01122017 - I'm responsible for Maina's reinstatement

CPC goes Jonathan wasn’t desperate for power after banks but unprepared for leadership – Saraki 9 over excess States incur N4.2trn debt, as 8 charges 19 IGR rises to N396bn

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VOL. 25: NO. 63433

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 1, 2017

I'm responsible for Maina’s reinstatement Ayade presents N1.3trn record budget among states for 2018

— PermSec, Interior Ministry •Apologises to Head of Service •We stopped Maina’s salary in 2013 – Adeosun, Accountant-General •How did Maina save N2.7bn as a civil servant? asks Magu

By Emman Ovuakporie •Says Maina’s 7-yr old son has an account of N1.5bn

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BUJA —The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Interior, Mr. Magaji Abubakar, yesterday, admitted before the House of Representatives’ Adhoc Committee investigating the disappearance, reappearance and reinstatement of embattled former Continues on Page 5

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Presidency approved $40m contract for Jonathan’s cousin’s firm

Naira depreciates to N360.65/ $ in 5 NAFEX

—EFCC tells court 12

Herbert Wigwe emerges 2017 African Business Leader 9

Mr & Mrs

UNN LECTURE...

Double pride for the University of Nigeria Nsukka(UNN) as incumbent CBN Governor, Godwin Emefiele, the 2017 UNN Convocation Lecturer (right), poses with Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, former CBN Governor, chairman of the 2017 Convocation Lecture, yesterday. Both Emefiele and Soludo were 1984 graduates of UNN.

COLUMNISTS: LAKEMFA 31

AZU

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GWANGWAZO 31 DONU 17

SEE INSIDE

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POCKET CARTOON

VISIT: Vice President Yemi Osinbajo commiserating with Mrs. Beatrice Ekwueme, while the Minister of Labour and Employment, Senator Chris Ngige (l) looked on during the condolence visit by the Vice-President to the family of late former Vice-President, Alex Ekwueme, in Gwarimpa, Abuja, yesterday. Photo: Abayomi Adeshida.

‘I'm responsible for Maina’s reinstatement' Continues from Page 1 chairman of the Presidential Task Force on Pension Reform Team, Abdulrasheed Maina, that his mistake led to reinstatement of the ex-pension boss.

Consequently, he apologised to the Head of Service of the Federation, HoS, Mrs. Winifred OyoIta, for the error.

This came as Finance Minister, Mrs. Kemi Adeosun, told the bewildered lawmakers that Abdulrasheed Maina was no longer on the payroll of the federal government, adding that his salary was stopped in March 2013.

The Finance Minister’s position was corroborated by the Accountant General of the Federation, Alhaji Ahmed Idris. The admittance of the Permanent Secretary did not, however, come without some trading of blames between him and the HoS. Hearing of the committee, led by Ali Madaki, APC, Kano, started at precisely 10:20am, with the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Interior, Magaji Abubakar; HoS, Mrs. Winifred Oyo-Ita;

Accountant General of the Federation, Alhaji Ahmed Idris and Acting Chairman of Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Mr. Ibrahim Magu, appearing.

The Attorney-General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami, Interior Minister, Lt. General Abdulrahman Dambazau, retd, had earlier appeared before the committee to state what they knew about Maina’s reinstatement.

The investigative hearing took a twist when the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Interior in his submissions, declared that he got instructions to reinstate Maina from the Office of the Head of Service of the Federation.

This declaration did not go down well with the HOS, Mrs Winifred OyoIta, as she immediately countered his position, saying the Perm sec was not correct.

At this point, chairman of the committee ordered that Mrs. Oyo-Ita be placed on oath.

She said: “For the permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Interior, Abu-

IT'S UP TO YOU Take up one idea. Make that one idea your life. Think of it, dream of it, live on that idea.

Let the brain, muscles, nerves, every part of your body, be full of that idea, and just leave every other idea alone. This is the way to success. —Swami Vivekananda

ON LIFE AND LIVING All of the evil passions are traceable to one of two roots. Anger is the root of all the aggressive passions. Worry is the root of all the cowardly passions.... It is not necessary to engage in battle the small army of lesser passions if you concentrate your efforts against anger and worry, for they are all children of these parents.

—Horace Fletcher, Menticulture, 1895

SAYINGS OF OUR PEOPLE He who is destined for power does not have to fight for it. — Ugandan proverb

bakar Magaji, to claim that the directive to reinstate Maina came from my office is limited in facts. To put it mildly, it is not quite correct.

“There is a process of conveyance of reinstatement instructions. The Federal Civil Service Commission would send a letter to the Head of Service and also send another letter to the beneficiary of that reinstatement under the flying seal of the Head of Service.

“The Ministry of Interior did not wait to get a posting instruction before they went ahead and reinstated Maina and assigned him duties.

“So this is to completely discountenance the attempt by the Permanent Secretary that they acted on an issue in an illegal manner while trying to make claims that there was a legality from my office.’’

Oyo-Ita, therefore, declared before the panel that Abdulrasheed Abdullahi Maina remained dismissed from the civil service as far as the rules and her office were concerned.

Addressing the lawmakers, the PermSec had said: “The AGF has no power to direct the employment, promotion, dismissal and reinstatement of any officer in the service.

“The only body statutorily empowered to do that is the Federal Civil Service Commission, FCSC, and it must pass through the office of the Head of Civil Service of the Federation.”

Asked by the lawmakers if the Head of Service did minute on the letter from the FCSC to him (PermSec) instructing Maina’s reinstatement, the Perm Sec said: “If a letter was written in respect of an officer to the Head of Service and that person decided to hold on to it, it doesn’t mean that the reinstatement had not been communicated.”

I'm guilty of Maina’s reinstatement — Perm Sec He, however, added that he didn’t carry out Maina’s reinstatement personally, adding that the head of human resources did and informed him about Maina’s resumption of duty.

The Perm Sec explained he did not effect the reinstatement himself because he was indisposed and directed that a letter be written to the HoS informing her of Maina’s reinstatement.

“It was a week later when the HoS called me to ask for the letter referenced to have come from her that I pleaded with her to allow me get back to the office on Monday to see what actually happened because I was sick by then.

“But on getting to the office, I realised that the letter to her was wrongly referenced by the officer I directed to write and I immediately wrote a letter of apology to her that the first letter was actually meant for the Service Commission and not the HoS,” Magaji said.

He, therefore, appealed to the panel to cast every blame on him, being the administrative head of the Ministry.

He said: “I take responsibility for every administrative error that has been committed in the course of this whole process of Maina’s reinstatement.”

Maina’s salary stopped in March 2013 — Adeosun

Also speaking before the committee, Finance Minister, Mrs. Kemi Adeosun, revealed that the federal government stopped the payment of Abdulrasheed Maina’s salary in March 2013.

According to her, the last salary the federal government paid Maina was that of February 2013.

She said: “We use two platforms in the payment of salaries, the Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System, IPPIS, and the Government Integrated Financial Management Information System, GIFMIS. “We have checked our records and we have no record or evidence from the two platforms that salary was paid to Maina since March 2013. We have no biometric data of Maina and he is not a staff of the Federal Ministry of Finance or its agencies.”

Speaking in a similar vein, Accountant General of the Federation, Alhaji Ahmed Idris, said Maina was removed from the federal government’s payroll in March 2013.

“From our records, Maina last received salary from the Federal Government in February 2013.

From March 2013, Maina was removed from the government’s payroll. ‘’If, indeed, he was paid as he claimed, he should produce evidence of payment by the government, such as pay slips,” Idris stated.

Maina never handed over any asset to EFCC — Magu

On looted assets under the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, the acting chairman, Ibrahim Magu, told the panel that Maina never handed over any asset to the commission.

He added that assets in EFCC custody were those recovered by the commission in the course of its own investigation of suspected pension thieves, including Maina himself.

The Senate had last week, said it would commence investigation into the 222 assets handed over to the EFCC by Maina’s team, which it alleged officials of the antigraft agency shared among themselves.

But Magu argued that the only link between the EFCC and Maina team was the participation of a few staff of the commission in Maina’s pension recovery efforts.

“Maina has no single seized asset he handed over to the EFCC, and if there is any of such, we would like to know the type of assets, the locations, the date of handing over and which officer signed the handing over document of the assets. ‘’So, there can’t be any

asset to be shared by the EFCC, and if there was any sharing, we would also like to know when, where, and who partook in the sharing from the EFCC.” Asked why the EFCC vacated it’s earlier order declaring Maina wanted in 2015 as stated by the Comptroller General of Immigration, Mohammed Babandede, Magu denied the letter vacating Maina’s earlier arrest order, saying the letter was signed in December while he took over the EFCC in October. He said he did not instruct any Kabiru, a member of Maina’s Task Team from the EFCC to sign such a letter and that he was seeing the letter for the first time.

Speaking with journalists outside the venue, Magu made an appeal to Nigerians to stop glorifying corruption in the country, wondering how Maina would explain the N2.7 billion found in his account.

N1.5bn in Maina’s 7yr-old son’s account — Magu

He said: “His son, Faisal Abdullahi, has N1.5 billion in his account and he is just seven years old and people are glorifying him.

He has mansions scattered all over, with which salary did he acquire such assets?

Counsel to Maina, Muhammadu Sani Katu’s attempt to make a last minute intervention was waved aside as the Chairman reminded him that the panel was not a court.

Naira Watch Naira depreciates to N360.65/$ in NAFEX

By Adaeze Okechukwu The naira, yesterday, depreciated to N360.65 per dollar in the Investor and Exporter (I&E) window, prompted by 49 percent decline in suppply.

Data from the Financial Market Dealers Quote (FMDQ) showed that indicative exchange rate for the I & E window, known as Nigerian Autonomous Foreign Exchange, NAFEX, dropped to N360.65 per dollar, yesterday, from N360.02 per dollar on Wednesday. Meanwhile, the amount of dollars traded in the widow declined by 49 percent to $104.07 million, yesterday, from $218.66 million recorded on Wednesday.

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UNICEF, Kebbi target 1m women, children for immunisation

By Kabir Dankatsina

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EBBI State government, in collaboration with UNICEF, has flagged off its maternal and child health week campaign, disclosing that it is targeting one million women and children in the Maternal, Newborn and Child Health Week, MNCHW, for immunisation.

The Commissioner for Health, Alhaji Usman Kambaza, who flagged off the programme, also stated that the occasion was aimed at promoting the health of pregnant women and children.

He told the journalists that about 700 health personnel will partake in the one-week exercise that will cover the 222 wards in the state.

According to him, the biannual event will enable the state deliver high impact interventions through the existing or expanded outreach services for mother, newborn and children’s survival.

Kogi Assembly aspirant set up legal aids for inmates

By Boluwaji Obahopo

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OKOJA—A House of Assembly aspirant in Kogi State, Mr. Babaeko Sheyi, has hosted 120 inmates Kabba Minimum Security Prison and also set up legal aids to assist 15 of the inmates.

The aspirant also made provision to pay WAEC and JAMB fees for four of the inmates, who signified interest to further their education.

Sheyi told newsmen that his visit to the prison was in line with his belief to see a better society, especially to people who have been unfortunate.

He said: “It is quite worrisome that some of these inmates were still kept in the prison over their inability to pay just five thousands naira fine or bail.

“There are also cases of people who just have to pay a compensation of less than N50,000 to regain their freedom.”

C M Y K

ELECTRICITY POWER PROTEST IN BAYELSA: Residents of Biseni clan in Yenagoa Local Government Area of Bayelsa State block the access road to Shell's Adibawa Oil Field in their community after shutting down production at wells 4 and 10 over poor power supply to the community, yesterday. NAN PHOTO.

Policemen, 5 others die as robbers raid 2 banks in Niger

By Wole Mosadomi

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INNA—RESIDENTS of Lapai town in Niger State were, Wednesday, jotted by the sound of gunshots by dare devil armed robbers that attacked two first generation banks in the town which left two policemen and four civilians dead.

Besides the dead, no fewer than eighteen people said to have sustained various degrees of injuries are currently receiving treatments at the General Hospital in Lapai and the Federal Medical Centre in Bida.

It was gathered that the robbers on arrival in the town through the Lapai-Gunu road reportedly drove straight to the main Police station close to one of the banks and started shooting sporadically to register their presence and also to scare people from the area.

Eyewiness account

An eyewitness disclosed that two Policemen on duty were killed by the robbers before heading to the Bank where the Branch Manager was abducted.

“They were able to able to cart away a substantial amount of money from the bank’s vault.”

The robbers, it was further gathered immediately left the bank for another first generation bank in the town along LapaiPaiko -Minna road where they reportedly had another successful raid.

“It was at the second bank that they killed a yet to be identified Civil Servant, who was said to have gone there to withdraw his

salary.”

Others who sustained injuries were said to have died on their way to the Federal Medical Centre, Bida.

The raid on the two Banks was said to have lasted for about an hour leaving the helpless people of the town scampering for safety.

The state Deputy Governor, Alhaji Ahmed Muhammed Ketso, the state Commissioner of Police, Augustine Agbonlahor and other top

One of the banks after the raid. government officials have visited the scene but the

Police and government are yet to comment on the raid.

Man nabbed over murder of 2 pupils in Borno

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NE Gaji Adamu suspected to be of unsound mind, yesterday, entered into Jafi Primary School, Kwaya Kusar town, Borno state and matcheted two male pupils to death.

The State Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) , Victor Isuku, who disclosed this in Maiduguri, said that the assailant also injured a teacher and a girl child, as well.

He said that the assailant suspected to be suffering from mental illness was clubbed to a state of coma by irate youths in the area.

The PPRO added that the corpses of the pupils and those injured were referred to the General Hospital, Gombe, in neighbouring Gombe State, while the suspect was put under custody and admitted in a hospital.

Meanwhile, the Commissioner of Police, Mr. Damian Chukwu, has directed the transfer of the case to the Criminal Investigation and Intelligence

Department (CIID) for investigation, and to determine the mental health of the suspect.

However, Malam Abdulhamid, a resident of the area, said that three pupils died as a result of injuries sustained in the attack.

Abdulhamid, who is also a teacher in the area, revealed that two of the pupils died on

the spot while one other child died on admission at the hospital.

He said: “It is not clear how the assailant managed to infiltrate the school. He attacked pupils with a machete killing three of them and caused fatal injuries to others.

“A female teacher, Ms Salamatu, was also injured when she confronted the assailant in an attempt to save the children from the brutal attack.”

54 babies born with H D

R. Zakari Umar, the Executive Director of Nasarawa State Aids Control Agency, NASACA, has disclosed that 54 babies delivered between January and September in the state tested positive for HIV. Umar, who made this known yesterday in Lafia said out of the 1,194 pregnant women who keyed into the Prevention of MothertoChild

Transmission (PMTCT) HIV programme in 2017, 54 of them transmitted the virus to their babies.

He explained that cases of transmission recorded were due to lack of adherence to medical advice and refusal to take prescribed drugs.

“Science has proven that it is possible to totally eradicate mother to child transmission of HIV if pregnant women adhere to medical advice and

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ICPC detains 4 ex-Kogi commissioners over N11.3bn fraud allegation

By Soni Daniel, Northern Region Editor

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ANTI-SLAVERY PROTEST: A coalition of civil society groups protesting enslavement of Nigerians and other Africans in Libya at the Libyan Embassy, Asokoro, Abuja, yesterday. PHOTO: Gbemiga Olamikan.

Court security men, tricycle rider accused of stealing N1.5m law reports

By Chisom Unachukwu

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AGOS—TWO security guards of Igbosere Magistrate’s Court and a Tricycle rider, were yesterday arraigned before the court for allegedly stealing 103 copies of Law reports valued N1.5million, the property of Lagos State Judiciary.

The defendants are Lateef Bello, 53, Oyedokun Afeez, 27 and Tajudeen Igbekoya, 34.

They were charged with a three count charge bordering on conspiracy, stealing, aiding and abetting preferred against them by the Police.

The prosecutor, Sergeant Cyrciacus Osuji, told the court that the trio committed the alleged offences on October 20, 2017, at about 6: 20 am, at the Igbosere Magistrate’s Court.

He said that Bello, who was on morning duty at the time, conspired with Afeez his colleague and Igbekoya, the Tricycle rider and led them into the court premises, with the intention to steal 103 copies of

law reports valued N1,545,000, from the court, property of Lagos state judiciary.

Osuji said, “The defendants had loaded the tricycle with bags of the legal records and were leaving before some other security guards became aware of the situation and alerted the police immediately which led to their arrest.”

According to him, the offences committed are punishable under section 411,287(7) and 410 of the criminal law of Lagos State of Nigeria 2015.

However, the defendants pleaded not guilty to the charge.

The Magistrate, Mr. Martins Owumi, granted

Truck conductor sentenced to death for killing labourer

By Abdulwahab Abdulah

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USTICE Raliat Adebiyi of an Ikeja High Court, yesterday, sentenced a truck conductor, Kabiru Lasisi to death by hanging for being responsible for the death of a labourer, Abdulrazak Haruna.

The judge said there was no merit in Lasisi’s plea for mercy and sentenced him to death on a one-count charge of murder of Haruna sometimes in October 2013.

The convict was said to have stabbed the deceased, Haruna, fatally in the neck, thereby causing his death.

The state prosecutor, Mrs O.A. Olugasa, had told the court that Lasisi had accompanied his boss, one Kehinde Kuye, a bus driver to a company in Ajah to deliver cement to a customer, where the deceased had confronted the defendant for parking his bus in a manner that obstructed the labourers from freely offloading the cement.

She said a heated argument ensued between the duo during which Lasisi, in Yoruba language, threatened to kill the deceased.

While other labourers were trying to separate them,

HIV in Nasarawa—NASACA take their drugs regularly.

“Those women whose babies tested positive must have refused to comply with their drug regimen during pregnancy,” Umar added.

According to him, the case of mother to child transmission of HIV in the state has reduced over the years due to sensitisation and other preventive measures taken by stakeholders.

He said available records

them bail in the sum of N200,000 each, with one surety each in like sum.

He said that the surety must be gainfully employed, must show evidence of tax payment to Lagos state government and have their addresses verified.

The case was adjourned to December 11, for trial.

from 2016 indicated that 66 babies were born with HIV. Umar attributed the reduction in transmission of the disease to babies in 2017 to sensitisation and adoption of the PMTCT programme.

He also advised members of the public to avoid acts that would make them vulnerable to the virus, adding “the virus is not yet over hence the need for people to take preventive measures.”

The executive director urged

people to get tested to enable them to know their status in order to curtail the spread of the disease.

He said the state had domesticated the anti stigmatization law aimed at protecting those living with the virus.

Umar, therefore, advised those being stigmatized on the account of the disease to always seek redress at the appropriate quarter.

Lasisi, who was armed with a small knife, stabbed the deceased on the right side of the neck, leaving a deep cut from which blood gushed out.

The deceased was said to have died before getting to the hospital.

Lasisi tried to flee from the scene but was apprehended by an angry mob of labourers, who almost lynched him. He was saved by the Manager of the company, who tied him up in his office before the police arrived.

In his defence, Lasisi claimed that he did not stab the deceased but that he was injured by an iron rod at the back of the truck.

The prosecutor, Mrs. Olugasa, called four witnesses and tendered the weapon used in committing the crime, a small knife which was still caked in dried blood as evidence.

In his plea for mercy, Lasisi through his counsel, Mrs. Y. A. Ajayi, from the Office of the Public Defender, pleaded with the court to temper justice with mercy.

Ajayi said that the convict is a first time offender who is remorseful for his actions.

OUR former commissioners in Kogi State, under the administration of Idris Wada, have been arrested and detained by operatives of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission, ICPC, for alleged misappropriation of N11.3 billion.

According to ICPC, the four ex-commissioners connived with the former governor of the state to divert monies meant for the provision of public services at the state and local government levels.

The anti-graft agency gave the names of the suspects being held at its facility as Kayode Olowomoran, who was in charge of Culture and Tourism; Abdulrahman Wuya, Works; Onama Godwin, Transport, and Ali Ajuh, Budget and Planning.

A statement by the ICPC spokesman, Mrs. Rasheedat Okoduwa, said: “The four men were arrested after ICPC commenced investigations into allegations that the suspects, acting in connivance with the former governor, former Accountant-General, Ibrahim Idakwo and a former Permanent Secretary in the state Ministry of Commerce, Frank Onoja, obtained a N2 billion Small and Medium Enterprises, SME, loan from the Central Bank of Nigeria on behalf of the state and misapplied it.

“Preliminary investigations by ICPC also revealed that the suspects allegedly partook in the mismanagement of another N8 billion bond that was raised to fund 57 projects across the state.

“Furthermore, the suspects are alleged to have benefited from illegal deductions to the tune of N1.3 billion made from the funds of the 21 local government councils of the state by the same administration.

“As investigations continue, the suspects will remain in custody until they fulfill the administrative bail conditions granted them by the Commission.”

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IGR rises to N396bn, as states incur N4.2tr debt Lagos accounts for 42% of IGR

By Babajide Komolafe

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AGOS—IN an apparent reflection of increased economic activities mirrored by the country’s recovery from recession in the second quarter of the year, the Internally Generated Revenue, IGR, of 33 states has risen by 17 per cent to N397 billion, year-on-year in the first half of the year (H1 2017).

However the 36 states of the federation have incurred total debt of N4.25 trillion comprising foreign debt of $3.9 billion (N1.4 trillion) and domestic debt of N2.847 trillion Lagos State recorded the highest IGR of N168 billion representing 42 per cent of total IGR during the period, followed by Ogun State with N39.85 billion and Delta State with N25.10 billion.

Gombe State recorded the lowest IGR of N1.69 billion, followed by Kebbi State with N2.28 billion and Adamawa State with N2.36

billion.

Nigeria Bureau of Statistics, NBS, disclosed this in its states IGR report for Q1-Q3 2017 released yesterday. The report revealed that three out of the 36 states have not reported their IGR for second quarter (Q2) of the year. The states are Anambra, Ebonyi and Rivers.

From N338.10 billion recorded in the first half of 2016 (H1 2016), the IGR of the 33 states rose by 17.4 per cent to N396.92 billion in H1 2017. The report stated that 25 states recorded increase in IGR while eight states recorded decline.

Nasarawa State recorded the highest increase of 238.19 percent followed by Jigawa State with 112.66

percent and Borno State with 109.98 per cent.

The states that suffer decline in IGR in H1 2017 were led by Adamawa State which suffered 37.58 percent decline. It was followed by Kano State with 35.53 per cent decline and Yobe State with 21.93 percent decline. Others are Akwa Ibom (-11.69 percent), Osun State (10.39 per cent), Gombe (4.7 percent), Cross River (2.28 per cent) and Zamfara (-2.03 per cent).

VISIT From Left—Otunba Gbenga Daniel, former Governor of Ogun State; Arc Namadi Sambo, former Vice President, Hon Nicholas Msheliza; and Alhaji Saleh Shehu, during the latters' consultative visit to former Vice President in Abuja

Why we didn’t take $5.5bn loan —Adeosun

By Emmanuel Elebeke

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BUJA—THE Minister of Finance, Mrs. Kemi Adeosun, has said that the Federal Government has raised $3 billion, contrary to the $5.5 billion approved by the National Assembly.

The minister, who disclosed this in her Nigeria’s Eurobond Issuance message on Wednesday, explained that the decision to reduce the loan from $5.5 billion to $3 billion was informed by the ongoing effort by the administration to rebalance the nation’s debt portfolio.

The loan comprises a US$1.5 billion 10-year series and a $1.5 billion 30-year series.

According to her, the 10-year series will bear interest at a rate of 6.5 per cent, while the 30year series will bear interest at a rate of 7.6 per cent.

The National Assembly had approved two separate resolutions, one for $2.5 billion to fund capital expenditure in the 2017 budget and the other to re-finance

existing domestic debt of $3 billion, which is not time bound.

She said the intention of this issuance was to meet the short term requirement to fund $2.5 billion for the 2017 budget.

She said: “Nigeria has raised a total of US$3 billion. The Notes comprise a $1.5 billion 10-year series and a US$1.5 billion 30-year series.

The 10-year

series will bear interest at a rate of 6.5 per cent, while the 30-year series will bear interest at a rate of 7.625 per cent.

“Over the last five years, Nigeria has been overly focused on domestic debt, which is short term and high cost.

This means that we pay too much, and have to regularly refinance existing debt rather than having the security of longer term instruments.

‘’You can see this clearly reflected in our debt service to revenue ratio, which at 45 per cent as of Third Quarter (Q3) 2017, is higher than we would like. ‘’Having returned the economy to growth in 2017 and secured a stable and liquid exchange rate regime, we are focused on addressing this issue by diversifying our sources of debt to achieve an optimal balance.

NLC warns el-Rufai against further sack The statement read: “NLC to lay off about 25,000 of workers strongly condemns the teachers for failing a comBy Victor Ahiuma-Young

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AGOS—NIGERIA Labour Congress, NLC, yesterday asked Governor Nasir el-Rufai of Kaduna State to stop further mass sack and recall about 5000 workers sacked a few days ago or face civil unrest.

President of NLC, Ayuba Wabba, in a statement contended that the recent sack of about 5000 workers was illegal as it breached the provisions of the Labour Act, insisting that NLC would use all lawful means available to contest the wave of mass sack.

mass sacking of about five thousand local government workers by Kaduna State government.

The purported sack violates the provisions of all known labour laws and industrial relations practice as well as processes. ‘’The reasons adduced by the government are spurious and unfounded.

Aside from this, the process is patently faulty and unlawful. For instance, redundancy cannot be carried out without following the provisions of the Labour Act . ‘’When the government of Kaduna State announced to the whole world its plan

petency test for Primary Four Class, we not only expressed our misgivings, we said the so-called competency test was a subterfuge and part of a premeditated plan to drastically cut down the workforce in furtherance of dangerous neoliberal policies.

“The latest illegal mass sack of workers lends credence to our assertions or fears. We would want to warn of the consequences of the reckless actions of the government of Kaduna State and will call for caution and restraint on the part of the government."

NNPC selling fuel at N133.28, denies hiking prices

By Michael Eboh

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BUJA—THE Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, NNPC, has denied hiking the ex-depot price of Premium Motor Spirit, PMS, also known as petrol, stating that the commodity is currently selling at N133.28 per litre.

In a statement signed by the Group General Manager, Group Public Affairs Division, Mr. Ndu Ughamadu, the NNPC also restated its commitment to ensure abundant supply of petroleum products across the country to aid hitch-free movement of motorists during and beyond the festive season.

The NNPC stated that this assurance and clarification became necessary in the light of threats by Lagos chapter of the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria, IPMAN, to withdraw its services in Lagos and its environs sequel to alleged discrepancies in ex-depot prices, among others.

It disclosed that the rift was actually between IPMAN and depot owners, adding that the appropriate government agencies had been contacted to settle the rift between IPMAN and the Depot and Petroleum Products Marketers Association, DAPPMA. “The Ejigbo Satellite Depot had consistently dispensed premium motor spirit (petrol) at the

approved price of N133.28 per litre, contrary to allegations that it was sold at a higher price,” it explained.

Ughamadu added that the Ejigbo Satellite Depot was fully stocked and carrying out regular loading services.

He also disclosed that there was enough petroleum products in the country to last till the end of the year, adding that 25 vessels laden with petroleum products were also being expected to berth between now and January 2018 to further boost supplies.

The NNPC, therefore, urged members of the public not to entertain any fear or engage in panic buying of petroleum products as there was enough to keep the country well supplied.

IPMAN, had in Lagos on Wednesday, threatened to withdraw its services from December 11, accusing the NNPC of breach of its bulk purchase agreement to sell fuel to them at N133.28 per litre and over irregular fuel supply at Ejigbo satellite depot.

The association said its members had been running their fuel stations at a loss in the last eight months due to NNPC’s default in the bulk purchase agreement it signed with IPMAN to sell fuel to its members at N133.28 per litre.

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By Omeiza Ajayi

PDP CONVENTION: NEC approves planning committee, sub committees

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BUJA—IT was another period of evaluation of Goodluck Jonathan’s Presidency in Abuja, yesterday, as dignitaries, including the Senate President, Dr Bukola Saraki, and governor of Borno State and Chairman, Northern Governors Forum, Kashim Shettima, berated the former president for squandering his goodwill on the altar of inexperience and tribal politics.

Both men spoke at the unveiling of the book, “On a Platter of Gold - How Jonathan Won and Lost Nigeria,” written by an exMinister of Youths and Sports in the Jonathan administration, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi.

Shettima, who chaired the occasion, was the first to fire a salvo, saying in spite of “Jonathan’s fairytale rise to power, his sheer display of bad governance, lack of political sagacity and will power, he squandered the array of goodwill he commanded and subsequently got humiliated out of office.”

Shettima also took a swipe at the ex-president for surrounding himself with religious bigots and tribal warlords who made him believe that the Chibok girls’ abduction was a hoax.

“Sadly, Borno was the epicentre of the crisis that engulfed the Jonathan administration. This is the second book I am reading on the Jonathan saga. ‘’I think President Jonathan is essentially a decent person, an unsophisticated country politician caught up in the vortex of power politics in Nigeria.

“When the Chibok girls saga started, they made the president to believe that there was no abduction; that the Chibok girls were kidnapped by the governor of Borno State ostensibly to embarrass the Jonathan administration and he believed that line of story.

Jonathan wanted me out, surrounded himself with bigots “There was a time he wanted to remove me at all costs. In the Federal Executive Council, they were all speaking in the same tone that this Borno governor must be removed for embarrassing the government; that I was the problem. ‘’Two Nigerians stood out.

He sought the opinion of Mohammed Adoke Bello, the then Attorney General.

Adoke told him that ‘Mr President, you have no power to remove even an

 As George dissociates self from parallel convention

By Dirisu Yakubu

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CONFERENCE: From left—National Vice President, Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture, NACCIMA, Alhaji Jamiu Ibrahim; President, NACCIMA, Iyalode Alaba Lawson; Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Chief Audu Ogbeh; and Chairman of Conference Partners, Mr Pascal Dozie, during the first NACCIMA-NIRSAL agribusiness and policy linkage conference in Abuja, yesterday.

Jonathan wasn’t desperate for power, but unprepared for leadership —Saraki

Ex-President thought I kidnapped Chibok girls —Shettima elected councillor’.

‘Then he sought the opinion of another Senior Advocate Of Nigeria SAN, in his team, the Minister of Special Duties, Tanimu Turaki. And Turaki also told him that ‘Mr President, you have no power to remove a sitting governor’. And that was how the matter died.

Jonathan told me oil business, too oily Saraki On his part, Senate president, Bukola Saraki, said while Jonathan was not essentially a bad man, his lackadaisical attitude to issues of governance gave him away as one who took governance with unseriousness.

“I like to share one or two things that will probably summarize the former President Jonathan. I

remember when I was then senator and I came across this issue of fuel subsidy and the way the country was losing close to N1.3 trillion.

"In the history of this country, I don’t think of any singular kind of level of corruption as huge as that.

I had a motion already that I wanted to present on the floor of the Senate but I felt as a member of the ruling party at that time, it was only proper I discussed it with the President (first) maybe some action could be taken so that I could step down the motion. ‘’I booked an appointment to see Mr. President. I went with my paper and I started with the background of how people bring in petroleum products. I said Mr. President, in the past people used to get award

letters from NNPC to bring in PMS, DPK, and make 10, 20 per cent profit. ‘’I said sir, they have taken it to another level, now; they get an order to bring in products, they do not want to make 10, 20 per cent any more. They will get an offer to bring in a cargo of 20,000 litres they will bring in 5,000 to be stamped for 20,000 and instead of making 10 per cent, they make ten times the amount.

"I was telling the President, thinking the President will get very agitated, but he said, ‘Senator Saraki, you know, this oil business is very oily.’

“I was stunned and taken aback but in a way, that was Jonathan; in a sad way that was who he is."

Herbert Wigwe emerges 2017 African substantialimpact on the Business Leader industry in which they

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AGOS—THE All Africa Business Leader Awards, AABLA, in partnership with CNBC, has named the Group Managing Director/CEO, Access Bank Plc, Herbert Wigwe, as the 2017 African Business Leader of the Year.

The award is coming two weeks after he won the West African Business Leader of the year at the regional level as well as the 2017 SERAS Sustainability Champion of the Year.

The announcement was made at the AABLA award

finale dinner held last night at the Sandton Convention Center in Johannesburg, South Africa.

The event was attended

by CEOs, government officials and top business executives from all over the continent.

Other nominees for the prestigious award include Khalid Abdulla from Southern Africa and Joshua N y a m w e y a Oigararepresenting Eastern Africa.The award sets to recognize business quality and leaders who have made

play as well as the community in which they operate.

According to the organisers, the award is aimed at promoting and encouraging business excellence across the continent.

Receiving the award, Herbert Wigwe, said: “I am deeply humbled by the decision of the All Africa Business Leaders Award, AABLA, in partnership with CNBC Africa, to be recognized as the African Business Leader of the Year."

BUJA—THE 77th National Executive Committee, NEC, meeting of Peoples Democratic Party, PDP has approved the planning committee and sub committees of its national elective convention slated for December 9, 2017.

Also ratified were the congresses held in eight of the nine states which had their executive committees dissolved by the party a few months ago.

Briefing journalists at the end of the meeting which lasted about four hours, National Publicity Secretary of the party, Prince Dayo Adeyeye, stated that more than 2,800 delegates would be at the convention to elect new officers to pilot the affairs of the party.

“You will recall that at the last convention, the party took a decision to dissolve executive committees in nine States, namely, Lagos, Ogun, Osun, Adamawa, Borno, Kwara, Kebbi, Anambra and Kogi and mandated the National Caretaker Committee, NCC, to set up caretaker committees in those states and conduct congresses in those states.

“We reported to NEC that successfully we have concluded the congresses from ward to state levels in those States apart from Osun. It is only in Osun that we have not conducted the local and state congresses.

“We also look at the constitution, composition of the convention planning committee and sub committees and it was approved by NEC, which

will be published in the newspapers in the next few days.

“They are taking the party to every nook and cranny of the country. The party is now always in the consciousness of Nigerians unlike the APC that has not been able to hold one NEC meeting like we do regularly,” he said adding that “Over 2, 800 delegates are being expected at the convention,” he said.

Adeyeye however cautioned aspirants for the various offices to be civil in their utterances, noting that at the end of the contest, winners and losers would come together again in the interest of the party.

When asked for the identity of the chairman of the convention planning committee, Adeyeye was evasive, saying that “We will publish the names, don’t jump the gun.” .As George dissociates self from parallel convention Meanwhile, former national chairman (South) and national chairmanship aspirant of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Chief Olabode George has dissociated himself from moves by some disgruntled members of the party to hold a parallel convention come December 9, 2017.

The retired Navy Commodore also called on the leadership of the party to ensure a smooth conduct of the delegate election, warning that the party could not afford another round of crisis so soon after a protracted leadership tussle that almost brought the PDP down on its knees.

10 — VANGUARD, FRIDAY, DECEMBER 1, 2017 :Vanguard News

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Media stakeholders set up committee on 2018 IPI World Congress

IPMAN threatens to withdrawal services

By Udo Ibuot

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REPARATIONS for Nigeria’s hosting of the 2018 World Congress and General Assembly of the International press Institute, IPI, have begun with the constitution of nine planning committees.

The committees, set up at an extraordinary meeting of Nigerian Media Stakeholders are: the Local Organising Committee, LOC, and the committees on Finance; Sponsorship; Programme and Events; Media and Publicity; Transport and Logistics; Contact and Protocol; Venue and Accommodation; and Security.

The LOC is headed by the President of the Newspapers Association of Nigeria, NPAN, Prince Nduka Obaigbena, with Mallam Kabiru Yusuf, and Mallam Garba Shehu, as Deputy Chairmen. The Secretary, IPI Nigeria, Mr. Raheem Adedoyin, will serve as Secretary.

Other members of the LOC include Mallam Ismaila Isa, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Mallam Wada Maida, Lady Maiden Ibru, Dr. Kalu Orji Kalu, Mr. Sam Nda-Isaiah, Mr. John Momoh, Mallam Yakubu Muhamned, Mr. Bayo Onanuga, Dr. Tonnie Iredia, Mr. Folu Olamiti.

Also in the LOC are Mrs Funke Egbemode, Mr. Waheed Odusile, Mr. Victor Ifijeh, Mr. Emma Agu, Mallam Mohamned Idris and Mr. Eric Osagie.

While the Finance committee is headed by Mallam Ismaila Isa, with Mallam Kabiru Yusuf as

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VISIT: Lagos State Gov, Akinwunmi Ambode (3rd right); Chairman, National Council of Elders, NASFAT, Alhaji Olalekan Saliu (2nd right); Commissioner for Home Affairs, Dr. AbdulHakeem AbdulLateef (right); President, NASFAT, Alhaji Mohammed-Kamil Yomi Bolarinwa (3rd left); Chairman, Board of Trustee, NASFAT, Dr. Wale Olasupo (2nd left); Chief Missioner Worldwide, NASFAT, Imam Onike AbdulAzeez (left); Publicity Secretary, NASFAT Worldwide, Mr. Banji Busari (left behind); former President of NASFAT, Alhaji Sheriff Yusuf (2nd left behind); Special Adviser to the Governor on Housing, Mrs. Aramide Giwanson (3rd left behind); Vice Chairman, Mosque Committee, NASFAT, Alhaji Remi Bello (2nd right behind) and Special Adviser to the Gov on Food Security, Mr. Ganiu Okanlawon (right back) during a courtesy visit by Leaders of NASFAT Islamic Group in Ikeja, yesterday. deputy, Mr. Waheed Odusile is to serve as Secretary.

Former Lagos State Governor, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu heads the Sponsorship Committee, with Prince Nduka Obaigbena, as deputy, while Victoria Ibanga will serve as Secretary.

The programme/event committee is chaired by Mallam Kabiru Yusuf, with Mr. Eniola Bello as deputy, and Tracia Ubani is to serve as Secretary.

Similarly, Mr. Folu Olamiti, heads the transport/logistics committee, with Mr. Nnamdi Njemanze, as deputy, while Dr. Qasim Akinreti, and is to serve as Secretary.

Also, the Media/Publicity committee is headed by Dr. Tonnie Iredia, with Mr. Eric Isagie as deputy, while Mr. Yemi Ajayi, serves as Secretary.

The contact/Protocol committee is chaired by Mallam Garba Shehu, with Mrs Comfort Obi, as deputy, and Hajia H.H. Sanni as Secretary.

Mallam Wada Maida, heads the Venue/ Accommodation committee, with Mrs Funke Egbemode, as deputy, and Catherine Agbo, as Secretary.

In the same vein, Security committee is chaired by Mallam Idris Mohammed, with Mr. Madu Onuorah, as deputy, and Madam Rafat Salami,

as Secretary.

Speaking at the Stakeholders meeting, LOC Chairman, Prince Nduka Obaigbena said the Nigerian media was ready to host the world.

“We have the whole world to host in six months; and we are prepared to host the world in six months, to showcase the best of Nigeria and the best of Africa” he said.

Obaigbena also promised that the host committee “would promote an agenda on issues that matter to us (Nigerians) and that matter to Africa.”

The committees are to meet in December to fashion out a work plan and submit their reports to the LOC in January.

4bn people worldwide without social protection —ILO

By Victor Ahiuma-Young ENEVA: INTERNATIONAL Labour Organ-isation,ILO,yesterday in Geneva Switzerland, said despite significant progress in the extension of social protectioninmanypartsofthe world, the human right to social security was not yet a reality for a majority of the world’s population.

According to new data presented in the World SocialProtectionReport2017/ 19:Universalsocialprotection to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals , only 45 per cent of the global population is effectively covered by at least one social benefit, while the remaining 55 per cent– 4 billion people – are left unprotected.

The new research also shows that only 29 per cent of the global population enjoys access to comprehensivesocialsecurity – a small increase compared

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to 27 per cent in 2014-2015 – while the other 71 per cent, or 5.2 billion people, are not, or only partially, protected.

“The lack of social protection leaves people vulnerable to ill-health, poverty, inequality and social exclusion throughout their lifecycle.Denyingthishuman right to 4 billion people worldwide is a significant obstacle to economic and social development. While many countries have come a long way in strengthening their social protection systems, major efforts are still necessary to ensure that the right to social protection becomes a reality for all,” said ILO Director-General Guy Ryder.

The report recommends an increase of public expenditure on social protection to extend social protection coverage, especially in Africa, Asia and the Arab States, to provide at least a basic social protection floor to all.

NDICATIONS yesterday emerged of a looming scarcity of fuel ahead of Christmas celebrations, as Lagos State Independent Petroleum Markers Association of Nigeria, IPMAN, gave a December 11 deadline to withdraw its services in Lagos and its environs especially part of Ogun State.

If the action goes ahead as planned it may lead to a shutdown of over 900 filling stations in Lagos and surrounding states leading to fuel crisis during the yuletide festivities.

IPMAN in a statement by its state chairman, Alhaji Alanamu Balogun, Vice chairman, Pastor Gbenga Ilupeju, and secretary, Prince Kunle Oyenuga, disclosed

that members were set for a showdown with Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, NNPC, over irregular fuel supply at Ejigbo satellite depot.

The group said it took the painful decision because its members had been running their fuel stations at a loss since the past eight months due to NNPC default in the bulk purchase agreement it signed with IPMAN to sell fuel to its members at N133.28 per litre.

According to the statement, “IPMAN currently sells a litre of fuel (PMS) to its members at N141, apart from running costs, bank charges and other expenses which has made it impossible for IPMAN members to sell a litre of fuel at controlled price of N145, but N146 per litre.”

World AIDS Day: Coalition targets 5,000 Lagosians for free HIV testing

By Chioma Obinna

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O demystify HIV testing and counselling among youths in Lagos State, a Coalition of Civil Society Organisations is targeting no fewer than 5,000 Lagosians for free HIV testing and counselling to mark this year’s World AIDS Day today.

The free HIV screening billed to hold simultaneously in four Local Government Areas of Ajeromi, Kosefe, Agege and Mainland of Lagos State is being organised by Youth Empowerment and Development Initiative, YEDI and National Youth Network on HIV/AIDS,

NYNETHA, to create awareness and disseminate data on the pandemic.

Speaking during a briefing in Lagos to herald this year’s World AIDS Day with the theme: “My Health, My Right”, the Head of Programme, YEDI, Mrs. Tomisin Adeoye, said the exercise was in line with the ambitious UN 90–90–90 target to end the AIDS epidemic by 2020.

Adeoye who disclosed that YEDI had reached over 127,000 Nigerian adolescents in disadvantaged communities in Nigeria, said in Lagos alone, no fewer than 50,000 had been reached with HIV message.

Lagos enrolls 1,612 physically challenged persons into schools

By Monsuru Olowoopejo

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O check street begging by the physically challenged persons, Lagos State Government has announced the enrolment of nofewerthan1,612physically challenged persons into schools in the state.

Thiscameaswifeofthestate governor, Bolanle Ambode, warned parents of physically challenged persons to desist from isolating them at home.

The deputy Governor, Dr. Idiat Adebule, who disclosed the enrolment of physically challenged persons at the celebration of 11th International Day for persons living with disability, in Ikeja, yesterday, said the aim of the enrolmentwasalsotoincrease numberofpersonslivingwith disability that could be employed in the state. .”This government will not

leave this huge population of Lagosians at the mercy of alms givers but determined to integrate and assist them to be self-reliant, contribute their quota to the socioeconomic and political developmentofthestate,”she assured.

Earlier, Mrs Ambode said “There is no point hiding because of physical challenges. All parents who have challenged children should not see them as bad omen; they are created specially by God Almighty to achieve specific purposes.

They are not destined to be beggars, they are capable of living independently if assisted to acquire requisite skills”.

Ambode implored all parents of challenged children to register them in the special schools so that governmentcouldhelpthem realize their full potential

VANGUARD, FRIDAY, DECEMBER 1, 2017 — 11 :Vanguard News

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Why APC is indebted to Nigerians — OSINBAJO

By Gbenga Olarinoye

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SOGBO—VICE President, Prof.

Yemi Osinbajo, yesterday, said that the All Progressives Congress, APC, led by President Muhammadu Buhari is indebted to Nigerians for supporting its aspirations to assume leadership in 2015.

He also restated Federal Government's resolve to empower Nigerians if those in government resist the urge to steal the nation’s resources that can go round to serve general good of all Osinbajo said this in Osogbo at the flag-off of Government Enterprises and Empowerment Programme, GEEP. According to him, the ruling APC was in power because Nigerians, especially those on the streets, supported its aspirations to assume leadership.

The Vice President said: “When I arrived here, I have seen for myself some products that should be supported by our administration. We worked so hard before getting here and we owe our being in government to Nigerians on the streets. They supported us and brought us here.

“Our government will continue to work hard to support them by making available resources to boost their businesses. We will be prudent. Ours is a government that does not steal. On this trip, NAFDAC, SON, BOI, and CAC accompanied me.

“Their officials will listen to complaints of business

PRESENTATION: From left; Bunmi Akinremi, MD, Investment Banking, United Capital Plc.; Tony O. Elumelu, CON, Chairman, Heirs Holdings; Toyin Sanni, Group CEO, United Capital, Plc.; Jude Chiemeka, MD, Securities, United Capital Plc.; Sunny Anene, MD, Asset Management, United Capital Plc, during the presentation of the PEARL awards won by United Capital Plc based on the company’s corporate governance & outstanding stock performances to Chairman of Heirs Holdings, Mr Tony Elumelu, at the Heirs Place in Lagos, yesterday. owners and try to deal with them immediately. Before we leave Osun state, all these agencies of government will open an office under one roof in Osun here. The office will attend to complaints from business owners and handle them.”

In his remarks, Governor Rauf Aregbsola said for those ready to do business, there are abundant opportunities to create wealth and urged citizens of the state to key into GEEP to improve their businesses.

Speaking earlier, the state

Don't phase out motorcycle, tricycle operations, FG tells States, LGs

By Daud Olatunji ABEOKUTA— THE Federal Government has warned states across the country against phasing out the operation of motorcycle and tricycle transportation system in the country.

Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi said this yesterday in Abeokuta, Ogun State at the official

commissioning of the state Secretariat of A m a l g a m a t e d Commercial Tricycle and Motorcycle Owners Repairs and Riders Association of Nigeria (ACOMORAN).

Amaechi challenged the states and local governments in Nigeria to integrate and enhance rather than phase them out.

The Minister

2018: We'll deploy legitimate means to dislodge Fayose — EKITI APC

By Rotimi Ojomoyela ADO EKITI — THE All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ekiti State, has vowed to use every legal and constitutional strategy to defeat the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in

Commissioner for Commerce, Industries, and Cooperatives, Mr. Ismaila Adekunle JayeobaAlagbada said that the state government has mobilised and sensitised all stakeholders to ensure the success of the programme.

the 2018 governorship election.

The party said it could not afford to wait for another four years in the fridge, allowing the state Governor, Mr. Ayodele Fayose the free will to continue to dominate the state’s political space.

The State Acting Chairman of the party, Mrs. Kemi Olaleye, said this in Ado Ekiti during a visit of the leadership of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ, Correspondents’ Chapel, led by its Chairman, Sam Nwaoko to the APC’s State Working Committee members.

Olaleye said the party will put its house in order and connect with all the critical stakeholders like the

artisans, teachers, market men and women and political and opinion leaders to make the dream a reality.

“We are determined to win the coming election.

We will use every legal and constitutional means; adopt the right strategy to win the July 14 governorship election. We can’t wait in the fridge for another four years. One year is too long a year to be wasted in the life of a politician, let alone another four years.

“We know that the coming year, I mean 2018 will be challenging for the SWC because our governorship aspirants will play and do their own things, the state government too but we shall overcome.”

acknowledged the contribution of motorcycle and tricycle operations to nation-building and development, adding that they serve as primary means of transportation in some places in Nigeria.

Represented by Deputy Director, Mass Transit Administration in the ministry, Foluke Oni, Amaechi pointed out that it is rational to allow the citizenry “chose any means of transportation that suits them.”

He, however, advocated for the continuous use of helmets by drivers, training, and re-training as well as insurance for motorcyclists, tricycles and the users to guarantee safety on the roads.

The minister said: “There is need for states and local governments to integrate these tricycles and motorcycles operations into their mode of transportation and should begin to think more on how to enhance their operations rather than think of phasing them out “Tricycles and motorcycles are important in the area of provision of essential and easy to reach transportation all over the country."

Akeredolu tasks civil servants on attitudinal change AKURE — G O V E R N O R Oluwarotimi Akeredolu of Ondo State has called on civil servants in the state to have an attitudinal change to ensure infrastructure development and effective service delivery.

Governor Akeredolu also directed the state Head of Service, Mr. Toyin Akinkuotu, to put the necessary machinery in motion to effect the promotion of civil servants in the state.

The governor made the call in Akure while swearing in 15 new Permanent Secretaries and Tutor-General into the state public service.

The governor urged the new permanent secretaries to be committed and transparent in the discharge of their duties.

He said it was through such development that the set objectives of his administration, for quality service delivery would be realised.

Akeredolu, who assured workers of his administration’s commitment to their welfare said: “We are not unaware of the critical role of the civil servants in the discharge of the promises of our mandate. Our commitment to the welfare of all those who serve our people is irrevocable.”

Konga.com becomes prepay only platform

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ONGA.COM has announced its decision to become a prepay only platform. This decision was taken as part of its measures to become more efficient and to focus on the orders that consumers really want.

Providing further explanation on the decision, the CEO, Mr. Shola Adekoya said: “In recent years, we have explored several solutions for payment and ecommerce in Nigeria and concluded that prepay is the necessary approach for our business and the market. ‘’Given the cost of inflation and increasing challenges managing payment-on-delivery, as well as the resulting level of order cancellations on the platform, we had to take this decision. ‘’We will continue to review other ways to

provide payment-ondelivery to customers, but for the time being, we will remain a prepay only platform. ‘’We have enabled a contact seller button that allows open communication between and seller and buyer in cases where pay on delivery transactions still want to be carried out directly between the seller and the buyer.”.

Konga.com transformed to a prepay only platform in mid-November 2017, and there had been a solid shift towards online payment by customers.

“Since we switched over, we have seen a marked increase in online payment which is a much more seamless experience and we sincerely appreciate all our customers who have trusted us enough to begin paying online for their orders,’’ said Mr Adekoya.

Ooni, Almajdal group to make Ife World Heritage City

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HE Ooni of Ife, Oba Enitan Adeyeye Ogunwusi, the Ojaja II and a business conglomerate, Almajdal limited have promised to transform IleIfe into a World Heritage City.

The project involves the transformation of Ile-Ife into the biggest tourist destination in Africa.

In a statement, Executive Director of Almajdal, Mr. Wali Kutrub said: Almajdal, is working with Tropical Green City Foundatìon, an environmentally friendly group. Kutrub stated that upon completion, the project will stir immense wealth and job creation and an economic bang while millions of tourists are

expected to look up to an amazing visit to the ancient city.

In a statement, the Ooni of Ife, Oba Ogunwusi said the “project involves reconstruction and beautification of ancient sites, city parks, new boulevards, greenery of the city centers, redesign of the city main boulevard, outskirts and other legacy projects in line with the idea to create the necessary impetus for Ile-Ife and Yoruba cultural renaissance.”

“We are set for a legacy project that will uplift one of the oldest cities in the world and put it on the global tourist map."

12—Vanguard, FRIDAY, DECEMBER 1, 2017 :Vanguard News

Presidency approved $40m contract to Jonathan’s cousin’s firm, EFCC tells Court

By Ikechukwu Nnochiri

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BUJA — TRIAL of a cousin to former President Goodluck Jonathan, Mr. Azibaola Robert and his wife, Stella, took a new dimension, yesterday, as the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, told the Federal High Court in Abuja that payment for $40million contract that was awarded to the defendants’ firm, Oneplus Holdings Limited, was duly authorised by the Presidency.

Azibola and his wife are answering to a seven-count criminal charge the EFCC preferred against them.

At the resumed hearing, the 10th Prosecution Witness, PW-10, Mr. David Mkpe, who is an EFCC operative that investigated the deal between the company and the Office of the National Security Adviser, NSA, told trial Justice Nnamdi Dimgba that he was aware of a Presidential memo approving both the contract and payment for the job.

Mkpe, who was crossexamined by the defence counsel, Mr. Chris Uche, SAN, told the court that his investigative team came across the memo from the ONSA, which he said okayed the payment of $40 million to Oneplus Holdings Ltd. Mkpe also admitted that the $40 million paid to Oneplus was not the only payment for security assignment from ac-

counts of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, NNPC, through the Office of the NSA under Col. Sambo Dasuki, retd.

Asked if he saw the memo from ONSA through which the payment of $40m was made to Oneplus account, Mkpe replied, “Yes, my lord. The payment was duly authorised by the NSA.” He said: “My lord funds from which the $40m was paid to Oneplus came from NNPC funds. In March 2014, Lt-Col Sambo Dasuki wrote a memo to the President entitled: “Intervention in Urgent National Security Project” through which he sought the approval of Mr. President for the sum of $1bn for subheads and surveillance of pipelines and additional request for $250m.

“The President gave approval to his request.

The President approved the release of the sum of $1.2bn. In May, the sum of $1.2bn was then released from NNPC accounts. It was this fund that was disbursed to various recipients. The $40m was part of the $1.2bn statutorily approved and released for urgent national security intervention. I can confirm.”

Justice Nnamdi Dimgba has adjourned the trial to January 22 and 23, 2018 to enable the defence cross examine more prosecution witnesses.

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Appeal Court declares Albert winner of PDP senatorial primary in Akwa Ibom

By Ike Uchechukwu

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ALABAR—THE Court of Appeal sitting in Calabar, the Cross River State, yesterday, overturned the judgment of the Federal High Court in Uyo and declared Senator Bassey Albert of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, winner of the party’s primary held in December 2014.

In February this year, the

Federal High Court in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, sacked Albert, who is the incumbent Senator representing Akwa Ibom North East Senatorial District.

Mr Bassey Etim, who claimed he was the real winner of the party’s primary, and was wrongly substituted, had dragged incumbent senator to court.

In delivering the judgment, Justice Fatun Riman

of the Federal High Court in Uyo, ordered Albert to refund all salaries and entitlements he had so far collected as Senator, and asked the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC to issue the certificate of return to Etim as Senator representing the district.

Albert challenged the decision at the Court of Appeal in Calabar, and deliv-

LAUNCHING: Chief Executive Officer, the Audrey Pack Company, Ms. Lilian Odim; Oyo State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Azeez Adeduntan; Director, MTN Foundation, Elder Dennis Okoro; and Director, Planning, Research and Statistics, Oyo State Ministry of Health, Dr. Abass Gbolahan at the launch of MTN Foundation Yellow Heart initiative in Ibadan, yesterday.

ering judgment yesterday, the Presiding Judge, Justice S. J. Adah, with Justices Iheme Nwosu and J. O. K. Oyewole, declared that he was the winner, as his challenger Etim, lacked evidence to support his claim.

Mr. Mba Okweni, SAN, who represented Etim, hinted they would be heading to the Supreme Court to challenge the decision.

His words: “They have nullified the judgment of the Federal High Court which declared Bassey Etim as the actual winner of the PDP primaries that was conducted on the 7th day of December 2014, and then that Albert was properly the candidate of the party.

“Incidentally, Albert is still sitting in the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, so he will continue until we test it further and know what the position of the Supreme Court will be.’’

Albert’s lawyer, Oba Folaho Ojibara, said they had overwhelming evidence that his client was the legitimate winner of the primary that eventually led to the 2015 general elections, which he won.

POOR POWER SUPPLY: Community leader not making profit. We exonerates TCN, faults DISCOs know how they arrived at

By Godwin Oghre

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A P E L E — A community leader in Sapele, Mr. Ben Tobi has faulted the claim by the Director of Planning and Research, who doubles as the spokesman of the Association of Nigerian Electricity Distribution Companies, ANEDCO, Mr Sunday Oduntan, that the Transmission Company of Nigeria, TCN, was respon-

sible for poor power supply and not distribution companies, DISCOs. According to Mr Oduntan, the TCN deliberately transmit power to areas that consume much power but don’t pay electricity bills.

Picking holes in the comment, Tobi asked the DISCO’s to publish what they earn and disagreed that they were not making profit. What is the crime of TCN? Is this

what the government wanted from the privatisation? Where are the proceeds of the outrageous over estimated bills they are collecting?

They should publish what they collect on a monthly basis and their expenses. They should be blamed for their failure to set up proper machinery to recover their money from electricity consumers. Even at that, they can’t say they are

Environmentalists condemn FG’s allocation of N17bn to importation of generators

By Gabriel Enogholase

B

ENIN-CITY— EXECUTIVE Director of the Environental Rights Action/Friends of the Earth, ERA/FoEN, Dr. Godwin Uyi Ojo has condemned the earmarking of N17 billion in this year’s budget for the purchase of power generating sets and diesel.

Dr Ojo condemned the act while declaring open a stakeholders’ consultative workshop for the promotion of Renewable Energy Alternative held in Benin

City, yesterday.

He said: “We wish to state categorically that the Federal government immediately place a permanent ban on the importation of power generating sets for Ministries, Departments and Agencies, MDAs, in the country.

“Instead, they should work with the budget office to include a budget line for research and development of alternative sources of energy in solar lighting systems and fuel efficient cooking stoves. Nigeria should not be left behind

in the global shift from fossil fuel dependency to renewable energy as a response to curbing climate change and its devastating impacts “ He stated that energy demands in Nigeria outstrips supply which he said, hovers around 5,000 Mega Watts, saying that as a result, “over 70 per cent of the 170 million people depends solely on fuel wood for energy representing one of the world’s highest deforestation rate of 3.5 percent annually”

their estimated bills. Estimated bills cover all of that. ‘’They said that they would not supply power to areas that they have debtors; what about those that are paying? They should quit the business as Taraba DISCO did.

Let me also draw the attention of the Federal government to DISCO’s claim of buying at N68 and legally allowed to sell at N31.58k, I call on the government not to keep mum on it. If it’s true, then it’s Federal Government that is asking them to be collecting outrageous estimated bills from us." The Government should be clear on what we should pay and put her foot down on proper billing.’’

Vanguard, FRIDAY, DECEMBER 1, 2017 — 13

14 — VANGUARD, FRIDAY, DECEMBER 1, 2017

PRESENTATION OF BOOK BY APC NATIONAL SPOKESMAN, ABDULLAHI, IN ABUJA A book by APC national spokesman, Bolaji Abdullahi: ‘’ON A PLATTER OF GOLD“ was launched yesterday in Abuja .

Photos by Gbemiga Olamikan.

From left, Senate President, Bukola Saraki (left) and former Chief Justice of Nigeria, Alfa Belgore.

From right, Minister of Solid Minerals, Dr Fayemi Kayode, Borno State Gov, Kashim Shettima, APC National Chairman, Chief John Odige Oyegun, Chief presenter of the book, Chief Dele Momodu, author of the Book, Bolaji Abdullahi, Kwara State Gov, Abdulfatah Ahmed, Mrs Bolaji Abdullahi, Senator Dino Melaiye, former Speaker , Ghali Na’abba, ex-Ekiti Gov, Niyi Adebayo, Deputy National Chairman of APC South, Segun Oni and others.

From right , APC National Chairman, Chief John Oyegun , Kwara State Gov, Abdulfatah Ahmed and Bolaji Abdullahi.

From right, Chief Dele Momodu, Bolaji Abdullahi, Kwara State Governor, Abdulfatah Ahmed and Mrs Bolaji Abdullahi.

PUBLIC PRESENTATION OF A BOOK: PRINCE PROFESSOR IN LAGOS

From left — Prof Soji Adejumo, U I Ibadan , Dr Bolaji Kuti, Mrs Maiden Ibru , Publisher, Guardian Newspaper, Chief Olu Akinkugbe, Chairman of occasion, Engr Layi Ajayi Bembe, Amb Audrey Ajose and Erelu Abiola Dosunmu and others.

From left — Mr Oladunroye Olufemi , Mr Olaseni Ogungbadero, Gen Sec of Ogunyemi Royal Family and Mr Biodun Onayele, D G, LASRAD. C M Y K

From left: Mr Adelewe Johnson, Mrs Adeyinka Adegboye and Engr Akin Adegboye.

From left — Chief Femi Olopade, Chief Dele Adetiba and Chief Olufemi Adeniyi Williams.

VANGUARD, FRIDAY, DECEMBER 1, 2017 —15 :Vanguard News

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:@vanguardnews

NEWS HOTLINES: 08052867023, 08052867058

S'East govs shun CBN empowerment programmes---SEEDC boss

By Emeka Mamah, Emma Ujah, Chidi Nkwopara, Anayo Okoli & Dennis Agbo WERRI—SOUTH East governors have been accused of distancing their administrations from entrepreneurship programmes initiated by the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN. The Programme Director, South East Entrepreneurship Development Centre, SEEDC, Dr. Osita Aniemeka, disclosed this yesterday, when the establishment signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Iwuanyanwu Foundation in Owerri.

“The South East governors have not only refused to see the import of this CBN initiative, but have also distanced their administrations from the programme”, Aniemeka said.

It was the considered view of the Programme Director that “except the small and medium scale enterprises are developed and sustained, the nation’s quest to reduce unemployment may remain a mirage”.

He commended the facilitator of Iwuanyanwu Foundation, Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, for giving employment over the years, to several Nigerians.

“You are again making history today (yesterday), because we are not just going to reach other areas through your office, but succour will come the way of the unemployed soonest”, Aniemeka said.

Welcoming the CBN team earlier, Chief Iwuanyanwu expressed sadness at the way some O

From left;: Regional Sales Manager, Unilever Nigeria Plc, Udeme Jacobs; Principal, Government Girls Junior Secondary School, Ungwar Muazu, Kaduna, Adama Abdulahi Wada; Head Girl, Government Girls Junior Secondary School Ungwar Muazu, Kaduna, Sa’adatu Shuaibu; Assistant Head Girl, Government Girls Junior Secondary School, Ungwar Muazu, Kaduna, Blessing Ali; Brand Manager, Knorr Social Mission, Foluke Femi-Sanda and Area Sales Manager, Unilever Nigeria Plc, Haruna Sanusi at the Knorr Force For Good event held at the school premises nationals held in Libya, When reminded that the youth empowerment were reportedly sold like CBN could not have been programmes and other goats or mindlessly killed playing politics with such Federal Government like rams. a serious matter, the CPS initiated empowerment said “it depends on where programmes.

‘Imo ready to reduce they are coming from”.

“We are up there when it unemployment' Continuing, the CPS comes to embracing CBN's But reacting yesterday to affirmed that government youth empowerment claims by CBN, the Imo would unarguably jump at programmes”, Oriaku said.

State Government said it any such move by CBN. Also reacting to the In a related allegation, the Chief Press is very prepared to partner with anybody, group of development, Enugu state Secretary to Ebonyi State persons or establishments Commissioner for Youths Governor, Sir Emmanuel towards the reduction of and Sports, Mr. Joseph Uzor stated that the State youth unemployment in the Udedi, yesterday carpeted had already keyed into the state. the CBN for including the agricultural policies of the The Chief Press Secretary, state as one lacking in Federal Government CPS, to Imo State youths empowerment through the Central Bank Governor, Mr. Samuel programmes. of Nigeria, CBN, by Also yesterday, Abia State participating in the Anchor Onwuemeodo, disclosed government’s position on Government said it keyed Borrowers programme of the allegation levelled by maximally into all the youth the Bank.

CBN that South East empowerment programme •"That was why former governments have refused initiated by the Central President Olusegun to key into it’s Bank of Nigeria, CBN, Obasanjo•fs Zero Hunger E n t r e p r e n e u r s h i p saying that it has at present Team visited the state. We Development Programme. enrolled over 30,000 youths have made request for “Imo State Government is in the various programmes dams and irrigation which very prepared to partner when others are enrolling is part of the South East with any person, group of 3000.

Entrepreneurship persons or establishments, The Commissioner for Development Centre towards the eradication of Finance, Mr. Obinna programme to create unemployment in the Oriaku said the state is 10,000 jobs through state”, Onwuemeodo said. doing well in the CBN agriculture."

Ambode charges accountants to uphold ethics of profession

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AGOS State Governor, Mr Akinwunmi Ambode has charged accountants to always adhere strictly to the ethics of accounting profession and contribute their quota to the upliftment and development of the country.

Ambode, gave the charge yesterday, at the 11th Annual Public Lecture Dinner and Award Nite of the Association of National Accountants of Nigeria, ANAN, Ikeja Branch, held at Lagos LTV, Agidingbi, Ikeja, Lagos.

Ambode, represented by his Chief of Staff, Mr. Samuel Ojo, maintained that accountants holds a very strategic place in moving the nation forward and nevertheless should be

role models and pace setters who should guide all other professions aright as far as accountability and p i o n e e r i n g multidisciplinary emphasis in the production of well blended accounting professionals in the country is concerned.

Ambode, however, commended members of ANAN, Ikeja Branch.for sustaining the annual lecture, which according to him had not only been a source of inspiration to other professions, but has awaken them from slumber and make ANAN, Ikeja Branch, a reference point for others to take a que, while also urging them not to relent but always create avenue to always soar high.

Nigeria’s foreign reserve rises to $35.2bn — CBN GOVERNOR

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HE Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, Mr. Godwin Emefiele yesterday said the country’s foreign reserve had risen to $35.2 billion from $23 billion in October last year.

Emefiele spoke at the 47th Convocation of the University of Nigeria Nsukka, UNN, in Enugu State. The theme of his lecture was “A mind set for succeeding in today ’s Nigeria.”

“Foreign Reserve has recovered significantly from a low of just over $23 billion in October 2016, to about $35.2 billion by November 27, 2017,” he said.

This was even as the Vice Chancellor of UNN, Prof Benjamin Chukwuma Ozumba, said that medical students of the institution would now spent two of their last years in Israel to enable them practice medicine in any part of the globe after graduation.

Ozumba further said that the university had started to produce laptop

computers locally, even as he presented Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State, Emefiele and chairman of the occasion and former CBN governor, Prof Chukwuma Soludo with the “Lion Laptop computers.Apart from the computers, Ozumba said that the university had put in place a science park, consisting three components including technology transfer, business incubation and innovation to make students of the UNN employers of labour on graduation.

However, Mr. Emefiele attributed the rise in reserve and domestic production to what he described as “our development finance effort and the dogged implementation of our FX policies.”

Continuing, he said that decision to deny importers of a list of 14 items access to foreign exchange from the CBN made great impacts on the nation’s economic, which recently exited recession.

Osinbajo visits late Ekwueme’s family

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ICE President Yemi Osinbajo yesterday paid a condolence visit to the family of late former vice president, Dr. Alex Ekwueme.

Osinbajo, who was accompanied by the Minister of Labour and Employment, Chris Ngige met the deceased’s widow, Beatrice, and children – Mr. Obi Ekwueme, Mrs. Chidi Onyemelukwe and Mr. Ogo Ekwueme at their Abuja residence.

Speaking to journalists after the visit, the Vice

president said the late Ekwueme “stood out as someone who stood for greater Nigeria.”

He said: “For someone who had no arms, had nothing, he was just a leader who stood out when everyone else seemed to be afraid of speaking up.

“I think that was one of the most poignant memories because really, we owe a duty to our society to continue to empower ourselves and empower all others to ensure that it is better.”

Okotie-Eboh tasks Itsekiri leaders on Iwere nation devt

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television producer and the founder of Progressive Alliance Movement (PAM), Mr Emmanuel Okotie-Eboh has called on Itsekiri political leaders to use their influence, contact and wealth to attract development to Iwere Nation and to emulate past Itsekiri political leaders.

In an interview in Warri, Mr Emmanuel OkotieEboh, son of Nigerian first Finance Minister, Chief Festus Okotie-Eboh, decried what he described as “Fighting over unimportant issues” by Itsekiri political leaders.

He said that;”It so sad that our so called politicians are always good at fighting over unimportant issues, rather than fighting for important things that will bring joy to

our people. Our political leaders should use their positions for the betterment of our people”.

According to him also;”Some Itsekiri political leaders got to top of Delta political positions and failed to do the needful for our land. But we had some leaders in the past who were not Chiefs and not as wealthy as some of our present day political leaders, but did alot for the Iwere land and we still remember them up till now for the little they did”.

“Alfred Rewane , Festus Okotie-Eboh were young Itsekiris who tried their best for our land and they put the interest of Itsekiri first. The late Joe Ayomike also cared for our people, putting the interest of Itsekiri first.''

16—Vanguard, FRIDAY, DECEMBER 1, 2017 :Vanguard @ : vanguad rnews

@ : vanguardnewsN

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NCC renews call against mast would go to any lenght to vandalism prevent further abuse and

By Emmanuel Elebeke

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SUMMIT: From left— Director, Homework Development and Properties Limited, Chima Emerueh; Senior Vice President, Equity and Debt Capital Markets, Stanbic IBTC Capital, Debo Adeosun, and Director, Homework Development and Properties Limited, Jide Adekola, during a summit on West African Property Investment in Lagos.

BUJA—THE Nigerian Communications Communication, NCC has renewed its call on all host communities to telecom masts to desist from shutting them down irrespective of the conflict that may arise between them and the service providers.

The Executive Vice Chairman of the Commsission, Prof. Umar Danbatta sounded the warning at the 7th NCC Consumer Conservative Forum held at Madala primary school, Niger State.

The EVC, who was represented at the occasion by the Head of Zonal Operations of the Commission, Mrs. Helen Obi said the issue of quality of service is very paramount to Commission and as such

vandalization of telecom facilities in every part of the country.

As part of its mandate to protect the telecom infrastructure, Dambatta explained that the Commission has always engaged stakeholders in both state and local government levels , encouraging them to protect the facilities and also allow service providers install their equipment without any form of molestation.

He said: ‘‘We engage other stakeholders such as state governments,Localgovernment authorities, encouraging them to also make sure that some of the challenges which include vandalismofinfrastructuretoalso allowthetelecomoperatorsinstall the masts in their environment and also the Right of Way and also give them permit timely that they would improve quality of service."

2019: ‘Chose right people for positions of authority'

By Chinonso Alozie

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VISIT: Former Central Bank Deputy Governor/Founder, Institute for Governance and Economic Transformation, IGET, Professor Kingsley Moghalu (left) and the Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II, during a visit to the Emir.

WERRI—THE Catholic Bishop of Orlu Diocese, in Imo state, Augustine Ukwuoma said, yesterday, that the time has come for Nigerians to choose the right people to occupy the position of leadership.

Ukwuoma made this statement in Orlu local government, while speaking to newsmen on the planned ground breaking ceremony of the Trinitas Catholic University, on Friday, at Awo-Omanma in Oru East local government area of the state.

He also attributed the problem of Nigeria to an act of indiscipline.

The Catholic Bishop briefly said: "Education has been in the fulcrum of the missionary work of the church, as a tool for human development and evangelization."

He recalled that, "With the unfortunate expulsion of the white missionaries at the end of the Nigeria Biafra civil war (1967-1970) and the forceful take over of mission schools and colleges by the state.

"Mission churches lost their long established missionschoolsandcolleges,and for more than forty years that these schools and colleges were in the hand of the government, there was depreciation of infrastructure, in values, quality and morality in education of the education sector."

Firm offers first Africa's tourism mobile app

By Gabriel Olawale

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KADUNA DISCO/MOJEC INT'L: From left— Project Manager, Mr. Oladipo Samuel; Managing Director, Ms. Chantelle Abdul, both of Mojec International Limited; Managing Director, Engr.

Garba Haruna, and Deputy Secretary & Legal Adviser, Maryam Mohammed, both of Kaduna Electric, during the signing ceremony between Kaduna Disco and Mojec International in Kaduna, yesterday.

AGOS—IN its bid to foster economic growth through brand awareness and increased patronage of local businesses, Enjoy Lagos is set to launch Africa’s first ever tourism mobile application which will stimulate the local and national economy while offering attractive discounts to shoppers, organizing private tours, booking flights and honeymoon packages etc for tourists and indigenes of Lagos state.

The CEO/Founder, Enjoy Lagos, Mr. Iyadi Grizi, said that the mobile app can be downloaded by everyone who lives and visits Lagos State.

His words: “It answers the frequently asked questions like where to find the nearest Restaurant, nearest ATM, nearest filling station, nearest police station, weather reports and lots more.”

Urging everyone to get a hold of the application, Iyadi said the Mobile Application will be available for download officially in all play stores and Apple stores from the 1st of December, 2017 and would be launched officially on the 23rd of December 2017.

“This is a pocket size friendly guide and tourism app which is a must have for anyone in Lagos either tourist or indigene," he said.

VANGUARD, FRIDAY, DECEMBER 1, 2017 —17

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OBERT Mugabe, the recently ousted Zimbabwean Head of State, used to be a hero. He was a brilliant intellectual who preferred books to weapons; he bravely coordinated a massive and protracted liberation struggle against the White invaders who had enslaved the Black majority in his country; and he won.

When he emerged victorious from the bush after fighting Rhodesian racists to a standstill, Africans and humanitarians across the globe jubilantly hailed him.

Mugabe became a legend and shortly after he became President of Zimbabwe, he accepted an invitation to visit Nigeria and share his experiences at various venues.

One of the places he spoke at

*Robert Mugabe

Too forgiving! was Ahmadu Bello University in Zaria.

A friend of mine was a young student at the time; and he tells me that he will never forget the day Mugabe graced ABU with his presence. He was mobbed by adoring, whooping crowds.

Lecturers as well as students felt enormously privileged to have him in their midst; and our own then President, Alhaji

Shehu Shagari, who had accompanied him, was almost ignored.

I am one of the many people who looked up to Mugabe for ages. But, as the years went by, I realised with mounting horror that he was using his formidable brain in a very warped way and morphing into a monster and failure. He acquired a greedy,

domineering and embarrassingly much younger second wife called Grace – or DIS-Grace as his opponents bitterly nicknamed her.

He filled his cabinet with thieving and inept cronies.

He presided over a prolonged reign of terror. He specialised in ethnic cleansing and murdered human rights activists and political opponents. He destroyed the economy.

He violently rigged elections, shamelessly overstayed his welcome and was 93 when the army finally said “enough is enough” and drove him out of office. And it’s so sad that there was dancing on the streets when he was booted. What a way for an ex-icon to end his tenure! He really rubbished himself.

I am particularly angry with Mugabe for vindicating sceptics who didn’t celebrate when he took over because they reckon that Blacks are useless at leadership and rightly predicted that Zimbabwe would deteriorate the minute he wrested power from the Whites who had been efficiently running the show.

I thank God that he has

finally been pushed into retirement after betraying the millions who held him in high esteem and thought they could trust him to make Zimbabwe great and enhance the image of his continent and race.

And I really don’t understand why the severance package the new government has offered him, his awful spouse and their grasping relatives is so generous.

I can see why, for old times’ sake and in view of his geriatric frailty, Mugabe is being promised immunity from prosecution and exile.

But I don’t see why, despite being billionaires who have stolen nonstop for decades, the Mugabes are getting a lump sum payoff of around $10 million, salaries till they die; and I don’t see why they are being allowed to keep their looted land and bank balances and other assets.

This golden goodbye and super-sweet deal is SO unfair to the poor people they cheated and impoverished…and to the traumatised families of those they killed.

them look positively imperial compared to their suffering grassroots brethren, Derek (who is famed for his infectious

for example, is infrastructurally sound, socially sophisticated and absolutely beautiful.

But governments in this part of the planet don’t – thanks to corruption, lack of concern, lack of vision and limited funds have what it takes to achieve similar results anytime soon. So it’s down to folks who happen to have spare cash to do whatever they can do to lift up the rural enclaves from which we all originate.

If every successful Nigerian politician or civil servant or professional or businessperson or whatever does as much as Derek Mene has done, the backward Nigerian countryside will bloom and thrive and be totally transformed.

Pa Piagbo must have been so proud of Derek.

I certainly am.

A laudable role model

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EREK Lenyie Mene, the Executive Director of Finance and Administration at the Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, is – like me - from Ogoniland. Derek recently lost his father, Pa Piagbo Albert Mene, a centenarian who was born in 1916, in the middle of the First World War, and was respected and much-loved by all who knew him, because of his wisdom and amiable personality.

According to his greatest fan Derek, Pa Piagbo, in addition to being “peaceful, truthful, tolerant, open-handed and open-hearted,” was an optimistic and fearless gentleman who was “never discouraged or afraid in the face of hardship…and told me that the only thing that can never disappoint is hope… “…My father found strength in his weakness – illiteracy – which he described as ‘blindness’. And he gave me a humble beginning but taught me very important values that have brought me this far in life. I will remember him forever.”

Pa Piagbo was laid to rest in his village, Wiiyaakara, last weekend; and when I went there to join hundreds of indigenous and visiting mourners at his funeral and to participate in the fond, exuberant farewell that his large family had organised for him, I was pleasantly surprised C M Y K

Pa Piagbo, in addition to being “peaceful, truthful, tolerant, openhanded and openhearted,” was an optimistic and fearless gentleman

•The late Pa Piagbo Albert Mene and immensely impressed.

Never before have I seen so much energy, love and money invested in a Nigerian village by an individual! Long before his dear Dad passed away, Derek had built a solid 50-room hotel, as well as a social club and several fish-farming ponds.

Meanwhile, Derek’s own home in Wiiyaakara is a modest bungalow.

In other words, instead of solely concentrating - as so many other Naija VIPs do – on providing himself, his wife and his children with a luxurious, enviable bucolic residence that will make

enthusiasm) has focused on providing economic boosts that generate employment and make his community look more developed and more vibrant than most communities.

In Western nations, central, regional and local governments have ensured that most villages are as attractive as – or more attractive than – most towns and cities. The British village in which I went to boarding school,

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 ATTAC H E D .

18 — Vanguard, FRIDAY, DECEMBER 1, 2017

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LTHOUGH some religious cultures and state systems rooted in religion are still generally tolerant of practices that verge on slavery, the recent exposé by the CNN of thriving slave markets in Libya confirmed, to the shock of the civilised peoples of the world, the existence of this long abolished abominable practice.

It is no longer news that thousands of Nigerians and other Black Africans are being held in camps in anarchyruled, post-Muammar Gaddafi Libya, where they are sold for as little as $400 (about N150,000). These youthful, misguided Africans fall into the nets of human traffickers in their quest to escape into Europe for “better life”.

Most of them end up dying in the Sahara Desert or drowning in the Mediterranean Sea. Some fall victim to human organ hunters or get sold as slaves. Libya became a thriving

Nigeria must lead war against slavery theatre of barbarity and human suffering after Gaddafi’s fall plunged it into a state of anarchy.

Human trafficking has acquired a crisis proportion. It should no longer be left for the National Agency for the Prevention of Traffic in Persons, NAPTIP, alone to tackle. We advocate strongly for President Muhammadu Buhari to rally the Economic Community of West African States, ECOWAS and the African Union, AU, to link up with the European Union, EU, to annihilate human trafficking and slavery.

The ball is in the court of Nigeria,

not just because of her leading position in the sub-region and Africa as a whole, but more importantly, because our citizens constitute the largest population of the victims of the transSaharan human misery.

The recently-held joint meeting of the AU and the EU in Abidjan, Cote D’Ivoire, admittedly included in its five-point agenda, “governance, including democracy, human rights, migration and mobility,” which expectedly examined ways of containing the African migration crisis. We, however, call for a special international summit where the issue

of slavery will be frontally addressed.

It must be borne in mind that all the international instruments that prohibit the practice of slave trade and slavery are still very much valid and subscribed to by all nations. The world cannot afford to allow some stateless international outlaws to plunge Africa back to the dark days of hawking humans like commodities.

We agree with the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project, SERAP, that President Buhari should take the lead for a joint AU-EU commission of inquiry to investigate the return of slave trade and slavery on the African continent, stamp it out and bring all its perpetrators to justice.

It must also be clear to all that there is no alternative to good governance, as that is the only way to keep Africans safely and usefully occupied within their countries.

OPINION

By Simon Ibe

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R. Peter Gregory Obi, a former Governor of Anambra State, is appreciated by people and organisations who desire the best for our country, Nigeria and for human society at large. On the contrary, he is rabidly disliked by those who crave a perpetuation of the old, sordid order of corruption, bad governance, illiteracy and profligacy in the conduct of public affairs.

Across the land, he is fondly called Okwute — the Igbo word for ‘Rock’ – because, besides the Greek origin of Peter (Rock), it depicts his strong character. Peter Obi is highly disciplined and unyielding to all that is bad. Having been identified as a serious threat to advocates and perpetrators of evil, a motley gang-up has been initiated to check-mate his political ascendancy at all costs.

The Anambra State governorship election of November 18, 2017 was the opportunity for the conspirators to show their hands and even after dancing naked in the public, they are still going around thumping their chests and boasting that they succeeded; when, indeed, they have done incalculable damage to the state and by extension, the country.

Recently, one of the tin gods of Anambra State politics, Chief Chris Uba, was on national television boasting excitedly that he contributed in many ways to the loss suffered by his party, the People’s Democratic Party, PDP, in the governorship election – leaving the party’s candidate, Oseloka Obaze, in a distant third place. Interestingly, Chief Chris Uba is a member of the PDP Board of Trustees, BOT. Talk about Trust!

As though that act of infamy was not enough, another money-bag member of the party, Chief Ifeanyi Uba also came on air to claim effusively that he too contributed significantly to PDP’s defeat. In what appeared to be an orchestrated confession to perfidy against Peter Obi, Ifeanyi

C M Y K

The gang-up against Peter Obi Uba’s and Chris Uba’s interviews were aired on the same day. Interestingly, Ifeanyi had contested the governorship ticket of the PDP with Obaze, and lost. Characteristically, he has now decamped to the All Progressives Grand Alliance, APGA. The presumed reasons for the actions of both men plainly offend sensibilities. They claim, for instance, that they were financiers of the PDP in the state and were not carried along by Peter Obi and the national leadership of the party in the choice of the party’s flag-bearer and in the elections. Chris Uba moaned that Obi and Obaze are outsiders in the PDP who had come to hijack the party from them: the founders and financiers. He also gave an ultimatum that Peter Obi should publish an apology to him. On his part, Ifeanyi Uba

Obi has made the point that propeople governance agenda can be pushed and the hope is that Nigerians can buy into the campaign as the 2019 elections draw closer grumbled that he did a lot for the PDP in the run-up to the last general election and should have been compensated with the party’s ticket to run for governor.

A great shame and pity of the infamy of these two chiefs are that they have consciously sacrificed the future of the state and its people on the altar of ego trips. In their inordinate desire to spite Peter Obi, they undermined the candidate of their own party. They look at governance from the narrow prism Chop-IChop; and not from the broader point of view of selfless service to the community for sustainable development. To them, the

governorship ticket should be compensation for what they have done for the party (purchase of vehicles, payment of rents for party offices, funding of operations of party chiefs, etcetera); and not a platform to ensure good governance for the state – through better schools, motorable roads, safe drinking water, good medicare, affordable housing, security and the like.

Discerning observers within and outside Anambra State by all standards of merit adjudged Oseloka Obaze a far better candidate than the candidate the two Ubas and their cohorts decided to support. Peter Obi himself is acknowledged as the apostle of good governance, crusader for prudence in public administration and advocate of mass literacy, among others. The gang-up of the two Ubas and their ilk would have rightly felt that if Obaze was voted in as governor, he would continue with the management style of Obi which abhorred the sharing of state funds among power brokers; leaving little or nothing for sustainable development of the state.

Peter Obi refused resolutely to share public funds, but deployed same prudently and judiciously to develop every sector of the state during his eight years of meritorious service to the state as governor. And, he achieved the incredible feats without borrowing from any source. At the end of his celebrated tenure, he not only left major legacies in form of an excellent network of roads, functional hospitals, an education system that became the envy of other states, water-tight security and so on, but also shocked the nation and indeed, the entire world with the unprecedented announcement, accompanied by documentary evidence of staggering sums of money in foreign exchange and local currency he left for his successor’s administration. Rather than consolidate on the savings, revelations from the last campaigns

exposed the ugly fact that the savings had been frittered away without concrete evidence of what they were used for.

Peter Obi has been consistent in advocating governance that focuses on tackling the issues of the socio-economy. He insists that the economic challenges of the day require a governor that is schooled in management of the economy, that is prudent in management of available resources and can save for tomorrow; and not one that panders to the whims and caprices of political power brokers who are only out to satisfy their selfish desires at the expense of the masses.

The same patriotic zeal and sense of urgency driving his desire for rapid development of Anambra State which guided his vigorous support for the candidacy of Obaze, a globally acclaimed administrator, is also responsible for the missionary zeal with which he is canvassing issues of national development.

The gang-up against him in Anambra State — involving even PDP members of the National Assembly from the state — succeeded only to the extent that the conspirators have cut their noses to spite their faces. They are, indeed, the ultimate losers and Peter Obi, despite their nefarious schemes, can only continue to soar far higher than them all in the ranking of discerning and well-meaning Nigerians. This is especially so for those who treasure sanity and prudence in governance; those who prefer development-driven leadership to chop-I-chop conduct; and those who want the best for Anambra State and Nigeria at large.

Peter Obi has made the point that pro-people governance agenda can be pushed and the hope is that Nigerians can buy into the campaign as the 2019 elections draw closer.

As always, the people are urged to make their choice to secure their future. *Mr. Ibe, publisher of Global Patriot Newspapers, wrote from Awka, Anambra State.

Vanguard, FRIDAY, DECEMBER 1, 2017

— 19

Foreign investors buy out Nigerian shareholders in Seven-Up

By Nkiruka Nnorom

CPC comes after banks over excess bank S •Also after Discos over estimated billings, poor services charges

By Emeka Anaeto,

Business Editor

A

GAINST the backdrop of incessant public outcry, the Consumer Protection Commission, CPC, is set to come after banks over excess services charges. Also the Commission is set to intervene on behalf of electricity consumers over estimated billings and sundry services failures perpetrated by electricity distribution companies, Discos.

The new Director General of the Commission, Mr. Babatunde Irukera, who disclosed this in Lagos yesterday, said it has already begun consensus building with regulators and stakeholders in financial sector with a view to intervening on behalf of consumers of banking services and arrest the situation in excessive bank charges and other irregularities.

In a chat with Vanguard on the engagements with banking sector operators and regulators he stated: “We are in a very close discussion with them, the consumer department of the Central Bank, the payment department of the Central Bank in respect to electronic payments. We are moving towards finalizing a broader memorandum of understanding we had before, and considering how to mutually address some of the issues we have in the financial sector especially bank charges and all those types of wrong doings.”

On when CPC’s intervention action would commence, he stated: “Very soon. We have worked at this for several months and I think something is very imminent.

I would say that no later than sometime early in the coming year.”

This, according to him, is just one of the many initiatives he intends to execute in order to engender a reformed market for the society while modifying behaviours of products and services pro-

L-R: Former British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) correspondent, Mr. Michael Buerk; Chief Executive, UBA Capital (Europe) Limited, representing UBA Group, Mr. Andrew Martin; and Editor, Middle East and Africa, The Banker, Mr. James King, during The Banker Awards 2017, organised by The Banker Magazine, a publication of Financial Times (FT), where UBA Group coveted five awards, including the prestigious ‘African Bank of the Year 2017’, at a ceremony in London on Wednesday viders as well as the consumers in a just and fair exchange of value.

Other initiatives, according to him, would be focused on implementing a competition law that would ensure, amongst other things, that no group of business owners come together as a union for the purpose of fixing products or services prices.

In this connection, he stated: The law does not prohibit trade associations, what the law prohibits is they discussing prices at their meetings. What the law says is that let the competition be fair, let prices be fair. It is good for the business and it is good for the consumers because consumers enjoy the best prices, and businesses are more innovative. And then it doesn’t create trade barriers for others that

By Babajide Komolafe

$2,096.00 00.00 0.08

$14. 71 $64.03 0.92 $57.75 0.45 CURRENCY BUYING

SELLING

US DOLLAR POUNDS EURO FRANC YEN CFA WAUA RENMINBI RIYAL SDR

304.75 408.5174 360.9764 309.548 2. 7305 0.5333 431. 332 46.1314 81. 258 431. 9527

305.25 409.1876 361.5686 310. 0559 2.735 0.5433 432.0397 46. 2075 81.3913 432.6614

305.75 409.8579 362.1609 310.5637 2.7394 0.5533 432.7474 46.2837 81.5246 433.3701

RAND

22. 2865

22.3231

22.3596

CBN Exchange rate as at 30/11/2017 C M Y

initiatives for consumer protection, Irukera said the new CPC would be working with other regulators to inject consumer protection elements in their regulatory services delivery.

Moreover, he informed that consumer complaints resolution automation was underway for all products and services industries under which all organisations involved in providing such products or services are expected to plug in and effectively resolve consumer complaints as they come. He further stated that a failure on the part of any company in this auto-resolution platform would lead to direct intervention of the CPC which may be detrimental to the failing company.

CBN’s PMI indicates further economic expansion in November

$130.30 0.70 $15.15

want to come into the business.”

He also informed that the new CPC would intervene in the electricity services where the consumers appear to have many complaints, mainly on billing, with a view to ensuring that they get services they paid for and only pay for true value of services they receive.

Irukera also said a patients’ bill of rights is underway for the purpose of changing behaviours of hospitals and other health services providers in the country.

The bill, according to him, would be publicized and posted in healthcare offices for the consumers of the services to be aware of their rights and how to enforce them.

To ensure proper implementation and enforcement of all the

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HE Central Bank of Nigeria yesterday released its Purchasing Managers Index (PMI) report for November 2017 which indicated further increases in economic expansion during the month.

According to the report the manufacturing sector PMI rose to 55.9 percent in November from 55 percent in the preceding month, while the non-manufacturing PMI also rose to 57.6 percent from 55.3 percent in October.

The report also revealed that 27 out of the 34 subsectors recorded expansion in November, up from 26 subsectors that recorded expansion in October.

The Manufacturing and Non-Manufacturing PMI report on businesses is based on survey responses indicating the changes in the level of business activities in the current month compared with the preceding month. A composite PMI above 50 points indicates that the manufacturing/non-manufacturing economy is generally expanding, 50 points indicates no change and below 50 points indicates that it

is generally contracting.

The November PMI report stated: “The Manufacturing PMI in the month of November stood at 55.9 index points indicating expansion in the manufacturing sector for the eight consecutive months. Twelve of the 16 subsectors reported growth in the review month in the following order: petroleum & coal products; printing & related support activities; computer & electronic products; textile, apparel, leather and footwear; plastics & rubber products; food, beverage & tobacco products; non-metallic mineral products; chemical & pharmaceutical products; furniture & related products; paper products; cement and primary metal. The electrical equipment sector remained unchanged, while the appliances & components; fabricated metal products and transportation equipment sectors contracted in the review month.

“The composite PMI for the non-manufacturing sector stood at 57.6 points in November 2017, indicating growth in the Nonmanufacturing PMI for the seventh consecutive month.”

EVEN-Up Bottling Company Plc has received an offer from its majority shareholder, Affelka, a privately-owned Lebanese firm, to buy out the minority shareholders for N19.33 billion ($60 million).

Seven-Up said in a notice to the Nigerian Stock Exchange, NSE, yesterday that Affelka has offered to buy all the outstanding and issued shares of Seven-Up that it does not currently own, amounting to 171.5 million ordinary shares at N112.70 per share.

The offer price, according to the company, represents 15 percent premium of N98.00 per share, the last traded price on August 9, 2017, being the last business date the proposal was received from Affelka and 18 percent premium on N95.50, its closing price at the close of trading yesterday.

In his reaction, Sunil Sawhney, Vice Chairman, Seven-Up Bottling Company, said: “As of now, we have received an offer from the majority shareholder of the company. It’s a financial restructuring,” He said the company has been making losses for some time, adding that the deal is aimed at restructuring the company.

Sawhney, who joined the company in a management change this year, said delisting SevenUp from the stock exchange after the takeover would be “logical”. The takeover is subject to shareholders’ and regulatory approvals, he said.

FG has not opt out of $550m Chinese loan for back-up Satellites —NIGCOMSAT

By Emmanuel Elebeke

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HE Nigerian Communications Satellite limited, NIGCOMSAT says Federal government has not in any way opted out of the $550 million Chinese loan for two back-up satellites.

The agency in a statement on yesterday described as false the report which quoted the Minister of Communications as saying that the Federal government had opted out of the multimillion dollar deal.

The statement reads: “The attention of the Nigerian Communications Satellite Limited has been drawn to a statement credited to the Minister of Communications, Barr. Adebayo Shittu in the media indicating that the Federal Government has opted out of the $550 million Chinese loan for the purpose of funding the procurement of two additional satellites, NigComSat 2 & NigComSat 3.

“After a careful consultation with the Hon. Minister on the media report, it was obviously clear that the remarks of the Hon. Minister were grossly misrepresented to mean that the federal government is opting out of the already signed framework agreement on NigComSat 2 & NigComSat 3.

20—Vanguard, FRIDAY, DECEMBER 1, 2017

By Theodore Opara

How to achieve auto policy goals – Odiboh A

SENIOR lecturer with the Covenant University, Otta, Ogun state, Dr. Oscar Odiboh, has advocated optional implementation models for Nigeria’s ailing auto industry.

Odiboh who spoke in Lagos at the Nigeria Auto Journalists Association (NAJA) monthly industry forum, held in Surulere, made his submission against the background of the four years old Nigeria’s automotive industry development plan (NAIDP) by the federal government, which has been roundly criticised by industry stakeholders.

According to Odiboh, there is an urgent need to re-jig the implementation style of the policy, hence, he suggested three implementation models as follows: Joint implementation, Sole implementation and NEED implementation.

Under joint implementation, which he outlined partnership/ co-investor model, provider model and cap investment model, the lecturer advocated the involvement of the Nigeria Auto Manufacturers Association (NAMA), Original Equipment Manufacturers and government as joint deciders, sharing the risks and benefits and shared responsibilities.

Single need model On sole implementation model, he canvased deregulated private sector and regulated public models; while the NEED implementation models covers the Single need model and multi stage need models.

Nonetheless, Odiboh, who spoke on the topic‘Implementation of Nigeria’s Auto Policy: The way Forward’; insisted that industry is divided and may not thrive until the stakeholders collaborate. He observed that almost mid-term into the 10- year plan, most of the assembly plants set up in the country lack the standard to compete globally, and can hardly be called assembly plants, He said: “What we have at the moment are not real assembly plants, they are glorified joineries. Average 65 per cent of our assembly operations are manual, while 70 per cent of employees are casual.”

It would be recalled that the National Automotive Design and Development Council, NADDC, the federal government agency saddled with the responsibility of

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implementing the auto policy, has repeatedly claimed that there are over 50 auto assembly firms in the country, hence alluding to the success of the policy.

Odiboh, who noted that Players in the sector were frustrated through importation rules, added that more than 60 per cent of tools in the sector are manual. Calling for budget cars, Odiboh stressed that the sector’s inability to offer affordable vehicles for mass market would keep used market growing to the detriment of the sector.

•JAC Motors pick up, Frison, ready to take on the Japanese and American models.

Elizade Autoland lauds JAC investments in Research and Devt

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AC, a renowned auto manufacturing company with heavy investment in China, has committed over USD100m in building a firstclass international research and development base covering 49173 square meters, made up of an R&D Centre, a Passenger Cars, Heavy-Duty Trucks and Light-Duty Trucks Authentication Centre, and a Design Studio etc.

Elizade Autoland, which is the exclusive representative and sole distributor of JAC vehicles in Nigeria, has been marketing both Passenger and Commercial JAC vehicles such as J4 saloon, S3 Sports Utility Vehicle (SUV), S2 and S5 SUVs, as well as T6 pick up, buses and light/heavy duty commercial vehicles for the past four years.

The MD/CEO of Elizade Autoland, Mr. Demola Ade Ojo,

commended the heavy investments by JAC in research and development, even as he explained that such initiatives have positively impacted on the quality of JAC vehicles.

According to him “the JAC vehicles have come to stay, they continue to gain acceptance every day as the initial fear about a new auto brand has vanished after four years of providing quality products and

15th Edition of Infinity Value Drive Promo kicks off

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IGERIA’S leading tyre, battery and premium automobile accessory brand company, Infinity Tyres has unveiled the 15th Edition of its Value Drive Promo to reward its customers for their loyalty over the years. The Value Drive Promo is an annual campaign

by Infinity Tyres to appreciate its customers for their support and encourage them to put their vehicles in good shape as the year draws to an end. This years promo is starting from December 1 to 31, 2017.

To this end Infinity Tyres is offering cash prices, and other quality prices in its scratch and win promo. Infinity Tyres Limited is the exclusive importer and marketer of

premium tyre brands such as Pirelli, Goodyear, Infinity, Ceat and battery brands such as; Exide and Infinity in Nigeria.

The group has decided to open full-fledged branch in Lekki area, at Heyden Petrol Station at VGC roundabout.

The branch will come in to operation from first week of December 2017 and will offer its valued customers the premium sales and service experience they are so accustomed to. The group has recently diversified into business of premium quality solar and standby power solutions in exclusive association with Eastman Power Limited, India. The products are now available across the Infinity Group

network in Nigeria. The group is also working on enhancing the customer delight by adding value added products and services to be launched by the first quarter of 2018.

“Infinity Value Drive Promo” guarantees customers a chance to win amazing prizes instantly on purchase of Infinity tyre or battery at the accredited Infinity tyres outlets and Infinity Express stores. Every customer that purchases any of the aforementioned products will be offered a scratch card, through which a prize will be revealed once card has been scratched. Prizes include cash, tyre services such as; Wheel balancing and wheel alignment.”

•Infinity management team at the kick off of the Value Drive Promo at Sheraton Hotel, Lagos.

From left: Mrs. Moyo Ekiran, Mr. Jittu Singh, Mr. Vineet Mathur, Mr. Sanjay Singh, Mr. Babatunde Ajayi, Mr. Vikas Pandotra.

solid after-sales”.

The R&D base can independently undertake the tasks of designing, trialmanufacturing, testing of complete vehicles and core components, with its independent R&D ranking first in China.

JAC owns 821 invention patents and successfully implemented national automobile development projects. In addition, 44 R&D projects of JAC have been incorporated into the national and provincial key science and technological projects, and 55 product technologies have reached the national leading level.

By absorbing the essence of the R&D systems of internationally advanced companies, JAC has created a rigorous, scientific and highefficient product development process.

The company ’s about 50 years professional manufacturing capacity is facilitated by a developing an internationally advanced commercial vehicle production line equipped with world-class pressing machines, intelligent welding machines and fully automated painting equipment, with an annual production capacity of 500,000 vehicles.

On Passenger car production line, JAC ensures product quality with hardware guarantee with high-tech, high-precision equipment supplied by world-class manufacturers in Asia, Europe and the U.S., including production and automated inspection equipment, welding robots, advanced dust-free management mode, automatic positioning production line design, tilting Continued on Page 21

Vanguard, FRIDAY, DECEMBER 1, 2017 — 21

Elizade Autoland lauds JAC investments in Research and Devt Continues from Page 20

electrophoresis, and environment friendly

water-based lacquer.

Also, JAC has i n t r o d u c e d

internationally advanced technologies and equipment to create a world level engine product line, and achieve the application o f GDI,TCI,CTI,TGDI,VVT and other engine technologies, to keep pace with the international level. Now, it has the capability of producing gasoline engines, diesel engines, CNG, hybrid power, and pure electric vehicles, and so on, and the annual production capability has reached 500,000 units.

Meanwhile, JAC and Volkswagen have announced a joint venture aimed at deepening the cooperation in areas like design, technology, product quality and development of multifunction vehicles. The venture which would affect combustion engined and alternativeenergy powered vehicles, would be owned equally by JAC and VW and would be based in JAC’s home town of Hefei.

22—VANGUARD, FRIDAY, DECEMBER 1, 2017

Vanguard, FRIDAY, DECEMBER 1, 2017 — 23

24—Vanguard, FRIDAY, DECEMBER 1, 2017

Vanguard, FRIDAY, DECEMBER 1, 2017 — 25

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26—VANGUARD, FRIDAY, DECEMBER 1, 2017

BARKA JUMAH

Earthly riches

Rabiul Awwal 12, 1439 A.H.

Id'-il Maolud: TTeac eac hings of a great man eachings Bismillahi-Rahamani-Raheem ndeed, Allah confers blessing upon the Prophet, and His angels (ask Him to do so). O you who have believed, ask (Allah to confer) blessing upon him and ask (Allah to grant him) peace. (Q33:56) The above verse of the Holy Qur’an must have spurred some of the Tabi‘in (the successors of the Companions of the Prophet) over 2000 years ago to hold sessions in which poetry and songs were composed and rendered to honor the dignity and the righteous example of the Messenger of Allah (s.a.w).

Scholars have told us that the immediate companions of the Prophet (s.a.w) did not necessarily engage in the practice, but this, however, does not mean to say that the Holy Prophet (s.a.w) forbade his any act of ibadaah to commemorate that day. Although this practice has been a bone of contention among Muslim jurists (fuqaha) and Muslim scholars since its inception, but Muslims world over and intellectuals over time have come to accept it as part of the ibadaah and culture of Islam.

For those who celebrate the day, it is another day to step up ibadaah; a memorial day when the life story of the Prophet is revisited and people are enjoined to learn and imbibe the teachings of the Prophet (s.a.w). It is also a moral and social bridge that links many diverse Muslim groups. I think no Muslim should

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be stopped to attend any spiritual function, where the life story of the Noblest Prophet in creation is being discussed, where a life changing morals, values and ideas could be learned.

For us in this part of the world, the government dedicated today, Friday for the celebration. It is good to spend some time whether in the company of others or in jamat to reflect on the episodes and events of his unique life, the values of the great Prophet; his life from prophet hood to the beginning of revelation, the trials and sufferings endured while calling men to Allah, the

No other great man and prophet had come up with such teachings so full of moral guidance that awakens the mind and shakes the heart of every rational being on earth. It was Allah’s miracle that the Prophet (s.a.w) who was never taught but grew in the dark age and rose to teach the whole of humanity

Hijra, the great and heroic battles against paganism, the creation of the Islamic State, the farewell pilgrimage, and finally, the moment when revelation to earth came to its conclusion as well as his demise.

Every man who lives in accordance to the teachings of Prophet Muhammad (s.a.w.) finds internal and external peace.

He can easily establish harmony with his immediate environment (with his family, relatives, neighbours and friends) and those outside his community.

The teachings encourage smooth interpersonal relationships between and among nations. They assure mankind of universal brotherhood, equality, justice, dignity and honour, guidance and salvation. They are very practical, so full of common sense and so full of truth. They apply to every situation, every age, and every man of all walks of life.

They revolve around the Islamic way of life which transcends and penetrates far beyond all barriers of race and status of wealth, prestige or classes of people.

No other great man and prophet had come up with such teachings so full of moral guidance that awakens the mind and shakes the heart of every rational being on earth. It was Allah’s miracle that the Prophet (s.a.w) who was never taught but grew in the dark age and rose to teach the whole of humanity.

Earthly riches amount to nothing and are but an infinitesimal grace out of the boundless treasures of Allah: "With Almighty Allah are the keys of the unseen; and the treasures that none knows but He." Quran 6:59.

May Allah richly bless each of us with His unending wondrous treasures that He alone dispense as He pleases.

May Allah infinitely guide and endow us with wellness, peace and a sensible life that ever align with gratitude to Allah.

Pray hard and forever say, "Alhamdulillah", and your gratitude shall beget His peace and everlasting favors. Happy Jumaat. —Dr Adewale Adeeyo. OON

Quotes from the Qur'an There has certainly been for you in the Messenger of Allah an excellent pattern for anyone whose hope is in Allah and the Last Day and [who] remembers Allah often. (Q33:21)

Chairman, Z&S Foundation, Dr Tajudeen Yusuf (right); Honourable Commissioner for Home Affairs, Dr AbdulHakeem AbdulLateef, (left) presenting typewriters to some beneficiaries during the distribution of N148million zakat by Zakaat & Sadaqah Foundation held at Multipurpose Hall, Alausa Secretariat Mosque, Ikeja, Lagos recently.

Maolud: MMPN calls for tolerance, patience

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HE Muslim Media Practitioners of Nigeria, MMPN has felicitated with Nigerians and non-Nigerians alike on the occasion of the Mawlud Nabiyy.

This was contained in a Mawlud Nabiyy message by Alhaji AbdurRahman Balogun, National President of MMPN wherein he canvassed for tolerance, patience and moderation at all

levels.

Balogun said in line with the teachings of Prophet Muhammad of moderation, patience and tolerance, Muslims and non-Muslims alike are implored to emulate these attributes of the Prophet of Allah as a mark of honour to him.

However, Balogun in own message said: “We note with serious concern the drift towards

NACOMYO preaches peaceful co-existence

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ATIONAL Council of Muslim Youth Organisations, NACOMYO has felicitated with Muslims as they mark the birth of Prophet Muhammad (SAW), otherwise known as Id’ul Maulud. The group enjoined them to sustain their religious obligations and spiritual undertakings as such endeavours go a long way to shaping the destiny of the country.

NACOMYO also identified good neighbourliness, protection of rights and respect for people’s religious sensibilities as factorial to peaceful coexistence and harmonious living, required for societal and national development.

Against the backdrop of the news report on the social media of alleged molestation of a veil using Muslim by a woman in Lagos, NACOMYO admonished Nigerians to accommodate each other and eschew religious differences, and leave together in peace for the benefit of the society.

It noted that the constitution guarantees freedom of religion, enjoining citizens to embrace love, tolerance and mutual respect in their interactions.

The apex Muslim youth group also urged the citizens to refrain from any act that may create a tension and disquieting situation in other not to heat the polity.

anarchy in the polity and increase in domestic violence within families in Nigeria.

Ahead of 2018, preparatory to 2019 general elections, we noticed tension building up in various camps of political divides occasioned by forthcoming conventions and primaries of various political parties.

Various reports of stockpiling of arms, deprival of opposition of use of facilities like rally ground after proper booking, the creation of bottle-necks in the way of opposition programmes and clashing of convoys on major roads, among others, are danger signals capable of truncating the democratic process.

“Again, we noticed the disturbing increase in domestic violence of husbands killing wives and vice versa, children killing parents and vice versa, as well as friends killing friends. These ugly incidences, most times are attributable to lack of patience and tolerance.

MMPNherebyurgesalltoeschew violence, tolerate one another and exercise extreme patience in all matters in line with the dictates of Prophet Muhammad who preaches “patience, patience and patience” on all issues.

Another beneficiary ((3rd left) receiving the keys of a motorcycle during the presentation.

Chairman, Z&S Foundation, Dr Tajudeen Yusuf (left); Prof Lai Olurode (2nd right) presenting keys of a tricycle to another beneficiary at the event.

Vanguard, FRIDAY, DECEMBER 1, 2017 —27

Sermon FFrom rom Baitul-F utuh Baitul-Futuh

Rabiul Awwal 12, 1439 A.H.

ending 2018 Hajj: NAHCON urges int intending pilgrims on pr ompt pa yment prompt payment According to him, the jingle HE National Hajj The NAHCON boss, T Commission of Nigeria therefore, advised Private Tour has been translated into all major languages in Nigeria and (NAHCON) has advised intending pilgrims to ensure timely payment of 2018 Hajj fare to enable the commission meet the deadline for closure of registration by the Saudi Authority.

The Executive Chairman of NAHCON, Alhaji Abdullahi Muhammad gave the advice when he received the new leadership of the Association of Hajj and Umrah Operators of Nigeria (AHUON) at the commission’s Headquarters’ in Abuja.

Muhammad explained that every intending pilgrim, who wished to perform the 2018 Hajj, either through States Pilgrims Boards or License Tour Operators must be able to complete registration, documentation and payment process before the end of March 2018.

He said that based on the Saudi Authority’s Calendar for 2018, any intending pilgrim that could not make payment and be captured in the Saudi Hajj portal before the end of May 2018, would not perform the 2018 hajj.

Operators who want to participate in 2018 Hajj to ensure timely planning, booking, and reservation before the end of March 2018.

“I want to say without mincing words that there won’t be any change, because we are meant to understand clearly and we have to support the Saudi authority to succeed in planning and executing the Hajj. “ The Saudi Authority by the grace of God will close the portal for Hajj registration by the end of May 2018. “ So, anybody who could not plan and be captured in that portal before the end of May, that means he cannot perform the 2018 hajj.

This will be the message that we will continue to carry to all Nigerians till the end of registration for 2018 Hajj, “` Muhammad said.

The chairman said that already, NAHCON had started releasing jingo on television stations to educate intending pilgrims on the need for timely payment of Hajj fare and proper planning.

will be aired continuously in all Radio and TV stations across the nation.

He said the enlightenment programme would make intending pilgrims to understand that Hajj was not like a supermarket shopping where people would just wake up and walk into any supermarket to buy what they want to buy.

Muhammad said whoever wants to perform Hajj must plan in good time to enable the travel agency, State and Federal Governments plan very well to ensure that pilgrims got value for their money.

The NAHCON boss, therefore, assured that the commission would collaborate with Private Tour Operators and all stakeholders to ensure sustained campaign on the need for timely payment of Hajj fare.

Earlier, the Acting President of AHUON, Alhaji Salihu Butu said that the association had concluded arrangement to inaugurate aggressive media campaign to educate intending pilgrims on the significance of prompt payment of hajj fares.

He pledged the determination of the association to work

From left: Naib Amir Special Duties, Engr. Ahmed Al-Hassan; Speaker, Ogun State House of Assembly, Hon Surajudeen Adekunbi; Amir, Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama’at Nigeria, Dr. Mash’hud Fashola and Sadr, Majlis Ansarullah Nigeria, Engr. Abdul Waheed Adeoye, during a courtesy visit to the Speaker, Ogun State House of Assembly in Abeokuta recently.

Z&S Foundation distributes N148m zakaat to 149 Muslims

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n its bid to further empower Nigerians, Zakat and Sadaqat Foundation (ZSF) has distributed over N148million zakaat proceeds to 494 beneficiaries.

The items distributed were tricycles, motorcycles, large freezers, computers as well as cash gifts.

Penultimate week, the foundation also distributed items worth over N14million to various beneficiaries in Osun State.

The event held at the Multipurpose hall of Alausa

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Secretariat Mosque, Ikeja last Sunday was one of the empowerment programmes of the group on zakaat, the third pillar of Islam.

Some of the beneficiaries who spoke to Vanguard at the event expressed happiness on the gesture, thanking the group for positively impacting in their lives.

Empowerment took 42 per cent of the disbursement; Education – 10 per cent, Medical – 29 per cent, Welfare – 10 per

cent and nine per cent for others.

The event was chaired by Chairman, University of Lagos Muslim Community, Prof Lai Olurode while Sheikh Ishaq Tejidini delivered lecture.

Other guests included Honourable Commissioner for Home Affairs, Dr. AbdulHakeem AbdulLateef; Chairman/Chief Executive Officer Saywite Ltd Mr Bashir Bello, Chairman, Easy and Quiet Alhaji Mutiu Anthony, Chief Executive Officer Baytuzzeenah Hajia Saidat Otiti, among others.

Pr oof ruth Proof oofss of TTruth L

AST Friday, while speaking in regard to the Promised Messiah (as) I mentioned that he stated: “If a person prays fervently to Allah Almighty for forty days in his prayers and remains unbiased and is free from any kind of stubbornness, then God Almighty will disclose the truth for him within this period.” Nevertheless, it is absolutely essential for such a person to have a pure heart. A heart that is free from every type of prejudice. Otherwise, the Promised Messiah (as) also said: “The people whose hearts retain rancor, anger and are void of pure thoughts, they will always say that ‘God Almighty did not guide us through dreams’ or ‘Or God informed us to oppose you’.” In any case, God Almighty guides those who pray with a pure heart.

During the time of the Promised Messiah (as), God Almighty guided many people through dreams in his life. Once it was mentioned during a gathering that someone from Lahore wrote a letter in which they wrote that a saint in Lahore said, ‘Mirza sahib’s continuous progress proves his truthfulness.’ At this, another dervish said, ‘Let me inquire about this matter as well [from God].’

And so, the next day he said, ‘God has informed me that Mirza is a Maula (master).’ Upon hearing this the other dervish said, ‘God must have said ‘Maulana’. This means that he [Mirza] is your Maula and my Maula and everyone’s Maula.’ When the Promised Messiah (as) heard this, he said ‘Nowadays, people see many dreams and visions. It seems as if God Almighty desires to inform people of the truth through dreams.’

Then the Promised Messiah (as) narrated the account of a man who had intended to write a book against the Promised Messiah (as). This person saw the Holy Prophet (sa) in his dream. The Holy Prophet (sa) said that you are writing against Mirza sahib but in reality, Mirza sahib is truthful.’ Thus, God Almighty prevents the righteous-natured people from taking wrong actions by guiding them in this way.

A person from Mali, which is a country in West Africa, received guidance from Allah the Exalted regarding the truthfulness of the Promised Messiah (as) in this manner. The missionary there writes that Mustafa Diallo Sahib saw a dream one day that he was in an extremely beautiful house in paradise. Water was flowing to one side of the house, and there was a picture of a saint of white complexion in it and was wearing a turban. He says that a short while after seeing the dream, he visited one of his friends, and he saw the picture of this very saint in his house. He asked his friend about the saint in the picture, upon which he was told that this is the Imam Mahdi. Diallo Sahib attended the meeting of the community and made an announcement of becoming an Ahmadi following the meeting. following a further dream, Diallo Sahib formally pledged initiation there and then and entered the Jama’at. By the grace of Allah, he is a very active member.

Similarly, a new convert, named Kone Adama, from the city of Gralao in Ivory Coast saw in a dream that a person directs him to go to the Ahmadiyya mosque in order to offer the prayers. Hence, after seeing this dream he says that I was satisfied and entered the Jama’at by doing Bai’at.

Some pure-natured people believe Ahmadiyyat to be true in their hearts, yet, they do not do Bai’at [pledge initiation] due to various reasons. With regards to how Allah the Exalted draws their attention towards doing Bai’at [pledging initiation] and formally joining the Jama’at, our Mu’allim [religious teacher] from the region of Kayes in Mali writes that a close friend of our friend, ‘Abdul Hay Jabi Sahib, suddenly passed away in the last ten days of the month of Ramadhan. One day, he saw in a dream that he was travelling by bus with this a deceased friend of his. His friend said to him, ‘the Jama’at you are about to enter is a true Jama’at and I am also entering this Jama’at.’ After this, he accepted truth and became an Ahmadi.

A friend from Egypt, Mahmood Ghareeb Sahib states: ‘Since the age of 9 I have been hearing a powerful voice in my dream which continues to ring in my ears. Then in 2010, when I became aware of MTA and I heard some sayings of the Promised Messiah (as) in the voices of Muhammad Shareef Odeh and Asad Musa Odeh, I immediately realised that this was the same voice I used to hear in my dreams since the age of 9. Hence, I began watching MTA with greater interest. One day I was watching MTA and the picture of the Promised Messiah (as) came up. Addressing him I said, ‘I ask you

by God, are you truthful in your claims or not?’ After this he went to work. When he returned in the evening he turned on the TV straight away and tuned in to MTA. The extract of the Promised Messiah (as) was being read out: That is to say O my people! I have been sent

by God Almighty. I have been sent by God Almighty. I have been sent by God Almighty and I call my Lord to witness that I am from God Almighty. When I heard this, I fell to my knees and uncontrollably started saying peace be upon you, peace be upon you. He then took the Bai’at.

•The leader of the militants, Iborry and the state deputy governor, Agboola Ajayi during the submission of arms and ammunition in Ondo

When militants embraced amnesty in Ondo

By Dayo Johnson

L

EADER of the militants behind the kidnap of the six Senior Secondary School students of Lagos Model College, Igbonla, Epe in Lagos State and the Arepo pipeline vandalization, Ogailo Iborry Young, has blamed joblessness, poverty and neglect by government for their actions.

Iborry said this during the submission of arms and ammunition by his group and others in Ondo State to embrace the Federal Government amnesty programme.

Ondo State Deputy Governor and Chairman of State Amnesty Committee, Agboola Ajayi; representatives of Delta State Government, Commanding Officer of the Nigerian Navy Forward Operation Base, Igbokoda, Navy Captain Usman Yahaya witnessed the handover ceremony.

Arms willingly submitted by the ex-warlords include Browning wz machine gun, Daewoo K3, Colt

Automatic Rifles, General Purpose Machine gun, Breda 30, Fiat Revelli Modelling, AK 47 Rifles, Rocket Launcher, CETME Ameli, Heckler & Koch MG4, Pump Action and some Automatic Cartridges.

Also, military uniforms, police bullet proof vests, dynamites, grenades, bombs and helmets were submitted.

The militants, who embraced the amnesty programme, have participated in several nefarious activities in the South-West.

Joblessness, poverty led us to militancy — Iborry Iborry explained their participation in the Ijaw/Ilaje crisis of 1998/1999 enabled them to be in possession of arms and ammunition.

He was quick to blame government neglect among other issues for their involvement in militancy.

He said: “lf we were asked our reasons for embarking on this struggle, our simple response to the public and other concerned authorities is that it was

joblessness, suffering, poverty, oppression and neglect by the government.”

He said they decided to “dump their oil bunkering business and hatched another game plan to attract the attention of the government.”

Speaking further, he said they delved into kidnapping to carter for themselves.

His words: “As it got to this point, we did not find life very easy. Thus, we relocated to Ogun State where the Government College Igbonla, Epe, school boys were kidnapped whose release led to the present arrangement through the courageous efforts of the deputy governors of Ondo and Delta states. We did not kidnap these boys for mere ransom but to negotiate our freedom and full reintegration to civil life.”

Deputy gov commends militants Ondo State deputy governor, Agboola Ajayi, who facilitated the exercise, said the handover was impressive as sophisticated ammunitions were surrendered.

He added that “looking at the sophisticated guns and ammunition surrendered, I’m happy that they (militants) made promise and fulfilled it,” he said.

Ajayi assured of the readiness of the Federal Government to fulfil its own promise in providing employment and education programme among others for the repentant militants for them to be self-reliant if they embrace peace.

He rejoiced with residents of Ajapa community for the peace that was finally restored to the community after the face-off between them and the military.

While urging them to always embrace peace, the deputy governor said they needed to embrace peace for oil companies to commence operation in the area.

He allayed fears as no one or government will launch attack on the oil-producing areas of the state after the submission of arms and ammunition by the armed youths.

○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○

28—Vanguard, FRIDAY, DECEMBER 1, 2017

Why Lagos is working under Ambode — Rep Agunsoye

By Dapo Akinrefon

PRINCE Rotimi Agunsoye is the lawmaker representing Kosofe Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives.

In this interview, he commends the performance of Lagos State governor, Akinwunmi Ambode saying the governor has done enough to merit a second term. Excerpts: IT is over two years that Governor Ambode mounted the saddle as the governor of Lagos State. As a federal lawmaker representing the state, how will you describe the journey so far?

So far, so good, I must say. We thank God that we have been able to have people of courage, integrity and wisdom to paddle the canoe of governance in Lagos right from the time of Asiwaju Bola Tinubu. However, there is one thing about the present governor, Akinwunmi Ambode that stands him apart.

He is a man who doesn’t believe in talking too much, yet works very hard. He can be described as a quiet achiever who believes his works will speak for him.

He is a man of courage, integrity and purpose. I must tell you that Ambode knows what governance is all about. He is a man of the people; a governor for the rich, poor, upper class, middle class and lower class.

Can you say he has successfully managed the finances of Lagos since assumption of office especially given the fact that we just exited recession?

Of course, he has. Which other state can you compare to Lagos in terms of judicious use and

How we steal, sell generating sets — Suspects

By Dayo Johnson “WE are nine members of a gang and we divided ourselves into three groups. The first three are specialists in operating earthmoving equipment, another three specialise in dismantling the equipment while the last three look out for buyers across the eastern part of the country.”

This was the confession of one of the nine-man syndicate that was smashed by detectives of the Ondo State Police Command.

Two members of the syndicate, a commercial driver, Victor Ologun and an Okada rider, Innocent lkechukwu were

arrested in Asaba, Delta State after robbing a gas plant in Akure, the Ondo State capital.

They reportedly carted away N500,000 from the safe and went away with a giant Micano generating set worth N2.5m.

Police reports had it that the syndicate, which specialises in stealing giant generating sets, had earlier stolen two of such generators belonging to two telecommunications companies, GLO and MTN, in different parts of the state.

Giving a blow by blow account of how they go about the operations, Victor Ologun, a commercial driver said: “We first

•Suspected members of the nine-man syndicate who specialise in stealing generating sets in Ondo State. do a study of the location and those living around where the generating set is installed.

“After that, we lodge into a

nearby hotel for a couple of days before carrying out the operation,

Continues on page 29

•Agunsoye maximising scarce resources? It is one thing to have the resources; it is a different matter entirely to know how to manage it effectively for the benefit of all.

I think Governor Ambode deserves an excellent grade in this regard. In Lagos we have a governor that can be referred to as a financial engineer. He knows how to appropriate resources evenly.

Do you think he has done enough in terms of infrastructural development?

In terms of infrastructural development, I can tell you that there is no local government in Lagos that Governor Ambode has not touched. Rather than waste time thinking about what to do when he was sworn in, he settled down to business immediately and the results are evident everywhere you go in Lagos.

Go to Abule-Egba, Epe, Badagry, Kosofe and other places in Lagos and see things for yourself. To me, Ambode’s second term is guaranteed and if there is anything like third term in the constitution of Nigeria, this gentleman will surely get it because Lagosians will massively support him.

Are you not afraid that the opposition parties in Lagos might present a consensus candidate who may defeat him in 2019?

I do not have any doubt in my mind that even all other political parties in Lagos will give their votes to Ambode in 2019. This will be the first time in the history of Nigeria, particularly Lagos that opposition parties are speaking well about the performance of this governor. If you remember few days to the conduct of the 2015 governorship election in Lagos, 10 political parties came together and endorsed Ambode as consensus candidate.

Vanguard, FRIDAY, DECEMBER 1, 2017—29

ONDO STATE

FUNAAB’S 55TH INAUGURAL LECTURE:

Ban the use of plastic bags, Varsity don tells FG

A

•His Royal Majesty Oba Adebayo Adewole, Arojojoye II, Owa Ajero of Ijero Kingdom in Ekiti state(left) and Zaki of Arigidi(right) Ondo State, Oba Yisa Olanipekun at their visit to Aare Ona Kakanfo of Yoruba Land, Aare Gani Adams(middle) at his Omole residence in Lagos

•From left: Managing Director, Rb West Africa, Mr Rahul Murgai; Lagos State Commissioner For The Environment, Dr Babatunde Adejare; Special Adviser to Lagos State Governor on Environment, Mr Babatunde Hunpe and Marketing Director, Rb West Africa, Aliza Leferink during the 2017 World Toilet Day ceremony sponsored by Rb in Lagos

renowned Scholar of Environmental Management and Toxicology, Professor Toyin Arowolo has called on the Federal Government to ban the use of plastic bags in the country, in order to improve public health and ensure safe environment.

Professor Arowolo made the call while delivering the 55th Inaugural Lecture of Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB) entitled: Environmental Degradation: Mortgaging Our Future for Today’s Gain, at the institution’s Ceremonial Building, Alabata Road, Abeokuta, Ogun State.

Arowolo, a Professor of Analytical and Environmental Chemistry had noted with dismay that many of the man-made threats to our environment were fuelled by ignorance and non-challant attitude of the populace.

He lamented that stakeholders have not educated Nigerians enough to the point of convincing them to turn away from bad environmental management practices such as illegal felling of trees, indiscriminate lighting of fire and poor refuse disposal habits, among others.

He therefore called on government, to as a matter of urgency consider banning the use of plastic bags in the country, in order to drastically improve solid and liquid waste management, especially municipal waste in the country.

Arowolo reinforced his call for the banning of the use of plastic bags in the country, disclosing that over 40 countries in the world have banned, partly banned or taxed single use plastic bags.

According to him, the countries include China, France, Rwanda, Kenya and Italy, urging the Federal Government to take a cue from the countries by following suit with the banning of the use of plastic bags.

Besides, Arowolo also charged the federal and state governments to ensure adequate funding for the management and protection of the environment, as well as judicious application of the funds allocated and secured from donor agencies.

He canvassed the need for federal and state governments to ensure that the country’s infrastructure meets the modernday needs and beyond, in respect of uninterrupted power supply, potable water for all and effective railway system, among other recommendations.

Professor Arowolo also called on religious

•Professor Arowolo leaders to set aside a day to sensitize faithfuls on the need to ensure a clean and safe environment.

On his contributions to knowledge, Arowolo who has 34 years experience in the academia informed that the main focus of his research had been in the application of Analytical Chemistry in Environmental Management and Toxicology.

The former Dean of College of Environmental Resources Management (COLERM) further said: “I have studied the levels, forms, mobility and fate of essential trace elements, potentially toxic elements and rare earth elements in soils, sediments, air, water, plants, food and biological samples.”

Professor Arowolo, a former Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic) expressed gratitude to God and stakeholders for the privilege of delivering the inaugural lecture, recalling that he joined the university as a pioneer staff when it was founded and known as Federal University of Technology, Abeokuta (FUTAB) on 1st December, 1983 as an Assistant Lecturer (Analytical Chemistry).

He thanked God that he survived all the transformations from FUTAB to ULAB (University of Lagos, Abeokuta Campus) to COSTAB (College of Science and Technology, University of Lagos, Abeokuta Campus) ditto UNAAB to the present day FUNAAB.

How we steal, sell generating sets — Suspects Continues from page 29 •From left: Product Manager, Indomie Noodles, Mariam Adeyemi receiving Food which is done at about 2am.

Product Manufacturing Company of the year (Noodles) Award from the Publisher Ologun explained that “because we are and Chairman of The Guardian Newspapers, Lady Maiden Alex-Ibru at the not conversant with the environment, we Guardian Manufacturing Excellence Awards held at Eko Hotels and Suites in Lagos secured the services of a commercial motorcyclist who serves as our guide.

“When we arrive the scene of operations, THE TEAM we usually demobilise the security guards EDITOR: stationed at the telecom mast by tying them Adeleke Adeseri 08054682557 (sms only) up with ropes and stuffing their mouths with clothes.

CORRESPONDENTS: “We will then telephone our members to Dapo Akinrefon Lagos bring the earth-moving equipment and the Ola Ajayi Ibadan J5 to convey the generating sets to the Gbenga Olarinoye Osogbo eastern part of the country.”

Dayo Johnson Akure Three generators stolen in 3 months Olasunkanmi Akoni Lagos Vanguard gathered that three generating Daud Olatunji Abeokuta sets valued at over N6 million have been Rotimi Ojomoyela Ekiti stolen by the syndicate within the last three Monsuru Olowoepejo months and buyers pay N80, 000 each for

the N2.5m generating sets.

Police report said the Okada rider, Innocent lkechukwu, confessed to leading the suspects to where the generating sets are located in Akure metropolis.

Also, the driver, Victor disclosed that they hire lorries which assist in lifting the generating sets into a J5 bus before moving them to the eastern part of the country where they are sold.

It was learned that the suspects were arrested following the tracking of the stolen telephone of one of the guards tied by them during the operations.

Findings revealed that after the last operation, one of the suspects (lkechukwu) who was said to be greedy, stole the telephone of one of the security guards working for the telecommunication company.

30 — Vanguard, FRIDAY, DECEMBER 1, 2017

NDDF and future of the Niger Delta

By Adeshola Komolafe

T

HERE are too many plans. So which of these plans are we planning to use to plan? – Hilda Dokubo, Nollywood Actress, at 2017 Niger Delta Development Forum.

The Niger Delta Development Forum, a gathering of stakeholders in the Niger Delta region around development issues, has come a long way since it started in 2012 in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.

An annual event sponsored by development partners working in the Niger Delta region, the Forum whose objectives include creating awareness and shared understating among stakeholders on the necessity and methodologies for longterm perspective planning and implementation for domestic resource mobilization, and inclusive and resilient regional growth; and showcasing working models for development planning that can transform states and share practical ways of achieving development planning, is at the vanguard of promoting sustainable growth and development in the Niger Delta region.

Future in our hands The 2017 edition, the sixth in the series with the theme ‘The Future in our hands: A state-led framework for planning and development in the Niger Delta’, held in Uyo, the Akwa Ibom State capital on the 14th and 15th of November 2017. In his welcome address to participants at this year’s event, Dr. Dara Akala, the Executive Director of Partnership Initiatives in the

Niger Delta – PIND – remarked that the 2017 edition was unlike any of the previous editions.

According to him, the DEMAND Alliance partners - PIND, DFID, United States Agency for International Development, USAID, and DFID-funded Markets Development in the Niger Delta, MADE, project - came together as a collective to lay a framework for collaboration with like-minded donor agencies that are funding overlapping programs on economic development in the Niger Delta and that with greater coordination in project implementation, they hope to maximize their development impact, and enhance development of implementation capacity among local organizations in the region.

Reflecting on the outcome of previous editions of NDDF, he said ‘each year we have seen partner organizations take ownership of, and adopt policy recommendations into their work plans.

BRACED Commission, for example, moved forward on some of the agriculture and investment policy recommendations from a previous NDDF to work directly with the Commissioners of the six States they are mandated to work in. Following a recommendation from NDDF, USAID’s MARKETS II project supplied equipment grants to women and youth for farming in Cross Rivers and Delta States as part of work to address the constraint of access to finance for women and youth. It was also an NDDF session that spurred USAID’s SACE Project to start the #TALKNDIs

initiative that tracked Niger Delta institutions responsible for delivering services. They also produced a report titled Citizens Report Card on Niger Delta Institutions, which covered eight local government areas in Cross River, Delta, Edo, and Ondo. Also, taking a cue from NDDF, Abia State Government organized the Aba Urban Development Forum in January 2016 with a focus on developing and rebranding the city of Aba’.

Kick starting the conversation at the Forum, Ambassador Nkoyo Toyo, Senior Special Adviser to Cross River State Government on Sustainable Development Goals, SDG, and moderator of the opening plenary remarked that ‘the current Niger Delta is not sustainable today. It’s not productive. It’s ridden with social crisis. The internal contradictions are overwhelming. You bring intervention agencies to come and solve the problem, they become the problem. Governors do what they do at the statelevel, federal government does what it does at the national level. And the rest of us struggle in-between to get their attention. The oil companies and the economic well-being of our states and region is being undermined by the type of insecurity and problems we have. Investors are not keen on the region anymore.

What we have as a region and the model that is driving the region today is not sustainable, it won’t work’. The discussion therefore, on the Framework and Tools for Implementable, Fundable and Sustained Growth and Development Planning in

the Niger Delta could not have come at a more auspicious time.

To set the tone of conversation, Prof Adegboyega Oguntade, the lead consultant at Cross River Growth and Development Plan, delivered the keynote paper using the Cross River State Growth and Development Strategy GDS – Process, as a case study.

It was an incisive presentation and primed the participants to tackle the problem of nonimplementation of plans headlong. Most of the participants had an opinion, with most pointing at the inability of successive governments to follow through with the implementation of their plans, or implement that of previous governments.

It was clear that most of the participants thought that if there was one thing the government at the various levels had in abundance, it was plans.

Nigeria and history Nigeria’s history is rife with plans. In fact, there are plans for everything in Nigeria. Well thought out plans that in most cases, factors in every conceivable scenario.

There are rooms full of such plans in our various MDAs at either the federal or state level.

Beautiful, well-reasoned, well-informed and commonsensical plans.

The only problem is these plans, no matter how good and relevant to the wellbeing of the people, are never fully implemented. Some maybe partially implemented. Other are never touched after launching. They remain on the shelves, gathering dust while waiting to receive new members.

Every new government that comes to power wants to come up with its own plans. It is like the planners and their sponsors are only interested in the planning process and not the implementation process because even when they

have all the resources to implement these plans that took so much human and material resources to produce, they never fully implement them. For instance, there is the 7-point Agenda of the Yar’adua administration, the Vision 20-20, the Nigeria Industrial Revolution Plan (2014) and the Nigeria Integrated Infrastructure Master Plan (2014) of the Jonathan Administration, the Strategic Implementation Plan for the Budget of Change (2016) and the Economic Recovery and Growth Plan (20172020) of the Buhari administration. None has been fully implemented.

Many individuals and organisations have spoken against this culture and proffered solutions to this perennial problem of nonimplementation of plans. But all these have all been talk.

Little action has been taken to see to the changing of the status quo. But the multistakeholders gathering at the 2017 Niger Delta Development Forum took concrete steps to change this narrative. With participants from all walks of life including the Governor of Akwa Ibom State, the NDDC

The theme placed a timely premium and focus on responsible multi-sector stakeholder leadership that is needed to achieve a sustainable development in the Niger Delta Chairman, representatives of the governments of the nine Niger Delta States and the federal government, including MDAs, Development partners, Academicians, Activists, CSOs, NGOs and celebrities from the Niger Delta region, the Forum sought to map a way forward by bringing together a strong coalition of

multi-sector stakeholders to discuss and influence the d e v e l o p m e n t , competitiveness and inclusive growth agenda for the Niger Delta region, primarily by assisting state governments and regional bodies to define a State-led framework and tools for planning and development towards inclusive and resilient regional growth.

Multi-stakeholder discussions focusing on the 5 thematic pillars of sustainable development, agriculture, social development, governance and institutions, and energy and infrastructure, proposed development and growth roadmap framework on the themes and short, medium, and long term implementation approaches.

Speaking at the Forum, Laoye Jaiyeola, CEO of the Nigerian Economic Summit Group - NESG remarked that ‘the theme placed a timely premium and focus on responsible multi-sector stakeholder leadership that is needed to achieve a sustainable development in the Niger Delta.

Noting the accumulation of development plans, frameworks, policies and strategies for the Niger Delta that have not gotten the scale of traction and impact that the region deserves, it is essential to stress that the lack of statelevel ownership, cohesive regional development integration that pays attention to the unique challenges of each state and the specificity of the requirements have led to very low buy-ins.’

Considering the foregoing, it means that getting the buy-ins of the critical stakeholders, especially state actors is key in ensuring the implementability or otherwise of any development plan. This therefore underscores the importance of the caliber of participants at this year’s Forum and their commitment to creating a state-level roadmap for incorporating their state’s infrastructural and development plans, private sector involvement and investment opportunities, plus process-based workplans for developing the plans and a pitch for specific support required, detailing specific follow up actions items, roles and responsibilities and timelines for stakeholders.

Going by the impact of decisions reached at previous editions of the NDDF, it is hoped that the outcomes of this year’s NDDF will usher in a new dawn in the implementation of development plans, at least in Niger Delta region.

VANGUARD, FRIDAY, DECEMBER 1, 2017—31

ministers and businessmen, packed them in the five-star Ritz Carlton Hotel and told them to release 70 percent of their wealth in order to regain their freedom. On November 28, Prince Miteb bin Abdullah, the

Is Saudi Arabia also amongst the terrorists?

I

AM fascinated by Saudi Arabia.

It does not care what others say or think. It simply pursues its own goals and policies, submitting to no other than its master, the United States of America. To it, women are legally inferior to men, and no amount of human or women rights campaigns will change that. Despite this, it is the most modernising country in the world when it comes to women issues. Amazingly, it will allow women to start driving cars from June, 2018. It is a complete revolution because it means women drivers may not wear the veil while driving.

The country is also taking the amazing step of allowing women to go to the sports stadium from 2018.

For this, three stadia in Riyadh, Dammam and Jeddah are being configured for this rarity.

When I was in the International Labour Organisation, ILO, Governing Body, there were constant complaints against Saudi Arabia violating all known labour laws against migrant workers. They simply sack or deport tens of thousands, especially Indians, Filipinos, Ethiopians and Pakistanis, without paying them backlog of

salaries. In one operation, after rounding up migrant workers for deportation without salaries, the Saudis simply forgot them for days, leaving them stranded without water or food.

Many do not sanction capital punishment, but for the Saudis, it is a way of life. A human being can be beheaded for a sundry of reasons including murder, treason, espionage and rape. But there are others like apostasy and blasphemy.

If you are an atheist, and so disclose, your head is severed. It is difficult to prove sorcery and witchcraft, but if a person is in possession of talisman, according to the Saudis, he is guilty, and is a candidate for execution.

Execution is primarily, beheading with a sword called SULTHAN and the most infamous star in that art is Muhammad Saad al-Beshi, who described his first execution in 1998: "The criminal was tied and blindfolded. With one stroke of the sword I severed his head. It rolled metres away...People are amazed how fast [the sword] can separate the head from the body."

Its manner of fighting corruption is also novel. Last month, it simply rounded up 208 rich princes,

Perhaps, only the Bashir al-Assad government in Syria has been able to checkmate Saudi Arabia which with its allies, had established, trained and funded terrorist forces like the Islamic State , ISIS, and the al-Nusra Front to seize Syria powerful 65-year old son of late King Abdullah checked out of the five-star hotel after a three-week stay; the bill he agreed to pay the state was $1Billion. I remember him as the Saudi Minister of the National Guard who rolled troops to repress the 2011 popular ‘Arab spring Uprising’ in Bahrain.

Saudi Arabia cannot but charm the world with its unique style. Until now, what happened to Lebanese Prime Minister, Saad Hariri when he visited that country last month, remains a mystery. Hariri had on November 4, gone on television in Riyadh to announce his resignation as Prime Minister of Lebanon.

Hariri, whose father, Rafik was assassinated in a car bomb in 2005, claimed his decision was based on his suspicion of a plot to assassinate him.

First, it was strange that the leader of a country would on a visit to

another nation, resign, in fact, resign on air. It would have been less puzzling if Hariri had then sought political asylum. But he did not, rather he denied claims that he was actually in detention or had been forced by his hosts to resign. It was difficult to fault Hezbollah leader, Hassan Nasrallah’s claim that the Saudis forced Hariri to resign.

As this drama played out, it was announced that Hariri had accepted an offer by youthful French President Emmanuel Macron to visit Paris. He left for France, then Lebanon where he said his resignation had been rejected by President Michel Aoun so he was resuming as Prime Minister.

That is not the only Saudi international maneuvering in recent weeks. Its known policy is not to ally with Israel until that country withdraws from the Arab lands it seized in 1967 and allow an independent Palestinian State. So the world would have been dazed when the Israeli Energy Minister, Yuval Steinitz disclosed that Israel had held covert meetings with Saudi Arabia on how to jointly fight Iran.

There is no love lost between Saudi Arabia which sees itself as the custodian of the Sunni Movement, and Iran which sees itself as the guardian of the Shiite Movement.

So can this be the policy of ‘My enemy’s enemy, is my friend’? It should come as a surprise that a Muslim country is working out an alliance with a Jewish state to attack a sister Muslim country.

Saudi Arabia does not waste time rolling out its military might to achieve political goals. For this, it invaded Bahrain in 1994, and when there was a popular revolt against the Al-Khalifa Monarchy, Saudi Arabia on March 14, 2011, again invaded Bahrain and crushed the protests.

But it is in Yemen Saudi Arabia

has most displayed its military prowess. There had been an uprising against the government of President Abed Rabbo Mansour Hadi. A combination of Houthi rebels and Yemeni military loyal to former President Ali Abdullah Saleh, had removed Hadi. An angry Saudi Arabia fell on Yemen, bombing large parts into near extinction. Everything is game to the Saudi bombers which first obliterated schools and hospitals, then turned its fury on any gathering; markets, weddings, even funerals. It also imposed a blockade. Over 12,000 Yemeni civilians have been killed. 3.3 million children and nursing mothers are suffering from acute malnutrition, and cholera is rampant, yet Saudi Arabia and its allies will not relent. The cemeteries are over-flowing so much that a good foreign investment in Yemen would be the building of new cemeteries.

Nobody is talking about crimes against humanity because the Saudis have powerful friends in the United Nations and “international community". Many want a slice of the huge Saudi arms budget. When American President Donald Trump visited Riyadh this May, he smiled home with a $350 billion arms contract for his country. With this, it was not difficult to get America endorse Saudi Arabia’s illegal blockade and sanctions against tiny Qatar who was told to either accept a 13-Point Saudi Demand including the closure of Al Jazeera, or face annihilation.

Perhaps, only the Bashir al-Assad government in Syria has been able to checkmate Saudi Arabia which with its allies, had established, trained and funded terrorist forces like the Islamic State , ISIS, and the al-Nusra Front to seize Syria. Show me your friends, and I will tell you who you are.

that established the Obasanjo PDP Presidency. As VP he was to provide the needed political muscle for the military politicians in the PDP who used Obasanjo to snatch power from the more established civilian politicians who'd sweated and suffered persecution, jail and loss of life and limb in numerous cases, to force the transition.

Right from take off of the Government, Mr. Atiku made to prove himself a loyal hireling of Obasanjo and the military politicians behind the PDP. These overly secular militarist and insecure politicians led by IBB and his retired military boys, had by then gotten the upper hand against the largely Muslim North, using the PDP and government political machine's tentacles to effectively manipulate all other political parties, suborning them to the will of the PDP. They enthroned the jackboot impunity that PDP was to present as its face and no doubt its dubious principal contribution to Nigerian politics in all of its 16 years of its form of "civilian democracy", a

practise that was to lead to its final (?) undoing in 2015.

Despite holding the prestigious Islamic Sakkwato Caliphate traditional title of Turakin Adamawa, Mr. Atiku Abubakar as Vice President issued a Public Press Statement asking that he should be called "Mister" Atiku. This was obviously a move to distance himself from what some of the western educated elite of the North see as Islamic Northern conservative which they point to as the culprit in the North's stagnation since the massacre of its first generation of leaders, the Sardauna Ahmadu Bello, Tafawa Balewa, Ribadu and co.

They wouldn't look to their roles, their failings, their disconnect with their base as a more likely culprit.

Anyway, the VP said he preferred "Simply Mr" to "Alhaji" or even "Malam", a tag most of us regular Muslim Northerners cherish for its portrayal of humility and the respect it conjures. Atiku preferred "Mr" to "Alhaji", the title he sported to get elected as Governor and get promoted Vice President to Obasanjo.

Now that Mr. Atiku Abubakar has decamped again (1)

N

IGERIA's first VicePresident in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Government at inception in 1999, Mr. Atiku Abubakar is once again back in his beloved PDP. It is important we have a clear and critical look at former customs officer Mr. Atiku, the politician, to appreciate what 2019 could turn out to be in Nigerian politics. This is because his political history is inextricably linked to that of the party he was a key architect of.

Mr. Atiku has been a prominent stakeholder shaping developments in the polity since the return to civilian rule in 1999. He was later at the forefront of the battle to return power to the people by tackling the impunity of his party in the National Assembly, in court and in the court of public opinion.

Ironically, he is a leader and hitman of the team that in the first place seized it from the people under the guise of civil democracy in PDP. This morning we shall start the first part of the journey to trace what we can of that history on these pages.

His earliest entry into Nigerian politics that we know of was as a member of Late General Shehu Musa Yar'adua's Patriotic Front (PF). The PF became Peoples Democratic Movement (PDM) in General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida (IBB)'s transition to civil

democracy of the late 1980s. numerous experiments with the That meandering transition nation's political class in which was chaotically truncated by the he had banned, unbanned and gap-toothed Military President re-banned all manner of in June 1993, forcing him to persons, creating the "New "step aside" leaving us to the Greed" New Breed politician untidy Ernest Shonekan the Nigerian military wanted to Interim contraption sacked by foist on the rest of us. Mr. Atiku General Sani Abacha after a was one of the earliest mere 83 days in office. beneficiaries of that New Breed Before then, Mr. Atiku concept who ended up as Abubakar had risen rapidly to merely a caricature of the semiprominence in politics and in original that his leader, General the SDP, as the literally Yar'adua himself represented. u n k n o w n Mr. Atiku alternative to Abubakar was As VP he was to of the PDP General Shehu Musa Yar'adua founding team provide the presented at the spawned by GJos Convention as sponsored needed political 34, a presidential by a faction of candidate of the the Nigerian muscle for the PDM camp in the military with "little to the left" military politicians the support of Social Democratic naturally in the PDP who the Party (SDP), one aggrieved of the two political used Obasanjo to p o l i t i c i a n s , parties allowed by mainly of the IBB. His camp was snatch power from p r o g r e s s i v e to be forced to camp who had the more work with the core battled the of the SDP military for established progressives led annulling the by the old breed, civilian politicians SDP's MKO the Muhammad Abiola vs Abubakar Rimis, NRC's Bashir the Solomon Daushep Lars, the Tofa elections on June 12 of Sule Lamidos etc. Most of these 1992. politicians had been banned by Mr. Atiku, a key actor in Late then and more were to be General Shehu Musa Yar'adua's banned again. political camp in SDP benefited IBB got to terminate his from his political group's transition to civil rule after goodwill in the permutations

32 –Vanguard, FRIDAY, DECEMBER 1, 2017

LEISURE

YOUR LUCK TODAY

THOUGHT FOR TODAY

By Joshua Adeyemo Phone 08056180139

PISCES; Your mind is truly active and if you’re more practical about it success’ll crown your efforts. Reason with your tried and trusted friends.

ARIES ; Coming of Lucky Jupiter into a positive angle to your Star sign is a big plus. On a day like this the more ambitious you are the better. It’s good to be loving .

TAURUS; The more willing you are to listen to your partners and/or spouse the better for you today. Friends are trying to convince you that they are reliable.

GEMINI; Here is a day you are not meant to ignore new ideas that come suddenly. It’s good to take matters of the heart more seriously. Listen to your spouse please.

CANCER; Success is boldly printed on your cards today. The more push-full you are along your career/ business lines the better. Embrace new method at work.

“Life will throw many obstacles onto our life path that will make us sad or disappointed at times. Dealing positively with these obstacles is what makes the difference between them turning into worse states or being overcome.”

Jonny Oates, Wisdom for My Son and Daughter: A Man Takes a Philosophical Reflection on Life to Help, Guide, and Inspire Society and His Children - Quotes about Overcoming We are not stuck in the ruts of destiny, we have the power to break free, clear our vision and see a new life for ourselves. Tony Clark We are not stuck in the ruts of destiny, we have the power to break free, clear our vision and see a new life for ourselves.

Tony Clark - Destiny

TERROR MUDA

in “Never say goodbye”

By Kola Fayemi

LEO; Lucky Jupiter is joining mighty Sun and romantic Venus bringing you to the fore for collection of well deserved honour, glory and LOVE. Certainly you’re becoming more important in many ways. Be more ambitious.

VIRGO; Another lucky day for you is here. Although your being co-operative can enhance your scope, your personal ideas and initiative are guarantee for bigger do.

LIBRA; Those of you who are more consistent will have more to gain. Good ideas on monetary issues will enhance your finances. Be more family minded.

SCORPIO; Entrance of lucky Jupiter into Sagittarius is meant to enhance your finances. The more willing you are to take good advice the better. Be loving.

KAPTAIN AFRIKA

in

“Pretty Lunatic’

By Andy Akman

SAGITTARIUS; Lucky Jupiter makes an ingress into your positive angle today with good luck to you.

Financial success is closer to you than you can imagine.

Give big push.

CAPRICORN; Here is a good day when influential personalities around you will be willing to assist you but you will need to take the initiative. Take good advice.

AQUARIUS; This is your day. The more ambitious you are along your career line the better for you. And friends are willing to give the needed supports; you’ll be lucky.

ASTROLOGICAL COUNSELLING Send yyour our dat th ttoo the As tr ological datee and place of bir birth Astr trological Counselling, PP.M.B .M.B 1100 00 7, Apapa, Lagos 007,

VIRGINIA

dadadekola@yahoo.com

HOME & ABROAD

By Lawrence Akapa

What is my horoscope?

Dear Joshua, I am a young man willing to go higher in life. Kindly tell me everything I should know about my horoscope.

Adedoyin. Osun.

Dear Adedoyin, Here-under are what space can take ANALYSIS OF YOUR HOROSCOPE Preponderance of fixed quality within the heavenly bodies when you were born pointed to you as a person who always find it relatively difficult to change his mind once you made up your mind on very important issues. And as ambitious Saturn was the final dispositor (that is the only planet at home) when you were born, CAREER&IMAGE always take precedence over all other things when taking important and final decision.

From distance others will see you as a tough and aggressive person but with less than 50% of push-full influence in your chart you are actually not as difficult as others thought you are. Truly you are loving, caring and your sympathy can easily be aroused. Most of the time you prefer to attract what you want rather than go after such in straight aggressive way. However because you are an Aquarian nobody can take you for granted especially about your personal FREEDOM..

Placement of the Sun (the indicator of everybody’s inner-self and/or conscious self) also Moon (an indictor of emotion/sub-conscious self) in AQUARIUS and SAGITTARIUS respectively are indications of your being mainly an Aquarian and partly Sagittarian.

Meaning that basic characteristics of the two Star signs, are highly pronounced in your inner-self.

C M Y K

VANGUARD, FRIDAY, DECEMBER 1, 2017 — 33 :Vanguard News

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Ayade presents N1.3tn budget for 2018

By Clifford Ndujihe & Emma Una

By Charles Kumolu

Y

C

ALABAR — GOVERNOR of Cross River State, Ben Ayade, yesterday, made history as the first governor to propose a trillion naira budget in the country when he laid a budget estimate of N1.306 trillion before the state house of assembly for the 2018 fiscal year.

Before now, Lagos State held the record with its 2017 N812 billion budget and is expected to hit the one trillion mark this year.

However, Lagos State is yet to present its 2018 budget.

The Ayade move is reminiscent of a similar move made by elder statesman, Alhaji Lateef Jakande, when as governor of Lagos State in the Second Republic, he presented a budget of N1 million for Lagos State, the first time a state government was hitting N1 million budget.

Christened "Budget of Kinetic Crystallisation," Ayade said the budget is to crystalise all the efforts and vision that have been put into developing the state since he assumed office in 2015 and to move it from a civil service economy to an entrepreneurial economy.

The governor said 70 per cent of the budget will be for Capital Expenditure while 30 per cent will be for Recurrent Expenditure.

He said though the money is not readily available, it is expected that with the approval and commencement of

NAWOJ WEEK: From Left —Mrs Stella Macauley, former General Secretary, NUJ Delta State; Lilian Okonwo, Chairperson Nigeria Association of Women Journalists,NAWOJ, River State, representing Mrs Ifeyinwa Omowole, National President, NAWOJ; Comrade Mike Ikeogu, NUJ Chairman, Delta State; Mrs Patricia Gbemudu, NAWOJ Chairperson, Delta State; and Eunice Emeyazia, Secretary, NAWOJ Delta State, during Delta State Chapter 2017 NAWOJ Week in Asaba. Photo: Nath Onojake signature projects, foreign investors are expected to bring in funds that will be used to fund the budget He said the dredging of the sea for the construction of the state’s Deep Sea Port would gulp N82 billion while the super highway, which will serve as an evacuation corridor for the Deep Sea Port will be split into 50 kilometres stretches to make it convenient for investors to construct selected units on a Build, Operate and Transfer, BOT, basis.

He announced that a N6 billion Social welfare scheme has been introduced to meet the

needs of the people, particularly the aged who cannot work or earn any income.

He said security will cost the state N15 billion in 2018, power supply N250 billion, cottage industry N12 billion, uniforms for primary school children N3 billion and N2.8 billion to support the Federal Government’s school feeding programme in the state.

Ayade said: “The hallmark of this administration is the decoupling of the state from over dependence on federal allocation and so this budget is designed and tailored to fit our dreams of

an enterprising economy without depending on oil as a source of revenue.”

The governor, who said his administration had not borrowed a kobo since he assumed office told the assembly members that the envelop style budgeting where the state based its annual expenditure on revenue and incomes for the year is old fashioned stating that he has introduced a budgeting style which he calls strategic budgeting which focuses on the things the state sets to achieve even without the monetary backing but has the strong will to actualise its dreams.

Ugborodo petitions Dogara over Police partisanship of the community allegedly ‘investigation’ appears to be in community dispute in connection with a case tainted by partisanship and

W

ARRI—THE U g b o r o d o community has petitioned the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Yakubu Dogara, and the Chairman, House Committee on Human Rights, Edward Gyang Pwajok, over alleged police partisanship in the community dispute.

The community through the Network on Police Reform in Nigeria, NOPRIN, also said the role played by the security agencies in the community might lead to break down of law and order.

In a statement by Okechukwu Nwanguma, the National Coordinator, NOPRIN said the General Assembly, GA, of Ugborodo Community in Warri SouthWest LGA, comprised of the youths, elders, leaders and traditional rulers from the

Kpadoh blames Jonathan, Sylva for poor devpt of Bayelsa

five autonomous towns of Ode-Ugborodo, Ogidiben, Ajudiabo, Madangho and Ijaghala brought to its attention an advertorial in Vanguard of November 24 in which the Deputy Inspector General of Police, Force Criminal Intelligence & Investigation Department, DIG-FCID, declared wanted 25 youths

of criminal conspiracy, murder, armed robbery, kidnapping, unlawful possession of firearms and conduct likely to cause breach of peace.

Nwanguma said: ‘’For the avoidance of doubt, NOPRIN does not and will not interfere with credible police investigation.

However, when police

when police actions are likely to be counterproductive to the goal of crime fighting and the maintenance of law and public order, there will be the need to express concern.

The police should at all times be neutral, impartial and professional in their involvement in disputes and in law enforcement.

Wike not funding Secondus —Rivers PDP

By Jimitota Onoyume THE Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, has dismissed as untrue allegations that Governor Nyesom Wike was sponsoring former acting National Chairrman of the party, Prince Uche Secondus to emerge the new national chairman of the party.

Publicity Secretary of the

party in Rivers State, Mr Samuel Nwanosike, told newsmen, yesterday, that the allegation was devoid of truth, stressing that the winner of the election would be determined by the delegates.

He said: “How would you bring Governor Nyesom Wike in the matter? Will he be the one to decide who the delegates from all parts of

the country will vote for?

No, that is not correct. The allegation is not correct.

“PDP is a political party that is trying to organize itself again. We will not go back to the days of impunity. You heard the former Vice President (Atiku Abubakar), said he left APC because the party is entrenched in impunity and impunity measures.

ENEGOA—A FORMER Security Adviser to Bayelsa State government, Chief Perekeme Kpadoh, has said that past administrations in the state and former federal lawmakers were responsible for the poor implementation of the state’s development plan and the general development of the state.

He particularly blamed former President Goodluck Jonathan and the administration of exgovernor Timipreye Sylva for allegedly ignoring the development of the state.

Kpadoh in a statement urged the state government to build a major market in the state as a follow-up to the Agge Sea Port construction agreement it signed earlier.

His words: ‘’Those defending the past administrations of Dr. Goodluck Jonathan and Chief Timipre Sylva should

have a rethink. Look at how poorly planned the state capital is after 17 years .

Past governors should come and give an account of their stewardship. These people have taken us for a ride in 17 years...

“It is time for accountability. The State is backward compared to other states. You can’t count the number of vehicles that come to Lagos because business is thriving. But at the entry point into Yenagoa, there is heavy security presence because business is low and nearly non-existent. If the business was booming, such security presence will stop. There is no major market in the state. We only have two community markets in Swali and Opolo. What we need is a major market such as the Onitsha market. We need a huge market such as the Alaba International Market in Yenagoa. These markets promote business activities and lead to major increase in revenue.”

Obaseki to commence payment of pension arrears

B

ENIN-CITY—

GOVERNOR of Edo State, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has expressed his readiness to begin the payment of pension arrears his administration inherited from past governments, dating back to the years the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, held sway.

Obaseki’s decision is to fulfill his earlier promise to settle the outstanding pension arrears in phases.

Conveying the governor’s approval, the Office of the Head of Service, in a circular signed by the Permanent Secretary/Chairman Pension Bureau, I.D.S. Juwobor, yesterday, explained that the payments would begin with pensioners in batches 37

and 38.

“To ensure that only bonafide pensioners are paid, all pensioners in the aforementioned batches 37 and 38 are invited to present themselves for physical and documentary verification at the small hall of Imaguero College, Sapele Road, Benin City on Wednesday 6th and Thursday 7th December, 2017 at 9:00 am each day,” the letter directed.

The letter advised the affected pensioners to “check the list of pensioners in the indicated batches at the Office of the Head of Service on Monday 4th and Tuesday 5th November, 2017 and come to the venue of the verification exercise with the following: Pension Authority; Retirement Letter; Letter of First Appointment."

NIESV holds workshop on property tax Mr Mike Mbagwu, said, t

By Festus Ahon

T

HE NIGERIAN Institution of Estate Surveyors and Valuers, NIESV, Delta State branch will hold a Mandatory Continuing Professional Development, MCPD workshop on December 7 in Asaba, Delta State to discuss the importance of property tax as a tool for enhancing internally generated revenue for government.

NIESV, in a statement by its Public Relations Officer,

the workshop was informed by need for government to seek alternative income outside oil.

While identifying property tax as a veritable tool to boost internally generated revenue for government at all levels, Mbagwu said the one -day programme would have speakers such as the Executive Chairman, Delta State Board of Internal Revenue, Sir. Monday Onyeme, Prof. C. C Nwachukwu and Chief P. C Ozili, among others.

C M Y K

34—Vanguard, FRIDAY, DECEMBER 1, 2017 :Vanguard News

Eid el-Maulud: Okorocha, Obi, Udeogaranya felicitate with Muslims

A

S Muslims celebrate Eid el-Maulud, Governor Rochas Okorocha of Imo State, former Anambra Governor, Mr. Peter Obi and All Progressives Congress, APC, presidentail aspirant, Chief Charles Udeogaranya, among others have called on Nigerians to love and appreciate each other’s potentials, irrespective of where they come from.

In his goodwill message, Okorocha called for consistent prayers for the leaders and noted that with prayers, the nation could move faster on the lanes of progress and development.

The governor noted that no nation can achieve greatness and prosperity without unity of purpose and appreciating their individual endowments.

He charged the Muslims in the state to see Imo people as their people and see the State as their own.

In his message to Muslims at Eid-ElMaulud, Chief Charles Udeogaranya urged Nigerians to “reflect on our current challenges and not to lose faith in the Nigeria state,” adding

“the current challenges should not undermine our hope, reverse our collective will to succeed, or divide us but rather, it should remind us of why we need to stay together, fight together and succeed together.”

In his own Eid El Maulud message, the former Governor of Anambra State, Mr. Peter Obi called on Muslims to emulate Prophet Mohammed in his belief in peace and work collectively toward achieving that not just in Nigeria, but the world over.

Also yesterday, the Deputy Senate President through a message by his Special Adviser, Media, Uche Anichukwu in Abuja said: “The celebration of the birth of the holy prophet is yet another opportunity to reflect on his life and imbibe his message of unity, peaceful co-existence, and love for one’s neighbour.

“I call on the Muslim Ummah to also seize the opportunity of Eid elMaulud to pray for unity and peace in the country.

With both, there will be no challenge too difficult for us to overcome as a people.”

Ugwuanyi made Enugu safe for investment— Soludo

T

HE former Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Prof.

Chukwuma Soludo has applauded Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi’s giant strides in Enugu State, saying that his feats in securing the state from vices, have positioned it as a safe haven for investment and living.

Soludo, who spoke as the chairman of the Occasion at the 47th Convocation Lecture of the University of Nigeria

IPMAN holds elections today

T

HE general election of Warri chapter of the Independent Petroleum Markers Association of Nigeria, IPMAN, will hold today in Asaba, Delta State capital.

A statement, yesterday,

by Yusuf Adams, on behalf of IPMAN, urged members to take advantage of the free transport from Warri to the Asaba Cenotaph venue of the elections, which begin at 9a.m.

Nsukka, which was delivered by the Governor of the CBN, Mr. Godwin Emefiele, expressed delight at the massive infrastructural development in Enugu State, adding that he was impressed that Gov. Ugwuanyi has transformed the University town of Nsukka with the reconstruction of the Opi-Nsukka dual carriageway and other projects befitting of a city.

The ex-CBN Governor emphasized that the incidence of kidnap in Enugu is now a thing of the past, adding: “I know that with Gov. Ugwuanyi (Gburugburu), we have secured continuity of good governance in Enugu State”, following his remarkable achievements in spite of the nation’s economic challenges.

“I don’t know how many of you who came from outside, as you passed through Opi junction descending down here, you will think you are in some parts of Europe.”

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Glo's Everyday Bonanza spreads joy, touches lives

F

ROM Lagos to Abuja, the expression on the faces of hundreds of Glo subscribers, who had gathered at Globacom’s retail outlets was the same— high expectation and subdued excitement.

The occasions were the prize presentation ceremonies held for winners in Everyday Bonanza, a unique customer reward scheme rolled out recently by fully-integrated telecoms operator, Globacom.

In Lagos, the date was November 13 and venue was 21, Adeola Odeku Street, Victoria Island, while in Abuja the event was held on November 15 at the Gloworld Shop on Aminu Kano Crescent, Wuse.

Several of the winners came with friends and family members to share the joy and testimonies of the day. While the winners were full of excitement, they kept their joy in check as their fortune was too good to believe.

So for many of them, it was a case of wait-and-see for, as they say in local parlance, ‘seeing is believing.’ A winner of a star prize, Hyundai Accent, was later to tell the audience that “when I was told I won a car in the promo, I did not tell my wife about it, because he thought the call was a scam.”

That explained the subdued excitement among the winners.

Mood change However, the mood was to change as soon as one winner after another was called out to receive his prize. The prizes included microwave ovens, LED television sets, power generators, refrigerators and the grand prize of Hyundai Accent car.

Among the celebrating subscribers in Lagos was Mrs. Anyebe Roseline, who works for the Federal Civil Service.

On receiving her generator, the excited winner stated: “I am short of words. I never expected I was going to win. I just do not know how to express my joy.

“I promise to remain a Glo subscriber for life. From today, I will also get Glo cards for all my friends and family members.”

For 40-year-old Napolean Atcho, who works with Flour Mills and won a generator, “this is the biggest gift I have ever won in life. The gift I had won before was a recharge card.

I am encouraged; I am so, so happy.”

Also in Lagos, Mr. Agbaje Jamiu, a 40-year-old estate surveyor, who won a microwave, declared: “As a rule, I do not play lotteries, so I was pleasantly surprised when informed that I won.

“I recharge a lot because of my real estate job. I am happy for the recognition.

I feel fulfilled for winning the microwave.”

An overjoyed Taraba State indigene, Tanini Shishi, who won the star prize of Hyundai Accent car declared that he will ensure that all his family members ‘ported’ to the Glo network.

The 44-year-old farmer promised in an interview to, henceforth, promote the Glo brand across the nooks and crannies of the country.

He said: “I will change all my family members to Glo. I will advertise the car all over the country. In Olodi Apapa, Lagos, where I live and even in my state Taraba, I will advertise Glo. You are the best.”

He enjoined subscribers, who are not on the Glo network, to switch over and enjoy wonderful benefits on both voice and data, saying “Glo truly rewards.”

Star winner Shishi, a father of three from Takum Local Government Area of Taraba State, who has been on the Glo network since its inception in 2003, thanked the telecommunications giant for making him a car owner.

He said when he was informed he had won the car, he was reluctant to inform his wife, who is resident in his native state, because he thought the call was a scam.

Deputy Speaker, Lagos State House of Assembly, Mr. Wasiu Esinlokun, presented the star prize to Shishi.

Sanni said he was proud of Globacom for its unprecedented way of rewarding and empowering its customers, remarking that “Globacom is a truly Nigerian company, a pride not only of Nigeria, but of Africa. I congratulate the company for giving back to the society.”

Other dignitaries at the Lagos presentation event included Chairman, Lekki Local Council Development Authority, LCDA, Mr. Mukundasi Ogidan; and National President of the Cooperative Federation of Nigeria, Mr. Oriyomi Ayeola.

In Abuja At the Abuja presentation, testimonies and reactions were the same. Miss Arziki Safiya, an applicant in the FCT, was particularly ecstatic as she danced with Glo ambassador, Sani Danja, who heartily joined her in celebration.

Expressing her heartfelt appreciation, Safiya said she remained eternally grateful to Globacom for the 32" LED television set, adding that the luck that brought the gift will also get her a good job.

GLO WINNER: Senior Special Assistant to the President on Diaspora, Mrs Abike Dabiri Erewa(right), presenting a refrigerator to Glo subscriber, James Innocent, one of the winners in the Glo Everyday Bonanza promo, in Abuja.

Another winner is Mr. Anthony Chukwuemeka, an engineer from Anambra State, who resides in Wuse, Abuja.

He won a brand new power generator and thanked Globacom for the prize, saying “I don’t need to buy a generator again as planned because Glo has provided one for me and I will make good use of it in my house, especially now that light are not too stable.

Kudos to Glo.” Other winners are the trio of Omale Dauda, Shuaibu Momoh and Amadi George, who all expressed their joy for winning microwave ovens.

Omale said he will continue to participate in Everyday Bonanza and believed that he will win another prize soon, while Momoh and George, who said they were shocked when they got calls from Glo, thanked the company for always remembering the masses.

Wada Bashir, who was one of many subscribers who won refrigerators, said: “I am very happy for winning the prize. This meant a lot to me and I thank Glo. I promise to remain a loyal subscriber of our Nigerian network that is taking care of us.”

Dignitaries laud Glo Speaking during the event, Mrs Abike DabiriErewa, who said Globacom has always been associated with empowerment of Nigerians, urged the company not to rest on its oars. She congratulated the winners of the bonanza and wished them the very best.

Also speaking, the Corps Marshall, Federal Road Safety Corps, Mr. Boboye Oyeyemi, said he was proud of Globacom for its unprecedented way of rewarding and empowering its customers.

His words: “Globacom remains Nigeria’s pride. I congratulate the truly

Nigerian company for giving back to the society at all times.”

Mr. Yagba Tsav, Assistant Director, who represented the Director General of National Lottery Regulatory Commission, stated the commission gave Glo the right to run Everyday Bonanza, adding that Globacom has so far performed creditably well.

Glo's assurances Explaining the details of the offerings at a briefing to unveil the promo last month, Globacom said Everyday Bonanza is a customer-appreciation offer for thousands of Glo subscribers to win tens of thousands of mouth-watering prizes worth hundreds of millions in naira.

It added that this is the first time telecommunications’ subscribers in Nigeria will be enjoying this kind of value from service providers in Nigeria.

Globacom said it had consistently brought innovation, quality service delivery and unequalled benefits to its subscribers since 2003, when the company rolled out services.

The company said: “We have adopted a resonant strategy of connecting our subscribers to the most innovative products and services, which do not only empower them but also add value to their businesses and social lives.”

In the Everyday Bonanza promo, Glo subscribers stand a chance to win television sets every Monday; 4G-LTE smartphones, Tuesday; generating sets, Wednesday; refrigerators, Thursday, microwave ovens, Friday, and 4G-LTE MiFis on Saturdays.

To crown the week-long largesse to its subscribers, Globacom will be giving out a brand new Hyundai Accent to a lucky subscriber every Sunday.

Vanguard, FRIDAY, DECEMBER 1, 2017—35 :Vanguard News

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4,079 persons infected with HIV in 9 months in Bauchi

By Suzan Edeh

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AUCHI—NO fewer than 4,079 persons were infected with HIV from January to September, the state’s Agency for the Control of HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis, Leprosy and Malaria, BACATMA, has said.

The Executive Secretary of the agency, Dr. Mansur Dada, who made this known yesterday at a

briefing, as part of events to mark the 2017 World AIDS Day with theme Right to Health: Make it Happen, said of the overall number of HIV victims in the state, 247,990 were counselled and tested in 2017.

According to him, the state has a total of 196 HIV counselling and testing sites, 23 anti-retroviral treatment sites and 113 Prevention of Mother-toChildren Transmission

sites, PMTCT, in tertiary, secondary and primary health facilities.

Speaking on the achievements of the agency, Dr. Dada said BACATMA has expanded PMTCT/HCT sites to at least one per ward for the 323 wards, between 2015 and 2017, adding that the 113 sites had been expanded to 171, hoping to become fully operational by January 2018.

Other achievements, according to him, include the enactment of antidiscrimination law by Bauchi State House of Assembly and premarital screening for HIV and HB Genotype, establishment of state-of-the-art monitoring and evaluation unit at BACATMA and development of Bauchi State HIV/AIDs Response Strategic plan 2017-2021, among others.

LASACO Assurance denies owing N278.5m tax

By Rosemary Onuoha

L

ASACO Assurance Plc has denied owing N278.5 million tax liability as claimed by the Federal Inland Revenue Service, FIRS, saying the Federal Government agency erred in its judgment by sealing off the office and putting the company in bad light.

However, at a briefing in Lagos yesterday, Managing Director, LASACO Assurance, Mr. Segun Balogun, commended “the tax authority for retracing its action by unsealing our premises immediately they reconciled their

account and found out the true position that we are not owing and neither are we in the class of tax evaders.

“We assure all our customers and the general public of our commitment to running a responsible and credible organisation positioned to meet your insurance needs at all times.”

He said contrary to FIRS' claims that LASACO Assurance was owing from 2012 to 2016, it had paid its taxes from 2012 to 2015, and was contesting the 2016 taxes and payment on selfassessment basis, at the time FIRS was sealing off its office on Monday.

Glo advocates prayers for Nigeria at Eid el-Maulud

A INAUGURATION: From left— Vice Chairman, Standing National Technical Committee on Construction Industry, Mr. Enyi Ben-Eboh; Head of Department, Standard and Development, Standard Organisation of Nigeria, SON, Mrs. Chinyere Egwuonwu; Director General, SON, Osita Aboloma, and Chairman, Standing National Technical Committee on Construction Industry, Professor Joseph Odigure, during the inauguration of the committee in Lagos.

Skewed interpretation of religion bred intolerance, violence in Kaduna—Govt

By Ben Agande

K

ADUNA State government has said the skewed interpretation of religion by some unscrupulous people has divided the state and promoted unnecessary violence, vowing to change the trend for the good of the state.

Secretary to the State Government, Mallam Balarabe Lawal, who disclosed this, Wednesday, while unveiling plans for the centenary celebration of

Kaduna City, said the government was pushing hard to reclaim the lost glory of the state and city.

According to him, the state government is also working hard to restore the Kaduna City master plan bequeathed to it by the colonial masters.

He said: “As you are aware, Lord Frederick Lugard established Kaduna in 1917 as the capital of the Northern Protectorate to replace Zungeru. The city was planned carefully, and it

quickly became a magnet for all Nigerians, not least the diverse peoples of the vast areas that constitute the north of Nigeria.

“These confluences have left their mark on the city in many remarkable ways.

The place, names and street addresses across Kaduna City testify to the diverse origins of the people that made Kaduna home, and were in many instances themselves made by Kaduna.

“Kaduna’s role as political capital of the North

‘But for democracy Bode George has no rival’

T

HE National Organising Secretary of Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Senator Abdul Ningi, has said Chief Bode George would have had no rival in the national chairmanship race of the party but for democracy.

He stated this as Chief George submitted his nomination form at the party’s Wadata Plaza headquarters in Abuja.

Senator Ningi observed that Chief George had paid his dues as a founding father of PDP, and as a C M Y K

consistent party loyalist, who had supported the party morally and financially.

His words: “If not for the necessary subjection to the dictates of democracy, who else could stand on equal footing with Chief George in terms of experience, knowledge and maturity?”

Senator Ningi observed that at a time the party was torn asunder, Chief George never wavered, while other leaders were straddling the fence watching who the Supreme Court judgement

will favour.

He, however, assured that the party’s convention will be conducted without favouritism.

In his response, Chief George said the party needed a stabilising and tested hand, who didn’t need to be teleguided or dictated to.

He added that the party was now confronted with its greatest challenge of redeeming itself since it lost power two years ago and promised to serve just one term if elected.

brought bureaucrats, academics, jurists and other professionals to what emerged as one of the most vibrant places in Nigeria.

Other citizens and foreigners found it a safe and viable place to trade, teach, preach and live.

“A thriving textile industry emerged as the single largest private sector employer of labour. Kaduna became a place of promise and a living testimony to the possibilities of Nigeria.

“Unfortunately, many tragedies have delayed and blunted this promise.

From the late 1980s, Kaduna suffered a decline of its economic vigour and painful sundering of the ties that bound diverse communities together.”

“A succession of violent disturbances created divided neighbourhoods, as skewed interpretations of religion bred intolerance.

“So this event seeks to pay tribute to the people and communities that have built and upheld this city.

“The centenary seeks to review the first hundred years of Kaduna to learn lessons for the next 100 years.”

S Muslims in Nigeria join their counterparts across the world to mark the Eid elMaulud, the nation’s f o r e m o s t telecommunications company, Globacom, has called on them to use the occasion to pray for the peace, unity and progress of Nigeria.

Making the call in a goodwill message to commemorate this year’s Eid el-Maulud, Globacom urged the Muslim Ummah to use the celebration of the birthday of the Prophet to continue to pray for the wellbeing of the nation.

“We congratulate Nigerian Muslims on the occasion of Eid elMaulud and urge them to use the celebration of the birth of the Prophet to renew the faith and bond of unity among Nigerians as one people and one nation,” Globacom said.

While enjoining Nigerians to imbibe the teachings of the Prophet and live with one another in peace and harmony, the company said Muslim Ummah should be determined to promote peaceful co-existence, because that was the Prophet preached and was highly revered for his honesty, transparency and perseverance.

“The birth of the Prophet and his teachings on unity, integrity, peaceful coexistence and good neighbourliness should be emulated as we forge ahead in our quest to build a united, prosperous and strong nation,” the company added.

The fully-integrated telecommunications solutions provider promised to continue to provide high quality service throughout the Maulud period and beyond.

Babalola becomes Okanlomo of Ojodu Kingdom

H

IS Highness, Baale Jamiu Lamidi Atanda Amore will on Saturday, December 9, install Alhaji Lukman Adewale Babalola as the Okanlomo of Ojodu Kingdom, at 10a.m.

The event, which will take place at Powerline Terminus, Paul Avenue, Yakoyo, Ojodu LCDA, Ikeja, will be chaired by Mr. James Faleke, member, House of Representatives, Ikeja Constituency.

The Royal Father of the Day, HRM Kabiyesi Alaiyeluwa, Oba Hakeem Saibu Agbaosi, Eweobaja

Alhaji Lukman Babalola 1, Oba of Aguda-Ikeja, Lagos State; the Principal Launcher is HRM Oba Gbolagade Muritala Babalola, Onido of Idoland, Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria.

36—Vanguard, FRIDAY, DECEMBER 1, 2017

Abdullahis's inside story on Jonathan O

F the three presidents who ruled Nigeria between 1999 and 2015, President Goodluck Jonathan appears, so far, to have been the subject of more controversial books than his two predecessors.

Five notable books about or significantly touching on former President Obasanjo’s tenure are his memoir, My Watch; Olusegun Obasanjo: The Presidential Legacy (Vols. I & II) 1999-2007,

by Ladipo Akinkugbe et al; Obasanjo, Nigeria And The World, by John Illiffe; and Governor Nasir El-Rufai’s Accidental Public Servant.

Segun Adeniyi’s Power, Politics and Death, is perhaps the most definitive book yet on late President Umaru Yar’Adua’s tenure.

Within two and a half years of Jonathan’s exit from power, however, five books on his tenure have, so far, been published, three of the most notable of which are – Against the Run of Play,

by Segun Adeniyi; Facts Versus Fiction: The True Story of the Jonathan Years, by Reno Omokri; and now, On a Platter of Gold, by Bolaji Abdullahi.

Adeniyi was an insider in a different era, but even though the other two – Omokri and Abdullahi – served in the same government at different levels, their views are strikingly, but unsurprisingly, different.

Abdullahi’s 397-page 12-chapter book is an Xray of Jonathan’s fiveyear rule, the forces that made him a democratic president and how Jonathan’s apparent inability to manage some of those forces eventually brought down his government.

More than gold

When the author said from the title of the book that Jonathan was handed the Presidency on a platter of gold, I don’t think it was to suggest that Jonathan was unworthy of the

Former President Goodluck Jonathan. bequest.

The trope was in the context of other political heavyweights who had given everything for the office but still failed to get it. And Abdullahi named them in the introductory chapter of his book.

But there was more to Jonathan’s golden chance than the list of those who tried but failed to become president. The economy, for example, was on a better footing with the external reserve at $43 billion (oil price at $84 pbd); the amnesty programme started under Yar ’Adua was bearing fruit and calm was returning to the Niger Delta; the country had substantially regained its goodwill and respect abroad. And on top of all this, by 2011, the ruling PDP had swallowed its own vomit by setting aside zoning to back Jonathan.

With party and country rooting for him and the tailwinds behind the economy, the President could not have wished for more auspicious circumstances.

From Abdullahi’s account, three things defined Jonathan’s Presidency – discontent within the relatively weakened party he inherited; the handling of Boko Haram, which pre-dated him; and the attitude of Jonathan’s government to corruption.

President Jonathan has, of course, added two other reasons why he lost: he has blamed the

Northern elite, especially the leadership of the party (which has in turn blamed Jonathan for recruiting outsiders who used vile language during the campaign); and he has also blamed foreign powers, specifically the US, France and the UK. Until he stops threatening to write and actually writes his own memoir, however, we’ll have to wait and see if the man in the mirror will ultimately take responsibility.

Sanctum Sanctorum

Outsiders were probably familiar with

The author appears to suggest that on his own, Jonathan was a very nice man, a happy-go lucky fellow who will not o f f e n d anyone, I think most people would agree the episodes summarised above, but perhaps not with the intricate, riveting details

of who did what, when and how.

The author takes the reader by hand through the corridors of power in Aso Rock into the Glass House, the chambers of council meetings, and other such sanctum sanctorum where decisions are taken in the name of the country but which often bear the disgusting imprint of narrow personal and group interests.

Who could have known that two women in the presidential godhead – Diezani AllisonMadueke and Stella Oduah – while presenting a façade of a public interest, still managed to corner the President behind each other’s backs, with long knives? And that if Diezani did not whisper into Jonathan’s ear, he might have spared Oduah even after a presidential panel had indicted her in the N250 million bulletproof car saga?

In hindsight, though, it is quite interesting to see that Diezani, of all people, was Jonathan’s closet lecturer on how to tackle corruption!

Who could have thought that Dame Patience Jonathan, apart from her famous gift for drama, could also summon the presence of mind in her postelection moment of distress to remind the Attorney General of the Federation of some fine points of history after accusing him of betrayal?

Or that Minister Adewunmi Adesina, in spite of being President Jonathan’s poster boy, would be among the first to jump ship, openly courting the opposition, after Jonathan’s defeat?

But it’s all there in the book, in details not previously known and in words that will make you cry and laugh. Or think.

Who needs a nice man?

The author appears to suggest that on his own, Jonathan was a very nice man, a happy-go-lucky fellow who will not

offend anyone. I think most people would agree.

But that was, also, part of the problem. A leader who does not want to offend anyone, who does not want to break eggs, cannot expect to make omelet. A leader who will say one thing in the morning and another in the afternoon just to please the last listener, may not be motivated by vicious incompetence, but incompetence is incompetence. There’s no need for an adjective.

Yet, we also see from the book that power can be a very, very lonely place.

When it came to the decisions that unmade Jonathan’s presidency – whether it was about what to do with the fuel subsidy scam or how to respond to Boko Haram, which covered one quarter of the book; how to handle the Chibok girls or how to respond to the rebellion in his party and the momentous exit of five governors; whether to accept defeat after the election or charge his party to appeal – the man was utterly alone.

Would the trajectory have been different if Jonathan had a different temperament? Had he grown so used to being number two that he could not adjust to the nation’s top job? Or was Jonathan, well, just Jonathan?

Untold story

We now know a little more from an insider.

Jonathan meant well. He promised a free and fair election and he delivered it. He said his election was not worth the blood of a single Nigerian and conceded defeat even before the final results were in.

As to why he failed reelection, the single most telling revelation from the author is that all said and done, the job was beyond him, a point on which two of the three notable post-Jonathan era books agree.

In the last chapter of his book, Abdullahi, who was Sports Minister, narrated how Jonathan executed nine ministers in one day of cabinet shuffle. He said he was penciled in but was later “saved for another day.”

Well, that day came to pass but the story is missing in his book!

That’s probably a story for his next book.

Ishiekwene is the Managing Director/ Editor-In-Chief of The Interview and member of the board of the Global Editors Network

CHANGE OF NAME

OLOWO This is to certify that the names Olowo Agnes and Olowo Agnes Igho as they appear on some of my documents refer to one and same me. I now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Olowo Agnes Igho. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

MADU I, formerly known and addressed as Madu Emmanuel Nkem, now wish to be known and addressed as Michael Emmanuel Nkem. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

ARINOLA I, formerly known and addressed as Thomas Mayowa Arinola, now wish to be known and addressed as Thomas Mayowa Deborah. All documents remain valid. GT Bank and the general public should please take note.

DOMINIC I, formerly known and address as Moses Nnadozie Dominic, now wish to be known and addressed as Moses Nnadozie. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

EZUNOR I, formerly known and address as Miss Stella Chinwe Ezunor, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Stella Chinwe Isaiah Thompson. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

CHUKWU I, formerly known and address as Miss Chukwu Chioma Teney, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Oriaku Chioma Teney.

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

YO WIKA I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Yowika Queen, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Queen Nimigo Erekosima. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

Vanguard, FRIDAY, DECEMBER 1, 2017—37

VANGUARD OGUNNUBI

ALI

DISU

I, formerly known and addressed as Ali Nasir Jibril, now wish to be known and addressed as Aliyu Nasir Jibril. All former documents remain valid. Giginya Memorial Secondary School, Sokoto and the general public please take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Kofoworola Maryam Disu, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Kofoworola Maryam Alabi. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as Ogunnubi Remilekun Ruth, now wish to be known and addressed as Igbekoyi Remilekun Ruth. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

USMAN

OKECHUKWU

FAMAKINW A AMAKINWA

CLASSIFIED BAB ATUNDE ABA My name was wrongly written as Jamiu Yusuf Babatunde, instead of Jamiu Yusuf Omotowo. i now wish to be known and addressed as Jamiu Yusuf Omotowo. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

FRANK

NDIMELE

I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Blessing Nnedinma Ndimele, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Blessing Nnedinma Adigun. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

ARIT

I , formerly known and addressed as Miss Olabisi Esther Famakinwa, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Olabisi Esther Oyegberighe.

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

I, formerly known and addressed Usman Abdulrahman, now wish to be known and addressed as A b d u l q u a d r i Abdulrahman. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as Okechukwu Raymond Eze, now wish to be known and addressed as Eze Oke Raymond.

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

I, formerly known and addressed as Mr. Ibekwe Frank, now wish to be known and addressed as Mr. Ibekwe Obiora Martin.

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

I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Esther Victor Arit, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Esther Victor Emmanson. All former documents remain valid. Ecobank, First Bank, Sterling bank and the general public please take note.

OLOWOJOBA

OK OLIE OKOLIE

ANIDOKWE

OMOTAYO

AYISAT

I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Olowojoba Aderolake Bisola, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Akinpelu Aderolake Bisola. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Okolie Oluchukwu Perpetual, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Okeke Oluchukwu Perpetual. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

OLUFESO

EJIOFOR

I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Olufeso Oluwaseyi Mary, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Oregbemi Oluwaseyi Mercy. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

EVIDENCE

I, formerly known and addressed as Ogunsemore Omotayo Evidence, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Omotayo Kowe. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

OBUTE

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

I, formerly known and addressed as Ejiofor Anayo Cajitan, now to be known and addressed as Ihejiofor Anayo Cajitan. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as Oliver Sunday Anidokwe, now wish to be known and addressed as Oliver Sunday Chidokwe. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

ABASILIM This is to confirm that the names, Abasilim Joy, Abasilim Onyekachukwu and Abasilim Onyekachukwu Joy refer to one and the same person, but now wish to be known and addressed as Abasilim Onyekachukwu Joy. All former documents remain valid. General public to take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as Omotayo Timothy Ajimisogbe, now wish to be known and addressed as Tayo Styles Ajimisogbe. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

JERIMAH

I, formerly known and addressed as Jerimah Ozo Blessing, now wish to be known and addressed as Jeremiah Ozo Blessing. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

My name was wrongly spelt as Yusuf Ayisat, instead of Yusuf Ayisatu. I now wish to be known and addressed as Yusuf Ayisatu. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

ASANA I, formerly known and addressed as Asana Sule, now wish to be known and addressed as Hassana Sule. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

AHANONU

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

ONYEJIAKA

This is to confirm that the names, Onyejiaka Patrick Chukwuemeka and Onyejiaka Patrick refer to one and the same person, but now wish to be known and addressed as Onyejiaka Patrick Chukwuemeka.

All former documents remain valid. General public to take note.

CHARLES I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Michelle Charles, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Michelle Ogonna David. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

OMARUAYE

I, formerly known and called as Omaruaye Oroghenejevwe, now wish to be known and addressed as LuckyJulius Oroghenejevwe Omaruaye. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

ONOBRUDU

EGBEGI

OKORIE

ENEGBETALE

KOLOH

I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Onobrudu Eseoghene Ruth, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Adjekpovu Eseoghene Ruth. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Egbegi Lawson Oyinmiebi, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Boroh Sylvia Onyinmiebi. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Okorie O. Patricia, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Iyinboh O. Patricia. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as Eric Enegbetale, now wish to be known and addressed as Eric Paul Enosetale. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

This is to confirm that the names, Koloh Robert Arubi and Koloh Robert A. refer to one and the same person, but now wish to be known and addressed as Koloh Robert Arubi. All former documents remain valid.

General public to take note.

KIKELOMO

OKON

EDINIMI

AGBEDI

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

JOSEPH

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

This is to confirm that the names, Shukurat Kikelomo Lameed and Kike Taiwo Lameed refer to one and the same person, but now wish to be known and addressed as Lameed Kike Taiwo. All former documents remain valid.

General public to take note.

I, formerly know and addressed as Okon Idongesit Peter, now wish to be known and addressed as Peter Idongesit Juliet. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as Eyoumowei David Edinimi, now wish to be known and addressed as David Eyoumowei Godwin. All documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

38 --- VANGUARD, FRIDAY, DECEMBER 1, 2017

CHANGE OF NAME BELLO

STEPHEN

I, formerly known and addressed as Bello Amudat Oluwarinu, now wish to be known and addressed as NiyiAtolagbe Amudat Oluwarinu. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as Mrs. Esther Cletus Stephen, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Uduak-Abasi Esther Cletus Asikpo. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

DIM

OBUKOHWO

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

EJETA I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Ejeta Ejiro, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Irevah Ejiro Florence.

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

ADOLOYA I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Adoloya Blessing, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Okotie Blessing Adoloya. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

OJO

I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Patience Nkechi Ojo, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Pat Oboba. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

OYEM

ANAIDHU

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

ASAKPA

NZOPUTA

I, formerly known and addressed as Ibeh Stanley Ogadinma, now wish to be known and addressed as Chikanyima Chimdinma Stanley. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

OMADEVUAE

CHUKWUDI

IKE

I, formerly known and addressed as Obukohwo Gabriel, now wish to be known and addressed as Mr. Oyivwi Gabriel. All former documents remains valid. General public please take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as AsakpaJonathan Beauty now wish to be known and addressed as Ekiyor Beauty Onoriode. All former documents remains valid. General public please take note.

ODOKUMA

UKAH

OLUWAFUMILAYO

UMUNNA

I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Umunna Ihuoma Goodness, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Emesim Ihuoma Goodness. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

ONYESOM

I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Ukah Benedeth Urumsinachi, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Nuwe Benedeth Orumsinachi.

All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

DANIEL I, formerly known and called as Miss Daniel Elohor Favour now wish to be known and Mrs. Ohimor Eloho Favour. All former documents remain valid. General public to take note.

ASHIEDU

I, formerly known and addressed as Babatunde Stella Oluwafunmilayo, now wish to be known and addressed as Ehiaguina Stella. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

JESSAH

I, formerly known as Jessah Mamuyovwi Andrew now wish to be known and addressed as Okosije Mamuyovwi Goodluck. All former documents remain valid. General public to take note.

NWALI

My name was wrongly spelt as Igbokwe Chukwudi John instead of John Chukwuma Igbokwe, now I wish to be known and addressed as John Chukwuma Igbokwe.

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

I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Evangelyn Ebi Ike, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Evangelyn Ebi Ayobi.

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

DOUGLAS

UKANWA

I, formerly known and addressed as Douglas Collins, now wish to be known and addressed as Okolo Collins Afamafunel. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

ENENMOR

I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Enenmor Precious Tobechukwu, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Odih Precious Tobechukwu. All former documents remain valid. GTB Bank, Access Bank and general public please take note.

OKAFOR

I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Onyesom Isioma Perpetual, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Ogbonna Isioma Perpetual. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Ashiedu Ogugua Anthonia, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Mohanye Ogugua Anthonia. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Nwali Nkemdilim Rejoice, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Egbunwa Maxwell Nkemdilim Rejoice. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

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

CHIKWENDU

ERIKE

OGBONMWAN

ORHORHORO

I, formerly known and addressed as Gladys Oyem, now wish to be known and addressed as Obinni Isima Gladys. All former documents remain valid. Sterling Bank Plc and general public please take note.

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

I, formerly known and addressed as Lucky Erike, now wish to be known and addressed as Onoriode Lucky Erike. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Ogbonmwan Justina now wish to be known as Mrs. Emwanta Enatama Justina. All former documents remains valid. General public take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Orhorhoro Enoh Lilian now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Ighogboja Enoh Lilian.

All former documents remains valid. General public take note.

OSHORUN

ROTIBI

NWAMARA

OKORO

MGBEME

This is to confirm that Adedipe Maria Adebukola and Oshorun Maria Adebukola is one and same person, now wish to be known and addressed as Adedipe Maria Adebukola. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

I, formerly known and adderessed as Mrs. Olufunke Rotibi, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Olufunke Abimbola Rotibi. All former documents remain valid. First Bank Plc. and the general public please take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Rebecca Chidinma Nwamara, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Rebecca Onyinyechi Goodchild. All former documents remain valid. Ecobank, Fidelity Bank, Sterling Bank and the general public please take note.

OGADINMA

I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Ogochukwu Janet Ozoene, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Ogochukwu Janet Nzoputam. All former donuments remain valid. UNIBEN and the general public please take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as Omadevuae Edafe Florence now wish to be known and addressed as Iwhewhe Edafe Florence. All former documents remains valid. General public please take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Odokuma Blessing Oghenekevwe, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Aseghiemhe Blessing Oghenekevwe. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

OZOENE

I, formerly known and addressed as Igwegbe Nzoputa Chimezie, now wish to be known and addressed as Nzoputam Chimezie Igwegbe. All former donuments remain valid. The general public to please take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as Miss M a r i a g o r e t t i Ugochinyere Okoro, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs M a r i a g o r e t t i Ugochinyere Onyeka.

All former documents remain valid.

Guarantee Trust Bank, Access Bank Plc, NYSC and the general public please take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as Mgbeme Theodore Munachimso Somuadina, now wish to be known and addressed as Onyeka Theodore Munachimso Somuadina. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Ukanwa Nnenna, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Ndukwe Nnenna. All former documents remain valid. Federal Poly Nekede Aba North L.G.C and general public take note.

MORKA

I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Morka Onyebuchi Cynthia, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Onyebuchi Cynthia Rex Okwugbo.

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

QUEEN

I, formerly known and addressed as Jimah Mariam Queen, now wish to be known and addressed as Jimah Mariam. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

MELEWE

I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Melewe Jane Chichi now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Omamuzo Jane Chichi. All former documents remains valid. General public take note.

IBEREDEM

This is to confirm that the name Charity Iberedem Augustine and Charity Edet Abang refer to one and the same person, now wish to be known and addressed as Charity Edet Abang. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

Vanguard, FRIDAY, DECEMBER 1, 2017—39

CHANGE OF NAME ISIKHUEMEN

I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Mary Isikhuemen, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Maisamari Bitrus Mary Magdaline. All former documents remain valid. FCT Secondary Education Board, University of Abuja and the general public please take note.

ABRAHAM I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Agatha Abraham, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Agatha Ikuromo Kwokwo. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

TIMI I, formerly known and addressed as Alfred Timi Enemikemi, now wish to be known and addressed as Alfred D o u t i m i y e r i n Enemikemi. All former documents remain valid.

General public please take note.

AD AGHE ADA I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Adaghe Ehiaghe Glory, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Okotie-Eboh Ehiaghe Glory. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

SAM-OFORDU

AGBLOGODE I, formerly known and addressed as Esther Oritsegbetikwarami Agblogode, now wish to be known and addressed as Oritsegbite Esther. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

CHRIS

I, formerly known and addressed Christy Chris, now wish to be known and addressed as Ikoko Christy Kuroghobogha. All former documents remain valid. First Bank, Ecobank, Sterling Bank and the general public please take note.

WILLIAMS

FRANCISCO I, formerly known and addressed as Matilda Omolara Francisco, now wish to be known and addressed as Matilda Omolara Francisco-Idowu. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

OKORIE I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Okorie Chioma E., now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Ogbu Chioma E. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

OKAIMAN

I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Williams Roselyn Ochewole, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Olasupo Roselyn Ochewole. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as Miss O k a i m a n Ameunumefoh Anthonia, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. I m o n i v w e r h a Amiunumefoh Anthonia. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

OTOBO

ELLIOT

I, Orhosere Robinson Otobor hereby certify that the name Orhosere Otobo as wrongly written on my First School Leaving Certificate refers to one and same me. I now wish to be known and addressed as Orhosere Robinson Otobor. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

ANSELM

I, formerly known and addressed as Elekhizor Abudu Elliot, now wish to be known and addressed as Elekhizor Abu. All former documents remain valid. general public please take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as Dr. Dominion Sam-Ofordu, now wish to be known and addressed as Dr. Dominion Sam Akaeze El Shaddai. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

The correct arrangement of my name is Iyeke Felix, with Iyeke being my surname, but it was wrongly arranged as Felix Iyeke on some documents, making Felix my surname. My correct name remains Iyeke Felix.

All former documents remain valid.

General public please take note.

AEDOWU

EWURUM

ABIDDE

My correct name is Alfred Idowu, but it was wrongly written as Alfred Aedowu on some of my documents.

Alfred Idowu remains my correct name. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

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

I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Abidde Michelle Tamaratare, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Diata Michelle Tamaratare. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

ENAKOME

FREDDR

LONGE

I, formerly known and addressed as Freddr Agbadi, now wish to be known and addressed as Agbadi Friday Omonigho. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

NSE ESSAY COMPETITION: From left— Group Head, Human Resources, Prime Atlantic, Mrs Ikpongke Sotiloye; English Language teacher, Notre Dame Girls College, Ilorin, Kwara State, Mr. Sunday Samuel; one of his students, second runner-up, 2017 Nigerian Stock Exchange, NSE, Essay Competition, Chukwuemeka Oluchi; President, Mr. Abimbola Ogunbanjo, and CEO, Mr. Oscar Onyema, both of NSE, at the grand finale of 2017 NSE Essay Competition Awards ceremony in Lagos.

PHOTO: Akeem Salau.

IYEKE

I, formerly known and addressed as Anselm Ebi Okudu, now wish to be known and addressed as Ansel Ebi Okudu. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

My correct name is Odiziako Victoria Enakome, but was written as Odiziako Enakome and wrongly written as Odiziako Victoria Enakom on some of my documents. Odiziako Victoria Enakome remains my correct name. All former documents remain valid. First Bank and general public please take note.

ELOY AWARDS: From left— CEO, Fine and Country West Africa, Ms. Udo Okonjo; Founder, Exquisite Magazine/ELOY Awards, Mrs. Tewa Onasanya, and CEO, Compass Consulting, Ms. Tokunbo Chiedu, at the justconcluded 2017 Eloy Awards night in Lagos.

I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Longe Sharon Abeji, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Akpeji Sharon Abeji. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

MALTA GUINNESS GO-GET-IT PROMO: From left— Brand Ambassador, Malta Guinness, Bright Basket Mouth Nkpocha; winner, Mrs. Ukeme John; another winner, Mr. Uche Kingsley; Brand Manager, Malta Guinness and Premium Non-Alcoholic Drinks, Mrs. Ifeoma Agu, and Deputy Manager, National Lottery Regulatory Commission, Mr. Afam Ojeh, during cheques presentation to the winners at the final draw of the company's Go Get It National Consumer Promo, in Lagos, yesterday.

AWARD: From left— Group CEO, Mr. Siva Subramaniam; Director, Auto, Mr. Anil Seagal, both of Kewalram Chanrai; Admin Manager, Sunseed Mills, Mr. Musa Abdulahi, and Group Executive Director, Human Ressource, during the presentation of 20 Years Long Service Award Certificate and gift to Mr. Abdulahi in Lagos.

40 — Vanguard, FRIDAY, DECEMBER 1, 2017

VANGUARD, FRIDAY, DECEMBER 1, 2017 — 41

42 — Vanguard, FRIDAY, DECEMBER 1, 2017

VANGUARD, FRIDAY, DECEMBER 1, 2017—43

EU, UN, African leaders draw up emergency plan for migrants in Libya

T

HE European Union, United Nations and African Union have agreed to an emergency plan to dismantle people smuggling networks and repatriate stranded migrants in an effort to ease a human rights disaster in Libya, officials said.

Details of the strategy were negotiated at an African Union-European Union summit that opened on Wednesday in Ivory Coast.

Images broadcast by CNN earlier this month appearing to show migrants auctioned off as slaves by Libyan traffickers has sparked outrage in Europe and anger in Africa. It shone a light on abuses committed against African migrants seeking to reach Europe, forcing the issue to the top of the agenda of a summit meant to focus on Africa’s youth.

EuropeanCouncilPresident DonaldTuskcalledtheslavery reports “horrifying” during the summit’s opening cere-

From left Mr. Alex Peal, Partner of Jamescowper Kreston International Accounting firm with the Head of its Nigerian operations Mr Andrew Uviase, (Middle) with Managing Partner of the firm ,Mr Robert Holland, during their visit to Kreston OUC. mony and said the issue of migration was a joint responsibility of European and African governments.

French President EmmanuelMacronsaidlthe plan included the establishment of an “operational task-force” composed of European and African police and intelligence services.

“The goal will be in very short order to be able to arrest

identified traffickers, dismantlethesenetworksand their financing which goes through banks and payments that in the region contribute ... to sustaining terrorism,” he said.

The plan emerged from a meeting of UN officials, EU leaders and government representatives from Chad, Niger, Morocco, Congo and Libya that was called by France.

Expect more war, hunger and extremism in 2018—report

H

UMANITARIAN crises around the world will worsen next year, with no let-up in civil wars in Africa, nearfamines in war-torn regions and the threat of extremist Islamist violence, a Geneva-based think-tank predicted in a report published on Thursday.

The report by ACAPS, a non-profit venture that supports humanitarian aid workers with daily monitoring and analysis of 150 countries, examined the anticipated needs of 18 countries in 2018 and found little to cheer.

“If 2017 did not look good, predictions for 2018 are no better: violence and insecurity are likely to deteriorate in Afghanistan, Democratic Republic of Congo, Libya, Ethiopia, Mali, Somalia, and Syria next year,” ACAPS director Lars Peter Nissen wrote in the report.

Next year Ethiopia will

join northeast Nigeria, Somalia, South Sudan and Yemen as places at risk of famine, said the report, entitled “Humanitarian Overview: An analysis of key crises into 2018”.

Rather than bringing stability, the prospect of elections in Afghanistan, Iraq, Libya, South Sudan and Venezuela is expected to exacerbate tensions and fuel

Political instability in Togo, threat to West Africa—Buhari

By Johnbosco Agbakwuru

P

RESIDENT Muhammadu Buhari has called on West African leaders close to the government of Togo and the opposition in the country to reach out to them to allow peace prevail.

He warned that the political instability in the country will have a spill over effect in the region if

ConMin West Africa Summit to hold in 2018

O

RGANISERS of international trade fair for construction machinery, mining and building material machines have announced plans to host the 2018 National Mining Summit alongside ConMin West Africa in Nigeria.

According to a statement by the conveners, the second ConMin West Africa conference will take place in Abuja between 15 and

violence.

Islamic extremism will also continue to cause death and conflict, the report said.

DespitethedefeatofIslamic State in its main strongholds in Iraq, the group is expected to continue improvised attacks throughout the country to destabilise the government, as well as gaining strength and resources in southern Libya.

17 May 2018. German service provider for international exhibitions, IMAG, in collaboration with its Nigerian partner, Afrocet Montgomery said the forum would offer companies the opportunity to showcase their products.

Also, the Managing Director of IMAG GmbH, Peter Bergleiter, described Nigeria as one of the promising markets in the world.

nothing was done to arrest it.

President Buhari according to a statement by his Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu met with his Ivorian counterpart, Alassane Ouattara on Wednesday where two of them expressed concern about the political instability in Togo.

The presidential spokesman stated that the leaders expressed the view during a bilateral meeting in Abidjan on the margins of the 5th AU-EU Summit.

He said, “We must have a solution in Togo. The friends of the opposition and authorities must talk to them on the steps to jointly take to achieve stability.

They must work towards gaining the trust of each other.

“There will be regional consequences for instability in Togo and this will surely come at a cost to development,” President Buhari said.

44 --- VANGUARD, FRIDAY, DECEMBER 1, 2017

N-Delta people’ll not listen to political promises in 2019 — Annkio Briggs Ms Annkio Briggs, 65, is a Niger-Deltan and a human and environmental rights activist. In this interview, Briggs, who was a delegate at the 2014 National Conference shares her thought on the state of the nation, rising tension in the Niger-Delta following threats by some militants to resume bombing of oil facilities and why Nigeria must be restructured urgently. She picked holes in President Muhammadu Buhari’s declaration that his appointments were based on merit, saying that the president favours his relations, friends, and religion.

By Clifford Ndujihe, Deputy Political Editor

W

HAT is your take on President Muhammadu Buhari’s defence that his appointments are not lopsided against the South?

As far back as 2015 from the portfolios of the ministerial appointments, to the National Security Adviser, NSA, Air Force, Police, Defence, Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Department of State Services, DSS, Federal Road Safety Commission, FRSC, National Immigration Service, NIS, and many other appointments, complaints have come from the Niger-Delta, South-West, SouthEast and Middle-Belt that President Buhari gave the critical positions to his region, relatives, friends and people of his religion.

It is therefore irrelevant and untrue for the presidency or the president’s media people to attempt to lie to Nigerians and the world in saying that his appointments, so far, are not lopsided.

Anyway, if it makes them feel better by telling themselves those lies, that is okay. We know what we know.

How do you see the tussle between Pan Niger-Delta Forum, PANDEF, and Pan Niger-Delta Peoples Congress, PNDPC, as the main negotiation group for the Niger-Delta, the threat of militants to resume hostilities over the issue and failure of the Federal Government to fulfil its promises?

•Briggs It is really sad and embarrassing that the two Niger-Delta groups that emerged in 2016 have allowed themselves to be used by the Federal Government, the oil and gas greedy cabal, and sons and daughters of Niger-Delta in the Federal Government against the interest of the NigerDelta people and environment.

Members of both bodies are Niger-Deltans and have a right to speak for the region and their people; yet, the majority of the Niger-Delta people don’t regard either of the two bodies to be speaking for them. I say this because not all the ethnic nationalities of the Niger-Delta are represented, and the demands they have made, are not the current demands or aspirations of the people. The demand for modular refineries licences, which I support, is only meant for a few and it is a business and interested Niger-Delta people are entitled to go into that business, but it does not answer our decades calls for liberty, equity and justice.

The call by the bodies that a few oil wells should be given to the people of the Niger-Delta, though I support that, does not answer to the call for resource ownership, management and control.

The Niger-Delta has given too much to Nigeria in the past 103 years, regions who have not given even half of what the NigerDelta has given are asking for far more than the two groups are asking for on our behalf.

The minimum we should be asking for is a new Nigeria through a restructuring that will give the states, all the 36 states the right to federalism, development, free and fair elections that will give us all the political independence, choice and pace of development.

Really, it is not so much who the Federal Government chooses to speak with from the Niger- Delta, it is the content of what is discussed.

The Federal Government, one day, says it does not know who to speak with, the second day it says it is speaking to the two groups, and both groups are trying to outdo each other. They are willing pawns in the game of divide and rule. The Niger-Delta people and the environment remain the victims of the Federal Government, international oil companies (IOCs) and our own people.

What is your take on the decision of the Federal Government not to implement the report of the 2014 National Conference?

The present Federal Govern-

ment can reject the 2014 National Conference while it is in office.

Either in 2019 or 2023, this government will cease to govern Nigeria, the government after it may look at the report.

Their refusing to recognise the 2014 National Conference report as representing the people of Nigeria is their minority position.

I was a humble delegate at the 2014 National Conference, every issue tearing Nigeria apart today – nepotism, injustice, oppression, restructuring, free and fair election, ownership of resources, security, devolution of power, killer herdsmen, and many other things were discussed and the representation was across board, everyone, religion, culture, etc., were well represented.

To reduce the 2014 National Conference to the person of President Goodluck Jonathan is petty and destructive towards the claim that Nigeria is one united nation.

Nigeria is not the inheritance of the Federal Government or a particular people or religion. The present call to restructure Nigeria is the path to hold onto Nigeria as one.

What are your views on the recall of Abdul Maina into the civil service and the claim by the presidency that supporters of former President Jonathan were behind Maina’s recall?

The unbelievable drama of the recall, redeployment, promotion into the system and subsequent disappearance of Abdul Maina, all in the name of fighting corruption, will be questioned even if the set up was at LGA level. To turn around and say that President Jonathan and his supporters are responsible shows that even the Federal Government does not know who is in control of the government. Like many other dramas that have played out, it does not deserve any further comment only to say that the only chance Nigeria has to qualify for recognition as a responsible coun-

try is by restructuring, this is the only way out.

How do you think the restructuring should be done?

There are many suggestions, a new people’s constitution, we have the framework in the 2014 National Conference report, the late Chief Anthony Enahoro-led PRONACO People’s constitution, the 1963 Constitution, and other suggestions. Let us discuss, and invite the UN to observe. We will listen to each other and accept what is just and equitable. I am certain that the Niger- Delta people will no longer accept to remain the cow that the Federal Government and 27 states should milk dry. The Federal Government and some individuals’ position that Nigeria will not be restructured is not acceptable to us.

The change from oppressive government to federalism is the only path to keeping Nigeria one.

In terms of performance, what is your assessment of the President Buhari administration almost 30 months after?

The President Buhari Government still has another 17 months to go before this tenure ends. In the past 30 months, this Government is yet to deliver on any of its campaign promises to Nigerians.

No government in the past has delivered on everything but this government is yet to deliver on even one of the numerous promises it made to Nigerians.

Personally, l am not surprised, considering the promises he made: that he will fight corruption to a standstill, every elementary student will have one free meal, unemployed graduates will be paid N5,000 per month. That he won’t travel abroad for treatment, Boko Haram will be a thing of the past, one dollar will be one Naira. What was more amazing is that highly educated and exposed people who should know better not only believed it but drove it as if government is by Abracadabra.

Okowa, Okotie, Oyakhilome, join hands for Edo College at 80

By Emmanuel Aziken, Political Editor

A

three-day programme marking the 80th anniversary of one of the country’s leading secondary schools, Edo College Benin starts today.

Old boys of the college which has produced some of the country’s leading lights in the professions are returning to the school for a reunion that would also witness the donation of projects to the leading school. Edo College is the premier secondary school in the Edo/ Delta States axis and in its heydays drew patronage from the Southeast, South-South and the Southwest.

As part of the celebrations, the newest students hostel in the all boarding school, College House is to be renamed Erediauwa House in memory of the immediate past Benin Monarch, who was himself an old boy. The renaming would be presided over by His Royal Majesty Oba Ewaure II, himself also an old boy.

Ahead of the celebrations, old boys of the institution have been contributing towards the renovation of the institution. Pastor Chris Oyakhiolome, whose walk with God took definite shape in the institution in 1979 after having been Social Prefect of Speer House has singularly renovated Akenzua House. Oyakhiolome's effort was despite the fact

that he was a Speerian all his time in Edo College. His fellow cleric, Pastor Chris Okotie, a lawyer, also graduated from the school in 1978 during which he played a key role in the school’s musical group and developed the talents that eventually got national acclaim after leaving the school.

The other houses, Speer House, Ozolua House, Eweka House, Nana House and Esigie House, are also being renovated by contributions by old boys at home and abroad.

Following arrivals today, old boys would line up and make a procession to the Assembly Ground for an assembly. There would be reminisces of the school’s daily assembly and prayer time during which the Songs Of Praise hymnal was used.

Following the assembly, there would be a turning of the sod for a new assembly hall. This would be followed by the formal handing over of the renovated dining hall to the school.

This evening old boys would return to the hostel for a reunion and mentoring session with old boys interacting with present students.

A public lecture, anniversary gala, and awards ceremony is holding tomorrow at Edo Hotel Marquee GRA, Benin City. The event would also witness the launching of the Development Fund for

a new assembly hall and the ECOBA Alumni Centre.

The award session would see honours bestowed on some products of the school. Among those to be so honoured are Governor Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta State, Pastor Oyakhilome, Pastor Chris Okotie, eminent accountant, Senator David Dafinone, former ViceChancellor of the University of Jos Professor Emmanuel Emovon, newspaper publisher, Mr. Nduka Obaigbena and the Iyase of Benin, Chief Sam Igbe.

Governor Okowa who was in the school between 1970 and 1976 is to chair the gala anniversary.

On Sunday morning old boys will join the current students for a thanksgiving service in the college premises. Sunday mornings were a favourite for Edo College students, being when their favourite menu, tea, bread and scrambled eggs were served. Emotions may be stirred if the returning old boys now connoisseurs of the world’s finest cuisines would have a nostalgia for the menu that drew the whole school to the

dining hall in their days at Edo College.

National president of Edo College Old Boys Association, ECOBA Dr. Rueben Osahon speaking ahead of the three day anniversary yesterday was thankful to God saying it was a landmark worthy of celebration. He was especially grateful for the fact that the school is regaining its reputation with the contribution of the old boys and cooperation of the government which continues to run the school.

The events in Benin are expected to be replicated across the world by ECOBA branches in subsequent days especially in Lagos and London.

In Lagos on December 9, a public lecture is to be delivered at the Metropolitan Club by an old boy, Mr. Victor Odozi, a former deputy governor of Central Bank, under the chairmanship of Dr. A.A.A. Obiorah of Eko Hospitals, himself also an old boy.

Vanguard, FRIDAY, DECEMBER 1, 2017 — 45

FIFA insists World Cup Draw will not be rigged with hot, cold balls F

IFA has been forced to reassure fans that today’s World Cup draw will not be rigged with hot and cold balls following claims by Sepp Blatter he had witnessed their use.

Football’s world governing body on Wednesday organised a behind-the-scenes tour of the auditorium that will stage the finals draw, featuring an explanation of how the event will unfold, including the use of red balls to denote seeded teams.

Two balls were drawn as an example, that of hosts Russia and another which turned out to contain Peru - arguably the least difficult opponent in their pot.

FIFA’s Director of Competitions, Chris Unger, was then asked about rumours of heated balls at previous draws, a conspiracy theory fuelled by Blatter last year when he said some at European level had been rigged in that way.

“There’s no truth to that,”

Unger replied. “They’re all the others had to do. Of course, it can same; they don’t feel any be signalled, by heating or different, they don’t look any cooling them. different, with the exception of “It’s technically possible. It the red balls, which are there did not happen in FIFA, but I for a purpose. witnessed draws at a European “It’s entirely random and by chance how the groups get level in which it happened - but never in FIFA. formed at the end.”

Former FIFA President Sepp Blatter last year denied Argentina had been handed an easy draw at the last World Cup after they were pitted against Nigeria, Iran and B o s n i a Herzegovina.

“The draw was clean until the last detail,” the 80 yearold told Argentine publication La Nacion.

“I never touched the balls, which was •Messi & Enyeama something that

Agu prays Eagles get favourable draw

perfectly design it for us, whatever God proffered for us must be the best and we must face it squarely.

“However, it makes no sense to opt or offer to avoid certain countries once you want to be the best.

“It’s common sense that those countries you wish to avoid at the preliminary round you are sure to meet in the next round or knockout stage.

“We are not afraid of any country, we have what it takes to confront any opposition at the World Cup. “We just hope that God will have a hand in who become our opponents while we do the needful things by preparing adequately for the task ahead,” Agu added.

S

uper Eagles goalkeeper coach, Alloy Agu has said he is fervently hoping for a hugely favourable draw for the side at the 2018 FIFA World Cup draw ceremony today.

“I want a favourable World Cup Draw on Friday. That’s what we are fervently praying for.

“We hope and sincerely pray that God will favour us while we move fast on our own part by working very hard towards a successful outing in Russia.

“We just hope that God will

Okocha

Kanu

Okocha, Kanu to grace Russia 2018 Draw

F

ormer Super Eagles captains Austin ‘Jay Jay’ Okocha and Nwankwo Kanu are among 35 other FIFA recognised football legends invited to grace today ’s FIFA World Cup Draw in Moscow, Russia.

The Russian Football Union stated the FIFA legends and winners of previous World Cup tournaments have been invited for the ceremony.

The list include Pele, Emilio Butragueño, Didier Drogba, Samuel Eto’o, Ronaldo, Peter Schmeichel and Lothar Matthaus Okocha played in three

World Cups in 1994, 1998 and 2002, while Kanu played in 1998, 2002 and 2010.

J

Rohr: Nigeria not apprehensive of any team

C

oach Gernot Rohr says he is calm and collected and that the Super Eagles have no fear of any team, for the Final Draw for the 21st FIFA World Cup finals.

Speaking from the Crowne Plaza World Trade Centre, Moscow yesterday after he landed in the Russian capital for the showpiece event, Rohr said that there is no weak squad in the 32 –team field, and anyone hoping to play so –called ‘average teams’ in the group phase is only guilty of wishful thinking.

“All the teams that are in the Final Draw, except the host nation Russia, played qualifying matches. They all emerged from tough encounters and therefore, none can be tagged ‘weak.’

“In a couple of hours, everyone will know their opponents. There is no apprehension. If you have

7 still a perfect number for the Eagles

I

n qualifying for the 2018 FIFA World Cup finals, a total of seven players scored for the Super Eagles of Nigeria,

Eagles World Cup kits ready February

T

he specially designed kits

by Nike that the Super Eagles will wear at the 2018 World Cup in Russia will be ready by February, officials have disclosed. This means the Eagles will launch these new kits in March, when they are expected to play two top warm-up games preparatory to the World Cup. Those who have come across “leaked” photos of the new kit

say it is v-necked and resembles the jersey the Eagles wore when they lost 1-0 to England at Wembley in November 1995.

“The fans will love them,” said another person who has seen the approved designs.

“The aura of the Golden Generation has been captured by the designs and hopefully that will help the Eagles to set a new record at Russia 2018.”

Okoye to join Eagles next year —Rohr

S

uper Eagles coach, Gernot Rohr has confirmed the addition of 18-yea-old Fortuna Dusseldorf goalkeeper, Maduka Okoye to the options available to him ahead of the 2018 World Cup. Nigeria are short of options in the goalkeeping department of the team, no thanks to health issues with Carl Ikeme Rohr who is in Russia for today’s World Cup draw, said that he will add Okoye to his pool of players next year when they play their friendly games.

“There’s another goalkeeper we have in our sight now. He plays with Fortuna Dusseldorf in Germany, Maduka Okoye, born in Germany but has agreed to play for Nigeria “, Rohr said.

to be listed among the best, you have to conquer the better teams and even beat some of the best.”

Nigeria emerged from a truly tough qualifying group, which included three teams that were among Africa’s five flag –bearers at the 2014 World Cup, and the other – Zambia – having won the Africa Cup of Nations only few years before. All were former Africa Cup champions, and Cameroon were even the Cup holders.

Between them were 10 African titles: Cameroon (5); Nigeria (3); Algeria (1); Zambia (1).

During the week, statistical analysis of the teams in the Final Draw revealed that Nigeria used the youngest squad to qualify for the finals, and 16 days ago right on Russian soil, the three –time African champions came from two goals down to flog two –time world champions Argentina 4-2 in a friendly game.

“We will look at him in the coming games to see if he will be able to push for a spot in the team we are preparing for the World Cup”.

and the ticket was secured on the 7th October 2017 in Uyo. Qualification was also secured after seven matches (two against Swaziland, two against Cameroon, two against Zambia and one against Algeria).

Another number seven has emerged, with the Super Eagles being one of only seven countries worldwide to remain unbeaten in the qualifying campaign for Russia 2018.

The other countries are five– time world champions Brazil; four–time champions Germany; 1966 champions England; 2010 champions Spain; Belgium and Iran.

However, only three countries in the world, including Nigeria, remain unbeaten in the past three qualifying series for FIFA World Cup finals (South Africa 2010, Brazil 2014 & Russia 2018), the others being Germany and Spain.

Maradona suffers “heart problems”

A

rgentine football legend Diego Maradona has missed the unveiling of the assistants for the FIFA World Cup Final Draw in Moscow, reportedly due to a “heart problem.”

Maradona, who captained Argentina to victory at the 1986 Mexico World Cup tournament, is one of eight ‘FIFA Legends’ assisting the Draw at the State Kremlin Palace, and was due to be unveiled at the venue yesterday.

However, it is understood that an early arrival to Moscow, coupled with health concerns over his

heart, forced the 57-year-old to miss the official unveiling.

Maradona suffered a heart attack in 2004 that left him in intensive care and has been known for his substance abuse and a poor diet, both during and after his playing days.

The former Napoli and Barcelona number 10 is an icon of football not only in his native Argentina but around the world, and reached another World Cup final with Argentina in 1990. However, he failed a drugs test at USA ’94 and was sent home from the tournament.

Man U will attack Arsenal — Wenger

ose Mourinho has drawn criticism for ‘parking the bus’ in big matches away from Old Trafford this season but his nemesis Arsene Wenger is not expecting a similar approach when Manchester United face Arsenal on Saturday.

Asked by Standard Sport in the wake of the Gunners’ 5-0 win over Huddersfield Town whether Mourinho will park the bus, Wenger replied: “No, I don’t expect anything special. I just expect us to be ready to recover now.

Man United is a strong team and I expect us just to cope with the problems they will give us. They will attack as well. They will not only defend.

“I haven’t seen them a lot and it is not down to me to judge the way they play. I have just to look at the way we play and to prepare well for the game. They are a dangerous team, they have made fantastic results so to beat a team like that you need to be at your best and that’s what I want to focus on.”

Odion Ighalo (left) presenting his club jersey to Edo State Governor, Godwin Obaseki, during his visit to the governor to solicit support for the establishment of an orphanage in Benin City, yesterday

46 — Vanguard, FRIDAY, DECEMBER 1, 2017

StarTimes will show 2018 World Cup draw live — Elegbede *to fly fans to Russia 2018

By John Egbokhan

N

igerian fans are in for a swell time today as pay TV network, StarTimes has concluded plans to show today’s 2018 FIFA World Cup draw live to the homes of its subscribers.

The long wait is almost over for 32 teams bidding for glory at next summer’s football showpiece event as the World Cup draw holds today at the State Kremlin Palace, with Eagles fans waiting with rapt attention to know the three teams their darling team will battle in the group stage of the biggest sporting competition set to hold next year in Russia.

And to satisfy its customers, StarTimes has promised to deliver all the moments and drama of the draw from the concert hall

of the State Kremlin Palace, with a capacity of 6,000.

Speaking yesterday to Sports Vanguard, Brands and Marketing Director of StarTimes, Qasim Elegbede, said the firm in its quest to continuously fulfil its commitment to deliver a fine mix of sporting events to its subscribers, acquired the right, which permits it to show the draw live as well as the behind the scenes happenings from the draw venue.

While noting that the World Cup draw at any particular year it happens is the biggest event of the year, Elegbede said that ‘’today’s World Cup draw officially kicks off the beginning of the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia as it will determine which teams will be playing

against each other and how nations prepare •Elegbede for the event, vis-a-vis selecting camp starting with the World sites and who to play in Cup draw. We plan to take friendlies.

Nigerian fans to Russia to ‘’At StarTimes, we are watch the World Cup live. extremely delighted to The fans are going to be inform our subscribers that subscribers of StarTimes. we have the rights to show StarTimes is the place to the 2018 FIFA World Cup be for all the juicy details draw live and for fans of of the World Cup’’, said the Super Eagles, we Elegbede. assure them that they are He further hinted that in a for a treat as we show StarTimes is the only pay the event live from Russia’’, TV network in Nigeria that added Elegbede will be showing the 2017 While wishing Eagles FIFA Club World Cup in the luck of the draw, Abu Dhabi, pointing out Elegbede said StarTimes that “fans will have the has lined up a lot of opportunity to watch activities to make Nigerian Ronaldo, Ramos, Bale, fans have the best World Benzema and a host of Cup experience. other stars from other ‘’We have a total continental champions package of the World Cup battle for the competition on StarTimes. We have designed for the lined up a lot of unique continental champions. activities for fans during We are the only ones with this World Cup period, the rights to show the

games and it is a testimony of our strength in depth in sports broadcasting. ‘’We are not going to go half way. That is we have signed a long-term deal with FIFA to show all their events and tournaments.

And we are happy that we are delivering to Nigerians the best quality of sports content at the most affordable price because we are a customer-friendly operator’’.

On what kind of opponents he will like the Eagles to draw, the StarTimes director said, ‘’honestly, it is better to have the luck of the draw on Eagles side because that will keep them fresher and fitter for the whole hog.

A draw with the likes of Russia, Australia, Saudi Arabia and Nigeria is my ideal group because we are sure of at least a second round ticket and from there, we can only hope for the best’’. Eagles head into the World Cup draw as the first team from Africa to qualify for Russia 2018 and boasting a rich blend of experienced and emerging and enterprising talents.

Not a few pundits are tipping the Coach Gernottinkered side to soar high

at the tournament, a view shared by Elegbede, who rates Nigeria and Senegal as the two teams with the most probability to do Africa proud at the tournament. ‘’Nigeria and Senegal are the two African teams with the highest chance of doing well at the World Cup in Russia. I am excited with the talents in the Eagles side. The players are young, daring, without fear, enterprising and have the can-do-spirit, needed to do wonders in Russia. ‘’Senegal are the most complete team in terms of talents at their disposal.

They have top quality players playing in top leagues of Europe and the only thing they need is to keep a calm head. Nigeria and Senegal have the ability to go as far as they can get. ‘’Granted that we have a good team but it is a little bit too early to start dreaming big and making bold predictions. The World Cup is a long journey of seven matches to win the trophy and because we defeated Argentina in a friendly match does not mean we will defeat every team that come our way in Russia", added Elegbede.

VANGUARD, FRIDAY, DECEMBER 1, 2017 — 47

Vanguard, FRIDAY, DECEMBER 1, 2017

Sudoku TODAY’S PUZZLE

QUICK CROSSWORD YESTERDAY’S ANSWER

ACROSS 1 Wishy-washy (7) 5 Biblical leader (5) 8 Prize money (5) 9 Capital of Kenya (7) 10 Former (3-4) 11 Decree (5) 12 Fourscore (6) 14 Behaves badly (4,2) 18 Bush (5)

How to Play Sudoku

YESTERDAY’SOLUTION

TODAY’S CROSSWORD

20 Curling lock of hair (7) 22 Abstain (7) 23 Likeness (5) 24 Portion (5) 25 Propose (7) DOWN 1 Beseech (7) 2 Be of use (5) 3 Foretell (7) 4 Hazard (6)

5 Corn (5) 6 Tales (7) 7 Speedy (5) 13 Long-necked animal (7) 15 Crafty (7) 16 Doctor’s client (7) 17 One of the planet (6) 18 Disrobe (5) 19 Valiant (5) 21 Depart (5)

Place a number (1-9) in each blank cell. (No line can have two of the same number).

Each row (nine lines from left to right), column, (also nine lines from top to bottom) and 3 X 3 block within a bold block (nine blocks) contains number from 1 through 9. This means that no number can appear twice in any block, column or row.

No mathematics is involved – no adding, subtraction, division or multiplication, just plain logic and your imagination.

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