund. It was ranked the seventh top bank in

Africa and 325th globally. FirstBank ranked the second top bank in Nigeria with a

shareholders fund of $2.036 billion, 11th top bank in Africa and occupied the 417th position in the global

Reps, NIMASA disagree over N2.8tn cargo dues •P.20

...towards a better life for the people

VOL. 25: NO. 63062

ranking. Guaranty Trust Bank followed as the third top bank in Nigeria with shareholders fund of $1.673 billion and ranked 13th top bank in Africa and 490th in the Continues on page 19

ONLINE | www.vanguardngr.com

N200

FRIDAY, JULY 1, 2016

Abia: One state, 2 govs? THE DRAMATIS PERSONAE

 Ikpeazu

 Ogah

•INEC issues Certificate of Return to Ogah as Gov-elect •I'm still governor, says Ikpeazu in Govt House •Gets injunction stopping Ogah's swearing-in •INEC lied, was served notice of appeal — Abia AG •Abia Govt House paralyzed •Chief Judge goes into hiding •Lawyers split on INEC's action —P44 By Emmanuel Aziken, Political Editor, Innocent Anaba, Anayo Okoli, Omezia Ajayi Abdulwahab Abdulah, Dapo Akinrefon, Charles Kumolu & Gbenga Oke

Justice Abang

MUAHIA — CONSTITUTIONAL chaos broke out in Abia State, yesterday, after the Independent National

Electoral Commission, INEC, issued a certificate of return to Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, governorship claimant,

Vanguard's report saved us from shame INEC National Commissioner, Lawrence Nwuruku (right) presenting Certificate of Return to Ogah.

—Detained mother of triplets 6

RANCHES: We won't force anybody to surrender land —FG

•P.9 Buhari, Jonathan, Saraki, PDP, Amaechi, others mourn Ojo Maduekwe, Elechi Amadi •P.15 COLUMNISTS: FORGERY: Senate How bride was abducted on wedding British Politics 101: Britain shoots Take nothing for itself in the foot eve See inside granted

C M Y K

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walks out Buhari's aide as AGF, again, shuns summon 8

Uche Ogah. The commission said its action was on the basis of a court ruling, Monday, by an Abuja Federal High Court which removed Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu from office as governor of the state, allegedly for failing to fulfil Continues on Page 5

Mr & Mrs

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POCKET CARTOON you were in the court that day, and I urge you the media, to go and study the court ruling very well, it was wonderful; it was direct,” he said. Speaking in the same vein, INEC’s Director of Publicity, Oluwole OsazeUzi, had earlier stated that the decision followed an order by an Abuja Federal High Court directing INEC to immediately issue Certificate of Return to Mr. Ogah.

INEC lied, they AWARD: From left, Mr Babatunde Adedoyin, President, Outdoor were severed notice Advertising Association of Nigeria (OAAN); Mr Biodun Shobanjo, Chairman, of appeal — Abia Troyka Group/Guest Speaker and immediate past President OAAN, Charles AG Chijide, at the OAAN Poster Awards 2016 Business Session in Lagos. Photo: Akeem Salau

Abia: One state, 2 govs? Continues from page 1 requirements expected of a candidate for the governorship. The INEC action immediately paralysed activities in the Ikpeazucontrolled Government House in Umuahia, setting anxiety among officials and other stakeholders. A widely-publicised lecture to be delivered by Ikpeazu at the Abia State University, Uturu at 11.00 a.m., for which most of Ikpeazu’s cabinet had converged was unceremoniously aborted, following news of the development in Abuja. Ikpeazu in a riposte, filed and obtained an injunction from an Abia High Court stopping the state chief judge, the president of the Customary Court of Appeal or any other judicial officer from swearing Ogah into office. In a move interpreted by some as keeping Ogah at bay, the Ikpeazu administration declared today and Monday public holidays. The administration said the

public holidays were to honour Chief Ojo Maduekwe, who died on Wednesday. Such developments followed yesterday’s issuance of a certificate of return to Ogah who was runner-up in the PDP governorship primary won by Ikpeazu. Two stakeholders in the PDP, Obasi Uba Ekagbara and Chukwuemeka Mba had taken Ikpeazu to court, following his emergence as candidate, that he was not qualified to become governor on the grounds that his tax papers were deficient. In his declaratory ruling on Monday, Justice Okon Abang who heard the case, agreed that Ikpeazu’s tax and income papers were defective, saying he was not qualified to be the candidate of the PDP and immediately ordered that the runner-up in the primary, Ogah, be sworn in as governor. Ikpeazu had on Wednesday, filed his appeal against the judgment and had also

declared that he would remain governor.

INEC issues certificate of return to Ogah

INEC in a surprising turn, however, issued a Certificate of Return to Ogah. INEC National Commissioner in charge of the South-East, Ambassador Lawrence Nwuruku, said the commission only submitted itself to the lawful order of a court, adding that as a citizen, he could go to jail if he flouted a valid court order. He said if another court upturned the decision, INEC would again submit itself to the bidding of the court. “The situation is that we are simply obeying the court order. The court said with immediate effect, without wasting of time, we should issue him Certificate of Return and that is what we have done — to obey the court order. “If the court tomorrow issues another order, we would obey the same. By the grace of God, I am the INEC Commissioner in charge of South-East. I’ll do the same thing if the court orders us to do so, if court says we should issue BY AYO ADIO - 08104802192 the same certificate to HERE is hardly any problem too difficult to solve, another person. “In this case, court it is only your level of information that limits ordered us to issue a you. Always seek new information. Certificate of Return to the person who won the election and that is Uche BY ELLA RANDLE- O8084919482 Ogah. I was the person Who looks outside, dreams; who looks inside, who gave the Certificate of Return to Gov. Ikpeazu awakes— Carl Gustav Jung as he was declared O love deeply is like making a masterpiece of winner. “Now, the court has said art, loving is constantly unfolding, there is always room for improvement. It comes with an otherwise. One thing we awareness to know what really is...for me, it’s know is that we are not beyond being beautiful, beyond success, beyond the above the law and we everyday striving to just being and learning to live cannot disobey the laws of the land. After the court, life in the moment with joy and gratitude. another person we obey in our land is God and my conscience is my God. “Another thing that HEN you wake up and see a chicken chasing guides us is the court and you, run, for you do not know if it has grown we must obey its order teeth overnight. with immediate effect. If

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Contrary to claims by INEC that they did not receive any Notice of Appeal from Governor Okezie Ikpeazu or an injunction stopping the commission from issuing a Certificate of Return to Dr. Uche Ugah, the Attorney General of Abia State, Mr. Umeh Kalu, said INEC lied in its claims. A proof of service has shown that the commission did, indeed, receive the two important documents, which were signed for by Saleh N. Ibrahim, Senior Clerical Officer at the Legal Services Department of the Commission’s Headquarters, Abuja, who stamped the Notice of Appeal and Injunction with the commission’s official stamp by 12.50pm on Wednesday, June 29, 2016. He said: “It’s unfortunate that INEC said it was not served. But the truth is that they were served. I have a proof to that effect. Saleh N. Ibrahim, Senior Clerical Officer at the Legal Services Department of the c o m m i s s i o n ’ s headquarters, Abuja, stamped the Notice of Appeal and Injunction with the commission’s official stamp by 12.50pm on Wednesday, June 29, 2016. “With the foregoing, it is now clear that the commission had no reason or cause to proceed with their dangerous action of issuing a Certificate of Return to Dr. Uche Ogah when it was clearly in receipt of a Notice of Appeal and Stay of Execution expressly forbidding them from taking any further action on the judgment of Justice Okon Abang of the Federal High Court, pending the determination of the Appeal in the case.

Abia Govt House paralyzed

Meanwhile, armed thugs had, last night, taken positions around the Government House and were quoted as asking Ogah to stay away.

Earlier, security had been reinforced around the Government House with journalists and visitors entering being thoroughly

frisked. As news of the development in Abuja reached Abia, activities at Government House, Umuahia, were paralysed. In a swift move, Ikpeazu filed a motion at an Abia High Court to stop the state chief judge, president of the Customary Court of Appeal and any other judicial officer from swearing-in Ogah as governor. The order issued by Justice Chibuzo Ahuchaogu read: “Upon this motion ex-parte pursuant to Section 143 (1) & (2) of the Electoral Act 2010 (as amended) and pending the determination of the motion on notice, after hearing O.O Nkume, counsel to the applicant. “It is ordered that an order of injunction is, hereby, made restraining the 2nd defendant (INEC) from issuing a certificate of return to the 1st defendant (Ogah), while the claimant (Ikpeazu) remains in office in accordance with section 143 (1) & (2) of the Electoral Act 2010 (as amended) and pending the determination of the motion on notice. “It is further ordered that the 3rd defendant (Chief Judge of Abia State) or any other judge of the court or any judiciary officer is, hereby, restricted from swearing-in the 1st defendant (Ogah), while the claimant (Ikpeazu) remains in office in accordance with section 143 (1) & (2) of the Electoral Act 2010 (as amended) and pending the determination of the motion on notice. “It is also ordered that this order is, hereby, made to last for 10 days from today. The returnable date is fixed for the 8th day of July, 2016. “Furthermore, the condition attached to this order is that the enrolled order must be served along with the motion on notice on respondents, else the order automatically lapses on 8th July, 2016.” Ikpeazu also obtained an ex-parte order restricting INEC from issuing a certificate of return to Oga.

The order read: “An order of injunction restraining the 2nd defendant (INEC) from issuing a certificate of return to the 1st defendant (Ogah), while the claimant (Ikpeazu) remains in office in accordance with section 143 (1) & (2) of the Electoral Act 2010 (as amended) and pending the determination of the motion on notice. “An order of injunction restraining the 3rd defendant (Chief Judge of Abia State) or any other judge of the court, or any judiciary officer from swearing in the 1st defendant (Ogah) while the claimant (Ikpeazu) remains in office in accordance with Section 143 (1) & (2) of the Electoral Act 2010 (as amended) and pending the determination of the motion on notice.”

I’m still governor — Ikpeazu

Ikpeazu, meanwhile, insisted, yesterday, that he remained governor. Ikpeazu in a statement said: “I have received with concern, report of the purported issuance of Certificate of Return to Mr. Uche Ogah by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), as governor of Abia State, despite the pendency of a notice of appeal and motion for stay of execution of the orders made by Justice Okon Abang of the Federal High Court, Abuja. “Our laws are clear on this matter. No one may be issued with a certificate of return, let alone sworn-in as governor, when there is a subsisting appeal and application for stay. “I want to appeal to Abians to remain calm and law-abiding in the face of this provocation. Unless and until the appellate courts have conclusively resolved the appeal, the status quo remains: I am still the Governor of Abia State.” Meanwhile, Ogah was at press time said to be ensconced in the office of the Department of State Services, DSS, in Umuahia while the Chief Judge was nowhere to be seen.

See lawyers' reactions on page 44.

6—Vanguard, FRIDAY, JULY 1, 2016

08023019505 08034073107 By Esther Onyegbula

AGOS—MRS Gloria Okore, the woman detained for seven weeks by Bessylva Hospital and Maternity Home, Agege, following her inability to settle a debt of N35,000 after being delivered of triplets, has thanked Nigerians for coming to her rescue by paying the outstanding bills. She said after harassing her, the hospital authorities said she was foolish to tell Vanguard that her debt was N35,000; that she should have said it was N200,000. However, contacted, the hopsital's Medical Director, Ngozi Nwachukwu, said Mrs Okore was being ungrateful. She said as soon as the balance of their bill was off set, every other donation was given to the couple, including the N500,000 donated by Mutilinks Computer Services. Meanwhile, speaking with Vanguard yesterday, in their oneroom apartment, Gloria said: “I am happy that Nigerians came to our rescue after the publication of my story by Vanguard. My prayer is that every one that contributed will never be put to shame.” Narrating how God used the publication in Vanguard to bring respite to her family, Gloria said: “Early on Wednesday morning, while we were still cleaning the babies, the Medical Director of the hospital came into the ward and said we should move to another ward that had a small bed because she had a new patient. “I pleaded with her but she refused and dragged us out. People gathered and began to beg her; I was crying, unknown to me that God was sending help. “She said we do not have helper and that we will pay every dime before she would allow us leave the hospital. That was before she found out that Vanguard had written a story about our plight. She became furious that Vanguard published the story, saying that we rubbished the hospital in the media.

Donors arrive

“She said I am a foolish illiterate for telling Vanguard that the bill was N35,000 instead of increasing it to N200,000 so that people would contribute more. “Immediately after, as God would have it, a man who read the story in Vanguard came to the hospital and went to the Medical Director’s office to verify and paid N32,000 cash. I thanked him. The next set of people were from the Ministry of Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, WAPA, in Alausa, who went to the Medical Director’s office to discuss with her before coming to the ward to see me. “They said they were sent to verify the situation and that they would get back to us. Later a woman and three others came. I

ART ATTACK: Members of Team Nigeria, the Longest Marathon Theatre Performance, art rally on the theme Art Must Not Die, along Awolowo Road, Ikeja, Lagos, yesterday. PHOTO: Kehinde Gbadamosi.

Vanguard's report saved us from shame —Detained mother of triplets We gave her everything, including N500,000 from a company—BESSYLVA suspected they were from an NGO. After speaking with the Medical Director, they presented a cheque of N35,000 to her in respect of the bill. They took pictures with the babies and I before leaving. “Another man came to the hospital, claiming that his elder brother, who lives in Abuja, read our story in Vanguard and sent a cheque to us. I explained everything to him. He collected my husband’s details before going to see the Medical Director, who also gave him her bank details. “Eventually, he paid N32,000 to the Medical Director’s bank account and N25,000 to our account.”

Controversies over monies

Mrs. Gloria Okore said later in the evening, the Medical Director, Ngozi Nwachukwu, came to the ward and said the cheque the NGO gave to her was invalid as she could not cash the cheque. She added: “Before we left the hospital, a woman came to the hospital and transferred N10,000 to the hospital’s bank account before discovering that the outstanding bill had been cleared. “When she discovered that she asked the Medical Director to give me the money for the upkeep of the babies. Yet she denied that she received any payment. Even when the lady in question sent transaction details.”

A donor’s experience

Speaking to Vanguard yesterday, Merit Oloruntobi, who transferred the said N10,000 to Blessylva’s Access Bank account, said: “I do not know these people from anywhere. I read the story and it touched me. “On my way back from work at about 6p.m., I went to the hospital. After discussing with the Medical Director, I transferred N10,000 via POS at about 7:12p.m. I later discovered through the mother

Mother (left) and the surviving babies. of the babies that other people had paid the outstanding balance. So I told the Director to withdraw the money and give it to them. “Surprisingly, when I called them to find out if they had collected the money, they said the Director said the money did not reflect in her account. Even when I called her, she said the same thing.”

Hospital reacts

Reacting to the allegations, Ngozi Nwachukwu, the Medical Director, said: “Gloria and her husband never gave me any money; it was people, who read the story, that came to the hospital. “I never detained them. Immediately the outstanding balance of N67,000 was completed, I discharged them and gave them the receipt. “Some people from Mutilinks Computer Services came to the hospital and paid N500,000 for her. I took the person to her and they gave her the money. “As for Merit’s donation, it is in my account. I told them that it is part of the bills, but if they want I can refund the N10,000. “Concerning the cheque that some people gave to me,

it is still here with me. I have not even cleared it. When I got to the bank, they said I have to pay it into my account and that after three days I can A donor's controversial N10,000 transaction. withdraw it. When I came back from the bank, I told Gloria. donations earlier. “The money from everybody Equally, when Vanguard got that came to assist them in the back to Merit later, she said the hospital, I gave them. Why Medical Director had confirmed does this lady want to spoil my that she finally received alert for name after all I did for them?” the N10,000 transaction. Vanguard then called Gloria, Meanwhile, WAPA's Director, who confirmed that some Mrs Fadiro, said plans were on people came and gave her to take the surviving babies to N500,000. She claimed it a government hospital for escaped her while she was adequate medical care and telling Vanguard about the treatment.

ATBUTH surgeons construct new bladd By Suzan Edeh

AUCHI—IBRAHIM Sai’du Ibrahim, an 18year-old cancer patient in Bauchi, now has a new lease of life as a team of medical surgeons at the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa Teaching Hospital, ATBUTH, Bauchi, have constructed a new bladder for him. Vanguard gathered that Ibrahim, a student of the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, Bauchi, was diagnosed of a disease in which malignant cancer cells

form in the tissues of the bladder. A surgical procedure was carried out on Ibrahim, which include the removal of the bladder and construction of a new bladder, which was the final option Ibrahim had to save his life. Among the team of doctors were Dr. Makama Baje Salihu, Head of Surgery, ATBUTH; Dr. Haruna Usman Liman, the lead surgeon, and two other medical professionals, who assisted during the surgery. The lead surgeon, Dr. Haruna Usman, said Ibrahim

Vanguard, FRIDAY, JULY 1, 2016—7

08023019505 08034073107

Kidnappers of Delta lawmaker's wife want N200m By Godwin Ogfhre

APELE—THE kidnappers of Mrs Cynthia Diden, wife of the member representing Warri North Constituency in the state House of Assembly, Mr. Michael Diden, are said to be demanding N200,000,000 ransom for her release.

However, the state Police Command said efforts are in top gear to set free Mrs Diden, who was abducted last Sunday in Warri, Delta State. A close family source said: “Her abductors are demanding N200,000,000 as ransom for her release. She was kidnapped on Sunday night, with one of her

younger sisters, from their residence in Warri, and taken to an unknown destination. “I can say that it is a clear situation of vendetta. The kidnappers have equally vowed to fight the lawmaker for his anti-kidnapping stance at the state House of Assembly, which they claimed has adversely affected their kidnapping business.”

The state Police Public Relations Officer, Mrs Celestina Kalu, said: “Yes we are aware that the honourable’s wife was kidnapped last Sunday and as I speak to you now, we are on top of it to ensure that she is released unconditionally. “I can assure you that she will soon be released because our men are all out, combing everywhere in search of her.”

PARDONED: Some of the inmates granted state pardon during the visit of the wife of the Governor of Bauchi State, Mrs Aisha Muhammed, yesteday. NAN PHOTO.

Policeman, cyclist die during revenue drive in Enugu By Francis Igata

policeman attached to the Building Material Task Force of Nsukka Local Government Area in Enugu State was reportedly killed, Wednesday, by a mob for allegedly killing a motorcyclist. The task force is reportedly charged with ensuring that all building material sellers in Nsukka town and environs carry out their business only in Nsukka building material site located at Uwuaaksi in Obechara. It was learned that trouble started when the task force officials, in the company of the policemen, swooped on a man who sells cement at Beach

Junction, demanding for a fine for not conducting his business at the designated site. An eyewitness, who pleaded anonymity, told Vanguard: “Some people in the area gathered, pleading with the task force members to pity the man as he had not opened shop for sales in the past one week because of ill-health. But the task force officers refused.” The source added that when the policemen attached to the task force saw people gathering, they started shooting into the air to scare people away and one of the policemen reportedly lost control and shot a motorcyclist. “When people saw that the man, who was coming out from

der for Tafawa Balewa Varsity student had a five-year history of passage of blood in the urine and was diagnosed with carcinoma— cancer of the bladder. He said: “When we evaluated Ibrahim, we discovered that he had a mass in the bladder. So he had to go through series of X-rays of the kidney, ureters and bladder as well as the removal of cell tissues so that they can be viewed under the microscope by a pathologist and Cystoscophy. “All these procedures were conducted to establish whether there were cancerous cells or

not. In his situation, the aim was to control the tumour from spreading because there was a spread of the tumour into the pipes that link urine between the kidney and bladder. “The aim of this procedure is to give him the best option because there is no cure for cancer. “What we did for him was to control the tumour from spreading and increase his chance of survival. “The the second part of the procedure was to remove the bladder and refashion a new bladder for him.”

a restaurant after eating, was dead, those around got angry, pounced on the policeman and beat him comatose,” the source revealed. Police Public Relations Officer, Ebere Amaraizu, confirmed the incident even as he revealed that the policeman attacked by the

mob later died. Amaraizu said: “We have commenced investigation into the dastardly act with a view to unravel those behind the act. One mob member and a policeman died in the clash. “Those found culpable will be prosecuted.”

Police kill bandits, recover stolen vehicle in Warri By Egufe Yafugborhi

A R R I — POLICEMEN of the Warri Area Command, Delta State, Wednesday, killed two suspected armed robbers during a shootout with a gang of four suspects. The state Commissioner of Police, Zanna Ibrahim, who confirmed the incident yesterday, said arms, ammunition and a stolen getaway vehicle were recovered from the bandits, while efforts were on to arrest the other two. A witness told Vanguard that police were alerted and they chased the suspects, who had snatched a Toyota Highlander, with number plates KJA 320 BK from one Azubike Nwajuana at Ajamimogha near Okere Market in Warri at about 5p.m. The chase ended on NPA Express Bridge between Chevron Complex and the Delta State Broadcasting Service, DBS, when the getaway car skidded and somersaulted. A shootout then ensued. Vanguard gathered that the robbers ran under the bridge in escape bid, but the police succeeded in killing two.

IPOB RALLY FALLOUT: ‘I haven't seen my husband since he received a strange call’

RS. Gift Ocholugha, a petty trader in Ijanikin area of Lagos State, has expressed fear over the fate of her husband, whom she said left home three weeks ago after receiving a telephone call from an unknown person. Her 46-year-old husband, Ocholugha Chris, was said to have dashed out of their apartment on Elemu area of Ijanikin after being informed by the unknown caller that security agents were on his trail, following his alleged involvement in the June 2 rally by the Independent People of Biafra, IPOB, in Onitsha, Anambra State. The distraught mother of two, told Vanguard: “My husband returned from a journey to his home town in Nnewi, Ananmbra State, where he attended a relative’s

Ocholugha Chris burial on May 30, after which he stayed the weekend to attend to some issues, before returning to Lagos on June 4.” She said next day, Sunday, June 5, while they were preparing for church, he received a call from someone and suddenly told me he had to run for safety, but did not disclosed who called him or why he had to seek safety in an undisclosed place.

She said: “Though he promised to call back to explain everything, weeks have passed and none of his friends are forthcoming with information on his whereabouts. Several calls made to his phone met dead silence.” However, information gathered indicated that her husband was seen at the IPOB rally in Onitsha, during which some of the agitators were arrested. But Mrs Ocholugha said: “My husband is not a member of IPOB. He could have been among stranded commuters on the day of the rally. “My children of ages three and one are yearning for his return. I am using this medium to appeal to security agents to release him if he is in their custody. We have contacted police divisions in the state but told he is not there.”

8—Vanguard, FRIDAY JULY 1, 2016

Manufacturers groan over forex scarcity By Peter Egwuatu

ANUFACTURING COMPANIES in the country are crying over their inability to access foreign exchange (forex) under the current flexible exchange policy introduced by the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN. The Group Managing Director, Vitafoam Nigeria Plc, a quoted company on the Nigerian Stock Exchange, NSE, Mr. Taiwo Adeniyi said yesterday that manufacturers in the country are facing difficulties in accessing forex under the new flexible exchange rate as scarcity still persists. According to him: “We the real manufacturers are calling on the CBN to create a special window to enable us get forex as at when needed so as not to halt production. If we cannot access forex to get raw materials for production, how can we continue in business? So there is need for the CBN and the federal government to address problem. If we produce we cannot layoff employees, but where we cannot produce, then we would be compelled to sack staff.”’ Continuing, he said: “Our Company, two days ago bid for forex at N282/ Dollar, but we were not given. They said there is no enough dollar and we should wait for another 30 days. So, how can we be waiting when we needed to produce?. We are a serious manufacturing company, so can we succeed under this economic meltdown. The government should react quickly if it really wants the economy to move forward. As it is now nothing is moving in the sector.” He pleaded that the federal government should address the chronic shortage of dollar and also revive Eleme Petrochemical Industry to live up to its strategic objective of serving as a hub for providing raw materials.

Forgery: Senate walks out Buhari’s aide, as AGF again shuns Senate summon ....Says action of AGF, a slap on the Senate It's unconstitutional for Senate to summon AGF —Presidency By Henry Umoru & Joseph Erunke

BUJA—THE crisis rocking the Senate over alleged forgery of the 2015 Standing Order yesterday took another dimension as the Committee on Judiciary, Human Rights and Legal Matters walked out the Special Assistant to President Muhammadu Buhari on Prosecution, Okoi Obono- Oblo. The committee also noted that failure of the Attorney General of the Federation, AGF, and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, SAN, to appear was not only a slap on the Senate, but also insultive. The AGF, for the second time yesterday, shunned the summon of Senate to explain why he dragged the Senate President, Bukola Saraki, Deputy Senate President, Ike Ekweremadu and two others to court over alleged forgery of the Senate Standing Order. Soon after Oblo, who appeared before the committee, headed by Senator David Umaru, APC Niger East, introduced himself as the Special Assistant to President Buhari who is attached to the office of the Minister, the Committee members dismissed

his presence insisting on seeing the AGF and not the President. Umaru told Mr. Obono-obla that the committee did not invite President Muhammadu Buhari, but the Justice Minister, adding that since the Minister failed to honour the invitation, he did not respond to the committee. Umaru, who noted that the Minister had initially requested that the committee grant him time to study the issues, stressed that there was an imminent threat to democracy because of the action of the AGF. “Our democracy is seriously under threat because the AGF who had asked for time to prepare has now refused to appear. We cannot hear you, I am sorry,’’ he said. Corroborating the Committee Chairman, one of the members of the Committee, Senator Chukwuka Utazi, said the committee never invited the President, but the Attorney General and since he has failed to honour the invitation, it thus means that the Minister did not respond to the invitation of the committee. Senator Utazi, who is the Chairman, Senate Committee on Anti- Corruption, said: “We did not invite the president to appear before us, so since the AGF is not

here, we deem it that he did not respond to our invitation. This (failure of AGF to appear before the senate) is a slap on this arm of government. The AGF had refused to appear before us, leaving us to decide what to do. According to him, the senate committee is only interested in asking the AGF questions on his decision to initiate the prosecution of the principal officers of the Senate, despite ongoing cases in courts of coordinate jurisdiction, challenging the case against the leaders of the Senate. Soon after the senators said they will not hear him, Okoi ObonoOblo stormed out of the venue, the Senate Meeting Room 313, 3rd Floor, New Senate Building, National Assembly Complex. After the exit of Okoi Obono Oblo from the meeting room, Chairman of the Committee, David Umaru, noted that the action of the AGF showed total lack of respect for the parliament, especially the Senate,. He said the committee would report back to the entire Senate at plenary where an action would then be taken. Senator Umaru said: “ Having invited the AGF twice to appear before us as mandated by the Senate without him responding

INVESTITURE: From left, fellows, Nigerian Mathematical Society, NMS, Prof. Michael Ajetunmobi; Chief Ajibola Ogunshola; and Prof. Oyewusi Ibidapo-Obe, during the investiture of fellows of NMS, in Lagos, yesterday.

CBN commences disbursement of N220bn to youths …We want to raise many Dangotes, says Emefiele By Emma Ujah, Abuja Bureau Chief THE CENTRAL Bank of Nigeria, CBN, has commenced its Youth Entrepreneurship Development Programme, YEDP, funding through which part of its N220 billion Small and Medium Enterproses loan scheme would be disbursed .Governor of the

Central Bank of Nigeria, Mr. Godwin Emefiele, disclosed yesterday that the YEDP would assist Nigerian youths to massively produce food and other goods, the importation of which had put the nation’s foreign exchange reserve under pressure. He told beneficiaries in Abuja, yesterday, that the youth entrepreneurs where part of the

CBN programme of creating 1 million jobs in the next four years. According to the apex bank’s boss, “Youth entrepreneurs have been hindered in the past by lack of capacity and access to funding. It is thus a matter of urgency to roll out the YEDP. Our youths are full of ideas and we want to empower them to make the dreams realities. “We want to nurture your

dreams, not only to be entrepreneurs but also to become employers of labour. “We want to raise many Dangotes from among our youth entrepreneurs. We want our youths to build conglomerates and giant companies that can employ millions of Nigerians and produce goods for nor only local consumption but also for export."

to the summons. This committee will surely report the matter to the Senate at plenary for appropriate action.” But speaking with journalists outside the meeting room, the Special Assistant to President Buhari on Prosecution, said it was unconstitutional for the Senate to summon the Attorney General because the red chambers couldn’t be a judge in its own case, just as he said that the Presidency had no confidence in the Senate Committee. Defending the Minister of Justice for dragging Senate President Saraki, his Deputy, Senator Ike Ekweremadu and others to court, Oblo noted that the Attorney General had the right to do that. He said those allegedly involved should go and defend themselves in court, adding that being the Senate President did not make Saraki bigger than the laws of the land. Okoi Obono- Oblo said: “The AGF has not done anything wrong. The AGF has not undermined democracy. He acted pursuant to the powers vested in him by the Constitution. Section 174 (1) says he can prosecute anybody. And he has done that. ‘’The Senate is not on trial. He has not taken the Senate to court. He has taken four persons to court. They are not the Senate. Being President of the Senate does not make you the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. “The matter was investigated by the police and a prima facie case was established and the AG invoked his powers under Section 174 (1) to initiate criminal proceedings against those persons. And this matter is now before a court of law. There is separation of powers in Nigeria. It is not position of the Senate to constitute themselves into a court of law. “ On the issues raised by Saraki that what was happening was an infringement on their powers, the Presidential aide said: “It is not. How does it? When asked that the matter was simply an internal affair of the Senate, he said: “It is not true. If I go to the chambers of the National Assembly to shoot you, would it be an internal affair? The Senate Rule is a law and somebody allegedly forged the rules.” Asked how he knew the standing Order was forged, Oblo answered thus, “the police investigation.” On whether the police wrote the rules in the first place, he said: “That question is neither here nor there. They don’t need to write the rules. If I forge a certificate, will you say that the police did not give me the certificate?"

Vanguard, FRIDAY, JULY 1, 2016—9

RANCHES:

We won't force anybody to surrender

land —FG To train 50,000 extension workers from August By Emmanuel Elebeke

BUJA—FEDERAL Government, yesterday, said it would not force anybody or state governments to surrender grazing land for Fulani cattle rearers in any part of the country. The Minister of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Chief Audu Ogbe, disclosed this at the 9th National Development Summit of Traditional Rulers in Abuja. He said rather than approve crazing reserves, government had concluded plans to establish ranches across the country and was also encouraging farmers to do same in their localities. He explained that people in some states had already offered to donate their lands for ranches, including some state governors in the North, adding some had given as much as 5,000 and 10,000 hectares of land. “Nobody will be forced to surrender his land for ranches. People have offered to surrender their lands. Some states are willing to give free land in some areas after negotiating with the communities. “Either way, ranches will not be established on lands extracted from communities,

people have to farm in the ranches. In some parts of the North, some governors have given as much as 5,000 hectares of land, some even 10,000 hectares,” said the minister. Chief Ogbe also informed the traditional rulers that the federal government had concluded plans to train about 50,000 youths as extension workers across the country to assist

government educate farmers on the proper way to apply new crop seedlings and fertilizer to achieve optimal yields. The minister bemoaned what he described as unwarranted neglect of agriculture by successive governments in Nigeria and urged the traditional rulers to partner with government in the mobilization of the youth in their domain.

He said: “For many years, we neglected agriculture as a society and we are paying for it now. But this is not the time for lamentation. We have to get back to business. We are a very strong, rich and powerful country. “If we involve the traditional rulers, we will achieve results because they are with the people. What they say will be believed by their subjects. We feel that with this kind of contacts, they can organise people in the communities to talk to them."

SIGNING: Minister of State for Petroleum, Dr. Ibe Kachukwu (2nd right), signing the MoU with Sinopec on major inestment increases in the Nigerian oil and gas sector, during a visit to China.

ALLEGED N1.9BN FRAUD: Ex-Adamawa gov, Fintiri

remanded in prison custody

By Ikechukwu Nnochiri

BUJA—TRIAL Justice Ahmed Mohammed of the Federal High Court in Abuja, yesterday, remanded the

erstwhile Governor of Adamawa State, Umaru Fintiri, in prison custody. The court okayed Fintiri to spend 24 hours at Kuje maximum prison after he

pleaded not guilty to a five-count criminal charge the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, entered against him. Justice Mohammed said he would on Friday, decide whether

Metuh refunding N400m in support of war against corruption —LAWYER By Emmanuel Aziken, Political Editor

BUJA—ERSTWHILE National Publicity Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Chief Olisa Metuh, has said his decision to refund to the Federal Government, the N400 million given to him by former President Goodluck Jonathan was in demonstration of his support of the war against corruption. A statement issued by Metuh’s lawer, Onyechi Ikpeazu, SAN, yesterday, also affirmed that Metuh’s friends and family were ready to refund the entire N400 million, irrespective of the fact that the sum had already been disbursed for the purpose to which he was instructed by the former president. The lawyer also affirmed that the whole N400 million was being refunded,

irrespective of recoveries already made by security agencies. The statement followed ongoing talks between the two parties on the issue, arising from the payment of N400 million to Metuh by Office of the National Security Adviser on the alleged instruction of President Jonathan for the execution of political party acitivities. Metuh had claimed that he was ignorant of the source of the transferred money at that time and only became aware of it, following the advent of the new administration. Saying that friends and family were willing to refund the entire money in demonstration of his support of the war against corruption, the statement read: "In the light of the circumstances regarding the case of our client, Chief Olisa Metuh, with the

Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, we want to explain the reasons for our client’s proposal to refund the N400 million released to him by former President Goodluck Jonathan, and which was expended on a project approved by the ex-President on national issues relating to his Presidency and the Federal Government at that time. "We want to restate that at the time the money was released to him, after his presentation to the ex-President, our client had no knowledge of the source, a fact that is now obvious from the evidence of the prosecution and defence witnesses. Our client had every cause to believe that the money was from the ex-President to whom he made presentation, received directives and rendered report and accounts accordingly."

or not the defendant should be released on bail pending the conclusion of his trial. Specifically, EFCC, in the charge marked FHC/ABJ/CR/ 131/2016, alleged that the defendant, between October 2014 and August 2015, diverted public funds to the tune of N1.9billion. The anti-graft agency also charged a firm that allegedly served as conduit pipe through which the fund was siphoned, Mayim Constructions & Properties Limited, as the 2nd defendant before the court. EFCC alleged that Fintiri had at various dates, within the ten months period the fraud was perpetuated, transferred funds from account number: 0313000301 domiciled at EcoBank Plc operated by Timeplex Nigeria Ltd, into account number: 5742019591 domiciled at the same bank but operated by the 2nd defendant. Aside allegation that he used N220 million to acquire a property at No 7 Gana Street, Maitama Abuja, Fintiri was said to have within three months he held sway as acting governor of Adamawa State, repaid a N550 million loan he secured from Ecobank for the acquisition of a Tea plantation farm from Nigeria Agricultural Bank in Taraba State.

Nigeria ranks 3rd in online mobile shopping By Favour Nnabugwu

BUJA—NIGERIAN is ranked third in mobile online shopping worldwide, a report by Paypal has said. PayPal is the most popular way Nigerians pay for crossborder online purchases and 55 percent of Nigerian crossborder shoppers have used the platform for purchases in the past 12 months. According to PayPal, the country’s consumers spent N128.1 billion in 2015 via online shopping, targeting N172 billion by the end of this year. PayPal’s General Manager Africa and Israel, Efi Dahan, who commented on the shopping trend said: “Nigerians are doing so wherever and whenever they want to, using their mobile devices as an essential shopping tool. “Nigerian online shoppers have realised that the world is their shopping mall when it comes to buying what they need and want. ‘’Theyarenolongerlimitedtowhat they can buy domestically, and are confidently scouring the globe for greatdeals,morechoice,highquality andpremierbrands,”

CONSTITUTION REVIEW: Reps

adopt confab report Johnbosco Agbarakwu

BUJA—THE House of Representatives Special Ad hoc Committee on the review of the 1999 constitution yesterday said it had adopted the report of 2014 National Conference as part of its working document. Wole Oladimeji, Chief Press Secretary to the Deputy Speaker of the House, Yussuff Lasun, said in a statement in Abuja yesterday that the decision to adopt the report was taken at a working session/retreat of the committee held at Transcorp Hilton Hotel, Abuja, recently. It will be recalled that former President Goodluck Jonathan’s administration convoked a national constitutional conference that lasted about four months in 2014, buttheadministrationdidnotsubmit the report of the conference to National Assembly. But the statement by Oladimeji said the meeting where the House decided to adopt the report of the conference for the ongoing constitutional review was presided over by Lasun, who is also the chairman of the committee.

10 â&#x20AC;&#x201D;Vanguard, FRIDAY, JULY 1, 2016

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Vanguard, FRIDAY, JULY 1, 2016 — 11

Pandemonium as Ogun pensioners lock in commissioner, workers By Daud Olatunji

BEOKUTA—THERE was pandemonium at the Ogun State governor’s office, Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta, when some aggrieved pensioners locked in Ogun State Commissioner for Finance, Adewale Osinowo alongside his workers over two months unpaid pensions of local government retirees. Vanguard gathered that the pensioners who are members of the Association of Local Government Pensioners in the state stormed the office complex and immediately locked the two entrances leading to the office demanding for their May and June, 2016 pensions. The pensioners claimed that no fewer than 60 members of the association had died in the last two months. The angry pensioners besieged the office and demanded to see the Commissioner who,they accused was attempting to sneak out when he sighted them. Activities at the ministry were paralysed as workers were prevented from moving from one office to anothers while the pensioners mounted

guard at the entrances. The Chairman of the association, Sikiru Ayilara, said the Commissioner had earlier sneaked out of the office of the state Accountant-General in an attempt to avoid the protesters. Osinowo who later appeared to the pensioners after about 30 minutes of laying siege in his office immediately went into a close door meeting with the

leadership of the union which lasted for about an hour. Newsmen and other members of the union were however barred from the meeting held at the Ministry’s conference room. During the meeting, two of the protesting pensioners slumped but, were later revived by their colleagues some of whom rushed out of the meeting. Addressing newsmen after the meeting, Osinowo attributed the delay in payment of May, 2016

pensions to communication gap between the ministry and the pensioners. He explained that the money had been paid by the government to the bank handling the account but that the bank has failed to credit the bureau of local government. Osinowo however promised not to leave his office yesterday until the bank complied with the directive to pay the pensioners within six hours.

RALLY: From right; Dr Joe Okei-Odumakin, President, Women Arise; Mrs Dolapo Badmus, Lagos State Police Command Public Relation Officer; Mrs Foluke Daramola-Salako, actress; Mr Tunde Kelani, film maker, and others during the sensitization rally against gender-based violence and abuse of young persons in Nigeria organised by Women Arise and Ford Foundation at Allen Roundabout to Lagos House Assembly, Alausa Ikeja, Lagos, yesterday. Photo by Kehinde Gbadamosi.

OSUN HIJAB CRISIS: S-West Islamic body advises CAN, Muslim leaders By Dapo Akinrefon

OLLOWING the crisis that trailed the wearing of Hijab by female Muslim students in Osun State, the Muslim Ummah of South West Nigeria, MUSWEN, has advised on the Osun State Chapter, Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), to respect the court ruling or seek legal redress if not satisfied with the judgement. Addressing newsmen, executive secretary of MUSWEN, Professor Dawud O. S. Noibi maintained that the court ruling does not compel all Muslim students to wear hijab adding that “resort to self help will ultimately help nobody.” Noibi said: “Our Advice to CAN in Osun State in view of the foregoing, is to deeply consider the advice which one of the most respected Christian leaders in Nigeria, John Cardinal Onaiyekan, the Catholic Archbishop of Abuja, offered at a recent round-table on Law and Religion. ‘’His Grace said the nation should adopt the policy that no law should prohibit what religion prescribes or requires citizens to do what religion prohibits. ‘’The Osun State chapter of CAN should learn a lesson from this advice. Besides, on purely moral grounds, one may ask: how does a Muslim girl’s wearing of hijab offend a Christian? Moreover, the court ruling does not compel all Muslim students

to wear hijab. It is left entirely to the choice of the individual student who wishes to obey the order coming from her Creator.” The MUSWEN scribe further urged the leadership of CAN in Osun State to seek legal redress

if not satisfied with judgment. He said; “The CAN leadership must be told that what they are doing in this case is challenging the directive of Allah. Do they really feel comfortable preventing people from doing the Will of God

on earth as it is done in heaven? If, however, CAN still feels strongly about the judgement, let them follow the commendable example of the Muslims of Lagos State by following the path of law.”

Ekiti PDP protests, to recall anti-Fayose lawmakers By Rotimi Ojomoyela

DO-EKITI— LEADERS of the Peoples Democratic Party in Ekiti State protested in Ido Ekiti yesterday, accusing the Federal Government of planning to silence Governor Ayodele Fayose as the lone opposition voice in the country. The party leaders, who declared that they are ready to defend the governor with the last drop of their blood, also threatened to recall any lawmaker found working with the opposition All Progressives Congress, APC, to hatch any impeachment plot against the governor. The protesters carried placards with various inscriptions including, “Stop harassing Fayose,” “Fayose remain blameless,” “Fayose must complete his tenure,” and

“Peace must remain in Ekiti.” A d d r e s s i n g newsmen, a party leader, Mr. Ogunrinade Adeola, said the rally was organised to sensitise the people against being used to victimise the governor. “The people all trooped out in the last election to cast votes for Governor Ayodele Fayose because he did well in his first coming. Although they truncated his reign then, we won’t allow that this time. “Any of the lawmakers in the state Assembly that works against the governor is working against Ekiti interest and we won’t hesitate to recall the person. “They are all in the state Assembly on the

benevolence of the governor, so any act of betrayal will be taken as a coup against our collective interest.” The immediate past chairman of PDP, Chief Idowu Faleye, boasted that the APC was working to frustrate the government because the party had lost its relevance in the state.

“APC is now in the oblivion. They have destroyed their political base because they ran the state into N76bn debt. So Fayose cannot be blamed for being unable to pay workers. If former Governor Kayode Fayemi had not obtained loan in excess, Ekiti would not have run into this crisis.”

IMAGINE CUP: Nigerian among 35 finalists for global showcase By Emeka Aginam

EAM Humane from Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Osun State, Nigeria is among 35 teams from around the world selected to contest at the 2016 Microsoft Imagine Cup world wide finals holding next month in Seattle, Washington, the United States of America. Team Nigeria is made up of four students including Otalu Babatunde, Victor Shoaga, Obasegun Ayode, and Oyatope Blessing, all from the Obafemi Awolowo University Ile-Ife. However, Team Nigeria which also doubles as West African representatives, has a solution designed to help the visually impaired to use the smartphone. The 35 teams will bring their unique visions for the future to Seattle to compete in the Imagine Cup World Finals. Microsoft Imagine Cup is the premier student technology program and competition, and a cornerstone of the Microsoft YouthSpark initiative. The competition provides an opportunity for student technologists, developers and aspiring entrepreneurs from all academic backgrounds to collaborate, develop a technology application, create a business plan and gain a keen understanding of what is needed to bring a concept

12—Vanguard, FRIDAY, JULY 1, 2016

N-DELTA: Buhari asks for patience, promises

to rebuild Nigeria A

By Levinus Nwabughiogu

BUJA—PRESIDENT Muhammadu Buhari has appealed to Nigerians especially people from the Niger Delta to be patient with his government, promising to gradually rebuild the country. The president said that a lot of damage had been done on the country, noting that he was taking concrete measures to restore it to its lost glory. The president spoke while receiving a delegation of Niger Delta Dialogue and Contact Group, led by His Royal Highness, King Alfred DietteSpiff, the Amanyanabo of Twon Brass, Bayelsa State, at State House, Abuja, yesterday.. The meeting came after the president also held a security meeting with all security heads in country. Those in attendance were the service chiefs: General Abayomi Olonishakin, Chief of Defence Staff; General T. Buratai, Chief of Army Staff; Ibok-Ete Ibas, Chief of Naval Staff; Sadique Abubakar, Chief of Air Staff; Monday Morgan, Chief of Defence Intelligence and Major-General Babagana Monguno (retd), National Security Adviser, NSA.

The acting Inspector General of Police, Kpotum Idris and the Director, Department of State Services, Duaru were also in attendants. Others included governor of Benue and Delta State, Messrs Sam Ortom and Ifeanyi Okowa. Speaking at the meeting with the Niger Delta group, President Buhari according to

a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr. Femi Adesina, said that that under his watch Nigeria would witness judicious utilization of resources. He said: “We intend to rebuild this country so that our children and grand-children will have a good place they can call their own. A lot of damage had been done. So, I want you to tell the people to be patient.

“When you get together with other leaders, please pacify the people. We will utilize the resources of Nigeria with integrity and rebuild the country,” he said. The President said the gazette on the Niger Delta amnesty programme by the Umaru Yar’Adua administration was being studied with a view to determining what had been fulfilled, promising that whatever was left would equally be addressed."

SUMMIT: From left—Dr Kingsley Emu, Delta State Commissioner for Economic Planning, representing Delta State governor; Mr Gamaliel Ese Onosode, Chairman, Delta Economic Summit Group, DESG, and Justice Chima Anosike, during the DESG's summit with the theme; Bridging the Investment Gap in Delta State in Lagos, yesterday. Photo: Akeem Salau.

Dickson receives new JTF Commander, warns against misconduct By Samuel Oyadongha

ENAGOA—BAYELSA State Governor, Seriake Dickson, yesterday, cautioned the new commander of the Federal Government security outfit in the Niger Delta, code named, “Operation Delta Safe” to be professional in addressing security challenges in the region. Dickson, who gave the charge when he received the new Commander of the Joint Military Task Force, JTF, Rear Admiral Joseph Okojie in Yenagoa, stressed the need for the law enforcement agents to

be neutral in dealing with criminal activities. Commending the Federal Government for retaining the

headquarters of the “Operation Delta Safe” in Bayelsa, Dickson said that the operations of the security outfit, especially its

Master Mariners task Peterside on dialogue with NLNG Peterside had assured cadets of desire to provide sea time

By Ifeyinwa Obi AGOS—MASTER Mariners in the shipping sector have advised the Director General of Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, NIMASA, Dr. Dakuku Peterside to approach the Nigerian National Liquefied Natural Gas, NLNG, in his

experience for the 100 cadets who have graduated from the National Seafarers Development Programme, NSDP. The mariners noted that the NLNG was in a better position to rescue NIMASA with regards to providing Sea time for Nigerian cadets at various institutions.

Ogbeh denies involvement in N2bn scam

By Gabriel Ewepu

BUJA—MINISTER of Agriculture and Rural Development, Chief Audu Ogbeh, has denied allegations that he and the Minister of State, Sen. Heineken Lokpobiri, were involved in a N2 billion bribery scam. Ogbeh, who was reacting to an online medium’s report, said at a media briefing, yesterday, that nobody in his ministry collected a kobo from the contractors who were paid their money. The Minister said it was the responsibility of the Ministry of Finance to pay agro-dealers

maritime component, has a crucial role to play, as the state was predominantly riverine in nature.

and not the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development. It will be recalled that under the Jonathan’s administration, agro-dealers were owed when the Growth Enhancement Support, GES, scheme was operational, which in turn led to a review of the scheme by the current administration in order to ascertain the real debt owed and cut cost. Ogbeh said: “We read on the social media that there have been a bribery scandal in this ministry, and that in paying the agro-dealers we paid out N13 billion and the Minister of State and I shared N2 billion.

“First, this was a debt which we inherited from the previous administration, the total debt was N37 billion and when we arrived, the agrodealers said they couldn’t operate because they didn’t have enough money to carry out their business."

the NSDP of necessary sea time experience that will lead to the issuance of Certificate of Competency to them. Peterside, who said this while receiving 100 cadets of the scheme who recently graduated from the University of Perpetual Help in Philippines, also congratulated them for successfully concluding their studies and returning home without any case of misconduct. Speaking with Vanguard, former President of National Association of Master Mariners, NAMM, Capt Adewale Ishola said there was nothing wrong in NIMASA approaching NLNG to place the cadets on board their ships if they were available.

10 YEARS AFTER PLANE CRASH:

Loyola appeals for aid

By Jimitota Onoyume

ORT HARCOURT— TEN years after about 60 students of Loyola Jesuit College perished in a Sosoliso air crash in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, the management of the school has appealed for support to run the Jesuit Memorial College, established at Aluu, Rivers State as a memorial for the deceased students. President, Jesuit Memorial College, JMC, Father Emeka Asogwa made the appeal, yesterday, at the school premises in Aluu, Ikwerre Local Government Area of the state, saying that more still needed to be done. He said corporate organisations and individuals should come to the aid of the school. “We appeal to the government, corporate and good people of Nigeria that JMC should not be allowed to suffer from lack of adequate facilities that will hamper the attainment of the vision that the Jesuits have set for the school.”

Mrs Theresa Chukwuedo for burial

RS. THERESA Chukwuedo, 56, of Umuonaje village,Ogbeiloquarters, Asaba, Delta State is dead. There will be a Service of Songs at the Catholic Church of Assumption, Zappa, Asaba on Friday, July 1, with a lying-in-state at her residence, No. 50 lsieke Street, Ugbomenta, Asaba. Internment holds at her residence the following day after a Requiem mass at Catholic Church of Assumption, Zappa, Asaba. She is survived by the widow, children and many relations.

Late Theresa Chukwuedo

Awa Iman indigenes commend Gov Emmanuel

YO—THE Akwa Ibom State Government, has denied media report of abandonment of the people of Awa Iman, Onna Local Government Area of the state, saying that the state Ministry of Works has since arrested the menace of flooding in the area, while people whose houses were demolished to create the channeling process

were duly paid their compensation in line with the guidelines outlined by the Ministry and the independent valuers. Reacting to the report, the state government, said “Let us state here in no uncertain terms that the report is absolutely false and laden with malicious intents. Awa Iman in Onna Local Government Area is a town that is below the

sea level and flooding has been a common problem in the area, and Governor Udom Emmanuel, seeing the plight of the people had intervened as he has done elsewhere. “Governor Emmanuel has shown an incredible sense of compassion, steadiness, and financial discipline and in the process demonstrated that he is the right person for the job."

Vanguard, FRIDAY, JULY 1, 2016—13

SALARIES: Bayelsa govt releases funds for

varsity workers By Samuel Oyadongha

ENAGOA—BAYELSA State Government has released funds for the full payment of January salary of workers in the Niger Delta University in fulfilment of the agreement reached at a meeting to resolve the ongoing industrial dispute rocking the institution. Announcing the release of the fund at a media briefing on the outcome of the State Executive Council meeting in Yenagoa, the Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Jonathan Obuebite said government had also ordered the payment of civil servants salaries for the month of May, 2016. According to the commissioner, government has since released funds for the payment of teachers’ January salaries and directed all accounting officers to ensure that workers including those in the Rural Development Areas were paid their May salaries without any delay. He said Council called on the Academic Staff Union of Universities ASUU, and other labour unions in the Niger Delta University to call off their strike

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action as he expressed government's commitment to the welfare and development of the institution. His words: “The Bayelsa State Government has met its

agreement by releasing 100 percent of the January salary to ASUU, NASU and graduate assistants as requested by the unions. So as we speak, that payment has been made. “We are all aware that NDU is

our pet project as it is the only state-owned university. So, this government is committed to the welfare of the academic and non-academic staff as well as the students community of NDU. We want our students to return to school and pursue their academics."

Belemaoil increases OML 55 oil communities/cities. production to 3,000bpd He stressed that Chevron with

By Onozure Dania

ORT HARCOURT— BARELY a month after Chevron Nigeria Limited, successfully handed over OML 55 field to an indigenous firm, Belemaoil Producing Limited, the company has increased its oil production to 3000 barrel per day. Chairman of Belemaoil, JackRich Tein Jr., who disclosed this while receiving President of River State Youth Organisation, Prince Sara-Igbe and other youth leaders, who paid him a courtesy visit, said the organisation has also gone further to fulfil some of its promises to host communities by employing a total of 350 youths across OML55 and Niger Delta communities as well as working with experts to provide portable drinking water

in Kula. He said that Belemaoil was currently working with its overseas partners and the Nigeria’s Department of Petroleum Resources, DPR, to launch 30,000 barrels floating refinery and LPG unit, scalable floating power generating barge of 135MW in phase-1 to 650mw in phase-2. The power project, he said will curb gas flaring and further harness the gas reserves in OML55, which is over 2tscf. These projects, Jack-Rich said, when fully develped will lead to huge technology transfer, employment for the unemployed youths thereby eradicating undue restiveness, agitations, economic sabotage and other unforeseen vices in our

this feat, has uniquely achieved for itself, the first and only International Oil Company in Africa to have divested its participating interest in an oil mining lease, OML, to a local company from within its host community, which has trickled down to unemployed youths in their respective communities. In his remarks, President of River State Youth Organisation, Prince Sara-Igbe, thanked Chevron and Mr Tein Jr., for making history in Rivers State. The youth leader said Chevron has set an indelible landmark for other international and local oil companies to follow and if they build on Chevron’s landmark, unnecessary restiveness and agitation will fade away quickly.

ECIU gets new exco

VWRENI—EVWRENI Clan Improvement Union, ECIU, an umbrella body of all Evwreni indigines in Ughelli North Local Government Area of Delta State, has elected a 12-member executive committee to run the affairs of the union for the next three years. The election was almost marred by violence but for the tenacity of the immediate past President General, Evangelist Ukumor, who insisted that the election must hold. At the keenly contested election, Victor Ohare, Messrs Bright Adjogbe, Experience Owhiyeri and Eganase Jimmy were elected President General, Secretary General, Treasurer General and Financial Secretary General respectively amongst others. In his acceptance speech, Victor Ohare, promised to bring rapid development to the community, while pleading with everyone to co-operate with his administration towards achieving their set out goals.

14—Vanguard, FRIDAY, JULY 1, 2016

From left— MD/CEO, Brand Eye Communication, Mr. Femi Adelusi; Special Adviser to the Governor on Investment, Mr. Sunday Ozege; representative of Governor Ifeanyi Okowa, and Commissioner for Information, Mr. Patrick Ukah; and Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Information, Mr. Jude Aguonye, at a briefing on the 25th anniversary of Delta State. PHOTO: Nath Onojake. From left— President, National Co-Operative Financing Agency of Nigeria, CFAN, Adebola Orolugbagbe; Head, Enterprise Business Unit, North, MTN Nigeria, Abdullahi Auwal Abdullahi, and Federal Director of Co-operativies, FDC, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Developmen, Adebayo Akintola, during the International Co-operative Day 2016, on the theme Co-Operative: The Power to Act for a Sustainable Future, in Abuja.

Certificate saga: Plaintiff withdraws suit against Buhari By Ikechukwu Nnochiri

BUJA—JUSTICE Ademola Adeniyi of the Federal High Court, Abuja, yesterday, threw out the case querying the educational qualification of President Muhammadu Buhari, following a ‘notice of discontinuance’ by the plaintiff, Mr. Nnamdi NwokochaAhaaiwe. At the resumed sitting on the matter, Nwokocha-Ahaaiwe declared his intention to withdraw the suit, though he failed to adduce any reason behind the decision. The trial court had earlier okayed indefinite adjournment of the case due to an appeal President Buhari lodged before the Abuja Division of the Court of Appeal on June 15. However, in view of the application by the plaintiff, Justice Adeniyi, in a bench ruling, placed reliance on Order 50(2) of the

Federal High Court Civil Procedure Rules and terminated further hearing on the matter. Cited as defendants in the suit, which was initiated before the 2015 presidential election, were the Indepen-dent National Electoral Commission, INEC, and All Progressives Congress, APC. The plaintiff, a legal practitioner, had sought, among others, “a declaration that the statement by the 3rd defendant, Muhammadu Buhari, in his affidavit sworn to on November 24, 2014 at the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, that all his academic qualification documents as filed in his Presidential Nomination Form No. President APC/001/ 2015 are currently with the Secretary, Military Board as at the time of deposing to the affidavit, is false.” He equally wanted “an order directing INEC to issue a new

Between Zakah and Sadaqah

AKAH and Sadaqah are forms of charity given by Muslims. While Zakah is obligatory, Sadaqah is voluntary. Zakah, which is one of the five pillars of Islam, is to be given by all Muslims. Zakah means growth, purification and blessing in Arabic. Sadaqah means sign of sincerity of faith expressed through gifts. Zakah is enjoined in Islam on specific things such as gold, silver, crops, fruits, goods livestock, agriculture produce. Zakah is due immediately after one full year has passed upon the acquisition of wealth and that the wealth has met the minimum threshold (nisaab) . Zakah is given to certain types of people. They are mentioned C M Y K

in Q9:60: “Zakah expenditures are only for the poor and for the needy and for those employed to collect (zakah) and for bringing hearts together (for Islam) and for freeing captives (or slaves) and for those in debt and for the cause of Allah and for the (stranded) traveller— an obligation (imposed) by Allah. And Allah is Knowing and Wise.” It is a pillar of Islam and whoever dies and owes zakah, his heirs must pay it from his wealth, and that takes precedence over the will (wasiyah) and inheritance. It is not permissible to give zakah to the rich, the strong and able to earn a living. It was narrated that ‘Ubayd-

Certificate of Return to Goodluck Jonathan of Peoples Democratic

Party, PDP, who came second in the presidential elections.”

Fani-Kayode denies writing Apostle Suleiman for help

ORMER Aviation Minister, Mr. Femi FaniKayode, has dismissed insinuations that he wrote from detention to Christians and Apostle Johnson Suleiman over his case with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC. Fani-Kayode, in a statement by his Special Adviser, Media, Jude Ndukwe, said: “This is to inform the general public that the purported message making the rounds that Chief Femi FaniKayode wrote a certain message to Christians and Apostle Suleiman from detention is not true. “That message was part of a Allaah ibn ‘Adiyy said: Two men told me that they came to the Prophet (s.a.w) during the Farewell Pilgrimage, when he was distributing the zakah, and asked him for some of it. He looked them up and down, and saw that they were strong and able-bodied. He said, “If you wish, I will give you some, but those who are rich or strong and able to earn have no share of it.” It is not permissible to give zakah to kuffaar and mushrikeen, but Sadaqah may be given to them. Sadaqah is not obligatory on any kind of wealth; it does not depend on any duration of time. Whatever you can give, give without any specific limits or guidelines. It is not subject to any conditions or threshold. The word sadaqah may be applied to all kinds of good deeds. Al-Bukhaari (r.t) said in his Sahih: “Every good deed is a charity,” then he narrated from Jaabir ibn ‘Abd-Allaah (r.t) that the Prophet (s.a.w) said: “Every good deed is a charity.” We will discuss Zakat-ul-Fitr in our subsequent edition.

long and systematic plot by mischief-makers, his traducers and detractors to continue to discredit and malign his person and character, and cause disaffection among his friends, associates and supporters. “We, therefore, urge members of the public to disregard that message and treat it as nonexistent.”

AfDB approves $350m loan for FBN, FSDH By Favour Nnabugwu

BUJA—THE Board of Directors of African Development Bank, AfDB, has approved $350 million trade finance loans to First Bank of Nigeria, FBN, and FSDH Merchant Bank. The $350 million for the two banks was approved by AfDB in Abidjan on Monday as part of the AfDB’s broader efforts to provide counter-cyclical support to the Nigerian economy at a time of falling commodity prices, which has caused shortages in foreign currency supply and led to unmet demand for trade finance instruments to support ongoing economic transitions. It is expected t o support t h e banks’ local enterprises involved i n importexport activities.

FG declares Tuesday, Wednesday public holiday By Omeiza Ajayi

HE Federal Government has declared Tuesday, July 5, and Wednesday, July 6, public holidays to mark Eid-el Fitri. This was contained in a statement issued in Abuja by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Interior, Mr. Bassey Akpayung. The statement said the Minister of Interior, Lt Gen. Abdulrahman Dambazau (rtd.), who made the declaration on behalf of the Federal Government, enjoined all Muslim faithful and Nigerians in general to extend the spiritual benefits of Ramadan, including love, peace and justice, to their daily living and through this contribute to the development of the nation. He urged Nigerians to use the opportunity of the spiritual rejuvenation to reflect on the imperative of unity and peaceful co-existence in strengthening the bond of togetherness for a strong and virile nation.

Vanguard, FRIDAY, JULY 1, 2016—15

Buhari, Saraki, Obiano, PDP, Amaechi others mourn Ojo Maduekwe, Elechi Amadi By Henry Umoru , Ben Agande, Vincent Ujumadu, Jimitota Onoyume, Joseph Erunke & Levinus Nwabughiogu

IGERIANS ACROSS political divide were yesterday united in grief as they mourn Chief Ojo Maduekwe, the former chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, who died on Wednesday at the age of 71. The list of mourners included President Muhammadu Buhari; Senate President, Bukola Saraki; chairman of the caretaker committee of the Peoples Democratic Party, Senator Ahmed Makarfi;Senator Ali Modu Sheriff; former governor of Kogi state, Captain Idris Wada and many other prominent Nigerians. They eulogized the enduring qualities of Chief Maduekwe whom they said would be missed by Nigerians. While Amadi, one of Africa’s finest novelists, poets and dramatists passed on at 82 years, Maduekwe, a former Minister who took charge of three federal ministries at different times and later served as Nigerian Ambassador to Canada and Secretary of the Board of Trustees of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), was 71. President Muhammadu Buhari in his tribute described the former Minister of Foreign Affairs, late Ojo Maduekwe as an ardent believer in the unity of Nigeria, saying his death had saddened him. The president said that late Maduekwe who also served as Nigeria’s High Commissioner to Canada in all his years of service to Nigeria as a diplomat, minister, politician and ambassador gave all to that pursuit. As Nigeria’s Foreign Minister, the President affirmed that “Maduekwe’s relentless call to citizen diplomacy and for Nigerians to be treated with dignity across the globe will

continue to inspire other patriotic people to promote a positive international image of the country.” While commiserating with the families, government and people of Abia, President Buhai also consoled the governments of Delta and Rivers States on the passing away of their illustrious sons, Justice Nikki Tobi, retired Supreme Court judge and Elechi Amadi, a literary icon. President Buhari described the late Judge as a brave jurist who served Nigeria creditably and brought his many years of training, knowledge and wisdom to the Bench. The President also joined the literary and academic community in mourning Elechi Amadi “whose writings and postulations as a novelist, poet and playwright introduced many generations of the world to the vibrant Nigerian culture.” Describing Amadi as a “Man of Letters, visionary and venerated elder who dedicated his life to values of peace, equality, dignity and the reading culture in Nigeria, the President shared the idea that his departure was as much a loss to Nigeria and Africa as it was to the world.” Saraki in a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Yusuph Olaniyonu, described Elechi as a literary giant whose impactful life will

continue to be of immense educational benefit to Nigerians and the world at large. He noted that Elechi contributed greatly to national development having served in the Nigerian Army. Senator Sheriff who paid a condolence visit to the late Nigerian Ambassador to Canada shortly after the news of his demise broke on Wednesday night said in Ojo’s demise, “Nigeria has lost one of her best sons." Senator Makarfi who spoke after condoling with the widow of the late PDP chieftain said the party will “continue to be in a state of mourning for a very long time. Death comes when it would come but this rude shock to all of us in Nigeria will remain indelible” In his tribute, the Secretary of the Caretaker committee of the PDP, Chief Ben Obi said “Maduekwe was gifted, he was a special man and indeed, he and I have come a long way. We have been together for over 38 years, working hand in hand politically. We have lost a great son of Igbo land, the PDP has lost something special." Among the early callers who signed the condolence register were Professor Tunde Adeniran who described the late Maduekwe as “an exceptional thinker, gifted orator, liberal democrat and resourceful compatriot who remained vibrant

till the end”. Other callers were the former Minister of Education, Professor ABC Nwosu, Ahmed Makarfi, Chekwas Okorie, Dalhatu Sarki Tafida, Former Minister of Niger Delta, Steven Oru, former Corps Marshall General of the Federal Road Safety Corps, Ostia Chidoka, Chuka Udom, Kennedy Okpara, Senator Ita Enang, Doyin Okupe and others. In their reactions, the Governor of Anambra State, Chief Willie Obiano and his predecessor, Mr. Peter Obi expressed shock at the passage of former Foreign Affairs Minister, Chief Ojo Maduekwe and the renowned novelist, Chief Elechi Amadi whose deaths occurred on Wednesday. The immediate past governor of Anambra State, Mr. Peter Obi described Chief Ojo Maduekwe as an unusual politician, who was not afraid of his own voice, especially in speaking out on matters bordering on the way forward for the country. Also reacting, the President of the Oodua People’s Congress (OPC), Dr Frederick Fasehun said the late Chief Ojo Maduekwe elevated Nigeria’s image abroad as Foreign Minister. Maduekwe, a former Minister of Transport and former Minister for Foreign Affairs, died on Wednesday at the age of 71.

By Peter Okutu

BAKALIKI—WIFE of Ebonyi state Governor, Mrs. Rachel Umahi will on Tuesday next week commence a campaign against female genital mutilation under the umbrella of her pet project, Family Succour and Upliftment Programme in the State. In a statement by her Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Donatus Owo, Mrs. Umahi would partner international agencies, medical experts and traditional rulers to brainstorm on how to eradicate the practice from the state. The statement noted that Mrs. Umahi is collaborating with the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) to organize the event. It further described female genital mutilation as an unhealthy practice which dehumanizes the status and pride of place of women in society.

400 students gain scholarship from Chinese govt By Enyim Enyim

SIGNING: Former Chairman of PDP, Chief Vincent Ogbulafor, signing condolence register, at the residence of late Chief Ojo Maduekwe, in Abuja. Photo: Gbemiga Olamikan

S'East APC asks Saraki, Ekweremadu to resign the Presidency for preferring the charge By Emeka Mamah

NUGU—THE All Progressives Congress, APC, in the South East has joined the presidency in advising all the principal officers of the National Assembly, NASS, facing trial for alleged forgery to resign their positions in the Assembly to concentrate on their defence. The Federal Government last week, charged the Senate President, Dr Bukola Saraki, his deputy, Ike Ekweremadu and two other principal officers of the Senate to court for alleged forgery. All the accused persons whoever pleaded not guilty and blamed C M Y K

Ebonyi first lady to begin campaign against female genital mutilation

to cow the National Assembly into submission. Zonal Publicity Secretary of the party, Hon Hyacinth Ngwu, who made this known in a statement in Enugu, yesterday, said that it was more honourable to throw in the towel instead of writing letters and appealing to the international community for help. The statement read, “The APC, in the South East geopolitical zone has advised all the principal officers of the NASS being tried for forgery to do the needful by resigning their positions in the Assembly to enable them focus their energy in defending themselves."

NITSHA— ABOUT 400 students of Nnamdi Azikiwe university have gained admission into top Chinese universities through scholarship platform of HANBAN, the Director of the Chinese Cultural and Research Centre, Prof. Wang Bo yesterday said in Awka. Bo said it was as a result of the bilateral relationship between Nigeria and China which was conctretized at the national level, adding that it has opened doors for commerce and economic exchange between the two countries. The Chinese Attache and Director of China Cultural Centre in Nigeria, Mr. Yan Xiangdong said that the several meetings between his President and President Muhammadu Buhari in the past one year have deepened the relationship between the two countries and is now bearing fruits.

16 â&#x20AC;&#x201D;

Vanguard, FRIDAY, JULY 1, 2016

VANGUARD, FRIDAY, JULY 1, 2016 —17

Britain shoots itself in the foot

AST week, I told you that I was in London and had just voted in the European Union, EU, Referendum. The British Prime Minister, David Cameron, had triggered off the Referendum to give citizens and residents of the United Kingdom, UK, a chance to decide whether they wanted the UK to leave or remain in the EU. By now, most Vanguard readers will be aware that the majority stubbornly ignored sound advice from august bodies and serious individuals - the International Monetary Fund and Barack Obama, for example - and voted to leave the EU. Most of you will also be aware that this decision has had devastating consequences, the most obvious being that the Pound plunged to its lowest level for over 30 years. Meanwhile, Cameron has shocked almost everyone by resigning, thereby plunging his ruling Conservative Party into a period of chronic uncertainty and into the disruption of having to elect a replacement Prime Minister at very short notice.

Lacklustre campaigning The opposition Labour Party is also going through turmoil. Many Labour parliamentarians are convinced that their leader, Jeremy Corbyn, is partly to blame for the Referendum result because of his lackluster campaigning during the run-up to the historic vote. They say that Corbyn did not “sell” the benefits of EU membership vigorously enough to the ordinary working people who are Labour’s backbone; and they have just passed a No Confidence motion in him. Scots and the Northern Irish are also furious because most of them voted to stick with the European mainland and don’t see why they should be dragged out of their comfort zone by the English and Welsh…so much for “the United Kingdom”! Despite the above economic, regional, political and psychological tensions – and my own disappointment about the Referendum outcome - I believe that Britain will overcome the multiple downsides of its exit from C M Y K

the EU (“Brexit”) within a reasonable time span…and that it will eventually find positive new ways of relating to Europe and continue to be held in high esteem in other parts of the world. I voted “Bremain” (for Britain to remain in the EU) because I felt and still feel that while the EU is and will always be far from perfect, it is an essentially benign institution that is not flawed enough to justify an angerfuelled withdrawal. Yes, the EU is too bureaucratic. Yes, the EU is full of unelected officials who are not answerable to EU electorates. Yes, many EU executives enjoy excessively high salaries and expenses. Yes, the EU passes laws that challenge the sovereignty of the British Parliament and its legislative counterparts in other member nations. Yes, because of the EU’s rules about free movement of persons across borders, Britain attracts hundreds of thousands of immigrants from poorer EU countries who are putting

pressure on public resources like the National Health Service. As a matter of fact, the immigrant influx was the single biggest concern that those who voted Brexit expressed. The xenophobic politicians who lobbied for Brexit exploited their fears. And there have been hardworking, honest and useful. Anyway, at the end of the day, the EU does a lot of good overall. In addition to promoting enlightenment, a healthy tolerance of diversity, pacifism and unity, the EU delivers substantial amounts of concrete development aid to deprived areas within and outside Europe. It helps Nigeria, for instance. And quite a few British locations, organisations and people have also benefitted from EU funding. My son, Oliver, is 21; and he and his friends all – like most youngsters in the UK - voted Bremain because they are instinctively cosmopolitan and enthusiastically committed to multiculturalism; and they are incensed that their elders (a vast

A Marie Antoinette-themed party in London by children of a Nigerian oil magnate featured in the documentary. (Screengrab from Channel 4 YouTube clip)

Frivolous show-offs — follow up

AST week, I complained about a recent British TV programme that starred the youthful scions of two famous Nigerian clans – the Otedolas and Mbadiwes. I accused them of being frivolous, boastful, vacuous, pretensious and insensitive. S e v e r a l Vanguard readers h a v e subsequently contacted me to ask how they can access the documentary I complained about. For those who are interested, it is titled “Lagos To London: Britain’s

New Super-Rich” available on You Tube.

and

*David Cameron swathe of Brexiteers are pensioners who yearn for a return to “The Good Old Days” when Britain was largely white and monocultural) tipped the balance. Oliver, his generation and some of their parents believe in the concept of the Brotherhood Of Man and feel completely comfortable about the fact that the new Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, is the Muslim son of Asian immigrants. But, sadly, London – which voted overwhelmingly to remain in the EU – is not typical. There are many traditional Britons outside the sophisticated capital city who are bewildered and appalled by Sadiq Khan’s elevation, regard such developments as suicidal and are grimly determined to prevent “foreigners” from “taking over.” I like Cameron. But I wish he had not tried to be a Great Democrat! There are times when an authoritarian approach makes sense! He didn’t HAVE to cave into Eurosceptic/Europhobic demands for a Referendum. It was an unnecessary gamble. Ah well. Never mind. No use

*Jeremy Corbyn crying over spilled milk. Britain is, in my opinion, a special country. It has always punched above its weight. At one point, during its imperial era, this small island controlled a quarter of the earth’s surface. And it still has a mighty Commonwealth, comprising its former colonial territories. English, meanwhile, happens to be the most widely spoken language on the planet. And while I reckon that the British would have been much better-off staying in the EU, I’m pretty sure that Britain will, ultimately, not drown without the EU. Responses to: donzol2002@yahoo.co.uk or to 0802 747 6458 OR 0811 675 9752 (texts only). PLEASE KINDLY NOTE THAT UNLESS YOU REQUEST ANONYMITY, YOUR COMMENTS MAY BE PUBLISHED, WITH YOUR NAMES AND CONTACT DETAILS ATTACHED.

18 — Vanguard, FRIDAY, JULY 1, 2016 WE are sad but not surprised over reports of death of inmates in the Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camps in Borno State as a result of malnutrition. A recent report by the Doctors Without Borders to President Muhammadu Buhari, complete with photographs depicting grossly malnourished children also warned that 24,000 IDPs needed urgent medical attention. At least 30 children reportedly die daily from malnutrition. This infuriated the President and he invited Governor Kashim Shettima of Borno State to the Presidential Villa to ascertain the reasons behind this problem in spite of “huge spending”. The truth is that we have a loosehanded attitude to the welfare of the IDPs in our midst. Though Nigeria is a signatory to the 1969 Africa Convention on Refugees as well as other protocols that define the rights of displaced persons to protection

Malnutrition deaths in IDP camps and welfare in member countries, we hardly pay much attention to these obligations. Nigeria has almost three million IDPs in the various camps, over two million of whom are in Borno facilities. Apart from the humanitarian efforts of international charity groups, the bulk of the burden of catering for the IDPs, especially in terms of feeding, has largely been abandoned to the Borno State Government. The Federal Government-r un National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has also struggled to maintain services in the camps,

but of late, there have been reports of corruption by some of its officials who allegedly divert the rice and other items for the feeding of the IDP’s. In fact, only penultimate week, some soldiers stormed the IDP food store in Borno State Government House and tried to force policemen on duty to give up some of the rice meant for the IDPs. This resulted in a shootout that left some people injured. The situation was brought under control by the state governor and the military authorities. We call on the Federal and Borno

State Governments to tackle the rising cases of corr uption and ensure that food items meant for the IDPs are channelled for their upkeep. Those implicated in the corr uption must be punished. Financial disbursements for the care of the IDPs must be carefully monitored or they will continue to be stolen by public officials. We must bear in mind that the care for IDPs is not a state or even federal government affair alone. It is an international issue. That is why international humanitarian groups are here to help. We must approach the care of our IDPs with international best practices. That way, we will attract more foreign assistance and collaboration. We have an obligation to protect the IDPs and provide for their welfare until they can safely return to their communities. These malnutrition deaths must be curbed.

OPINION Emerging promise of Doctoral education By Eric Riedel

OCTORAL education is rapidly evolving across the world. Before 1990, the typical doctoral student was a young man who studied full time with the goal of obtaining a permanent faculty appointment after graduation. While these students are still a core part of doctoral programmes, doctoral education as a whole has broadened in recent decades. For starters, not only has doctoral enrolment itself grown, but so has the accessibility of these programmes—particularly to an older and more diverse population of students whose motivations include fulfilling their passions, contributing to society and enhancing their careers through applied research and problem-solving. Moreover, doctoral programmes are helping prepare doctorally trained graduates in professional fields outside of academia, which is an ongoing need. Many of those studying for a doctorate already have established careers—some with decades of professional experience—in management, psychology, education, public administration and human services. And since these students come from a wider array of backgrounds, they often have other responsibilities—familial, social and professional—which means that more students

are exploring flexible study options to pursue their doctorates. Research conducted by doctoral students has also evolved over the years. In the context of newly emerging economies on the world stage

Another effort from universities to address the shifting world of education is the Carnegie Initiative on the Doctorate and the globalisation of workforces, doctoral students must look further afield in terms of research—not just at issues relevant to their own country. They must become citizens of the world and understand the global market in order to lead research that benefits society. For example, in Nigeria—an economic powerhouse in the context of a rapidly growing continent— there is a significant shortage of individuals with management skills. In this case, students must be equipped with the skills to understand global issues in order to apply their knowledge to research that could potentially contribute to the economic development of Africa. So how can universities respond to these burgeoning expectations? Walden University, for example, has adopted a scholar-practitioner model to encourage students to become not just consumers of knowledge, but also agents of change who contribute to the advancement of

individuals, communities, organisations and society. This model means that students learn to blend scholarly research with practical application to solve complex problems in their professions. It also means that students are attentive to the contemporary challenges and concerns of their communities, which enables them to conduct extraordinarily useful research. Having recently spent time with one of our Nigerian doctoral students, it was clear that the desire to undertake research and advance practice in ways relevant to Nigerian society are foremost in her mind as she attends Walden and plans for the future. Another effort from universities to address the shifting world of education is the Carnegie Initiative on the Doctorate,CID,—a group of academic departments from across the United States brought together to improve the quality of their doctoral programmes by designing and implementing new initiatives. Through this research, three key themes were identified: scholarly integration, intellectual community and stewardship. But what do these themes mean and how can they be applied to doctoral education to make a difference for students? Scholarly integration is the intention to apply research and scholarship to teaching and broader practice. Doctoral education needs to be connected, not just across all elements of the programme, but also to the wider public sphere. Walden University has long required students to demonstrate the social change application of their dissertation or doctoral

study research as part of the university’s mission. This integrated approach facilitates the application of research and problemsolving to the world beyond doctoral education, allowing students to make a real impact in their countries because of the skills they are developing. Secondly, intellectual community is the development of a culture in which students are fully engaged and able to look for and seize opportunities around them. This may mean developing new actions or reshaping existing elements of the programme, but it brings significant benefits by allowing students to get the most from their doctoral studies. The aim is to collaborate within the discipline and even across multiple disciplines to promote shared knowledge and understanding about new research and its applications. Finally, the CID project concluded that the development of students as “stewards of the discipline” should be considered one of the primary purposes of doctoral education. A steward is someone who can imaginatively generate new knowledge, critically conserve valuable ideas and transform those understandings through writing, teaching and application. But this should come with ethics; these stewards should be developed to create research that is of good quality, is conducted with integrity and may be used to make a positive impact. *Dr. Riedel, is Chief academic officer , Walden university.

Vanguard, FRIDAY, JULY 1, 2016

— 19

Zenith, FirstBank, GTbank, Access, 6 others make top 1000 World Bank’s ranking •Zenith leads Nigerian banks in ranking •South Africa has largest banks •Return to investors highest in Africa •Chinese banks top global ranking Continues from page 1 world. Next is Access Bank, which ranked 4th in Nigeria with a shareholders fund of $1.536 billion, rankled 14th in Africa and was positioned as the 522nd bank among the top 1000 banks in the world. United Bank of Africa is positioned as the 5th largest bank in Nigeria with shareholders fund of $1.004 billion, ranked 18th in Africa and 670 in the global 1000 top banks. The six Nigeria bank that featured in the 1000top bank is Diamond Bank with shareholders fund of $912 million. It is ranked as the 20th top bank in Africa and the 711th bank in the world. Fidelity also featured in the top 1000 and top 25 banks in Africa. It has $729 million as shareholders fund and is the 802 bank in the 1000 top world banks ranking. Ekobank Transnational with registered office in Lome with presence in Nigeria is ranked the sixth among the top 25 banks in Africa and 306th in the global ranking, Data released by the Banker today showed that three banks that were among the top 1000 banks last year dropped out of the ranking. From the 13 banks that featured in the ranking in 2015, 0nly ten made it this time around. The Banker in a statement said “Mirroring the Top 25 African banks ranking in 2015, three South African lenders, Standard

Bank, FirstRand and Nedbank, have secured the respective top three positions. But a closer look at their performance reveals that all of these banks have suffered in the rankings largely as a result of the depreciating rand. Standard Bank’s total Tier 1 capital in the 2016 edition is $7.48bn, down from $10.19bn in the 2015 ranking. In the global rankings, Africa’s largest bank has now fallen from 123rd place to 160th. “FirstRand fared slightly better, with Tier 1 capital declining marginally from $7.98bn in the 2015 ranking to $7.18bn in the 2016 edition. All six South African banks in this year’s Top 1000 World Banks ranking registered a fall in Tier 1 capital. In each case, this decline was by more than 10% year on year.

Global ranking

“For Africa’s other major banking market, Nigeria, it was a similar story. In 2015, 13 lenders from the country were featured in the global ranking. In 2016 this has fallen to 10, with only two banks, Access Bank and Ecobank Nigeria, registering gains to their Tier 1 capital positions. This reflects the difficulties faced by the continent’s second biggest oil producer over the review period as low oil prices began to take their toll. Togo’s Ecobank Transnational has retained its global ranking of 306th and has moved up the regional table one place to sixth. “Beyond these larger markets, some African $141.75 -1.10 lenders have performed relatively well in the 2016 $3,028.00 -50.00 rankings. Building on their success in previous years, $ 20.25 -0.57 all three entries from Kenya recorded positive Tier 1 capital growth. Kenya $49.61 -1.00 Commercial Bank and Equity Bank both joined $48.72 -1.16 the continent’s Top 25 table in 2016 with a respecCURRENCY BUYING SELLING tive 2.24% and 29.82% growth in Tier 1 capital. US 281 281.5 282 DOLLAR 369.9084 370.5666 371.2248 The relative strength of this 308.9595 309.5093 371.2248 POUNDS performance can in part be 287.5857 288.0974 288.6091 EURO attributed to the perform2.7649 2.7699 2.7748 FRANC ance of the Kenyan shil0.454 0.464 0.474 YEN ling in 2015, which de391.4646 392.1611 392.8577 CFA 42.242 42.3176 42.3933 WAUA clined modestly against the 74.9233 75.0567 75.19 RENMINBI US dollar relative to many 41.5201 41.594 41.6679 RIYAL other African currencies. 391.44 392.139 392.838 KRONA Meanwhile, the domiCBN Exchange rate as at 30/06/2016 nance of Egyptian lenders

C M Y K

VISIT: From left, Syed Saiful Islam, Finance and Control Director, Nestle Nigeria Plc; Oscar Onyema, Chief Executive Officer, Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE); Dharnesh Gordhon, Managing Director/CEO, Nestle Nigeria Plc and Haruna Jalo-Waziri, Executive Director, Capital Market, NSE, during a courtesy visit to Nestle Nigeria Plc. in the top five banks by return on capital table has been cemented with the addition of Banque Misr, though the list is topped by Ethiopia’s CBE. “The depreciating rand and falling oil prices have caused trouble in Africa, with South African and Nigerian lenders slipping down the overall rankings, but Kenyan entrants still managed to show Tier 1 growth. A number of Africa’s largest bank-

Key emerging markets such as Brazil, India and Russia performed badly in the ranking due to sharp decreases in their currencies against the dollar and/or falls in commodity prices causing economic slowdowns

ing markets faced severe challenges over the 2015 review period. Tumbling commodity prices and volatile currency movements all contributed to the generally weak performance of most of the continent’s big hitters in the 2016 ranking. In aggregate

terms, the continent’s total Tier 1 capital fell by 12.77%, accompanied by similar hits to both profitability and asset growth”. The release further said “Chinese banks continue to dominate The Banker’s latest global ranking of Top 1000 banks, but they are showing signs of slowing down. Their profits fell 3.5% – the first drop since 2004 – and bad loans are on the rise, reflecting a weaker Chinese economy. For the last few years China’s banks have dominated the ranking based on Tier 1 capital. This year Industrial and Commercial Bank of China (ICBC) remains number 1 and China Construction Bank number 2, with 4 out of the top 5 places held by Chinese banks. “Major Chinese banks grew their capital faster than their assets last year suggesting that they are becoming cautious and there are also signs of rising bad loans,” said The Banker’s editor Brian Caplen. “All the same, Chinese banking profits are by far the world’s largest and far higher than those of US and European banks.” US banks did well in the ranking with JP Morgan placing third, Bank of America 6th, Citigroup 7th and Wells Fargo 8th. French banks remain competitive, with Credit Agricole staying in 11th place and BNP Paribas in 12th. French bank profits grew by 30% while both UK and German banks lost ground. “UK bank profits fell 22% and HSBC is now the only British bank in the global top 10, placing 9th. The outlook for UK banks is even

more uncertain following the surprise UK vote to leave the European Union. Back in 2006, before the financial crisis, HSBC was the world’s second largest bank, and Royal Bank of Scotland the 7th largest. Losses at Royal Bank of Scotland and Standard Chartered, and profit falls at Barclays and Lloyds, helped pull down UK profits. German bank profits fell 63%, reflecting an impact from the eurozone crisis, and are now behind those of Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, India and Brazil.

Key emerging markets Germany’s leading bank Deutsche fell into a loss and an 18% decrease in capital – the largest among the top 25 banks – sent the bank tumbling from 16th to 21st in the global ranking. Back in 2006 Europe’s banks contributed 42% of global banking profits. Now they only contribute 16%. By contrast, China’s share has gone from 4% to 32%. The US share has remained more constant at 27% in 2006 and 21% now. “Key emerging markets such as Brazil, India and Russia performed badly in the ranking due to sharp decreases in their currencies against the dollar and/or falls in commodity prices causing economic slowdowns. Russia’s Sberbank dropped 12 places from 43 to 51 and Brazil’s Itau fell 16 places from 41 to 57. Indian bank profits fell 65% and a number of Indian banks fell into losses.

20—Vanguard, FRIDAY, JULY 1, 2016

Reps, NIMASA mgt disagree over N2.8tn cargo dues By Godwin Oritse

HE House of Represen tatives Committee on Marine Transport last week disagreed with the management of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, (NIMASA) over N2.8 trillion cargo dues. Three percent bench mark rate is the percentage of total value of a ship load of cargo that is paid into the coffers of NIMASA on every vessel that calls at the nation’s ports as one of such

dues. While members of the Committee got a figure of $10billion, the Director General of the agency, Dr. Dakuku Peterside told the Committee that the figure he has is $1.5billion. The cargo dues are monies derivable from the payments of sea protection levy, two percent Cabotage Vessel Financing Fund fee, Stevedoring fee and the three percent benchmark rate. Meanwhile, a Consultant to

the Committee, Mr. Boniface Igwe told Vanguard that the Director General of the agency is new and may not have the true figure of what is being owed NIMASA. Igwe, a former Director of Cabotage with NIMASA, also said that the debt being owed NIMASA by shipping companies operating in Nigeria accrued over a period of fifteen years. He explained that because he was once an insider in NIMASA, most times provisional invoices

Aerial View of one of Nigeria’s ports. courtesy NPA

are issued to these shipping firms which in turn wait for some time for the authentic invoice to be issued. Igwe, who is also the lead consultant of World Class Nigeria Limited explained that one of the shipping firms that was assessed paid a debt of $30million when it was confronted. Speaking at a public hearing on the $10billion debt owed NIMASA by shipping firms that evaded payments over a period of time, Peterside said that the agency has concluded plans to automate its payment system with the aim of preventing a reoccurrence of non-payment of its dues and levies. It was also gathered that Peterside told the Committee that he will make every document available to ease the work of the Committee. Vanguard learnt that the debt grew to such a staggering amount because NIMASA issued credit invoices. Meanwhile, the agency’s management in line with its

restructuring programme, is set to automate its payment collection processes to engender greater efficiency and eliminate revenue leakages. Disclosing this at a meeting with representatives of major shipping companies operating in Nigeria, under the aegis of Shipping Association of Nigeria (SAN), Peterside said that the current practice is being reviewed to ensure greater efficiency. He assured the delegation that the Agency will institute more transparent ways of calculating the three percent levy charged on all inbound and outbound cargo. “We are automating our payment platform in line with our strategic growth plan to ensure greater efficiency in the payment process. The new process will be integrated with similar platforms of sister Agencies in order to correctly ascertain levies chargeable per freight and eliminate the bottlenecks currently being experienced,” the DG said. The agency’s boss also urged the shipping companies to support the Agency’s capacity building programme by providing sea time experience for cadets sponsored under the Nigerian Seafarers Development Programme (NSDP). In her reaction, the agency’s spokesperson, Hajia Lami Tumaka told Vanguard that what was being owed NIMASA was no where near $10billion.

Navy, Airforce, NIMASA partner to secure Nigeria territorial waters •Roll out strategic plans to grow industry By Godwin Oritse, Godfrey Bivbere, Ifeyinwa Obi & Favour Elioku

HE Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, (NIMASA), has commenced moves to collaborate with both the Nigerian Navy and the Nigerian Airforce to secure the Nigerian marine domain from pirates and other criminal activities. Disclosing this to newsmen in Lagos, NIMASA’s Director General, Dr. Dakuku Peterside said that the office of the National Security Adviser (NSA) will coordinate the surveillance systems of all the agencies involved in the security of the nation’s maritime domain. Peterside noted that besides collaborating with the military institutions, the agency has also concluded plans to acquire fast moving boats with which to respond to a crisis situation. Peterside also said the Agency was set to review its maritime security strategy to enhance its capacity to combat piracy and illegal activities on Nigerian waters. In achieving this, the DG said that a multifaceted approach including co-operation and coC M Y K

ordination among security forces of all the countries in the Gulf of Guinea is being co-ordinated by the Office of the National Security Adviser with NIMASA playing a key role. Other areas include a Nigerian military led patrol of the country’s territorial waters with NIMASA providing technical support , effective use of the Agency’s satellite surveillance facility to detect illegalities in real time and the development and passage of an anti-piracy law that will strengthen the legal framework for prosecution of piracy related offences. Dr. Peterside who solicited the co-operation of the Senate Committee for the actualisation of the Agency ’s mandate in sustaining safety and security in the maritime domain also assured stakeholders that with a combination of these strategies, maritime crimes in Nigerian waters would be reduced to the barest minimum in the coming years. While stressing the commitment of the Agency to fully automate its processes under the Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP), the DG expressed his desire to integrate this platform with the systems

already developed by the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) and the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) for greater efficiency and productivity. He assured the Distinguished Senators of the management’s

We have deployed a Central Surveillance System and we have synchronised our surveillance security patrol with that of the navy, the air force and other relevant agencies commitment to ensure transparency, accountability and probity in the discharge of its mandate warning that there would be zero tolerance for corruption. “We are partnering with security agencies, precisely Nigerian Air

Force, Navy to patrol our waterways and enhance surveillance. “In addition we are promoting and sponsoring an anti piracy bill before the National Assembly, where we think we deal with the key issues, prosecution and other things that we have noticed seems to be a gap in prosecuting pirates. ” We have deployed Central Surveillance System and we have synchronised our surveillance security patrol with that of the navy, the air force and other relevant agencies. These are some of the things we are doing; we have increased our domain awareness all to put an eye on what is going on in the ocean and the sea. I believe that piracy will soon be history,’’ he added Meanwhile, the agency has rolled out the Agency’s Medium Term Strategic Growth Plan for the maritime industry. The agency boss noted that the medium term strategic growth plan covering three years is built around his core mission at NIMASA which is to Reform, Restructure and Reposition the Agency for sustainable growth and development of the maritime industry. According to him, the

strategy document is built on five pillars including Survey Inspection; Certification Transformation programme; Environment; Security Search and Rescue Transformation programme; as well as Capacity Building and Promotional Initiatives which entail growing indigenous tonnage, ship building and human capacity. Others are Digital Transformation Strategy; and Structural and Cultural reforms including changes to work ethic and attitude of staff as well as processes and procedures. Peterside said that the agency is committed to the actualisation of this mandate saying that “the Agency has competent and resourceful personnel who require a visionary and a committed leadership to achieve this vision. “The times are quite challenging given the dwindling global economy, decline in crude oil price and foreign exchange and fiscal policies which have impacted the revenue of the agency. This requires ingenious leadership to actualise our policy direction and we are committed to providing that leadership,” the DG said.

VANGUARD, FRIDAY, JULY 1, 2016—21

AVIATION

Ooni gives royal blessing as Africa solo flight round the world leaves Washington Stories by Lawani Mikairu

HE first Africa Solo flight round the world on a single engine aircraft has departed Washington DC, United States as it was finally flagged off by the Ooni of Ife, His Royal Highness (HRH) Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi last Sunday in the United States of America. The project powered by Transcend Project kicked off three days later than the scheduled date of Thursday 23rd of June. The flight which is billed to take Captain Odujinrin to major cities in the world was original billed to commence and end in Nigeria. Capt. Odujinrin, had late last year disclosed this while speaking at a media briefing to herald the First Africa Solo Flight Round the World at the Murtala Muhammed Airport Terminal Two (MMA2), Lagos. He also revealed that about 114 pilots have flown round the world but that no African pilot has done it.

Goodwill messages The ground breaking event was attended by members of Nigeria press in the US, Nigerians from all parts of the United States and many other well-wishers. Speaking at the event, Transcend Project Director, Mr Ladi Ani-Mumuney thanked the people of Nigeria both at home and in the diaspora and said “We have been encouraged and motivated by the goodwill messages from Nigerians both at home and in the diaspora . This will surely change the Nigerian perception. It is time for the world to realize that there is more to Africa and in particular Nigerians than “stomach politics’. We hope this project will inspire

generations of young to follow their dreams like Lola and never give up irrespective of the many hurdles they might meet along the way” Transcend Pilot and 1st African to circumnavigate the world – Ademilola Odujinrin, aka ‘The fall guy’ in an emotional voice, said he appreciated the support of the people of Nigeria so far. He said “ We invite you to stay and unite with us on this journey as we strive to change the Nigerian narrative and elevate our country on the global stage. I hope I can count on your continued support and interest as this project belongs to all of Nigeria, and together, we will enjoy the collective success and celebrate national pride when I complete this project. The project has taken on a global interest, so its time to show the world there is more to us as a nation than they expect. “ “Knowing that I am representing my country is certainly one of the main motivations that will keep me going during this solo expedition. I want to say a special thank-you to my parents for their unrelenting support, to my wife and my children for all the sacrifices that they have endured with me in the last 3years leading up to this day. A particularly special thank-you to Team Transcend for not giving up and for our collective fortitude to get the job done! This is the day the Lord has made and I give all Glory to Him for making this dream a reality!” Trancend Project Head of Marketing and Project Manager, Ms Ireti Bakare-Yusuf expressed appreciation to the two seed sponsors namely the Tolaram Group and Translynx Nigeria Ltd for their “unshaken belief and invaluable support to our course.”

Eniretide Oshunmakinde, Oreoluwa Lawal, Sunmisola Orija, and Omodesire Popoola representing Nigerian Children at the Emirates Childrens’ Day Event at Ikeja City Mall, Lagos.

IATA expresses outrage over Ataturk Airport terminal terror attack

HE International Air Trans port Association, IATA, has expressed outrage at Tuesday's night’s attack at Atatürk Airport Istanbul, Turkey. Lamenting the attack , Mr Tony Tyler, IATA’s Director General and CEO said innocent travelers have just been murdered and this could have negative impact on air transport which has brought people together and facilitates both social and economic development. According to Tyler “Once again, innocent travelers have been attacked in a cowardly and murderous act. Our thoughts are with the victims, and their families and friends.” “Air transport brings people together and facilitates both social and economic development. Istanbul has a particularly significant and historical role in connecting East and West. Last night’s (Tuesday) attack was a broad attack on our shared humanity. But terrorism will never succeed in reversing the interconnectedness of the world. The desire of the human spirit to explore and trade will always triumph over suspicion and fear. That Istanbul airport is operating today is a testament to the resilience and determination of the Turkish people and the aviation industry. We stand together in solidarity-

confident that we will emerge stronger and more united in our resolve to keep connecting our world,” said Tyler. “The safety and security of passengers are our top priorities. This tragedy in Istanbul and the one in Brussels earlier this year show that there is a growing challenge for governments to keep people

Kano, PH aviation stakeholders embrace Aircraft e-Clearance

HE aviation stakeholders in Kano and Port- Harcourt , which include airline operators, have embraced the Aircraft eClearance Solution introduced by Nigerian Airspace Management Agency, NAMA. The agency took the demonstration of the software application to Kano and Port Harcourt stakeholders. The Kano event which took place at Green Desert Palm Hotel, Kano attracted representatives of airlines, service providers, Nigerian Army, Nigerian Air Force, Directorate of State Security (DSS), Nigeria Police, aviation agencies etc. In his remarks at the occasion, the Deputy General Manager,

Bristow Helicopter introduces helicopter rescue and recovery services

RISTOW Helicopters has introduced helicopter Rescue and Recovery Service (RRS) for Nigeria’s Oil and Gas industry to provide critical life-saving assistance currently not available in the country’s aviation landscape. The new service is expected to be launch in August 2016. Present at the introduction of the service are Captain Samuel Akinyele Caulcrick, Rector, Nigerian College of Aviation Technology, Zaria and Captain Ibrahim Mamman, Head of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) Special Air Operations Unit. According to the Interim Regional Director Africa, Captain Akin Oni ,the company will use an advanced Leonardo AW139

helicopter for the operation and it is equipped with state-of-the-art technology for search and rescue missions, including forward looking infrared (FLIR) camera technology, dual hoist and mission management capabilities Oni also said: “Bristow is a known leader in providing search and rescue services around the world and we have an unparalleled understanding of what is required for this new rescue and recovery service. Bristow operates the civilian search and rescue helicopter service in the UK on behalf of HM Coastguard, having been awarded the ten-year UK SAR contract by the Department for Transport in March 2013, and we will utilize our global expertise to

provide safe and reliable service in Nigeria. “This new rescue and recovery service is a natural extension of our business transporting personnel offshore that we’ve provided in Nigeria for more than 50 years, and demonstrates our continued longterm commitment to the country.” Bristow Helicopters will deliver the new service from its base at Port Harcourt, which is strategically located to transport resources quickly and efficiently to oil installations in the area. “ “The aircraft is painted in red and white livery, distinguishing it from other aircraft that transport personnel to offshore pro-

safe in the ‘landside’ parts of the airport. Moving people ‘airside’ more quickly can help to mitigate risk." The industry has a number of initiatives in place to achieve that aim and we are working with governments and airports to implement them,” said Tyler.

duction platforms and drilling rigs. Bristow Helicopters plans to add subsequent service from Lagos as soon as the second AW139 becomes operational, which is expected by year’s end. Both Port Harcourt and Lagos will offer night medical evacuation services.” “Crews operating the new service are experienced and highly skilled, trained and certified to the highest industry standards. Pilots, Technical Crew, Paramedics, Engineers and Ground Crew are already at the Port Harcourt base and will spend the next couple of months training in the area in preparation for the service launch.”

Aircraft Clearance Office, Mr Patrick Nebe revealed that apart from its inherent vulnerability to manipulations detrimental to national security, the old system of manually granting aircraft clearances was fraught with other challenges such as unnecessary bureaucracy leading to loss of valuable time. Nebe also said that the urgency with which some flights operate necessitated a quicker system of processing flight clearances for them. He added that the Aircraft e-Clearance Solution has inbuilt security and tracking device which helps users to keep track of their request for flight permit as well as the general aircraft movement within the nation’s airports. The Acting Managing Director of NAMA, Engr. Emma Anasi said that the agency has deployed sophisticated technology and navigational infrastructure intended to enhance efficiency in its operations as well as safety of air travel in the country, stressing that the deployment of Aircraft e-Clearance Solution was another innovation by NAMA to automate its operations and also ease the process of aircraft flight clearances which used to be very tedious and cumbersome in the past. Engr. Anasi who was represented on the occasion by the Port Harcourt Airspace Manager, Mr Gabriel Akpen explained that the huge investment NAMA was making in automating its processes is in line with global best practices.

22—VANGUARD, FRIDAY, JULY 1, 2016

50,000 Nigerian tourists visit South Africa annually — Mnguni By Jimoh Babatunde

ROM the annual average of about 10 million foreign tourists recorded in South Africa annually, Nigerians visiting the country is in the region of 50,000. The South African High Commissioner to Nigeria, Mr Lulu Mnguni, who disclosed this in Lagos during the week , said South Africa has really been able to harness her tourism potential to continue to attract in-

ternal and external tourists. “South Africa receives an average of about 10 million foreign tourists yearly, including about 50,000 Nigerian visitors,” he said. The High commissioner, who said that his government was ready to share its tourism development expertise with Nigeria, noted that Nigeria was endowed with potential that needed to be harnessed. According to him, Nigeria is blessed with a large population and rich tourism potential in

favour of its tourism development. Mnguni, who restated his government’s commitment to supporting Nigeria in making the sector viable, also enjoined Nigeria to encourage Public Private Partnership in the sector’s development. “We have always believed that when Nigeria is strong, South Africa also becomes strong. “Nigeria has all the attributes of becoming an enviable tourism destination. We will there-

fore, like to see Nigeria build her potential into a very strong economic pillar. “As South Africa, we do not want to be an island of prosperity in a sea of poverty. We really want to develop alongside with our strategic partners like Nigeria,” he said. Mnguni also expressed his government’s readiness to sup-

port Nigeria in addressing problems of poverty, unemployment, homelessness and marginalisation. He also said that his government would continue to sustain a mutually beneficial partnership with Nigeria as well as promote cordial relationship between the citizens of both countries.

DESTINATION: Olumo rock

NE of the most popular tourist destinations in Nigeria is Olumo rock, in Abeokuta , which means “Under the rock”. Abeokuta was originally inhabited by the egba. People who found refuge at the Olumo rock during inter-tribal wars in the 19th century. The rock provided sanctuary to the people as well as a vantage point to monitor the enemy’s advance leading to eventual triumph in war. The town of Abeokuta eventually grew as these new settlers spread out from this location. New renovations completed early 2006 upgraded the infrastructure of the site to include a new museum, restaurants, and water fountain. A trip to Olumo rock usually commences with a climb up the man-made stairs carved into the rock. The journey continues with climbs on irregularly sized rocks (or ladders which are now provided) through a narrow corridor that leads to the top of the rock. All along the way, catch sights of carvings in the rock, cowrie-studded statues and the ancient abode of the priestesses who live in huts on the rock. Guides are available. On the way back down the rock, the sight of the Ogun river running like a silver chain amidst a forest of aged red corrugated roofs bordered by thick green forests which melt into the horizon is breathtaking.

HERITAGE:

•Olumo rock, in Abeokuta

CHEF CORNER

Better ways to enjoy lamb — Chef Mwaura

HE Executive chef at Southern Sun Ikoyi Hotel, Lagos, Alex Mwaura, has introduced some better ways of enjoying shank, a cut out of lamb hide in leg in the middle just below the bulk meat. The chef, with over 27 years experience in the hospitality industry and 15 years as Executive Chef in over five countries, disclosed that shanks are mostly served as a dinner meal

•Mwaura C M Y K

with red wine especially crispy ones, which can also be, added t the meal while cooking to enhance flavour. ‘Shanks are cut out of lamb hide leg in the middle just below the bulk meat. Shanks are popular for their diligent succulent lamb taste and were traditionally done in clay pot for hours slowly which made it become a story telling dish during celebration times as people wait for it to be done.” Alex explained that Shank, which is taken from lamb, is a rich source of protein and vitamin B12, which helps in formation of blood. Stating that shank is a good source of Iron but high in cholesterol; Alex advised consumers to always ensure that they trim any fat around. According to him, ingredients to prepare the shanks include,

lamb shanks, olive oil, dried rosemary, dried thyme, butter, onion diced, celery diced, carrot, garlic minced, demiglace powder, minced fresh rosemary leaves, mashed Irish potatoes, seasonal mixed vegetables among others. Speaking on the preparation, he said the shanks will be seasoned with the dry herd, salt and black pepper. “ In fou liters of water brunch the shanks together with the diced vegetables(leave some vegetables to make brunoises for garnish) until they are about 75% cooked it takes about 2 hours in low heat 60 degrees centigrade; Strain and then infuse the demiglaceinto the stock. He said add in the shanks and slowly braise until they are nicely tender, the gravy will reduce by almost half, adjust the seasoning to taste and Butter the mash potatoes and season. “Sautee the mix vegetables with olive oil and onions; serve each shank with mash and mixed vegetables, one shank per person and garnish with the vegetable brunoises and the fresh rosemary

LIMATE change is fast becoming one of the most significant risks for World Heritage sites, according to the report “World Heritage and Tourism in a Changing Climate” released recently by UNESCO, the United Nations Environment Program (UNEP), and the Union of Concerned Scientists (UCS). The new report lists 31 natural and cultural World Heritage sites in 29 countries that are vulnerable to increasing temperatures, melting glaciers, rising seas, intensifying weather events, worsening droughts and longer wildfire seasons. “Climate change is affecting World Heritage sites across the globe,” said Adam Markham, lead author of the report and Deputy Director of the Climate and Energy Program at UCS. “Some Easter Island statues are at risk of being lost to the sea because of coastal erosion. Many of the world’s most important coral reefs, including in the islands of New Caledonia in the western Pacific, have suffered unprecedented coral bleaching linked to climate change this year. Climate change could eventually even cause some World Heritage sites to lose their status.” From the Galapagos Islands to the Venetian lagoon, some of the world’s best loved tourist sites appear in the list.

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Uganda: The park is home to just over half of the world’s endangered mountain gorillas. Warmer temperatures are affecting the habitats of these animals.

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24—VANGUARD, FRIDAY, JULY 1, 2016

By Theodore Opara

Why Toyota Hiace dominates its class F

OR close to three decades, the Toyota Hiace commuter has ruled its segment despite stiff competition from its Japanese rival, the Nissan Urvan and many Chinese models. Toyota Hiace for this long, has been cloned, especially by the Chinese auto makers but none had matched its quality, safety, comfort, reliability and overall performance. Brand by brand, the Hiace accounts for the highest number of buses on Nigerian roads in its segment. Though, there are many versions of the look-alike Hiace models but they are from different makers. Oftentimes, most transporters had attempted to use these and other models from competing brands but ended up hurting their business by disappointing their customers. They had to return to Hiace quickly because of their customers preference for Toyota Hiace reliability. The question, however, is what is the secret of Toyota Hiace success over these decades? The good thing about Toyota Motor Corporation is that they have realised that remaining at the top over a long period of time requires continuous improvement, hence the transformation of the Hiace over the years, like other Toyota models.

Body styles and dimensions With two body styles and dimensions including the wide and super long body, and long body, Toyota knew that its customers have insatiable taste, which it must meet. Toyota therefore raised the bar further by introducing the luxury version of the Hiace which it targets at people who want to travel in top-class luxury. Configured to give more comfort, space,with best in-class legroom, and headroom the luxury version of the Hiace has no rivalry in its segment. The Hiace combines functionally elegant design with a complete range of practical and convenient on-board cabin appointments. Whether for business or pleasure, it offers every person aboard a comfortable side for the duration of the journey. Hence it is the preferred brand for transporters all over the country. Powered by a 2.7-litre gasoline engine, for the Nigerian market, which offers a superb balance of performance and economy, the Hiace is available with either manual or automatic transmission. The manual transmission has been tuned for optimum shifting ease, while the automatic transmission features electronic control

•Toyota Hiace

for smooth, natural response. Ruggedly built for years of reliable service, Hiace has proved itself on the roads around the country. Designed to be tough and durable from the ground up, its dependability remains legendary among its competitors. Hiace stronghold on the road comes from its suspension. A front double-wishbone torsion bar spring suspension provides optimised straight line stability, ride

comfort and versatile load-carrying capacity. Reliability and lasting valve of Hiace cannot be compared with any bus in its class. Starting from the corrosion-resistant materials used in key areas of the vehicles to the rigid body with minimal transmission of vibration to the cabin, the Toyota Hiace leaves no one in doubt as to why it has remained the benchmark in its class.

Inside, the Hiace boasts a well designed and inviting cabin, the Hiace provides comfortable seating made with high quality materials for 16 passengers. It is fitted with an air conditioning system and seatbelts for all. It also incorporates both active and passive measures to help protect the driver and passengers. From the excellent visibility that contributes to collision avoidance to crumple zone

construction that helps minimise collision damage, the Toyota offers class-leading safety features These, include driver and passenger seat SRS airbags, brake pedal and steering shaft intrusion-reduction system with rotary mechanism, Anti-lock Brake System (ABS), high-mount stop lamp, Whiplash Injury Leasing (WIL) concept seat design, and crumple zone construction.

We won’t reverse auto policy — FG

INISTER of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr. Okechukwu Enelamah has disclosed that the Federal Government has no intention of reversing the national auto policy started by the Goodluck Jonathan administration in 2013. The Minister who made this known at a one-day stakeholders’ forum on the Nigerian Automobile Industry recently in Lagos said that the government would rather improve on what it met on the ground by taking the contributions of the stakeholders in the auto sector. “We are not reversing the auto policy. We will build on what has been done and we want stakeholders to tell us what they want us to do to enable the policy work,”he said. According to the Minister, the present government is a listening one and will come up with responses on the issues to be addressed by the stakeholders. The one day stakeholders’ forum put together by the Nigerian Economic Summit Group was attended by Enelamah, the Director General of the National Automotive Design and Development Council, Dr. Aminu Jalal, chieftain of Nigeria auto indus-

try and other stakeholders who gathered to address the grey areas militating against the implementation of the national auto policy. Addressing the press after the conference, the minister stated

According to the minister, government is working round the clock to bring incentives to make the policy succeed, including tax breaks, partnering with technical partners from South Africa for auto financing, among others. He remarked that the Federal Government is poised to deal with the implementation challenges of the auto policy so as to make it work and create jobs for the masses.

Strategic and catalytic role

We are not reversing the auto policy. We will build on what has been done and we want stakeholders to tell us what they want us to do to enable the policy work that the essence of the gathering was to listen to the stakeholders and know what they want from the policy, adding that the whole idea was to get feedback from the stakeholders on how to make the policy succeed.

In his welcome remark, the Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Economic Group, Laoye Jaiyeola noted the importance of the Nigerian auto industry to the development of the country. He remarked that the choice of the automotive industry as one of those being targeted to diversity the economy is predicated on the potential of the industry to play a strategic and catalytic role in economic development in the areas of employment creation, GDP contribution, SME development in respect of automotive parts, components and services,

skills development and the acquisition of technology. He regretted that, though the size of automobile market in Nigeria is over 4 billion dollars annually, this does not translate into anything meaningful for us because it is a market that is currently characterised by importation. Jaiyeola therefore, noted that the high level stakeholders’ forum therefore, forms part of an on-going review of the Nigerian Automotive Industry Development Plan NAIDP with the main objective of eliminating existing limitations in its implementation process. The minister also pointed out that apart from interrogating strategic direction option available for repositioning Nigeria’s automotive industry, the forum seeks to revalidate the NAIDP, agree modalities for harnessing the potentials of existing auto-clusters as well as for the creation of other clusters, address issues of standards, skill acquisition and investment promotion of Nigeria’s automotive industry; all within an acceptable framework that take cognisance of the fact that Nigeria is signatory to several trade agreement both regionally and globally.

C M Y K

VANGUARD, FRIDAY, JULY 1, 2016 — 25

KIA: The rising profile of a brand

HO would have thought that Kia, the once lowly rated Korean automobile brand could rule the automobile world in 2016. Who could have imagined Kia as the first non-premium brand to top the J.D. Power Initial Quality Study, IQS, ranking in 27 years. And who could have imagined Kia Rio as the ‘Car of the Year’ in Nigeria in 2015. These were some of the questions agitating the minds of many auto freaks since last week when the brand was ranked number one in the United States auto industry for initial quality by J.D. Power. To many, it was a surprise, but the fact remains that Kia in the last 20 years had worked hard for this. Though Vanguard Motoring got the report few hours after it was announced but a call from one of my senior colleagues in Vanguard who was holidaying in the United States, Mr. Onochie Anibeze knocked me off balances. He called to inform that the story was the lead in many newspapers in the United States. “It was a feat and every paper is celebrating it, he said that night. That was not the only honour for the brand within the week as its models were also recognised by Total Quality Impact (TQI) Study by Strategic Vision as well as AutoPacific’s Vehicle Satisfaction Awards.

Highest scoring nameplate Having transformed into an industry leader in design, quality and technology, Kia Motors reached historic new heights recently when J.D. Power recognized the brand as the highest scoring nameplate in its 2016 Initial Quality Study (IQS) out of all 33 makes in the U.S. Marking the first time in 27 years that a nonpremium brand has topped the rankings. Kia’s rise to the top was driven by segmentleading performances from the Sportage and Soul, while Rio, Forte and Sorento all ranked in the top three of their respective categories. “Ranking number one in the entire industry for initial quality is the result of Kia’s decade-long focus on craftsmanship and continuous improvement, and reflects the voice of our customers, which is the ultimate affirmation,” said Michael Sprague, chief operating officer and EVP, Kia Motors America. “As the highest ranked

brand in the industry, there is no doubt Kia is a world-class automaker,” he further stated. As Kia’s U.S. sales have consistently grown over the last four years to surpass the 600,000 annual unit mark, so too has the brand’s performance in J.D. Power’s Initial Quality Study. After entering the overall top 10 for the first time in 2013, Kia placed second in the industry and led all non-premium makes in IQS in 2015. Now in its 30th year, the annual J.D. Power IQS analyzes responses from vehicle owners in 26 segments. IQS is determined by vehicle owners evaluating the driving experience, engine and transmission performance, and a broad range of quality-related problems within the first 90 days of ownership. Reacting to Kia’s exploits, the Marketing Manager of Dana Motors, Mr. Jimoh Olawale explained that Kia’s ranking presently, was due to the brand’s continuous improvement. KiaMotorsNigeriacommencedoperations in 2002 as the sole distributor of Kia brand with a fraction of the market share. However, the continuous improvement of the brand’s aesthetic design and innovative strides over the years have made it a household name in the Nigerian market where it is currently ranked among the top 3 brands.

FRSC boss cautions construction firms on warning signs

HE Corps Marshal of the Federal Road Safety Corps, FRSC, Dr. Boboye Oyeyemi has applauded the Federal Government for resumption of work on the Lagos-Ibadan expressway and other major roads across the country following the recent mobilization of contractors, assuring that the Corps is determined to ensure that safety measures are observed at the construction areas through adequate warning signs and effective traffic management. He stated this while holding a joint meeting with the representatives of the Ministry of Works, Power and Housing and the two construction companies handling the road project, Julius Berger PLC and RCC Construction Company. According to Bisi Kazeem, Head Media Relations and Strategy, in a press release, Oyeyemi ,

who was represented at the meeting by the Assistant Corps Marshal in charge of Policy, Research and Statistics, Dr. Kayode Olagunju expressed satisfaction with the commitment made by the construction companies to observe safety standards in the construction areas, saying FRSC will ensure that road users are saved from undue hardships due to omission or commission of the construction companies. He particularly commended the Minister of Works, Power and Housing for directing the construction companies to strictly adhere to safety standards, promising that FRSC in discharging its responsibilities would continue to collaborate with the Ministry to ensure that safety measures are put in place in the construction areas.

26—VANGUARD, FRIDAY, JULY 1, 2016 Send Opinions & Letters to: opinions1234@yahoo.com enacted on the floor of the EU Parliament in Brussels on Tuesday when Juncker welcomed the ProBrexit UKIP leader, Nigel Farage with the words : “You were fighting for the exit, the British people voted

British Politics 101: Take nothing for granted

HE world, or better still, Europe is still in shock. This accounts for the confused and sometimes incoherent reactions to the Thursday, June 23, democratic decision by the United Kingdom to exit the European Union,EU. The Union was expected to grow, not shrink! From six countries in 1958, it had grown to 28 by July 1, 2013 when Croatia was admitted. Even now, a country like Turkey, is ready to give an arm to be admitted. So it was a rude shock for the UK to exit such a prestigious club. That decision which came despite the British establishment, most European countries, the United States and many international agencies opposing it, sent shock waves around the world. Almost everything that seems to have gone wrong in the world in the last one week, is ascribed to the exit. The pound taking an initial pounding, oil shedding over a dollar, and even the Nigerian Stock Exchange which has been battered over months, blame the exit for its loses this week. Anger, confusion and revenge seemed to reign. Prime Minister

David Cameron tendered his resignation within a day, only agreeing to stay on until his successor is picked by September 2. An obviously upset German Chancellor, Angela Merkel rejected informal talks with bad boy UK preparatory to formal withdrawal. Perhaps, fearing a domino effect, the EU is pushing for a quick British withdrawal. In a joint statement by European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker, European Council President Donald Tusk, European Parliament President Martin Schulz, and Dutch PM Mark Rutte, the EU said: "We now expect the United Kingdom government to give effect to this decision of the British people as soon as possible, however painful that process may be. Any delay would unnecessarily prolong uncertainty.” For a marriage that has lasted 43 years, the refusal for initial separation, leading to a thought-out divorce, has all the markings of a process that may be bitterly fought, with bruises to the bargain. An indication that the divorce proceedings may be messy was

It is not surprising that Europe which claims to have given the world democracy and taught humanity democratic principles, finds it difficult to accept the result of a straight forward, free and fair referendum of the British people in favour of the exit. Why are you here?” Farage was to reserve his stinging response to the full parliament which he told: “When I came here 17 years ago and said I wanted to lead a campaign to get Britain to leave the European Union you all laughed at me. Well I have to say, you’re not laughing now are you? And the reason you’re so upset, the reason you’re so angry, has been perfectly clear from all the angry exchanges this morning. You, as a political project, are in denial. You are in denial that your currency is failing…Virtually none of you have ever done a proper job in your lives.” For many politicians in Europe, the exit is like a ghost they want to exorcise. So they have introduced

Federal republic of inequality?

By Magnus Onyibe

HE Federal Republic of Nigeria, FGN is the country we all call our own. Our country comprises of about 250 tribes or ethnic nationalities with the main ones being Hausa/Fulani,Yoruba, lgbo, Kanuri,ljaw,Nupe, Calabari,Tiv ,Ijebu, lgara,Urhobo, Jukun, ldoma, fufulde,Ika Ibibio,Edo etc. In the inaugural speech of President Muhamadu Buhari on May 29, 2015, he was famously quoted as saying " l belong to everyone , l belong to no one". That very welcoming and reassuring remark,which resonated very well with most Nigerians, became a quotable quote that featured in myriads of comments in the mainstream and online media, just as it also became a talking head in torrents of radio and television shows. The reason the quote was significant is quite simple. In the run up to the 2015 general elections, campaign rhetorics vaunting ethnic and regional sentiments were so rife that Nigeria became too polarised in such manner that the Hausa/Fulani in the northern parts of Nigeria were stacked behind, ex-military head of state, Muhammadu Buhari, who is from the Hausa/Fulani stock, while the lgbos, ljaws and other minority tribes in the South east and South south part of Nigeria,queued up behind the then incumbent president, GoodLuck Jonathan, who is ljaw, and one of their own. The Yorubas in the South west,who having had a shot at the presidency from 1999 to 2007,when ex-army General, Olusegun Obasanjo transited from prison to presidency, became the bride to be C M Y K

wooed by both the political forces from the north and south south parts of Nigeria. In the end, the Yorubas aligned with the north through acceptance of the Vice President slot which the acclaimed leader of the Yorubas, Bola Tinubu, former governor of Lagos state, conceded to a man of impeccable character,an evangelical pastor,his long time ally and former attorney general of Lagos state,Yemi Osinbajo. Prior to his success at the 2015 polls, President Buhari had tried and failed to successfully clinch the presidency in 2003, 2007 and 2011 but on each of those

With the public hue and cry about appointments so far made into executive positions, it would appear that Mr. President is sticking to his guns-literarily occasions that he lost,Buhari swept the votes in the core northern states like, Katsina, Kebbi, Zamfara , Sokoto, etc, sometimes garnering about 12 million votes. Even with Yoruba's vote in the kitty, Buhari still needed the votes from the South east and South south to fulfill the constitutional requirements that votes must be garnered from all parts of Nigeria for a candidate to be deemed to have won. This is to ensure that a situation whereby a particular candidate from an ethnic group with superior numerical strength, does not ride into the presidency relying

scare tactics like, if you don’t reverse, Scotland and North Ireland will break away. Already, the Scottish card is being played. Scotland had voted against Brexit by 62-38 percent and its leadership in response to the overall result threatens to resurrect the referendum for Scottish independence. Its First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said "If the Scottish Parliament was judging this on the basis of what's right for Scotland then the option of saying look we're not to vote for something that's against Scotland's interest, of course that's got to be on the table." She is referring to the hope that since the British Parliament is required to repeal the 1972 European Communities Act which saw UK entry into the EU in 1973, the exit can be blocked by parliament refusing to repeal the Act. The initial strategy was to collect enough signatures and force another referendum. With this being clearly undemocratic and no assured success, a resort to using the parliament to subvert the sovereignty of the people, seems a better prospect. The argument of the revisionists is that Britain has no constitution, Referendum is not a decision making body and that in practice, British sovereignty resides in the ‘Queen in Parliament’ not the people. To block the exit proper, they are relying on the EU Article 50 which states: “Any member state may decide to withdraw from the Union in accordance with its own constitutional requirements.” In their interpretation, the UK “constitutional requirements” is the parliament. In my view, if the British Parliament were to subvert the will of the people, it would lead the

only on votes from his Kith and kin. That's how Rotimi Amaechi, former governor of Rivers state, the heart of South south, now minister of transport and Rochas Okorocha, incumbent governor of Imo state, the ground zero of lgbo land, became the game changers. With their support, substantial votes in Rivers and lmo states were brought into Buhari's kitty that already had the Hausa/ Fulani and Yoruba votes and the rest, as they say is history. Politics is a game of strategy and democracy is also about numbers of people that politicians are able to swing to their side, which justifies the political dictum,majority carries the vote. In 2015, Buhari reached out and built bridges across many deserts and rainforests into Yoruba land as well as crossed many bridges and rivers into lgbo and lkwere/Calabari mangroves and creeks and he reaped the reward of the hard work by becoming Nigeria's number one citizen. Now, it's pay back time. In politics ,as in business, settling lOUs is usually a very testy experience. In what many thought was a Freudian slip like the one famously made by British prime minister, David Cameroon about Nigeria being a fantastical corrupt country, in the wake of the anti corruption summit in London recently, president Buhari during an interactive session with some Nigerians and Americans, on the sideline of his visit to the USA,stated that he cannot be expected to treat the 95% who voted for him in the north equally with the less than 5% who voted in the south. As expected in a multicultural multiethnic and multi-religious society, the comment got twisted and dissected with all manners of bias on online media platforms.

country on a very dangerous path, and would deserve nothing but dissolution. Cameron who addressed the EU on Tuesday explained why he and his supporters lost: “I think people recognised the strength of the economic case for staying, but there was a very great concern about the movement of people and immigration, and I think that is coupled with a concern about the issues of sovereignty and the absence of control.” Any discerning analyst would have known that Britain became apprehensive about the free movement of people when in 2004, the EU admitted countries from Eastern Europe like Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Czech, Hungary, Poland, Slovakia and Slovenia. It complained about the possible strain of migrants from these countries on its social security system. However, I don’t think a Europe, bent on having its pound of flesh learnt the primary lessons from the Brexit defeat. The overbearing Merkel told Cameron and other leaders at the Tuesday meeting: “If you wish to have free access to the single market then you have to accept the fundamental European rights as well as obligations that come from it. This is as true for Great Britain as for anybody else.” It is not surprising that Europe which claims to have given the world democracy and taught humanity democratic principles, finds it difficult to accept the result of a straight forward, free and fair referendum of the British people. This has been their reaction over the ages to decisions that do not favour them.

Unsurprisingly, many members of the elite commentariat also took Mr. President up on the remark from the optics of the numerous ethnic and other primordial sentiments, and l thought the high level of condemnation would challenge Mr. president to offer some clarifications but that was not the case. With the public hue and cry about appointments so far made into executive positions, it would appear that Mr. President is sticking to his guns-literarilyto reward mainly voters from his home base by skewing appointments in their favour. Check out the list of appointments into sensitive and critical security, safety, intelligence and elections sector under the current regime making the rounds in the social media: (1)Inspector General of Police- North (2)Director General of Directorate of State Security Service, DSS- North (3)Chief of Army Staff- North (4)Chief of Naval staff - North (5)National Security Adviser, NSANorth (6) Chairman of Economic and Financial Crimes Commisdion , EFCC - North (7) Head of Immigration Service- North (8)Head of Customs Service-North (9) Head of Civil Defense Corps- North (10) Defense Minister- North (11)Controller of Prisons -North (12) Chairman of INEC - North Hitherto, even under military rule, the positions listed above were spread amongst people from the 250 ethnic nationalities earlier listed particularly amongst the three major groups, Hausa / Fulani,Yoruba and lgbo. Continues on Monday *Mr. Onyibe, a former commissioner in Delta State, wrote from USA.

Vanguard, FRIDAY, JULY 1, 2016—27

VOL. 1: NO. 17

FRIDAY, JULY 1 , 2016

Some of the kidnappers of the couple/ Reverend sisters paraded in Ondo

How bride was abducted on wedding eve By Dayo Johnson

T was a well planned and executed job that left a bitter taste in the mouth of its victims. However, the aftermath brought the joy of a would be couple temporarily to an abrupt end. Ayebameru and Olanike were billed to tie the knot the next day but the bride-to-be ended up in the kidnappers den where she cooled her heels for six days when she should have been on her honeymoon. The wedding had to be put on hold by families of the bride and groom following the ugly incident. Despite the fact that the news of the abduction of the would-be bride went viral, some relations and well wishers, who were not privy to the ugly incident were taken aback. Vanguard gathered that a couple who are members of a gang acted as informants to three other members of the gang, who carried out the nefarious act on the would-be bride, on the eve of her wedding. Interestingly, the five-member gang aside abducting the bride along Okitipupa/Ikoya road area of Ondo State also abducted two Catholic reverend sisters and their drivers along Ore/ Shagamu

express way, Onipesi, area of the state. The rescued reverend sisters are Apo Perpetual and Roseline Familade while their driver was referred to as Zwugwa Zibai. The nuns were on their way to Ogun State when the unfortunate incident happened. However, one of the gang members named Ayodeji, said to be physically handicapped was allegedly an informant, while the wife, Adebimpe was their armorer. Police report had it that the bride was abducted in front of her house located at Mama Nigeria street, Ayeka via Okitipupa on a Friday together with her son and taken to an unknown destination until she was rescued a week after. Police sources hinted that the bride who had gone for shopping with her son in her Space Wagon car ahead of the wedding was double crossed by the kidnapper.

Vanguard gathered that the groom (Ayebameru Agbeye ) who was informed by the parents of the bride reported the incident to the Okitipupa police divisional

The wedding had to be put on hold by families of the bride and groom following the ugly incident

station and was referred to the anti-cult squad of the state command. The son and a

IN THIS EDITION

Adebule, Ayandele, task teachers on rededication to service •Page 28

Mitsubushi SpaceWagon car were later abandoned by the kidnappers to avoid being traced by security operatives, who were on their trail. Vanguard gathered that the anti-cult squad of the Ondo State Police Command after six days busted the syndicate and effected the release of the bride. The wedding, according to sources has since been put on hold after the temporary setback. One of the suspected kidnappers, Phillip Ezekiel, who spoke with Vanguard when they were paraded confessed that their leader Ufoma Godwin, coordinated all the activities of the gang. Godwin is currently hospitalized following injuries he sustained during a gun battle with detectives. Phillip said that the couple within the gang provided information on would-be victims

GOV POLL: Why Ondo is ripe for a youthful leader — Adeyeye, aspirant •Page 29

while the wife (Adebimpe) keeps the weapon used during their operations. According to him, the gang preferred abducting females just as he confessed that they have, March this year, abducted five women including the two catholic reverend sisters.

Share from the ransom Others kidnapped, according to him, include one Seun Fanegan, who was abducted in front of Mama Nigeria street, Ayeka via Okitipupa, while Ayewalehinmi Blessing was whisked away from her residence at No 2 Ifedayo Street, Okitipupa. Phillips while speaking with newsmen said N50,000 was given to him as his share from the N200,000 ransom collected from the family of one of their victims. Speaking with Vanguard, the Ondo State Police Commissioner, Hilda Harrison said that the kidnappers would be charged to court after thorough investigations adding that all the suspects have confessed to the crimes. Efforts, according to her, are in top gear to arrest other fleeing members of the gang.

28—Vanguard, FRIDAY, JULY 1, 2016

LAGOS STATE

Teachers' day of honour in Lagos •As Adebule, Ayandele urge rededication to service By Monsuru Olowoopejo

HE Deputy Governor of Lagos State, Dr Oluranti Adebule and Tutor-General/ Permanent Secretary of Education District 1, Agege, Dr. Yinka Ayandele, have asked teachers to rededicate themselves to improving the state of education in the country. Also, the chairman, State House of Assembly’s Committee on Finance, Mr. Yinka Ogundimu, on Wednesday, said a viable education sector will help reduce the crime rate, saying “we will be spending less money in fighting crime in the state.” They spoke at 2016 awards and honours ceremony for teachers in Lagos State Education District 1, themed: “Making Educational Functional for All,” held in Ogba, Ojodu Local Council Development Area, LCDA, which also had in attendance the former Commissioner for Education in the state, Mrs. Olayinka Oladunjoye and others. They were of the view that teachers and educational personnel should reciprocate unwavering commitment of government to education in the state.The Deputy Governor who was represented by the Director of Private and Special Education, Mrs Ajoke Gbeleyi, disclosed that the present administration can only be encouraged to do more in the area of education if the teachers and other personnel intensify their efforts.

Teachers reward Her words, “I want to remind our teachers again that you should remain committed, hardworking and be dedicated in whatever you do, knowing that diligence will always be recognized. “Teachers reward is no longer in heaven, but here on earth will providence reward our commitment and dedication,” she added. Adegbule maintained that besides the glamour and funfair accompanying the ceremony, the annual merit awards have no doubt helped in rewarding excellence, commitment and dedication to work, particularly in the teaching profession. Congratulating the 5,000 strong workforce in the district especially the awardees, the deputy governor stated that their role was critical to achieving the mission of providing comprehensive quality and functional education for students. She said: “We see all our teachers as partners in progress and we will continue to celebrate you as important stakeholders. Education remains the bedrock

of development and you play a very strategic role in realizing this mission.” Our aim is to build leaders — Ayandele Also earlier, Dr Ayandele, vowed to ensure that the 130, 000 students in the district schools, are nurtured to become leaders who would contribute their quota to the development of the country. She explained that the district has changed its teaching skills to “ensure that children acquire the right skill while in secondary school, that will help them compete with their counterpart from foreign countries.” The Tutor-General/Permanent Secretary ,however, stated that her target before 2017 was “to ensure that education in District 1 improves. That was why we have decided to establish special classes for students representing

Teachers reward is no longer in heaven, but here on earth will providence reward our commitment and dedication the schools at different sporting events. “They have come back with laurels. And in order to achieve that, they spent more time on the field practicing than time spent in classes. In order to make them be at par with their mates, we created the special classes where they will be taught classes they have missed.” Also, Ogundimu who represents Agege 11 at the Assembly, explained that a viable education sector would require the contribution of not only the governments, also the support of the parents and corporate individuals to make the sector more viable. According to him, “A lot of money has been spent on security but without collaboration and recognizing the efforts of teachers, we will continue to spend huge amounts of funds without achieving results. But if we can concentrate on improving the sector, we will be spending less money in fighting crime in the state. “There are a lot of social problem in the society today. Some of the problems include students absconding from homes and schools to engage in illicit acts,” he added. The lawmaker argued that there was no child that is not trainable, saying: “There is need for intensified

•L-R: Chairman, Lagos State House of Assembly Committee on Finance, Mr. Yinka Ogundimu, Tutor-General/Permanent Secretary of Education District 1, Dr. Yinka Ayandele, State deputy governor, Dr. Oluranti Adebule represented by Director of Private and Special Education, Mrs. Ajoke Gbeleyi and Former Commissioner for Education in Lagos State, Mrs. Olayinka Oladunjoye at the 2016 awards and honours ceremony for teachers in Lagos State Education District 1, Ogba, Ikeja.

in the senior secondary school category went to Mrs. Modupe Akinbami of Ijaiye housing estate secondary school. Also, Iju Junior Grammar School, Ifako-Ijaiye Local Government, was awarded the best school of the year. The overall best teacher was awarded to Mr. Toluwalope Odunsanya of Abibat Mogaji millennium school, Iloro Agege. Mrs. Fatai Fatimah, was, however, awarded the best cleaner of the year in district.

collaboration in the education sector. Improvement of the education sector cannot be achieved by Government alone without the input of the private sector including the parents. The parents are key factors in making education function in this country. “Parents have to collaborate with the teachers and school in order to achieve an education sector that will help better improve the country. Money alone cannot help improve education; the

children need care from their parents,” he said. He however assured residents of Lagos of the lawmakers resolve to intensify their oversight function, adding, “we will ensure that the funds allocated to the education sector are used judiciously.” During the awards, Mr. Lateef Salawu, Principal of Yewa Junior Secondary School, Agege, was adjudged the best junior principal while the best principal

ONDO STATE

Why Ondo is ripe for a youthful leader

By Dapo Akinrefon

MICHAEL ‘Laolu Adeyeye, is one of the governorship aspirants in Ondo State contesting on the platform of the All Progressives Congress, APC. In this interview, Adeyeye is convinced that the state needs a youthful leader in order to achieve the vision of its founding fathers. The lawyer turned politician also justifies his governorship ambition. Excerpts:

HY do you want to be governor of Ondo state? How rooted is your structure and how deep is your pocket? Being the governor of Ondo State is an ambition that I have nursed very quietly and prayerfully for a very long time. And I believe very strongly that the time is now. Why do I say that the time is now? I looked around and I can see that there is a gap that needs to be filled. There is a need for an energetic leader for Ondo State, a young visionary leader for Ondo State. A leader with a modern outlook, a leader that can marry modern technology with a traditional governance system and achieve great results for the people. In terms of political structure l

GOV POLL:

— Adeyeye, aspirant want to let you know that for a start, l was almost born in Ondo State. I was born a month after the state was created. Within the first six months of my life my family moved to Ondo State. So I grew up in Ondo state. I went to primary school in Ondo State, had my secondary school in Ondo State and l was privileged to have gone to the Obafemi Awolowo University straight out of Ondo state. I enjoyed good public education in Ondo State at some point in time. So l’m not a stranger to Ondo State. In terms of having a deep pocket and how much money we’re ready to commit to the state, l can tell you we’re not here to play money politics and we’re not playing godfatherism. The only father we have is God the father! We’re not here to splash money around. We’re here to make sacrifice. We’re here to effect visible and transparent change that does not need to be sugarcoated or window dressed. That is why we’re in this race. Looking at Ondo state now would you say it has met the expectations of its founding

•Adeyeye

fathers who envisioned the creation of the state over 40 years ago? Unfortunately, when you look at Ondo state today it’s a sorry sight. The state which is called the Sunshine state unfortunately the sun is really not shining there. You can look at it sector by sector. Take our educational sector for instance, it is declining. Right now, from being one of the top educationally sound states in the nation we’ve now been

Vanguard, FRIDAY, JULY 1, 2016—29

OWAMBE

• Representative of Lagos State Governor & Secretary to the State Government, Mr. Tunji Bello, (middle), receiving an award from the co -founder, Sustainability School Lagos, Mr. Adeyemi Adewole (left) during the Central Business District (CBD) Y2016 Stakeholders Forum at the City Hall, Lagos Island. • Governor, State of Osun, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, (Right) presenting the State Emblem to the Representative of Catholic Pope, Papal Nuncio to Nigeria, Most Rev. Agustine Kassujja, during a courtesy visit to the Governor, at the Government House, Osogbo.

•Wife of Lagos State Governor & representative of Hajiya Aisha Buhari, Mrs. Bolanle Ambode (2nd right), assisted by Mrs. Fatima Adeniji-Kazeem (right), presenting Ramadan gifts to members of Ansar-ud-deen Society of Nigeria in Surulere - Alhaji Gbaye Agbomeji (left); Alhaja Sikirat Kioki (2nd left); Alhaja Nimota Bamebe (3rd left) and Alhaji Iskeel Ola Yusuf (3rd right).

•Oyo State Governor, Senator Abiola Ajimobi; the governor's Escort Commander, Superintendent of Police Julius Bolarinwa; and Commissioner of Police at the state command, Mr. Leye Oyebade, during the decoration of the commander with his new rank, at the Governor's Office, Ibadan.

THE TEAM

•Governor of Ogun State, Senator Ibikunle Amosun (right) with Founder/Vice Chancellor of Christland University, Dr. Mrs. Winifred Awosika after the governor's investiture as visitor to the university during the maiden matriculation of the institution at its Ajebo, Abeokuta campus.

•Lagos State Governor, Akinwunmi Ambode (middle), pointing to a place of interest;

Commissioner for Works & Infrastr ucture, Engr. Ganiyu Johnson (left); Commissioner for Waterfront Infrastr ucture Development, Engr. Adebowale Akinsanya (left, behind); Special Adviser, Lagos Global, Prof. Ademola Abass (middle, behind); Special Adviser, Urban Development, Mrs. Yetunde Onabule (right, behind) and Commissioner for the Environment, Dr. Babatunde Adejare (right) during the Governor ’s inspection visit to Oworo, inward Third Mainland Bridge, to flag off the construction of a modern Bus Park at Oworo Bus Stop, Lagos.

EDITOR: Adeleke Adeseri 08054682557 (sms only) CORRESPONDENTS: Dapo Akinrefon Lagos Ola Ajayi Ibadan Gbenga Olarinoye Osogbo Dayo Johnson Akure Daud Olatunji Abeokuta Olasunkanmi Akoni Lagos Rotimi Ojomoyela Ekiti Monsuru Olowoepejo

30 — Vanguard, FRIDAY, JULY 1, 2016

AFTERMATH OF MAYHEM IN LAGOS/OGUN COMMUNITIES:

Residents go into hiding over kidnappings by militants •Cry for help •No cause for alarm—Police boss By Olasunkanmi Akoni & Daud Olatunji

EAR and uncertainty still haunt Igbolomu and Ishawo communities located in Ikorodu border areas of Lagos and Ogun states, no thanks to continued attacks by gunmen suspected to be Ijaw militants which have led to the maiming and killing of residents. The militants were said to have first attacked the communities two weeks ago. And just when residents thought their nightmare was over, the attackers returned last Friday with vengeful fury. And by the time they left the area, about six persons were confirmed killed. The attack is believed to be sequel to a threat last May by the Niger Delta Avengers, NDA, to attack the headquarters of Chevron Nigeria Limited, CNL, in Lekki-Lagos as well as its tank farm if the company continued to carry out repairs on oil pipelines and platforms the group had earlier bombed or ruptured. The militant group in an email statement, titled: “Don’t dare the Avengers” and signed by its spokesperson, Col. Mudoch Agbinibo, warned CNL not carry out repairs on the Valve Platform bombed by the group on May 5 and reiterated that if government and the company ignored the warning, the consequences would be dire.

Carrying out of repair works It stated thus: “From our investigation, Chevron Plc is about to carry out repair works at the valve platform that was blown by us (Niger Delta Avengers). We made it clear that no repair works should be done until our demands are fully met. “Chevron has been operating in the Niger Delta region for over 40 years and no day has their terminals gone without electricity, while the host communities and villages lack all basic amenities(including potable water, schools, hospitals, roads, electricity). They have a pact with the Federal Government to undermine the people of the region, leaving it to rot.” The group then warned: “Be informed that if we decide to strike, it is going to be bloody. And the contracting firm going to do the repair works, we want

*Olagoke Temitayo you to know that your facilities and staff will be our first casualties. Our warning to Chevron is that despite the heavy presence of military in the creeks, it will not stop us from carrying out our operations. We are ready to destroy more pipelines; we will not only destroy pipelines, but will bring the fight to your tank farm and your headquarters in Lekki, Lagos. “If you continue to undermine us and go ahead with the repair works, you won’t see us coming, but we are coming for you.” However, in the wake of the planned threat of attack, the Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Fatai Owoseni, was quick to douse the tension, saying residents should not panic but report any suspicious movement to the Police and other security authorities with an assurance of adequate security structures on ground to nip such incident in the bud. Militants return, resort to kidnappings: Obviously the Police could not live up to its promise of providing adequate protection to residents in the light of that threat. Instead it was the militant group that eventually made good its threat of attacking selected targets in about 18 communities on the borderline of Lagos and Ogun states. The attack was said to have been executed in a daring, commando style. And while it lasted, there was no immediate security response, thus leaving the people in the affected communities at the mercy of their assailants. This development may have emboldened the militants to step up their attacking forays in the areas.Vanguard Features gathered that the daring militants have now resorted to abducting women, landlords and leaders in the affected communities. It was observed that some of

ordeal at the hands of the militants to the state government’s representatives, said he too had received a message that his subjects- Alhaji Odugbesan and wife, had been abducted by the rampaging militants on Monday morning. Balogun said the militants invaded his community three days ago, killed some persons, abducted some women and attacked a bakery where they carted away some loaves of bread. According to him, even domestic animals - goats and chickens- were not spared during the onslaught as many were either killed or taken away. VF observed that in *Prophet Olugbemiga Balogun five communities of Ogijo, all activities were paralysed as schools, mosques, churches and the communities have been other business activities were deserted, shops and goods under lock and key. abandoned, while residents only Residents flee communities, peep from their hiding places as vow not to return: Despite the the militants reportedly took over deployment of soldiers, police some parts of the communities. and other security agents in VF gathered that visiting Ogun communities in Ogijo area of State Deputy Governor, Mrs. Sagamu Local Government, the Yetunde Onanuga, also felt the residents have yet to return to rage and danger posed by the their abodes. The landlords, militants as they ignored her shops owners, school owners as convoy and its accompanying well as landlords and tenants security operatives to carry out who had fled the ‘ war-torn attacks in some of the communities’ only went back communities. Indeed, Onanuga briefly during the visit of the who led the State delegation to Ogun State government the affected areas, received the delegation to take few of their shock of her life as her convoy belongings. was attacked by the armed In fact, it was gathered that only a few were bold enough go back to the communities in the day to transact business and return to their temporary abode in the night. Further findings show that the few residents and She was still traders who returned to the communities in the day were addressing the encouraged to do so by the palpably distressed presence of the military who usually leave the communities at villagers when night. information came Security agencies had in that a member of responded by deploying their operatives to the affected areas. the community, The Police also deployed the Area Commander of Sagamu Sarafa Olayinka, Area Command, Ali Janga, and had just been more than four teams of police abducted by the officers with an Armoured Carrier to secure the militants and taken Personnel affected communities. to the creeks According to the Police Public Relations Officer in the state, militants. Muyiwa Adejobi,the Area While she was still Commander, Sagamu Area addressing the palpably Command, ACP Ali Janga, will distressed villagers to convey the remain in the area of operation government’s message of hope to monitor operational and and sympathy, information soon administrative engagements of came in that a member of the the policemen deployed to the community, Sarafa Olayinka, areas for the special operation in had just been abducted by the the affected communities which militants and taken to the creeks. include Elepete, Imuti, Kajola, The Baale of Ebute - Ibafo, Magbon and Ajegunle. Chief Folorunsho Balogun, while Adejobi appealed to the fleeing narrating his community’s residents of the areas to return to

their homes, assuring them of adequate protection. But most residents who spoke with VF during the visit of the state deputy governor to the place, said they were yet to be convinced that it is safe to come back home. According to a resident ,Quadri: “It was a very unfortunate situation. The attack started around 10 pm when people were moving in; it was very terrible. More than 50 people were killed and someone’s head was cut off”. One Olagoke Temitayo informed: “The militants just came on a revenge mission, and started killing people especially the landlords, saying that they were the ones that gave out the information that led to the killing of some of their gang members. There was a house over there where they killed both the father and the child. We are appealing to the state government to provide us adequate security here.” Also sharing his experience, a pastor of a church in the area, Prophet Olugbemiga Balogun, said: “Governor Ibikunle Amosun should help us and settle the matter. These militants should not be allowed to bring guns here again. I have been living in this community, Elepete, for seven years and I have not witnessed this kind of thing before.”

Adequate security Tope Komolafe in his own account said: “The militants came and started shooting sporadically. We all ran away. We heard that the governor was coming today and that is why we came to pack few of our things. We are appealing to government to help put adequate security in place here. They should also deploy soldiers here.” Another resident simply identified as Azeez said: “We want the government to find a solution to this problem so that normalcy would return to this place because if the security operatives leave us and go we don’t know what might happen here again.” Ademuyiwa Eniafe told VF that: “some SARS(Special AntiRobbery Squad) operatives came to Topkatts Hotel and arrested two of the militants. They met four of the militants, killed two and arrested the others. But something still has to be done because a four-man gang of armed militants came and killed my friend while we were preparing to break our Ramadan fast. We are appealing to the government to come to our aid; if security is fully on ground, people will return to this place.” A landlord who spoke with VF on phone said he was not ready to return to the place. He said it was “because the mobile policemen may leave the place Continues on page 31

Vanguard, FRIDAY, JULY 1, 2016 — 31

Aftermath of mayhem in Lagos/ Ogun communities

*Tope Komolafe Continues from page 30 in the night and the militants may attack us at night.” VF reliably gathered that the security operatives in those areas did not have enough arms to confront the heavily armed militants. Indeed a source told our reporter “the reality is that the operatives need more sophisticated personnel and equipment to combat the militants in the creeks.” Even the Ogun State government has called for help from the Federal Government to nip the problem in the bud. According to the deputy governor, the issue is beyond what either the Police or the State Government can handle, adding that the Federal Government should urgently intervene. Lagos border communities: Following the incident, residents are also said to have fled the affected areas for fear of another attack by the militants. A resident in Igbolomu, identified as Alex Uche, said people have abandoned their homes, schools, shops, markets and other business centres. Reports had it that parents hurriedly raced to schools to take their children home. Another eyewitness, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said the militants invaded a school in the area, but allowed the children to go unhurt, but warned them not to return to school again. According to eyewitness, Mr. Abiodun Alawaye, alias “Elder,” who luckily escaped with his family from one of the invaded areas, the gun men came through water channel and started shooting sporadically. The gunmen who tied red ribbons round their foreheads, were said to have forced their ways into houses, robbing and shooting anyone in sight.

Seeking shelter The causalities were said to be high due to late arrival of security operatives. “As at 11 am, there was no security team on ground to arrest the situation,” he confirmed. His words: “It was so serious, as if we were in a war front. At least I saw some of the landlord’s killed. “The attack continued the following morning (Saturday) with ferocious intensity. At least I saw several headless bodies as I moved my family out of the hot zone. We are now seeking shelter in my cousin’s place out of town. I do not know when I will return back home. I will be sure that there is adequate security before I can think of returning. The entire area has been deserted,” Alawaye narrated. However, the Lagos State Police Command, later dispatched anti-riot policemen to restore peace and security to the areas. The CP also assured that there was no cause for alarm as his men were fully on ground to deal decisively with any further security breach.

*Quadri Residents shun water transportation: Also, investigation conducted by VF confirmed that erstwhile high patronage of transportation by water has dropped sharply since the attack as passengers have shunned that mode of transportation. The fear among passengers is that the militants could attack any time. Lawmakers call for increased security vigilance: Meantime, the Lagos State House of Assembly, has reiterated its earlier call on the state Commissioner of Police to beef up security in the Ikorodu area of the state to stem the tide of insecurity, especially the nefarious activities of the militants and cultists in the area. The resolution followed a motion moved by a member of the House, Saka Solaja, who represents Ikorodu II Constituency at the Assembly, that adequate security measures would have to be put in place to save the area from becoming a ‘theatre of war.’

Subversion of value system Supporting the motion, the Majority Leader, Sanai Agunbiade who represents Ikorodu I Constituency, pointed out that “subversion of value system in the entire Ikorodu division has led to a situation where insecurity, gangsterism are the order of the day.” He recalled that the House had earlier passed a law on cultism which was not assented to by the then governor, adding that insurgency should not be allowed to surface in Ikorodu. In his words: “A law on cultism was passed in this House; I want us to revisit the law. We don’t want a repeat of Boko Haram.”Agunbiade also noted that the situation had it become worrisome as the police had allegedly failed to curtail the actions of cultists, adding that “it calls for concern if the police cannot handle young elements.” Contributing, member representing Ifako-Ijaiye II Constituency, Rasheed Makinde, said Ikorodu was becoming “another hell in Lagos.” He said it was worrisome that the Community Development Associations, CDAs and Community Development Councils, CDCs, in the area have not been proactive. “The leaders know every nook and cranny of the area but found it difficult to collaborate with the Police to curb the ugly incident. Communities in the area have a lot to do to bring down the activities of cultists,” he stated. Speaker of the House, Mudashiru Obasa, who presided over the plenary, said Ikorodu was increasingly becoming a notorious area. “If it is not kidnapping today, it is ajagungbale; now it is cultism and Ijaw militants. This House therefore, calls on the Commissioner of Police to do more in the area, in terms of policing,” he

32 — VANGUARD, FRIDAY, JULY 1, 2016

Migrants die as dinghy sinks off Libya

T least 10 people drowned and more than 100 others were rescued when an inflatable boat carrying migrants capsized 32km (20 miles) off Libya. Those who died were all women, Italian reports said. The latest migrant tragedy came as the Italian navy

•Michael Gove (right) and Boris Johnson who are Conservative Party Prime Minister hopefuls having an informal chat at a function in Britain.

Guinea-Bissau faces budget shortfall after IMF stops payments

is fac UNITED KINGDOM: Prime Minister nomic GUINEA-Bissau ing a"catastrophic"ecosituation, with a gaping budget deficit, after the race divides Brexit leaders InternationalMonetaryFund ICHAEL Gove has contest and become prime sent shockwaves through the suspended its support over Msaid he chose to run minister. political world in a day of high two private bank bailouts, the finance minister said on for the Conservative Party The other contenders are drama on Thursday. leadership after deciding "reluctantly but firmly" that Boris Johnson was not capable of uniting the party or the country. "It had to fall to someone else... I felt it had to fall to me," he said. Thejusticesecretarywasset to back his fellow Leave campaigner. Mr Johnson pulled out after Mr Gove's switch. Home Secretary Theresa May, who backed staying in the EU, is favourite to win the

Work and Pensions Secretary Stephen Crabb, who backed Remain, ex-Defence Secretary Liam Fox, who backed leaving the EU and energy minister and Leave campaigner Andrew Leadsom. Nominations for the Conservative Party leadership closed at midday on Thursday. Mr Gove's decision to run for the leadership and Mr Johnson's subsequent decision to bow out of the contest

In an interview with the BBC political editor Laura Kuenssberg, Mr Gove, explaining his reasons for standing, said following last week's Brexit result he felt the country needed a leader "who believed heart and soul in leaving the European Union". "I also believed we needed someone who would be able to build a team, lead and unite. I hoped that person would be Boris Johnson," he said.

Istanbul bombers from Russia, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan

HE three suicide bomb ers in the deadly gun and bomb attack on Istanbul's international airport were from Russia, Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan,aTurkishgovernment official has said. The official gave no further detailsbeyondconfirmingthe attackers' nationalities and declined to be named because details of the investigation have not yet been re-

leased. Forensics teams had been struggling to identify the bombersfromtheirlimitedremains, officials said earlier. The three bombers opened fire to create panic outside, before two of them got inside the terminal building and blew themselves up. The third detonated his explosives at the entrance. At least 43 people, including 19

Ibuprofen disables Ebola virus – Scientists By Chioma Obinna & Gabriel Olawale

ESEARCHERS have found that everyday ibuprofenpainkillercanserve as a treatment source for Ebola virus. The discovery has been described as a significant breakthrough in the fight against EVD. They also discovered that cancer drug toremifene can disable Ebola Virus. TheScientistswhousedthe UK's national synchrotron facility-DiamondLightSource, a light 10 billion times brighter than the Sun to analyse the virus, revealed that the two drugs could bind to the crucial part of Ebola that the virus needs to infect cells. However, the team warned that the finding was just the beginning, adding that more effective drugs need to be researched. Thesynchrotronaccelerates electrons until they produce very intense light. This can be used to analyse the atomic make-up of objects at a much greater resolution than traditional microscopes.

The focus of the researchers was a protein on the surface of the Ebola virus that allows it to infect a cell. Reacting to the findings, Prof Dave Stuart, researcher from the University of Oxford said: "This is the main target on the viral surface, this is the one responsible for attaching to the cell, and it’s the key protein to understand."

foreigners, were killed, and further 239 others were wounded. Turkish police also rounded up 13 suspects over the airport attack, the state-run Anadolu news agency reported.““Police carried out simultaneous raids at 16 addresses in Istanbul on Tuesday night, Anadolu reported, adding that three of the suspects were foreigners. The raids against suspected Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) cells were launched in Istanbul and the Aegean coastal city of Izmir. Iran sacks bank chiefs amid uproar over high salaries. The chief executives of four public banks in Iran have been sacked amid widespread criticism of their salaries, the state-run Irna news agency reports.

Australian teen admits terror plot

N Australian teenager has pleaded guilty to plotting to run over and behead a police officer during AnzacDaycommemorations. Sevdet Besim, 19, pleaded guilty in the Melbourne court to one charge of planning a terrorist act. Besim was not immediately sentenced but faces a maximum jail term of life. Court documents said he and a British accomplice also discussed using a kangaroo packed with explosives to attack police officers. They allegedly said they would paint the animal with symboloftheso-calledIslamic State and set it loose

Prosecutors said Besim, who was arrested in a counter-terror raid, intended to carry out the attack at the Anzac Day ceremony in Melbourne in 2015. The plot was uncovered when police in Britain found messages on the phone of a teenager in Blackburn. The boy, then 14, became Britain'syoungestpersonconvicted of terror offences when he was sentenced to life last year. He will serve at least five years. Besim, who has been in custody since his arrest last year, is scheduled to return to court in August for a presentence hearing.

raised to the surface a boat thatsankwiththelossofmore than 700 lives. TheApril2015sinkingwas the worst loss of human life since the influx of migrants began in 2013. More than 64,000 migrants and refugees have crossed the Mediterranean

Thursday. The IMF said on June 3 it was halting payments after the tiny nation's government went against its advice and took on around 35 billion CFA francs ($59 million) in underperforming debt from Banco da Africa Ocidental and Banco da União. "The economic situation of the country is catastrophic. The state has a deficit of 22.4 billion CFA francs," Finance MinisterHenriqueHortatold reporters.Thedeficitamounts to about 3.5 percent of GDP. While inflation remained steady at 3 percent and the state had earned 113 billion CFA francs from sales of cashews, Guinea-Bissau's primary cash crop, he said the IMF's suspension of support was crippling. "Ifthecountrydoesnothave the IMF programme, the other lenders will not have confidence in us," he said. The IMF had planned to allocate 6.1 billion CFA francs ($10.34 million) to Guinea Bissau in

2016. Other partners have also suspended budget support amounting to 15.2 billion CFA, according to the IMF.

to Italy since the start of this year, according to UN figures, including more than 16,000 in June alone. Most of the arrivals have come from African countries. The Italian coast guard arrivedatthesceneofThursday's sinking after a distress signal wasreceivedatitsRomeheadquarters. The dinghy was partly submerged and many of its passengers were already in the water, reports said. Sea conditions were described as poor, with high winds and waves of up to 2m (6.6ft).

ISTANBUL BLAST: Tunisian medic died seeking for son in ISIS

UNISIAN military doctor seeking to retrieve his son who had joined Islamic State in Syria was among those killed in Tuesday's suicide attack by militants at Istanbul airport, a security sources said on Wednesday. Three suspected Islamic State suicide bombers opened fire and blew themselves up in Istanbul's main airport on Tuesday evening, killing 41 people and wounding 239 in the deadliest in a series of suicide bombings this year in Turkey. The Tunisian Defence MinistryconfirmedthatBrigadier General Fathi Bayoudh, a military hospital doctor, was among those killed. A senior security source and local media said he had been in Turkey to try and convince his son to leave Islamic State. "Bayoudh travelled to Tur-

key in an effort to meet his son, who joined the Islamic State in Syria a few months ago with his girlfriend," the Tunisian security source said. The source said the son had now been detained by Turkish troops on the border with Syria. "Bayoudh'ssontravelledwith his girlfriend who studied with him at the Faculty of Medicine a few months ago, which prompted several attempts by his father to persuade him to return," the source said. Several local Tunisian newspapers online and radio also citedothersecuritysourcessaying Bayoudh was in Turkey to met his son to try to persuade him to come home. Tunisia has become a model of democratic reform in the Arab world since its 2011 uprising against autocrat Zine El Abidine Ben Ali. But it is also one of the largest sources of foreign fight.

Kenyan lawyer Willie Kimani abducted by police

ENYA'S law society has demanded the authorities reveal the whereabouts of lawyer Willie Kimani, who has been missing for a week. It believes he was abducted by "rogue elements within the police" after leaving court in the capital, Nairobi, last Thursday. Mr Kimani was representing a client making a complaint against the police. The law society says this is the first time that a lawyer working on a sensitive case has gone missing. Police have not yet commented on Mr Kimani's disappearance. His client and the driver of their taxi are also missing. The case concerned allegedly false charges against the client after he accused the police of accidentally shooting him, the New YorkTimes reports.

•Kimani: Allegedly abducted by the police in Nairobi after leaving court last Thursday. Mr Kimani was working for a US legal charity, the International Justice Mission, which focuses on cases of police abuse of power. In a statement it said: "We are heartbroken by this horrific crime and are doing everything we can to locate these men and support the

families of the victims." Law society president Isaac Okero told the BBC's Mohammud Ali in Nairobi that the incident suggests "lawyers are becoming a target because of their work". "This is an indication that the rule of law is beginning to crumble," he added.

Vanguard, FRIDAY, JULY 1, 2016—33

ATTACK ON OIL INSTALLATIONS: We

can't pay

salaries anymore —OKOWA By Egufe Yafugborhi

ARRI—GOVERNOR Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta State, has said the impact of the renewed destruction of oil assets in the state producing environment has gone so bad that the state is now unable to pay salaries regularly anymore. The governor, yesterday at the Government Office Annex, Warri, where he convened a stakeholders meeting on, “Creating A Peaceful Atmosphere for the Development of Delta State and the Niger Delta Region,” said: “The larger Nigerian government has been in financial crisis over dwindling oil prices. Increased production would have helped cushion the impact but instead we are faced with destruction of oil assets. “Dealing with dwindling oil prices and destruction of oil assets, we are now producing just half of our quota. And we are all really worried because the greater effect is on Delta State. Before now we receive up to N20 billion monthly, but what we have now is so low. Last time we got N3.4 billion. Last month what we received dropped to N3 billion. We now get 1/7th of what we used to have.”

The governor said, going by the current financial position, the state was no longer in a position to pay salaries regularly just as Internally Generated Revenue, IGR, has also nosedived. “We met a wage bill of N7.4 billion. Our workforce has been unchanged. With biometrics and rationalization, we trimmed that

to about N6.8 billion. With the situation, we have in our hands, we are not in position to pay workers regularly anymore. “If we produce our normal volumes, we won’t have it this bad. We have had to reduce support to the councils. And apart from poor income from Federation Account, IGR has

also gone down because money is not circulating. “I do know that we were receiving reasonable Pay As You Earn, PAYE of up to N1.5 billion and N1.6 billion monthly. That has gone down. We should realise there’s a challenge. Political office holders, traditional rulers should build peace. Delta State has been on the news for the wrong reasons and that’s not where we want to be,” Okowa added.

VISIT: Governor Nyesom Wike of Rivers State (left) and President, Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers, NUPENG, Mr. Igwe Achese, during a courtesy call on the Governor in Port Harcourt.

Avengers attacks on oil installations not in interest of N-Delta region —GROUP

By Simon Ebegbulem

ENIN CITY—HOPE for Niger Delta Campaign, HNDC, a non-governmental organisation based in The Netherlands, has said that the current attack on oil installations in the Niger Delta region by Niger Delta Avengers, NDA, was not in the interest of the region. The group commended the Federal Government for the withdrawal of the military from the area, and urged the militant group to explore this opportunity by suspending attacks on oil installations and embarking on meaningful discussions with the Federal Government if they claim that their agitation is in the interest of the people of the Niger Delta. Niger Delta activists, founder and Executive Director of NNDC, Mr Sunny Ofehe, who spoke to Vanguard, said that the attacks

will not only cripple oil production but will have serious health implications for the people of the region. According to him, “the environment has faced despoliation from crude oil

extraction. The main occupation of the people which is farming and fishing have been gravely affected by oil spills and pollution from gas flaring. “Any meaningful agitation should be targeted at addressing

N100M SUIT: Court fixes Oct 25 for ruling

on 235 sacked workers

By Onozure Dania

WKA—THE National Industrial Court sitting in the Awka, Anambra State, has adjourned till October 25, 2016 to rule on whether 235 workers unceremoniously laid off without sack letters, were engaged by oil and gas major, Chevron Nigeria Limited or four of the company’s contracting firms: JOCECO Nigeria Limited, Pat Onosen Nigeria Enterprises Limited,

Sanco Calaya JV. Nigeria Limited and Hensteel Engr. & Construction Services Limited. Trial judge, Justice W. Abali adjourned for ruling after listening to arguments from counsel to Chevron, Mr Akpomudje Albert, SAN and counsel to the 235 aggrieved workers, Chief V. Otomiewo. While the Chevron counsel, argued that the claimants’ case against Chevron was weak, because working in Chevron

Delta lawmaker stops construction firm over “When my people complain, I shoddy job carried out by the company. must listen to them because the

By Godwin Oghre

GBARHA-OTOR— MEMBER representing Ughelli North constituency II, Delta State House of Assembly, Mr Eric Oharisi, yesterday, stopped the construction company handling the Ughelli/ Agbarha-Otor Road, from further work on the project over what he described as shoddy job being

these situations and calling on the government and oil multinationals to meet these needs and remediate the environment of the people. This must be done in an organised manner with all stakeholders.”

The lawmaker who also requested that the construction firm make available the Bill of Quantity to know the specification of the road contract, said: “I have asked the construction firm to stop the road project after receiving complaints from my people that the company was trying to pour asphalt on the road without having poured stone-base.

road belong to them. I have asked the construction firm and the Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, to provide the Bill of Quantity for inspection.” Asking the firm to improve on its work, Oharisi said that the essence of stopping the company was to ensure it gave the community a durable road that will stand the test of time.

yard does not make them 235 workers) Chevron staff, the workers lawyer posited that the argument of Chevron lacks merit, noting that correspondences/agreements authenticating the workers’ engagements between the 1st to 4th defendants (the contracting firms) were with Chevron. Otomiewo cited NICM/CM/760/ 2014, a case between Prof. Greg Nwakobi Vs Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka as reference, urging the judge to consider that judgment which was granted May 19, 2016 in giving his ruling, adding the test case was yet to be set aside. The claimants’ counsel contended thattheentitlementsofthe235workers were in Chevron’s possession and urged the court to order Chevron to release their financial entitlements totalling N100 million. It will be recalled that the aggrieved workers, who claimed Chevron recruited them and sublet them to the contractors to pay them, had approached the court in 2015 seeking N100 million as compensation/ damages over an alleged breach of contract.

Cleric slams EFCC over Fayose's account freezing By Ochuko Akuopha

LEH—PRESIDENT of God’s Fountain of Life Bible Mission, International Incorporated, Bishop Sam Oyede, has said that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, stepped beyond its bounds in freezing the personal bank account of Governor Ayodele Fayose of Ekiti State. He noted that the country was currently grappling with the problem of Niger Delta Avengers, Fulani herdsmen’s menace, Indigenous people of Biafra, IPOB, agitations and warned the EFCC against further heating up the polity by posing as a witch hunting agency. Speaking with newsmen at Oleh, Isoko South Local Government Area, Delta State, Oyede said that it was illegal and unconstitutional for the bank account of “a sitting governor to be frozen while in office. “Fayose as a lawfully elected governor enjoys immunity. Yes, certainly, the governor enjoys immunity under section 308 of the 1999 constitution. That is the same immunity that the president and vice president of the Federal Republic of Nigeria enjoy under that section of the constitution.”

FG playing with Nigeria's unity —UNDEDSS By Dapo Akinrefon

AGOS—UNITED Niger Delta Energy Development Security Strategy, UNDEDSS, yesterday accused the Federal Government of toying with the nation’s unity and future. Addressing newsmen after an executive meeting, UNDEDSS Secretary General, Mr Tony Uranta, stated that the Niger Delta has “unanimously resolved to resist any further attempts by the Federal Government to toy with Nigeria’s future by continuing to maliciously deploy the military in the region or attempting to deploy sinister divide and rule tactics against the region’s key actors.” Uranta said that “President Muhammad Buhari is advised to personally and visibly head a holistic solution-seeking strategy that will prove his commitment to a robustly sustainable peace in the region, for there to be true unity, stability and progress in Nigeria.”

34—Vanguard, FRIDAY, JULY 1, 2016

Mbaka cries out, says mischief merchants causing feud between him and Buhari

PAC welcomes Acting IGP

By Francis Igata

HE POLICE A s s i s t a n c e Committee, PAC, has welcomed the newly appointed Acting Inspector General of Police, Mr. Ibrahim Idris on board, pledging to continue its over two decades of existing working relationship with the Police Force in the area of information dissemination and intelligence gathering, during his tenure. The organization commended the new initiative of the Police Chief to establish cooperation centres to promote synergy and better working relationship between the police and other security agencies for prompt response to major crises 24/ 7 in the country.

NUGU—FIERY Enugubased Catholic Priest, Rev. Fr. Ejike Mbaka, yesterday,cried out,alleging that mischief merchants were bent on damaging the cordial relationship existing between him and President Muhammadu Buhari. He therefore disassociated himself from media reports which alleged that he predicted Buhari’s inability to recover from the ENT ailment which triggered a sudden 10-day vacation in United Kingdom to treat the disease. The priest, who is in charge of the Adoration Ministry, Enugu, Nigeria, spoke through his Spokesperson,Ike Ugwuoke, insisting that some Nigerians were trying to cause disaffection between him and the presidency. According to him, “ our attention has been drawn to a report in a section of the media alleging that Rev Fr Ejike Mbaka, the Spiritual Director of Adoration Ministry Enugu Nigeria, said that the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Muhammadu Buhari has slim chances of surviving from his ill health.

Fidau prayer for late Lawal

HE EIGHTH day Fidau prayer for late Alhaji Ismaila Lawal (Ebira), former APC leader in Ward D, Alimosho Local Government Area of the state, will be held today at his residence, 7, Bameke Road, Shasha, Akowonjo. Late Lawal, who had since been buried according to islamic rites, died on June 23, this year, aged 92.

“The truth is that there were media reports, making fuss about Mr President’s health and insinuating Mr President‘s slim chances of recovering from his ill health, published immediately the president went on vacation. “Fr Mbaka referring to the said media report during his prayers for the sick in the ministry prayed with the worshippers of the ministry for Mr. President’s healing and health after which there were lots of testimonies from the sick that were healed of blindness, elephantiasis, deafness, cancer, tumor and all other diverse healings at the end of the prayer session.” He quoted Mbaka as saying that “They say the sickness is ENT..When it affects the ear, it affects the nose and affects the throat. We pray for our President and any one that is suffering such a dangerous disease. “We lift our healing hands for divine healing upon our president. Wherever he is, may he be healed in Jesus name. “The doctors in Nigeria are nursing fear that he may not survive but we have a healing God. His name is specialist in

impossibilities.” He added that some persons were nose-diving in the affairs of the ministry with a view to causing unnecessary rift between the ministry and the presidency. “While we enjoin all patriotic citizens of this country to continue to pray for the good of the nation and her leaders, we reiterate our

Money laundering: You’ve a case to answer, court tells Ohakim ...orders him to open defence Oct 10 By Ikechukwu Nnochiri

BUJA—THE former governor of Imo State, Chief Ikedi Ohakim, on Thursday, failed to persuade the Federal High Court in Abuja to quash the three-count criminal charge the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, preferred against him. The court, in a ruling by Justice Ademola Adeniyi, held that the former governor who piloted the affairs of Imo state between May 2007 and May 2011, has a case to

Why we resumed traffic rules enforcement —Enugu govt threat to security of lives.

HE ENUGU State government yesterday gave reasons it resumed clamping of vehicles that committed traffic offences, saying it was in the overall interest of people, especially road users. In a statement signed by the State Commissioner for Transport, Mr. Vitus Okechi, the government regretted that the rate with which motorists were abusing traffic rules and regulations in the state since after the governor ordered the suspension of the collection of fines for traffic offences in Enugu metropolis, was alarming and a

Late Ismaila Lawal

Okechi noted that most road users in the state no longer obeyed traffic rules and regulations, adding that such an untoward action was the cause of some accidents on major roads in the state capital as well as the traffic obstruction being experienced on the roads, including the newly constructed ones by the present administration. The transport commissioner added that contrary to reports in some sections of the media, the resumption of traffic enforcement was not targeted to harass motorists but instill discipline

and ensure smooth and accidentfree transportation in the state capital and beyond. He disclosed that the exercise was critically reviewed and carefully re-launched in line with the people-oriented programmes and policies of Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi’s administration to improve the quality of transportation in the state, enhance security, save lives and propel an enduring legacy of a more decent inter-personal relationship between road users and traffic officials.

et us be truthful to ourselves, why should Muslims use hijab to school when there is uniform? If wearing hijab is something good, why complain about CAN teaching their children to cover their body? -Mrs. Morayo Simeon, Businesswoman

answer pertaining to the charges against him. The charges border on money laundering, abuse of office and misappropriation of public funds. Justice Adeniyi held that the anti-graft agency successfully established a prima-facie criminal case against the defendant that would warrant him to enter his defence before the court. Consequently, Ohakim’s nocase-submission was dismissed by the court which ordered the former governor to open his defence on October 10. The charge against Ohakim arose from his alleged purchase of the property at 60, Kwame Nkrumah Street, Plot No 1098, Cadastral ZoneA04, Asokoro District, Abuja with cash payment of $2.29m which was said to be dollar equivalent of N270m in November 2008. The property, according to the agency, was acquired with funds the defendant allegedly laundered from Imo state treasury. He was also accused of failing to declare the property as part of his assets when asked by the EFCC to do so. The prosecution said the erstwhile governor violated section 15(1)(d) and section 14(1)(b) of the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act, 2004. Ohakim was said to have paid for the property in cash.

By Bartholomew Madukwe (08051019450) nwamad@yahoo.com

PEOPLE SPEAK

call on the meddlesome interlopers who busy themselves with arm-twisting issues arising from the ministry for whatever ends to desist from their wild goose chase, have a rethink and rather partake in the blessings imminent in spreading the good news of signs, wonders and miracles of God in the Ministry.”

On wearing hijab/church robe to school

his is a retrogressive step and we need to ask if this will advance the educational achievement of the pupils/students. Nations of the world are after technological and socio-economic advancement, while we engage in religious wars. -Mr. Ime Okon, Lecturer

attended public second ary school and it was interesting. In my days, you couldn’t differentiate Muslim from Christian or traditional wid the good, the bad and the ugly together without discrimination. -Mrs. Loveth Chekwube, Self Employed

hy should students be allowed to use another uniform apart from the one that is accepted by the government? Whoever supports such is not being realistic because hijab is not part of school uniform. -Miss Okereke Bukola, Worker

t is only Osun State that I heard banned the use of hijab in public schools and the Muslim community took the government to court. Though I am a Muslim, I still see no need for hijab in schools, otherwise 'Eleya' too will join. -Mr. Ismail Abiodun, Worker

et the school go back to the old school days where schools were identified with their school face caps for boys and berets for girls and well sown school uniforms that will not expose them in future to the type of series of dangerous attacks. -Miss Kubura Aremu, Model

Vanguard, FRIDAY, JULY 1, 2016 — 35

Kogi strike, act of sabotage — GOVT By Boluwaji Obahopo

OKOJA—AS the ongoing industrial action by workers in Kogi State enters day five today, the state government yesterday, described the strike as act of sabotage. This came as a human rights activist, Abdul Miliki, threw his weight behind the strike, calling on the government to settle with labour as well as resolve the

lingering crisis in the state House of Assembly. The Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, and Trade Union Congress of Nigeria, TUC, joined by the banks have been on strike since Monday protesting government decision to open salary accounts for workers in Zenith bank, while local government workers were opened in Access bank. The workers are also protesting six months salary arrears, as well

as the sending-off of some top government functionaries on compulsory leave without any allegation against them. Government, however, in a statement by Commissioner for Information and Culture, Muhammed Awwal, said the workers' action was an of sabotage, considering the fact that payment of arrears of salaries had commenced two weeks ago. According to him, “48 MDAs

out of the total 55 MDAs have been paid, seven MDAs are yet to be paid because the correct grade levels of the workers are being verified. Salary variations were received from many MDAs for the month of February to April 2016. 14 councils with correct information has been paid, while both local governments and state pensioners will be paid in days. “Government has the best interest of the civil servants and the entire Kogi State at heart. I assure you that Government is working round the clock to ensure that the remaining civil servants are paid within the coming days.” Supporting the strike, Miliki, in a statement, said Ortom should change tactics as his administration since inception on January 27, had been embroiled in avoidable crisis of monumental proportion that the state had never been witnessed in the 24 years of its creation.

AREWA24 celebrates 2nd anniversary BRIEFING: From left: Dupe Atoki, DG, Consumer Protection Council, CPC; John Ugbe, MD, MultiChoice Nigeria; Gozie Onumonu, Head, Regulatory Affairs, MultiChoice and Caroline Oghuma, Public Relations Manager, MultiChoice during the CPC/MultiChoice Press briefing on compliance with CPC requirement at Zen Garden, Isaac John, Ikeja, GRA, Lagos. Photo by Kehinde Gbadamosi.

N750M CAR SCAM: Ortom lauds EFCC over arrest of Benue speaker, 14 lawmakers ...Vows to recover N107bn looted by Susuwan By Levinus Nwabughiogu

BUJA—GOVERNOR Samuel Ortom of Benue State, yesterday commended operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, for investigating the Speaker and other members of the state House of Assembly for allegedly misappropriating N750 million meant for purchase of official cars.

The governor said his government would not condone any act of criminality or defend anyone who had a hand in fraud. Recall that the Speaker of Benue State House of Assembly, Terkinbi Ikange; his deputy, James Ikefe; the Majority Leader, Benjamin Adanyi; Deputy Majority Leader, Nick Eworo; the Minority Leader, Sule Audu and 10 other members were arrested and detained on Monday in Abuja by the EFCC.

Tribunal upholds David Mark's election By Peter Duru

AKURDI—THE National Assembly Elections Petition Tribunal, sitting in Makurdi, yesterday dismissed the petition by the All Progressives Congress, APC, candidate in the Benue South senatorial election, Daniel Onjeh challenging the victory of Senator David Mark, on the grounds that it was filed out of time. Onjeh had challenged the victory of Senator Mark in the February 20, 2016 rerun election citing electoral malpractices and irregularities in the conduct of the poll. However, Senator Mark, through his counsel, Mr. Ken Ikonne had through a motion challenged the jurisdiction of the Tribunal to entertain the matter on

the grounds that it was incompetent and statute barred. Mark had contended that, having been declared winner of the election on February 21, 2016 the petitioner had 21 days from the day of the declaration of the result to file his petition which he failed to do. He argued that the petition was filed on March 13,, 2016 outside the 21 days allowed by law for such matters to be generated before a tribunal and in total variance with the provisions of Section 285(5) of the 1999 Constitution, as amended. On his part, Daniel Onjeh through his counsel, Adetunji Oso had asked the Tribunal to hear the suit on its merits insisting that the matter was properly brought before the Tribunal.

It was gathered that though they were let off the hook via bail on Wednesday evening after spending three days in detention, another seven members had been summoned by Commission to appear for questioning today (Friday). Answering questions from State House Correspondents after a meeting with President Muhammadu Buhari at the presidential Villa, Abuja, Governor Ortom said in a matter of corruption, no one would be spared. Ortom also vowed to recover N107 billion looted from the state treasury by the government of Governor Gabriel Suswam. He said: “Yes it is a good thing, it is part of the process. They are under investigation by the EFCC. From day one I brought up a slogan that ‘if you chop money, money will chop you.''

N all-Hausa language entertainment and lifestyle satellite TV channel, production studio and media company, AREWA24, is celebrating its two years anniversary. According to Jacob Arback, AREWA24 President, since its launch on the eve of Ramadan, 2014, the channel had established itself as the authentic and homegrown voice of Northern Nigeria. He said: “On this notable occasion, all of us at AREWA24 want to extend our most sincere thanks and gratitude to our viewers, whose trust and valuable feedback has helped us shape and build AREWA24 in the right way. We extend thanks to our loyal advertisers and their agencies and to our strategic partners such as the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA), Eutelsat and Jordan Media City.'' Mukhtar Musa Bako, AREWA24’s Head of Studio, added: “To be part of the executive leadership team at the AREWA24 production studio and to witness the joy and pride in culture that we are able to bring to our viewers every day across Northern Nigeria is truly a blessing for all of us who grew up here. We could not be more proud of our staff and their commitment to excellence.”

Adamawa, Borno get 160 metric tons of seeds from USAID By Victoria Ojeme

BUJA—THE United States Agency for International Development USAID, yesterday delivered over 160 metric tons of seeds to over 6,000 households in Adamawa and Borno states. The seeds are maize, sorghum, millet, groundnut, and cowpea. More than 60,000 internally displaced persons, IDP, in the

local government authorities of Madagali, Michika, Gombe, and Fufore of Adamawa, and Kaga of Borno benefitted from the gesture. USAID collaborated with the Adamawa State Ministry of Agriculture, the American University of Nigeria’s Adamawa Peace Initiative, and the Borno state government to ensure the distribution occurred ahead of this year’s planting season.

LG chiefs' tenure elongation tears Plateau Assembly apart 10 PDP lawmakers stage walk-out By Marie-Therese Nanlong

OS—THE Plateau State House of Assembly had a rowdy session yesterday as 10 Peoples Democratic Party, PDP lawmakers walked out over the six-month tenure extension for the management committee Chairmen of the 17 local government areas of the state., The Speaker of the House, Mr. Peter Azi had read a communication from Governor, Simon Lalong asking for the extension of the tenure of the chairmen of the 17 councils to six month to enable government plan to conduct local government election in the state. According to the Governor’s letter, “the six month extension is to allowed the government to put some necessary machinery in place for a conducive conduct of the council poll in the state., “ It would be recalled that since the governor sacked the substantive chairmen and instituted the management committee, the tenure of the committee chairmen had been renewed for two months on three occasions.

INSPAYA TV show debuts this weekend

NSPAYA, the new documentary TV show in Nigeria recently launched in Lagos, will hit the airwave from this weekend on local and international television channels. INSPAYA is a TV show with rich repertoire of life changing and thought provoking testimonies delivered directly in the words of the testifiers, with a clear message of hope and encouragement through telling and sharing people’s life and survival stories. A statement by the promoter, Evangelist Banji Adesanmi, said the show would make its debut on Lagos Television on Saturday by 10.30pm. Other stations and their air time, according to the statement, are MITV on Sunday by 8.30am, DOVE Television Tuesday 8.00pm Nigerian time and 2pm Houston time. Both LTV and DOVE television are available online for those who might be on the road or outside Nigeria at the scheduled timing.

36 — Vanguard, FRIDAY JULY 1 , 2016

LASG sets up committee on prerogative of mercy By Olasunkanmi Akoni

AGOS State Government, in its bid to ensure justice for all yesterday inaugurated a ninemember Advisory Council on Prerogative of Mercy at the Conference Room of Ministry of Justice, Alausa, Ikeja. The Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Adeniji Kazeem stated that the inauguration of the Council by Governor Akinwunmi Ambode is derived from the Nigeria Constitution which provides for the constitution of an Advisory Council and grants the Governor power to grant clemency to convicted persons on the advice of the Council. “Prerogative of Mercy is a right recognised under the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended); Section 212(2) of the Constitution provides that the powers conferred on the Governor under Section 212(1) shall be exercised by him after consultation with the Advisory Council of the State on the Prerogative of Mercy as may be established by the Law of the State,” Kazeem stated. The new Advisory Council on Prerogative of Mercy members are Prof. Oyelowo Oyewo, a legal practitioner as C h a i r m a n ; M r s . TolaAkinsanya, Director, Legislative Drafting, as Secretary; Mr. Adeniji Kazeem, Lagos AttorneyGeneral; Mr. Olugbenga Oniyire,Nigeria Bar Association (NBA), Ikeja Branch; Mrs. Bolatumi Animashaun, NBA Lagos Branch; Mr. Adedotun Adebayo Adetunji, NBA, Ikorodu Branch and Mr. Chris Okoye, NBA, Badagry; Mrs. Musili Onasanya, representative of the State Controller-General of Prisons and Sheikh Abdul-Rahman Ahmed, a clergyman.

IKORODU ATTACKS: Victims remain unwilling to return home By Bose Adelaja

KORODU—A week after series of attacks by some suspected militants on Igbo Olomu and Ita Oluwo, Ikorodu areas of Lagos and Ogun states, last Friday, the community still remains deserted as the residents say they are scared of returning home. As at 5pm yesterday, some displaced residents were seen sneaking in by daytime to check their properties but return to their places of refuge out of fear of fresh attacks. Also, some of them who were afraid to go to the place were said to depend on telephones to know the state of the deserted area. On Igbo Olomu road, some shop owners especially the Igbos have opened their shops for business though they complained of low patronage. At Elepete, Oke-Imuti, Kajola, Imagbon, Oke-Ayo and several other places, shops, offices, churches, hotels and mosques remain shut despite the security presence. Few residents who were noticed complained of hunger and lack of vehicles to buy food. Meantime, in a bid to curb pipeline vandalisation and excesses of suspected militants, the National Task force on illegal importation of small arms, ammunitions, light weapons and pipeline vandalisation has urged the federal government to curb illegal importations of ammunitions into the country in order to tackle security

challenges facing it. The South West Coordinator of the Task Force, Col. Anthony Olawale Awote who spoke at the official inauguration of the Ogun state command of the task force, held in Abeokuta, the state capital, disclosed that the efforts of the government to eradicate criminal activities would only be fruitful if illegal arms could be stopped from entering the country. Awote, however, appealed to

the National Assembly to expedite action on the passage of the bill on the establishment of the National Task Force to combat illegal importation of arms, ammunitions, light weapons and pipeline vandalization, in order to be gazetted by the federal government. Also speaking at the event, Ogun State Commissioner for Commerce and Industry, Otunba Bimbo Ashiru, said the state government will identify with the

Confidence in police comment not about Ikorodu killings – LAGOS CP Says Lagosians have faith in Police By Evelyn Usman & Monsur Olowoopejo

AGOS State Commissioner of Police, Mr. Fatai Owoseni, yesterday said his representative’s comment on the attitude of Nigerians towards officers of the Nigerian police was not based on the recent attack of Lagos and Ogun communities by some gunmen. Owoseni in a telephone conversation with Vanguard, said his representative, CSP Olusegun Ajamolaya, the Divisional Police Officer of Victoria Island, comment at the 2016 Stakeholders Forum on Central Business Districts, CBD, held at the City Hall, Lagos, themed: “Toward a Lagos Island CBD Renaissance: Meaningful Insights and Commitment,” was unconnected with the recent inhuman act in Ikorodu. He noted that he was never referring to the attack in Lagos and Ogun communities that

occurred recently; rather he was referring to the general attitude of the citizens towards officers of the Nigerian Police, in divulging information that would aid their investigation. He argued that the Nigerian police will always work with citizens to ensure that they are often protected in the state.

Lagosians have faith in police

Explaining further, the police boss expressed shock over statement credited to him that Nigerians had lost trust and

AGOS—NIGERIA Labour Congress, NLC, led by Joe Ajaero and the National Union of Banks, Insurance and Financial Intuitions Employees, NUBIFIE, yesterday dismissed media reports that the planned picketing of banks involved in

recent mass sack of workers had been suspended, insisting that any moment from now, the affected banks would feel the wrath of workers. There were reports in the media Thursday that Ayuba Wabba-led NLC and Nigeria Employers Consultative Association, NECA, met in Abuja, where it was agreed among others, that the planned picketing had been suspended.

confidence in the Police, describing it as a misrepresentation of facts. Rather, the command boss said that the confidence and trust Nigerians in general and Lagosians in particular have in the Police had helped the Police in the fight against crime and criminality. He said; “How can you quote me to have said that Nigerians have lost faith in the police, when actually the partnership of members of the public has helped the command a great deal.''

Ex-AGF canvasses online dispute resolution mechanism in the country. By Innocent Anaba

AGOS—FORMER Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Chief Bayo Ojo, SAN, yesterday called for the promotion of online dispute resolution

MASS RETRENCHMENT: NLC faction, NUBIFIE insist on picketing banks By Victor Ahiuma-Young

task-force and collaborate with it to enhance security of lives and property. Ashiru, who spoke through the Director, Planning, Research and Statistics in the ministry, Mr. Olaoluwa Olufemi, noted that no investment can thrive in the face of insecurity urging the national taskforce to work with the existing security agencies in ensuring Nigeria is rid of illegal weapons capable of jeopardizing the security of lives and property.

But in a joint statement by Joe Ajaero and Mohammed Sheirk, General Secretary of NUBIFIE, NLC faction and NUBIFIE vowed to use the banks to demonstrate the powers of the labour movement in as the bastion of the people’s morality. NLC and NUBIFIE, in the statement said: “We have not called off any proposed action against the banks, and until the conditions we had set out are met, which unfortunately is not the case though some of the Banks have entered into discussions with us, we will go ahead.'' '' There was no time we had any discussions with NECA, the Ministry of Labour or any other group purporting to represent Banks under any platform in relation to the planned picketing.''

He noted that in view of the increasing relevance of the internet as means of carrying out everyday functions, government, private organisations and individuals should pay more attention to such means of dispute resolution. Speaking at the first ever Global Pound Conference, GPC, lecture series in Africa, organised by the Negotiation and Conflict Management Group, NCMG, international in Lagos, he noted that “Not only is this form of dispute resolution cheaper, it allows for several disputes to be settled simultaneously. ''Programmes are being developed to enable easy access and individuals, institutions and governments ought not to close their eyes to this form of dispute resolution.” He spoke on Access to Justice and the Future of Dispute Resolution. , observing that Wikipedia, alongside its dispute resolution efforts has also been focused on dispute prevention, through technological tools, adding that ebay has also developed similar strategy. “Offline dispute resolution should not be left behind in this. It has been suggested that this practice should also be applied to physical dispute resolution prevention.” Ojo called for specialisation on the part of judges and dispute resolution personnel, in order to meet the increasing demand for specialised justice.

Vanguard, FRIDAY, JULY 1, 2016

C M Y K

VANGUARD 09050226870

CLASSIFIED

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POPOOLA

ONOWAKPO

OKPIMAH

OKAFOR

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ERINLE

I, formerly known and addressed as Popoola Jelili-Moshood, now wish to be known and addressed as Popoola Moshood Jelili. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Onowakpo Joy Beauty, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Aibor Joy Beauty. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Okpimah Gbiku Eloho, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Igben Gbiku Eloho. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Okafor Ekwutosi Angela, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Olubialu Angela Anulika. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as Oyelade Oyeshina Akinleye, now wish to be known and addressed as Oyelade Oyeshina Cornelius. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Oyindamola Ayodeji Erinle, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Oyindamola Ayodeji Evue. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

SHOGUNWA

AKABUEZE

LASISI

EKERETE

I, formerly known and addressed as Shogunwa Temidayo Olasunkanmi, now wish to be known and addressed as T e m i d a y o Olasunkanmi Taiwo. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

Addition of Name I, formerly known and addressed as Akabueze Nnaemeka, now wish to be known and addressed as Akabueze Columbus Nnaemeka. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

Correction of Name My correct name is Lasisi Lateef Azeez. But in my BVN, my surname Lasisi was mistakenly omitted, thus using only Azeez Lateef, instead of Lasisi Lateef Azeez. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

Addition of Name I, formerly known and addressed as Ekerete Thompson, now wish to be known and addressed as Thompson Ekerete Ekwere. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as Prince Chuks Ajieh, now wish to be known and addressed as Prince Chukwutem Ajieh. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as O g u n d a r e A n u o l u w a p o Olanrewaju, now wish to be known and addressed as O l u w a d a r e A n u o l u w a p o Olanrewaju. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

AZUMAEZE

ADEREMI

OK ONKW O OKONKW ONKWO

OKESANY A OKESANYA

AYANO

I, formerly known and addressed as Egwuonwu Joseph Azumaeze, now wish to be known and addressed as Egwuonwu Joseph Kanu. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

Correction of Name My name was wrongly written as Mr. Eroobodo Yakubu Aderemi, instead of Mr. Eruobodo Yakubu Aderemi. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Okonkwo Chibuzo Esther, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Iwuafor Chibuzo Esther. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

OK OR O OKOR ORO I, formerly known and addressed as Okoro James Okwudili, now wish to be known and addressed as Amos James Okwudili. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Okesanya Olayinka Iyabode, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Sofolahan Olayinka Iyabode. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

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OLUGU

EVEL YN EVELYN

EFI

KALEGHA

UWANOGHO

I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Ola Agwu Olugu now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Olanma Kalu Okarazu. All former documents remain valid. ASUBEB, LGEA Ohafia, Abia State Univerity, Uturu, and general public please take note.

AK OK O AKOK OKO Confirmation of name This is to confirm that the name Akoko Kennedy Thomas and Akoko Peter is one and the same person, but now wish to be known and addressed as Akoko Peter. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as Miss O g h o e j u o m a Ejievwhome Evelyn, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Olaseni Ejievwhome Evelyn. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Patience Ufuoma Efi, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Afokoghene Ufuoma Ogbaga. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Kalegha Ikuesiri Goodnews, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Kuren Ikuesiri Goodnews. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Uwanogho Ejovwoke Faith, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Onobrakpeya Ejovwoke Faith. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

UNU AME UNUAME

JACOB

NWOSU

OV I R I

AKHIBI

CHRIS

I, formerly known and addressed as Miss U n u a m e Onotasamidrehi Agnes, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Otaroghene Onotasamidrehi Agnes. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Jacob Faith Idoroyen now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Nwadinkpa Uruchi Faith. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Uwosu Chika Doris, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Chika Doris Ume. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Victoria Oviri, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Victoria Ererene. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

I, formerly known and

I, formerly known and addressed as Chris Efeurusuwa, now wish to be known and addressed as Eferusuoa Chris Ayibaesin. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

OPUT A OPUTA

DIKE

OKAFOR

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I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Oputa Virginia Obiageli, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Offordile Virginia Obiageli. All former documents remain valid, University of Lagos, University of Benin and general public, please take note.

I, formerly known as Miss Sheila Dike, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Sheila Adetona. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Okafor Judith Amarachi, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Madumere Judith Amarachi. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Odueme Anneth Aduenifori, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Abrozieno Anneth Aduenifori. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

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addressed as Akhibi Maria, now wish to be known and addressed as Sode Maria. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Ogechukwuka Iyase, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Ogechukwuka Chegwe. All former documents remain valid. Delta State Polytechnic OgwashiUku, Novena University Ogume, NAU Awka, ICAN and other requisite authority and general public please take note.

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ADEGOKE I, formerly known as Adeola Akitoye Adegoke, now wish to be known and addressed as Adeola Adewunmi Akitoye. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

38 â&#x20AC;&#x201D;Vanguard, FRIDAY, JULY 1, 2016

ELUU

I, formerly known as Miss Eluu Blessing Ifenyinwa Anthony, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Ikechukwu Blessing Ifenyinwa. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

ONORIODE Confirmation of name This is to confirm that the name Temikpesan Onoriode and Temikpesan Onoriode Blessing is one and the same person, but now wish to be known and addressed as Temikpesan Onoriode Blessing. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

EBUNAM I, formerly known as Miss Ebunam Peace Okwuchukwu, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Osuno Peace Okwuchukwu. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

ORINYA I, formerly known as Miss Josephine Uchenna Orinya, now wish to be known and addressed as Miss Josephine Uchenna Nwaekezie. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

HOPE I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Jeremiah Yetunde Hope, now wish to be known and addressed as Miss Jeremiah Yetunde Aimalohi. All former documents remain valid. General Public, please take note.

OKEKE I, formerly known and addressed as Prince John Ikechukwu Okeke, now wish to be known and addressed as Ikechukwu Okeke. All former documents remain valid. Banks and general public please take note.

MATASIO I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Matasio Ether Migalista, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Mojekwu Ether Migalista. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note. C M Y K

CHIDALU I, formerly known as Barr. Orji Augustina Chidalu, now wish to be known and addressed as Barr. Mrs. Akanihu Augustina Chidalu. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

JOE

Addition of Name I, formerly known as Joe Clement, now wish to be known and addressed as Joe Clement Nsekpong. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

OJONE I, formerly known as Blessing James Ojone Okoye, now wish to be known and addressed as Blessing Usman. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

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OKORO

I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Okoro Jennifer Akpevweoghene, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Iheanacho Jennifer. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME OKEKE Confirmation of Name The general public should please note that Mr. Okeke Charles Ikechukwu and Mr. Akanihu Charles Ikechukwu is one and same person. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

AIMAYO Confirmation of name This is to confirm that the name Blessing Eduzala Aimayo, Eduzala Aimayo Iyangbe, Aimayo Blessing is one and the same person, but now wish to be known and addressed as Blessing Eduzala Aimayo. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

BEKIBELE I, formerly known as Miss Dorcas Oghenerute Bekibele, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Dorcas Okengwu Akanu. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

OKORORIE I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Okororie Maryann Amarachukwu, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Okoye Maryann Amarachukwu. All former documents remain valid. General Public, please take note.

ODIGBO I, formerly known and addressed as Odigbo Samuel Ebere Maureen, now wish to be known and addressed as Odigbo Ebere Maureen. All former documents remain valid. General Public, please take note.

FOLUTO

OYETOLA

OKOZNA

I, formerly known as

Oyetola Mathias Soji, now wish to be known

Okozna Titus, now

and addressed as

addressed as Nwaenyi

Ismael Mathias Soji.

Titus.

All former documents

documents remain

remain valid. General public take note.

valid. General public

IDEHEN I, formerly known as Glory Idehen, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Glory Owhodo Erhiawaye. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

wish to be known and All

former

take note.

SMITH I, formerly known as Miss Smith Olayinka Beauty, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Osagie Olayinka Beauty. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

ODEGHE I, formerly known as A m b r o s e Oghenerukevwe Odeghe, now wish to be known and addressed as Ambrose Odeghe Wurie Onasis. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

AJAERO I, formerly known as Ajaero Ifeoma Gift, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Onyedaka Ifeoma Gift. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

OMOYELE

ENOCH

EABI

I, formerly known as Iheonu Enoch, now wish to be known and addressed as Iheonu Enoch Chinedu. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

I, formerly known as Eabi Anna Agbor, now wish to be known and addressed as Effiom Anna Agbor. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

I, formerly known as Omoyele Abiola Temitope, now wish to be known and addressed as Jedo Abiola Temitope. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

OLADOKUN

ADELEKE

EGEDE

I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Nusirat Titilayo Oladokun, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Nusirat Titilayo Ogunmuyiwa. All former documents remain valid. General Public, please take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as Adeleke Mikail Isiak, now wish to be known and addressed as Adeleke Babalola Micheal. All former documents remain valid. General Public, please take note.

Correction of Name My name was wrongly written as Egede Henrietta Noyinipi, instead of Egede Henrietta Nonyenem. All former documents remain valid. General Public, please take note.

IMONITIE

EKANEM

OLAWALE

I, formerly known and addressed as Ekanem Utitofon Benson, now wish to be known and addressed as Kayode Utitofon Benson Ekanem. All former documents remain valid. General Public, please take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as Olawale Ayoola Ogungbemi, now wish to be known and addressed as Olawale Ayoola Kayode. All former documents remain valid. General Public, please take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Imonitie Joy Omolegho, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Utomi Joy Omolegho. All former documents remain valid. General Public, please take note.

OGBODU

I, Foluto Adeola Adebayo of No 1 Lekan Carrena Avenue, Fidiso Estate, Abijo, Ajah, now wish to be known as Foluto Adeola Oyeleke. A l l former documents remain valid. All relevant bodies and general public please take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Ogbodu Path, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Egbi Path Toju. All former documents remain valid, any authority and the general public to take note.

AREMO

OGUDE

I, formerly known and addressed as Aremo Moronke, now wish to be known and addressed as Aremo M o r o n k e Onosenibuian. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as Ngozi Eucharia Ogude, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Ngozi Eucharia Uzoechina. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

MBANUGO I, formerly known and addressed as Dr. (Miss) Mbanugo Esther Onyeka, now wish to be known and addressed as Dr. (Mrs.) Anekwu Esther Onyeka. All former documents remain valid. Nnamdi Azikiwe University Awka, UNN, Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria and general public please take note.

ERASOR I, formerly known and addressed as Mrs Erasor Blessing Ngozi, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Oteri Blessing Ngozi. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

EZEOHA I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Peace Ngozi Ezeoha, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Peace Ngozi Nwobodo. All former documents remain valid. Enugu State Health Board (ESHB), Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria and general public please take note.

UDUAGHAN I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Uduaghan Evelyn Roli, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Tsholuwa Evelyn Roli. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

Vanguard, FRIDAY, JULY 1, 2016

— 39

CHANGE OF NAME FREGENE

ASEMO TA ASEMOT

JUBRIL

I, formerly known and addressed as Ufuoma Kpirhe, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Ufuoma Kpirhe Ugbi. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

ONORIODE I, formerly known and addressed as Mrs Gladys Onoriode, now wish to be known and addressed as Gladys Ogwa Oroyovwe. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

Confirmation of Name This is to confirm that Fregene Godfrey, Fregene Godfrey Popo, Ajemigbogho Johnson Popo refer to one and same person, now wish to be known and addressed as Ajemigbogho Johnson Popo. All former documents remain valid. The general public should please take note.

I, formerly known as Patricia Osama Asemota , now wish to be known and addressed as Patricia Osama Aderibigbe. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

I, formerly known as Adegor Jubril Oghenenyerhovwo Darlington, now wish to be known and addressed as Adegor D a r l i n g t o n Oghenenyerhovwo. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

FUOBOH

UMUK OR O UMUKOR ORO

BALA

UTI

I, formerly known and addressed as Aghoghovwia Samuel Adogbeji, now wish to be known and addressed as Aghoghovwia Samuel Aduvie. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

EGBREGBA

I, formerly known and address as Fuoboh Berlin, now wish to be known and address as Fuoboh Godwin . All former documents remain valid. Eco bank, First bank. General public take note.

I, formerly known and address as Miss Egbregba Ajiri Prudence, now wish to be known and address as Mrs Ejairu Ajiri Prudence. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

I, formerly known and address as Umukoro Michael Onijomote, now wish to be known and address as Umukoro Michael Edirin . All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

I, formerly known and address as Bala Amos Daru, now wish to be known and addressed as David Amos Daru. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

Reconciliation of name

IDJEDINE

AKPOIGBE

ONO YOVWERE ONOY

JOE

BABOR

OKIGBO

I, formerly known and addressed as Gowon Omonigho Idjedine, now wish to be known and addressed as Festus Omovigho Idjedena. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Tessy Elohor Akpoigbe, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Tessy Elohor Lude. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as Jahfegor Onoyovwere, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Jahfegor Ohworeko. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

Reconciliation of name I, Mr Napoleon Joe Igiogbe wish to notify the general public that “Ojanuyovwi” is my father’s surname while “Napoleon” is my father’s first name. All former documents remain valid. UBA, SUBEB, ECO BANK, OAK and general public please take note.

Reconciliation of name This is to certify that Babor Jessica Oghenerume and Babor Oghenerume is the same and one person, now wish to be known and addressed as Babor Jessica Oghenerume. All former documents remain valid. Ecobank, First bank and general public please take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Ukamaka Perpetua Okigbo, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Ukamaka Perpetua Onwughalu. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

OKPUNOR

ENEBELI

TUOMOKEME

RAJI

OKPOR

ALABI

I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Okpunor Lovet Ijeoma, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Ivrogbor Lovet Ijeoma. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as Miss E n e b e l i Chukwunonso, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. E r o k w u Chukwunonso. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as Miss T u o m o k e m e Oyinagonaemi Rita, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Edonyabo Tuomokeme Oyinagonaemi Rita. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Raji Abiodun Monsurat, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Abiodun Raji-Ebogi. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as Okpor John Emmanuel, now wish to be known and addressed as Prince John Emmanuel. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

CHIKELU

AKPODONOR

ENUWE

AJ AYI AJA

Correction of Name My correct name is Chikelu Uchenna Chikezie, but it was wrongly entered as Chikelue Uche in my Bachelor of Science degree Certificate, 1997. This is to confirm that Chikelu Uchenna Chikezie and Chikelue Uche is one and the same person. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as Akpodonor Emily, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Oyokose Emily. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Eloho Helen Enuwe, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Eloho Helen EnuweBayagbon. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

ODIETE

THEODORA

UGBI

I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Theodora Iziegbe Akhimien, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Theodora Iziegbe Omole. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

ADOGBEJI

OGUNLOLA I, formerly known and addressed as Ogunlola Opeyemi Modupe, now wish to be known and addressed as Eribake Opeyemi Modupe. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

OGOCHUKWU I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Patricia Ogochukwu Agbojimona, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Patricia Omoviye. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note. C M Y K

I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Odiete Philomina, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Izakpa Philomina. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

YOUPELE

I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Youpele Mary Peremoboere, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Omovwohwovie Merry Peremoboere. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

EKEH

This is to certify that Uti Sunday Micheal and Uti Michael is the same and one person, now wish to be known and addressed as Uti Sunday Micheal. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

Confirmation of Name This is to confirm that the names Alabi Nofiu Sunday and Alabi Busayo Nofiu refer to one and the same person, but now wish to be known and addressed as Alabi Busayo Nofiu. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

UMOH

I, formerly known and addressed as Ajayi Felix Abidemi, now wish to be known and addressed as Oluwatobiloba Felix Abidemi. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as Ekeh Chukwuemeka Iheanyi, now wish to be known and addressed as Eke Kingsley Emeka. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

Correction of Name My name was wrongly written as Umoh Edet Udofia as my Access Bank Plc account name, instead of Umoh Eddy Udofia. My correct name is Umoh Eddy Udofia. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

AUSTINE

VOTED

ETUOMA

AKPO VIRI AKPOVIRI

I, formerly known and addressed as Austine Onoreji, now wish to be known and addressed as Augustine Vamu Onoreji. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as Oyovwi Voted Igho, now wish to be known and addressed as Oyovwi Prince Ighowho. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as Etuoma

I, formerly known and

OMINIJEI

Addition of Name I, formerly known and addressed as Ominijei Regina, now wish to be known and addressed as Ominijei Regina Obatawe. All former documents remain valid. Eco Bank PLC and general public please take note.

DEBO

Confirmation of Name I, Mrs. Debo Dogiye Silas do hereby confirm that the names Dogiye Debo and Dogiye Silas refer to one and same me. I now wish to be known and addressed as Debo Dogiye Silas. All former document remain valid. Brass Local Government Area and general public please take note.

Leena, now wish to be known and addressed as Okpako Leena Tegha. All former

addressed as Akpoviri Ewoma, now wish to be known and addressed as Lyon Ewoma. All

documents remain valid. General public

former

please take note.

public please take note.

EBIGEMOWEI I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Ebi - Tengo Ebigemowei, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Ebideseghabofa Jetha Tengi. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

documents

remain valid. General

STEPHEN

I, formerly known and addressed as Stephen Mercy Ebidiseghabofa, now wish to be known and addressed as A m a z a m a Ebidiseghabofa Mercy. All former documents remain valid. First bank Plc and general public please take note.

40 — Vanguard, FRIDAY, JULY 1, 2016 NKANGA I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Inyene Emaeyak Nkanga, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Inyene Mfon Inyang. All former documents remain valid. General pubic, please take note.

ESIRI

CHANGE OF NAME UWOYE

DARAMOLA

ODJENI

I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Uwoye Omozusi Violet, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Omokhafe Omozusi Violet. All former documents remain valid. General pubic, please take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as Mutiat Asabi Daramola, now wish to be known and addressed as Mutiat (or Muti) Asabi Dottie. All former documents remain valid. General pubic, please take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Elohor Jenifer Odjeni, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Elohor Ovite. All former documents remain valid. NYSC and general pubic, please take note.

UTUEDOR I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Utuedor Elohor Becky, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Dirisu Omokagbon Elohor Becky. All former documents remain valid. General pubic, please take note.

SARAH

EYETAN

SANI

I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Evumovwe Helen Esiri, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Eyekpimi Helen Esiri. All former documents remain valid. The general public should please take note.

I formerly known and addressed as Eleje Eyetan Dennis, now wish to be known and addressed as Elete Eyetan Dennis. All former documents remain valid. The general public should please take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Sarah Udoka Agagaraga, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Sarah Udoka Okolo. All former documents remain valid. The general public should please take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Dowrah Sani, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Dowrah Archibong. All former documents remain valid. Nigerian Navy and general public should please take note.

SANNI

MATHEW

OKAFOR

ONYEISI

ODOGWU I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Joy Anwulika Odogwu, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Beinmote-Ayerite Joy Anwulika. All former Documents remain valid. General public please take note.

DOMINIC

I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Sherifat Iyabode Sanni, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Sherifat Iyabode Brown, All former Documents remain valid. General public please take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Mathew Chidinma, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Itiekhao Chidinma. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as Miss G i f t - O f - G o d Chiamaka, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Gift-Of-God Chiamaka Obinna. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Onyeisi Anwuli Sandra, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Okoh Anwuli Sandra. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as Chidinma Akuoma Dominic, now wish to be known and addressed as Chidinma Akuoma Nwankiti. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

ISIRIMA

IGWE

OPARA

EMEH

ABILI

I, formerly known and addressed as Koyeni Rita Isirima, now wish to be known, called and addressed as Koyeni Samuel, all former documents bearing my former name remain valid. Rivers State Universal Basic Education Board, Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, Zenith Bank Plc, First Bank Plc and general public please take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Igwe Oluchi Favour, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Solomon Oluchi Favour. All for mer documents remain valid. General public please take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Opara Catherine, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Webilor Catherine. All former documents remain valid. Guarantee Trust Bank (G.T.B) and general public please take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Chisom Grace Emeh, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Chisom Grace Amandi Ikeh. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Anasuodei Oweika Abili, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Anasuodei Bemoifie Moko. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

KAREN I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Karen Oghenerukevbe Edafienene, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Karen Oghenerukevbe Obomanu. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

DIKE I, formerly known and addressed as Dike C o n f i n d e n c e Ebelechukwu, now wish to be known and addressed as Okonkwo Confidence Ebelechukwu. All former documents remain valid. First Bank, Zenith Bank, Access Bank and general public please take note.

BALOGUN Confirmation of Name This is to confirm that the names Pastor (Mrs) Stella Balogun, Stella Sunday Balogun and Stella Sunday Onomele is one and the same person, but now wish to be known and addressed as Stella Onomele Sunday Balogun. All former documents remain valid. Union Bank, Skye Bank, FCMB and general public please take note.

ADEMU

ASABE

I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Mariam Ademu, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Abdul Mariam Ufedo. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Asabe Maritatama, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Wakawa Asabe Ayuba. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

ODOGU

ISA

I, formerly known and addressed as Mr. Ikani Odogu, now wish to be known and addressed as Mr. Vincent Ikani Odogu. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

I, formerly known and

OJELERE I, formerly known and addressed as Ibukunoluwa Adeola Ojelere, now wish to be known and addressed as Ibukunoluwa Adeola Akinyemi. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

Ese Isa, now wish to be known and addressed Ese

I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Ezeokara Martha Chekwube, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Irunkwor Martha Chekwube Eruemulor E. All former documents remain valid. Setraco Nigeria Limited and general public please take note.

OJO-JOEL

addressed as Jemila

EZEOKARA

Wealth

Oghenetega. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Ojo-Joel Mercy, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Olaleye Omolola Mercy. All for mer documents remain valid. CBN Africa and general public please take note.

ONAH I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Eunice Ohuma Onah, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Eunice Ohuma Odah. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

MGBAKOGU I, formerly known and addressed as Chidinma Mgbakogu, now wish to be known and addressed as Chidinma Roseline Otuojor. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

KAREN I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Karen Ghenerukevbe Edafienene, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Karen Oghenerukevbe Obomanu. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

SPACE FOR SALE

ABU partners finance houses on low interest education loan •Launches e-learning MBA programme By Olasunkanmi Akoni

HMADU Bello University, ABU, Zaria in collaboration with some financial institutions has concluded plans to provide financial support for interested students on low interest education loan. This came as it launched an online MBA program where examinations can be written at designated centres in Lagos, Abuja and Zaria. Director of the Distance Learning Centre of the institution, Prof. Adamu Hassan who disclosed this in a statement, added that the tuition costs would be paid upfront allowing a payment window of 3-6 months with an agreed interest rate. He also said that arrangement had been concluded for internship opportunities for interested candidates in their second year, while the closing date for the form is September 27, 2016. The online programme program, Hassan said was designed to allow students to attend lectures without coming to the physical campus, while the working class need not quit their jobs as lectures would be available electronically on both the web platform and mobile devices that can work even offline to give the desired flexibility needed to study at the pace of the students. He said: “The admission process is also fully electronic and is done on the website from application to payments, to course registration, to lectures. You do not have to submit physical forms or cash, everything can be done digitally on the website www.abudlc.edu.ng. This is the e-learning revolution where learning is brought to the comfort of the students.” The Director added that after registration, each student would be provided with a device to allow them watch lecture videos, take quizzes, submit assignments, interact with their lectures and classmates, download and upload assignments, and have access to an endless collection of books from the e-library.

VANGUARD, FRIDAY, JULY 1, 2016—41

MMPN IIftar ftar with Home Affairs Commissioner

Ramadan 26, 1437 A.H.

Another Night of power A

LL praise is due to Allaah, for giving us the month of Ramadan, a blessed month over others. May the blessings and peace be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family and his Companions. The Holy Quran Chapter 97: 15 describes the significance of Laylat al-Qadr. Allah says: •Indeed, We sent the Qur’an down during the Night of Decree. •And what can make you know what is the Night of Decree? •The Night of Decree is better than a thousand months. •The angels and the Spirit descend therein by permission of their Lord for every matter. •Peace it is until the emergence of dawn.

worshipping Allah in that night equals the reward of worshipping Him for one thousand months which means eighty three years, three months and three days. Angels descend to the earth with goodness, blessing, and mercy for the believers. Therefore, it is a reassuring night, in which many people are freed of torment, and prayers are answered. Allah, the Lord that hidden as well as apparent concealed that night from His Servants out of

Night of decree This Night of Decree, is one of the major blessings of Ramadan. During this night, Quran was sent to Prophet Muhammad (s.a.w.). Ibn ‘Abbaas and others said: “Allah sent down the Quran at one time from al-Lawh al-Mahfooz to Bayt al-‘Izzah in the first heaven, then it was revealed to the Messenger of Allah (s.a.w) in stages according to events over twentythree years.” Again, about this night, the prophet has informed us that all our sins could be forgiven. Worshipping Allah on that night is better than worshipping Him for 1000 months. The significance of this night is obvious from the fact that worshipping during this ONE night is better than worshipping Allah for more than 1000months (not days). The reward of

Which virtue is more considerable than this for the one who Allah grants pardon? None! His pardon comes with loaded blessings in this ephemeral world and the Hereafter

mercy so that they would increase their acts of worship and gain the great reward by seeking the nights in worships. It is safer that

one assume each night is the blessed night, and worship all through the night. These blessings remain throughout the night until the break of dawn and are not confined to any specific hour. By this, we shall gain the reward of each night, if we perform Qiyam the entire ten days. Remember that the reward for every action in this period is multiplied. So, it is better to be awake in worship, prayers so as to gain the great reward and benefit of these blessed nights in drawing near to Allah because they are opportunities that comes only once in a year. One of the things which cause worry and sadness is when you realised you missed one golden opportunity to achieve great success. This kind of people will procastinate on which day of the last ten days to do Qiyam lail and thus they keep postponing it until the month runs out. They will miss doing Qiyam lail and intense prayers and therefore, they will miss this great opportunity. Which virtue is more considerable than this for the one who Allah grants pardon? None! His pardon comes with loaded blessings in this ephemeral world and the Hereafter. Repent to Allah and ask Him for forgiveness, for indeed the door of repentance has been opened for you, and He calls you to it and made for you a season for goodness. So, be persistent, may Allaah have mercy upon you, in seeking this night, and strive by righteous actions so that you obtain its reward, for verily the deprived one is the one for whom the reward has been forbidden.

From left: Dr. Abdul-Hakeem Abdul-Lateef, Lagos State Commissioner of Home Affairs, Alh. Monsur Olowosago, Chairman/Publisher of Oriwu Sun Newspaper and Senator Ganiyu Solomon, during 2016 Ramadan Tafsir and Iftar with Members of Muslim Media Practitioners of Nigeria, MMPN, Lagos chapter hosted by the commissioner of Home Affairs held at Lagos House, Ikeja. Photo: Bunmi Azeez

From left: Mrs. Grace Oladimeji, Permanent Secretary Lagos State Ministry of Home Affairs, Mrs. Ronke Solomon, wife Senator Ganiyu Solomon and Mrs. Uzamat Akinbile-Yusuf, Commission of Youth and Social Development, at the event

From left: Imam Tijani Adejare, Chief Imam Lagos State House Mosque, Imam Nuraeni Jumurat, Missioner, Mushin Mission Anwar Ul Islam, Alh. A.B. Yusuf, National Missioner Anwar-Ul Islam Society and Imam A.K. Lawal, Lagos state at the event

HAJJ: Govt provides more slots for prospective pilgrims

From left: Media Coordinator, Alhaji Femi Abass; Executive Secretary, Prof. Daud Noibi; Osun State Representative, Alhaji Kamal Dairo and the Ogun state representative, MUSWEN, Ahaji Kamaldeen Akintunde during a Press conference by Muslim Umah Southwest of Nigeria (MUSWEN) on wearing of Hijab in Osun State Schools. Photo: Dare Fasube

GUN State Muslim Pilgrims’ Welfare Board (OGMPWB) has urged prospective Muslim pilgrims, who desire to partake in this year’s hajj exercise to promptly liaise with the Department of the Finance and Accounts of the Board for the procurement of the forms and other necessary formalities on or before Friday, 8th July, 2016. The Executive Secretary, Alhaji Sefiu Rasheed who disclosed this in Abeokuta said the additional hajj slots was made available by the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), Abuja to accommodate more pilgrims from the state and should follow the earlier enunciated guidelines for 2016 hajj exercise. Meanwhile, all eligible intending pilgrims, who have also updated their initial deposits of hajj fare to the tune of N1,100,000.00 are required to come along with

their original payment receipt for inoculation and medical screening exercises at the Board’s Headquarters, Block B, Secretariat Complex, Abeokuta. According to the Executive Secretary the screening exercise is scheduled to hold from Tuesday 12th to Friday 15th July 2016 by 9.00 a.m daily, explaining that pilgrims were requested to visit the Board’s Information Department to ascertain when they would be attended to. Alhaji Rasheed stated that information gathered during this exercise would guide the Board in offering necessary medical attention to the pilgrims in Saudi Arabia, enjoining all intending pilgrims who had earlier perfected their records of payments to submit their E-passports at the Board’s Headquarters for processing of travelling documents.

42—VANGUARD, FIRDAY, JULY 1, 2016

•Buruji

•Chris Uba

•Ojugboh

•Uzodinma

Sheriff and his disciples •Sheriff: Where does he draw his strength to sustain the fight?

By Ben Agande

PART from the governors of the party who brought him and stood by him through the storm leading up to the convention, all the major stakeholders in the party, including some of its founding fathers were up in arms against him. It was felt that with the governors standing firmly behind him; there was a flicker of hope that perhaps, Sheriff would be able to weather the storm of controversy that had dogged his emergence. But when Senator Sheriff fell out with the governors as a result of his unilateral cancellation of the Port Harcourt convention, which the governors insisted must go on, it was widely believed that his stay as the chairman was getting to the end of its tethers. Recent events in the party, however, point to the contrary. With almost all the major stakeholders in the party against Senator Sheriff, the question that comes to mind is, where does Sheriff draw his strength to sustain the fight that he has so far done successfully? A careful interrogation of the Sheriff personae will, however, provide an insight into why Sheriff may stay on in the fight for a while longer. Since coming into the limelight, Sheriff has presented an image of a political juggernaut who takes no hostages and brooks no

opposition to his leadership. His eight-year stay as governor of Borno State cemented his hold on the party and extended his sphere of influence to the national level which was crowned with his appointment as the chairman of the Board of Trustees, BoT of his former party, the All Nigeria Peoples Party. Beyond the reach and capacity of Senator Sheriff, he has the support of a few but very powerful, albeit controversial politicians who are ready to back him all the way.

former President Olusegun Obasanjo, Chief Bode George and lately with Governor Ayodele Fayose among others. Apart from his furious attempts to stave off deportation to the United States of America to face some charges, the controversial Ogun senator has used his robust physique and

Another strong backer of Sheriff is Chris Uba, the controversial Anambra born political giant with a petite physique, who sensationally held hostage the former governor of Anambra State, Chris Ngige in 2003 and allegedly forced him to resign from office.

Ignominious incidence

Powerful individuals It is instructive to note that though the raison d’être for the support that Senator Sheriff enjoys from these few but powerful individuals may be at variance with why Senator Sheriff is insisting on remaining in office against all odds, they are united by their disdain for certain key players in the party who are opposed to Sheriff. Principal among those backing Sheriff is Senator Buruji Kashamu; the controversial Senator from Ogun State. Senator Kashamu’s short and controversial political trajectory has been laced with much controversies and fights with the National Drugs Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA,

When Senator Ali Modu Sheriff was plucked from political hibernation and enthroned as national chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, by governors the whirlwind of opposition that erupted against him created the impression that his stay would be short-lived.

Since coming into the limelight, Sheriff has presented an image of a political juggernaut who takes no hostages and brooks no opposition to his leadership alleged deep pockets to bulldoze his way through the tricky politics of the South West and registered himself as a power to contend with.

Since that ignominious incidence, Uba has had his hand in all the controversies that have dogged Anambra politics till now. In fact, he challenged the emergence of his brother, Andy Uba as the senatorial candidate in the last election and pursued the case to the Supreme Court. Chris Uba’s support for Sheriff is as much a matter of political self-survival and relevance as it is to expand his sphere of influence. For a man who has the singular record of being the youngest member of the Board of Trustees of the party, Chris Uba cannot afford to see his investment in the PDP blown away by the emergence of a PDP leader that he would not have an influence on. Sheriff appears to be giving him a listening ear that he is not sure to get from any other outsider that he may not be too familiar with. Also backing Sheriff is

Senator Hope Uzodinma, a man with a controversial record in his Imo State base. Sheriff also has Dr. Cairo Ojugboh, who he has appointed as the erstwhile national vice chairman of the party. Ojugboh, a one time foot soldier for Chief Tony Anenih was recently in the news over his faceoff with erstwhile Secretary to the Government of the Federation, SGF, Anyim Pius Anyim over alleged improprieties in the Abuja Centenarian Land project. Sheriff at a point had Chief Tom Ikimi with him, but Ikimi is believed to have also turned his back on him especially since Sheriff started meddling in the affairs of the Edo State chapter of the party. For the PDP, these are very trying time. Senator Sheriff may not have all the big men in the party lined up behind him. But he is one man that the party cannot pick a fight with and hope to defeat him easily on the battle field. The only option left to the leaders of the party is to navigate the path of political solution. Sheriff has demonstrated that he cannot be wished away by the threat of expulsion. He has enough capacity and capability to wage this war with dire consequences for the very survival of the party. This is not an option that the party should not be considering lightly.

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44—Vanguard, FRIDAY, JULY 1, 2016

Abia governorship: Lawyers divided over INEC's issuance of certificate to Ogah By Emmanuel Aziken, Political Editor , Innocent Anaba, Anayo Okoli, Omezia Ajayi Abdulwahab Abdulah, Dapo Akinrefon, Charles Kumolu & Gbenga Oke

IXED reactions, among legal minds, yesterday trailed INEC’s issuance of certificate of returns to Uche Ogah, following Monday’s judgement by a Federal High Court, Abuja, which ruled against Governor Okezie Ikpeazu of Abia State. While some of the lawyers argued that INEC merely obeyed a court order, others contended that the action of the electoral commission was illegal. Let the court decide — Sagay In his remarks, Chairman, Presidential Advisory Committee against Corruption, Prof Itse Sagay, SAN, said the matter should be decided by the courts. Sagay said: “This is an unprecedented case because it has never happened in law. The only similar case was the Amaechi versus Omehia case which was taken to the Supreme Court. In that instance, Amaechi was the elected candidate of the party but Omehia went ahead to contest and win the election. At the end of the day, the Supreme Court ruled that Amaechi was the candidate of the party and should be the governor. In this case, Ogah came second during the primaries while Ikpeazu came first. I think the courts will be ones to decide.” It is illegal, null and void — Ozekhome The action is illegal, null and void. The action is unconstitutional, illegal and of no effect whatsoever.

Judgment is laughable There is what you call doctrine of lis pendens which means that once matter has been submitted to Court and the parties are aware that one of the parties is already in court or on an appeal, then parties should refrain from taking any steps that will be detrimental to the other party in the matter. This judgement is not going to stand for so many reasons, from what I have read in the last few days, a judge who is not a member of the Election Petition Tribunal is annulling the election of a governor after the governor has been successfully elected and after he has fought his election up to the Supreme and the Supreme Court validated his election. To me, the judgement given by my learned judge is laughable and I can assure you, neither the Appeal Court nor the Supreme Court will uphold that funny

National Commissioner, Independent National Electoral Commission's (INECs), South East, Ambassador Lawrence Nwuruku (right), handing over the Abia State gubernatorial Certificate to Dr Sampson Uchechukwu Ogah as the rightful winner of the April 2015 gubernatorial election in Abia state as ordered by Justice O.E. Abang of the Federal High Court, in Abuja yesterday.

Abia governor, Ikpeazu

judgement. Ikpeazu should show that INEC was served –Ngige In his remarks, Chief Emeka Ngige,SAN, said: ‘’Based on the facts that I have, INEC may be right if only they have not been served a notice of appeal and stay of execution by Ikpeazu. But if they have been served they cannot issue the Certificate of Return. The burden is now on Ikpeazu to show that INEC has been served a notice of appeal and stay of execution, in which case, he can remain in office.” Action can lead to chaos — Babatunde Fashanu, SAN. Fashanu said, “This is no rocket science at all. If the incumbent has indeed appealed, he is deemed by law to still be the governor until his appeal is determined. Because of his right to appeal within 21 days of the judgement of the Election Tribunal, he is also deemed to remain in office until the expiration of the 21 days even if he did not file an appeal (see Section 143 of the Electoral Act) . “In my view, INEC should

have waited for the appeal to be determined before issuing the certificate in the event the appeal fails. The action is precipitous and pre-emptive and can lead to chaos. The certificate should be withdrawn immediately. It’s wrong, says Adeshina, ex-NBA scribe Former national secretary of Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Deacon Dele Adeshina, SAN, said it is wrong to issue the certificate while appeal is pending. As long as appeal has been filed against the judgement and there is stay of execution, it will be totally wrong and illegal for INEC to issue certificate of return to another person. It will be premature for INEC to execute the judgement. INEC’s action, affront on judiciary — Agbaje Fred Agbaje, rights activist and constitutional lawyer said anything goes in a free society. He added: “INEC’s action was an affront on judiciary. Since, there is an appeal, the commission needs to have waited for the outcome of court of appeal on the matter before taking any step. INEC is supposed to wait for court of appeal to decide the fate of the man. The action of the commission is illegal and cannot stand the test of law. What the commission did was to donate power to the opponent of the

governor, what if the court of appeal upturns the judgement? The action of the commission is unacceptable in law and it is illegal. INEC complied with a court order — Ubani Mr Monday Ubani, Ex NBA, Ikeja chairman said, INEC complied with court order. INEC complied with the order of the court. We are also expecting the chief judge of the state to swear in Ogar, because that is the order of court. “I hear a particular high court in Osisioma Ngwa issued an injunction, The Osisioma court is a court of co-ordinate jurisdiction with the Federal

The judgement given by my learned judge is laughable and I can assure you, neither the Appeal Court nor the Supreme Court will uphold that funny judgement High Court. If there is any order to be made and obeyed, it should be an order from a higher court. When was the case filed and when was it assigned and served, even if it is on ex-parte. You can only upturn the existing order of a court if its a higher court.

Appeal no excuse to disobey court order — Igbinedion An Edo State-born rights activist and legal practitioner, Dele Igbinedion shared a contrary view on the matter. He said once there is a judgment, it must be obeyed by the parties. An appeal, he said, was not an excuse to disobey court order. “It is the right of the governor to appeal against the judgment but that does not mean that the judgment was not in existence, the moment the court made pronouncement on the matter, the judgment has comes into existence." Mr Kunle Ogunba, SAN I must state first and foremost state that I don’t have the full facts of the matter. But the question I will like to ask and have an answer is: Did his lawyers file for stay of execution of the judgment? I read that they have appealed, but did they also go back to the lower court to ask for a stay? I know that an appeal does not act as a stay in all cases, so, was an application for stay filed, because there is no law stopping the beneficiary of a judgment from enjoying the fruit of his labour.

Factionalization within the PDP But if an application for stay was filed and served on parties, I believe it will be wrong for the authorities involved not to wait for the outcome of appeal. It’s a conspiracy, says EbunOlu Adegboruwa Adegboruwa who alleged conspiracy by the All Progressives Congress, APC, to play the case to its advantage, said: “There is said to be a grand plan, now in its well advanced stage, to swear in Ogar, who will then subsequently defect to the ruling APC, on the excuse of the factionalization within the PDP between Modu Sheriff and Ahmed Markafi. On June 29, 2016, the sitting governor of Abia State, Mr Okezie Ikpeazu, filed an appeal against the said judgment, together with an application for a stay of execution of the judgment of court. The said application is yet to be heard or determined by the court, the consequence of which is that the judgment of court cannot be enforced. It is well settled in our laws, up to the Supreme Court, that once an appeal has been filed against a judgment and the appellant has also filed an application to stay the execution of the said judgment, that judgment cannot be enforced, until the application for a stay of execution has been heard and determined. It is a dangerous precedent that the APC led government is setting for our democracy, if it is lying in wait and prodding INEC to violate the basic tenets of democracy, which is respect for the rule of law and due process.”

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46 — Vanguard, FRIDAY, JULY 1, 2016

Rio 2016: We're training with ‘bare hands’— Ajagba, Konyegwachi BY BEN EFE

IGERIA’s only boxer to the 2016 Olympics, Efe Ajagba and his coach Tony Konyegwachi compared their preparations and training at the National Stadium Boxing complex at Surulere, Lagos to a farmer doing his chores without a cutlass. Ajagba disclosed that his aim at the Olympics is to win the gold, but training without key equipment is a major frustration. “We don’t have facilities. We are just training with our own minds. There are no punching gloves, and modern punching bags, the one we have right now, if you punch it, it slips and you bump your shoulders on it. “My weight category is very competitive and I have to be at my best. But I am watching videos of the boxers I am

Tough Jabs... Efe Ajagba taking advantage of an opponent during the 2014 Commonwealth Games where he won bronze. Can he make any difference at the competitive Olympic Games? likely to meet and learning everyday. I am doing the same training given to me for the Commonwealth Games, Africa Games and the qualifiers for the Olympics,” said the super heavy-weight boxer. Coach Konyegwachie

added that apart from the lack of equipment, training was going on well. “We are doing just fine even though it’s like we are training with bare hands. Ajagba being the only boxer going to the Olympics is also a blessing.

“This is because the concentration is on him unlike training 20 boxers. We have finished our first phase camping and are waiting for the training tour promised by the Sports Minister to give him the much needed exposure,” said Konyeghwachie.

School kids light up Lagos with dance, drama ahead Olympic Day Run BY CHINWE OKEKE

T was fun galore yesterday at the indoor hall of the National Stadium, Surelere, where pupils from Government and private schools in Lagos lightened up the venue with heart-thrilling performances. The occasion was an appetizer to the Olympic Day Run celebration which holds worldwide tomorrow. The Olympic Day Run is an Olympic Movement activity promoting mass participation of sports. In his speech yesterday, the chairman of the Nigeria Sports For All Commission, Prince Henry Amike, said that Olympic Day ‘’is a day set aside for everyone to come together, move together and learn about Olympic values of excellence, friendship and respect. The goal of Olympism is to place sport at the service of harmonious development of human kind with a view to promoting a peaceful story

concerned with the preservation of human dignity. We encourage everyone to discover that sport for all is a physical activity that everyone can include in their daily routine’’. Vice President of the NOC, Evangelist Solomon

Ogba declared it open amidst thunderous ovations from the students. Dignitaries who graced the occasion include the second Vice President of NOC, Dr Fatai Williams, Liaison Officer of the Ministry of Sports, Mrs Tayo Oreweme who

represented the Minister of Sports, Barrister Solomon Dalung, officials from Nigerian Communications Commission, NCC, Olympians Enefiok Enobong. Atlanta ’96 Long Jump gold medallist Chioma Ajunwa, Falilat Ogunkoya among an array of stars.

Aruna Quadri tops Commonwealth ranking list

PART from being the best player in Africa, Nigeria’s Aruna Quadri has become the first African player to top the ranking list of players in the Commonwealth. According to the ranking list released by the Technical Committee of the Commonwealth Table Tennis Federation (CTTF), Quadri who has been playing second fiddle to players from Singapore became the highest rated player among players from the Commonwealth nations. Among the 277 players listed in the ranking, Quadri garnered 2385 points to beat

Singapore’s Gao Ning, which has 2384 to second place. England’s Pitchford Liam has 2277 points to occupy third spot on the ranking list.

Africa’s most decorated star, Segun Toriola is rated 12th with 2014 points behind players from India, Canada and England.

Wimbledon: 124 ranked Cepelova crushes Muguruza

A R B I N E Muguruza’s first major tournament as a reigning Grand Slam champion didn’t last long. Less than a month after winning the French Open, the second-seeded Spaniard was beaten in the second round of Wimbledon on Thursday by a Slovakian qualifier ranked No. 124. In the biggest upset of the tournament so far, Jana

Cepelova beat a listless and mistake-prone Muguruza 63, 6-2 on Court 1 in less than an hour to reach the third round at the All England Club. Muguruza looked like a shadow of the player that reached the final last year, where she lost to Serena Williams, and beat Williams in the final at Roland Garros this month for her first major championship.

Eagles job Continues from BP any knowledge of the employment of Frenchman Paul Le Guen to tinker the Super Eagles. In an exclusive interview with Sports Vanguard on our hotline yesterday, Green revealed that the former coach of the Indomitable Lions of Cameroon who qualified them for the 2010 World Cup in South Africa has not applied to coach the Nigerian national team. ‘’As the chairman of the Technical Committee whose responsibility it is to interview and employ coaches for the Super Eagles, there is no application from Le Guen to manage the Eagles. I don’t know where these stories of Le Guen are coming from. He has not applied. All I know is that the job of the Super Eagles coach must be thrown open for the right qualified person. And such a successful coach must show the desire of coaching in Nigeria. We are in a dilemma right now and must do the right thing

to get it right. We cannot toy with the emotions of millions of Nigerians’’,Green, who described the coming of Le Guen as a ‘’rumour’’, said. ‘’The Technical Committee of the NFF is made up of knowledgeable people, most of them who played football at the highest level. We have names like Christian Chukwu, Chief Adeboye Onigbinde, Victor Ikpeba, Garba Lawal, Paul Bassey and others. These gentlemen can confirm to you if we have received any application from Le Guen. I don’t want to get worked up on this matter. This was how they brought Sunday Oliseh and we are witnesses to what happened to our football. We must get things right now. Our opponents, Algeria, have employed a coach and we should avoid the mistake of employing a coach who will not have a conducive atmosphere to operate in. That will not be good for Nigerian football’’, Green emphasised.

Enyimba Continues from BP League. Having lost their opening game to Zamalek of Egypt in Port Harcourt, Enyimba were hoping to make amends in Pretoria Wednesday night, but a poor defensive display have made them whipping boys of the group, which has only three teams following the disqualification of Setif of Algeria. According to midfielder, Ikechukwu Ibenegbu, Enyimba players are disappointed with the loss, and they can only hope for the best in the

remaining games. “We the players are more disappointed than the fans with the 1-2 defeat at Mamelodi Sundowns. “The result was not what we hoped for. Heading into the encounter we were positive to claim the three points at stake. “However, we do not hope to continue crying over a spilt milk, rather to look forward positively to the remaining matches. “It looks tough but not impossible to defeat Zamalek right there in Egypt now that the tie is essentially a must-win clash.”

Zlatan Continues from BP site in the first four minutes and 215,000 in the first 20 minutes. The 34-year-old striker has been linked with a move to Old Trafford since letting his contract at Paris Saint-Germain expired at the end of June. It is not yet known how long the deal will be, or how much the striker will be paid.

He’s likely to have an initial one year contract. A desire to play under Jose Mourinho again – the pair had worked together at Inter Milan – was key to the deal being completed. Ibrahimovic has won 11 league titles (two more were revoked due to the Calciopoki scandal) in 15 professional seasons in four countries.

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Rio 2016: We‘re training with ‘bare hands’ — Ajagba, Konyegwachi — Page 46

S-H-O-C-K-E-R:

Enyimba sulk over loss to Sundowns E

NYIMBA of Aba players have their heads bowed following the 2-1 defeat they suffered in the hands of Mamelodi Sundowns of South Africa, in the group B parings of the CAF Champions Continues on Page 46

Le Guen has not applied for Eagles job — Technical Committee I’m a Red Devil BY TONY UBANI

HAIRMAN of the Te c h n i c a l Committee of the Nigeria Football Federation, Barrister Chris Green has denied Continues on Page 46

N our story of yesterday titled ‘Le Guen to earn N16.2m per month’, we erroneously published that “Sports Vanguard reported exclusively on Sunday July 26 that the football house already held talks with Le Guen”. We actually meant to write Sunday June 26. The error is regretted. – Editor

— Zlatan

LATAN IBRAHIMOVIC has confirmed he has joined Manchester United with a post on Instagram. Posting to his 15.5million followers, Zlatan posted a picture of the club badge with the caption “Time to let the world know.” He added: “My next destination is Manchester United. “#iamcoming”. The post received more than 40,000 likes on the Image sharing Continues on Page 46

Our Error

•Ibenegbu

•Zlatan

Euro 2016: Today’s Match Wales

Belgium

8.00pm

Result •Le Guen

TODAY'S PUZZLE

•Green

Poland

Portugal

5(PSO)

QUICK CROSSWORD

YESTERDAY'S ANSWERS

ACROSS 1 Leave (4) 4 Enclosure (3) 6 Fruit (4) 9 Watch (3) 10 Scented (8) 11 Dread (4) 14 Timid (3) 16 Generate (5) 19 Disclosed (8) 21 Gem (5) 23 Composition (8) 24 Dissuade (5) 27 Sleep (3) 31 Sort (4) 33 Vast (8) 34 Golf-peg (3) 35 Pip (4) 36 Nothing (3) 37 Gasp (4)

DOWN 2 Employer (4) 3 Quarrel (4) 4 Leaflet (8) 5 Naked (4) 6 Postpone (5) 7 Always (3) 8 Torment (5) 12 Loaf (5) 13 Happening (5) 14 Weaken (3) 15 Long (5) 17 Furnish (5) 18 Old-fashioned (5) 20 Horrible (8) 22 Circuit (3) 25 Chosen (5) 26 Finished (5) 28 Bearing (4) 29 Break (4) 30 Stupefy (4) 32 Born (3)

YESTERDAY'S SOLUTIONS Across: 1, Parcel 5, Object 8, Dispense 9, Pile 10, Bed 12, Refer 15, Rot 17, Era 18, Use 19, Rob 20, All 22, Axe 23, Dud 24, Tor 26, Delay 29, Yen 33, Edge 34, Applause 35, Priest 36, Eaglet.

Down: 2, Alike 3, Cope 4, Large 5, Obese 6, Jape 7, Cello 10, Beret 11, Debar 12, Raged 13, Frail 14, Ruddy 15, Ready 16, Talon 25, Order 27, Exact 28, Ample 30, Ensue 31, Here 32, Pang.

How to Play Sudoku

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. Printed and Published by VANGUARD MEDIA LIMITED, Vanguard Avenue, Kirikiri Canal, P.M.B.1007, Apapa. Phone: Newsroom: 018773962. Deputy Editor: 01-4548355. Advert Dept Hotline: 014544821. Abuja Advert Hotline: 09-2921024. E-mail: editor@vanguardngr.com, news@vanguardngr.com, letters@vanguardngr.com. Advert:advertproduction@yahoo.com Website: www.vanguardngr.com (ISSN 0794-652X) Editor: MIDENO BAYAGBON. Phone: 01-7742861, All correspondence to P.M.B. 1007, Apapa Lagos.